October 24, 2016*

October 17, 2016*

Dear Family and Friends, 

First off, thanks for all the pictures mom!  My takeaways from all your pictures: 1. Tristan takes after his dad 100%.  I was laughing to myself about that 2. Your accidental pictures are some of the greatest archaelogical finds we've had in this century, your coffee table one had me laughing a fair amount. 3. Spencer has gone from boy to man. Rebecca has gone from my little sister, to a woman. 4.  I miss sitting in that family room with Grandma and Grandpa, I love them very much, and they look so cute all huddled up.

This week has been interesting at times, but definitely one of my favorites to date.  Because of new things with the law in Russia, we had to spend a couple days this week making sure that all documents, everything, was in order, as well as going through our church building and doing the same things.  So that took up about 2 days and was a part of the not as fun parts of this week, but still had to get done, and is worth doing to make sure that we're in complaince with the law on all levels.  We've had several people come randomly to the church which has been really cool.  Our Branch President asked us to be in the ward building on certain days, and we have up on a bulletin board the times when we'll be in the building, and those are times where the members know they can come to practice the piano, let their kids play in the primary room, prepare for talks, you name it.  We've already had several experiences where especially at those times when we're scheduled to be in the building, people coming up and asking about our English Group (which we don't have anymore), but then we tell them about the Game Night, and in that way we've found 4 new people who are really cool!  

We have one investigator working towards being baptized, he's really incredible.  He says he's always trying to get his family interested, was talking to his nephew about it, loves reading the Book of Mormon, and his dream is to get an article published in the Liahona.  We've had trouble setting a baptismal date with him, but last week I think I already mentioned that after a session of conference he said that he became richer spiritually and that he'll tell us what day he'll chose to get baptized soon.  We've been concerned that he has some misunderstandings of what is expected of him, and we've been working on that, just so that he is aware entirely of the standards that are expected to keep before he gets baptized (keeping the Sabbath Day holy, the Word of Wisdom, and other commandments).  I'm praying that I'll be able to share with you what day he will be getting baptized in next week's email :).  

We also had 2 awesome meetings in one day this week with members of the church who have stopped coming to church.  They were both very powerful spiritually, and we just came home laughing and smiling the whole way home just because of the great feelings that we were experiencing.  In one of the meetings the senior couple from Ukraine was with us (they are my favorite people in the world, always teaching us funny things, Russian sayings, songs, or nursery rhymes.  My favorite one is "танцы на завтрак, танцы на обед, танцы на ужин, вот и весь секрет" it's a little song and it translates literally to "dances at breakfast, dances at lunch, and dances at dinner, that's the whole secret" and it was used in the context of "if all you do all three meals is dance, then you'll get skinny real quick".  It makes me laugh everytime. Also, Sister B. is so funny and knows a bit of English, and she came up with a district meeting which goes, "Peace, Friendship, and Pies" (she came up with it on her own and was super proud).  Anyway, they're my Ukrainian grandparents, and who knows, when you're off in whatever place you get sent off to next, I might need to put them up in the house in Ogden for a time :).  Anyway, they were there for one lesson, just testifying of the strength of following and keeping God's commandments.  Before they were refugees from Ukraine, Elder B. had a very successful and respected business, but no matter how big they got, and how much his workers asked him to work another day so they could grow their business, he would always tell them, "5 days we work, the 6th day you spend with your family, go on a date with your wife, whatever you want, but on the 7th day, we give that to the Lord."  I love hearing members testify of truths they have come to know through experience and testing of the word :).  After that we went to another man's home, and we just broke the ice real quick.  We ended up showing him how to download the Gospel Library on his tablet and he was so excited and grateful.  We're working with him on taking the necessary steps to start coming back to church and repent on whatever he feels he needs to repent of that he mentioned with us at our meeting.  He's someone who is ready to come back :).

