FAMILY!!!
The rain continues nearly every day, which showers the miracles. I'm convinced that the best things happen when you're desperate and soaking wet.
Okay well it hasn't been raining THAT bad but the weather here feels a lot like spring in eugene, rainy and then sunny a few minutes later. Last night was the longest night of the year, which is infamous for people staying up all night and partying. As we were going to bed last night it started to thunder and storm really hard and I guess people were screaming and stuff. Elder Freeman told me about it, I slept like a baby.
The biggest miracle is Artiom, I told you a little about him last week but he's different than any other Russian 18 year old I've met. He doesn't smoke or drink (“i don't see the point”), he loves the Book of Mormon and asks questions I've never thought of (who's the Rahava guy in 2nd Nephi 8:9) and does karate. He had karate last sunday morning but he came to the services in Lithuanian and liked it. In yesterday's lesson he gave such a sincere and grateful prayer and thanked God for the holy scriptures and the knowledge God gives us and our purpose in life. He wants to be baptized and could be like next week, but will be out of town this week-end, and than in Israel for 2 weeks in July. So we set a date for August, the week-end before Elder Freeman goes home. Wow that is way too soon (for my sake), but than again not soon enough (for Artiom's sake and probably Elder Freeman's family). Artiom is just the man. I'll send a picture of us all next week.
Alexander is still going strong. He'll need some more time to prepare for baptism but he's diligently reading the scriptures and doing what he needs to. We brought a white shirt and tie for him last week, and for the first 15 minutes he was feeling uncomfortable but after church he was loving it and said it made him happy to have people stare at him on the streets! I told him that pretty soon he can be out there with us talking to people, and he kinda laughed. He'll be a good missionary though because he's so open, fearless and feels the joy of the gospel.
Yesterday we ran into Kobe Bryant, almost. Well it was a Lithuanian gangster with a Kobe jersey, and as we were talking he made it pretty clear that we was not extremely interested. He ended by saying, “time is money” and Elder Freeman answered “Kobe is money. From behind the three point line.” Haha I laughed so hard. The young man in our branch told me that Kobe was the championship MVP. Props to Lakers fans. I have a feeling the Jazz will take them next year though. Times are changing. Christopher showed me the duck's new uniforms but I guess that's nothing too new. Tell the Long's HELLO from me. I'm excited to hear how Elder Long is doing in Cali with Mandarin, and don't forget to take family pictures with Trixy! What great friends.
Our Branch President and his wife teach online russian lessons for all levels. If you know ANYone that would be interested it'd be so worth it. He's e-mail is dnkon@yahoo.com, and skype ID dnkon73. He and his wife are from Russia and speak gorgeous Russian, and perfect english. He has two young daughters and still helps us a ton with teaching and is a huge blessing for the branch.
Thanks for your love. I love you!!!
Love, Elder Barnes #12
Welcome to the Sager Family Blogspot. Please post your ballgames, Phase 10 victories, motorcyle trips, family pictures, and missionary updates.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
SINGING IN THE RAIN
FAMILY!
Hey. First, please pass a CONGRATS to SISTER BRETT!!! The excitement has been building up the last couple weeks and I was thrilled/shocked to find out where she's going. Salt Lake City, Temple Sqaure is. She will be a light and share her testimony with so many people from all over the world. I got a envelope from her yesterday ith pictures of her Romania adventure-- wow it looked incredible! So many smiling faces on kids who've probably lived such hard lives. I knew that I would find out where she was going so Elder Freeman and I made predictions, but it was tough because I could seriously just picture her going everywhere! I thought the Philipines or New Jersey, Elder Freeman said Paris or Florida, but then again I could also imagine Japan, Romania or Argentina. Now people will come from all over the world to her! What a unique and amazing mission, and like I've said before every mission is the best! Especially the one you are called to. I'm continuing to enjoy life on a mission more and more every day. It helps that Elder Freeman and I get along like long lost brothers and we're having a blast.
