99 + 1...+ 1

For the past 3 months, inspired by President Nelson's birthday challenge, the Italy Milan Mission has been working toward a goal of bringing 99+1 souls to Christ through baptism. We knew this goal would require faith, consecration and diligence from every missionary. 

To increase our faith the last 40 days we participated in a rotating mission fast where each day 2 different companionships would take turns fasting and praying for 24 hours. On the final Friday of the goal, at noon every missionary knelt down in prayer wherever they were to call down the powers of heaven. Thanks to countless miracles from the Lord we were able to witness 99 +1 + 1 individuals enter into a covenant with their Savior through baptism.

We are witnesses of the power that comes when we make commitments with the Lord and move forward in faith.     

Invitation: Join us in praying for a temple in Milan, Italy and watch, listen, and study General Conference coming this weekend.

The Milan East and West Zone Conference before / after pictures

It is always so much fun when we get to serve with the other senior couples from the Milano East and West zones: Rindlisbacher, Gardanier, Low, Nielson

Without a doubt, the highlight of the mission is spending time with the incredible missionaries. Here are just a few from our zone conference this past week

While Steve quietly saves our seats at Stake Conference, Laura confidently works the room speaking Italian with both her mouth and her hands.

Whenever Laura has a spare moment she tries to bake something and put it in the freezer. Here she is in the mission office kitchen making chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin breakfast bars and chocolate Christmas crinkle cookies.  😋 

Along with a little baking in the Mission Office, Laura repaired some Elders' clothing while Steve caught up on some new apartment searches.

Senior Anziani chopping onions at Zone Conference while under the watchful eyes of the Senior Sorelle

For PDay, Laura was invited on a girl's shopping trip in Milan with Sorella Wood and Sorella Neilson and her daughters and granddaughter. Steve was invited to clean the apartment and enjoy a baked potato alone.

We spent a day seeing some of the incredible sites of Milan.  The Sforza Castle constructed in the 15th century, the arch of peace begun by Napleon and the Chiesa di San Maurizio which is often referred to as the mini Sistine Chapel. Steve got a picture next to his namesake, the apostle Stephen, getting stoned, while Laura validated that the unicorns did at least make it on the arc. Our final stop was to enjoy just our 2nd burger here in Italy at Five Guys 🤤 

Steve keeping up on his grandpa exercises while on the mission. Here he is playing with sweet Emma, the granddaughter of Anziano and Sorella Nielson.
** In accordance with Senior Missionary rules, no children were held in the making of these photos **