Wednesday, April 16, was quite an unforgettable day! Elder Georgei Coutrerier, a Russian by birth but currently from Layton, Utah, arrived! How did he got from Russia to Layton, Utah, is a moving and sacred story. He is one of the three Russians who entered the MTC this week to begin his four week "advanced study" training in Preach My Gospel and then return to Russia to complete his two year mission. Here is the story...

Four and one-half years ago, Elder Coutrerier (age 14) lived in a Russian orphanage and was miraculously 'plucked' or selected to become adopted by an American family from Michigan, along with eight other children! Apparently his parents are quite wealthy, e.g. father a doctor and mother a notable singer, and had funds and hearts to support such a large undertaking! His new 'parents' were Catholics and well-intentioned in that they enrolled each of their ll children (2 additional by birth) in Catholic schools. Georgei, from the 'get-go,' felt uncomfortable in the Catholic school, especially when the curators of the school insisted each child become baptized in the Catholic school. He related that he loved his parents and didn't wish to disappoint them but just couldn't consent to his baptism in a religion he didn't believe in. Subsequently, they sent him to live with a non-member 'uncle,' married to an inactive Mormon, in Salt Lake City. He attended high school in SLC, and afterward high school, Georgei began working. He was befriended by an older member-gentleman whose kind friendship, example, faith and testimony brought him into the church.

In the meantime, he communicated his conversion to the Mormon faith to his parents who immediately 'disowned' him. When he decided to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he telephoned his mother who later decided to fly to Salt Lake City to attend his missionary 'farewell.' After arriving in SLC and enjoying the warm friendship of members and friends of her son, her heart softened and hearts were mended; he disclosed that she even sang "I Am A Child of God" at his farewell! Another miracle in the life of this miraculous young man!!

Afternote: Yesterday, Georgei had another 'growing' experience in his short 'church' life. My Russian interpreter did not show up to interpret for a Large Group Meeting, so I rushed down to the classroom and asked Elder Coutrerier to interpret from English to Russian for his two Russian non-English speaking companions! Sitting in an isolated interpretation booth for the first time, ensconced in headphones with Preach My Gospel and Russian scriptures and a water bottle to manipulate, is not for the faint of heart, I'm told! Nervous and anxious, he interpreted beautifully and even exclaimed, "I liked it!" when the meeting concluded.

It is evident that Heavenly Father knows each of us by name, disposition, mission and spirit and is mindful of us. How humbling to have the opportunity to witness His Hand daily in our missionary work at the MTC.