Yesterday was celebrated as Memorial Day in the United States, but here in Brazil the day and its significance passed quietly by without notice.
President and Sister Johnson left Thursday for a four-day, three-city trip to visit the members and missionaries in the North. A zone conference was scheduled for today with the elders, a district conference tomorrow with the members. These two meetings are in Recife. They are also visiting João Pessoa and Fortaleza.
Transfers, precipitated by Elder Wade's illness and by arriving new missionaries and departing old elders, are generally completed by now. Three new elders and a new sister arrived from the States Wednesday. Certainly it is always exciting to have new ones in the mission. Elders Boyd Clements and Joseph Richard Smoot, the zone leaders here in Rio, are among the elders leaving. Remaining in the mission are 20 missionaries who have been in Brazil since before last December.
After attending a baptism this afternoon, President Carter asked us to visit one of the sisters in the branch to give her a blessing. Her back is giving her trouble. The irmã, Maria Amelia de Oliveira, works as a maid for an American man who speaks little Portuguese. She speaks no English.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 27, 1969
Gene and Cheryl, my brother and his wife, had their second child, a son, this month. His name will be Kelley Gene. I have not even seen their daughter yet, Kimberley, who is nearly 15 months old. I had not been informed of their expecting a baby until about a week before it came.
A great and respected friend passed away this month. I quote from a tribute written by Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University:
"The death of Sister Jean Fossum May last Friday is mourned by thousands of Brigham Young University students, as well as administration members and faculty.
"She was a head resident in Stover Hall for ten years, a loyal record for which the University is grateful. But her greatest worth in that position was not in simply holding a job, but in influencing for good the lives of thousands of young men. During that decade it is estimated that about 4,000 students lived in Stover Hall under the supervision of Sister May. And in that time about 2,000 of them went on missions for the Church, many of them as a result of her inspiration and encouragement.
"Sister May did not forget 'her missionaries.' The walls of her apartment were covered with their pictures and she periodically wrote a letter which was mailed to all who were in the mission field. At the time death stayed her hand, she was preparing a letter to be sent to 240 missionaries, all her 'sons.'
"This good woman was not merely earning a living; she was building the kingdom. And although she was not so highly paid nor trained, she had as much influence on the lives of BYU students as any faculty member.
"Two plaques which she had made and mounted in Stover Hall as a constant reminder to her boys speak eloquently of her concern for them. 'Be a gentleman and a true son of Helaman,' states one. The other quotes President David O. McKay: 'Remember who you are and act accordingly.'"
Sister May was like a mother and a friend. I was privileged for a few quick months to be her son, to live in the shadow of her kind influence. Stover Hall was what it was, with its unique atmosphere, because of Sister May. She was a great missionary: not because she was preaching the gospel herself, but because of her influence on and support of thousands of young men who have been or are missionaries, her Stover Rovers.
A great and respected friend passed away this month. I quote from a tribute written by Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University:
"The death of Sister Jean Fossum May last Friday is mourned by thousands of Brigham Young University students, as well as administration members and faculty.
"She was a head resident in Stover Hall for ten years, a loyal record for which the University is grateful. But her greatest worth in that position was not in simply holding a job, but in influencing for good the lives of thousands of young men. During that decade it is estimated that about 4,000 students lived in Stover Hall under the supervision of Sister May. And in that time about 2,000 of them went on missions for the Church, many of them as a result of her inspiration and encouragement.
"Sister May did not forget 'her missionaries.' The walls of her apartment were covered with their pictures and she periodically wrote a letter which was mailed to all who were in the mission field. At the time death stayed her hand, she was preparing a letter to be sent to 240 missionaries, all her 'sons.'
"This good woman was not merely earning a living; she was building the kingdom. And although she was not so highly paid nor trained, she had as much influence on the lives of BYU students as any faculty member.
"Two plaques which she had made and mounted in Stover Hall as a constant reminder to her boys speak eloquently of her concern for them. 'Be a gentleman and a true son of Helaman,' states one. The other quotes President David O. McKay: 'Remember who you are and act accordingly.'"
