Week #49 – In the Face of Opposition

Hello Everyone!

I feel like this week absolutely flew by. Every day feels like a blur and I’m probably more tired than I have ever been before but also more happy and more excited about being a missionary as well. I love this new city and this new adventure. We had some great experiences this past week. We met with a member for lunch and it was delicious! Ate some awesome fresh pasta with tomatoes and some kind of cheese I have never tried but was super good! Then after we had an awesome spiritual discussion and got to hear about the husbands conversion story which was awesome. They are both so strong in the gospel and love talking about it as well! The husband is basically a missionary all on his own which is awesome and I’m excited to work with him in the future.

We also had the opportunity to meet more with our investigator this week who has been struggling but we’re doing our best to help him see the blessings that can come to us when we live the teachings of Jesus Christ and have faith. In other news the ward did a big family home evening on Monday night which was so fun! We had another chance to see all the members and continue growing those relationships. We’re hoping to continue on the path in the coming weeks.

Taranto is hot but is awesome. We’re seeing miracles happen. Like the other day we did some finding in a piazza while one of the sister missionaries here in Taranto played her violin. I had some interesting conversations with a lot of people. It always amazes me how it is possible for someone to feel the spirit even in a loud bustling piazza as I bear testimony of the truth that Joseph smith was a prophet and the Book of Mormon is literally the word of God. I can see it in their eyes and in their face. It strengthens my faith that these things are true whether they accept what I am saying or not because I know it touched them and maybe I just had to be their first encounter, of many, with the gospel that will eventually prepare them to receive its fullness.

This week I wanted to share my experience with the growth of one’s testimony in the face of opposition. Never have I faced so much rejection than during the time on my mission. I get rejected day after day after day in the effort to help people learn of things that will bless their lives and the lives of their families. The teachings of Jesus Christ cause such great joy and peace to come into our lives that it saddens me to see so many people reject him. And yet never has my sureness of the truthfulness of these things been stronger.

I know that Jesus is our Savior. I know he took upon him all of our sins and weaknesses and pains and trials. I know that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father who knows us perfectly and loved us enough to give us the chance to come here to earth to grow. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and has been saved for us to have in these days. And I know that all of us can know these things for ourselves.

I love you all and I pray for you all!

Anziano Friedman