Brook P. Hales: Statistical Report, 2009

One of the fun things about the April 'Annual' General Conference is that we get the Statistical Report for the preceding calendar year. It is fun to see the statistical growth of the church and to know that our ward contributed, both in terms of convert baptisms and child of record baptisms. The church now has 13.8 million members. The number of converts is in that 275,000 to 300,000 range that it always seems to be in (280,00 this year). There were 51,736 missionaries - including Danielle (until the first of June.) Two temples were dedicated - both in the southern end of Salt Lake County. And we were able to attend the open house of one of them (the Oquirrh Mountain temple.)

Welcome to Conference - President Thomas S. Monson sat am

This was a wonderful welcome to conference. Even though this 'talk' was shorter than the others, I was interested by several things.

Because of the passing of Elder Wirthlin, there exists a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. After much fasting and prayer, we have called Elder Neil Linden Anderson to fill this vacancy. We present this name to you this morning for your sustaining vote. All those of you who feel you can sustain him in this sacred calling will please signify by the uplifted hand. Any who may be opposed may signify by the same sign.

The calling of a new apostle is not a common occurrence. President Uchtdorf will later say that Elder Anderson is the 97th apostle in this dispensation. So it was a nice reminder to have President Monson comment on the process and remind us what goes in to calling a new apostle.

There is something about a temple dedication which prompts a reevaluation of one's own performance and a sincere desire to do even better.

With temples being dedicated every year we have increased opportunities to 'reevaluate' our performance. I think the same can be true of temple open houses. Our visit to the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house reminded me of the importance of temples and increased my desire to attend the Portland temple more frequently.

We now have approximately 53,000 missionaries serving in 348 missions throughout the world. We are deeply grateful for the labors of our missionaries and for the sacrifices which they and their families make in order for them to serve.

He was talking about Danielle and our family! I am very proud that during the last year (between general conferences) that Danielle was one of the 53,000 missionaries and that Texas McAllen was one of the 348 missions in the world (and that we got to visit it!) I felt humbled that the prophet thanked us for our sacrifice (although it wasn't anything compared to the blessings we received.)

My brothers and sisters, we are anxious to listen to the messages which will be presented to us during the next two days, that we might be taught and inspired and have a renewed determination to live the gospel and to serve the Lord. 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.

This is also a nice reminder of the preparation that goes into general conference and especially the talks that will be given. It makes me want to pay special attention to each one.