Even in those moments, however, she is never one to mince words, or to linger. Few of them express their impressions as Joseph Smith did., When Latter-day Saint presidents say that they felt inspired or received an impression, she wrote in an email, they ARE saying that it is a revelation.. He met with then-Church President David O. McKay. President Nelson, followed by his counselors, and all members of the Quorum of the Twelve, walked back from the Temple to the Church Administration Building. This set off an illustrious career with countless achievements. As president, Hinckley did not mention God when introducing The Family: A Proclamation to the World or his plans to erect smaller temples both significant theological and programmatic developments nor even when he offered his stern 2006 admonition against the sin of racism. Right away he began thinking of the principle that all things work under the direction of laws, and so he must be able, if he learned the laws of the heart well enough, to imitate its functions in order to perform life-saving operations. He graduated first in his class from medical school at age 22. Russell Marion Nelson Sr. is an American religious leader, author, philanthropist, and former surgeon, who is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) as its 17th and current president. He gave the Lord a wonderful package of raw material to work with, but I have seen the Lord bless him and mold him into becoming the prophet of the Lord that we sustain him to be.. His medical degree was as well used in the Korean War conflict, and his love of serving and helping others was felt throughout his medical career. President Russell M. Nelson toured 10 countries in Eastern Europe last year. Dr. Wu visited the University of Utah and President Nelson visited China. Danztel died Feb. 12, 2005, just shy of the Nelsons 60th wedding anniversary. Many modern-day apostles who know languages other than English have spoken to Saints in their native tongues around the world. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. It was Elder Nelson, it was Apostle Nelson, it was Prophet, Seer and Revelator Nelson. But I do recall my own feelings and the nature of the expressions of my brethren. . Russell M. Nelson. 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. As church president, Nelson is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. The [three-member] First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counsel together and share all the Lord has directed us to understand and to feel, individually and collectively, he said. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News 18 of 25 On February 12, 2005, Nelson lost his first wife unexpectedly. There was a hallowed and sanctified atmosphere in the room., For Hinckley, it felt as if a conduit opened between the heavenly throne and the kneeling, pleading prophet of God who was joined by his brethren, he told members a decade after the experience. I felt spiritually renewed as I listened to those who He is an inspired and wise leader, and the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with, Dallin H. Oaks, his first counselor in the governing First Presidency who himself turned 90 in August and is the man next in line to succeed Nelson, said on the occasion. Joseph Smith's "First Vision.". The decision to change the long-standing policy came first to Kimball after years of prayer and meditation and then to top Latter-day Saint authorities meeting in the Salt Lake Temple. Although my Spanish is not perfect, I desire to speak with you in your own language.. Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints A seated President Russell M. Nelson speaks at General Conference on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. I do not recall the exact words that he spoke. He was sustained in a Solemn Assembly Nelson brought about several important changes to the church policies. First and foremost, he said, President Nelson is kind. It will be translated in various languages and each translated version will have the same hymns in the same order. On January 29, 1995, Emily died of cancer when she was 37 years old. Spencer W. Kimball, right, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with counselor Marion G. Romney, presides over a session of General Conference in October 1978, when members approved an end to the priesthood ban. President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his 34 years as an apostle, President Nelson has visited 133 countries, participating in the dedications of 31 of those countries and opening doors for the Church in Eastern Europe and China. . I was moved to tears under his hands, he said. I felt the Spirit, and he answered questions that I had.. By. He learned the language as a missionary and said, I felt it a great privilege to be able to testify of Jesus Christ and of His role as our Savior and Redeemer in Japanese to our Japanese Saints. