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Apostles of Jesus Christ Use Instagram to Share Savior’s Message

Russell M. Nelson, president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with his counselors in the First Presidency and all members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, can now be found on Instagram, a social media platform used by 1 billion people around the world.  

Church leaders’ use of Instagram demonstrates a desire to reach and minister to people all over the world. Eighty percent of Instagram users live outside the United States, and more members of the Church live outside the U.S. than in it. The Church’s global focus is also evident in President Nelson’s worldwide travels and personal ministry to people in many nations.  

I have just returned from visiting with members of the Church and friends of other faiths in South America. I was pleased to be accompanied by Elder @garyestevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The people there are so loving, so anxious to serve the Lord and to serve each other. It’s a reverent, sacred feeling among them. It’s very energizing to see these beautiful people and children who love the Lord. . This is a global ministry. We are prophets for the whole world, to all of God’s children—not just the members of the Church. So, on this tour, we talked to people in five different countries. If there are 200 or more countries in this world, five is such a small drop in the bucket! We’ll get around, but we’ll still miss more than we’ll touch. But we’ll try. We won’t give up just because it’s a big job. We’re just at the exponential phase of growth. And it will continue. The Lord has said, “I will hasten my work in its time.” And He makes good on His promises. . My dear friends, we are witnesses to the process of restoration. If you think the Church is fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There’s much more to come. Wait until next year, and then the next year. Eat your vitamins, get your rest. It’s going to be exciting!

A post shared by Russell M. Nelson (@russellmnelson) on

Sharing messages of the Savior’s love, hope, encouragement, and prophetic guidance on Instagram will also better reach the youth of the world, as 72 percent of teenagers use Instagram every day. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 31 also make up a large demographic of Instagram users, and Church leaders have a strong interest in listening to and connecting with them.  

“We have been tremendously blessed in recent years to reach people around the globe with messages that promote faith in Jesus Christ in ways that simply were not possible when I was a young man — or even a young father,” said Elder D. Todd Christofferson, chair of the Church’s Communications Services Committee. “These advancements in communication are a blessing. We expect to continue to utilize digital channels — such as Instagram — that best help us in our desire to share the Savior’s message of hope, love and peace.” 

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are using Instagram to share the light of Jesus Christ and personal experiences that have taught them more about the principles of the gospel. Below are links to their Instagram handles. 

President Russell M. Nelson

President Dallin H. Oaks

President Henry B. Eyring

President M. Russell Ballard

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder David A. Bednar

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Elder Ulisses Soares

They also have accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Leaders of the Church’s Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations are also sharing their experiences and ministry using individual Facebook accounts. 

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