When Alex Lupenko of La Mesa 1st Ward, San Diego East Stake, heard that a delegation of Russians from Vladivostok, Russia, was coming to visit their sister city of San Diego, he thought it would be nice if they could also visit the San Diego Temple site.
Brother Lupenko, a native of Russia, knew some of the 177 Russians in the delegation. Those he knew were members of a Russian Pacific Fleet performing group, which visited San Diego two years ago while on tour with their ship. He served as their interpreter at the time.In addition to the performing group, the delegation consisted of civic and business leaders from Vladivostok, including the deputy mayor, judges, the chairman of the building council, city council members and a university president.
On April 29, about 25 members of the delegation visited the San Diego Temple, which is 80 percent complete, and were greeted in Russian by Brother Lupenko and Igor and Vesna Gruppman. The Gruppmans are noted violinists who immigrated to the United States, joined the Church and now live in La Jolla, north of San Diego. Brother Gruppman is concertmaster of the San Diego Symphony.
The visitors were given copies of "Gospel Principles" and tapes of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Clyde Romney, multi-regional public affairs director, in behalf of the Church received a plaque from the members of the delegation, who expressed their appreciation for the kindness showed them.
Brother Lupenko said the Russians were receptive to what they learned at the temple site and asked several Church-oriented questions.
"They wanted to know and learn," he added.
Later, Brother Romney and the others learned that the delegation was stranded in the United States. They needed $40,000 for airplane fuel, servicing and landing fees so they could return home.
Brother Romney contacted Kris Murphy, a city councilor for nearby Escondido, Calif. Brother Murphy, a member of the Escondido 1st Ward, Escondido California South Stake, took quick action, and two days later members of the Russian performing group presented a concert, called "Russian Relief-Fest," at a city park amphitheater. Advertising through posters, flyers and media coverage resulted in a large audience.
Through the concert and other activities, the delegation earned enough money to return home.
After the performance, the entertainers went to the Escondido South Stake center and were given many more copies of "Gospel Principles," along with Articles of Faith cards with a picture of the Freiberg Germany Temple. A total of 92 copies of "Gospel Principles" were given to the Russians.
Prior to the concert, members of the Escondido South stake treated the Russians to a picnic dinner on the grounds of the stake center. Approximately 80 people attended the dinner.