We got a referral from the Luzern Elders the other day and we didn't really think much of it. We traveled about an hour and a half by train to contact two referrals that we had. Gotta love missionary work in Switzerland. On our way to a little place called Steinen, we got on this train and we were talking in english about something, I can't remember now what it was, but then a lady just looks at me with a curious look on her face and I can't help but smile back. She asked where we were from (in English) and what we were doing exactly. We told her we were here to invite people to come to Christ. She told us about how her faith in Christ has helped her in her marriage. She has been married for 28 years and I said congratulations, and she said it was only through the grace of God that it was possible. We started talking about the Book of Mormon and she said, "I know that book, and I will never read it." Not surprising, thats what a lot of people say. So I began to inquire why she would never read it. She gave the typical answer that no one should add to the Bible. We talked a little bit more and I just bore my testimony that it IS true and it IS the word of God and that everyone can know if it is true if they just read it and pray about it. She didn't accept what I said, but that was the first time in my life that I wasn't really hurt or offended or mad at someone for doubting my beliefs. I know what I believe and I am just here to invite and find those whom he has prepared. She just isnt ready yet.
After we finally got to Steinen, we found the potential and they told us that they weren't interested but I have no doubt that someday they will be very interested. They were very sweet people. After that we took another train to Schwyz to meet with the other referral that we received. His name is Nikolaus and he is from Greece and he is awesome. Very interested in what we believe. We were able to teach him the introduction lesson and it was so awesome. He has a strong desire to change his life around. And I have a feeling that as he reads the Book of Mormon he will feel the power there of and have a desire to come unto Christ. He is just so wonderful. After this awesome appointment we started the journey home. We found a train that went passed where we needed but we knew that we could take a train from there to our little city. So, we boarded the train. Then about half way through the ride, I saw another train that I thought would be faster, so we hurried up and got off the train and boarded the other train. Well to make a long story short, this train went in the wrong direction and we ended up waiting for 20 min for another train that took us to another stop that we waited another 20 mins for and ahh, I felt so bad. Instead of getting home at 9:29pm we got home at 9:50pm ish.... So schlimm. But we had a lot of fun, playing in the snow waiting for the trains. Ha, I challenged Sister Phillips to a slidding contest and she totally biffed it and was soaking wet... SOOOO funny.
The miracles geht weider. Just yesterday we were on our way to an appointment and there is a small train that comes right by our house that we like to take. We were waiting for the train and enjoying the sunset when the train came and was slowing down. Suddenly, Sister Phillips says, "There's Momo." Momo is a former investigator that we have been trying to contact for the last 3 months. We had a good chat with him and he asked US if we had time to meet on Thursday. We said of course and continued on our way to our appointment. We got to Familie Koch and made a sad attempt at teaching their 7 year old son in german about the Laws and Ordinances of the Gospel. The children here don't speak high german very well and they REALLY don't understand broken high german. Thank goodness his parents are there to interperate what we say. Afterwards we had dinner. I cannot tell you how many times I have had cake or cookies for dinner. It is crazy. But its alway so good. Finally we made our way to the door once more, (after talking about Mitt Romney for a few minutes or so...) then we walked back to the train station. We missed the train that left at 18:03 and thus missed our connecting train that only comes once an hour. So we had to take the 18:35 train and take a bus back to our house. Not a big deal just a little less convenient. Well it turns out that our neighbor, Rocco, whom we gave a Book of Mormon to last Sunday, took the same bus. We talked to him from the bus station all the way to our apartment and talked to him for another 20 min or so. He said that he was starting a new diet where he is only drinking juice and tea for the next 21 days with no food. Talk about will power. But he said that he wants to change his life and it is so nice that he also has "our" book to read while he is making these changes. He has read about 136 pages thus far in the Book of Mormon and he said that everything he's read is in line with what he believes. I again bore my testimony of the many wonderful examples in the Book of Mormon and we invited him to come to church and he sounded like he would really like to come. We were thrilled. We exchanged numbers and we hope to hear from him soon.
I know that this work is the work of the Lord. There is no way that all of these things should have happened the way they did. Missing trains, buses, being late to appointments is all in the hand of the Lord. He knows who we need to see and how we can meet with them. Life is so cool as a missionary. I wouldnt want to be doing anything else in the world right now. The church is true. Our Savior lives. The Book of Mormon is the key to the knowledge we need to be happy in THIS life and to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven.
Take care this week,
Liebe, Sister Fokken
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