New Updates: 21 July - 5 August

22 JULY

Yes, yes we finally got them and we are loving it and it is paying off so much right now. We haven't been able to stay in touch with our recent convert much but now that we have these phones it's constant communitcation and the list just goes on and it's only been 3 days with these phones.

Zone conference was great! President's segment was about repentance and what it really is and how we can teach it better. He shared a quote from Howard W. Hunter that I loved, "Repentance is the homesickness of the soul".

We had exchanges with the AP's the day before conference and I got to spend the day with Elder Eller. He used to be in our zone before he went to AP so it was good to see him again and serve with him.

The branch had a primary activity on Tuesday to celebrate pioneer day. It was small but it was fun. We had an awesome game night as well that night and so many new people came!

We started teaching another new Roman and he is SOOOO cool! He started explaining a 'what if' in his words about where God lives right now and how He has an influence on our world. He legit started explaining the Plan of Salvation and what prophets are as if it were an alternate universe. It was so cool! We told him that he is exactly right and that it is REAL! It's not just a 'what if'. It ended up being a super cool lesson!

Super, super busy but fun week. Love yall and have a wonderful week!

29 JULY

Sad couple of days because Elder McGrath was here and I had to say good bye. Weird seeing him and Elder Swasey go. It kind freaks me out watching these older missionaries leave, especially my trainer. Time is FLYING!

We had exchanges this last week in Chernivtsi. It was where I was serving before I came here to Lviv so it was cool to go back. I got to serve with Elder Crabtree, from Tennessee. I loved spending the day with him and listening to his southern accent. We got to meet with Andriy, who Elder Tuttle and I had the oppotunity to baptize. He hadn't been coming to church ever since I left so we talked about it and he promised he would come this week. The worst part of this week was coming back from Chernivtsi. There was no trains and it's a 6 hour train ride which means a bus ride will take 8 hours but it was our only option. We bought tickets for the bus and when we went out to get on the bus we saw it was a marshrutka which is a super ghetto city bus. We both looked at each other with fear in our eyes. We had no choice so we got on. It was supposed to be 3 and a half hours to the city in between and it ended up taking 5 hours. So when we got to that city, which was Ternopil, where we've been a few times, we said bag it and we got off. We went to get something to eat and then found a train from there at 8 pm which got us into Lviv at around 11:30. So ya, it was just a really long day. I don't even know if anything I just said made sense but  хай буде.

These last couple of days have been fun because it transfers and there is a lot of switching going on and some people getting stuck here in Lviv with us. I didn't get transfered and neither did Elder Blake so we are both staying as zone leaders here. We are excited because we have a feeling we are going to be here for a while.

I was reading in Alma 53 this morning and noticed something cool.Obviously these are the war chapter so it is hard sometimes to find spiritual things to take away which is what had been happening to me these last couple of studies so I asked Heavelny Father to just give me something this morning during Book of Mormon reading. Of course, the amazing Father He is, he gave me an answer in the 5th verse I read. Cap Moroni was talking about how he captured a lot of Lamanites and was going to use them as laborers "because it was easier to gaurd them while they were at labor". That immedietly hit me. It doesn't sound like something that you would immedietly think is like a spiritual revelation but I took it as one. I kind of related Moroni's situation to God and the laborers to ours. No, He doesn't force us to work but as we are BUSY and WORKING and MINISTERING, it makes it easier for our Heavenly Father to watch over us. It reminded me of the quote "an idle mind is a playground of the devil". As we stay busy in the work of the Lord as members of His church, He will continue to bless us. I LOVE this work, HIS work, and I love all of you. Have an amazing week.

5 AUGUST

This week was so good but so tiring. Mostly because we had to go to Kyiv and the travel there was not fun. Our first train was Wednesday night at 11 pm and it got in at 7 am Thursday morning. Then our train home was Thursday night at 11pm and we got back home to Lviv at 7 am. So ya it was a tiring couple of days but totally worth it.

We were in Kyiv because we had MLC at president's house. We got to their house super early because our train got in so early and we felt so bad but Sister Kumferman is just the best and she made us four breakfast. MLC was really good. President's training for us was awesome. He focused a lot on going back to the basics which is "Our Purpose" as missionaries. It was really humbling for me to see how busy president is and how overwhelmed he probably is but for him to be so focused on us as leaders helping us understand that it all comes down to the basics was amazing. I love that he read from Matthew 28, the Great Commission, and he related it to us and exactly what we are doing. The work I get to be a part of is AMAZING!! That we all get to be a part of!

