With a humbled heart, a grateful soul, I poured out gratitude to God today with more fervor than in a great while. I shall not try to write here the joys my heart was singing as I felt particularly close to the Spirit. I was reading a few of the sermons from the last general conference of the Church. While pondering the message of Elder Thomas S. Monson, of the Council of the Twelve, tears came to my eyes as my mind and understanding and heart were opened to instruction. That message (in the Improvement Era, Dec. 1968, 82) only started the process.
Talks of some of the other Brethren, inspired as they are, continued to build gratitude for the love of our Heavenly Father, for His gospel, for a world of blessings that are poured upon our heads from the open windows of heaven.
And then I turned to a picture of the resurrected Christ appearing to the Nephites. Here, I thought, is the embodiment and center of all love in the universe, all love that is pure, uplifting, and building. Oh, how I long to someday be called a personal friend of the Master (see John 15:13–15), to always share in the warmth of His love, to embrace and to worship Him, my Lord and my God. This promise is mine if I am willing to pay the price.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 30, 1969
Sunday the Petrópolis Branch sustained Irmão Waldomir Sandri and Irmão Monoel Estrela as president of the branch and first counselor respectively. The district president spent the entire day here interviewing and instructing with the aid of his two counselors. Part of the presidency, at least, will return next week to complete the organization of the branch presidency. Elder Slade, my beloved companion, was glad to finally have the responsibility lifted from his shoulders to the members here. Now he can devote more time to being trunky.
Monday eight elders and sisters (two of which were the latter type) came up to Petrópolis for a picnic and sightseeing. Threatening weather prevented a hike up to some planned spot that offered a sweeping view of Rio on a clear day. We visited the cathedral here in the city. I was awed and inspired by the beautiful stained-glass windows in the building. What good taste in architecture the evil one has! Later we retired to our own chapel, where we ate our picnic lunch.
That evening Elder Hurst, who has been here one week longer than I have, and I taught a third lesson to Joquim's family. The Spirit helped us a great deal.
Today my companion took Elder Hurst's companion and headed to Rio for a district leaders' meeting at the mission office. We had a full day. First we asked Irmã Matilde if she would stop by to visit our investigators, show them how to use Cervada, and invite them out to the meetings. As we thanked her for it, she replied, "You do not need to thank me, it is nothing; I need to thank you for the privilege." It is good to have such members.
Next we consecrated some oil and then dropped by Furtado's home to give a blessing to Neise. This afternoon we spent going out to Posse, an hour one way by bus from Petrópolis, to teach Clara about the Sunday School reports. During the evening we saw Estrelas about teaching another lesson and stopped a moment by Furtado's home again.
Monday eight elders and sisters (two of which were the latter type) came up to Petrópolis for a picnic and sightseeing. Threatening weather prevented a hike up to some planned spot that offered a sweeping view of Rio on a clear day. We visited the cathedral here in the city. I was awed and inspired by the beautiful stained-glass windows in the building. What good taste in architecture the evil one has! Later we retired to our own chapel, where we ate our picnic lunch.
That evening Elder Hurst, who has been here one week longer than I have, and I taught a third lesson to Joquim's family. The Spirit helped us a great deal.
Today my companion took Elder Hurst's companion and headed to Rio for a district leaders' meeting at the mission office. We had a full day. First we asked Irmã Matilde if she would stop by to visit our investigators, show them how to use Cervada, and invite them out to the meetings. As we thanked her for it, she replied, "You do not need to thank me, it is nothing; I need to thank you for the privilege." It is good to have such members.
Next we consecrated some oil and then dropped by Furtado's home to give a blessing to Neise. This afternoon we spent going out to Posse, an hour one way by bus from Petrópolis, to teach Clara about the Sunday School reports. During the evening we saw Estrelas about teaching another lesson and stopped a moment by Furtado's home again.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 23, 1969
Elder Slade has only two weeks left in Brazil. Naturally I give him a bad time about being trunky already, but then he gives me a bad time about all the letters I receive because he isn't receiving any. It is all within the framework of friendship.
Fleas had been giving me a rough deal until we finally turned smart enough to buy some powder to put on my mattress. On my arms, hands, and ankles there is still plenty of evidence I was having with the pulgas [fleas].
Sunday was the concluding sessions of the district conference, the priesthood session at 8:30 and the general session at 10:00. We spent the night in Rio with Elders Place and Henderson. District and mission leaders spoke in the general session. President Johnson read a letter from Elder Bernard P. Brockbank instructing further progression towards organization of a stake in Rio de Janeiro in November of this year.
We have encountered a friend in the city who teaches English here in Petrópolis. He spent an hour with us Tuesday and Wednesday in conversation. He wanted practice with an American accent because today he is being interviewed by an American foundation that is offering a grant for study in the United States. He speaks very good English, although he was taught a British English. Last evening we had dinner in his home. He has a very lovely family, four children, but possibly some lineage problem that could prevent our teaching them.
Tuesday we taught a first lesson to the parents and sister of Irmão Estrela. We could have the father and sister ready for baptism soon were it not for the mother. She accepted everything except that her church (Methodist) did not have the authority of the priesthood. We return Saturday, marked for a second lesson, to see what has developed.
