We're making progress with our 23 year old friend who was supposed to
be baptized back at the end of last month. We actually got together a
couple of times this past week and were able to have some good
lessons. Monday night we studied 1 Nephi 8 together, discussing it and
drawing Lehi's Dream on the board. On Wednesday night we were then
able to teach tithing and fasting/fast offerings. He came to church on
Sunday as well!
Tuesday afternoon we went to see the man who had referred himself
after we dropped a card in his mailbox. Finally he was home and so we
were able to share a lesson with him. It was really cool to notice the
Spirit work with him. We knew that he needed to hear the restoration
so we taught that and afterwards he asked us if we could come back
next week. He said he really likes hearing us talk about the gospel.
Tuesday night we had Apfelkompott with Imanuel again!! Super yummy. We
brought him a present--a white shirt and tie that he can wear now on
Sunday to church. He wore it Sunday and looked great. He was so
thankful.
Thursday we met with Br Goltz. He's still doing super well. He had
read Heleman 5 for homework and then for the lesson we just had him
teach us, which he did really well. Thursday night we had that
appointment with the family in Travemünde. It wasn't the miracle
lesson that we were hoping and praying for but it did turn out
alright. It was weird though--the room cleared as soon as we came and
and so we only talked to the dad. Not sure why his wife didn't even
stay. But he was super nice. Had a good impression from the
missionaries in the past. We took the time getting to know each other
and talking about our purpose. He is a teacher at a Berufsschule
downtown. He said he was going to tell his class that he met with two
Americans who could speak great German! Haha, the problem is, he
tried to convey to us that the Mormons are too "hardcore" or something
like that. Which to me sounds like a lack of understanding of the
commandments of God. But he agreed to have us come back and
teach him about the gospel. He had no idea that the church was so
into genealogy and that's something that interests him so he's going
to come to the church to do that some time.
That's one thing I've thought about this week--I think in people's
minds they imagine church as this massive cathedral. I really like the
modern design of our churches. There's a more homey, warm feeling. And
there's more to do than just church! We have activities regularly as
well!
The man that we gave the Book of Mormon to last week has been hard to
get in touch with. Well actually, we've caught him at home two
different times now but he just hasn't had time. We've gone by a
number of other people/met a few new people who have invited us back
so we will be stopping by throughout the next days.
There was drama in the Farsi class this week. It was a great lesson
and one of them even brought a new friend with, but the problem is
they don't quite understand why they have to wait until they have
permanent residency to be baptized. And because of that the
conversation got interesting. They said we should have said that up
front because now they feel like they're not wanted but it's not about
that at all. It's about their safety and their families' safety.
If they have a testimony they should want to be baptized
anyway. I think they realize that, for some reason though, they took
offense for feeling like outsiders.
Saturday night we got in contact with another family and we are
meeting next week. A bunch of people came to church again and I
translated all three hours. We're allowed to do an hour of family
history work on Sunday's now so I got to do some indexing this week.
I hope everyone a good week!
Elder Tanner Germann
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