. . . to build the kingdom in the uttermost parts of the world.

In 1974 Mom and I listened as our beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball,  outlined in very detail how the gospel would go to all the world. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" he asked.   

He told of how the Lord would bring about technology to enable the gospel to reach the ends of the earth and how iron and bamboo curtains would fall as we became ready to enter. We all sat back in wonder as we contemplated the miracle he was explaining that would occur in this very land where we are serving today. 

Some of us didn't have the faith of President Kimball back then, but now, wonders and miracles later, (including the wonder and miracle of our own call to serve) we are beholding the fulfillment of prophecy in every detail!

DID the Lord mean Eastern Europe when he said, uttermost parts of the world?

In fulfillment of that prophecy another prophet, seer and revealator visited this land in 1991 and dedicated it for the preaching of the gospel.

These two monumental documents give hope to all of us who serve here in Ukraine when discouraging moments come; and we can see with absolute sure knowledge, with our own eyes, the hand of the Lord.

This thought deserves volumes but we will only comment on two phrases from President Boyd K. Packer's dedicatory prayer as it relates to our own experiences last week.

President Packer was aware of the forced starvation and ravages of war on this land over and over again; he referred to some of that history in his prayer as when he asked that this people might "be blessed with food and clothing and shelter.  Bless them that the specter of famine will never touch this land."

He prayed:

"As we dedicate this land, our Holy Father, we remember those who have lived here in generations past and now are gone.  We pray that this moment might be the beginning of an emancipation of their spirits in the world beyond through the sacred sealing ordinances of the work for the dead that thou hast revealed.  We pray that there will be an outpouring of the Spirit of Elijah, that the names will come forth, the records made available, and the ordinances performed for them in temples in other lands, and in due time in temples in this land."

Members from Makeevka branch are so faithful.  They have no chapel yet, and so they travel by bus a long distance to attend church.  Because of this, it is extra hard to show high enough attendance to get their own chapel.  To make possible the blessings of seminary they have rented a little room in an old warehouse-like building.  The leaders and family history people met with us there.  It was a sacred experience. 

This is their “Kirtland” time----pioneers!  

Over the next several weeks there will be more branches and districts to visit.

We taught how to use the families on the other side of the veil to help build up the kingdom on this side --  we all felt the spirit of Elijah.  We wish you could have been there. 

Part II:

As he dedicated this land, President Packer prayed for the Lord’s blessings on the people of Ukraine:

"Bless the young men and young women to find one another, to pledge their love to one another, and to bring children into this world under the bonds of the sacred covenant and to raise them in righteousness."

In the Ukraine Donetsk Mission this last week, a major effort was made to assist in bringing answers to this part of that prayer.  We gathered into Donetsk unmarried, worthy 26 – 40 year old men from all over the mission and women from ages 20 – 40, involving six to eight hours of travel for many, for a Celestial marriage activity to give them the opportunity to meet and socialize with other temple-worthy singles.  All transportation to and from was paid by the mission.  This was not for a “preparation” class for marriage and not a gathering to hear good speakers extol the virtues of temple marriage, but the purpose was to provide an opportunity for each to “find” the “one.”  All were to come with faith and anticipation of a positive outcome.

The requirements were strict.  If men were under 26 they could come only if they had previously served a mission.  One girl brought a non-member friend but he was turned away because he did not have a baptismal date and would not meet with the missionaries – thus he was not a celestial marriage candidate.  (The girl stayed anyway.)  Some leaders were a little apprehensive at the beginning, but the plan worked out perfectly.

There were talks which focused on the doctrine of eternal marriage, emphasizing that one would not be with Heavenly Father without a celestial spouse and the first commandment.  President Christensen and his wife from the Kviv temple presidency came and spoke.

Sergei and his bride were married in December.  They shared their story of falling in love.  They were also a great help preparing the directory and they were our "technical crew" for the dance.

The young people were taught how to move from “friendship” to “love.”  We took pictures of every attendee and printed it in color along with contact information.  This was given to each person there before the day ended.  The men were committed to make three calls in the next five days to girls they had interacted with using the contact information provided.One of the activities to help them get acquainted was presentation of skits that each group developed using items out of a bag they were given. 

“Speed dating” was the hit of the day.  Chairs were placed side by side, but facing each other all across the lawn and parking lot.  Each girl stayed in the same numbered chair and the men would move from chair to chair every five minutes at the sound of a big spoon banging on a pan.  Each boy had the opportunity to talk with every girl and visa versa.  They had to move quickly.  It was fun to watch.  Most wanted more time to get acquainted, but if the man was tardy in moving he was told, “Propose or move on.”

The young man left-center returned from his mission last May.  He is the branch president in Mariupol. 

Then there was instruction in ballroom and line dancing.  Most had to hold hands at least several times.  They reported that the dance instruction portion was better than the free dancing after dinner – but then, that was a time for those who had thoughts of moving their relationship to the next level.

Four out of eight who attended from our branch here in Lugansk

Some proposals were made, but we know of no acceptances to date.  Bottom line – they loved it.  We are planning a second follow-up activity in two months. 

This is a fun way to help build the kingdom here in Ukraine.

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