September 23rd, 2013

Whew, it's been another rough week, well.. I guess I would say tiring. We've been workin hard, you can count on that. I'm so exhausted in every faculty. But it's great, I love it, and I can still work harder. We've been instructed to be out from 6-9 every evening and all day Saturday and Sunday and Sister Keistler and I have been out until 9:30 to sacrifice just a bit more. So we've been out on the streets a bit more that I'm used to. That and living on a giant hill has worn me out. We saw some really great blessings this weekend though. On Friday we had a great experience that assured us that we're doing the right thing. I was another rainy night. We had a lesson with an active member who then went out to help us with a lesson we set up from making calls. The meeting fell through though so we went out to contact. It was late, dark, raining buckets. No one was out so we circled round and walked the member back home. She told us 'go home!' We explained that we can't go back until 9:30. She said 'go home and work inside, no one is on the streets.' and then made us promise we would go back. I must repent because I made an empty promise that night I had no intention of keeping. Both Sister Kiestler and I knew there was no way we would be turning in so early but we headed in that direction just to comfort her. We pass our building and tromp along the side streets through mud and puddles with no one to talk to in sight. Nine o'clock comes around and it's still just us. Sister Kiestler umbrella-less and soaked to the bone. We stopped, looked at our watches, looked at each other, thinking the same thing. It was 9:00, technically we could go in and still be obedient. But we had made the decision in weekly planning to stay out till 9:30... in this moment though, there was still the decision to be made. We talked it out and determined that if we had already gone this far, we might as well just stick it out and test the Lord if He would really bless us for our sacrifices. We planned out a route home going down through the park. As we turned the corner and walked a ways I spotted a woman waiting underneath the eaves over a stairwell. That was our chance and I charged over and snagged it. It was a lovely conversation and she agreed to meet with us. We carried on and in the park we found another girl walking home from work. She also agreed to meet with us. By that time we were still at the bottom of the hill and had 7 minutes to race back home. We made it with not a second to spare, legs burning, clothes, hair, everything wet, a grateful heart and a grin of victory. My testimony grew that the Lord really will grant success when we show our willingness and dedication to Him.

The was the great 'up' of the week, the 'down' being that out of our 11 meeting we had set up this week, 9 of them fell through, all in a row. Let's just say I got a bit discouraged/frustrated. I'm not sure what the deal is and why people think they can just not come when like and hour ago they said they were still good to meet. Patience, forgiveness, love... yeah, I've got a lot to learn. But I'm just happy to be seeing progress in the area, even if it is small. At least we had meetings set up when before we had none. Now those people just need to come and hear what we have to say. Great things are still just around the corner.

Love you!
Sister Johnson

Dear Missionaries in a truly amazing mission!

This week has been one of amazing miracles and blessings. But before I list some of them, I need you to understand something very important. While many are experiencing miracles, some are not. We all need to understand that many of the miracles and blessings that are being experienced are the result of the CUMULATIVE effect of the faith and hard work of the entire mission. Please remember that while Ammon was experiencing the great miracles of converting Lamoni, his household and Lamoni's father, Aaron and his brethren, who were certainly as faithful as Ammon, were suffering in prison from "hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions." Despite that, we are told that "nevertheless, they were patient in all their afflictions." Undoubtedly, the combined patience and faith of ALL these missionaries contributed to the miracles which others in the land received. The same will be true of our mission and the combined faith and work of all missionaries. We will share and rejoice in each other's successes, knowing that the work of the whole mission is contributing to them.

With that important preface, let me share a few of the amazing things the Lord is blessing us with. (By the way, please keep sharing miracles the Lord blesses you with. The rest of the mission needs to hear them):

-Two or three years ago, a woman was given a brochure. She has tried for two years to find our church and could not. Last Sunday, she decided that this was the last time she would look for our building. She found it and walked into church.

-A girl stopped a companionship on the street, said she already had a Book of Mormon, and wanted to be baptized

-A woman who was contacted had just prayed to God to send her help when the missionaries approached

-A man ran to catch up with missionaries who were walking down the street because he was interested--he came to church on Sunday

-Missionaries put up a signboard and immediately a woman standing behind them spoke up and said she used to meet with the missionaries and wants to be taught again with her family this time

-Missionaries were walking down the street when a man yelled from his window and asked them to come up and teach him

-A woman walked up to missionaries with her son, and said she wanted to have her son baptized

-A man came into the Branch before church started and said "I've heard of your Book of Mormon. I want to read it." He read until church started and then stayed for church.

