Members exult over apostles' visit
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The recent visit of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder Neil L. Andersen to Russia and Ukraine touched the lives of many members.
As they prepare for the dedication of the Kyiv Ukraine Temple, members there are rededicating their own lives to gospel living and Church service. The counsel from President Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen offered them spiritual comfort and motivation.
Olexander and Victoria Bondarchuk are converts to the Church raising three young children in Kyiv. They were thrilled to learn the Brethren would be visiting their city and did all they could to spiritually prepare themselves to get the most from their inspired counsel. The meeting left them anxious to enter the new temple and do all they can to help the Church grow.
"This meeting gave refreshment and nourishment to our spirits," said Brother Bondarchuk. "It helped us to continue in our work, to continue to prepare for the temple and to tell other people about it."
He added that he was impressed by President Uchtdorf's conviction that the good things in his own life — family, career and personal growth — were all made possible through the gospel.
President Uchtdorf's and Elder Andersen's visit left Sister Bondarchuk hopeful for the future.
"Our family will be blessed forever as we follow the counsel given. I also believe that the temple will be a great blessing to Ukraine and the people living in Ukraine. Having a temple here will change things for the better."
Olga Alekseyeva called the Church leaders' visit "a special blessing."
"They spoke words which filled my heart and I simply felt … that the saints in our country and I, personally, needed to listen," she said.
"I am very happy that I joined this true Church of our Savior that was restored in these last days and that he called these wise and worthy brothers to guide this work on Earth."
Natalia Naumova is a branch Relief Society president in Russia and the mother of a full-time missionary. She appreciated President Uchtdorf's counsel to experience eternal progression one step at a time.
"[His] statement gave me hope," said Sister Naumova. "I now better understand that our spiritual progression is a process that will continue on throughout our whole life and into eternity."
Marina Ostapchuk said she found strength in President Uchtdorf's words.
"It was like listening to living scripture," she said. "It was evident that he was a true representative of the Lord. I now believe more than ever that leaders are inspired. I see the importance of following them more now than before."
A young single adult who recently joined the Church in Russia, Varya Tishenka said listening to President Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen was like spending time with a beloved relative. "I felt as if I had known before the things they were saying, and they were just reminding me."
Hanno Luschin, Kyiv Ukraine Temple project manager, added the visit from the Church leaders was well received by both the members and folks from the community. "The visit left the members with a calm feeling that they are in good hands with these very qualified and dedicated brethren directing the affairs of the Church."
