6 Things We'll Never Forget from Elder Uchtdorf's Time in the First Presidency

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Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been a beloved member of the First Presidency for the past 10 years. In gratitude for his remarkable service, we'd like to highlight a few of our favorite ways he magnified his calling and blessed the members of the Church throughout his time in the presidency. 

His Support and Aid of Members Around the World

Over the past 10 years, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has traveled the world ministering to Latter-day Saints after natural disasters, aiding in the Church's humanitarian work, uplifting Saints in distant countries, and finding time to love and serve individual members of the Church. Whether speaking at a local fireside, a stake conference, or a worldwide Church event, Elder Uchtdorf was sure to communicate his love of Church members individually. A recent example of his ministry to those in need came in this message he shared after the flooding in Houston Texas:

I have just left the Houston, Texas area, where floods caused by Hurricane Harvey have caused catastrophic loss. Though we all have seen photos and videos of the destruction, there is little that can prepare you for the enormity of the damage caused. It is heart-wrenching.
Despite this intense trial, thanks to the Savior and those who follow Him, there is always reason for hope. I forever will be inspired by the selfless humanitarian service I witnessed today. . . .
I want to speak directly to my friends in Houston, but I also hope this message can be helpful to you, wherever you are, if your own spiritual floodwaters are rising and you don’t know where to turn. The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: “Fear not, little flock . . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:34, 36).
Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us.
And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged and worried—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in.
Never surrender.
Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. . . .
My friends, embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. I love you and I pray that you may find hope during these difficult times.

Image from Mormon Newsroom

His Airplane Analogies 

Elder Uchtdorf is famous for his airplane analogies. They're so famous that in his general conference address in October 2010 he said, "At this point some of you may be thinking, 'That’s all very fine and good, but what does it have to do with flying an airplane?' Well, let me tell you." Recently, these well-loved analogies were compiled in The Gospel at 30,000 Feet

Image from LDS Smile

His Messages at Women's Conferences

As a member of the First Presidency, Elder Uchtorf had frequent opportunities to speak at the women's meetings of general conference. Elder Uchtdorf has a unique storytelling style and a special gift for relating to the women of the Church. We loved his recent story of the mad, glad, and sad sisters,his descriptive telling of the story of Eva spending the summer with her great-aunt Rose, his delightful message about finding our "happily ever after," and his memorable use of the forget-me-not flower. 

Image from Pinterest

Many of these treasured stories and analogies have been memorialized in keepsake books such as The Remarkable Soul of a Woman, A Summer With Great-Aunt Rose, Your Happily Ever After, and Forget Me Not.


His Connection to the Youth

Approximately 28,000 young adults flocked to the conference center on Sunday to watch Elder Uchtdorf's recent worldwide devotional, and thousands more watched the broadcast. Elder Uchtdorf has a special talent for engaging with the youngest in the Church through his storytelling, his iconic German accent, the simple format of his talks, and by addressing his audience in frequent, uplifting ways as well as the way he humorously and accurately surmises what they might be thinking. His talks often feel like a conversation. 

Image from Facebook

His Experience as a Refugee

Elder Uchtdorf has shared countless stories from his youth during World War II. He's shared the struggles he and his family faced as they relocated to West Germany, his struggles to learn the English language, and his struggles to attract the girl (now his wife) whom he had a crush on as a boy.  Many can relate to Elder Uchtdorf's experiences, both directly and indirectly, and his stories allow us to see him as a relatable human being, sharing life's joys and sorrows. 

Elder Uchtdorf and his sister Christel. Image from Facebook. 

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His Temple Dedications 

During his service as a member of the First Presidency, Elder Uchtdorf dedicated 10 temples around the world. We love these photos of him bonding with Saints across the globe as he participates in dedicatory activities. 

Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple dedicated December 11, 2011
Image from KSL

Manaus Brazil Temple dedicated June 10, 2012
Image from Mormon Newsroom

Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple dedicated March 17, 2013
Image from Mormon Newsroom

Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple dedicated May 4, 2014
Image from Facebook

Córdoba Argentina Temple dedicated May 17, 2015
Image from Facebook

Trujillo Peru Temple dedicated June 21, 2015
Image from Facebook

Tijuana Mexico Temple dedicated December 13, 2015
Image from Facebook

Fort Collins Colorado Temple dedicated October 16, 2016
Image from Facebook

Tuscan Arizona Temple dedicated August 13, 2017
Image from Facebook

Meridian Idaho Temple dedicated November 19, 2017
Image from Facebook

We're grateful that we'll continue to enjoy Elder Uchtdorf's remarkable service, powerful influence, and delightful, relatable messages as he continues to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. 

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