President Nelson’s Worldwide Ministry

Children embrace President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy Nelson following a devotional in Asunción, Uruguay.

Soon after the October 2018 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson traveled to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile, where he visited members and missionaries and held devotionals, including a youth devotional in Chile attended by 1,500 and also broadcast throughout the country. He spoke to members in Spanish, dedicated the Concepción Chile Temple, and met with local government leaders.

Thousands of women responded on social media to President Nelson’s invitation to report on their experiences with four challenges he gave during the October 2018 general conference: (1) fast from social media and negative media for 10 days, (2) read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2018, (3) regularly attend the temple, and (4) participate fully in Relief Society. “I wish to thank you all for responding to my invitations,” President Nelson said, expressing hope that “each of these invitations has brought you closer to the Savior.”

President Nelson presided at the funeral service of his daughter, Wendy Nelson Maxfield, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. “Our tears of sorrow will turn to tears of anticipation as we gain an eternal perspective,” he said. He spoke of his daughter during a special conference for members of the Chico California Stake, which includes two units from Paradise that were ravaged by fire. “You learn that everyone has challenges,” he said. “If you want to feel better, forget about yourself and serve someone else.”

In Arizona, USA, President Nelson invited a crowd of 65,000 members gathered in a sports stadium “to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil.” President Nelson also wrote a guest column published in the Arizona Republic newspaper encouraging people “to look to [the Lord] and make Him the center of your life.” He participated in an interview broadcast on the state’s television stations; had several receptions with civic, education, and faith leaders; and held a question-and-answer session with young single adults.

Since he was ordained on January 14, 2018, President Nelson has visited 5 continents, 16 nations and territories, and 24 cities, traveling some 55,000 miles (88,515 km).