Follow The Prophet – The Words & Deeds of God's Living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

Place: MTC, Provo, UT
When: June 27, 2010
Purpose: Address newly-called mission presidents

A week ago last Sunday President Monson and many other General Authorities gathered at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, for a special sacrament meeting with the newly-called mission presidents and their wives who were training there before going into the field.  It was part of the annual Seminar for New Mission Presidents, from June 24-27.  President Monson addressed the group in the meeting, and Church News editor Gerry Avant reports on what he said:

“I know that you are dedicated to the work of the Lord and to the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also know that the missionaries who will serve under your direction will be loved and guided by you,” President Monson told the new mission leaders.

Acknowledging the women who are serving with their husbands, President Monson said, “I am reminded of words from the Book of Ruth in the Bible: ‘Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God’ (Ruth 1:16).

Then President Monson added, “I pay tribute to you sisters.” Continue reading

The more I hear of the personal interactions of the prophet, President Monson, the more I know he is a man of God. He takes time for everybody, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or what your vocation is. He loves and befriends everyone he meets, and in doing so is truly a Christlike example.

Last Monday night a Church Voice Communications employee received a phone call from President Monson who was looking for one of his secretaries, who was not available. The ensuing conversation with this employee was fantastic:

He said that he would try again later and that maybe he would take a drive. He joked and even mentioned taking a walk on the boardwalk. I don’t know how it happened but all of a sudden he and I were talking about Monopoly and he was quizzing me on the different names on the Monopoly board. I have to admit I must be a lousy Monopoly player, I could only remember a few of the properties. I even cheated a little and tried to google the Monopoly board for help. Pres Monson just laughed and said he’s played longer than I have. He knew every property. It was the best 10 minutes I have had in a very long time. I love our Prophet and I love his laughter! I also love that he took just a few minutes out of his busy schedule to joke with me and make me laugh.

See the original post at the link below:
Priceless Happenings – President Monson

Place: Hamilton, New Zealand
Purpose: Various

Last week, after the celebration and dedication of the temple in Cebu, Philippines, President Monson made a stop in Hamilton, New Zealand.  The New Zealand LDS Newsroom reports:

President Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited Hamilton briefly this week (June 15).

He inspected the Church College of New Zealand campus, toured the Temple View community and met with members of the Temple View Envisioning Committee.

The Envisioning Committee is made up of local residents and others with an interest in Temple View and CCNZ. The aim of the committee is to study various options for the future of the former CCNZ campus and surrounding Church land holdings.

During the meeting, ideas were shared with President Monson, particularly with respect to helping young Latter-day Saints to develop confidence, build character and become better educated.

President Monson expressed his love for New Zealand, in particular the Polynesian people. He also paid tribute to the character of New Zealand Latter-day Saint leaders and members.

“You always learn more than you leave behind, when you come here,” he said. “I’m a better man for having visited New Zealand.”

President Monson made the trip after dedicating a temple in the Philippines. He left for the United States yesterday.

He is traveling with his first counselor, President Henry B. Eyring, as well as Bishop H. David Burton, presiding bishop of the Church, and other officials.

See the original story at this link:
President Monson Visits New Zealand

Place: Cebu, Philippines
Purpose: Cebu Temple Dedication and Celebration

Last weekend President Monson visited Cebu, Philippines, for the dedication and celebration of the new Cebu City Philippines Temple.  The Cebu Temple is the 133rd temple in the worldwide church.  The Deseret News reports:

President Monson said he has been to the Philippines several times and that being there again is “like returning home.”

“I think they (Mormons in Cebu and neighboring islands) have long awaited a day of having a temple,” he said. “The Lord has honored their faith and their prayers and now they have a temple of their own, and it’s a beautiful temple.”

Read more about the dedication and celebration at the following links:
Deseret News – Mormon President Thomas S. Monson arrives to dedicate Cebu City Philippines Temple
LDS Newsroom – Cebu City Philippines Temple Dedicated

The Huntsman Jet that President Monson uses

Place: Safford Regional Airport, Arizona
Purpose: Gila Valley Temple Dedication and Celebration

A family had the chance to go to the airport on Saturday to see President Monson’s jet fly in to Arizona.  While they were there they had the chance to chat with him and the other General Authorities with him.  One of them writes:

At the airport, we were told by the bodyguards (there were about 10 of them) that we were allowed to take pictures, but that we couldn’t yell or make a huge fuss. There were about 10 adults and 10 children in our party. Elders Walker and Costa of the 70, Elder Holland of the 12, and President Eyring and Monson were all there. I wanted to enjoy the moment, so I didn’t get very many pictures. Only Presidents Monson and Eyring came over to say “hello,” and all of the other guys and ladies got into the awaiting cars, so I didn’t get any pics of them. President Monson was so funny and acted like a typical grandparent, “Let’s see these kids,” he said as he walked over. He gave the kids high 5 and shook hands with them. To Joy, who didn’t say a word and was acting bashful, he said, “A shy one! That’ll be a good trait to have in 10 years!” If only he knew! Joy is a very outgoing, boycrazy kindergartener.

After about 5 minutes or so, President Eyring started tugging on President Monson’s suitcoat and said, “We need to go. You’re going to get hot out here.” Motioning to the terminal, President Monson replied, “Why don’t we go in there where it is cool and visit then!” The exasperated, but patient Elder Eyring said, “Because we have things we need to do.” After visiting, mostly with the kids, a few moments longer, they left. Wow! To stand just 3 feet from the prophet and be with him for 5 minutes! What a privilege! Joy was thrilled…and so were Dale and I!

Read more details, and see more pictures, at the link below:
Way exciting weekend!