The Saratov Approach

Yesterday, our entire mission was called to a last minute conference.
Our mission president had seen a new movie, and wanted all of his missionaries to see it as well. We were able to watch a brand new movie, that was just premiered called "The Saratov Approach."

This was a story of Two Elders, in 1998, who were called to be missionaries in Russia. In the middle of their service, they were kidnapped, and held hostage by two men.

These men, held them at ransom and asked the church and US to give them 300,000 dollars in return for their lives.

These two, young elders, were not expecting this experience in the least. Neither were they expecting to live when they found themselves in the situation.

The movie was very emotional for me, being a missionary myself.

These missionaries suffered all kind of pain. Physical, emotional, and spiritual. But throughout the entire thing, they remained faithful.

"God doesn't control what happens to us. We control our own actions."

They didn't expect to live. As they were preparing to depart for their death, One said to the other,
"How do you feel?"
"Calm."

The captor's heart was softened and in the midst of carrying out their murder, they were released and abandoned.

I learned so much from the movie. In a difficult and almost impossible situation, these missionaries made the most of what they could. They found love in their hearts, even for their captors. They read their scriptures, and prayed everyday. They prayed for their families. They prayed for those that held them hostage.

I am so touched by the examples of these two elders.
Even after their release, both boys wanted to continue serving and finish their mission.

Never ever give up. There is a plan for our lives. There is a plan for everybody.

I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father. All of us of Children of God. ALL OF US.