President Russell M. Nelson, 93, briskly heads for the stairs. Petersen. [4] Nelson was a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for nearly 34 years, and was the quorum president from 2015 to 2018. Alma 11:43; see also Ecclesiastes 12:7; Alma 40:23; Doctrine and Covenants 138:17. [28] Later, he performed the same operation on future LDS Church president Spencer W. Kimball, replacing his damaged aortic valve. [50], Following the death of Boyd K. Packer[51] on July 3, 2015, Nelson became the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve and the quorum's president. [45][46], Nelson's assignments as an apostle have included supervisory responsibility for the LDS Church in Africa. The Lord Jesus Christ directs the affairs of His Church, and it will achieve its divine objectives. Nelson was set apart as the quorum president on July 15, 2015, by Thomas S. Welcome to general conference and to the privilege of hearing the voice of the Lord. Without the spirit, the body is dead (see James 2:26). [13], Nelson studied at LDS Business College in his mid-teens (concurrently with high school enrollment) and worked as an assistant secretary at a bank. You can find true restmeaning relief and peaceeven amid your most vexing problems. Elder Russell M. Nelson Marries Wendy L. Watson Diet ElderRussell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Wendy L. Watsonwere married today in the Salt Lake Temple. President Nelson taught us that one meaning of the word Israel is "let God prevail." 12 He asked each of us these questions: "Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Nelson became a noted heart surgeon and served as president of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the Utah Medical Association.[6]. 29. Monson. Do the things of this world bring us the joy, happiness, and peace that the Savior offered to His disciples and that He offers to us? We look forward to the day when all worthy members of the Church can again serve their ancestors and worship in a holy temple. [114] Together they had ten children: nine daughtersMarsha, Wendy (19512019),[115] Gloria, Brenda, Sylvia, Emily (19581995),[116] Laurie, Rosalie, and Marjorieand a son, Russell Jr. (b. "[112], While a student at the University of Utah, Nelson met and began dating fellow Utah student Dantzel White (19262005). ", "Elder Nelson pronounces blessings on six Balkan nations", "Elders Maxwell, Nelson welcomed in China", "President Nelson Signs Mission Calls as Presiding Apostle", "President Russell M. Nelson introduced as 17th LDS president, vows to serve, discusses diversity", "President Nelson is Now Oldest President of the Church", "President Russell M. Nelson Is Now the Third Longest-Living Apostle in History of the Church", "President Nelson Traveled to 16 Nations and Territories during First Year as Prophet", "President Nelson asks LDS members to gather Israel, believe in Book of Mormon", "President Nelson promises Puerto Ricans their 'best days' are ahead", "President Nelson to Visit the Caribbean Area", "Crowd Sunday at State Farm Stadium could rival Super Bowl", "Prophet Meets Pope Francis at the Vatican", "President Nelson Meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican", "Pope Francis meets with President Nelson in the Vatican", "First Presidency Directs Leaders to Prevent and Respond to Abuse", "Twitter reacts to LDS Church naming new apostles, Elder Gong and Elder Soares", "The latest from last day of Mormon General Conference: More stunners church is replacing its home and visiting teaching and will build temples in Layton, Russia, India", "Church News: President Nelson's full remarks from the LDS Church's 'Be One' celebration", "LDS church leaders meet with NAACP, call for 'greater civility and racial harmony', "President Nelson Challenges Youth to Participate in 'Greatest Cause' on Earth", "LDS Church leaders ask Mormons to submit original songs for new global hymnbooks", "Stop Saying 'Mormon,' Church Leader Says. So, he tempts us to eat things we should not eat, to drink things we should not drink, and to desecrate the most intimate expressions of love by employing them outside the bounds of marriage. With phase 2 now in place in many temples, thousands of couples have been sealed and thousands have received their own endowments just in the past few months. The huge project to renovate the Salt Lake Temple continues. And we will focus our eyes on sights, our ears on sounds, and our minds on thoughts that are a credit to our physical creation as a temple of God. [61], In August 2003, Nelson became the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve to visit Kazakhstan. He married Dantzel White in 1945; they are the parents of 10 children. [75], In September 2018, Nelson visited the Dominican Republic, where he gave an entire talk in Spanish, which was believed to be the first time a church president had given an extended talk in a formal setting in a language other than English. [114] The following year, Nelson married Wendy L. Watson (b. They dated for three years, then married on August 31, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple. Our inheritance is sacred. Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is calling people of all faiths and beliefs to join a global fast for COVID-19 relief on Good Friday. