At the news conference on Feb. 4 in which it was announced that President Thomas S. Monson was the 16th President of the Church, he answered questions on several issues:
Accepting this new calling
"I found that most helpful to me was going to my knees and thanking my Heavenly Father for life, for experience, my family, and then directly asking Him to go before my face, to be on my right hand, to be on my left hand, and His spirit in my heart and His angels round about me to bear me up."
Education
A former member of Utah's Board of Regents, President Monson emphasized the importance of receiving a quality education to prepare for life while enjoying the satisfaction of achieving a worthy goal.
"Today's world is competitive, more than it's ever been. I believe men and women need to get a type of education which will enable them to meet the exigencies of life...Men and women need to be prepared for a vastly broader scope than we've ever had before."
Succeeding President Gordon B. Hinckley
"(It's) not difficult because he blazed the trail. I worked with him for so long, 44 years, that we knew each other so well. I knew and I testify afresh that he was the Lord's prophet."
Love for welfare principles
A lifelong champion of the Church's global welfare efforts, President Monson spoke of the giving example of his mother, Gladys Condie Monson, who during the Depression would provide meals and encouragement at their home on Salt Lake City's west side to men passing through the city by train in search of work.
"I think that spirit carried forward. I have had great satisfaction in pursuing that same spirit of helping others."
Personal health
"I've always had good health — that's been a great blessing to me. Some years ago I was found to have Type II diabetes. It's under control totally and I am healthy and well and I still do a day's work — and half the nights as well."
The Church's place in a global community
President Monson spoke of the importance of cooperation between religions and other organizations, saying the "weakness of one standing alone" should be substituted with the "strength of people working together."
"There are many efforts where, if we get together as various religions in the community and work toward the common goal, (we) shall be successful."
The youth of the Church
Young people in the Church face many challenges, President Monson said. They must be prepared.
"It's essential that the home provide training for the youth...so that they can feel free to call upon their Heavenly Father in prayer. Sometimes the best answers that young people can give to the questions of life are found there upon their knees calling upon our Heavenly Father.
"If they will remember that the Lord is mindful of them and will answer their prayers, they will be able to meet every challenge that comes to them."
Future temple building
President Monson spoke of his plans to participate in the dedication of the Rexburg Idaho Temple on Feb. 10, adding:
"I love to meet the people and be out among them....
"There's no doubt but what the temple building will keep going forward because the Church keeps growing, and we must provide that holy edifice in areas where the Church is sufficiently large to justify it."
Perpetual Education Fund
The new Church president called the Perpetual Education Fund a miracle — one of the hallmarks of President Gordon B. Hinckley's administration. He challenged people to contribute to the Church-sponsored program that helps lift many from poverty.
"That is a fund that will go far into the future."
Travel
"I do plan to travel. Traveling is difficult when you go for long stretches at a time. But you always come back refreshed, feeling that you've accomplished something.
"I'm on my knees before I go anywhere in this world that the Spirit of the Lord will be with me in the journey."
A message to less-active members
"Don't give up. We need you. My purpose is to provide ways that we as active members can put our arms around those who are less active and bring them back to the fold. I'm dedicated to that principle."
Going forward
President Monson said he and his counselors in the First Presidency are looking to the future through careful planning in cooperation with other leadership quorums of the Church.
"You can rest assured we'll be giving due attention to the present and the future, but not forgetting the past, for the past is prelude to the future."
