Church leaders upbeat: Speakers urge provident and righteous living

Despite troubling challenges emerging in the world at present, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is thriving, President Thomas S. Monson told members of the worldwide church Saturday.

"I am pleased to report that the church is doing very well," President Monson said in opening the sessions of the 179th semiannual General Conference, which will continue through Sunday. "The work of the Lord continues to move forward uninterrupted."

The president's first order of business was to announced the appointment of Elder Neil L. Andersen, formerly of the Presidency of the Seventy, to succeed the late Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Wirthlin died Dec. 1, 2008 at the age of 91.

Elder Andersen was sustained during the morning session and took his place on the stand.

As evidence of the health of the church, President Monson cited several factors, including dedication of new temples, the strength of the church's missionary program and participation in programs such as the Perpetual Education Fund.

President Monson also issued a special welcome to new church members and those who are facing adversity.

"To those of you who are new in the church, we welcome you. To those of you who are struggling with challenges or with disappointments, or with losses, we pray for you."

Although several of Saturday's speakers alluded to the current financial challenges facing countries and individuals, their comments were in the context of how to face hard times without fear through obedience to gospel principles.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve said, "Our children are growing up in times of economic uncertainty. Just as our grandparents and great-grandparents learned vital lessons through economic adversity. what we learn now, in our present circumstances, can bless us and our posterity for generations to come."

He then offered some hopeful solutions: "For both debt and addiction, the hopeful solution is the same — we must turn to the Lord and follow his commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of debt and other uncontrolled wants."

Elder Hales advised provident living, avoiding the purchase of things not really needed and "joyfully living within our means — being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for 'rainy day' emergencies."