Prayerful and studious concentration during the past several days has induced some goals and plans that I would like to realize during the few months I will be spending in Maceió. There are three areas of concentration: missionary, district leader, and branch president.
I want to be a missionary (1) with a faith that moves mountains, who knows how to use the priesthood he holds; (2) that speaks with God when he prays, who can plead in humility and, struggling in the Spirit, intercede for others before the Lord in faith; (3) that radiates love; (4) who bears pure testimony and teaches by the Spirit, having lived worthy of that Spirit, whose soul hungers after righteousness through faithful and prayerful searching; (5) that gives everything in service, holding nothing back, but devotes everything in every waking moment to the purposes at hand, the building of the kingdom of God; (6) who is diligent in keeping the commandments; and (7) always progressing, making today better than yesterday, this week better than last.
As a district leader I would accomplish the following: (1) provide spiritually powered district meetings each week to inspire, instruct, and encourage the brethren; (2) personally interview each elder every week and work with him at least every two weeks; (3) recognize each individual and his needs, offering appreciation and praise where due, radiating an outpouring of love for all district members, serving the elders by praying and sweating for them; and (4) be a missionary worthy of emulation.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 27, 1970
Today we saw Funny Girl, starring Barbara Streisand and Omar Sherif. A very funny show. This was my second time.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 26, 1970
Today was my second Sunday in Maceió. This week the meetings were much better. Organization seemed to be a bit more noticeable. Aldo substituted as Sunday School teacher again but gave a better lesson this week on the subject of prayer. After the meetings, we four elders resorted to Aldo’s place for our weekly Sunday meal with the family. In sacrament meeting Elder Camargo spoke about signs of the true Church.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 25, 1970
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ one must the servant of all. A mission is a great trust and is irrevocably associated in all its facets with service. To be great, teaches the Savior, one must be a faithful and a just servant.
Yesterday rain drenched the city of Maceió and filled the streets with little lakes, and sometimes bigger lakes, and many houses (such as ours) with water. Our tile roof is fairly waterproof, but with so much rain the roof started leaking, dripping here and there. I sleep on the top bunk bed, which was one of the places it chose to drip. In the kitchen and to the back of the house, water was about four inches deep.
We spent the morning studying. We ventured out in the afternoon and evening. It stopped for quite a while in the evening, and we used the time to check out addresses. While doing that on one street (most of the streets in the area we are working are unpaved and ungraded), we came to a big puddle that covered the entire road for 75 or 100 yards. Down the street a Jeep slowly entered the water and pushed right on through to the side we were on. It stopped at the house next to where we were clapping. Just then another Jeep drove up on our side of the lake, pulling clear up to the water’s edge. Timidly it backed to where we were standing and asked if it could make it through the water. Elder Prisbrey responded, “Sure, that Jeep there [pointing to the other Jeep] just now came through.”
Then the Jeep took off, a bit faster than it should have, and plunged into the water. About three-fourths of the way through, its motor coughed, sputtered, and died (in that order). After a few moments, one of the two men in the vehicle crawled out, without pants, into the waist-deep water and pushed the Jeep to the other side. They hollered something back to us, but we could no longer hear them.
Yesterday rain drenched the city of Maceió and filled the streets with little lakes, and sometimes bigger lakes, and many houses (such as ours) with water. Our tile roof is fairly waterproof, but with so much rain the roof started leaking, dripping here and there. I sleep on the top bunk bed, which was one of the places it chose to drip. In the kitchen and to the back of the house, water was about four inches deep.
We spent the morning studying. We ventured out in the afternoon and evening. It stopped for quite a while in the evening, and we used the time to check out addresses. While doing that on one street (most of the streets in the area we are working are unpaved and ungraded), we came to a big puddle that covered the entire road for 75 or 100 yards. Down the street a Jeep slowly entered the water and pushed right on through to the side we were on. It stopped at the house next to where we were clapping. Just then another Jeep drove up on our side of the lake, pulling clear up to the water’s edge. Timidly it backed to where we were standing and asked if it could make it through the water. Elder Prisbrey responded, “Sure, that Jeep there [pointing to the other Jeep] just now came through.”
Then the Jeep took off, a bit faster than it should have, and plunged into the water. About three-fourths of the way through, its motor coughed, sputtered, and died (in that order). After a few moments, one of the two men in the vehicle crawled out, without pants, into the waist-deep water and pushed the Jeep to the other side. They hollered something back to us, but we could no longer hear them.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 23, 1970
A visitor to the fair city of Maceió soon notes the letter S all over the public praças, tiled into the fountains, marked on the benches, decorated onto playground equipment, painted on signs. The story goes that a certain Mayor S— was responsible for the creation of most of the praças and thought it would be fully appropriate to leave a remembrance of himself. Naturally, he was asked about it. The reply came: the S stood for sorriso, the Portuguese word for smiling, meaning that Maceió was the smiling city.
This afternoon it rained so hard and so thoroughly that it was rather difficult to do anything. After some bit of time we hopped up to Aldo’s place to see Virginia and the kids. We spent the rest of the afternoon there talking with them.
Tonight we visited a very friendly and intelligent man by the name of Juarez M. Leite. We went prepared to teach either a first lesson or a Blue Book because we thought the wife might have the lineage. Upon arrival in the home, where we were warmly welcomed, we both felt inspired that she was of the lineage. We taught an interest lesson, explaining about the Church and some of its doctrines. A daughter in the family had several girl friends attending. They know a little about the Church now, hopefully have a good impression of it, and will be useful as friends against the antagonism in the city.
