Week 24 in Békéscsaba

Hi!

This week we got a new (greenie) missionary in our companionship. On Monday night, President Szabakdai spoke to us on this phone about it and on Wednesday we went to Budapest to pick up Elder Rusz. He is 25 years old from the Buda ward, He used to work in the "Gringos Amigos" restaurant and I knew him and his sister when I served in Buda. Elder Rusz is a very good and smart missionary. He also draws very well.

We had a lot of programs this week and taught lessons to investigators, a new convert, a less active member, and also to active members, so we had a very busy week. In addition, we helped Bea and her family a lot. They just moved into our branch and their house requires a lot of work. We did a big clean up of the house and among other things emptied old bottles of liquor (pálinka).

On Saturday there was a primary and young women activity but everyone was invited. We made masks and decorations for next week's Carnival or "Farsang" party. On Sunday many people came to church, and we had more than thirty attending! The 4 members who administered the sacrament were local members. It is very good to see how this little branch grows, becomes more self-sufficient, more people come to church, members are more active and accept new callings, home teaching and visiting teaching improve, many referals are received from members, and people are happier.  I love Békéscsaba and I'm glad I can serve here and that the Lord has blessed our congregation so much.

A funny thing happened this week: we taught a member family about the five points of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Doctrine of Christ), and when I asked what is the fifth one (enduring to the end), one of the little girls said marriage in the church! We laughed a lot then. But really, this is not far from the truth...the YSA program's purpose...cough cough. :)

Be happy and be good!

Lots of love,

Elder Gonzalez

Elder Such and I with Elder Rusz

Doing service

The previous owner of the house we were cleaning/furnishing had plenty of old bottles of pálinka and alcohol, so we poured them all out into a little pit in the yard. An effective way to help people live the Word of Wisdom, I guess.