Two Latter-day Saint volunteers detained for nearly three weeks in Novorossiysk, Russia, have left for the United States and their families are rejoicing and expressing relief.

Elder Kole Brodowski, 20, was near the end of his volunteer service and is returning home to Garden Grove, California. Elder David Gaag, 19, will be reassigned to serve as a church missionary in a different mission.

Brodowski's father exulted in a Facebook post, saying, "God is there, our prayers were answered" and "Hallelujah it's over."

"It’s finally over!" Kyle Brodowski wrote. "Kole is headed home, and his companion will receive another call. I want to thank the thousands of people worldwide that prayed for him/us and sent messages of comfort and support. There were many people I’ll never meet that worked day and night for the past three weeks to free these young men. Thank you to all."

Read the full story on Deseret News.