So, this past week was remarkable, to put it frankly. Sylvain Feitama was baptized on June 21st into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I had a breakthrough with the language.
Sylvain
Sylvain honestly has one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard. About two years ago, he quit his work to look for God... straight up quit! He's been living in government housing for two years because he wanted to make sure he found the truth. Sylvain explored Islam, Judaism, and just about every Christian sect. When we met him, he said that he agreed the most with Bhudism and a bit of Christianity. The first lesson went so terribly that Elder Utahia and his last companion decided to drop him; he wasn't ready for the Lord.
The first week in France, Sylvain's member friend, Davy, called us and told us that Sylvain wanted to get baptized! We were so confused! We met with Sylvain, and he told us that he visited family home evening and was so impressed with the members; how could anyone believe in something so whole-heartedly if it wasn't true. He also liked how we had a very good idea of who God is and our relationship with him. We were super happy, and jumped right into the first missionary lesson.
As we continued to teach, his testimony got stronger and stronger. In fact, he read most of the Book of Mormon in the few weeks that we taught him. In one of our lessons, he shared with us how he got his answer in a dream as to whether the Book of Mormon was true. I won't share details because it was super personal, but it was mind-blowing and the Spirit was so strong when he shared his experience.
Now Sylvain is a member, and he's steadily working everyday to come closer to Jesus Christ. Teaching Brother Feitama was one of the greatest things I've ever done. Not only was my faith strengthened, but I learned how to love Sylvain and a brother, and bring him the same joys that I've found in this work.
The church is so true.
For the language, for the weeks leading up until now, everything said to me has been a blur... like one long word. This last week was great because for the first time, I was able to divide each word that was said. I still don't have the best vocabulary, but I can understand soooo much more. Straight-up!
Thanks for all the love and I hope all is well!
USA USA USA!!! (The Algerians are CRAZY about soccer here! They were screaming all night last night! Haha)
-- Elder Wheatley
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