Sister May was like a mother and a friend. I was privileged for a few quick months to be her son, to live in the shadow of her kind influence. Stover Hall was what it was, with its unique atmosphere, because of Sister May. She was a great missionary: not because she was preaching the gospel herself, but because of her influence on and support of thousands of young men who have been or are missionaries, her Stover Rovers.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 23, 1969
The Rio I Zone met in conference today in the Jardim Botânico chapel, presided over by President Johnson and conducted by Elder Richard Smoot, zone leader. President Johnson interviewed during the morning session while instructions and talks were being given on the following subjects: a history of Brazil, by Sister Jin; the why and how of group meetings, by Elder Marsh; a testimony of a recent convert, by Irmão Joaquim Rodrigues; member work, by Elder McGrath; self-discipline, by Elder Richins; companion relations, by my companion, Elder Stewart; the new missionary, by a new missionary, Elder White; and a report and counsel from the zone leader.
Stewardship reports given by the four district leaders indicated slackness in meeting established goals and guidelines.
This is the first zone conference in which we have sung in English. Sister Johnson sang a special musical number, “If With All Your Heart,” in the morning session. I accompanied on the organ. Elder Henderson sang “The Lord’s Prayer” as a solo in the afternoon session.
Following a lovely meal prepared by the Relief Society sisters of the Jardim Botânico Branch, the second session with testimonies and President Johnson's address was held.
President Johnson interviewed me Thursday afternoon instead of during the conference itself. Of course he emphasized the importance of the proselyting work, but he tried to impress upon me the importance of the historian's job. "A bishopric is no stronger than its clerk," he repeated three times, "a mission no stronger than its historian." He said he knew whereof he spoke because of much experience with various clerks in bishoprics and stake presidencies. Out of the books we will be judged, and so as the essential ordinances and the faithfulness of the people are recorded here on earth by duly appointed and authorized recorders, so will the records be made in heaven. The priesthood holds this power because what is bound on earth is bound in heaven.
The President promised I would not have to spend my whole mission as historian.
Stewardship reports given by the four district leaders indicated slackness in meeting established goals and guidelines.
This is the first zone conference in which we have sung in English. Sister Johnson sang a special musical number, “If With All Your Heart,” in the morning session. I accompanied on the organ. Elder Henderson sang “The Lord’s Prayer” as a solo in the afternoon session.
Following a lovely meal prepared by the Relief Society sisters of the Jardim Botânico Branch, the second session with testimonies and President Johnson's address was held.
President Johnson interviewed me Thursday afternoon instead of during the conference itself. Of course he emphasized the importance of the proselyting work, but he tried to impress upon me the importance of the historian's job. "A bishopric is no stronger than its clerk," he repeated three times, "a mission no stronger than its historian." He said he knew whereof he spoke because of much experience with various clerks in bishoprics and stake presidencies. Out of the books we will be judged, and so as the essential ordinances and the faithfulness of the people are recorded here on earth by duly appointed and authorized recorders, so will the records be made in heaven. The priesthood holds this power because what is bound on earth is bound in heaven.
The President promised I would not have to spend my whole mission as historian.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 21, 1969
Elder Stewart and I accompanied President and Sister Johnson to the Galeão International Airport this morning to meet Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, expected in from New York at 6:45. He did not come. That was certainly a disappointment. Our friend from VARIG airlines, Sr. Peixoto, was there to help Brother Brockbank through customs. He showed us a telex from Los Angeles, dated May 11, indicating reservations for Brother Brockbank on this morning's flight. Obviously some switch in plans had taken place since that date.
Tonight we checked back to the building where we were ill received Monday evening. Although we had marked a group meeting with two families in the building, the síndico said all families had been checked with and we were not wanted back. We were expecting such an answer from the rasty guy.
We taught a first lesson tonight to a man named Adimar and his family. The wife’s brother-in-law attended also. He has the lineage. She will travel for a week to Recife before we will be able to teach a second lesson. Because we were tired from being up at 4:30 and because several days had passed since going over the first lesson in study class, the lesson was certainly less than it might have been for the family.
Tonight we checked back to the building where we were ill received Monday evening. Although we had marked a group meeting with two families in the building, the síndico said all families had been checked with and we were not wanted back. We were expecting such an answer from the rasty guy.
