A trip to Macedonia...and back again. (Sent Feb 23)

Dear Family,

  It has been a wonderful week. I feel like I literally fulfilled the scripture in Acts 16:10 "immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." As I was writing to you last, we were in a hustle and bustle to leave to Kosovo and eventually to Macedonia. Our mission has 3 countries, and 2 languages. Due to this, it is imperative that we have our passports handy. However, as fate would have it, finding one's passport is always the hardest part! I felt like dad, who I think has had too many instances of passport searching. In this case, Elder Linderman had misplaced his. We had NO time to look for it. We said a prayer and went to work. We did all the office work needed, packed up the car, drove to our apartment and THEN started looking for the passport. We were so grateful when we received a call from the other Elders saying they had found the passport. We hit our knees in gratitude. We knew it was the will of the Lord that we would go on this 4 day exchange out of the country, but we didn't know how it would happen. I know that because we put our trust in the Lord, he provided. 

 We spent Monday night and Tuesday in Prishtina. Ah! I love Prishtina. The smell, the streets, the food, the members...all of it reminded me of when I was being trained. The mere fact that Elder Linderman was my companion during this whole time was just the cream on top. Just contacting on the boulevard was so great! To add to all the greatness, it was Kosovo's Independence day! The streets were packed with people! The best part however was that we were able to meet with both Ismet and Hazir. Since the purpose of our visit was an exchange and not a run down memory lane, I taught Hazir with one missionary, and Elder Linderman taught Ismet. The best part about the lessons was to see their smiling faces and now know that I could understand them! We committed Hazir to come to church....and he did yesterday! It was so great to work with the Zone Leaders up there. 

  We left Tuesday at 5 for Skopje, Macedonia. It was dark when we crossed the border, but we could see a large, lit-up cross a few miles down the road, situated on top of a large hill. Skopje is full of religion. They are very orthodox and very muslim. We arrived at the senior couples home to Dominos Pizza awaiting us...very rare. Wednesday morning I woke up at 2 to take Elder Barber to the airport, as he was ending his mission. All the signs were in Cyrillic. It was great to learn how to say hello, how are you, and 'can we talk?'. I kinda understood what Jake's mission must've been like. My name went from Elder Bangerter to Старшина бенѓедер. We were able to go to one point where the people spoke Macedonian and Albanian. While on the exchange we set many goals. The highlights came through prayer. During one nightly planning session, we prayed for a bench lesson (they have no building to meet in), and to meet with a specific member. During the day we were blessed with 3 bench lessons and to meet with that member. The Elder said, "Wow, it's never been that easy before!" Well, prayer really does work. Then at the end of the night we had about 10 minutes left and I asked, "Lets pray that we can get someones number." Now you see, I could've said, "Let's get a number" But instead, we prayed. After the prayer, and 4 people, we stopped a young Albanian and got his contact information.

We arrived at home pretty tired and went back to our own area to work. None of our investigators came to church, but we are really going to try hard to meet with Kujtim, Dhimi, and the Doni family this week. Please pray for them.

Last night we were able to hold a FHE with our ward mission leader (so that he'd know how to do it tonight) I showed them the Bula-bula game that we always played and they loved it! They said, "We're gonna play this tomorrow night too!" So, watch out what traditions you start, cause you never know who or where it's gonna be picked up by someone else!

I am so grateful for the book of Mormon. Truly, reading it each day sanctifies us. It really does. I can't imagine a day going by in my life without reading from it. I know that I love to read novels and get lost in the story. Each day you want to go back and find out what happens next. This is how the book of Mormon is to me. The best part is, this book is real and has eternal significance. It shocks me that I understood it when I was a little kid, and that the same verses have deeper meaning this time around. I love talking about you to everyone I meet. I love saying, Well, my parents taught me this... or My family does this... I'll be excited to tell everyone this week about the two new angels from heaven. I hope that you--no matter where you are--can make someones day brighter. President Packer noted this about President Monson (paraphrasing) "President Monson has the largest personal ministry I've ever seen. He does so much that is not open to the public eye; he visits the sick, he blesses, he goes to hospitals, he comforts; in both person and through letters." I hope that we all can increase our little bubble of our personal ministry, that which only we and the Lord and those we serve can see. It is not a formal call, but is the most important, and we write about it every day in our journals. I remember what Dad taught me, "The only thing that matters in this life is how we treat people.

