This article was originally published on June 1, 2024.
As President Russell M. Nelson approaches his 100th birthday (September 9, 2024), he is highlighting a place in scripture where Jesus Christ uses the number 100 to teach a lesson about service and love.
In the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18 and Luke 15), Jesus teaches that we should reach out to others in need the way a caring shepherd would do for his sheep—even for just one lost from a flock of 100. Pointing to this example, President Nelson suggested that a way that people can help commemorate his 100th birthday would be to reach out to the one in need.
In a message posted to social media channels 100 days before his September 9 birthday, President Nelson stated:
“One spiritual offering that would brighten my life is for each of us to reach out to ‘the one’ in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone. Over the coming months I invite you to consider prayerfully: who do you know who may be discouraged? Who might you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness? Has one name been on your mind lately, though you haven’t quite known why? As you bring these questions to the Lord, He will inspire you to know how you can reach out and lift one who needs help.”
By following the Savior’s example, President Nelson continued, we can “spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
See the prophet’s post on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
How to Participate
We all have friends we’ve lost track of over the years. Is there one person who keeps popping into your mind? Sometimes that’s God’s way of telling us someone might need our help. You’re invited to reach out to that one person to share a memory, a joke, or just a hello.
Instagram users who want to share their 99+1 experiences online can tap the sticker icon in Instagram Stories and type “99+1” into the search box and choose from “99+1” Instagram stickers to add to their post.
In your posts, use the #99plus1 hashtag.
See the post below for more ideas.
How Latter-day Saints Are Reaching Out to the One
As you think of how you will participate in the online conversation, consider the examples below for ideas and inspiration. Follow the Church of Jesus Christ on Facebook, Instagram and X to see a weekly roundup and prompts to inspire you.