On September 18, we had anticipated welcoming six new elders and one sister. Five of the elders did not receive their Russian visas in time to travel. We were grateful, however, that two of our missionaries made it as planned. This is Sister Radjabova from Moscow. She is fluent in three languages including English, Russian, and Tajik. She and her companion, Sister Wilson, have a baptism in Khabarovsk on Saturday, October 5!
Elder Sitton, currently from Rexburg, ID, was the one elder whose visa arrived on time! He just barely turned 18 before entering the MTC and is our youngest missionary! He has been assigned to Ulan-Ude where he and his companion, Elder Sayers, already have a baptismal date!
We opted for a welcome dinner at our favorite restaurant, Koritsa.
In Irkutsk, we found the missionaries happy and working hard. They are currently doing SYL "Speak Your Language" through October 20, based on inspiration Elder Fuhriman (above right) had as Zone Leader. They are sacrificing speaking their native language to receive increased blessings in their missionary work and be unified as a zone. Elder Fuhriman's companion is Elder Salamatin who is speaking nothing but English now as his native language is Russian.
Elder Berdnikov with his companion, Elder Walker.
Elder Adams with his companion, Elder Hardy. Elder Hardy has been temporarily serving in Irkutsk due to the flooding in Khabarovsk. Missionaries were evacuated from there for several weeks.
Sister Hill with her companion, Sister Ferguson. We now have 20 sisters in our mission with two more arriving October 30.
While in Irkutsk, we said goodbye to Elder Berdnikov. He faithfully served the Lord for two years. He lives just four hours north of Irkutsk and is the only member of the church in his family. When called, his city was part of the Novosibirsk Mission. He returned home to his city which is now part of the Vladivostok Mission. We will miss Elder Berdnikov, his quiet steadiness, and his powerful testimony of the gospel.
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