Weeks 82, 83, and 84 - April 27, 2021

Lots of stuff happening here!  For sure have been staying busy!  That work has been poppinggggg offfff, lemme tell ya!

First update... I don't know if y'all have been watching the news, but apparently Russia has put a TON of troops on the east border of Ukraine (where skirmishes between Russia and Urkraine are going on) to "secure it," and things are getting heatedddd.  Apparently different countries, including America, have sent over troops to reinforce it and everything.  I think Putin is salty about that... It sounded like battles are being pushed inward, and we actually had to move missionaries out of a certain city because it was getting too close  to them! Crazy to think this whole time I've been serving my mission, there has been a war going on in our country.  Tensions are rising though.  But we're been watched over and it's all being monitored, so we are fine!  Anyways... 

We had transfers a week ago, and it looks like I'll be staying in Sumy!  By this rate, I could be finishing my mission here! Crazy stuff haha.  Elder Illera and I have been loving our time together here though!

 

This week all of the British missionaries are leaving to Moldova for a week to review their visas, and then come back here. With the leaving of my companions, I came down to Poltava to spend a few days here as a wait!  I served in Poltava just two transfers ago, so it's awesome to be here, and I'm excited to see some more familiar faces!  Especially my boy Gennady! We're going to go help him get some meat this week. (Gennady is the grandpa we taught, and put on baptismal date while I was here serving.  He's a gem and a half.)

Konstantin committed to following the Word of Wisdom this week, and did so joyfully!  At first he didn't really understand why he needed to give up tea and coffee, but he puts his trust in God, knowing that this is his church.  I cannot wait for his baptism!  If it all works out, it should be some time next month!!

We have been meeting up with some church members to help them out, bless the sacrament, share some spiritual thoughts, and it's been AWESOME.  Members are literally the BEST here!

 

Recently whipped up some homemade doughnuts, too, peep the pick.  They were high-key good.  Honestly thinking about putting Krispy Cream out of business.

 

Elder Wilde

Weeks 80 and 81 - April 5, 2021

Всем привет! 

Just some quick little updates!  General conference was this week, and it was great!  If you haven't watched it yet, go and do so!

I recently found out I will be returning home August 10th! Crazy to think I only have 4 months of my original 24-month-mission left.  Lovin' the grind!

This week we walked an hour and a half, to and from a member's house to deliver some journals!  It's crazy to think I've been in this area for over a year, but haven't seen all the members face to face because of quarantine.  We have been in contact with these members often, but it was awesome to finally see them in person.

We put our friend Konstantin on baptismal date, as well, this week!!  For a year, I have been nervous approaching him with this invitation, just because I felt as though he didn't quite grasp the gospel principles clearly enough.  However, last lesson we had him explain to us what the Restoration was and why it was important.  My man hit it out of the park and shared with us the most bomb testimony.  He explained the Book of Mormon had to be written by Godly inspiration, cuz the words written could not have been written without Godly influence. After hearing all that, we shot him a baptismal invitation. Although he accepted, he said he needs some time to pray and think it over, which is great!  We set a date so that he could have something to work towards as well as include in his prayers.  He liked that and accepted it.  Pray for Konstantin so that he finds his answer that this is the right path!!

We, also, extended a soft invitation to baptism to another one of our friends this week.  Although he understands the importance of baptism, knowing that it is a step that needs to be taken, alongside the fact that he respects this church and thinks what we stand for is true, he said he needs more time to study things out in his mind.  Well take it!!  His name is Oleg. Pray for him as well!!

Good stuff going on here in Sumy!  The works poppin' off.

Much love, Elder Wilde

Video of the Week

Elder Wilde is becoming the Bird Whisperer!  They are really his friends!