God numbers his sheep

Hey fam! 

Well another week came and went here in Chisinau- and it didn't go without some awesomeness!!!! Thursday morning we woke up to a good four inches of snow on the ground, and it didn't stop all day! The snow really beautified the earth and gave me a new feeling of rejuvenation in a lot of ways- I'll be honest- I miss me some mountains!!

Chisinau man!!!

The draining system isn't the best here...

A beautiful sunset

Though the snow was noteworthy, the real highlight of the week was in the works far before that. Today I am going to tell the story of Andrei.

At least six years ago, Andrei was living in Holland trying to find work so that he could feed his family. Without knowing a lick of Dutch, he lived there off and on being employed. Somehow, he found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who took him in and fed him spiritually. For a period of time, Andrei learned about the restored gospel, and attended church regularly in Holland. Looking for more work, he moved to the Czech Republic where he found the church with his brother and both were baptized in a small branch five years ago. 

Standing in front of the neighborhood church

Fast forward to the first week of 2018, Elder Quist and I were doing some contacting on a chilly morning in our area of Riscani, Chisinau. We hadn't had too much success that morning, and frankly, we were just praying that we would survive the cold until lunch time (a greatly awaited time of day). We both saw a man in a beanie, that looked friendly enough to talk. We stopped and we asked him if he had heard of The Book of Mormon before. He said that he knew who we were and that he could come back in ten minutes. In ten minutes was lunchtime... but we waited for this man. 

In good fashioned-Moldovan standard time, he arrived twenty minutes later... BUT HE CAME BACK! He said that he had a Book of Mormon but lost it, and would like another copy. He explained that he had been to church in Holland and really like the Mormons. We got his number and parted ways.

For the next two weeks, we tried to schedule a meeting, but were having difficulties on both ends making it work. Finally, this Saturday, we met Andrei in a little market where he sells second-hand clothing. 

The Piata where Andrei works

We chatted for a little and then asked if we could share with him the message of the restoration. He listened intently and seemed to really understand what we were saying. After the story of Joseph Smith, I felt inspired to ask him if he had already prayed to know if Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God. He said he knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet because The Book of Mormon is true. That kind of surprised me! And then he asked us if he could tell us something deep...

"Baieti- deja m-am botezat la biserica voastra. Am chiar un certificat!" Which, being interpreted, "Boys, I was already baptized in your church... I even have a certificate!"

We were speechless!!! This dude Andrei, was a member of the church! We came to find out that after he was baptized in the Czech, he had to leave quickly because he couldn't get a visa and returned to Moldova. Since then, he had never met another member of the church... for five years!! I testified to him that the fact that we met each other wasn't a coincidence! In God's timing, according to His plan, he led a lost sheep back to the fold. 

1 Nephi 22:25 And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture.

At that moment, this scripture came to life. I know that God truly does care about each and everyone of us. If you don't believe that, read Andrei's story again! This was a huge testimony booster for me. The fact that I am on the Lord's errand, about his important work. The fact that The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The stinkin' fact that I am in the tiniest, poorest country in Europe, yet witnessing that the worth of every soul is great in the sight of God. 

a little artsy shot

The story of Andrei continues. He has three sons and a wife who are all not members. We are hoping to meet him and his family this week and bring the spirit in to their home!

HAPPY!!

So, if you ever feel lonely, sad, remember that God numbers his sheep. If you are looking for a way to help someone but don't know how, remember that God will use you to help one of his children! You just gotta show him you are ready!

Winter is here!!

All my love,

Elder Ditto

PS. THE PACKAGE CAME!!!!! Made my whole week!!!!!! You guys are the best.

Also, shout out to the Dave Ditto fam and Aunt Laurie, Uncle Dan and Aunt Laura, and Grandma Ditto for the SWEET packages!!! I was not expecting those, and let me tell you- it is hard to ration all that candy!

ALSO, thanks to all those who sent Christmas cards, letters, emails, etc. I am pretty sure I have got the biggest fan club ever. FEELING THE LOVE!!!!

a couple of question and answers:

• Do you have enough money while in Moldova?  Yes!!  Everything is so cheap!  We eat at home every morning and then eat out for lunch.  Dinner we sometimes eat out and sometimes cook.

• Are you serving in the branch right now?  Yes, I was called to be the second counselor in the Branch Presidency a few weeks ago.  I am also a district leader.

• How is Elder Quist doing?  He's loving missionary work! PUMPED!!!! We are having fun together, and doing good work.