-A 27 year old man stopped missionaries and said he had already stopped smoking and drinking. He said he wanted to be happy, and asked if he could come to church.

-Missionaries found a man sitting on a curb who said he had been praying for angels to be sent. An appointment has been made to teach

-Missionaries called a wrong number and instead of it being the investigator they thought they were calling, it was a man who had talked with missionaries before and wanted a Book of Mormon

-(I got to witness this one personally): Missionaries were contacting on a street late at night and stopped a young man. He said he really likes to watch movies about Christ, and wondered if the missionaries would be able to show him any? An appointment was made. (I wondered afterward how many young men could there be walking around the streets of Russia who like to watch movies about Christ?)

Missionaries were contacting and met a man from China. He has since watched the Restoration video in Chinese, received a Chinese Book of Mormon, and has a return appointment for tomorrow. He said when he goes back to China, he wants to teach young men he knows about the truths from the book

-And finally, I don't usually share names of missionaries because we should all be doing our work with an eye single to the glory of God. However, this one involves my wife and I'm really proud of her!! So, without her permission--Sister Schwab was at sacrament meeting today when a woman walked into the branch. She had received a brochure four months ago, put it in her purse, and thought about what it said several times. On Sunday, she took a taxi to our church and walked in. Sister Schwab and two sisters taught her a lesson and at the end, Sister Schwab felt impressed to challenge her. So, Sister Schwab gave her the baptismal challenge and the woman said "Yes, if it's true I think I would get baptized." She is being taught again at our home on Tuesday.

Believe it or not, there are many, many more, but hopefully that gives you a flavor for what is happening around our mission. Also, if it sounds like I'm repeating the same story over and over, I'm not! Many people are walking into our churches and wanting to know more!

We are being so blessed. These blessings are from the Lord and we cannot take credit for them. They are blessings from Him, plain and simple. However, those blessings are being given as a result of the consecrated efforts and sacrifices which so many missionaries are making. Please, continue to make sacrifices, work hard, and exercise your faith in Christ that we will be blessed. This is truly His work, and I promise you that we are only scratching the surface of what the Lord is willing to bless us with.

We love you and pray for our Heavenly Father's blessings to be upon you. 

Love,
President Schwab

September 16th 2013

September 9, 2013

 Well, two trains and three planes later, I'm back in Dachney! Yeah! Let's just say I'm soooo glad that I only have two of those visa trip things. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE traveling. Train stations and airports with a steady scramble of every kind of person imaginable--classy businessmen, wandering hippies, families with whining children and old couples... flights with their plane food and quiet politeness.. souvenirs..tickets... even the lines excite me. But, it wasn't Dachney and I didn't feel like I was a missionary. We couldn't even wear our tags in the Samara airport. :( boooooo If there's one thing I've learned about mission life, it's that missionaries aren't happy when their not fulfilling their calling. Thus, all the things I would have normally enjoyed seemed like an empty, pointless, worldly distraction. We did get to do some missionary work though :) Sister Lund and I met a Jewish Rabbi from New York. He was super chill. Reminded me of a "bro" more than a rabbi. He was flying to Samara to visit his sister and teach at a synagogue there. He couldn't get over the fact that us sisters would come to Russia, that we liked it and that we weren't scared. He also didn't get why we didn't go out and "have a drink with our buddies." I don't know a lot about Jewish people but I was pretty sure they weren't big drinkers....

The work here is carrying on, picking up where we left off. We have more potentials now! All in one miracle, rainy night we met 4 new women interested in meeting with us. We also now have investigators! yay! Tamara, the mother of Dima, the elders quorum president, came to church yesterday! and we're meeting with her next week. She knows the Book of Mormon is true and has had a baptismal date in the past. Then we met Valentina last night while doing potential drop-bys from the area book (we drop by the addresses of people that other missionaries have contacted). We called her apartment at the door and instead of getting a "no" or a "they don't live here anymore" like we got all that night we heard a males voice saying "oh! come on in!" She lives with a man named Boris. We're not sure if their married but he's 75 and she's 65. They were so welcoming it felt like we were their old friends stopping by for brunch. She's not interested in changing but she let us testify and the Spirit was so strong. There is something special about her. She is old...and not technically interested so it doesn't make sense to go back, but both of us just feel like there is something more about this new great friend we've found in Valentina.

