Russell M. Nelson, President of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares the story and faith of his early ancestors. In 1837, Mormon missionaries came from America to share a new religious message to the people of Great Britain. President Nelson’s ancestors joined the new religion and left their tiny village of Ditchea, Somerset, to go to America by ship. They were a minority, as the ship was populated with people from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, none of whom spoke English.
Despite the difficulties, President Nelson understands why they left their native land. “They did it because God lived, and he spoke through His prophet” said President Nelson. “They believed the prophet, and they followed him.”
At the same time the Restoration of the Gospel and the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was taking place in America, the people of Great Britain were praying for light and truth. The prayers of the people in Great Britain were answered by Mormon missionaries who were sent to the United Kingdom. With heartfelt conviction, President Nelson proclaims, “I feel like the hand of heaven was right in the middle of all of that.” He goes on to explain the triangle he sees in his mind with the people of the United States, the people of Great Britain, and God. “It is evidence of a living God, of a living church, and continuing revelation.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomes everyone to witness the story of the Restoration of the Gospel through word and music by attending the British Pageant in Chorley, Lancashire, 1-12 August 2017. Tickets are free of charge. More information on how to obtain tickets will be forthcoming.