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/russell-m-nelson-18602.php, 20th Century Spiritual & Religious Leaders, 21st Century Spiritual & Religious Leaders. Nelson introduced the initiative of allowing young women in the ages of 14-18 to be assigned as ministering sisters. ", Nelsons immediate predecessor, President Thomas S. Monson, then declared the mind of the Lord and the will of the Lord., Each of us during that sacred moment felt a spiritual confirmation, Nelson said, in the first official explanation of the hotly debated policys origins. This is Watsons first marriage. He has authored many articles and textbook chapters, lectured nationally and internationally, and served as president, director, or chairman of several national medical associations. He also announced that home teaching and visiting teaching would be abolished and the programs ministering would be rebranded. He also served the Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as organist at their weekly meetings. Incredible things happened as a result of President Nelson deciding to follow the prophet. Learn more about President Nelsons involvement with the Peru MTC 20 years ago. ), PROMISES FROM A PROPHET: The last 6 promises made by Russell M. Nelson during General Conference (Latter-day Divers) #GeneralConference, President Nelsons address to the Saints of California | California Member Devotional, Sunday, February 27, 2022, Sister Tracy Browning is the first Black woman to ever give a talk at the Latter-day Saint #GeneralConference, The Prodigal Son Coloring Page Free Printable | LDS Bookstore, VIDEO: Pastors FIRST TIME Inside Latter-day Saint Temple, VIDEO: Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures (May 1-7) Luke 12-17; John 11 | The Prodigal Son Line Upon Line for Come Follow Me, Come Follow Me | BYU Studies | Luke 12 to 17; John 11. It was a profound teaching moment, and I have reminded myself of that day often when I have Because of the lifting and stabilizing effort of President Nelson, Elder Wirthlin was able to complete the address. They would pay for all of his childrens education, wherever those children went on the face of the earth., President McKay just said, I dont think you should go, explained Elder Holland. Elder Russell M. Nelson plays horseshoes. But they definitely felt the mantle of godly spokesman. We love to post articles that help people live fuller, more vibrant lives. Elder Russell M. Nelson and his first wife, Sister Dantzel White Nelson, who died in 2005. On Monday, September 9th, President Russell M. Nelson will be celebrating his 95th birthday. Sister Dew said many things can be learned from his pioneering surgical experiences. Copyright Daily Herald | www.heraldextra.com | 1200 Towne Centre Blvd. These devotional addresses portray President Nelsons testimony, spiritual insight, and dedication to the gospel over the years of his service and leadership. He is a person who seeks revelation and insight of what the Lord expects of this church., The elderly leader seems to have a sense of urgency, Reid said. Quiz: What do the Apostles and First Presidencys initials stand for? That hardly means these men shied away from mentioning their revelatory experiences in private or from referring openly to their prayers and pleadings with the Lord. Each intermediate step [announcement] is a building block in that foundation.. During his South American ministry tour, President Russell M. Nelson addressed Peruvian Latter-day Saints in their native language of Spanish. Latter-day Saints who speak Spanish, or are from Spanish-speaking countries, account for the global faiths second-largest language group. Nelson passed away. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News 24 of 25 He read to them often. In November of 2014, he received a medal for his diligent service during the Korean War. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. He graduated from the University of Utah with his bachelors degree in 1945, and then summa cum laude with an MD in 1947, at the age of 22. President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, leave the stand after the Sunday morning session of general conference Sunday, April 3, 2016. Credit: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News, Deseret News. President loves his family dearly. As told in Sheri Dews biography of President NelsonInsights From A Prophets LifePresident Nelson was persuaded to join a production ofHayfoot, Strawfootby his close friend Gail Plummer. He described it in a 2001 General Conference sermon as a plan which we believe is inspired by the Lord.. He greeted the Canadian saints in French and spoke of the importance of following Jesus Christ. He taught his children to ski between his legs, to ride a bike and to drive. Sister Owens said President Nelson has a strong relationship with each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sending handwritten birthday, Christmas and anniversary cards. (Jeremy Harmon | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Russell M. Nelson waves to the crowd at the end of Sunday morning session of General Conference on April 1, 2018. Born and raised in Utah, Nelson received his medical degree from the University of Utah and then went on to get a PhD from the University of Minnesota. Despite a rigorous schedule and, for a long time, very little money, she never complained. During a cornerstone ceremony for the Sapporo Japan Temple, President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, stand with children invited to participate, from left, Kuhi Kikuchi, 10; Ryuto Miyamoto, 8; Hina Iwamoto, 7; Kaito Miyamoto, 6; and Miku Nigita, 4, who is helped by her father, Haruhiko Nigita. Two hours later, he emerged from the room, Wendy Nelson told apostle Neil L. Andersen, who reported it on Facebook. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife immediately started studying the difficult language and praying for the people in China. Such statements echoed words and phrases used by Kimball and others to describe their experience ending the racial ban in 1978. He would be made head of the department. When hes home, hes home,Dantzelsaid of her husband.3 In addition to prayer and the scriptures, music and outdoor activities like skiing, horseback riding, and tennis were important to the Nelson family. Newsroom reported that as President Nelson began speaking to the Saints in Peru, he announced to the delight and applause of the audience that he would speak in Spanish, which he did for more than 15 minutes.. On Thursday, the church also announced they had combined African news rooms online. I think maybe thats how he balances things., Russell Nelson Jr. said people often ask him what it is like to be an Apostles son. He had three siblings, one brother, Robert Harold (19312014), and two sisters, Marjory Edna (19202016) and Enid (b. But even a slowed Nelson remains on the job, and he walked out of the Conference Center auditorium after Saturdays and Sundays sessions without assistance. Nelson uses old-style language and is possibly unique in that style among recent leaders, Parshall said, but I think its only his language, not his claimed experiences, that are unique.. Russell M. Nelson was set apart as the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 14, 2018. These websites are the official voice of the Church in these regions around the world. The LDS Church continues to build on its online and social media presence throughout the world. He is a father of 10. It was very sweet and very giving to each other.. She was 78 at the time of her sudden death. and M.D. President Russell M. Nelson with his daughter Sylvia and three of his great-grandchildren. Photo courtesy of the Nelson family. President Russell M. Nelson with a grandson. Church. It was our privilege as apostles to sustain what had been revealed to President Monson.. A young Russell Nelson was curious. Heres a look at three of them that have inspired me recently. 3 scripture stories that may inspire you to be a little more tree. When hes doing his Church duty, hes 100 percent Church duty. Nelson visited various countries in South America and Africa as well as China and India as a medical doctor and to speak in conferences. President Russell M. Nelson stands in his office in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015. Credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News, Deseret News. Newsroomreported, In fluent Spanish, he spoke of the importance of keeping the commandments, of the blessings of temple marriage and of the Atonement of Christ as the foundation of the Church., President Nelson decided to learn Chinese when President Spencer W. Kimball saidin a seminar, We should be of service to the Chinese. The current Latter-day Saint leader, on the other hand, speaks boldly of his prayer life and divine mandates. But no one can dodge the passage of time, and Saturdays address marked the first time Nelson has delivered a conference sermon while sitting down. As President Russell M. Nelson uttered those first few words in Spanish, surprised faces in the congregation glanced up from their notebooks. However, a patient home teacher and kind sales clerk at Deseret Book helped introduce Russell to the Gospel and he was baptized at the age of 16. Elder Andersen accompanied President Nelson on a visit to Canada in August. Their children fondly remember that both parents showed their love by making time for each child a top priority. After his graduation from the University of Utah, President Nelson interned at the University of Minnesota. . Theyre the treasure of Japan., It was made clear that Elder and Sister Stevenson have a love for the youth in Japan. Nelson isnt.. But the voice of the [Holy] Spirit whispered with certainty into our minds and our very souls.. In 1965, Nelson declined to join the University of Chicago as the head of their department of thoracic surgery. President Nelson isnt the first prophet or apostle to address Latter-day Saints in their native language. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. All rights reserved. September 7, 2019 In 1985, Nelson, along with his colleague Conrad B. Jenson, operated on Chinese opera performer Fang Rongxiang. I have seen the Lord magnify him and bless him and shape him for this hour, said Elder Holland. degree in 1945 and M.D. This development saved the lives of countless patients, many in the hands of Dr. Nelson himself. With boundless energy some say he has never taken a sick day President Nelson descends the circular stairway after meeting in the upper room of Salt Lake Temple with other Church leaders every Thursday. Hes always been consistent. Russell M. Nelson and his first wife, fellow University of Utah student Dantzel White, met while they both were attending college. Of course we did everything we could to persuade him to accept an offer that we knew was being extended, recalled President Oaks, then a counselor in the Chicago stake presidency and now first counselor in the new First Presidency, of the Nov. 21, 1965, dinner. Though the distance is not very far, for men in their eighties and nineties, golf carts have become a great help in transporting the brethren. With an education they, can do a little more; with advanced medical degrees and training, a little more yet can be done. He was sad and he missed her, just like anybody would after so many years of life together, said President Nelsons granddaughter Katie Irion Owens. He just stood up and did what was needed and would do that with anyone., Elder Holland remembers receiving a blessing from President Nelson before he underwent surgery. They started talking in Mandarin and developed a relationship. Right away he began thinking of the principle that all things work under the direction of laws, and so he must be able, if he learned the laws of the heart well enough, to imitate its functions in order to perform life-saving operations. President Russell M. Nelson with daughter Sylvia and great grandchildren. In 2007, the late Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin locked his knees while delivering a conference address; as he spoke he grew increasingly weak. If listeners pay attention to his language and start connecting the dots, they will see he is laying a foundation for the church in ways we have not heard in a long, long time. Six weeks later, President Nelson was attending the annual meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. During a celebration in honor of his 95th birthday, it was announced that President Nelson has spoken to more than one million members in congregations around the world, traveled over 90,000 miles, met with more than 100 world and religious leaders, and visited 28 countries, all within the first year and a half of his time as President of the Church. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. In 2005DantzelNelson passed away. It really changed things for the better., Elder Ulisses Soares and President M. Russell Ballard visited Brazilian members in August of this year. President Nelson enjoys gardening, mowing the lawn or shoveling the sidewalks free of snow; when he is home he hauls his neighbors garbage cans in from the curb. President Nelson baptized him, Dr. Zhang baptized his wife, and a year later, President Nelson performed their sealing ceremony. In 2015, the University of Utah, in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology, honoured him by setting up the Russell M. Nelson M.D., PhD Visiting Professorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery. New Testament Come Follow Me Easter FHE Lesson O Grave, Where Is Thy Victory? Within days, the Church News reported, the energetic nonagenarian was on a plane to that Caribbean nation. We joined [President Kimball] in prayer in the most sacred of circumstances, recalled Gordon B. Hinckley, who was an apostle at the time and later rose to church president. As the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve to travel to Kazakhstan, Nelson met government officials and gave an interview to the Yuzhnaya Stalitsa television. The Lord impressed it on his mind. Web7 languages Article Talk Read Edit View history Tools Melvin Russell Ballard Jr. (born October 8, 1928) is an American businessman and religious leader who is currently the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. But they rarely went to the God spoke to me rhetoric., Modern Mormons typically say weve been praying and feel inspired, Mason said. Elder D. Todd Christoffersen followed Elder Scotts example in the October 2015 general conference by providing his own Spanish translation for his talk. New apostles? (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) A seated President Russell M. Nelson speaks at General Conference on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. said of her husband.3 In addition to prayer and the scriptures, music and outdoor activities like skiing, horseback riding, and tennis were important to the Nelson family. She is so dynamic, so positive, so bright and brilliant.. During his South American ministry tour, President Russell M. Nelson addressed Peruvian Latter-day Saints in their native language of Spanish. Why did President Russell M. Nelson, global leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, deliver his sermons Saturday and Sunday at General Conference while seated at the podium? Have a post idea? It is not unusual for Latter-day Saint presidents to speak of being inspired by deity. President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy Watson Nelson in Pennsylvania at the dedication of the newly developed Priesthood Restoration Site in 2015. He asked an employee to recommend a book about the Church and somehow left with one, said Sister Dew. He said, It is my testimony that when we follow through with whatever the prophet of God asks us to do, the way will be opened and lives will be changed., El Presidente | President Russell M. Nelson gives stirring remarks in Lima, Peru, Mormon Apostle Elder Andersen Visits Saints in Tahiti. His choice of counselors in the governing First Presidency? He was baptized at age 16; his desire and drive to be part of the Church came much from within, said his son. Hes the one Ive seen and known all these years.. "And then, we watch the Lord move upon the president of the church to proclaim the Lords will.. The Nelson posterity of 10 children and 57 grandchildren now includes 116 great-grandchildren. President Nelson comes to the position as President of the Church at age 93 the oldest in the Quorum. Nelson has published several books over the years, including a memoir titled From Heart to Heart (1979). unit and field hospital for the Army. He later spent a year in surgical training at the Massachusetts General Hospital. While serving as the general president of the Sunday School, President Nelson attended a meeting where then-President Spencer W. Kimball urged those in the meeting to learn Chinese. (Trent Nelson | Tribune file photo) LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley (left) and James E. Faust at the Saturday afternoon session of the 174th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center, April 3, 2004. This team developed the first machine capable of performing the functions of a human heart and lungs during surgery, making open-heart surgery a real possibility for the first time. It was the last surgery he ever performed and it created much goodwill, according to lds.org. After teaching the saints about faith and hope, he bore his testimony in their native language: Russian. Elder Johnson said, Elder and Sister Renlunds visit to Sweden was historic. As the couples ate dinner in the Oaks home and spoke about the Church in Chicago, a lasting friendship formed. He will do this in unique and individual ways that are suited