Deseret News | LDS reassign Russia-bound missionaries

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LDS reassign Russia-bound missionaries

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John Lambert | 1:17 p.m. July 15, 2008

To inspired,
How are you sure that "they must now learn another language"? They might be sent to areas outside Russia where they speak Russian.

To Inspired | 1:31 p.m. July 15, 2008

From the Church's website directed to non-members...

Missionary
A member of the Church who is called to preach the gospel to the people of the world.

Inspired | 2:10 p.m. July 15, 2008

John and Alex,

Sure I understand that not all things can be known on this Earth all of the time. And I'm certainly not saying that being reassigned means that one has served any less honorably than anyone else.

I'm just pointing out that there is some discrepancy/misrepresentation in telling people that a worthy member is called (by inspiration) to a "designated" area, and then later saying, "Oops, the Russians are toying with us. I am now 'inspired' to call you to serve in area X."

I think that the Church should change the wording on its website and informational literature to avoid confusing the "average Joe" out there who looks for things like this as a point of contention that leads to doubt in church teachings.

While many of us understand and practice "blind faith," a great multitude does not.

Comments continue below

Jim J in Cedar Rapids | 2:16 p.m. July 15, 2008

I loved my service in Norway in the 70s. I never gave thought to the "what if I were called to serve elsewhere?" I served at the Lord's pleasure and to where I was called to serve. I served my country in the military for 21-1/2 years after my mission. So, having served in both areas, spiritual and temporal, each has its reward. I take great satisfaction with my military service. I take greater satisfaction in my continued service to God via my church callings. I am grateful for the opportunities the Church missionaries have had (and hope to have in the future) in Russia. Those who were called and now are being redirected are doing so under the direction of the brethren, who are inspired to lead and direct as the Lord sees fit. I suspect many will find their Russian skills put to use in their new areas.

To Inspired | 2:30 p.m. July 15, 2008

The fact that God continued to allow missionaries to be called to Russia is evidence that he is giving them every chance to hear his restored gospel preached. The fact that the opportunity was rejected by the government of the Russian Federation is evidence of the importance of agency in God's plan of salvation.

God does reveal his will to his prophets. That does not mean, however, that he reveals everything that will or might happen. We must act on faith and trust in him.

Like, can anyone read? | 2:50 p.m. July 15, 2008

The article refers to North American missionaries. So to all those suggesting that no more missionaries will go to Russia, that the prophet really isn't one, etc. please note that missionaries from outside of North America could still be called. Uhm lets see, my map of the world shows: South America, Europe, Asia...all good places to find willing missionaries. Fascinating - all these words that mean stuff.

Inspired | 2:54 p.m. July 15, 2008

It would be nice to see some numbers. Specifically, how many North American missionaries who were originally assigned to Russia that have now be assigned a new location.

Kudos To Tad Walsh | 3:08 p.m. July 15, 2008

Kudos are in order to this Deseret News writer for defining, even briefly, the meaning of the word "branch" as used in the LDS Church. Too often understanding of Mormon-specific terminology is assumed by Deseret News writers, having the unintended consequences of making non-members feel more isolated in the community than they should.

Ernest T. Bass | 3:17 p.m. July 15, 2008

Rich blessing are in store.

To: Like, can anyone read? | 3:36 p.m. July 15, 2008

The problem applies to missionaries in South America, Europe, and Asia too. The visa was changed so now ANY foreigner serving on a long term service/missionary visa will have to leave the country every 90 days (be them North Americans, South Americans, Asians OR IN OTHER WORDS NON-RUSSIANS). Thus it is not just North Americans affected--and your idea amounts to nothing.
Where did you learn to read?

Nate H. | 3:39 p.m. July 15, 2008

Sorry, but this made me laugh:

"LDS parents have been sending their children to Russia to seek converts since 1990..."

I just see like 6 yr olds flying over there.

Jerry W | 3:52 p.m. July 15, 2008

When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, why didn't he lead them directly into the promised land instead of having them wonder around for forty years in the first place? Didn't God know that they weren't ready? Some people seem to have a double standard when it comes to religious issues and an unquenchable desire to down the L.D.S. Church whenever posible. It makes me wonder where they are getting their inspiration.

