LDS Mission President Viacheslav I. Efimov
Man of faith and good works
it is not to be purchased at a lesser price." Samuel Johnson
"All successful men have agreed in one thing,
--they were causationists.
They believed that things went not by luck,
but by law;
that there was not a weak or a cracked link
in the chain
that joins the first and last of things."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This page has been compiled to honor LDS Mission President Viacheslav Efimov and celebrate his life's work. All who knew President Efimov were touched by his memory. I hope that this page will bring back fond memories for the many missionaries and members who were privileged to work with this great man.
A full obituary on LDS Mission President Viacheslav Efimov, including remarks from former LDS mission presidents Rogers and Jarvis, can be found at http://www.mormonstoday.com/000305/P2Efimov01.shtml. While I would love to include the insightful mission president remarks on this page, I am not authorized to repost material from mormon-news to webpages due to copyright laws. Please read the wonderful obituary compiled by Kent Larsen at the address above.
President Efimov was the first native Russian convert to serve as a LDS mission president (Russia Yekaterinburg Mission 1995-98). He had served previously as a district president in St. Petersburg. In a few short years, Viacheslav Efimov went from a new convert to the church to the top baptizing LDS mission president in Russia, and probably in the Europe East Area. According to returned missionaries, in 1997 there were almost six hundred baptisms in the Yekaterinburg mission. It appears that this may be an all-time high for any Russian mission. It is likely that President Efimov did more for the growth of the church in Russia than any other individual.
The era of growth under President Efimov came at a very difficult time for the church in Russia. The novelty of "foreign" religion had worn off, anti-LDS efforts were increasing, and the church was facing new challenges with the government. In addition, serious member problems in many areas presented challenges to growth. Remarkably, Pres. Efimov bucked the trend and created a new era of growth. In 1997, Russian mission baptisms ranged from less than sixty in one mission to almost six hundred in President Efimov's Yekaterinburg Mission.
President Efimov had a remarkable understanding of how to build the Church in Russia. I would like to collect as many of President Efimov's histories, stories, teachings, and policies as possible for the benefit of all. I would greatly appreciate anyone who served with Pres. Efimov who would be willing to spend a few minutes sharing your remembrances of him. Please email me your phone number at rspm@ldsmissions.net and I will call you.
-David
"The providences of God are all a miracle to the human family until they understand them. There are no miracles, only to those who are ignorant. A miracle is supposed to be a result without a cause, but there is no such thing. There is a cause for every result we see; and if we see a result without understanding the cause we call it a miracle." Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 14:79
Member
In St. Petersburg, Pres. Efimov was a wonderful member. He always
had time for people, as busy as he was. He was a wonderful leader and taught
our local branch presidents their responsibilities. He also negotiated
through some difficult situations for the church. Pres. Efimov had
wonderful discernment and good judgment. He always gave sincere
talks based in scripture, which he knew as few other members did.
He gave practical counsel for daily living. The Spirit always witnessed
when he spoke.
Eric Thorley [Russia St. Petersburg Mission]: "I remember Pres. Efimov when he was an investigator, his baptism, and as a new member. Kurt Wood would probably remember more - Bro. Efimov and his family were baptized the summer of 1990. He was shy and didn't say much during the discussions and we were worried he wouldn't show up to the baptism with his wife and two teenage children. They were our fist full family to be baptized together in St. Petersburg. The baptism seemed like a disaster. The lady who owned the bathhouse we had rented was drunk when we showed up. The water was cold. Everyone was late. After such a bad experience, we were afraid we wouldn't see the Efimovs again but they were there at church the next Sunday. Over the next few weeks, a marvelous change took place with Bro. Efimov. As a new Priesthood holder he became active in church meetings, and dedicated with his callings and assignments. Soon, we were calling him "Captain Moroni" because he seemed to rally the other members and was always faithful. When the first branch was split into two, he was called on to be a branch president and could always be counted on to do the right thing. When any missionaries had a problem, he was the first to lend a hand. He was the greatest help when one of our sister missionaires was killed in a car/pedestrian accident and the mission office and mission president were still in Finland. Everyone I talked with who served in St Petersburg always remembered Pres. Efimov."
Amy Barnett [Russia St. Petersburg Mission]: "I arrived in St. Petersburg in October of 1990 and at that time, Pres. Efimov was serving in the Branch Presidency. The man I knew was very quiet and reserved but he could light up a room with his smile. I will never forget the combination of strenght and softness that this wonderful man possessed. The affection he had for his family was apparent to those who saw them together. I feel very priveledged to have know such a great man and to have felt of his spirt and love for those he served. He will be greatly missed, and always remembered."
