We had our big music night on friday and it was an absolute hit. The chapel was PACKED and Sorella Botta's voice was just AMAZING. Everyone loved it. They didn't want to introduce anyone by name so that the focus could be about the music, but at the end they made me come and introduce myself because according to them without me ''it wouldn't have been possible.'' I said, ''They say that when words fail, music speaks, so I hope you understood more from the music than what I will say.'' I briefly related how I started taking lessons at six, and then went on to study seriously with Dr. Winterton. I said, ''Along with her help and my mom's occasional threatenings, music became something of my own - a passion. I was able to play many concerts with various orchestras or choirs. But notwithstanding all of that, my greatest performance I have the chance to take part in is what I am doing now as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.'' I was able to bear a brief testimony and ask them to come to us with any questions they may have. Afterwards there was this huge potluck and everyone was chatting with us and making fun of us for our diet coke we brought to keep us awake. (we didn't get home until midnight...and here most people think caffeine is part of the word of wisdom.) It's okay, though, because they love the fact that we are somewhat in apostasy as missionaries. Marlin (our new convert) even showed up with her boyfriend and sister...the first time she's been to the chapel in quite a while.
Miracle story: Rohelio! We found him while doing our Blitz on Thursday (he's from the Philippines), and then had an appointment with him last night. He told us that he had been praying for more faith, and asked us if we could help him have more faith in God. He then told us how he always rides his bike to work, and for three weeks he always passed a bible sitting in the grass. When no one else picked it up, he said it almost glowed one night as he was able to head home, so he took it as a sign that it was for him. He cleaned off all the grass and sand and took it with him. The next week, he had to have an operation, so he read the entire new testament while he was recovering in the hospital. He told us, ''I think God led me to that book, and now He is maybe leading me to this book - The Book of Mormon - as well.'' I was thinking to myself, ''Wow, this is like one of those golden contacts you only read about in the Ensign!'' He then asked us a ton of questions about Joseph Smith, repentence, church, etc. He asked if one could be forgiven after commiting adultery. We assured him that with repentence and the help of priesthood leaders, such as a bishop, one could be forgiven. He explained that his eldest daughter (who is living with him) had a child out of wedlock, so he wanted to ask us before he explained. Many of his family members are struggling right now, and he blames himself, saying ''If I hadn't come to Italy to work, maybe this would not have happened.'' The gospel can help him so much! He told us he is going to start reading and wants to come to church.
Love you all! Buona Pasqua! (Happy Easter!)
~Sorella Jacobson
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