SECTION
159
Over
the years, as I have made the needs of the church the burden of my
prayers, my joy is that the Holy Spirit has continued to bless us so
abundantly. It is in that same spirit of appreciation and
thanksgiving that I now bring to the church what I humbly believe to
represent the mind and will of God. I present it for your
consideration and action as appropriate.
To
the Councils, Quorums, and Orders, to the World Conference, and to
the church:
1.
Paul W. Booth is released from his duties as presiding evangelist.
His wisdom and steadying influence in the councils of the church have
been a blessing over the years and he should be allowed to retire
with honor.
2a.
Everett S. Graffeo is called from his present duties in the council
of Twelve Apostles to the office of evangelist and should be ordained
and set apart as presiding evangelist of the church.
2b.
The gifts of compassion and spiritual sensitivity so necessary for
this role are his in great abundance and the church will be greatly
blessed if he will respond to this call.
3.
Geoffrey F. Spencer is released from the Council of Twelve Apostles.
His many ministerial gifts and skills, especially in presiding over
the Council, have been a blessing to the church. After nearly forty
years as an appointee minister, he should be given honorable
retirement.
4a. C.
Eugene Austin, Sr., is also released from the Council of Twelve
Apostles. Having served with devotion and distinction, he should be
extended the honor of retirement from active appointment.
4b. He
is called to the office of evangelist and, if willing, should be
ordained and take his place in the Order of Evangelists.
5. To
fill the vacancies thus created, Danny A. Belrose, Dale E. Luffman,
and Kenneth L. McLaughlin are called to be apostles and to serve in
the Council of Twelve Apostles. They should be relieved of their
present duties and ordained as soon as practicable.
Further
Guidance to the church, by the prompting of the Spirit, is as
follows:
6. Be
of good cheer, O my people. Your labors and your sacrifices by which
the Temple in Independence has been built are fully acceptable to me.
Let all who have worked and prayed for such an accomplishment
rejoice in the fulfillment of the promises which were given in times
past, but have now become a blessing for all generations.
7.
Know also, dear Saints, at a time when careful study of the faith and
doctrine of the church is being called for, strength and courage for
this task will be given if you will trust my Spirit to sustain and
uphold you. Do nothing in haste, but continue to trust in the
enduring promises of the One in whose name you have been given life.
8.
Then, as you gain ever more confidence in sensing the leadings of my
Spirit, you will begin to see with new eyes, embrace the truths that
are waiting for your understanding, and move joyfully toward the
fulfillment of the tasks that are yours to accomplish.
Your
servant,
Wallace
B. Smith
President
of the Church
Independence,
Missouri
April
10, 1994
