He had a good way of making very mundane and plain things feel like it was great to do, and great to do together, Russell Nelson Jr. said. Laurie Marsh: Besides having all of his sisters think that were talking to our dad when its really our brother! [58][59], After Monson's call to the First Presidency in 1985, Nelson was assigned as the apostle to oversee the work of the church in Eastern Europe. They get to see him the way we know him. [22] His patient was a Latter-day Saint stake patriarch. Everything amazes me, but nothing surprises me. Gloria Irion: I could probably do my own hair by them. Six people named the daughter and son-in-law of the president of the Mormon church in a lawsuit Wednesday on charges of child sexual abuse. Gloria Irion: My addition to that is when he taught me how to get the lenses out of the fish eyes. And so thats been a neat thing. And so that was one-on-one time with him, or one-on-two, if there was someone else with you. And, more importantly, to underscore the Lords hand and Gods creations and how divinely created all of this is and all of our bodies, how they are so intricately designed by our Heavenly Father, that theres no other way we could have come to be had it not been for the divine hand of the Creator. It was probably 10 years ago that he taught Katie how to AirDrop photos. So, those are words that I think describe him well. So I didnt have a real close view of it, but I do remember asking him the same thing. Nelson became a noted heart surgeon and served as president of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the Utah Medical Association.[6]. Sarah Jane Weaver: Im so glad you mentioned technology. Mother was a beautiful singer. It has been four years since Russell M. Nelson became prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But I would say, I know that a key part of life is to learn and to grow, and to love love one another, love the Lord and enjoy the blessings that come from Him as we keep our covenants. So we all have that exact same opportunity. What can we do for you? And he just said, Just go home and be with your, your children and love them and teach them. And so that right there was to me a good window into the eternities of how we just keep going. Sarah Jane Weaver: And since 1984, when your father was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, you have had to share him with millions of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Screenshot from YouTube https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng Russell M. Nelson delivers a message titled "Children of the Covenant." Its a boy! And, you know, Ive also heard your father joke that, you know, you were probably three before you knew who your mother was, because there was just so much love and affection in that home. So for me, its not been anything different. Family bonds were also strengthened through holiday traditions and large gatherings. He then moved to the Yale Second Ward, still in the Bonneville Stake, and was called as a member of the stake high council. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, exit the the Cottonwood Heights Utah Brighton Stake Center as the casket is placed into the hearse after President Nelson spoke at funeral services for his daughter, Wendy Nelson Maxfield, on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. And of course, its true. [44] For a time he was also the church's representative to a US State Department committee on international religious freedom. You have nine daughters, and your mothers gone in the morning to perform with the choir. And so he does seem to always know what to do at the right time and that has become a hallmark of his ministry. But I think his outward focus was a good example to us, too. Nelson received a PhD from Minnesota in 1954 for his research contributions. Why President Nelson's 5-year ministry is not so different from playing Scrabble, What President Russell M. Nelson's children have learned from him as a fathe - 15 de jan. de 2023 But are we perfect? Irion added her witness that President Nelson has been prepared and preserved to lead the Church. [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. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: Thats kind of like coming home from your mission and they say, How was your mission? How do you sum up two years in a sentence? Dear Friends. [86], During the church's April general conference, Nelson appointed Asian-American Gerrit W. Gong and Brazilian Ulisses Soares to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, both of whom had been serving in the Presidency of the Seventy. And there was a high expectation that we would be an eternal family. I feel like there was a high level of love in our home. Monson. It was the only time I saw him turn on the TV. He would have worked very, very, long hours in his career as a surgeon. They are still married to this day. You know, Sunday mornings, I guess. You know, we talk about the things that are positive and the things that my parents did great. Sarah Jane Weaver: We have a tradition at the Church News podcast. But, yeah, we have strong testimonies and gratitude that the Lord has blessed us with prophets, to have that guidance in our lives. But there was also no question that our mom was the heart of the home. Both parents played the piano and their mother was a talented singer. My guess is he made sure we looked presentable. I think he used it as a teaching moment for us to help us and comfort us. 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. In a May 2020 interview with the Church News, President Nelson said, "Even through clouds of sorrow, there can be silver linings found.". Ultimately, I ended up making a change halfway through college and went into the business world but hes, like Laurie said, hes still proud of who we are and who weve become and, for our own accomplishments. And then number three, we normally would wait for Daddy, to have dinner together as a family. A stake's high priest quorum now consists of current members of stake presidencies, high councils, bishoprics and functioning patriarchs. And we had the privilege of having Wendy Watson as a neighbor before their marriage. The guidance also had a clear emphasis on using counseling to assist in healing from abuse. A good example is you see all of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles each having their own opportunities to dedicate temples. And so, like Laurie said, hes always been very consistent throughout his whole life. I kind of watched him deflect some praise that someone was directing toward him. Nelson's tenure as church president has been defined by an increased focus on worship within LDS temples. 