Every night without fail we have a ceremony designed to insure a reasonable night’s sleep. Due to the popularity of mosquitoes, we have a net that hangs all over our beds to keep the rasty little pests out. As we pull it down each night, there begins a five- or ten-minute ritual of killing, by clapping our hands upon them, the braver ones who insist on staying inside.
On Thursday I worked with Elder Bradshaw in our area while Elder Blackham worked with Elder Camargo in the other area. Our efforts were all tracting. During the afternoon we spoke with a man who had been Pentecostal but could not take the fanaticism involved therein (his own words). His mind was tickled and challenged by the idea of apostles and prophets on the earth today. He marked a visit with us.
Yesterday a new monetary system went into effect in Brazil. The cruzeiro novo has been replaced by a new denomination known just as cruzeiro. The new notes, colorfully bright bills of modern design, are being printed here in Brazil. Before all money was printed in England and the United States. One new cruzeiro has the same value as an old cruzeiro novo (or 1.000 cruzeiros velhos), popularly called conto, or conno in missionary talk.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 12, 1970
Upon my mind recently have been impressed the following thoughts: He who would be a disciple of Jesus Christ must be the servant of all. Righteousness is power. Sacrifice brings forth heaven’s blessings. The gospel, when its ordinances and principles are faithfully obeyed, is the power of God unto salvation; it is real; here and now our lives can be changed, uplifted, sanctified.
Yesterday, being preparation day, we attended Charly, a film about a mentally retarded person who becomes a genius following a certain operation but finally reverts back to his original condition. It had some significant social commentary. In district meeting we discussed changes in the handbook, goals, and faith. In relation to the latter, I told the story of Jonathon and his armor bearer discovering themselves unto the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 14). We held family home evening with Aldo after spending the early evening tracting.
Today we directed our tracting efforts to Vergel, a very poor section of the city. The lineage population is quite high, nearly everybody, and our methods are to stop at houses where lighter kids are playing in front, or at houses that are newer or recently painted or well kept, or at houses that we feel inspired to hit up.
Yesterday, being preparation day, we attended Charly, a film about a mentally retarded person who becomes a genius following a certain operation but finally reverts back to his original condition. It had some significant social commentary. In district meeting we discussed changes in the handbook, goals, and faith. In relation to the latter, I told the story of Jonathon and his armor bearer discovering themselves unto the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 14). We held family home evening with Aldo after spending the early evening tracting.
Today we directed our tracting efforts to Vergel, a very poor section of the city. The lineage population is quite high, nearly everybody, and our methods are to stop at houses where lighter kids are playing in front, or at houses that are newer or recently painted or well kept, or at houses that we feel inspired to hit up.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 10, 1970
Reading in the March Improvement Era, I was most impressed with what President Joseph Fielding Smith had to say on his first Editor’s Page concerning testimony. Note this: “It is my firm conviction that every member of this Church should be able to bear witness and declare by words of soberness that these things are true, that the Book of Mormon is true, that the destiny of this latter-day work is true, and that, according to the revelations, it must and will be fulfilled.”
And for those who have not such a witness, he outlines how to obtain it. I am grateful that I have such a knowledge and am commissioned to declare it to the world.
Today is Mother’s Day. Significant in today’s meetings was the organization of the MIA, with Edmilson and Inez called to serve as superintendent and president. Alexandre will serve as secretary. Elder Blackham spoke in sacrament meeting. Word came of a district conference May 24 in Recife with President Johnson attending. That means there will be a zone conference and hopefully a visit by the President here in Maceió. Following sacrament meeting Elder Camargo held an orientation meeting with the new MIA board. He has much MIA experience. While waiting, we were working up a musical number.
And for those who have not such a witness, he outlines how to obtain it. I am grateful that I have such a knowledge and am commissioned to declare it to the world.