We go running almost every morning in a forest right by our apartment building, and then go into center every day and teach the gospel. If I could do this every day for the rest of my life, I would. Alexander is making great progress, loves coming to church and reads the Book of Mormon every morning. He's way excited for baptism, and we want to make sure he's comitted to live all the commandments. He quit smoking last week so that's big time! As for now, we're thinking that June 27th will be the day, and that would be just awesome. Richard and Igor have not come to church the last couple weeks so that's a bummer. I have heard them bear their testimonies so it is seems more a committment issue. It seems a lot of people here are facing some difficult economic times right now and a little extra humility can always help! I had a long telephone conversation with Richard a few weeks ago and I told him that he has the most potential of anyone I've ever taught on on my mission (true, by far). He expressed concern about enduring all the way to the end, and he feels some kind of guilt although he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. Which is pretty much true, besides the fact he's just not getting baptized! Which would be very righteous. We've taught a few new young guys that have some big time potential.
One's named Valera who's 24 and said that he's been to other churches but doesn't feel the same there as he does here. It was a cool thing to say, especially because it was on Saturday, and we'd just taught him the for the first a day earlier! When we asked him what he thought the purpose of life was he said " to serve God." An acceptable answer. He came to church and accepted a baptismal date for the end of July-- he's going to Belarus for 2-3 weeks to help his grandmother. The good ones are always so busy! But more updates on him to come. And then there's Artiom who's 18. We taught him the first lesson yesterday and asked how much time he'd have to read the Book of Mormon before we met again today. We were expecting a usual "Well I'm busy so maybe 15-20 minutes." But he said "I don't know, 2 or 3 hours." Perfect.
Time is flying faster than ever. It's basically July. Pretty soon summer will be over. I bet Elyse would be excited. It's been raining here all week, and I love it because it totally feels like Eugene. Lithuania (Lietuva) literally means land of rain. Rain's fun because everything turns green and when you're walking on the street, you can sing with your companion and nobody can probably even hear you under your umbrella.
I love you all so much! Life is a ball.
Love, Elder Barnes #12
Hey. First, please pass a CONGRATS to SISTER BRETT!!! The excitement has been building up the last couple weeks and I was thrilled/shocked to find out where she's going. Salt Lake City, Temple Sqaure is. She will be a light and share her testimony with so many people from all over the world. I got a envelope from her yesterday ith pictures of her Romania adventure-- wow it looked incredible! So many smiling faces on kids who've probably lived such hard lives. I knew that I would find out where she was going so Elder Freeman and I made predictions, but it was tough because I could seriously just picture her going everywhere! I thought the Philipines or New Jersey, Elder Freeman said Paris or Florida, but then again I could also imagine Japan, Romania or Argentina. Now people will come from all over the world to her! What a unique and amazing mission, and like I've said before every mission is the best! Especially the one you are called to. I'm continuing to enjoy life on a mission more and more every day. It helps that Elder Freeman and I get along like long lost brothers and we're having a blast.
We go running almost every morning in a forest right by our apartment building, and then go into center every day and teach the gospel. If I could do this every day for the rest of my life, I would. Alexander is making great progress, loves coming to church and reads the Book of Mormon every morning. He's way excited for baptism, and we want to make sure he's comitted to live all the commandments. He quit smoking last week so that's big time! As for now, we're thinking that June 27th will be the day, and that would be just awesome. Richard and Igor have not come to church the last couple weeks so that's a bummer. I have heard them bear their testimonies so it is seems more a committment issue. It seems a lot of people here are facing some difficult economic times right now and a little extra humility can always help! I had a long telephone conversation with Richard a few weeks ago and I told him that he has the most potential of anyone I've ever taught on on my mission (true, by far). He expressed concern about enduring all the way to the end, and he feels some kind of guilt although he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. Which is pretty much true, besides the fact he's just not getting baptized! Which would be very righteous. We've taught a few new young guys that have some big time potential.
One's named Valera who's 24 and said that he's been to other churches but doesn't feel the same there as he does here. It was a cool thing to say, especially because it was on Saturday, and we'd just taught him the for the first a day earlier! When we asked him what he thought the purpose of life was he said " to serve God." An acceptable answer. He came to church and accepted a baptismal date for the end of July-- he's going to Belarus for 2-3 weeks to help his grandmother. The good ones are always so busy! But more updates on him to come. And then there's Artiom who's 18. We taught him the first lesson yesterday and asked how much time he'd have to read the Book of Mormon before we met again today. We were expecting a usual "Well I'm busy so maybe 15-20 minutes." But he said "I don't know, 2 or 3 hours." Perfect.
