President Russell M. Nelson on continuing to grow in spite of challenges around us

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.

"I pray that we as a people are using this unique time to grow spiritually. We are here on earth to be tested, to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ, to repent regularly, to learn, and to progress. Our spirits long to progress. And we do that best by staying firmly on the covenant path.

"Through it all, our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love us! They care for us! They and Their holy angels are watching over us. I know that is true."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Moving Forward," General Conference October 2020, Saturday morning
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General Conference in October 2020 was much anticipated, as members of the Church worldwide had dealt with the most unusual challenges of this year. There was an anticipation of refreshing and strengthening to come from the inspired words of leaders.

As he opened the conference, President Nelson reviewed some of the challenges of the year, as well as some of the unique blessings and opportunities it afforded. "Unusual times can bring unusual rewards," he observed, and that certainly has been true. 

Even though the circumstances of our time are unusual, the most important choices are unchanged. We must still choose to follow Jesus Christ in our lives. We must continue repent and try harder. We must be actively learning and progressing in our personal spirituality—"staying firmly on the covenant path." That is the source of peace and joy in live.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)