President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson was called to be the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Feb 3. He has served as a counselor in the First Presidency for over twenty years. I have had the opportunity to listen to President Monson many times over the years, including when he came to Pocatello, Idaho for a leadership training meeting and a general fireside. I love to hear him speak.

After President Hinckley passed away, President Monson was expected to be the new Prophet and President of the church, since he was the most senior apostle. When I heard the news that he was indeed the prophet, I felt a strong feeling of love and support for him as the new prophet. At the Worldwide Leadership Training broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 9, President Monson took the opportunity to address the congregation as the new prophet. Elder Holland explained that most of the broadcast had been recorded prior to President Hinckley’s death. However the address by President Monson was recorded after he was ordained as the prophet. As he spoke, and I heard him for the first time, tears filled my eyes and ran down my cheeks. I was overcome with emotion. I felt something strong and undeniable. I knew in that moment that President Monson was indeed the man called to succeed President Hinckley. I didn’t have any doubt before that, but at that moment I had a very strong confirmation. I am thankful that there is a prophet of God on the earth and that he leads and guides us with love and inspiration.