Dear Fam,
Pleased to report that its been another successful week here in Erlangen. We've been meeting with some truly prepared people who are strengthening my testimony as I try to help them develop theirs.
Our week started out on a really good note last Monday evening when we went back to work. We went by an old Contact in this apartment complex where mostly University students live. We weren't able to talk to her but another girl came walking up the steps just as we were about to leave and Elder Gneiting started talking to her (He's really good at trying to talk to everyone. I've definitely learned from his example in that regard). Surprisingly she let us right into her apartment and we were able to give her an entire first lesson. The spirit was very strong throughout our entire discussion with her and, although she didn't want a return visit from us at this point in time, we knew that she felt something and was prepared by the Lord to receive our message that day. It really has been a blessing for me to work here in Erlangen and be able to see so many faithful people my age.
We were finally able to meet with Walter Ganther, our newly converted Jehovah's Witness, again this week. He came with us to David and Marylin Auras', some awesome members in our ward, for dinner and we watched the Restoration DVD together. Walter really enjoyed it and has no problem believing that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He's really interested in the Book of Mormon, and will no doubt have read the whole thing by the end of this week. He's a man who is seeking after the truth, which is why he became a Jehovah's Witness, and will recognize it with no problem once he reads it and prays about it. We'll be shooting for a baptism date with him within the coming week or so, so keep your fingers crossed (or praying would probably be better)....I think I made this same joke in another email. Man I really need to get some new material.
...Uh, anyway, We had a great second appointment with Ingrid and Ludwig Strixner on Friday. Ludwig is very quiet, but you can tell he's very intelligent and listens to everything we say, and I respect that. Ingrid is really just at the starting line in her understanding. We had planned to watch the Restoration for this appointment but Ingrid's concerns sent the discussion in a totally different direction. She told us that Its hard for her to believe that God is our heavenly father, and that he could possibly know and love all of us personally. Despite the lesson going in a totally different direction than what we had planned for, Elder Gneiting and I were able to rely on the spirit and give one of the best lessons we have ever given in our companionship. The spirit was very strong and as we bore testimony I could see in Ingrid and Ludwig's eyes that they were both touched by our message. They will be on vacation for the next couple weeks, but we already have an appointment scheduled for when they get back. I'm really excited to see what happens with this great couple.
My mission as constantly reminded me how much I love people, and how life is all about people and connections and the relationships that we build with each other on this earth to build each other up and prepare together for the next steps. I have received so many blessings on my mission, but I think my greatest blessing has been the relationships that I've been able to have with all of this wonderful people in this part of the world- The members, the people I teach, and even the people I talk to every day on the street.
My mission has also made me realize how grateful I am for the people back home, my friends and family. I hope you all know how much I love and how much you all mean to me. I pray for you always and feel closer to you all than ever, even if I'm on the other side of the world.
Take care!
-Andy
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