The lights dimmed, and a wave of reverence rolled through the BYU-Idaho Center as the casket was brought out on the live broadcast from Salt Lake City, holding the recently passed President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President Russell Marion Nelson was called as an apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 7, 1984, and 34 years later, he was sustained as the prophet of the Church. During his ministry, he visited 32 countries and U.S. territories, announced 200 new temples and was beloved by many.

I was 16 years old, entering my early morning seminary class, when my teacher announced, very excitedly, that Russell M. Nelson was going to be the next prophet. I regret to admit I asked, “Who?”

Now that I’m older and wiser, I’ve learned to connect President Nelson with the word joy.

President Nelson spoke of passion for Jesus Christ and His church. He taught about keeping Jesus Christ at the center of your life. His very words sparked inspiration into members' minds.

“I think about ‘Think Celestial’ regularly," said BYUI student Eli Hanks. "I think about that phrase often when I am struggling with something, or I’m thinking a little short-sighted.”

Another student shares how President Nelson’s phrase "Let God Prevail" has helped her.

“It’s a motto in my life. Think outside yourself and trust that the Lord has a plan for you,” said Lydia Kelly.

These tiny three-second phrases motivate students to put Jesus Christ at the center of their lives, which automatically brings joy into their lives. Not only were his words inspiring, but his presence made people feel the love of God.

At every general conference, temple dedication and in every social media post, President Nelson can be found smiling and spending time meeting members of the Church. His smile was able to make people comfortable and feel God’s love.

“It always brought me peace and joy," said BYUI student Kenlee Simmons. "He made me want to smile more."

The first time I was able to confidently and boldly claim that President Nelson was a prophet of God was while watching the young adult conference in May 2022, "Choices for Eternity." President Nelson mentioned war, death and loss in the first three minutes, and yet he had so much joy in his countenance.

I asked myself how someone who has felt as pain as he has could be able to call young adults “dear friends”.

A prophet of God could.

President Nelson was able to open doors to countries with which the Church had little contact or no experience. He was able to do this because of his warm and Christ-like personality. His mission to young adults was to make us better disciples of Christ.

“President Nelson touches and impacts the people close to him and distant from him,” Hanks said.