 |
| Pretty fall colors |
Well it's been another great week here in Sweden! We found a lot of really good potential investigators on the street, and we look forward to hopefully meeting them in the near future. This week we went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders, so I was left here in Eskilstuna with Äldste Pack. It was really cool to see how he approached thing and it gave me some ideas that I can try in my efforts. We had done some street contacting throughout the day and we were at the very end of our last session, heading back to the church, when we ran into a man named Tommy. He began to tell us that he had family who had emigrated to Salt Lake, and were members there. He said that he had met missionaries once before about three months ago, and had a Book of Mormon in English, which he had been reading, but it was going a little slow and was hard at times because it was in English. He told us that he wished he had one in Swedish, which was music to our ears, but unfortunately we had distributed all the books we had on us... We told him we had one at the church we could give him and said that if he had time we could take him there right then. Much to our surprise he looked down at his watch and said, "Yeah I've got time. Let's go!" Just to clarify, we were in downtown Eskilstuna where just about the only thing people say to us when we try to talk to them is "Jag har inte tid!" (which means "I don't have time!"). We ended up walking to the church with him which was about 10 minutes away, we took him inside, and gave him a Book of Mormon in Swedish. He was so grateful for the book and promised that he would come to church on Sunday. Yesterday he did indeed come to church and seemed to really like it! We look forward to teaching him because he already values the Book of Mormon so much. Anybody who values the Book of Mormon as he does, studies it's principles, and prays to know if it's true, will indeed receive a witness that the Book of Mormon is true.
On Saturday we had a chance to do some service for one of the members here. We did some weeding for her, and it was the first time I had worn civilian clothing outside of the apartment which felt really strange... I loved the chance to serve her, and it was a great opportunity to get to know Sister Hill's new companion, Sister Eriksson, better. Sister Eriksson is the only native Swedish missionary in the mission right now, and it was super cool to get her perspective on Sweden and to ask a bunch of questions about the language. She is super helpful, and I feel so lucky that she happens to be serving in Eskilstuna this transfer!
On Saturday we also had a few lessons planned that got cancelled, which was a bit disappointing. However, as we continued to work we ended up having an unexpected lesson with a lady named Janette and her fiance. Elder Wilkinson had met Janette once before and had given her a book of Mormon, but was having some difficulties so she hadn't been able to meet for a couple months. Janette believes in Christ "more than 100%" (which is apparent by all the pictures in her apartment) and she knows that the Book of Mormon is true. It was a wonderful lesson, and one that we would not have had the opportunity of having if our others had not been cancelled. At times our life may seem hard and we may not know why we are going through certain things. I testify that God has a perfect plan for each of us. As we continue to have faith in Him and diligently seek his help, we will find opportunities far greater than we could have imagined.
I am so grateful to be here in Eskilstuna at this time. So many wonderful things are happening, and there are many more coming in the next few weeks. As I have reflected on the progress of our investigators, it has all come down to the Book of Mormon and prayer. Each investigator who is making progress right now is reading the Book of Mormon and praying daily. No exceptions. I testify that as we read the Book of Mormon and pray daily, we will find the answers we are searching for. I have seen this in the lives of others, and I have, without a doubt, found it to be true in my own. We cannot neglect these two actions and hope to maintain or build our faith in Christ. I know that Christ has provided a means for us to return to Him. He lives today and beckons to each of us with open arms and the simple words "Come, follow me." May we all strive to lay aside anything that would keep us from heeding his voice, and may we follow the path he has shown us is my hope and prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Äldste Sirrine
 |
| Some Syrian food that Janette's brother made us. I have to say, Syrian food has to be the best food in the world... |
