New Callings in Missionary Department

In line with recent changes in the supervision of missions, a number of new administrative positions have been created. Gene R. Cook has been appointed executive secretary of the First Council of the Seventy. He also serves as a Regional Representative. Edwin C. (Ned) Winder has been named administrative assistant to the missionary department, with G. Carlos Smith, Jr., as department manager and Arthur H. Strong as medical coordinator. All three men have served as mission presidents.

Prior to his current appointment, Brother Winder served as secretary to the Church Missionary Committee, duties that will be assumed by Brother Smith. Brother Strong has been supervising the Membership Department of the Church.

The changes in the supervision of missions was announced last June with the calling of twenty-nine Mission Representatives of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Council of Seventy. These representatives will assist in the direct supervision of the missions.

With this reorganization, the First Council of the Seventy, under the direction of the Council of the Twelve, now is responsible for quorums of seventies, stake missions, and the supervision of the full-time missionaries. The Church currently has 16,000 full-time missionaries, 24,000 seventies, and 8,000 stake missionaries.

Highlighting current missionary activity is the emphasis on family conversions and the fellowshiping of new members.