This afternoon it rained so hard and so thoroughly that it was rather difficult to do anything. After some bit of time we hopped up to Aldo’s place to see Virginia and the kids. We spent the rest of the afternoon there talking with them.
Tonight we visited a very friendly and intelligent man by the name of Juarez M. Leite. We went prepared to teach either a first lesson or a Blue Book because we thought the wife might have the lineage. Upon arrival in the home, where we were warmly welcomed, we both felt inspired that she was of the lineage. We taught an interest lesson, explaining about the Church and some of its doctrines. A daughter in the family had several girl friends attending. They know a little about the Church now, hopefully have a good impression of it, and will be useful as friends against the antagonism in the city.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 22, 1970
Yesterday was Tiradentes Day, a national holiday causing everything in the city to be closed. We expected it would be an excellent opportunity to catch people at home and planned a full day of tracting. All morning we caught only three people home, a man with the lineage, a Presbyterian minister, and another man who did not care to listen to us. It seems that the gente had all gone to the beach or to the interior.
During the afternoon more people were home, but it didn’t do us much good because nearly everybody was napping. We did encounter one sharp man, Jaurez by name, with whom we marked a lesson for Thursday evening. We visited Meuze in the afternoon, and he informed us that he did not care to know more. Satan had boldly stepped in and obviously made himself welcome.
During the evening we used my Blue Book to teach a special lesson to a family with the lineage. A lesson had been marked before knowing the lineage, but we purposely taught the lesson to give the man a good image of the Church. He is prominent in the city and making him a friend of the Church will counteract some of the opposition manifest in the city and perhaps check some of the rumors.
Following this special lesson, we visited Aldo and family to hold a type of family home evening. We had a free discussion about our work and its problems, the branch and its problems, the city and its problems. Aldo is a tired and discouraged branch president who lacks vision and spirit. We tried to animate him, knowing full well that the Lord’s work will win and that the elect will be gathered and that the kingdom will grow. We tried to be horizon expanding. His wife, Virginia, is so sharp. She told us this morning how much they enjoyed the discussion and that they further discussed it after we left.
As indicated above, the branch has its problems, seemingly a larger number than its size deserves. There are 50-some members in the city. As soon as a member of the district presidency comes from Recife, Aldo will be released as branch president, and I will be sustained in his place. Aldo and his family are the foundation of the branch in this city, and as Aldo has gone so has gone the branch. He is a wonderfully good man, but he lacks the spirit and jeito needed by a leader in such a position. The branch has been retrogressing, and now we are called to change that.
Sunday the meetings were shamefully bad: disorganized, unprepared, started late, without much spirit to them. I was told that sometimes they are better. My first time here for sacrament meeting I was the featured speaker. I used about 25 minutes speaking about the Prophet Joseph Smith and his work, picking a few exciting but lesser known incidents from his life to inspire the members. I compared how we might follow his example. It was all spur-of-the-moment because I had planned to speak on baptism until Aldo, substituting in the morning in Sunday School class, wore out that subject with a long and dull treatment of it.
This evening we had a lesson marked with a man named Romulo Mello. He arrived home late from work, and we did not have time to teach a lesson, but we talked about our message. Both he and his wife were negative towards what we had to say, not willing to accept of our message. We left tracts with them and promised to return in a few days to see what they thought.
The weather in Maceió is generally hot, although the nights are nearly always cool. We are just entering the rainy season. I have been here now an entire week, and there has been some rain every day. The storms do not usually last more than 15 or 20 minutes.
During the afternoon more people were home, but it didn’t do us much good because nearly everybody was napping. We did encounter one sharp man, Jaurez by name, with whom we marked a lesson for Thursday evening. We visited Meuze in the afternoon, and he informed us that he did not care to know more. Satan had boldly stepped in and obviously made himself welcome.
During the evening we used my Blue Book to teach a special lesson to a family with the lineage. A lesson had been marked before knowing the lineage, but we purposely taught the lesson to give the man a good image of the Church. He is prominent in the city and making him a friend of the Church will counteract some of the opposition manifest in the city and perhaps check some of the rumors.
Following this special lesson, we visited Aldo and family to hold a type of family home evening. We had a free discussion about our work and its problems, the branch and its problems, the city and its problems. Aldo is a tired and discouraged branch president who lacks vision and spirit. We tried to animate him, knowing full well that the Lord’s work will win and that the elect will be gathered and that the kingdom will grow. We tried to be horizon expanding. His wife, Virginia, is so sharp. She told us this morning how much they enjoyed the discussion and that they further discussed it after we left.
As indicated above, the branch has its problems, seemingly a larger number than its size deserves. There are 50-some members in the city. As soon as a member of the district presidency comes from Recife, Aldo will be released as branch president, and I will be sustained in his place. Aldo and his family are the foundation of the branch in this city, and as Aldo has gone so has gone the branch. He is a wonderfully good man, but he lacks the spirit and jeito needed by a leader in such a position. The branch has been retrogressing, and now we are called to change that.
