This week, like all others, was super busy! We had a lot of time to teach and a lot of time to find new investigators, so that is always a huge blessing! There were some interesting happenings during the week too. We had a Zone Leader Council Wednesday morning in Recife. These were the opening words from President Lanius: "From here on out, we are going to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with baptisms!" This first year that I have been here in Recife, I have watched as President Lanius has cleaned up shop here in the mission....there was a LOT of inefficiency and disobedience among the missionaries....we aren't perfect yet, but I don't even recognize this mission in perspective of the mission that I knew when I got here. One of the big problems back then was that the missionaries only cared about baptizing, and everything else was secondary....that was where some of the problems came up. This time around, I think that the mission has a much better foundation for such an emphasis on baptisms. I also believe that President Lanius, being intelligent and careful as he is, won't let the "apostasy" come back into this mission. I think that the mission is finally starting to get back up to it's real potential. This next year should be a pretty fun one.
More about details with the people we are teaching. Patricia, that inactive member of about 5 years, called us and told us that she was sincerely thinking about killing herself after her she found out that her nonmember boyfriend of 5 years has been cheating on her. We tried telling her that she needs to lean on the Lord. She doesn't even pray anymore. We told her that she would never truly be happy unless she invites God into her life. Her situation is complicated....she held us there talking with us for 4 hours.....she refuses to talk with anyone at church or to ask help from a friend. We want to help her, but she doesn't even want to help herself. We bore our testimonies to her of the Savior's love for her, and pleading with her to ask for Heavenly Father's help. All we can do now is pray.
On a more positive note, we saw a cute scene this week. While passing in front of Xavier and Branca's house the other day, we walked in on them sitting on their porch, each one with a gospel principles manual, reading to one another. That was a really touching sight for me. They are such humble, loving, sincere people! It was a good thought to help me on what was a being a rough day.
Thayris called us too. She was baptized 1 month ago, and since then, a few members have made comments to her about marriage...she's not as accustomed or excited about marriage as a majority of the young women of the church are....she had a rough role model with her parents, who divorced when she was still a baby. She also had some concerns about what happens in the temple. We told her not to worry about the bigger things right now. She is just starting on her journey through the gospel. Like Paul says in the New Testament, don't give meat to baby.....give the baby milk first, and when he is grown and stronger, give him the meat. It's the same thing with the principles of the gospel.
We taught a group of 3 families sunday night. We taught a group of about 15 people...that's always an interesting experience. There's usually some in the group that really aren't too interested in what you are saying, and some who are interested....you have to play to both sides! There should be some really solid investigators that will come out from this group.
Brazil had Sao Joao this week, which is a nation wide holiday. Why they celebrate it, I have no Idea, but I love it. The ward had a huge activity. Everyone was dancing and happy and dressed up. I was laughing the whole night. An activity like that gives so much new blood to the ward.
Well today we are going to the temple! What a treat and blessing that that is. The bus drivers are having a huge strike today, so let's see if we will be able to make it there! Everyday is a new opportunity to learn to love, smile, and serve. I am starting to look at my mission as a fleeing opportunity....time is ticking....I have to do my best to take advantage of every single second. The Lord has prepared me well to do this work....this last year has been so precious to me, but now, I'm ready to kick it up a notch. "Serve with all your HEART, MIND, MIGHT, and STRENGTH" has always something that I've strived for. I want to give the Lord my all....this is a sacred opportunity that I have to SERVE. I don't want to let it slip by! Thank you for all your prayers! I feel them lifting me up and helping me every single day!
Until next time,
-Elder McKinley
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