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods.15. We have similarly been warned about the evils of pornography and unclean thoughts. President Russell M. Nelson shared a Christmas message of joy on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 8 a.m. on his social media channels and the Church's YouTube channel. Testimonies are best cultivated in the home. [93] At the church's general conference in October 2018, he reiterated his position, declaring, "It is a correction" and "It is the command of the Lord." They love us. [77][78], On February 10, 2019, Nelson spoke to church members in Arizona at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Of course, at the time he was Elder Russell M. Nelson. [109] Nelson took all the church's apostles with him to Rome for that dedication. Russell Marion Nelson Sr. (born September 9, 1924) is an American religious leader and retired surgeon who is the 17th and current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World, "Russell M. Nelson: New President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles", "Noted heart surgeon unlikely to transform Mormon church as new president", "Mormons Worldwide Tune in to Semiannual General Conference", "What you didn't know about the fathers who raised the First Presidency", "How President Nelson's faith forged his path for service in the LDS Church", "11 Things You Didn't Know about President Nelson", The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Meet the former heart surgeon set to become the Mormon church's new leader", "Get to Know President Russell M. Nelson, a Renaissance Man - Church News and Events", "Development of a Pump-oxygenator to Replace the Heart and Lungs: An Apparatus Applicable to Human Patients and Application to One Case", "Celebrating 60 Years of Cardiac Surgery in Utah With Russell M. Nelson, M.D. Magnify your callings. [65] While there, Nelson visited government officials, was interviewed by Yuzhnaya Stalitsa television, and dedicated that country for the preaching of the gospel. [10][11] His parents were not active in the Latter-day Saint faith while he was a youth, but they did send him to Sunday School,[12] and he was baptized a member of the LDS Church at age 16. His Church has been restored in these latter-days to prepare the world for His Second Coming, President Nelson said. During a 2019 event marking President Nelsons 95th birthday, he shared his testimony of Jesus Christ and his restored Church. In November 2019, my friend and I visited the Holy Land. This marked the first time since 1985 that a new church president had not retained a previously-serving counselor. President Nelson is only the second prophet the first being Joseph Fielding Smith to be called as President of the Church while over the age of 90. On April 14, 2022, Nelson surpassed Gordon B. Hinckley to become the oldest president in the history of the church. [37], After returning to Salt Lake City, he was called as priest quorum advisor in the Garden Park Ward, working with over 50 boys ages 16 to 18. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a nimble 85-year-old, intends to keep up with his friend and quorum president as they start down the circular stairs in the northwest corner of the temple. In Massachusetts, Nelson was the secretary for the adult Aaronic priesthood organization in his Boston-area branch. [41] Early in his service as an apostle, Nelson was an adviser to the church's Young Women organization and was supportive of the developing of the Young Women values and Personal Progress program. In time, physical or mental addictions enslave both the body and the spirit. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox weekly. Im not saying that having a nice home or a nice car is wrong or that using social media is bad. Credit: Russell M. Nelson Facebook Leaders & Ministry President Nelson invites all to 'make room in your heart' this Christmas for those struggling to feel the Savior's love By What things can you do within your own life to show that you love the Lord first? May we always honor His gifts and that heritage in all that we do and say. [5], A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nelson attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate and medical school education. A firm understanding of body and spirit will shape our thoughts and deeds for the good. The meeting took place the day before the church's Rome Italy Temple was dedicated. He created it as a tabernacle for our spirits, to assist each of us in our quest to fulfill the full measure of our creation. Spirit and body, when joined together, become a living soul of supernal worth. You can overcome the spiritually and emotionally exhausting plagues of the world, including arrogance, pride, anger, immorality, hatred, greed, jealousy, and fear. While there, we reviewed and studied scriptures about Jesus Christs life. Last October, President Russell M. Nelson taught us the importance of putting Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ first in our lives. RussellM. Nelson, Let God Prevail, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 92; see also Bible Dictionary, Israel.. Her marriage to Nelson is her first. [100] Nelson had previously characterized the 2015 policy as direction from God, stating "Each of us during that sacred moment felt a spiritual confirmation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints This article was first published as the ChurchBeat newsletter. [35] He performed a total of nearly 7,000 operations before his call to be an apostle. If we honor it as God has ordained, we will remain on that strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.29, Jesus Christ is our great Exemplar. 