I know I emailed you 5 days ago, but I'll let you know that my preparation day will still be on Monday. We have been really busy with transfers. After getting everything settled Elder Linderman and I were able to teach a few lessons. Friday was very blessed, being able to meet with 5 different people. Here in Tirana 1st ward there are members that live in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ward as well. So, even though we have a specified area, we are driving around the whole city. The city is coming back to life after the 4 days of 'deadness' of the new year (kinda ironic).
One of the recent converts that we teach is named Asllan (yes like the lion, and yes, he talks and looks like a lion, in fact in our fist lesson I was kinda scared to talk to him because he had such an air about him). They were Skype taught while living in Norway. His knowledge of the Book of Mormon is so good. After teaching them I thought, "and he's only been baptized for how long?" It really is a miracle to see how much the Book of Mormon changes people's lives.
We had the awesome privilege of going over to president's home to three times. Once for arriving missionaries, once for leaving missionaries, and once for a meeting to review what we'll be doing for the whole year. Each time we talk together it just makes me so happy. He really loves each of his missionaries. I don't know how I got such a privilege to sit at the same table as a man that has such an understanding of the scriptures.
I learned something neat about the Holy Ghost this week. I tried to more fully understand the difference between the gift of the holy Ghost and the testimony that one receives before baptism by the Holy Ghost. I compared it to a dinner. If I go to a dinner at the Weidmanns I have a wonderful time. I eat the good food, I participate in the conversation, and they make me feel welcome. However at the end of the meal, I go home to my own bed and my own house. Now, at the same dinner, imagine that the Weidmann children are present. They eat the same food, participate in the same conversation, and experience everything that I as a guest experienced. However, at the end of the meal they stay at home. Not only do they stay, but during the meal they felt the true of love of parents for children. This is the difference between those without and with the Holy Ghost. When one receives the Holy Ghost, they still experience the same meetings, feelings, and read the same scriptures as they did when they were non-members. However, they become "no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home".
Serving in 1st ward is a great blessing. Some of the members here have been members since the early nineties. This week I'm going to look around for anyone that remembers the Haymonds! I have a few options.
This week it looks like we'll be heading out to Macedonia, and picking up a new elder (actually one that was in the MTC with me) so it will be busy. Please pray for us.
I know that this is the work of the Lord. I am so grateful to be serving in a country like Albania. I am very excited for the things we have ahead. In one of our meetings President said, "You know, I've had a feeling lately about how we can use the spirit of Elijah in the missionary effort here? Elder Linderman just looked at me and said, "Well, you'll have to ask Elder BANGerter here about that!" It was a humbling sign that God knows who he calls. That connection was only one of many that we've made in the couple weeks here in Tirana!
Thank you all for your updates. Andrew keep it slow, I walked like an old man for about a month after my surgery. Give all my congrats to Jay, Quinn, and Jayni! Adam, Lindsey, it looks like you got your hands full, I know I can't call, but I'd like to make an appointment to hold Sydney and Sarah on January 5, 2016. Is that ok? That's what works with my schedule. Thank you for your example; I know that you are really living the dream! Thank you all for your loving examples. President sends you his love. Farewell from First!
Love,
Elder Bangerter
P.S. Elder Linderman was wondering if there was a way he could get a copy of Grandpa Bangerter's talk book.
No comments:
Post a Comment