No More Strangers or Foreigners

With the arrival of Elder and Sister Goodell this week, we are wrapping up our missionary service.  Our luggage is bulging.  Not with clothes, shoes, etc.  We have given most of that away.  We are carrying back home mementos, concert ticket stubs, travel take-aways and so many gifts, many hand made by our forever friends in East Europe.  As excited as we are to see family and friends, I can't stop crying.

I love the Book of Mormon.  I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith was guided by God to bring these ancient writings to us, in our day, that we may come to Christ.

 A particular story has application for us. In the book of Alma, a group of Nephite missionaries, (4 brothers), left their comfortable royal lineage to preach the gospel of Christ to their enemies, the Lamanites.  Not an easy task.  Persecutions, deprivations all over the place.

  Decades into their service, they expressed the great love they had for these good people, their former enemies,  and the gratitude they felt.
"how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God!...we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" (Alma 26:3)  He goes on to reflect on the "dearly beloved brethren who have so dearly beloved us." (v.9)

As children, we all knew that Russians were our enemies.  Political differences were so deeply entrenched that we just assumed that we could have no connection to these people.  We couldn't have been more wrong!

  We are leaving big chunks of our hearts right here. We have been wrapped in these huge "Russian Bear" arms from the moment we arrived.  We have been welcomed into their homes, fed royally (so many different ways to make Borscht!),  hugged, sung to, and "dearly loved"
.
 Every prayer in the future will include supplication to God for the gospel to move forward, bringing light and truth to these dear people in East Europe.  

As is true anywhere, we have witnessed the joy that comes from living the gospel.  Observing families, bound by sacred temple covenants, teaching and nurturing their children in truth, we know the future is bright. Although most of our young people are the first members of the church in their families, Our Institute classes are seeing more and more young adults who were born in the covenant, meaning that their parents were sealed in the Lord's holy temple before they were born.  That is amazing for a church that has only been established in this area for less than a quarter century.  This is how the kingdom grows.

All 12 tribes of Israel are right here.  As part of the restoration of all things, Israel will be gathered
back into the covenant made to Abraham.  We see the same covenant-keeping spirit here that we have seen all over the church.  Every blessing is here.

Ivan is one who felt the call of the Master and followed that light.  A former monk, Ivan lives several teeth-chattering kilometers from the nearest branch of the church, far from Moscow.  As a child, in Crimea, Ivan remembers the impression of two enthusiastic missionaries who shook his hand.  He felt light and goodness.  He remembered the name and any years later he found that he could learn about the church, read the Book of Mormon and many other faith building books, all online.  He felt again the same light and truth he experienced as a child.

Ivan began Skyping sessions with our office missionaries.  When permission was granted for Ivan's baptism, the elders traveled by train to the nearest village.  Church members packed them  into their small car for the bumpy road to Ivan's home.  A frigid night on the floor of Ivan's "banya" didn't dampen the joy of the coming baptism.  As the sun rose, ice was chopped, making a small opening for the ordinance to take place.  Neither Elder Jones nor Ivan felt the heart-stopping cold as they entered the water.  The spirit was powerful in this far corner of the Lord's kingdom.

That's the way it happens, folks, this gospel is true and we have been blessed to see it from a different place.  "No more strangers or foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God".

This has been the adventure of a lifetime, and in "Mormon speak", we have made eternal friendships.  One of our Moscow young adult friends is serving as a missionary in a country we visited.  She was surprised to see us, "This is what heaven will be!  We will see those we love and we never need to let go," she exclaimed with big hugs.

It has also been tons of fun to share this experience with so many other missionaries.  The young ones, with their excitement in service and their matchless faith and the older ones like us, who add decades of experience and perspective.  We are united in testimony and assurance that we are doing the work of the Lord.

How we love these people and this land...

A Very Fun Family & Connie Miracle #2

Our Arkansas home isn't enormous. It is probably about average for our area.  This week we spent a wonderful evening with a happy, happy family of 7 (unusual for Russia).

 We could probably get at least 4 apartments like theirs in our home.  We have heard from others that this family is quick to provide shelter to anyone who needs it.  For a couple of years, 11 people were living here.  Two small bedrooms and of course, one bathroom.  Bunk beds everywhere.

We have loved Sasha, Sveta and their vivacious bunch for months.  Happy energy everywhere. Sasha serves in the Bishopric and Sveta is Relief Society President.

 We were surprised to hear their story.  Sasha is from a far corner of Siberia called Lake Bakal (deepest lake in the world).  As a single parent, he left his 2 children in the care of family and trekked to Moscow in search of better employment.  There he encountered missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His new perspective enhanced his native optimism.