As for the language, dad, I was actually going to mention that... it's been rough. Like, I mean, it's great. I love Russian and I get by just fine but it's a tad bit discouraging when a member asks if it's your first week in Russia. Yeah, someone actually asked me that. He was kinda joking but it hurt. Maybe I've just been sensitive about it because Sister Kiestler is nearing the end of her mission and she's a very good speaker so the contrast just reminds me how much I don't know. All language really boils down to is grammar and vocab. I need to know more vocab and more correct grammar. Then I'll have Russian. It's just a matter of time and studying throughout the day. In my setting apart blessing, President Brown said that I would have a different understanding of the gift of tongues. What I have come to understand is that it is a gift of the Spirit and therefore it works much in a same way that the Spirit does. You have to give Him something to draw on, you have to study, and understanding comes slowly, piece by piece. But then there have definitely been those times where I have felt Russian become easier in times when I need it, like in a lesson or when I'm testifying. With Valentina last night I felt it, the Spirit working through my language skills. It felt so nice!

In short though, dad, you can tell people that I love Russian and it is coming slow and steady. I can say just about anything I want to say in a very round about way with the words that I know in grammar that is not always understandable.

Whew! This is kinda a long letter but I think that's everything!

Love ya!

 

RT: Russia's church is the Pravaslavney church which literally means "correct worship, or correct glory." If you meet a Russian, they are most likely to be pravaslavney and many are considered traitors if they leave it. I will definitely at some point expound on this.

 

Send grandma and grandpa my love! I've been thinking about them a lot lately and I'll be praying for them!

Hey this is our letter from President this week... thought I'd just let you know how many miracles we are seeing in our mission. :)

Dear Sisters and Elders,

It is very important that I share some thoughts and warnings with each of you. Some incredible things are happening in the mission, and you need to know about some of them. Likewise, Satan is responding in a predictable way, and you also need to know about and defend against that.

Over the past two weeks, truly astounding blessings have begun to occur. Letter after letter has spoken of hearts being changed, sacrifices made, and miracles that have occurred. Some of those miracles have been small, and some of them have been anything but small. There are too many to list, but let me share just a few (with names left out to protect the sacredness and confidentiality some may desire).

First, you should know that our members with baptismal dates have doubled in one week--from 8 two weeks ago to 16 last week! I appreciate those who are being more bold regarding invitations to follow Christ by being baptized. One missionary told me that in one lesson he was not able to even get to the challenge, because the investigator expressed a need to be baptized first! Another companionship indicated that a former investigator called and expressed over the phone a decision to be baptized.

In reading your letters from last Monday, many miracles were discussed. For example, one companionship indicated that on preparation day, the phone rang and it was a woman who had talked to sister missionaries years earlier and she was now ready to be taught! Another companionship came out of a building late at night and instead of going home, decided to keep contacting and approached a lady who was standing on the street. She explained that she was at a very difficult point in her life, and had prayed to God that morning to send someone to help her. She believed the missionaries had been sent to answer her prayer. Several of you indicated that people have come up to you on the street and asked about your message.

We have also heard many stories this week of talking to everyone and asking for referrals. One such question led to three other interested people. I loved the story of two missionaries who decided after 9:00 to keep contacting and met a golden young man. They taught him the first discussion in 10 minutes, had a prayer with him on the street, made a return appointment, and then ran home almost a mile (in record time) in order to arrive at 9:30. These are just a few of many, many miracles that were talked about in your letters and phone calls. Please continue to call or write with the miracles that are occurring. I would love to share some of them with the rest of the mission.

If there is a common thread in the miracles that are occurring, it is that the missionaries involved were trying to make a sacrifice. The blessings often came while contacting later than they needed to, or while talking to someone on a bus, or after appointments had fallen through, but the missionaries decided to keep working anyway. It is so gratifying to hear of the many sacrifices you are making and the hard work that is being performed.

It also struck me how many of you said contacting had become enjoyable. The Lord will bless you with joy and success as you work hard and have faith in Him.

