I used to babysit Austen and some other kids in his neighborhood when I lived in Henderson. You know when you meet a person, and you can just tell they’re special? Austen was that way. Always smiling, always reaching out to the little guy and always with a basketball in his cute little hands. You’d just see his little blond curls and big blue eyes and you couldn’t help but love him. I distinctly remember thinking that i was excited to see what kind of young man he grew up to be. I couldn’t help but cry watching this video. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose a child or a sibling. But I do know that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God and that Austen’s life was a mission it itself in bringing others closer to Christ. Not only did it unite an entire neighborhood in ministering, love and charity but it’s inspiring people everywhere to do the same. I miss his cute sweet little smile and face, but I know he is happy in heaven and that he will be reunited with his family again someday. That is what is so beautiful about the gospel when we partake of it. Temples make Families eternal and we can all be together again one day. That doesn’t make life easy, but it does give it meaning and that is something we all need. 💙

@danielleb.h.9428

5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful words, thank you

@thesirlancelot

5 жыл бұрын

It’s a good meaning

@bakugohayasumso83

4 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to here this loss, How troy and deedra doing now? Edit: forgive my English

@madzaz1822

4 жыл бұрын

Not to minimize the pain but at least in this amazing gospel, at leave we can find comfort in the knowledge that families can be together again. If we can trust in Heavenly Father and endure to the end. Thankyou for sharing xxx

@310rko

4 жыл бұрын

Women have a lot of emotional support, but men don't. It is beautiful to see these men rallying around their grieving friend and supporting him.

@HiFiDiariesTV

5 жыл бұрын

I LOVE your comment, thank you!!

@lifeastoldbyheather2411

5 жыл бұрын

@@HiFiDiariesTV I understand what you are saying but your wrong. When my mom lost my dad after he had fought PNH for 10 years only one of the ladies in my moms ward cared at all. So no women do always have alot of support. i agree that this is very beautiful. As members we should always try to be like the savior not just stick to a click.

@madzaz1822

4 жыл бұрын

Amen to that xxx

@danelda47

4 жыл бұрын

Dear Anna, You and I don't know one other and yet we know all about our commonalities. If you and I were next door neighbors to Deedra, we would share with her the Agape love that Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ gives unto us, all of us... Women are wired for emotion and men are wired for logic. Makes perfect sense to us, right? Now at the one year mark, we can all come together with shared hugs and a bowl of green Jello with shredded carrots! Love You.

@WatchingNinja

2 жыл бұрын

As a single sister, no. I don't. But I do agree it's nice to see men helping one another. They certainly can use it.

People that dislike these videos, just because they are atheists, is sad. This man lost his son. Don’t dislike this just because it isn’t what you believe in, ok? Love you guys.

WHY in the heck do I keep watching these at work?!?! No less than 3 times was I caught wiping my eyes. Alergy season is starting strong this season!!!😋

@jeremyarrieta6869

5 жыл бұрын

haha

@buoyanthonest6078

5 жыл бұрын

You need to keep listening. The Lord wants you to become closer to him and become like him. Also to have the courage to have remorse and repent of your sins. I too am working on this. The Lord loves each of us more than we can comprehend. He is proud with those who continue his work despite their challenges. Keep going he will help you!!!!! Stay strong and resist the powers of Satan!!!! 😊👌💝💖

@orbit3181

5 жыл бұрын

If your an mormon. God wants you to nourish and take care of yourself and your body. Ask and pray to god to nourish your own body. See those thankful things heavenly father done to us. When you give the gift to someone. That person gives a gift back to you.

@orbit3181

5 жыл бұрын

That is why you keep watching these things. And that is why we are here in this world.

@monacrestfreemethodistchur508

5 жыл бұрын

The right question is not WHY but WHAT FOR....GOD bless you! Coleman.

The part where John talked about the answer to his prayer was extremely profound and deeply moved my heart. I believe President Nelson captured the answer to John’s prayer years ago when he said, “Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.”

@dkl7995

5 жыл бұрын

Those words could not be more true.

@RR-fg7nu

5 жыл бұрын

I like the idea that joy is found in meaning and purpose. We should seek meaning in life because happiness will come and go.

@thesirlancelot

5 жыл бұрын

President Russell M Nelson is a good prophet

@merinageorge7530

4 жыл бұрын

the Lord is good to me he had Anseed my prayers thanks guys ☺

I see so many of these touching videos and I always see dislikes on them, and I keep thinking who really hates ending bullying messages of hope and helping cope with loss?

I’m both so happy I was able to watch this, and heartbroken that this happened. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.