Sunday the meetings were shamefully bad: disorganized, unprepared, started late, without much spirit to them. I was told that sometimes they are better. My first time here for sacrament meeting I was the featured speaker. I used about 25 minutes speaking about the Prophet Joseph Smith and his work, picking a few exciting but lesser known incidents from his life to inspire the members. I compared how we might follow his example. It was all spur-of-the-moment because I had planned to speak on baptism until Aldo, substituting in the morning in Sunday School class, wore out that subject with a long and dull treatment of it.
This evening we had a lesson marked with a man named Romulo Mello. He arrived home late from work, and we did not have time to teach a lesson, but we talked about our message. Both he and his wife were negative towards what we had to say, not willing to accept of our message. We left tracts with them and promised to return in a few days to see what they thought.
The weather in Maceió is generally hot, although the nights are nearly always cool. We are just entering the rainy season. I have been here now an entire week, and there has been some rain every day. The storms do not usually last more than 15 or 20 minutes.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 20, 1970
This morning we visited the beach to play with Elder Prisbrey’s Frisbee. The warm sand lay smooth against the continual waves of the tropical Atlantic. Bare feet on sand, sea and sky stretching into immensity, suggested the grandeur of Nature’s simplicity. While there we weathered 15 or 20 minutes of a cold and sudden downpour. We watched with curious interest the nearly naked natives coming onto the shore on their rafts and then pulling in almost dance-like rhythm their nets in from the sea. An excited crowd, mostly kids, formed as the flopping, desperate fish were dragged onto the sand.
A letter came today from President Johnson. It explains my new duties and responsibilities and offers a tremendous vote of confidence for which I am humbly grateful. The President gives me quite a reputation to live up to. Briefly, I am here for three specifically stated reasons: (1) to make the missionary work go again, (2) to serve as president of the branch, and (3) to find and baptize a new branch president.
President Johnson’s letter to me was dated April 17:
“Sorry indeed that I was unable to be here to say good-bye as you left for the North Country. There are many things that I would like to have discussed with you, but time simply did not permit my doing so. Suffice it to say that your being sent to Maceió is an indication of the faith I have in you and in the city of Maceió. It is impossible for me to believe that there are not the elect of the Lord in Maceió who are waiting for the message of the restored gospel. I want Maceió to rise again!!!! And I am looking to you, Elder Cleverly, to accomplish that!!
“There is also another reason why you are the one individual in this mission that I want in Maceió. You have by now observed the situation in the branch, that it has revolved around the branch president, Aldo Tenório, and as he has gone, so has gone the branch. President Tenório is a very fine man who has been so willing for so long. He lacks quite a bit in jeito with the members and has offended some, as he is quick to admit, but he has continued on in spite of all of this, doing the best that he could. But he is tired and needs to be released. And I am certain you are getting the picture now. I am this day corresponding with the district presidency in Recife, asking that they go to Maceió, that they release President Tenório, and that you be sustained as branch president in his place.
“This may seem to be a step backwards, but really it is not. The branch is a good one, the members are fine people, and they are deserving of a change of leadership as with any branch or ward. It just so happens that there is no one else to put in in Aldo’s place. Yet. And that is the next part of your assignment in Maceió: to find a golden one who can be the branch president. Again, let me say that I look to you to accomplish this.
“Elder Cleverly, Sister J and I are so appreciative to have you here in the mission with us. I am so grateful for all that you have done, for your sweet spirit, and for your desires for the work. Lead the missionaries in all righteous paths, showing by your works that that needs to be done to make Maceió rise again. Love the members, encourage them in their membership, see to it that they get opportunities for activity in the branch.
“Please say nothing to no one until you are contacted by a member of the district presidency. I am hopeful that they will get there very soon to take care of this.
“Elder Seal mentioned that all elders there were behind on their GG shots. Our schedule is still 500mg of GG every six months. It may be well to consider going into Recife to get this done. Make certain that it is done under sanitary conditions.
“God bless you, Elder, and all the others there.”
Tonight in my first district meeting with the other elders we discussed the importance of goals and set district, companion, and individual goals.
A letter came today from President Johnson. It explains my new duties and responsibilities and offers a tremendous vote of confidence for which I am humbly grateful. The President gives me quite a reputation to live up to. Briefly, I am here for three specifically stated reasons: (1) to make the missionary work go again, (2) to serve as president of the branch, and (3) to find and baptize a new branch president.
President Johnson’s letter to me was dated April 17:
“Sorry indeed that I was unable to be here to say good-bye as you left for the North Country. There are many things that I would like to have discussed with you, but time simply did not permit my doing so. Suffice it to say that your being sent to Maceió is an indication of the faith I have in you and in the city of Maceió. It is impossible for me to believe that there are not the elect of the Lord in Maceió who are waiting for the message of the restored gospel. I want Maceió to rise again!!!! And I am looking to you, Elder Cleverly, to accomplish that!!
“There is also another reason why you are the one individual in this mission that I want in Maceió. You have by now observed the situation in the branch, that it has revolved around the branch president, Aldo Tenório, and as he has gone, so has gone the branch. President Tenório is a very fine man who has been so willing for so long. He lacks quite a bit in jeito with the members and has offended some, as he is quick to admit, but he has continued on in spite of all of this, doing the best that he could. But he is tired and needs to be released. And I am certain you are getting the picture now. I am this day corresponding with the district presidency in Recife, asking that they go to Maceió, that they release President Tenório, and that you be sustained as branch president in his place.
