PALM SUNDAY

Even as full-time missionaries it is easy to get so caught up in our daily activities that we lose sight of what is truly most important.  The last two weeks have definitely had their challenges for us, but those issues shrink to insignificant when I ponder the events that took place almost two millennia ago on this upcoming Easter week.  The opportunity for us to be forgiven of our sins and be able to return to live with our Father in Heaven (should we live worthy), and for all men and women to be resurrected, was all made possible because of the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.  

This week, Eileen and I will be focusing our scripture study on the events that took place each day of what many refer to as Holy Week:

Palm Sunday – Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:37-44)

Monday – Christ cleanses the Temple (Matthew 21:12-16)

Tuesday – Christ teaches parables (Matthew 25:1-13 & 35-40)

Wednesday – The anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:6-8, John 12:1-8)

Thursday – The Last Supper & Garden of Gethsemane (Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 26:36-39, Luke 22:19-20 & 39-46)

Good Friday – The Crucifixion (Psalm 22:16&18, Isaiah 53:7,9&12, Matthew 27:35&57-60, Mark 14:60-61 & 15:27-28, Luke 23:32-46, John 19:16-30 & 20:25-27)

Saturday – Christ ministers to the dead (1 Peter 3:18-20, D&C 138:29-34)

Easter Sunday – Christ is Risen (Isaiah 25:8, Daniel 12:2, Matthew 27:52-53 & 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-6, Luke 24:1-6, John 20:1-18, Corinthians 15:20-22)

We are very grateful for the opportunity to be missionaries representing Jesus Christ and are humbled to be counted among His many disciples.  He is the promised Messiah, our Savior and King!

       One of our senior missionaries purchased some prints of this painting. We will put it in our apartment once we receive it.  It is a good reminder of the miracle of the resurrection. 

Sister Johnson gave the area devotional on Monday.  I love this statement by Elder Maxwell, along with the photo of the beautiful spring flowers. 

We had a very nice visit with the Scallobrinian NGO ASCS.  They focus on helping refugees around the world. Our church has partnered with this organization for several projects caring for refugees. From left to right-Coraline (our manager), Russell, Eileen, Marianna (director of fundraising), Erik (manager over humanitarian), and Father Antonio (Director of the NGO).

We had a farewell party for Elder and Sister Denny. He has been our area mental health advisor.  She is outgoing and loves to have fun. She is the assistant mental health advisor. The Dennys took us out to eat when we first arrived. Sister Denny has  introduced me (Eileen) to a wonderful swim complex in Bad Homburg.

Elder Sutterfield and Russell, keeping their ties clean at the farewell party.

I (Eileen) have been going to play pickleball a few days/week at 6:15 am.  I think these missionaries from the Frankfurt mission were sort of bummed out that we already were using the gym. Several of them quietly studied their scriptures while we were playing.