July 19, 2015

Bob: Taught the priesthood lesson today. It was lesson 13 in the 'Ezra Taft Benson' lesson book. Subject was the temple. Went pretty well. Munch and mingle afterwards had a big crowd today. Ended up setting up a couple of extra tables. We took Steven to church this morning. We pick him up just across the street behind the big shopping center. During sacrament Brother Su came over and sat down behind me. He said there was a young man trying to get to church but he was stranded at the subway station. So he and I set off to find him. I think the subway was about 6 miles away. After church we took him to his apartment which was down near Lake Ontario. I think that was 7 miles another way. Then we took Brother Su and Steven home. Seemed like we were traveling a long time but I think it was less than 30 miles. Time goes quickly listening to their stories. It is a lot of fun.
Managed to go for another walk this morning. Not as long as yesterday, but longer than normal. Back to the normal half hour starting tomorrow. Bonnie and I walked around the lake tonight. But it was a slower pace!!
Hope everyone is well and happy. Talked to Joey and Steve Rynders tonight. Left my phone at work this weekend so I didn't have any other numbers to call.
Love,
Dad/Bob

Bonnie: It was a beautiful Sabbath Day today. It was a bit surprising to have Bob leave in the middle of sacrament meeting, but as he has written, it all worked out very well. The young man he picked up is from China and does not speak any English, which is why Brother Su went with Bob. Brother Su is also from China. He is the only member of the church in his family. It's a miracle to me that anyone in mainland China joins the church. There can be no open proselyting so the church meetings are held in homes, very quietly. Brother Su was baptized in northern Cypress, which is under Chinese control. So, going home from church, we had three young men in the back seat of the Avalon, two from China and one from the Dominican Republic. The Chinese man Bob picked up is interested in the church and wants to visit with the missionaries. Steven, as Brother Su, is also the only member of the church in his family. With Bob, that made three who are the "pioneers" in their families. Steven said he believes that his ancestors have accepted the gospel and are just waiting for him to do their ordinance work--baptisms, confirmations, endowments and sealings in the holy Temple. He said he doesn't want to get across the veil and have them ask him why he didn't do their work for them. What a great young man! It made for a very enjoyable Sabbath to have these young people share their experiences today.
Love,
Mom/Bonnie