We want to thank you one and all for your sincere thoughts and prayers in the behalf of all those who have been suffering over here. It has been quite bad for some, even fatal for others, and mild for people like us. Although just over 50 people have officially died due to the fires, the mortality rate here in Russia has doubled in the past 3 weeks since the fire began. They estimate that 15,000 people may due to the fires/smoke/smog. One of our elderly members of the Church just passed away this week. They had no A/C and no fans in their apartment. They kept the windows opened in order to have circulation in their apartment. We hear stories of many people in this same scenario that drape wet sheets and/or towels over them at night to be able to sleep comfortably. It is sad to hear stories like these. We have been inconvenienced but all in all we are very good. For the past 4 days the smoke/smog has been gone and since the temperatures have dropped significantly (10-15 degrees) everyone is much more comfortable. We have learned that the sky is indeed blue still and we are happy to have witnessed that. Today however, the smoke is back and we don't know why. We really don't follow the news here or abroad so all we can say is that our eyes and lungs recognize that something is different again and we are saddened by that. Your continued thoughts and prayers are welcomed.The work is moving forward here at a slightly increasing pace in contrast to what it was even just 6 months ago. We are excited that we have baptisms scheduled for each of the coming 7 weeks. We know that some will not come to fruition but we also know that the missionaries are working hard and the Lord will continue to bless them with others who He is preparing to receive the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Let me tell you just one story that is one of these examples of the Lord doing his part in His work. Elena is a woman who is in her late 60's. She is one of the tiniest women I have ever met. A photo will accompany this email to show you the contrast between her and Bethany. We met her three weeks ago when we attended a baptism that she attended and the missionaries asked (Sister Packard, “Bethany”) to sit with her. Of course Bethany obliged and face it folks, anyone who has the good fortune to sit next to her is going to fall in love with her and/or anything that Bethany says. The people here in Russia just adore her. Anyway, Elena immediately bonded with Bethany and Bethany with her. On Monday of the following week we had an activity that Elena sponsored which was taking us to a famous Moscow Monastery. It was a wonderful experience and we had a great time. Two days later Elena came to our home for a missionary discussion in which the missionaries told us prior that Elena was “teetering” as to what to do. She had felt the Spirit often and was sincere in her desire to know the truth of the gospel but she had so much tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church in her she was really struggling. During this discussion, Elena told an interesting story which proves my point that the Lord is involved in His work and we are just instruments in helping Him. Her story is as follows: Seven years ago she had met the missionaries and was having discussions with them and they taught her the gospel. She was nice and enjoyed the missionaries very much. She even had them teach some of her friends in her home. This went on for some time but she never could understand why the missionaries stopped coming by… (most likely because she never continued progressing toward getting baptism and the missionaries needed to move on). Anyway, seven years went by and she began feeling the desire to visit with the missionaries again… (Now with over 20 million people that live in and around Moscow and only 42 missionaries in this area, you don’t see missionaries very often, even if they are easy to recognize with their white shirts and name tags…. We don’t ride bikes here though). So she had been pondering about seeing the missionaries again. Now, just a few weeks ago, she prayed specifically to try and find them. As she was coming up out of the Metro station on the escalator, she arrived at the top, got off and as she was about ready to walk out the doors, she distinctly heard a voice which said, “Elena, look up.” She, opened the doors, looked up, and there, just a little distance off were two missionaries standing outside the Metro station. She walked right up to them and introduced herself to Elder Miller and Elder Bogdonov. Now, three weeks later she has read much of the Book of Mormon, she loves the DVD of President Thomas S. Monson (“On the Lord’s Errand”) and interestingly enough, she has learned that her baptismal date next Saturday is the same day as President Monson’s birthday. She is very excited.
In the coming weeks we have so much happening, I wanted to give you some ideas as to what we are doing. It is just a list…
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Elena and Bethany1. The Kiev Temple Cultural Event. We are in charge of Russia’s portion of the Cultural Event. This has been an overwhelming and daunting task. It is difficult to explain just how challenging this has and continues to be. Let it be known that there will be lots of room for miracles that this event comes to fruition. We have faith that it will and are working hard to make it happen. Bethany and I have been given special permission to go to the Event in Kiev and participate in it as well as be at the dedication at the Stake Center there in Kiev. No other Senior Couple missionaries have been allowed to go so we feel very honored and privileged.
2. Institute Fall Social/Kickoff. This event will be wonderful and fun. We have planned a Chuckwagon Dinner, Western Dancing, Pioneer Games, a Pioneer Movie (The Work and the Glory),and visits from Pioneers from the past. This should be a great event if we can pull it off. It is just 4 days after we get home from Kiev. Keep your fingers crossed on this one as well. Getting the food there to the event at the church is a major challenge since none of the other senior couple missionaries who are helping us have cars to drive. Everything has to be carried by hand on the Metro…. Wish us luck.
(Bethany made
this Poster)
3. Young Single Adult Choir to start up again. Those of you who have followed our choir escapades know that we have challenges in this category. We are getting familiar in how the Russian people teach and train culturally. Let me just say that it is different than we do it back home.
I just want to close by thanking you all for all you do for us out here in the mission field. Your support is greatly appreciated. Keep doing your part in helping this work move forward. We love you.
Sincerely,
Elder and Sister Packard