All in all, a great week!  Plus, I had to be on the phone with a lawyer in Moscow, (Олег Румянцев) don't know if he worked with dad or not, but next thing I know he said that there was someone who wanted to say hi!  Next thing I know I'm talking to Nadya!  It was so much fun talking to her in Russian, she told me that she still has a recording on her phone of David and I singing a song about New York when we were in the car, and that she'll listen to it from time to time to make her laugh.  We've gotten to know many a great person :).  This week I was especially struck by the verse in 3 Nephi 18:32.  Go give that one a read, I just love that we really have no idea when someone is ready or willing to receive the Gospel, or live in accordance with it, all that we can do is trust God, continue to be good friends and examples of our belief, and love all those who are around us.  Isn't that just such a nice comforting message?  Things really are in the Lord's hands, and we just need to trust him enough in order to do what we are asked to do and use our free agency wisely in order to bless the lives of those who surround us.  

Love you!

Elder Belnap

Food from our ward picnic, and my companion dancing with Sister B. to a traditional Russian folk song

October 10, 2016

Well, this has been an interesting, but really good week!  I'm glad the boys all got to see the temple and that Rebecca gave an awesome talk, I'm excited to read it :).

This week was really interesting, we had one of the coolest spiritual experiences this last Monday. We had planned on having a meeting with one of our recent converts, which is always really fun, it's been cool to see him progress in his understanding of the Gospel.  Anyway, just a little bit before our lesson was planned for with our recent convert, an investigator who usually comes to Game Night just "randomly" showed up at the building, because he saw the light on and wanted to know who was there.  Anyway, the member hadn't showed up yet, but we thought it would be cool to have him sit in on the lesson, but we can't teach, so we offered him to wait for the lesson and in the meantime play ping pong with us.  After a few minutes the member came, and we had our planned lesson.  We watched the conference talk by President Monson about the Plan of Salvation, where President Monson, testified with power and authority about the Plan of Salvation and the joy it brings into our lives.  That whole time our investigator was fascinated, and was really feeling the Spirit.  We then went through the steps of the Plan of Salvation, and what each meant, and he was just eating everything up 100%.  We asked him if he knows that these things are true, to which he said yes, and we asked him if he'll be baptized, after which his doubts got to him a bit, and he wouldn't commit.  Anyway, he had just been someone who had come to our Game Night for several years, never really been taught because in the past at some point he had said no.  But then, a miracle happened and he was able to feel the truth of the words of President Monson. It was awesome and strengthened my testimony that if we're ready to even to accept a little bit (as stated in Alma 32:28) and we won't throw out the seed, then it will grow in our hearts.  

The rest of the week was full of various meetings, President Childs came, and I translated for a couple of interviews (they were so bad, it made me realize that President Childs speaks very well and eloquently in English, and that given that I don't speak that way, I was no where near ready to translate for that.  It all worked out though in the end :).)  Conference was awesome!  We watched in English already some sessions just here and there as time permitted, and then in Russian to be there for our other investigator  Э. and a member of the church who comes less often.  I just wanted to make sure my companion could understand everything, otherwise he would get nothing out of it.  I wish we had had more time to just sit down and peacefully listen, (we watched one session on P-Day and that was probably the one I got the most out of) but we are making discs so that we can listen/watch them at home during meal times/evening hours.  

Sunday was a fairly normal day, we actually had a few more investigators than we would have thought come to church on Sunday!  We actually haven't been able to finish conference yet, in our Russian branches they Area Presidency asked us to just watch one on Sunday and the other people can watch at their own time.  Anyway, we haven't finished it yet, and we were told to "on our own tme" watch the second.  After a bit of a hold-up on Sunday, we finally got out of the church around 4 or so.  

I think my favorite talk of this conference was Elder Christofferson's, when he just testified of the love of the Savior for us.  I loved the fact that he pointed out that God's love is perfect, infinite and that sometimes the word "unconditional" can sometimes be misconstrued. I know that God's love IS perfect, but that doesn't mean he condones our bad actions.  He wants us to repent, and come unto him with full purpose of heart.  

I love you all so very much and I hope you have a great week!

Pics below:

 Elder Larson (another Elder and I in the district) are on a sugar fast, he's on it for the full mission, and I'm on it for as long as he goes until he cracks.  Just kidding, he won't crack, he played Bingham football, was a super athlete, rugby, he has all his sports discipline, hopefully it'll wear off on me :).  Anyway, I wanted to take a play by play picture, of how what I mean when I say "we slammed contiki (the name of the cookies)

 It was SUPER cold in the apartment, we had a really cold windy day, and the heaters haven't turned on yet, so I found the coziest place I could find during studies.

