This evening we visited in the home of Gilberto da Silva, the irmão we baptized a few weeks ago. I am gladdened to see his progress. He is a simple uninstructed man but warm in friendship and love. He reads the Book of Mormon slowly but understands and enjoys it. It is difficult to tear him away from the chapel after meetings (as if we cared to) because he loves to meet with everybody present. His lovely wife, Laura, has not yet been able to attend church and therefore has not yet been prepared for baptism. She cannot read but seems to understand well what we have explained to her. She was not home this evening.
The wick of another year has burned down to its very last. Just a few hours remain before we begin marking time with a new number. The last year has gone so quickly. I call it the best and most fruitful year of my life, hoping the new year to be even better and more fruitful, just as 1969 surpassed 1968 and 1968 outdid 1967. That is progress: the only direction in which I care to travel.
We are teaching right now a wonderful little family that look really sharp. Miguel and Lúcia Fernandes da Silva are the names of the couple. They have a son, Wagner, and a daughter, Silvinia, aged four and three respectively. We encountered the wife on December 23 while tracting in the rain. She told us to return the next afternoon because her husband would be home on Christmas Eve. On the next afternoon, raining still, we returned and were well received, marking a first lesson for Saturday afternoon, December 27. They accepted the first lesson well, came to sacrament meeting the next evening, and received the Book of Mormon two days ago. This afternoon, while working with Elder Knight, zone leader, I stopped by and we thoroughly checked out their lineage, only to find out that she has no idea whatsoever of her family because she was adopted when she was three months old. He is descended from Indian, Peruvian, and Japanese ancestors. He also is an orphan, raised by an American family.
Brazil tonight enters the New Year with noise and festivities. At midnight most of the spiritualists gather on the beaches in their biggest annual orgy to honor their patron saint or whatever.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 1969
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," sang the angelic choirs nearly 2,000 years ago as they announced the first Christmas. The spirit of Christmas, which is the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, has not yet been realized in the earth at large, but is known and felt and lived by those who have accepted the gospel in its fulness as taught and administered by authorized servants of God in these latter days.
Last evening, by previous invitation, we spent in the home of José Delfino Barbosa (Lucia's father). For a short while Lucia, Elder Hatch, and I visited at Tania's, where Elders Weeks, Axtell, Smith, and Warner were spending the evening, to have some real live apple pie. We then returned to Lucia's place to talk, listen to music, eat, and eat some more. We finally tore ourselves away to get home and to bed by three o'clock.
This morning our dona came pounding on our door about nine o'clock to feed us food she had left over from the feast the night before. All this food is good, but there is just too much of it!
A grand Christmas party was held during the afternoon for all the elders and sisters in Rio, Niterói, and Petrópolis. More than 80 were crowded into the mission home. It was good to see old faces again and to renew friendships and to catch up on old news. I attended last year's party when only 30-some were present from as far away as Juiz de Fora and Vitória. The mission has grown a great deal since then. Even the weather this year was improved: Light rains kept the temperature decent. Last year it was swelteringly hot for the holidays.
As the program started we all joined in singing many of the favorite carols, both religious and secular. Elder Steffensen came bouncing in dressed up like Santa Claus (or Papai Noel) and passed out candy to everybody. President Johnson read the original Christmas story from Luke. Then each district, 13 were present, put on some number, ranging from skits to vocal musical numbers to instrumental musical numbers to story telling. The Ramos District sang, accompanied by Elder Cleverly, five different carols all to the tune of "Angels We Have Heard on High." Having been original, it was tremendously popular. After all the common talent, the Mormonários put on a musical program all their own. Current members of the group are Elders Brinton, Crocheron, Gibbs, and Chandler. They are here in Rio for about six weeks to make the Church known.
Refreshments of applesauce cake, real live cookies, root beer, and ice cream followed the program. About 50 of the elders went to see the premier showing of Lion in Winter in cinemascope/cinerama. It was a good Christmas show. Our entire district went.
