Bernburg

This week I received the wonderful Elder Perkins. Since he arrived, the people have become more hostile, but we’ve started also to see more success! Elder Perkins is a transfer older than me but has never served in East Germany so it’s been a bit funny watching him adjust to the East Germans.

But we’re having tons of fun, and talking to people left and right! It’s awesome to have a companion that has no fear, because we can just go at it together.

We also decided that we’re going to talk more about Joseph Smith, in all that we do. Because of the wonderful things he did, we have so much happiness and pure joy. This week I listened to a talk from President Uchtdorf (he translates his own talks) and he mentioned what a special time we live in.  The prophets of old would have longed to see this day, where the gospel is restored in full. I’m grateful for the real joy it brings… joy joy joy. I’ll say it a thousand times, but I have seen personally the difference that it makes in someone’s life when they understand the difference between joy and fun. I had so much fun before my mission. But I’ve found that pure Joy which comes through the gospel is what I love. The gospel is the ONLY place where we can find the healing peace of the Lord’s grace.

In this week I’ve thought about how grateful I am for all my Family and friends. Wherever you are in the world. YOU have been a great and glorious blessing to me in my life.

Elder Winkel