Buongiorno!!!!
Well, it has been another wonderful week in the neighborhood! Today has been a little hectic because we were supposed to go visit one of our new converts, that is currently in prison, on charges for something that he did back in 2011 (apparently that is normal for the Italian justice system--they punish people years after they actually committed the crime. There is one person in there with him that did something in 2009, and now has a wife and a kid, has changed his life around, and now he is in prison for 6 months....We are so lucky to live in America.
But anyways, he cancelled, because they aren't allowing visitors on different days than Saturday now. So we are going on Saturday!
--We had a wonderful little miracle a few days ago. We were out doing door-to-door contacting, which in Italy consists of ringing the doorbell, getting answers through the...citofono (don't know the word in English), and saying one sentence before getting cut off by them hanging up. I have been let in to a house five times my entire time here. But we felt like doing it, so we were there, across from the hospital where we had just visited a friend. I had rung about 15, and so it was my companion's turn. The FIRST one he rings, the lady is just like "Who is it?" "We are missionaries, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and we bring a message about him". "Come in! Second floor!" And so we got in! We went upstairs and it was this sweet old, 80-year-old widow, Luisa, who let us in and we talked for about 20 minutes about her family (she has 4 sons...2 engineers, a lawyer, and a doctor), and about her husband who she lost 7 years ago. He had been the mayor of the city for 25 years (there house was pretty fancy...), and sounded like a great man. She misses him a lot. I shared with her my testimony that families are forever--that we will see our loved ones again, and live with them forever if we follow the Plan that our Heavenly Father has prepared for us. She agreed whole-heartedly with all that we said, and said that even though her priests had never agreed with her when she said that (she is Catholic), she has always believed it in her heart. She said she still feels that he is there, in her heart. As we shared with her the glorious truths that have been made known to us through the Plan of Salvation, she was in tears. She accepted a pamphlet we left with her, and we set up an appointment to return this Friday to talk some more! She said that all of her family is really religious, and that her son (lawyer) eats lunch with her every day! So we will try to set something up with both of them together! She is such a sweet old woman, and you can tell that she really raised her children right. They all sound so kind and sincere. We are expecting great things from that! :)
--Our English class in Sondrio is hilarious! There are like 10 other kids, all our age, who are all just hilarious! We just talk in English and make jokes all the time. It is the best! AND...Gabriele, one of the kids in the class--who is an investigator--raised his hand and was just like "I have a question. Why are you guys here? Like, why are you missionaries?" And we had a wonderful opportunity to bear our testimonies of the difference that the gospel has made in our lives, and how we want to share the happiness and joy we have found, with everyone! It was a great experience. Quote of the day from English class came from a guy named Vasco. "So vasco..what are your favorite kinds of movies?" "Nature. I love to watch the trees!" haha!
--Today we met with Giuliano again! The man that we met on the street about a month ago--that was crying and distraught because he hasn't seen his children in a year because his ex-wife won't let him. He didn't have a house or a job, or anything really. All he had was a backpack full of clothes. But since then, he has moved to Allessandria to live with his nephew,. who owns a business and gave him some work to do. And he has been meeting with the missionaries in Allessandria! He went to General Conference and has been to church several times. He called us today to say that he was in Morbegno because he was able to schedule an appointment for this afternoon to see his children!!! He was so happy he was in tears. He called us to ask if we were in town, and so we took a break from baking cookies and lunch, and went to talk with him for a few minutes! He is such a wonderful man. As we ended with a prayer, he was in tears and thanked us again for everything. "Ever since we met on that cold, dark night, things have been getting better; little by little",he said. What a blessing! He is special!
--I went on a companionship exchange this week with the zone leaders...and they have a car!! Man, I am glad we don't have a car. I would get FAT! We drove everywhere! It was really convenient, especially since it was pouring outside, all day long. It was a really great experience, though! Italians are scary drivers! And the roads make no sense whatsoever! Thank goodness every mission vehicle has a GPS!
--My companion's mom sent him a step counter about a week ago. So that has been fun! We have been averaging about 15,000 steps each day, which is something like 2 hours of walking, and 7 miles. We hit the streets around here in Italy!
--Fast sunday was so wonderful! I loved being able to go back to Lecco. 4 of our African investigators (named, Prince, Odion, Andy, and Innocent) came with us, and we introduced them to Samuel and Martha. Martha was the one that was baptized while I was here serving in Lecco! Her husband, who was baptized a few months earlier, baptized her! They both come from Nigeria, and have amazing faith. What a blessing it was to see them again! I just feel so much love for them; what great people!
Miracle: This week we had many wonderful miracles! But the miracle that I would especially like to share happened while I was on scambio with Anziano Horrocks! We went to a Brasilian member's house for a lesson with one of their investigators, Eugenia. She is a 23 year-old newly-wed from Napoli (Italians from the south are always awesome!), and has such a sincere desire to learn and find answers to her questions. Questions that she couldn't find answers to in the Catholic church. The Brasilian sister shared a powerful testimony about how she was Catholic before as well, and had a lot of the same questions--where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after death?. She shared how she found the answers in the Book of Mormon, and that it changed her life. The Spirit was so strong, and both the sister and Eugenia started to cry. I was blessed to be able to bear my testimony to her that it was the same thing with me. That I had questions and I wanted answers. I testified with all my heart that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, and that He loves his children. That the Book of Mormon has changed my life. And then Anziano Horrocks boldly testified of the same thing, and told her that if she wants answers, she has to work for it. She has to ask. She was in tears, and told us that each time we spoke, she felt a "force" in her heart. That she knew it was true. We invited her to bring her husband, who works in Milan, to the next lesson, so that they can joy in the blessings of the gospel together. She agreed to do so! I feel very blessed to have been a part of that wonderful lesson! There are people that are so prepared!
Everything else is going well in Morbegno. We have been seeing so many littles miracles everywhere, that has confirmed to me that the Lord is mindful of us, and as we try our best, even when we don't see a lot of direct success, He will lead us to those that are searching. He certainly has done that this past week! I love you all very much, and pray for you always! Thank you so much for your support and prayers! Buenos dias!
--Anziano Wilson
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
OCTOBER 8, 2014
Buongiorno!! :)
Wow! What a great week! I feel so blessed to be where I am--surrounded by beautiful mountains and wonderful people! I have felt like these past few days, I have just been so...happy! Which is strange because I am SO exhausted! All. the. time. I was riding on the train back from a zone conference in Milano the other day, and I put my head down and closed my eyes to recite a few things in Italian I am trying to memorize...and I wake up to the phone ringing like 25 minutes later. I was like "oh man. I am so tired!" I looked over at my companion and he was laughing like "yeah you were totally out. Mouth hanging open and everything. I was like 'Should I wake him....nah' " heh. Whoops! But I just feel so much joy! It reminded me of a scripture I read recently in Alma chapter 36, versees 25 and 26. They read, "Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors; For because of the word which he has imparted unto me,behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God."
What a wonderful reminder to all of us that we find such great joy in bringing our brothers and sisters back to the knowledge and joy they once knew. I am so thankful to be where I am!
