Wednesday I called Edmilson to serve as general secretary of the Aaronic Priesthood. He will be working somewhat as my assistant. I also called him to be the “father” of our youth home evening. We also combined to collect fast offerings tonight, which we did. That same day and again today Elder Blackham and I spent most of our efforts putting all the branch records in order and training our newly called secretarial force.
Tonight Elder Blackham worked with David Cavalcante de Melo while I was with Edmilson. I missed the best home evening that has probably ever been held in Aldo’s house. Sônia, Simone, and Fátima attended also. Each person was assigned another person and had to think of five specific reasons why he liked that person. After that anybody could add anything more they wanted. A testimony meeting followed. Elder Blackham reported it was one of the most precious experiences of his whole life.
Edmilson and I tonight collected Cr$57 in budget money. Starting this month the branch has to pay Cr$70, which is 20 percent of the rent. We also collected Cr$60 in tithes and fast offerings. Probably more fast offerings were collected tonight than in the whole year up to now.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 28, 1970
Yesterday was moving day. We spent several hours cleaning because the new house was really dirty. We had more stuff to move than we expected, which took a great deal of time too. Once while Elder Smith went into the shower to fill a bucket of water, the shower pipe came out of the caixa as he was turning it on. What a mess! Now we have a shower without a showerhead and a loose pipe into the caixa. We took our electric shower out of the old house, but it will not fit without a repair or two on the plumbing. Everybody except Elder Blackham will suffer through cold showers for a while. His body is already fairly conditioned.
Beginning today Elder Blackham and I returned to the old 6:00 getting up time. This was a result of Sunday night’s planning and evaluation session. Two immediate benefits are gained: more study time and no bathroom congestion. We will be finished showering before the other elders wake up at 6:30.
Good news arrived today. We saw Sônia, who was bubbling with joy and happier than ever. She received word from Belo Horizonte that Richard had been operated on with everything going well. Our prayers have been answered.
Beginning today Elder Blackham and I returned to the old 6:00 getting up time. This was a result of Sunday night’s planning and evaluation session. Two immediate benefits are gained: more study time and no bathroom congestion. We will be finished showering before the other elders wake up at 6:30.
Good news arrived today. We saw Sônia, who was bubbling with joy and happier than ever. She received word from Belo Horizonte that Richard had been operated on with everything going well. Our prayers have been answered.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 26, 1970
Another eventful day dawns upon us: the annual branch conference of the Maceió Branch. For the first time ever President and Sister Johnson are visiting our fair city on a Sunday. No priesthood meeting was held to allow time to rehearse the Primary children’s choir.
About 9:30 President and Sister Johnson arrived by car from Recife in company with Presidents Coleman and Soares from the district presidency. With a great deal of excitement in the air, the conference started promptly at 10:00. Some 41 members and visitors were present. Virginia had provided lovely prelude music.
Although President Johnson was presiding, I conducted the conference session. “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (“Vinde, ó santos”) was the opening hymn. Edmilson offered the invocation. President Soares presented for a sustaining vote the general, mission, district, and branch authorities of the Church. The children’s choir sang “There Is Beauty All Around” (“Tudo é belo em derredor”). I spoke concerning the growth of the Church, both worldwide and here in Maceió, and the difference between the Mormon Church, the organization, and the Church of Jesus Christ, the spiritual. Nádia spoke about personal testimony and Virginia concerning love in our daily lives. Brother Coleman spoke of worship of the living Christ. Singing next “I Am a Child of God” (“Sou um filho de Deus”), the children’s choir won its way into everybody’s hearts. President Soares, Sister Johnson, and President Johnson were the concluding speakers. I always love to hear Sister Johnson speak. The President talked about prayer and the necessity of more of it. We sang as closing hymn “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning.” And truly it was. Aldo offered the benediction.
Following the conference we presented to the President his birthday card, all two by three feet of it. He really enjoyed it. Everybody had a chance to sign it.
Among those at the conference were Apolinário and his wife Idelta. This is the first time since I’ve been here he has been out on a Sunday. Vera also attended. Even Adelia, Edmilson’s aunt, was out.
This afternoon Aldo took us out to eat at the Bar Ostra in Vergel. We ate shrimp, clams, and fish fried and baked. It was a pretty good feed.
Tonight the branch choir rehearsed and performed for the first time. Choir members are Suely, Inez, Nádia, Vitória, Edmilson, and Elders Blackham and Christensen. Elder Smith is director, and I am organist. Speakers tonight were Elder Smith and Simone.
About 9:30 President and Sister Johnson arrived by car from Recife in company with Presidents Coleman and Soares from the district presidency. With a great deal of excitement in the air, the conference started promptly at 10:00. Some 41 members and visitors were present. Virginia had provided lovely prelude music.
