Fwd: home

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 3:57 AM
Subject: home

I am blown away. This is my last email that I'll send from this email address as a missionary. wow. I don't really understand what is happening. It feels to me like all other transfers, I'm off to a new place to go preach the gospel meeting different members and seeing a different city. That's how I feel. I don't really feel like I'm going to be released soon. I know that the church is true. And maybe that's exactly what I'll do. I'll just continue to preach the gospel and meet new members and new people while also learning to provide for myself and figuring out what this mysterious "school" is. I ask myself often "what is it that normal people do every day? I don't remember." Maybe I'll have to have the missionaries come by shortly after I'm released to explain the plan of salvation and the purpose of life. I think I'd be a golden investigator. I love my mission. I love these people. I'm excited to come home, but more just sad that everyone will only speak english and not the myriad of languages that you speak here. A missionary who had been in Italy previously told me that the first thing I'll notice about america will be that everyone is fat. I guess I'll find out. This week has been a good one. Our apartment has lots of paint fumes in it because for three days some painters came down and painted our apartment. It makes it look a lot nicer.

 

This wednesday we taught the Zanchini family and invited them to invite their friends to hear the gospel. They said "you look tired. It's because your about to end your mission, isn't it?" maybe so. Then we biked across the entire city top speed to Sorella Tassi's and talked with her about the plan of salvation inviting her to think about people who'd recently had a death in the family who could need this message. She mentioned 4 people. hurray!

 

Thursday, we went down to Rimini for a baptismal interview for Claudia. Super cool girl. Super ready. As I asked her about her if she believed that Joseph Smith was a prophet, she said, it has to be true. Everything in me tells me it is. Well done sister missionaries! in there a month and already baptizing. later on we taught Moreno and Laila about genealogy work because Laila wanted to know why it's so important. I gave her a few scriptures to read and ponder on. She then asked me if I'd ever thought of going career. So I explained that's not how it works. I would. but fortunately for us and the church, that's not how it works. The church would be in trouble if I was in a high leadership position right now.

 

Friday we taught Esli, a new contact about the Book of Mormon. He has 4 children under 4 years old. Among which are triplets. crazy. His wife was pretty interested as well. It went pretty well. Then we taught a girl named Lorodaina with her brother in law Claudio from Romania about the Book of Mormon. She said she wanted to come to church. Pretty cool girl, hopefully she gets baptized. That evening we taught the Young Men in the branch about missionary work. It was hilarious. here's why: 1. All of them were investigators. There were Yvette's three boys, Cesare, Raphael and Jean-Jacques, and then one of the De Simone boys, Maurizio. They were super rambunctious and crazy. Our YM President after about 10 minutes was exhausted. Anziano Guest and I were just laughing our heads off thinking "We were exactly like that as kids!" Crazy night.

 

Saturday, we went out to Kenneth's, a new convert from Nigeria who just moved into our area. That was tough. They're in a tough situation. They're refugees from Libya. They have people assigned to take care of their temporal needs who didn't give them food or money for over a week and a half. That would be hard. Anziano Guest will be going to them with the branch president soon. Later we taught the De Simone boys about the Restoration. They understood super well and in general are just amazing. We asked them to get permission from their dad to be baptized, and sunday they had it, written. Then we taught Roger who unfortunately has stopped making progress, and is moving to Cesena, which makes teaching him and getting him to church a lot harder. But it'll be ok.

 

Sunday we had church and the youngest De Simone boys, valentino 6yo, stole my planner and pen and drew dinosaurs and super saiyan Jesus and all sorts of funny drawings. Afterwards we taught them the Plan of Salvation, which they drew out for us. They are so bravi. They read every night and pray every day. YAY! Later on we went and did some casa and taught several people, a cool kid named Precious from Nigeria who wants to come to church next week, and a college student in the next door who accepted the Book of Mormon. funny story. As we knocked doors a lady yelled through the door, I can't come to the door because I have to wash my husband! Then we went and taught a man named Tony the restoration, and invited him to church, and he said yes.

 

Monday we taught Fratello Nzoungani about obedience to commandments and then we went and visited sister Garcia in the hospital. That was a special experience to read about the atonement with her.

 

Yesterday we found a super cool guy named Andrea who accepted the invite to read the Book of Mormon and a return appointment. Yay! Then we went to Moreno and Laila's, who just talked and talked and told us some funny jokes and were just grand fun to be with. And then we talked about missionary work and went home.

 

Today is my last p day. I'm flipping out. I love you.

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Fwd: time

Oops! Almost forgot to forward this!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Feb 22, 2012 at 3:35 AM
Subject: time

I'm tired. I've worked for almost two years. I realized this this morning. I'm really tired. I'm working hard, but I'm just about exhausted. And I think that's ok. So long as I keep working to the end, I think all will be well for me. This week's been an interesting one. Wednesday, we did a bit of casa and taught an old man named Giuseppe who had a super funny way of speaking that I've noticed in other italians. he repeated all of his verbs. Mi vengono a prendere tra una mezz'oretta, mi vengono a prendere. (They're coming to pick me up in a half hour they're coming to pick me up). That was super funny. He accepted a pamphlet and maybe we'll go back some time. maybe. Afterwards we went to Moreno and Laila's and they had read "The Doctrine of the Father" from the most recent ensign. They had a question "We can become like God???" That lesson went nothing like I thought it would. in the end it was ok. and they're still coming to church, and studying and praying about they're questions, so I feel ok about it.

 

Thursday, we went and found a new convert who recently moved into our area. Kenneth lives in the middle of nowhere, and is a refugee from Libya. His wife was raised in the church and we're hoping to help them get integrated into the Forlì branch. He was baptized in Trapani, right at the very bottom of Italy. Later we taught Yvette, who still won't accept a baptismal date, but her sons specifically said, "after today I feel a lot more like we could be ready for baptism." So that's exciting. I'm hoping to set up 7 baptisms for next transfer. Imagine if Anziano Guest trained. and that new missionary saw 7 baptisms his FIRST transfer. That's my hope.

 

Friday, we planned, and then we taught Roberto who we dropped because he said he doesn't really want to be baptized. Though he did thank us for helping him increase his knowledge about Jesus Christ. Then we had English Class and taught one of our students the restoration. She rejected all of our invites, to read the Book of Mormon, come to church, everything, on the idea that she's not really looking for more in her life right now, even though she seriously doubts the existence of God. Now she knows what we believe and if she decides it's time to search for God, she can talk to the missionaries.  later we talked with Fratello Nzoungani about the gospel. It was a pretty decent day.

 

Saturday we went to Rimini for interviews, and I had half of my exit interview with President Wolfgramm. Wow it is weird to think that I'm that close to home. Then we went home and did a little bit of contacting. I also bore my final testimony to the missionaries at the conference.

 

Sunday, we had a good day. Friday, a less active came for the first time in a LONG time. I've never seen him in church before. and he was with his wife. Also the De Simone boys were there, and Yvette and her boys, and Roger. a good sunday. Afterwards we taught the De Simone boys and set a baptismal date with them for the 24th of March, because they have very little time to meet with us. When we asked them why they wanted to be baptized, here were the responses "I want to go on a mission. and go to the temple. And receive the priesthood." How very prepared they are.

 

Monday we had district meeting about follow up. and then we did a scambio with the capi. I went with anziano Brian Parker from Mesa Arizona to Bologna. We taught a really cool lady named Giuliana who is about 60, doesn't think she has faith, but wants to find it, and was just in general a super cool woman. I think she'll get baptized.

 

Yesterday, we riscambioed, and then we went and taught Don Felice, a catholic priest that our new converts told us was basically a "mormon priest". So we talked with him. He accepted a Book of Mormon, commited to read and pray about it, prays similarly to us, was not entirely closed to baptism "I don't think so, but I'll leave the door open to the Lord", and was just super cool. after lunch, we went and taught Felix, one of our african refugee friends, and found out that he doesn't know how to read. so we told him that if he will put his faith in Jesus Christ and try to read from the Book of Mormon, God will teach him to read. Then we found a couple of people doing casa. Esli is a member of the Assemblies of God from the Ivory Coast who was pretty open and wanted a Book of Mormon. It's been a good week. I love you.

