Deseret News | LDS Church's Elder Russell Nelson, wife robbed in Mozambique

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LDS Church's Elder Russell Nelson, wife robbed in Mozambique

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True | 7:04 p.m. May 30, 2009

Sad. I pray for quick recovery for all.

Mike Mills | 7:13 p.m. May 30, 2009

Interesting that they will continue their assignment. In Elder Nelsons professional life he operated on my father who lived twenty additional years because of that operation. My prayers are with them.

Pamela J. Alley | 7:50 p.m. May 30, 2009

It's becoming increasingly difficult to be upbeat, hopeful & looking forward to the future when satan is raging all around in every single facet of this world.
Reading the scriptures, going to church & the Temple, listening to leaders, etc. help to give strength & encouragement in the face of adversity; but nothing is sacred any more, no place is deemed safe, and no one is immune to trials, tragedies or attacks.
Sending heartfelt prayers, asking for Heavenly guidance, and extremely grateful for stalwart leadership.
And definitely very thankful no one was killed or more severely injured...

Comments continue below

Very happy | 7:52 p.m. May 30, 2009

they are safe and were unharmed..

true blue | 8:01 p.m. May 30, 2009

That's sad.

David in CA | 8:06 p.m. May 30, 2009

God Bless Elder Nelson and his wife and all the other Church leaders that were affected by this bad behavior.

Let's pray for this situation. I already did and invite all, who believe in Prayer, to do so also.

wow | 8:07 p.m. May 30, 2009

Who would attack and harm the innocent and elderly? must have been some bad people

Media! | 8:16 p.m. May 30, 2009

Both the news and D-news try to make it sound like they were attacked because Nelson is a general authority...when these people were just trying to rob someone that looked well off. Most mission pres homes are some of the nicest in the countries, so of course bad people will go after them. Quit trying to make it out like this whole thing is because he is a GA>

RE: Media! | 8:26 p.m. May 30, 2009

How did you come to that conclusion? I thought DN did a good job reporting the facts. I don't see any slant. Keep in mind, DN's readership would find this story more interesting than most other newspaper audiences. I agree that the motive for the theft was probably not related to their religion or position

To Media! | 8:33 p.m. May 30, 2009

The D-News has an obligation to say who got robbed. They weren't saying they got robbed because they were church leaders - they were just reporting the facts. Find something else to whine about.

Huh? | 8:34 p.m. May 30, 2009

Media! The only place anyone is trying to make it sound as if they were attacked because he is a GA is in your head. Re-read the article and the posts. You are fantasizing.

Hoosier Chuck | 8:40 p.m. May 30, 2009

to medial
I didn't see any cause listed. The article I read said that police were investigating. It said what happened, to whom, and why they were there. No info on the bad guys or their reasons were given.

Glenn | 8:47 p.m. May 30, 2009

Satin is all around us. This is the end of days my friends, the end of days! I certainly hope you food storage is up to date.

anonymous | 8:47 p.m. May 30, 2009

This is a very dangerous area - I have family currently serving in the Moputo mission. One of the things the american missionaries [who are usually couples] are regularly harrassed by local army types trying to shake them down for money. I'm very glad to hear that no one was seriously harmed. My prayers and thoughts are with these valiant Saints as they serve.

kws | 8:50 p.m. May 30, 2009

If it's like any of the other incidents in southern Africa, it was done because they were white, which means the perpetrators will get away with it. Even if they're caught, they will just get a slap on the wrist since it's politically correct in the region to victimize anyone that is similar in appearance to their "colonial oppressors". This has been happening for years.

Re Hoosier Chuck | 9:04 p.m. May 30, 2009

It doesn't give info on the bad guys, because they probably don't have any! This is a news flash, not a in-depth report. By the way, I don't think you mean "medial". I think you mean media

Forrest | 9:08 p.m. May 30, 2009

"End of days" it's not, folks. The gospel will go to all the world first. You heard Elder Packer's talk a few short years ago, that even our grandchildren will be able to have families before all that must happen takes place. Lets get busy.

CougarKeith | 9:15 p.m. May 30, 2009

I guess no body is safe from robbers! I am sure security will be enhanced to protect the 12 apostles soon as well!

JJ | 9:16 p.m. May 30, 2009

Fellow Saints, keep this in perspective. This isn't a religious issue. They were targeted because they are wealthy Americans.

Becky | 9:21 p.m. May 30, 2009

Church members are at risk. Satan is everywhere I think we all agree that it is not safe for us anywhere. Be safe and take care of brothers and sisters who are friends among us.

Doug | 9:37 p.m. May 30, 2009

My heart goes out to Elder & Sister Nelson. I am not too well acquainted with her, but we all know -- any right thinking person would recognize -- what a kind, loving person Elder Nelson is. He's the kind of man who would give money to a perfect stranger. He's one of the Savior's choice apostles. I just hope they are able to get home in a reasonable period of time and that they and others who were involved get through this. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved and their families

Rui Reid - Sydney, Australia | 9:41 p.m. May 30, 2009

The power of prayer morning and night to keep our loved ones safe is a testimony in itself. Happy to know they are all safe

Michaelm | 9:46 p.m. May 30, 2009

The Nelson's and all others present and even the robbers will be in my prayers tonight. peace be unto all.