“This may seem to be a step backwards, but really it is not. The branch is a good one, the members are fine people, and they are deserving of a change of leadership as with any branch or ward. It just so happens that there is no one else to put in in Aldo’s place. Yet. And that is the next part of your assignment in Maceió: to find a golden one who can be the branch president. Again, let me say that I look to you to accomplish this.
“Elder Cleverly, Sister J and I are so appreciative to have you here in the mission with us. I am so grateful for all that you have done, for your sweet spirit, and for your desires for the work. Lead the missionaries in all righteous paths, showing by your works that that needs to be done to make Maceió rise again. Love the members, encourage them in their membership, see to it that they get opportunities for activity in the branch.
“Please say nothing to no one until you are contacted by a member of the district presidency. I am hopeful that they will get there very soon to take care of this.
“Elder Seal mentioned that all elders there were behind on their GG shots. Our schedule is still 500mg of GG every six months. It may be well to consider going into Recife to get this done. Make certain that it is done under sanitary conditions.
“God bless you, Elder, and all the others there.”
Tonight in my first district meeting with the other elders we discussed the importance of goals and set district, companion, and individual goals.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 18, 1970
My first night in Maceió, Wednesday, gave me the opportunity to meet a good hunk of the branch membership. At the home of Aldo Tenório, the branch president, the five elders gathered to attend a little going-away party for a family moving to Salvador, Bahia. I was given to understand that the branch here had only two families that were fully active as complete families: the branch president’s family and this family just leaving. Pois é! Aldo’s wife is related, a cousin I believe, to Lair Barbosa, the member I baptized in Meier in September. Lair is Lucia’s mother, the wife of Irmão Delfino. They now live in Tijuca. Lucia sent em mãos a letter to them.
The last few days have gone by really fast. We have been busy, but working in a threesome has not helped efficiency. Already I am figuring out which direction is which in this town. Last night the three of us, with Aldo and his wife, taught a second lesson to Meuze Pinto and his wife. A good family, but they have their problems.
Elder Seal has been using the last few days filling me in on information concerning the branch, the members, the city, etc. It has been nice having him around.
The last few days have gone by really fast. We have been busy, but working in a threesome has not helped efficiency. Already I am figuring out which direction is which in this town. Last night the three of us, with Aldo and his wife, taught a second lesson to Meuze Pinto and his wife. A good family, but they have their problems.
Elder Seal has been using the last few days filling me in on information concerning the branch, the members, the city, etc. It has been nice having him around.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 15, 1970
This evening I entered the city of Maceió. After three days of traveling, it was good once again to be “home.” By some luck I timed my arrival to coincide with the hour the elders were eating dinner. The brethren here rent two houses side by side, all one building, and eat together. My arrival was rather exciting for everybody, although Elder Seal was not thrilled at the idea of leaving this place. Elder Randy Prisbrey, from Las Vegas, is my new companion. Elders Stephen Camargo and Michael Bradshaw make up the other half of the district.
Here is a little background. Last night about 10:30 Elder Hendrickson and I arrived in Recife, Pernambuco. Our trip had been without incident. An exciting part, or at least colorful part, was a ferry trip across the São Francisco River yesterday at noon, a stop in a very degenerate town called Penêdo, Alagoas, for lunch, and traveling on dirt roads through much of the states of Sergipe and Alagoas. We spent the night with the elders in Recife, and then I left for Maceió at 1:00 this afternoon, arriving four and a half hours later. And so here I am.
Here is a little background. Last night about 10:30 Elder Hendrickson and I arrived in Recife, Pernambuco. Our trip had been without incident. An exciting part, or at least colorful part, was a ferry trip across the São Francisco River yesterday at noon, a stop in a very degenerate town called Penêdo, Alagoas, for lunch, and traveling on dirt roads through much of the states of Sergipe and Alagoas. We spent the night with the elders in Recife, and then I left for Maceió at 1:00 this afternoon, arriving four and a half hours later. And so here I am.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 13, 1970
As I consider how quickly the last seven months passed, it causes some concern as to how rapidly the remaining eight months will slip by. How fruitful and productive those months will be is largely mine to determine. Success in missionary work is when preparation meets opportunity.
Yesterday my heart swelled with gratitude as I realized that both the Meier and Cascadura branches are individually stronger and larger than the single Meier Branch I came to seven months ago. To see in such a short time the building of the kingdom and the strengthening of Zion is most gratifying. Next Sunday, which I will be missing, is another district quarterly conference. An attendance of 1,400 is expected. The goal in January was 1,000, and 1,150 Saints attended. The Lord’s work is going forward!
Learning of new stakes in Lima and Tokyo made me happy. An article in the last Liahona indicated that before the end of 1970 there could be nine or ten new stakes in Brazil (São Paulo’s two stakes becoming two or three more, with stakes also in seven other cities, one of which is Rio). The Church is growing faster in Brazil than in any other nation in the world except the United States. Wow! It is exciting and humbling to be a partner with destiny.
After coming home from church and my last meal at Bob’s, I started the fun task of bag packing. Saying good-bye to the elders in the district proved to be more difficult than even the members, particularly Elders Axtell, Smith, and Weeks. I had grown close to each of them. Because of the transfer and to keep anybody from spending the night alone or getting up early when I did, Elder Warner spent the night with Elders Smith and Meyer, and Elders Clark and Axtell stayed with me. After packing, Elder Axtell and I stayed up until 3:30 talking. Precious hours of communion with a special soul. I am grateful for his brotherhood and friendship.
