Interesting wording in article about President Eyring minstering to Puerto Rican Saints

Hello, everyone! Though there have been several new Church news articles published today that are important and are very worthy of a blog post devoted to discussion and summary on this blog, because I have had quite a bit more health issues to battle in the last week, particularly in the last couple of days (nothing to be concerned about, just a bit more overwhelming than usual), my energy and ability to do such a post is lacking for now. I hope that changes tomorrow, and that today was just a product of my body not knowing how to react after a fairly good night's sleep (which followed several restless nights, on some of which I was not able to sleep at all). If that's all that has made today slightly more difficult than usual, then I should be back to normal tomorrow, especially if I am able to sleep well again.

Anyways, one thing I did want to note is that  an article about how President Eyring has been ministering to Puerto Rican Saints in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the wording of a sentence in the article indicated that President Eyring would play a "key role" during General Conference.

That could mean any number of things, especially in light of what I posted about a day or two ago, that President Monson would not be speaking at, or even attending, General Conference. Perhaps all that was meant by that interesting statement was that President Eyring would be the one presiding at all General Conference sessions, and that he would be recognized as doing so in every General Conference Session. As I noted almost six months ago, the Church News's summary article of General Conference last April had stated that President Eyring presided at 3 of the 6 General Conference sessions, even though that was not stated by the one conducting the session or subsequently in the Conference Summary provided in the May Ensign devoted to General Conference. If that happens, it would indeed constitute a "key role".

But it could also mean that, in the absence of President Monson, President Eyring, with his advice and consent, will either deliver a message in President Monson's behalf, or that he will be the one to make any announcements about temples and/or any new policies or practices of the Church.

Maybe this isn't something I should be analyzing or speculating about. After all, we will know one way or another what is meant by that statement in just over two weeks. In fact, we could have this question settled 48 hours from now. After all, the General Women's Session will be held at 6:00 PM MDT Saturday, and if, at the beginning of that session, the one conducting mentions that he is presiding, we will know that is probably what was meant. But I do think it could mean that President Eyring will be filling some responsibilities that have traditionally been taken care of by President Monson, which would include announcing any new temples or any new policies or practices of the Church.

I did want to mention another possibility that occurred to me. If my memory serves me correctly, sometime after the Manifesto and Revelation on the Priesthood were accepted, each of those documents were added to the next edition of the Doctrine & Covenants. I have often felt that the time would come when the Church will officially canonize "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and "The Living Christ--The Testimony of the Apostles". It could be that, since President Eyring will likely conduct the Sustaining of Church Officers" during General Conference, since he has led out in that every October since becoming President Monson's First Counselor, that something like that will be part of it.

I have given my thoughts on this. What do you all think about the interesting way that statement was worded? I look forward to hearing what you have to say, and, as always, I welcome anyone who would like to comment to do so. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and until my next post (which will hopefully be done tomorrow, and which may be the best opportunity to do that update on the latest Church news), I wish you all the best.

Minor Construction Update for the Durban South Africa Temple

Hello again, everyone! I am back, this time to provide a brief update that has been noted for the Durban South Africa Temple. I am figuring out how to word this for inclusion on my temple construction report, but wanted to share the latest with each of you right away.

While work continues on the baptistry and the temple utility components, the temple grounds are being backfilled, while the exterior of the temple is being waterproofed. In the meantime, the basement floor of the missionary housing facility is nearing completion, and work continues on all electrical and mechanical systems of the temple. Foam insulation continues to be added, piles are being sunk, and palm trees are going in throughout the temple grounds.

It was good to hear the progress that has been made on this temple. This is the first update we have had on this temple in the last month. I also continue to hope for additional temple news every day. Whatever happens on that front going forward, you can count on my sharing that with you as soon as I can after learning of it.

That does it for this update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time, and until my next post, I wish you all the best.

Changes made to Church magazine editor/adviser

Hello, everyone! It took me quite a bit longer than I had hoped, but I finally was able to find the PDF version of the October 2017 Ensign, and in that magazine, changes were noted to the group of people that serve as editors & advisers to all four Church publications. Here is a complete list of those who were listed as serving when the September magazines were published, the list of those who will oversee magazine publications going forward, and a list of what has changed. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless each one of you until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.

