Golden Couple Embraces the Gospel

Gilbert Iloanusi and Augustina Ikpetha, Antwerpen

February 27, 2011

Gilbert Iloanusi and Augustina Ikpetha were referrals from Grace and

Joseph Tunde (a member family in our ward). After a leak in their home

destroyed Augustina's Bible, she asked Grace to get a new one for her.

We were contacted and gladly accepted the opportunity to bring them a

new Bible. During our first lesson with Augustina, we learned that she

already had a copy of the Book of Mormon, and she slept with it under

her pillow every night because it helped keep the nightmares away. :)

We set up another appointment to teach her and Gilbert about the Book

of Mormon and how it helps us build our relationship with Jesus

Christ. We quickly learned that they were more than ready to accept

the gospel in their lives! :) They usually committed themselves to

living the principle we taught before we had the opportunity to extend

a commitment and were so excited to share how living it increased the

presence of the Spirit in their lives. They progressed super quick and

gratefully accepted the invitation to be baptized a week earlier than

their original date. They were baptized on Sunday, February 27, 2011

by their best friend Joseph Tunde. Many tears were shed as they

expressed gratitude and testimony about how their lives have been

blessed. Afterwards, Gilbert shared their next goal by saying, "In one

year, we're getting married in the Temple!" :) What an amazing couple!

The Overjissel Region of Holland

After Zone President's Training we drove to a region of Holland called the Overjissel. It is located in the mid eastern part of the country, right on the German border. It is a beautiufl region of Holland.

It was a misty day in Holland

The swans are very prolific here. You see them everywhere!

We loved the difference in the architecture.

Beautiful and unique windmills

Almost every home in the countryside has this interesting and unique decorative piece on the gable.

I have not yet succeeded in finding out the significance in these wonderful pieces of art. Stay posted, I am so intrigued by these!

Holland never ceases to amaze us for it's beautiful architecture, nature, quaint villages, and cleanliness.

A Great Day With Missionaries from the Hague Zone

President Brubaker and I had our last training with the elders and sisters in the Hague. Again, as I entered the room where all our missionaries were anxiously waiting for the day of training to begin, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and love for each one of our missionaries.

Elder Klippel and Elder Brownell came with a willing and open heart to be learn from their president.

Elder Da Cruz and Elder Benson are two of our newest missionaries. They are willing to do whatever they are asked, and come with a freshness and energy to work hard and be guided by the spirit as they learn each day what REAL mission life is.

Elder Favero and Elder Bair were cooking up a storm for us.

President Brubaker asked for volunteers to role-play Quality Gospel Conversation Techniques.

They each had about 5 minutes to practice a QGC. It can be very intimidating to do this in front of all of the other missionaries. But they learn as they practice when put on the spot.

Missionaries learn so much from each other, and gain insight and new ideas come as they see other

missionaries try to become better contactors.

Elder Osmond took advantage of the opportunity to practice.......

then Elder Garrett and then Sister Holbein. How did they do? Evaluation is a very important part of the learning process.

Den Haag Zone

we love you!

President's Zone Training in Rotterdam

We spent a great day with the Rotterdam Zone today. The cultural hall was being used for a place to set up t backgrounds for parents to choose from when they order school pictures of their children. Before the meeting began we had fun taking some pictures with some of the missionaries.

Elder Pelaquim with the famous dutch cheese and his friend Pelaquin!

Elder Robinson loves that Gouda cheese!

Zuster Hill, Elder Hanks, and Zuster Garvin find some great props.

The Rotterdam Zone missionaries learned the importance of beginning to teach.

Each time they practiced, they got better and better.

Zuster Garvin and Zuster Reber were so happy to see each other again. They reminisced about all the good times they had in Haarlem together.

We received permission to use the props to get a great picture of

the Rotterdam Zone!

Rotterdam City Scape

And He shall be as

the light in the morning,

as the sun riseth.......

2 Samuel 23:4

What a Wonderful Surprise!

Zuster Sue Haina Martha is from Zwolle, the Netherlands. She has been called to serve in the Pennsylvania Philadephia Mission. We were so excited when we found out that she will serve in our mission, while she waits for her visa that has been detained for 5-6 weeks. Her family is from Curisao, was born and raised in the Netherlands. We met her family several weeks ago, when we did a fireside for her family to help answer many questions they had about what Sister Martha would be doing on her mission.

Sister Martha will be serving in Antwerp with Sister DeGroot and Sister Ence. They are anxiously waiting

for her arrival. Elder Matthews and Elder Brockbank left with precious cargo

to deliver her to two wonderful companions!

