17th Letter from Varese

Carissima Famiglia,
 
I wish I could write you in Italian...Let me tell you about some of the amazing events of this week!

Sander was baptized last Saturday! His mother's companion Massimo agreed to let him be baptized. He remained outside in the car during the baptism and the first two hours of church the next morning, but he joined us for the second part of the third hour- Sacrament Meeting. We have been praying so hard for him each day, to have his heart softened, and to accept the gospel. It was a big miracle that he came into the church, even if it was for a half hour. Sorella Mcnamara and I also set up an appointment with him yesterday when we went to teach Sander at their house!

   The baptism was so peaceful. There were only a few people in attendance, but the Spirit was abundant. Everyone expressed their love for and support of Sander. It is beautiful to witness the beginnings of little Sander's conversion. He has read 1 and 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon on his own. He reads for a half hour each day and soaks in everything that he reads. His testimony is so strong and independent right now, being only 11 years old. It is exciting to think about the good things that are in store for his future. We are already seeing the blessings that his faith is bringing to his family now- his mom being reactivated, his two little sisters making a primary class, and his "step dad" beginning to show interest in the gospel. What an incredible missionary Sander will be! He will have a burning testimony and knowledge of the Book of Mormon, and will convert so many others. How great is one soul in the sight [work] of God.

  Pass-along-card miracle... I imagine that there are so many more experiences like this, but you rarely find out about them. Remember Carina? The sweet Peruvian woman who will have a baby and wants to be baptized? We have continued to teach her the lessons and have been preparing her for the 2nd of June. When we entered her house for the first time last week, we noticed a pass-along-card (the one with Christ's face) on top of her shelf in her living room, crumpled, and sitting next to pictures of Jesus and her family. We asked her about it. She said that Sorella Walton gave it to her months ago in the bus. There was one evening when Carina was feeling really depressed and helpless. She came so close to calling our number and asking us to come teach her. But then she thought, "Maybe God will help us to meet again."   When she told us that I thought, "Why didn't you call us!!!!" She needs to be baptized so badly, and to receive the aid and comfort of the Holy Ghost. But everything happens in the right timing of the Lord, right?

Sorella Mcnamara and I met and talked with her again, thanks to Heavenly Father. I had forgotten all about her, I do not remember her face or ever meeting her in the past... anyway, I know the Lord guides our work. Her words were a real testimony builder to me of the importance of talking and giving pass along cards to everyone that we can. I wonder how many others are in her same situation.

Well, there is not time to relate her situation right now. In a few words she is going to move back to Peru this week, she told us she wanted to get baptized this Thursday and one hour before her interview she called us and told us she feels nervous and she wants to wait to get baptized. I have no idea what to do, but we are taking it one day at a time. We feel this incredible peace with the work and in the power of the Lord. Will you keep her in your prayers? The adversary surely tries his hardest to tempt investigators right before baptism.

Update- Richie is the most awesome investigator! He is getting baptized on the 2nd of June, and we love him to death. He is our Nigerian brother! He is going to be a fantastic missionary.

Vi voglio tantissimo bene!

Con tanto affetto dal mio cuore,
   
Sorella Oakes