--Each zone conference we have something called "dying testimonies" from all the missionaries that are "dying" (going home). This week there was one of my good friends here in the mission, Anziano Garcia, from Perù. He is the current assistant to the President, and he is in our zone, so we got to hear his final testimony. What a blessing. He is a good man, and talked about the fact that we are here to be changed. "Just let the mission change you", he said. I know that I have been changed already in every good way, and continue to change and grow as the Great Blacksmith molds and shapes me into the instrument He needs me to become. I have really learned what the phrase in my setting-apart blessing meant when he said, "The Lord is not just sending you on a mission for the benefit of those you serve, but so that he can bless you more." That is so true. The mission isn't just for the investigators.
--Conference was AMAZING! What a great session! I still need to watch the Sunday evening, because it is at like 10:00 p.m. here, so we don't get to watch it. We had an investigator from Nigeria named Lucky come with us to Lecco. He loved it! After Anziano Holland's talk, he was like "that man has much power!" haha!
--I bought some sweet Italian shoes in Milan for like 70% off! Only 30 euro for real italian leather. Needless to say, they look *Christmas vacation: *click* real nice." I am going to try to not wear them during the winter though, I want them to stay nice for when I return. I heard they are good for returned missionaries, too. To help find "investigators". Whatever that means. :)
--"Just love every day" Quote of the week for me, given by a sister in her dying testimony.
--Miracle: This week's miracle for me was the zone conference! I left feeling so inspired! Something that touched me especially was the role play. We did a role play about contacting someone in a form of public transportation, in this case a bus. I have really been trying my best to talk to everyone wherever I go, but sometimes it is just hard! Because it was...strange. But I came to the realization that it just doesn't have to be weird at all! I feel like a lot of times I catch myself thinking "Okay, right now I'm going to go talk to that person over there about the gospel, and it will probably be a little weird, but it is the right thing to do, and so it will all work out." And then I just do it. But this time I realized something: It doesn't have to be like that! Something that Anziano Holland said a few conferences ago came to mind...about how when we truly love the people and want them to have what we have, "the gospel will just tumble out!" Like when a grandmother talks about her grandchildren, he says. That struck me. We don't have to worry about going up and saying some incredibly powerful statement that will change their life right away. We just have to try. Just talk to them and show them that we are different; happy. That we have something that they need; and then invite them to learn about it! We had some wonderful success on the train rides home, talking with people. We met a wonderful Bolivian woman on the metro, who asked us to give her a pass-along card and write the website on it. And we met a man from Ghana who had met with the missionaries many years ago in Africa. He knew all about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon! There are wonderful people all around us, we just need to talk with them!
Things are going well. We are working hard to have faith and the obedience that this area needs from it's missionaries. I know there are people prepared; we will find them! Thank you all so much for your love and prayers and support. I love you all and pray for you each night! Have a fantastic week full of gumdrops and peppermint and scented pre-halloween candles!
Love,
Anziano Wilson
Wow! What a great week! I feel so blessed to be where I am--surrounded by beautiful mountains and wonderful people! I have felt like these past few days, I have just been so...happy! Which is strange because I am SO exhausted! All. the. time. I was riding on the train back from a zone conference in Milano the other day, and I put my head down and closed my eyes to recite a few things in Italian I am trying to memorize...and I wake up to the phone ringing like 25 minutes later. I was like "oh man. I am so tired!" I looked over at my companion and he was laughing like "yeah you were totally out. Mouth hanging open and everything. I was like 'Should I wake him....nah' " heh. Whoops! But I just feel so much joy! It reminded me of a scripture I read recently in Alma chapter 36, versees 25 and 26. They read, "Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors; For because of the word which he has imparted unto me,behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God."
What a wonderful reminder to all of us that we find such great joy in bringing our brothers and sisters back to the knowledge and joy they once knew. I am so thankful to be where I am!
--Each zone conference we have something called "dying testimonies" from all the missionaries that are "dying" (going home). This week there was one of my good friends here in the mission, Anziano Garcia, from Perù. He is the current assistant to the President, and he is in our zone, so we got to hear his final testimony. What a blessing. He is a good man, and talked about the fact that we are here to be changed. "Just let the mission change you", he said. I know that I have been changed already in every good way, and continue to change and grow as the Great Blacksmith molds and shapes me into the instrument He needs me to become. I have really learned what the phrase in my setting-apart blessing meant when he said, "The Lord is not just sending you on a mission for the benefit of those you serve, but so that he can bless you more." That is so true. The mission isn't just for the investigators.
--Conference was AMAZING! What a great session! I still need to watch the Sunday evening, because it is at like 10:00 p.m. here, so we don't get to watch it. We had an investigator from Nigeria named Lucky come with us to Lecco. He loved it! After Anziano Holland's talk, he was like "that man has much power!" haha!
--I bought some sweet Italian shoes in Milan for like 70% off! Only 30 euro for real italian leather. Needless to say, they look *Christmas vacation: *click* real nice." I am going to try to not wear them during the winter though, I want them to stay nice for when I return. I heard they are good for returned missionaries, too. To help find "investigators". Whatever that means. :)
--"Just love every day" Quote of the week for me, given by a sister in her dying testimony.
--Miracle: This week's miracle for me was the zone conference! I left feeling so inspired! Something that touched me especially was the role play. We did a role play about contacting someone in a form of public transportation, in this case a bus. I have really been trying my best to talk to everyone wherever I go, but sometimes it is just hard! Because it was...strange. But I came to the realization that it just doesn't have to be weird at all! I feel like a lot of times I catch myself thinking "Okay, right now I'm going to go talk to that person over there about the gospel, and it will probably be a little weird, but it is the right thing to do, and so it will all work out." And then I just do it. But this time I realized something: It doesn't have to be like that! Something that Anziano Holland said a few conferences ago came to mind...about how when we truly love the people and want them to have what we have, "the gospel will just tumble out!" Like when a grandmother talks about her grandchildren, he says. That struck me. We don't have to worry about going up and saying some incredibly powerful statement that will change their life right away. We just have to try. Just talk to them and show them that we are different; happy. That we have something that they need; and then invite them to learn about it! We had some wonderful success on the train rides home, talking with people. We met a wonderful Bolivian woman on the metro, who asked us to give her a pass-along card and write the website on it. And we met a man from Ghana who had met with the missionaries many years ago in Africa. He knew all about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon! There are wonderful people all around us, we just need to talk with them!
Things are going well. We are working hard to have faith and the obedience that this area needs from it's missionaries. I know there are people prepared; we will find them! Thank you all so much for your love and prayers and support. I love you all and pray for you each night! Have a fantastic week full of gumdrops and peppermint and scented pre-halloween candles!
Love,
Anziano Wilson
Friday, October 3, 2014
OCTOBER 1, 2014
Buongiorno a tutti i miei cari amici e famiglia! Spaghetti, fusili, tortolloni!
This week has been such a wonderful week for me. Man, it flew by though! Where did September go?!
I am so very blessed, and thankful to be a missionary for our Savior. I have been really trying recently to forget myself and just go to work. Rely on the Lord and trust that as long as I am doing my very best, the Lord will do the rest. We have seen some amazing miracles in this special place.