We also found time to go to the temple and man was I grateful for that. I definitely felt spiritually fresh and restarted for this next transfer.

We met with a kid named Ross who is about my age and he is awesome!! He came to English practice a couple months ago but then we lost contact after that. Out of the blue, 2 months later, he called me! He asked how I was doing and said that he wanted to meet. We taught him the message of the Restoration and he seemed very open and accepting. He mentioned so many times how much he loves to learn more and he asked so many questions and we are praying that he will continue to grow spiritually to accept the invitation to come unto Christ and His gospel.

We got to meet with our man Roman again and we discussed the Plan of Salvation. He was so into it that he stood up around the board and asked us to draw it out for him and he was so interested. He really seemed to like it and I was glad. At the end he mentioned how most christians believe that we were somewhere before this life and now on earth and after we will go to heaven or hell. Then he said, "That's what I know. Well I guess that's what I KNEW". SO COOL!

Really cool line that popped out while I was reading in Alma this last week was chapter 50 verse 19 "And thus we see how merciful and just are the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of ALL his words unto the children of man". His word will ALWAYS be fulfilled. He has a plan and it's real. Love you all and have an amazing week.

Several Updates in One

25 February

It was a busy week this week full of exchanges. We actually only had two exchanges but we were hosting both here in Rivne and it was back to back days, but they were both awesome!

Visiting the sites and sounds of Rivne

Our first exchange on Wednesday was with the Zone Leaders. I got to spend the day with Elder Eller. We spent both exchanges outside doing A LOT of contacting but on Wednesday we decided to put a little punishment to whichever companionship got less IP's. Elder Eller and I won and we got to dump buckets of water on our companions. We also got to go to one of the members houses on Wednesday and have a short lesson with her and it went very well and got to help her with a couple of things she was struggling with. The Zone Leaders left Thursday and the Lutsk elders got here on Thursday. I got to spend the day with Elder Holden who is in training right now and he did awesome. Spent that day outside a lot as well and they ended up leaving right before we had English practice. 

We met with Katya on Sunday and had a super good lesson on Tithing and Fasting and she loved it. We were trying very hard to stress the point that she needs to get baptized sooner than later and that right now at such a hard time in her life it will help so much but she just can't until her divorce is final because her husband said no to her getting baptized. But she did say, "I don't care if the world disagrees with me getting baptized, I will get baptized." 

Transfer calls will be here on Friday and we can't wait to see what will be going down. Super excited!

18 February

Man, a super super crazy week especially with the new announcement. None of us know what to

Our Branch Valentine's party

think, whether or not we are super happy about it or we are kind of ehh. But doesn't matter what we think because it happened!

This week was a little rough because I got sick traveling home from L'viv but all is well now. We had some really fun activities this week including a branch Valentines party on Saturday. It ended up being pretty fun even though it was planned in such short notice. It was my first time helping make real authentic Ukrainian food too.

We had a good training from a member in Kyiv about finances and stuff as a branch because Elder Stott is in the Presidency. Super cool learning about finances and stuff but I am not excited for having to do it all myself after the mission...it's a little scary.

We received a couple referrals and we were able to contact them. One of them named Ihor ended up coming to church yesterday. He is a super neat guy and he liked church! He even asked us after sacrament how he can become a member of the church. Super cool! We are excited to work with him, the only small obstacle is he lives 45 min away so we will be working that out.

These are just some of the trays of eggs since serving together

I started reading Jesus the Christ and man is it a lot of info but I am already learning so much about our Savior on a whole new level. Super excited to continue reading that and actually understanding the New Testament.


Have a good week
Elder Kenyon Matua

Squad

Loooong Week

Statue in L'viv

Had a very, very long week this week. We have been in L'viv for a few days for zone conference and district conference and it has been amazing! We are still here at an internet club so I don't have tons of time before we gotta go.

Zone conference was really neat. Talked a lot about our goals as a zone and we are very excited. President mentioned we will be receiving some exciting news these next couple of months so we are all on the edge of our seats waiting for an announcement. He also mentioned that Easter Sunday will be another big opportunity to have a special sacrament meeting and invite our investigators and less actives and referrals and everybody! Also had super super good counsel from our mission president.

