May 1st, 1965

 Date: 5-01-65

Time has been flying. The Italian Program is goin g a head by leaps and bounds. Publicity has been our prime objective. We have delivered Mormon literature to most of the libraries in Milan. We are also talking to the people of the press in such a way to make the Church known in Italy. To help this the church is bringing the BYU track team to Europe to play against European teams. We have arranged a triangle meet in Milan between Torino and Milano. BYU has a strong squad (8th in nationals last year) 

Traveling around has produced some high expenses. It cost me last month $130 to do zone leadership jobs. The VW bus eats up gas quite quickly because we must travel from Pordenone to Torino. I really like the job, even with all the responsibility. We have had four baptisms this last month all 4 were from Lugano. Family Bolognesi and then a week alter family Spucher. The brethren all over the Italian zone are all quite well settled now after 2 months.

 Interesting event we had a group meeting with the protestant group "Valdese" We showed them the Petz, Vortrag then we had a discussion (question/answer period) We started answering their questions but then their Priest started to attack us. We were there in four missionaries and 3 members. Brother Larcher was helping us with the questions. The Valdese had about 18 members there mostly women. Brother Stewart called them to repentance and we all asked him where he got his authority. He couldn't answer that one. I believe we were all a little inspirited. We all had the burning in our hearts and our testimonies were strengthened. 

Now, at a conference in Vicenza (i.e. stake conference). First, however, we had a missionary conference. Elders explained progress in various areas. Some problems have created themselves because some of the elders haven't followed the rules to the letter, ex. they bought Vespas. Story about the conveyor belt and progress, degression and reaching over. Life is timed.