--We held district meeting entirely in Italian this week!! woohoo! President Dibb wants the missionaries to improve dramatically in Italian (which I completely agree with. There are a lot of missionaries that unfortunately don't put a whole lot of effort into really mastering the language. They just learn enough to kind of get by. Don't do that!!) so we are supposed to hold meetings and stuff once a month entirely in Italian. I feel bad for the two new missionaries in our district, though! They looked so scared when I asked them what it means to pray with real intent. (In Italian). And so I just said it in English too, and then they gave great responses! :)
--We did shopping for the entire next month, today! That was a project! The closest grocery store (that has good prices...missionary prices) is like 10 miles away, but luckily we had a member volunteer to drive us there and back! That was a blessing! So we now have full shelves!! :)
--This last week I finally finished reading the entire Book of Mormon, cover to cover, in Italian!!!!! What a wonderful experience. It took me a little bit of time, but it was worth it! 630 pages of masterful teaching! (It's a little longer in Italian). I have grown so much closer to my Savior, and have improved dramatically not only my capacity to speak and read the Italian language, but also my knowledge and understanding of the Savior's teachings. It is funny, because at the beginning, like the entire book of first Nephi, you can tell how much I understood...(nothing!)...there isn't a single thing marked except the scripture masteries I found when I was in the MTC. :) But it was such a blessing to read it! Reading the testimonies of those ancient prophets in a different language for some reason just made so many things click. It is so much more clear; the things that they were saying make more sense! As I was about to leave, I will admit that one of my greatest fears was that I just didn't know very many things at all, doctrinally! I am so thankful for the knowledge and understanding that the Lord has given me as I have studied and prayed to understand. I consider it one of the greatest blessings of my mission.
--We had a dinner the other day...actually yesterday, with three investigators from English Class. What a great time that was! I have finally arrived at the point where I can make jokes in Italian!! FINALLY!!! I have been anxiously awaiting this day!!
--
Miracle: This week we had a wonderful miracle after church services on Sunday! We had about an hour between the end of church and the start of lunch, and so we decided to go to centro and hand out these things called "Sorriso del Giorno" that Anziano Strang and I came up with in Rimini. They are little pieces of paper with a quote from an Apostle or Prophet and a big smiley face next to it. They are great, especially in little towns like Morbegno! We handed out one to a middle aged man named Gianluca walking a little out of the way, just in passing, and didn't really think much of it...and then about 10 minutes later we crossed paths again, and he walked up to us all excited and said that he had read the back of the paper (where we had stamped it) and saw our church's address, and wanted to know where it is. We began a conversation about how much God loves us and how we are his children, and he gives us a church to help us get back to him. Then we tied that into the Restoration through Joseph Smith. As I said "Joseph Smith had great faith, but he just didn't know which church was true. He was searching for a long time for the church that would bring him closest to God..." and he interrupted me by saying, "Oh, kind of like me!..." What a golden comment! I was taken back by his preparation and faith, and his sincere desire to learn! He works all day 6 days a week, but we agreed on meeting him again this next Sunday, to watch some of the General Conference together. (We also made little hand-outs for general conference, so that made it really easy to tie that into the conversation.) He was so excited. As we finished praying together he looked up with the biggest smile. He will be a future leader of the church someday here in Italy, I am sure of it! We will meet him again on Sunday, and I am planning on giving him a call Friday just to see how things are going and everything. It was a special miracle. The Lord places people in our path, we just need to be available to him!
Things are going really, really well. We are working hard to find investigators to teach...and get them to church!! We made some outstanding (If I may say so myself) pass-along cards for General Conference this next week! AHHH!! General Conference!!! I almost forgot that it is in like THREE DAYS!!! I love General Conference! (I just hope they don't change around the members of the seventy and everything too much...that would mess up my general authority game ;) ) What a blessing to hear the voice our Father in Heaven through his chosen servants in these latter-days.
I love you guys a ton! I remember you always in my prayers and thank you so much for yours! I can feel the strength that comes from your prayers. I need them! Have a wonderful, fun-filled week! :)
Love,
Anziano Wilson
This week has been such a wonderful week for me. Man, it flew by though! Where did September go?!
I am so very blessed, and thankful to be a missionary for our Savior. I have been really trying recently to forget myself and just go to work. Rely on the Lord and trust that as long as I am doing my very best, the Lord will do the rest. We have seen some amazing miracles in this special place.
--We held district meeting entirely in Italian this week!! woohoo! President Dibb wants the missionaries to improve dramatically in Italian (which I completely agree with. There are a lot of missionaries that unfortunately don't put a whole lot of effort into really mastering the language. They just learn enough to kind of get by. Don't do that!!) so we are supposed to hold meetings and stuff once a month entirely in Italian. I feel bad for the two new missionaries in our district, though! They looked so scared when I asked them what it means to pray with real intent. (In Italian). And so I just said it in English too, and then they gave great responses! :)
--We did shopping for the entire next month, today! That was a project! The closest grocery store (that has good prices...missionary prices) is like 10 miles away, but luckily we had a member volunteer to drive us there and back! That was a blessing! So we now have full shelves!! :)
--This last week I finally finished reading the entire Book of Mormon, cover to cover, in Italian!!!!! What a wonderful experience. It took me a little bit of time, but it was worth it! 630 pages of masterful teaching! (It's a little longer in Italian). I have grown so much closer to my Savior, and have improved dramatically not only my capacity to speak and read the Italian language, but also my knowledge and understanding of the Savior's teachings. It is funny, because at the beginning, like the entire book of first Nephi, you can tell how much I understood...(nothing!)...there isn't a single thing marked except the scripture masteries I found when I was in the MTC. :) But it was such a blessing to read it! Reading the testimonies of those ancient prophets in a different language for some reason just made so many things click. It is so much more clear; the things that they were saying make more sense! As I was about to leave, I will admit that one of my greatest fears was that I just didn't know very many things at all, doctrinally! I am so thankful for the knowledge and understanding that the Lord has given me as I have studied and prayed to understand. I consider it one of the greatest blessings of my mission.
--We had a dinner the other day...actually yesterday, with three investigators from English Class. What a great time that was! I have finally arrived at the point where I can make jokes in Italian!! FINALLY!!! I have been anxiously awaiting this day!!
--
Miracle: This week we had a wonderful miracle after church services on Sunday! We had about an hour between the end of church and the start of lunch, and so we decided to go to centro and hand out these things called "Sorriso del Giorno" that Anziano Strang and I came up with in Rimini. They are little pieces of paper with a quote from an Apostle or Prophet and a big smiley face next to it. They are great, especially in little towns like Morbegno! We handed out one to a middle aged man named Gianluca walking a little out of the way, just in passing, and didn't really think much of it...and then about 10 minutes later we crossed paths again, and he walked up to us all excited and said that he had read the back of the paper (where we had stamped it) and saw our church's address, and wanted to know where it is. We began a conversation about how much God loves us and how we are his children, and he gives us a church to help us get back to him. Then we tied that into the Restoration through Joseph Smith. As I said "Joseph Smith had great faith, but he just didn't know which church was true. He was searching for a long time for the church that would bring him closest to God..." and he interrupted me by saying, "Oh, kind of like me!..." What a golden comment! I was taken back by his preparation and faith, and his sincere desire to learn! He works all day 6 days a week, but we agreed on meeting him again this next Sunday, to watch some of the General Conference together. (We also made little hand-outs for general conference, so that made it really easy to tie that into the conversation.) He was so excited. As we finished praying together he looked up with the biggest smile. He will be a future leader of the church someday here in Italy, I am sure of it! We will meet him again on Sunday, and I am planning on giving him a call Friday just to see how things are going and everything. It was a special miracle. The Lord places people in our path, we just need to be available to him!
