Stake Conference

Tom writes:

This has been an interesting weekend. It was a rare insight into the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the authorized use of priesthood keys to make major changes in the organization of the Church in our area.   A new stake was created from four other existing stakes, three missions and two temple districts. In addition to the calling of a stake president and two counselors for this newly created stake, this action also necessitated the reorganization of one of the effected stake presidencies.  And the inspired process for calling these six brethren involved only a few hours.

I was one of those invited to be interviewed Friday evening by two Seventies authorized by the First Presidency as they sought to prayerfully select the person God had prepared to be called as the stake president of the newly created stake. This required a four hour round trip for a short visit with these two inspired priesthood holders. Shortly afterwards I was released to go home.  

This process was repeated the next day for the second stake that was being reorganized. It wasn’t until today’s session of stake conference that we knew who the Lord had selected, when the names were presented for our sustaining vote.  As Elder Southward, one of the visiting Seventy, stated,  the mind and will of God has been done today.  As the names were announced, there was that comforting feeling to me that reaffirmed that these men were indeed called of God.  The work of our Savior continues to roll forward as Daniel prophesied; he truly is hastening his work in this area. 

Mountain Home is now part of the West Plains Stake, the newest stake (at least for today) in the world.  It is an exciting time to be part of this great work and see the Church grow.  Yes we will be affected by this growth since this is a smaller stake and more of our members may be called to serve in stake callings, but what a great opportunity for us to grow.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is led by a prophet today and is a church of continuing revelation!