Sunday, September 6, 1970

Today proved to be quite eventful. Apolinário and Idelta made it out to the meetings this morning. They brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Virginia had gone and picked them up. In testimony meeting Apolinário arose and through tears bore a beautiful testimony, which set the stage for one of the best meetings I’ve seen in this branch. Except for the conference with President Johnson in July, Apolinário has never made it out for the meetings on Sunday.

By coincidence, as we checked the postal box this afternoon, a letter had arrived from President Johnson with long-awaited news: the General Authorities had given approval for the baptism of Apolinário and Idelta. One of the most joyous moments of my life was to read that letter. Elder Blackham was very happy also, as were the members of Aldo’s family.

President Johnson also wrote the following note dated September 1: “I have just wanted for some time to write and express appreciation to you for your steadfast devotion to the work of the Lord. Your letters and reports are appreciated so much, not only for what is mentioned in them, but for the spirit so apparent as you write them. It is the same spirit with which you confront the many responsibilities and opportunities no matter where your assignment. I just wanted to say thank-you for all you have done, for all that you’re doing in Maceió—and the branch never looked better—and all that you will yet accomplish. It is a blessing to associate with you in this great work. May our Heavenly Father ever bless and be with you.”

The youth fireside was held at Nádia’s house. To get to know everybody better we played a variation of the “Newlyweds Game.” Inez and I won.

We had planned to leave this afternoon with Aldo to the fazenda and leave early in the morning from there for Paulo Afonso. Adriano became quite sick and had to stay in the casa de saúde from 4:00 until 10:00 receiving glucose. We spent the night, therefore, at Aldo’s. I went to bed early, about 9:00.