In Search of the one . . .

Out into the dark, trudging along snowy, ice-covered streets we follow our nineteen-year old guides . . . armed with sweet offerings . . . off in search of the "one".

This family lives in a Chasi-dom rather than an apartment building.  The small houses are built in clusters surrounded by high walls with locked gates.  Once we were close to the home, we telephoned and the head of the family came out to unlock the heavy gates.  You can see the difficulties this would present for door-to-door tracting.  It made us wonder how neighborly visits were accomplished in the past, before the advent of cell phones. 

The family welcomed us into their home, introduced us to their furry and feathered friends, shared family photos and taekwondo medals, and then re-committed to live more fully and with more conviction, those things they already hold dear.

Here in Lugansk as we look for homes to visit and families to bless we do not need to look far.  Our branch president is giving us names of those in need of strength and support for their less active or not yet baptized family members.  He is quick to say that we will not find one member family here without that kind of need.  One of the first families he suggested we visit was his own. 

His son, Roman is a newly baptized member and Lela is taking lessons.  She loves the difference that association with the church has already made in her life. Changing is not easy, however, and both Roman and Lela want and need strength, support and encouragement as they try to make major life-style changes.

We shared food, fotos and fun, explored the glorious good news of the gospel and left filled and fulfilled.

Not surprisingly, our walk home was no longer dark and forboding, but filled with light.  Having stepped forward on the Lord's errand into what seemed like a dark and cold night we found love and joy and warmth through sharing fellowship and testifying of God's love.  

Don't worry about us. We have found the way to keep warm!