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SALT LAKE CITY — This too shall pass. That’s what President Russell M. Nelson wants members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to remember amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a video posted on the church’s social media channels Saturday, the 95-year-old leader of the faith assured members "these unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future."
Over the past few months, people across the world have felt the effects of coronavirus. In the midst of sickness and death, events, businesses, cities, even entire countries have shut down to help slow the spread of the virus.
The church has also taken extraordinary measures this week, pulling missionaries out of Europe, suspending worship services, and adjusting the way temple work is carried out. These adjustments were made "after prayerful consideration, and with our deep desire to be part of the solution to this challenge," President Nelson said.
He said church leaders are praying for those who are suffering and have lost loved ones to the virus. He encouraged people to be comforted in the knowledge that God is aware of them and their struggles and will help them.
"Our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ, know us, love us, and are watching over us," President Nelson said. "Of that, we can be certain."
President Nelson concluded by urging church members to continue the study of the Book of Mormon in their homes. He said he looks forward to April’s annual general conference, which will mark 200 years since the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, said he saw a vision of God and Jesus Christ.
