Wow what a week! I'm so grateful to be able to try and recap what happens every week in these e-mails. I think you enjoy getting a better picture of what we do here and it's really good for me to remember all of the miracles we see every day!
I feel support from your love and prayers at home. It's an incredible idea, hard to explain and I don't recognize it a lot because I've just become so used to it. In short, thank you all for faith, prayers, and support.
The highlight of this week was Yevgeni. We felt impressed to teach him about the atonement, so we read from the Book of Mormon, Bible and Doctrine and Covenants and it was powerful. At one point I asked him why he thinks God allowed Jesus Christ and us, his children, to go through suffering. He responded “well through suffering, we come to the atonement.” Boom tears hit my eyes real quick. It instantly reminded me of the letter mom sent me yesterday (well I got it yesterday, so it means she probably sent it about a month ago;) about how the Lord led the Jaredites to the promise land through the winds, storms and floods. Your comment helped open my eyes to why God allows us to “suffer” at times. As I've included before, Yevgeni has had a rough time, which allows him to recognize the light and truth of the gospel. We decided it would be best for him to continue to come to church before we set a date but he will be baptized. I know it!
I also listened to the ward CD you made and loved it! I was thrilled to hear the voices of the Eugene 3rd ward, what a treat! Everyone sounds so happy, and not so far away! (I'm still impressed at how you got it on a CD). I can't say I had a favorite but I got emotional listening to Grandma and Grandpa Sager-- I really look up to their examples as well as the service of Grandma and Grandpa Barnes in South Africa. How cool that both sets of grandparents are giving of their lives to serve the Lord and his children!
Love, Elder Barnes