Time is flying faster than ever. It's basically July. Pretty soon summer will be over. I bet Elyse would be excited. It's been raining here all week, and I love it because it totally feels like Eugene. Lithuania (Lietuva) literally means land of rain. Rain's fun because everything turns green and when you're walking on the street, you can sing with your companion and nobody can probably even hear you under your umbrella.
I love you all so much! Life is a ball.
Love, Elder Barnes #12
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
WORLD OF VILNIUS
Dear Family!
Congratulations Lysee!!! If I timed it right, by the time you get this letter you'll be done with high school. Wowzers life does not slow down. And thanks for the pictures, you are beautiful! I'll try to send a few pictures from Elder Freeman and my adventures from the last couple weeks. I've never had so much fun doing missionary work. We're teaching a ton and have a few investigators progressing to baptism. That's what I'm talking about.
Elder Freeman is famous for finding and teaching people from all over the world, I don't know how he does it but it's a skill I'm trying to learn. The last man they baptized in Riga was Sunnel, an Indian man living there for a few years to study and so ready and in love with the church. I was on a lesson in Riga with him when we asked him if he knew about fasting and he's like “yeah it's when you go for 24 hours without food. I do it every week!” Elder Freeman responded, that's awesome, keep that up.
This week we taught a man from France and one from India. We met Anthony on the bus back from Riga and he was so humble and open. I spoke french, but was struggling and his english was pretty much perfect. I know a good amount of words but they're all over the place in my brain, like a 52 card pick up with different decks. He was excited to read the Book of Mormon, but heading back to France in two days. The following day we were on a way to a lesson when we met “Lucky”, a 25 year old man from New Dehli. Just the nicest person alive. We taught him later that night. He said he prays every morning to meet good people, and he was so glad to meet us and very open to read the Book of Mormon. We got a Hindi Book of Mormon (crazy language, the numbers are different!) and we'll give it to him tonight.
The most exciting investigator is Alexander who we've been teaching for a few weeks. He has come to church and is getting along great with the members. He understands clearly and even mentioned that if Christ came to the earth today, a lot of people would give excuses why they were too busy to follow him. It sounded a lot better when he said it but you get the idea. He also calls us “our” missionaries and “our” church which is just awesome. He's preparing for baptism at the end of June so we'll hope things work out!
Welp we gotta run but thanks for everything. I was looking forward to findinf out where Nae got her call today but was shocked to hear Megan is getting married!!! Wowwy wow wow, she seems so happy and so I'm happy for her! I'm safe, feeling healthy and so very happy. I love you!
Love, Elder Barnes #12
Friday, June 5, 2009
THE BEST
Wow what a week! Your emails were just filled with news and love and mission calls!!! I am so pumped for KC and Dean, they'll do great! I think Cambodian has the same alphabet as Russian. Which makes it a worthy-to-learn language. Wherever you go a mission will be the best for you. That's a nail-biter about Jae Nae's call but it'll make finding out so much sweeter! I really don't think I could've waited another week but by the time you get this you all have already waited so the hard part will be done and the fun's about to begin!
This week has been all work and a whole lot of fun. I love Elder Freeman. He's like the spiritual energizer bunny that loves missionary work and has a good sense of humor so he even laughs at my jokes. He has the Riga fever so we've spent the last week just camping out in center talking to everyone and we've seen a lot of success! Also when you're in public places you come into contact with people from all over-- from a professor from Spokane University, to a brother from Nigeria. We also taught a man from Malta (yup that's a country-400,000 people) who spoke english really well and another from Turkey, who speaks a little tiny bit of Russian. We're actually in Riga again today for a council so my time is running low, so if this letter comes to a quick end, know that I'm happy and loving life. When we come up here to Riga we do internet in a place where all the riga missionaries come so i've been catching up with old companions from the field and MTC, they all are doing very well-- you can't
help but be happy when serving the Lord.
The exciting news with our progressing investigators is a new man named Alexander who was found by lithuanian missionaries, really feels at peace when he comes into the church, and is flying through the Book of Mormon. We've had a few great lessons with members which are always exciting because they want so bad for these people to come into the church so they tell them about everything whether or not we've reached that point in our teaching: tithing, temptations before going to the temple, interviews for serious sins... But Alexander is really ready and he has a big desire to live righteously. Richard and Igor didn't make it to church last week, but we'll probably teach them both later this week so I hope everything
will work out.