RuthAnn1264 | 10:07 p.m. May 30, 2009

We need be be prepared and keep our brothers and sisters safe. This is only the begining. Satan was present with prop 8 in ca but now meeting houses and temples are being attached and now Elder Nelson? These are signs and we all need to prepare. Work need to be done. These are scary times and I believe time is limited.

holy schmoly frijoles | 10:34 p.m. May 30, 2009

Good grief. This sort of thing happens every single day. I'm sure we are hearing of this incident because it involves people from our community. However, all this extrapolation that it's the end of days and things are getting worse is ridiculous. Same old song that's been playing since mankind showed up on the planet. If you choose to wring your hands about it, fine. Just be aware tis nothing new or on the increase.

please | 10:40 p.m. May 30, 2009

Get a grip, all you 11th-hour fear mongers.

sfcretdennis | 10:59 p.m. May 30, 2009

We should try and keep everyone safe wather mambers of our fath or mambers a anather fath, we should help keep everyone safe for we are all children of God no matter what fath we are steel gods children.

Amen to please. | 11:00 p.m. May 30, 2009

So did anyone hear the talk in General Conference about not fearing? I am sorry for all these people who were robbed and of course I with many others share concern for the Prophet and Apostles. But near where I live there are about 130 murders a year, I am blessed to be in a good neighborhood, but it is on my doorstep, I just don't go there. But I am not going to get my feathers ruffled cause someone got robbed, it happens every day. I really admire Elder Nelsons wife for going on with a broken arm, what a trooper. Best to all of those who were hurt in their recovery, the physical, I don't doubt that they are doing just fine emotionally.

Get a grip or wake up? | 11:29 p.m. May 30, 2009

"please | 10:40 p.m. May 30, 2009
Get a grip, all you 11th-hour fear mongers."

Oh, but it is the 11th hour, whether these Church leaders were robbed or not. When will Christ come again?

Who knows?

I'm 43 and think I might see it. I believe very much that my kids will live to see it.

Frank | 11:51 p.m. May 30, 2009

I have a grandson who is a Missionary in Durban South Africa. Robbery is common there. He and his companion have been robbed twice. All tourists are targets as are all foreignors because they usually have money, jewelry, cell phones and watches.

If you are unlucky enough to have car keys they will take your car also. However, it is very unusual for anyone to be hurt physically. I suspect that President Nelson and his party were observed getting out of their car and were followed to the place of the robbery because they were well dressed and were foreignors.

I think we are all happy that there were no fatal injuries and that the Nelsons and the Mission President and his wife are able to go on with their Missionary work. We will remember them in our prayers.

Frank | 12:00 a.m. May 31, 2009

I failed to mention our concern for the others who were with Elder and Sister Nelson. They were, Elder William W. Parmley, of the Quorums of the Seventy and the church's Africa Southeast Presidency, and his wife, Shanna Lee, in addition to mission President Blair J. Packard and his wife, Precinda.

Also, it was Sister Packard who was injured, not Sister Nelson as mentioned by someone else who got into the comments and couldin't get back for a second look at the article once he (or she) started writing his or her comment.

My excuse is old age, what is yours?

Too bad | 12:42 a.m. May 31, 2009

I have no comment for the people that can't read and are trying to say they were attacked because they are LDS. No where in the article does it give a reason or attempt to give one.

I do however have to say that it is sad they would rob the elderly. Obviously they felt their was enough to rob to make their concious not be bothered by it. If you wanted to rob me on my mission thats fine go for it, but don't try and rob the my mission president or the sisters. Thats just not cool.

Are there any sisters in this mission? Doubt it. They are all gone from the 3 south africa missions right??

Oh and for those saying its a sign of the times and for the dude who is 43 and says he thinks he will see the second coming, I DOUBT IT. Work harder sharing the gospel and quite worrying about when the second coming will be. No man knoweth and definitely not me but there is a lot that has to happen still. I'm 23 and I don't plan on seeing it.

Jim | 1:08 a.m. May 31, 2009

And what would we be saying if someone had been seriously maimed or killed? Prayers don't keep people safe if it's God's will that they be taken. Speaking of the 11th hour, the saints throughout the history of the church thought the Second Coming was soon at hand, so we've been wrong before. Vigilance is healthy, but alarmist attitudes are not.

Here's wishing the best to Elder Nelson and his family.

KJB | 1:23 a.m. May 31, 2009

It's quite unfortunate that this happened and I'm glad that no one got more seriously hurt, but some of you need to take a deep breath and relax. The sun's still coming up tomorrow.

You can either go the "Satan! Satan! The world is evil and hopeless and only Christ can save us!" route or you can try to see the world objectively, be grateful for what you have, and enjoy being alive. It's too bad that so many members of the Church choose to play the victim and do the former.

