We were privileged this week to spend time is Pereslavll Zalessky, one of the ancient cities of the Golden Ring, a collection of cities northeast of Moscow. They played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox church. Together they preserve the memory of the most important events in Russian history.
Pereslavl was founded in 1152 with the building of Saviors Cathedral. many convents and monasteries dot the city. We loved walking the neighborhoods, filled with churches, enjoying the culture and history.. We were impressed with the restoration of these religious buildings in just two decades since the 70 years of being closed/ A very large monastery was converted to a tractor factory and a place to house German prisoners in WWII.
I also noted the soft slant of the sun. I couldn't help but feel the symbolism of the gospel of Jesus Christ bringing light to this land that had endured such darkness for centuries. We see it in the radiance of a people who for generations have endured the "dark night of the soul". As the gospel of Jesus Christ takes root in their hearts, they feel the joy of His atoning sacrifice and fear and despair are swept away.
Last week, because of a speaking assignment, we attended a different ward. The adult Sunday School class was taught (emergency substitute) by Lina, a radiant woman we had not seen since her baptism two months ago. She taught with a firm reliance on the scriptures and her own powerful testimony to bring the lesson to life. The spirit was strong and you would never have known she had about 10 min. to prepare.
As I reflected on the Lina we knew as she was taught by the missionaries, we were astounded at her growth. The light of Christ radiates from her and so many others who have allowed the gospel to teach and testify of Him.
Many people here in Russia use powerful artificial light to fight the "winter blues". I love the insight given by an LDS scholar, Douglas T. Bentley. He suggests that we "picture a darkened room at midday. If we were to open the blinds, the room would immediately be flooded with light, which would displace the darkness. Now let's reverse the situation for a minute. Imagine being in a lighted room at midnight If we open the blinds will the room suddenly be flooded with the darkness from outside? Of course not. But...why? What is there about light that makes it so different from darkness? Light will repel darkness, but darkness has no power over light. In fact, all that darkness appears to be, is the absence of light."
The light of the Gospel is allowing Jesus Christ, the Savior of the word, to repel the darkness of the world. We are seeing it happen daily.
In our search for a good restaurant, we stopped a fine looking young prosecuting attorney who, thankfully, spoke some English and was eager to help us. He walked us to a taxi stop, instructed the driver and saw us safely off. He knew something about Salt Lake City and Mormons and was curious about us and what we were teaching, as missionaries..
In our rush, we realized we hadn't taken any information about him. The next day, in our exploring, we encountered the same man again. This time we got his phone number. He wants to come to church in Moscow, where he often spends weekends. Coincidence? I don't think so.
So many scriptures testify of the light of Christ. Some we love: D&C11:29- "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and light of the world."
"He, (Christ) is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened"{Mosiah 16:9)
Just as the dim, slanted sun light is gradually growing here, the gospel will continue to grow and bring the light of Christ to these people we love. "I am the light which shineth in darkness". (D%C
110:57-58).. Let the sunshine in...
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