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lots of snow.

Dearest family,

 

It has snowed for almost a week straight. It has snowed every day except two this week. It was crazy. Church was cancelled because of the snow so we spent some time on Sunday helping members take the sacrament. We have spent a lot of time shoveling snow. We cleared our apartment's parking lot and got the opportunity to share the gospel with our neighbor who invited us up to his apartment for hot chocolate afterwards. It has been pretty ridiculous. The incredible amount of snow has also caused most people to cancel their appointments with us on the ridiculous excuse of "It's snowing outside!" So? We're coming to you, not the other way around! oh well. I don't really remember super well which days things happened on since this whole week has felt like one continuous snow day.  Anyway, one day we went to Centro and dug out pedestrian paths and got a couple opportunities to share the gospel that way. One day we dug out a path right by our house, but I was kicking so hard with my shoe that the next day it was bent out of shape and I had to bend it back into shape. Sunday we went to the Rossi's house and blessed and took the sacrament with them, then helped them dig out their van so that they'd be able to get to the other members in the city without problems. then we did a little casa afterwards and found Luigi and his family. It was actually kinda funny to explain the story of Joseph Smith to them, because his brother's name is Giuseppe, and their last name is Fabbri (Joseph Smith).

 

Monday we went and did some finding work and found Guglielmo, a 80ish year old man who took the Book of Mormon and said he'd read it the next day. ok.

 

Tuesday, we went and taught Augustine who we found earlier in the week and we brought him a Book of Mormon. He told us he had to leave in 7 minutes, so we explained the Book of Mormon to him and commited him to read it in 5 minutes time. That was probably the fastest lesson I've ever taught. Then we taught our less active, Nzoungani about the plan of Salvation, and he asked a question that I was glad to know the answer to. "was the forbidden fruit a sexual act, or a fruit?" Answer: a fruit. See Jesus the Christ chapter 3, note 3 at end of chapter. then we went and dropped our african friends because none of them have EVER read from the Book of Mormon.

 

In all it's been a very cold, kinda depressing week. all my excitement of the last several weeks feels like it's been buried under the snow, which, thankfully is starting to melt. Hopefully I can dig my desire out of the snow now and go find some more people to baptize. a bit of justification for my attitude: It's really hard to get investigators to church and then baptize them when you don't have church. Oh well. Things will be better this week.

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SNOW!

From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 3:58 AM
Subject: SNOW!

Dear family,

 

It is snowing REALLY hard now. We've got the most snow I've EVER seen in Italy. and apparently some of the coldest temperatures in about 10 years. So I'm in Russia/Alaska for about a week. We had to walk down here to the internet point and it took us about a half hour. usually it takes us 5 minutes. so it's pretty crazy out here. This week has been AMAZING. We've seen many miracles in our work. Probably the biggest for me has been the increase in my commitment and ability to follow through on the commitments I make. For example I've been able to wake up every single day at 6:30, work out, and do a full morning routine without problems. Secondly, I've been able to do four "two minute drills" that our mission President asks us to do. normally I do one or two. he asks us to do four a day. (a two minute drill is a section of PMG that we memorize and practice to our companion with a question and a memorized scripture).  As a result of this increased commitment and obedience, we have seen many miracles in our finding and teaching and such. On Thursday, we went out to Milano and I picked up Anziano Guest, and then we taught our English class. On Friday, we did our planning and set our vision for this time we'll be together, for three baptisms, and to pray every day and do the things I've mentioned above. Then we got a call from Yvette cancelling our appointment, but we still went over to Moreno and Laila's to teach them, and they're doing great. Then we did some casa, and we found Luca, a really cool Italian guy who had little time, but accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We'll be back to teach him tonight.

 

Saturday, we did a little bit of area book finding, and found a couple people to teach. Then we taught Roger about the Word of Wisdom and commited him to all three hours of church the next day. Then we went and did some casa, and found a family, the Simone family, that was pretty open. A little older, but pretty open.

 

Sunday, we had Roger in church for all three hours, as well as the De Simone boys and Yvette for the second hour. Roberto and Achille came for sacrament. After Sacrament meeting, our Primary President came up to us with the De Simone boys and said to us "These boys want to be baptized, and we need to help them get ready for that. I think that we could start the missionary lessons next Sunday after church." Then Michael said "I want to get baptized right now!" so... that's a nice miracle. Then we went and did some finding work and found Mauro and Maria, a beautiful Italian couple of 28 years who were about to eat so they said "can you come back in a half hour?" so we did. and we taught them. They were on the edge of their seats and as we invited them to baptism, Maria said "If I come to know the Book of Mormon is true and this is my church, I will go to my baptism a volo!" (I'll fly to my baptism). She had come to english classes in the past but had never heard what we believe. Then she asked "What other sacraments are there?" so I pulled out a picture of the Rome Temple and explained that marriage in a Temple is forever and she said "How romantic! We need to get married!" Yeah. That was awesome. On the way home we went a little too fast around a roundabout and I wiped out, tearing another pair of pants. I now have two left.

 

Monday, we had an awesome District Meeting with the sisters in Rimini and talked about faith. little miracle there... we did it in a good schedule. they're supposed to last 90 minutes. It lasted 90 minutes. usually they go way over. That was super cool. Then we came home and had lunch, and then we went and did a little strada because an appointment fell through and found a lady who is in desperate need of the gospel. That was super cool. Her name is Franca. Then we went and dropped Sandor because he doesn't want to be baptized, though he did thank us because he feels like his faith in Jesus Christ has grown. That was cool. Then we did some casa and got in to Antonio and his son, sister-in-law and father-in-law. Amazing family. He had read a bit of the Book of Mormon 15 years ago, but just for curiousity. As we explained the restoration, his sister-in-law Rita was on the edge of her seat. They both accepted the invitation to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. They also accepted the baptismal invitation. like this "Well if I know the Book of Mormon is true, it's OBVIOUS that I'd get baptized." Then we invited them to pray. Rita was very hesitant. the son. 7 years old raises his hand and says "Can I pray?" then he says a beautiful prayer. and then he asks if he can say another, and another. He says about 5 or 6 of the most innocent prayers I've ever heard. Then Rita finally gets up the courage, and prays that God will guide her to know of the truth. The only bummer is that she lives in Chieti, in the Rome Mission, and that Antonio is got heart surgery the next day, so that we won't be able to see him till next week. I'm sure those missionaries will be thrilled to teach her, and will do a great job, though.

 

Tuesday, we did some park and found a really cool guy, in fact the only guy we saw in the park. He's been to prison, and really rethought his life there. He talked to the JW's, and said, if I listen to them I ought to give you all a chance too. So that'll be cool. Then we went and had correlation with fratello Raveau, who's now out of a job. So we're praying for him. His story is pretty cool though. His company decided to be open all sundays, and so he prayed and decided he had to quit so that he could come to church. So there you go. I'm certain the Lord will provide for him. Then we went and taught the african house that we went to a lot with Anziano Nelson. They commited to reading the Book of Mormon. finally. so we will also hope for them. It has been snowing continuously for like 24 hours. Also, my hands have broken out in a lot of eczema. I've never had such bad eczema. oh well. I love you! keep praying for us to see success. I love you tons!

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transfer 16

From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 3:14 AM

Subject: transfer 16

Well. Transfers again. Anziano Nelson is off to Reggio Emilia. lucky duck. I'm getting Anziano Guest. My district is also changing significantly. The Rimini Elders are getting "Pinkwashed". They're leaving, and Sisters Simkins and Arume are coming in. So no more scambios for me! That's a huge change. There haven't been sisters in the Rimini District for a LONG time. maybe as much as 15 years. crazy.

 

So on Friday, we went out and taught Yvette about the plan of Salvation with our new convert, Moreno. He is awesome. Bore super awesome testimony of the restoration. the prayer at the end offered by one of the boys was funny. He had had the question "my teachers say that Christianity is the child of Judaism. what does that make Mormonism? So Moreno said look, this is the true church and this is why... so in the prayer, he said "Heavenly Father, we thank thee for making us know that the Mormon church is the true church." I'm sitting there thinking, "I have not seen so great faith, no, not among all the people of the Italians." It was awesome.

