GENERAL CONFERENCE!

The sun is continuing to shine in Vilnius and Elder Brimley and I keep on smiling. Watching general conference these past two days has just been a reminder to me of the blessing to be a member of the church, and especially to be serving a mission. In the closing prayer of Saturday Morning’s session, the man asked that God would help us share this message with everyone we meet. And I thought, Ha I actually get to do that! That is awesome.

Last conference we watched it broadcasted a week later(in English)but this time we’ve been watching one session every morning to keep the week-end more open for missionary work, and when we do go we’ll go with investigators and help them mingle with members. Conference is such a powerful boost; I totally took it for granted growing up. I remember looking at the clock in the chapel and being shocked that what felt like 3 hours was less than half way through—where as now I just don’t want it to end! We’ve only seen the Saturday sessions but some of my favorite talks have been from President Eyring on overcoming adversity ( haha although that word allows reminds me of Ernie Kent) and Elder Nelsons on prayer. But they all just teach the doctrine so clearly and sincerely. Sister Liffeth's talk on Reverence brings Revelation and Elder Christofferson's talk on Covenanted Christians are pretty much the same things Sister Dance and President Dance said at my last zone conference in Riga. I love the Dances! Being in Riga last week was really great, it was déjà vu all over again, and still feels like home. I get so trapped in our little bubble here in Vilnius, or even in the Baltics, but then you see General Conference and realize, wow there are miracles happening all over the world.

We have been teaching a man named Dima who came to the Russian branch last week which was a miracle (he has come to the Lithuanian branch because it’s at 2:00, rather than 10:00.) I think I’ve told you about him before but he’s 26, really cool and spiritual, and gets together weekly to play drums with guys from difference religions and counts himself as “a Mormon”. Which is great, he just isn’t baptized or living all of the commandments yet. We’re also still teaching Paval who’s come to church the last two weeks and is still trying to live the word of wisdom. Last Sunday in fast and testimony meeting a member (the wife of the Branch presidency councilor who baptized the new couple in the frozen lake) bore her testimony about doing missionary work. They have been friends with this family for 15 years, and she talked about how much joy and closeness has come into their relationship as they have accepted the gospel and now are just filled with light. But I really liked how she mentioned that as members you talk and talk a lot but sometimes you just need to grab someone by the arm or skirt and bring them to church. I don’t know if that’s the best or most legal thing to do… but I don’t thinks it’s a bad idea. But honestly being loving and bold is definitely worth it when you see the incomparable blessings that come from living the gospel.

Before I forget our preparation day will be next Thursday, because of transfers. This morning, the dozen missionaries in Lithuania went out to Trakai, a castle 30 KM outside of Vilnius. We took jumping pictures, had lunch, and played Frisbee. I’ll send a picture or two, because this place where we live is beautiful! Oh and I ran into the man from Kaunus who Grandma and Grandpa Barnes home taught, he remembered their names, told me they were amazing and wanted me to pass on a big Hello. He’s now President of the Lithuanian District and just the nicest man who everyone loves.

Welp, I love you! Thanks for you support!

Love, Elder Barnes #12