The Missionary work is moving forward.
We had two new members confirmed Sunday. I took that opportunity as I was filled with joy for them to bear my testimony to the ward. Somehow I made it through in German. The spirit of joy was so profound for me.
I had a most beautiful experience Monday as we had our Family home evening with the YSA. Elder Austin gave a wonderful message which I understood and as I was sitting there I could feel a powerful Spirit of love and I thought of an experience I just had had that morning in prayer to my Father in Heaven. I took that opportunity to bear a firm testimony of the power of sincere prayer and the great desire the Lord has of answering our prayers and having us feel his love for us. And yes as you might have guessed I was able to do it in German.
I am reminded of a portion of the blessing that Pres. Frischnecht gave us before we left, he promised me that I would be able to bear my testimony in clarity and be understood in German and that others would feel that testimony and be impacted by it.. I am amazed at how these blessings are fulfilled as we desire to do the work we are sent here to to. Now my German is far from perfect. But I believe that it is more important to share the Spirit in our testimonies than to have perfect German. My son James taught me that principle in a powerful experience he had on his mission in Italy which I have never forgotten.
I am studying with a young single adult who attend collage. ( not a member of the church) She wants to learn English and so she helps me with German and I help her with English. It is a delightful opportunity. I can also interject my love of the gospel and my love of our Savior.
We are currently waiting for the 4th baptism in this last month to happen. Derk has asked Elder Austin to baptise him. However Elder Austin is feeling it is important that a ward member fill that responsibility. We are constantly working on helping the ward to feel responsible for the YSA. This is somewhat difficult as we interact with them so much that they look to us. We have gently tried to help the ward understand it is with the ward members they need to bond with, as we will leave. Ward counsel nights are interesting for Elder Austin as he shares his concerns.
Each day brings new opportunity's and new challenges for growth.
The Lord has given me another blessing which was promised by Pres. F. and that is I would love the people immediately. I can bear that testimony these are wonderful Saints who love the Lord. I feel of his love for them often as we interact and I have from the moment we arrived..
I read a quote by President Eyring that has had a great impact on me in relationship to the Holy Ghost and to Service. I think this is the reason I feel it so important that we serve one another in the ward capacities.
"The Holy Ghost is a comforter and a guide. But it is also a cleansing agent. That is why service in the kingdom is so crucial to enduring. When we are called to serve, we can pray for the Holy Ghost to be our companion with assurance it will come. When we ask in faith, a change can come in our natures both for the welfare of our souls and to strengthen us for the tests we all must face."
And now my thoughts.
As we feel that guidance of the Spirit we learn how to recognize how the Spirit works with us..We are all unique in how we feel the Spirit, The organization of the church is just to help us to learn and to give us opportunities to serve one another with the added blessings that are given as we are called. Hands are placed on our heads and we receive counsel from our Father to help us in that calling. This comes through those who are authorized servants of God.
All opportunities of service and learning help to qualify us for the eternal blessings that await us.
Bless you and thanks for allowing me to share my feelings.....you have endured to the end......!
love
Sister Austin and mom
