Saturday, October 25, 1969

During the time I have been a missionary, I have run across many different types of people. It is refreshing to know that not everybody was cast in the same mold. Late Wednesday afternoon as Elder Staker and I were tracting, we encountered a drunken piano salesman who thought we were Baptist ministers. He dragged us into his home, or little shop, and had me play one of the pianos there. All I could play without music was "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," and so I did exactly that. As we were trying to leave, in came a very dark Negro who was Baptist, in every sense the epitome of a crente. We finally made the point that we were Mormons, to which the Baptist replied, "That's alright. As long as you profess Jesus, you're saved." That sort of philosophy irks me, and we graciously made every effort to excuse ourselves and be on our way, which we were allowed to do after I had played the same hymn once again.

This afternoon at the baptismal service at the Tijuca chapel, two men from the Ramos District were baptized. Elder Staker baptized Antonio Fernandes Costa, a man we had taught during the last four weeks, and I confirmed him a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. His testimony has grown much, and his faith is waxing strong. Unfortunately, his wife did not care to hear the gospel message. The other baptism, Seu Annibel, had been taught by Elders Ferrin and Taylor. I interviewed both Antonio and Annibel yesterday afternoon.

Early this morning Elder Staker and I were called to the mission home to learn of Elder Staker's transfer to Vitória. He leaves Monday evening. He will travel to Vitória with Elder Gabriel Kemeny, who will be the new district leader in that city. Elder George McGrath is Elder Staker's new companion. My new companion will be an elder fresh from the States. It seems as though the entire mission is in transfer, although Elder Staker is the only one leaving Ramos District. But in Tijuca, for example, only two of six are remaining. A new zone and probably new districts are to be created when the 14 new missionaries arrive and are assigned next week.

Tonight we taught a young man named Celso a first lesson, which went particularly well. He has studied nearly every religion imaginable, both Christian and non-Christian. He was quite impressed with our message, recognizing that it rang with a conviction others lacked. He is a thinking man, but a humble man.