Russell M. Nelson: A Life of Medicine, Ministry, adn Faith
Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on May 17, 2024, at the age of 99. His life was marked by a distinguished career in medicine and decades of dedicated service within his faith.
Born in 1924, President Nelson initially pursued a path in cardiac surgery, becoming a renowned heart surgeon. He earned degrees from the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota, and served as a research fellow at the University of Michigan. His surgical expertise led to important contributions in the field, including pioneering work with open-heart surgery and the development of the Jared heart – one of the first artificial hearts to be used in a human. A pivotal moment occurred in 1979 when, while performing open-heart surgery, he felt a profound spiritual calling, leading him to devote the remainder of his life to full-time religious service.
Prior to becoming President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984, President Nelson held various leadership positions within the Church. He served as a regional representative overseeing members in the Kearns, Utah area and at Brigham Young University. Earlier roles included stake president, responsible for overseeing multiple congregations, and general president of the Church’s Sunday School.
As a general authority,he contributed to numerous Church councils and boards,including the Temple and Family History Executive Council,the Priesthood and Family Executive Council,the Missionary Executive Council,and the Church Educational System Board of Education,which he chaired. He also provided counsel to the church History Department. He played a key role in expanding missionary work into Eastern European nations during the presidency of Ezra Taft Benson.
President Nelson’s accomplishments earned him recognition in ”Who’s Who in the World,” “Who’s Who in America,” and “Who’s Who in religion,” publications recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
Throughout his ministry, President Nelson was a tireless traveler, visiting 133 countries as a general authority. As Church President, beginning in 2018, he embarked on five worldwide ministry tours, visiting locations including England, Israel, Kenya, India, and Thailand, as well as South America and the Pacific. These travels involved meetings with both Church members and government and religious leaders.
His teachings consistently emphasized the importance of self-mastery and a devoted relationship with Jesus Christ. In April 2017, he encouraged members to draw upon the power of christ through study, faith, and covenant keeping. He frequently urged members to read the Book of Mormon and to cultivate joy even amidst life’s difficulties, stating in 2016 that joy stems from focusing on God’s plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Nelson also prioritized temple worship. During his tenure as Church President, he announced 15 new temples in April 2024, bringing the total number of temples announced during his presidency to 200 – more than half of the 382 temples operating worldwide. He expressed gratitude for the accelerated pace of temple construction, testifying that Jesus Christ leads the Church and is preparing for his return.
Details regarding his funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
