Onward CHristian Soldiers

Yes it such a privilege to serve with these latter day warriors of Christ.  They are so dedicated and try so unceasingly to find the pearl investigator among the masses.  They are so excited at Zone meetings watching the missionaries inquire  of the progress of past investigators.  Their love for those they teacht has to give you hope for the success of this work.  This summer the three Italian missions will be condensed into two.  The Catania mission will be absorbed into the Rome and Milan missions.  Our mission president says this is a sign of the church maturing in Italy.  As there are more stakes they take more control over for self governing, and with fewer missionaries  the members take on more of the responsibility.  Because member's sharing their testimonies and beliefs with friends and neighbors gives investigators a stronger base of knowledge, it makes sense to encourage them to share with those that know them and love them.  We have taught and hope to continue finding and teaching part member families here in Aviano.  There are a lot of young newlywed couples with only one member of the church. It is so apparent that when the church, its teachings and doctrines have been shared by a member with a testimony, there is a deep respect for that persons beliefs.  With time and loving example there begins to grow a desire to know more, opening up the spirit.  When our youth chose to marry out of the church, their testimony and spirit can be the shining star that will bring the gospel into their home.  Family support, acceptance and encouragement help the young couple.  Surely living Christ's example to us is the path to sharing his  gospel.