Today is Mother’s Day. Significant in today’s meetings was the organization of the MIA, with Edmilson and Inez called to serve as superintendent and president. Alexandre will serve as secretary. Elder Blackham spoke in sacrament meeting. Word came of a district conference May 24 in Recife with President Johnson attending. That means there will be a zone conference and hopefully a visit by the President here in Maceió. Following sacrament meeting Elder Camargo held an orientation meeting with the new MIA board. He has much MIA experience. While waiting, we were working up a musical number.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, May 8, 1970
Last night Elder Prisbrey and I taught an interest lesson to a man named Idaleme and his family (it would have been a first but time prevented that) and then a second lesson to Agatânjalo. He was very interested in the Book of Mormon but merely for intellectual curiosity and not for the spiritual message it conveys.
During the earlier part of the day Elder Camargo and I tracted together. This is the second time I had worked with him. Last fall, while he was in Tijuca and I in Ramos, we had spent a morning together while Elder Gibbs and Ferrin, whom I was working with that day, got together for a song practice.
Today is transfer time. Last night about 11:30 an elder arrived from Fortaleza to replace Elder Prisbrey. His name is Elder Dana Blackham. He pounded on the door, clapped, and shouted but could not awaken us. He finally awoke the other two elders and spent the night there. This morning we learned of his presence.
Elder Prisbrey left at 6:00 P.M. for Recife, where he will be laboring now. He spent the day packing and getting ready to go. This afternoon he told Virginia and some of the kids good-bye and spoke with Aldo on the phone.
During the earlier part of the day Elder Camargo and I tracted together. This is the second time I had worked with him. Last fall, while he was in Tijuca and I in Ramos, we had spent a morning together while Elder Gibbs and Ferrin, whom I was working with that day, got together for a song practice.
Today is transfer time. Last night about 11:30 an elder arrived from Fortaleza to replace Elder Prisbrey. His name is Elder Dana Blackham. He pounded on the door, clapped, and shouted but could not awaken us. He finally awoke the other two elders and spent the night there. This morning we learned of his presence.
Elder Prisbrey left at 6:00 P.M. for Recife, where he will be laboring now. He spent the day packing and getting ready to go. This afternoon he told Virginia and some of the kids good-bye and spoke with Aldo on the phone.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 6, 1970
The neighbors loaned us a record player for the week, and we borrowed an album of the Tabernacle Choir, The Lord’s Prayer, from Aldo to play during our meals for a few days. Certainly an inspiring back-drop for any occasion!
Rain again. This afternoon we took advantage of not being able to tract and grabbed a bus to Fernão Velho, a little town about 45 minutes out of Maceió, to check it out as a possibility as a working area. It is a peaceful village snuggled against the green hills and nestled beside the Mandaú Lake, charming in this beautiful setting. A textile mill seems to be the only attraction to the place. The inhabitants are very poor, and the lineage very high, making it useless as a present working area.
This evening, for the first time, we took time out because of further rain to go to the chapel and work on the records. All week I have tried to get Aldo’s help, but he has been very busy. Everything but the financial report I was able to take care of without his aid.
Elder Prisbrey is a good man. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with him. His loyal support and friendly companionship are greatly appreciated.
Rain again. This afternoon we took advantage of not being able to tract and grabbed a bus to Fernão Velho, a little town about 45 minutes out of Maceió, to check it out as a possibility as a working area. It is a peaceful village snuggled against the green hills and nestled beside the Mandaú Lake, charming in this beautiful setting. A textile mill seems to be the only attraction to the place. The inhabitants are very poor, and the lineage very high, making it useless as a present working area.
This evening, for the first time, we took time out because of further rain to go to the chapel and work on the records. All week I have tried to get Aldo’s help, but he has been very busy. Everything but the financial report I was able to take care of without his aid.
Elder Prisbrey is a good man. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with him. His loyal support and friendly companionship are greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 4, 1970
A few days ago a letter came from Karen. It was good to hear from her once again. I thrilled to share in her happiness and joy. At the end of May she is being married in the Salt Lake Temple to a young man from her BYU ward, the elders quorum president. It sounds like she is in good hands. I returned today a letter of congratulations.
