“I could find no peace of mind unless I was playing sports or in a gym”, were the words of a recent convert from France who is an athlete working in Turkey. He bore his testimony today, and said he loves reading the Book of Mormon and coming to church, because he finds a very deep peace in doing both of those things. He said those activities quiet his mind and he loves and appreciates it so much. In this world of turmoil, it is great to have a place where we can find peace that is everlasting if we seek it earnestly.  He spoke in French, and one of the members translated from French to English, and a Turkish man who speaks English and Turkish then translated into Turkish for the Turkish members.  Everyone got to hear his wonderful testimony of Joseph Smith and the restoration. Our newest member, the attorney I told you about earlier, was baptized yesterday! She too bore her testimony in which she expressed profound gratitude for finding the missionaries and learning what she is learning. It is so wonderful to hear and feel the testimonies of these new members. There is such a profound sense of gratitude and enthusiasm with people when we come together in this work.

We have been told that it is not uncommon for Missionaries to have questions about the very gospel we are teaching when we hear so much opposition to the message we are giving. It has been so interesting to learn from a book written by Bruce R. McConkie called “The New Articles of Faith”. Teachings from this book were a main focus of our mission conference with President Lawrence, our Area Authority, last week.  It explains so many things regarding our pre-existence, our lineage, and our ability to become converted into the House of Israel…interesting concept. I was able to download it from Amazon, and I highly recommend it. I feel as though I’m learning doctrine in a new light, and I so appreciate the insights and confirmation of the truth. This is such exciting work and every aspect of it has depths one could never grasp in this life time. Thank heaven for eternal progression! My batteries are recharged and I am grateful for technology that allows almost instant access to the volumes of information that teach me so much! If you read this book I would love to hear your thoughts! 

Elder Ercanbrack and I are team teaching Gospel Doctrine, and it’s my turn to teach this Sunday. This mission is requiring calling on many skills that keep us on our toes. Elder Ercanbrack taught last Sunday and did a great job and had many compliments on his lesson. I’m so proud of him! 

Well, I did play the piano in Sacrament Meeting and it was O.K.  I know I was being helped because I only made a few mistakes and I made it through without passing out with anxiety! I was asked to play next week so maybe that’s a good thing. If you’ve taken piano lessons, keep practicing! You never know when you’ll need to recall those skillsJ. 

We went shopping for steaks last week, and the price of a T-bone at the market is 45TL (Turkish Lira) which is about  $23.00 for one steak!! So, we will not be having steak until we get back to our great home land. My mouth waters to think of barbecuing steak on the deck and enjoying it so much. Next time you eat a steak, enjoy it for us! We heard the price of meat in the US has gone up 30%. Is that right? 

Well, have a wonderful week and know we love and miss you. You are in our prayers daily!!

Sister and Elder Ercanbrack