As we attended and worshipped with Branch 10, District 1, during the Russian sacrament meeting, I had the clear impression that these native, Russian missionaries are 'Saturday's Warriors!' They have been born into a corrupt world destined to cry repentance and to take the gospel to their kindred countrymen. Also, another "ahh-hah" experience (simple as it was) was as we sang the hymns of the Restoration, Americans in English and Russians and Ukraines in Russian, I realized that reading musical symbols on the written page have no geographical barriers. Hearts can be knitted together as we sing these hymns in whatever language!

This day was was a very special date for most of the 9 Advanced Russian group as many received their long-awaited patriarchal blessings. What blessings have come to them these past two weeks, some of which include their receiving their temple endowments , patriarchal blessing, visit by Elder Neuenschwander, visiting an American ward to catch the vision of a fully-run ward (including Primary), visit to Temple Square, plus all the extraordinary instruction and spiritual blessings which have flowed from the MTC these past two weeks.

Sister Callister, wife of the Branch President Callister, spoke and reminded us that 'light and hope' have been brought to Eastern Europe by our pioneer missionaries the past 15 years. She reflected on her recent visit to St. Petersburg when she visited a mass grave of over 1 million unmarked graves of Russians who had starved to death during the 875 day siege during WWII and Stalin's regime. Now, these valiant missionaries "hear my voice" and are going forward in faith to their own countrymen.

President Callister told the beautiful fable of "The Other Wise Man" by Henry Van Dyke who sold all that he had to purchase a ruby, Sapphire and pearl to offer to the Christ Child when he found Him; however, because he became waylayed for thirty-three years in assisting those less fortunate,(and giving away the three precious jewels for the needy), he was too late to meet the Savior in this life. When feeling dependant and unfulfilled, the impression came to him, "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God," thus then realizing the import of his life's service. President Callister reminded us that "If we keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts for a day, why not always?" How poignant! The true meaning of Christmas is our unconditional love for our fellowmen. Finally, he reminded us that everyone of the face of the earth once knew the Savior, and we are merely reacquainting ourselves with Him.