 

Saturday, we went with our Branch President and taught Moreno and Laila, and then we went and taught Roger. Roger has a question. "What are the doctrines of the church?" President Dago tells him, look, we want more specific questions. When you see something in church that you don't understand, ask questions. write down your questions, and ask them to the Anziani. That was an interesting lesson. It was really good for that fact. He commited to church on the 29th.

 

Sunday, we went and did some finding work and knocked into a house of students. It was funny our door approach. In the background, one of them is yelling "Jesus Christ!" obviously taking the Lord's name in vain. I say to the girl my usual approach, "Hi, we're here talking about Jesus Christ." She yells around the corner, "Don't Blaspheme! These guys are here talking about Jesus Christ!" So then we go and explain to them the restoration of the gospel and the Book of Mormon, and invite them to English class. They were curious, if not particularly interested in learning more. maybe in the future.

 

Monday, we cleaned up the apartment and I helped anziano Nelson packed his bags, on the surety that he's leaving. Then we went and taught Roberto, an interesting guy. We taught him two weeks ago, and we invited him to read the Book of Mormon from the introduction, then changed our minds and said from 1 Nephi 1, and then again to 3 Nephi 11 and 12. He read all three assignments. He has a rather interesting character. In my first transfer, we taught our member, Nick. He's a similar type of person. He commited himself to church on Sunday, and said he'd have to think about what we taught. He believes that "god will save all mankind". He also accepted the commitment to read 2 Nephi 2. Then we went and taught Sister Tassi in our branch, and she was super good.

 

Tuesday, we went and taught Padre Claudio again. The only reason we went back is because I didn't have the courage to say no. The man is very fixed in his beliefs. It really hurt when he said "as I opened the Book of Mormon, I saw that it was pure fantasy." Excuse me? I don't go around calling your most cherished beliefs fantasy. I don't tell you that your claims to an unbroken chain of priesthood authority are fantasy. Please be respectful at least! Then we left. He said he'd read the Book of Mormon from start to finish, and then he'd give us a call. Then we went and taught Moreno and Laila. Laila has been struggling the last several days, so we gave her a priesthood blessing. She felt a lot better afterwards. Then we went and saw the Garcia family, who are pretty discouraged about doing missionary work here. Fratello Garcia then inspired me with a vision for my last transfer. The Forlì branch has had to import branch presidents from other branches for years. So I am going to pray and work to find a Forlivese Branch President, and then baptize him. I'm excited about it. I love you all tons. Pray hard for me to finish well.

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Fwd: The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything

From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 3:34 AM

42. That my friends is a scary number. It has a lot of meanings. It is the number of days in six weeks. Which happens to be the time I have left as a missionary. That is a crazy thought. thinking about it, it feels like a LONG time still, but also very short. I'm coming to realize that this time will soon come to an end. I love my mission. There is nothing better I or anyone can do but serve the LORD full-time. I know that. I love it. It is so fun and rewarding. I had an experience yesterday that made me think. As I rode the train home from a Zone Conference in Verona, three of the most worldly and materialistic girls I've ever seen in my life sat down next to me and my companion. One of them got a text message and went out of the carriage to cry for a bit. She came back, and started playing solitaire. She has not found happiness in material things. These girls had EVERYTHING the world says makes you happy. They had jewelry, a lot of it. Dolce and Gabbana watches. Brand name clothing. designer glasses. a smart phone. they obviously had money, and plenty of it. I started to talk to Liam, and asked her what makes her happy in life. She responded, "not a whole lot right now." then silence for a bit, and then smiled and said, "being with my family and my friends." I told her we have a message that will help her to have lasting happiness. then we had to go. So I handed her a pass-along card that says on the front, "Faith brings Hope." I know that that is true. The only thing that will bring her lasting happiness is personal righteousness and a resulting happy family. As I walked past the train 30 seconds later, her friend was looking at the pass-along card. I don't know if that will end up causing her to actually be happy or will result in a baptism, but I felt the spirit testify that I had done right. I love the gospel. It will solve all the problems that we face, indivually and collectively. Designer clothes and watches and smartphones and all of the toys and things that the world offers don't bring true happiness.

 

I've had a lot of other interesting experiences this week. some happy, some sad, some ridiculous. On thursday, we went and taught our new converts shortly, and then had a rather LONG ward council meeting. then we passed by Ciro and Manjola's to give their son Giovanni a birthday present.

 

Friday, we planned and then immediately afterward I got a phone call. Manjola called, saying that she and Ciro feel too rushed, and want to take some time to think about baptism and what we've taught them. I think "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" but I respect their choice and will continue to pray for them. Later that day, we taught Yvette and her children the plan of Salvation, and it went quite well. unfortunately, they cannot see us more than once a week, and we have not taught them nearly all they need to know to receive baptism. So it was a rough day. six baptisms at the end of the month sorta just disappeared. oh well. We keep on going.

 

Saturday, we went and did some casa and found a man wearing a muslim worship robe, and said "Hey we're talking about Jesus Christ, can we come in?" "sure." so now we're teaching Inouss. he agreed to read the Book of Mormon and we'll be back this coming Saturday. Later on we taught Roger, who still can't come to church because he feels Catholic and doesn't seem to have enough time. darn.

 

Sunday, Yvette and one of her sons came, along with several dry members. It was a pretty good Sunday, but pretty disappointing compared to last week. Then we went out and did some strada and found a few potentials.

 

Monday, we taught Sorella Gutu and her son a lesson about family. Her son was rather distracted and started playing his PSP halfway through the lesson. his prayer at the end was very very short too. oh well. We'll keep trying. Then we went and found Jimmy, an inactive member who was drinking Vodka as we walked in. It was... interesting. Then we went directly to Padre Claudio's church on the top of a mountain and more or less bashed with him. He is an interesting man. and refuses to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover, thinking that the index in the back is more important. oh well.

 

Tuesday, we went to a park, and my companion was bit by a terrible horrible beast as he tried to pet it. The beast is called a "Coniglio" in Italian, or for you English speakers, a bunny rabbit. Yes, a bunny rabbit. We called Sorella Wolfgramm, and since we have no normal family doctor, we went to the ER. for a bunny rabbit bite. and since they use triage, we waited. eight hours. It was a fun day. Then we went home with a prescription for antibiotics. Moral of the story: avoid rabbits. other moral: have a family doctor.

 

Wednesday, we went to Verona where we were trained by Elder Caussé of the Seventy. It was a great conference. And then we went home. and now we are here, writing emails. I love you. a lot.

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Ravenna and other fun

Date: Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 2:59 AM

So today I'm emailing from the old capital of the Western Roman Empire, the city of Ravenna, on the Adriatic sea. We're going to look at some of the famous mosaics here, which should be fun and interesting. It's been an interesting week under all aspects. A lot of disappointments on Sunday when none of our investigators came, and then a lot of miracles in getting back in contact with them and finding out why they didn't come. So... Thursday, my companion got sick, and he didn't get better until Sunday. so... there wasn't much going on there. I cleaned the house.. really well. I was INCREDIBLY bored. we went out once or twice to teach some planned lessons. Like on Saturday we went out and taught Roger, who still feels very catholic, and was asking us if we wanted him to come to our church and stop being catholic. We responded by saying that what we want doesn't matter and he should ask God. Then my inspired companion asked him an important question. "How do you think your answers to prayers will come?" "Boh (I don't know)" So we explained that concept and invited him to pray some more.

 

Sunday, like I said, no investigators showed up. Ciro, Manjola, Yvette, no one. That's a depressing sunday. So we go out after church and drop a note in Ciro's box since he's also not answering the phone. then we went out and worked. I've never been so happy to work in my life. I was smiling super big. Nothing in particular came out of our finding work, but going out and working for the first time in 3 days felt REALLY good.

