How to Be a Member Missionary

The heavens rejoice when a good soul returns, so you can imagine the party going on up there with the return of our beloved prophet and friend, Gordon B. Hinckley! He has finally joined hands again with his wife, whom he called "the love of my life." Surely one of the first to run and greet him was his mother who had died when he was just a boy. Can you imagine the cheers and enthusiastic hugs waiting for him from prophets of old? What a happy reunion it must be!

The last time I saw President Hinckley was just 2 weeks ago at a special broadcast Stake Conference for the saints in California. I thought to myself that he looked tired and eager to go home...his heavenly home. And so he has.

What a tremendous life he lived. Out of his long 97 years, he dedicated the majority of them to the building of the kingdom of God here on earth. Most people remember him for his incredible temple-building mission and for his wonderfully contagious sense of humor. My kids always knew he'd say something funny at General Conference and they were never disappointed. Who else would knight a new apostle with his cane? I attended a Stake Women's Conference 2 nights ago where Mary Ellen Edmunds spoke. Her eager-to-laugh personality matches President Hinckley's and as she shared her testimony of the Prophet she giggled "The only reason President Hinckley carries a cane is so he can trip other people."

I love the video the apostles made together to celebrate the recent turn of the century where they each shared testimony, standing next to important church sites and at other historical locations. President Hinckley's concluding statement summed up his immense love for the Savior and the Church when he said "How I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! His stirring commission and His divine love motivate all of us in this work. I love my brethren. To a man they are loyal. Without hesitation they respond to every call. They are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is He, Jesus Christ, who stands at the head of this Church which bears His sacred name. He is watching over it. He is guiding it.
Standing at the right hand of His Father, He directs this work.

Unitedly, as His Apostles, authorized and commissioned by Him to do so, we bear our witness that He lives and that He will come again to claim His kingdom and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Of this we are certain and bear apostolic testimony in His holy name, even the name of Jesus Christ, amen." Read the entire text of the Prophet and Apostles' Testimony of Christ.

I know that he was a true prophet of God. It's always fascinating to watch the wheels of succession begin to turn. How comforting to know that the Creator of All doesn't leave His children without someone to guide them, especially during these last days. "Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? 'Tis not so; all is right!" (Come, Come Ye Saints)

Let us celebrate his life with happiness and look forward to a new chapter in the Church's growth as we prepare the earth for the Savior's return in glory!