Where I learned to read | 4:01 p.m. July 15, 2008

I was taught to read by a Mormon. :-) The article states: missionary assignments to Russia will be limited to those nationalities not needing visas. NA visa requests are being more critically scrutinized by the Ruskies, el Doofmeister. Hence, countries that do not come under this restriction are likely outside NA. I bet you a billion dollars every country other than the U.S., Canada and Mexico are outside of NA. Those countries that "qualify" are not listed but I'll bet those countries that do are in (drum roll): South America, Europe and Asia.

to the inspired guy | 4:06 p.m. July 15, 2008

who is to say that those calls arent inspired? every person has their agency and God is not going to take that away even if it is against His will. Those assigned to russian missions should be there but cant because of anothers decision and their agency

daruster | 4:27 p.m. July 15, 2008

To Inspired:
So did God make a boo-boo, or change his mind when he told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and then said nevermind? When The Lord told Joseph Smith to assemble Zion's camp to go to Missouri and retrieve stolen property and then told them not to fight at all, was that a boo-boo too? Or is it possible that sometimes God asks us to do things just to see if we will? God doesn't need our tithing money. If he can create infinite worlds I'm sure he could build a church. But are we willing to exercise our faith and do what he asks even when it doesn't make sense to us? Sometimes we have to think outside the box and trust that the Lord sees things and understands things that we can't.

The truth | 4:27 p.m. July 15, 2008

I for one would like to thank the Desertet News Moderator for keeping this forum on topic.

And not letting the earlier nutbag detractor try and change it in something different.

Now if you would be willing to just do that for other topics.

And deny the vicious hate filled comments about the mormon church and conservatives, religion, and other things.

A login system would help keep one nutbag from coming on here using many names, having converations with himself as if there were many supporting his position, or misrepresenting himself (is republican now votng democrat, or used be mormon now not, etc), rants on an on about neocons and evil conservatives.

I think all know who I am talking about, who dominatesd topics with literally dozens comments under many assumed names.

A login system while not 100 percent effective, it will certainly make it much less convenient for one person cause so much harm.

And the rest us, will know who we are talking too, even though there will still be anonymity behind a made-up login name.

Here and Now | 4:33 p.m. July 15, 2008

I heard this in priesthood mtg last Sunday. The thought was the TRussian Orthodox Church may have been behind the legislation. Do any of you former Russian Missionaries have contacts in that country that could sustain or negate this?

It is ashame that North American missionaries will be reassigned, BUT be sure that the neighboring countries will provide the needed men and women to fulfill the work.

Inspired | 4:39 p.m. July 15, 2008

To: To the inspired guy

What would a missionary's agency have to do with him/her not going to Russia if that's where he or she was called to serve? They had not part in the decision made my the Russian government.

Just curious, why do you assume that I am a guy?

expert (like can anyone) reader | 4:39 p.m. July 15, 2008

FACT: everyone but russians needs a visa to live in russia and/or perform the job (missions) that we're talking about

you get an A+ for your effort in reading the deseret news' article...but you get an F- in reading between the lines and/or getting smart on the situation. let me know when you manage to send a british, a brazilian, and or an australian to a russian mission avoiding this "NA restriction" thingy. I BET YOU A BILLION DOLLARS YOU DON'T SUCCEED.

Ruski | 4:46 p.m. July 15, 2008

Сколько стран, столько и обычаев.

Inspired and John Lambert | 5:05 p.m. July 15, 2008

Why don't you two exchange numbers and just have a conversation.

Inspired laid the bait, and you all jumped on it.

Inspired is trying to get into God's head, think like God, and you people are all coming up with great arguments, but Inspired is not interested in thinking with the spirit, or inspiration. He's not in touch with the spirt.

He want's to think that as a mortal, he can get in God's head, and think like God.

Many have tried and failed.

MTC | 5:20 p.m. July 15, 2008

I work at the MTC and know the missionaries who were reassigned. They are anxious to serve anywhere the Lord and the church calls them. They just had to make a wardrobe change to serve in Ecuador, Germany, California, etc. I also have a son (and his wife and 4 children) in the Air Force, who has served a mission for the church (his wife, also), and has been deployed to the middle east. Both are noble callings. Both callings preserve our agency and our freedoms. Neither should be downplayed or belittled. Tolerance, knowledge and understanding!Don't show your ignorance and bias here.

MTC | 5:26 p.m. July 15, 2008

The lemonade in this obstacle is that the Russian youth will have to step up to the bar. We have several native Russian missionaries here right now that are going back to Russia in two weeks! They are wonderful wonderful young men and women. They can carry the load without the North Americans. I have faith in them.

