A Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia—now Ostrava, Czech Republic.
FATHER: Karl Albert Uchtdorf
MOTHER: Hildegard Else Opelt Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Key Doctrines:
President
Uchtdorf is a talented pilot and often speaks with awe of the sky and the expanse of the
universe. The sky, with its cycles of
light and dark, are very symbolic of the teachings and principles of the
gospel. Although he is an experienced
commercial pilot with extensive knowledge of flight and airplanes that
knowledge seems small compared to his knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
His German accent belies his literacy in multiple languages. He teaches capably
all the doctrines and principles of the gospel.
I learned why President Uchtdorf often urges us to spend quality time with loved ones, making memories with our families. He knows first hand the terrible tragedies of war and the terror of losing loved ones. He joined the church as a young boy when invited by an older “grandmotherly” woman. As a boy he worked to help with the hardship his family experienced as he grew up in post war Germany.
He is very tall (6' 5").
Learning about President Uchtdorf has given me many things to ponder. I am particularly struck by the love and forgiveness that we all must have for each other. I remember a time when the German people, and anything to do with Germany were not very popular because of war atrocities. President Uchtdorf has experienced a side of life that I pray to never know. His goodness and example remind us that every person, in every nation, and in every station is a son or daughter of God, and God remembers and loves us all alike. We may all "come" to the Savior.
He is very tall (6' 5").
Learning about President Uchtdorf has given me many things to ponder. I am particularly struck by the love and forgiveness that we all must have for each other. I remember a time when the German people, and anything to do with Germany were not very popular because of war atrocities. President Uchtdorf has experienced a side of life that I pray to never know. His goodness and example remind us that every person, in every nation, and in every station is a son or daughter of God, and God remembers and loves us all alike. We may all "come" to the Savior.
He taught recently, when speaking of hope and light, "Even
though we may feel lost . . . God promises the hope of his light. He promises to illuminate the way before us
and show us the way out of darkness. . . . God's light is real. It is available to all. .
. . It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness
of our souls. In the furrows of despair it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of
sorrow. It
can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night . . . .
How do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light? First start where you are.
... We don't have to be perfect to experience
the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father. We don't have to wait to cross
the finish line to receive God's blessings. In
fact the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill
upon us with the very first steps we take towards the light." [1]
(My emphasis.)
[1] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "The Hope of God’s Light," 182th Annual General
Conference, April 7, 2013
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