Today is Thanksgiving Day. Probably at no time in my life have I had greater cause to render praise and thanks to my Heavenly King than at this period in this year. I rejoice with the Psalmist:
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. . . . Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations" (Psalms 100:1–2, 4–5). Life is abundantly good, full of the richness of the earth and the blessings of heaven.
Appropriate to the rejoicing of the day, we taught Irmão Renato and his wife a lineage lesson and a sixth lesson, filled out the baptismal recommends, and interviewed each of them personally. They are ready for baptism. Yesterday we had taught the fifth lesson, which they accepted really well. Since Tuesday morning there has no longer been any Word of Wisdom problem. He used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day and has finally conquered the habit.
Elder Smith and I worked together this evening to teach a lineage lesson and sixth to their candidate for baptism, Irmã Odette. She too is ready for her baptism. This is the second time I have been to teach her: Last week on Wednesday Elder Smith and I taught her the fourth lesson.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 21, 1969
Yesterday the Meier and Rio Zones met together in zone conference, presided over by Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. It was the longest single meeting in my entire life I have attended at one sitting, beginning at 8:30 and continuing until 4:30, with only a 15-minute break but without a session being closed and another started 15 minutes later. For me this was zone conference number six, the best of them all thus far. Highlighting the conference was the interview with Brother Brockbank, the testimony meeting, and the talks of Brother Brockbank and President Johnson. Elders Braithwaite and Johnson, zone leaders of Rio and Meier respectively, both spoke. Elders Ferrin, Gessel, and I put on a lineage lesson demonstration. An evaluation and critique session was held.
Brother Brockbank's talk was an answer to much pondering and many prayers on my part: How can we effectively use the members? How can we put the Book of Mormon to better use to make it the great converting tool it was meant to be? He outlined a program that he worked out by inspiration, emphasizing the eight steps suggested by Moroni's promise in Moroni 10:4–5. These are (1) read the Book of Mormon, (2) meditate in your heart the things read, (3) ask God the Eternal Father, (4) in the name of Jesus Christ, (5) ask if the Book of Mormon is true, (6) ask with a sincere heart, (7) and with real intent, and (8) having faith in Jesus Christ. We are asked to push the program further, enlisting member help, to give the Book of Mormon its chance to be a witness to all nations.
This evening a special district conference was called in the Tijuca chapel in which President Johnson and Brother Brockbank both spoke. President João Dias, district president, translated for Brother Brockbank. It was an outstanding and inspirational session. None of our investigators were able to attend, but most of our members in our area attended. Brother Brockbank spoke about being created in the image of God, about the differences between doctrines of men and the doctrines of the Lord, the importance of the Book of Mormon in the program of Restoration.
Tuesday evening the district received two new elders: Elders Arlo Weeks and Ronald Axtell, who will be laboring in Jardim America, Vigário Geral, and Cordovil. We have been having difficulties in finding a place for them to live. For now they are doubled up with us. Tuesday evening Elder Axtell, fresh that day from the States, went with me to teach the parents of Carmem a Blue Book lesson. I am really impressed with him. His abilities with the Portuguese language are remarkable, but even more impressive is the spirit he carries, the testimony he bears, the knowledge he commands.
Brother Brockbank's talk was an answer to much pondering and many prayers on my part: How can we effectively use the members? How can we put the Book of Mormon to better use to make it the great converting tool it was meant to be? He outlined a program that he worked out by inspiration, emphasizing the eight steps suggested by Moroni's promise in Moroni 10:4–5. These are (1) read the Book of Mormon, (2) meditate in your heart the things read, (3) ask God the Eternal Father, (4) in the name of Jesus Christ, (5) ask if the Book of Mormon is true, (6) ask with a sincere heart, (7) and with real intent, and (8) having faith in Jesus Christ. We are asked to push the program further, enlisting member help, to give the Book of Mormon its chance to be a witness to all nations.
This evening a special district conference was called in the Tijuca chapel in which President Johnson and Brother Brockbank both spoke. President João Dias, district president, translated for Brother Brockbank. It was an outstanding and inspirational session. None of our investigators were able to attend, but most of our members in our area attended. Brother Brockbank spoke about being created in the image of God, about the differences between doctrines of men and the doctrines of the Lord, the importance of the Book of Mormon in the program of Restoration.
Tuesday evening the district received two new elders: Elders Arlo Weeks and Ronald Axtell, who will be laboring in Jardim America, Vigário Geral, and Cordovil. We have been having difficulties in finding a place for them to live. For now they are doubled up with us. Tuesday evening Elder Axtell, fresh that day from the States, went with me to teach the parents of Carmem a Blue Book lesson. I am really impressed with him. His abilities with the Portuguese language are remarkable, but even more impressive is the spirit he carries, the testimony he bears, the knowledge he commands.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 2, 1969
Sundays are always exciting and full days. This morning we met in testimony meeting, which to me is always a special event. As Sunday School followed, we found a vacant corner of the cultural hall to hold district meeting.
