Hey guys!
This week was awesome! We've really been
experiencing a ton of success so far in Oberhausen. I've really grown to
appreciate it, and have been enjoying it a bunch!
On Monday we got in contact again with one of
our awesome investigators named Sina, whom we have gone for a few weeks without
hearing from. He's been pretty busy but we were finally able to see him that
day. We caught up with him a bit and invited him to pray about some
difficulties that he has been having lately, and we're continually emphasizing
that with him. We were able to meet with him an additional time this Saturday,
and we had a good lesson on the Plan of Salvation. We really tried to emphasize
the significance of Christ in our existences and salvation, and invited him to
pray again, especially to feel the love and joy of Christ. We also spoke with
him about getting him baptized, and he agreed! We have a date set for the 26th
of November! We've got some hurdles to jump before that time comes, but rest
assured, we know he can be ready by that time if he really turns to Christ in
faith. We've really been trying to help him with that.
We also met with Louis and his sister,
Mauricia. My companion actually contacted Mauricia the first day he was in
Oberhausen, and has been teaching her since. We taught Louis about the
Priesthood, which was the first investigator lesson I've had about that so far,
actually. Mauricia joined in to listen within about the first five minutes.
She has quite a bit of questions and we answered them to the best of our
ability, and it ended up working out pretty well. At the end, we invited
Mauricia to be baptized on the same date that her brother Louis will be as well,
which is planned for the 26th of November. She said that she would have no
problem with it, and accepted! But I am hoping that these investigators all
will be reading and praying before this date comes. I want them to understand
the importance of the message, and I think that will just come with more
meetings and commitment-keeping.
We got to meet with Kingsley three times this
week. He's been doing really well. He's been reading in the Book of Mormon and
came to church with us Sunday. He's leaving lots of our appointments very
joyfully, and is integrating well with the ward. I would say he is just on
track for his baptism in November, too.
But wow. Things are really seeming to blossom
here in Oberhausen. My companion has been doing really well with giving credit
to the Lord for the people here. It really is His work. Lots of
hearts are softening, and we've been experiencing miracles all around us. We
also have some awesome, awesome members that are super motivated to share the
gospel. Steven, a new convert as of July, has been an awesome force in
strengthening all those we've been introducing to the ward. It's not even just
in this area, either. Our mission is not only on track to hitting its baptismal
goal for the year, but even a bit over, and I think it's a wonderful thing to
see. Germany is really undergoing a great conversion!
And that reminds me of an
interesting concern that Louis had for us. He was struggling to understand why
God would only give his Priesthood to our church. He said: "People need this!
Why isn't it available to more people?" He said that there are so many people
suffering in the world, and he asked why God would "want to have only a few
people carry the Priesthood." The great thing about this, though, is that he
doesn't. He is showing His hand throughout the world. He is hastening
his work and softening the hearts of thousands and millions as time goes on. We
teach that God loves His children, and uses the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bring
joy to them, and strengthen their families. I think Louis's concern is one that
should be shared among all missionaries and members of the church. This is a
message and gospel that brings incomprehensible peace and joy into the lives of
all who come into contact with it, so long as they choose to embrace it.
Whether it be across the world or at home, we can all help to take the Gospel to
all the world!
That's all I got for you guys this
week! Thank you for your prayers and support! Love you all!
Love,
Elder Wallentine
PICTURE FROM THE DORTMUND ZONE
TRAINING
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