Around the Church

Romanian Members Celebrate 20 Years

Dressed as historical figures from the scriptures, members of the Church in Romania shared stories about the Savior, the Apostasy, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon during a special program for members and friends. The program was part of a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the dedication of Romania for the preaching of the gospel.

The celebration was held in February 2010 and included a gathering at the place where Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the land in 1990. An excerpt from the prayer became the basis for the celebration’s theme, “Romania: A Beacon of Light to Neighboring Nations.”

“During the event we felt the Spirit and the happiness of members to be a part of this great work,” said Vasile Doru, president of the Bucharest Romania District. “We all pray that soon we will grow to become a stake in Zion and ‘a beacon of light to neighboring nations.’”

After the program, members divided into small groups and gave away copies of the Book of Mormon.

Couple Receives Madagascar Award

A senior missionary couple in Andrainarivo, Madagascar, recently received the country’s highest civilian honor for their humanitarian service.

During their 18-month mission, Elder Robert and Sister Susan Bird, from Fruit Heights, Utah, USA, helped provide humanitarian aid, including projects that provided potable drinking water to approximately 100,000 people.

The Minister of Water in Andrainarivo, the honorable Nhiry-Lanto Hery Andriamahazo, presented them with the Medal of Honor and offered kind words regarding the Church, saying missionaries in Madagascar are recognized as part of the Malagasy society.

Members of the Bucharest Romania District ascend the hill where Romania was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel 20 years ago.

Photograph by Teodor Dumitrache