Although President Johnson was presiding, I conducted the conference session. “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (“Vinde, ó santos”) was the opening hymn. Edmilson offered the invocation. President Soares presented for a sustaining vote the general, mission, district, and branch authorities of the Church. The children’s choir sang “There Is Beauty All Around” (“Tudo é belo em derredor”). I spoke concerning the growth of the Church, both worldwide and here in Maceió, and the difference between the Mormon Church, the organization, and the Church of Jesus Christ, the spiritual. Nádia spoke about personal testimony and Virginia concerning love in our daily lives. Brother Coleman spoke of worship of the living Christ. Singing next “I Am a Child of God” (“Sou um filho de Deus”), the children’s choir won its way into everybody’s hearts. President Soares, Sister Johnson, and President Johnson were the concluding speakers. I always love to hear Sister Johnson speak. The President talked about prayer and the necessity of more of it. We sang as closing hymn “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning.” And truly it was. Aldo offered the benediction.
Following the conference we presented to the President his birthday card, all two by three feet of it. He really enjoyed it. Everybody had a chance to sign it.
Among those at the conference were Apolinário and his wife Idelta. This is the first time since I’ve been here he has been out on a Sunday. Vera also attended. Even Adelia, Edmilson’s aunt, was out.
This afternoon Aldo took us out to eat at the Bar Ostra in Vergel. We ate shrimp, clams, and fish fried and baked. It was a pretty good feed.
Tonight the branch choir rehearsed and performed for the first time. Choir members are Suely, Inez, Nádia, Vitória, Edmilson, and Elders Blackham and Christensen. Elder Smith is director, and I am organist. Speakers tonight were Elder Smith and Simone.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 25, 1970
For the second day in a row we were up at 4:30, today to make ready to leave for Recife on the 6:00 bus. We arrived four and a half hours later with the conference starting at 11:00. The conference theme, “The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,” emphasized the powers and responsibilities we have as priesthood holders. We listened to a taped talk by President Fredrick W. Babbel about his post-war experiences in Europe with Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Council of the Twelve.
In the afternoon session we saw the film Portrait of a Prophet on the life of President David O. McKay. I have seen it on several occasions before, but still tears of joy and love swelled up as I reviewed once again the life and teachings of one I loved, a prophet of God. As Elder Blackham put it, “It was a very beautiful experience.” And truly it was.
During our midday lunch we had a bit of a birthday party for President Johnson. He knew nothing of our baptisms until I presented him the 110-FP cards as Maceió’s gift to him. He received some other nice presents from a few of the Recife members and one from all the elders.
We left Recife at 6:00. Our return trip was quiet and uneventful. The day had been a great spiritual feast for us all.
In the afternoon session we saw the film Portrait of a Prophet on the life of President David O. McKay. I have seen it on several occasions before, but still tears of joy and love swelled up as I reviewed once again the life and teachings of one I loved, a prophet of God. As Elder Blackham put it, “It was a very beautiful experience.” And truly it was.
During our midday lunch we had a bit of a birthday party for President Johnson. He knew nothing of our baptisms until I presented him the 110-FP cards as Maceió’s gift to him. He received some other nice presents from a few of the Recife members and one from all the elders.
We left Recife at 6:00. Our return trip was quiet and uneventful. The day had been a great spiritual feast for us all.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 24, 1970
Early this morning, beginning at 6:00, a baptism service was held for Vitória Medeiros de Melo and her brothers, Agamemnon, David, Moyses, and Williams. These are the first baptisms in Maceió since last October, when Edmilson was baptized. He performed two of today’s baptisms. Elders Smith and Christensen also baptized. The service itself was held at the chapel. Inez spoke. Elders Blackham and Christensen sang “The Lord Is My Shepherd” as a special number. As we resorted to the beach, it was trying hard to rain on us, and did a little.
Last night we held at the chapel our own special Pioneer Day party. It turned out really sharp, with 39 people in attendance. First we showed a slide presentation we had arranged complete with narration. Then followed various games such as 3-legged races, sack races, tug-of-war, bobbing for apples, the whistle after eating a cracker game, and the pass the orange under the chin game. Topping off the festivities were chocolate chip cookies, billed as pioneer cookies (bolachas pioneiras), made by Dona Creuza. As far as we have record, this was the first Pioneer Day celebration ever held in Maceió.
President Johnson celebrates his birthday today. We plan to give him a big card when he comes Sunday. The 110-FP cards from the baptisms should make a nice present too.
Yesterday afternoon Elders Smith and Blackham made the volleyball standards for the church. From Elder Blackham’s own account: “Anyway we then went to the church and mixed up enough cement to make a house. Then we found out it wasn’t even enough to fill up two old tires. Pois é!! What a hassle!! and a lot of work too. But finally we arrived at the end of our pipe embedded in a tire full of cement. Looks like volleyball here we come!!”
