We have been pretty busy as well - we are seeing some people that we visit return to church and that is very rewarding. We were able to hold a family home evening with one of the families that we are working with last night and 4 of the children were eager to particpate with us. Two are YSA age and were asking if there were any activities for them and the good news is that an institute and YSA group is just being formed in the branch so they will be a welcome addition to the program.
Elder Pickett from IF that I mentioned in the last blog is now our distrct leader and is such a hard worker that things are really moving forward here and we should soon see some additional baptisms.
We had a sister show up about 3 weeks at church, she had been baptized about 17 years ago in Cairns and moved to Townsville 11 years ago and not attended church in about 15 yrs.(record movement is almost nonexistent here) She did not know if her return to church would cause her marriage to end, but was resolved to return to activity. The next Sunday she showed up with her husband, who really enjoyed himself, felt the spirit and announced at the end of the 3 hours of church that he wanted to be baptized. He has had to travel and so the teaching will begin later this week. This week she showed up with two of her children that had been nervous about coming. Her 16 year old son soon realized that he knew and was actually friends at school with some of the members. The girls in the branch were really doing a great job of fellowshipping ! The 11 year old also enjoyed church, only the 13 year old has not attended but the Young Women President has made contact and so we anticpate seeing 4 baptisms soon. The Sister has also asked for a calling and was sustained as a RS teacher on Sunday. Love it when things fo right!
Another thing that we are doing is working with the Branch missionaries to teach the new member discussions to the last two people baptized and that is really an enjoyable experience being able to have great discussions and answer questions. We are so thankful to be here and be able to share in these great experiences.
For P-day last week we went to Billibong's wild animal sanctuary and so today you finally get the photos you've been waiting for.
The weather really is changing able to sleep at night without air conditioning, should have some great months ahead weather wise.
One other noticeable thing here was Easter weekend, the place was like a ghost town on Good Friday, everything was closed then on Saturday the shops were packed. Some businesses had a few hours open on Sunday and then Monday was still a holiday so many things closed. We wondered how many even thought about Christ or were just simply delighted to have a 4 day weekend.
We were awake yesterday morning early enough to catch the last session of conference over the radio,( ksl through the ipad) but we will actually watch the whole conference as a branch in two weeks.
We love the work, so grateful to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and to watch it change lives and bring peace and happiness to those who embrace it.
Hope there is a another post before April is over!
