We are in the Tiergarten Ward in Berlin. Our meetinghouse (a 4-5 minute walk from our apartment) is surrounded by the embassies of many foreign countries. Our Sacrament Meetings are translated into both English and Spanish with headsets available. We have members from over 20 different foreign countries and we love the diversity and getting to know people from all over the world - this enriches our lives.
Here is the list of countries represented in our ward currently: Germany, Spain, England, France, Norway, USA, Bosnia, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, Philippines, Cambodia, Russia, Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory coast, South Africa, China and Equatorial Guinea.
October 19th, we attended a very special baptism for a new member of our ward - Jesus Edu from Equatorial Guinea - the only Spanish speaking country in Africa. Jesus left his homeland and came to Berlin to live with his sister who is also a member of our ward. Equatorial Guinea has a corrupt dictator controlled government and is ranked as one of the "worst of the worst" for human rights violations.
Jesus' baptism program was in Spanish and translated into German and, even though we didn't understand the words of either language, the baptism was a most spiritual experience. The Spirit speaks a language that all can understand. Jesus said that he came to Berlin seeking a job and found the true church of Christ. Jesus and his sister are now the only two members of the church from Equatorial Guinea.
FHV - Erntedankfest
Relief Society - Harvest Festival
October 23, 2013
The sisters of our ward gathered for an evening of sharing talents, socializing and enjoying good food.
Some sisters shared their musical talents with songs and even a dance and other sisters brought handicrafts and artwork to share.
It was a wonderful conference with messages that were inspiring and uplifting. We felt reassured that we are a part of the hastening of missionary work.
It was thrilling to join with 165 missionaries in singing in German "Called to Serve".
Here is the list of countries represented in our ward currently: Germany, Spain, England, France, Norway, USA, Bosnia, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, Philippines, Cambodia, Russia, Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory coast, South Africa, China and Equatorial Guinea.
October 19th, we attended a very special baptism for a new member of our ward - Jesus Edu from Equatorial Guinea - the only Spanish speaking country in Africa. Jesus left his homeland and came to Berlin to live with his sister who is also a member of our ward. Equatorial Guinea has a corrupt dictator controlled government and is ranked as one of the "worst of the worst" for human rights violations.
FHV - Erntedankfest
Relief Society - Harvest Festival
October 23, 2013
The sisters of our ward gathered for an evening of sharing talents, socializing and enjoying good food.
Some sisters shared their musical talents with songs and even a dance and other sisters brought handicrafts and artwork to share.
It was fun to see the variety of talents that the sisters of the ward have.
We enjoyed a wonderful variety of treats with German pumpkin soup, African rice dishes from Nigeria and Ghana, south American fried bananas, Russian fruit bars, and German pudding with honey to name a few.
It was fun to get to know the sisters of our ward better and to learn of their talents.
I love this picture of the Russian girl making friends with the little Nigerian girl!
Mission Tour Multi-Zone Conference - October 31, 2013
With General Authority - Elder Patrick Kearon and Area Authority Elder Christian Fingerle
It was thrilling to join with 165 missionaries in singing in German "Called to Serve".
Ooooou, I want to taste some of that International food! What a super idea, to have the sisters share their cultures and their talents.! The conference sounds wonderful, and I love the baptism story of the guy from Equatorial Guinea. We need constant reminders of how very lucky we are for our freedoms.
ReplyDeleteOh, I bet they all love you so much. You are doing such a great job. I love hearing about all your missionary experiences :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you fed all those people!!!!!!! Wow! What a blessing Jesus found the gospel and freed himself from tyranny. Love you!
ReplyDeleteI love your picture at the top of your blog.
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