Joseph Everett [Russia St. Petersburg Mission]: "I am very saddened by President Efimov's passing. It comes as quite a shock to me, as I had no idea that he had any health problems. My heart turns to his family and I hope that they will be able to cope. President Efimov will always be remembered as one of the greatest pioneers and founding fathers of the Church in Russia. I had expected that someday he might become and Area Authority Seventy, if not a General Authority. He was always so devoted to serving the Lord. I remember him well from serving with him in St. Petersburg. His optimism, common sense, and warm smile were infectious. He was the best leader in that entire city and he instructed and inspired countless other leaders, especially LDS district presidents, branch presidents, and their counsellors. I have also heard that he was beloved by the missionaries who served under his direction in the Ekaterinburg mission. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on as the Church in both St. Petersburg and Ekaterinburg grows to form many stakes. If I had the time and the skill, I would endeavor to write a biography. However, there are many who are far better qualified and better acquainted with President Efimov than I who should consider this. I for one would be very happy to contribute my reminiscences. His story deserves to be told, inasmuch as he was a man like in stature to Parley P. Pratt and other early stalwart pioneers of the Church."
Joseph Everett: "The following is from my journal entry of 28 March 1993, when I was serving in the Tsentral'nyy Branch in St. Petersburg (later split into the Tsentral'nyy and Nevskyy Branches).
"'Today we had a bus load of American visitors from Salt Lake City in
our branch. They only stayed for sacrament meeting. They were
all touched by the service. Especially tear-jerking was when President
Efimov, the LDS District President of St. Petersburg, spoke to the Americans
on behalf of the Russian saints. He said, 'We know you all have been
praying with your families in your branches back home that the truth would
come to Russia. We want you to know that we have a testimony of God.
We are all thankful that you are here and can listen to us and see that
we also know it is true.' As he spoke, I thought of how true it is.
Millions have been praying for Russia. So many members have their
hearts set on the growth of the Church in Russia. Who whould have
thought that the borders would come down. Who would have thought
that members from the heart of Mormonism, Salt Lake, six plus generations
in the Church, would be strengthened and uplifted by members of the former
Communist state. President Efimov's warm smile, booming voice, and
vibrant testimony was the answer to the prayers in the hearts of all the
Americans present, and to mine. I couldn't hold back the tears as
I realized that this man is just one of hundreds who truly believe--truly
are converted. They aren't just rehearsing what the missionaries
said, they have their own light and testimony, as strong or stronger than
any Utah Mormon.'"
David Stewart [Russia St. Petersburg Mission]: "President Vyacheslav
I. Efimov was a rock of stability in a tumultous world. The period of my
mission in St. Petersburg was a time of change for the Russian people,
and a time of many changes in the church as well. When I arrived in St.
Petersburg, the exchange rate was about fifty rubles to the dollar. When
I left two years later, the exchange rate was over two thousand to one.
Inflation was astronomic. Earning power declined sharply, and many workers
went through long periods without pay. Some questioned their faith, while
others found it. Between September 1992 and August 1994, the number
of groups and branches in the city grew from five to fifteen. The mission
split in July 1993, and the Riga Latvia (now Lithuania Vilnius) mission
was born. Through all of these changes, President Efimov was constant.
He weathered equally dramatic changes before and after the brief two years
of my mission. He never wavered in his love for the gospel or in
his service to the membership of the Church. His sense of humor brought
a smile to many difficult moments. President Efimov always radiated the
deep inward assurance of the Holy Ghost, and when he taught, it was as
one having authority. There was never any room for doubt or equivocation
-- only for the faith which inspires to action. President Efimov did not
just talk about the gospel; he lived it. It was his passion in life. As
a leader, he was always the servant rather than the administrator. The
legacy of his large personal ministry will live on forever in the hearts
of many. We cannot bring back our leader, our friend, and teacher,
but
we can do all in our power to continue his work. Let us each move forward
with renewed effort to bring souls to Christ. I'm sure that is what President
Efimov would want us to do. The work is still young and there is much to
be done."