Now for the warnings! It is so obvious that because of our increase in faith and work, Satan is also working harder. Even though this mission rarely has "incident reports" filed because of attacks or threats to missionaries, we have had five in the past two weeks. There is little question what Satan is trying to do. He tried to tempt the Savior before His ministry. He tried to scare Joseph Smith or destroy him in the sacred grove as his mission began. He tried to destroy the early members of the Church or drive them away in fear through mob violence, members being tarred and feathered, etc.

They did not retreat or cower in fear, and we will not do so either. We will redouble our efforts and work even harder to be worthy of the Lord's blessings. Move forward replacing fear with faith. We promise that great blessings will come as we do so.

I loved what one missionary said at the end of the weekly letter: "I know that God was with us and that this is the future. Russia will be the next Brazil and it's gonna be soon! As soon as we are ready to sacrifice enough to get that blessing. This mission is a mission of miracles."

This is a mission of miracles. The Lord is blessing us so much. You are all doing so well. We are proud of you and your efforts to give consecrated service to the Lord. Work hard and be faithful. Smile at the people you meet so that they will know you have a message of great joy and happiness. May the Lord bless you all.

We love you,
President and Sister Schwab

September 2nd 2013

Mom and Dad, rest assured that every cent that goes to my mission is worth a million bucks and more. These last weeks especially have been so precious to me and every week just keeps getting better and better. I've never been happier in my entire life. I just wish I could explain to you... it's changing my life and my very nature. To imagine my life without the things that I am learning here is impossible. I am just so grateful to the Lord and His mercy that He would let me be here and that He loved me enough to have me be His servant. I have a better understanding of my relationship with Heavenly Father and my divine identity.

We had a ward counsel this weekend with the area seventy, President Bennett, who was the Samara Russia mission president before President Sartori. It was epic. and the timing was absolutely perfect. Last week I mentioned how much burning desire to do the work in Dachney. If this mission is battlefield, then Dachney is the front lines. Satan does not want a stake in Saratov. At one time the chapel in Dachney was full, and well, now it's not. Satan was mad. He's angry and I can feel it in the air. It reminds me of an experience at general conference when I stood at the gate facing the conference center. On one side of me there were protesters yelling and on the right side there was a choir peacefully singing the songs of the Restoration. I remember how I felt at that time watching the two powers of good and evil face each other head on. I could feel it in the air, a density. I feel that density here. And maybe it is just the weather change, but I have cause, from personal experience, that the Devil is aware of us, me and Sister Kiestler personally, the only two people within hours that have the authority to preach the truth. The truth that he wants to keep hidden and disguised to the House of Israel that are walking amongst us. But no matter the hold he has on the hearts of the people, the power of God is stronger and the Word the ability to break through the fog of lies. (Alma 28:13-14; 31:5) God gave me this fire of desire to fight and it's taking my life, it's taking all that I have and the beauty of it is that I'm ready. I'm ready to do anything. That's why this zone conference was so amazing. President Bennett told us exactly what we need to be doing, how we can go the extra mile and fully consecrate ourselves to the work. We are talking half time for meals, and not coming home til 9:30, we're using every minute to proselyting as we can. And I'm just itching to get out. We really don't have a whole lot of time. Between sleeping, eating, planning, studies, church and other meetings, I only have 15% of my mission out on the streets and in lessons. We have been blessed as we have followed the instructions President Bennett gave to us. Sister Kiestler and I weren't so sure about the whole going in at 9:30 thing at first because it gets dark and it isn't necessarily the safest to be out on the streets but we decided to just try it. At 9:15 we found Olga. Our first real potential in this area. Honestly, results have been meager these past couple weeks, but they have been meaningful. I still have great hopes and complete faith in what is coming. :)

We also had a district conference with President Bennett. All the members in the district (soon to be stake) came to the conference, which consisted of about enough people to fill the chapel and halfway into the gym in Walla Walla. What a beautiful sight!! And President Bennett said exactly what I've been saying to you, that the members are what's going to build the church. He promised them (Pres. Bennett is a very intense guy) that they will get a stake of Zion in Saratov if and only if baptisms come from referrals from members and not from missionary contacts from the street. I felt that that was a pretty bold promise. Then he asked them, by raise of hand, who would invite the missionaries over to teach a friend in their home. He will be back in November to follow up.  I cannot wait and I hope the members were stirred enough to action. 

