Donny Osmond Shares His Testimony With Many People in the Netherlands

Donny Osmond and his family came to the Netherlands to share their love of the Gospel in a musical fireside. Donny wanted to share his testimony with the people of the Netherlands where his son is serving his mission. We wanted this to be a meaningful missionary opportunity for the members and the missionaries, and are so appreciative to the Osmond family for bringing their four other children, spouses and three grand children across the ocean to share the joy the Gospel has brought into their lives.

Missionaries were very involved in helping the firesides run smoothly, and making sure that every investigator was able to receive a Book of Mormon with Donny's testimony inside.

President Brubaker gave the future missionary his missionary tag.

Donny and Debbie were so gracious and we felt that all the planning that was involved made for a very successful missionary effort.

The Public Affairs missionaries from Frankfurt, Germany attended the firesides, and will be writing an article to be published in the Liahona.

Firesides were held in Haarlem,

Rotterdam North,

and Utrecht.

Donny and his family took time after the firesides to talk to members and their guests.

Elder Osmond was able to share his testimony at all three firesides. He was excited to have his parents meet Itcha, a new member that he was able to teach while serving in Utrecht.

450 Book of Mormons were given to friends who came with members. We received over 150 positive referrals. We had over 900 people in attendance. We felt so happy and relieved that everything went so smoothly!

There was a beautiful feeling at each fireside as Donny shared his strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and his personal experiences how the Gospel had moulded and shaped his life and has been the most treasured gift in his life.

Members showered the Osmonds with gifts of appreciation for their visit. They were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, and how so many people in the Netherlands have been influenced by Donny's life.

A Whirlwind Trip Through The Netherlands

It is a good thing everything is relatively close in the Netherlands! We had just a few days together. There is so many beautiful things to do and see. We enjoyed every minute with Benjamin and Stephanie and our four wonderful grandchildren. We were blessed with beautiful weather, and experienced the unique, wonderful things that this country has to offer.

Keukenhof was 1st on the list. Oh my goodness, you would think we were in the Garden of Eden!

We were early risers to visit the Flower Auction in Aalsmeer. Hundreds of different species of flowers are sold daily. If you can imagine the size of the warehouse is over 23 football fields! Flowers from all over the world are auctioned here!

Marken, is a quaint fishing village just North of Amsterdam. Sophie was quite amused by the klompens that come in all sizes!

Marken once very isolated, is now linked to the mainland by a causeway, but still holds it's romantic appeal. The community has held on staunchly to its identity, and Marken's traditional black-and-green wooden houses on stilts still form an attractive and picturesque scene. If you are lucky you might see an elderly woman wearing the traditional costume.

Picnicking along side a canal at it's best!

It is breathtaking to see the fields and fields of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. It is so refreshing to roll down the windows to get the full effect of the aroma in the air!

A day wouldn't be complete without having a traditonal pannekoeken!

(Dutch Pankcake).

Time flew by way too fast, and now we are left with sweet memories of a precious visit we will never forget!

What a Wonderful Birthday Present!

Our oldest son, Benjamin and his family arrived in Brussels. The best birthday present ever! Elder and Sister Tibbitts had family too! Families met each other in Antwerp for church.

Benjamin enjoyed talking with Elder Matthews and Elder Brockbank. Blessing, a member of the Antwerp Ward is a big BLESSING to the Antwerp ward.

We were anxious for Ben to meet Willie, a new member of the church from the Congo.

Willie was able to speak French with Ben's family.

Being blessed with a beautiful sunny day, we picnicked together on the lawn of the church. Our grandchildren heard that there is a church bunny and were a little disappointed when he didn't come out to play!

Victor's Smile Touches Everyone in Antwerp

Victor Imade, Anterwerpen, April 10, 2011

Raised in Nigeria, Victor Imade wasn't sure if he was a Christian or a Muslim, or even if it mattered. Three months later, he made the decision to enter the waters of baptism to show his commitment to follow Jesus Christ. What changed? He experienced a change of heart. In January, the missionaries met Victor in a laundromat and talked to him about Jesus Christ and His restored truth. Although interested, Victor was afraid to return to God and to change. A month later, he walked into the church and experienced something completely new. He said, "I was thirsty, so I asked for water, but that wasn't what I wanted." Victor was ready for the gospel. At every lesson, he was prepared with the answers and had a desire to make all of the necessary changes. His understanding grew quickly, along with his love of the Book of Mormon. Although faced with persecution, he continued progressing and on April 10, 2011, Victor Imade was baptized and came out of the water as a new person.

