Yesterday evening the Meier Branch was split to create a new Cascadura Branch, of which we are now a part. The change was effected in a joint meeting of the Tijuca and Meier Branches, with all members of the mission and district presidencies in attendance. President João Dias effected the new organization, announcing new meeting schedules for the three branches to be using the Tijuca chapel, explaining boundary lines, and sustaining the new branch presidency. President Cury (Tijuca), Campanella (Meier), and Ovídio (Cascadura) all spoke. President Johnson was the concluding speaker. The new Cascadura Branch presidency is Ovídio da Cunha Vieira, assisted by Joaquim Alves Rodrigues and Jorge Duarte as counselors.
The chapel was completely full for the meeting. My heart thrills to see and to experience the growth of Zion, the building and spreading forth of the kingdom. Each day, I feel, moves us closer and closer to a stake in the city of Rio. President Dias indicated this was but the first in a series of branch divisions within the district. Since my arrival in Brazil four new branches have been created in this mission: Fortaleza, Nova Friburgo, a second branch in Belo Horizonte, and now this one here. Yes, growing pains are wonderful.
A change of face came to the district today. Elder Randall Lunt was transferred to Campina Grande. Elder Arlo Weeks, whom I have learned to love dearly, is in Meier now. Not real far away. Replacing them are Elders Michael Bertasso and Frank Clark. The latter elder came to Brazil last April, the same time as Elders Weeks and Smith.
All systems, then, look go. The district has new blood, there is a new branch to support and help build, it is an excellent opportunity for growth, recommitment, rededication.
Speaking of new blood, this morning we visited the Hospital Servidores do Estado to donate blood in behalf of Daria Banhos Tristão Fernandes, the wife of a member Elder Smith baptized in Vitória, Irmão José Tristão Fernandes. Elders Smith, Warner, Weeks, and I each gave a pint of blood. Elder Weeks became faint and had to have a pint of plasma pumped back into him. Elder Meyer fainted while being weighed (he is afraid of needles), and they would not take his blood. Elders Axtell and Clark were too thin even to be considered.
This afternoon I saw for the fourth time the musical My Fair Lady. I enjoyed it ever bit as much as before.
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