Hello. I am keeping the them of writing an email when we have a baptism. So I will write about Massimiliano! He was a referral from Gian Pietro Taina (a name which has given him problems his whole life as the government changed it to Gianpietro but he will always refer back to how his parents intended it and tell you the story about it every time you write his name). They meet only the week before Gian P. introduced his friend to the missionaries (us). We looked at the church when he told us that he actually went to church in the old building about 20 years ago. We then ate gelato and walked abound the town. This included touring 3 churches (one of which was housing a creepy art exhibit with no light and creepy latin voices in the background).
Fast-forward: SUNDAY
Massimilano comes to church. Loves it. Talks a lot in elders quorum (despite not knowing the talk that we were discussing. But that's a good sign because a future church leader has to think on their feet). We then have a lunch after where he is able to mingle and talk to everyone and get to know them. Side note: Gian Pietro invited another friend at this point. An artist that actually worked with Andy Warhol and won a Nobel peace prize for a piece of art. [Not progressing but still kinda crazy that that happened]. We go home after church, we get a text: "Oggi sono stato proprio bene con voi e ho capito che mi piacerebbe tanto fare parte della vostra chiesa. Ci vediamo presto e grazie di tutto". shock & awe. Then we get a call. (says kinda the same thing) He asks how to become part of the church. We explain baptism. He says the date, then we plan to meet to teach him all that he needs to know. And that's all the important part of the story! His date was moved once because of a marathon that pushed church back, and another sunday he had to go collect an award for his book.
But in the end it was SO GOOD. The members here are so excited for everything that is happening. They all love Tony so much and he is now preparing to receive the priesthood. So is Massimiliano. The primary has stepped up to help us plan the baptism next week of Temi & Isreale. There has been such a turn around in the members and their attitude. It is crazy to see just how much that affects everything. We are having some amazing people decide to meet with up. Members are helping and remembering things about friends that come to church and will ask follow up questions and check in. We receive messages thanking us for some of our work, but we cannot take any of the credit. It is because we have support of the members and the Lord is rewarding that. This past sunday we had 12 investigators come to church and worship, pray, and talk with us. Everyone is in a unique situation, some have come for years and still haven't decided to be baptized. For some it was their first week, and others and progressing and learning piano.
I have run out of time writing this email but I should be back next week after the baptism of our amazing friend Temi & her son Israel.
God & Jesus love you! Make time for them. Read from the Book of Mormon to change your life and feel of their power even more in your life! There is even a free app for it
Then, tell me how it goes!
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