Nielson, then executive director of the missionary department, was initially concerned that baptisms might drop to nearly zero. Then, just weeks later, the pandemic shut down the world and proselyting as we knew it stopped.Įlder Brent H. Nelson, now President of the Church, authorized every missionary worldwide to have a smartphone. The tests continued and over the next few years, more and more missionaries received phones. But Elder Nelson never wavered in his conviction that missionaries could be taught to use the internet righteously and that they should have smartphones. But in time, the MEC began allowing missionaries in a few test missions to carry iPads or smartphones.Įvery problem the MEC predicted happened. One day in the MEC, Elder Nelson held up his smartphone and said, “We need to put these into the hands of every missionary.” You can imagine the discussion that ensued about all the challenges missionaries with smartphones would create. Nelson chaired the Missionary Executive Council or MEC. Nielson, I relate an instructive experience. With permission from President Russell M. So, in a world filled with billions of conflicting voices, where do we turn for the smartest help? But it’s harder if you’re stupid.” Seriously, are any of us smart enough to maneuver this confusing world alone? Without help from those who are smarter, the future looks downright scary. That conversation with President Hinckley reminds me of something the actor John Wayne used to say: “Life is hard. But if you’ll hire smart people and listen to them, you can do it.” In essence, President Hinckley was saying, “Sheri, you probably aren’t smart enough to turn Deseret Book around by yourself. “Hire people you trust who will make you smarter.”
I wish I were smarter.” To which he instantly responded, “Sheri, I wish you were smarter too.” After he finished laughing, he said, “Are you smart enough to hire smart people?” I thought for a moment and said, “Yes, I can do that.” “Well, then, go hire the brains,” he said. I described the problems I was uncovering and said, “President, I don’t think I’m smart enough to turn this company around. Hinckley-who had appointed me to this position-called me to his office to ask how things were going. I knew nothing about turning a company around and was in way over my head.Ī few months into my job, President Gordon B. The company had been losing a lot of money and every part of its business was being disrupted. Twenty years ago, I was named the new president and CEO of Deseret Book Company, which was facing stiff challenges. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord will teach you today so that you hear what the Lord wants you to hear. My dear brothers and sisters, Aloha! I love BYU–Hawaii, and I’m thrilled to be back.
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