specifically to you as you seek to increase your spiritual capacity. The full devotional is also available online in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and American Sign Language here. Learn how your comment data is processed. I may not ski black diamond runs anymore, but whether standing or seated, I delight in speaking and hearing words of truth, he wrote. He adds a unique touch to his Instagram posts, typing out the caption twice: once in English and once in Portuguese. It was always obvious that my parents loved each other very much, Brother Russell Nelson Jr. said. However, alongside President Oaks, they helped establish the church in every country within Eastern Europe. For example, Thursday was designated as her day to do what she likedparticularly for volunteering at the LDS Hospital and singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choirand he made sure to be home those nights to free her up. The English site merges news for Latter-day Saints and the public from seven websites in the Churchs Africa South, Central and West areas. He, however, attributes the glory to God: Men can do very little of themselves to heal sick or broken bodies, Elder Nelson said. Prophets have different gifts, different styles. It was faith.. The distance between the Church Administration Building and the Salt Lake Temple is a few hundred yards a usual trek for the brethren as they make their way to the Temple for their weekly meeting. He, in turn, did what he could to support her. When the Korean War broke out, Nelson enlisted and served for two years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Furthermore, he was chosen as the director of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He served his mission in Tokyo, Japan. In the 1930s, Mormon apostle John A. Widtsoe described two kinds of revelation, said historian Matthew Bowman, author of The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith., The first type is the one employed by Smith and his immediate successor, Brigham Young, which pertained to the cosmos and the kingdom of God., The second is more mundane, day-to-day things of the kingdom, said Bowman, paraphrasing Widtsoe. However, most of these changes had been previously discussed in-depth while he had not assumed his position as the president yet and a considerable few were simply the continuation of the measures that his predecessor had implemented. I grab hold of the banister to balance and I skip along as well as I can., Elder Holland said President Nelson bounds two stairs at a time.. Those who serve with President Nelson also speak of his compassion. By David Noyce | Oct. While stationed in Korea, he visited every M.A.S.H. Subsequent Latter-day Saint prophets were less comfortable than Smith attaching thus saith the Lord to their admonitions. The article continues, In 2015, President Nelson was named an old friend of China for his work to introduce open-heart surgery to the country.. In 1951, he earned his Ph.D. The sadness was gone and it did us all good to see that happiness back.. He remarried the following year. He, however, attributes the glory to God: Men can do very little of themselves to heal sick or broken bodies, Elder Nelson said. He is a writer, photographer, movie-fanatic, and a lover of street tacos. In his service as an apostle, Elder Nelson made a special effort to speak to members around the world in their native language, often ending his talks with his testimony spoken from his own lips in Spanish, Russian, German, Mandarin, French, and other languages. program a year early. President Nelson speaks to Latter-day Saints in Peru during a devotional. Thomas Monson died on January 2, 2018, and subsequently, Nelson was assumed to be the likely successor to the presidency. . By his own account, Russell M. Nelson speaks often to God, or, rather, God speaks often to him. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax For example, Thursday was designated as her day to do what she likedparticularly for volunteering at the LDS Hospital and singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choirand he made sure to be home those nights to free her up. . In 1964, Elder Spencer W. Kimball called Russell M. Nelson to be the president of the Bonneville Stake. He is very, very kind.. On the campus of Church headquarters, many of the iconic locations such as Temple Square, the Conference Center, as well as the Church Office Building are connected through intricate underground tunnels to assist the brethren in moving easily between the locations without respect for weather or crowds. He has saved thousands of lives through his diligent work, including an open-heart surgery on then-President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Spencer W. Kimball. 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Devin is a graduate of Brigham Young University where he studied English and Business Management. President Russell M. Nelson is now the oldest President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.. Russell Marion Nelson was born September 9, 1924, in President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, at Machu Picchu in Peru. Photo courtesy of the Nelson family. President Russell M. Nelson sits down with a puzzle in his spare time. Photo courtesy of the Nelson family. He earned his B.A. Her name was. This ceremony took place at the Salt Lake Temple as well. They were blessed with another 3 more beautiful daughters but felt so confident that their baby boy was still on his way to help complete their family. Dr. Nelson served as a medic in the United States Army for two years during the Korean war, travelling to Washington, D.C.; Korea; and Japan.