He began by presiding over the Miri East Malaysia District conference on the island of Borneo on Feb. 20-21.
Despite limited means, humble saints in the district arranged weeks ahead of time to be off work for the weekend conference, according to Sister Julie McKellar, a senior missionary serving in East Malaysia. She said, they scrubbed their children, dressed in their best available clothing, and boarded buses and other transportation to make the trip.
After traveling for hours, they entered the meetinghouse with great anticipation, filling the entry foyer and halls as they sat on the floor in traditional Malaysian style and waited, many families up to four hours before the meetings began, Sister McKellar said. There were 437 in attendance at the district conference.
Elder Nelson, the first apostle in this dispensation to visit Borneo, was accompanied by his wife, Wendy; Elder Kent Watson of the Seventy and counselor in the Church's Asia Area presidency and his wife, Connie; and Singapore Mission President Terrence Clark and his wife, Laraine.
The Malaysian members were joyous as Elder Nelson welcomed all who would like to, to shake his hand. That gesture was something the members deeply longed for. They quietly lined up for the opportunity, many going away with tears streaming down their faces.
After the conference, district president Benedict Saran Ingkon best represented the feelings of all when he said, "These two days were the happiest of my life."
While on Borneo, Elder Nelson also visited a few members living in Brunei.
Elder Russell M. Nelson, far left, and other leaders
sit with family of district president Benedict S. Ingkon.
West Malaysia
He then proceeded to Kuala Lumpur in West Malaysia, where he met with missionaries and members. Elder Nelson was the first member of the Twelve to visit Kuala Lumpur since 1998. Members joined in a meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 23, to be taught by the Spirit. Members in attendance were from more than 30 countries in this "melting pot" of Asia. Elder Nelson taught about the Savior using many languages.
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