About Me

The adventures of Christian Toronto, a full-time missionary serving in the Rome Italy Mission (Dec 2016-Dec 2018). Christian grew up in Minnesota, then moved to Colorado right before his senior year in high school. He is the third of seven children. He was attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah prior to his missionary call. Christian's older brother Simeon completed his mission in Rome, Italy a day before Christian left for his so they literally swapped places. We call them our Roman soldiers for Christ. In his free time, Christian loves basketball, tennis, american history and politics, and music.

Monday, June 12, 2017

One Miracle, One Awesome Story

Dear Family,

We saw a few miracles and did some awesome stuff which I will quickly cover, but it was also a preparation week, working with the shadow of an almost certain transfer hanging over us.

First one miracle, then one awesome story.

Miracle: I got a call from a recently activated member today, and despite protests by others to leave the call, I picked up, and began to talk. As Pino talked to me, asking if we could help with a home teaching visit later this week, I worked out a time that we both were available, and said regardless of whether I would be there or not, there would be Anziani to help him out. Then, just as I was about to hang up, I felt impressed to ask a favor from this member. Two transfers ago, a man left the church, swearing to never have anything to do with it again, largely as a result of actions made by missionaries and members. Since he left, any attempt at contact or reconciliation has been met with a cold shoulder, and non-response. I asked Pino, as he was about to end the call, to shoot a text to this man, letting him know we missed him and loved him. Pino called back a little over an hour later, and told us he had responded to him, and had declared similar feelings. I literally almost dropped the phone, recognizing the hand of the God instantly. I asked Pino to send another message, asking if we could visit him the man tonight, knowing that it was a long shot, but wanting to put this again in the Lord's hands. As he tends to do, the Lord came through, and the man declared we were welcome to visit his home. I have been trying to see this man for two transfers, and it isn't till now I've been given the opportunity to do so. I am still somewhat stunned as I write out this miraculous blessing.

Awesome Story: This week, Anziano Kolsen and I had the chance to drive up to Bronte, clear on the other side of Etna again, to visit Angelo, our pistachio farmer investigator. I have never had a cooler lesson in my life. Angelo is a spiritual giant, and the question with him, isn't IF he'll be baptized, but when. He accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the peace that accompanies it, along with the invitations we gave him. Featured are pictures of me with Angelo, and a pistachio tree in full bloom  (pretty dang cool)!





Tune in next week to find out about transfers, and to see where life takes me next!

All the best,

Anziano Toronto

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