301. The body can heal its cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Let that be your new normal. The Living Christ, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. 1972). A study of your body attests to its divine design. Credit: Screenshot Nelson family As of April 2023, Nelson has announced a total of 133 new temples to be built in many countries around the world. (Photo: KUTV) (KUTV) At least six people are suing the daughter and son-in-law of Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today we often hear about a new normal. If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are His children. How would we answer the question Lovest thou me more than these?. Never a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. On Thursday, April 14, 2022, President Nelson is 97 years, seven months and six days old surpassing President, President Nelson is only the second prophet the first being, One of the things that I admire about President Nelson is the way he unifies people of different points of view and different levels of experience and maturity, said President, He has more love for people, I think, than almost anybody Ive ever been around in my life, reflected President, Painting a Methodist Church, Feeding the Hungry and Helping Abuse Survivors: Service from Latter-day Saints Around the World, When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. To protect it from harm, it perceives pain. This passage returned to my mind recently with the news that President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is now the oldest prophet the church has ever had in its 192-year history. Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [88], June 2018 began with a First Presidency-sponsored celebration of the 40th anniversary of the revelation extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy members without regard to race, in which Nelson gave concluding remarks. The spirit, not the body, is the active, responsible component of the soul. Peacemakers Needed By President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. Early in his remarks, President Nelson reminded members to, "Keep on the covenant path." (New First Presidency Speaks to Members Worldwide) Covenants are ".sacred agreements between God and a person or group of people. To mark this special day, senior leaders of the Church share some of the lessons they have learned from President Nelson. It is truly irreverent to let even the gaze of our precious eyesight or the sensors of our touch or hearing supply the brain with memories that are unclean or unworthy. He'll be 98 in September. By President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. No one else can gain it for you. On Thursday, April 14, 2022, President Nelson is 97 years, seven months and six days old surpassing President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died on January 27, 2008, at the age of 97 years, seven months and five days. [110] This was the first time all ordained apostles of the church had been gathered in one location outside the United States. Please note: A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. [92], In August 2018, Nelson issued a statement urging the use of the church's full name. What I am saying is that in the end, those things matter very little compared to loving the Savior. As we focus on loving our neighbors as He loves them, we start to truly love those around us.14, I ask again, how would you respond to the Saviors question Lovest thou me more than these?. He encouraged them to collectively choose a period of seven days in which to abstain from the use of social media. To reach your highest destiny, emulate the Savior. Heavenly Father and Jesus will never forget us. Substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and harmful drugs are forbidden by the Lord. If I have learned anything certain in [my life], its that Jesus the Christ is the Son of God. Ringger. Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy! Each organ of your body is a wondrous gift from God. Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Nelson took up this challenge and developed elementary proficiency in Mandarin. Russell M. Nelson previously served as an apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He extended the invitation to the world during the Saturday evening session of the 190th Annual General Conference. [24] In an indication of his surgical skill, a 1968 case series of his aortic valve replacements demonstrated an exceptionally low peri-operative mortality. He is our Father. Satan knows the power of our appetites. 1Corinthians 6:1920; see also Doctrine and Covenants 93:35. I Am a Child of God, Hymns, no. Thank you for joining with us. You are now leaving a website maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? [27] He also provided the first surgical intervention for tricuspid regurgitation, a disorder that allows blood to flow backward into the right upper heart chamber. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames. This team was focused on ways to improve the treatment of wounded and was sent to all five MASH units active in Korea along with two major evacuation hospitals, several field station hospitals, a prisoner of war camp and larger evacuation hospitals in Japan, Hawaii, and the mainland United States in order to implement such improvements. Such as faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence (Doctrine and Covenants 4:6). [18][19][20], Nelson served a two-year term of duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War, and was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Part of the gathering of Israel, and a very important part, is the charge for us as a people to be worthy and willing to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. Salt Lake Temple Renovation Project: Taking out Trees. [55] "It was our privilege as apostles to sustain what had been revealed to President Monson," Nelson said. [23], Nelson first operated out of the University of Utah's medical school. He performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah on November 9, 1955, at age 31. Who has not encountered feelings of low self-esteem because of physique or appearance? God sets specific conditions, and He promises to bless us as we obey these conditions." (True to the Faith pg 44 . He was president of that quorum from July 2015 until becoming Church President, and he served as chairman of each of the Churchs three governing committees the Missionary Executive Council, the Temple and Family History Executive Council and the Priesthood and Family Executive Council. At my age, I have attended many funerals. [118], Dantzel Nelson died unexpectedly at their home in Salt Lake City on February 12, 2005, at age 78. As we build and maintain these temples, we pray that each of you will build and maintain yourself so you can be worthy to enter the holy temple. And I bear this testimony humbly in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced President Russell M. Nelson as its new president. He sees good in people to a degree thats really quite remarkable.. Russell M. Nelson was formally called as the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Tuesday morning. Russell M. Nelson. Embrace your new normal by repenting daily. The gathering of Israel moves forward. (?) [85], In March 2018, the First Presidency issued a letter on preventing and responding to abuse. By President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I would like to suggest five specific actions we can take to help us maintain positive spiritual momentum. However, after consulting with David O. McKay, Nelson turned down the offer. Our Creator put appetites in our bodies to perpetuate the human race and fulfill His great plan of happiness. He then moved to the Yale Second Ward, still in the Bonneville Stake, and was called as a member of the stake high council. While at Minnesota, he was a member of surgeon Clarence Dennis's pioneering research team developing the heart-lung machine that in April 1951 supported the first human open-heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. My dear brothers and sisters and friends throughout the world, I offer my personal welcome to this general conference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide. The Lords ordinances and covenants prepare us for eternal life, the greatest of all of Gods blessings.5 As you know, the COVID pandemic required a temporary closure of our temples. [67] In 1995, Nelson went to Beijing, along with Neal A. Maxwell and other LDS Church leaders, on an official invitation of Li Lanqing, the Vice Premier of China.[68]. After Jesuss Resurrection, as we read in John chapter21, Peter and the other disciples fished all night without success.1 In the morning, they saw a man standing on the shore who told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. This may be a question about what we really value in life, who we follow, and how we view our relationships with family members and neighbors. Amos Brown, a Baptist pastor and NAACP leader. I agree with Elder JeffreyR. Holland. Well, Russell M. Nelson's age is 98 years old as of today's date 27th April 2023 having been born on 9 September 1924. It is anticipated that the process of creating the new unified hymnbook and children's songbook will take several years. Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?13. The guidance also had a clear emphasis on using counseling to assist in healing from abuse. During this past year, many of you have dramatically increased the study of the gospel in your homes. Regulatory controls are managed without our awareness of these amazing realities. [14] He graduated from high school at age 16 and enrolled at the University of Utah, graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor of Arts and Phi Beta Kappa membership. Each soul is composed of body and spirit,6 both of which emanate from God. In 1985, Nelson was the first person ever to be made an honorary professor of Shandong Medical College. Your heart is an incredible pump.18 It has four delicate valves that control the direction of blood flow. My dear brothers and sisters, I love you. Known as a Renaissance man by his colleagues, President Nelson brings to his new position a lifetime of preparation. Russell M. Nelson > Quotes > Quotable Quote. 