We were in Siaulai yesterday and had a packed day of teaching. There's no better feeling than coming home after seeing and feeling the joy that comes from learning the gospel. The best is that as you teach, you can learn so much. We taught a russian family there who've been having a hard time and we read the sacrament prayers with them. The power of the promise to come to church and have the holy ghost always is such a big help, when the “wordly spirit” is trying to dominate with all of the economic problems. Bishop Steve used to always say, "we're on the winning team", which is so true. We already know who's going to win, we just got to jump on the band wagon. And push along.
Welp I've got to run but I love you! Thanks for your prayers, emails, and everything else. Congratulations to Elyse for graduating! If you see anyone at home that I know tell them "Hey, how are you? Good to hear, He's doing great, just never been happier." Just kidding you can use your own words but seriously, I love being a missionary.
Love, Elder Barnes #12
This week has been all work and a whole lot of fun. I love Elder Freeman. He's like the spiritual energizer bunny that loves missionary work and has a good sense of humor so he even laughs at my jokes. He has the Riga fever so we've spent the last week just camping out in center talking to everyone and we've seen a lot of success! Also when you're in public places you come into contact with people from all over-- from a professor from Spokane University, to a brother from Nigeria. We also taught a man from Malta (yup that's a country-400,000 people) who spoke english really well and another from Turkey, who speaks a little tiny bit of Russian. We're actually in Riga again today for a council so my time is running low, so if this letter comes to a quick end, know that I'm happy and loving life. When we come up here to Riga we do internet in a place where all the riga missionaries come so i've been catching up with old companions from the field and MTC, they all are doing very well-- you can't
help but be happy when serving the Lord.
The exciting news with our progressing investigators is a new man named Alexander who was found by lithuanian missionaries, really feels at peace when he comes into the church, and is flying through the Book of Mormon. We've had a few great lessons with members which are always exciting because they want so bad for these people to come into the church so they tell them about everything whether or not we've reached that point in our teaching: tithing, temptations before going to the temple, interviews for serious sins... But Alexander is really ready and he has a big desire to live righteously. Richard and Igor didn't make it to church last week, but we'll probably teach them both later this week so I hope everything
will work out.
We were in Siaulai yesterday and had a packed day of teaching. There's no better feeling than coming home after seeing and feeling the joy that comes from learning the gospel. The best is that as you teach, you can learn so much. We taught a russian family there who've been having a hard time and we read the sacrament prayers with them. The power of the promise to come to church and have the holy ghost always is such a big help, when the “wordly spirit” is trying to dominate with all of the economic problems. Bishop Steve used to always say, "we're on the winning team", which is so true. We already know who's going to win, we just got to jump on the band wagon. And push along.
Welp I've got to run but I love you! Thanks for your prayers, emails, and everything else. Congratulations to Elyse for graduating! If you see anyone at home that I know tell them "Hey, how are you? Good to hear, He's doing great, just never been happier." Just kidding you can use your own words but seriously, I love being a missionary.
Love, Elder Barnes #12
A RIGA-ISH TRANSFER
Dear family!
Elder Brimley left for RIGA this morning, and Elder Freeman is coming down from RIGA right now to be my companion here in Vilnius! Whew I’m so excited. Elder Freeman was one of the first missionaries I met at Zone conference my first transfer and he’s been a hero ever since. Now we’re companions! I’m a wucky guy.
It was tough to see Elder Brimley go and he was sad to leave Vilnius, especially because of the great members in the branch and their involvement in the work. For
some reason memories and thoughts from Riga had been on my mind last week and now I know why! Sorry if the tricky subject tricked you. Well sort of…
Elder Freeman went to Springville high school, has spent his whole mission in Latvia, including the last 6 months as an assistant. He knew were Eugene was before I met him which only told me one thing—he’s a long distance runner. He ran track and cross country at SUU and so he’s a hard worker, with a quick sense of humor.
He’s basically everyone’s favorite and I’m really looking forward to serving with him. And we’re brothers-- he was also trained by Elder Glauser—which is the case with the majority of Russian elders in this mission it seems. There actually is a shortage of Russian speakers and so one missionary who’s been in Lithuania for less than 6 months got transferred to Narva, Estonia (a 95% Russian city) to be a Russian elder! Ha, can you imagine that, wondering if you will be staying in your city in the morning, and than being on a bus to a different country, about to learn a different language three hours later? Yeah it’s crazy—but I was happy for him, Russian is the way to go. His companion will be Elder Hillman, who I served with in Riga and he’ll do great.