(Written by Zuster Ence)

One Big Happy Family

Mary Muse, Antwerpen, April 10, 2011

Mary Musa is the mother of Blessing Omozokpia, a very active JoVo in the Antwerpen ward. After losing her sight for a few days, Mary resolved to make changes in her life, one of which was attending

church with her children. The missionaries were quite surprised to learn that she was not already a member and quickly made an appointment to visit her. They opened their scriptures to share a thought and she said, "Wait, sisters. I have a question. What do I need to do in order to be baptized?" :) A date was set and a 3x30 schedule was made. Mary progressed beautifully! She had met with the missionaries before, and was already familiar with the doctrines and principles of the gospel. She was always so happy and willing to learn and apply the gospel in her life. She is full of love for everyone and loves to make others happy, especially her Heavenly Father. She entered into a covenant with Him as she was baptized by her son, Bright, on 10 April 2011. Mary looks forward to the day that she can enter the temple with her children and enjoy the blessings of the Lord's house together as a family. That is what this is all about!

(Written by Zuster De Groot)

Carmen Feels Love From Members in Kortrijk

Carmen Gihesquire, Kortrijk, April 9, 2011

Carmen was initially a referral with us here in Kortrijk, however, her history with the church stems back to many years ago when she had close friends who were members and had left a very strong and positive impression. At that time she wanted to further investigate the church but due to complications she never got around to it. These many years later she came back in contact with those friends that had left such an impression on her through facebook. These friends had put her in touch with some sister missionaries out of Salt Lake who in turn referred her to us elders here in Kortrijk. We got in touch with her and were able to make an appointment which went just wonderfully; since that first appointment Carmen has been 100 percent dedicated to what we have shared and taught her! She was what us Elders would call a golden investigator! Through this process us elders have seen a change in her countenance, we have seen her grow in faith and in testimony and we truly love and admire her! Before she was even baptized she was already looking for ways to help and serve others! She had a beautiful baptism on the 9th of April and was confirmed the following day.

Elders Leash and Bjork

Book of Mormon is Main Topic of Leadership Council

We are reading and studying the Book of Mormon together as a mission. We all started on the 1st of April. As our Zone Leaders came together President Brubaker taught from Preach My Gospel and bore his personal testimony of the Book of Mormon.

" As a missionary your must first have a personal testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. " PMG p. 103

" The Book of Mormon, comfined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion." PMG 104

Elder Matthews shared an experience about the power using the scriptures in answering a concern works so much better than paraphrasing the scripture.

Read Introduction with investigators to know where the Book of Mormon came from. As we share this last paragraph with people they will understand the connection with the restoration and authority.

"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah."

We invite you to read the Book of Mormon with us.

More Interviews-The Hague and Amsterdam Districts

Our missionaries in the Hague District are happy and well!

The missionaries feel extra blessed to have two senior couples in their district! Elder and Zuster Pankratz and Elder and Zuster Everton take extra good care of them.

Missionaries in Amsterdam were preparing for our next Zone Conference. Zuster Beckstand is so gifted and talented, and helps missionaries use their talents.

A little gift from Belgium! Belgium chocolate easter eggs...the best chocolate in the world!

Look at that blue sky! The sun puts smiles on all of our faces!

Sister Martha is No Longer A Visa Waiter

Sister Martha finally received her visa to go to the United States. She was able to serve in Antwerp for six weeks with Sister DeGroot and Sister Ence. She will go to the MTC a well seasoned missionary. We felt a little selfish as we would like to keep her for good! She will be a great addition to the Pennsylvania Philadelphia mission. Oh, they are so lucky to have this wonderful missionary!

A Week of Interviews

We started the week of interviews at the mission office in Brussels. We had a full table today! Elder and Sister Tibbitts always seem to have enough food to always go around! Missionaries from the Antwerp District spent one on one time with President Brubaker as he interviewed each one of them.

The next day we went to Ghent, Belgium.

Missionaries all have a crazy side to them

Mail from home truly brings out the excitement and joy!

Elder Alexander, our fearless District leader in Ghent presented a well prepared lesson on

Receiving Revelation by Attending Sacrament Meeting.

Wednesday was spent with the Eindhoven district. Elder Mickelsen, wears many

hats.....teaching, inspiring, cooking, and smiling.

On Friday, we spent the day in Rotterdam with the Rotterdam District. Another great day of interviews.

Spring is in full swing! We get so excited to see signs of warmer weather......hurrah!