“Called to Serve,” New Era, July 1998, 10

Called to Serve

The 168th Annual General Conference brought leadership changes and announcements of new temples.

During the Sunday afternoon session of the 168th Annual General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced there would be 30 new smaller temples built throughout the world. With 51 functioning temples and 17 under construction, the announced 30 temples will bring the number to 98. Locations of the new temples will be forthcoming.

President Hinckley said, “If temple ordinances are an essential part of the restored gospel, and I testify that they are, then we must provide the means by which they can be accomplished. … The temple ordinances become the crowning blessings the Church has to offer.”

During the Saturday afternoon session, during the sustaining of the officers of the Church, the First Presidency announced that three men who have been serving in the Second Quorum of the Seventy since April 6, 1996, have been called to serve in the First Quorum of the Seventy. In addition, 13 new members were called to serve in the Second Quorum of the Seventy.

First Quorum of the Seventy

Elder Sheldon F. Child, serving as president of the Philippines/Micronesia Area, was formerly the president of a retail home furnishings company. He is married to Joan Haacke Child.

Sheldon F. Child

Elder Quentin L. Cook, serving as first counselor in the Philippines/Micronesia Area, was a lawyer and served as an executive officer in several health care systems. He is married to Mary Gaddie Cook.

Quentin L. Cook

Elder Francisco J. Viñas, serving as President of the South America North Area, was formerly an administrator of the Church Educational System in Spain and Uruguay. He is married to Cristina Gaminara Viñas.