Yesterday was fast Sunday. In preparation for it, Saturday evening Aldo, Edmilson, and the four elders went out as home teachers to contact all the members, active and inactive, to invite them to the meetings. Investigators were expected, and we wanted a sharp and full meeting. For the meetings yesterday attendance was normal, and only one investigator showed up, but the Spirit’s influence was strongly felt. In Sunday School I taught a lesson on fast offerings and tithes, which turned out successful according to Aldo’s remarks in testimony meeting because it seems to have reconverted him to that principle of the gospel.
A delicious Sunday dinner followed the meetings at Aldo’s home, including a big luscious chocolate cake baked for Elder Bradshaw’s birthday.
Sunday afternoon I received my first letters from home since arrival in Maceió, five all at once that were forwarded from Rio. One was from Dale. The rest were from Jerry, containing newspaper clippings about conference. From what some of the Brethren indicate it appears that the so-called “golden age” of Mormonism may be passing and we can expect a few storms ahead with good old-fashioned (and likely some new) persecution. Elder Prisbrey and I discussing it during the afternoon were impressed at the close timing between President McKay’s passing and the breaking of the storms related to the Church’s lineage doctrine.
I wrote the following letter to Jerry: “Yesterday and today I received your letters, forwarded from Rio, that you sent April 9 and April 14, including all the conference clippings. Thanks so muchly for all that—news is slow in reaching this corner of the world.
“It sounds like the ‘golden age’ of Mormonism, so called, is an era that is passing. Notice how closely timed was the passing of President McKay with the breaking of the first storms. Each president of the Church has played a particular role, was the best man to lead the development of the kingdom in his own time. President McKay made the Church worldwide and respected. President Smith is just the man to lead us through gathering storms. This is the Lord’s work. He is at the helm and the work cannot fail. And all of us with a burning testimony, given of God, of the divinity of this latter-day work will follow the counsel of heaven-inspired apostles and prophets and not the whims and sophistries and cunning devices of men.
“It is my prayer that everything is going well on the home front. It sounds like life is a joy. May the Lord’s blessings ever be with you.”
Today was a day of rest and preparation and business. I had pictures taken, visited a tailor to have a pair of pants made, bought a Mother’s Day card, wrote several letters, filled out reports, etc. District meeting at five o’clock centered on the theme of spirituality. Elder Camargo gave a talk on that subject.
We visited Aldo and family tonight for home evening. We briefly discussed their reading assignments and then held a family inventory session, with ways each member suggested that the family might improve.
Yesterday was fast Sunday. In preparation for it, Saturday evening Aldo, Edmilson, and the four elders went out as home teachers to contact all the members, active and inactive, to invite them to the meetings. Investigators were expected, and we wanted a sharp and full meeting. For the meetings yesterday attendance was normal, and only one investigator showed up, but the Spirit’s influence was strongly felt. In Sunday School I taught a lesson on fast offerings and tithes, which turned out successful according to Aldo’s remarks in testimony meeting because it seems to have reconverted him to that principle of the gospel.
A delicious Sunday dinner followed the meetings at Aldo’s home, including a big luscious chocolate cake baked for Elder Bradshaw’s birthday.
Sunday afternoon I received my first letters from home since arrival in Maceió, five all at once that were forwarded from Rio. One was from Dale. The rest were from Jerry, containing newspaper clippings about conference. From what some of the Brethren indicate it appears that the so-called “golden age” of Mormonism may be passing and we can expect a few storms ahead with good old-fashioned (and likely some new) persecution. Elder Prisbrey and I discussing it during the afternoon were impressed at the close timing between President McKay’s passing and the breaking of the storms related to the Church’s lineage doctrine.
I wrote the following letter to Jerry: “Yesterday and today I received your letters, forwarded from Rio, that you sent April 9 and April 14, including all the conference clippings. Thanks so muchly for all that—news is slow in reaching this corner of the world.
“It sounds like the ‘golden age’ of Mormonism, so called, is an era that is passing. Notice how closely timed was the passing of President McKay with the breaking of the first storms. Each president of the Church has played a particular role, was the best man to lead the development of the kingdom in his own time. President McKay made the Church worldwide and respected. President Smith is just the man to lead us through gathering storms. This is the Lord’s work. He is at the helm and the work cannot fail. And all of us with a burning testimony, given of God, of the divinity of this latter-day work will follow the counsel of heaven-inspired apostles and prophets and not the whims and sophistries and cunning devices of men.