 Steady work followed.  Sasha has a beautiful tenor voice and, like most Russians, loves to sing.  In the Moscow Stake choir, he couldn't help but notice a stunning brunette.  Sveta was also a single parent.  She had joined the church as a teenager and had been faithful ever since.

Following their marriage, Sasha sent for his children.  It wasn't easy to create a situation where Sveta could be home with the children but they are doing it.and their family is thriving.

We knew that each parent brought 2 children into the marriage but we cannot figure out which ones are the biological match.  They are a very affectionate bunch, with the usual big-family tussels.  The darling is Sonya, the baby.  Everyone loves her and she knows it.  They even make room for a couple of parakeets.

Dinner was prepared by everyone.  Arms over arms with lots of laughter.  Great food and wonderful people.  They are each living and teaching the gospel and they are happy.  They wanted to sing for us and we were drawn into the musical family spell.  A combination of stirring Russian folk songs and much-loved hymns.  Perfect harmony in more ways than one.

Last Christmas, one of my "Connies" (my hearing aids that connect me to the world) was lost and miraculously found.  This week we were in desperate need of another miracle as one became lost again.  When we noticed it was gone, we prayed to find it again.  God knew where it was. even if we didn't.

  We then backtracked through some big stores, the route to the office, ransacked that place, finally back to the Produkty, our corner store. We had checked it over and over.  Elder Pierson had a feeling he should lift the pallet that serves as the platform for the outside produce window.  There it was.  It had landed in a protected dry spot, It couldn't be stepped on or picked up.  We were so grateful.

(Elder P. talking to Irina, the sweet produce lady.     The "connie" was under the pallet he is standing on.  The horse was an innocent bystander)

After we found the "connie", Irina started crying and pounding her chest with her fist, ""Ah, Slava Bogu, Slava Bogu" (Praise God) over and over.  She was as happy as we were.

 As I tried to figure it out, the "connie" must have fallen out, landing on my coat hood.  I leaned in to give Irina a kiss on the cheek and the "connie" fell under the pallet.


We laughed hard when our good friend, Tatiana, presented our "Sweet Dreams" gift.  This lady is so fun!! Her creations are hilarious!  She searched all over to find "hair" like mine.

Bitter cold hit this week, reminding us where we are.  Moscow is at it's sparkly best.

We love this place!!!

These wonderful leaders and Beware the Turkish carpet seller

We spent the past week in another world.  We have spent time in Turkey and surrounding regions before but Istanbul is fascinating and fun.

We were there to participate in a conference for CES Coordinators from 9 countries, administrators and the head CES people from Salt Lake.  Loved the spirit and the people.

 Unless we succeed in getting these wonderful coordinators (and their amazing wives) to visit us in Arkansas, we won't see them again in this life.  We have worked closely with them as we have all tried to move the work of the Lord forward in teaching the young people in East Europe.  They are faithful Priesthood holders with marvelous testimonies and love for the work and the youth.  We are inspired by their teaching.

Our East Europe Area President, President Porter, talks about the light emerging in East Europe.  We see it in these inspired leaders.  They are full of light and goodness.  They bring it to so many others.
They are also very funny.  When things get a bit dull and they need a boost, they have a "Varaghan toss".  Varaghan is the Armenian coordinator and the shortest in the group .  They love throwing him to the ceiling.  He loves it, too.

In some good-natured tussling, Sasha (Russian) punches Igor (Ukrainian) in the stomach.  (Mock pain) doubled over Igor, "That's why Ukraine needs nuclear weapons"!

We were asked to take some time to help the coordinators understand how they can be of most service to the dozens of CES missionary couples with whom they work.  We had fun with it and I think it helped all of us to come together.

We extended our stay in Istanbul a bit to take in these jaw-dropping sights.

Now the story of the carpet seller.

All long-married couples have a short hand that only they understand.  Just a few words and a whole concept and shared experience is communicated.  Elder Pierson and I have many.  Such as, "Anybody can trim a poodle" or "I can settle them down."  We are now adding another one.  "Turkish carpet seller".  The message is, "Grab hands and run!"

We are not totally gullible but we found ourselves drawn into a friendly conversation with a pleasant looking Turk.    Hearing our English, he wanted us to know that he now lives in  New Jersey.  When he  found we were Mormon missionaries, he proudly announced that  his wife's brother is Mormon.  9 children!  We are now buddies.