Wow I realized this whole e-mail has been about transfers which probably are not as exciting to you as I might think—we’ve been making phone calls to make sure people get off okay all night and morning so that’s maybe why it’s on my mind… I’ve also just realized that transfers here are somewhat of a logistical nightmare because you’ve got four different languages and a limited number of elders and sisters who speak each language. I’ve met about 2/3 of the 100 missionaries in the mission which is more than a Lithuanian Elder who will never see the other 2/3 plus. Interesting hunh? I love this mission because it’s the best for me and where I’m supposed to be. But what makes it good is preaching the gospel so I should probably tell you more about that—
Richard came again to church last week, with a tie just looking so fly. I’ve never taught an investigator that just understands like he does and he really commits when he does something. For that reason he’s had doubts about whether he’ll be able to stay solid after baptism and basically change his life for good. I think he’s really felt and received a witness but is maybe scared to act. If only he understood that receiving the gospel would bring more joy than anything else! But I’ve got faith that things will work in the Lord’s way in his time. I just am trying to build up the patience to wait for that! Patience is the hardest attribute for me to develop, it just doesn’t come quick enough!
Igor is falling off the deep end as pressure from his family and “friends” planted some serious doubts and caused him to revert to some old ways. He made incredible progress in record time, but now it’s falling fast. Ah it’s a heartbreaker. But getting discouraged does no good so you just gotta keep on keeping on! And everything will work out.
We’ve got a few other new people with some great potential so we’ve just got to get them to come to church this week so they can see what we’re all about! It’s a
blessing to serve, especially with Elder Freeman. He’s just good. I’ll send some
pictures and you’ll see.
I love your happy attitudes and support! Life can always get better because our problems and trials have already been overcome. I know that’s true, and I love you!
Love, Elder Barnes #12
Elder Brimley left for RIGA this morning, and Elder Freeman is coming down from RIGA right now to be my companion here in Vilnius! Whew I’m so excited. Elder Freeman was one of the first missionaries I met at Zone conference my first transfer and he’s been a hero ever since. Now we’re companions! I’m a wucky guy.
It was tough to see Elder Brimley go and he was sad to leave Vilnius, especially because of the great members in the branch and their involvement in the work. For
some reason memories and thoughts from Riga had been on my mind last week and now I know why! Sorry if the tricky subject tricked you. Well sort of…
Elder Freeman went to Springville high school, has spent his whole mission in Latvia, including the last 6 months as an assistant. He knew were Eugene was before I met him which only told me one thing—he’s a long distance runner. He ran track and cross country at SUU and so he’s a hard worker, with a quick sense of humor.
He’s basically everyone’s favorite and I’m really looking forward to serving with him. And we’re brothers-- he was also trained by Elder Glauser—which is the case with the majority of Russian elders in this mission it seems. There actually is a shortage of Russian speakers and so one missionary who’s been in Lithuania for less than 6 months got transferred to Narva, Estonia (a 95% Russian city) to be a Russian elder! Ha, can you imagine that, wondering if you will be staying in your city in the morning, and than being on a bus to a different country, about to learn a different language three hours later? Yeah it’s crazy—but I was happy for him, Russian is the way to go. His companion will be Elder Hillman, who I served with in Riga and he’ll do great.
Wow I realized this whole e-mail has been about transfers which probably are not as exciting to you as I might think—we’ve been making phone calls to make sure people get off okay all night and morning so that’s maybe why it’s on my mind… I’ve also just realized that transfers here are somewhat of a logistical nightmare because you’ve got four different languages and a limited number of elders and sisters who speak each language. I’ve met about 2/3 of the 100 missionaries in the mission which is more than a Lithuanian Elder who will never see the other 2/3 plus. Interesting hunh? I love this mission because it’s the best for me and where I’m supposed to be. But what makes it good is preaching the gospel so I should probably tell you more about that—
Richard came again to church last week, with a tie just looking so fly. I’ve never taught an investigator that just understands like he does and he really commits when he does something. For that reason he’s had doubts about whether he’ll be able to stay solid after baptism and basically change his life for good. I think he’s really felt and received a witness but is maybe scared to act. If only he understood that receiving the gospel would bring more joy than anything else! But I’ve got faith that things will work in the Lord’s way in his time. I just am trying to build up the patience to wait for that! Patience is the hardest attribute for me to develop, it just doesn’t come quick enough!
