Well, another week has gone by, and yes they fly! Thank you for all the pictures of Grandma's funeral. I'm grateful to now have one more person to help me in MY work! I'll be sure to look my best for Grandma Marlene! (I guess I can't forget to polish my shoes, and wear my CTR ring!) Also, congrats to the Best Young Ushtarët (soldiers), I am so proud to attend a university founded by the church. They are just one example of righteous living and great blessing!
This week the church was also blessed to add to its ranks, another stripling soldier: Klodi Merkaj! Now, if you don't remember, Klodi is the little brother of Albano, who was baptized a month ago. Albano was found through an investigator that didn't turn out. But because of that investigator found in May, 3 baptisms have occurred, and 4 more potential/actual investigators are being taught. Klodi is a humble kid. He is going to school to be a mechanic of some sort and rides his bike everywhere. He is always smiling! His testimony has grown from reading the Book of Mormon. I didn't know how strong his testimony was until he bore it at his baptism, saying, "Hello, thank you all for coming, I know this is true, and all of you need to invite your friends so that they can hear about the gospel too! . . . In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Also at his baptism Albano gave a talk which was really good for him. He is growing to be a good member and will receive a calling very shortly.
Elder Penrod have been enjoying these last two weeks together. Ever since the big exchange, and finding out we were related, our lesson quality has shot-up as well as our overall demeanor as missionaries. One huge blessing we had this week was to give 3 more priesthood blessings. The moment we have to give a blessing is choice, and it really brings a companionship closer together. I believe that we are both only discovering the type of missionaries that we can be! It has been really fun to discover together--in the language, in teaching, and in all the miracles that we see.
The biggest miracle came last Monday, right after I emailed you. We had just had a lesson cancel and we really didn't know what to do. But, we decided to take a 'tithing' out of our finding time to pray and seek for the Lord's direction. After the prayer, Elder Penrod had the idea to visit a member in her book shop, "A referral is better than anything right?" So, we stopped by, but she was busy, and we didn't really have the amazing experience we were hoping to have. However, I then had the thought to visit another Less-Active-Recent-convert Sister who worked at a nearby flower shop. So, off we went again, expecting just to say hi, check up, and invite her to church. When we walked into the beautiful flower shop, this Sister stopped what she was doing and said, "Oh, I am so glad you are here. We need a little spiritual uplift. Come in and share a scripture with us. We need it." Her daughter and son-in-law expressed the need that they had for guidance through this hectic time in their lives! I was shocked! I thought this type of stuff only happened on missions...oh wait, that's me! I couldn't believe we were led to someone that ended up having a specific need. We continued to teach them about something that was dear to us by this point: Prayer. We invited them to pray and to come to church. Her Orthodox son-in-law couldn't stop explaining how he got tingles and weird feelings when he prayed. We just smiled, knowing he was feeling the spirit. We left that flower shop on cloud nine. It was an amazing experience. So amazing in fact, that our next lesson consisted of sharing this miracle to a member-family, and "both were edified" by what was taught. It was a good feeling to know that I was at the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time.
Well, that was Monday. On Tuesday we had the awesome opportunity to go to Zone Conference in Lushnjë. President Weidmann is so spiritual and strong and Swiss! I love how simply he takes the most basic scriptures and then makes them so DEEP! It really has inspired me to get the most out of every verse of scripture. One cool thing happened to president this week. He was able to meet with the First Lady of Albania, bringing the church out of obscurity! (right now we are looked at as a 'foundation' but hopefully we will be recognized as a 'church'). We love growing closer to President. Also, with modern technology, each morning he sends out a text to the mission, scirptures, thoughts, challenges. Its like a modern Liahona! I'm sure Nephi just had a cell phone!
Well after the Baptisms Friday, and the confirmation Sunday, I knew that we had been very blessed this week.
I know that questions are answered in Prayer! The key to revelation is prayer...real prayer, which takes, in the words of President Eyring, "more than a little time, and more than a little effort" I've made the extra sacrifice to kneel, whisper or vocalize, and truly think and thank. My prayers have truly been answered. Also, read, read, read the conference talks. I often think to what I learned in Living Prophets taught by Brother Lloyd Newell who said, "Often I reflect and think, wow, I'm so glad I don't have to teach a class on dead prophets. I get to teach one on living prophets!" This concept is something that only OUR church has, utilize it. Just like old scripture, every word is in that Liahona for a reason! I suggest "The Priesthood Man" by President Eyring and "The Witness" by President Packer and "Love--the Essence of the Gospel" by President Monson. Again, read EVERY word for meaning. Highlight, reread! It will answer your questions!
Well enough exhorting. I'm just glad to have the opportunity to study all the time, and then to go and teach people about it.
Please pray for the Merkaj Family (Albano, and Klodi, and the rest of their family that we are going to visit this week), the Veizaj Family (Kristi's family (she is Albano's fiancee that was also baptized)), and also Taulant, Ismet, and Hazir (investigators/members in Prishtina). All have need for your prayers...way more than I have need!
Well, I know it is a long letter but I'd like to share my last bit of fun insight that I always think about:
Going home to Heavenly Father will be like watching our senior/eagle video, the one that brother Morris would make, or the one that came from all the pictures on Dad's computer. Think about it. Every time you watch that video you love it! You feel the love of your family! You cry! But now imagine a video for your whole life, including ALL the videos and pictures you want, with your favorite soundtrack. Now, such a video would probably take half a day to watch, but it would be worth it, because every minute you are watching it with Heavenly Father...and you are both laughing, smiling, and crying. Thankfully, all the bad parts are taken out, leaving you with a great video of your life. A life that Heavenly Father approves of. I can't wait to watch that video!
I had that thought because some of my happiest memories have come when we were watching our senior\eagle videos as a family. I hope you feel His love everyday, and live you life like a Conference Talk, learning from everything you do!
Love you all more than I can express. I'm grateful for eternal families. Have a wonderful week!
-Elder Bangerter
P.S. Dad and Brothers, Michael and Todd, you're included. I was wondering if you could send me a timeline of your missions A list of your areas, your assignments in your areas(DL or Traning etc.), and maybe one or two cool highlights. I want to see/remember what you did to serve. Don't forget to include the names of your areas and your companions and maybe even who they were. hopefully you'll remember your mission as you do this. I know that you'll love doing this! Lauren, you can do it too!
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