Monday, January 26, 1970

A letter to my family:

Once again I have seen the miracle of happiness happen in the lives of those who accept and live the gospel. The family we baptized a week ago are now different people, now living a new life. They are so happy at the church that they would like to spend their whole time there. It is certainly humbling to realize how much they think of my companion and me. To them we are what perfection is. What a great responsibility is ours not to injure their new and growing faith! She asked me to express to you the next time I wrote home her love and gratitude, especially to you Mom. She thinks you must be the luckiest, happiest parents in the world.

Zion is growing here in Rio. The branch we are serving in is to be divided shortly. You can understand why considering that in January alone 40 converts were baptized into that branch. At the district conference last week the official number in attendance was 1,100, one hundred more than the goal President Johnson set for us to start thinking about becoming a stake. The Meier Branch, in which we labor, had 340 members and 70 nonmember visitors in attendance. As soon as the branch is divided, one of the branches will begin building a new chapel.

The weather has been remarkably good for summer—so far. Today is trying to rain.

This Friday we will be holding again zone conference. That is always a special experience.

Thanks for all your love and support. I hope this letter finds you all in health and happiness.

P.S. Could you find and send pictures of the Salt Lake Temple? Post cards would be great. Thanx!

Sunday, January 18, 1970

President David O. McKay, prophet, seer, and revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died this morning. He was 96, the oldest living General Authority in this dispensation, having served as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ since April 1906.

His passing takes with him the hearts of many people from many lands. His kindly counsel, his loving wisdom, his grateful example will all be missed. There is no doubt that the Lord is at the head of His Church and that another will soon be anointed to stand as His mouthpiece and prophet. I loved President McKay. Although never having personally met him (I have been in his presence), I feel the loss of a personal friend. In his life, more than in any other man of this generation, could I see in perfection a truly Christlike life.

Thursday, January 15, 1970

Tonight I feel humbled and grateful, particularly aware of how greatly blessed I am. The pure love of Christ, as scripturally termed, has swelled within my heart to expand into happiness and joy. In our visit with Irmão Gilberto da Silva we spoke of baptism and some of the beautiful concepts, promises, and blessings associated therewith. He has now been a member one month and spoke of the joy and peace and happiness that already have come to him. His face fairly beams with happiness. His eyes sparkle with joy. His sweet wife, not yet a member, said she has seen the change in him since his baptism. I have noted it also, as I have seen in so many cases already: The gospel works miracles in the lives of those who accept it, for the gospel comes in power and not just in word. The Spirit’s influence is felt and its gifts and blessings are spread abroad in the lives of the faithful.

Friday, January 2, 1970

Elder Hatch and I moved this morning from Rua Tupí, 11, to where Elders Gessel and Richsteig were living at Rua Joaquim Rego, 38/101, in Olaria. It was about a four-block move.