President Monson starts off on a positive note with the blessings of technology - which is a blessing when it is used appropriately. I was also impressed that the conference sessions were also being translated into over 90 languages.
Since last we met in April of this year, we have dedicated the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah. We continue to build temples. We desire that as many members as possible have an opportunity to attend the temple without having to travel inordinate distances. Worldwide, 83 percent of our members live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple. That percentage will continue to increase as we construct new temples around the world. Currently there are 130 temples in operation, with 16 announced or under construction. This morning I am pleased to announce 5 additional temples for which sites are being acquired and which, in coming months and years, will be built in the following locations: Brigham City, Utah; Concepción, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan.
Equally impressive is the growing number of temples and how close most members are to a temple. Before the Portland temple was constructed, we would have still been in that 200 mile radius of a temple. We are very blessed to have one just ten miles from our home. And now, new temples in the United States, Chile, Brazil, and Japan. The second in Florida! and another in Utah. We will be able to see the Brigham City Temple soon after passing through Tremonton on our way down the Wasatch Front. Soon our trips to Utah will involve passing temples in Boise, Twin Falls, Brigham City, Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Jordan River, Oquirrh Mountain, American Fork, and Provo. Eleven total if you count Portland. That's amazing!
I would ask that your faith and prayers continue to be offered in behalf of those areas where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time. Miracles can occur as we do so.
This is similar to the request President Monson made one year ago, and similar to the one made by President Kimball - to pray for doors to be open around the world.
He concludes with this fitting introduction to the conference and a reminder to pay attention to the counsel that the Lord has for us at this conference.
Now, my brothers and sisters, we are anxious to listen to the messages which will be presented to us during the next two days. Those who will address us have sought heaven’s help and direction as they have prepared their messages. They have been impressed concerning that which they will share with us. That we may be filled with the Spirit of the Lord as we listen and learn is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Amazing:
ReplyDeleteConference translated into some 92 languages!
83% of our members live within 200 miles of a temple. I remember when I was 12, a temple trip took about 3 days. It meant an all-night bus ride to Oakland, CA, several hours at the temple, a trip to an amusement park, and then the 15 hour bus ride back home. We could go just once each year and it cost about $45 per person to go. When I was a Junior or Senior in HS, the Seattle Temple was dedicated & our temple trips were a one day event. 3 hours driving, time in the temple, then a 3 hour drive back home. We would go 2-3 times each year. Now we can get to our temple in 25 min or so each way. The youth go every quarter. What a blessing to be so close to a temple.
The importance of individual members in the world-wide missionary effort was re-impressed in my mind with President Monson’s request that our “faith and prayers continue to be offered in behalf of those areas where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time. Miracles can occur as we do so.” I remember learning in a Church History class that President Kimball made the same request during his time with the Iron and Bamboo Curtains in mind. All of Europe and Russia are miraculously open today, and now we need to continue asking in faith for the rest of the world to be opened. I am grateful that we live in a land where the Gospel is allowed to be preached and worshipped freely.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the conference was broadcasted in 92 languages! I also liked the part where he talked about the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan Utah. It was very beautiful in and outside the temple.
ReplyDeleteI like how President Monson expressed his gratitude for technology. There are so many wonderful technological things that we can learn and that can enhance our lives... just like this Blog!
ReplyDeletePresident Monson's opening remarks made me think of my friends in Russia. I think every person in my mission is in the 13% of members who don't live within 200 miles of a temple, and they make amazing sacrifices to attend the closest one in Finland, a 4 or 5 day train ride. I also loved President Monson's invitation to pray for areas that don't have the gospel. Like Cambrai said, it is a miracle that the church is in Russia. No one could see that in the foreseeable future even 1 or 2 years before it happened, so we never know what our prayers can do for places like China.
ReplyDeleteyou forgot the Draper temple, dad. that makes 12!
ReplyDelete"We call upon all members of the church : to befriend the new converts, to reach out to them, to surround them with love & to help them feel at home."
"I would ask that your faith & prayers continue to be offered in behalf of those areas where our influence is limited & where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time."
Our prophet has given us two things to work on- befriend new converts (& less actives) & pray for the doors of missionary work to open in other countries (& that certain countries will let Americans back into be missionaries.