September 2017:

Editor: Joseph W. Sitati

Assistant Editors: Randall K. Bennett, Carol F. McConkie

Advisers: Brian K. Ashton, Bonnie H. Cordon, Legrand R. Curtis Jr, Sharon Eubank, Christoffel Golden, Douglas D. Holmes, Erich W. Kopschke, Larry R. Lawrence

October 2017

Editor: Hugo E. Martinez

Assistant Editors: Randall K. Bennett, Carol F. McConkie

Advisers: Brian K. Ashton, Bonnie H. Cordon, Legrand R. Curtis Jr., Edward Dube, Sharon Eubank, Donald L. Hallstrom, Douglas D. Holmes, Erich W. Kopischke

Released as Editor: Joseph W. Sitati

Called as Editor: Hugo E. Martinez

Released as advisers: Chistoffel Golden, Larry R. Lawrence

Called as advisers: Edward Dube, Donald L. Hallstrom

NOTE: As previously noted, Elder Golden was released due to his new assignment serving in an area presidency, and it is anticipated that Elder Lawrence will be released and granted emeritus status during the next General Conference. It was also previously noted that Elders Dube and Hallstrom were serving at Church headquarters, though Elder Dube's assignment(s) had been unknown. It is good to at least have this information about one assignment he is filling.

Revised Temple Site Predictions--October 2017 Edition

Hello again, everyone! As promised, I am back to share the complete revision of my predictions for the October 2017 General Conference. I welcome any feedback of any kind on them. Again, whether I am right or wrong in any of these predictions, I am just grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to share these things with all of you. Let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in everything you do.

October 2017 General Conference Predictions
NOTE ABOUT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Two significant developments have occurred that will no doubt change how and when temple announcements occur for the remainder of President Monson’s presidency. First, during the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Open House, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Executive Director of the Church’s Temple Department, stated that the Church is considering as many as 80 future sites that could be announced within the next 15 years. That works out to a rough average of 5 per year every year between now and 2032, not including those 5 that were announced earlier this year. This means that we will likely have a few temples announced during each General Conference and that we will also from time to time have one or two announced in the six months between each conference. Because President Monson will not be participating in General Conference at all, if any new temples are announced, one of his counselors will be authorized to make that announcement in his behalf. I could see that happening at either the beginning of the Saturday Morning or Sunday Morning Sessions. Just wanted to note that.

3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:
After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I first narrowed down then expanded, then revised these selections again. I am again listing them by the geographical area of the Church under which they fall and then by likelihood within each of those areas. As always, these are nothing more than my own thoughts, backed up by either research or the opinions of others I have trusted in this matter. The Lord decides where He needs His temples to be built, and those decisions are manifested to those authorized to receive such revelation (the prophet, or, in our current situation, those authorized to represent him in so determining).

Africa Southeast: Antananarivo Madagascar; Maputo Mozambique; Lubumbashi DR Congo; Cape Town South Africa
Africa West: Benin City/Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone; Yamoussoukro Ivory Coast; Monrovia Liberia
Asia: Phomn Penh Cambodia; Jakarta Indonesia; Taichung Taiwan; Ulaanbaatar Mongolia; Singapore; Hyderabad/Rajahmundry India
Brazil: Belo Horizonte; Salvador
Caribbean: San Juan Puerto Rico
Central America: Managua Nicaragua; San Pedro Sula Honduras; Guatemala City Guatemala (2nd temple)
Europe: Praia Cape Verde; Budapest Hungary; Vienna Austria; Edinburgh Scotland
Mexico: Puebla; Queretaro
North America Central: Missoula Montana; Green Bay Wisconsin; Rapid City South Dakota
North America Northeast: Richmond Virginia
North America Northwest: Salem Oregon
North America Southeast: Bentonville Arkansas
North America Southwest: Fort Worth Texas; Flagstaff Arizona; Henderson Nevada
Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Pago Pago American Samoa; Neiafu Vava'u Tonga
Philippines: Davao/Cagayan de Oro
South America Northwest: Maracaibo Venezuela; Santa Cruz/La Paz Bolivia; Iquitos Peru
South America South: Valparaiso Chile; Neuquen Argentina
Utah North: Layton Utah
Utah Salt Lake: Tooele Utah
Utah South: Heber City Utah