October 3, 2016

Dear Mom/Dad/Family/Friends, 

Another great week in Kaliningrad!  The people here are awesome and each day brings something new.  I forgot to mention that last week one of the counselors in the mission presidency came, who was also the mission president 10 years ago in Rostov.  He and his wife are amazing people and it was so much fun to meet them and to get to know them.  

This week we've done lots of service!  For members and in the community.  We've actually had really fun service as you'll see in the picture I sent to you.  That day we had to run from District Meeting to make it on time for service, but we ddin't know that we would be climbing apple trees and collecting apples, anyway, at one point I unintentionally started doing the splits reaching for an apple and my companion told me to hold it while he grabbed his camera.  Anyway, that's how #AirBelnap was born and Sister Larisa agreed to come to Conference this coming week.  Service softens hearts!

We still haven't been able to meet with our investigator, he's been out of town, but hopefully this Friday will work out for him.  Anyway, one of the things we are doing is going to Early Morning Seminary at 6:15 in the morning a few times a week to support our 3 awesome young men in the ward.  They weren't forced to do Early Morning, they chose to do it, they have been coming on their own (with a couple of exceptions).  Two of them are from a family where the parents aren't members, but the parents have supported them going and have encouraged it because they have said that they have been so much more pleasant getting up in the mornings after choosing to go to seminary.  Anyway, they've inspired me and have helped me become a better volunteer here.  Plus, I've been learning more and more about the New Testament that I didn't know.  

Watching them and being with them has caused me to think about how often in our lives we choose not to do things because it's easier to choose the other way out.  These incredible мальчишки (boys) have left a lasting desire on my mind always to not take the easy way out.  They could have told their teacher, "no" and she wouldn't really be in any position to say "yes" because the parents would have gone with the kids either way.  No, they know what choice is the right to make, and although it's been hard for them, they come, and they make that sacrifice.  Oh sometimes how I wish I could be the example that they are to their friends right now of living according to what they believe when I was their age.  They don't quiet down when people do things that they don't think are right, they share their opinions respectfully and walk away from things that they don't want to partake in, and what's awesome, if they have respect from so many people for it.  Anyway, I love all them so very much, and thinking about them reminds me of what President Thomas S. Monson said (now two) conferences ago:

 "May we maintain the courage to defy the consensus. May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.
As we contemplate the decisions we make in our lives each day—whether to make this choice or that choice—if we choose Christ, we will have made the correct choice."

I kow that that is a doctrine of truth taught by a prophet, and it gives me guidance in my life each and every day.  I love you all so much and I hope that you have a great week!

Love, 

Elder Belnap

Some more pictures!  

After zoo service, one of the workers gave us a ride on the little kids train that goes around the zoo, it was a little too much fun.

This picture we have dubbed #AirBelnap for obvious reasons

In Russia if you get a bus ticket where the first three numbers add up and equal the last 3 you have to eat it and it's called a lucky ticket!  So here you go!

Elder and Sister Babskov, the coolest Ukrainian refugee senior couple the world has ever known.  I absolutely love them. 

 Also one member had us all over for a spiritual thought and dinner the other night, her son is serving in Chicago right now, and I actually met him at the MTC!  Fun, right?

September 26, 2016

So this week was interesting!  We had Zone Conference and because we have to fly here and back we had some issues with flights and ended up being in Saint Petersburg for 4 days!  Too long, I was wanting to get back to my area the whole time.  Anyway, the title of my email is that because my poor little trainee took after my stomach problems issues, and our whole time in Saint Petersburg he besically couldn't eat anything and was always on the toilet.  Anyway, he lost 15 pounds in about 5 days, sounds about right.  Anyway, he's better now (none of the 12 day nightmare I went through) but he said it's annoying that his pants and collars are already loose.

