A prophet who not only runs the Church, but also speaks 17 languages, was a pioneer in heart surgery, has blessed people in 130 countries and has 167 great grandchildren–whose special events he tries not to miss–was celebrated at an online birthday tribute September 9. You would think this much activity would have worn him out by this age, but as his great granddaughter Ashlyn Owen said to him, “100 looks good on you.” [If you missed the celebration, you can watch it here anytime]
The event was marked with video segments from around the world of people of all ages wishing President Nelson Happy Birthday. Since, instead of presents, he had asked a 99+1 birthday gift, meaning to reach out to someone in need, video testimonials piled one on top of another, where people gave testimony of the joy they had found finding someone to serve.
Those who admire President Nelson from many faiths shared videos about the impact he’s had on their lives.
Nathan Pacheco, Jenny Oaks Baker and accompanist Jared Pierce performed “We Ever Pray for You, Our Prophet Dear.”
President Nelson said “My dear brothers and sisters, the length of your life is not as important as the kind of life that you live. For each of us, even for a 100-year-old man, life passes quickly. My prayer is that you will let God prevail in your life. Make covenants with Him. Stay on the covenant path. Prepare to return to live with Him again.”
He remarked, “A mortal birthday is not an endpoint. It is a step in our eternal progression.”
President Henry B. Eyring and President Dallin H. Oaks sat together and shared a conversation about what it was like to work with President Nelson. They noted his warmth and love for everyone. When people enter the room, he often stands up to greet them. He gives the sense that he cares.
President Oaks noted that to be in a conversation with President Nelson is experiencing what it would be like to be with the Savior. He is the Savior’s representative.
They noted that when he is in a meeting with others, he does not lead off with his opinion, but asks others to say their opinion, giving them a chance to express themselves. He draws out the best of those who report to him. He is decisive. He rarely postpones a decision after all the input has been given him. He’s easy to love.
Both leaders praised President Nelson’s focus on building temples and helping people everywhere come closer to Christ. Since 2018, President Nelson has announced 168 new houses of the Lord.
“[President Nelson has increased temple building] on a spiritual basis of saying, ‘We’ve got to offer the covenants to the people that are far away from temples,’” President Eyring said. “[He’s said] ‘It’s the ordinances that make the difference. Let’s not be extravagant. Let’s make the buildings lovely. But it’s the ordinances that make them available.’”
President Jeffrey R. Holland, shared a personal story. Years ago, his family had traveled with then Elder Nelson to Jerusalem, where his youngest son David was baptized in the Jordan River. President Nelson is a renaissance man, and he took the photos of the baptism. He gave a set of these photos to the Hollands and then prepared a second set for President Holland’s widowed mother, a gift she treasured.
President Holland said that when he became an apostle, “my mother wept and told me I was her second favorite apostle. I don’t need to tell you who the first was. “
“He’s been the Lord’s mouthpiece in receiving and implementing a rush of revelation. He is unfailingly kind and composed, gentle and forgiving. Above all, he has embraced and personified the counsel Paul gave to the Corinthians. ‘Do ye not know that they which minister holy things live the things of the temple.’ In the spirit of the hundreds of temples you have announced, drafted, remodeled, completed or dedicated, we celebrate the sweet, robust, history-making 100 years of your life. We have come to say we love you.”
The Reverend Dr. Amos Brown, of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, remembered that in 2019, he was asked to introduce President Nelson to the “great concourse” of delegates at the NAACP convention. “I introduced him as my brother of another mother. I meant that because I felt that kindred spirit immediately when I met him.
A video featuring President Nelson’s extremely large family singing was touching. These beautiful children in each generation filled the screen.
A great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Owens represented the group and remembered President Nelson for his love, personalized nicknames, and personalized blessings.
She noted his steadfastness and emphasized his unwavering support and presence at family events and his focus on individuals.
“As a young teenager, I was especially touched by this attention,” Owens said. “I was struggling with many things but was feeling especially shaky about my faith. I was invited to attend general conference, and the minute my grandfather entered the room, his eyes sought me out. I locked eyes on him and felt his undeniable love and support. I don’t think he explicitly knew that I was struggling, but his gentle dependability was grounding for a young, unsure girl. I could tangibly feel a solid wave of encouragement reminding me that he was proud of me and that he loved me even when I was struggling.”
“He helps and lifts us from personal failures.” She said he has a profound respect for women and reminds them, “The heavens are just as open to women as they are to a man.”
Oldest daughter, Marsha Workman, remembered a home where her parents were a terrific team “and all ten of us feel greatly blessed to belong to them.” She said that no harsh words were allowed among them. Above all was love, kindness and a fun sense of humor.
She addressed her father, “Thank you for cherishing us as we cherish you.”
President Camille N. Johnson of the General Relief Society Presidency said, “It was in October 2019, while you were delivering an address that you looked out into the congregation at your dear wife Wendy, your daughters and granddaughters and great daughters and then exclaimed you felt like you would like to claim all of us as part of your family.
“Let me say that I feel claimed and part of your family. What a blessing your kindness, love and respect you have meant to me personally.”
Many others sent video tributes:
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, Anglican Priest and Oxford University Theologian
“President Nelson, from the University of Oxford and as a member of the Church of England, I salute you and give you our hearty congratulations and prayers on your centenary. Thank you for being such an approachable world faith leader. Thank you for leading your people as a true pioneer leader, leaving no one behind. And thank you, also, for touching the hearts of people.”
Robert P. George, Professor at Princeton University
“The foundational principle of all sound morality is that of the profound inherent and equal dignity of each and every member of the human family. And by precept and example, you’ve taught all of us what it means to do justice to that principle, to live up to its demands.”
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis
“President Nelson, recently I spoke with Sister Jean Schmidt, 103 years old, who wrote a book entitled ‘What I Learned the First Hundred Years of My Life.’ She says that she attributes her longevity to living life with purpose. You certainly have lived a life of purpose, giving that message of God through your works of goodness throughout the world. Every birthday we often blow out the candles. I suggest [you] keep them burning so we can continue to be the beneficiaries of your light, your love and your loyalty. As we say in New York, mazel tov.”
The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College
“On the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s ascension, he said, ‘Like anyone, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place.’ I have had the privilege of visiting Salt Lake City and Temple Square four times and observed that the Tabernacle Choir family live a long time. I am convinced that the statement of Dr. King is right — that longevity has its place, and its place is Temple Square. On behalf of the Morehouse College family, our 17,000 living members of the alumni, trustees, administration, faculty, staff and students, we salute you, President Russell M. Nelson Sr., for having reached the centennial, your 100th birthday today.”