Our other family, Joquim Agoea, is to receive a second Saturday also. They misplaced their pamphlets we were told when we checked with them last night. We are taking more by. I am not as excited right now about the family as I was initially.
Rain has been falling much of the week. It makes tracting or contacting nearly impossible. We have been making member visits, organizing a pesquisa party (which we hope is not rained out), teaching lessons, branch work, and such as that.
Fleas had been giving me a rough deal until we finally turned smart enough to buy some powder to put on my mattress. On my arms, hands, and ankles there is still plenty of evidence I was having with the pulgas [fleas].
Sunday was the concluding sessions of the district conference, the priesthood session at 8:30 and the general session at 10:00. We spent the night in Rio with Elders Place and Henderson. District and mission leaders spoke in the general session. President Johnson read a letter from Elder Bernard P. Brockbank instructing further progression towards organization of a stake in Rio de Janeiro in November of this year.
We have encountered a friend in the city who teaches English here in Petrópolis. He spent an hour with us Tuesday and Wednesday in conversation. He wanted practice with an American accent because today he is being interviewed by an American foundation that is offering a grant for study in the United States. He speaks very good English, although he was taught a British English. Last evening we had dinner in his home. He has a very lovely family, four children, but possibly some lineage problem that could prevent our teaching them.
Tuesday we taught a first lesson to the parents and sister of Irmão Estrela. We could have the father and sister ready for baptism soon were it not for the mother. She accepted everything except that her church (Methodist) did not have the authority of the priesthood. We return Saturday, marked for a second lesson, to see what has developed.
Our other family, Joquim Agoea, is to receive a second Saturday also. They misplaced their pamphlets we were told when we checked with them last night. We are taking more by. I am not as excited right now about the family as I was initially.
Rain has been falling much of the week. It makes tracting or contacting nearly impossible. We have been making member visits, organizing a pesquisa party (which we hope is not rained out), teaching lessons, branch work, and such as that.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 18, 1969
Yesterday we attended the conference of the Rio I Zone in the Jardim Botânico chapel. Elder Smoot, the zone leader, conducted under the direction of President Johnson. The President interviewed each elder and sister during the morning session. Following a meal prepared by the sisters of the branch, our afternoon session turned into a richly spiritual testimony meeting and message from the President and his wife. I felt it was a good conference. Elder Slade called it the best in his two years here. President Johnson promised they would be continually better.
We had left Petrópolis on the 7:00 bus and while at the rodoviária in Rio we ran into the other two elders from the Petrópolis District, who had came down from Teresópolis because of MIA Thursday evening. After conference and a visit to the mission office and supper at Bob's, we returned to Petrópolis.
Today we returned to Rio again, taking Irmões Sandri and Estrela with us, to attend leadership meeting of district conference in the Tijuca chapel.
We had left Petrópolis on the 7:00 bus and while at the rodoviária in Rio we ran into the other two elders from the Petrópolis District, who had came down from Teresópolis because of MIA Thursday evening. After conference and a visit to the mission office and supper at Bob's, we returned to Petrópolis.
Today we returned to Rio again, taking Irmões Sandri and Estrela with us, to attend leadership meeting of district conference in the Tijuca chapel.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 15, 1969
Elder Slade is a fantastic person and probably the best model companion for me on the market. He offers me a great deal of his time and interest in ensuring a good start for my mission, time and interest beyond what he would be required to give. The most ready example is his helping me to learn the last two lessons that we did not cover in the Language Training Mission. He is not a spiritual powerhouse necessarily, but he knows why we are here and that we can only do an effective job with the Lord's aid. Personality-wise we differ, but there are no clashes or inhibitions between us. He likewise is quiet—that much we do have in common. I will miss him when he leaves soon for home because I do not feel I can yet fill his shoes, but I guess President Johnson thinks differently. And I guess I am going to have to do exactly that.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 14, 1969
Time is beginning to pick up, skipping along at a faster pace. It seems that Sunday piles up on Sunday with the other days just slipped in for the record. Now that I have spent a few weeks muddling around, it is time to start making something of myself and of my mission. I can chalk up many areas in which I am deficient, needful of growth and improvement, which has caused me, at Elder Slade's suggestion, to outline a chart of goals and guidelines. It includes general suggestions for improvement, as well as specifics in spirituality, language, physical, records, and correspondence. To incorporate all of these into useful habits will require mastering one at a time. Perfection is neither required nor possible in one step. But it is required: perfect character is the sum of continual day-by-day effort to master those traits associated with nobility. Greatness is a state of progression.
Last evening we (Elder Slade, the Holy Ghost, and I) gave the first discussion to the family of Joquim Fernando Agoea. They are sharp people, searching for the truth and willing to hear our message. They had a little trouble in understanding or accepting the conclusions of the lesson. This looks like it could be my first baptism and Elder Slade's last. And the beginning of happiness for this family.