Things are going really, really well. We are working hard to find investigators to teach...and get them to church!! We made some outstanding (If I may say so myself) pass-along cards for General Conference this next week! AHHH!! General Conference!!! I almost forgot that it is in like THREE DAYS!!! I love General Conference! (I just hope they don't change around the members of the seventy and everything too much...that would mess up my general authority game ;) ) What a blessing to hear the voice our Father in Heaven through his chosen servants in these latter-days.
I love you guys a ton! I remember you always in my prayers and thank you so much for yours! I can feel the strength that comes from your prayers. I need them! Have a wonderful, fun-filled week! :)
Love,
Anziano Wilson
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
SEPTEMBER 24, 2014
Greetings and salutations to all, and to all a buona notte!
This week has been really great; we have really been working hard and seeing so many miracles. My new companion, Anziano Kessler, is a champion! One of the first things I told him was that Morbegno needs two things, work and faith. And that we were going to hit the streets and work hard with faith that the Lord will go before us and prepare the hearts of his precious children here. He agreed to not fight me on it, so that is always a plus! I need someone who is willing to work hard with me! He is a good guy. From California, and he was a gymnastics trainer! So I will probably get him to show me how to do a backflip....or maybe I better not. (Dad, remember that day when I was in the park for like an hour trying to do a backflip off of a tree? haha. Not the best spent hour of my life you could say.)
(Here's a little side note: so in a district meeting a few months ago, Anziano Burton, who was Anziano Kessler's trainer, made a comment. We had just read in Preach My Gospel, where it says something to the effect of, "use every honorable means to find new investigators", and his comment was just classic: "I think that something important here, that it kind of implies, is that there are also many dishonorable ways to try to find new investigators. For example. Anziano Kessler and I once tried a technique called "flip and sing". Where if the people would listen to us I would sing for them [he is an amazing singer], and Anziano Kessler would do a backflip. It DIDNT work!.." It was so funny! So don't do that!)
But we are seeing some Amazing miracles here in this special town. It is a little strange to be writing in English right now, because to help Anziano Kessler (and also me!) to improve a lot in Italian, we are going the entire week only speaking Italian...all the time! So that has been fun! It is definitely a lot easier now than it was when Anziano Strang and I did it in my 4th transfer last February!
--Last week we had a whopping 7 people in Church! I was called on on the spot to give a talk...so that was fun! It actually didn't go too bad :) But it was one of the most spiritually uplifting Church blocks I have ever attended. Something wonderful about the fact that we are small, is that everyone feels like they are really important--and they are!--and so everyone is really missionary minded and ready to help in any way they can!
--We met an amazing 80 year-old on the street this week. We had just finished a lesson with Ramon (he is not doing so well), and we got up and on the bench next to us was sitting this man. We went up to give him a little hand out with a smiley face and a quote from the prophet on it (We call them Smiles of the Day :) ), and he was just like "Oh I can't read anymore! But come here and let's talk about why it's so important to be happy!" And we talked for about a half hour! He agrees with so much of the doctrine taught in the first lesson, The Restoration. We talked about the Savior's earthly ministry, the Great Apostasy, and Joseph Smith. He agreed with everything we said, giving indepth reasoning from his life experiences and religious background as to why. He even basically outlined the Plan of Salvation right there for us! It amazed me how he knew so much without ever reading the Book of Mormon, and so I asked. And he just said that he felt it. That when something is really true, you just feel it! That was so powerful for me.
--Giuliano, the man that I talked about last week in the miracle, called us this week to thank us so much for being there to comfort him. He is now in Allessandria working and living with his nephew, on his way to starting a new life for himself! It was such a blessing to hear how thankful he was; I was thankful as well that the Lord allowed us to be in the right place at the right time. Being a missionary is so special!
--I bought another "american" pizza today! I feel like I'm home!....in Italy.
--We had a hilarious English class this week; the place we do it at is a campus thing for Young kids, run by the government, and so they did some advertising for us. We had around 10 new people show up! It was great! One of the highlights is when we were going around the room saying one word each trying to make a sentence. "The bat flew in the kitchen and tried to kill my mother and I helped my mother because I am good boy and want her alive." Italians. It was better than "I like very a mushroom", though!
Miracle: This weeks miracle was kind of a more personal miracle, for me. I gave my first district training to my district this week, and it was just such a wonderful experience for me. I talked about how faith is the opposite of fear, and why it is so important that we have faith as missionaries. I asked about example of faith in the scriptures and in our lives, and heard some powerful testimonies. One of the quotes I used was from Elder Holland, who said something like "you cannot kindle the fire of testimony in the heart of someone else if you do not already have a burning flame of testimony already ignited in your own heart." That really touched me when it came to my mind as I was preparing. It is so true. I am thankful for the testimony that the Lord has blessed me with, and for the privilege I have to share it with the people of Italy.
It was a special experience to be able to bear my testimony and help to grow the faith of the wonderful missionaries in our district. I have been touched as the Lord has helped me so much to become who he needs me to be, even just in the sense of leading a few other missionaries. My compassion and love for the other missionaires and their investigators has grown so much, and I just feel a burning desire to help them succeed. I still am super nervous, because I always looked up to the district leader, even if just subconciously, for an example, but I pray that the Lord will bless me with the talents and abilities I need to magnify this calling.
This week has been really great; we have really been working hard and seeing so many miracles. My new companion, Anziano Kessler, is a champion! One of the first things I told him was that Morbegno needs two things, work and faith. And that we were going to hit the streets and work hard with faith that the Lord will go before us and prepare the hearts of his precious children here. He agreed to not fight me on it, so that is always a plus! I need someone who is willing to work hard with me! He is a good guy. From California, and he was a gymnastics trainer! So I will probably get him to show me how to do a backflip....or maybe I better not. (Dad, remember that day when I was in the park for like an hour trying to do a backflip off of a tree? haha. Not the best spent hour of my life you could say.)
(Here's a little side note: so in a district meeting a few months ago, Anziano Burton, who was Anziano Kessler's trainer, made a comment. We had just read in Preach My Gospel, where it says something to the effect of, "use every honorable means to find new investigators", and his comment was just classic: "I think that something important here, that it kind of implies, is that there are also many dishonorable ways to try to find new investigators. For example. Anziano Kessler and I once tried a technique called "flip and sing". Where if the people would listen to us I would sing for them [he is an amazing singer], and Anziano Kessler would do a backflip. It DIDNT work!.." It was so funny! So don't do that!)
But we are seeing some Amazing miracles here in this special town. It is a little strange to be writing in English right now, because to help Anziano Kessler (and also me!) to improve a lot in Italian, we are going the entire week only speaking Italian...all the time! So that has been fun! It is definitely a lot easier now than it was when Anziano Strang and I did it in my 4th transfer last February!
--Last week we had a whopping 7 people in Church! I was called on on the spot to give a talk...so that was fun! It actually didn't go too bad :) But it was one of the most spiritually uplifting Church blocks I have ever attended. Something wonderful about the fact that we are small, is that everyone feels like they are really important--and they are!--and so everyone is really missionary minded and ready to help in any way they can!
