HIGHLIGHT ABEND --- ISRAEL

Once a semester the Institute has a "highlight abend (evening)."

This was a great one with Brother Lazzara's presentation on Cumran, the place the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and Brother Weidmann's discussion with pictures of the land of Israel.

The evening was outstanding, with 36 Young Single Adults attending--the most we have seen in the center at one time. We are so disappointed not to have taken photos of them in class. Me and my concentration on food! But the tasting table of Middle Eastern types of foods was good, too. We had oranges with pomegranate seeds, honey almond cookies, crackers with goat cheese, olives, fresh dates (yummy), figs, sugared roasted almonds, and lemon bread. All served on fig leaves of course! ;)

Brother Weidmann and students

Some of the students discussing the presentations . . .. . . and having fun after!

We have a great center, with three game tables, a very comfortable lounge area, classrooms, and joint access to a large kitchen. We try to make it warm and welcoming, but the real work is done by the young single adults, when they bring their friends and enjoy being together. One of the two non-members in institute class is receiving missionary discussions.

The classes this year are studying the New Testament and the book Jesus The Christ by James E. Talmage. The sister missionaries attend the classes to become friends with the YSAs and are are teaching English conversation classes that are being attended by non-member students from the university. While the students are there to speak English, they also know our purpose is to teach the gospel, and the sisters, responding to their questions, are able to teach principles of the gospel and show church films.

We have visited every ward in the stake several times, to encourage member participation in reactivation and missionary work among young single adults. It is rewarding to become aquainted with these wonderful members and enthusiasm is building, especially with the encouragement of the stake presidency and bishoprics.

This is such a great way to serve a mission!