 

Monday, we had a good district meeting with our zone leaders. We talked about commitment invitations. Afterwards, Anziano Nelson and I went and taught Yvette a pretty good lesson about the gospel, faith repentance etc. Those children are awesome. and it was super good because our WML was there too. Then we went and did some casa, and got in on the third door to a very nice family. I taught probably the worst lesson of my life, where they were presenting a concern, which I understood, but I just kept going with my lesson. That was bad. They didn't give us a return appointment. I guess it just shows that I'm human. during the course of the day we also met a guy who overheard my companion say "wannabe wallabys" randomly, and thought that he had said "Wallace" which is the name of a missionary that was here about a year ago.

 

Tuesday, we headed to Bologna, and started a scambio with our capi. I came back to Forlì with Anziano Andrew Strobelt from Philadelphia. We went and taught a catholic priest who we had met on the street on Sunday and who called ME on monday. He was pretty cool. We sorta presented the restoration, once again with our WML. He said he'd read the Book of Mormon. His name is Padre Claudio. cool guy. then we went and did some casa. Later on, as we were going to centro Forlì to do some street contacting to wrap up the day, Anziano Strobelt hit a car. I rode past, and the lady opened her side door, which he ran into. His neck hit the corner of the car, and he was winded. The lady, Maria Rosa, was really concerned, and called her husband and an ambulance. The ambulance took its sweet time getting there, like 1/2 an hour, so we had the chance to talk to her and her husband about the church. We ended up getting their number and giving them a copy of the Book of Mormon. so... God works in mysterious ways.

 

This morning we just came out to Ravenna. Good week, all in all. I love you tons.

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A very nice week

December 28, 2011

Well, this week's been a pretty good one. Wednesday night, we did some finding work and knocked into a couple, Ciro and Manjola, from Italy and Albania respectively. They have two beautiful children named Giovanni and Rebecca. As I and my companion had not gotten in doing casa in nearly a month, I had no idea what to say to them. So we taught probably the worst lesson of my life. We sorta presented the Book of Mormon and invited them to read it. They said they would and we said a prayer and set up a return appointment. As I walked away, I thought "Why in the world do people like that even let us into their homes?" In fact, I remember thinking at the door approach, "Look's like they're busy. Darn, another door knocked." Then they invited us in. Shortly afterwards we taught English Class and it was good. we talked about Christmas traditions.

 

Thursday, we met with Roger, and he didn't understand the baptismal invite the first two times we gave it. When we explained better, he said "If I come to know the Book of Mormon is true, it's normal that I'd get baptized." We then invited him to church on Sunday, which he commited to. Later, we did some strada and casa, and taught a few people on the street.

 

Friday, we did a lot of finding and we ran into the girl we gave a Book of Mormon to on Sunday the "where's my Book of Mormon?" girl. We got her number and set up an appointment to teach her. We then planned.

 

Saturday, we decided to make a tiramisù for our members, thinking it would take 1/2 hour. It took us about 1.5 hours. oh well. We went over to the Garcias house for a Christmas eve lunch and ate an incredible amount of food. then we invited their daughter's boyfriend to listen to the lessons. He said "later." Afterwards, we were exhausted, so we took a short nap, and then we got a call from the Rossi's asking if we could go caroling to their neighbors with them. So we did. This took the rest of the night, and we came home.

 

Sunday was fun. We went to pick up Roger for church, and he came. In our Sacrament meeting were 4 dry members, and Roger and a mother with three sons who are Gertrude's friends. That would be 9 investigators. Wow. The Lord dropped a good one there. We got an appointment with Yvette and her sons, and went to the Rossi's for Christmas lunch. We ate some delicious food and I called home. Shortly afterwards, my companion tried to call home, but... no one answered. He was a little distraught the rest of the night. Around 9 he tried again, but no response. Then we went home, and slept.

 

In the morning, we studied, and with President's approval, he called again. This time he got a hold of them, while I washed the Rossi's dishes. I learned some really good Italian language jokes from them too. Example: Qual'è il contrario di Abbondantemente? (What is the opposite of abundantly? Answer at the bottom) After that we headed to Rimini and did a scambio. Anziano Scalese from Maryland and I went back to Forlì and did some good work. I called a member wanting to pass by and they responded "Didn't you know that you are supposed to be coming for FHE tonight?" oops! Anziano Scalese is a great missionary with a great talent for being grateful. As we walked into Piazza Saffi, the main town square, I thought "eh, the thousandth time I see this piazza." He says "WOW! this is ITALY! It's so pretty in this country!" I took a step back, and agreed with him. We talked a lot about Faith and obedience and how he can help his companion. I was amazed. Our conversations the whole scambio were about gospel topics and ideas and how to help missionaries and investigators and why we're on missions and such, as opposed to normal scambio discussions like girls and america and JW's and such. It was an awesome scambio.

 

Tuesday, we studied and went down to Rimini for district meeting. It went pretty well. We talked a lot about Finding Work, and it was pretty cool. My companion is awesome. After that, we grabbed lunch at Burger King, and then went back to Forlì. We got back and I was exhausted, as was my companion. We had appointments in about 20 minutes though, so I just got on my knees and prayed for the strength and alertness to be able to teach after little sleep. We went, and miracles happened. The first appointment was with Ciro and Manjola. We taught them the restoration, and as we brought up baptism, Manjola was fascinated. She has always wanted to be baptized, but has never had the chance. This family has been prepared by the Lord. They accepted a conditional Baptismal date for the 28th of January, if they come to know it's true before then. Afterwards, we went and taught Yvette and her 3 sons. We started out talking with Yvette, and the TV was on, and then we asked to say a prayer to start the lesson properly, and so we turned off the TV. Suddenly her sons, ages 9, 11, and 13 are fixed on us. We start to explain the restoration, and these boys understand EVERYTHING. They are full of faith and I'm amazed. "What did Jesus do while he was on the earth?" I ask. "He was baptized by John the baptist, he did miracles, he called 12 men to be specially taught by him to then teach others and he was crucified." I look at my companion in utter disbelief that this is happening. As we explain the First Vision, the 9 year old says "I would die of joy if I saw God. How did Joseph Smith not die of joy?" As we explain the Book of Mormon, the 11 year old notices a picture of Alma baptizing and says "We've been baptized Catholic. Do we need to be baptized Mormon? Yes." Will you read the Book of Mormon? Absolutely. Will you be baptized? YES! Mom says, they've already been baptized Catholic. 13 year old says, No, mom, We have to be baptized again because the LDS church is the Lord's new restored Kingdom. I have NEVER met such amazing children. They were super excited to learn more. End result of day? 6 baptismal dates for the 28th of January.

 

Investigators as of now:

Roger from Burkina Faso

Yvette, Raphael, Cesare and Jean Jacques, from Benin, Baptismal Date, 28 January

Ciro, Manjola, Giovanni and Rebecca, from Italy and Albania baptismal date 28 January

 

Answer to joke above: A Berlino Petrarca dice il vero. (In Berlin, Petrarch tells the truth). Why is this funny? Abbondantemente spoken sounds like a sentence A bonn, Dante mente. (In Bonn, Dante lies).

 

I love you. Keep praying for us. We're seeing miracles thanks to your prayers.

 

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A scambio and some work

From: Benjamin Jolley

Date: Wed, Dec 7, 2011 at 3:18 AM

Well, another week gone. Thursday was an interesting day. All of our appointments fell through, but we still had an opportunity to speak with someone and place a Book of Mormon. I love the feeling of a bag that has been carrying a Book of Mormon all day that is now empty. Another person has the opportunity to find truth. I hate the feeling of having a full bag at the end of the day. It feels so heavy on my shoulder, even though it's like 1/2 pound. It feels SO heavy. Otherwise, we taught Moreno and Laila about the Temple and Family History work, and they were pretty excited to get started.

 

Friday, we planned. My companion is senior companion this week. So far he's doing a WONDERFUL job. I feel like a huge burden is off of my back. And that frees me to just work super crazy hard. We went and taught our African friends, and gave an Urdu Book of Mormon to a man from Pakistan, and then we were able to teach several other people, including an adorable old man that looks like the grandpa from Up! who was an ex investigator and is now an investigator again. His name is Sandor.

