Two Missions to repopen in July

KSL, a local news station, reported that the First Presidency had announced the reopening of two missions in two African nations after the Ebola crisis had been taken care of. Effective July 1, mission presidents that have already been called will reopen the missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia. And missionaries will finally be sent back to those two nations. 274 missionaries and their leaders had been removed from these nations last August. Now that the Church is reopening these missions, missionary work can begin again in earnest. I was touched by this news. I can't wait to see what results from this important development in the works. Miracles abound, and the Lord is so good to His work.

Church gives update on health of President Thomas S. Monson

I came across this next news item about the health of President Thomas S. Monson while I had some down time at work. I'm not sure whether to believe it or not. I'm torn. On the one hand, the article in question makes reference to a Church news release I can't find anywhere, so I don't want to believe it. On the other hand, it appeared in several reputable newspapers (the Salt Lake Tribune being one of them), so how can I do otherwise but believe it? I will let each of you form your own opinions.

The article quotes a Church news release. The release purportedly says, "President Monson is 87. It's natural that he and others in church leadership are feeling the effects of advancing age. However, he spoke publicly at General Conference [last] month and attended all the meetings. He comes to the office every day, attends all First Presidency and committee meetings, leads the discussion and makes decisions."

"The statement, the first to address directly Monson's health, also noted that 'the workload of the First Presidency is up to date.'

"President Monson has always been private about his health, but appreciates the prayers and sustaining support of church members, as do all of the First Presidency and the [Quorum of the] [T]welve [Apostles]."

The news release goes on to state that prophets are called for life and never released simply due to the effects of aging. Some (mostly Church dissidents) have proposed that an emeritus status be implemented for all apostles (at age 90). But this is not the Lord's pattern. Apostles serve to their very last breath. And it is a wonderful system that allows us to draw upon "the wisdom of the ancients" for as long as the Lord wants them to remain with us. I felt certain that President Monson would live to break President Hinckley's record as oldest living prophet, but now, in light of this article, I don't know what to believe or hope for. One thing I am certain of. President Monson will serve until his very last breath, whenever that may be. And I for one still accept and sustain him as our prophet today, no matter what anyone else says.

Now you have the facts about this, insofar as they are in my possession. On to the next post!

Area Leadership Assignments announced for 2015

The Church has announced area leadership assignments for 2015 that will be effective on August 1, 2015. Last year's assignments were highlighted in the August 2014 Ensign. The changes effective will be highlighted in the August 2015 Ensign. But while we wait for that to happen, I wanted to post about them. I only include in my personal list those seventies who will experience a change in their assignment. There are no changes to report in the Presidency of the Seventy. In August, Ronald A. Rasband will mark 10 years in the Presidency, which is significant, as members of the Presidency of the Seventy typically serve 5-7 years. He marked 5 years as the Senior President of the Seventy over April General Conference weekend, which is likewise significant. None of the Presidency are turning 70 or even close this year.

That said, here are the changes, followed by a couple of comments on them.

First Quorum of the Seventy:

Yoon Hwan Choi (who completes a two-year assignment as president of the Seattle Washington Mission in July) will be the new Second Counselor in the Asia North Area.

Edward Dube will be released as Second Counselor in the Africa West Area.

Larry J. Echo Hawk will be released as Second Counselor in the Philippines Area.

David F. Evans will be the new Second Counselor in the Africa West Area.

Carlos A. Godoy will be the new Second Counselor in the South America Northwest Area.

C. Scott Grow will be released as Second Counselor in the South America Northwest Area.

Allen D. Haynie will be the new Second Counselor in the Philippines Area.

Paul V. Johnson will be the new First Counselor in the Europe Area.

Patrick Kearon, the former First Counselor in the Europe Area, will be the new President.  

Jörg Klebingat, the former Second Counselor in the Europe East Area, will be the new First Counselor.

Michael T. Ringwood will be released as President of the Asia North Area.

Jose A. Teixeira will be released as President of the Europe Area and will be the new Second Counselor in the South America South Area.

Francisco J. Viñas, the former Second Counselor in the South America South Area, will be the new First Counselor.

Scott D. Whiting, the former Second Counselor in the Asia North Area, will be the new President.

Kazuhiko Yamashita (who completes a two-year assignment as president of the Japan Nagoya Mission in July) will be the new First Counselor in the Asia North Area.

Jorge F. Zeballos will be released as First Counselor in the South America South Area.

Second Quorum of the Seventy:

Wilford W. Andersen will be a new Co-Supervisor in the Middle East/Africa North Area.

Koichi Aoyagi will be released as First Counselor in the Asia North Area.

Randall K. Bennett will be released as First Counselor in the Europe East Area.

Bruce A. Carlson will be released as Co-Supervisor in the Middle East/Africa North Area.

Larry S. Kacher will be released as Co-Supervisor of the Middle East/Africa North Area and will be the new Second Counselor in the Europe East Area.

Larry R. Lawrence will be a new Co-Supervisor in the Middle East/Africa North Area.

A couple of comments on this.  There will be a likely reshuffle at Church headquarters. Elder David F. Evans, who will take an assignment as Second Counselor in the Africa West Area, currently serves as Executive Director of the Church Missionary Department. Elder Paul V. Johnson, who will take an assignment as First Counselor in the Europe Area, currently serves as the Commissioner of Church Education. In my early predictions for next conference, I predicted that Elder Wilford W. Andersen, who will take an assignment as Co-Supervisor in the Middle East/Africa North Area, would be released from the Second Quorum of the Seventy in October, along with the others who had been called to that quorum in 2009. I guess I was wrong. At least about Elder Andersen. So there you have it. Area Leadership Assignments for 2015. More to come in the next post.