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SALT LAKE CITY — Several years ago, President Russell M. Nelson, head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was traveling as part of his church service duties when the unthinkable happened: The plane engine exploded.
Suddenly, the faith leader saw his life flash before his eyes as the aircraft took a nosedive and became engulfed in flames.
"I expected to die," President Nelson said in an about 5-minute video released Sunday.
Miraculously, the pilot was able to restore the other engine's power, extinguish the flames and make a safe landing. Throughout the experience, President Nelson remembers being calm knowing he would see his wife and children again, thanks to his belief in eternal families.
"I was at peace ready to meet my maker," he said.
This week, President Nelson invited others to focus on Jesus Christ ahead of this weekend's Easter and 191st Annual General Conference. He acknowledged that individuals across the globe have been dealing with the impact of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and offered a way they can find hope and peace — by focusing on Jesus Christ.
"Amid such uncertainty, there's only one way to feel at peace, the real peace that passes all understanding," he shared. "That peace is found in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," he said.
In the special message released on Palm Sunday, the global faith leader encouraged individuals to try to emulate Christ in their actions, whether it be through a more earnest prayer, helping a friend or forgiving someone.
"You can start today on a new spiritual quest," President Nelson said.
He also extended an invitation for members and nonmembers across the world to watch this weekend's general conference, which "will be filled with Christ-centered messages and music," he said. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the April conference will be 100% virtual as all church general conferences the past year have been.
"Let us worship and praise Him for the peace, hope, light and truth He brings to us," President Nelson said.
