10th Letter from Cuneo

Cara famiglia,

I hope Thanksgiving was wonderful! Sorella Ryan and I enjoyed some mashed potatoes and bread we made during our lunch break. It was great. Does anyone have any fun plans for the holidays?

A few quick updates-- Osagie has not been baptized yet, but he will soon! Haha, we do not know when, but it will happen. It seems as if he will end up telling us the day before. He is very unsure but he wants to be baptized. David is continuing to progress, he is worthy to be baptized this weekend, but we will wait until December 10th. He will be a wonderful addition to the branch. We have had three family home evenings within the past two week- they are the best! It is such a good atmosphere for investigators, great fellowshiping... and Giulia is about the same. She was sick for three weeks, and became soo thin and sickly, it was depressing. Her mom continued to smoke, so it was a miracle that she got over her illness. We pray for her.

This week we met with an investigator named Sandra for the third time. Even though we had tried to teach the Restoration to her the previous two lessons, we felt like we needed to review it again. As we explained about our living prophet and apostles, her face changed, as if everthing had finally clicked. She paused and then said quietly, "You know something, I believe you. I do not know why, but I know what you are saying is true. This is the church of Jesus Christ, the true gospel." She was so happy and she said, "Just now, I remember some other men teaching me back in my country in Ghana, and they taught the same thing as you. I know this is true because you people leave your homes and wherever you are in the world, you teach the same thing."

The Spirit was present in her living room, it was peaceful and sweet. She became converted because her heart was open. There was an especially pertinent principle that we learned that evening- the gospel of Jesus Christ is plain and simple. When it is taught simply, it has a great and powerful effect on others. I am so grateful that we taught the Lord's gospel in His words, rather than bringing in our own profound tangeants. The key to this woman's conversion was that we had taught the same gospel as the other faithful missionaries had in Ghana. As servants of the Lord, we are more powerful and united if we learn and practice the beautiful and precious gospel truths. The Book of Mormon, the standard works and Preach My Gospel contain all that we need to know. The Spirit can accompany and compliment our words if we try to speak the words of Christ.

I love you so much!

Sorella Oakes