We taught a first lesson tonight to a man named Adimar and his family. The wife’s brother-in-law attended also. He has the lineage. She will travel for a week to Recife before we will be able to teach a second lesson. Because we were tired from being up at 4:30 and because several days had passed since going over the first lesson in study class, the lesson was certainly less than it might have been for the family.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 20, 1969
Today proved to be a rather eventful day. President and Sister Johnson were attending conference in Tijuca with the elders in that part of the city. Therefore, when Elder Stewart and I arrived at the mission office, we were all alone. A long-distance call came from Fortaleza in the north. I was surprised such a connection was possible and intelligible. I spoke with Elder Scott Taylor, being informed that Elder Dennis Wade was sick. He has an infection of some type, which three doctors have been unable to identify. Today he was entering a hospital there for more tests.
We called President Johnson in Tijuca to inform him, to give him something more to worry about. The President is every bit as concerned about every elder in the mission as any father is concerning his sons. Twice before elders have been flown from Fortaleza to Rio because of illness: Elders Clements and Richins, both with hepatitis.
Just as we were readying to leave the office, VARIG airlines called to inform Elder Stewart, who took the call, that Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, would be arriving in Rio tomorrow morning at 6:45. Another surprise, although a bit more pleasant, to throw in the President's face when he returned a few moments later.
We called President Johnson in Tijuca to inform him, to give him something more to worry about. The President is every bit as concerned about every elder in the mission as any father is concerning his sons. Twice before elders have been flown from Fortaleza to Rio because of illness: Elders Clements and Richins, both with hepatitis.
Just as we were readying to leave the office, VARIG airlines called to inform Elder Stewart, who took the call, that Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, would be arriving in Rio tomorrow morning at 6:45. Another surprise, although a bit more pleasant, to throw in the President's face when he returned a few moments later.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 19, 1969
Tonight Elder Stewart and I returned to a building, Senador Vegueiro 35, that we had tracted during the week before. Saturday evening while Elder Stewart and Elder Richins were working together, they encountered the síndico, who asked them to stop doing the tracting pesquisa. They left the building. This evening, returning to check back with those families where tracts had been left and who had indicated we might return, we were met by the porteiro. He asked that we leave the building. We mentioned that we had spoken with the síndico, had discontinued tracting, and were back now only to speak with those who said we might return. We offered him the names and addresses of those we cared to visit. He insisted that we leave or speak with the síndico. We spoke with him. The síndico was a hostile man who ranted and raved about our presence in his building and the disturbances we were causing. He assigned the porteiro to accompany us to the doors of our visits to see indeed whether or not we had been invited to return. At the first home the man of the house was not home. Having spoken with him initially the wife did not know the situation and was of no help really. We were not allowed to visit any other apartments. We began to see that the porteiro was not just following instructions issued by the síndico but was in like manner of a hostile and unsociable manner and planning to stand together with his master against the work of the Lord. He copied down the numbers of the apartments we desired to visit, saying he would check each one personally to see if we were wanted back. I have little trust in the manner of fairness in which he may ask and report to us. The síndico had returned and asked for identification. Elder Stewart offered his, which he need not have done since these men had no right to such information. The interview terminated.
Naturally we were feeling bad about the incident. It had brought Elder Stewart to tears, and I was feeling righteously indignant at these men willfully and maliciously standing in our way.
We played football with the Jardim Botânico elders and visited Corcovado today.
One year ago today Karen and I mark as the beginning of our friendship and love. Several weeks have passed without a word from her. I faithfully wrote once more, asking for some explanation of our relationship, thanking her for her influence in my life during the past year.
Naturally we were feeling bad about the incident. It had brought Elder Stewart to tears, and I was feeling righteously indignant at these men willfully and maliciously standing in our way.
We played football with the Jardim Botânico elders and visited Corcovado today.
One year ago today Karen and I mark as the beginning of our friendship and love. Several weeks have passed without a word from her. I faithfully wrote once more, asking for some explanation of our relationship, thanking her for her influence in my life during the past year.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 15, 1969
In just a single day things can change from rosy bright to rather dull (the reverse is also true). Stopping by Irmão Fausto's home briefly for family prayer, we ended up spending an hour and a half listening to their feelings and pleading with them not to be blind to the light they were receiving. They do not plan to live the Word of Wisdom until they receive a testimony of its truthfulness. That is not exactly the way the Lord works in giving testimonies. We are here to walk by faith.