--We met an amazing 80 year-old on the street this week. We had just finished a lesson with Ramon (he is not doing so well), and we got up and on the bench next to us was sitting this man. We went up to give him a little hand out with a smiley face and a quote from the prophet on it (We call them Smiles of the Day :) ), and he was just like "Oh I can't read anymore! But come here and let's talk about why it's so important to be happy!" And we talked for about a half hour! He agrees with so much of the doctrine taught in the first lesson, The Restoration. We talked about the Savior's earthly ministry, the Great Apostasy, and Joseph Smith. He agreed with everything we said, giving indepth reasoning from his life experiences and religious background as to why. He even basically outlined the Plan of Salvation right there for us! It amazed me how he knew so much without ever reading the Book of Mormon, and so I asked. And he just said that he felt it. That when something is really true, you just feel it! That was so powerful for me.
--Giuliano, the man that I talked about last week in the miracle, called us this week to thank us so much for being there to comfort him. He is now in Allessandria working and living with his nephew, on his way to starting a new life for himself! It was such a blessing to hear how thankful he was; I was thankful as well that the Lord allowed us to be in the right place at the right time. Being a missionary is so special!
--I bought another "american" pizza today! I feel like I'm home!....in Italy.
--We had a hilarious English class this week; the place we do it at is a campus thing for Young kids, run by the government, and so they did some advertising for us. We had around 10 new people show up! It was great! One of the highlights is when we were going around the room saying one word each trying to make a sentence. "The bat flew in the kitchen and tried to kill my mother and I helped my mother because I am good boy and want her alive." Italians. It was better than "I like very a mushroom", though!
Miracle: This weeks miracle was kind of a more personal miracle, for me. I gave my first district training to my district this week, and it was just such a wonderful experience for me. I talked about how faith is the opposite of fear, and why it is so important that we have faith as missionaries. I asked about example of faith in the scriptures and in our lives, and heard some powerful testimonies. One of the quotes I used was from Elder Holland, who said something like "you cannot kindle the fire of testimony in the heart of someone else if you do not already have a burning flame of testimony already ignited in your own heart." That really touched me when it came to my mind as I was preparing. It is so true. I am thankful for the testimony that the Lord has blessed me with, and for the privilege I have to share it with the people of Italy.
It was a special experience to be able to bear my testimony and help to grow the faith of the wonderful missionaries in our district. I have been touched as the Lord has helped me so much to become who he needs me to be, even just in the sense of leading a few other missionaries. My compassion and love for the other missionaires and their investigators has grown so much, and I just feel a burning desire to help them succeed. I still am super nervous, because I always looked up to the district leader, even if just subconciously, for an example, but I pray that the Lord will bless me with the talents and abilities I need to magnify this calling.
I love you all a lot, and thank you for your
prayers and the great people you are and the great things you are doing! I
remember you Always in my prayers! Have a wonderful week!
-Anziano WilsonWednesday, September 17, 2014
SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
What a wonderful week! I just love being a missionary so much. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
--First big news is that transfers are this next week. The time is just flying by these days. My companion is getting transferred, so I will be in Morbegno with Anziano Kessler. Luckily Morbegno is small so I know my way around enough, since I have only been here for 6 weeks! But I am really excited for the next transfer, I am planning on making some big changes to how the work is done here; with the arrival of a new missionary it is a perfect time. "If we always do what we have always done, we will always get what we have always gotten". I just feel like Morbegno needs more than finding and friendshipping in the bars around town, and talking about English class. I am planning on really relying on the Lord, even if "noone accepts the gospel here", as I have heard many times from...certain people (person). I don't believe that! I know there are people ready, it just depends on our faith and willingness to sacrifice for the Lord's will and be exactly obedient. The Lord will place them in our path. I have faith in that promise. So we are going to hit the streets! I am excited! I have been called to serve as the district leader in this area of missionaries, and am humbled to think that the Lord sees me worthy to do so. I hope to have his spirit always with me to know what this area needs, and what his precious children need here to find the gospel and joy in the blessings therein.
--We found another bike tire! So my companion will be arriving with a functioning bike afer all! We got it from Lecco, since the missionaries there had an extra one. Bikes cost around 50 euro, and a new tire is like 35 euro...so luckily they had one! Italy.
--I had a chance this week to look up some stories of my ancestors...it was inspiring. I am so blessed to be in a family line with so many inspiring examples of selfless sacrifice. There is a Doctrine and Covenants clip on one of our missionary DVDs with the story of John Tanner. It is called...something like "Treasures in Heaven". It brought me to tears...the allergies I mean. But it was so inspiring to know that I am related to him and so many others of faith. It makes me want to work harder and sacrifice more so that those who come after me can use it an inspiration as I have.
--In english class this week we were showing Italians how to throw a football (you would be amazed at how many times I had to say "you don't kick a football!...no, not a futbol...football americano!".
Miracle: Our miracle this week was so wonderful. A little long, but I will quote the last part from my journal so It's easier. Last Saturday we were returning from Sondrio; arriving at the station in Morbegno, and so we walked past the bar across from the station, when someone yelled at us "Hey! Mormons! Why did Joseph Smith go to jail?!" and commenced trying to argue with us. I went over there and gladly bore testimony of Joseph Smith and his life, and then about what we do as missionaries (clarify things about church history, answer questions, etc.), and why, for about 30 minutes. Nothing else really happened that night, other than that we invited them to English class and then to church the next day.
Midway through church the next week, right after Gospel Principles, two of them showed up in church! Their names are Rigo and Riguerdo, one from Bolivia and one from Honduras. Rigo, who has been inactive in the church for 16 years, told us about how his heart was touched by pure testimony and felt that he was missing something in his life. Riguerdo admitted that he was almost in tears as well. They were fellowshipped by all (7) of the members and us two missionaries had the opportunity to bear testimony during the meeting. The spirit was so strong, and it was a humbling experience for me to know that even at the times when you don't expect it, the Spirit can touch hearts. What a blessing!
" Sunday Sep. 14 2014-We experienced a marvelous miracle tonight. It starts at the beginning of the day. We went to visit an investigator for lunch, and she didnt want the totolloni we brought, so we ate something else, and we later brought it to the bar to put in the fridge while we went to Sondrio to teach Benjamin. We arrived at Sondrio, and taught a fast ten minute lesson, because we felt impressed to talke the very next train back. On the train ride home I sat across from a young man, Alessandro, started a conversation with him by asking how long it took to get to Morbegno (which I already knew :) ) ...and we began a gospel conversation about the Book of Mormon. I explained to him how two witnesses confirm the truth of all things, wrote him a breif dedica, and he accepted the book eagerly! He was so excited about it, and lives in nearby Tirano. We exchanged phone numbers and are planning on visiting him soon!
The greatest part of this miracle happened at 8:30pm while we were hurrying to an appintment with Ramon. We walked by this 60 year old man, said good evening, and then I noticed after we walked past, he had tears in his eyes. Immediately, I turned around to see him walking away, turned back forward to see my companion walking ahead...and then it's almost as if I was physically turned back toward the man again, with the clear impression, "talk with that man." ringing in my ears. I told my companion we needed to talk with him, and we hurried back to him, finding him in uncontrollable tears. We told him we were there to listen to anything he had to say, and finally he broke-down, telling us through tears that his wife had recently left him for a rich man from Switzerland, and that they wont allow him to see his children. It has been two years since he has seen them; the youngest is eight years old. He told us that he had lost everything--his job, his house, and now his children. That he had come to wait in Morbegno for hours in hopes of catching a glimpse of his children walking home from school, but the he wasn't able to see them at all. He told us that he had lost hope; that his mother and sister had both died within six months, and that he wondered how God could leave him alone like this. I testified to him that God hadn't left him alone. God loved him, and that sometimes the Lord brings us low, so that He can lift us higher. That we had met for a reason. We spoke for thirty minutes about the plan that God has for us, and the true meaning of life. We left him with a prayer for his family, and gave him the kilo of tortolloni we had with us--kept fresh in the refrigerator at the bar (it is amazing how things like that work out.), and exchanged phone numbers. We will keep in touch very soon.
