Battesimo Felicità

This year has brought a lot of joy to many people in northern Italy who have been baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Chiesa di Gesù Cristo dei  Santi degli Ultimi Giorni).  Pictured are some of the people who have been baptized recently and have taken the beginning step to have a life of eternal happiness.  The missionaries are working hard to find, teach and baptize those who are seeking the truth.  

Verona

Milano - Lampugnano

Vercelli

Muggio

Ancona

Milano - Navigli

Merate

Siena

Piacenza

Vercelli

Siena

Milano - Navigli

Como

Milano-Cimiano

San Remo

Vicenza

Vicenza

Verona

Mestre

Milano - Cimiano

Piacenza

Bergamo

Alessandria

Milano - Lampugnano

Bergamo

Piacenza

Bergamo

Alessandria

Milano - Lampugnano

Alessandria

Siena

Specialized Training for twenty-nine District Leaders was also held during August in two locations.  Presidente Dibb taught from Doctrine & Covenants Section 123:12-17 referring to the fact that there are many on the earth (and in our mission), that are kept from the truth only because “they know not where to find it.”  Our calling is to find these people. Sorella Dibb led a discussion on “Taking Care of Each Other – What Missionary Leaders Need to Know about Stress and What They Can Do to Help.”  The assistants trained on an effective scambio (companion exchange) using the Manuale del Missionario (Missionary Handbook) and Predicare il Mio Vangelo (Preach My Gospel).  After lunch, Presidente Dibb and the district leaders talked about their responsibilities regarding district meetings and baptismal interviews.  All present asked questions and shared experiences as to what might improve their missionary leadership skills.

District Leader Specialized Training in Modena

District Leader Specialized Training in Milano

Analyzing Finding Techniques at Specialized Training

A few days ago, President and Sister Dibb were in a grocery store and a gentleman came up to them (after noticing their missionary nametags) and said, “Salve, io sono un membro del Milano tre rione.”  (Hello, I am a member of the Milano Third Ward). What a delight to see and greet the members around the town of Opera, Italy! 

Because of the efforts of the missionaries and members of the Missione Italiana di Milano currently, and through the years, la Chiesa di Gesù Cristo dei Santi degli Ultimi Giorni is becoming well known throughout northern Italy.  Baptisms are continuing to increase and the precious message of the doctrine of Christ, which we share, is spreading to bless the lives of all we meet.

"Benvenuti" to Thirty-four New Missionaries

During the last two weeks of July, the Missione Italiana di Milano received quite an influx of new missionaries.  Thirty new young Anziani and Sorelle arrived, twenty-seven from the Provo MTC and three from the Madrid MTC. Two couples also also began their service, one in the mission office and the other in the Pordenone Military Base Ward. 

Anziano and Sorella Harmer, the new Coppia dell'Ufficio

The group from the Spain MTC came into two different airports - two at Malpensa and one at Linate. 

Linate Airport

Malpensa Airport

The group from Provo arrived a few hours late and missing some luggage, but were in excellent spirits.  The logistics of getting this large number of people around Milano and into the field was amazingly orchestrated by gli Assistenti alle Presidente (the assistants to the president), gli Anziani dell’ufficio (the office elders) and the coppie dell’ufficio (the office couples).

The entire July 24th group of pioneering missionaries in front of the bus at the Milan Linate Airport

Tired and Happy

What would we do without buses?

Picture taken through the back/side door of the bus

Group picture following dinner on the evening of July 24, 2013

The day of and the day after their arrival, the new missionaries were interviewed by President Dibb, met their trainers, received some basic training and then were sent off to their areas of service. 

One to two weeks later the new missionaries and their trainers again received training divided into three smaller groups in separate cities.

Three couples and five young missionaries returned home after faithful service to the Lord for eighteen months to two years.  Pictured below is one of the couples and the younger missionaries with Presidente and Sorella Dibb.

Departing Missionaries at the Mission Home on July 25, 2013

Singing the mission hymn followed by a kneeling prayer together is always a great conclusion to each mission meeting.  “Salve” and “Arrivederci” to the precious missionaries of the Missione Italiana di Milano.