CS-"You are taking home a carpet?  No?  You must!  You will kick yourself if you don't."
 Me- "Do you sell carpets?"  No, he is just a consultant (or something).
 CS has connection in Little Rock (produces a card of local decorator)
 CS-"Why you not buy carpet?"
 ME- (Big mistake)  "My husband says no".
CS- (sensing discomfort)  to Elder P- "You mad at your wife?'"
CS to me-"Is he controlling you?  You deserve a beautiful home."  (Hmmm)

By now we are scared and both of us are angry.  We realize we are being taken in.  We take off quickly, our new friend still calling out.    When we return to the same area hours later, he is still prowling around and is friendly as ever.

We laughed about it later but I thought how like Satan his approach was.  He was friendly and found enough connection that we (me) started to trust him and I was curious. He lied about who he was.   When we resisted his approach,  he sensed a way to divide us and create contention.

He is not Satan.  He is just a guy trying to sell carpets but he was leading me down a path toward something I didn't even want.  I love dogs and sticky fingered children way more than priceless floor stuff.

A scripture from the Book of Mormon came to mind.  "O that cunning plan of the evil one!  O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men ( & women)....   Wo unto the rich who are rich unto the things of this world...   Behold, their treasure shall perish with them also." (2 Nephi 9:28,30)

We totally fell in love with this amazing city...

All I know is...

It amazes me how much we love these people, especially considering how little English most of them speak and the pitiful Russian we attempt.

 Boris and Elena are some of our favorites.  Entering their tiny apartment, we are swept into a sunny heaven.  Not just color, although the yellow/gold/orange motif is a definite mood lifter.  In the 20 years of their marriage and later coming to Christ, their joy is  reflected in their renovated home. 

The spirit of the Lord is with these two and resides in their home.  Pictures of the Savior and the temple are prominent.  They are not wealthy but they carefully save their money so that they can travel to the temple as often as possible.

A sense of deep gratitude is ever present as they tell their story.  Boris is the only surviving member of his family.  His parents and both brothers passed away from the effects of alcoholism.  A few years after their marriage, Elena could see her husband becoming a victim of the same fatal  disease.  Prayer was not something she was accustomed to doing but she was desperate.  She prayed for an answer to the terrible problem they faced.  She told the Lord that she would follow any path that would bring help.  She carried that prayer in her heart as she prepared to board a bus.  

As the doors opened, she recognized an acquaintance, Anatoly, who was accompanied by two "angels".   Elena said  these two young missionaries were "shining with goodness" and she knew they would help them.  Anatoly, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, introduced them and the rest is history.

(currently serving missionaries in our district.  They are all wonderful)

That was many years ago but Elena and Boris have never lost that spirit of gratitude.  Boris was able to stop smoking and drinking as he prepared for baptism and has remained free from those vises. (incredulous friends are still convinced someone piped some strange substance into his veins)

 He is a true mountain of a man.  If you fly into the Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, it might very well be Boris who is single-handedly tossing those heavy bags around.  Elena, a nurse, is the one I would want to take care of me when I needed one).

The church in Russia still so young.  Some of those who initially were attracted to gospel truths have lost their way.  When asked about things that have been stumbling blocks for some, Elena looks with great love at her healthy, happy husband and says, "I don't know the answer to everything but I do know that Boris would be dead now without the gospel.  As we pray, read  scriptures,  attend the temple, keep our covenants and  serve we are happy.  I will keep doing the things that will keep our family together and happy."

I thought of the account in John 9.  When pressed by the Pharisees, the young man who was healed from his blindness admitted that he didn't know all about this Messiah who had allowed him to see for the first time.

"Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not; one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

We always have a choice.  We can focus on what we don't yet understand or we can feel grateful for the truths we have been blessed to know.

We are so grateful for the unfolding of truth in our own lives and those we love.  Miracles are happening daily.  When we choose to open our eyes and hearts in faith, we truly see.  

Conference from 8,000 miles away

This is our last General Conference from Russia.  Someone said if we were any further away from home,we would be closer.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we believe that Jesus Christ leads and guides this church through a living prophet.  The current prophet, Thomas S. Monson,  The senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is always ordained to this office.   So we know who the next prophet will be, and the next, unless the Lord takes them before.  So easy.  No politicking, no voting.  God makes the choice and we sustain that choice.

Twice a year, in April and October, Latter Day Saints gather to hear the counsel from  Priesthood and Auxiliary leaders who have been called to guide us. Most of us watch the proceedings from Salt Lake City on satellite television or the internet.   It is a sacred time for each of us as we receive inspired words to guide us.  The witness of the Holy Ghost seals these messages in our hearts and we know what we need to do to become better servants of Jesus Christ.