The fact that Fausto and his wife are discontinuing the lessons is sad, even tragic, because every time we have been in their home the Spirit has accompanied us, bearing witness and confirming the truthfulness of the gospel message. Being so impressed with them following our first lesson with them, I wrote:
"They are honest, sincere, frank people, of similar minds, and prepared to accept the gospel. If we do not fail as missionaries . . . and if they do not knowingly reject the light they are receiving, they will be baptized" (emphasis added).
This family was very sharp, making three-fold the tragedy: the happiness and development they will be losing here and now, the opportunity for exaltation in the worlds to come, the loss to the Church of some great missionaries. I still feel the Lord wants these people in His Church. Therefore, who knows that perhaps seeds were planted that will germinate, grow, and flower for others to harvest.
The Aaronic Priesthood was restored to the earth on this date 140 years ago under the direction of John the Baptist.
The fact that Fausto and his wife are discontinuing the lessons is sad, even tragic, because every time we have been in their home the Spirit has accompanied us, bearing witness and confirming the truthfulness of the gospel message. Being so impressed with them following our first lesson with them, I wrote:
"They are honest, sincere, frank people, of similar minds, and prepared to accept the gospel. If we do not fail as missionaries . . . and if they do not knowingly reject the light they are receiving, they will be baptized" (emphasis added).
This family was very sharp, making three-fold the tragedy: the happiness and development they will be losing here and now, the opportunity for exaltation in the worlds to come, the loss to the Church of some great missionaries. I still feel the Lord wants these people in His Church. Therefore, who knows that perhaps seeds were planted that will germinate, grow, and flower for others to harvest.
The Aaronic Priesthood was restored to the earth on this date 140 years ago under the direction of John the Baptist.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 14, 1969
Last night we taught a third lesson to Irmão Fausto and his wife. Irmã Lillian again attended with us to add her testimony and mingle her influence. Starting just this week we have been teaching lessons by conclusions, changing after each one rather than one elder giving a certain half or fourth of a lesson. It makes the lesson more spontaneous and more fun to teach. We committed the family to baptism on May 31 before beginning the lesson. We also challenged them to attend the meetings Sunday, one step they have not been eager to take yet. The lesson went well, and the Spirit's influence was felt.
This morning, following the daily planning session, we were speaking with President Johnson concerning the work in our area and our methods and schedules and somewhat about the families we are working with. As we mentioned Irmão Fausto and his Word of Wisdom acceptance (he says it sounds right but he wants a testimony of it before beginning to live it), the President reminded us that we could give a blessing if they so desired.
A second lesson with José and his family fell through this evening. While confirming with Wilgilho for his second lesson tomorrow night, we learned that his wife and daughter had left town because of an ill sister of the wife's in Minas Gerais.
To the feeble understanding of man, the ways of the Lord are past finding out except as the Lord manifests and reveals His paths to His children. The Savior, explaining to Nicodemus the basics of the kingdom, said, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8).
Is it not thus with the influence of the Holy Ghost in our own lives? The Spirit comes, the Spirit goes, we sometimes wondering the hour and the season. And yet herein lies our challenge, our responsibility, and our privilege: so living that the Holy Ghost is a constant guide, a workable companion at all times in all places. I have not reached that plane yet, but this evening I experienced extremes of having and not having the Spirit's influence. While at one door, speaking with a man and his wife, I bore the most powerful testimony by the Spirit to any investigator since working here in Brazil. They felt it but would not accept. Later in the evening we experienced a few setbacks, and I became disanimated, which I should have avoided, but it removed the influence of the Spirit. Each door I knocked on became a mechanical operation: another door, another person, another pesquisa to run through. It was without the Spirit and was not good and was not the way the Lord directs His work to be done.
The setbacks I mentioned? We visited Wilgilho to confirm Thursday evening's second lesson. His wife and daughter had left town to visit a sick sister in Minas Gerais, canceling any lessons there for a little while. We showed up for a second lesson at José's, but nobody was home. That looks bad particularly because the last time we did see him the reception was bad, and he had not been happy to see us. Finally, another family where we had left a Joseph Smith tract and had marked for a visit had left town also.
