Summary
Highlights
President Dallin H. Oaks announces the passing of President Russell M. Nelson and provides details about his funeral. He introduces the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, who perform "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," reflecting President Nelson's love for beautiful music. Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela offers an invocation, expressing gratitude for President Nelson's devoted service and prophetic counsel, and praying for comfort for his family and strengthened faith for all present.
President Dallin H. Oaks honors President Nelson as a servant of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and a prophet of love. He recounts their last meeting and President Nelson's enduring love. President Oaks highlights President Nelson's teachings on love, including his command to "love one another" and be peacemakers. He shares President Nelson's efforts to promote racial harmony and his belief that no sin is too serious to be beyond the Savior's love. President Oaks emphasizes President Nelson's teachings on loving God and neighbor, and his conviction that anger, hostility, and contention do not lead to lasting solutions.
President Susan H. Porter expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to honor President Russell M. Nelson, recounting personal experiences that demonstrate his Christ-like ministering. She shares how Elder Nelson showed kindness and compassion to her and her husband, Bruce, even while grieving the loss of his own daughter. She describes his consistent visits and uplifting support during Bruce's prolonged illness and multiple surgeries. President Porter vividly recalls a significant trip to Russia where Elder Nelson offered an apostolic blessing of health and healing to a man who had fervently prayed for it, illustrating his profound love and prophetic insight. She concludes by bearing witness of President Nelson's unwavering devotion as a disciple of Christ.
Bishop Gérald Caussé pays tribute to President Nelson, extending condolences to his family. He describes the privilege of serving under President Nelson's leadership, witnessing his unwavering faith, love, and compassion. Bishop Caussé highlights President Nelson's remarkable ability to remember names, reflecting his care for individuals, and his visionary counsel, such as transforming homes into sanctuaries of faith before the pandemic and being peacemakers in a world needing peace. He also shares a personal anecdote about President Nelson's devotion to his family, emphasizing his inspired counsel about the importance of caring for one's spouse, and concludes by testifying of President Nelson as a true prophet of God.
Elder Carl B. Cook shares his deep love for President Nelson, emphasizing his Christ-like example. He recalls President Nelson's personal touch, greeting over 200 people by name and genuinely engaging in conversation, even during a flight. Elder Cook recounts an instance where President Nelson noticed his injured finger with compassion, demonstrating his genuine concern for others. He highlights President Nelson's mastery of many languages, but notes that his primary language was love. Elder Cook testifies of President Nelson as a true and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, who lived by his decision to follow the Savior, and who consistently invited others to love and serve.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs "I Feel My Savior's Love," a musical interlude reflecting the themes of love and devotion that President Nelson embodied and taught.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland extols President Nelson's character, referring to Emerson's idea that one's fortunes are the fruit of their character. He praises President Nelson's excellence in surgery, church leadership, and family life, attributing his achievements to his Christ-like integrity and faith in Jesus Christ. Elder Holland reveals personal insights into President Nelson's dedication to his family, recounting how he lovingly prepared his nine daughters for church every Sunday despite his busy schedule. He highlights President Nelson's profound love for temples, which he built, dedicated, and encouraged others to attend, and expresses his honor to have known and loved President Nelson, acknowledging his magnificent legacy to the Church and his life given in service of Jesus Christ.
Elder Henry B. Eyring expresses gratitude to participate in the tribute to President Nelson, whom he identifies as a prophet of God. He observes that faithful members worldwide have consistently quoted President Nelson, affirming his words as divine revelation. Elder Eyring recounts personal experiences from childhood confirming the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and David O. McKay, leading to his testimony that President Nelson was also called of God. He commends President Nelson's remarkable ability to remember names and make individuals feel loved and shares how President Nelson would often receive revelation in the early hours of the morning, reinforcing his belief that the Lord leads His Church through prophets. Elder Eyring concludes with a prayer that all will follow President Nelson's prophetic counsel and example of love.
President Dallin H. Oaks thanks all participants, including the speakers, the Tabernacle Choir, and production personnel. The Tabernacle Choir performs "His Eye is on the Sparrow." Sister Amy A. Wright offers the benediction, expressing gratitude for President Nelson's exemplary life, defined by faith, compassion, integrity, diligence, and Christ-like love. She prays for comfort for his family, especially his wife Wendy, recognizing her unwavering devotion. Sister Wright concludes by praying for continued diligence in following prophetic counsel and becoming more holy through Jesus Christ.