Don and Shirley Morgan [Russia St. Petersburg Mission 1993-94, CES Coordinators]:
"Upon our arrival in early August 1993 we were met by the Rogers and the
Efimovs at the old tourist secton of the airport where crowding through
the narrow door we were met by the broad and very welcome grin of Pres
Efimov. We were taken through the strange new environment to the apartment
in Koopchina that he had selected for us. While we were signing the paper
work, sister Efimov went across the street to the 'Universom' and
brought back some bread, eggs, and butter to give us a start as there
was no food in the apartment. This kind act really touched us as strangers
in a strange land. (We did not have the experence of the MTC and knew very
little of the language or culture.) Soon we were on the way to dinner at
a nearby hotel where the Rogers, Efimovs and Mittons [another senior couple]
hosted us and introduced us to our new life. It was the joking and warm
friendship of President Efimov along with the caring of the Rogers that
helped comfort us as we were dropped of at the apartment for our first
night alone in Russia. The events of that night are another story - no
senior companion, a phone out of
order, severe jet lag, etc.
"There are so many other situations where President Efimov played a
key role in our missionary lives including his participation in the Super-Saturdays
(he loved to play act Book of Mormon characters), our trip home from the
winter youth conference, and his taking us to the airport for out trip
to a seminar in Moscow to name a few. In all cases he was a gentleman,
full of good humor and very supportive of all we were doing. He was
truly a Christlike person. He will be greatly missed by all. Our love and
prayers go out to Galina and her family as well as our brothers and sisters
in Saint Petersburg."
Dee and Pat Hubbard [Russia St. Petersburg Mission 1993-94]:
"In a person's lifetime, one may have the opportunity to associate with remarkable individuals. Someone has said that there are no extraordinary individuals -- only ordinary individuals who do extraordinary things. In our experience, President Efimov was certainly a remarkable, if not an extraordinary person.
"In our minds eye, we still visualize President Efimov marching across the courtyard outside the mission office. Then there was a resolute finger on the buzzer seeking entry. Following this was a booming greeting to the office staff. President Efimov never came to the office for casual reasons, but to conduct business or to have counseling sessions with President Rogers. In conducting business matters, he was always organized and ready so as not to waste time. He was truly committed to accomplishing the Lord's errand that was his stewardship. We used to refer to him as 'The White Tornada' referring to the efficient way he conducted his office contacts. This isn't to say that he was not very sensitive to all he encountered; when we left the office all of us were uplifted. The attached photo represents a lighter moment from one of his office visits.
"Shortly after our return home from St. Petersburg, President Efimov was called to serve as the first native Russian Mission President. He and Sister Galina came to the MTC in Provo for an eight-week intensive course to learn English. This was followed by the New Mission President Seminar prior to assuming the responsibilities of the new mission in Yekaterinburg, Russia. We had the marvelous experience of spending a half-hour with the Efimovs in the MTC. He invited us to attend their setting apart in Elder Oaks' office in Salt Lake City the following week. That setting apart by an apostle of the Lord was a humbling, highlight experience for the Efimovs and for all of us who were present.
"President Efimov took time to remember us while serving as mission president. He sent us a photo of the handcart that was transported from place to place and used to commemorate the handcart trek from pioneer days. The handcart trek in the Yekaterinburg mission covered several cities that form a ring around Yekaterinburg. In each city, they did a trek through the streets and a selected park. This reenactment attracted a lot of attention from the townspeople. A copy of the photo of the Efimovs with the handcart, and the note on the back of the photo is enclosed.
"We feel very blessed to have served with this incredible man. Our lives were greatly enriched from that experience. We, along with many others, are indeed saddened by the untimely passing of President Efimov."
Ivan Makarov, Moscow, Russia: "It's a sad news for all of us. I didn't
know him as a mission president, but i heard only words of praise and admiration
from Lena Boyko, local member, who served her mission under his direction.
I had a chance to meet him personally during one of my visits to St. Petersburg
about a year ago. at that time he was serving in mission presidency. He
seemed like a confident man, who never say a word without meaning, with
effident sence of humor and great love for the church and the Savior. He
was man of God who He called to return back to His presence."
Spiritual Presence
Kahlile Mehr [Eastern European LDS Church Historian]: "One of his former
missionaries said that after the initial interview, all missionaries went
away saying, 'Wow!' They were impressed with his spiritual presence."
Brad Freeman [Russia Yekaterinburg Mission]: "It was awesome to be
under his direction. I don't think he ever had a missionary go home
on him either. He was very proud of that."
Personal Example
Brad Freeman: "I think his biggest thing was to love the people and to show them that the gospel worked through yourself."
Leader and Administrator
Before his baptism, Viacheslav Efimov was an electro-mechanical engineer managing more than 500 employees in St. Petersburg's transportation system. His analytic and administrative skills helped him to bless the lives of many, first as a district president in St. Petersburg and later as the President of the Russia Ekaterinburg Mission. President Efimov is remembered for his results-oriented priorities, his excellent judgment, and his keen sense of discernment.