Since yesterday was preparation day we spent the morning writing letters and having haircuts and such little details. I shared my experiences and thoughts and love with my family, with my friend Bob Russell, and with Karen. There are so many others I might write were there time. In the afternoon we hit a movie for lack of anything else to do. Studying may have been more valuable. Another good district meeting started the evening. After our lesson my heart was pouring out in gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord.
The weekend saw the four elders in the district working on the churchyard Saturday morning (not a single member showed up) and going to Rio for a branch president's meeting the afternoon. Elder Slade and I went early to take care of business in the mission office.
President Johnson spoke to me, checking on my progress in the work and language and my toe. He reminded me again that everything indicated I would likely be a senior companion when Elder Slade left February 7, even though that would be after only five weeks of experience. The next few weeks will need to see fast growth, some miracles with the language, and closer companionship with the Spirit.
Last evening we (Elder Slade, the Holy Ghost, and I) gave the first discussion to the family of Joquim Fernando Agoea. They are sharp people, searching for the truth and willing to hear our message. They had a little trouble in understanding or accepting the conclusions of the lesson. This looks like it could be my first baptism and Elder Slade's last. And the beginning of happiness for this family.
Since yesterday was preparation day we spent the morning writing letters and having haircuts and such little details. I shared my experiences and thoughts and love with my family, with my friend Bob Russell, and with Karen. There are so many others I might write were there time. In the afternoon we hit a movie for lack of anything else to do. Studying may have been more valuable. Another good district meeting started the evening. After our lesson my heart was pouring out in gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord.
The weekend saw the four elders in the district working on the churchyard Saturday morning (not a single member showed up) and going to Rio for a branch president's meeting the afternoon. Elder Slade and I went early to take care of business in the mission office.
President Johnson spoke to me, checking on my progress in the work and language and my toe. He reminded me again that everything indicated I would likely be a senior companion when Elder Slade left February 7, even though that would be after only five weeks of experience. The next few weeks will need to see fast growth, some miracles with the language, and closer companionship with the Spirit.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 6, 1969
Yesterday afternoon following meetings we accompanied Irmão Sandri to his home, where we cast an evil spirit out of the house. Afterwards we ended our fast with a delicious meal prepared by his wife, being guests to their warm hospitality. Returning to our apartment we had ice cream that we purchased before going out to visit some members who lived an hour by bus from Petrópolis. We spent an hour and a half there, waited at the bus stop for an hour and a quarter for the return bus. All in all, a five-hour excursion. While waiting we were nearly rained on. It seems I am always getting into rainstorms when I was not supposed to get my toe bandage wet.
Today the four of us in the district went to a show during the afternoon. The show, The Biggest Bundle of Them All, was mostly dumb: a comedy gangster movie, but I guess it offered some good diversion.
Our weekly district meeting built me up in the Spirit as we discussed problems, goals, the work, and the gospel. Afterwards when Elder Slade and I went out tracting I felt like conquering the world. I try not to let discouragement enter into my life, but after bungling through a week without understanding much of the language it becomes awfully difficult.
Today the four of us in the district went to a show during the afternoon. The show, The Biggest Bundle of Them All, was mostly dumb: a comedy gangster movie, but I guess it offered some good diversion.
Our weekly district meeting built me up in the Spirit as we discussed problems, goals, the work, and the gospel. Afterwards when Elder Slade and I went out tracting I felt like conquering the world. I try not to let discouragement enter into my life, but after bungling through a week without understanding much of the language it becomes awfully difficult.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 5, 1969
Looking over the past week, Elder Slade and I agreed that we might well have been better organized. Several things distracted from our missionary labors, chief of which was Elder Slade's assignment to get the branch in shape to start running itself. The mid-week New Year's Eve and New Year's Day did not help matters any. And Elder Johnson's departure and Elder Craig Hurst's arrival (companions to Elder David Braithwaite) interrupted organization. Wednesday afternoon Elder Slade saved a marriage (Irmão Sandri and his wife). Friday night we went tracting and got lost, ending up in the other elders' district. Saturday morning was devoted to cleaning the grounds around the chapel. Another afternoon was spent at the prefeitura concerning the road and wall next to the church.
District leaders from Rio attended our meetings today. They took all of priesthood meeting time and a few minutes in Sunday School. There were 50 at Sunday School, a great improvement over last week. I played the organ in both Sunday School and testimony meeting, which followed. I also bore my testimony there.
District leaders from Rio attended our meetings today. They took all of priesthood meeting time and a few minutes in Sunday School. There were 50 at Sunday School, a great improvement over last week. I played the organ in both Sunday School and testimony meeting, which followed. I also bore my testimony there.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, January 1, 1969
Time has slipped into a new year, and we are marking our days with new numbers now. The year that just departed I reverently regard as the most fruitful of my life to this point. I can say this because it was during this period I fell in love with the gospel, came to understand what it was really about, came to appreciate how important to me parents and family are, shared in deep and meaningful friendships for the first time, fell in love with Karen, completed a most successful year of growth at college, received a mission call, started learning a new language and a new way of life, and finally arrived here in Brazil. What greater blessings could I have sought for than these so generously offered? But a new year is here now and it has to be made better than the last or wherein is progress? This one I have offered to the Lord and only the best is good enough for Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
