It really has been an incredible week. First of all, I am really grateful for my companion Elder Linderman, he is such an amazing missionary. We have really been able to see miracles this week. The First highlight I'd like to mention is one that deals with the Toska family. The first day I got to Tirana, I saw this longtime member family and it felt like I had a connection to them. So throughout the weeks, I've been trying to get to know them better and I discovered a few things.
First, their son has glasses and likes to play the piano. He's 8 years old and reminds me of me. Second, I found out that I visited them on my VERY FIRST day in the country, almost a year ago. When we went for a visit I recognized the house and it reminded me of that overwhelming, awesome first day. However, the third connection really hit me. Vellai (Brother) Toska was baptized in 1994? in Tirana's 1st ward. I then asked him, "Did you know the Haymond couple?" His eyes got big and said, "Yes, they were at my baptism, and he was the Branch President!" I couldn't believe it. My whole mission I've tried to find a connection to Grandma and Grandpa Haymond, but every time I've sought one, there's been none to be found. He started talking about how wonderful and great the Haymonds are. That day, he was 21?, single, and a brand new member. Now, he is sealed in the temple, has 2 children born in the covenant, and served as the Branch President for 9 years, and now he is the Elders quorum President. I don't know if the Haymonds realize that, but I know that they would love to hear about the fruits of their labors
I love little connections, I think we all do. Most of us inherit it from Grandma Bangerter, who finds out that everyone is ''cousin''. I am grateful that Heavenly Father cared enough about my little desire to reach out and help us find each other. Furthermore, we visited this family because we prayed about seeking a referral and ended up having a spiritual lesson and it looks like they will find a friend to bring to church this week.
Meanwhile, those two older men that we met last week have accepted to be baptized. Kujtim is so amazing. In our last lesson, he couldn't let his back touch his chair, nor his toes the floor, because he was so excited about the doctrine we were teaching. They both came to church yesterday. Dhimi loved looking at the hymn book; he has a young grandson that is sick, and I caught him finding comfort in the words of "Dashuri ne Shtepi" (Love at Home).
Meanwhile, those two older men that we met last week have accepted to be baptized. Kujtim is so amazing. In our last lesson, he couldn't let his back touch his chair, nor his toes the floor, because he was so excited about the doctrine we were teaching. They both came to church yesterday. Dhimi loved looking at the hymn book; he has a young grandson that is sick, and I caught him finding comfort in the words of "Dashuri ne Shtepi" (Love at Home).
Well, we are leaving in a half hour for Kosovo and Macedonia. We will be conducting exchanges and sending off returning missionaries until Friday!
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to bear testimony. Once, while tracting this week, we were feeling tired. So we said a prayer. Afterwards I said, "Elder Linderman, lets tract like Brigham and Wilford!" He responded, "Ok Brigham!" We then went door to door, being bold, not overbearing. And bearing witness of the Book of Mormon and how we were representatives of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the name I bear. We may not have gotten into any homes, but the spirit was present and we touched some lives. I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that god calls all of us into positions of influence over other people. I know that we can be the answers to other people's prayer. Please never give up. If you ever have problem, consult with God and consult with your companion....it works. President Monson says, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." May we all run out, and serve those around us. That is the key to happiness.
Love,
Elder Bangerter of Lagjja e pare e Tiranes
No comments:
Post a Comment