“When I was called to the Relief Society general presidency six years ago this month, President Hinckley counseled me: “You bring a peculiar quality to this presidency. You will be recognized as one who represents those beyond the borders of the United States and Canada and, as it were, an outreach across the world to members of the Church in many, many lands. They will see in you a representation of their oneness with the Church.” He gave me a blessing that my tongue might be loosed as I spoke to the people. President Hinckley, I want to bear witness to the Lord before you and this congregation that your counsel and your blessing have been literally fulfilled. I do not speak Korean or Spanish or Tongan. But when I…
“He trusts us to help make the Inn the place He needs it to be. As we offer our talents and best efforts, His spiritual gifts also strengthen and bless. A Spanish language interpreter told me, “Elder Gong, I knew by the Spirit what you were going to say so I could translate,” this faithful brother said, “by the gift of tongues.” Gifts of faith and assurance come, manifest differently in different situations.”
“I hope you realize how extraordinary it is that you have been given the gift of being able to communicate in more than one language. ... Just as having the ability to communicate in another language will expand your intellectual horizons. ...You will get to know and come to love other peoples—and you will do so with a depth of feeling and understanding that would not otherwise be possible.” And for those who already speak a foreign language he said... “As suggested by the need for deliberate practice, advanced language learning is not a do-it-yourself project—but resources are available to help you improve your skills. So take the pledge: “I won’t let my language languish.” Say that ten times quickly!”
“Three or four days ago I was presented with a treasured volume... It is the old textbook that I used 75 years ago when I was one of four students who studied Greek at the University of Utah. I have long since lost my ability to read Greek and also Latin which I took at that time. But in the course of my studies I had the opportunity of reading the New Testament in the original Greek and gained from that a great insight of love and appreciation for my Savior and the great and glorious things which He taught. ...My love for the wisdom that comes of teaching and learning stems from the mandate given this people through divine revelation. Said the Lord: “And I give unto you a…
“...we as Church members, more than ever before, must take the obligation upon us to learn foreign languages.”
