2006
Special Witness: Guess Who
March 2006


“Special Witness: Guess Who,” Liahona, Mar. 2006, F11

Special Witness:

Guess Who?

Read the clues about this member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Then find the answer below. The members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators and stand as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. They have the responsibility to testify of Him to the whole world.

  1. His parents taught him that family should always come first. In the evenings he would play games, read, or sing with his two sisters, brother, and parents.

  2. When he was 22 years old, he graduated from medical school with highest honors. He went on to become an accomplished heart surgeon.

  3. He is third in seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

  4. He performed heart surgery on many civic and Church leaders, including Elder Spencer W. Kimball, who later became President of the Church.

  5. Music is an important part of his life. Growing up, he sang in choirs, performed in musicals, and played the piano. Now he often plays the organ at meetings with the other General Authorities.

  6. He participated in many activities in school, including football. Years later he operated on his former football coach.

  7. With his years of medical training, he has helped thousands of sick people. But he says, “The real power to heal is a gift from God.”

  8. He traveled a lot in his medical career and would often take a family member with him on his trips.

  9. He met his wife, Dantzel, while performing in a university play. She was the lead soprano singer, and he thought she was beautiful. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1945.

Words of Wisdom

“Reach and teach widely without fear. Enjoy opportunities to learn more from others. Share your testimony often, and be a good friend to all you know” (“Standards of the Lord’s Standard-Bearers,” Ensign, Aug. 1991, 10).

Answer:

  • Elder Russell M. Nelson

Photography courtesy of the Nelson family; photograph of football by Maren Mecham