From Elder Stewart I received a copy of Carol Lynn Pearson's book of poetry, Beginnings. That surprised me. I am really grateful for the gift. Lucia last night had given us three handkerchiefs apiece. Christmas cards and letters came from all corners of the world: Samoa, France, Brazil, Belgium, and Idaho.
Well, the day was busy and full, but even fuller is the gratitude of an overflowing heart for the blessings I enjoy. Life itself is a great privilege. It is a joy to live in this glorious dispensation of time. I count my family, my friends, and my associates in the work of the Lord as among my greatest blessings. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I hold the holy priesthood of God. I am an elder in Israel. I have knowledge of the truthfulness of this marvelous work and a wonder. Have I not every reason to rejoice, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Last evening, by previous invitation, we spent in the home of José Delfino Barbosa (Lucia's father). For a short while Lucia, Elder Hatch, and I visited at Tania's, where Elders Weeks, Axtell, Smith, and Warner were spending the evening, to have some real live apple pie. We then returned to Lucia's place to talk, listen to music, eat, and eat some more. We finally tore ourselves away to get home and to bed by three o'clock.
This morning our dona came pounding on our door about nine o'clock to feed us food she had left over from the feast the night before. All this food is good, but there is just too much of it!
A grand Christmas party was held during the afternoon for all the elders and sisters in Rio, Niterói, and Petrópolis. More than 80 were crowded into the mission home. It was good to see old faces again and to renew friendships and to catch up on old news. I attended last year's party when only 30-some were present from as far away as Juiz de Fora and Vitória. The mission has grown a great deal since then. Even the weather this year was improved: Light rains kept the temperature decent. Last year it was swelteringly hot for the holidays.
As the program started we all joined in singing many of the favorite carols, both religious and secular. Elder Steffensen came bouncing in dressed up like Santa Claus (or Papai Noel) and passed out candy to everybody. President Johnson read the original Christmas story from Luke. Then each district, 13 were present, put on some number, ranging from skits to vocal musical numbers to instrumental musical numbers to story telling. The Ramos District sang, accompanied by Elder Cleverly, five different carols all to the tune of "Angels We Have Heard on High." Having been original, it was tremendously popular. After all the common talent, the Mormonários put on a musical program all their own. Current members of the group are Elders Brinton, Crocheron, Gibbs, and Chandler. They are here in Rio for about six weeks to make the Church known.
Refreshments of applesauce cake, real live cookies, root beer, and ice cream followed the program. About 50 of the elders went to see the premier showing of Lion in Winter in cinemascope/cinerama. It was a good Christmas show. Our entire district went.
From Elder Stewart I received a copy of Carol Lynn Pearson's book of poetry, Beginnings. That surprised me. I am really grateful for the gift. Lucia last night had given us three handkerchiefs apiece. Christmas cards and letters came from all corners of the world: Samoa, France, Brazil, Belgium, and Idaho.
Well, the day was busy and full, but even fuller is the gratitude of an overflowing heart for the blessings I enjoy. Life itself is a great privilege. It is a joy to live in this glorious dispensation of time. I count my family, my friends, and my associates in the work of the Lord as among my greatest blessings. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I hold the holy priesthood of God. I am an elder in Israel. I have knowledge of the truthfulness of this marvelous work and a wonder. Have I not every reason to rejoice, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 22, 1969
Today Elders Gessel, Richtsteig, Taylor, and Ririe from Cascadura District, and Elders Demke, Lunt, Hatch, and I from Ramos visited Pão de Açucar. A good view of Rio. A nice day.
This afternoon I met Elder Monte Stewart at Bob's in Largo do Carioca and spent the afternoon renewing that wonderful relationship. Elder Stewart is really excited about Nova Friburgo. It was great seeing him again.
In district meeting tonight we spent the full time, and more, working on a musical number for the Christmas program Thursday.
This afternoon I met Elder Monte Stewart at Bob's in Largo do Carioca and spent the afternoon renewing that wonderful relationship. Elder Stewart is really excited about Nova Friburgo. It was great seeing him again.
