Church in Alexandria

Yesterday we attended church in Alexandria. John and I were the speakers along with one of these young men on the front row. As we are not "officially" a branch yet, we meet in a primary school, music room. Actually, it's a nice room and we even have a piano there. The music teacher is one of our investigators and he is the organist each sunday. I'm not sure if it's the church or the music he's more interested in! We had 23 people attend. There are 11 members and next Sunday we will have 3 more baptisms. Of the 23 people attending only 4 were women, along with one girl. So far, this is a "priesthood" branch! The touching thing about this photo is that the 6 boys in the picture are all orphans. They have investigated the church, obtained testimonies and 4 of them are baptized. The two who are not in suits are being baptized next sunday along with a young man who is not in the photo. They have no family and are amazing. They have very few worldly posessions and even the suits they are wearing are from the Elders who gave them their own. The suits are way too big but they don't care...they are so happy to have Sunday clothes.
The boy that spoke with us in church gave an excellent talk about faith and the missionaries tell me he spends about two hours every day reading his scriptures and studying the gospel. They own nothing and yet are cheerful and happy and had no expectations from us except to be glad we were there. It was very humbling. So far this branch has the makings of a strong YM organization. Other than that, we have a Sunday School class!
This photo is of everyone who came to church. The couple in the middle (lady holding her scriptures) have also committed to baptism next month sometime.
Some of the most spiritual meetings we have had the privilege of attending have been in small, humble branches like this one. There are no frills and no special hand-outs, treats, parties, etc. but the people have each other. They study the scriptures, reverently hold their sunday meeting and lift and support each other. They are truly an example of people living the gosple and bringing Christ into their lives. Like I said before, we are not officially a branch here but hope to change that soon. The lady in the orange suit is Sora Matei and her husband is on the far right, second row. This couple has made it their goal to have a 100 members within a year! They have been members for several years and used to drive over an hour each way to Bucharest to go to church. They are so excited to see the church growing in their city and are giving of their time, money, food and everything else to see the gosple among the people in their home town. They are true pioneers and are wonderful people.