At 6:45 this morning our bus pulled out of the rodoviária. Elder John Hendrickson, on transfer to João Pessoa, is my traveling companion. Our bus is a 17-passenger leito, which cares for our every need. As far as bus travel goes we are having a comfortable journey.
Periodically there is a rest or an eat stop. We paused in Três Rios, in the state of Rio de Janeiro; at noon for lunch in Muriae, in the state of Minas Gerais; and Teófilo Otoni, also in Minas Gerais. Brazil is a beautiful country. This morning we passed through a tropical forest in the state of Rio and later across hilly grasslands in Minas.
On the bus ride I wrote the following letter to my family:
Yesterday my heart swelled with gratitude as I realized that both the Meier and Cascadura branches are individually stronger and larger than the single Meier Branch I came to seven months ago. To see in such a short time the building of the kingdom and the strengthening of Zion is most gratifying. Next Sunday, which I will be missing, is another district quarterly conference. An attendance of 1,400 is expected. The goal in January was 1,000, and 1,150 Saints attended. The Lord’s work is going forward!
Learning of new stakes in Lima and Tokyo made me happy. An article in the last Liahona indicated that before the end of 1970 there could be nine or ten new stakes in Brazil (São Paulo’s two stakes becoming two or three more, with stakes also in seven other cities, one of which is Rio). The Church is growing faster in Brazil than in any other nation in the world except the United States. Wow! It is exciting and humbling to be a partner with destiny.
After coming home from church and my last meal at Bob’s, I started the fun task of bag packing. Saying good-bye to the elders in the district proved to be more difficult than even the members, particularly Elders Axtell, Smith, and Weeks. I had grown close to each of them. Because of the transfer and to keep anybody from spending the night alone or getting up early when I did, Elder Warner spent the night with Elders Smith and Meyer, and Elders Clark and Axtell stayed with me. After packing, Elder Axtell and I stayed up until 3:30 talking. Precious hours of communion with a special soul. I am grateful for his brotherhood and friendship.
At 6:45 this morning our bus pulled out of the rodoviária. Elder John Hendrickson, on transfer to João Pessoa, is my traveling companion. Our bus is a 17-passenger leito, which cares for our every need. As far as bus travel goes we are having a comfortable journey.
Periodically there is a rest or an eat stop. We paused in Três Rios, in the state of Rio de Janeiro; at noon for lunch in Muriae, in the state of Minas Gerais; and Teófilo Otoni, also in Minas Gerais. Brazil is a beautiful country. This morning we passed through a tropical forest in the state of Rio and later across hilly grasslands in Minas.
On the bus ride I wrote the following letter to my family:
Dear family,
Please excuse this letter if it starts looking a bit sloppy. I am writing it on a bus as we are heading out of Rio de Janeiro for parts unknown. Get out a map and search around for northeastern Brazil (the part that sticks out towards Africa) for a city called Maceió in the state of Alagoas. That will be my new home for the next few months.
We just finished a lunch stop in a town called Muriaé in the state of Minas Gerais. We left Rio at 7:00 this morning and will reach Recife, Pernambuco, tomorrow night about 10:30—or, in other words, about a 40-hour trip by bus. This is a big country, and we aren’t even covering half of it. After arriving in Recife we will stay overnight with the elders there, and the next morning (Wednesday) I’ll take a four-hour bus trip to Maceió. My traveling companion is going on to João Pessoa, Paraiba.
The territory we are covering now is quite hilly grassland with occasional patches of farmland. The air smells so fresh and the sky appears so blue here in Minas Gerais. I guess spending an entire year and four months in Rio’s smog and congestion and traffic made me forget what clean air and sky were like. Earlier this morning we traveled through a most beautiful tropical forest while still in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil has 22 states. Until today I knew only two of them: Guanabara, where the city of Rio de Janeiro is, and the state of Rio de Janeiro. By the end of this trip I will have also been in the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, and Pernambuco.
Last Saturday night I learned I was to be transferred but did not know where. Sunday afternoon I went to the mission home to pick up my tickets and to learn of my new assignment. Later Sunday afternoon, at sacrament meeting, I realized how attached I had become to the branch and its members in the seven months I labored there.
The Brazilians are a warm, emotional people, a people you grow to love very much, and you might imagine, therefore, what an experience it was to say good-bye to all of them. I had served as branch organist most of the seven months and so found myself to be more known than I had ever imagined. It was kind of like being hero of the night. Then after all that I had to pack, and here I am this morning, or rather afternoon now, traveling.
As I consider how quickly the last seven months passed, it causes some concern as to how rapidly the remaining eight months will slip by. How fruitful and productive those months will be is largely mine to determine. Success in missionary work, or probably in any work, is when preparation meets opportunity.
Yesterday my heart swelled with gratitude as I realized that both branches were individually stronger and larger than the single branch I came to seven months ago. To see in such a short time the building of the kingdom and the strengthening of Zion is most gratifying.
Next Sunday, which I will be missing, is another district quarterly conference, at which at attendance of 1,400 is expected. The goal in January was 1,000, and some 1,150 Saints attended. The Lord’s work is going forward! Learning of new stakes in Lima, Peru, and Tokyo, Japan, made me happy. An article in the last Liahona said that before the end of 1970 there could likely be nine or ten new stakes in Brazil, São Paulo’s two stakes becoming two or three more, with stakes also in seven other cities, one of which could be Rio. The Church is growing faster in Brazil than in any other nation of the world except the United States! Wow! It is exciting and humbling to be a partner with destiny.