Igor is falling off the deep end as pressure from his family and “friends” planted some serious doubts and caused him to revert to some old ways. He made incredible progress in record time, but now it’s falling fast. Ah it’s a heartbreaker. But getting discouraged does no good so you just gotta keep on keeping on! And everything will work out.
We’ve got a few other new people with some great potential so we’ve just got to get them to come to church this week so they can see what we’re all about! It’s a
blessing to serve, especially with Elder Freeman. He’s just good. I’ll send some
pictures and you’ll see.
I love your happy attitudes and support! Life can always get better because our problems and trials have already been overcome. I know that’s true, and I love you!
Love, Elder Barnes #12
MORE PICS...
Random Picture Explanation
Last email's was us with Igor at his mothers grave, we went there to help take away a fence that's old and rusty. And he wanted a picture...
This was post-morning work out pose. Beanies knitted by Elder Eddington, all time favorite. (He does them while making nightly phones calls! That's almost even more impressive than while driving...Mom)
And I spotted the Enchanted Forester in Vilnius last Wednesday! Maybe he's resurrected. Just kidding, but seriously I hope he's okay! And that Lysee and her friends are safe, too.
Last email's was us with Igor at his mothers grave, we went there to help take away a fence that's old and rusty. And he wanted a picture...
This was post-morning work out pose. Beanies knitted by Elder Eddington, all time favorite. (He does them while making nightly phones calls! That's almost even more impressive than while driving...Mom)
And I spotted the Enchanted Forester in Vilnius last Wednesday! Maybe he's resurrected. Just kidding, but seriously I hope he's okay! And that Lysee and her friends are safe, too.
THE CHURCH IS TRUE
Dear Family!
Yesterday we had one of the worst moments I've seen followed by the best. Interesting how it works that way. We received a call from Igor Smirnov (with a
baptismal date for May 30th) in the morning and he was just acting off and bringing up doubts and concerns from out of nowhere. We brought brother Artus Fales, the oldest member in Lithuania (he's 40, but member for 16 years) to the lesson in the evening. At first Igor had all of the reading materials we'd given him and was trying to give them back. My heart dropped. The member, who's seen so many people go and come, lovingly told Igor to keep the materials and that maybe they'll be useful when his mind changes. It was pretty intense and I can't remember exactly what was said but it was clear that Brother Fales was led by the spirit in what to say and do. After about 5 minutes, Igor had calmed down and told us the list of things that had happened including friends at work, family members and non-active members giving him garbage and even threatening to never speak with him again, he was being accused for debts for previous renters, was worried about paying tithing and had some pretty crazy nightmares. Yeah, well at the end of the lesson Igor was back to himself, prayed, read scriptures, bore his testimony and had a huge smile. Satan tries, but in the end he's a big-time loser. We'll see what happens but one thing is for sure--
without God this work would just not be possible.
So that's it for intense miracles of the week-- other miracles include finding and teaching a cool 16 year old kid who's a basketballer, than going to his family's
a few days later and teaching his parents who would have not let us in if we were not already friends of their son. We also met a 22 year old Ukranian on the streets who's "looking for the right path," who's now reading and enjoying the Book of Mormon. We try to schedule in a chunk of time for talking with people on the streets every day and it's incredible looking back and seeing how we were led to meet and teach those whom we do. I'm beginning to better recognize the promptings of the spirit and how daily revelation is a reality. But just like we tell investigators over and over, unless we DO something to test our faith--miracles just can't happen!
Last Sunday we had District Conference when all of the members in Lithuania gathered
in Kaunus. It was great to see the strength of the members and missionaries I love. The best part were the talks given by President and Sister Dance, President Genadius Menataes (Grandma and Grandpa Barnes's hometeachee/district president) and Elder and Sister Senkans,(a Latvian member of the 3rd Quorom of the 70). All are very powerful and clear teachers who really have a love for these people. Another interesting aspect, that I think Dad will enjoy-- is the logistics of the languages. Each speaker, (or couple) spoke in a different language: english, lihuanian, and russian. That means for every talk, at least one person was translating, sometimes two. For the English and Russian talks some native members translated into Lithuanian from the pulpit and then for the Lithuanian and Russian talks a Lithuanian member and I took turns translating into English through a headphone system for all of the Missionaries (older couples who only speak english, most missionaries who'd dont speak russian, and a few who don't speak Lithuanian) and the Senkans family (with 4 kids) who don't understand Lithuanian. Ha! It really felt like an organized and righteous conference at the tower of Babel. It also made me appreciate the logistical nightmares of General Conference! But the church is so true and even when I couldn't understand the Lithuanian talks, I still knew they must've been true. I love the Baltics.
