Here’s a few quotes from an email conversation with Elder Marini:

the work is going really really well.

me and my companion are going up to kirtland with kerry and his wife in june. im really excited, and he really is too. his wife is interested as well. Kerrys been wanting to see it, and we’re encouraged to go with investigators to kirtland (rarely happens down here) but kerry was very happy to hear we could go with and talk about stuff there.
we told the branch about that in PEC meeting and they got really excited, and now 10 or so members of the branch are riding up in the branch presidents 16 passenger van with us. Its such a good feeling to see the branch show this much support.

…to summarize how blessed we are.
when i got here. i’d been 6 months since any investigator had been to church for more then a week straight.  somewhere in the end of my 1st,to my 2nd transfer we had 6 straight weeks with at least 2 investigators.  that really turned the ward towards us. we went from 0-2 meals a week to 4-5 a week now. were getting members out with us 3-4 times a week and were teaching a ton.

I will upload his latest collection of pics very soon. We are running out of space on our free Picasa account.

It’s been a good week. I have now been in St. Marys for 13 weeks and i still love it here. We’ve had a really good rise in investigators, but sadly we’ve noticed a huge rise in anti stuff. Heres the pattern:
We find new investigator.
Week 1: Teach them 2 times a week. They are super receptive and they make commitments
Week 2: While being receptive, they tell you they want to check with their pastor and friends. they are still friendly
Week 3: i notice their attitude has changed, they wont make commitments, they are very stern with us and they say they dont belive.

we’ve had that happen with a few good investigators. its really sad to see. However the lord does provide a way and as were obedient, we find new people.

Our solid investigors are doing really well still. Baptismal dates may be coming in a week or two. One thing i’ve learned is that on the west side of the mission, things take some time.

I’ve really enjoyed my time so far, and i wake up everyday ready to teach and to find new people. This mission has really blessed my life.

look forward to pictures from this last transfer in a week or so to be posted.

(this added from a later email) im also an honorary member of the ‘ohio bigfoot organization’ thanks to kerry. i even have the shirt to prove it. I love it out here!

I love you all,

Elder Marini

Well, its been a little while since i’ve done one of these wrapup emails for the site. Big news coming from the office today. Starting this next week, our p-day will be mondays from now on. President Monson and Elder Perry asked all the Mission presidents to change the day, so our president complied.
I’m kinda mixed on a monday p-day. I liked the mini-break in the middle of the week. However having a break after sunday is nice too i guess.

It’s been a good week, this 5th week of my 2nd transfer. My companion and I are getting along great, and having a lot of fun. We’re finding more investigators still and dropping others. Kerry is still progressing and gaining a good testimony.

I have recently started reading the book of mormon more. All of the sudden i can’t put it down. There is so much of the gospel in that book, plus i can imagine it all happening in my head.

This Monday or Wednesday (since we don’t know yet) is transfers. I’ll be sad if i have to leave St. Marys. I feel as if i belong in that branch. They have such a strong bond, and  i truly love the people here. I never thought i’d get so attached, but it happened.

This week we got to visit with an 82 year old couple who have been in the city of Celina, which is in the St Marys branch for over 50 years! We heard so many stories of them growing up, and how they’ve been married for 64 years. It’s quite amazing to listen to their stories and their testimonies. They still get around normally too, i thought they were maybe in their 60’s, but have since learned that they are 82 years old. Amazing.

This gospel is true, the book of mormon is the word of god and there are his elect looking to find the truth. All we have to do is give all our trust to the lord and our efforts and we’ll be able to find the elect. I love all of you guys so much, thank you for supporting me thus far.

-Elder Marini

Elder Marini notified us that The Church Presidency just announced that all missions should move their P-Day’s to Mondays. This will also effect transfers for Elder Marini. He is feeling a little nervous thinking he might be heading out of St. Marys soon.

Elder Marini sent me another card of photos and even a few short video clips. I uploaded them to Picasa and linked them off there to the right (Yeah, the one with his mug on it). I hope you enjoy!

-Tim