@TJblueflames

9 ай бұрын

This is a good video I got sent it by my dad

What a tragedy!!! What a victory!!! Well done, John! Well done, Troy and Deedra!!! I love the three of you and Austen and don't even know you.

I lost my mother to a car crash a few months back, this video truly helped me to realize that no matter how hard the pain beats on you, it’s not worth trading a single second i got to spend with her. Thank you for this video.

@soccerboy8789

2 жыл бұрын

God is a miracle and I bet your mom is proud of you

Congratulations to the cinematographers and editors who were able to show this beautiful story in such a powerful way.

I can only imagine the amazing missionary Elder Autsten Russell is on the other side. Called to serve in paradise. :) God bless you Russell family!

"I can take away the pain, but I would have to take away the 9 years you had with your son. Or, you can keep those 9 years you had with your son, and endure the pain of losing him." This caused me to weep because I understood what "taste the bitter that we may prize the good" in simple terms means. God bless you and your family and friends in your loss, and thank you for sharing your story.

@bearingwitness8381

4 жыл бұрын

I didn't understand the message in Gods' Word when I initially heard it, but I do now He gave me the understanding that it is in the appreciation and thanksgiving of the relationships with have in this life where Love and Christ truly are! I've lost both my mother and father a best friend last and another really good friend in the last few years, but I wouldn't trade a moment of the time I had with them either in order to be free of the pain of grief and loss.The relationships I had with them and the time are far more valuable than the pain or the time without them now, they taught me so much about God/Christ & Life in Christ, there's not a day goes by that I don't thank God for them

@idontcareyo4850

3 жыл бұрын

This made me cry, I lost my Dad when I was 12, I often wish he was still here but I'm grateful to have the memories I have about him!

@davidmishler9864

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this story, this makes hard things like this have tremendous value to many.

I know exactly how he feels of losing a son and it’s not that easy. Rest in peace my son, Nyll Nico. Daddy always loves you.

@tilltheend7902

2 жыл бұрын

So sorry for your great loss. Jesus is coming soon and if you have Jesus as your Savior you will see your son again.

When I started watching this, I was in a bit of a funk, consumed by my own petty challenges, struggling with an inward mindset. This made me weep, but more importantly, re-centered me on the things that matter most. Thank you.

@MelePaasi

4 жыл бұрын

💓

Thank you to whoever is monitoring the comments on the Church's social media accounts! It's wonderful to have such positive commentary to accompany the beautiful message.

Thank you for sharing your story with me, Dr. Russell. As heartbreaking as it is, it also brings so much comfort to know that you were surrounded by all the love and support you needed to come through this difficult time in your lives. You have a beautiful family.

This is what ministering is. This is what mourning with those who mourn is. This is what being a member of the church is all about. Everything else, are appendages to it. Thank you for sharing the story of true friendship.

His wife is amazing for not holding a grudge or hating Troy. GOD bless them.

@straightproudincense

Ай бұрын

I missed something. Is Troy not educated yet? I am so sorry.

My aunt and I just met this man and he is an amazing soul. My upmost condolences 😢

I miss my son to.. 💗 😭😭 peace... Love.

I watched this story in tears. Losing a loved one is hard, but losing a Son or Daughter is indescribably painful. Only the our Savior Jesus Christ can understand and heal all wounds, no matter how deep they are.

Thank you for sharing this story with me, a father who knows.

it is so touching,i started to cry

Love this video. I had the great privilege of serving a mission in Vegas. And I got to serve in Brother Troy Russell’s Ward where he was my Ward Mission Leader. His testimony of the Atonement is so strong & I got to hear him testify of the power of the Atonement often whether it was during Church or when he came out with us to lessons. A great family, such inspiration of faith & leaning on the Saviour on hard times. ❤️❤️

@Kama_lefagaoalii

5 жыл бұрын

What an experience uso

Who on earth are the 118 people who “thumbs downed” this story. What an incredible tale of sorrow, wrapped with a message of hope and faith! Thank you for sharing. I love it.

it's difficult to loose child. I am thankful for all helpful people on earth.

I wept all the way through this. As a father to a son the same age as Austen, it's hard to not watch it and feel a portion of the tragedy that Troy and his family have gone through.

I oh-so happend to be watching this the same day and three years it was uploaded, happy birthday Austen!