District conference was great. Had a great turn out. I think over 200 members which doesn't sound like a lot for most members of the Church around the world but here that is a lot. Not a ton from Rivne but still had a good turn out. The talks were amazing and there was a baptismal service that literally everybody stayed for. Biggest baptismal service I have ever been a part of for one person. Super cool.

I learned so much this past week. One of the biggest things was the difference and the relationship between Faith, Hope and Charity, which President Kumferman talked to us about. I always love President's segments at conference. A big question I have always had is, does hope come before faith or after faith? and the answer is yes. Hahaha yes the answer was yes, hope comes before and after faith. President Kumferman mentioned how he had been looking for that answer for years and couldn't believe that was the answer but that it made so much sense. My eyes were opened to so many things about faith and hope and after hope then faith then hope comes charity. Man sorry it's so confusing but it makes so much sense to me now. And if you already knew that your a молодець.

Love you all have a good week!
Elder Matua

Big, entertaining Branch activity

Doing service for a member

Zone Conference - Pres K is the best!

Saying goodbye to Elder Lukach

Saying goodbye to Elder Galmeister

THE best District at Zone Conference

District bangah's!

4 February 2019, Update

Our favorite past-time with friends - games!

Another week in the books!

Not a very busy week unfortunately. We did finally get a chance to meet with Katya though! It went really well. We talked about the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom. She agreed with everything. She also shared some cool experiences she had while being on vacation about not drinking alcohol because on holidays, if you don't drink, it's kinda weird. But nobody said anything when she didn't drink and she really liked that. While we were talking about the Law of Chastity and we started talking about things that go along with it, like pornography. While we were talking, she stopped us and said, "I don't have a problem with this, pornography is boring". Elder Stott and I could not stop laughing, we thought that was so funny. She also excepted a date to be baptized on March 2nd! However, we told her that she would after to get spouse approval and her and her husband are not doing to well right now so she thinks that will be an obstacle, but we are praying it won't be.

We had a couple fun activities this week. On Tuesday we played the card game spoons in a couple different versions and it ended up being super fun. On Saturday we had sports day, but because it's too cold outside to play sports we played another card game called Munchkin. It took a second to teach everyone but it was really fun. After a few of the people from English club invited us to go get lunch. It was a funny experience and we are making some really good relationships through these activities.

I heard an awesome quote that I wanted to share really quick. "It is better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent". I love this quote and I kinda of took at a missionary stand point because it obviously applies to me more that way. Right now we are trying to help those that aren't prepared get prepared so they don't have to worry about trying to repair, repair, repair. Obviously we will always and should always be repenting because none of use are perfect but when we are prepared we can prevent so much more.


Have an amazing week!
Elder Matua

28 January, 2019 Update

Another successful game night

Awesome, awesome week! Had some interesting experiences and also got tons of snow again which is not good; We were just starting to think that winter was over.

Started out with an awesome game night. There are pictures attached that probably look super weird but we played human battle ship for game night. We didn't have too many resources but we made do with what we got. It ended up being super fun and we also taught them how to play signs after and they loved it. There was also a drunk guy that walked in demanding hot tea and money and shoes. He sat on the couches all night and at the end of the night we had to kick him out because he wouldn't leave.

English practice on Friday was also good. We had a couple debates and played some games. Our friends I talked about last week ended up coming again. Then they wanted to come to the gym with us Saturday morning, so they did. It was different having other people there at the gym with us but it was really fun. And I think the people at the gym finally realized that we understand everything we are saying so that is good too. Our two friends wanted to take us to eat after so we went and got pizza and we talked. They are two really cool and really neat people. Elder and Sister Andrus, a senior couple in L'viv also came to do apartment check ups on Saturday so they took us to lunch as well.

Vika spoke in sacrament yesterday for her very last Sunday here in Ukraine. She leaves to Germany on February first. Everyone was really sad to see her leave but we are all super excited for her. Her talk was focused on testimonies and thanking the branch for their testimonies and helping her become converted, it was amazing.

Have some more stuff planned for this week that we are excited for and we are all excited for the week after because we are heading to L'viv for zone and district conference.


Lovin the work and lovin Ukraine.
-Elder Matua

Six Months!

Six month celebration lunch with Elder Bott

Finally hit my sixth month mark! A ton of mixed emotions because it went fast and I have no clue where time went. I just can't believe I'm already a fourth done with my mission. We also got transfer calls this week, Elder Stott and I will be staying together for one more transfer here in Rivne. We are super excited because we have some big things coming up and we are glad we will both be here for them.