In district meeting tonight we spent the full time, and more, working on a musical number for the Christmas program Thursday.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 1969
A host of events have slipped by during the passing weeks. In outline only a few are mentioned here. On December 2 I worked with Elder Gary Johnson, Meier zone leader. It was that day while tracting in our area that we encountered a lady who said she would need to ask her confessor before she could know whether or not she had interest in knowing a church restored by Jesus Christ. In asking if she herself could not decide whether she had interest, she answered, "In matters spiritual I never act without consulting my confessor. He is my spiritual advisor."
On December 3 we received from our members a total of eight referrals as a result of our December 1 member fireside. Of these we taught a first lesson to Nair, a friend of Lúcia Barbosa, who at that point (December 10) had read half of the Book of Mormon. Right now she is sick, unable to be taught.
An investigator fireside, over which I presided, was held in the home of Tania Pacheco December 7, the evening of fast Sunday. A filmstrip about the Book of Mormon was shown. Three nonmembers, four members, and six elders were in attendance.
This same Sunday we, the district leaders, began holding a weekly meeting with the branch president, Mario Campanello, to coordinate our work with his activities.
On December 12 Elder Hatch and I joined Elder Ferrin and his new companion at the mission home to dine with President Johnson and his family. We dined by candlelight because the electricity was off. For me it was just like being home. We were honored with the dinner because Ramos was the top district in the mission during October.
Last week I worked with Elder Ronald Axtell on December 10 and Elder Arlo Weeks on December 12 and this week with Elder Neiswender yesterday.
December 13 Elder Hatch baptized Gilberto da Silva, and I confirmed him a member of the Church and bestowed the Holy Ghost. Irmão Gilberto was a member referral from Irmã Missilda, who lives on the next street over from Gilberto. We taught him in a three-week period. He is such a happy man now. His wife should join later.
Early the same morning of the baptismal service, a thief visited us while we were sleeping, taking a watch and pair of pants from each of us. He probably grabbed the pants expecting to find money in the pockets. In that respect he was disappointed. My stolen watch belonged to my dad, and I felt bad about that. The pants, except for the belt, were no great loss. The door opening onto the street was open when we awoke. Even though it is against my nature to do so, we now lock up even while we are in the room.
Last Sunday, in the morning meeting, a weird lady was present who kept disrupting the proceedings. She was not a member and obviously mentally ill. She refused to leave and, rather than creating a scene, was not bodily hauled out of the chapel. After a while everybody ignored her for the most part. She remained on the stand during the entire opening exercises.
Today, the last official mission fast on the third Thursday of the month, is my birthday. One year ago today I arrived in Brazil. In every sense of the word, it has been a good year, a fast year, a rewarding year. Unfortunately, the coming year will slip away even more quickly. We started the fast with a special district meeting. From now on there will be no mission-wide fasts other than on fast Sunday.
On December 3 we received from our members a total of eight referrals as a result of our December 1 member fireside. Of these we taught a first lesson to Nair, a friend of Lúcia Barbosa, who at that point (December 10) had read half of the Book of Mormon. Right now she is sick, unable to be taught.
An investigator fireside, over which I presided, was held in the home of Tania Pacheco December 7, the evening of fast Sunday. A filmstrip about the Book of Mormon was shown. Three nonmembers, four members, and six elders were in attendance.
This same Sunday we, the district leaders, began holding a weekly meeting with the branch president, Mario Campanello, to coordinate our work with his activities.
On December 12 Elder Hatch and I joined Elder Ferrin and his new companion at the mission home to dine with President Johnson and his family. We dined by candlelight because the electricity was off. For me it was just like being home. We were honored with the dinner because Ramos was the top district in the mission during October.
Last week I worked with Elder Ronald Axtell on December 10 and Elder Arlo Weeks on December 12 and this week with Elder Neiswender yesterday.
December 13 Elder Hatch baptized Gilberto da Silva, and I confirmed him a member of the Church and bestowed the Holy Ghost. Irmão Gilberto was a member referral from Irmã Missilda, who lives on the next street over from Gilberto. We taught him in a three-week period. He is such a happy man now. His wife should join later.