 

Saturday, we were able to teach a father in a park about the restoration, he has wondered what we believe since he was a little boy, because he's seen the missionaries before but never talked to them. He wasn't particularly interested in learning more, but he was grateful that we satisfied his curiosity. We taught lots of people on the street. Then we went to our less active's house and talked about Temple work, and they got pretty excited about doing their family history and preparing a name to go get baptized for is the future months. We then taught Daniel one of the best lessons we've ever had with him. He was awake, active, and interested. He commited to church this coming Sunday.

 

Sunday, we didn't have any investigators in church. In fact, it was a rough day. But we worked anyways. We found our new investigator Raffaele, who tried to give us back the Book of Mormon, but he still has it, and he commited to English class, even if he dropped us as an investigator. Then we taught a few other people on the street. It was good. By the end I was REALLY wanting to go home, but my great senior companion kept us outside till it was time to properly go home.

 

Monday, we had a scambio with Rimini. I went down with Anziano Portellano, from Marseilles, France. It was an interesting scambio. I learned a ton about what I need to do better as a missionary and a district leader. We taught a wonderful member family about scripture study.

 

Tuesday, we had district meeting, and we talked about consecrating our missions. I realized how not perfect I am, but I'm trying. and especially I feel like I've made a lot of progress this week itself. That afternoon we did some contacting, and then we taught a member who has been coming back to church and is starting to understand things now as she reads her scriptures. It's super good to hear.

 

This morning we've come to email our dear families. I love you all.

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Some miracles

Well, it's another week gone. This week was interesting. Thursday, we went and did some casa after P day and found a family to teach, and then we went and taught a member family. We'll hope that that family turns out well.

 

Friday, we put up some english class publicity, around the city. It was pretty cool to see how in 4 days practically all of the little tickets we'd put up were taken. It was one of those ads that you see with the little things to pull off on the bottom. In theory, each of those went to a different person. If so, and they all come to english tonight, we should have an english class that is about 45 people, as opposed to our usual 5-8. That'd be cool. That evening, we taught Sorella Veronica about repentance.

 

Saturday, we were looking at having taught 7 lessons all week. We really wanted to get our 20 for the week. On Saturday, we taught our africans, then a cool guy named Davide, who we gave a Book of Mormon to and who wants to come to church, and then we talked to some ragazzi on the street who were decently interested.

 

Sunday, we were at 10 lessons. I was convinced that reaching 20 lessons for the week was impossible, especially given that we had zero appointments set up. Somehow, we did it. We talked to people on the streets and in houses, and we taught 11 lessons in one day. Some highlights: First person we stop is an ex investigator named Diana who has read nearly the entire Book of Mormon but hasn't prayed about it yet. We invited her to pray about it. We'll see her this evening. Raffaele is an engineer who really liked the analogy between a line with two dots and the bible and Book of Mormon. Several atheists started to doubt their atheism. It was a sweet day.

 

Monday, we did a scambio with Rimini, and Anziano Snedaker and I did some good work in Rimini. It was a good scambio. I learned some good stuff, and got to know him better than I think I know my own companion. We taught their investigator Aniko about the Plan of Salvation and baptism. She was excited, but doesn't think that she can possibly keep all of the commandments.

 

Tuesday, we riscambioed, and got many a bidone. It was a less than effective day. I think my companion and I were tired from Sunday and that scambio.

 

Today, we cleaned our apartment. and set up a Christmas Tree. Yay! Christmas! I have a advent calendar too. Anyway, I love you!

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Transfers!

Well, I'm leaving Reggio Emilia. Surprise Surprise. I'm headed back to the Rimini District, to the city of Forlì. I'll be companions with Anziano Nelson from Wales, and I'll finishing his training. Explanation: Training now is a 12 week process. He's been in the mission 6 weeks, so I'll be finishing his training. I'll also be district leader over Rimini and Forlì, with Anziani Snediker and Portellano in my district. In my place here in Reggio will come Anziano Jeter as district leader. Exciting!

 

My address will be:

 

Anziano Jolley

Via Francesco Greca, 67

47123 Forlì

Italia

 

So, Wednesday, we taught Stefano about the law of chastity. He said he'd keep it. That was good. He's interesting. Believes everything we tell him, accepts all the commandments, but doesn't have a super strong testimony of God and Jesus Christ. Then we went and taught Samuel and we set up his baptismal program. He's a stud. Then we went and talked with Ella, who wants to get baptized, but is super sketchy about the commitment to come to church. We'll see what we can do.

 

Thursday, we taught Pacomeo, who was back for the weekend to get his stuff before he permantently moves to Nice, France. Then we went and taught Fratello Rene, who still doesn't want to come to church. bummer. oh well. Then we got on the train, got on our bikes and made the half hour ride to the church in 12 minutes, just as ward council started. It was pretty funny. We come in, all sweaty and out of breath and the bishop says "you can catch your breath Anziani." It went well.

 

Friday, we taught Samuel in the morning, who handed us a bag with all of his worldly possessions, and we sorted out his baptismal clothes. Then we headed to Modena, filled up the font, and showed Stefano and one of Modena's investigators how to start on their genealogy. Then we baptized Samuel. Anziano Wilkey baptised him, and I confirmed him. As the bishop welcomed him to the ward, he looked straight at me and told us his conversion story, which he's shared all of about 3 times in his life. It was interesting. Then we headed home.

 

Saturday, we taught Godfrey, who looks like he's 30 but is 20, about the restoration and invited him to baptism. He said yes. 26th it should be.  We then went to Gioel's, where we met a super cool guy named Tiziano who was super interested in our message and commited to read the entire Book of Mormon. sweet. Then we went over to Salome and Giovanna's, and taught them about scripture study.

 

Sunday, we went to Stake Conference, and Stefano came, along with several less actives. It was sweet. In the morning, the hours changed, so now the sun sets at like 5:30. that's annoying. We got a bunch of bidoni, so we did some casa and found a couple potential investigators.

 

Monday, we moved all of our stuff to our new apartment by the station. That took basically the whole day. We did a little finding work and got a few more potentials. Also President called to tell me about transfers.

 

Tuesday, we helped Ivan, a member from Milano get started painting the apartment on Via Jodi, where we were. Then we taught Victor the restoration. He still wants to get baptized, and he comes here every day, so hopefully we can get him there. Then we had coordination meeting with Fratello Pianegonda, where he bid me farewell, thanking me for my work and my professional attitude (professionalità... not sure how to translate it.) He gave me a huge hug and said "Anziano Jolley, non è un Anziano per me. è un amico." (Anziano Jolley, you're not just an Anziano for me, you're a friend.) That was sweet. I'm glad my work was appreciated. After that we went to Parma and found Fratello Peralta, a sweet Peruvian member who doesn't come to church because he's upset that Parma got closed. But he's willing to help us teach in Parma, drive us around Parma, and generally help out. We'll take advantage of that, and hopefully he'll return to activity. He's super cool. He did a scambio with the missionaries during transfers when he was six years old (weird, but ok. in Peru.)

 

Today we helped Ivan a little more, and then started doing email. I love you all.

 

Anziano Jolley

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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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Downs and ups.

Wow. I don't know what happened this week, but I've certainly learned something. Work hard, and the Lord puts people in your path. Don't work hard, it doesn't happen. "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land."

 

So Wednesday night, we went to a ward genealogy activity, at the request of our ward leaders. It was well... not very exciting. But we went anyway. Thursday, I don't really remember what happened. We got a lot of bidoni, and we went to Parma and saw brother chagua. Friday, we planned, went and found Roberto the gun man again, and then we went to our WML's house for dinner with Stefano. That was good. Our WML is a little green in missionary work, but that's ok. He was shooting off every different aspect of the gospel, and especially the temple and marriage. At that point we were intending to explain the Joseph Smith story, but didn't get the chance. But they formed a strong relationship of trust, so that's in the end more important.

 

Saturday, we got many a bidone, and we taught Saverio, who had supposedly read the entire Book of Mormon. But as we talked with him it became apparent that he either didn't read it or didn't understand a word of it. That was really frustrating. Anyway, then we went out to Brother Laratro's house, and taught him and his girlfriend about the restoration of the gospel. She was fascinated. It's sad that he is keeping the commandments, because I'm certain that if he was setting a good example for her, she'd get baptized, among a lot of other amazing things. One of my great desires is to see Parma reopen, because it is a beautiful city for missionary work. We just don't have enough worthy priesthood holders there. If just one or two of them got their act together, Parma would be open. It's sad, because there are like 15 Melchizedek Priesthood holders there, and only 2 come to church regularly. We're doing what we can to reactivate many, if not all of them.

