Progressivamente meglio

--Anziano Benge

I failed to send off the email from last week, our internet at the
church is non existent and nothing works when using Padova's wifi. I
am sending this from a mall. Technology is rather frustrating, is it
not?
Today, I am sick. Yesterday I had a sore throat, today it has worsened
to tender swollen glands as well. It's not terrible, I'll be fine
unless it gets worse, but it is very tortuous to ride a bike until my
throat is rasped by heaving breathing.
Last week there was a Scambio, Anziano Beaulac and I were together
again for a day, this time I was here in Padova. While Beaulac and I
were teaching Tenal, our ex'Islamic friend, we invited him to baptism
at the end of October and he accepted! We are really nudging him in
ways he doesn't like, such as asking him to come to church when he
works every morning. He understands that he needs to be baptized and
come to church, but he is shy, and his difficult schedule hasn't been
changed. Tell you what though: it's great to have a bap- date.
We have another investigator here as well. An English speaking Indian
man (awesome phone sales accent included) who works at the downtown
library has given us permission to visit him often. He asks wonderful
questions, and already is excited to read the Book of Mormon we gave
him. The only problem again is schedule, he works two jobs every day.
He asked us to meet him at work for lessons (mental image: we all
stand together guarding a gallery door as we talk about the gospel),
so that's what we do.
Cristiano is struggling, he won't set appointments with us and doesn't
come to church. Wilfred, a new Nigerian, he has like epilepsy or
something and will suddenly stop talking with a four second pause and
blank look, he is fun and we've begun meeting.
I finally ate at a member's house last Thursday night. The bishop
invited us over to eat with his family, so we took a train to
Montegrotto Terme (a super old history site for Roman baths: see
photo) and ate with Vescovo Rosa's family. It was good.
This, I hope, was satisfying as news and I haven't forgotten stuff.
The temperature has cooled, autumnal storming nears, glands swell, and
success appears. My testimony has truly grown, and I know I have
brought others towards Christ. This mission is magnificent. Our
Heavenly Father has infinite love. Vi Voglio Bene.