Hello world! Yes its the 4th of July and we're in Berlin and you would never know its a holiday in America. Sister Madsen and I still decided to wear red white and blue and we are going to go 'grillen' (thats how you say BBQ in German) with some other missionaries. Yay! Sadly its a little rainy, so hopefully we took all the rain from your parties so you can celebrate! What a great time to be alive eh?
Life is good here as a missionary, we are working hard and talking to everybody. Sister Madsen and I have tried using more unique 'power statements' as we talk to people on the street. Some of them focusing on baptism.....we are committed to setting a baptismal date this week and are committed to working hard and following the spirit for it. We have some really incredible things going on right now, teaching some incredible people. Another awesome blessing is this branch, seriously they are the greatest and so committed to the gospel and helping the missionary work.
This past weekend, we had the 10th annual 'FAMILIENFEST' the big event our little branch puts on...we've been handing out fliers and putting up signs for the past couple weeks and preparing a lot for it. It was on Saturday and we had people come from Berlin to help, 4 Elders and the Tiergarten Sisters, and the Nelsons! (the senior couple who I have how been around for the past 6 months) They all came from Berlin and they also brought a family with them they found 2 weeks ago! So we all went to Eisenhüttenstadt to help set up for the event. It was sadly pretty cloudy rainy weather, so we sat together in a members home waiting for the branch president to get the key to let us in, so we sang some hymns together and all knelt and said a prayer especially asking for the weather to hold for it. So we all walked down to this cool stadion, grassy area where Tilo Zimmerman (the first counselor) coaches litttle league soccer teams, its a perfect big area for a family fest. We had tons of food, mostly torts and fruit, and there was a jump house, volleyball, soccer, a coloring station some German boot throwing game...haha, super fun, and other games. We counted that there were 99 people there and about half were non members!! We (sister Madsen and I) had a cool missionary table, with pictures of our families, and some from the other missionaries too, proclamations to the family, and other pamphlets and Books of Mormons...as well as Amercain cookies and a paper that said 'Möchten sie einen Besuch von dem missionare?' (would you like a visit from the missionaries) and also a big display talking about the restoration and what we believe about the family. So we played and talked and ate and laughed a lot and everyone enjoyed themselves...it was great for the members and for all the other random people that came they said a prayer with us and saw what a blast families can have together. We were so excited as a lady took one of the Books of Mormon and started reading it, and then was thrilled when we told her she could have it and as well someone asked for a visit from us! So we not only had a blast supporting the branch, we also got some great contacts!
We had another awesome lesson this week with a guy named Mahdi, we had it at Hany's house and he was taught by missionaries 2 years ago. . .he is really open now apparently a lot more than he was before. . . really looking for 'the right picture' It was a really spiritual experience teaching this awesome guy with a really good heart abot why we need the Savior and what the Savior did for us. He knew about Jesus Christ and that we believe he died for us, but didnt know what happened in the Garden of Gethsemanie and it really is such an honor to be called of the Lord to tell these people here about what Christ did for us. Did not only give his life for us so that we could overcome death too, but suffered for us so he would know exactly how to help us, comfort us, and forgive us. It was very humbling to teach and the spirit was very strong. I am so grateful to have the scriptures to testify of...somewhere I just read, we dont have the scriptures to testify of what we say, what we say is to testify of the scriptures. (im sure it was a lot better written than that) but what Im saying is im so grateful to bear testimony of the truthfullness of the words of the prophets. Im so grateful for the spirit that comes when we read with these people searching for the truth and the feeling of love they feel and you can see it in their eyes. Ah I could go on all day, but you're probably anxious to go watch some fireworks and drink some rootbeer so just know that the work is going great here and we are being very blessed. I am so grateful for your prayers and love, they are greatly felt and needed. Have a fantastic 4th!
I love you!
God bless America...and Frankfurt Oder/Eisenhüttenstadt :)
Love, Sister Rasmussen
Pictures:
1. Some of my favorite people ive met on my mission, the Nelsons (from cashe valley) and Ola and Ahmed. LOVE THEM
2. Me and Della Heitbreder at the Familienfest, shes so great, so crazy wearing normal clothes! Haha, and you can see a bit of the color station and volleyball in the backround.
3. Theres the sisters! Silly BYU hoodies....but what can you do :)
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