Since becoming president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints some 19 months ago, Russell M. Nelson has journeyed to every continent save for Antarctica.
Along the way, he has met with members and missionaries, ministers and mayors, presidents and premiers, even a pope.
On Saturday, the 94-year-old leader embarks on yet another tour, this time a return trip to Latin America.
With wife Wendy, the travelin’ man will hit five countries — Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil — in nine days. Together, those nations are home to 2.6 million Latter-day Saints, according to a church news release.
“It’s not just numbers; it’s strength, it’s power, it’s faith. It’s almost palpable,” he said after a trek to South American last fall.
As in previous trips, the entourage — which will include apostle Quentin L. Cook and his wife, Mary — will speak at devotionals for members and missionaries, the release noted, and huddle with “heads of state and other high-level government and religious leaders.”
Nelson will get a rest from his globe-trotting on, ironically, Labor Day, Sept. 2, when he returns to Utah — just in time for a Sept. 6 gala at the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City celebrating his 95th birthday, which is Sept. 9.