One of many Latter-day Saint families who benefited from President Russell M. Nelson’s teachings given during his seven-and-a-half year tenure as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the McGuire family attended the late church president’s funeral service on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and reflected on how his life and service impacted their family.
President Nelson’s teachings “lit a fire in them,” said Jenny McGuire, speaking of her children.
McGuire explained that even when her children were too young to be a part of the church’s Young Men and Young Women organizations, she and her family decided to tune in and watch President Nelson’s devotional for the youth, which was broadcast worldwide roughly five months after he became prophet.
Watching that devotional “changed everything,” McGuire continued. And her children agreed, sharing how his love and teachings encouraged them to serve and follow the Lord.
“I always felt like (President Nelson) understood youth,” said Rachel, one of McGuire’s teenage daughters. His love encouraged “us to do the Lord’s work, and that was really special.”
McGuire’s son, Brandon, added how much he appreciated President Nelson’s teachings on temples and covenants as a youth, and especially now as he’s been preparing to enter a Latter-day Saint temple to make sacred promises in just three days.
“I’m about to enter the temple and receive my endowment on Friday,” he said, “so, as I’ve been preparing for that, reading his talks has been meaningful to me.”
Likewise, several among the thousands of Latter-day Saints who attended President Nelson’s funeral service on Oct. 7 shared their memories of President Nelson, what they learned from him and what they felt as they participated in his funeral service.
“This has been a special moment for me,” said Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, a General Authority Seventy and president of the church’s Africa Central Area presidency.
“Of course, (President Nelson’s) passing was like a shock,” he said, “but he lived for 101 years so we have to celebrate and remember all the teachings.”
Elder Mutombo added that, of all of President Nelson’s teachings, his invitation for all to “walk as disciples of Jesus Christ” is one that repeatedly went through his mind during the late church president’s funeral service.
This and all other teachings and invitations from President Nelson, he said, “help us be better and help others be better as we prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
“His teachings will always be remembered.”
A Latter-day Saint from Monterrey, Mexico, Daniel Torres told the Deseret News that being present for President Nelson’s funeral service was “something very moving.”
He said he and his family had traveled from Mexico to Utah to attend the church’s semiannual general conference in person for the very first time. When they learned President Nelson’s funeral service would follow two days later, they “searched and searched” for tickets until they received the “blessing to be able to attend.”
President Nelson “was someone special to me because I had the opportunity to meet him during my mission,” Torres said. “Having the honor to meet him face to face and then attend his funeral service was something special.
“It caused me to remember all of the big things he did for us under the direction of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Having accompanied the Torres family to the funeral service with her own parents and family, 14-year-old Kimi Mendoza Angeles shared that she enjoyed listening to the service’s speakers, as they helped her find hope amid the sorrow she felt for President Nelson’s death.
“At first, I was very sad because, well, (President Nelson) was a prophet whom I loved very much,” she said. “But then I realized that even though he has died, many remember him for his joy.”
Similarly reflecting on President Nelson’s joy and the joy of the gospel, Latter-day Saint Andronica Lebethoa from South Africa said attending President Nelson’s funeral service was a “very spiritual experience.”
“I loved how even in a time of funerals instead of crying we still testify of Jesus Christ and his attributes,” she said. In this way, “we continue to teach and live the gospel at all times.”
Gueen Frenzel, a Latter-day Saint from the Philippines and long-time Utah resident, also attended President Nelson’s funeral service, along with her sister.
“It was a privilege to be able to have been there,” she said, commenting on the speakers and music selected.
“We loved President Nelson, … and I loved that he served God, that he served the family, (and that) he served us.”
Frenzel then commented on the church’s growth in the Philippines, and President Nelson’s contributions to it. She noted with tears and excitement the many temples — at least 10 — that President Nelson announced for the Philippine islands during his time as church president.
Reflecting on their impressions as they made their way back home from President Nelson’s funeral service, Latter-day Saints Sharon and Larry Auger told the Deseret News they enjoyed getting to see a more “personal” side of President Nelson, as well as recognizing the legacy he left behind.
“I knew he was a wonderful father,” said Sharon Auger. “But to hear (the speakers) talk about him and the impact he had, and the joy that he shared, even within his family, makes you want to be that kind of person too, to share joy wherever you go.”
Larry Auger shared that his first recollection of a Latter-day Saint prophet goes back to President David O. McKay, who served as church president from 1951 to 1970.
“I’ve seen several prophets as they have come and gone,” he said, “and I think the advancements and the general knowledge and information of the gospel as it’s been spread throughout the world, has been one of the greatest times and advancements under President Nelson.
It was ”wonderful to see that happen and live during this time period when he was the prophet of the church.”