This morning, following the daily planning session, we were speaking with President Johnson concerning the work in our area and our methods and schedules and somewhat about the families we are working with. As we mentioned Irmão Fausto and his Word of Wisdom acceptance (he says it sounds right but he wants a testimony of it before beginning to live it), the President reminded us that we could give a blessing if they so desired.
A second lesson with José and his family fell through this evening. While confirming with Wilgilho for his second lesson tomorrow night, we learned that his wife and daughter had left town because of an ill sister of the wife's in Minas Gerais.
To the feeble understanding of man, the ways of the Lord are past finding out except as the Lord manifests and reveals His paths to His children. The Savior, explaining to Nicodemus the basics of the kingdom, said, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8).
Is it not thus with the influence of the Holy Ghost in our own lives? The Spirit comes, the Spirit goes, we sometimes wondering the hour and the season. And yet herein lies our challenge, our responsibility, and our privilege: so living that the Holy Ghost is a constant guide, a workable companion at all times in all places. I have not reached that plane yet, but this evening I experienced extremes of having and not having the Spirit's influence. While at one door, speaking with a man and his wife, I bore the most powerful testimony by the Spirit to any investigator since working here in Brazil. They felt it but would not accept. Later in the evening we experienced a few setbacks, and I became disanimated, which I should have avoided, but it removed the influence of the Spirit. Each door I knocked on became a mechanical operation: another door, another person, another pesquisa to run through. It was without the Spirit and was not good and was not the way the Lord directs His work to be done.
The setbacks I mentioned? We visited Wilgilho to confirm Thursday evening's second lesson. His wife and daughter had left town to visit a sick sister in Minas Gerais, canceling any lessons there for a little while. We showed up for a second lesson at José's, but nobody was home. That looks bad particularly because the last time we did see him the reception was bad, and he had not been happy to see us. Finally, another family where we had left a Joseph Smith tract and had marked for a visit had left town also.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 12, 1969
Yesterday was Mother's Day, observed both in this land and in America. Appropriate mention was made of the fact in Sunday School. The junior Sunday School sang a special song. President Carter personally presented each mother a rose. It was an impressive meeting.
During the afternoon we taught a first lesson to a man named Wilgilho and his family, always a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This family is prepared for the gospel because they already were dissatisfied with the churches of the so-called Christian world, realizing they could be nothing more than the works of men because there was not a church on the earth, as far as they knew, like the one Christ organized or teaching his teachings.
Today, after spending the morning in a book fair downtown, we returned to the mission office to write letters and study and such until time for district meeting. After writing two letters, I started reading The Challenge by President Alvin R. Dyer. That is a fantastic book and in every sense a challenge to every missionary, including myself particularly and foremost.
During the afternoon we taught a first lesson to a man named Wilgilho and his family, always a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This family is prepared for the gospel because they already were dissatisfied with the churches of the so-called Christian world, realizing they could be nothing more than the works of men because there was not a church on the earth, as far as they knew, like the one Christ organized or teaching his teachings.
Today, after spending the morning in a book fair downtown, we returned to the mission office to write letters and study and such until time for district meeting. After writing two letters, I started reading The Challenge by President Alvin R. Dyer. That is a fantastic book and in every sense a challenge to every missionary, including myself particularly and foremost.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 10, 1969
Changing companions Wednesday evening gave Elder Richins and me the chance to teach a first lesson to a man named José. Stopping by this evening, the reception we received was not exactly a good one. He said, "What are you going to do? Come by and bother me every night?" Earlier in the evening we had visited William and his family, the first time since seeing them confirmed last Sunday. That was animating.
Last night another investigator fireside was held at the chapel. None of our families showed up. Only one man showed up, a few members and eight elders making up the rest. The film Man's Search for Happiness, a translated version with a prelude explaining the Mormon Pavilion at the New York World's Fair in 1964–65, was shown. The number of times I have seen that film is beyond count, yet always it is special to view it once again.
