Apostle Among Us

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum and the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presided at the Black Mountain Stake conference this weekend. The apostle was present to create a new stake, which pulled wards from both Black Mountain and Lake Mead stakes, and to call two new stake presidencies.

During the more intimate Saturday night adult session of conference, Elder Cook shared his experience of being called to the Quorum of the Twelve. He pointed out how in this interviews to select a new stake president, both the husband and wife were interviewed before a call was issued. This seems to be standard procedure in the church.

Elder Cook then read from the Doctrine and Covenants Section 118 verse 6, "Let my servant John Taylor, and also my servant John E. Page, and also my servant Wilford Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Richards, be appointed to fill the places of those who have fallen, and be officially notified of their appointment. "

This scripture refers to the Elders Wilford, Page and Richards being called to fill vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Cook went on to tell the audience how he was called on the phone and asked to meet with President Hinckley. He said he met alone with President Hinckley and his interview was as the scripture said "a notification" of his new "appointment" by the Lord and a query as to whether he was willing to accept this appointment.

This was a unique perspective and in insight into the calling of a new apostle. It isn't the decision of the other Apostles as to who will be the next Apostle. It didn't even sound like a "calling" but more of a "choice" of the Lord. Many are called but few are chosen. The Lord truly does choose his Apostles on the Earth today.

It was a marvelous experience to attend this conference and hear the voice and wisdom of a prophet and apostle of the Lord. I loved his talks and the talks of our temple president. Hope you enjoyed reading one of the interesting things he shared with us.