Anonymous | 1:36 a.m. May 31, 2009

Glenn...get your spelling right...satin is a silky material so if you have satin all around you you must be a clothes designer

Anonymous | 1:52 a.m. May 31, 2009

I feel so bad for all of them, especially Pricinda whose arm was broken. What a terrible mission experience...to be in a foriegn country with a broken arm and the recovery and the medical care etc. A broken bone is no fun. And then the cuts and bruises. This is really sad. May the Lord bless them.

Chris in Texas | 3:34 a.m. May 31, 2009

I am saddened to see the mission home and its occupants/guests robbed like that. My uncle was the first president of the mission and put a lot of hard work into getting it going. He's on another mission now and I believe he'd be saddened by this too. I wish all affected a speedy recovery.

Sad | 5:45 a.m. May 31, 2009

This is so sad that someone feels a need to take from others. A lot of us will be praying for the perpetrators as well as the victims. I do not think it was religious based agression, but still, it reminds me of 160 years ago when Joseph Smith went on to preach a sermon a day after having been tarred and feathered by a similar group of ill-meaning assailants. Thank you for your courage, kindness and determination to do the Lord's work.

bob | 6:42 a.m. May 31, 2009

Here is a paraphrased quote from Elder Bednar, "If the Lord were to open China today and we took all of our 50,000 plus missionaries and sent them there, we still wouldn't have half as many as are needed for that country let alone the rest of the world" [quote taken from a web conference broadcast 2 weeks ago]. We are not at the end of days yet my friends.

My prayers go out to everyone involved. The work will go on. We need more missionaries!

rdha | 7:04 a.m. May 31, 2009

I just hope everyone's O.K. and will continue to be alright. Could've happened to anyone. The Good Lord's work must go on and Elder Nelson will be courageous to move forward. Opposition in all things; must remember that.

Monsallis | 7:32 a.m. May 31, 2009

What can one expect? It's Africa...

Free Agent | 7:34 a.m. May 31, 2009

Glenn, "satin" doesn't scare me, but I am a bit creeped out by red velvet...

dk | 7:44 a.m. May 31, 2009

End of days or not, we all need to go about living and focusing on the things that matter most. We could all stand before the Savior in our next breath. Life is fragile and hangs by a thread. Live your best life.

Cats | 8:07 a.m. May 31, 2009

We ARE in the last days. How long that period will be is unknown, of course. But, Elder Boyd K. Packer stated in a public forum that we are in the days spoken of by Paul in the New Testament. He said things will NOT get better from here on out. That means we are in the last days.

These "last days" could be another fifty years or even a hundred. We don't know how long, but these ARE the last days and we need to be prepared for whatever may happen.

And Satan is targeting missionaries whether it be through robbery or any other method. So, don't be so smug and sophisticated about pointing out that Satan had nothing to do with it. Satan is present in all the crime, violence and social upheaval that is happening all over the world.

These ARE the last days.

In Africa | 8:31 a.m. May 31, 2009

Having a gun stuffed in your face can shake you to the core. If you knew the dedication of these good people however, you would not doubt their resilience. Some security may change as a result, but the Lord's work will continue to progress there and everywhere. The Lord will aid them in their recovery.

cjc | 8:46 a.m. May 31, 2009

11th hour fear mongers what the heck. take a reality check.
there is a saying "there are none so blind then who cannot see. OR WILL not see".
Things are not the same as they were twenty years ago or even two years ago. so how can you say things arn't changing. there are some good and SOME BAD. Never the less things are changing.
The whole thing should be about how sad it is that there were PEOPLE hurt. Yes it can happen everywhere and can happen to ANYONE, as someone said in an earlier comment "WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF HEAVENLY FATHER" and what should matter is that we can pray for both vandals and victims.
So on that note, for those who were affected, heart felt love, sympathy and PRAYERS.

Fairly Common occurrance | 10:34 a.m. May 31, 2009

Unfortunately, this sort of thing is not too uncommon in various parts of the third world. My brother was shot-at on his mission to Argentina, and my wife and her companion were held-up and robbed at gunpoint in the Philippines. The Lord protected them through it all. Occasionally however, church members and missionares are actually shot or attacked and killed, as happened a couple of years ago in Virginia Beach, VA when one elder was shot and killed. Can happen anywhere, to anyone in these perilous times. Glad Elder and Sister Nelson are OK.

Kenda | 11:05 a.m. May 31, 2009

Even when you are on the Lord's errand you are not immune from the conditions of this world. The dedication with which Church leaders face adversity should be an example to us all in not being deterred from doing our best, no matter what happens.

pabulum | 12:33 p.m. May 31, 2009

News flash! Some guy and/or his wife have been robbed! It just happened!

In Columbus: A 44-year-old Columbus man was robbed at gunpoint while in his ice cream truck.

In Arizona: Phoenix police are searching for three young robbers who held a man and his two children at gunpoint at a home near 35th Avenue.

In Yakima: Yakima police are looking for a man who robbed an 81-year-old woman of her wallet at gunpoint in her west Yakima home.

POINT? People get robbed. MOVE ON PEOPLE!

BTW, love the apocalyptic and devil talk going on here. Great entertainment.

katherine1966 | 1:21 p.m. May 31, 2009

Glenn..it does not matter we all make typos. No worries and I agree with what you said.

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