 

Sunday, we went to church, to which Stefano and Samuel came. That was good, but super disappointing. We were expecting all of our baptismal dates and our regulars. In the end, we've decided to move the dates of a few of them, and drop a few more, because we haven't seen them since the first appointment.

 

Our current investigators:

Stefano, Italy, 29th October

Samuel, Nigeria, 29th October

Spencer, Nigeria, 29th October

Gioel, Santo Domingo, 5th November

Raymond, Nigeria and Sarfo, Ghana, have both travelled, but should be for the 22nd October

 

Monday, we decided to actually work hard for the first time in a week, and things started to happen again, in spite of some disappointments. We got the keys to our new apartment, at the following address

 

Via Quattro Novembre, 8

42121 Reggio Emilia (RE)

Italia

 

Don't send mail there till next week, though. We haven't moved in yet, and you'll just confuse the postman. Please continue to send mail to the mission office. Anyway, after that we went and found our investigator Samuel on the street, and we taught him about the restoration. He was much calmer about the Book of Mormon. Then we went and did some park and found Quemal, who doesn't really believe in God, but was willing to meet with us again. Then we went to the Nuredini family, who live a ways away, and we taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ, (the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are...). They commited to coming to church in two weeks time, which will be huge, because they haven't come in over a year. I'm very excited to see them in church. Then we went and taught Spencer about the Restoration, and commited him to reading the Book of Mormon again.

 

Tuesday, we went out and worked again. We went and taught Samuel with a less active member named Danny. They made a strong friendship, and I could just feel the spirit poured out on us as Danny shared his conversion story. I think that that experience will help Danny to return to full activity in the church, and help Samuel to be baptized. Then we walked through a park and talked with a man who asked us for a book to read. He was very very muslim, and was super excited to share his beliefs with us. He was speaking half arabic half italian, and it was pretty funny. Then we went and found Stefano biking down the street, so we walked with him and told him the Joseph Smith story finally, and he was pretty touched. Then we found Kobe at the bus stop, and taught him and his friend Didian about who God is and that he loves us, and then we prayed with them. That was sweet. After lunch, we went and taught Benson, a contact from 2 transfers ago, who asked us many a question. As we responded, his attitude changed. He had been under the impression that the LDS are an occultic group, but as we spoke, he was amazed by our doctrine, and accepted a soft baptismal invite. Then we went and did some casa in Gioel's palazzo, and knocked the nicest doors of my mission. We got in once, to a nice old man, and then we knocked on Gioel's door, and discussed the plan of salvation and the concept of fogiveness with him. Then we went to Salome's house and talked with them about President Uchtdorf's talk about the great dilemna of mankind.

 

This morning, we studied and came to do email. yay.

I love you!

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Fwd: ridiculous week

Anziano Wilkey is a stud. We're doing an amazing work. We're teaching more lessons to more investigators and getting higher key indicator numbers in EVERY one than ever before in my mission. It's incredible. Since you asked, Anziano Aaron Wilkey is from Bournemouth, England, just turned 20, and is amazing. Yes, I'm starting to pick up fun british sayings, though I'm trying to resist the urge to become british. He often says "Oh, grief!" and makes me laugh every time he says "oh damn it!" (It's not really a swear word in england).

 

So Thursday, Anziano Ellsworth and I go to Milano, and I pick up Anziano Wilkey. We come back to Reggio, and we teach Sarfo, and immediately set a baptismal date for the 22nd of October. He always prays that he will be able to build up the true church. It's awesome. We asked him to bring a friend to the next meeting. Then we went and taught Sasha about missionary work, and then we did our shopping and went to Salome and Giovanna's and taught them about obedience.

 

Friday, We taught Tony, who brought his friend Raymond to the lesson, and we set baptismal dates with both of them for the 22nd of October. Then we went and taught Gioel with our Ward Mission Leader, and set a date with him as well. Then we went out to Parma, where we taught Gabriella, and commited her to placing a Book of Mormon.

 

Saturday, we went and taught Sarfo again, giving him a Book of Mormon and he brought his friend Dennis to the lesson. Then we went to Paul's house, which took two hours to find and he was drunk when we got there. "I have a problem. I drink. I'll be in church on Sunday." That was a strange lesson.

 

Sunday, we go to church, where we have Opare, Bonini, Katya and Pamela. During the second hour, Raymond calls saying he's getting off the bus. We go and pick him up and he has brought his friend Samuel along. They both enjoy Sacrament meeting. Then we go home, eat lunch, and then we go to teach Abraham. Abraham has read the chapters we assigned last week, believes they're true, and commits to watching conference. His wife believes Joseph Smith is a true prophet. Then we go, having forgotten to plan and we teach Danny, a less active who wants to meet with the bishop, and then Ernest, our High Priest Group Leader.

 

Monday, we go and teach Raymond at his house, and once again Samuel is there. We fix a baptismal date with Samuel for the 22nd of October as well. He's very excited, as is Raymond, because they've never been baptized. Then we go home, do some area book, and eat lunch. Then we go and have District Meeting about the Book of Mormon and baptismal invites, and then we go on scambio. Anziano Armenise and I go to Parma and teach Katya, and then the Menendez family. The Menendez's are a less active family with the same problems as all of our other less actives it seems. As I teach less actives, I note the same things. Financial difficulties and not paying tithing. Pay your tithing. I understand SO well the concept of tithing now. "

 8 ¶^aWill a man ^brob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In ^ctithes and offerings.

 9 Ye are ^acursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

 10 Bring ye all the ^atithes into the storehouse, that there may be ^bmeat in mine house, and ^cprove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not ^dopen you the ^ewindows of heaven, and pour you out a ^fblessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

 11 And I will ^arebuke the ^bdevourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

 12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."

Ye are cursed with a curse. It's true! All of them are incredibly in debt and don't have work. I know tithing is a true principle. Pay it. Put the LORD to the test. He will bless you.

 

Tuesday, We go and teach Victor, setting a baptismal date. As I invited him to baptism, I thought "the 22nd? no... the 29th" Will you prepare yourself to be baptized the 29th? That is my birthday. I would really like to. Then we go to the station and teach Ella, who starts crying when we ask him to be baptized. He says yes. also the 29th. Then we go to the bus stop and teach Kobe about the priesthood, and then as we walk back we see Samuel and Raymond and we teach them a short lesson about prayer. Then we eat lunch and get a call from Francis, who wants to know where the bus stop is. So we go and teach him. Then we go to the park to teach Sarfo, but he's late, so we do some park contacting and find Stefano, who wants to know if Jesus is truely divine. Then we go to Sarfo, who has brought his friend Adae to the lesson, and has read to 1 Nephi 6. We talk about the Plan of Salvation, and he is excited to hear it. Then we go to interview the sister's baptismal date, but she decides not to be baptized this week. Oh well.

A short list of our investigators and dates for quick looking

Sarfo 22/10 Ghana

Gioel 15/10 Santo Domingo

Samuel 22/10 Nigeria

Tony 22/10 Sierra Leone

Raymond 22/10 Nigeria

Ella 29/10 Ghana

Victor 29/10 Nigeria

Lots of other people.

 

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Transfers

Dear family,

 

It's been an interesting week. First things first. Anziano Ellsworth is leaving to San Remo, and I'm getting Anziano Wilkey, from England! I've met him and I'm super excited to have him as my companion. Our sisters are changing too, Sister Jones will be getting Sister Cazier. So it looks like beginning of October I'll be moving to our new apartment and the sisters will be taking ours. So please send my mail to the mission office in Opera, Milano. A lot of letters have never arrived here for some reason, so just send the letters to the mission office.

 

This week's been a slower one. On Wednesday, we went to the Nuredini's house, where we went with our Ward Mission Leader. The Nuredini's are an albanian less active family. There you have it.

