Faith, Family, and Music: Steven Sharp Nelson Family Music Devotional in Tokyo

On December 14, 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Tokyo Japan Temple Annex was filled with music and messages of hope as internationally acclaimed cellist Steven Sharp Nelson of The Piano Guys, his wife Julie, and their son Eli shared a devotional with Church members and friends. Their visit followed similar gatherings in Korea, where Steven and Julie joined Eli at the close of his two-year missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Known for his innovative “cello-percussion” style and faith-centered artistry, Steven has performed live for more than a million people worldwide, and his music has been viewed billions of times online. Details about his career can be found on the StevenSharpNelson and ThePianoGuys websites.

DOWNLOAD

While approximately 800 people filled the Tokyo meeting space, music and messages felt deeply personal.

DOWNLOAD

Speaking first, Julie said:

“When we first got married, we promised each other that music would only be an appetizer – just a side dish like edamame, sashimi or sunomono. But then The Piano Guys began full time, and suddenly Steve was a rock star performing around the world. I remember thinking, “Lord, this was NOT on the menu!”

She described the sacrifice of long absences:

“Steve was gone for weeks and sometimes months. For the first 10 years, I felt like a single mother, caring for the home and raising four children under age seven.”

One day, overwhelmed, Julie drove into the mountains and sat by a quiet stream:

“I sang one of my favorite worship songs, Blessings by Laura Story. As I sang ‘What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?’ a gentle voice came into my heart and mind: ‘Julie, I know you. I know where you are. I know your struggles. And I will make this struggle holy.’”

That moment changed her perspective:

“I realized God wasn’t disappointed in me for being tired and broken. He was showing me that the struggle – the tears, questions and exhaustion – was holy.”

Having felt the Savior’s love so deeply, Julie was able to tell her son in Korea:

“The Lord did not call you on a mission to test you, but to spend more time with Him.”

DOWNLOAD

Eli spoke of the joy he felt serving as a missionary and expressed sincere love and gratitude for his parents. He testified that God knows us individually and that Jesus Christ is our Savior.

DOWNLOAD

Steven took the audience on a 30-year journey. As a young man, like his son, he served as a missionary in Korea. He loved it! Unfortunately, he was sent home after a year due to illness and possible cancer. For several weeks, while doctors in Salt Lake City conducted rigorous further testing, Steven’s father was his missionary companion. Thankfully, he was able to continue his mission, but his assignment was changed from Korea to New York. When his son, Eli, opened his mission call and announced that he was called to serve in Korea, Steven fell to his knees and wept openly. For decades, Steven has had a deeply held desire to, somehow, finish his mission in Korea. In December 2025, that silent wish and prayer were answered in a surprising way. He and Julie traveled to meet Eli in Korea at the close of his mission. Because they would be traveling for two weeks through Korea and then Japan, the mission president assigned Steven to be Eli’s mission companion during their travels. Steven gave thanks for that blessing – his chance to complete his mission in Korea.

Steven reflected: “I’ve often felt big holes in my life, especially regarding family. During these past two weeks, I’ve pictured intricate puzzle pieces descending from heaven, filling those holes. God’s plan is better than my plan. When we wait upon the Lord, He blesses us fully.”

DOWNLOAD

For his closing number in Tokyo, Steven Sharp Nelson played music by Johann Sebastian Bach, in what he called an “ADHD style.”

Look forward to Steven’s next major adventure – creation of a Broadway production entitled “But Now I See,” inspired by the popular Christian hymn “Amazing Grace.”

The devotional in Tokyo was more than a musical performance—it was a testimony of faith, family, and hope. Through words and music, the Nelsons reminded listeners that life’s trials can become sacred spaces where God meets us, and that His plan, though often unexpected, is always filled with grace. Their message invites each of us to pause, reflect, and trust in a loving Heavenly Father.”

This article is also available in Japanese here.