Hump Day In Russia!

Recently my missionary son in Russia prompted me to read John in the New Testament. He said that he "had been learning a lot about our Savior through His example." He told us how "Jesus had sent out his apostles to teach in pairs, to be accountable to each other, help each other and to look out for each other. To learn from each other, to support each other through our trials . To proclaim the great message that Christ has restored His church again upon the earth in it's fulness through a living prophet." Wow! What a missionary! Can you tell that I'm a proud mom? Smile...

He went on to say that, "The Lord has said in the scriptures that out of the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses shall every word be established (from Ezekiel), so we are establishing it in all the countries of the world in pairs (Our missionaries). It's a wonderful feeling that fills me that we are indeed doing the same thing that the Apostles of old did. He is a testifier of truth, and we can receive guidance through the spirit in our lives."

I am so grateful for four sons who are willing to preach the Gospel to the world. That they don't lean on my testimony, but instead have a testimony of their very own about the Gospel and their beloved Savior Jesus Christ. I'm also grateful that each of them know how to take care of themselves and allow the promptings of the Holy Ghost to guide them in the choices they make in life.

Today is Hump Day! What is that you ask? One year ago today I took our son Matthew to the Mission Training Center (MTC) It was a very memorable day for both of us. It was like that first day of kindergarten. I was so proud of our son. I was so frightened to send him all the way to Russia and so many unknown dangers. But as he went through those doors after the closing prayer, I felt comforted and knew without a doubt he would be just fine--and he was.

Over the past year Matthew has survived being chased by crazy drunks and wild dogs. He has seen people who are terribly disfigured by disease and radiation. He has also witnessed miracles as hearts change and atheist beliefs are cast aside. He saw another Elder hit by a car only to land on his feet on the other side of the road unscathed. There was the time where one of his companions had food poisoning and had to be "liberated" from a dirty hospital. But mostly he loves those he meets in English class as he teaches or the sweet Babushka he helps in his apartment building or church.

 He loves the spirit and determination that the Russian people have-- that if channeled towards faith in God will be immovable by any adversary. Though he hasn't baptized a single soul, he has changed many lives he's touched during this time of religious reformation in Russia. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in this beautiful country. Pray that their hearts will be softened and that they will allow our Savior, Jesus Christ into their hearts and into their lives.