Well I hope you have a good week! I can't believe this past year has felt like one quick and long week. I'm thrilled and grateful to be engaged in the Lord's work. This is where I want and am supposed to be, God knows best! Like Dad said, I'm a lucky guy. I'm also looking forward to hearing about the mission calls of KC and Jenae -- whew this is the life.
I love you all so much. I know your prayers make a difference, because God hears
and answers them! Thank you.
Love, Elder Barnes #12
Yesterday we had one of the worst moments I've seen followed by the best. Interesting how it works that way. We received a call from Igor Smirnov (with a
baptismal date for May 30th) in the morning and he was just acting off and bringing up doubts and concerns from out of nowhere. We brought brother Artus Fales, the oldest member in Lithuania (he's 40, but member for 16 years) to the lesson in the evening. At first Igor had all of the reading materials we'd given him and was trying to give them back. My heart dropped. The member, who's seen so many people go and come, lovingly told Igor to keep the materials and that maybe they'll be useful when his mind changes. It was pretty intense and I can't remember exactly what was said but it was clear that Brother Fales was led by the spirit in what to say and do. After about 5 minutes, Igor had calmed down and told us the list of things that had happened including friends at work, family members and non-active members giving him garbage and even threatening to never speak with him again, he was being accused for debts for previous renters, was worried about paying tithing and had some pretty crazy nightmares. Yeah, well at the end of the lesson Igor was back to himself, prayed, read scriptures, bore his testimony and had a huge smile. Satan tries, but in the end he's a big-time loser. We'll see what happens but one thing is for sure--
without God this work would just not be possible.
So that's it for intense miracles of the week-- other miracles include finding and teaching a cool 16 year old kid who's a basketballer, than going to his family's
a few days later and teaching his parents who would have not let us in if we were not already friends of their son. We also met a 22 year old Ukranian on the streets who's "looking for the right path," who's now reading and enjoying the Book of Mormon. We try to schedule in a chunk of time for talking with people on the streets every day and it's incredible looking back and seeing how we were led to meet and teach those whom we do. I'm beginning to better recognize the promptings of the spirit and how daily revelation is a reality. But just like we tell investigators over and over, unless we DO something to test our faith--miracles just can't happen!
Last Sunday we had District Conference when all of the members in Lithuania gathered
in Kaunus. It was great to see the strength of the members and missionaries I love. The best part were the talks given by President and Sister Dance, President Genadius Menataes (Grandma and Grandpa Barnes's hometeachee/district president) and Elder and Sister Senkans,(a Latvian member of the 3rd Quorom of the 70). All are very powerful and clear teachers who really have a love for these people. Another interesting aspect, that I think Dad will enjoy-- is the logistics of the languages. Each speaker, (or couple) spoke in a different language: english, lihuanian, and russian. That means for every talk, at least one person was translating, sometimes two. For the English and Russian talks some native members translated into Lithuanian from the pulpit and then for the Lithuanian and Russian talks a Lithuanian member and I took turns translating into English through a headphone system for all of the Missionaries (older couples who only speak english, most missionaries who'd dont speak russian, and a few who don't speak Lithuanian) and the Senkans family (with 4 kids) who don't understand Lithuanian. Ha! It really felt like an organized and righteous conference at the tower of Babel. It also made me appreciate the logistical nightmares of General Conference! But the church is so true and even when I couldn't understand the Lithuanian talks, I still knew they must've been true. I love the Baltics.
Well I hope you have a good week! I can't believe this past year has felt like one quick and long week. I'm thrilled and grateful to be engaged in the Lord's work. This is where I want and am supposed to be, God knows best! Like Dad said, I'm a lucky guy. I'm also looking forward to hearing about the mission calls of KC and Jenae -- whew this is the life.
I love you all so much. I know your prayers make a difference, because God hears
and answers them! Thank you.
Love, Elder Barnes #12
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