Today, we’re bringing you another Meet the Q12 interview! The objective is to help you get to know our brother apostles both as individuals and as spiritual leaders. Today, we’re interviewing Brother Joel Gehly.

What branch or mission do you attend?

Erie Branch, PA (Midwest Region). I grew up in the Fredonia Branch (Penn/Mid-Atlantic Region).

What is your favorite Bible or Book of Mormon verse?

I love the Book of Mormon, and have many favorite verses, but I would say my favorite verse is Revelation 14:6-7. This verse is so important for me, for us, our church, our future. I preach this message of the “everlasting gospel” everywhere.

If you could only sing one hymn, which hymn would it be?

“It Took A Miracle” by John W. Peterson. By the way, I am not a good singer; however, I love music and enjoy the musical talent we have in the church.

What is something someone may not know about you?

I love to be outdoors and especially in nature. Before I decided to study engineering, I considered being a forest ranger. I love the ocean — the majestic, vast water is relaxing to my soul. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities (snowshoeing, canoeing, etc). I enjoy growing roses and I have been an apiarist (bee-keeper). I enjoy cooking and baking but now never seem to have the time. I do have a sweet tooth. My favorite desserts are German chocolate cake and tiramisu, and I love homemade ice cream.

Please share an experience related to your calling into the office of apostle.

My grandfather, Brother Russell Cadman, had a profound impact on my life. I lived next door to my grandparents as I grew up, and they were a constant influence naturally and spiritually. Brother Russell was a very spiritual, godly man.

My first experience related to my calling involved a dream I had where I saw my grandfather. Briefly in my dream, I saw the entire church as a huge building. There were 12 balconies around the entirety of the building, and I saw a man at each balcony overseeing the church. I was standing on the floor of the building, looking up at the balconies. In the dream, the only man I focused upon and saw with clarity was my grandfather. I knew this was a representation of the apostles of the church.

In my dream, time passed, and I saw the church activities change. In the passage of time, I noticed the men in the balconies had changed. My grandfather was no longer present, and in fact, I was now looking down upon the church from one of the balconies. This dream was the first experience that made me consider that perhaps the Lord had a new calling for my life.

What is one goal you have as an apostle?

I want to be a positive influence on the Church and all people, and I want to see the fulfillment of the following promises:

And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be. (1 Nephi 13:37)

…beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. (1 Nephi 14:14)

What does being an apostle mean to you?

I believe an apostle today is a servant to all people. An apostle is not only a special witness of Jesus Christ on this earth, but — equally important — an apostle today is a special witness to the Restoration of the Gospel and God’s glorious plan for the latter-day glory.

If you had to give one piece of advice to a young person, what would it be?

Love God with every ounce of your being — and serve Jesus Christ no matter what.

Which branch or mission (foreign or domestic) would you like to visit that you never have before?

The city of the New Jerusalem that we will help build with Israel. I want to be there. Even if it does not get completed in my lifetime, I want to visit the place.

Are there any spiritual experiences that you’ve had that changed your life or made an impact on you and your relationship with God?

First, an overwhelming experience/influence is the dedication of my parents and grandparents to the Lord and the Restored Gospel. As I grew, I had no doubt at all that God was first and that Christ needed to be first in my life.

I have had the opportunity to experience the gifts and miracles of God (many times) around the world. I have experienced the magnitude of the love of God with many cultures and types of people in this world. All of these experiences have given me a realization of the unbelievable privilege of living in America. This great privilege, along with a knowledge/understanding of the Restoration plan for creation, is the most profound spiritual experience I have been given.

Did you miss the first two interviews? Check them out here and here.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.