One more thing I would like to testify of is the Gathering of Israel. It is real. In our mission we have members from all tribes. At the district conference we were guaranteed that there was someone from each tribe in attendance. We are told that the lost tribes of Israel went into the north country.. well, look north of Jerusalem, what do you see? Ukraine, Kiev being the Salt Lake City of eastern Europe, then to east of Ukraine you get Samara Russia Mission. We truly are in the last days and Russia is a large part of fulfilling of prophecies. President Bennett expressed to us how aware the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are of our mission, specifically of Saratov and the conceived stake struggling to be established here. They know each little town by name and their statistics. They pray for us regularly. 

Speaking of Kiev, I'm gonna be there tomorrow! It's visa trip time. Lots of traveling... and being out of my area for three days, which is heart-wrenching. Pray for me! It's so hard to be ripped away instead of riding the wave of conference. But I know the Lord has His reasons!! 

Love you! Don't miss home and I'm never coming back but I love you! ;)

Sister Johnson

RT: Everyone gets this shot when they're a baby that leaves a round scar on their upper arm. 

Here is attached the letter from the mission president last week:

I hope each of you noticed how exactly President Bennett's teachings correlated with the four areas of emphasis which the Lord has revealed for our mission: Faith in Jesus Christ, love with Christ-like love, obedience with exactness, and work with unwearyingness. It was a testament to me that the Lord will always reveal the same thing to multiple witnesses, and also that the Lord has a very clear and definite plan for this mission to follow.

With that introduction, the following are the major points of emphasis discussed in the Zone Conferences:

-Your primary purpose is to gather scattered Israel
-There are thousands of elect from Israel in this mission
-There is a baptism waiting in every area book. This was a promise made specifically to this mission by Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve
-See people as the Lord sees them--envision them dressed in white prepared to be baptized (instruction from President Monson)
-Discouragement is a choice which we make
-The two key indicators which are most correlated with baptisms are (1) lessons with members present, and (2) investigators attending sacrament meeting
-Lessons with members present is the most important of the key indicators which lead to baptism
-There is too much doubt in this mission regarding members--try to make certain that one is present at every lesson you teach
-You agreed in the pre-existence to be partners with the Savior to save people. 
-We should talk to EVERYONE, but Elders should focus almost exclusively on men and Sisters should focus almost exclusively on women
-Talk to everyone wherever we are, including on buses and other transports
-Be bold and open your mouth
-Moroni 8:16: "Perfect love casteth out all fear"
-D&C 6:36: "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not"
-Doing that which is most challenging will merit the greatest blessings
-Every phone number you get should be called back within 24 hours--no exceptions!
-President Monson: EVERY night of your mission should be proselyting--no exceptions!
-6:00 - 9:00 p.m. every night is prime proselyting time and should not be filled with any other activities
-Friday night, all day Saturday and all day Sunday are prime proselyting days and we must not waste these days doing anything else
-Have daily contact with each investigator through a phone call, text, or by a member
-President Faust told President and Sister Bennett when he was called as a Mission President that "Russia is the next Brazil"
-Use the "CASH" approach as you contact: (1) Compliment people, (2) Ask inspired questions, (3) SMILE, and (4) Help people whenever you get the chance
-Astonish people with your friendliness and concern for them. Even if they don't listen to you, they will remember it later
-Ask EVERYONE for referrals--If missionaries would ask everyone for referrals it would revolutionize the mission
-Ask "whom do you know that would be interested" not "Do you know anyone . . ." (The Assistants will forward the correct Russian translation for this as there is apparently a right and a wrong way to say this)
-Watch Preach my Gospel DVD's every day in your apartment (during non-proselyting times)
-Rely on the Spirit regardless of what your Russian abilities are
-We should all be studying in Preach my Gospel every day--you should know it backward and forward
-What we accomplish in this mission will be determined by (1) what we desire, (2) what we believe will happen, and (3) whether we are willing to act
-Elder Ballard promised this mission that if missionaries would have conversations with 10 more people per day than they are doing now, they would double their baptisms
-The Savior wants people baptized--President Monson said that you should extend the baptismal challenge 95% of the time in first discussions, and in EVERY discussion thereafter
-Be exactly obedient. Doing things a few minutes late isn't "just a few minutes"--it's disobedience
-Every missionary should be on his/her knees at 6:30 a.m. joining with the rest of the mission in prayer
-Church studies have shown that the average new convert has said "no" to missionaries 9 times before finally saying "yes". Don't be discouraged--you are doing a great service for them even if they say no--try to part as friends no matter what they say
-Fear or dislike is no excuse for not doing difficult things. The Savior was our perfect example of doing important things for others which he disliked or were painful
-God is the same "yesterday, today and forever"--this means all of the promises and blessings in the scriptures are equally applicable to us
-D&C 123:13: we should "waste and wear out our lives" doing missionary work and "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power" (v. 17)
-Moroni 7:33: Christ has promised that "if ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me."
-Helaman 10:4: Nephi was made "mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works" because he had declared the word with unwearyingness 
-Alma 26:22: He that repents, exercises faith, brings forth good works, and prays continually without ceasing will
be "given" to bring thousands of souls to repentance
-2 Samuel 24:24: Sacrifice and make your sacrifice meaningful--don't offer sacrifice to the Lord "which doth cost me nothing"--Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!
-Most importantly, we must have faith IN CHRIST.This is His work and if we have faith in Him, He will advocate our position and plead our cause before the Father--the requested blessings will be granted!

