June 11, 2006
LDS Mission to Italy Rome Mission – Converts Bring True Joy
Written by: Juanchito
Today I got an email from someone who I taught the gospel on my mission to the Italy. I have been talking with him online quite a bit recently so I’ve know quite a bit about how he’s been doing and also about how the lds church on the beautiful Island of Sardegna in Italy was doing. However, an email from him today really caused me to pause and think about what I was able to accomplish on my mission.
In his email he said that today was the anniversary of his baptism into the church. He had now been a member of the church for 6 years. I was so happy that he was still an active member that had remained faithful.
In writing my reply to him I recounted many of the wonderful experiences I had with him during the conversion process. We met him at a service activity we did with some disabled kids at a park and where he volunteered also. At the end of the activity(we basically just played with the kids), he saw me holding a Book of Mormon in my hand and asked me why I held it. I explained to him about the Book of Mormon and then gave it to him as a gift. He was so appreciative that the next day he brought us a Catholic book of prayers. It was so nice of him, but definitely a wake up call for us.
Well, without going into all the details he asked us a few months later how he could become a member of the church and all we had done was serve him. We had never even taught him a lesson. The power of service, love and example is amazing. He’s gone through some hard times, but I’m grateful to think that I may have in some way influenced his life for good.
A scripture camed to mind when I was writing him an email. It’s in Doctrine and Covenants 18:15:
And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
My joy is great because he is still faithful 6 years later. One day we will have joy together in the kingdom of our father.
Keep the Faith!
Hi John,
Took me a while to post … so many thoughts so little words. I also felt a little weird posting on your wife’s page without ever really having a conversation with her. But you and I have talked tons so this is a little easier
.
I simply wanted to say that I really enjoy your energy, humor and dedication. It has been a pleasure getting to know you over the course of this year and I look forward to working with you in the future.
I am going to skip over all the mushy stuff and the stuff about just meeting other “spiritual beings” and leave it at I really enjoy having you as a co-worker and friend.
Sabrina
It’s really not my wife’s page. We both post to it. Haven’t you read my comments about being Mr. Mom today on that site? I hope my wife isn’t Mr. Mom. However, I do understand not wanting to post to someone you don’t know. However, in the “blogosphere” that is what it is all about. It is a new thing, that I think you could grow to absolutely love. I could see you being a great blogger.
Thanks for your kind words. I’m just me and that’s about all I can say.
I hope you visit this blog often. Blogs are fun things because you can write whatever you want and no one can stop you. They are welcome to comment, but even that you can delete if someone is innapropriate. So far I haven’t had anyone even close to that.