NEWS OF THE CHURCH

New Leaders Sustained at General Conference

embers of the Church Seventy, and new members passing of Elder Joseph B. biography in Ensign and around the world par- of the Seventy. The First Wirthlin (1917–2008) last Liahona, May 2003), Yoon Mticipated by Internet, Presidency also announced December. (See biography Hwan Choi, Brent H. Nielson, radio, television, and satellite the reorganization of the on page 133.) Dale G. Renlund, Michael T. during the 179th Annual Young Men and Sunday Elder Donald L. Hallstrom Ringwood, and Joseph W. General Conference held on School general presidencies. of the Seventy was called Sitati (see biographies begin- April 4 and 5, 2009. (See page 27 for a list of to the Presidency of the ning on page 135). During the conference, those sustained and Seventy. (See biography on Seven men were called which was broadcast in released.) page 134.) to serve as members of the 94 languages, the First Elder Neil L. Andersen, Six men were called to Second Quorum of the Presidency announced the senior member of the serve in the First Quorum Seventy (see biographies calling of a new member of Presidency of the Seventy, of the Seventy. Called were beginning on page 137), the Quorum of the Twelve was called to the Quorum Elder Mervyn B. Arnold of 38 were released as Area Apostles, a new member of the Twelve Apostles to the Second Quorum of the Seventies, and 40 new Area of the Presidency of the fill the vacancy left by the Seventy (see Elder Arnold’s Seventies were called. ■

132 farm, everyone in the family phenomenal. She has a pure contributes. It is a blessing and disciplined faith.” to learn early that work is a After graduating from BYU fulfilling part of life.” in 1975, Elder Andersen At 19, Elder Andersen was received a master’s degree in called on a mission to France, business administration from where the deep devotion of Harvard University in 1977. the members and the con- He and Kathy returned to verting power of the Book of Kathy’s childhood home in Mormon fortified his growing Florida, where he pursued testimony. business interests in advertis- After returning from his ing, real estate development, mission, Elder Andersen and health care. Later he excelled at Brigham Young served as the Tampa Florida University, being named a Stake president. Hinckley Scholar and being In 1989, at age 37, Elder elected student body vice Andersen was called back to president. France—this time as presi- It was there that Elder dent of the France Bordeaux Andersen met the person Mission. “Our four young who would have perhaps the children were courageous in greatest influence on his life: facing a new culture and lan- his future wife, Kathy Sue guage, and we witnessed Williams. The two were mar- close up the Lord’s hand at ried in the work in building His king- on March 20, 1975. dom,” he says. “Once I married her,” Elder Andersen was called Elder Andersen says with a to the First Quorum of the warm smile, “the standards in Seventy in April 1993 at age my life went way up—being 41. Including his years as a absolutely consistent in mission president, he has prayer and scripture study, served 10 of the past 20 years Elder Neil L. Andersen keeping the commandments outside the United States on Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with precision. Her influence Church assignments. “We upon me and our children is have loved the wonderful

uring the 16 years President of the Seventy, Elder Neil Linden explains: “No one is prepared DAndersen has served for a call such as this. It is as a General Authority, he overwhelming, and I feel very has often heard President inadequate. I pray that the Monson teach that “whom Lord will find me sufficiently the Lord calls, the Lord quali- humble and moldable, that fies” (Thomas S. Monson He can shape me into what I quoting Harold B. Lee, “Who must become.” Honors God, God Honors,” Born on August 9, 1951, in Ensign, Nov. 1995, 50). Logan, , USA, to Lyle P. Now more than ever, Elder and Kathryn Andersen, Elder Andersen is holding on to Andersen credits his years those words. working alongside his family Elder Andersen, who has with instilling important been serving as the Senior values. “On a small family

