In the lobby of the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City is a huge mural depicting the resurrected Christ commissioning His biblical apostles to go into the world as His special witnesses. The painting seemed an appropriate backdrop as Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder David A. Bednar were introduced in a press conference as the two newest members of the Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Bednar hail from diverse backgrounds — one a pilot, the other an educator; one a German, the other American. But after being called to fill the Quorum seats vacated by the recent deaths of Elder David B. Haight and Elder Neal A. Maxwell, the two men stood shoulder to shoulder, united in an apostolic charge to, again, go into the world as Christ's special witnesses.
Both had learned of their new callings on Oct. 1, just a day before the 174th Semiannual General Conference began. They appeared a bit overwhelmed by the sudden change in their respective lives — but added they were eager to serve.
"It's been a roller coaster of emotions and feelings today for my wife, Harriet, and me," admitted Elder Uchtdorf.
The native German Church leader said he was, at once, sobered by the sacredness of his call to the Twelve and confident the Lord would lift him to the task. "If we didn't know that the Church was true and that we have a living prophet at this time, then we would doubt this (calling). But we know the Church is true. We know that the call to serve in the holy apostleship is right."
Church duties brought the Uchtdorfs to Salt Lake City in 1999. They anticipated a return one day to their homeland. "We were always talking about this as our overseas assignment. . . . This will be a little more lasting now."
Elder Uchtdorf called Sister Uchtdorf, who participated in the press conference, "the sunshine of my life."
The Uchtdorfs, who have two children and five grandchildren, said they will miss their family that remains in Germany. "But the blessings that come from serving the Lord far outrank any sacrifice."
Elder Bednar said he's excited to have Elder Uchtdorf sharing a neighboring seat in the Quorum of the Twelve. The California native served a mission to Germany, "so to hear Elder Uchtdorf's accent as we stood together (during conference) singing 'Come, Come, Ye Saints' was a moment I will never forget."
Being called to the Quorum of the Twelve prompted a humbled Elder Bednar to recall the Sesame Street tune "One Of These Things Is Not Like the Others."
"As the names were presented today and I listened to (the names) Hinckley and Monson and Faust and Packer and Perry, those all seemed to fit together — until they got to Bednar," he said. "That's when it seemed that one was not like the others."
Sister Susan Bednar said she knows her husband's strengths and weaknesses and could assuredly sustain him as one of the prophets, seers and revelators. "I'm looking forward to the lessons we will learn together and for the opportunity to serve and to join hands with people all over the world as we celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ."
When asked about the significance of a German citizen being called to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Uchtdorf acknowledged that the folks in his home ward and stake were indeed excited with the news. But the apostolic call, he added, is no respecter of national, political or economic origin. "We're here to represent Jesus Christ, the Savior."
Both men paid tribute to Elder Haight and Elder Maxwell. Elder Uchtdorf called his Quorum predecessors "spiritual giants" that he loves and misses.
The seats recently vacated by Elder Haight and Elder Maxwell may have been filled, said Elder Bednar, "but (those brethren) will never be replaced."
Elder Uchtdorf said there are global challenges facing Church members. Dangers can invade homes with a click of a computer mouse or a television remote control. Still, he said, "there are millions and millions of people who are searching for a better road, for the higher road."
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