We had a really good lesson with Vika on Friday. We pretty much just had a lesson about her one question which was in John 1:18, where it says "No man hath seen God at any time". She didn't know what the Joseph Smith translations really were so we helped her understand that and what the scripture really meant. She has some really good questions and insights and she even drove 5 hours to go to the temple this week. She is amazing! And her little brother has been coming to church so that is super exciting.

Katya is back in town and she came to church yesterday! We were so happy she came and even happier when she pulled us aside and said she wants to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has to go to Kyiv this week but she said she will decide on a date and that she is super excited.

We also tried having a sports day this last Saturday and these two guys came and after they gave us their numbers and said they wanna meet and talk with us and just be friends. They were super cool. They said if we ever need anything, even just to go on a walk, to call them.

Loving the work and of course loving the Lord. I am excited for all challenges up ahead. Love you all and have a good week!


-Elder Matua

Zone Conference

Bus ride home from Zone Conference - L'Viv

Had a super fun week traveling and spending time with other missionaries in L'viv!

We stayed with the district leader in L'viv and the Elders serving in Uzhgorod and they were all bummed because I kept beating them in cards. We had zone conference on Friday and it was super good. It was focused on the Gathering of Israel and President Kumferman and another member of the stake presidency in Kyiv shared some really cool insights. It was really fun meeting all the new missionaries and seeing the other ones again. I finally met Elder Frasier who was someone I met on Instagram before coming on a mission. It was super funny meeting him and getting to know him.

It was weird because usually we have interviews with President Kumferman before zone conference but because he was so busy a few of us had to have them after, so Elder Stott and the rest of our district had interviews the next day and had to stay in L'viv one more day. We did a finding activity in the morning with the missionaries in L'viv and then had our interviews. They went super well and I always love meeting with President Kumferman. Our interviews were the last ones but we still had to go home that same night so we had to catch a late bus. It ended up being one of those double decker buses and Elder Stott and I had to sit in the very front two seats up top. There was like zero room but it was kinda fun to sit in the front of one of those buses.

Nothing super exciting this week but it was still a fun and busy one. Looking forward to gettin back to work here in Rivne this week and hope to see some miracles!


Love you all,
-Elder Matua

FHE with Polischuk's

English study class

Zone Conference in L'Viv

Finding in L'Viv

This is our bus home to Rivne

Merry Christmas ... Again!

Happy New Years!

Super uneventful week but still was super good. We didn't do anything fun for New Years because we weren't allowed to go outside but we did get some cleaning done in the apartment, which was fun....I guess. We are also having a magic night for English club this week so Elder Stott and I have been practicing a ton of magic tricks. And they actually celebrate Christmas here on the 7th of January so today is our second Christmas, So merry Christmas again!!! 

We went to a sushi/pizza place for lunch this week because I wanted to force myself to like sushi but still can't yet. But anyway, while we were there, we saw these 3 boys walk in. Elder Stott and I both looked at each other like "oh great". You know? Like when you see a couple teenagers walk in a restaurant laughing and whatever and then sit right next to you. We were sitting there and we heard one of say something about America in Ukrainian. Elder Stott made a face like trying to get their attention so they would laugh, and they did look and the kid said "Don't worry its not about you guys". It was suer funny and we ended talking to them and they were super cool! So it was kinda humbling after thinking that as soon as they walked in. But they were our age and were actually missionaries for their church, a Pentecostal church. They were fun to talk to and we invited them to english so hopefully they come.

We were walking out of church today and as i opened the door it hit something on the other side. I opened it and looked on the other side and there was a guy passed out behind it. There is a door to our church and the a little entry way and then another door and that's where he was. He was super drunk and we had to go get the other guys in our branch to come take care of him. It was an interesting experience. Welcome to Ukraine.

Finishing with Elder Stott's favorite verse he shared with me which is an amazing verse that I am sad I haven't paid more attention to and it's Jacob 5:41. "And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?" I'll let you interpret that yourselves but it's an amazing verse.


Love you all and have a good week!
-Elder Matua

Merry Christmas - Ukraine Style

Finding in L'viv

We had an amazing week and especially an AMAZING Christmas!

We did a lot of preparing for the Christmas party that happened on Tuesday. Our branch did a really good job with the party and it turned soooooooo fun!

I got to Skype the family early Christmas morning for me and late Christmas Eve for them, and man it was super good to talk to them. They said nothing new is really happening but I think they are just saying that. It was an awesome first call and already can't wait until the next one.

