Isaiah 5:4‏ - October 10, 2016

Zone Conference September 2016

4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

Areas around Randers

Everyone,

This week has been really quite here in Randers. Not having a third persen makes quite a difference in a companionship. Elder Johansen is safe in Utah, and as far as we know he is doing fine. It was sad to say goodbye Monday night at the train station last week.

I think that I will start with some eating appointment stories this week. We ate with familien Koch. They are great members in the ward, and their son was in my district in København. He left last week for the MTC in South Africa before he goes to Zimbabwe for his mission. It is a little odd becasue he has now done mission work for a month, but they still wanted him to go to the MTC. Turns out these members bought a clock to count down the time until he returns. It was quite funny to Elder Ericksen and I as well as their kids when they excitedly read the time down from years to seconds before he comes home.

We ate with some less actives who live in a little town close to Viborg. They wanted to know how they could strngthen their faith, and start coming back to church. In our discussion we told them that the best thing to do is read from the Book of Mormon, and have a desire to come to church each Sunday. They turned to each other, and commented on that is what the last Elders told us. I feel like this story can be applied to all of us. The gospel and its teachings aren't going to change to conform with our standards, we need to embrace the gospel standards as our own.

Miracle story this week. We did a stop by on the far end of town to see if their address was correct. They weren't home at the time we stopped by, so we went knocking in the area instead. They called us 15 minutes later, and asked if they could make an appointment. We decided to meet with them right then. Turns out this less active member has a strong testimony of The Book of Mormon, and has been telling her husband about it. Both of them were very happy to hear the Restoration lesson, and have set up another appointment for this week. This was amazing because it came at such a weird time for us. The Lord really does bless us here.

Brian was this week at the church. He told us about his family, and how his oldest daughter reads the Bible. When he reads the Book of Mormon he will ask her questions. I think that if Brian will accept the gospel that he family will accept it as well a few weeks after him. Our lesson was on Jesus Christ, and who he is. We had great scriptures and questions for him. Both of us were bearing testimony, and the Spirit was really strong. At the end we gave him a copy of "The Living Christ." It was a wonderful lesson, and after the closing prayer he shocked us again. He said that he feels that he should read The Book of Mormon every day, and where would be a good place to start in order to understand the book. It really caught us by suprise, but we suggested the the beginning would be best. I think that Brian is doing great, and that he will start to desire to be a member soon.

Just a few notes. Yes, it is cold now for those who were wondering. My favorite Danish hymn is number 90 in Salmer og Sange. Elder Johansen should be proselyting as far as we know.

It is fun to know that Grandma and Grandpa will be in Germany soon. I am glad that Mama liked the birthday song. We did our best to sing it.

Elder Francis

Eric's Trains.  Note:Papa, they are all size z.