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. I have felt during his leadership, the importance of living our lives focused on the Savior and that that should be our number one priority, no matter what were doing. But I do have that visual image. [49] He was succeeded as chairman of the executive committee by Oaks. All rights reserved. And Ive had many experiences over the last five years that confirm that, and I am eternally grateful. President Russell M. Nelson and his first wife, Dantzel White Nelson, at the University of Utah in 1942. And, you know, he knew decades before I did that there was such a thing as AirDropping photos, and he taught our daughter and we didnt even know there was such a thing. And so we just try to follow their example, because theyre following the Lords example. 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. [35] He performed a total of nearly 7,000 operations before his call to be an apostle. Gloria Irion: Its been wonderful to have. Scripture Toss. He focused on the family for sure. Friends by Mail. And I think this is why I loved anatomy and wanted to be a doctor for a good long while. Laurie Marsh: Sure. Laurie Marsh: You know, nothing that my dad does surprises me. Russell M. Nelson Jr.: Yeah, he treated her like royalty. And so, well, his health and strength is due in large part to her efforts and all the things that she does, in ways to support him that we dont know the half of, Im sure. Her marriage to Nelson is her first. And so I think we had a lot of stuff going on on Saturdays to prepare for Sunday. I mean, I can remember having so many fun experiences. Ethnicity, religion & political views Together, they had nine daughters and a son. They love to watch sports. Is that hard? We just need to be a child of God. But something that we just did together and had fun doing together. . You know, we do a lot of Zoom calls. But in a way, it was comforting, to me, to see the level of grief that he was experiencing. You know, like we said, anytime he was home. "All are children of God." 1:29 Can You Feel My Love? If we can be obedient, and make and keep our covenants, well be able to live eternally as a family with Heavenly Father again, she said. He doesnt look for anybodys approval, but the Lords. Sarah Jane Weaver: And you have nine girls, then Russ comes along. In August 2022, President Nelson traveled outside of Utah for the first time since the . But it was fun to feel like you were on a date with your Daddy and got to spend some time with him. [61], In August 2003, Nelson became the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve to visit Kazakhstan. I remember years back, I had the opportunity to be with some of the other members of the Quorum of the Twelve. I mean, we have a firsthand experience and perspective in watching someone be prepared. [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]. Emily Nelson Wittwer died of cancer in 1995. [23][24] That operation was performed at the Salt Lake General Hospital (SLGH, now University of Utah Hospital) on an adult with an atrial septal defect. Gloria Irion, Laurie Marsh and Russell Nelson Jr. discuss the lessons learned as children from their father, President Russell M. Nelson. So, I mean, that leaves a lot of, I guess a lot of weight. Wendy Nelson Maxfield, daughter of Russell M. Nelson, died Friday afternoon, January 11, 2019 at her home after "a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer." . [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. [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. Hes curious. Sarah Jane Weaver: And since were on the topic, Im interested in knowing how your father treated your mother. [24] He was at the forefront of surgeons focusing attention on coronary artery disease,[26] and contributed to the advance of valvular surgery as well. The event marked the first time in history that a pope and an LDS Church president met face-to-face. Sarah Jane Weaver: And, you know, when you think about the influence of women in his life, its hard not to also think about Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, who he married after your mothers death. I feel like the way he is leading the Church is exactly an example of the way we were raised, Marsh said. Friend January 2019 "Show and Tell" Senior Primary children in Greater Manchester, England, wrote their own verse about President Russell M. Nelson for the song "Follow the Prophet.". President Russell M. Nelson was sustained and set apart as the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, in the upper room of the Salt Lake Temple. ", "Meet LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, a Renaissance man with perfect pitch and pure faith", "Elder Russell M. Nelson: Applying Divine Laws", "SVS Past Presidents | Society for Vascular Surgery", "Pamela Atkinson: President Nelson's work has been saving lives and souls", "President Nelson Honored as "Pioneer" of Heart Surgery - Church News and Events", "Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles", "What I know now that I learned from President Russell M. Nelson", "First Presidency statement cites scriptural mandate for Church committee", "Religious Leaders Hold A 2d World Parliament", "Elder Russell M. Nelson Celebrates 90th Birthday - Church News and Events", "NEWS STORY: State Department names religious freedom advisory committee", "LDS Church Apostle, his wife and 2 other couples attacked in Mozambique - KSL.com", "Elder Nelson Completes Trip to Africa in Kenya - Church News and Events", "LDS Business College appoints new president", "Inauguration for LDS Business College's 13th president", "President Boyd K. Packer Dies At Age 90", President Nelson counsels Central American members to claim the blessings of the temple, live the gospel, LDS Apostle dedicates newly developed Priesthood Restoration Site, "Mormon leader says policy against gay marriage was word from God", "LDS Apostle: Policy on same-sex couples was revelation from God", "Mormon LGBT ban was 'revealed' to the prophet as God's will, says Elder Nelson", "LDS Church dumps its controversial LGBTQ policy, cites 'continuing revelation' from God", "First Presidency Shares Messages From General Conference Leadership Session", "New Mormon President: Who is Russell M. Nelson, set to become 17th Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I know he was aching it was tough for him to. During the 1950s, Dantzel was a member of the Tabernacle Choir. The unnamed plaintiffs alleged that Richard and Brenda Miles, son-in-law and daughter of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president Russell M. Nelson, hosted "touching parties" in the 1980s where children as young as one-year-old were . [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. I dont remember him watching TV. And you know, he just made it fun. [119] Watson, originally from Raymond, Alberta, was a professor of marriage and family therapy at BYU prior to her retirement in 2006. I think shes a great sounding board for Daddy and plays a critical role.. Gloria Irion: He modeled so well how we are supposed to treat her, because of the way he treated her. The Everlasting Covenant Monthly Liahona Message, October 2022 The Everlasting Covenant By President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints All those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy. 1972). And the rest of us are thinking, Oh., Gloria Irion: My mind would like to think that, but my bodys going, Are you kidding me?. I think its important to note, yeah, they encouraged us to do our homework and would be happy to help if we needed it. I love the fact that just this year before conflict broke out between Russia and Ukraine in Eastern Europe, he had given a message and directed it to all the Saints in Europe, and told him that the future was bright for the Church in Europe. I mean, we were all so grateful, including him, that it wasnt a day or so before someone found her. [29] In 1985, Nelson along with his colleague, Conrad B. Jenson, performed a quadruple bypass surgery on the Chinese opera performer Fang Rongxiang[zh] (19251989). In today's world, marriage and the choice to raise children require increasing faith - but the blessings, mortal and eternal, of families are well worth it. Laurie Marsh: I think, to Daddy gets some credit for trying to keep everybody together. Professional Life Prior to his service as head of the Church, President Nelson served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from July 15, 2015, until his call as the Church's leader. Gloria Irion: We were so grateful for the technology thats available. We chose to come. 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). Laurie Marsh: I think for me, too, I just have, as weve gone through those times that are more difficult, Ive just held on the example of my parents. Russell is a prophet, Baptised at sixteen, His parents were less active; He was very keen. President Russell M. Nelson during his career wiht a team of doctors: Gen. Sam F. Seeley, and Lt. Col. Edwin J. Pulaski, front. He tended to walk through their home, turning off extra lights or the television, before sitting down to dinner with the family. I think a perfect example is, quite often on Mothers Day he would buy her a corsage. Russell M. Nelson was set apart as the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 14, 2018. [60][61] Nelson was involved in the first meetings between LDS Church leaders and government officials of Bulgaria,[62] Romania, and the Soviet Union, and worked to continue LDS expansion and recognition efforts in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Come, Follow Me. Yeah, he doesnt believe in it. And so he would try to teach me how to, from simple things like change a light bulb, to shovel the walks, or do the garbage and, you know, take care of things around the house. [34] He was also a director of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Yeah, he might watch a bowl game and we were just Gloria Irion: It was the only time I saw him turn on the TV. They went because they were invited, Marsh said. Parents shouldn't have to bury their children, and in President Nelson's life, he has had this heavy duty twice. Russell Nelson Jr. remembers his father teaching him how to maintain the home, from changing a light bulb to shoveling the walks and taking out the garbage, as well as other home duties. Gloria Irion: Well, we always did, like almost everyone else, Im sure, did fun summer trips, whether we rented a cabin up at Brighton or, you know, went to the beach in California or drove up to Canada. Beginning in 2019, youth began moving between classes and priesthood quorums at the beginning of the year in which they turn 12, 14, or 16, rather than when their birthday occurs during the year. Gloria Irion: We knew he had notoriety, because of his research and the things that he had accomplished and always kept accomplishing. And you know, he was there with her. [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 think if theres any dirtying up of the name to happen, its going to be on my shoulders. Laurie Marsh: You know, nothing that my dad does surprises me, nothing. I said, How can you walk away from that that was your life? And really, you dont need to be the child of Russell and Dantzel Nelson to have those blessings. So today, we will go in reverse order from age and start with Russ and go to Laurie and end with Gloria and have each of you answer the question: What do you know now that youve learned from President Russell M. Nelson? Laurie Marsh: I dont think so. Now, your father graduated from medical school at age 22, first in his class. Those grandchildren are now having their own children, President Nelson wrote in an Instagram post on July 7. [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. [111], In April 2020, Nelson announced plans to build a temple in Shanghai, China. Shes precious and an angel mother, he called her, Irion said. We were serving in Nauvoo when the sister just older than I am, passed away, Wendy, that was just before they went to Paradise, California. And I actually lament reaching this point in the podcast, because I could hear you guys talk about your father all day long. Laurie Marsh: I just think the way hes leading the Church is exactly an example of the way we were raised. Just have faith in the Lord, do your best and everythings going to be okay. Marsh appreciates her fathers glass-half-full perspective. We can lean on our faith and use our faith and have our faith in Jesus Christ help us go through those trials, and well come out better for it, because if we seek first our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, everything else will be added on to it. The Soccer . Im interested if there is one moment or one memory that each of you can share about your father that can help us just get to know him just a little bit better. I knew he loved her and he missed her. In the five years since then, he has embarked on a fast-paced global ministry traveling to 35 nations, extending countless invitations, leading the Church through a global pandemic and overseeing the continuing restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I think the Church is very well aware that they kind of had a motto when they got married to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and everything else will be added on to it. 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