Sept. 9 marked President Russell M. Nelson's 101st birthday. He is the world's oldest global church leader of a major religion.
President Nelson was called as a prophet in 2018, making him a prominent figure in the lives of many BYU students during their teenage and young adult years.
“I think I’ll always think of him as, like, almost being like, my prophet," Boston Park, a family life major at BYU, said.
Luke Banner, a cybersecurity student, agreed.
"He's really inspired me through his example," Banner said.
Since the beginning of his presidency, President Nelson has chosen to focus many of his messages on the young adults and youth of the Church. This pattern began with his 2018 worldwide devotional about gathering Israel.
During his address, President Nelson told the youth that "the Lord is hastening the gathering of Israel and that gathering is the most important thing taking place on the earth today.”
This was impactful for many BYU students, including Emma Marx, a public relations student.
“That’s opened my eyes to how much there is, how much work there is to do, and how much influence the youth can have on the Church," Marx said.
BYU students said that one of his most impactful messages was his emphasis on being peacemakers.
“I personally was there when he gave the talk 'Peacemakers Needed,' and that made a very big impression on me,” Nathan Andrews, a mechanical engineering student, said.
Santos Marquez, a fellow mechanical engineering student, agreed.
“I think it's just transforming the way the world interacts with everybody," Marquez said.
Many BYU students have found that following the prophet has brought them closer to Jesus Christ, the Savior.
“All of his talks and everything he’s said and invited us to do has helped me live a little bit more like Jesus Christ," Andrews said.
The Church has invited everyone to celebrate President Nelson's birthday by reflecting on his teachings about Jesus Christ and posting their favorite messages with the hashtag #PresidentNelson101.