Halllo! Guten Tag from Graz!
Wow it is such beautiful weather here! I cannot wait to see Austria in the Spring.
I cant believe little Elder Jaynes is on his way to Russia right now! Crazzzzy! I sent him a letter to read on the flight over since I cant fly over with him. As I was writing it, I was remembering what a unique experience that was. haha I think i experienced every emotion possible while on that flight. I really cannot wait for Elder Jaynes to start in the mission feild. The experiences and lessons I learn everyday are priceless and ohhh so beautiful.
Speaking of experiences, this week has been great! We had our first real lesson with Petra! We were so excited since she had such a great time at General Conference. We decided to talk about the Restoration of the Gospel. We also had planned to set a baptismal date with Petra so she can start experiencing the beautiful blessings of the Atonement and Gospel. As Sister Ackerman and I were talking and praying about a date, we both felt good with June 1st. So we decided to go with that unless we felt otherwise at the appointment.
So we get to Petras and she is just so happy! She had her Book of Mormon ready to go and was anxious to learn more! Petra is hilarious. She is like 45ish and talks like a 20 year old. She is the sweetest. Well we first answerd her questions about what she had read. Petra had read a chapter everyday since we first met with her...SO cool! This is every missionary's dream. She had sincere questions and we were able to help her find her answers to them in the scriptures. Well then we taught about Prophets and the pattern of Apostasy. We were able to really explain why there was a need for a restoration through Joseph Smith. We then watched the Joseph Smith Restoration DVD. Ohhh how i love this DVD, The Spirit was really strong.
After the video we had a little testimony-type meeting and it was wonderful. Petra started to try and explain what she was feeling but she just couldnt. In the end, she just said she knows its good and true! So simple.
Well the next part has to be explained by telling what happened during General Conference. Inbetween sessions, we played UNO with a few members, missionaries, and Petra. She was way into it haha. Well one of the missionaries.. the "greeny" or the newest missionary pulled a "greenie" and asked Petra if she was a member. She was confused by the question and I awkwardly tried to say..."not yet!" haha Well....it was this question that had been stirring in Petras head. During our appointment, Petra began to ask how someone becomes a member! (Thank you Elder Pugmire the greenie!) haha We then went to the scriptures and had a great discussion on baptism and the beautiful blessing it is. We then took out our calendar and asked Petra when she thought she could be ready for baptism! After a minute or two, she pointed to the weekend of June 1st! The date we had thought of. Ohhhh Heavenly Father is so great. It was so cool to see Petra really wanting and being ready to accept the gospel. Well Petra then came to church and quite a few members who had gone on joint-teaches with the missionaries 7 years ago to Petra remembered her and welcomed her! She even got a shout-out from this 75 year old lady during testimony meeting! haha
I am so grateful for the experience it has been to simply call up Petra after 7 years of no contact with the church and to hear the relief in her voice that is was missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so grateful that the Lord prepares people to accept the Gospel. Like I was with Charles, I am excited to see the light of Christ become brighter in Petra and for her to really find the joy, hope, and peace she is searching for that is only available through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and HIs Atonement.
I love this work. I love our Savior. I am so SO So blessed to wear His name over my heart everyday. I hope everyone is doing well!
I love you ALL!
XOXOXOXO
Schwester Jaynes
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