SWEET IS THE WORK

Lampugnano Ward

We were privileged to be part of the baptism of Esther. Esther is from Peru and has known the church for about 9 years because her husband is a member. She's always been around the church but was never truly interested. When she decided to come to Italy, her husband told her to find the missionaries and to take the lessons. Esther began the lessons in Cimiano but then she moved into our area so we started teaching her in Spanish. She is bravissima and such a wonderful example to others. Seeing her so happy and emotional just taught us how universal the spirit of God is. No matter where we come from or where we are in the world, the love that God has for each of his children is all the same. During her testimony at her baptism, we've truly felt and seen the light of Christ shining through her.

Mestre Ward

Saturday we were able to witness the baptism of Ramiro José Bellido Manrrique. It was a wonderful experience to share this day with him. We found Ramiro, or rather he found us, when he ended up at our church a random Friday evening asking to meet someone who could teach him more about who we are as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found a sister cleaning the church that evening, who then called us. We were able to share what we believe, and soon learned that he had tried to come the church two times previously finding no one. Fortunately, he chose to try one last time. We have created a great friendship with Ramiro and we are so proud of him. He was confirmed a member today, as well as ordained to the Aronic Priesthood. We would like to share simply that there are people out there who are searching for the truth found only in this church. We know this work we do is not easy, but it is most certainly worth it. We are on the Lords errand to save souls, and assist his children, our brothers and sisters in returning back unto Him. We want to share a quote we like from Preach My Gospel. President Ezra Taft Benson said, "Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work.” We bear our testimonies that as we "work, work, work" the Lord will bless us with miracles, and will guide us to those he has prepared here in Italy. We are grateful for all the work you do, and we are especially grateful to serve alongside such great Anziani e Sorelle such as you.

Alessandria Ward

We would like to share a neat experience we had yesterday evening. Yesterday, Victor and Betty, a family who has been waiting and wanting to be baptized for 2 years now, were baptized. It was so special seeing them walk into the church dressed in white. Being taught for two years means this family has seen and met with many amazing missionaries, many of whom are still serving. We know that this is a wonderful example about what Anziano Uchtdorf taught us this past mission conference. That every accomplishment, is a victory for all missionaries. Sweet Betty had the same reaction coming up out of the water as she did today when she received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She put her hands to her mouth like she couldn't believe that what she had been waiting for had happened. During his testimony, which took a lot of courage for him to give, Victor  expressed appreciation for what this gospel has, and will do for his family. He said, as a father, he knows his baby daughter, Michelle, will have a better life because of their baptism. Seems like a fathers first concern is for his family. Just like our father above.