Anyway, Elder Tribe is awesome, from Bountiful, Utah.  Has 2 siblings and really likes basketball. Which was fun because I really like basketball too, we had a fun time talking basketball for a bit. His best friend growing up was President Eyring's grandson, and so he actually got to meet President Eyring on several occasions and said that that was a big help for him and a real blessing. He also realizes that we're basically just as new at this volunteer thing and that he has stuff to contribute which makes me so happy, because a lot of time trainees don't speak up at all.  We were also staying with other Elders this week in St. Petes, and there was one night I laughed harder than I ever have before, it took me a long time to calm down after that.  

Zone Conferences were definitely the highlight of the week.  We talked about a lot of different things, but the thing that stuck out to me the most was about prayer.  My previous companion Elder Crookshank (now one of the Assistants to President Childs) pointed out the need to pray to know what to pray for.  I honestly hadn't really thought to much about that beforehand, but it really struck at that point the need to rely even more on God, and ask Him, to help us to know what we need.  If he really does know it all then doesn't it just make sense that we should be asking him for what we need to be asking for?  Sorry if that's confusing, it makes sense to me :).  Anyway, I've been applying that a lot as of late and that has been a huge help these last couple days.  The Lord knows what we need better than we know, and the more we rely on him, the more he can help us.  I love the example from Elder Mervyn B. Arnold's talk this last General Conference when he talked about his "angel mother" and that when she was sick and could no longer leave the house, she'd spend her days writing letters to the people she would used to visit, encouraging them, reassuring them, and strengthening them spiritually.  The rest of the day she was entertaining those people that she used to visit by welcoming them into her home when they stopped by.  To many, a little old lady who can't leave the house might not seem to be the ideal prospect for someone to make a lot of change in the world, but to the people that she made a difference for, she made all the change in the world. I love D&C 123:17 and D&C 97:8 which always give me comfort that if we are doing what we are meant to be doing, then the Lord is proud and oh so accepting of us.  

I'm super excited for General Conference this week!  I know I mentioned it 6 months ago, but that's the great thing about it is that there is a new one evey 6 months.  For people who get this that aren't of our faith, General Conference is what we call the worldwide broadcast where the leaders of our church counsel, give guidance, and support.  If you've ever been more curious about what "Mormons" are all about, it's an awesome resource to hear from the leaders of our Church about different things we believe in/try to do in whatever places we might find ourselves.

Love you all!  Have a great week!  Sorry mom, I don't have enough time, I'll answer the question about how much zoo service next week! 

Elder Belnap

September 19, 2016

Dear Family and Friends, 

First off, thanks mom for filling me in on everything that is going on at home right now.  I miss Grandma and Grandpa a lot and it's fun hearing about all the things they do, especially Grandma and her night wandering activities, that really cracked me up!  Also you almost got the чуть чуть right mom, but you forgot the мягкий знак there at the end.  I'm still impressed that the rest was correct though :).  I appreciate you sticking through and writing me a letter although I'm sure you were very tired.  I love hearing the updates on how things are going, and especially the pictures, because it gives me a scope for how high up I'll be looking at Spencer while he grabs the pickles from the top shelf that I can't reach (I've repented by the way and will be sending some today).  

Just a quick run down of the week, and then I'll answer your question about what we do know as volunteers because of the changes.  Well, I got my new volunteer, Elder Tribe, and he's a stud.  I really get along with him well, and we've had the opportunity to get good work done thus far.  We had a lot of time up in St. Petersburg because they had to stay up for a while just to get documents in order and so on, and I could tell by the end of that he was kindof tired, but he was a trooper and stuck it out.  We went up to St. Petersburg on Tuesday and finally got back Friday night.  We did his registration with the members who help us out with that.  It was funny because my ears hadn't popped and I could barely understand English, let alone Russian.  It reminded me of what I felt like once upon a time, and what Elder Tribe must be feeling like right now, which was something I was grateful for as a reminder of what it feels like to be new.  Anyway, the sister in our branch who helps with that was suffering from bad dizziness, and we offered to help her get home (she's a little older than dad, by just a couple of years).  So we helped her on either side be steadied, and slowly made our way to the bus stop, got on, and helped her get to the front steps of her home.  It was a wonderful opportunity to help out someone in need, and just another reminder that God works through us all, and that when we serve people, we're truly carrying out God's will.  That's one of my favorite things about being a volunteer, is the heightened awareness to all the service opportunities around us, it makes me want to make sure I don't miss a single one at home.  