MTC | 5:28 p.m. July 15, 2008

Both are very noble. Just because someone else isn't LDS... That's no reason to put him down as well. It's not that big of a deal. Don't get so worked up when someone has a different viewpoint than the church.

zoar | 5:29 p.m. July 15, 2008

God is all-knowing. Just because things seem to change from our perspective does not mean that God has not foreseen it all. Yes, those missionaries were called to Russia and that is where they were supposed to be at that point in time, now they are going to go exactly where the Lord wants to send them at this particular point in time.

MTC | 5:39 p.m. July 15, 2008

I'm not worked up. Some people on both sides of the coin are speaking out of ignorance. They just don't know the facts. We also have a missionary from Bulgaria who has been reassigned also. I do believe the law applies to all. But the youth in Russia are up to the task!!

Anonymous | 6:09 p.m. July 15, 2008

John Lambert is a know it all and talks too much.

bilbo | 6:24 p.m. July 15, 2008

a nonny mouse: I don't know who you are and I suspect YOU don't know who YOU are, either.
read and pray. ask in good faith. get info from the source.

Hey truth | 6:50 p.m. July 15, 2008

your comment is off topic.

MTC | 6:55 p.m. July 15, 2008

Go easy on those who aren't of your faith. You're no better. Leave them be.

Mormons Unite | 7:04 p.m. July 15, 2008

Uh oh... We need to get a Mormon ambassador on this one. Andrei Kirilenko likes Mormons... Can anyone place a call?

Hey truth (6:50) | 7:13 p.m. July 15, 2008

I'd have to agree on that one truth. Just a little off topic and a little to upset. MTC, I think you are in the same boat on that as well. This is an easy topic to discuss. Just get back on subject and don't let someone or something get under your skin.

Monica | 7:32 p.m. July 15, 2008

This Russian visa issue has nothing to do with the LDS church. Sure it makes it harder but I would seriously doubt if any associated with the visa change have even heard nor care of the mormon church. The fact is there is a very severe decline in the church and the fruits are not plentiful in Russian or the rest of Europe. It timed well with redeploying and reorganizing the srinking European endevours and placing them in the less educated and more vulnerable people of South and Central America.

good friend | 7:34 p.m. July 15, 2008

I have a good friend who is a christian missionary to a poor section of Russia. She teaches English and helps out. She has to leave every so often to get her visa renewed. It is the price of doing business. Pain in the arse, yes, but it is the price of doing business.

She loves it over there. And, frankly, her Russian has improved greatly. The Mormon church bailed out on this one.

July | 7:46 p.m. July 15, 2008

To Good Friend,

The church always bails out when they are needed most. I'm very sorry to hear that this will affect your friend over in Russia. Hang tough.

Anonymous | 7:57 p.m. July 15, 2008

Note: It says the church has stopped sending "NORTH AMERICAN" missionaries to Russia. There will still be missionaries there, just not from here.

John Lambert | 8:04 p.m. July 15, 2008

To the truth,
I agree that having a log in before making comments, and people being able to monopolize a chosen name on the board would help. It would cut down the number of comments though.
I think you over anticipate its benefits. People could still claim to have changed parties or religions or to be a given religion and we would not be sure if they are or not, and would still have to believe them.
Except, they would have to stick with their initial claim. They might just sign up under multiple names and do sock pupetting. So the system is not flawless, but it would improve conditions somewhat.

John Lambert | 8:10 p.m. July 15, 2008

To the 5:05 commentor,
You do have a good point. It is always hard to know if it is worth responding to someone. However I figure it is good to give a response not neccesarily because the person who asked the question really cares, but because there may be people reading who are sincerely seeking answers who will be helped.
Beyond this, there is always the hope that someone is a Zeezrom and will make a full come around.
Actually to the person who said all non-Russians need a visa to go to Russia, I have read, it was either on one of these boards or in the article, that people from CIS states (Ukrane, Lithuania, Estonia, etc.) do not need visas to go to Russia. I also got the impression that people from parts of Europe at least face different rules than people from the United States.
I am also wondering what the rules for Mongolians being in Russia are. Does anyone know?

Can't leave Inspired alone | 8:09 p.m. July 15, 2008

Take me inside your box for a moment and explain to me why God should stop a good work months or years before absolutely necessary? And how does sending a group of missionaries to a needy area to spread the Gospel and perform humanitarian works while that area is prepared to receive those services disprove the inspiration initially received? Was it the wrong thing to do? And why do you think a missionary has "wasted" his/her time learning a valuable language that can continue to aide the cause of Christ in innumerable ways for the rest of that missionary's life? Not one single day was "wasted." Those were inspired callings, and Russia and the visiting missionaries are better for the time given. THAT, my friend, is revelation!