Look on page 24 of the February 1970 Improvement Era. Have you ever seen a more beautiful picture of Sister McKay?
May the choicest blessings of heaven be yours. Smile and be happy. Until some other time, tchau.
My new address will be:
Élder Dean B. Cleverly
Caixa Postal 273
Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 12, 1970
As Elder Warner and I returned home last night from our weekly visit to Irmão Gilberto and his good wife Laura, Elder Ferrin and his companion were waiting for us. Immediately I expected something was up because the zone leader does not drop in at 10:30 at night just to chat, especially when he would see us the next day at meetings. The “something up” was this: I was being transferred, to where he did not know, but a bus trip out of Rio. Here after a year and four months in Rio and vicinity, I was finally to see more of Brazil!
Another bit of new was that Elder Bill Smith was being called as a new district leader over the new Irajá District, which is being formed from the Ramos and Cascadura districts.
This morning we visited Elder Smith to tell him the good news. Then we visited Elders Axtell and Clark to tell them of my departure and to gather back everything they had borrowed from me. Next stop was to Elders Demke and Bertasso for the same reasons.
In the early afternoon Elder Smith and I went to the mission home while our companions stayed to bring investigators to church. Elder Smith came with me so I could fill him in on the duties, responsibilities, and opportunities of a district leader. I have a great respect for Elder Smith. He is fit for the job now his. I found it a rare treat to be able to spend my last afternoon in Rio with him.
Arriving at the mission home, we learned the following: I am going to Maceió, in the state of Alagoas, where I will replace Elder Seal as district leader and possible, as far as Elder Gale knew, serve as branch president. President Johnson, out of Rio this week, had written me a letter of instructions but had forgotten to leave it with Elder Gale. The trip starts tomorrow morning at 6:45. We arrive in Recife Tuesday night at 10:30, or 40 hours later. From Recife on Wednesday will be another four hours back to Maceió.
Sacrament meeting and the time thereafter was one big good-bye. For seven months working here made me quite attached to the members and fairly well known among them. I was given scores of wishes for success and happiness in my new assignment, for a safe journey, for a speedy return. The Brazilians are a warm, emotional people, and a people one grows to love very much, and it can be imagined, therefore, what an experience it was to personally say good-bye to all.
Another bit of new was that Elder Bill Smith was being called as a new district leader over the new Irajá District, which is being formed from the Ramos and Cascadura districts.
This morning we visited Elder Smith to tell him the good news. Then we visited Elders Axtell and Clark to tell them of my departure and to gather back everything they had borrowed from me. Next stop was to Elders Demke and Bertasso for the same reasons.
In the early afternoon Elder Smith and I went to the mission home while our companions stayed to bring investigators to church. Elder Smith came with me so I could fill him in on the duties, responsibilities, and opportunities of a district leader. I have a great respect for Elder Smith. He is fit for the job now his. I found it a rare treat to be able to spend my last afternoon in Rio with him.
Arriving at the mission home, we learned the following: I am going to Maceió, in the state of Alagoas, where I will replace Elder Seal as district leader and possible, as far as Elder Gale knew, serve as branch president. President Johnson, out of Rio this week, had written me a letter of instructions but had forgotten to leave it with Elder Gale. The trip starts tomorrow morning at 6:45. We arrive in Recife Tuesday night at 10:30, or 40 hours later. From Recife on Wednesday will be another four hours back to Maceió.
Sacrament meeting and the time thereafter was one big good-bye. For seven months working here made me quite attached to the members and fairly well known among them. I was given scores of wishes for success and happiness in my new assignment, for a safe journey, for a speedy return. The Brazilians are a warm, emotional people, and a people one grows to love very much, and it can be imagined, therefore, what an experience it was to personally say good-bye to all.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 10, 1970
Time slips away so very quickly. Tuesday was my father’s birthday. Number 55. On Wednesday I spent a few hours with Elder Meyer helping him finish up the second lesson. The same evening I worked again with Elder Axtell to teach a lineage lesson. I love the hours I spend with Elder Axtell. He is a special soul and working at being a very great missionary. I joy in his joy and thrill in his progress. I cherish his brotherhood and friendship.
Yesterday Elder Ferrin worked with me in our area. I always love that opportunity too. Last night I spent with Elder Demke teaching a sixth, interviewing for baptism, and teaching a first. The lady to be baptized is not yet ready. The first went really well. A super family.
Yesterday and today I have been feeling particularly happy, blessed with a joy and a gratitude for life and its fulness. Finally I begin to feel like a missionary. An overflowing, outreaching love stirs in my heart for my beloved associates in this marvelous work and for the warm friendliness of the Brazilian people. I love life. It is a joy to be alive. The tender mercies of a loving heaven are poured upon me continually.
Yesterday Elder Ferrin worked with me in our area. I always love that opportunity too. Last night I spent with Elder Demke teaching a sixth, interviewing for baptism, and teaching a first. The lady to be baptized is not yet ready. The first went really well. A super family.
Yesterday and today I have been feeling particularly happy, blessed with a joy and a gratitude for life and its fulness. Finally I begin to feel like a missionary. An overflowing, outreaching love stirs in my heart for my beloved associates in this marvelous work and for the warm friendliness of the Brazilian people. I love life. It is a joy to be alive. The tender mercies of a loving heaven are poured upon me continually.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 6, 1970
Today marks the 140th anniversary of the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the 1,970th anniversary of the birth of the Savior. In Salt Lake City the general conference is in its final sessions.
