President Russell M. Nelson turns 100 years old on September 9, 2024.
He has expressed that he does not desire physical gifts for his birthday. Instead, he has asked for a spiritual offering that would brighten his life: for each of us to reach out to someone in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone.
In the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one that is lost, illustrating the importance of every individual.
“The Savior has provided a beautiful example,” President Nelson said. “By each of us ministering to just one person within our reach, we can spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world.” He concluded his June 1 social media post with the hashtag #99plus1.
Since then, people around the world have been sharing their stories of ministering—reaching out, helping, listening, comforting, and more.
Marie Hurd from the Kimberly 6th Ward in the Kimberly Idaho Stake shared how a few women from her ward sent her weekly uplifting or funny messages when her husband was sick.
“Those texts got me through the rough times,” Hurd said. “Something so simple made my days. ‘Through small and simple things, great things come to pass’” (see Alma 37:6).
After giving a talk in sacrament meeting, Christy Sheppard from the Roseville 9th Ward in the Roseville California Stake received a thank you note from a man in her ward, specifically mentioning what he liked about her talk.
“It was so thoughtful, especially since giving a talk can be stressful,” Sheppard said. Over time, personalized notes were sent to each of her family members after they spoke.
“This is something he does regularly,” Sheppard said. “It is touching to think about how many people have felt supported and appreciated because of his desire to show gratitude and kindness.”
Here are some ideas for reaching out to “the one,” shared by the Church’s official social media accounts:
- Minister to the one.
- Text the one who has been on your mind.
- Make room for one more.
- Visit the one who is alone.
- Add one more set of hands.
- Apologize to the one you’ve fallen out with.
- Mourn with one who mourns.
- Serve the one in the house of the Lord.
- Reach out to one friend you’ve lost touch with.
Children can also follow this invitation.
The Friend Magazine suggested these actions:
- Write a note or draw a picture for someone in need.
- Look for ways to serve mom or dad.
- Share a toy with a friend.
- Ask to say a prayer as a family.
- Be a friend to someone who feels left out.
Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, general officers, and Church leaders have been echoing President Nelson’s invitation. They have shared insights about serving closely with him and examples of when they or others have been cared for as “the one.”
| ➜ | How people have seen Christ’s love when someone reached out to them as ‘the one’
See how people are following President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to reach out to “the one” and find ideas to do before his birthday in September. |
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| ➜ | Utah YSA Area Conference participants aim to break 2 Guinness records
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