We are looking forward to the 2nd stake conference of Albania in the coming weeks. We just had a transfer. I love meeting with President and seeing the revelation come through feelings and thoughts. It is amazing how large doors of destiny hang on hinges of small decisions. Already, I've seen the effects of our little decisions. You all too can see and feel the effects of your decisions, it all comes with time, (but it gets a lot easier if you write it down in your journal)

Paci nje jave te mbare dhe plot me lumturine dhe lindjet! Gezuar ditet te mevonshme, te cilet jane nje kohe per ne, qe te bejme punen e zotit. Babai, Mamai, ju do te jeni presidentet te misionit te bukur dhe te suksesshem! Ju dua te gjitheve!

Me shume dashuri,

Elder Bejngeder

Connections, Kisha, and Testimony (Sent Feb 16)

Dear Family,

  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).

  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 

Vetëtimë (Lightning) (Sent Feb 9)

Dear Family,

    Life in Tirana is just great! There has been so much rain and lighting the last few days. As a result every morning the sky is clear and clean and we see the beautiful Balkans out our window that look very similar to the Wasatch front. We are so blessed. I don't know about you, but by hearing about life just through email, I've come to see many blessings. Each week I get letters from a few (not all) of you telling me of your spiritual promptings, the successes in life and I just think, "Wow, can we not go in so great a cause!" I hope each day you see how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ has changed your life for the better.

   One gift that I see every day is the one of the Holy Ghost. Did you realize that he tells you everything, the good and the bad. If you constantly feel the need to improve yourself, that's the holy Ghost. But he's not just a sideline or base coach, but he's also the one that brings you the comfort that one feels when he is cradled in his mothers arms. The Holy Ghost comforts. 

   This week we were able to do a lot of work (I think it was because President's family just flew in...that keeps him occupied). We were able to teach and find and do the Lords will. 6 week with Elder Linderman has flown by, but I've learned a lot. 

   One night we stopped two men, one of which had actually read the Bible, the other one was a former soldier and had a mustache like Hitler and is Orthodox. These men, Kujtim and Dhimi, said they'd love to hear about the church. We got their information and had a lesson the next day. About 15 minutes into the lesson, they said they had to leave (be sure to always let them know how long lessons are!). They told us they had 5 minutes left. I looked at Elder Linderman and thought, "We haven't even talked about Christ's earthly ministry." But, I lead off with a testimony about Christ and the need for Prophets and my companion hit a home run with the story of Joseph Smith. We explained how the book of Mormon is proof of all of this and they were thrilled to get a copy. They said they'd love to bring their families as well. Dhimi concluded with a prayer, and Kujtim committed to come to church on Sunday (which he did!). We were so grateful for them. I point this story out because just 9 months ago, me and my same companion were serving together in Prishtina, Kosovo. In that moment on that boulevard, we stopped two men in a row, Ismet and Hazir, both of which are now baptized. Elder Linderman and I often discuss how we always find middle-aged men...which is a big blessing. It seems like lighting has struck a second time in Tirana! I will keep you updated with them. 

  The Doni family is still praying every night, but due to visiting family members they are hesitant to let us teach in their home for a period of time. Please pray for them. 

  I am so grateful for my life. I am grateful for the vision of a Father in Heaven, in which consists of a ''None Left Behind'' policy. He truly loves each person on the road, or on the bus. So far, with the new video that we have put on all the Buses in Tirana it has great success. The last slide has a picture of Elder Linderman as a missionary so that people watching it will recognize the missionaries. Multiple times this week, people come up to E. Linderman and say, "Je bërë famshëm!" which being interpreted means 'you became famous!'. My phone number is the one on the video to call....so I hope for someone to call soon! We've also made new pass along cards that we will be sending out to all the missionaries. The work is taking off! I love seeing the progress of Districts and Zones.