MAY 2009 133 people of the Church across 16 years. “President Monson the world,” he says. “The has been a wonderful teacher Elder Donald L. Hallstrom faith, devotion, and testimony to me and many others, as he in every land has been a has taught us to reach out to Of the Presidency of the Seventy bright example for us.” others as the Savior would,” For four years, Elder and he says. “He has constantly Sister Andersen lived in emphasized that there is no After serving in the Brazil, seeing the Lord’s work greater joy than knowing you England Central Mission from flourish as never before and have been an instrument in 1969 to 1971, Elder Hallstrom adding lifelong friends from the Lord’s hand to answer an attended Brigham Young a new continent. Later, honest prayer.” University in Provo, Utah, Elder Andersen assisted the While very humbled by where he met Diane Clifton Twelve in the supervision of the call to the holy apostle- of Alberta, Canada. They mar- Mexico and Central America. ship, Elder Andersen ried in the Cardston Alberta When serving at Church expressed in general confer- Temple on July 22, 1972, and headquarters, he directed ence his firm testimony of have four children. Elder the Church Audiovisual the Savior. “I take solace,” Hallstrom graduated with a Department, supervising the he said, “that in one qualifica- degree in economics and filming of The Testaments of tion for the holy apostleship returned to Hawaii, where he One Fold and One Shepherd where there can be no lati- he Church service of was president of a real estate and overseeing the initial tude extended, the Lord has Elder Donald Larry consulting firm. development of Mormon.org deeply blessed me. I do know THallstrom of the Called to the First Quorum in 2001. with perfect and certain clar- Presidency of the Seventy has of the Seventy in April 2000, Elder Andersen gratefully ity through the power of the combined his deep-rooted Elder Hallstrom has served in acknowledges that he has Holy Ghost that Jesus is the testimony with a lifelong Area Presidencies in the Asia had the extraordinary oppor- Christ, the Beloved Son of affinity for the peoples and North Area and most recently tunity to learn under the tute- God” (“Come unto Him,” cultures of the world. the Asia Area, which includes lage of the First Presidency Liahona and Ensign, May Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, China, India, and 23 other and the Twelve these past 2009, 78). ■ USA, on July 27, 1949, to countries—and half of the James and Betty Jo Lambert earth’s population. Hallstrom, Elder Hallstrom Elder Hallstrom is deeply had a childhood rich in multi- touched by the pioneering cultural experiences. His Saints who live in the vast friends were from China, “frontier of the Church,” Japan, Korea, the Philippines, many making long journeys Samoa, and Tonga. “We all to the nearest . shared different foods and “I’m continually inspired traditions, and we all by the faith and courage of accepted each other,” he people who rise above recalls. earthly culture and accept At age five he heard gospel culture,” he says. “It President David O. McKay is remarkable to see people (1873–1970) speak in the establish the gospel in their Honolulu Stake Tabernacle. own lives and in their own “When the congregation sang, families.” ■ ‘Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?’ (“Who’s on the Lord’s Side,” Hymns, no. 260), I wanted to stand up and say, ‘I am! I am on the Lord’s side!’ ” he says. He later became president of that stake.

134 Elder Yoon Hwan Choi Elder Brent H. Nielson Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

served two years as a mission- with their children, she says. ary, interrupted halfway Some of their family’s favorite through by three years of activities have been traveling mandatory military service. To and boating. this day, Elder Choi says he She and Elder Nielson and his wife, Bon Kyung Koo, were married in June 1978, in “never deny anything that the Salt Lake Temple. The comes from the Lord.” family has lived in Twin Falls, Elder Choi completed a Idaho, USA, for 30 years. bachelor’s degree in business Elder Nielson was born information management to Norman and Lucille from BYU–Hawaii in 1988 and Nielson in Burley, Idaho, on a master’s degree in business December 8, 1954. “I was lder Yoon Hwan Choi information systems and lder Brent Hatch raised by wonderful parents,” of the Seventy says education from Utah State Nielson of the Seventy Elder Nielson says. Etwo 14-year-old boys University in 1989. He was an Esays his family’s motto Prior to his call to the First brought his family into the instructor at both universi- has been the Savior’s admoni- Quorum of the Seventy, Elder restored Church. ties, a sales manager, and an tion, “Seek ye first the king- Nielson served as a full-time Elder Choi was born on investment director for a ven- dom of God, and his missionary in Finland, a ward May 18, 1957, to Dong Hun ture capital company. He was righteousness; and all these Young Men president, a Choi and Jeung Soon Lee. His a regional manager for tem- things shall be added unto high councilor, and an Area father allowed Elder Choi and poral affairs for the Church in you” (Matthew 6:33). Seventy in the Idaho Area. his siblings to choose any Korea. He says the scripture Elder Nielson received a Christian religion, but they Elder Choi and his wife “defines how we feel about bachelor of arts degree in often argued over their differ- were both born and raised in our lives. When you do these English at Brigham Young ent beliefs during dinner. His Seoul, Korea. They were mar- things first, everything else University in 1978. In 1981 he father wanted to change this. ried on September 25, 1982, seems to work out.” received a juris doctor degree Impressed by the Mormon and sealed one year later in When he was 27, Elder from the University of Utah. religion of Elder Choi’s 14- the Laie Hawaii Temple. They Nielson was called to be a Since 1985 he has been an year-old brother, the family have three sons. Before bishop. At age 30, he was attorney and partner in a law listened to the missionaries. Elder Choi’s call to the First called into the stake presi- firm. ■ After learning about another Quorum of the Seventy, he dency, and he served in stake 14-year-old, Joseph Smith, served as bishop’s counselor, presidency positions for they were all baptized. bishop, high councilor, stake 20 years as his six children Growing up, Elder Choi mission president, stake presi- grew up. dreamed of becoming a gen- dent’s counselor, stake presi- “Our greatest love is our eral in the Korean army. So dent, and Area Seventy. ■ children,” says Marcia Ann when his bishop asked him to Bradford Nielson, Elder speak about preparing for a Nielson’s wife. “In addition to mission, Elder Choi said no. the gospel, our children give Another young man spoke us the greatest happiness.” instead, which made Elder Sister Nielson says that Choi feel guilty. even though her husband “The Holy Ghost told me I had many responsibilities, he needed to serve a mission,” has been an incredible father. he says. He prepared for and He always took time to be

