Tues., April 7, 2009

Guten Tag!

I am finally getting some time to get to the computer. I hope that I will remember everything that I was going to relate to you with somewhat of the same feeling that I had when it happened.

One of the most spiritual things that has happened to us since being here was Elder Kopischke’s ( First Quorum of the Seventy) tour of the mission. He was here in Nürnberg on March 11. He spent all day instructing us & sharing experiences of the past. It was wonderful & the missionaries continue to talk about all the things that he told us & inspired us to do. We are just amazed at the level of commitment that we find in these visiting authorities. Elder Kopischke has served as the District President here in Nürnberg, followed by Mission President in Berlin & now in First Quorum of the Seventy. He is a pro at finding scriptures that answer most if not all gospel questions. His teaching ability is awesome. He leaves no stone unturned.

Accompanying Elder Kopischke was Elder Kleijweg of the Third Quorum of the Seventy. What a humble soft spoken man he is with great wisdom & insight. We enjoyed the time he spent with our YSA’s, personally instructing & bearing testimony of their great worth during Stake Conference that was held on March 14 & 15.

Elder Harris managed to be involved in refereeing the Stake Volleyball Tournament on March 21st. It helped to keep the four walls from closing in on him completely.

On Sunday, March 22nd we drove up to Würzburg so that Elder Harris could speak in their Sacrament Meeting. It was High Council Sunday. He used one of Elder Kopischke’s ideas. He invited everyone to prepare for General Conference by writing down some of the things that they hoped they would get out of it. You might want to try writing down what you hope to get out of the next Sacrament Meeting that you attend. It really works & puts the burden of good meetings on the listening individual as they prepare for the event.

While we were in Würzburg we attended their YSA Sunday School class. It was so good & FIVE MEMBERS + TWO INVESTIGATORS were in attendance. This is amazing because there were only about 30 who attended Sacrament Meeting. You gotta love those YSA’s!!!

On Saturday, March 28 we acted as Proctors for Weber State University in administering a placement exam to Rike Dautel who will begin attending school in May. It took 5 hours but she was pleased that she would not have to take any remedial classes because of her scores. We love Rike & will miss her tons. She has served as the YSA President in the Nürnberg Stake for two years & has done an outstanding job of shouldering the responsibility almost totally by her self.

Well, we hope that you are basking in the light of the General Conference that we have all just experienced. It’s great to be taught so beautifully. We have such wonderful leaders that can tenderly prick our consciences without putting us on the defensive. What a blessing it is to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ!!! Hug your children & grandchildren & assure them of His love. Thank you all for your love & support. We love you back.

Elder & Sister Harris (Gary & Renee, Dad & Mom, Gpa & Gma)