Russell M. Nelson

            My VIP for this week is Russell Marion Nelson Sr. An announcement was made last Tuesday morning that he was sustained and set apart as the 17^th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of the Lord. This ordination took place on January 14, 2018, in the upper room of the Salt Lake Tempe. His previous position was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

            President Nelson was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson, and he was reared in the same city. He received his education at the LDS Business College, the University of Utah, and the University of Minnesota. He is an internationally famous heart surgeon.

            President Nelson married the former Dantzel White (m. 1945-2005) with whom he had 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and over 100 great-grandchildren. Dantzel passed away in February 2005.   In April 2006 he married Wendy L. Watson.

            At 93 years old President Nelson remains active and energetic. As proof of his good physical condition, he still enjoys snow skiing – when there is enough snow. He has visited at least 129 nations. In addition to all of his other skills and talents, he sings with perfect pitch.