Getting ready for the Christmas feast - Ward party

We started preparing for the Christmas party right after we finished talking to our families at like 9:30. We helped decorate and run last minute errands and my favorite part was the member in charge of music (our homie Bogdan Polischuk) asked me to make a playlist for the dance. So he handed me his phone and said have at it, we need 2 hours of music. YEAH!! We had around 50 people there which is super good. It started with a little spiritual thought and then we watched the cartoon Scrooge movie. After, we played a couple of games that Elder Stott and I were in charge of. Then we ate!! The food was sooooooo good, and there was a TON! The branch did an awesome job with the food. And afterwards, we danced......for 2 1/2 hours! Man it was sooooo fun!! You already know I taught em how to really move baahahah! No just kidding, well they did have me lead them in dances and the haka, which I have no clue how to do but it was still fun and funny.

We had exchanges this last Friday in L'viv with the Zone Leaders. I got to serve for the day with Elder Cluff from AF. It was super fun and a super good experience. We had a good finding activity and got to participate in their English Club. We rode a bus home from L'viv around 10 am on Saturday and man it was the worst. We were on the very back seat of those big tour buses and right next to me, pretty much like on top of me was a lady with a dog. This dog would not stop biting me and laying on me. It was one of those tiny ones that she carried in a bag but man poor thing, she kept shoving it all the way inside the bag and it barely fit. It was a very long 3 hours.

Finding and exchanges

I also spoke on Sunday! I spoke about the Sabbath Day and deciding not to play rugby on Sundays. Everyone said I did a good job, but I gotta give most credit to Elder Stott because Saturday night he helped me translate like everything. So yes, it ended up being not too bad.

But I wanted to finish with what we talked about for the rest of church, which was the new Come Follow Me program at home. Most people here are the only members in their families and it was really cool to hear their testimonies of what they will be doing at home. And it made me realize how much I take for granted the opportunity of having eight other people in my home whom I can learn from. So I just wanted to encourage everyone to really take advantage of that, because their could be a time when you won't have others to study with or learn more about this wonderful gospel with.

I love you all and hope you have an amazing week and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

The Ward Christmas party was lit!

A sampling of the treats at the Ward Christmas party

A rainy day in L'viv

Post-finding feast in L'viv

Crazy Quick!

Show Basilic in Lutsk

This week was gone in a flash. We had a lot to do to prepare for the special sacrament meeting we had yesterday and the Christmas party tomorrow.

We had another lesson with Katya and it shocked us. We had planned to teach a whole lesson about a couple of the commandments and emphasize on baptism and a couple other things. We got to the lesson and she asked how she was doing and everything and then she immediately said she had some questions... about baptism!! So we said a prayer and she just went off asking a bunch of questions like, how do I know if I am ready to be baptized, what do I have to know before I am baptized, what really happens (like the whole process). So our entire lesson plan changed and we just answered her questions about baptism and helped her understand a lot more. Then she said she watched a video about family search and that she wants to do that. So we went and got on the computer and got her signed up and now she is doing family history! Super cool experience. The only down side is that she is leaving for three weeks but we will definitely try to stay in touch the whole time.

Painting activity

We had the opportunity to do service for a member in the branch, helping her buy groceries and stuff for her kids. It was a very long day because after doing that for a while we had to go to the bus station to head to Lutsk for exchanges.

Exchanges were super good. I was with Elder Pachev for the day and we had a good time with the elders and sisters in Lutsk. This is my first time serving in a district with sisters and wow, sisters are super, super good missionaries. They planned a super cool finding activity with wrapped copies of the Book of Mormon, and family proclamations, and we just asked people what was the best gift they could give or receive. Super, super fun and exchanges all together was a blast.

At English practice, there were these kids that invited us to come to their English club. So Saturday night, we went. It was very interesting but fun at the same time. Really only one of them could understand and speak to us but the others tried super hard. They were shocked how well we knew Ukrainian (well, Elder Stott) and they just asked us tons of questions and we taught them how to play signs and it was a good time. Little awkward, but fun.

We had our special Christmas sacrament meeting yesterday and it was awesome. Unfortunately, the big emphasis was on getting a friend there who is not a member of the church, and only 3 people did that, but it's all good they are trying. But we read the story of Christ's birth and sang hymns in between scriptures and all that good stuff. And we actually had someone from English practice come! A friend of Vika's. She is being a super member missionary right now and she is just killing it.  But awesome, awesome Sabbath.