Zuster Martha will be so helpful to the missionaries in Antwerp. She speaks Dutch, French, English, Spanish and a little French! Selfishly, we just wish we could keep her for good!

An Instant Family For Debbie & Kathy in Deventer

Debbie, Hui Hong Kuang Apeldoorn

February 20, 2011

DEBBIE-(hui hong kuang) She is such a wonderful woman. We found Debbie walking on the street with her mother and she gave us her number and told us we should try to call her as soon as possible; we did and got a appointment almost immediately. The first appointment we got to know that she had just recovered from cancer and had heard lots about the Christian world from inspirational stories and it sparked her interest. She learned very quickly about the church and loved what she learned. She had very few difficulties and when it came to being baptised she understood how important it was, she took some time to think about it but after some time decided that it was the right thing for her to do. She is an inspiration and will make a fantastic member of the church.

Kathy Do Rhi Tra Mi, Apeldoorn

February 20, 2011

KATHY-(do thi tra mi) Kathy was a referral from another recent convert. She came first to the JoVo center to get some extra help with her English, but soon was coming to all the activities and she began to have questions about why we pray and who is God. So we made our first appointment to go and meet with her. She quickly developed deep faith in Jesus Christ and loved what He taught. She also was a great example of putting what she learned into action, like when she learned about honoring the Sabbath day, she immediately changed her schedule so that she could have more time to rest and relax on Sunday. When she was baptised she was very excited and the first thing she did after the service was run home and told her parents all about it. She is a fantastic person and will be a benefit to the church.

Senior Couples Meet Together in Deventer

All senior couples of our mission met together on Saturday to share ideas about the Young Adults Centers that they are so instrumental in helping become successful. Elder and Sister Hofman hosted the get together in Deventer at the beautiful Young Adult Center. We have six centers for Young Adults, where 18-30 year olds can come and enjoy a clean wholesome environment to meet other young people like themselves. Missionaries and young adult members can bring other young people to these centers where English and Dutch classes are taught, receive spiritual instruction, gather for Family Home Evening, and have a place where they can enjoy each other's company.

Our mission is blessed with seven senior couples. They are truly angels that bless the lives of our missionaries.

Hans Noot and his wife attended our get together. He travels from center to center, teaching the Institute Classes. He is an excellent teacher and investigators and members learn about the blessings that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be in their lives.

We have very talented, devoted senior couples that enjoyed having time to share ideas and discuss the things that work or challenges they have.

President Brubaker and I learn so much from these incredible couples. Our mission is blessed each day from their dedicated service and their willingness to do ANYTHING they are asked. Many acts of service are rendered that we can't possibly know about. We see the smiles of our missionaries when a senior couple's name is mentioned! The missionaries are delighted when their district is blessed to have "angels" in their mist.

Happy Birthday Elder Marshall

We had a big reason to celebrate in the office today! It was Elder Marshall's birthday. Sister Tibbitts made a special desert. We are so grateful for Elder Marshall's untiring service in the office as our mission secreatary. His positive attitude is contagious. Anything you ask him to do, the answer is a resounding YOU BET! We love you Elder Marshall!

Zone President's Training-Apeldoorn

Our next Zone President's Zone Training was held in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

The Apeldoorn Zone have all elders and two wonderful senior couples.

President Brubaker started the training by exploring with the missionaries in Mosiah 3 and 5.

Why are we doing this?

Mosiah 3:17

"And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ; the Lord Ominipotent."

Missionaries learn that their purpose is so important. Their purpose being,

To invite others to come unto Christ,

by helping them receive the restored Gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement,

Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

President Brubaker role plays with the zone leaders as they practice sharing

their purpose with those who will listen.

President Brubaker pretends to be the investigator. He is on the train, a young father with

his 3- month old child.

Elder Bastian and Elder Waldie practice a new more straight forward contacting

approach called Quality Gospel Conversations.

Missionaries learn that President Brubaker is willing to show he needs practice just like

the missionaries, and we all are learning together!

Elder Staker and Elder Fritzler and Elder Schwartz volunteer to role play another scenario in front of other missionaries. Missionaries learn so much from each other as they learn the value of role-playing.

President Brubaker receives a big "Hug" from the missionaries!

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:

A time to embrace......

Oh, how we love our missionaries!

Mosiah 2:41

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy

state of those that keep the commandments of God.

For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if

they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true;

for the Lord God hath spoken it."