MAY 2009 135 Elder Dale G. Renlund Elder Michael T. Ringwood Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

home ward. In June 1977 me that I had felt the Spirit they were sealed in the Salt and the testifying of the Holy Lake Temple. Together with Ghost.” their daughter they have built That lesson has served a tightly knit family that Elder Ringwood throughout works, plays, and serves his life and callings as bishop, together. high councilor, high priests “We love doing things group leader, Young Men as a family,” Elder Renlund president, Scoutmaster, stake explains. “Everything we do president, and president of is geared that way. If we play the Korea Seoul West Mission. golf, we play as a threesome Prior to his call as a and share the same score.” General Authority, Elder lder Dale Gunnar Elder Renlund earned a oward the end of his Ringwood worked as an exec- Renlund learned early bachelor’s degree and doc- mission in Seoul, Korea, utive for several corporations. Ethat nothing is more tor of medicine from the T Michael Tally Ringwood He has also served as a mem- important than following the University of Utah and com- spent a day with an ill, ber of the Board of Advisers Lord. His parents, Mats and pleted his training in internal apartment-bound compan- at the Brigham Young Mariana Renlund, taught him medicine and cardiology at ion, which provided an addi- University School of this principle by example. Johns Hopkins University. He tional opportunity for study, Accountancy. They met in Stockholm, dedicated his medical career reflection, and prayer. Elder Ringwood was Sweden, shortly after the end to the subspecialty of heart “I felt that I needed born on February 14, 1958, of World War II, and they failure and transplantation reassurance,” says Elder in Provo, Utah, USA, to wanted to marry, but only in medicine as a teacher, Ringwood, now a member Howard Lee and Sharon Lee the temple. They left their researcher, and clinician. of the First Quorum of the Ringwood. He grew up in Salt homes in Finland and Before his call to serve Seventy. After praying for as Lake City, Utah, and attended Sweden, immigrated to Utah, in the First Quorum of the long as he had ever prayed, BYU, where he received a and were sealed in the Salt Seventy, Elder Renlund the reassurance hadn’t come. bachelor of arts degree in Lake Temple. served as a bishop, stake It didn’t come when he accounting in 1983. He Born on November 13, president, high councilor, turned to scripture study married Rosalie Nelson on 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and for nine years as an Area either. But finally, when Elder December 27, 1982, in the USA, Elder Renlund was Seventy in the Fifth Quorum Ringwood turned to his mis- Jordan River Utah Temple. raised in a home where the of the Seventy. He and his sionary journal, the confirma- They are the parents of five blessings received from fol- family currently reside in Salt tion came. children. ■ lowing the Lord’s counsel Lake City, Utah. ■ “In every entry I read, I were cherished. He was also had written something signifi- blessed to live in his parents’ cant about the Spirit. The homeland twice: once as a message that came to me was teenager when his carpenter this: ‘I have told you many father was called to Sweden times. How much more assur- on a Church-construction ance do you need?’ That was mission and several years the answer to my prayer. I later as a full-time missionary realized that these witnesses for the Church in Sweden. had happened repeatedly and Elder Renlund met his often. The Lord had always wife, Ruth Lybbert, in their been there. He was reminding