  Thank you all for the updates on life back home. Good job Kyle Collinsworth and Tyler Haws, keep the cougs to win through the tournament! Steven, congrats on successfully being asked on another date...remember there are two types of objects in this world...those that act and those are acted upon...so help her have a great time. Claire, Michael, I hope you enjoyed all that snow....I just read in Isaiah that our sins can be as white as the drifted snow...a great analogy. I hope all goes well Caitlyn and Lauren! I love becoming an Uncle! I know that the spirits sent to our family are choice to be sure!

  To end, I think Ill commit you do be missionaries. Once the apostles questioned the Savior, seeing that he hadn't eaten any food and they wondered if he was hungry. Christ replied, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." Shall we not follow this example? Do we get strength from the meat of the Gospel? Christ then counseled the apostles to not procrastinate the days of their preaching saying, "Say ye not there are yet four months and THEN cometh the harvest." The work of the lord is not going to hasten four months from now....rather "Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white all ready to harvest." Don't wait to do the work of the Lord. It is needful for our salvation to preach. Because he that does "perisheth not, but BRINGETH SALVATION TO HIS (OWN) SOUL." Many of us are changing our place of residence often, for school, missions, family etc. But let us not wait for the change in the weather to change us. As missionaries, a few say, "the work will increase when I change areas". This is obviously false. I hope we can find the power in being an everyday missionary. A simple conversation with member or nonmember can have great effect on lives. I know the missionaries in your areas are praying for new investigators. You are the answer to their prayers. I love you all , and thank you for your prayers for me. 

  Love, Elder Bangerter

P.S. could you send me a family calendar by chance?

PPS did steven ever get my package for Christmas?

Our Trip to Gjakova...we had a crazy storm! We went with the two elders opening up the new city of Berat who are also great singers and wrote the mission song. 

1) The Storm

2)Elder Muncy, Elder Linderman (my companion), Me, Elder Lee in our apartment

Back and Forth, Again and Again (Sent Feb 2)

Dear Family,

     Thank you for all your updates. I love hearing all the little details. Here in Tirana we've been doing a ton. Actually, we haven't really been in Tirana. This week we were able to travel to the Zone Conferences around the country. We had 2 conferences, a combined one in Tirana, and one in Kosovo. I was invited to conduct the meeting. I thought, "Just 3 months ago I saw the other Elders doing this, and now its me!" The conferences were so great. As we sat on the stand together, I couldn't help but think of Dad sitting on the stand as a Bishop. I often say, "How would dad conduct this meeting." And then I'd act accordingly. Two highlights occured at the conferences. First, we have a mission song. It is to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers. The chorus goes "Serving in the ASM / President sets the pace / Jesus Christ our Savior / See him face to face." It was written by our two Elders that our opening the new city of Berat, both excellent singers. Second, we were all able to see 'Meet the Mormons". I love how 'cool' our church is. We truly are an international church. President said that we are going to try to get the video in Albanian theaters eventually! 

    The travel up to the second conference was very, very rainy, and I got to drive 'Big Blue' (the big 9 seater van)! We were able to take some chairs to one of our smaller/growing cities, Peja. They just acquired their first building. On the car ride up, the co-writers of the mission song came with us, so we were able to sing through the rain. They are having miracles while opening Berat. In the past 3 weeks, they've stumbled across people that found the church 25 years ago. One man was baptized in Italy 8 years ago, moved back to Berat and never heard of the church since. We hope that they can become a group soon! 

