10/4

Conference was absolutely wonderful, and over far too quickly. One of my greatest joys this time around was to watch it with my good friend Ray, who was baptized back in July. Ray has been doing really well. We see him at least once a week, he attends church faithfully and has an appetite for the gospel similar to a shopvac. He studies at work every day from the Book of Mormon, the gospel principles manual and even studied Sister Fonua's spare copy of Preach My Gospel for a time. He almost read the whole thing and is now hankering after a triple combination so he can begin Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. He is anxious for the welfare of his friends and children and, despite feelings of inadequacy, frequently teaches and testifies to them. He tells everyone that their problems will all be solved if they would just read the Book of Mormon. His faith and testimony are completely solid, and if he lacks anything it is patience--during our last visit he suggested that we teach with shotguns and threaten stubborn investigators with destruction (both physical and spiritual) if they don't comply. Since we began teaching him he has been curious about President Monson and the other General Authorities and has been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to hear them speak. Throughout both sessions he both nodded and grunted his approval of what was said and took notes. I love Ray so much! I can't wait to return and go to the temple with him.

Giovanni surprises me every time we see him. He has relatively easily sailed over some major spiritual hurdles and is steadily progressing towards his baptism on October 17. I have been amazed by the change that such simple things as prayer, study of the Book of Mormon and church attendance have made in him. He can never say enough how happy he is, how excited he is to continue to learn. He has received some awesome support from the ward as well. He has had dinner twice at a member's home now and is quickly making other friends. He loved General Conference and told us yesterday that he feels like grabbing a megaphone and shouting the good news of the gospel to everyone who passes by.

I thank you for your support and prayers. I pray that God keeps you all safe and happy, and prepares the way before you to achieve everything necessary to your welfare and happiness.
Love,
Sister Black