136 Elder Joseph W. Sitati Elder Wilford W. Andersen Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

he says. He felt compelled to continued to grow through- know that what he was saying out my life. It has become a in front of his children was tree and has borne fruit. I correct. Slowly he came to have partaken of the fruit, and recognize the Spirit, and stay- it has filled my life with joy.” ing connected with the Spirit Elder Andersen was serv- has been a constant goal. ing in the Sixth Quorum of Elder Sitati earned a the Seventy as an Area bachelor’s degree in mechan- Seventy in the North America ical engineering from the Southwest Area when he was University of Nairobi in 1975; called to the Second Quorum he also holds a diploma in of the Seventy on April 4, accounting and finance. He 2009. His previous Church lder Joseph Wafula worked in several positions lder Wilford Wayne callings include president Sitati believes that hap- with a global oil and gas com- Andersen of the of the Mexico Guadalajara Epiness comes by doing pany. More recently he served ESeventy “has a real Mission from 2002 to 2005, the simple things of the as the Church’s international touch with the human heart,” stake president and coun- gospel over and over again. “I director of Public Affairs in said his wife, Kathleen selor, stake executive secre- don’t second-guess the coun- Africa. Bennion Andersen. “I think tary, high councilor, bishop sel of our Church leaders,” he Elder and Sister Sitati one of his greatest strengths and counselor, and full-time says. “When I do what they were married in July 1976 and is that he’s nonjudgmental missionary in the Argentina ask, things always work out sealed in the Johannesburg and people feel comfortable South Mission. fine.” Doing those simple South Africa Temple in around him.” Elder Andersen met his things is what unites us with December 1991. They reside Elder Andersen was born wife through a mutual friend. our Savior, he says, and “the in Nairobi, Kenya. on August 22, 1949, the third They married in the Provo essence of that unity begins At the time of his call to of eight children, to Darl Utah Temple in April 1975 with our families.” the First Quorum of the and Erma Farnsworth and have nine children. Elder Born on May 16, 1952, in Seventy, Elder Sitati was serv- Andersen in Mesa, Arizona, Andersen received a bachelor Bungoma, Kenya, to Nathan ing as president of the Nigeria USA, where he was living at of science degree in business and Lenah Sitati, Elder Sitati Calabar Mission. Before that, the time of his call. Elder management at Brigham was 34 when a business asso- he served as a counselor in Andersen said he learned to Young University in 1973 and ciate invited him, his wife, both a branch and mission love people from different a juris doctor degree from the Gladys Nangoni, and their presidency and as a branch backgrounds from his father, J. Reuben Clark Law School in five children to attend church president, district president, who worked with people of 1976. Since 1979 he has been in his home. The family had stake president, and Area many faiths, and his mother, a managing partner of a real become disillusioned with Seventy. ■ a native of Chihuahua, estate investment firm. ■ organized religion but felt Mexico, who taught him something special with this her native language. small group of Latter-day Elder Andersen believes Saints. So they returned week that he gained his testimony after week. Six months later, the same way Alma described in 1986, the family joined the the process in Alma 32. As a Church. boy, the seed was planted in “Even before we were bap- his heart. tized they asked us to give “I felt the first stirrings early talks and to teach in church,” on,” he says. “The seedling has

MAY 2009 137 Elder Koichi Aoyagi Elder Bruce A. Carlson Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

mission in the Northern Far Carlson received a bachelor East Mission from 1965 to of arts degree from the 1967. One year later, after University of Minnesota, working three jobs to save Duluth, in 1971, graduated money, he was called to serve from U.S. Air Force Fighter a full-time proselytizing mis- Weapons School at Nellis Air sion to the same , from Force Base in Nevada, USA, 1968 to 1970. in 1979, and earned a distin- Elder Aoyagi married guished graduate master of Shiroko Momose, a member arts degree from U.S. Naval from his first branch in War College in 1989. Matsumoto, in September A member of the United 1970; they were sealed in the States Air Force, Elder hen Elder Koichi Salt Lake Temple later that lthough Elder Bruce Carlson flew fighter aircraft Aoyagi was 17 years year. After earning a license Allen Carlson of the for a large portion of his W old growing up in from the Japan Real Estate A Seventy wasn’t able 37-year career. Other assign- Matsumoto, Japan, he joined Academy, he worked as a real to participate in the Church ments included several his high school’s English club. estate and construction man- until he was 16 years old, his senior staff positions at the One day on his way to school, ager in the Asia North Area growing spirituality afterward Pentagon and in Washington, a young man standing on the office in Tokyo. He has also was strengthened as his D.C. With his wife, Vicki Lynn street handed him a slip of worked as a sales chief and mother taught him and his Martens, whom he married paper as he rode by on his sales manager for two other two siblings through reading on August 8, 1972, in the Salt bicycle. The paper was an companies in Japan. the scriptures and singing Lake Temple, and their three invitation for free English Before being called to gospel hymns. This initial children, Elder Carlson has classes. The young man was a the Second Quorum of the religious instruction gave dedicated his life to serving Latter-day Saint missionary. Seventy, Elder Aoyagi served him a spiritual foundation those he loves and loving “I had never known any- in many callings, including that has carried him through- those he serves. one so positive, so cheerful, branch, stake, and mission out his life. Elder Carlson has served so optimistic” as these mis- president; bishop; sealer; and Elder Carlson was born as elders quorum president, sionaries, Elder Aoyagi says. “I Area Seventy. on October 3, 1949, in bishop, high councilor, and wanted to be just like them.” Elder Aoyagi was born on Hibbing, Minnesota, USA, to as an adviser to the Church’s He began attending church in March 24, 1945, to Mitsuo Clifford and Helen Carlson. Military Advisory Committee. Matsumoto, where the mem- Yagasaki and Sueno Aoyagi. He spent most of his child- He was serving as a Sunday bers impressed him with the He and Sister Aoyagi have hood moving throughout School teacher in his home same spirit of joy and love. four children and live in the northern half of the ward in San Antonio, Texas, He was baptized and con- Chiba-ken, Japan. ■ state as his father was pro- USA, when he received the firmed in 1962. moted within the Minnesota call to the Second Quorum After attending Kanagawa Forestry Department. of the Seventy. ■ University in Tokyo for two When the family moved to years, Elder Aoyagi returned Brainerd, Minnesota, Helen home because his family’s Carlson (who had been business went bankrupt. His baptized in her youth) was parents were no longer able finally able to take her chil- to pay for his schooling. This dren to a small branch of the incident opened the way for Church that met nearby. him to serve a construction After his conversion Elder

