Valiant Volunteer in Moscow: Lofty Goals, but the Lord Can do It

Здравствуйте!

Elder Mugerian and I were in Moscow for Monday-Friday afternoon, so we had an unusual week. My visa trip was Tuesday and Zone Conference with Elder Kacher of the Area Presidency was Thursday.

On Tuesday we flew into Riga and back (visa trip), but on the flight home, we noticed something on our passports. We didn't get 3 month visas and migration cards this time, we got 3 YEAR documents! That means a lot less traveling and a lot more time to get work done in our areas (and an increased possibility of a squad vacation to the World Cup in 2018)! It was a real blessing.

Wednesday we were able to meet with some old investigators and members from Sokolniki, since Elder Mugerian and I had both served there at one point. We also helped with some financial systems training for a few elders in other small branches.

Our Zone Conference was amazing. It felt like a confirmation for all the work Elder Mugerian and I are doing in Lipetsk. We talked about the Atonement , about vision and how to raise it, about the connection between vision and faith, and about working with members. It felt like the Spirit was dictating instructions to us.

Friday we headed home and discussed our vision for Lipetsk. We set goals for 14 ordinances to be performed by May 1, including temple ordinances, baptism, and Priesthood confirmations. We also set a goal to have a full Branch Presidency by then. Lofty goals, but the Lord can do it!

We spent Friday night and Saturday with a senior couple from our district, going and visiting members. Sunday we had Branch Conference and our financial audit. Audits sound tedious in English, but in Russian.....anyways, the church is true.

Пока!