A very inspiring video showing devotion to a friend

Thank you for sharing this. This is something similar that I'm going through. I know its God's love that lead me to watch this. Thank you, Jesus, for guiding me. This touched my inner soul. I lost my 18-year-old granddaughter on a tragic car accident and I survived the accident but she died. Something in me die that day and I'm trying to find myself again. The feeling of guilt and anger for her best friend you was driving and legally found to be at fault has been hard to understand the whys and pain I'm feeling. Thank you for sharing and I pray you will continue to share to help others like me. God bless you🙏💕

@churchofjesuschrist

3 жыл бұрын

We're so sorry for your loss, Betty. We know comfort and healing can come through prayer and by relying on Jesus Christ at this difficult time. He loves you and can mend your heart and give you peace. www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs/purpose-of-life/4-ways-to-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one?lang=eng

I can't fathom going through this. A friend of mine lost her son and felt lost without him. I didn't get a chance to help her after he passed and wanted to just give her a hug. I shared this on Facebook to help others mourn!

I am sorry for your loss Mr. Russel. Austen will always be with you.

This is beautiful. So grateful the church made this story public.

This made me cry out loud. I feel for Troy’s loss. Friends are so important. Act with love. Our Saviour is our friend.

It was great to meet you last weekend. No words can express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. We will keep you and your family in your prayers. Thank you for shearing this beautiful story about your son and Gods never ending love. God bless. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

I love you for sharing this.

God bless you Troy and Deedra and your children. I dont know you beyond what I have heard of your story, but I love you and pray continued peace for you and your family.

Oh dear! So so sorry and so sad! l can't even imagine! l can't stop crying and what a wonderful painful story! Thanks so much for sharing! Great message!

Beautiful story

I really love it. It makes me sad for Troy and Deedra.

I lost my mom on the same year and watching this makes me feel like I should'v done something to make her still be with me and I feel you pain Troy you can get through life and meet you son. Heavenly father is blessing you and your family.

Oh, the tears...What incredible blessings that come from ministering like He did.

@raychristensen5273

3 жыл бұрын

You're story helped me reminding me that Jesus Christ is my trusty friend for ever

@raychristensen5273

3 жыл бұрын

I live in cashmere Washington we have a great missionary who is from Henderson NV

It’s 1051pm; my eyes are welling up as I think of my own kids and this powerful message

What a beautiful part the church played in this grieving family's lives, it's exemplary, just like how the first church was in the book of Acts.

What a wonderful,touching video. It's wonderful in this day in time to have things like this available to us. The church is AWESOME

I cannot even imagine what that father feels. I'm sitting on a train watching this feeling like I'm going to burst into tears. I'm so thankful for the Lord's love for us as we travel through life's challenges.

my nanna lovs this so much

@tererere772

5 жыл бұрын

😒🤔

A real example of ministering

This is so beautiful.

no way you can watch this without crying

This was painfully beautiful to watch! Amazing story of healing through the Atonement, faith, and brotherhood. I pray Heavenly Father will continue to comfort and heal the wounded hearts in this beautiful family.

THANK YOU LORD!

I can't even imagine the pain of losing a child.. how grateful I am to know families are forever and to have the comfort from families and the community during our temporal state here is so impactful and necessary. Phew..my tears are just goin and goin.

When the balloons went up I just couldn't keep the tears from rolling 😭😭😭

I cant imagine how the dad felt I cant stop crying

thank you for sharing this story with us, God Bless!

Wow. I cannot imagine that pain. I feel so much love and compassion for Troy and his family. I am SO grateful that they received help during that time! What wonderful friends and community!!! I hope we can all be that and have that in time of need! ♡

Simply from my hearth THANK YOU ...

Such an amazing story.. can’t imagine

@user-zp5lt3kj7o

3 жыл бұрын

God bless

@theresaalbino3888

2 жыл бұрын

A beautiful neighborly time to come through .

@PrecisionRebounds

2 жыл бұрын

I actually live next to them it’s very sad

@chuungo2072

2 жыл бұрын

yeah can't imagine how difficult it is to live with the guilt of committing murder, against your son no less.

What a strong family... I can't imagine going through anything like that! no doubt the love and friendship of our family and friends help us through our trials and sorrows. All things through Christ are possible!

We will meet again, God Bless you all

What an amazing story of ministering and helping Todd get through this difficult period in his life. He was a steady rock to help his good friend find himself again! Tear -jerking story but what faith and love can do for a family.

I love this way too much ❤️

Couldn't stop crying for this sweet man. I know few people who've been through the same thing, losing a child the same way. It's a bitter journey, heaven awaits your sweet family.

Bless this beautiful family and this strong, courageous father. I pray you will find peace, joy, and happiness again! That sweet Austen is with you.

I love this video. I cried throughout it. What a wonderful example of loving your neighbor during a time that would have been completely unbearable. I can't imagine how hard that would be. I love that it teaches that we just need to be there. We don't need to know what to say or do.

Thanks for the reminder of the good each of us can give and receive.

