Alma 5:7

This past week mirrored the poor weather at times. We had exciting moments of finding new investigators but then we were flaked and canceled on multiple times. Luckily, there were some bright moments too. For example, yesterday was hard - tracting felt stale and worthless in the area we were in but then when we made it back to our place a little early and decided to introduce ourselves to our neighbors we found a miracle with Paweł and Dorota - a young couple who would like to have us over some time.

Last week, we were able to get in touch with two less active members this past week - neither one really from our doing. Alexei's records popped up in the system after living here for two years. He is a YSA from Ukraine who has been living in Gdynia recently. It has been a struggle for him to be living in the comotion of the world while trying to live according to his faith. He wants to get his life on track, be in church, and maybe even go on a mission - he seems pretty sharp. Elder Whiting told me about Piotr, a less-active whose records are in Bydgoszcz. He is a teacher here in Gdańsk who was willing to meet but I wondered if he was missing the point of church and all. However, throughout the meeting he opened up about how he felt the Spirit when he was in church and following the commandments so wants to give it another go. They both have good potential. Monica, a longtime student from English, was there this week. She is friendly and accomplished - I wonder about her thoughts concerning the church, baptism etc. Józef and Irena are a delight, as always. They want to help the missionaries in any way that they can, both are very sweet. I'm still looking to encourage and attitude and habit of service among the members. 

Last week I mentioned how I felt lost and broken. I can't say that I am put back together but I am building. Watching mormon messages during lunch hour after being flaked multiple times and having the chance to speak in church the first Sunday back into the new chapel (it just had a renovation) brought light into my life. I felt the Spirit, I felt love. As I said last week I have been trying to invite Christ more into my life and His influence has acted as a personal compass. When I face the different situations of my life this past week I oftened looked to Christ asking to know how to proceed. I felt the Spirit's guiding hand and I was able to follow my heart. Due to confusion I have been afraid to follow my heart but the fruits of the Spirit are sure: humility, meekness, charity, selflessness. I have felt more sure on small levels - it helps tremendously. I read a conference talk that referenced Alma 5:7, it touched my heart.

 7 Behold, he (the Lord)  changed their hearts; yea, he awakened themout of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold,they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word

Being in darkness has helped me to more clearly see the light. I am receiving it slowly but I am grateful (as Elder Wright once put it) for the stars of light on the night's darkness I lose myself in.

I encourage you to focus on what it truly good, follow your heart to be more kind, full of service, patient, and loving. 

with love,

Starszy Kimball