Thanks! Reminded me of "my" missionaries in 1967. I stopped them to tell them how wrong they were. 4 months later I was baptized. 14 months later I left Finland for California South Mission. I left as the only LDS in my family. My two sisters joined and my mom had a testimony while I served...what a glorious return. My life, my family's life ( the best wife Heavenly Father ever created, and our 6 children) has been great - and all that BECAUSE OF THE GOSPEL.
Jussi Kemppainen, from Finland.
Presently working in the Middle East
William SchryverMay 13, 2014
I very much enjoyed this article, and was very impressed with Giovanna's portraiture. Both my wife and I served in the Italy Catania mission way back in 1979 - 1981. We both served in Trapani and Palermo (among several other cities). Trapani was my first city. Palermo (Monreale) was my last. I loved EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of my time in Italy, and I especially grew to love and respect the Siciliani. Probably my greatest joy was teaching and baptizing Gianni and Marisa LoCocco, from Palermo, who remained faithful ever after, and who (according to the reports I have heard) raised three children who served missions and married in the temple.
After my return home in 1981, and subsequent marriage in 1982, my wife and I were not able to return to our beloved Italy until the summer of 2011. We are now preparing to leave (in two weeks) for our third trip since then. After having thoroughly explored the areas of northern Italy that we never saw during our mission service, we will now be focusing all of this upcoming trip on la Sicilia, spending well over a week just in the western part of the island (in the area between Trapani, Segesta, and Palermo). Non vediamo l'ora!
Giovanna: your life is an inspiration to us. If you're ever in Cedar City, look us up. We're easy to find. We would love to meet and get to know you.
JamesMay 11, 2014
Absolutely beautiful! Can't help thinking the Apostle Paul could have used her many talents, in his time.
Levi LagumbayMay 8, 2014
It was a very inspiring conversion. I hope she will be assign here in our country the Philippines. What a great convert!
Toni LyonsMay 6, 2014
I found this article captivating and so inspiring. Thank you.
LindaMay 6, 2014
I am that sister Hill, the day I met GIovanna changed my life forever, she is one of a kind and a true disciple of Christ, she's a great friend to my family, my husband baptized her daughter 2years ago, what a great friendship that started so long ago in my mission!! I love GIovanna and her family.
TommasoMay 5, 2014
Inspiring and touching ! This is a beautiful story that brings me back in time. It reminds me of my personal conversion story and the blessings that have enriched my life because of that cardinal decision to follow Christ and to be baptized. Giovanna, you are a beacon of light and an eternal friend and kindred spirit. Ti voglio bene , amica Mia!
BarbaraMay 5, 2014
Thank you for such a wonderful story about such an amazing and gifted women!
GarthMay 5, 2014
I remember meeting Giovanna just a few short weeks after her baptism. I was a newly arrived missionary and really appreciated her willingness to help the missionaries in any way she could, particularly one who didn't speak the language very well.
CheriMay 5, 2014
I remember Giovanna's first comment as she rose up from the waters of baptism as she exclaimed "I fell so clean" and laughed with joy. It was a highlight of my mission. I love seeing all the good she does and her zest for life. I am honored to think I knew her in those early days of her church membership. Ti voglio tanto bene Giovanna!
giovanna Raccosta May 5, 2014
Thanks Guys!! If you like to see more of our fantastic Dinner On Us events for the go to Youtube under Dinner On Us LV . I hope to inspire many to do the same in your own towns. We have groups working already in SLC and Provo area putting together wonderful dinners for their local homeless.
Allen TMay 5, 2014
This is a great story! The succesful
application of God given talent blesses us all! Thank you for bringing her work to us. AT
sueMay 5, 2014
What an amazing story, and what a great artist. Thanks for telling us about her and her great life changes.
Margaret May 5, 2014
What a wonderful blessing it is to hear stories about people who have joined the church and how they were inspired to listen to the missionaries. It gives me hope for two grandsons who are in Czech republic and Slovakia that they can find those who would benefit so much by find the gospel.
