We received a call on Saturday evening that Russ was needed in the Lahr Branch on Sunday. All of the Branch Presidency was out of the area and they needed Priesthood Brethren there to help. We were not sure of what needed to be done, but we were glad to go and help. We attended last week for the first time and there was a really nice feeling there. The people are a little older than in Freiburg and did not seem to speak very much English. We have been asked to visit once a month and help where needed.
We had a nice 45 minute drive on a beautiful Sunday morning. It is only in the 60's today and it is a welcome relief to the whole area. We arrived and the new Elders Quorum President was presiding and conducting the meeting. Russ was asked to help with the passing of the Sacrament. There were about 30 people in attendance today. Several people came and welcomed us. Sisters from last week were anxious to say hello to me. A new Sister came up to me and spoke English. She was visiting her Sister-in-law for the week. She is from Dover England and was so glad to have someone that spoke English. It was very nice talking of England and the South London area that she lives in. Just before the services began, the Elders quorum president asked Russ something and then came back to me and tried to ask if I would do something. I did not understand his German and just said, "I do not speak German." He smiled and walked to his seat on the stand. I went up to Russ and asked what he said. He was asked to bear his testimony in the meeting. So, I got out my notes and started studying them during the opening minutes of the meeting. I had a peace with me that I could do this. I was not sure if he would call on me after my response. After the sacrament was completed, he stood and announced that the Ehepaar (mission couple) from Freiburg was visiting and would be giving their testimonies. Russ leaned over and said, "do you want to go first?" I went up to the podium and introduced myself and then bore my testimony in German for the first time. It was going well - I was reading off of my note cards - until I realized I was actually doing it and they seemed to understand. I was overcome with emotion and truly felt the Spirit of the Lord with me. I was able to finish and returned to my seat. As I was sitting there, I felt like Peter when he walked on the water until he realized what he was doing. When fear or reality sets in, it is daunting, and then we muster up the strength because of the Spirit that is with us to finish the course. I was grateful for tender mercies today and also for the witness that I can do hard things and the Lord will carry me. When Church was over many people came to me and thanked me for sharing my testimony in German. They said they felt the spirit and knew I was speaking from my heart. It was amazing how the Sisters rallied around me in Relief Society and how many actually spoke a little English. They were more willing to share and talk to me because I had taken the courage to speak to them in their language. Susan, from England sat with me and that was a delight. He husband passed away almost 2 years ago. She was grateful we could get through the meeting together. We talked about ministering to one another and we both shared what we are doing to help others by getting to know them and their needs to better serve them. I shared about Amira who we visit every week and read scriptures with her. She has been a real blessing in my life and I know she enjoys our visits. This is true mentoring.
I am grateful for this Sunday. I was nervous and not sure how it would go. I am grateful for this experience of feeling the hand of the Lord in my life and blessing me with His Spirit.
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