What a week! I can't believe how many miracles we saw in our zone this week! In the start of the week, we had planned to have 5 baptism in the zone.....we ended up having 9! The Lord's hand was made manifest in our area....his angels have been working hard to sustain our work and prayers. This has been one of the funnest weeks of my mission!
One of the members is a cop and I had fun w/his gun
Now a member of the Internacional Soccer Team
We ended up doing about 7 baptismal interviews this week....we made about 5 trips between all the many cities in our zone. I saw some very very special people being touched by the spirit during this week. All of these baptisms were well prepared, mature people. I had the privilege of interviewing many of them for baptism. We ourselves we are also blessed to have 2 baptisms here in the Jardim São Paulo ward. We have been working with a less-active family for quite some time. We baptized their two daughters, Leticia and Lyanna. The parents are separated and aren't on very good terms. They sat on opposite sides of the chapel during the baptismal service. I know that the dad felt the spirit during the service, especially when his two little daughters got up to sing. What I'm sure was even more powerful for him, was seeing the bishop in the water performing an ordnance that he himself should have been doing, if he were only worthy. I'm hopeful that it will help to get the dad back to church. The girls in the meantime, are living with their grandma who is strong in the church.
Leticia and Lyanna's baptism
During this action packed week, I interviewed a man named Edilson. The missionaries found him and his wife knocking doors (miracle!). This man is not ordinary. His faith and commitment to the Lord is above that of nearly all the members of the ward...he really is elect. He was worried that being baptized so soon (after a month of visiting the church) was a mistake. After having successfully responded to all of the baptismal interview questions, he still felt unsure. We opened to Mosiah 18: 8-10 and read together
Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people....and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life- Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
The spirit was strong. I really could feel the power of Alma's words touching Edilson's heart. I am so grateful for the gift and blessing of the Book of Mormon, especially as a missionary. He recognized that what he was feeling was Heavenly Father testifying to him that he is ready to be baptized. I am happy to relate to everyone, that he and his wife were in fact baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a blessing that is for them. It will change their lives, and the lives of those who follow them, forever.
“State of the Art” Baptismal Font!
I could write a lot more stories here....I would like to....I've been in Brazil for exactly one year now (as of Saturday)....my remaining time is precious. The time is whizzing by. I am so happy to be here at this time and place. This is the Lord's work. I testify of that.
Until next time,
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