Comments | Return to Story
Jussi KemppainenMay 16, 2014
Thanks! Reminded me of "my" missionaries in 1967. I stopped them to tell them how wrong they were. 4 months later I was baptized. 14 months later I left Finland for California South Mission. I left as the only LDS in my family. My two sisters joined and my mom had a testimony while I served...what a glorious return. My life, my family's life ( the best wife Heavenly Father ever created, and our 6 children) has been great - and all that BECAUSE OF THE GOSPEL. Jussi Kemppainen, from Finland. Presently working in the Middle East
William SchryverMay 13, 2014
I very much enjoyed this article, and was very impressed with Giovanna's portraiture. Both my wife and I served in the Italy Catania mission way back in 1979 - 1981. We both served in Trapani and Palermo (among several other cities). Trapani was my first city. Palermo (Monreale) was my last. I loved EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of my time in Italy, and I especially grew to love and respect the Siciliani. Probably my greatest joy was teaching and baptizing Gianni and Marisa LoCocco, from Palermo, who remained faithful ever after, and who (according to the reports I have heard) raised three children who served missions and married in the temple. After my return home in 1981, and subsequent marriage in 1982, my wife and I were not able to return to our beloved Italy until the summer of 2011. We are now preparing to leave (in two weeks) for our third trip since then. After having thoroughly explored the areas of northern Italy that we never saw during our mission service, we will now be focusing all of this upcoming trip on la Sicilia, spending well over a week just in the western part of the island (in the area between Trapani, Segesta, and Palermo). Non vediamo l'ora! Giovanna: your life is an inspiration to us. If you're ever in Cedar City, look us up. We're easy to find. We would love to meet and get to know you.
JamesMay 11, 2014
Absolutely beautiful! Can't help thinking the Apostle Paul could have used her many talents, in his time.
Levi LagumbayMay 8, 2014
It was a very inspiring conversion. I hope she will be assign here in our country the Philippines. What a great convert!
Toni LyonsMay 6, 2014
I found this article captivating and so inspiring. Thank you.
LindaMay 6, 2014
I am that sister Hill, the day I met GIovanna changed my life forever, she is one of a kind and a true disciple of Christ, she's a great friend to my family, my husband baptized her daughter 2years ago, what a great friendship that started so long ago in my mission!! I love GIovanna and her family.
TommasoMay 5, 2014
Inspiring and touching ! This is a beautiful story that brings me back in time. It reminds me of my personal conversion story and the blessings that have enriched my life because of that cardinal decision to follow Christ and to be baptized. Giovanna, you are a beacon of light and an eternal friend and kindred spirit. Ti voglio bene , amica Mia!
BarbaraMay 5, 2014
Thank you for such a wonderful story about such an amazing and gifted women!
GarthMay 5, 2014
I remember meeting Giovanna just a few short weeks after her baptism. I was a newly arrived missionary and really appreciated her willingness to help the missionaries in any way she could, particularly one who didn't speak the language very well.
CheriMay 5, 2014
I remember Giovanna's first comment as she rose up from the waters of baptism as she exclaimed "I fell so clean" and laughed with joy. It was a highlight of my mission. I love seeing all the good she does and her zest for life. I am honored to think I knew her in those early days of her church membership. Ti voglio tanto bene Giovanna!
giovanna Raccosta May 5, 2014
Thanks Guys!! If you like to see more of our fantastic Dinner On Us events for the go to Youtube under Dinner On Us LV . I hope to inspire many to do the same in your own towns. We have groups working already in SLC and Provo area putting together wonderful dinners for their local homeless.
Allen TMay 5, 2014
This is a great story! The succesful application of God given talent blesses us all! Thank you for bringing her work to us. AT
sueMay 5, 2014
What an amazing story, and what a great artist. Thanks for telling us about her and her great life changes.
Margaret May 5, 2014
What a wonderful blessing it is to hear stories about people who have joined the church and how they were inspired to listen to the missionaries. It gives me hope for two grandsons who are in Czech republic and Slovakia that they can find those who would benefit so much by find the gospel.
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