Elder Gerald N. Lund

Of the Seventy

“‘God cheats no one and no one cheats God,’ my father always used to say. He also often told us, ‘God is a rich paymaster,’” says Elder Gerald N. Lund, a newly called member of the Seventy.

“We were raised on this philosophy,” he continues, “and it still defines the way I feel about service. The more I try to thank God, the more He seems to bless me, which in turn puts me deeper in His debt.”

When Gerald Lund returned from his missionary service, he had determined that he would rather work than go to college.

“I went to work in the construction business,” he explains. “After spending one week cleaning cement forms with a power brush, I realized this was not how I wanted to spend my life.”

He promptly enrolled in Brigham Young University, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His decision to go to college not only changed his life but also resulted in many years of teaching the gospel.

Gerald Lund started teaching seminary in Salt Lake City in 1965, beginning a 34-year career with the Church Educational System. In addition to his early years teaching seminary, he taught institute, served as an institute director, worked as a curriculum writer, and fulfilled a number of administrative assignments. He is also the author of many popular books and articles.

Elder Lund was born in Fountain Green, Sanpete County, Utah, to Jewell and Evelyn Lund on 12 September 1939. The family moved to Salt Lake City when he was a year old and later to Murray, Utah, where he spent most of his growing-up years.

In 1963 he married Retta Lynn Stanard, from Great Falls, Montana. They have 7 children and 17 grandchildren. Sister Lund is an accomplished musician and has published many of her arrangements.

Elder Lund has served as branch president, bishop, and bishop’s counselor. At the time of his call to the Second Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Lund was serving as president of the Brigham Young University 14th Stake.