One of the great joys of visiting a branch is being there for a baptism (or two which occurred last Saturday in beautiful Sakhalin).
Elders Vasil'iev and Shannon with newest members of the church. Elder Shannon returned home on Wednesday, February 6. What a grand way to finish a mission with two baptisms!
Elder Crave...
and Elder Taylor shovel the snow and remove as much ice as possible before the baptism at the Church.
These wonderful new members have a great story. They noticed the missionaries in front of a restaurant and were interested in who they were. They were inspired by the message that was shared, and they followed up with additional meetings. On Friday they were married, on Saturday they were baptized, and on Sunday they were confirmed members of the church. Big weekend for them...they are a great couple!
After the baptism, the branch celebrated with quite a feast.
In church on Sunday, the elders (there are no sisters...yet...in Sakhalin) sang "We Have Been Born as Nephi of Old" in Russian. Sister Brinton accompanied on the piano.
From left: Pres. Brinton, Sergei Lymar (mission leader), Elders Shannon, Vasil'iev, Crave, Schneider, Taylor and Owens
From left: Pres. Brinton, Sergei Lymar (mission leader), Elders Shannon, Vasil'iev, Crave, Schneider, Taylor and Owens
Many of the members of the Sakhalin Branch gather for a photo. They are such kind, loving members of the Church.
Elders Schneider and Owens are shown with their recent baptism. The branch is growing.
The Russia Vladivostok Mission is off to a great start this year. In the first 33 days, we have had 8 baptisms in the mission. Sacrament meeting attendance is up. We are feeling the blessings of the Lord upon our missionaries and those they have found to teach the gospel. We have seen great joy in the lives of the people who have been baptized. The Gospel is such a blessing!
I just met a Russian Sister that teaches at BYU from Sakhalin. I brought her very glad tidings from the Vladivostok Mission and told her of the wonderful miracles that are taking place there. I was able to go on a split on Elder Shannon. What an incredible missionary. Elder Vasil'liev was my first native companion. It was a miracle to serve with a Russian Missionary who has such a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 8 baptisms and high attendance at church is such a tender mercy! You're in my prayers. :)
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