MTC Branch 10 - Russian Speaking - February 13, 2011
This past Sunday we said our "goodbyes" to a wonderful group of missionaries that are in our MTC Branch. Among those leaving for the mission field were two young men that we knew while serving our missions in Russia. It was a joyous reunion when Elder Sergey Antamanov came to the MTC to prepare for his mission to the Ukraine. We first met Sergey on our first mission when he came to the Youth Conference we had prepared. He was an outstanding young man and we knew that he was capable of doing great things to build the church in his home city of Krasnoyarsk. We continued our friendship with Sergey on our second mission as we watched him grow and mature into a fine young man. He will be a wonderful missionary to the people of the Donesk Ukraine Mission and such a strength to his own branch when he returns from this mission! Likewise, we were thrilled to greet Elder Kirill Tsirkov from Novokuznetsk. Kirill was baptized shortly before we returned home from our second mission and we were privileged to attend his baptism. As a member of another church, Kirill had studied the Bible in depth before meeting the missionaries. When taught by the elders, he read and studied the Book of Mormon with an enthusiasm and diligence rarely seen. He then went on to read every church book he could get before making his decision to join the church. He is truly a "gospel scholar". He will also be a great missionary as he serves in the Russia Saint Petersburg Mission. He will be much needed in his own tiny branch (15 members) when he completes this mission and returns home to Novokuznetsk. We love serving at the MTC and we especially love it when we have the priceless opportunity to renew friendships with members - now missionaries!!
Elder Sergey Antamanov from Krasnoyarsk going to serve in the Donesk Ukraine Mission
Elder Kirill Tsirkov from Novokuznetsk going to serve in the St. Petersburg Russia Mission
Kirill Tsirkov's baptism - May 2009 - Today he is missionary!
Oh wow, I didn't realize you were working with people you knew and worked with and helped in Siberia. What a thrill and blessing to get to see the full circle. You're literally watching and participating in the gathering of Israel in a very personal way.
ReplyDeleteI remember your talking about Sergey after both of your missions. How cool to be in on his missionary training! What a blessing it is in all of your lives- for them and for you- to be working with those missionaries.
ReplyDeleteI remember Hal talking about Elder Kirill. What an amazing conversion story. I'm so happy that you have the opportunity to continue working with the Russian missionaries and they are so lucky to have you both!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and how wonderful it must be for you to be a part of their MTC experience.
ReplyDeleteThat is so neat to see him come full circle! Those missionaries are so lucky to have you two!
ReplyDelete