Establishment of the church in the Czech Republic

What a great week! Things have been looking up for us here in Plzen, and we have been finding great individuals that are now working towards baptism! David, the one that approached us after English class, FINALLY had time this week after being really tied up at work and is doing very well. His baptism date of August the 6th is still looking really strong! He is doing very well! 

In other news we had our trip to Karlstejn this week, and that was a really spiritual experience. Lots of testimonies from some of the older missionaries (older than me thank goodness :)) were given and it was just an overall powerful meeting. A prayer was read at the end which was based on the creation of the new stake here. A prayer to help us know what we can do to be better ward and branch builders, how to love the people, and how to work better with leaders. Sister Pohořelická gave a really profound talk about our potential and about how we were called here not because of what we have done in our past, good or bad, but because of the potential that we have. I think I enjoyed that part the very most :) 

We are still doing a lot of planning for this grillovani, BBQ, and it seems to be coming together well. Many of the less active members are coming and are able to participate in the cooking for the Czech side. I promise to have pictures next week from that event at the very least :) 

We also have been working to reorganize the division between missionaries of who visits what members here in Plzen and efforts to improve our work with less actives. It is definitely a work in progress but our hope is that we can prepare the ward for the temple open house, as well as help them with the adjustment to becoming a ward... which, yes, still has not happened quite yet. But next Sunday, we will finally have a new established bishopric :) Needless to say, it will be a busy week, but that isn't anything new.

 

As for my scripture this week, I have been studying in the gospels. I came across a verse that I have read many times, but it stood out to me in a very different way. Matt 5:44-45 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. God loves all of his children equally, and I am grateful for the knowledge I have that I am a loved child of God. We all are, and everyone is equal in his eyes. It matters not who we are, or what we have done, God loves all his children. I know it is true. Have an amazing week!

Elder Belshe