Prophets of God

I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1998. The President of the church at that time was Gordon B. Hinckley. He is the prophet who spoke directly to my heart and who guided me through my first years of church. I will never forget his words one year after I was baptized:

"With the ever-increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the good word of God. It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things". (Every Convert is Precious, February 1999)

I also remember my excitement when it was announced he would be going to Brazil to rededicate the Sao Paulo Temple. In no time members of the church all over the country gathered in a beautiful celebration to welcome our dear prophet.

The dancers were divided into four groups- green, yellow, blue, and red. I was part of the green group. This event happened in 2002 and I still have a vivid memory of all the rehearsals- so many hours and energy was put into this event! On the presentation day it was pouring rain the WHOLE time, but it was wonderful. Definitely a day to remember! 

I also volunteered at the Sao Paulo Temple Open House. I don't think I have any pictures, but it was my very first experience in the temple and I will always remember it and forever cherish it in my heart.

Six years later President Hinckley passed away. The news hit me hard. So hard I needed some time to embrace President Thomas S. Monson as the new prophet. But as I listened and learned from President Monson I fell in love with his big heart, his compassion, his example, his service, his humbleness, his testimony, and his humor. He is the prophet who taught me how crucial it is to read AND obtain a testimony of the Book of Mormon. He said:

"My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven's help in our lives".

My mom and I were at the Conference Center in 2015 when President Monson lost this strength on the last half of his message and had to be assisted. We were just a few rows from the pulpit. It was so sad, and we were all really concerned.

Sadly, President Monson passed away. As we keep his words alive in our hearts and strive to live his teachings, we welcome a new prophet of God- Russell M. Nelson, who I already love deeply.

In 2011, President Nelson was invited to address Ale and about four hundred other students from LDS Business College at their commencement ceremony. President Nelson attended LDSBC in 1941.

Towards the end of his remarks, he gave an apostolic blessing upon the graduates:

"I bless you with the desire to be devoted disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. I bless you with a desire to feast upon His words and apply His teaching in your lives. I bless you with health and strength that will allow you to fulfill the measure of your creation. I bless you with ability to achieve all of your goals - great, greater, and greatest".

I am grateful for these men of God and for their guidance, and for the humble experience of learning from them, and being in their presence.