More Baptisms, Departing Elders, and Torrential Rain!

Our missionaries continue their outstanding efforts to bring souls unto Christ. Sakhalin and Irkutsk had recent baptisms.

SAKHALIN

 Elders Fletcher, Taylor and Vasil'ev with new convert in Sakhalin.

IRKUTSK

Elder Fuhriman stands with newest member of the church in Irkutsk.

The traditional Farewell Dinner at the Mission Home for Elders Barney, Whitmore, and Taylor on July 28. These three elders extended an additional month, serving for 25 months. They each had baptisms in the "extended" month of their service. How grateful we are for their faithfulness. Also seated is our daughter, Lindsey, who is visiting us in Vladivostok for several weeks before returning to school.

 A mission tradition is the 3-2-1 cake that each missionary makes for dessert. The recipe is easy: 3 tablespoons of angel food/white cake mix (already combined in Tupperware); 2 tablespoons of water; microwave for 1 minute...3-2-1! It is quick, easy, and delicious. The missionaries then apply their favorite toppings: ice cream, whipped cream, nuts, bananas, raspberries, etc. It is a fun and simple dessert to make when they return back to school.

 Elder Taylor places his favorite tie on the "Wall of Fame" in the Mission Home along with one of his  name tags. Other traditions are sharing favorite memories of their mission, sharing their favorite scripture (marked in President's and my scriptures), and sharing their testimonies. This evening is definitely one of the most touching and sweet experiences for President Brinton and for me.

Elder Barney, Elder Taylor, and Elder Whitmore with President Brinton load their luggage into the mission van for the final trip to the airport.

Elder Barney is from Draper, Utah. He will return to BYU this fall to continue his studies. He is undecided as to what field to go into, but has some great ideas including the possibility of medicine. He has had a brother serve in the Russia Moscow Mission and another one in the Baltic Mission. He is known for his ready smile and happy nature. Excellent Russian speaker.

Elder Taylor is from South Jordan, UT. He plans to return to SUU in Cedar City this fall. His goal is to become a surgeon. Elder Taylor is from a large family. He set a goal early in his mission to master the Russian language through speaking only Russian throughout each day. His companions were blessed with upgraded Russian-speaking skills during and after serving with Elder Taylor.

Elder Whitmore is from Salt Lake City, UT. He will return to BYU in the Fall where he plans to major in Russian. Elder Whitmore was the driving force in organizing and producing our successful gospel- sharing piano concert in Nakhodka and also served as an Assistant to President. Excellent Russian speaker as well. He returned home just in time to attend his sister's wedding.

This picture was taken just before saying our final "goodbyes" just outside Passport Control. These are definitely the hardest moments for us. We are so grateful for these wonderful young men. They served the Lord faithfully and were all leaders in the mission. We will miss them here, but their influence for good will be felt for many years to come. We send them off with our love and wishes for much success in their future endeavors!

TORRENTIAL RAIN!!!

The month of July is known as the rainiest month of the year in this part of Russia. This year was no exception. Day after day, our missionaries proselyted on the streets in the rain. They are exemplary in serving the Lord with all "their heart, might, mind, strength"...and "feet" in this picture with Sister Handley in Artyom :) Nothing stops our missionaries from bringing the gospel to the people in the Russian Far East!