New programs have started in the mission within the last month that are keeping things exciting. I guess President Johnson really expects a stake here soon and is now through muddling around, or more accurately, letting his missionaries muddle around. One of these programs is called Prepare to Baptize. It is a checklist covering all areas of missionary activity, which is kept on a weekly basis during four consecutive weeks (for new elders their first four weeks). It provides a schedule for having all lessons learned within an elder's first month in the field. Upon completion and after the district leader has heard and approved any one of the six lessons, the form is signed by the district leader and forwarded to President Johnson.
Another program is a new mission study guide, providing for an orderly, unified, systematic study of the standard works, Articles of Faith, Jesus the Christ, and A Marvelous Work and a Wonder. This program calls for four companion discussions on gospel subjects each week, a new scripture learned each day, the discussions constantly reviewed every day, and personal study questions answered. For the fourth quarter of the year we are studying A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards and Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. In January we will begin studying the Book of Mormon.
For the record I should mention that Karen recently wrote saying she no longer felt it profitable to continue writing. In my reply I indicated that whatever was for her best welfare and happiness would make me happy. Ours had been a wholesome relationship in every way, and my love for her could never let me feel sorry or angry. I will ever be grateful for how we helped each other grow. She had brought out the best in me. I feel the right thing has happened and that if she finds the right young man my prayers will have been answered.
New programs have started in the mission within the last month that are keeping things exciting. I guess President Johnson really expects a stake here soon and is now through muddling around, or more accurately, letting his missionaries muddle around. One of these programs is called Prepare to Baptize. It is a checklist covering all areas of missionary activity, which is kept on a weekly basis during four consecutive weeks (for new elders their first four weeks). It provides a schedule for having all lessons learned within an elder's first month in the field. Upon completion and after the district leader has heard and approved any one of the six lessons, the form is signed by the district leader and forwarded to President Johnson.
Another program is a new mission study guide, providing for an orderly, unified, systematic study of the standard works, Articles of Faith, Jesus the Christ, and A Marvelous Work and a Wonder. This program calls for four companion discussions on gospel subjects each week, a new scripture learned each day, the discussions constantly reviewed every day, and personal study questions answered. For the fourth quarter of the year we are studying A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards and Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. In January we will begin studying the Book of Mormon.
For the record I should mention that Karen recently wrote saying she no longer felt it profitable to continue writing. In my reply I indicated that whatever was for her best welfare and happiness would make me happy. Ours had been a wholesome relationship in every way, and my love for her could never let me feel sorry or angry. I will ever be grateful for how we helped each other grow. She had brought out the best in me. I feel the right thing has happened and that if she finds the right young man my prayers will have been answered.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, November 1, 1969
Thursday afternoon I received fresh from the States a new companion, Elder Alan Hatch from southern Arizona. Two other elders are new to the district also, making eight of us for right now. Elder William Smith, who transferred from Vitória, and his brand new companion from the States, Elder Doug Neiswender, will be living and working in Penha. Receiving new elders, especially a new companion, is quite exciting.
That same evening I brought the elders back to Ramos and showed them around a little bit and took them to Bob's to eat. The four of us slept at our place on Rua Tupí because the furniture for Elders Smith and Neiswender came Friday morning.
Friday morning Elder Hatch and I traveled up to Hospital Silvestre to have my toe checked out and bandage changed. As far as I can tell, I am recovered from my bronchitis. It takes a lot to keep a good man down for long.
Elder Hatch arrived knowing two lessons rather shakily. He has the desire to be a good and dedicated missionary. My challenge is to help him along to the best of my abilities, loving him, being a friend, inspiring him, helping him with the language, showing him the right methods and attitudes.
That same evening I brought the elders back to Ramos and showed them around a little bit and took them to Bob's to eat. The four of us slept at our place on Rua Tupí because the furniture for Elders Smith and Neiswender came Friday morning.
Friday morning Elder Hatch and I traveled up to Hospital Silvestre to have my toe checked out and bandage changed. As far as I can tell, I am recovered from my bronchitis. It takes a lot to keep a good man down for long.
Elder Hatch arrived knowing two lessons rather shakily. He has the desire to be a good and dedicated missionary. My challenge is to help him along to the best of my abilities, loving him, being a friend, inspiring him, helping him with the language, showing him the right methods and attitudes.
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