Because of time differences, the saints in Eastern Europe watch at different times.  It takes a few days for translation to be in place so next weekend will be their gathering time for Conference instruction.  These faithful saints can hardly wait to witness the workings of the spirit in their own lives as well as others who earnestly seek to do the will of the Savior.

Because we can watch it in English, we have been able to already see most of the proceedings and our hearts are full of gratitude for all that we have learned.  There is truth on the earth.  God's power is real and is guiding the affairs of His Church.  We are led by a living Prophet.  We can navigate the difficult journey through this life with peace and joy and return again to our Heavenly Father with our family.

We are all needed to help one another along on this journey. I am so grateful for the sure knowledge I have that these things are true!

Because of Christ's atonement, as we choose to do our best, no matter our past, we are enveloped in his divine love and help.  We are never without hope!  I love it!

We were in St. Petersburg this week, training Elder and Sister Romney, a newly arrived CES missionary couple.  They are wonderful, as are all of our East Europe  missionaries.  While there, we became acquainted with a delightful Canadian missionary couple, french speakers, who left their family in Montreal to help the good saints in St. Petersburg find joy in uniting their families and  bringing all to Christ.

Mormons believe that those who were unable to learn about and accept the Savior in this life will have the opportunity in the next.  Family members have a role to play.  To us, we will never be happy unless we are united with all of our loved ones. We are commanded to seek after and bring together all those we love.  Thus us love for Family History.  The Lord's Great Plan of Happiness is for everyone!
 Here in Russia, familial ties are very strong and run through many generations.  Knowing of God's plan for all of us brings great joy!   Elder and Sister Carter are enjoying bringing this aspect of the gospel to the loving people in St. Petersburg.

We were also thrilled to meet so many enthusiastic and faithful young people who love learning and living gospel truths!  We observed inspired teaching and learning.

Technology again enabled us to bring the BYU-Utah State football game into our Moscow home.  As we did last year, friends joined us for dinner and the hoped-for celebration.  Just like last year, BYU went down in flames.  Predictably, the guys were glued to the game and the women sat around and talked.  We will miss these great friends we have enjoyed here in Moscow.

No Unhallowed Hand...

In the LDS church, we believe in the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon and scriptures revealed to prophets in relatively recent  times.  As a matter of fact, as a worldwide church, we will hear from living prophets next weekend in satellite broadcasts.  These occur every 6 months.  We will all listen, dissect and hopefully apply counsel that we receive.

In the early days of the Restoration of the church, Joseph Smith, in the midst of his own persecution, received this divine guidance:

"The Standard of Truth has been erected.  No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.  Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done."

In some ways, these are not easy times for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Eastern Europe.  Political difficulties, discouragement, distractions, and those who have given up on religion altogether make it hard for the truth of the gospel to touch hearts.  Distrust of a church centered in America stops some from hearing the message.

 In others ways, this is the best of times.  Those who have embraced the gospel with all of their hearts and "yielded to the enticings of the Holy Ghost" are finding joy and strength.  They support and love each other and live the gospel the best they can.

These are just a few of the many, many saints we love who have chosen to follow the Savior and His Church.

The wonderful women in the Richnoy Ward Relief Society.

Lots of faithful  young people who are choosing to marry in the temple and raise their children in the covenant.

Some of our best friends, Vladimar and Natasha who have built a very successful business creating and selling  beautiful greeting cards.  Both served missions, Vladimar in Arizona and Natasha in Rostov, Russia.  Their 3 girls are being raised in the light of the gospel.

This week we had the fun of serving lunch to some of the missionaries in the Moscow mission.  They are truly some of the Lord's best.  They work so hard and they are so happy!

Quick stock tip--Missionaries go through TONS of Papa John's pizza!  It is alive and well in Russia.  Just spelled very strangely.

Misha is one of the many great gospel teachers we have enjoyed learning from here in E. Europe.
Their testimonies are seasoned, mature and guided by the spirit.  The youth love them.

These Russians are also very funny.  This is Natasha (one of about 15 we know) with our 90 yr. old darling, Tyeshya. Natasha speaks English and often interprets for me.  Today I told her how CHIC she is.  She always looks so great so I make kind of a fuss.  Later on, I noticed her matching shoes and, of course, gushed over those.  That was too much.  She looked me in the eyes and said, "DROP IT!"
I do tend to go to extremes.  Russians do laugh a lot and they make it so fun for us!!