138 Elder Bradley D. Foster Elder James B. Martino Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

the members of his small Temple on August 18, 1973, church in Texas. one year after she joined the “I couldn’t imagine our Church. They are the parents Heavenly Father being that of five children. unkind to the rest of us. Elder Martino received That night as I prayed to my a bachelor’s degree in busi- Heavenly Father, He bore wit- ness from Brigham Young ness to my spirit that His plan University in 1974. Following and His love were for every- graduation, he worked for a one. I knew then our mes- family apparel company. He sage to the world was true.” was president and CEO of the Upon returning from his company from 1989 to 2000. mission, Elder Foster attended At the time of his call, lder Bradley Duane Ricks College (now Brigham ust three months after Elder Martino was living in Foster of the Second Young University–Idaho), James Boyd Martino Aubrey, Texas, USA, and serv- EQuorum of the Seventy focusing on preveterinary Jjoined the Church in ing as a member of the Sixth can trace the beginnings of studies. In 1971 he started his 1968, a friend invited him Quorum of the Seventy in his testimony to listening to own agriculture business in to meet with a minister of the North America Southwest his parents’ testimonies. Rigby. He married Sharol Lyn another faith. The minister Area. Prior to that assign- “My grandfathers on both Anderson on May 14, 1971, in bombarded him with ques- ment, from 2000 to 2003, he sides were immigrants when the . tions, only a few of which he served as president of the they came to America as new They are the parents of four could answer. Venezuela Maracaibo Mission. members of the Church from children. He has served as a Although the experience Elder Martino’s other Germany and from England,” member of the Idaho Potato shook him, 17-year-old James Church service has included says Elder Foster. “They suf- Commission, the Northwest didn’t let the minister deter serving as a full-time mission- fered greatly in doing so. I Farm Credit Board of him—or his commitment to ary in the Guatemala–El gained a testimony by listen- Directors, and on the the Church. Rather, he says, Salvador Mission, stake exec- ing to my parents tell me sto- President’s Advancement “my testimony then was like utive secretary, stake Young ries about their parents and Council at BYU–Idaho. a prescription medicine that Men president, seminary what they sacrificed for the Elder Foster has served as has to be shaken to be effec- teacher, bishop, stake presi- Church. As a young boy, I elders quorum president, tive. The experience moti- dent, high councilor, and mis- believed their words.” stake mission president, vated me to study the gospel sion president’s counselor. ■ He was born in Idaho bishop, high councilor, stake and grow in my faith.” Falls, Idaho, USA, on March 5, president, and president of Elder Martino, recently 1949, to Dewain and Melba the California Arcadia called as a member of the Foster. Elder Foster grew up Mission. ■ Second Quorum of the in the neighboring commu- Seventy, says that studying nity of Rigby. He served a full- the gospel has blessed him time mission in the Texas ever since that time. South Mission. His testimony Elder Martino was born to was further strengthened dur- Frank Nilson and Betty Jean ing his mission when he met Newman Martino on March 28, a minister of another religion 1951, in Denton, Texas, USA. who told the young mission- He married his childhood ary that the only people who sweetheart, Jennie Marie were to go to heaven were Barron, in the Ogden Utah

MAY 2009 139 Elder Kent F. Richards Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