A special district project, by assignment from President Johnson, began today. From 8:00 to 12:00 noon every day this week we are to teach the lessons to Elder Meyer. He has not been able to grasp them on his own with the time he had before. Each elder will have his turn for a two-hour shift throughout the week. Today the entire district except Elders Bertasso, Axtell, and I stayed at Elder Smith’s to help out with Elder Meyer. The three of us headed for town. We took the film back to the mission office, went to a bookbinder, cashed, ate dinner, saw Good-bye, Mr. Chips, bought material to have pants made, and were home in time for district meeting. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, everybody else was waiting at Elder Smith’s, and in the end there was finally no time for a district meeting.
I worked with Elder Axtell this evening, teaching a fifth and a second lesson. It was nearly midnight before we were in bed. I stayed with Elder Axtell at his house.
I sent a birthday greeting to my father, Ivard R Cleverly: “First I wish to send my wishes to Dad for a most happy birthday, number 55 this year, if I am counting correctly. I had planned to send a tape, as last year, but I have no access to a recorder. Therefore, my expression of gratitude and love come transmitted on the written page. Before another year can wear away I will personally deliver the message, accompanied by a big abraço, a Brazilian embrace.”
The rest of the letter followed: “Last evening we had the marvelous opportunity to receive via satellite a broadcast of the first session of general conference. It was translated into Portuguese. Thus we were able to hear President Smith’s first conference address as President of the Church. He sounded vigorous and healthy. The choir and organ sounded marvelous.
“Friday we met again in zone conference. President Johnson’s counsel and talk were, as ever, inspiring and challenging. In the testimony session the Spirit was poured out upon us all in a remarkable manner. I think few moments in my life have I been so happy. In the opening session I had the chance to present a talk on the assigned subject ‘What Is an Effective Prayer?’
“May this letter find everybody happy and healthy. God bless you one and all.”
A special district project, by assignment from President Johnson, began today. From 8:00 to 12:00 noon every day this week we are to teach the lessons to Elder Meyer. He has not been able to grasp them on his own with the time he had before. Each elder will have his turn for a two-hour shift throughout the week. Today the entire district except Elders Bertasso, Axtell, and I stayed at Elder Smith’s to help out with Elder Meyer. The three of us headed for town. We took the film back to the mission office, went to a bookbinder, cashed, ate dinner, saw Good-bye, Mr. Chips, bought material to have pants made, and were home in time for district meeting. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, everybody else was waiting at Elder Smith’s, and in the end there was finally no time for a district meeting.
I worked with Elder Axtell this evening, teaching a fifth and a second lesson. It was nearly midnight before we were in bed. I stayed with Elder Axtell at his house.
I sent a birthday greeting to my father, Ivard R Cleverly: “First I wish to send my wishes to Dad for a most happy birthday, number 55 this year, if I am counting correctly. I had planned to send a tape, as last year, but I have no access to a recorder. Therefore, my expression of gratitude and love come transmitted on the written page. Before another year can wear away I will personally deliver the message, accompanied by a big abraço, a Brazilian embrace.”
The rest of the letter followed: “Last evening we had the marvelous opportunity to receive via satellite a broadcast of the first session of general conference. It was translated into Portuguese. Thus we were able to hear President Smith’s first conference address as President of the Church. He sounded vigorous and healthy. The choir and organ sounded marvelous.
“Friday we met again in zone conference. President Johnson’s counsel and talk were, as ever, inspiring and challenging. In the testimony session the Spirit was poured out upon us all in a remarkable manner. I think few moments in my life have I been so happy. In the opening session I had the chance to present a talk on the assigned subject ‘What Is an Effective Prayer?’
“May this letter find everybody happy and healthy. God bless you one and all.”
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, April 5, 1970
Today proved to be an eventful day. In the afternoon the branch met in Sunday School and sacrament meeting. We had stopped by Paulo’s home to bring them with us, but Paulo and his wife had left looking for houses. The kids would not come with us. The meetings were good, and I was most upset that they did not have the chance again to attend.
Immediately following the meetings we headed for Jorge Duarte’s home for a fireside for investigators scheduled at 7:30. The film Man’s Search for Happiness was shown.
Beginning at 7:00 and lasting until 9:00, the first session of general conference was broadcast by a local radio station. The session was translated into Portuguese and transmitted by satellite. Hearing the voice of the Prophet, President Joseph Fielding Smith, was a special treat. Elders Richard L. Evans, Franklin D. Richards, and Howard W. Hunter also spoke. President Smith’s address was his first conference talk as President of the Church. The Tabernacle Choir sounded marvelous. Since Elder Smith was directing the fireside, I stayed outside in front of Jorge’s home listening to all of the conference.
After the fireside, nearly 9:00, we finally broke our fast.
Immediately following the meetings we headed for Jorge Duarte’s home for a fireside for investigators scheduled at 7:30. The film Man’s Search for Happiness was shown.
Beginning at 7:00 and lasting until 9:00, the first session of general conference was broadcast by a local radio station. The session was translated into Portuguese and transmitted by satellite. Hearing the voice of the Prophet, President Joseph Fielding Smith, was a special treat. Elders Richard L. Evans, Franklin D. Richards, and Howard W. Hunter also spoke. President Smith’s address was his first conference talk as President of the Church. The Tabernacle Choir sounded marvelous. Since Elder Smith was directing the fireside, I stayed outside in front of Jorge’s home listening to all of the conference.