On Saturday we also had a mutual activity with the youth, and helped one learn English.  It was fun, I just stepped back and let Elder Tribe and him take turns reading in English and Russian respectively, and although they couldn't understand one another super well, they immediately had that bonding moment.  We played soccer, had шашлык, and then after that I had a Presidency skype meeting with the other branch presidencies and President Childs just to discuss other things that are going on, and what we should be aware of in the near future, a lot of good information was learned.

On Sunday I conducted Ward Council and our Sacrament Meeting because our branch president is out of the city, he's had some medical problems as of late and had to go see a doctor.  It was a very spiritual day full of very spiritual moments, as well as I was just humbled by the fact that there I was with all these Russians leading a discussion about how we can grow in strength and numbers.  I never cease to be amazed that they understand me and I understand them, and that the Gift of Tongues is a true gift that we can receive as we pray and work hard to learn a language.  I love the people here so much, and it's been a very rewarding year (and some) in Russia thus far.

In answer to volunteer responsibilities, we study like normal, and then meet with people still who are interested in learning the Gospel, serve in the community (both planned and unplanned that we just do as we search for it), we help the members with whatever they need help in (tonight we're making dinner for someone who needs to undergo treatment soon at the hospital for a couple of weeks).  It's really fun because everything is inspired by what we can do to serve at any given time.  Sometimes that service takes the form of teaching people the missionary discussions, sometimes that comes as helping people with English, across the street, petting giraffes (joking).  

I really love being a volunteer and I love you all!  Zone Conferences are this week so I'll fill you in on how those go!

Love, 

Elder Belnap

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Soccer Game

At the Soccer Game

Калиниградский Оркестр "The Kaliningrad Orchestra"

Elder Tribe (Greenie) and Elder Belnap (Trainer)

September 14, 2016 (received) Dear Brother and Sister Belnap, We are pleased to inform you that your son has received a new leadership position in the Russia St. Petersburg Mission.  We are very grateful for ElderBelnap’s  faithful and capable service.  Attached is a copy of the letter he received concerning this new position.  Have a wonderful day. Sister Hintze Office Secretary THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

RUSSIA SAINT PETERSBURG MISSION Pr. Malookhtinsky 16/1  POM 11-H, 12-H Saint Petersburg, Russia 195112 Voice: +7 (812) 331-3502 Fax:    +7 (812) 331-3503

Российская Санкт-Петербургская Миссия Россия 195112, Санкт-Петербург Пр. Малоохтинский 16/1 ПОМ 11-Н, 12-Н Тел: +7  (812) 331-3502 Факс: +7  (812) 331-3503

14 September 2016

Dear Elder Belnap,

You have been called to serve as a trainer for a new volunteer who will shortly be arriving in the Russia Saint Petersburg Mission.  Being a trainer is one of the greatest expressions of trust that the Lord and I can give a volunteer.  A volunteer’s first companion will have a profound, lasting influence on the development of the volunteer’s attitude and habits throughout his  service in the mission as well as throughout his life. The Lord has chosen you for this because the excellent example you have set.

As a trainer in this mission, it is important that you conduct yourself in such a way that the Spirit of the Lord will always be with you. Your example of loving the Lord and this people, of consecrated obedience, working diligently, and living the mission language will be the principle way you will train this new volunteer. It is vital that you understand and exemplify the standards, and principles outlined in the Missionary Handbook and Preach My Gospel. As you work together with your new companion to strengthen the Church and give Christlike service, you will be able to teach many the blessings of repentance and baptize true converts.

As you begin this new assignment, please thoroughly review the accompanying document, “Responsibilities of the Trainer in the Russia Saint Petersburg Mission.” Additionally, please spend sufficient time in companion study and daily planning to thoroughly introduce the new volunteer to the area, to the members of the ward or branch, to the various ways you are working with your ward or branch, and to current planned service activities.

Please know that I am here to help and support you in this new responsibility, and in all of your service in the mission, and of course, you should seek the guidance of the Spirit in all that you do.

May you find joy in this new assignment,

Larry G. Childs

President

Russia Saint Petersburg Mission