I love this story. When my two month old son Levi passed away suddenly two years ago, this talk came to my mind. I thought, if that dad can come back from that, I can come back from this. I know how it feels to lose a son, but I have also experienced the miracle of being lifted by family and ward members and friends and even strangers in amazing ways. The gospel is real and it changes lives for the better, it got me through the worst days of my life.

Everyone needs a support system like this.. I'm going through a very rough Time. Depression and anxiety have infested me and i just want to be at peace

@churchofjesuschrist

Жыл бұрын

Hi @Ashwin Beck, we're sorry to hear of the challenges you're experiencing. We know God hears your prayers of faith, and we hope you will feel His love and comfort as you seek His help. We also encourage you to seek help for your mental health challenges from someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, mental health professional, or faith leader. To learn more, visit www.churchofjesuschrist.org/mentalhealth.

The shot where he is walking away from the gym and into chapel was powerful! It shows to me that while the gym and chapel are connected physically they are also connected spiritually. They both helped this man find peace and solace even though one isn’t perceived as a typical “church” setting.

Wow, such a strong spirit Austen has! And what a amazing family.

Incredible message, we have God's work to do. Amen.

Doc I just met you at your office. I am so sorry for all that you have been challenged with. You are one strong man and thank you for sharing these amazing stories. My wrist seems like the most insignificant thing now. God bless.

Sermon without a bible verse but the glory of God alone...

This is a beautiful testimony of ministering. Thank you Russell family for sharing your story.

in language other than words I heard, felt "daddy". New friends literally hundreds like those who ministered in this experience, so uplifting.At times profound sobbing, then exhaustion, then renewal I am so blessed. Angel Mother and two cherished daughters, together now, and are OK

Wow, this broke my heart, I lost a puppy same way, and it broke me for days. I cannot imagine losing my child in such a way. Only God can bring such peace, for even with my small loss, I saw the little brother of that puppy, and poured all my love into him and called him lucky. It was great to see that love in much the same way helped this family, and from a friend, a brother, an angel sent to earth by God for just such a day. May we be grateful for friends, the gospel, family, the love of God, the atonement of Christ, peace, joy, faith, grace, and hope.

I cried so many tears watching this.😭 Heavenly father, allow me to just listen if ever given the chance. 🙏

Love this church and the spirit I feel watching this video!

This is such a good story of how to help someone overcome, or rather learn to deal with their grief. Thank you. for making this.

So..crying is a thing right now. This video was amazing!!

Beautiful.

Whoever produces videos for the church ... does a great job.

Such an apt analogy; you're the bassist who works with the drummer to impart (forward) momentum, rhythm, style; supporting the narrative & tune, providing underlying interest and even counterpoint at times. An essential, integral, unique, colourful, creative, but humbler element of the band. Tyvm for sharing this excruciating, personal, intensely emotionally raw experience. I add my prayers to your families'.

Thank u for sharing this with the world. It really touches my heart Troy. it also makes me happy to know that u moved on but still keep him in your heart (the face is happy ok)

I love the church

The worth of souls are great.

I'm soooooo sad it made me cry

Thank you for sharing. Watching this bought tears. It hit me so hard because my son is the exact same age as when Troys son passed. And I just cannot bear the thought of me losing my son.! Your faith is great!! I’m so happy that the people around you helped to “bear another’s burdens” but more importantly your faith to call upon the Savior for help💯💯 amen

This is my therapist. I can call him a friend. This story is very, very inspirational and I enjoy the company of this man whenever he is around. What a great soul, what a great person. Rest In Paradise Little Man. Thanks Troy for sharing this great story with me today at the office. You are a good person. Enjoy your day Troy, be blessed.

Thank you for sharing your story Dr. Russel. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you and your family went through. Know that you are never alone, even when you sometimes feel that you are.

Thanks, Just thanks. I needed this message and so sorry for your loss Troy and Deedra.

Love cries deep. Thank you for being brave enough to share so I could cry with you.

I wanna thank you guys so much for this video because you guys made me realize the value of forgiveness and prayer no matter how tough times may get.

@EowynG191

3 жыл бұрын

And forgiving ourselves too ♡

What a joyful reunion it will be. I hope to be just as strong as this family in all my trials I endure, to the end 💕

This is so heartbreaking and comforting at the same time. Thank you for sharing your lives and testimonies with all of us

Love church videos! So powerful, so beautiful!

We often focus on those who can listen and I'm grateful for those who do, but I never considered talking to be important too. Thanks for sharing your message with me.

I feel like this is exactly the sort of message we're supposed to be giving and hearing in these days. Bravo, and very well done!

Thank you!