Sisters and Elders, great blessings await us and miracles are already happening all over the mission. There are many of them and are AMAZING, and I will share some of them with you in the coming weeks. I have already received a text which said "We found the baptism in the area book"! Miracles are occurring all over and will continue as we exercise faith in Christ and work with unwearyiness. Both are important. 

Alma and the Sons of Mosiah did not just sit back in Zarahemla and exercise faith. Instead, they went forth among the Lamanites and "suffered every privation" including being "cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks, and we have been stoned . . . and suffered all manner of afflictions" (Alma 26: 27-29). In ADDITION to these sacrifices and their own work, they exercised great faith in Christ, which resulted in spectacular miracles. If we do that, the same will happen. Consecrate yourselves, work your hardest, and exercise great faith, and blessings flow--miracles will surely occur.

August 26th 2013

    Hey!

So did I mention last week that we're white-washing in our new area? Apart from the meager information I squeezed out of the sisters before us during transfers, we had zero knowledge of the area, zero experience with the members, zero investigators, and, a couple potentials (thankfully). So cool, collected, and amazing Sister Keistler and I have started this place up from scratch. And honestly, it's been one of the best weeks. I can't explain it. It's so fulfilling. White-washing has given us the opportunity to put everything we've learned into practice, to do everything in our power to do things right and oh, how we have been blessed! There has been a fire in my heart from the moment I heard my transfer call and it hasn't died. I can't explain the burning desire that sits in my chest or where it came from or why it's there but I'm sure it's something from God and that there's something that I need to do here with Sister Keistler. She is a woman of great faith and great abilities. We are very unified with our vision of this area, what we want to accomplish and how. With the Lord's help, I can't see anything stopping us. I feel His approval and acceptance of our work and His Spirit guiding us. Judging by this past week, I am very excited to see what's in store for us these next couple of months!!

 

Our area is called Dachney, the adjective form of dacha, which is the russian word for their summer homes. The dachas are out in the country, and after Samara, this definitely feels like the country. We live on a giant hill--A HILLL!!! the first non-flat piece of land I've seen here! I wanted to weep with joy. I mean, hauling the groceries back home is going to be a work out but I don't get much of that anyway so... it's probably a good thing. Also, behind our apartment building on the hill and beyond is a giant forest! Annnddd where we play sport every saturday you can look out and see another hill with nothingness. This may seem strange to be so excited about but it's been 6 months since I've been in a place where I'm not surrounded by the city. Oh! and I went on a train for the first time! It was sooo old school. :) and I could see the country side as we went along. It's exactly like eastern washington. Where we play sport we might as well be in Tri-Cities, except more humid. So nothing too exciting there.

Anyway, to the actually exciting things, the members in our branch are fantastic. The were very welcoming yesterday at church (which is a REAL, ACTUAL church building built by the church!!!). We even received a member referral from one member and a request to visit a less active by another member. And for the first time, I actually had a meeting with the branch mission leader and he invited us to his home. We have support from the branch...it's weird but I love it! I know 100% that if the church is to grow in Russia, which it will, it will be because of the members. I know I've said that before but I just wanted to say it again because it's true and I'm excited to apply that principle here.

I hope that you are all thinking about how the missionaries in your ward can help you do missionary work.