I marvel at the great work of the Almighty God. Of his mysterious and wonderful ways. How grateful I am for the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the faith, peace, and comfort that he has always provided me with. The Almighty God loves us. He knows us. He hears his chidrens' prayers. How blessed I am. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
What a blessing it is to be a missionary. I love you all very much, and I am thankful for your prayers and support in all that I do. All is well here, I remember you all in my prayers each night! Have a wonderful week!
-Anziano Wilson
--First big news is that transfers are this next week. The time is just flying by these days. My companion is getting transferred, so I will be in Morbegno with Anziano Kessler. Luckily Morbegno is small so I know my way around enough, since I have only been here for 6 weeks! But I am really excited for the next transfer, I am planning on making some big changes to how the work is done here; with the arrival of a new missionary it is a perfect time. "If we always do what we have always done, we will always get what we have always gotten". I just feel like Morbegno needs more than finding and friendshipping in the bars around town, and talking about English class. I am planning on really relying on the Lord, even if "noone accepts the gospel here", as I have heard many times from...certain people (person). I don't believe that! I know there are people ready, it just depends on our faith and willingness to sacrifice for the Lord's will and be exactly obedient. The Lord will place them in our path. I have faith in that promise. So we are going to hit the streets! I am excited! I have been called to serve as the district leader in this area of missionaries, and am humbled to think that the Lord sees me worthy to do so. I hope to have his spirit always with me to know what this area needs, and what his precious children need here to find the gospel and joy in the blessings therein.
--We found another bike tire! So my companion will be arriving with a functioning bike afer all! We got it from Lecco, since the missionaries there had an extra one. Bikes cost around 50 euro, and a new tire is like 35 euro...so luckily they had one! Italy.
--I had a chance this week to look up some stories of my ancestors...it was inspiring. I am so blessed to be in a family line with so many inspiring examples of selfless sacrifice. There is a Doctrine and Covenants clip on one of our missionary DVDs with the story of John Tanner. It is called...something like "Treasures in Heaven". It brought me to tears...the allergies I mean. But it was so inspiring to know that I am related to him and so many others of faith. It makes me want to work harder and sacrifice more so that those who come after me can use it an inspiration as I have.
--In english class this week we were showing Italians how to throw a football (you would be amazed at how many times I had to say "you don't kick a football!...no, not a futbol...football americano!".
Miracle: Our miracle this week was so wonderful. A little long, but I will quote the last part from my journal so It's easier. Last Saturday we were returning from Sondrio; arriving at the station in Morbegno, and so we walked past the bar across from the station, when someone yelled at us "Hey! Mormons! Why did Joseph Smith go to jail?!" and commenced trying to argue with us. I went over there and gladly bore testimony of Joseph Smith and his life, and then about what we do as missionaries (clarify things about church history, answer questions, etc.), and why, for about 30 minutes. Nothing else really happened that night, other than that we invited them to English class and then to church the next day.
Midway through church the next week, right after Gospel Principles, two of them showed up in church! Their names are Rigo and Riguerdo, one from Bolivia and one from Honduras. Rigo, who has been inactive in the church for 16 years, told us about how his heart was touched by pure testimony and felt that he was missing something in his life. Riguerdo admitted that he was almost in tears as well. They were fellowshipped by all (7) of the members and us two missionaries had the opportunity to bear testimony during the meeting. The spirit was so strong, and it was a humbling experience for me to know that even at the times when you don't expect it, the Spirit can touch hearts. What a blessing!
" Sunday Sep. 14 2014-We experienced a marvelous miracle tonight. It starts at the beginning of the day. We went to visit an investigator for lunch, and she didnt want the totolloni we brought, so we ate something else, and we later brought it to the bar to put in the fridge while we went to Sondrio to teach Benjamin. We arrived at Sondrio, and taught a fast ten minute lesson, because we felt impressed to talke the very next train back. On the train ride home I sat across from a young man, Alessandro, started a conversation with him by asking how long it took to get to Morbegno (which I already knew :) ) ...and we began a gospel conversation about the Book of Mormon. I explained to him how two witnesses confirm the truth of all things, wrote him a breif dedica, and he accepted the book eagerly! He was so excited about it, and lives in nearby Tirano. We exchanged phone numbers and are planning on visiting him soon!
The greatest part of this miracle happened at 8:30pm while we were hurrying to an appintment with Ramon. We walked by this 60 year old man, said good evening, and then I noticed after we walked past, he had tears in his eyes. Immediately, I turned around to see him walking away, turned back forward to see my companion walking ahead...and then it's almost as if I was physically turned back toward the man again, with the clear impression, "talk with that man." ringing in my ears. I told my companion we needed to talk with him, and we hurried back to him, finding him in uncontrollable tears. We told him we were there to listen to anything he had to say, and finally he broke-down, telling us through tears that his wife had recently left him for a rich man from Switzerland, and that they wont allow him to see his children. It has been two years since he has seen them; the youngest is eight years old. He told us that he had lost everything--his job, his house, and now his children. That he had come to wait in Morbegno for hours in hopes of catching a glimpse of his children walking home from school, but the he wasn't able to see them at all. He told us that he had lost hope; that his mother and sister had both died within six months, and that he wondered how God could leave him alone like this. I testified to him that God hadn't left him alone. God loved him, and that sometimes the Lord brings us low, so that He can lift us higher. That we had met for a reason. We spoke for thirty minutes about the plan that God has for us, and the true meaning of life. We left him with a prayer for his family, and gave him the kilo of tortolloni we had with us--kept fresh in the refrigerator at the bar (it is amazing how things like that work out.), and exchanged phone numbers. We will keep in touch very soon.
I marvel at the great work of the Almighty God. Of his mysterious and wonderful ways. How grateful I am for the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the faith, peace, and comfort that he has always provided me with. The Almighty God loves us. He knows us. He hears his chidrens' prayers. How blessed I am. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
What a blessing it is to be a missionary. I love you all very much, and I am thankful for your prayers and support in all that I do. All is well here, I remember you all in my prayers each night! Have a wonderful week!
-Anziano Wilson
Monday, September 15, 2014
SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
This week has sure been a week! And a missionary week is
always a good week! Well, we have been working hard and
working hard! This place is a special place, but it sure needs
some work! But, to quote the hockey-pokey, "That's what it's
all about!":) *ba dum ching* ... this Italy place is killing my
humor.
--We had an AMAZING zone conference in Milano just
yesterday..that was a wonderful experience. One of the
greatest things that I
took away from it was a quote by Elder Bednar, "if we always
do what we've always done, we will always get what we have
always gotten." This, coupled with "The Lord's hastening of
his work requires us continuously to learn, to change, and to
press forward with faith in the Savior", two quotes from the
recent mission president's training meeting, were some of
President Dibb's most direct messages. He is a great
mission president; I always leave inspired and charged to do
the work of the Lord.
--I am doing email at an investigator's house (again, since
there is no internet point in Morbegno it is so small), and their
cat is crawling all over the place. Just a side note. Also their
dog's name is "Dog" (in english). haha!
