A Modern Day Miracle!

This afternoon I received an email regarding an article in the Church News about Elder Christofferson's visit to Bolivia. Here it is:

'Bright future' awaits Bolivia, apostle says
Elder D. Todd Christofferson visits with nation's leaders
By Jason SwensenChurch News staff writer
Published: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009

After spending several days meeting with Church members, media and government officials in Bolivia, Elder D. Todd Christofferson concluded that this South American nation enjoys "a bright future" enriched with "great opportunities."
A member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Christofferson visited several cities in Bolivia Feb. 6-12. He was joined on the tour by his wife, Sister Katherine Christofferson, along with South America West Area President Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Shelley Nash.
In the capital city of La Paz, Elder Christofferson sat down with several senior Bolivian leaders, including the nation's second-ranking official, Chancellor David Choquehuanca. Elder Christofferson and Elder Nash also enjoyed an audience with senior military leader Admiral Jose Luis Cabas; health minister Dr. Ramiro Tapia; the vice-minister of social and civil affairs, Sacha Llorenti; and the director of human service, Dr. Roxana Suarez.
In their meetings with government leaders, Elder Christofferson and Elder Nash spoke of the Church's international scope and its policy of political neutrality. They also discussed the Church's humanitarian work in Bolivia, including efforts to combat dengue fever and to advance agricultural development.

During a nationally televised interview, Elder D. Todd Christofferson shared his testimony of Jesus Christ and the blessings found in living the gospel.
Elder Christofferson also reaffirmed the Church's commitment to work with the Bolivian government and provide humanitarian assistance to help meet medical, nutritional and employment needs. In each meeting, Elder Christofferson and Elder Nash presented the government officials with copies of the Book of Mormon.
"I felt that we made great strides in two days," Elder Christofferson told the Church News, "due in significant measure to the prepartory work of the Church's National Public Affairs Director, Enrique Cabezaf, and his team."
The Church leader also appeared on the national television channel Bolivision morning news program "Noticias," where he was interviewed in Spanish by news anchor Guillermo Estrugo, a Church member. During the interview, Elder Christofferson reaffirmed that the Church is a global institution and does not claim any nationality. He also spoke of the some 150,000 Bolivian members and the Church's charitable work in the country.
Elder Christofferson concluded the interview by sharing his testimony.

During his recent tour of Bolivia, Elder D. Todd Christofferson was interviewed on the national television morning news program "Noticias." He conversed with news anchor Guillermo Estrugo about the Church's humanitarian efforts in Bolivia.
"Our Heavenly Father lives. He is our actual Father. We are His children and we can receive answers to our prayers. Our Lord Jesus Christ lives. Obedience to His principles and commandments brings goodness to our lives. We can find happiness, peace and confidence despite the tragedies and challenges that may occur.
"I am certain that Bolivia will move forward. God bless Bolivia and its citizens."
While in Bolivia, Elder Christofferson also presided over the Feb. 7-8 reorganization of the Cochabamba Bolivia Los Alamos Stake with Elder Nash and toured the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission. He met with the missionaries, challenging them to meet the qualifications needed to serve the Lord. He also participated in question-and-answer and training sessions with local priesthood leaders in Cochabamba and La Paz. He emphasized the vital role bishops, branch presidents and stake presidents have shepherding the Lord's children.
"We have an impressive leadership corps in Bolivia," he said.
Elder Christofferson also enjoyed a spiritual gathering with a large group of young single adults in Cochabamba. "It was one of the sweetest spiritual experiences I've ever had," he said.

I was so happy to see this. It gave us great hope for the Church and the missionaries to be able to return someday to Bolivia.

Then tonight I received this email.

I too saw the Church News article, but I also have a little more information.
On Monday of this week, I spoke with my son's mission president on the phone on a matter related to college application. He told me that he had just gotten off the phone with the area authority, and that the church had approved the missionaries to return to Bolivia. I was stunned, because I, for one, am very happy to have my son in Peru. He told me that it will take time, over several months to process the visas for the 150 missionaries who were taken out of Bolivia. He said that this was an ecclesiastical decision and not a diplomatic one so that it may not proceed quickly.
I don't know if the missionaries have been informed, yet, as I had already heard from my son earlier that day and the president had just heard. I know that they will be excited, but I also know that they will be sad to leave Peru as they have worked there with all their hearts. How it all happens and the time frame have yet to be decided. Governments there do not always act quickly, so we will see how long it takes and all the other details.
The one thing I can say about this whole experience is that it has not been dull. I believe our sons will view these experiences as great blessings. How fortunate they are to be able to serve in two missions under such wonderful mission presidents. They will certainly have stories to tell when they get home.
We will celebrate the one year mark in 14 days. I never thought it would come, and yet it has come so quickly. I continually marvel at the blessing of having a missionary.

Kay Powell, Tustin, CA
powellkay@yahoo.com
Brandon Powell, Bolivia Cochabamba,Peru Lima Central 3/12/10

And then I received another email tonight to confirm the great news.

Thanks for your news, I was a very inpatient mother and called SLC yesterday, I was told the same thing, I am excited to e-mail my son and let him know, he has loved Peru but wants to finish his mission where he started in Bolivia, how lucky our missionaries have been to serve in two different countries.
Carol Dean
Elder Kristopher Dean
Cochabamba, Bolivia and Lima North Missions 1/08-1/10

I cried tears of joy knowing how happy Justin will be when he hears the news! It is nothing short of a miracle that they are able to return now. Bolivia's leader, President Morales just spoke out against the United States today. I am confident that the Church would not send the missionaries back if they did not feel they would be safe in the Lord's loving hands.

I believe in answer to many prayers, the Lord sent Elder Christofferson to Bolivia to soften the government leader's hearts towards the Church. I am so grateful and in awe this evening. I wonder if and when Justin will be told the incredible news! He is supposed to be possibly transferred this coming week. Who knows, maybe he'll be in Cochabamba, Bolivia for his birthday. What a birthday gift! The many heartfelt prayers and incredible faith of the missionaries (and their parents and family) have brought down the powers of heaven. As I told Justin in an email I wrote to him tonight, we have many prayers of thanks to give!

What an adventure Justin has been on these short eight and a half months! It has all been wonderful. Although Justin hoped to one day return to Bolivia, he has had some incredible experiences in Peru. He has been fortunate to be able to have two mission presidents, been given the opportunity to serve in leadership capacities and to serve and love people from two countries. We are sure he must have some mixed emotions, although we are certain of his desire to return to Bolivia, the place he was originally called to serve. Hopefully he'll stay put for the rest of his mission! What can you do but wait and see. It's all good! And a true miracle!

We'll keep you posted on when to send letters back to the Cochabamba, Bolivia address. The bummer is the mail takes much longer to get there. Back to snail mail. Oh, and Justin...... be prepared to eat jello....... your worst enemy is soon to be back!