Elder Kevin R. Duncan: Learning to work set stage for life

Since being called to the Seventy, Elder Kevin R. Duncan, 49, has had his own private moments of reflection — wondering what he might offer the Lord in his new calling.

"I love to work," he said. "If the Lord wants a worker, then I can work."

Elder Duncan was sustained to the First Quorum of the Seventy on April 3. He brings to his new assignment a broad range of international experience, gospel knowledge and a wealth of personal experience.

The new Mormon general authority's earliest recollections in life come from growing up on a farm in West Point, Utah, where he joined his two brothers and a sister in caring for the family's 60-70 head of cattle.

The boys were young and inexperienced, but their stepfather knew their capacity and wasn't shy about teaching them to perform the tough tasks. Mending fences, branding new cattle or healing an ailing calf were the work of life and demanded their finest effort.