PROVO, Utah -- In his June 26 remarks during the 2009 New Mission Presidents Seminar, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke of the blessed opportunities awaiting those recently called to lead the Mormon missions.

"Presidents and sisters, isn't it great to be part of this divine and sacred work?" he asked. "You will be wonderful. You are not called to fail; you will succeed because God is with you. You will have great and wonderful experiences as leaders in the church, as missionaries, and especially -- the two of you -- as a very unique companionship."

The church leader told the mission presidents and their wives that, yes, their calling is to increase the number of new members. "But it is also to assist local church leaders and members in establishing and strengthening the church. These members represent a vital source of strength for you and your missionaries."

The fruits of the labors of the new mission presidents and their wives will be seen and felt in the lives of their own families, in the lives of their missionaries and in the lives of families and individuals in their respective missions.