Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Pres. Monson's Latter-day Blog Post

Courtesy of LDS PA
Pres. Thomas S. Monson has a message to share.
But you won't find this one in General Conference, or the Ensign.
The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took to the Internet on Friday to pen a thoughtful piece on his five years as president of the church. During that time, missionary work has exploded -- including the announcement of a lower age for service; temple work has expanded, including 31 new temples announced, 16 dedicated and five more rededicated, with another dedication planned in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in March; and thousands of church members strive weekly to seek after "the one" who may be lost, wandering or trying to return to full church activity.
It's been 50 years since Pres. Monson was called to serve as an Apostle, as well, and like any 85 year old, age is a natural part of progression. That's why his words on the subject were incredibly beneficial to any who wonder at his strength or mobility at such an advanced age:
Despite any health challenges that may come to us, despite any weakness in body or mind, we serve to the best of our ability. I assure you that the Church is in good hands. The system set up for the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve assures that it will always be in good hands and that, come what may, there is no need to worry or to fear. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, whom we follow, whom we worship, and whom we serve, is ever at the helm.
Much work has been done, but there is even more work to do. The church needs each of its members to accomplish a great work in their sphere of influence. Friday was a great time to remind us — and thanks to the Internet, he did.
 

LDS AGE: New Missionaries Prompt New MTC in Mexico

It had to happen.
With the recent surge in missionary applications brought on by the LDS mission age-change, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was going to need a facilities upgrade to keep up with the thousands of additional youth who would soon flood training centers around the world.
The church announced Jan. 31 that Benemerito de las Americas -- a high school in Mexico -- will be converted to a full-time Missionary Training Center in July 2013. The change will displace hundreds of high school students who study at a faith-based private school, in the place of thousands who will learn to teach the gospel to potentially millions.
Elder Russell M. Nelson mentioned the school's long history, while also reflecting on its great potential, in remarks made during the announcement:
“This hallowed ground where we stand today will become more sacred with each passing year,” Elder Nelson said. “Better, higher and holier purposes will be served in the future than we’ve ever known before.”
The First Presidency was brief in its statement to the media regarding the announcement:

Church leaders announced today that the Church-owned high school Benemerito de las Americas near Mexico City will become a training center for missionaries who will serve in Mexico and other counties of North, Central and South America.
Church leaders made the decision after considering every immediate alternative that could alleviate the demand at the Church’s other missionary training centers around the world, including the MTC in Provo, Utah.
The church had previously announced massive increases in missionary applications, with some speculating an increase of as much as 2,000 percent. Either way, there are going to be a lot of missionaries coming. And now, many of them -- from a variety of nations -- can go straight to Mexico City before leaping into the field.