President Russell M. Nelson on the leadership of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"We sustain 15 men who are ordained as prophets, seers, and revelators. When a thorny problem arises—and they only seem to get thornier each day—these 15 men wrestle with the issue, trying to see all the ramifications of various courses of action, and they diligently seek to hear the voice of the Lord. After fasting, praying, studying, pondering, and counseling with my Brethren about weighty matters, it is not unusual for me to be awakened during the night with further impressions about issues with which we are concerned. And my Brethren have the same experience.

"The 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. And then we watch the Lord move upon the President of the Church to proclaim the Lord’s will."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Becoming True Millennials," Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 10, 2016, Brigham Young University–Hawaii
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When President Nelson shared these thoughts, he was serving as the president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. It would be two years later that he would assume leadership of the Church. He had served for 22 years as a member of the Quorum of Twelve, and during that time had repeatedly experienced the situations he testifies of in this excerpt. With 15 very diverse backgrounds, they often see issues differently; but through "fasting, praying, studying, pondering, and counseling" they are able to overcome their differences and work unanimously in moving forward the Lord's work.

The images we have seen this week from the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple have been inspiring. What a marvelous group of men, and how blessed we are to be led by these dedicated and faithful leaders! Now all we have to do is listen carefully and follow faithfully.

First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve at the Rome Italy Temple Visitors' Center, March 11, 2019

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)