During most of today Elder Blackham and I distributed to the members a budget letter I have prepared to announce that the branch has to pay 20 percent of its expenses. Each family was suggested a specific monthly amount. I also put in a plug for tithing and fast offerings. All of the families we visited agreed that it was an excellent idea and said they would pay.
Tonight we went home teaching: Aldo with Elder Christensen, Elder Blackham with Elder Smith, and Edmilson with me. We made sure everybody knew about Sunday’s conference and had them sign President Johnson’s birthday card. I was disappointed in Elders Blackham and Smith when they showed up at Sônia and Simone’s place when I told them not to go.
It really rained tonight.
Last night we held at the chapel our own special Pioneer Day party. It turned out really sharp, with 39 people in attendance. First we showed a slide presentation we had arranged complete with narration. Then followed various games such as 3-legged races, sack races, tug-of-war, bobbing for apples, the whistle after eating a cracker game, and the pass the orange under the chin game. Topping off the festivities were chocolate chip cookies, billed as pioneer cookies (bolachas pioneiras), made by Dona Creuza. As far as we have record, this was the first Pioneer Day celebration ever held in Maceió.
President Johnson celebrates his birthday today. We plan to give him a big card when he comes Sunday. The 110-FP cards from the baptisms should make a nice present too.
Yesterday afternoon Elders Smith and Blackham made the volleyball standards for the church. From Elder Blackham’s own account: “Anyway we then went to the church and mixed up enough cement to make a house. Then we found out it wasn’t even enough to fill up two old tires. Pois é!! What a hassle!! and a lot of work too. But finally we arrived at the end of our pipe embedded in a tire full of cement. Looks like volleyball here we come!!”
During most of today Elder Blackham and I distributed to the members a budget letter I have prepared to announce that the branch has to pay 20 percent of its expenses. Each family was suggested a specific monthly amount. I also put in a plug for tithing and fast offerings. All of the families we visited agreed that it was an excellent idea and said they would pay.
Tonight we went home teaching: Aldo with Elder Christensen, Elder Blackham with Elder Smith, and Edmilson with me. We made sure everybody knew about Sunday’s conference and had them sign President Johnson’s birthday card. I was disappointed in Elders Blackham and Smith when they showed up at Sônia and Simone’s place when I told them not to go.
It really rained tonight.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 22, 1970
Tonight we held a surprise birthday party for Sônia at Aldo’s house. It came off like a champ. She really enjoyed it and even smiled most of the time, a big order for Sônia. Today is not really her birthday. It was June 22. We pretended like we didn’t know we were a month late. It made it easier to keep it a surprise. Everybody sang “Happy birthday” to both her and me.
Primary yesterday had poor attendance, including the absence of Virginia, the president. The children’s choir is progressing still. Relief Society fell through yesterday because Virginia couldn’t make it, and Zezira stayed home with Richard, who is pretty sick.
Elder Smith and I taught a sixth and lineage lesson to Vitória and company. I interviewed Vitória, Agamemnon, David, and Williams. Moyses will be taught and interviewed tomorrow.
Yesterday afternoon we rented a new house on our same street, Rua Sete de Setembro, 144. We move Monday. It is a much nicer place than where we are at now. We will all be living together. The rent is Cr$270 a month. We have been paying Cr$260 for the two holes we live in.
We spent some time today preparing a slide presentation for our pioneer party.
Primary yesterday had poor attendance, including the absence of Virginia, the president. The children’s choir is progressing still. Relief Society fell through yesterday because Virginia couldn’t make it, and Zezira stayed home with Richard, who is pretty sick.
Elder Smith and I taught a sixth and lineage lesson to Vitória and company. I interviewed Vitória, Agamemnon, David, and Williams. Moyses will be taught and interviewed tomorrow.
Yesterday afternoon we rented a new house on our same street, Rua Sete de Setembro, 144. We move Monday. It is a much nicer place than where we are at now. We will all be living together. The rent is Cr$270 a month. We have been paying Cr$260 for the two holes we live in.
We spent some time today preparing a slide presentation for our pioneer party.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 20, 1970
This morning I waxed brave and wrote a letter to President Joseph Fielding Smith, sending birthday greetings. I reminded him of a visit Jerry and I paid to him four years ago in his Salt Lake apartment. I even asked him to write a brief letter of encouragement to the branch if he had time. We put in a good word for President Johnson and expressed our love and loyalty to the Prophet.
At Aldo’s tonight we had another sharp home evening. Sônia and Simone attended. I think everybody had a sharp and happy night.
At Aldo’s tonight we had another sharp home evening. Sônia and Simone attended. I think everybody had a sharp and happy night.
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