The mission baptized 44 persons during the month of April, two less than the previous month. The all-time high came in December with 48 baptisms. This month, May, should improve considerably over that number. The zone in the north led the mission once again. Of special note were ten baptisms in two weeks in Fortaleza, the smallest branch in the mission and the farthest north.
Last night another investigator fireside was held at the chapel. None of our families showed up. Only one man showed up, a few members and eight elders making up the rest. The film Man's Search for Happiness, a translated version with a prelude explaining the Mormon Pavilion at the New York World's Fair in 1964–65, was shown. The number of times I have seen that film is beyond count, yet always it is special to view it once again.
The mission baptized 44 persons during the month of April, two less than the previous month. The all-time high came in December with 48 baptisms. This month, May, should improve considerably over that number. The zone in the north led the mission once again. Of special note were ten baptisms in two weeks in Fortaleza, the smallest branch in the mission and the farthest north.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 8, 1969
With the arrival last week of nine new missionaries and the release this week of four old elders, the mission changed quite a bit again with a great many transfers. Adding more elders to both Fortaleza and Nova Friburgo, there are no two-elder cities right now in the mission. Fortaleza is showing its worth now with ten baptisms reported in the last two weeks. Elder Steven McFarland, my predecessor in the historian's office, was one of the ones released and leaving for home. His parents were down to pick him up, and we had the chance to meet them.
Monday evening we taught a second lesson to Fausto and his wife. They were eager to read the Book of Mormon but saw no necessity yet in attending the meetings. Irma Lillian attended the lesson and was a great help.
Irmão Nelson and his family received a fourth lesson (on the mission of Christ and the first principles of the gospel) Tuesday night. He has not yet been to a meeting either, although his wife and daughter attended the first Sunday after we started teaching. He has not smoked for nearly two weeks, obeying the Word of Wisdom since receiving the third lesson, even though nearly a week slipped by right after that lesson before we could catch up with him.
Monday evening we taught a second lesson to Fausto and his wife. They were eager to read the Book of Mormon but saw no necessity yet in attending the meetings. Irma Lillian attended the lesson and was a great help.
Irmão Nelson and his family received a fourth lesson (on the mission of Christ and the first principles of the gospel) Tuesday night. He has not yet been to a meeting either, although his wife and daughter attended the first Sunday after we started teaching. He has not smoked for nearly two weeks, obeying the Word of Wisdom since receiving the third lesson, even though nearly a week slipped by right after that lesson before we could catch up with him.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, May 4, 1969
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; . . . And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father" (D&C 18:10, 15).
Yesterday I had the privilege of baptizing Irmão William, his wife Maria de Jesus, and their four oldest children: William Jr., Wilson, Maria Eugênia, and Maria Antônia. We had seen them progress so far since that first evening we taught them in late March. I am sure we were happier to see them accepting the gospel and entering the Church than the newfound happiness the family knew.
Today they were confirmed members of the Church. For Elder Stewart and me it was an exciting day. I feel confident that the Lord is pleased with the important step the family has taken. Their progress has been significant, but this is just the beginning.
President Johnson was pleased with the baptism, partly because it proved that mission staff elders in the Headquarters District can baptize even when working only three hours a day.
Yesterday I had the privilege of baptizing Irmão William, his wife Maria de Jesus, and their four oldest children: William Jr., Wilson, Maria Eugênia, and Maria Antônia. We had seen them progress so far since that first evening we taught them in late March. I am sure we were happier to see them accepting the gospel and entering the Church than the newfound happiness the family knew.
Today they were confirmed members of the Church. For Elder Stewart and me it was an exciting day. I feel confident that the Lord is pleased with the important step the family has taken. Their progress has been significant, but this is just the beginning.
President Johnson was pleased with the baptism, partly because it proved that mission staff elders in the Headquarters District can baptize even when working only three hours a day.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday, May 1, 1969
Yesterday nine new missionaries arrived in Rio, making seven more elders and two more sisters. It was certainly an exciting and busy day for the mission staff and for President and Sister Johnson. By evening the new ones were scattering to their several cities of labor to begin their work. This group is the first to enter the mission under the two-month LTM program. They will remain in Brazil only a year and ten months instead of two whole years. President Johnson said this group was processed into the mission easier and faster than any previous group.
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