People of Samoa Say Farewell to Church President Russell M. Nelson
May 18, 2019, 11:10 PM | Updated: May 21, 2019, 5:31 pm
SAMOA – The people of Samoa say farewell to President Russell M. Nelson after he tells them in a gathering last night that “difficult days” are ahead and to keep them and their children safe.
“Please protect your children. Help them to know the Lord and love Him and keep His commandments and be free from the shackles of addiction and bondage,” said the 94-year-old leader to a crowd of thousands in an open field next to the Apia Samoa Temple.
President Nelson was given a police escort as he arrived at the airport in Samoa on Saturday and traveled to his first stop to the Head of State.
So long Samoa!! 🇼🇸😎🏝 amazing people! Leaving now to Auckland New Zealand..we were suppose to leave last night but flight was canceled. Catching up with @NelsonRussellM in Auckland for his visit @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/ewMmlVBVHM
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) May 19, 2019
All along the way thousands of Latter-day Saints stood on the road side dressed in their Sunday best to welcome their Prophet.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, an apostle of the church, who is traveling with President Nelson sat down for a one-on-one interview with KSL news specialist Dan Rascon who is covering President Nelson’s nine day seven country pacific Island tour.
“It’s a challenge for all of us to keep up with him,” said Elder Gong. “I think the Lord’s prophet wants people to know that the Lord loves them that this is a time of challenge and also a time of great blessings.”
