Turning Hearts to Jesus Christ

Remembering President Russell M. Nelson

When President Russell M. Nelson was a young man figuring out what career to pursue, he knew one thing for sure—he wanted to help people. He eventually became a world-renowned heart surgeon and performed many open-heart operations to strengthen hearts and prolong lives.

As an Apostle and 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Nelson touched people’s hearts throughout the world by turning them to Jesus Christ through his teachings, service, and love.

Spiritually Guided

President Nelson lived his life in a way that he was blessed with spiritual guidance. During one operation, he stood over a patient and felt unsure of how to proceed. He then felt the Holy Ghost guide him to successfully complete the surgery.

President Nelson taught that spiritual guidance is available to everyone. He said, “If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small.”

President Nelson greets youth in Fiji in May 2019.

Gathering Israel and the Covenant Path

As a prophet in the latter days, President Nelson taught that the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today, and that youth everywhere can be a big part of it by enlisting “in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel.”

President Nelson taught: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.”

President Nelson also taught that staying on the covenant path will bring “every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.”

Faith for the Future

In a chaotic world, President Nelson still kept a positive attitude. “I am optimistic about the future,” he said. “It will be filled with opportunities for each of us.”

This outlook on life came from his faith. He taught, “Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life.”

When President Nelson became President of the Church, he said: “I declare my devotion to God our Eternal Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ. I know Them, love Them, and pledge to serve Them—and you—with every remaining breath of my life.”

He fully honored that pledge. As a result, the Church—and the world—have been blessed.