“It is my prayer that everything is going well on the home front. It sounds like life is a joy. May the Lord’s blessings ever be with you.”
Today was a day of rest and preparation and business. I had pictures taken, visited a tailor to have a pair of pants made, bought a Mother’s Day card, wrote several letters, filled out reports, etc. District meeting at five o’clock centered on the theme of spirituality. Elder Camargo gave a talk on that subject.
We visited Aldo and family tonight for home evening. We briefly discussed their reading assignments and then held a family inventory session, with ways each member suggested that the family might improve.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Saturday, May 2, 1970
During the past two days we had visitors from Recife, Elders Christiansen, zone leader, and Dabbling. They arrived Thursday at noon and left last evening to make the four-hour bus trip back to Recife. Elder Christiansen worked with Elder Camargo Thursday afternoon, Elder Bradshaw Thursday night, Elder Prisbrey Friday morning, and me Friday afternoon. A special district meeting held yesterday gave Elder Christiansen an opportunity to speak to us. He was quite impressed with the city of Maceió. He chose in his talk to emphasize spirituality. Having the elders here in the city was an animating experience for all of us.
Elder Prisbrey was mentioning that every time the zone leader visits things go wrong and abnormal conditions exist. Yesterday was another Brazilian holiday, the equivalent of our Labor Day. Therefore nothing was open, and when Dona Creuza showed up she had been unable to buy anything for breakfast. We just happened to be out of food. Dona Creuza has been sick, and we decided to send her home for the day. We bopped up to the Sayonara for breakfast (and later for lunch), only to find it closed. We ate lunch in an expensive restaurant, breakfast in a bar.
Today is Elder Bradshaw’s 21st birthday. He has been very sick with a bad cold, having spent last evening in bed. Today he seems a bit better. Thursday morning, before the elders from Recife showed up, I worked with Elder Bradshaw for the first time. He is a good man.
Thursday evening we taught a first lesson to a doctor name Agatânjalo Vasconcellos. His first name is a Greek word meaning “good messenger.” He completely followed the lesson and its logic, realizing our message made sense, but he is not looking for anything better in his life and has no desire to be a part of it, nor to find out for himself if it is true.
Early Thursday morning, about 3:30, I awoke to find raindrops dripping on my bed and me. A most disconcerting development! It had been raining hard all night and finally started to leak in. I got up, still half asleep, to fetch Elder Prisbrey’s raincoat to try to defend myself.
The mail brought glad tidings yesterday: report forms from the mission office. We have been out for some time.
Elder Prisbrey was mentioning that every time the zone leader visits things go wrong and abnormal conditions exist. Yesterday was another Brazilian holiday, the equivalent of our Labor Day. Therefore nothing was open, and when Dona Creuza showed up she had been unable to buy anything for breakfast. We just happened to be out of food. Dona Creuza has been sick, and we decided to send her home for the day. We bopped up to the Sayonara for breakfast (and later for lunch), only to find it closed. We ate lunch in an expensive restaurant, breakfast in a bar.
Today is Elder Bradshaw’s 21st birthday. He has been very sick with a bad cold, having spent last evening in bed. Today he seems a bit better. Thursday morning, before the elders from Recife showed up, I worked with Elder Bradshaw for the first time. He is a good man.
Thursday evening we taught a first lesson to a doctor name Agatânjalo Vasconcellos. His first name is a Greek word meaning “good messenger.” He completely followed the lesson and its logic, realizing our message made sense, but he is not looking for anything better in his life and has no desire to be a part of it, nor to find out for himself if it is true.
Early Thursday morning, about 3:30, I awoke to find raindrops dripping on my bed and me. A most disconcerting development! It had been raining hard all night and finally started to leak in. I got up, still half asleep, to fetch Elder Prisbrey’s raincoat to try to defend myself.
The mail brought glad tidings yesterday: report forms from the mission office. We have been out for some time.
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