greatest happiness comes Medical Corp at Fitzsimons from family. Army Medical Center in “I remember as a young Denver, Colorado, USA. father hearing Elder Richard L. Elder Schwitzer and Evans (1906–71) of the his wife, Jo Ann Elizabeth Quorum of the Twelve Rawsthorne, were married on Apostles say, ‘Hobbies none, June 24, 1972, in the Ogden just my sons.’ That was a Utah Temple. They are the lesson to me that I needed parents of five children. to first pay attention to my While their youngest son family.” was serving a mission in Elder Richards received a Germany, they received a call bachelor’s degree in medicine in the middle of the night lder Kent Farnsworth in 1969 and a medical doctor- s a doctor specializing in telling them that their son Richards of the Seventy ate in 1972, both from the emergency medicine, had suffered a massive brain Ebelieves that selfishness University of Utah. Along with A Elder Gregory Allan hemorrhage and was not will keep us from living a practicing medicine, he has Schwitzer of the Seventy has expected to live. “Through fuller life. “Stay away from been a clinical professor at the cared for many with life- the miraculous hand of the selfishness,” he says. “You’re University of Utah, chair of threatening injuries and has Lord, his life was spared after a lot more fulfilled as you the department of surgery for been blessed to see the kind- 12 surgical procedures,” said look outside yourself.” LDS Hospital, and senior vice ness of our Heavenly Father Elder Schwitzer. “Over a After 32 years as a surgeon president and member of the in helping them and their period of years, we have seen in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, board of trustees at a health loved ones at these trying a full recovery. When you where he was born and care organization. crossroads. have the blessings of the raised, Elder Richards says Before his call to the “I have held the hands of Lord like that in your life, he has been prepared for Second Quorum of the many patients who have there is no way you could Church service by learning to Seventy, Elder Richards served passed through the veil,” he refuse Him any service He take care of people’s physical a full-time mission to the says. When faced with their would ask of you.” needs. Southern Mexican Mission mortality, many turn to their Prior to his call to the “As a physician, what I’m and served as Scoutmaster, Heavenly Father, “because He Second Quorum of the really doing is trying to figure elders quorum president, is ultimately the hope they Seventy, Elder Schwitzer out ways I can be of service to bishop, high councilor, stake grasp for.” served as a bishop, high them,” he says. “That’s what president, and president of Elder Schwitzer was born councilor, stake president, we do in the kingdom.” the Texas San Antonio on April 2, 1948, to Harvey and president of the Russia Born to C. Elliott and Mission. ■ and Gloria Schwitzer in Yekaterinburg Mission. ■ Margaret Farnsworth Ogden, Utah, USA, where he Richards on February 25, also grew up. He served a full- 1946, Elder Richards married time mission in the North Marsha Gurr in August 1968 German Mission. He gradu- in the Salt Lake Temple. They ated with a bachelor of arts reside in North Salt Lake, degree in biology in 1972 and Utah, USA, and are the par- received his medical degree in ents of eight children. 1975, both from the University Throughout his life, he has of Utah. He did postgraduate tried to maintain a family work for five years as part of focus, believing that life’s the United States Army

140 Russell T. Osguthorpe David M. McConkie Sunday School General President First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

Osguthorpe served a mission in the Salt Lake Temple. They in Tahiti. On August 7, 1969, are the parents of seven chil- he married Lola “Lolly” dren. At the University of Sedgwick in the Salt Lake Utah he earned a bachelor’s Temple. They are the degree in history in 1974 and parents of three sons and a juris doctor in 1977, when two daughters. he joined a Salt Lake-based Prior to serving as presi- law firm. dent of the South Dakota He has served in the Rapid City Mission, Brother Aaronic Priesthood, Sunday Osguthorpe served as stake School, and as a bishop, high Young Men president, coun- councilor, and counselor in selor in a bishopric, branch a stake presidency. He was eaching is an essential president at the Missionary hile David Merrill stake president at the time of key to any success we Training Center in Provo, and McConkie, first coun- his call. During his service, he Thave as a church,” says as president of a BYU student W selor in the Sunday observed the important role Russell Trent Osguthorpe, stake. At the time of his call, School general presidency, that teaching plays in the newly sustained as Sunday Brother Osguthorpe was serv- has had few opportunities to Church. “Every leader and School general president. ing in the Fifth Quorum of serve in the Sunday School, every parent in the Church “Much of what we call leader- the Seventy. his years of priesthood lead- is a teacher,” he says. ship is really teaching. I see “I have seen the Lord’s ership have provided an The most important the Sunday School as the hand so often and in so many important perspective on responsibilities of a teacher, teaching improvement arm ways,” Brother Osguthorpe gospel teaching. Brother McConkie says, are of the Church.” says of how his testimony has “The doctrine is funda- listening to and following the Brother Osguthorpe is a developed. “Even as a child I mental to all that we do and promptings of the Spirit. teacher both by profession knew that divine help was all that we are,” he says. “We “There are many teaching and inclination. He holds with me. It was the same on develop faith through learn- techniques, but more impor- multiple degrees from my mission to Tahiti. I’ve had ing and understanding the tant than them all is being Brigham Young University, moments as a father when I doctrine and then keeping sensitive to the whisperings including a PhD in instruc- knew the Lord was directing the commandments. You of the Spirit to know what the tional psychology. me. And when I served as a can’t keep the command- Lord would teach. Then the Currently Brother mission president, watching ments until you know what teacher can become an Osguthorpe is a professor the Lord magnify missionaries they are.” instrument in the Lord’s in the Department of was a constant daily reminder Keeping the command- hands to lift burdens and Instructional Psychology and of the power and love of ments has been a priority answer prayers. That should Technology at BYU. He also God.” ■ since early in Brother happen in every class in the serves as director of the uni- McConkie’s life. Born on Church.” ■ versity’s Center for Teaching October 13, 1948, to France and Learning, whose goal is Briton and Beth Merrill to improve student learning McConkie in Salt Lake City, and to help faculty teach to Utah, USA, Brother McConkie their potential. grew up in Bountiful, Utah, Born on December 4, before being called to the 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, South Africa Mission. USA, to Wesley and Iva He married JoAnne Russell Osguthorpe, Brother Albrecht in September 1971