--I was also impressed yesterday by a verse that was
mentioned in zone conference--one of my favorites that I had
forgotten over these past months. It is in Mosiah 4:19, and
reads, "Behold, are we not all beggars?..." Ever since the first
time I read that, it has touched me. We all depend on God for
all that we have, and all that we do. Especially as
missionaries. It reminds me of my missionary scripture in
alma 26:12, for I remember that without the Lord, I truly am
nothing. Many days I have begged the Lord for help or
strength, and i have felt his strength and love come, so many
times. And it is the same thing for all of our Heavenly Father's
children that he loves so dearly. If we ask, he will give it to
us. I have seen that so many times. Being a missionary is
just the greatest thing!
--Before i forget, happy birthday to Mels!
are already turning 9! ;) (sorry for always forgetting about
everyone elses...)
--We have been having some great experiences with English
class. There is a 15-year-old boy that comes, Gabriele, that is
really making some awesome steps. A few weeks ago he
wasn't interested at all, like nothing at all. But these past few
weeks we have been friendshipping him, and showing him
that we are just normal kids that like to have fun, too! Once
he found out that we aren't just robots here to dunk people in
the water, but that we share this things with others because
they change lives for the better, and because we want the
best for all of our Heavenly Father's children....he opened up!
He told us the other day that he prayed for 30 minutes the
other day...for one of the only times in his life! It was
wonderful! :)
-Miracle: This week we experienced a wonderful miracle as
we went to Lecco for fast and testimony meeting. One of our
investigators, Ramon, came with us on the train (a 2 hour
journey), and had a wonderful experience! We brought him
one of Anziano Smith's old white shirts and a tie to wear, and
he was very grateful! We showed him how to tie a tie, and he
was very proud of it, you could tell (epecially when I told him
it was American...)! The fast and testimony meeting was a
great meeting, and he really had a great experience. All of
the members were really wonderful and accepting, and at
least three asked him when he was going to be baptized...
(you've got to love the Italians. :P) We are taking things really
slow with him, but he is progressing really well...this is his
third week in a row in church!
Everything else is going really well, we are working our
hardest to get three investigators each week! I have been
recently really trying to mesh my will with God's will, and am
trying to do the things that he would want me to do, rather
than what I would prefer to do.. I really enjoyed that quote
from Elder Bednar, "If we always do what we have always
done, we will always get what we have always gotten." i
appreciated it, and am trying to apply it in my mission when
things hit a stand-still.
I love you all very much and am grateful for your prayers
and love. I feel the strength and health that comes from a
righteous and wonderful family each day. I remember you all
in my prayers.
Love,
-Anziano Wilson
always a good week! Well, we have been working hard and
working hard! This place is a special place, but it sure needs
some work! But, to quote the hockey-pokey, "That's what it's
all about!":) *ba dum ching* ... this Italy place is killing my
humor.
--We had an AMAZING zone conference in Milano just
yesterday..that was a wonderful experience. One of the
greatest things that I
took away from it was a quote by Elder Bednar, "if we always
do what we've always done, we will always get what we have
always gotten." This, coupled with "The Lord's hastening of
his work requires us continuously to learn, to change, and to
press forward with faith in the Savior", two quotes from the
recent mission president's training meeting, were some of
President Dibb's most direct messages. He is a great
mission president; I always leave inspired and charged to do
the work of the Lord.
--I am doing email at an investigator's house (again, since
there is no internet point in Morbegno it is so small), and their
cat is crawling all over the place. Just a side note. Also their
dog's name is "Dog" (in english). haha!
--I was also impressed yesterday by a verse that was
mentioned in zone conference--one of my favorites that I had
forgotten over these past months. It is in Mosiah 4:19, and
reads, "Behold, are we not all beggars?..." Ever since the first
time I read that, it has touched me. We all depend on God for
all that we have, and all that we do. Especially as
missionaries. It reminds me of my missionary scripture in
alma 26:12, for I remember that without the Lord, I truly am
nothing. Many days I have begged the Lord for help or
strength, and i have felt his strength and love come, so many
times. And it is the same thing for all of our Heavenly Father's
children that he loves so dearly. If we ask, he will give it to
us. I have seen that so many times. Being a missionary is
just the greatest thing!
--Before i forget, happy birthday to Mels!
are already turning 9! ;) (sorry for always forgetting about
everyone elses...)
--We have been having some great experiences with English
class. There is a 15-year-old boy that comes, Gabriele, that is
really making some awesome steps. A few weeks ago he
wasn't interested at all, like nothing at all. But these past few
weeks we have been friendshipping him, and showing him
that we are just normal kids that like to have fun, too! Once
he found out that we aren't just robots here to dunk people in
the water, but that we share this things with others because
they change lives for the better, and because we want the
best for all of our Heavenly Father's children....he opened up!
He told us the other day that he prayed for 30 minutes the
other day...for one of the only times in his life! It was
wonderful! :)
-Miracle: This week we experienced a wonderful miracle as
we went to Lecco for fast and testimony meeting. One of our
investigators, Ramon, came with us on the train (a 2 hour
journey), and had a wonderful experience! We brought him
one of Anziano Smith's old white shirts and a tie to wear, and
he was very grateful! We showed him how to tie a tie, and he
was very proud of it, you could tell (epecially when I told him
it was American...)! The fast and testimony meeting was a
great meeting, and he really had a great experience. All of
the members were really wonderful and accepting, and at
least three asked him when he was going to be baptized...
(you've got to love the Italians. :P) We are taking things really
slow with him, but he is progressing really well...this is his
third week in a row in church!
Everything else is going really well, we are working our
hardest to get three investigators each week! I have been
recently really trying to mesh my will with God's will, and am
trying to do the things that he would want me to do, rather
than what I would prefer to do.. I really enjoyed that quote
from Elder Bednar, "If we always do what we have always
done, we will always get what we have always gotten." i
appreciated it, and am trying to apply it in my mission when
things hit a stand-still.
I love you all very much and am grateful for your prayers
and love. I feel the strength and health that comes from a
righteous and wonderful family each day. I remember you all
in my prayers.
Love,
-Anziano Wilson
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
Caro famiglia,
This week we have been working really hard, and just having
a great time! The people here in Morbegno are so great; they
have so much potential. The hardest thing is to just get them
to realize that we are just regular people--not robots-- with
true and strong testimonies of how our Savior can bless our
lives with the peace and happiness that all of us desire every
day of our lives.
I feel like this past little time I have had to spend with the
Italians in their own country has helped me to develop a real
love for their lifestyle and thoughts and dreams, and I just
know that the best way that I can help them to accomplish
their dreams and realize their true potential and happiness is
by sharing the greatest gift I have ever received--a testimony
of our Savior and His love for us.
--I FINALLY met an Italian who likes to play basketball more
than soccer!! Miracle!! ...But his ankle is sprained right now,
so I will have to wait a few more weeks to play! Get excited!
--We had some super good pizza today--bacon and eggs
and onions. Italians and their pizza.
--So here in Morbegno we received permission to purchase
abbonamentos for the trains...so for the whole month we get
to ride for "free", ( at the beginning of the month we pay
£103) without having to buy tickets every time. That shows
how much we travel!...yikes.