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. We prepare ourselves for His Second Coming. [47] He also made several other visits to that continent, including one to Kenya in 2011. Nerves and muscles control two eyes to make a single three-dimensional image. The hymn practice time in Sunday School was also renamed to worship through music. Nelson served in a variety of lay LDS Church leadership positions during his surgical career, beginning locally in Salt Lake City and then as the LDS Church's Sunday School General President from 1971 to 1979. It is the spirit, therefore, that chooses good or evil and will be held accountable for both the positive and negative attributes it possesses at the Final Judgment (see Alma 41:37). After 20 months in service, he left active duty at the rank of captain. In Washington DC, he was a counselor in the bishopric of the ward Ezra Taft Benson, then an apostle, regularly attended while serving as Secretary of Agriculture to Dwight D. Eisenhower. 1Timothy 6:12 continues, Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. That is our choice. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed. sort by. At one point, the team came close enough to the front that they received fire from enemy artillery positions, which missed them. The skin provides protection. The eyes are connected to the brain, which records the sights seen. course from the University of Utah in just three years and that too ranked 1st in his class. And on a Tuesday afternoon in January eight years ago, my husband and I sat down to have lunch with President Russell M. Nelson. [108] Following the December 2018 dedication of the Barranquilla Colombia Temple by Dallin H. Oaks, Nelson presided over the three-day dedicatory services for the Rome Italy Temple from March 1012, 2019. One morning we stood on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee at a place that may have been where Jesus met His disciples following His Resurrection. [99], In April 2019, the church's First Presidency published a revelation reversing a controversial November 2015 policy classifying same-sex marriage couples as apostates, and barring children of same-sex marriages from baby blessings, and from baptism until age 18. They usually dont speak about social media posts. [63], In August 2010, Nelson journeyed to the dedication of the Kiev Ukraine Temple. Education. The body renews its own outdated cells. [117] Dantzel White was a native of Perry, Utah, and first met Nelson when they were the co-leads in a musical produced at the University of Utah. I so pray, with my expression of love for you, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. I thank you, and your children will thank you. Alma 38:9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 11:28. Relating this question to ourselves in our day, the Lord may be asking us about how busy we are and about the many positive and negative influences competing for our attention and our time. [98], In December 2018, the church's First Presidency changed the process of youth class progression and priesthood ordination. He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. He not only loves us; he sees the best in us. ", "Discovering a Surgical First: Russell M. Nelson and Tricuspid Valve Annuloplasty", "At U. Commencement, President Nelson and Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell give advice about adversity", "U of U Health - Celebrating 60 Years of Cardiac Surgery in Utah With Russell M. Nelson, M.D. Russell Marion Nelson Sr. (born September 9, 1924) is an American religious leader and retired surgeon who is the 17th and current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Only He can bring us true joy, happiness, and peace through our loving Him and following His teachings. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance.3 Because of the Saviors Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing, and becoming more pure. [97] At the end of the month, Nelson toured five South American countries, during which he met with Peru's president, Martn Vizcarra, gave a major address in Peru in Spanish, and dedicated the Concepcin Chile Temple. "[94][95][96], In the October 2018 general conference, Nelson adjusted the balance between a home-centered, church-supported form of worship. Only through Him can we reach our divine destiny and eventual exaltation.. In 1992, it was identified he was on the Strengthening Church Members Committee, alongside fellow apostle James E. [70] Nelson chose not to retain Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who had served as Monson's Second Counselor, in the new First Presidency. During a 45-minute virtual gathering on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy W. Nelson, watched as Nelson family members sang Christmas carols and shared photographs of family members recreating the Christmas Nativity. We must always remember that our true happiness depends upon our relationship with God, with Jesus Christ, and with each other. He is the Only Begotten Son of God. [64], Nelson's only son, Russell M. Nelson Jr., served as an LDS missionary in Russia. [83][84], The first few months of Nelson's leadership of the LDS Church saw many significant changes to church policy, although many had at least been heavily discussed before he became church president, and some were continuations of policies instituted by his predecessors.