Well, the Lord has been putting some pretty special people in our path lately. Last sunday, we tracked down two women who showed up at church with some members. Their names are Elisabete and Jeniclea. Turns out they are from Custoria, a city in the "interior" about 5 hours away from Recife that doesn't have any kind of church organization whatsoever besides the Catholic church. They have been staying with their cousin (the member) while Jeniclea´s husband is undergoing some surgeries in Recife. They showed up at church, and were blown away by the overwhelming spirit that they felt. We taught them later that night. It was one of the most spiritual lessons I've taught in my mission. The member family that was with us bore their testimonies. When they finished, I started talking again, but one of the little ones, about 4 or 5 years old piped up and said "I want to bear my testimony too!". It was the icing on the cake. These two women accepted baptism and accepted the changes that the Lord was offering them. We are going to baptize them next week hopefully! I believe they should still be around here. Nothing happens without a purpose in missionary work!
We found another man name Manoel. Actually, he found the missionaries. He saw two Elders walking on the street in a city nearby, and offered them a ride. He accepted a visit when they offered. After we showed up and talked with him for a few minutes, I thought to myself and then whispered to my companion "he's got bishop potential". He's recently married, financially established, has remarkably similar values with those of the church, and is searching for more truth. He was a bit dissatisfied with some of the things he saw in his other church. He took notes while we taught him and showed him the Restoration film. He showed up at church in slacks, dress shoes, and a button up shirt. When he made some great comments in the Elder's Quorum lesson on Chastity, I think the members were confused as to if he was a member visiting from another ward or not. He's what I like to call a "bible-hugger", or in other words he has a bit of trouble in accepting anything other than the Bible (his wife is ever more complicated), but he has been reading the Book of Mormon with a real and sincere desire to know if it's true. We are really excited for him. We are praying like crazy to not let this one slip through our hands. This ward needs a strong priesthood leader. We are pulling for him to take a place in the Lord's Latter day Kingdom. Maybe you folks could pray for him too?
Some saddening news. My old companion Elder Melo and another Elder from this zone, Elder Pinheiro were sent home early from their missions. They made some unfortunate choices, and because of it they lost the sacred privilege of being an "Elder". They were both serving in our zone. It left me extremely sad, but at the same time, after reflecting and pondering on the events, it made me extremely grateful for the reverence and respect I have for my calling. Not who uses the name "Elder" or "Sister" understands just what it means to represent Jesus Christ (I should mention that I too do not fully understand what that means). More than any other thing that I've learned or received on my mission, I'm so grateful for the testimony I have of this Gospel and the desire that I have to serve the Lord and do everything within my power to repay him for the incomprehensible and indescribable happiness and blessing that I have received by being a participant of the Plan of our Heavenly Father and of the grace of our Savior's Atonement. That attitude has brought me such comfort and joy. Such peace and happiness. Although I can understand Benjamin's words "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning....I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants", I find a tremendous joy in doing my part in serving the Lord with all my "heart, mind, might, and strength". That's the real blessing of serving of a mission, if you ask me.
Merry Christmas to all. I love each and every one of you. I thank you all for your love and prayers.
Until next time,
Elder McKinley
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