--This past week I was reading out of a book one of the
missionaries in Lecco has, called The Power of Everyday
Missionaries. What an amazing book! It talks about the
importance, power, and easiness of doing missionary work in
our everyday lives. It shows that it doesn't have to be
something planned out for weeks, or all fancy. One of the
things that I remember it saying struck me. He said
something about how our success in missionary work comes
from the inviting, not the results of who we invite. And that
really got me thinking: Too many times we think that success
in missionary work comes from the results--from people
coming to church, or being baptized, or accepting to read the
Book of Mormon, or whatever it may be--when in reality the
true purpose of missionary work is to "Invite others to come
unto Christ, by helping them receive the restored gospel
through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement,
repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and
enduring to the end..." To invite. That is our purpose. The
success comes from the invitation, not from the result. And
that really meant a lot to me. Sometimes it is hard to bear
testimony to someone from your heart and then invite them
to learn more, only to have them throw it back in your face.
But this helped me realize, that my purpose as a full-time
missionary, and every members' purpose as a member of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--the Lord's
kingdom established on the earth--is to invite. Invite
everyone. And when we invite, the Lord smiles upon us,
because he loves us and loves the people we are inviting. He
is glad we gave them at least an opportunity. That was a bit
of a game-changer for me.
--A gave a talk this week in church on prophets. What a great
topic! I found so many great insights. One that I particularly
appreciated, was the last point: Prophets are called to bear
witness of, and call others to come unto, Christ. I quoted
from the last chapter of Moroni in the Book of Mormon, this
"a dying man's testimony of the only true way" as Elder
Holland once put it, is what it says: "Yea, come unto Christ,
and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all
ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all
ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind, and
strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace
ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are
perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
What a powerful witness of Christ, and the perfect example
of an invitation to come unto Him, and be perfected in Him. I
love that. Be perfected in Him. It is true, and it is the only
way!
Miracle: This week we had another wonderful miracle in
church! Sorella Nympha, one of the members in our group,
brought her friend, Vilma, again in church! This is the third
week in a row! And because our group leader is still in Spain,
we were teaching the gospel principles lesson again, on the
Restoration, and it went really well! Halfway through the
lesson, Vilma just out-of-the-blue asked some really good
questions about prophets and the origin of our church, and
brought up all of these concerns that her husband had told
her before, such as "Oh yeah, go and join the Mormon church,
that way I can have a few more wives!". So the lesson turned
from gospel principles, to all 4 of the members helping us to
answer her concerns. We gave her a Book of Mormon to
read, and she was very interested in it! During my talk, on
prophets and revelation, all the members were helping her to
find the scriptures used, so that she could read them right
then. She seemed to really just be in awe of the clarity and
power that is contained therein, especially in the final chapter
of Moroni, when he invites all to come unto Christ. It was a
wonderful experience to see her faith and understanding
grow so much in such a short period of time. We are
planning on working closely with Sorella Nympha to organize
a way to meet with Vilma during the week.
Things in Morbegno are looking pretty good. There are so
many people here with so much potential, but just not a
whole lot of will to change their lifestyle. We are working on
that, and with the help of the Lord I know we will see
miracles! I love you all and thank you for all you do and are.
I remember you in my prayers! Love,
-Anziano Wilson
This week we have been working really hard, and just having
a great time! The people here in Morbegno are so great; they
have so much potential. The hardest thing is to just get them
to realize that we are just regular people--not robots-- with
true and strong testimonies of how our Savior can bless our
lives with the peace and happiness that all of us desire every
day of our lives.
I feel like this past little time I have had to spend with the
Italians in their own country has helped me to develop a real
love for their lifestyle and thoughts and dreams, and I just
know that the best way that I can help them to accomplish
their dreams and realize their true potential and happiness is
by sharing the greatest gift I have ever received--a testimony
of our Savior and His love for us.
--I FINALLY met an Italian who likes to play basketball more
than soccer!! Miracle!! ...But his ankle is sprained right now,
so I will have to wait a few more weeks to play! Get excited!
--We had some super good pizza today--bacon and eggs
and onions. Italians and their pizza.
--So here in Morbegno we received permission to purchase
abbonamentos for the trains...so for the whole month we get
to ride for "free", ( at the beginning of the month we pay
£103) without having to buy tickets every time. That shows
how much we travel!...yikes.
--This past week I was reading out of a book one of the
missionaries in Lecco has, called The Power of Everyday
Missionaries. What an amazing book! It talks about the
importance, power, and easiness of doing missionary work in
our everyday lives. It shows that it doesn't have to be
something planned out for weeks, or all fancy. One of the
things that I remember it saying struck me. He said
something about how our success in missionary work comes
from the inviting, not the results of who we invite. And that
really got me thinking: Too many times we think that success
in missionary work comes from the results--from people
coming to church, or being baptized, or accepting to read the
Book of Mormon, or whatever it may be--when in reality the
true purpose of missionary work is to "Invite others to come
unto Christ, by helping them receive the restored gospel
through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement,
repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and
enduring to the end..." To invite. That is our purpose. The
success comes from the invitation, not from the result. And
that really meant a lot to me. Sometimes it is hard to bear
testimony to someone from your heart and then invite them
to learn more, only to have them throw it back in your face.
But this helped me realize, that my purpose as a full-time
missionary, and every members' purpose as a member of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--the Lord's
kingdom established on the earth--is to invite. Invite
everyone. And when we invite, the Lord smiles upon us,
because he loves us and loves the people we are inviting. He
is glad we gave them at least an opportunity. That was a bit
of a game-changer for me.
--A gave a talk this week in church on prophets. What a great
topic! I found so many great insights. One that I particularly
appreciated, was the last point: Prophets are called to bear
witness of, and call others to come unto, Christ. I quoted
from the last chapter of Moroni in the Book of Mormon, this
"a dying man's testimony of the only true way" as Elder
Holland once put it, is what it says: "Yea, come unto Christ,
and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all
ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all
ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind, and
strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace
ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are
perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
What a powerful witness of Christ, and the perfect example
of an invitation to come unto Him, and be perfected in Him. I
love that. Be perfected in Him. It is true, and it is the only
way!
Miracle: This week we had another wonderful miracle in
church! Sorella Nympha, one of the members in our group,
brought her friend, Vilma, again in church! This is the third
week in a row! And because our group leader is still in Spain,
we were teaching the gospel principles lesson again, on the
Restoration, and it went really well! Halfway through the
lesson, Vilma just out-of-the-blue asked some really good
questions about prophets and the origin of our church, and
brought up all of these concerns that her husband had told
her before, such as "Oh yeah, go and join the Mormon church,
that way I can have a few more wives!". So the lesson turned
from gospel principles, to all 4 of the members helping us to
answer her concerns. We gave her a Book of Mormon to
read, and she was very interested in it! During my talk, on
prophets and revelation, all the members were helping her to
find the scriptures used, so that she could read them right
then. She seemed to really just be in awe of the clarity and
power that is contained therein, especially in the final chapter
of Moroni, when he invites all to come unto Christ. It was a
wonderful experience to see her faith and understanding
grow so much in such a short period of time. We are
planning on working closely with Sorella Nympha to organize
a way to meet with Vilma during the week.
Things in Morbegno are looking pretty good. There are so
many people here with so much potential, but just not a
whole lot of will to change their lifestyle. We are working on
that, and with the help of the Lord I know we will see
miracles! I love you all and thank you for all you do and are.
I remember you in my prayers! Love,
-Anziano Wilson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)