Ascolian Hippocampus Fountain |
Carissimi,
A rather uneventful transfer week leaves little in terms of writing material, but I'll do my best with what I've been given!
Anziano Mayer, who is currently serving in nearby Ascoli, joined the 4 Pescarites for the majority of this last week, as he waited for his new companion, Anziano Parker, to arrive from Sardegna! What a joy it was to have him and his 24/7 smile with us as we sought to find, teach, and prepare for baptisms in this beautiful city. On Wednesday, we were able to travel up to Ascoli to work in his area for a day, and what a blast that was! Some parts of Ascoli happen to be older than Rome, and it is one of the more scenic cities in the mission. With a beautiful centro, mountains as a backdrop, and a river cutting a canyon through the middle of the city, I am constantly made grateful by Heavenly Father's appreciation for beauty, and man's desire to add to that!
In other news, Thursday morning we had the chance to play tennis with Giorgio, formerly and incorrectly referred to as Sergio, who was as gracious and delightful as usual. Oh how I miss the tennis court, but I figure my prayers for Roger Federer's backhand are more effective when offered as a missionary. I'm willing to do my time, so that the maestro can play a little longer. :)
Adamo moves like a somewhat reserved, yet nonetheless unstoppable freight train towards baptism. All going well, he will be interviewed this week, and baptized next Sunday! We are incredibly excited for this prospective eternal family, and for this first step Adamo is preparing to make!
Teaching highlight of the week came from a lesson, early Saturday morning, with an investigator named Carlo. After being out of town for the month of August, he came back, having read all of 1st and 2nd Nephi, and the opening chapters of Jacob! We were ecstatic as he asked questions and made comments about what he had read, and we can't wait to see him act on the truth that he has gained so far!
Spiritual Thought: As we look back on the events of September 11, 2001, that occurred 16 years ago today, and then on recent calamities still affecting the lives of millions in Texas and Florida, many would like to point to Paul's prophetic declaration, "In the last days, perilous times shall come," (2 Timothy 3:1). President Thomas S. Monson, speaking of our day, wrote in 2012:
"Although we live in increasingly perilous times, the Lord loves us and is mindful of us. He is always on our side as we do what is right. He will help us in time of need. Difficulties come into our lives, problems we do not anticipate and which we would never choose. None of us is immune. The purpose of mortality is to learn and to grow to be more like our Father, and it is often during the difficult times that we learn the most, as painful as the lessons may be. Our lives can also be filled with joy as we follow the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord admonished, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” What great happiness this knowledge should bring to us. He lived for us and He died for us. He paid the price for our sins. May we emulate His example. May we show our great gratitude to Him by accepting His sacrifice and living lives that will qualify us to return and one day live with Him."
How wonderful it is to know that despite the perilous times in which we live, we need not worry, nor fear. Though I may sound like a broken record, I invite each of us again, to "Look unto Christ in every thought, doubt not, fear not!" (D&C 6:36).
Lean on he who is the antithesis of terror, the Prince of Peace, him of which I leave my testimony, even Jesus Christ, Amen
Anziano Toronto II 🇮🇹
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