After the fireside, nearly 9:00, we finally broke our fast.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 4, 1970
This afternoon Elders Smith, Meyer, Clark, Axtell, Warner, and I were trying to receive by short-wave radio a live broadcast of the opening session of general conference beginning in Salt Lake City. We were unable to pick up anything. That was a bit of a disappointment.
Tonight when we visited Irmão Gilberto we held with him and his wife and also Irmã Missilda a family home evening, planned by us and directed by Gilberto. Dedication to duty and the necessity of church attendance themed the meeting.
Paulo and his family were marked today for baptism, but as I interviewed them last night following their home evening I found them to be quite unprepared still. Paulo still smokes. Some of them still drink coffee. All afternoon yesterday a Jehovah’s Witness was in their home telling them what was wrong with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They survived the attack, however.
This morning we visited Marluce (Miguel was not home), the first visit since Tuesday evening’s incident. She said nothing concerning it, although her attitude was somewhat cool. As we left she said she would see us the next day, adding with emphasis, se Deus quiser.
Tonight when we visited Irmão Gilberto we held with him and his wife and also Irmã Missilda a family home evening, planned by us and directed by Gilberto. Dedication to duty and the necessity of church attendance themed the meeting.
Paulo and his family were marked today for baptism, but as I interviewed them last night following their home evening I found them to be quite unprepared still. Paulo still smokes. Some of them still drink coffee. All afternoon yesterday a Jehovah’s Witness was in their home telling them what was wrong with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They survived the attack, however.
This morning we visited Marluce (Miguel was not home), the first visit since Tuesday evening’s incident. She said nothing concerning it, although her attitude was somewhat cool. As we left she said she would see us the next day, adding with emphasis, se Deus quiser.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday, April 3, 1970
Another zone conference today. My humble observation would call it the best of eight I have attended here in Brazil. We met, elders from the zones of Meier and Cascadura, in the Tijuca chapel at 8:30, in fasting to be prepared for the spiritual feast to be offered. President and Sister Johnson were attending.
Highlights of the day were the testimony session, in which hearts and souls were opened and shared, in which the Spirit was strongly felt, in which happiness hung heavy in the air; President Johnson’s inspired counsel and instruction; and a learning activity designed to start us in our study of the Doctrine and Covenants, which begins this week. The project was to rewrite any revelation from the modern book of scripture, trying to improve upon what the Lord had said, in accordance with the Lord’s challenge as registered in section 67, demonstrating once again that it is the work of God and not of man.
A panel discussion spoke of inspiring members to give referrals, how to share the work, how to prayerfully discern the lineage, and what is an effective prayer. I had the opportunity to present the last of these four topics. An innovation in this conference was the giving of spirituality reports by the district leaders instead of a report on hours and figures.
Elder Ronald Ferrin, Cascadura zone leader, conducted the morning session and Elder Paul Reidlinger, Meier zone leader, the afternoon session. Elder Michael Knight, assistant to the President, spoke on how to make lemonade. Whenever we get a lemon, a problem, we can at least make it into lemonade. “The Prayer of Faith” was the theme of still another talk. Elder Fischer provided a beautiful violin solo.
President Johnson related to us a sad, a shocking incident. A very sharp elder, whom I had the pleasure of knowing, was recently excommunicated and sent home because of moral transgression. To learn of the incident was a sting. As President Johnson explained the necessary details, I could feel and see the greatness of the President’s soul, the bigness of his heart. I do not care to record here the young man’s name. In regard for him we can let that be forgotten. Hopefully, he may repent and make all square with the Lord and with the Church and with himself.
Highlights of the day were the testimony session, in which hearts and souls were opened and shared, in which the Spirit was strongly felt, in which happiness hung heavy in the air; President Johnson’s inspired counsel and instruction; and a learning activity designed to start us in our study of the Doctrine and Covenants, which begins this week. The project was to rewrite any revelation from the modern book of scripture, trying to improve upon what the Lord had said, in accordance with the Lord’s challenge as registered in section 67, demonstrating once again that it is the work of God and not of man.
A panel discussion spoke of inspiring members to give referrals, how to share the work, how to prayerfully discern the lineage, and what is an effective prayer. I had the opportunity to present the last of these four topics. An innovation in this conference was the giving of spirituality reports by the district leaders instead of a report on hours and figures.
Elder Ronald Ferrin, Cascadura zone leader, conducted the morning session and Elder Paul Reidlinger, Meier zone leader, the afternoon session. Elder Michael Knight, assistant to the President, spoke on how to make lemonade. Whenever we get a lemon, a problem, we can at least make it into lemonade. “The Prayer of Faith” was the theme of still another talk. Elder Fischer provided a beautiful violin solo.
President Johnson related to us a sad, a shocking incident. A very sharp elder, whom I had the pleasure of knowing, was recently excommunicated and sent home because of moral transgression. To learn of the incident was a sting. As President Johnson explained the necessary details, I could feel and see the greatness of the President’s soul, the bigness of his heart. I do not care to record here the young man’s name. In regard for him we can let that be forgotten. Hopefully, he may repent and make all square with the Lord and with the Church and with himself.
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