Chapter Four: The 14th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Calabrians/Messinites

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1 Kings 18:21

Looking toward Sicily from the church in Reggio

Hello! Thank you for all the pictures!! They’re great! You all had a week full of fireworks and fun! And the girls look so much older! Holy cow! I miss you! What in the world was Mattie doing with a book at the Mandersheid castle? Time and place girl!  Hey, fun fact, I'm not sure if I've shared it with you yet; Anziani Patanè and Bitseedy both served here in Reggio!!! Cool huh?  Have you heard from either of them?

Anyways, this week was a finding week.  We did the mostra (something that is regular now, every Friday night baby! =P ) and we've been trying  to find as many people we can to meet with.  We’re seeing a lot of results, I think it helps that now, people are coming back from vacation and reestablishing their normal lives.  Most often we use a "survey" of 5 questions that establish a belief and understanding of God, and introduces the Book of Mormon as a book comparable to the bible that speaks of Christ.  It works really well, mainly because a survey isn't very forward and, because it's a survey, they can't talk (as) much.  Which if you've ever met an Italian you can appreciate the ability to keep their talking to a minimum.

This week I found a scripture that I really liked because it applies really well to missionary life but it works really well in all of our lives, especially Abby as she's at university, and you all because Germany is temporary (hopefully =P ).  It's Doctrine and Covenants 51:16-17.  The saints knew that they wouldn't be in Ohio forever, the Lord told them that.  But they were told to act "as if for years" until the Lord sent them elsewhere.  It's easy to say, "well I'll only be in this city for 3 months, I mind as well not try to do my best at keeping the area book in order" or "I'll be in this ward only for a year, what's the point of getting to know the members?"  We need to BE where we are.  

Mt Etna in the background

Sunday we had a pretty cool surprise, a contact (Andrea) came to church!  Right during the middle of the second hour,  afterwards we were able to have a member lesson with him and Presidente Pipolo.   He LOVES to talk and has some strange ideas but he's a cool guy, and it's obvious the Lord is preparing him.  Federico, is leaving today for London.  He's going there to study for 3 weeks so things will have to wait with him.  However, before he left, he told us that he (finally) decided to start reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning.  This is the best news ever.  In Preach My Gospel it explains that the Book of Mormon combined with the spirit is the most powerful tool in conversion.  Also, things with Tamara are going great.  We had a really powerful lesson yesterday on the Plan of Salvation.  Also, she told us that she threw away all her mini skirts!!! Score!! Piano piano. =)

Well, sadly, my time's up.  We need to go get ready to play tennis! I love you all,  you are the best!

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"Look inside yourself, you're more than what you've become.  Remember who you are."  The Lion King 

Anziano Camron Stewart