Romans 1:15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Romans 1:15

08 August 2012

Chapter Four: The 10th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Calabrians/Messinites

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As I Have Loved You, Love One Another

Today we were able to go to Gambarie.  It's this town in the mountains that is beautiful! We went hiking and were able to be in the fresh air away from the city for a couple hours.  It was really nice to talk with the Branch President and his wife about the branch and to strengthen our relationship with them.  It's been a little frustrating with him just because, more or less, we are his councilors and pretty frequently we inform him of something that needs to be changed or done, however he does not take our council or even listen to what we say.  So hopefully by becoming a little closer we can be more effective.

We had Zone Conference this week and it was a little of a hassle to get there and back but it might have been the best one I've ever had.  President and the assistant’s trainings were really well done.  The assistants talked about the baptismal invite and want us to invite as many people as we can to baptism, even by stopping people on the street!  It's something that I've always thought was important to talk about early on so they know your purpose, but rarely during the 1st lesson.  I'm excited to have the chance to put in into practice and to see how it goes!!

OH!! Tamara came to church!!!! She came from 9-12.  And seeing as we don't have young women, she went to the Relief Society, then she went to gospel principals, and the fast and testimony meeting, she loved all three hours especially fast and testimony meeting.  The last 2 lessons we've done with her were alone (without her Muslim friend) and they have gone wonderfully!! In fact, I think that as we apply the challenge the AP's gave us that she'll accept a baptism date.

Fortunato’s baptism went well, notwithstanding, him being 88 he didn't have any problems.  Well he did throw a little fit when we asked him to put his hearing aids in so that he could hear the talks before the baptism, but other that that everything went just as planned.  It's really amazing to see something like this happen, especially here because people are a product of their environment and the traditions in Italy are sooooo Catholic and sooooooo common/accepted that to go against how your wife feels and how your  parents think and what your neighbor does and what your best friend eats, etc. it takes a saint.  It's near impossible to do without a testimony, and if they don't have a testimony, 99% of the time they get offended in the 1st six months.  This is why we all need to have a strong testimony built on Christ. Because that is the only sure thing in the end (other than death and taxes :P )

Well this is the last week that we will have Anziano Errante with us...  I'm sad to see him go, he's a light and a big help in many ways.  Also, most likely we will have p-day on Tuesday next week (because on Wednesday it's the biggest holiday in Italy and EVERYTHING will be closed and the mission has asked us to take the day to do profound cleaning. WHOOO!!!  

I love you all, I'm glad that girl’s camp was a great success, I can't wait to hear from you next week.  Stay safe. =)
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Mai a rendersi,
Anziano Stewart

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