Through the Camera Lens, Part 4
The Russian Saints Come Marchin' In
A Photographic Essay by Scot Facer Proctor

I stepped outside the hotel for a few minutes to see what I could see and there were throngs of Saints coming up the hill towards the hotel. I pulled out my 600mm lens and started photographing. I loved looking into the faces of these beautiful Saints.

My purpose, you know, in all of this is to blow your paradigms about how we all look. Yes, through the gospel we are no more strangers, but fellow citizens in the household of faith. And yes, the Spirit gives light to all who receive that gift. But I do want you to see that not all members of the Church look like the people down just part 90th south in the Salt Lake Valley.

This young man walked up with part of his family and turned just as a small gust of win caught his hair. He was full of energy and anticipation to see the Prophet.

This sweet mother insisted that I take a picture of her family. Though I wear a press pass from Meridian I had people think I was from the Liahona or a local newspaper.

Many of these Saints had traveled for as much as 36 hours or more to come to see the Prophet. There was a tremendous feeling of anticipation in the air.

I wish I could have spoken to each of these women in their native Russian language. They spoke to me as if I could understand every word.

Most of the missionaries (if not all) from the Russia Moscow Mission and the Russia Moscow South Mission were able to come to this great meeting of the Saints with the Prophet. I could see missionaries bringing investigators and others meeting converts they had been instrumental in teaching the gospel. It was a series of tender and warming scenes.

One of the most tender things to watch during the gathering of the Saints here in Moscow was the sweet reunions of friendships and the warmth of their greetings.

The sacrifices that were made to get to the meeting with the Prophet were varied and great. Not one person we spoke with had even the hint of a complaint about their arduous journey. They were all just happy to see the Prophet in person.

These brethren were happy as could be and anticipated with great joy the arrival of the Prophet.

I’ve never seen a friendlier people nor a group who were less shunned by a camera than these dear Russian Saints.

The blessings of the Lord are being poured out upon the land of Russia, so much so that the Prophet was able to come here and be with these great and wonderful Saints.

Click here for part 5, Youth: The Future of the Church in Russia

Come every day to Meridian so that you too can follow the Prophet through Europe. And please…spread the word about Meridian to your friends and family around the world.