Africa

Dear Family,

 

I love Africa. It is a wonderful place. I've never been to the actual continent, but I live in an extension of it. And an extension of many other places. Like China, South America, and the Middle East. Also, I live in Italy. The people I meet come from every imaginable background. This week I met a Chinese, some Italians, a few Alabamians, some Ghanans, Nigerians, Moroccans, a Brit, Iranian, Bosnian, from every religion and social class I can imagine. Italy is a very different place than Utah, and also very different than the way I imagined it a few years ago. When you think of Italy, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Probably Mafia and Pasta, right? Then catholicism, old buildings, European people that speak one of the most beautiful languages in existence. The truth is that it's at least as much of a melting pot as the United States of America, if not more so. And all these people need the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only way to find peace and happiness in this life. It has the solutions to all the problems and concerns of each and every one of these people, individually and collectively. I know that to be true. I invite every person who reads this to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which I believe is the last beacon of hope in this dark world. People are realizing that, and are flocking to it. This will continue to happen.

 

For those that are more interested in my travelog than my random thoughts, I will return to that. This week started with a somewhat effective ward council meeting, that was much improved by the fact that instead of just saying what was happening, we invited our Council to act in very specific ways. Like a ride to church, or presence at a specific lesson.

 

Thursday, we taught Samuel about the law of chastity, and he was fine with it. He did tell us that he's been in prison, though. That afternoon, we went to Parma, where we met brother Rene, and invited him to read the Book of Mormon once again from the beginning. He accepted, and has decided to pray once again to know it is true. It's sad to see that a High Priest seems to have lost his testimony. But we'll rekindle that flame and bring him back. We need him. In fact, we need everyone. 14 million people trying to save 6 billion need all 14 million. Then we went to Katya and Tonia's, and talked about tithing. It was good. Then we went and saw Uyi again. He and his wife liked most of what we said, especially about baptism. They're a wonderful family.

 

Friday, we did our planning and worked. Then we taught Stefano and tried to build him up emotionally. He cried. I love that man. Then we went to Gioel's, and talked with him and his friend about their relationship with God, and whether they wanted to know more.

 

Saturday, we found Victor at the station, and talked with him shortly. He's moved to 60 km away. annoying. Then we went to Ciano, where we taught Brother Menca, who commited to come to church next Sunday. Then we went and did some casa, and knocked on the door of an inactive member, Sorella Giron. It was her Birthday. She was crying. She said to come on in. So we did. and we spoke about her and invited her to come back to church the next day. She said she would, along with her husband and her friend. Yay! Then we went to Uyi's and talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and when we mentioned baptism again, they both said they'd thought about our words and both desired to be baptized as soon as possible. They seem to want to stay in their own church, though, so we'll have to keep working with them.

 

Sunday, we went to Ward Conference, and Sorella Giron came, with her husband. It was awesome! It was a very good sunday, and I was very happy. Then we went out and taught Abraham and his wife Agatha again. We discussed their beliefs about the Book of Mormon, and the Prophet Joseph Smith. They believe it is true. So my bravo companion told them, "well, you know what you need to do then." He wants to leave his current church in a nice way. So he'll be in church with his wife in 3 weeks time. and will continue from then on. Then we went to Hope's, and taught he and his wife and friend about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I'm quite pleased to have so many Families to teach.

 

Monday, we had district meeting, and then I went with Anziano Wilkins to Piacenza, where we met a very interesting englishman named Keith, who has some very interesting theories. Then we met a Bosnian named Adis, who doesn't believe in God, but wants to. That was super cool.

 

Tuesday, we taught English to Paola, one of Piacenza's students, and gave her a Book of Mormon as well. Then we came back to Reggio, and had Correlation meeting, followed by a little strada and then we attended Uyi's bible study class, at the Treasures of Grace International Ministry. We found out that not only is it Uyi's church, but Abraham and Agatha's as well. It was quite the experience. I'm very happy I'm a member of the true church. It was loud and nothing like I expected. We then went with Uyi to his house where we spoke with him and his Pastor, Frank, who showed a lot of interest in our church. At Correlation, I found out that Brother Panico paid his tithing for the first time ever this week! yay!

 

Wednesday, we had interviews in Verona, where we discussed bringing the spiritual side into everything we do, even managing money and the food we eat. After that we went to Uyi's again, where Pastor Frank and his wife Sussex were. Pastor Frank had read the restoration pamphlet we gave him very well, and understood all the doctrines we taught quite perfectly. He commited to reading and praying about the Book of Mormon without me having to explain how to do so. It was amazing. This work that we do is of God. I'm constantly amazed by the work he does for us.

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