Letter -October 4, 2010

Oh What a Beautiful Day!

Fall here is just beautiful as the leaves redden. Vilnius has a beautiful river running right through it. We're seeing miracles every day, especially as I learn to humble myself. I'm finding a little more freedom in the language every day, or rather, if I do my best and carry a prayer in my heart, then the Lord will send the words needed to help his children. Yesterday we knocked by a woman named Giedre. She said she already had a Book of Mormon, " You understand?" She began to shut the door. I asked her if she had prayed and read it. She said that God didn't seem to be answering her prayers at the moment. I asked what her favorite part of the bible was to read. She said she just listens to tid-bits read over the radio. My heart just gushed to see this woman, a daughter of God, starving spiritually because she's not yet turned to the source. I asked her if she prays. She said it's hard, because she's not feeling anything and she doesn't know why. I taught her a little bit about prayer. It was amazing to see how she warmed up over the course of about 3 minutes. I hope we will be able to meet with her again.

There is a dear friend and investigator with whom we were able to reacquaint after being gone from Vilnius for three months. She's really felt something it seems, because she brought herself to church a few times back in May. This week she told me that she won't be coming back to our church because she's just not a "strong person" like that. She said she belongs in Mass. I'm sad for her, that she hides her Book of Mormon, is terrified of what the neighbors might think. She feels excluded in social situations, even in her own family. She doesn't even feel that God loves her. I think too often we fear the reproach of men, and it keeps us from doing what will ultimately make us happy. How important it is to live not "to be seen of men." That kind of worship will never make us happy. God would have us preoccupied with more important things than what others think of us. This is a great season of the year to reflect, to examine our own intentions, and to recommit to living the gospel of Jesus Christ with full sincerity of heart.

I hope you are all well and happy,

Sister Paul