Week 17

Alrighty, not a ton of time today.

Mostly, this was a personal growing week. We had interviews with president and then zone conference Tuesday and Wednesday, and then we had to go to Rieti to do a really dumb culture class for my residence permit. 5 hours of learning about the regulations for working, studying, etc. in Italy, none of which applied to me! YAY FOR WASTED TIME!!!

And then Laban postponed his baptismal date again, but this time he's decided firmly on his own about November 1, whereas the other two were picked by Sorella Patterson and I. So he's committed, and I am so excited for him! He is such an incredible guy, he has so much faith and such a desire to follow his Savior. He is a huge example to me of accepting the will of God and continuing forward in faith.

We are still doing a lot of finding, but we are focusing on teaching when we find, which is something we learned about during zone conference is. We are getting used to giving short, powerful statements about the restoration when people ask us who we are. It’s actually really cool, because then we aren't just sitting about hoping that the conversation turns into an opportunity to share the gospel. We are ''preaching by the way!'' and it’s been really cool!

Funny/scary story from the week... we were on the train to zone conference and we had to get off to validate our tickets, because our train pass wasn't valid from that point on. So I hopped off and Sorella Patterson and I could still see each other through the window, and I was hurrying because the train doesn't stop for very long. The conductor guy saw me, turned the knob to close and LOCK the door, and pulled away. WITH MY COMPANION ON THE TRAIN. Luckily, we had planned for this my first week, because the metro/subway in the city does not stop for anyone. Once the doors shut, it goes, with or without you.  We decided that if we ever got separated, that we would go to the next stop, get off and wait for the other person, who would take the next train to that same top. And that is exactly what we did! It worked, we were reunited, and we will never let the other out of our sight ever again! Haha it was terrifying. I am glad that Heavenly Father keeps His missionaries safe...scenes from the movie Taken kept flashing through my head! (Sorry, Mom. It won't happen ever again, I promise!)

I love you all, I appreciate your prayers, and please know that I pray for you too. I know I sounded discouraged last week, but I am feeling better. I know that even though we don't always see the fruits of our labors, we are helping people feel the Spirit and inviting them to come unto Christ, which is all we can do. I know that if someone doesn't want what I am offering, that I can try to offer it to the next person, and the one after that, and the one after that, until someone's heart is touched enough that they accept the invitation. I have to do my part though, because most people just don't know where to look!

 

To quote what I sent to Aunt Kelli: ''And a lot of the time, our example is the best way we are missionaries. We talked a lot about that this week, because we don't have many investigators right now. But we preach by the way in the example we set and our willingness to talk with whoever we see. And when we are obedient and are being good examples, people notice and we get the opportunity to talk to them. We have to be bold and honest about who we are, unapologetic and straightforward, because sometime all we have is 30 seconds, just like you said. But boldness includes love, and if we have charity for these people we will want to be open about who we are because we will want to share with them the most precious thing we have: The Gospel of Jesus Christ!''

E vi voglio un mondo di bene. Preghiate ogni giorno e fare le cose che ci aiutano a venire a Cristo, e poi Dio ti userà per condividere il Suo amore con i tuoi amici e cari. In bocca al lupo!

I love you all very much. If you pray every day and do the things that help us to come to Christ, then God will use you to share His love with your friends and loved ones. Best of luck!

Con amore,

Sorella Decker

Pictures below are from her Zone Conference this week:

Rome East Zone

Sorellas Argyle, Stephens, and Decker

Sorella Decker, Alessandra, and Sorella Patterson