Treasure Hunting!

 Yes, it is true! “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God!”  We are searching out members everyday.  Every soul is precious.

Each is a treasure!

For example:

A few weeks ago we traveled to Rottenmann to visit a elderly member that had not been to church in a very long time.  We finally found the town and then asked around to find his home.  When we arrived we met a very nice young man who said he was the son-in-law of the man we were seeking.  He informed us that the member passed away last November!  He had lived there for many years…we just missed him by a few months.  However, the young man was very kind and helpful.  We gave him a pass-a long card and a chocolate bar.   

Last week we called a brother to find out if he still lives in our area.  We wanted to visit him and take him something for his birthday.  He speaks broken German and no English.  He tried to spell his address for us but we were unable to understand him.  Judd asked him to text it to us.  Sadly, we never heard back from him due to his inability to understand us! 

Another man that we visited seemed very suspicious at first.  We visited with him at his door and Judd happened to mention that a temple will be built in Vienna.  That caught his attention!  Since then we have dropped by a few more times and he actually made an appointment with us to visit him this week. 

We are searching everyday and when we actually are able to visit someone it is a rich reward!  We appreciate every blessing no matter how insignificant it may seem!  We don’t take anything for granted!

Last Thursday we traveled to Graz and met the missionaries in our zone for an Austellung (street display.)   We met on the Hauptplatz of Graz (the town square.)  See the photo of Judd with Elders Barker and Wunderlich.  We were approaching people and asking them questions and giving them pass along cards.  Most people didn’t want to talk to us.  However, one man was willing to answer our question about if he wanted to know more about his ancestors.  On the app (the Family Tree app!) you can type in the name and birthdate or other information about an ancestor and the person pops up.  It is really amazing.  Most people are interested in their family members who have gone on before them!  Anyway, this man, who is around our age, did start to think!  I think we may have planted a seed of interest in his heart to learn something about an ancestor!

We also have enjoyed having Sisters Meyer and Wall and Elders Packer and Ashworth from our district to dinner at our place the last two Sundays.  They are all wonderful  and we love them.  These missionaries and the others that we have worked with are dedicated and valiant servants who are dedicated to the Lord’s work. 

On Friday, we drove to Neumarkt, a beautiful resort town not too far from Salzburg on the Wallersee (a lake!).  We enjoyed a wonderful zone conference from 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM.  We never tire of the conferences in the Alpine German Speaking Mission.  President Scott Naatjes is an extraordinary leader.  He is an engaging speaker but what sets him apart is his loving and inspired leadership and his love for the missionaries.  He is humble and teachable and listens with his heart.  He and sister Naatjes are so loved.  She is shy but humble.  It is evident that Jodi Naatjes loves the Lord.

Late last Friday we welcomed a precious new grandson into our family:

Zane Sheranian Hall arrived at 10:30 PM on January 28 in Livermore Washington. He weighed 8lbs 12 oz. and is 19 inches.  Sarah had to have a c-section so she will have a longer than usual recovery as a result of some complications.  I will be flying next Monday to Washington for three weeks to help this precious family.  I am so grateful that I can go to help!  This was a surprise!  We are all thrilled…

We ask for your patience if there aren’t any blog posts for a few weeks!  I asked Judd if he will keep you posted on his missionary labors while I am gone.  He’ll be doing all the work alone while I am gone. 

Thank you friends and family for following our blog.  We appreciate your prayers.  We love you!