As you all probably know, President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints passed away a few hours ago. I must say, I am at a bit of a loss. Although I know he was a great man who lived and served and did great things for the Lord and as much as I know he is now able to be with his beloved wife, I will admit to being stunned and quite sad. He has been basically the prophet I have known and grown up with. His wit, his charm, his dedication, his steadfastness, his testimony and his love are what I have come to look forward to and depend on. He has done so much for the church and for each member. I have always felt of his love and devotion to even the smallest matter. I will truly miss this great leader. But what an amazing legacy he left behind. And what a wonderful example he is. He has left us all with such a wonderful testimony and so many amazing insights and counsels to follow. I sincerely hope and pray that I can live in the same way that he did, where my actions and thoughts and deeds all glorify our God in Heaven and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I will miss this great man, but am grateful for the continuing comfort of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"I hope that all of you will remember that on this Sabbath day you heard me bear my witness that this is God's holy work. The vision given the Prophet Joseph in the grove of Palmyra was not an imaginary thing. It was real. It occurred in the broad light of day. Both the Father and the Son spoke to the boy. He saw Them standing in the air above him. He heard Their voices. He gave heed to Their instruction. It was the resurrected Lord who was introduced by His Father, the great God of the universe. For the first time in recorded history, both the Father and the Son appeared together to part the curtains and open this, the last and final dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times. The Book of Mormon is all that it purports to be—a work recorded by prophets who lived anciently and whose words have come forth "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Book of Mormon title page). The priesthood has been restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. All the keys and authority pertaining to eternal life are exercised in this Church. Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation. This Church, which carries the name of the Redeemer, is true. I leave you my testimony, my witness, and my love for each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."-President Gordon B. Hinckley April 2007
