Baptisms, Departing Elders, Khabarovsk, Some Russian Culture!

We continue to see miracles in our mission. We love seeing the "complete joy" on the faces of those who are baptized. They are aglow! 

VLADIVOSTOK

Elder Sayers, Elder Schneider, Sister Lutz and Sister Hesley rejoice at the baptism of this woman who is the mother of four. Also pictured is the convert's mother.

USSURIYSK

Sister Aytalieva and Sister Morgan stand with new convert (center) and Elder and Sister Veselov, new senior couple from St. Petersburg.

NAKHODKA

Elder Malmsten stands with newest member of the church in Nakhodka.

VLADIVOSTOK

A miraculous baptism occurred in Vladivostok. On Elders Krieger and Clark's last day in the mission, their investigator decided to be baptized. The baptism occurred in the evening, preempting our traditional farewell dinner (they did get a nice dinner, but definitely later in the evening). It was a spiritual high for all of us who attended.

TWO BELOVED ELDERS DEPART!
Elder Clark and Elder Krieger left on "Super Wednesday" (stay tuned for that blogpost) for home in the United States.

 Elders Clark and Krieger ascend the escalator with Pres. Brinton at the airport for their final "goodbyes".

 Elder Clark, originally from Washington, lives in Sandy, UT. He will return to BYU in the Fall where he plans to study business. His dream job is Real Estate Development. Elder Clark is the third of six children and the second to serve a mission. He was known in our mission for his ready smile and gentle manner. He served diligently as a Zone Leader.

Elder Krieger is from Salt Lake City and is the second of three boys in his family. He plans to return to BYU in the Fall where he will major in Biochemistry. Elder Krieger blessed others through his musical talents, particularly accompanying hymns in church meetings. He was our first P.O.E. (Proselyting Office Elder) and made sure that transfers went "seamlessly". (Transfers in our mission involve airplanes, trains, buses, and taxis...and can be a logistical nightmare...but not for Elder Krieger!)

Last good-bye for a while. We will miss these fine young men and will think of them often. Notice that President and the two elders are all wearing purple ties...purely coincidental!!

Korean Air flight to Seoul, then Seattle, then Salt Lake City.

On their way...

BEAUTIFUL KHABAROVSK

The elegant Russian Orthodox Church overlooks the river.

The waterfront at the end of Karl Marx Street. Khabarovsk is on the border of Russia and China (in the distance).

Sister Wilson, Sister Brinton, Sister Slava, and Sister Allison at Relief Society in the Khabarovsk Branch.

Pres. Karyc translates for Sister Brinton. She shared her testimony of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, and the Gospel in between performances of classical music on the piano at a musical fireside in the  Khabarovsk Branch.

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Several of the Khabarovsk Branch members including Elder and Sister Nygard (center) did emergency sandbagging of the river (shown in previous photo) that was flooding above its banks. After Sacrament Meeting, these members got to work, side by side with the citizens of Khabarovsk, to help save the city from flooding. Also among the members are Elders Hardy, Pack, Jewkes, and Berdnikov and Sisters Nash and Wilson. This kind effort of service was greatly appreciated by everyone.

A BIT OF RUSSIAN CULTURE

Russian women love high heels (the higher the better). Fashion comes before comfort. Even in the winter, boots are fashionably "high-heeled" leaving the wearer vulnerable to a fall.

Elder Adams shows Sister Brinton how to do the Russian "Squat". Russians can sit in this position for hours and be comfortable.


Russia is a wonderful country. There is a new zeal in the missionary effort. We are working amongst the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, and these people are "recognizing" the missionaries' message of truth. What a blessing it is to be a part of this great and vital work! We applaud the efforts of the faithful missionaries of the Russia Vladivostok Mission who work tirelessly to bring the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are seeking the truth. Thank you to all for your faith and prayers. They are truly being felt.