". . . they forsook all and followed Him."

As we have become closer friends with the young men from Nigeria who play professional soccer here in Ukraine, we have felt that often they are at a disadvantage when it comes to being fellowshipped into the branch because of the language barrier.  (We unterstand how easily that can happen.)  Because of this we started the English speaking Sunday school class.  There are some English-speaking Russians and Armenians who attend, but the core group are these young men who speak Nigerean-English.  Even without much support Jehadi has been faithful and humble.  He always brings his scriptures to church and wears a white shirt and tie. . . . and he loves "The Word." 

Three weeks ago Jehadi was assigned to give our lesson in Family Home Evening and he did a great job, teaching from the scriptures how faith can conquer fear.  He shared with us stories about his background, how he was a very tough character growing up.  He told of the fear that he generated in even his own family members because of his very rough life-style.  Then he came to Ukraine to play soccer, and here he discovered the beautiful message of God's plan for us.  Here, his life was changed forever.  

As happens whenever we have a stewardship over some of God's children, Elder Hatch spent a lot of spare minutes here and there, pondering about those in his class, considering how he could bless them best.  And just as it often happens when we combine prayer with reflection and desire, he began to feel some strong promptings.  Over several weeks, thoughts about Jehadi serving as a missionary crystalized, and at FHE Monday night when he came early, Elder Hatch felt impressed to talk to him about a mission. Jehadi had thought of a mission.  It was an amazingly wonderful but currently impossible and far-away dream for him.  He was so happy to talk about the subject.  He had wanted so much to talk to Elder Hatch, but couldn't see how a mission would ever be possible.  In those few minutes before the others arrived, he was taught the process of becoming an Elder, mission preparation classes, application process  and temple preparation and was assured that it was very possible. 

"My Mother would be so proud of me," he said.  "Oh, how she will love seeing me in a white shirt and tie!"  During the evening Jehadi was deep in thought and was beginning to glow with the idea.

Before the closing prayer Elder Hatch asked if there was anyone who wanted to share some new plans with us.  Jehadi started with his humble shy grin and then told the group that he was going to go on a mission.  He will not renew his contract with the soccer club after he finishes this year.  He'll go home for Christmas to see his family he has not seen for some time, teach them the gospel, and be ready to leave on a mission the first of January.  He told the group that we are going to start the process now and he bore a powerful testimony. 

Edgar, who was just baptized two weeks ago put into words what we all could feel:
 "Wow, what a great teacher you will be!"