 

I love you and so do the russian people!! I show them my pictures of you and they love it. And they can never believe that mom is my mom because she looks too young.

 

Hugs!

Sister Johnson

Russian Tidbit: Sometimes they pray with their eyes open, just looking around... sometimes up to God.

August 5th, 2013

Hey!! sounds like you all are having a great summer :) I was thinking about Brother Baron the other day and how I think I would understand more now than I did then. Education week was always a good time! Thanks for the pictures and I hope you said hi to the family for me!! So far I haven't received any emails/letters from the extended family, but that's okay, letters aren't the same anyway.

Ben's senior picture looks great! That's crazy he's a senior! Only 6 more months (or 7?) and he can start his papers!! (sorry mom for bringing that to your attention..). 

Well it's been a week full of trudging in the mud and getting caught in the rain. Thankfully, those are two things that I love, and actually, despite the weather, we've had some sweet successes. The first of which has to do with that guy we meet from Madagascar. His name is B..... The first time I saw B.... was right outside of our apartment a couple of P-days ago. He and I met eyes, I saw a light go off and I knew Sister Moffatt and I were in trouble. He was one of the construction workers working on the courtyard right outside our dome and for the next week as we walked out of the complex we were greeted by B..... yelling at us things like "do you know english?" and such things I cared not to remember or repeat. Not that it was terrible really but Sister Moffatt and I have learn to ignore the likes of those of men. So for a week we continued to ignore him until finally two weeks he came up to us and just said, "hey, I actually want to just talk to you. Like seriously." So we stopped and then realized that dang, he really is serious, really cool, and down to meet. So we exchange numbers, the whole bit, still a little bit wary of how it was going to play out (men we teach always seem to have some underlying agenda, which is really annoying). We met with him and had a good How To Begin Teaching lesson with him then the next time we met on the Volga and he brought his friends along with him. :) So then Sister Moffatt and I start to begin teaching them and he walks off and starts wandering along the Volga. Next thing you know, he comes back with a girl names K..... We were like hey, how do you know each other? and they were like we just met! He brought her to us so that we could teach her! Not only is B.... an awesome investigator, but he's a pretty good missionary too! The only thing is that he's the guitarist for the local Salvation Army church christian band. Which is stinking cool but at the same time it's not because he plays at the same time as church. But he's very sincerely searching for the truth and wants to know if there could really be a prophet today. He said that there are many corrupt men in his country that have claimed to be prophets in order to take power. I know he will see that Joseph Smith is different. We taught him the Restoration on Friday before district meeting at the mission office. It was one of the most natural lessons I've taught but we unfortunately never got to the First Vision. ...but I kept trying to get it there but it just never did. Maybe it just is meant to be taught at a different time when he's thought a little more about the prophet thing.  And since he was taught at the office and we ran a little late he got to meet all the missionaries and even President Schuab! 

There, I told you about one of our investigators that I'm really excited about and I hope I didn't jinx anything. ;) 

Other great news-- we met with my favorite member family ever-- the котляров (kotlarov) family twice this week. Sister Kotlarov, their son, Arkoti and daughter, Dasha, are all active but their dad, Sasha, is not because he works ALL the time. President Blinkov (branch president) asked us to meet with them with Sasha in order to talk about their goal of going to the temple. This is the dream of all Russian members, to go to the temple in Kiev, and many members do get there, the really active, well-off members even once a year. But sadly, the Kotlarovs just don't have the means to get there and they're struggling to pay tithing and it's just so hard to sit there, look in Sasha's blood-shot tired eyes and say, "you need to give all you have--the Lord requires all you have in order to gain the highest of blessings." How can I, a young woman never having known the fragility of financial insecurity have the guts to say such things to a man who has lived? A man who already gives everything for his children, and I know it's for them because I saw the way that he loves them and is proud of them. They play cheerfully in the hall where the guitars--Arkoti's most prized talent--are displayed. I desire so badly for them go to the temple to be sealed! I love them so much!! Sister Kotlarov is a funny, chatty woman who likes to help us out and has offered to help us with our Russian. Arkoti is a sarcastic, witty little guy who just turned 14. He always is dying to play the guitar for us, which he just started learning and is somehow excellent at. He actually played a little bit of Black Sabbath for President and Sister Sartori at their farewell fireside, but don't worry, it's was on acoustic and actually fairly reverent. Cute Dasha is around 10 and says the most beautiful prayers you ever did hear. (I do have a soft spot for children speaking Russian though.. :) ) She likes playing around with her brother and is also musically inclined, but we have yet to hear a performance from her. 