Fred | 8:11 p.m. July 15, 2008

A missionary call comes from the prophet to serve as a full-time missionary for a specific period of time for the Church. Along with the call comes an assignment to serve in a particular mission.

The call continues for the length of service. Mission assignments can and do change from time to time.

John Lambert | 8:18 p.m. July 15, 2008

To Monica,
Go google "Russia" and "Mormons" and read a few articles and then tell me if you still believe that people in Russia do not dislike the Mormons.
When a Russian Orthodox Bishop organizes protests against the church building a building in a city, don't tell me that people do not know or care about the Mormons. When city leaders in Penza hold a meeting in which they discussion what to do about Mormons and Jehovahs Witnesses and decide that sending them to a sanitarium would be too kind, tell me there is no hate.
One more thing. The church is leaving all its missionaries currently in Russia there. No one is being called home.

Carla | 8:41 p.m. July 15, 2008

My husband and I served a mission in Novosibirsk Russia in 2003 -04 and the couple that replaced us have gone back as the Mission President. We heard from them and the missionaries that are there are NOT being reassigned. There are some in the MTC and they will be in the Field in August and will be the last to go to Russia unless things change.

Our mission had the highest baptism of all Europe when we were there and the Saints there are awesome. The church will move forward and there are great Russian missionaries in the field.

Martin | 8:50 p.m. July 15, 2008

Cut and run all I have to say and I am dissapointed with that. It is sad that the church is cutting missions and the the number of missionaries we have in the whole of Europe. If we stand we will prevail but if we run, the number of investigators and members will continue on the drastic decline.

Hawaii boy | 9:11 p.m. July 15, 2008

My Father is a Mission President in Russia now and for the next two years. He ABSOLUTELY loves it, and always mentiones how nice and genuine people are. I have had multiple friends and siblings serve over there and they only talk about how happy people were to meet and talk to them.
I am certain there is oposition but bring it on. IT means you are ont he right track!

Dave | 9:14 p.m. July 15, 2008

This isn't the first time a mission has had to do this in Eastern Europe. The goodness of the Gospel is bound to shine through.

In the Game | 9:41 p.m. July 15, 2008

Russia has changed their visa laws for two primary reasons. One, the government is cracking down on NGOs due to fears, real or percieved, of foreign influence in Russia. Two, in response to their disagreement with the US over the placement of a missile defense shield in East Europe.

Of course, the Russian Orthodox Church is likely very supportive of these laws as they restric the ability of other churches/religions to do missionary work.

As the Russian members of the LDS Church step up and take over the majority of the work, it may serve to remove the stigma that the LDS Church is an American Church.

Long Ago RM | 10:22 p.m. July 15, 2008

I was a missionary in Russia a long time ago. The Church there is strong and will continue to grow.

Name Entered w/o login | 10:28 p.m. July 15, 2008

God knows that life is not an event, or a destination.

It's the trip.

Sometimes it takes twists and turns. Sometimes life happens while you are waiting for something else to happen. But we all grow from our experiences, and that is what really turns God on, when we learn.

To: inspired...

I know this because God told me. Serious, we talk from time to time. He used to look alot like George Burns, but now he looks more like Morgan Freeman.

To John Lambert:

I posted 5:05. Sorry about the "conversation" quip. You are right. Keep it up. You're holding your own here. I just know too many people who argue, not because they want to hear, or understand, but to bug people by pushing buttons.

...and not to get off topic, but logins just make people more uptight when they think it can be traced back. This makes for a more open discussion.

I just wish the Des News would let us be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, and post more than 200 words, or at least URLs.

...and more swear words...

andrew | 10:35 p.m. July 15, 2008

a view from New Zealand....the church is true and makes a huge difference to any society that will allow its presence....my life will never be the same as before i joined...its been the best investment i have ever made.....my life is complete and its a fantastic lifestyle to live...its very enriching......try it before you knock it...(from New Zealand)

re:July | 10:53 p.m. July 15, 2008

"The church always bails out when they are needed most."

Strong statement from someone who has no clue about the work of the church, spiritually, and Humanitarian.

I would start giving examples all over the world, and I can if you want, but since you made the statement, I would just ask if you could give a couple examples of the church bailing. I'm not asking you to back up "always", just a couple examples please.

I'll bet it feels good to get some of the hate out, though.

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