Early the same morning of the baptismal service, a thief visited us while we were sleeping, taking a watch and pair of pants from each of us. He probably grabbed the pants expecting to find money in the pockets. In that respect he was disappointed. My stolen watch belonged to my dad, and I felt bad about that. The pants, except for the belt, were no great loss. The door opening onto the street was open when we awoke. Even though it is against my nature to do so, we now lock up even while we are in the room.
Last Sunday, in the morning meeting, a weird lady was present who kept disrupting the proceedings. She was not a member and obviously mentally ill. She refused to leave and, rather than creating a scene, was not bodily hauled out of the chapel. After a while everybody ignored her for the most part. She remained on the stand during the entire opening exercises.
Today, the last official mission fast on the third Thursday of the month, is my birthday. One year ago today I arrived in Brazil. In every sense of the word, it has been a good year, a fast year, a rewarding year. Unfortunately, the coming year will slip away even more quickly. We started the fast with a special district meeting. From now on there will be no mission-wide fasts other than on fast Sunday.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 15, 1969
A short letter to my family:
Time is short. This is a quick note only. A Christmas greeting comes under separate cover. Saturday we baptized a man a member of the Church that we had taught during the past three weeks. His wife has not yet joined because she cannot read and because health has prevented her attendance at church. She does have somewhat of a testimony already though. They are such sweet wonderful people that love us to pieces.
Also Saturday a thief came into our room while we were sleeping and stole two pairs of pants and our two watches. I guess he thought the pants had money in the pockets. They didn't. The only thing that makes me feel bad is that it was Dad's watch.
In three more days I mark the year point of being in Brazil. You know what that means? I will be home soon. Time is running out. Have a merry holiday season and may God bless you ever more richly.
Time is short. This is a quick note only. A Christmas greeting comes under separate cover. Saturday we baptized a man a member of the Church that we had taught during the past three weeks. His wife has not yet joined because she cannot read and because health has prevented her attendance at church. She does have somewhat of a testimony already though. They are such sweet wonderful people that love us to pieces.
Also Saturday a thief came into our room while we were sleeping and stole two pairs of pants and our two watches. I guess he thought the pants had money in the pockets. They didn't. The only thing that makes me feel bad is that it was Dad's watch.
In three more days I mark the year point of being in Brazil. You know what that means? I will be home soon. Time is running out. Have a merry holiday season and may God bless you ever more richly.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, December 1, 1969
Time slips ever away. Much happens every day worthy of treatment on these pages, but the minutes are few. Already it is December again.
We had an encounter Sunday afternoon with "a learned gentleman," a doctor of religion, who was visiting in the home of an investigator. Most of the time we were not allowed the privilege of speaking, but for a few moments I bore a most solemn testimony in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of his holy priesthood. I was asked to show a sign and then charged with being "intolerant and unchristian." The man with whom we spoke became quite violent near the end of our interview and indicated we would be escorted from the house if we did not stop talking of religion. The man of the house, our investigator, to whom I turned, cowardly hid behind the skirts of the doctor. Not seeing any hope of adding anything further, we left.
This evening we held a member fireside for a few members in Penha, Ramos, and Olaria. We met in the home of Delfino Barbosa. The meeting turned out successful despite all odds we were working against. Originally we had planned to present the new Book of Mormon program, but yesterday we learned that it was not yet to be taken to the members.
We had an encounter Sunday afternoon with "a learned gentleman," a doctor of religion, who was visiting in the home of an investigator. Most of the time we were not allowed the privilege of speaking, but for a few moments I bore a most solemn testimony in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of his holy priesthood. I was asked to show a sign and then charged with being "intolerant and unchristian." The man with whom we spoke became quite violent near the end of our interview and indicated we would be escorted from the house if we did not stop talking of religion. The man of the house, our investigator, to whom I turned, cowardly hid behind the skirts of the doctor. Not seeing any hope of adding anything further, we left.
This evening we held a member fireside for a few members in Penha, Ramos, and Olaria. We met in the home of Delfino Barbosa. The meeting turned out successful despite all odds we were working against. Originally we had planned to present the new Book of Mormon program, but yesterday we learned that it was not yet to be taken to the members.
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