  After the Kosovo Conference in the city of Gjakova, we had to make an emergency run to Prishtina to drop of the Macedonian Elders so they could make it back to their capital city of Skopje. The 1 and 1/2 hour drive was super pleasant because it was Elder and I returning to my 'training ground' once again. I love the long car rides. That might sound weird to say, but it gives us time to discuss the needs of the missionaries, listen to talks, and talk about how awesome President is. I remember back to when Seth would write about driving...and not eating a whole much. I can relate. 

   In December we had a lot of success with He is the Gift. As a result, we edited another video "Because of Him", translated it, and now we will be playing this on all the buses and taxis in Tirana. Technology is such a wonderful tool. 

   I know that this letter sounds like a lot of busy work. But I see all this hussle and bussle as the energy that propels forth the ever growing gosple. I'm so grateful that I can be on the front lines of service. So often we receive a text from President about a need. We quickly drop everything and go and do. For example, after a medical emergency in the mission, we were able to run to the need of the missionary, get them to the hospital, and make sure everything is all right. It seems like we always have a 3rd companion, be it a struggling missionary, a arriving missionary, a departing missionary, or an 'expectant'-trainer.

  In spite of all the work that is demanded of us, miracles happen. For example, after we just finished skype lessons with a family in France we received an email the next day, telling us about another family in Switzerland that needs help from Albanian missionaries. 

  I had a wonderful experience this week reading Grandpa Bangerter's book. I read about his service in Brazil, his sickness, and his strength to overcome. I was overcome with gratitude for a grandfather that sacrificed so much. I remember the quote from President Monson, "The Greatest thing you can do to honor your Grandfather is to serve a mission." I'm grateful for a missionary family. Each day I think of Grandpa's call, Dad's call, and the service of each of my siblings. Time and time again I sing, "because I have been given much, I too must give." 

  The Doni family is still progressing, the father and son came to church but left after 1st hour (smoking problems). Please pray for them, they are so great and could brgin so much good to Lagja e Pare (First ward). 

  During a lesson this week, we taught a family about a temple. The father asked his daughter, "Do you know what that is?" pointing to the temple. "Xhami! xhami! xhami!" meaning mosque. She refused to believe that it was a temple. Meanwhile her little sister, when SHE saw the picture said, "I've been there before!" Out of the mouths of babes, doctrines are taught. This wonderful family is preparing to be sealed within the coming year.

  Love you all,

                   Elder Bangerter

P.S. Albano Merkaj in Vlore is now the YM President!

Sent January 26

Dear FamilyThis week was a great week!So other than that... this week was a great week! We met a family atWell all in a ll things are going great here! We have been able toOne thing that I have realized in the past few weeks is the affect the  I really have learned a whole lot. I hope that you know that I love all of you. We only had 30 minutes to write today. We have been helping president a lot. I know that the church is true. Keep the faith.First of all we had a baptism here!... well not here but in France...So I don't know how much I have told you about this because my emailwas so short last week but we have been teaching an Albanian family inFrance for about the past two weeks. The Elders in France met them andtaught them most of the discussions but they were not able tounderstand everything because they do not speak french very well. Sothey contacted our mission president and we had the opportunity toteach them on Skype! First let me say.. Skype teaching is reallyreally hard. The connection  is never good and they are always cuttingin and out. It actually was so awesome to see how the Lord makes upfor our short falls. It seemed as if every lesson started out as atrain wreck... Kids screaming us not being able to communicate, andbad connections, but by the end it was always amazing how strong thespirit would come into our lessons as we would testify and make it allworth it! So they were baptized this week in France it was great! Wewere fortunate enough to be able to watch the baptism on Skype as welland they sent us a picture. I was honestly really sad yesterday as wehad our last lesson with them on Skype. I never met them in person,and probably never will but I hope to meet them in the next life maybeand then we can talk about how difficult it was to communicate onSkype!!the end of last week while tracting and they seem to be reallyprepared. They are the Doni Family and there are four of them.... Mom,dad, and two boys (11 and 10) their families are orthodox but theyhave never been baptized because it was not aloud during the communistregime, but they have a lot of faith in Christ. The mothers faith isso strong in Christ because of the help she has received from Him.about ten years ago she was in a accident and went into accoma for towyears. When she woke up she was paralyzed on the left half of herbody. As time has gone on she has gotten a lot of moment back but shestill does not have full function. It is amazing to see here faith inChrist and her desire for her family to learn and have faith in Him.We also have one other investigator that we work with named Danjel(Daniel). He was a referral l from one of the young men in the ward.His family is Catholic. He is 15 years old and is really interested inthe Book of Mormon.re-activate a lot of priesthood leaders in the ward lately so thingsin the ward are going better, which means the missionary work is aswell!spirit really has on our lives. we have been thinking about latleyabout what the investiagtors get from the lessons and we came to theconclusion that for most of them it doesnt matter so much what we sayas is does what they feel. The majority of them already know a lot ofthe doctrines, if not all of the doctrines that we teach them but thething they miss in their day to day life is the Spirit! It issomething that we cannot continue on without. As it says in 2Nephi32we must "feat upon the words of Christ" everyday. It is like food forour spirits. We don't go to church to learn so much as we do to feelthe spirit and to feel how it changes us, we don't read so much toread or to learn but more to draw closer to God. We pray because itdraws us closer to Heavenly Father. I know we need these things in ourlife daily. I know that if we forget them and they slowly become lessof a routine in our day to day lives, we slowly forget God and thefeelings of the Spirit. So, my invitation to you make sure thateveryday you are feeling the Spirit of the Lord in your life. Love, Elder Bnagerter