Finished product(s) - painting activity

I wanted to share a thought from a book I am reading, written by one of our favorite seminary teachers in the Matua home. He was talking about our Heavenly Father and said, "When we are making decisions, He is available. When we are lonely, He can be with us. When we need help, support, and strength, He is willing to be there." Just wanted to remind everyone that our Father in heaven is always there and that He loves you.

Love you all and have an amazing week!


з Любов'ю,
Старійшина Матуа

Finding activity in Lutsk

After our finding activity in Lutsk

Shopping at Rinak

Old folks waiting to buy bread they don't sell in stores

Preparing for our Christmas Sacrament meeting

My little homie Sasha

New transfer, New comp, New adventures

Last night with my buddy Elder McGrath

 A crazy week!

I said goodbye to Elder McGrath on Tuesday and we split up, I went to L'viv and he headed to Kyiv to pick up his new trainee. It was super weird because I traveled alone and some how made it all the way to L'viv and to the church.

I spent a day and a half in L'viv with the zone leaders. It was a cool couple of days and got to say goodbye to a good friend who is home now. We did a finding activity in L'viv with the sisters and had a really good time. We headed straight to the train station to pick up my new companion Elder Stott! We got him, grabbed some pizza, and hopped on a bus home. I was super pumped to be serving with Elder Stott and it's been a super fun first week!

It's been super fun showing Elder Stott around and introducing him to the branch. Luckily I payed attention just enough in training to actually be able to show him around. Also Elder Stott and I have been chef'n it up. We bought a ton of groceries for like $30 and have been making some good meals. Mostly because he leaves in 6 months and is trying to look good ya know? So we have been going to the gym every morning and eating some good food.

Last dinner with Elder McGrath

We met with our investigator again, Serhi. We didn't think he was to interested at first but now he is finally coming along. And he came to church which was super good. Also met with Vika and had a super good lesson about the light of Christ and what that really means. She is still doing awesome and is loving the gospel which is amazing.

Again not much time but super good week and loving the work. Light the World and serve others.


з Любов'ю,
Старійшина Матуа

First dinner with the legend, Elder Stott

Traveling alone to get Elder Stott

This is what $30 worth of groceries looks like

What else? It's bowling time with Stott

Transfer Calls

English practice

This week was a very slow one to be honest. It was still good, just slow. Mostly because Elder McGrath got super sick which was not good at all. He had a hard time functioning for a couple days. So I got a lot, a lot, a lot of studying and cleaning in. Well, mostly studying.

Good news is, he is feeling tons better and we had a good last week together. Yes, we got transfer calls and sadly Elder McGrath is leaving me. Well he says he's finally escaping me, whatever that means. I am gonna miss serving with him so much and I'm gonna miss all the fun experiences.

Paper plane activity

Our investigator, Kate, is doing awesome right now. She came to church again yesterday and had another good time. We really hope she continues to come and continues to grow. She called while Elder McGrath was sick and asked if he was doing OK. She is just super nice and super amazing. And so is Vika! Also while he was sick she brought us a bunch of fruit and snacks! She is such an amazing member and an amazing friend. We have seen her testimony grow so much.

The rest of the week was pretty normal. Elder McGrath said a lot of good-byes and we ate at a couple of his favorite restaurants here before he leaves. We will be splitting up tomorrow and traveling alone, which is going to be super weird. But I got news that I will be serving with Elder Stott! I am super excited to be serving with him and I am excited for what's in store this next transfer.

Wanted to leave you with another thought! I was reading the temple dedicatory prayer for the Kyiv, Ukraine temple. In it, it says, "The Atonement brought about by Thy Son gives us purpose to our being and turns our thoughts heavenward". I  love that so much. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, our

A random pic of Rivne

Savior, is what gives us PURPOSE in this life. And because of it, our thoughts should always be turned to Him and to our Heavenly Father. I am so, so, so grateful for the Atonement and the role it plays in our lives. Especially for the role it plays in mine. I know that if we continue to strengthen our relationship with Him and with our Heavenly Father, we will be blessed in ways we can't imagine. I love this gospel and I love this work!

Sorry for another short email but limited on time now so they won't be very long anymore. But I love you all and have an awesome week!


з Любов'ю,
Старійшина Матуа

More games on activity night

Lesson with Tina and her grandma

The Polischuk family (my fam ... LOL)

Sister Timochko and Bohdan