Notes about potential temple sites:
1.         For the Africa Southeast Area, the first two possibilities listed seem to be the most likely ones. With the growth of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a second temple seems imminent, even without knowing how the one that will be dedicated in Kinshasa will affect any potential future temples. While Elder Neil L. Andersen proposed a temple for the Kasai region, Lubumbashi seems more likely. And I have felt certain that South Africa could get a third temple, and that Cape Town is the most likely city to next get one. As always, I will pass any new information along as I become aware of it.
2.         Regarding the Africa West Area, the LDS Church growth blog reports that, if current growth trends continue, that area could have 13 temples by the year 2030. Along with that, we know that there are two dedicated and one announced in that area already. In the Africa West Area, second temples for Ghana and Nigeria seem likely, especially now that all Nigerian cities have been reached by the Church. The one thing I have not been able to settle through my research is whether Lagos or Benin City is more likely. I could see temples in both cities within the next 15-30 years. And Sierra Leone may also get a temple soon simply by virtue of being so far distant from the temple district under which it falls. Additionally, Sierra Leone comes in at #6 of the top ten countries/dependencies with the strongest LDS presence but without a temple, making a temple there likely sooner rather than later. I have also heard some say that a second and possibly a third Ivory Coast temple may be announced within the next 10-15 years depending on how quickly the first one progresses. And it may be high time for a temple in Liberia as well.
3.         While I was double-checking for additional temple sites, I quickly figured out that Asia could be a great candidate for several new temples, and these are the most likely locations that I could find. While all of them make sense in terms of President Monson’s desire to have every Church member within 200 miles of a temple, I have grouped them by the number of Church units. Additionally, I know that temples have been proposed for New Delhi India (in 1992 by Elder Maxwell) and for Singapore (in 2000 by President Hinckley). Church membership in those countries stand as follows: Cambodia: nearing 14,000; India: just over 13,000; Mongolia: nearing 11,500; Indonesia: nearing 7,300; Singapore: nearing 8,400. According to a statistical profile written by a Church Growth expert, India may not actually get a temple until there is a stronger Church presence to support. For now, it seems that the order I have placed them in may be the most likely order by which they might be announced. On July 28, I added one for Taichung Taiwan, since further research indicates Taiwan may be ready for a second temple. As more information comes to light, I will make any adjustments that might be necessary.
4.         In Brazil, the two cities above seem to be the most imminent possibilities. It would also not surprise me at all if the Church held off on announcing any other Brazilian temples until the two under construction and the other two announced ones are closer to completion. As I have mentioned previously, I had felt prior to General Conference last April that Brazil's next temple would be built in Brasilia, but didn't think it would be announced until the one in Belem made more progress. So more Brazilian temples may be announced soon, but they also might not. Once more is known, I will make any adjustments needed. Many people who have given me feedback on my temple possibilities have stated that they think it might be possible for us to perhaps see the two temples mentioned above announced at the same time. And that certainly makes sense. In the event that the two are not announced simultaneously, they may be announced in close proximity.
5.         Central America may be needing several new temples, based on what my research shows. Then-Elder Nelson proposed a temple for Managua in 2012, and I recently learned that land has been set aside for such a temple for several years. Additional research done on July 28, 2017 showed that temples could be needed in the other cities listed in the Central America Area, and they are listed in order of likelihood for that to happen.
6.         While I said when posting my last list of possibilities that any new European temples might be put on hold until the Church evaluates how the dedications of the Paris France and Rome Italy Temples and the rededications of the temples in Freiberg and Frankfurt Germany have affected temple attendance for European Saints, in going over the current and future districts, I was reminded of a couple of things: First, Cape Verde is currently the 10th of the top ten countries that has the strongest LDS presence but that does not yet have a temple in any phase. I had also heard from several people that Budapest Hungary would be the next European temple. And Vienna Austria makes sense in terms of President Monson's expressed goal to have every member within 200 miles of a temple. Until more information is known, these additions seem to be sound.
7.      Of the many cities in Mexico, I know Puebla has been widely mentioned as the most likely site for the next temple in that nation. I have also felt at times that Queretaro could be a feasible possibility. If and when I feel I can narrow down or add new options, I will do so.
8.    While Church growth in the United States has stagnated somewhat of late, except in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, I have heard at one time or another that each of the temples I listed above could potentially be As part of my efforts to expand my predictions, I decided to include these cities again on this list. Until I know more about US growth, these seem to be sound changes. I also know, as I have previously noted, that land has been set aside in Bentonville Arkansas and Missoula Montana for future temple sites, with an official announcement anticipated once unit growth and activity in the current temple districts warrant that happening.
9.          In the Pacific, I know that the first two cities have been mentioned to me as having sites purchased, and once Church growth and temple activity from these areas warrant an official announcement for them, it will happen. Of the two, Auckland seems more likely. Additionally, Papua New Guinea is the second of the top 10 countries with the strongest LDS presence without a temple. American Samoa is the seventh on that list of top ten. Additionally, further study which I did in late July confirms that Tonga may get another temple.
10.       As a state that is constantly expanding its outreach, Utah has 18 temples either in operation or in various stages of construction. Layton and Tooele have often been mentioned to me by name as possibilities. I added Heber City in late July after a couple of comments led me to do so. Each of these seem likely. I also know that we are still waiting to have the Southwest Salt Lake Valley temple mentioned by President Hinckley announced at some point. Some have said that this temple has been announced already, but the research I have done proves otherwise.