A CRAZY DAY (Sent Jan 19)

Dear Family,

   It has been one crazy day. We drove for 7 hours. We taught a lesson in an unopened city. The family was the family of the family that we are teaching over Skype in france (I hope that makes sense). Lets just say it was a day full of miracles. We even gave a blessing. Our faith has been really strenghthed. It seems that at every turn we say, "Wow, the Lord led us here". Due to the driving we have about.....no time.

   We also found  agreat family of 4 this week. At the second lesson though we walk in, are about to start when suddenly two boys run of the stairs yelling. Apparently the family's son had just fallen outside. Well, it hurt the lesson, but it also hurt my heart. You see, all day he'd been asking, "Mom, when are the church people coming over!" He wanted to go to church on Saturday cause he didn't want to wait tillSunday. Well, it was a sad story, but we went back over and had a great lesson. I really know that they are prepared for us, despite our busy schedule.

  In the car ride home today, we (naturally) read a talk from the MTC. We learned about how to be a consecrated missionary by basically leaving everything on the sacrifical altar. I guess that means writing short emails (just kidding). So much to say, but all in all, when you have the spirit you can do ALL things!

   I love you all,

                    Elder Bangerter

Obedience, Driving, and 8 yr olds! (Sent Jan 12)

Dear Family,

   It has been a wonderful week! 

    Monday started off with a wonderul haircut, drycleaning, etc. and a FHE with President, and 2 senior couples, the Whites and Ortons. Each week we rotate the location of where we will hold FHE. I was in charge of the game. We played a game about spelling words. It was really funny becuase President and Sister Weidman kept slipping into German! It is really great to get to know the couples around here. (We also talk business in the FHE,so I'm not having TOO much fun!)

    Tuesday we were able to go get President's oil in his car changed, find a missing projector, set up for MLC-mission leadership conference (a meeting with all the Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders and us-20 in attendance), and then start teaching. It was a busy day to celebrate Eliza Jayne's Birthday! Seeing that we had so much to do, we were wondering about how our lessons would play out. As we were in the car, leaving presidents home, Asllan called us! Perfect timing, cause he lived really close to Presidents and we had just enough time to go and teach his wonderful RC family. As follow up, he then blessed the sacrament on Sunday for the first time!

