Elder Mason, Elder Downing, and the Schopp family:

Daniel, Evelyn, Grace, & Mila. They are also expecting their 3rd child (a boy), in March.

Daniel is being baptized, and Evelyn has opted to wait until after the baby is born. She was very supportive of Daniel being baptized, and then in March he will be able to baptize her. He received the Gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday, and next Sunday he will be ordained a Priest.

This family has been a heartfelt work for the missionaries, and now the wonderful joy of seeing them "Come Unto Christ" through the baptismal covenant.

Tender Moment....

Just before the meeting and Taufe, I was able to catch this wonderful moment with Daniel, Evelyn, and Grace. I took the picture without a flash so it was unobtrusive, and I was able to capture a tender mercy.

We have been blessed with another wonderful baptism. Daniel Schopp. The Elders have been working with his family since we came in September. There have been 3 sets of Elders, and finally, with fasting and prayer, and hopes and faith, Daniel and his wife Evelyn have felt the truth.

Most buildings are like these apartment complexes. Very close together, and quite plain. Then once in a while in the small out of the way towns we come across a major stand out building like the one below.

Most buildings are pretty drab and plain around here. We were passing through this little town on our way to visit a less-active member, and low and behold here was this golden glare. Occasionally we see this. They love the color gold, but not seen much.

We leave early to go to Leipzig every 6 weeks for our Zone meetings. Here the sun is creaping through the clouds. The red cars are the Ehepars. We drive the first one on the right. They are all red. I guess the mission thought we should stand out and be recognized. I don't see red cars here. There are a lot of blue, black and more blue, and black but not red.

I made some play dough for the kinder, and they love it! They had never used it before. I was glad that Sister Banks left some Cream of Tartar so that I could make it. I have not seen Cream of Tartar in the stores here. These were the only two kinder in our branch, until just recently. Love those Kids!

Elder Downing, Elder Muhlestein, Sabastian and his father Edgar Linner, Sister Muhlestein, Elder Mason. This is the day we have been waiting and preparing for. Our service is for the Lord, and now we can feel a portion of His love and gratitude when others come forth.

"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation." D&C 18: 16-17

The time has come and we are ready! Sabastian Linner and his father Edgar Linner have prepared for this wonderful day. Edgar was less-active for 2 1/2 years, and Sabastian desired to learn. So Father and Son prepared together. We have been just a little instrument in their preparedness, and the Lord has blessed them both to enter the waters of baptism. Edgar baptized his Son, what a glorious day!

As missionaries we couldn't be more pleased and grateful for this wonderful choice in Sabastian's life. He and his father have worked so hard to prepare, and now you can see the glow. We are so thank-ful for this experience to see one of Heavenly Father's children come into the fold, and enter the gate of baptism.

What a wonderful time for father and son...When he hugged his son he said, "You have made your father very happy."

These are some of the missionaries who came and supported his baptism.

Each day of the week, prior to baptism, has a scripture for him to read. This way it gives them a goal, and a spiritual uplift everyday. You can tell by the check marks to the side of the scripture that he is reading each day.

Our Elders make these wonderful Taufe Calendars for our investigators preparing for Baptism during that month. This one was made for Sabastian Linner, whom Elder & Sister Muhlestein are teaching. His baptism date is January 9th 2010.

Elder Mason has literally worn out his shoes in the service of the Lord..

He did buy another pair shortly after coming to Nordhausen. What great service and zeal these Elders have!