On Wednesday, President Russell M. Nelson shared his first Facebook message as prophet, reaching out specifically to women, youth, and those struggling with doubts or challenges in the Church:
My dear friends, we are thankful for the prayers that have been offered for us. As I said yesterday, I declare my devotion to God our Eternal Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ. I know Them, love Them, and pledge to serve Them—and you—with every remaining breath of my life.
Now, whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, I wish to assure you that there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s Church. Our Father in Heaven cherishes His children and wants each of us to return home to Him.
To women, I say: whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need your strength!
To you who are young, please know that you were born for this time. You are a chosen generation, fore-determined by God to do a remarkable work—to help prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of the Lord. We need your strength and faith.
To anyone who finds themselves in unideal circumstances, to anyone who is struggling with doubts or fears, to anyone who has stepped off the path, I invite you, with all the hope in my heart, to stay on the path. Together, we can walk the covenant path. We must look forward to the future with complete faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, whose Church this is.
Presidents Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring shared messages with Church members as well, adding their testimonies of the Savior, His Church, and His leaders on the earth today.
President Oaks testified:
I feel very privileged to be called to serve with President Russell M Nelson in the First Presidency. I also feel very privileged to be able to work with President Henry B Eyring, whom I love and respect.
I have sat beside President Nelson in the Quorum of the Twelve for almost 34 years. I know his love of the Lord Jesus Christ and his commitment to testify of Him and of our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. I know his love of the people. I know his wisdom.
I am thrilled with the opportunity to give my full efforts to bear witness of Jesus Christ, the Light and Life of the World, and to proclaim the truth of His restored gospel.
President Eyring testified:
In recent days, I have felt the truth reaffirmed that it is the Lord who leads His Church. He watches over all His Father’s children in the world. And He qualifies and calls His servants to lead in inviting God’s children to come home in heaven to Him.
Every association I have had with President Russell M Nelson and President Dallin H Oaks has increased my ability to remember the Savior, keep sacred covenants, and find joy in the influence of the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for the increase of that blessing in my life. I pray the same experience will be yours.
I testify that the Savior and His Atonement make all things possible. This is His true Church. This is a great time in the history of the Church. And yet, the best is still to come, because of our faith in the Lord.