    Wednesday. We had a wonderful MLC! We set some new goals for the upcoming year of 2015! Our over arching goal is to have 4 baptisms per companionship per 3 month transfer. It was a goal that we set with the spirit and we are so excited to work for it. We hope to carry forth the excitement that we all got from the He is the Gift initiative that we had for Christmas. In fact grandpa Garlick, I told everyone that instead of finding 4 different people, they could just find a family of four! They all really liked that. AFAD! Again, we were blessed to have some great lessons that night. 

   Thursday. We had time to go to our own Zone Training and see the Zone Leaders present the mission goals. Again, we felt the spirit testify of the inspiration of these goals. The best part of the Training was when our beloved Zone Leader, Elder Clawson (reminds me of Andrew) said, "Now we are going to do a role play...and I'm going to exercise MY authority and choose...Elder Linderman and Bangerter!" I had a great time teaching my companion why he should come to church, being devastated when he said he couldn't come, and then recommitting him to come. I feel like I'm always chosen for role plays now!

Afterwards, we ran to the air port to pick up Elder Waters! He was in my MTC group, but had to go home the day we left for Albania, due to medical reasons. It was great to see the tall, dark, and handsome kiwi walk through the airport with such a big smile on face. His trainer is his MTC companion (President didn't know that...I guess that's how the spirit works!) We spent the rest of the evening with them, showing them Tirana, and having a great meal with them and President.

   Friday. We planned. While planning we discussed how we could be more obedient. Answer: Driving. The night before we got a parking ticket so we were determined to be obedient to the traffic rules. (at least those that apply in Albania) Well, we were immediately tested in our obedience as we searched the house for Elder Lindermans drivers license. We really, really needed to find it because we had an exchange that night. I was driving to and from lessons, but he needed to drive back when he dropped me off in Durres. After one lesson, we were kinda frustrated with the situation: we wanted to be obedient, but there seemed no way to do so. I noticed that I had forgotten my bags at home, so we had to run back and get those. Those extra 15 minutes gave us the idea to look one more time through the house. We said a prayer together in the car, went upstairs, and within 30 seconds Elder Linderman found it! It was truly a miracle. We hit our knees and almost laughed at how fast the prayer had worked. We were able to be obedient. He provided a way. (And I only drove 90 km/hr the whole way to Durres!)

  Saturday. I had a great time serving in Durres, the coastal city just West of Tirana. I served with a great Elder, Elder Roemer, one of the kindest people I've ever met. 

  Sunday we were back in Tirana and had a wonderful time in sacrament meeting, having the best attendance that Elder Linderman had ever seen yet. We had a great Skype lesson with a family that lives in France, they have learned quite a bit, and were SO happy to hear Albanian! We concluded the night at the Veliu Family's house. With so many people in the house, I thought, "This lesson is just not going to be effective!" We started with a prayer, and right after more people walked in the door. "NO!" I thought, but I kept my cool, knowing that the SPIRIT knows all things. I listened to him and had an impression to turn to my right and address a question to the 8 yr old Abigail (Abi) "What does it mean to have faith in Christ?" She then went on and on in a beautiful way, telling a story of how she had invited her friend to read the Book of Mormon. The friend showed interest and said she wanted to come to church with her. Then Abi started to tear up as she told us that her friend's parents would not allow her to come to church. This sweet girl had the strongest testimony of Jesus Chirst. She understood that it was so very important to come to church. I believe she couldn't understand why people would say that going to church was a bad thing. I was so grateful that the spirit had prompted me to ask just one question. As a result of her moving answer, all the adults in the room understood and were moved as well. We then proceeded to have one of the best lessons on my mission about faith. 

  During the whole week we've been trying to be more dedicated...we now only speak Albanian when we are not at home or in the office. It really has changed our mindsets, we have become a lot more in tune with the spirit at able to do His will. 

  Thank you all so much for your letters, I love the updates. I pray for you all. Thank you all so much for your prayers. 

  Love, your brother and son,

                                              Elder Bangerter

 

P.S. We weren't able to go to macedonia....maybe another week!