An Apostle In Ridgecrest

In September, we had the rare privilege to receive an Apostle in Ridgecrest, Elder Quentin L. Cook.  This is like meeting Peter, James, or John of the New Testament, but even better because he is a living apostle today!

I was amazed at how gracious Elder Cook was.  He was so willing to shake people's hands and he was so kind to everyone.

Elder Cook came for our semi-annual Ridgecrest Stake Conference.  There are several sessions during Stake Conference, and I was grateful to be able to attend most of them.  During the Priesthood Leadership session, he opened it up to questions.  I have to admit that when he did that, I was somewhat disappointed.  What could anyone possibly ask the apostle that he would answer in an unpredictable way?  I don't mean that statement in a non-faith attitude mannerism; I would just expect an apostle to answer questions using the scriptures, quote the living prophet, and in a manner that would encourage and uplift and not demoralize anyone.  And I believe Elder Cook did just that!  Later on, after talking to another local Church leader, I came to realize that one reason Elder Cook had a Q&A session was to learn about us via the questions we asked him.  What better way to learn our concerns and questions than to just ask us what questions we have?

I was told that Elder Cook also was taking notes about us during each session of conference with the intent that his notes about us would be able to help guide him in remarks he could give that would most benefit us.  That is so neat that he would be so focused on our needs to actively be doing things to help us that way!

During the adult session of Stake Conference, Elder Cook gave us an apostolic blessing.  It was really wonderful to have an apostle pronounce blessings upon us.  Here are some of the highlights I took away from the Apostolic blessing:

• For those of us who are doing well, to be generous in our fast offerings and to take care of people


• We will know how to help raise our children in spiritual and moral "enemy territory".  We will find answers and guidance if we ask in prayer.


• We know there is a glorious conclusion in the next life.  Unity will come with families, even for those whose children have strayed.

Among other things Elder Cook told us what he expected Elder Packer to speak about in General Conference based on discussions he had with him, although he asked us not to put on the internet "Elder Cook said Elder Packer will talk about...".  Now that General Conference is over, it did turn out that Elder Packer talked about what Elder Cook predicted, although Elder Packer directed his remarks towards the youth and I had expected him to direct his remarks towards parents.  Yet it still applies.

Elder Cook also said (in my own words) that:

• For the future, family prayer, family scripture study, and Family Home Evening will be essential.


• We are to serve where we are called.  We do not aspire to any calling.


• The atonement covers all unfairness in life.


• Don’t just do enough to get by.  This principle applies to scripture study, prayer, callings, Church attendance, etc...


• Wherever we live, we live in enemy territory.


• Our primary responsibility as leaders is to build faith in Jesus Christ

Before the start of the general session of conference, Elder Cook started in the back of the gym and shook people's hands as he headed up to the stand in the chapel.  Benjamin ran out and was able to shake his hand.

By the end of the Conference, I was a little disappointed that I wasn't able to at least shake the apostle's hand.  Before leaving the Church, we talked to some people at the conference, including the Latinos as I was curious as to who had made it and who did not.  As we were heading down the hall to leave, I saw our Stake President and we approached him to tell him what a great conference it was.  Rachel said something to the effect of "I bet you are breathing a sigh of relief!" as simultaneously Elder Cook emerged from the men's restroom to hear her as a member of the High Council said "Not yet...".  Elder Cook had heard it all and said something to the effect of "I always look forward to the close of these kinds of things too".  He graciously shook both Rachel and my hands before proceeding out the building.

So I got to shake an apostle's hand after all!