Friday, October 3, 1969

The richness and goodness of life is at times nearly overwhelming. A fantastic zone conference yesterday has me a little better equipped for the battle—with an increased faith in myself, in our leaders, in the Brazilian people, in the programs and promises of the Lord. Time slips away ever and ever faster. I feel as though I am running out of time. A year ago last week, on September 25, I was set apart as a missionary.

When I attended my first zone conference back in January, Elder Dean Slade, my companion who was attending his last, said it was the best he had attended in two years in Brazil. President Johnson promised they would be better. Yesterday was my fifth zone conference, and it was the best yet.

During the morning session we held an hour-long critique session on teaching techniques, a new feature in zone conference. New programs were explained and outlined to help us progress even further in the Lord’s work. The afternoon testimony meeting was a special experience. Participating in the conference of the Tijuca Zone were 30 elders and sisters from the districts of Ramos, Meier, Tijuca, Santa Tereza, Headquarters, and Jardim Botânico.

Speaking of conferences, the semi-annual general conference of the Church is in session this weekend.

Of the many events, happenings, and facts of the last few weeks, only a few will be noted in passing. Last night I worked with Elder Ferrin, leaving Elder Staker to work with Elder Taylor. We traveled out to Mesquita to teach a family the fifth, sixth, and lineage lessons and to interview them for baptism. The father arrived late, and we did not teach nor interview. We finally made it home by 1:00.

Wednesday I worked with Elder Gessel in his area, giving Elders Staker and Richtsteig a chance to be out together on their own. They have been down now for a month.

Last Friday Elder Larry Braithwaite, our zone leader, worked with me in our area. Saturday last Elder Staker baptized and I confirmed a lady, Lair Cabral Barbosa, who had been taught by Elder Anderson before he left. Her husband had to work and was not able to be baptized. One daughter has been a member for a month.

Much of our time has been spent tracting. We have taught several first lessons, but none of them to really sharp families. One exception: We were introduced Sunday to a man who has attended church for nearly a month and who wanted lessons. His first lesson Tuesday and second lesson this morning were both really sharp. His name is Antonio Fernandes Costa.

The district is full of good elders and is animated. The work is looking bright.