MAY 2009 141 Matthew O. Richardson David L. Beck Second Counselor in the Sunday School Young Men General President General Presidency

degree in communications to preside over the Brazil and completed master’s and Mission, and both his parents doctorate degrees in the and the full-time missionaries field of educational leader- served as role models. “I ship, all from BYU. Brother caught the excitement of this Richardson thought he had work as a young man,” he found his life’s calling teach- says. He later served as a full- ing seminary full-time, but he time missionary in the Brazil feels the same enthusiasm as North Central Mission. a professor of Church History “I hope the young men of and Doctrine at BYU, where the Church will be faithful he served four years as an and qualify for the Aaronic Associate Dean of Religious and Melchizedek Priesthoods atthew Ottesen Education. His years in the uring his years of ser- and all of the great blessings Richardson never classroom bring the experi- vice, David LeRoy Beck of the temple,” he says. “I Mplanned on becoming ence of both a student and a Dhas interviewed a lot of would love every young man an educator. Naturally, he was teacher to his new calling. youth in the Church, and he who is able to experience the a bit surprised when he real- Born on December 12, has a high opinion of them. joy of bringing souls to Christ ized the Lord seemed to be 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, “I’ve had the experience of through full-time missionary preparing him for a lifetime USA, to Edward Milton sitting with them privately and service.” of teaching. and Andrea Lovina Ottesen having them open up their Brother Beck married “I’ve learned to allow Richardson, he has served as hearts, and they are extraordi- Robyn Ericksen in the Salt myself to be molded for my a Young Men president, in nary,” the new Young Men Lake Temple in 1976. They good,” he says. “Our Father in elders quorum presidencies, general president says. “I feel have four children. “We love Heaven has a grander view of as a Sunday School instructor, the love our Heavenly Father spending time together,” he all things, including the inti- bishop, and on the Young has for them and how pre- says. Brother Beck is an exec- mate details of my life.” Men/Young Women curricu- cious they are to Him. So utive with a manufacturing When Brother Richardson lum writing committee. He many of them are heroes and distribution company returned in 1982 from the and his family live in Orem, to me, because they are so and serves on the board of a Denmark Copenhagen Utah. faithful even when they are technical college. He received Mission, he started teaching At the time of this call, the challenged.” a bachelor’s degree in electri- Danish at the Missionary youngest of his four children Brother Beck has served cal engineering and a mas- Training Center to support asked, “Will Dad still be able as president of the Brazil Rio ter’s degree in engineering his studies at Brigham Young to play catch?” Brother de Janeiro North Mission, administration from the University. In July 1983 he Richardson, a devoted father, stake president, bishop, high University of Utah. ■ married Lisa Jeanne Jackson husband, and teacher, prom- councilor, counselor in the in the Salt Lake Temple. Soon ised there will still be time bishopric, elders quorum after, friends encouraged him for catch. ■ president, and Primary to try teaching seminary. worker. He was a ward mis- “We thought I would teach sion leader in Bountiful, Utah, for a year and get that out of USA, at the time of his call. my system. One year turned Born to Wayne and Evelyn into seven, and teaching is Moon Beck on April 12, 1953, still not out of my system,” he in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, says. “It took me by surprise.” Brother Beck was 10 years He received a bachelor’s old when his father was called

142 Larry M. Gibson Adrián Ochoa First Counselor in the Young Men Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency General Presidency