Sister Moffatt and I fasted with them yesterday for them to find a way for them to get to the temple, whether that means Sasha finds a new job or some other sort of miracle. I wish I could do more that just fast! I would do anything for them! 

Thing is, this trial is but a moment. Someday there will be a temple in Samara. Or maybe Saratov. Or even eventually both. 

President Schuab testified in Sacrament meeting yesterday. He said that while he was recovering from surgery (you know he had surgery right??) he had a lot of time to think. And from how he said it, "think" meant a lot more than just "think." Anyway, he said that he has come to know that there with be many temples in Russia, and that there will be a stake in Samara and Saratov. Man, when he said that I just wept. Many temples. MANY! I suppose I should develop a bit more faith. and some more patience too. 

That's it for this week. I love you, my gorgeous, wonderful family! I'm so blessed and so are you! 

Sister Johnson

Russian Tidbit: They're afraid of getting dirty. At sport day I tend to sit on the floor, but here is this custom to put something like a grocery bag down or a sweater before you sit on the ground or a bench that is dirty.

August 19th, 2013

I just rode for a half hour on a bus sitting next 3 alcoholic teenagers, and one of them looked as though he could not have been older than 13 years old. One of them was talking to me, the stench of beer reeking thick as steam in a sauna, and he asked if I drank. I said no. Then he looked at me with the most sorry eyes, pointed to the tall can in his hand and explained how he inherited it from his parents. I asked him if he wanted to stop, if he wanted to quit and he replied, We just live, this is our life.
Sadly, the world of men has more woes than we know of.
Satan has a host of crutches to give to man, we just all pick our own. But like you said, we can't worry to much about it, and we shouldn't because that would be mocking the Atonement. Though we may at times be trapped, each held up in our own prison cell, the Savior has given to us the key that will set us free. We are just not always willing to leave, go beyond the bars that we for so long have held us trapped. Maybe because we don't feel like we deserve freedom, and know that there is no way to repay the debtor. Or perhaps because we recognize that life beyond our imprisonment involves more exposure, risk, and effort. Or maybe our emaciated souls simply lack the strength to lift our heads, start anew and press forward. This is why not only has the Savior given us a key which he expects us to use, but He is ready and willing to lend a steady hand and shower us with healing words of love and encouragement once we but call on His name.  That's the beauty of it. And like in the passover, The sweet Bread of Life cancels out the stinging taste of the bitter herbs.

I'm being transferred again!! And this time I'm leaving Samara and heading to Saratov!! The place I've always heard about but haven't been yet. Saratov is everyone's favorite so it should be a great new adventure but it's still sad to leave the home I've made here! I feel like know Samara now just about as well as Walla Walla. And now I'm heading into the unknown with my new comp, Sister Kiestler! who also has not served in the area we are going to. Yep, we're white washing. But the sisters who were serving there are staying with us today so I'm jotting down all the details. :) I'm go so ready to go down there and work. Work, work, work. I hope Sister Keistler knows CPR because I may need some resussitation at some point ;) Dochney doesn't know what's comin. I hear it's a really hilly area, that the members are amazing and that Saratov is the 'real Russia.' So we'll see! :)

It's been a great three months here in Avrora and I'm going to miss it here and all the friends I've made, especially Sister Moffatt, who I've gotten really close to. This is where I really became a missionary. I have grown so much.

Saying good-bye's has been hard but we had some good times this week with my favortie family--the Kotlarovs! and Berto who came over to their house and had a jam session with little Arkoti after we gave him and his friend the Restoration. :) Good times!

Also, the Kotlarovs are planning a trip to go to the temple next summer!!!!!!!! I cried. I love them so so much and I can't wait for them. They are the best. Sasha (the dad) even came to church the other day and I just hope that the Lord will provide a way for him to get there every week. They are also turning into quite the missionaries! Galina gave out a Book of Mormon this week and invited a friend to church.

That's all I really have time to say this week. Love ya! have a great week!  

RT: They have ton of holidays! I can't keep track! I usually don't know until I hear fireworks going off.