Karlheinz met twice with Elders Hoggan and Jensen. They watched the "He is the Gift" video and committed him to baptism and Karlheinz accepted their invitation! A date has been set for the 31st of January. He enjoyed learning about the Plan of Salvation and said that it makes sense to him.
Karlheinz prayed right then and there, out loud, to see if the Plan and the Book of Mormon are true. He had a good feeling after his amazing prayer and said, "I think that it's like a plant. You need to nurture and water it and then it will grow and grow until it becomes a tree!" That's exactly right!The Elders asked him to read about Alma in chapter 32 about faith being a seed.
Pray for Karlheinz as he tries to reach his date to be baptized. He works on Sundays, but needs to go to church to become a member. He's looking for an option and a miracle!
Christmas Eve was great! Metzners, a member family, prepared a dinner of goose with mashed potatoes. It was super good! That was followed by a little Christmas program, just like Elder Hoggan remembers with family at his grandparents homes. Music was played, poems were shared, the nativity story was read, and then the kids received their presents. They were hilarious. Wrapping paper was flying left and right. Metzners even got the Elders a little something. It was awesome to get to know this member family better. Bru. Metzner told Elder Hoggan about some of his mission experiences which made Steve laugh pretty hard.
Christmas morning was a little bit different. After gifts were opened, the Elders studied and then went with the Metzners to clean the church. Steve wore his new Dallas Cowboys shirt to mop the hall and bathroom floors. He really enjoyed his presents of Cowboy Gear :) Slippers, a wallet, tattoos, 88 Des Bryant t-shirt, toothbrush, a glass, and tie. Christmas was an experience that Elder Hoggan really enjoyed. Cleaning the church is a great service opportunity.
Christmas day was spent with other ward members. They had Raclette. It is a cheese that you put under a heater. Corn, onions, etc., are added to the melted cheese and served on top of a potato. It's pretty good and Steve got to eat it two days in a row!
Skype was amazing on Christmas evening. Elder Hoggan can't believe that it was his last skype home. Time has flown by! It was great to see everyone. Now that Christmas is over, these missionaries aren't letting anything hold them back. They're already back to work :)
A little snow fell on the second day of Christmas and more has come since then :)
Frau Schif is another miracle! She's doing really well and her baptismal date has been moved to the 21st of February. This week the Elders will finally get to start the stop smoking program with her. She needs prayers as well!
Elder Hoggan sends his Happy Birthday wishes to his parents! Steve wanted to close his email with some memories of Grandpa Turner who passed away on 22nd December, his mother's birthday. Grandpa is in a better place and isn't held back by his body anymore.
President Monson taught us, "To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, if a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth."
It is comforting that we will see Grandpa Turner again. Steve remembers Grandpa for being very obedient, loving, kind, and always up for a nice game of checkers and pool. Whenever Steve asked Grandpa how he was doing, he always replied, "Oh, about the same."
Grandpa had a positive attitude and was a funny man, as well. He is the one to thank for the cabin in Wyoming. Grandpa loved the outdoors and the cabin has become one of Steve's favorite places on earth. Maybe his favorite.
Grandpa and Grandma brought forth some amazing family members. Steve loves his family so much! Thanks for Everything, Grandpa! You have accepted your mission call! Grandpa is probably busy in the spirit world with that one!
Elder Hoggan sends his love and says, "You're the best!" He ends with Happy New Year!!!!!! As the Germans would say, guten rusch!
L.g.
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