ward and stake Young Men and Mexico and developed president. multiple marketing campaigns Brother Gibson graduated for some of the top 500 com- with a degree in computer panies in the world. He cred- science and business from its his time in Los Angeles as Brigham Young University in an opportunity to learn how 1971. He received his mas- the media works. Likewise, he ter’s degree in information believes his time in Mexico science from BYU in 1974. allowed him the opportunity He has been president and to “breathe different air” and CEO of several technology spend time in nature. “It was companies and most recently the best of both worlds,” was executive vice president he says. hen Larry Miner and CTO for a Fortune 500 s a young man, Adrián His interest in media led Gibson graduated company. Ochoa Quintana came him to a bachelor’s degree Wfrom high school, The Gibsons and their six A to an understanding of in communications and mas- he decided to hike into children enjoy scuba diving, the need for humility in his ter’s degrees in business and Havasupai, Arizona, USA, in hot air ballooning, cycling, life that has provided him marketing. the Grand Canyon, where he hiking, camping, and travel- with a strong focus ever since. As a young man, he was spent several days reading ing. He and his wife currently “The first time I read Alma called to serve a special pub- the Book of Mormon and live in Highland, Utah. 32:15, I learned that if you fol- lic affairs mission in Mexico, praying about and pondering Brother Gibson was born low promptings without where he met with govern- on his testimony. He says he on February 26, 1947, in being forced to be humble, ment leaders and used the cannot remember a time that Boulder City, Nevada, USA, you will receive many bless- media to preach the gospel. he did not know the Church to Robert Owen and Thais ings,” Brother Ochoa recalls. Brother Ochoa and his was true, but he wanted to Miner Gibson. ■ “When I decided to follow wife, Nancy Villareal, who make sure he had a solid that promise, my life received were sealed in the Mexico focus and foundation before a whole new direction.” City Mexico Temple, live in going out into the world. As second counselor in Highland, Utah. They have “Some very sacred things the Young Men general presi- five children. Brother Ochoa happened during that experi- dency, Brother Ochoa recog- has served as high priests ence,” he says, “that helped nizes the need to continue to group leader, stake president, me as I went away to school strive to be humble. area public affairs director, and then on a mission.” Brother Ochoa was born in Area Seventy, and president He served a full-time mis- San Francisco, California, USA, of the Honduras San Pedro sion to the British South on March 7, 1954, to Eduardo Sula Mission. ■ Mission from 1966 to 1968, and Consuelo Ochoa. His married Shirley Barton in youth was spent between the in Los Angeles, California, and September 1968, and has Chihuahua, Mexico. The served in various Church call- experiences gained in these ings. At the time of his call he two places have been valuable was serving as stake president, later in his life. and he previously served as a Brother Ochoa has worked stake president’s counselor, in advertising and film pro- high councilor, bishop, and duction in the United States

MAY 2009 143 Primary sharing time; it could be used in family home evening, in family scripture study and devotional; it could be used in personal study,” Sister Beck said. Brother Madsen added that the book could be used in Sunday School or as an addi- tional resource in seminary and institute classes. Parents could use the book at bedtime to share a scriptural account with their children or to help quiet their children in church. In an interview promoting the Gospel Art Book, Elder Spencer J. Condie of the The new Gospel Art Book will make gospel art available for Seventy illustrated a fraction of the cost of the existing Gospel Art Kit. the power of visual aids by pointing Gospel Art Book Designed out that one of the paintings featured for Worldwide Audience in the book also hangs on the wall o meet the growing helps us to feel, or in other Mormon, and Church history, in President Thomas S. demand to make gospel- words, invites the Spirit into as well as photos showing Monson’s office. President T related art available to the learning process.” other aspects of the Church Monson has referred to families and teachers around The new Gospel Art Book and gospel. Some of the pic- times when he looks at that the world, the Church has will cost U.S. $3.50 inside the tures in the book are Adam painting and asks himself, created a 137-page Gospel Art United States and Canada (or and Eve Teaching Their “I wonder what the Savior Book that costs a fraction of U.S. $1.50 each for a case of Children, Christ Ordaining would have me do.” With what the existing Gospel Art 20). Outside of the U.S. and the Apostles, Enos Praying, his thoughts turned to the Kit costs. The book comes Canada, the book will cost The First Vision, Young Girl Savior, he receives inspira- with indexing and scripture U.S. $1.50. By comparison, Speaking in Church, The tion and answers to many of references in 8 languages the existing Gospel Art Kit Articles of Faith, Salt Lake his questions. and inserts for 50 additional costs about U.S. $30. Temple, and Latter-day “That can happen to each languages. “We designed this to make Prophets. of us,” Elder Condie said. “The Gospel Art Book is a it as inexpensive as possible,” Julie B. Beck, Relief Society “I would hope [the book] wonderful new resource for said Michael Madsen, general president, said the will be found in every home teaching the gospel—both in Curriculum Planning and book is a great improvement and in every classroom,” families and in the Church,” Development specialist. “We over the kit. While the kit was Sister Lant said. “It can bless said Cheryl C. Lant, Primary tried to price it so that every heavy, difficult to transport, our teaching and bless our general president. “All of us, member of the Church could and came apart in pieces, the lives as we work to grow in and especially children, are have a copy of the book.” book is easy to transport, faith and testimony and as visual learners. Seeing these The 8.5 by 11 inch (22 by small enough for someone to we strive to lift others and beautiful pictures captures our 28 cm) spiral-bound book put into a bag and carry to strengthen our families.” attention, keeps our focus, contains art depicting scrip- church, and the pieces stay The Gospel Art Book is and teaches us many unspo- ture stories from the Old together. available through Church ken principles of the gospel. Testament, the New “It can be used in every Distribution or online at We also know that seeing Testament, the Book of classroom; it could be used in gospelart.lds.org. ■

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