President Russell Marion Nelson as prophet From a pioneer in heart surgery to a beloved prophet, President Nelson’s life is a testament to the power of faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On September 9, 2025, will marks a truly monumental occasion: the 101st birthday of President Russell M. Nelson. It is a day to reflect on a life that spans more than a century of human history—a life that has been defined by remarkable intellect, tireless service, and profound spiritual devotion. As the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Nelson stands as a living testament to the power of a life centered on the Savior, a life of healing, teaching, and leading a global faith in a complex world.
A Life of Healing: The Surgeon Who Mended Hearts
Russell Marion Nelson was born in 1924, a man of humble beginnings who would go on to achieve international acclaim. His early aptitude for science and learning led him to the University of Utah, where he earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees by the age of 22. This was just the beginning of a distinguished medical career that would see him become a global pioneer in cardiothoracic surgery.
He was a key member of the team that developed and used the heart-lung machine, a revolutionary device that made open-heart surgery possible. In 1955, at just 31 years old, he performed the first open-heart operation in Utah, an event that placed the state on the map for advanced medical care. His passion for healing extended far beyond his home state. He traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and expertise, even teaching open-heart surgical techniques in China in the 1980s. He performed nearly 7,000 surgeries in his career, each one a testament to his skill and his profound respect for human life.
For President Nelson, medicine was more than a profession; it was a divine calling. He often spoke of the sacred trust he felt in holding a human heart in his hands. This perspective was a hallmark of his career, a seamless blend of scientific rigor and deep spiritual conviction. As he once said, "The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." This belief in the eternal nature of life and the power of love informed his every action, both as a surgeon and as a servant of God.
A Call to Service: From the Operating Room to the Quorum of the Twelve
In 1984, President Nelson made a life-altering decision. At the height of his medical career, he accepted a call from the Lord to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This was a transition that many found remarkable, but for President Nelson, it was simply a change of focus from healing physical hearts to mending spiritual ones. He traded his scalpel for the scriptures and began a new journey of full-time ministry.
For over three decades as an Apostle, he traveled the globe, visiting more than 130 countries. He ministered to Saints, testified of the Savior, and delivered powerful messages that would become a foundation of his teachings. He consistently taught about the importance of temple worship, the power of covenants, and the divine potential of every individual. His message was always clear and centered on Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true joy comes not from worldly pursuits but from living in harmony with the gospel.
A Prophetic Vision: Hastening the Work of Salvation
When he was set apart as the President of the Church in 2018, at the age of 93, President Nelson embarked on a prophetic ministry that has been marked by a stunning pace and a clear, forward-looking vision. He has acted with a sense of urgency, inviting members worldwide to join the Lord in His work of gathering Israel.
His presidency has seen some of the most significant changes in the Church in modern history. He introduced the "home-centered, Church-supported" curriculum, a major effort to empower families to teach the gospel in their homes. He restructured priesthood quorums, shortened the Sunday meeting schedule, and issued a landmark statement on the proper name of the Church, urging members to use its full, divinely-revealed name. Each of these changes, though sometimes surprising, has been a direct result of his counsel to "hear Him"—a simple yet profound invitation to seek and follow personal revelation.
President Nelson’s prophetic voice has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. He has taught that "the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." He has encouraged us to embrace the future with faith, to make and keep covenants, and to put God first in every aspect of our lives. His emphasis on temple building has been unprecedented, with dozens of new temples announced to bring the blessings of the house of the Lord closer to His children everywhere.
A Legacy of Faith and Joy
As President Nelson marks his 101st birthday, his life is a living sermon on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. His unwavering faith, his intellectual curiosity, his quiet humility, and his boundless energy are an inspiration to all who know him. He has taught us that we are "never too old to change" and that true peace comes from aligning our will with God's.
From a brilliant young doctor mending hearts in an operating room to an aged prophet leading a worldwide church, President Nelson’s journey has been one of continuous progression and selfless service. His exemplary life has shown us that a life of faith is not one without challenges, but one where challenges are met with courage, prayer, and a deep-seated trust in God’s plan.
Happy 101st Birthday, President Nelson. Your life has been a gift to the world, a beacon of light in an often-darkened world. May we all be inspired by your example to hear Him, follow Him, and work to gather His children and prepare the world for His glorious return.
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1 Comments
Happy Birthday! Glad you are the leader and prophet of the Church. Many good changes have come through your leadership inspired by God. Thank you for your service!
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