Final note: As with everything else I put together, these are no more than my own thoughts, feelings, and observations based on the research I have done and the reports I have received. I hope that is absolutely understood and accepted. No one can know the mind of the Lord relating to His Church except those authorized to receive revelation regarding their own spheres of responsibility. While I am always gratified when my predictions turn out to be correct, I am even more appreciative of the many times developments do not take place as I project they will. At the end of the day, the Lord is the only one who can determine best how to further His work, and He manifests His will to those authorized to lead the Church and make decisions. Just wanted to end on that note. 

Considering the Church's options for the October General Conference

Here I am once again as I promised, to consider the options the Church has in terms of handling President Monson's absence from General Conference. There are a few things to consider:

1. Temple announcements: In view of Elder Wilson's statement that there are around 80 potential temple sites that could have an official announcement during the next 15 years, the Church would need to add 5 or 6 new temples every year, which works out to around 3 per General Conference. As has been the case previously, I imagine that there will be some General Conferences in which no new temples are announced. After all, the last 12 temples have been announced during the April General Conference. That said, it would make sense if the Church spread out these temple announcements, so it seems logical to assume that we could have at least 2 or 3 announced in each General Conference, and have a few additional new temples announced in between each April & October.
2. What might be done with the time that President Monson would have taken to speak to us? I see three or four options, as follows:

First, one of President Monson's children could, at his request and with his consent, read a previously prepared message (if that happens, it will most likely be done by his oldest son Thomas L. Monson, but I'm sure an equal case could be made for his daughter Ann M. Dibb or his son Clark S. Monson). President Monson could also have his personal secretary read a prepared message. I'm not sure how likely that might be to happen.

Another option, as has been done in the past, is for one or both of the prophet's counselors to present messages in his behalf, with his advice and consent, using either the words President Monson has spoken previously, or providing an update on how he's doing and to testify that the Lord is at the helm of His work.

The final option that I find to be likely is one I favor the most above any of the others presented above. That would be to have President Nelson speak twice in the next General Conference. That could be done by removing President Monson from the speaking list of the Saturday Priesthood and Sunday Morning Sessions, having the Priesthood Session begin with President Uchtdorf's address, then the member of the Quorum of the Twelve & Presidency of the Seventy, adding a General Authority Seventy (whom I would transfer from the Sunday Morning Session) and having President Eyring conclude the meeting.

Then, with the Sunday Morning Session, President Eyring would be the first speaker. Elder Hales, if he speaks in that session, would be next, followed by the second speaker from the Presidency of the Seventy and either Sister Marriott or Sister Bingham (whichever did not speak during the Saturday Morning Session), then having the second apostle (I am predicting Elder Stevenson), a General Authority Seventy, and then the session would conclude with President Nelson's second address.

I am convinced that there are other things the Church can and probably might do. I have presented these as the most likely options, but they are not by any means the only options, and they may not even be the best options. Whatever happens, I know that the Lord will continue to govern how and in what manner the events of the General Conferences of His Church are conducted. For myself, I will be no less surprised if and when I find out that I am wrong in things I have thought and asserted than I will be profoundly grateful for anything I have correctly predicted.

I will be posting again in a moment with a completely updated copy of my General Conference Predictions for October 2017. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any and all comments are welcome and appreciated. Until that next post, I wish you all the best.