church stuff
Let me explain. No, is too long. Let me sum up.
My church has leadership that reflects the way Christ's church worked when He was on the earth (and after). We have a president/prophet (who has the same role as Peter did after Christ's ascension). He has two counselors. Then we have twelve apostles, also as in the New Testament.
When one apostle passes away, another is called to his place. This is generally done during our semi-annual General Conferences, which are broadcast by satellite and online.
One apostle passed away in the last six months. The man who was just asked to fill his place is Neil L. Anderson.
I know him! He and his wife were living in France when I was there as a missionary. They had been asked to watch over the missionaries in the southwestern part of France. Agreeing to do so meant leaving the business world for the three year term of service. They sold their business and took their four school-aged children and went.
He's one of the best men I know. He and his wife had a profound impact on me during a pivotal time in my life.
His wife Kathy, by the way, is about five foot nothing and probably weighs ninety pounds soaking wet, even after giving birth to four children. She is a force to be reckoned with.
This is just so exciting!
The next session today, at 2 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, will be when we have a sustaining vote for all of the current church leadership. I would expect to hear Brother Andersen speak at one of the two sessions tomorrow--10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Here's his church bio (which doesn't have the new information yet). I see that wikipedia has already been updated to reflect this new calling. Heh.
eta: Heh, my family is now phoning me to find out my reaction. :)