 

Thursday, we taught Pacomeo about the Aaronic Priesthood, and we did a lot of finding work with not particularly exciting results.

 

Friday, we went out to Kobe's, who we taught a little about missionary work. Then we attempted to contact Joyce the brasilian member, but the address was wrong, and she didn't answer the phone. Oh well.

 

Saturday, we got a lot of bidoni, but we met a guy at a bus stop named Safo, who was really cool. He had to leave after about one minute, so we gave him a card. "give me a complimentary card." Then during lunch we got a call from him saying "I met some of your people, they gave me this complimentary card to call, I'd like to meet with you." So we met and explained the restoration and gave the soft baptismal invite, to which he said yes. That evening, we went to Salome and Giovanna's, who we talked to about missionary work and the gathering of Israel, since that was the RS lesson the next day. Giovanna was very pleased to be well informed for the lesson.

 

Sunday, we had Opare, Salome, Giovanna, and Saverio in church. Our chapel is full to bursting. It's exciting. Sasha and Pacome were ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by our Priest's Quorum, which was super exciting. Good for our Priests, good for Sasha and Pacome. Then we went and taught Abraham, who is super cool, still. He was agreeing with everything we said except "All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;" Somehow that didn't work for him. Oh well. He's a cool guy. That evening, we also made contact with one of the sister's referrals, Tony Amanka, from Sierra Leone, who speaks 5 languages+, and had only one question before we could come into his house. "Do you believe Jesus Christ is the BEGOTTEN son of God?" Yes, of course. So we should be back to teach him tomorrow.

 

Monday, I went on scambio with Anziano Proctor, of Park City, UT. We went and "taught" some atheist college students. It was more a discussion about God than a teaching situation, but it was fun. Then we did some casa looking for one of their investigators, and got in to two muslims. One was from Pakistan and when we asked him to pray at the end, he gave a Muslim prayer, in Arabic. We asked him what it meant. He said... "I don't know." Interesting. Then we went and taught a man from Ethiopia, who walked out of the room in the middle of the first vision. That was disappointing, but... ok. Then we got a gelato from Marco, the awesome half-investigator gelato man. He talked with us about Jesus and how his family is about to fall apart, so I promised him as a representative of Jesus Christ that if he would pray every night with his wife, their marriage will improve. Then we talked about faith, and how it changes things.

 

Tuesday, we rescambioed, and then we went and helped Francis, one of our new converts, prepare his first talk for church. It'll be in Italian, which is scary for him, because he's been in Italy 9 months. He's a really cool kid. Then we got some bidoni and did some finding work and got the transfer call. This morning, Anziano Ellsworth packed his bags and we came to do Email. We'll be going to Sasha's in about a half hour.

 

I love you!

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Fwd: BAPTISM!!!!! (from Benjamin in Italy)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 4:10 AM
Subject: BAPTISM!!!!!
To: Ariana Black <ariana.black@myldsmail.net>, Camille Jolley <melers20@hotmail.com>, Caroline Jolley <caro.jolly@gmail.com>, Christopher Jolley <tophinator@gmail.com>, Dad <deanjol@gmail.com>, Elijah Milne <elm2164@columbia.edu>, Joseph ballsteadt <jgballstaedt@gmail.com>, Megan Milne <nutmegnut@gmail.com>, Mom <carriejolley@gmail.com>

Dear family,

 

This week has been... incredible. I won't tell you what happened until it happens in my story. please read on.

 

Thursday we taught Sasha a lesson on what the baptismal interview means and reviewing the plan of salvation. We also invited him once again to our baptism on Saturday. We went to Kobe's house with our WML, who made a great friendship with him and then reviewed anything for his baptism on Saturday. Then we saw Bill, who turns out to be the same person as Guerthy, an old investigator from before I got here. We then taught a couple other lessons doing casa. For some reason we went to the train station, and a lady ran up to us saying "eglise mormona?" "Io Mormona." "...um... Address?" "um... Telephone?" So we gave her a pass along card and wondered who the random georgian lady is and how in the world she found us.

 

Friday we taught Guerthy Bill and set a baptismal date with him for the 15th of October. He's a cool guy from Congo. In the afternoon we taught Saverio, our moroccan friend and then Sasha again about enduring to the end. As we looked for Saverio, we ran into Pacome, who is back from France and wanted to be baptized the next day. So we organized everything for that. We then went to Modena to do a baptismal interview for Ettore, one of their investigators who will be baptized this coming Saturday. cool. Then we went home. In the station we met Moose and Carlos from Tanzania, who were super interested in the Gospel and wanted the Book of Mormon, so we gave them a copy each.

 

Saturday, we went to Maurizio's work to give him a Book of Mormon, which he received gladly. He's an agnostic guy, but likes reading. Then we went to the church, organized rides for us and all of our investigators, and then planned and printed programs for the baptism. Then as we went to go see Pacome again, Sasha called and asked if he could be baptized today. "Guys, can I be baptized today?" So we organized an interview for him, clothing and everything. And then we went to Modena chapel, where we had a baptismal service for Kobe, Sasha and Pacome. I baptized all three myself. Pacome went first. It was really funny. As we were going down into the font, he started to take off his jumpsuit, thinking he was going to be baptized naked. so I said "no put that back on!" Then when we were in the font he just started to go down into the water before I said the baptismal prayer, so I stopped him and then baptized him. Then I baptized Sasha, who raised his arm when I put mine to the square. When he came out he said "I'm alive, I'm so happy!" Then I baptized Kobe, who said "This is the best day of my life!" when he came out of the water. It was awesome. Then they all gave awesome testimonies. And then we went home.

 

Sunday, we had three confirmations, of Pacome, which I did, Sasha, which Anziano Ellsworth did, and Kobe, which our bishop's first counselor did. Also, the georgian lady came to church. She speaks russian, so we found out about how she found us. Turns out that she's been in Italy 3 months, looking for the church. The day she stopped us, her son had a dream and called her saying "go to the train station today at 4 PM, you'll find something important." and she found us. That afternoon we went to our WML's for lunch, which was really good.  Then we went to Fidenza to teach the Dorofeev family, an inactive family with two unbaptized daughters. Then we rushed to Salome and Giovanna's house for a short lesson. As we rode down the street, we saw Hope, who I looked at like I was about to baptize him, and he stopped us. That was crazy.

 

Monday, we had Zone Conference about the Book of Mormon. On the way home, as we were walking through the station, these two kids looked at my companion weird and so we stopped them. The girl looked at our tags and said "Grande. siamo mormoni anche noi!" they were baptized in Brazil, but never found the church here in Italy. So we got their address, phone numbers, and birth dates so we can move their membership records here. Then I rushed home because I had an upset stomach.

 

Tuesday, we went and looked at apartments for the sisters with our bishop. It looks like we'll be moving to one of the new apartments, and the sisters will be taking ours. After that we went looking for a member and my companion placed two Book of Mormons while I was on the phone for 15 minutes. Also, we placed a Book of Mormon with the lady who took us to look at apartments. Then we met with sorella Maria, the agnostic lady who was baptized for her son's sake. She's interesting. Then we went to Saverio's and ate delicious moroccan food. mmm. spicy.

 

What do you think? 3 people stopping us saying they're members, and three baptisms? good enough of a week? You can stop praying for me to get people to baptism and start praying for me to find people ready for baptism again. thanks. I love you so much. Thank you so much for your prayers!

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Fwd: A scambio, 18 months

From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Sep 7, 2011 at 8:29 AM
Subject: A scambio, 18 months

Dear family of mine,

 

This week has been a good one. Thursday, we went out to Kobe's, and we watched the Testaments with him. He liked it. Then we went and taught Pacomeo the Word of Wisdom, and did a short baptismal interview prep. He's great. When we asked about homosexual relationships, his response was "What kind of person does something like that? I am a man! I like women! What a waste!" It was funny. Then we went and taught Paul about fasting. However, as we left, we saw him open a beer. I don't think he understood the Word of wisdom. oh well. We then went to the church, where we taught Sasha the restoration again. He kept saying "I know that." Then he said "Guys, I have good news! I haven't smoked or drank coffee for two days!" progress!

