This is an unusually unique and special visit for us.

Dasvidaniya. Sister Rasband and I have loved every minute being in these countries.

A land of ancient history and faith, Armenia’s where Christianity blossomed, the world’s first Christian nation.

It’s people’s faith recently inspired an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to visit and minister to them. Jesus Christ wishes to build up His Church in Armenia and Georgia.

This is Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s first apostolic visit to the country.

I've had a flood of memories come back to me of very special days in the past.

Elder Rasband is well acquainted with Armenia, having spent part of his professional career here.

I never thought I'd be back and providing humanitarian care and aid with the wonderful Huntsman family and then to be called into Church service and come back now as an Apostle is beyond my wildest and most wonderful expectation. During his two-day visit, Elder Rasband was accompanied by his wife, Melanie, in Yerevan.

Desire, believe, pray, and then you’ve got to be willing to act. He ministered to the missionaries of the Armenia Georgia Mission as well as those serving in Russia over video chat.

Wow. My heart is so touched by them.

I feel peace. For Makarov Ruslan this was a full-circle experience.

Makarov was enlisted in the military when Elder Rasband visited his home country of Belarus in 2019, and had the chance to hear him speak.

He wants to pass you his letter of appreciation. Oh, thank you.

This time, Makarov is a full time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ. He's serving here in Armenia.

I was and am so proud of him.

Elder Rasband’s granddaughter was among the missionaries that he ministered to. And to see her strength and her love of the Lord and her happiness

and joy in serving him has meant a lot. How long have you been on a mission?

Almost seven months.

His granddaughter was able to join him in visiting the Pogosian family.

They lost their son Hovhannes in 2020. And the sealings that your family made in the temple link your family together forever.

It was just so tender. So tender to feel that spirit so strongly in a home and get a little glimpse into their lives and the hardships they've been through and their faith in enduring.

20-year-old Hovhannes died while fulfilling his military conscription.

I wanted them to know that they're joined together forever.

They're an eternal family. It was wonderful. Like what we need to know, like now in Armenia.

Elder Rasband concluded his ministry in Armenia with a devotional for families.

Jesus would say, “I love you.”

He expressed God's love for them and hope for their future.

I really felt our Heavenly Father really hugged not only myself,

but the whole nation of Armenia and Georgia.

That was very special experience for all of us. And we're so grateful that we have brethren like Elder Rasband who travel around the globe to help people feel the love from our Savior. Thank you very much. Thank you. And I have great hope.

High expectations that the Lord is going to smile on these people as they draw close to him.