Kevin Buell [Russia Yekaterinburg Mission]:: "Pres. Efimov knew how to operate the day to day affairs of the church in Russia. He knew apartments, government, money, etc. He also knew the church better than I did. While I served in the office, I noticed that he knew what was important. He knew when he needed to talk to people, and when he need to conduct other affairs."
Brad Freeman [Russia Yekaterinburg Mission]: "It was cool too how he
would say, 'this is how it is, Elders, and this is how you get results.'"
Work Ethic
President Efimov emphasized hard work and baptisms. He emphasized contacting as the primary finding tool. He also instructed missionaries to work with members, although with much less emphasis according to returned missionaries. His primary work with members was through member channels, rather than through missionaries.
Brad Freeman: "Every missionary wanted to work hard. Of all the missionaries I knew, not one was able to sit at home and do nothing for very long before guilt set in."
Kevin Buell: "As far as I remember...HE didn't have a lot of goals for
us. Districts and zones set their own goals. He just encouraged
and continued the work atmosphere. It seemed that there was already
an extremely strong work atmosphere...He just kept us going."
Emphasis on Growth
Kevin Buell: "He emphasized baptisms. Also, growth. He always wanted
new cities, new areas, new branches, etc."
Counsel to Members
Brad Freeman: "I think he would always tell them to hold close to the
Book of Mormon. He knew of their hard times and would always tell
them to rely on the Lord and everything would work out....He REALLY understood
what they went through."
Personal Notes
Brad Freeman: "He gave a talk once and started it off by saying how
much he loved to sing. he mentioned that when he first started going
to church. Singing wasn't that great,but after he was baptized he fell
in love with it and sang the loudest every Sunday."
Family
Sister Efimova (wife)
Kevin Buell: She was EXTREMELY nice. She was concerned about
our health. She would give us advice.
Tamara Efimova McKane (daughter)
Kahlile Mehr: "I talked to Tamara in Arizona shortly after she married
Bill McKane." "Everything changed in the family. They had home evening
as taught by the missionaries. They usually played games.."
Piotr Efimov (son)
Kevin Buell: "Pyotr, their son, would go out with the office missionaries
sometimes. He was very laid back."
Tribute to President Efimov from the Crain Family
February 26, 2000
Early this morning, our daughter Heather phoned from the Jerusalem Center with the heart-breaking news of the death of President Efimov. Apparently one of the sisters who served with the Efimovs in Yekat (Sister Cheryl Markgraf) sang a hymn in sacrament meeting this morning in Jerusalem in a very emotional tribune to President Efimov.
Our second daughter-Kristina, who served in the Yekaterinburg mission with President and Sister Efimov, literally could not believe that this report could possibly be true and spent a good part of the day trying to confirm the news from her sister. She is stunned and subdued this evening as the reality of the shocking news sets in.
Tomorrow, together with many of her former mission companions and elders from the Yekat mission, Kristina is scheduled to attend the missionary farewell in SLC of a young Russian sister from Perm' (Olya Voronineva). No doubt this will be a very emotional reunion/farewell as the news of the unexpected death of this beloved leader is reported.
Although I never had the privilege to personally meet President Efimov during our time in Russia, I know many people that did, and they have each been unanimous in their praise and admiration for this wonderful and stalwart man. Kristina was deeply impressed by his leadership skills, his speaking ability, his deep love and concern for the members, the investigators, and his missionaries, as well as his great testimony and love of the Savior.
She (and undoubtedly many others) was convinced that he would be the first Russian Stake President and eventually maybe even the first Russian GA. Kristina reported that President Efimov was a spiritual giant-a rare leader already the equal of many men raised in the church-a man who had already read the Book of Mormon more than forty times in his brief tenure in the church. Someone recently compared him to Brigham Young-a true Russian pioneer and leader.
What a great loss to the Russian saints and to the church as a whole. There is no doubt the Lord will raise up other leaders to lead the church in Russia, but President Efimov will be deeply and sorely missed.
Our third Russia-bound missionary is currently in the MTC on his way to the St. Petersburg mission and had received very careful instructions from his Yekat RM sister to look up the Efimovs upon his arrival and to share her love and greetings with them. He will regret missing the opportunity of ever meeting and learning from this wonderful man here in mortality.
Our prayers and love go out this evening to Sister Efimova and her family.
Steve and Rosanna Crain Family
Kristina Crain
Peter Crain
Matt Crain
Mustang, Oklahoma