Today in Sacrament meeting, the last of 4 speakers had the task of keeping the congregation with him as he taught gospel truths.  It was a battle as the babies were cranky, the room was hot and the meeting was already going long.  All of that changed as he bore testimony of the reality of our Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel, the role played by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the restoring of divine authority and the truth of ongoing revelation from our current prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  A peace settled on the congregation, everyone felt the truth of what he taught.  We all joined in the strength of testimony.

No unhallowed hand...

Joy in Siberia

The climate in Moscow is rarely described as temperate but compared to Siberia, it is pretty mild.
Even at this, the autumnal equinox, the leaves are changing color and there is a briskness to the air.
It is invigorating and beautiful.

 We ventured to Novosibirsk (New Siberia), the capital of the oblast (state) to meet with several of our CES missionary couples.  They serve in cities all around the area.  Some were on the train for 12 hours one way to get to Novosibirsk.  They are great people who love the youth.  They came to teach and to be taught.  They are inspiring and always happy.

In Novosibirsk, we met some wonderful young people.  We spent time with Victor, a fine young man who is leaving in just a few days for his mission training in Madrid, Spain.  After a few weeks of preparation, he will head off for his two years of service to the Lord in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine.

 Aleksandr (Sasha), the CES Coordinator for the area, who was also our host for the conference, told us about Victor, an impressive young man, before we met him.  Victor has completed his undergraduate education plus two years of military service. In the army,  he was assigned to a very prestigious special forces unit, where he served with distinction.  Sasha has known Victor and his family for years and he shared another amazing fact.  A few years ago, Victor was run over by a street car and was given up for dead.

Sasha became concerned when Victor, always on time for Seminary, failed to arrive.  Sasha was his teacher.  He tried Victor's cell phone 3 times before a doctor answered and told Sasha what had happened.  Sasha led his seminary students in prayer for Victor, then they all headed for the hospital.  Sasha and Victor's mother were allowed to see the comatose Victor.  Sasha and another priesthood leader used their priesthood power to bless Victor.  At the end of the prayer, they heard a deep "Amen" from the patient.  From that time forward, Victor amazed everyone by his recovery.  The first thing he asked for when he regained consciousness was to have someone read from the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon.  He devoured scripture in the ensuing months as he completely recovered.  The always-obedient and kind "good boy" became a man of great maturity.   He and Sasha share an eternal bond.

Sasha, himself, has a wonderful story.  He is the first in 4 generations, on each side of his family to  follow a non-military career path.  Growing up as a descendant of several generations of highly-decorated Russian and Soviet military men, Sasha's focus, even as a boy was to learn to battle Americans, even though he had never met one.  As a young husband and father, he was also training at the Russian Air Force Academy to become a fighter pilot.

All of that changed when he answered a knock at his door and for the first time met two Americans, young Mormon missionaries.  As he and his beautiful wife, Yulia, learned the truths of the gospel, they knew it was all true.  Now the parents of 6 children (very unusual in Russia), they are beacons of faith and testimony to so many in Siberia.  Sasha is not only employed by the church to guide the youth in religious studies but he is also president of the Novosibirsk district, one of the largest in the world, geographically.  He and his family are tireless and happy workers as they help build the Lord's kingdom in Siberia.

We were delighted when we arrived for church on Sunday in Novosibirsk to be greeted by "our Nadya", now Sis.Koshelevana, serving the Lord as one fabulous missionary.  Nadya and her twin sister, Luba, are dear to us.   Luba is still here in Moscow, working away and  supporting family. They miss each other a lot but both are faithfully serving.
When we saw Nadya in church, we all cried.    Nadya said she thinks that this is how it will be in the world to come as we greet and love those we have missed for so long.  We so love both of these amazing girls.

We enjoy working in a spotlessly clean, well-ordered office, thanks in large part to this gorgeous lady, Svetlana.  She is a wonder in so many ways.  This morning she was beaming even more, having returned from a week serving in the Helsinki, Finland temple.  In her limited English and with eyes brimming with tears she described the love that she and her 10 traveling companions  experienced with the Finnish saints in the temple.

 Her hands clasped over her heart as she said over and over, "Such much love, Such much love".  Sveta's true home is in the temple and she finds her way there at least monthly.  This is not easy for a single woman on a meager salary.  Her light of testimony is a blessing for all of us. (By the way, she loves her Michigan T-shirt.  We promised her if she will visit us in America, we will take her to Michigan.)

We are eternally blessed to learn from these spectacular Russian saints!