 

Friday, we did a scambio with Modena. Pacomeo passed his baptismal interview, but he'll be in france for a week, so he'll be baptized with Sasha on the 17th. I taught a random member in church, who seems to be a super awesome member. His prayer for us was epic. I was so excited to work after that prayer. We talked to a lot of young people on the street, and then we taught Ettore about how to get an answer to prayers, and he should hopefully be baptized also the 17th. We then headed home to Modena's apartment, where I found the name of a certain Robert Cowart on the wall as one of the missionaries that served there. That was cool.

 

Saturday, we taught Edmond about baptism and confirmation, because he really wants to be baptised in our church. He came to church a few times in Ghana, and wants to go to the temple even. Then we riscambioed, and we taught Sasha a short leson where he asked about Alcohol, and why we can't drink it. He said, why though, guys? In the end, he read to us the last verse of D&C 89, where it says the destroying angel shall pass by them. "God needs a way to tell who will obey or not. This is the reason guys. When I read this I crap my pants. God's gonna kick your butt if you don't obey this commandment." (swear words mormonized). That was hilarious. And awesome. He still hasn't drunk coffee or smoked since he quit. WOOT!

 

Sunday, we had Abraham in church for the first time, along with a total of 10 investigators in Sacrament meeting. We had the best attended sacrament meeting since I've been here with 10 investigators and about 75-80 people. The chapel was completely full. And 3 of our larger families didn't even come. Good thing we'll have a new chapel in early october! We need it. I decided to set a goal for myself of doubling sacrament meeting attendance by the end of the year. We have about 20-25 less actives that we can work with, the sisters have set 5 baptismal dates this week, and we have 3 baptismal dates that attend church. Kobe was there too! So if all of these people get baptised and the less actives we reactivate, that's already about 50% increase from when I first got here. And it's 4 months time to find and baptise 15-20 more between us and the sisters. In the afternoon, we went to Fratello Triglia's house, who is a sweet 40 year old bachelor in our bishopric.

 

Monday, we had district meeting very shortly because Piacenza showed up an hour late... and then we made a lot of calls and had FHE with Sasha and his mom and his girlfriend's family. And we met a cool guy named Kwame (he was born on Saturday). Which reminds me... I'm learning Twi, the ghanan language. My name is Kwaku (I think. What day was I born?). Kwaku means born wednesday. Ye fre me Anziano Jolley.  (My name is Anziano Jolley). It's fun.

 

Tuesday, we taught Sasha during lunch, with his family. I think we're part of the in laws meeting each other because we had dinner at his girlfriend's house with her family, and at his house the next day. anyways... It rained a lot. We attempted to contact a member in the middle of nowhere, who no longer lives there, but then stumbled across another member. So... there you have it. We taught a sweet kid named Patrick that night from the czech republic. He's a cool kid. We'll repass him later this week.

 

Today we went to Modena and harvested a vineyard with some members. We filled a large truck with grapes. by the way, there are a lot of earwigs amongst grapes, if you didn't know. It was fun. I love you all very much. Pray that all will go well for Kobe's baptism.

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Some Wins, some fails, some postponing

From: Benjamin Jolley
Date: Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 2:40 AM
Subject: Some Wins, some fails, some postponing

Dear family,

 

We've had a crazy week. Once again. Things are happening here in Reggio. When our Bishop got back in town, we told him we have five baptisms coming up, the sisters need an apartment and he was just taken aback. He joked that he should stay on vacation longer. Also he invited us to Bishopric meeting so that we can bring him up to speed on what we are doing. I'm pleased.

 

Thursday, we went to Kobe's with Paul Martin, and when I asked him if he'd prayed about the Book of Mormon he said "well, I haven't seen an angel yet." "But I feel inside of me that it is true." He is so cool. We then rushed to Budrio where we ate lunch with Marco, and while we ate his friend Antonio showed up. We started to teach Antonio, and he was super cool. I feel like he's not becoming an investigator solely because we don't currently have time to teach him. Maybe in a month's time? Then we taught Sasha about the Word of Wisdom. He's not currently keeping it, and it's his biggest obstacle to baptism in my opinion. Pray that he'll be able to stop smoking and drinking and such, please.

 

 

Friday, we planned and we went and taught Paul about the Word of Wisdom, and he's been obeying it since the sisters taught it to him. Then we went and talked to Shafkri, a pakistani who called us the day before wanting to meet. He has read the entire Book of Mormon in Urdu (his language), and wants to learn more. He doesn't speak very good Italian so it's hard to understand what he wants.

 

Saturday, we did some area book work and found about 30 records to give to the sisters. Hopefully that will help them to get a teaching pool again. (since they gave us practically all their investigators). That afternoon, we taught Paul about keeping the sabbath day holy and determined that he has trouble reading. Then we taught Pacomeo the plan of Salvation, and he is just solid. That evening we went to Parma and taught Perla and Gabriella a short lesson on Prayer and scripture study.

 

Sunday, Sasha, Salome, Opare, and Pacome all showed up in church. We had gospel principles about work and personal responsibility, an interesting topic since half of our investigators are looking for work. Sacrament meeting the talks were about all of the major commandments. It was interesting. The bishop gave an excellent talk about tithing. In the afternoon, we went and taught Abraham, who had taught Sunday School in his church that morning about "how to be great in this world". His church is sort of all about money, and he doesn't like that, so he taught about Shadrach Meshach and Abed-nego being great because they kept God's commandments. His pastor didn't like that. He'll be coming to our church next week. Then we went and did a lot of finding work, determined to teach 2 more lessons to round off 20 in the week. So we went and taught some people on park benches. One of them was actually a cool guy. Kwame just moved here from Ghana, but he's lived in Columbus, Ohio for a large part of his life. So he knew a lot about America and that Mitt Romney was a member of our church. It was cool. That evening, just before I called our district for numbers, a man named Bartolome, who I couldn't remember for the life of me called and said that he liked what we had said and wants to be a member of our church. "I will be in church next week. I am already a member of your church." So.. that was cool.

 

Monday, we went to the church to teach Sasha about tithing, and he said that it is a good commandment and he will keep it. Then he stayed for district meeting, and called my district out on complaining about their situation. Then I shared ideas about finding work and felt the spirit SUPER strong. Then we taught Sasha during the meeting and he helped us a lot on improving our teaching. We then started a Scambio, and I and Anziano Wilkins taught Pacomeo about Tithing, he's ok with it, then Paul about the plan of salvation, and he had a question about chastity. So we talked about it. Then we went and did some finding work and taught Issac the man from Burkina Faso, Vincent, a Ghanian, Bright, who is a "Fasting man", then Godfrey stopped us. Godfrey is a man that has been taught about 100 times by the missionaries. His teaching record is 6 pages long. So I sorta just held a baptismal interview as we walked "Godfrey, have you ever commited a crime?" "Yes. I was in prison for 4 years. But now I'm free and I don't want to do that stuff anymore" "Godfrey will you be baptised?" "If God wants me to change my life and will help me, yes." Yes, we now have 6 investigators with a baptismal date. Godfrey is from Nigeria, FYI. He was taught by my old District Leader, Anziano Shill. Then we went and talked to some people in another park among whom was Dominic, the Polish man. He is a cool guy. He doesn't want to be rich, just wants to live well with his family. And maybe quit smoking. So if we see him around we'll see if he wants to quit.

 

Tuesday morning, we went to Kobe's, and we moved his baptismal date, because he didn't come to church on Sunday. He will be baptised instead the 10th of september. We read with him 3 Nephi 11, and he wanted us to clear up about the Godhead. So we did. Then we riscambioed, and we taught Paul about the rest of the Plan of Salvation, then Pacomeo about the Law of Chastity, which he liked a lot. He obeys it. He wants to know about the Word of Wisdom, though. We'll teach that tomorrow. Then we rushed to teach Sasha, who we also taught the Law of Chastity. He will continue to obey it. We also read 1 Nephi 11 with him, which is his girlfriend's favorite story.

 

Today we'll meet with our Bishopric, and probably go on a bike ride. Not in that order. I love you!

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