Big news for the week, looks like Ill be staying here in Itapetinga for another transfer. Woohooo!! also of note, I’m done with the whole switching the bandage on my toe, now its just showing its ugly face in the sunlight, peeking out from underneath the cuff of my pants, reminds me of Emperor Palpatine every time I look at it, I’ll see if I can get some photos sent out sometime soon, it seems the email of the church wont let me, though maybe its just a lack of know-how on my part.
Carnival is ending here, though thankfully in Itapetinga we didn’t have much to deal with, though a drunk man confronted us the other night in the street, saying the devil sent the message, asking what the purpose of life was, All around absolutely smashed and trying to start something as he pushed at our shoulders a bit, I gave him a card of the message and he grabbed some stuff out of my shirt pocket, at which point I asked him more or less, "what, will you break a commandment of God and steal?" he returned the stuff, (all during the midst of a group of others saying, "let them work", What are you doing etc. ) and as we walked away he followed after us, but fortunately did nothing more than apologize. It wasn’t till later I realized the Lord´s protection, and how things might have been diff. how many prayers of let us go home in safety are answered without us knowing?
Had a big meeting with most of the active members of the ward Sunday night, and handed out assignments to the members to pass by the houses of recent converts, two times a week, and also to bring them to church on Sunday, also put in place a system of reporting. We will see the results of the meeting today as we call out to the leaders to see how people have been taking their responsibility. There seems to have been a division as I first mentioned when I got here, and hopefully that will lessen as we all work together to help the ward grow, the goal set is to have 75 people attending by the end of the transfer. (requirement for a chapel) I found out an interesting fact this past Sunday as well, apparently at one point there were about 100 ppl or so active in the ward here, but many went inactive, moved away etc. The land for a chapel was bought, but the stake president never put out the money for the chapel, and with time, the numbers weren’t sufficient to build one. As for the meeting, it seemed well enough accepted with more then just us as missionaries talking, thankfully. Though there was a bit of strong pessimism from a small percentage, guess we’ll see though, no unhallowed hand can stop the work.
Ward activities, there was a cry for them at the meeting on Sunday, but then people retorted that if we have them, people have to come, there seems to be a great desire to just show up to church on Sunday for many and not much more, but then again who am I to judge. I wasn’t much of a member missionary. Man my views on that end of things have changed.
We met a man a couple days back who is set to be baptized on Sunday who seems really sincere about finding the answer. We have only had a chance to meet with him once as of yet, so we’ll see how things go when we meet with him tomorrow.
Elder Pettit
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February 18, 2009
(In regards to the flu going around their apartment-and Jacob not getting it) Thankfully I did, and it seems to have passed through our apartment woohooo!! Other medical news the toe is still on the mend, orange sandals and a big white bandage are still the biggest things in style here in Itapetinga, transfers seem to have been delayed for a week here, so this a Saturday we'll find out if I stay or go...
Thanks for posting the address, I love getting letters.
Hair cut? They’ve got local barber shops here in Itapetinga, and thankfully we found one without porn posted on the walls to go to, it’s about $5 per cut generally speaking.
Well, let's see, this past week has been good, though we were all ready for transfers to arrive, Elder Jenkins has been getting a little ancy as he has been here in Itapetinga for 5-6 months(I think there about) We had an interesting time in Church this past Sunday, only four young men (Valmar, Igor, Helio, and Eliandro) were able to make it, and well as 12-15 year old boys are bound to do, when one begins to act up, the rest are as well, and after having them hanging around in a tree outside the entrance to the chapel, yelling out our names for a little bit of time I admit my patience was tried, so Elder Severo and I went out there to get them to at least quite down (Interesting what a difference is made when their parents aren’t around) and As one of them just didn’t seem to want to calm/quiet down we left church early with them to drop them off at their homes again, but before leaving had a neat experience with them (minus the fact that one of them would not shut his mouth) In trying to get them to realize the importance of Church, and why they at least needed to be quiet, I asked each one of them, why they came to church in the first place, starting with Valmar, who responded that he felt God touched his heart and told him it was the thing to do and that the church was true, this continued through each of the others except the one who kept them all riled up and made fun of them as they answered, (though he too answered with in a similar manner) I was a bit well, perturbed to say the least, and we left to bring them home. Through this experience I feel I have experienced a little about what it means to be a scout leader, and/or parent, but also a renewed testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and the strength of the spirit, that would cause even 12-15 year old boys full of energy and whatnot to say even in the presence of one who is making fun of them, that God touched their heart and they feel of the truthfulness of the Gospel.
Currently working on a plan which we will present to the ward including how they will help the ward grow by bringing people (specifically at the moment recent converts) to church on Sundays, so that we can work on just bringing the people we found that week. this will also help those who have recently been baptized make friendships and not feel connected to the church only through the missionaries, and thereby eliminating the likelihood that once the missionaries leave, they will stop going to church. The ward seems reluctant to do more then just show up at church on Sunday (save a few exceptions) but we will hope, pray and do what we can to excite them and feel of their responsibility to help the work of the Lord move forward. The goal of this plan for the moment is to have 75 people attending church regularly within the next month and a half, (Starting at about 25) if any of you have any ideas feel free to send em my way :)
Well, I know this is the restored Church of Christ, that Christ is our Redeemer, that God is our Heavenly Father, and that if we just do those small and simple things, reading the scriptures and applying them in our life, praying each day, going to church on Sundays, in reality exercising our faith, the Lord will bless us, and we will return to live with our Heavenly Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Jacob
(In regards to the flu going around their apartment-and Jacob not getting it) Thankfully I did, and it seems to have passed through our apartment woohooo!! Other medical news the toe is still on the mend, orange sandals and a big white bandage are still the biggest things in style here in Itapetinga, transfers seem to have been delayed for a week here, so this a Saturday we'll find out if I stay or go...
Thanks for posting the address, I love getting letters.
Hair cut? They’ve got local barber shops here in Itapetinga, and thankfully we found one without porn posted on the walls to go to, it’s about $5 per cut generally speaking.
Well, let's see, this past week has been good, though we were all ready for transfers to arrive, Elder Jenkins has been getting a little ancy as he has been here in Itapetinga for 5-6 months(I think there about) We had an interesting time in Church this past Sunday, only four young men (Valmar, Igor, Helio, and Eliandro) were able to make it, and well as 12-15 year old boys are bound to do, when one begins to act up, the rest are as well, and after having them hanging around in a tree outside the entrance to the chapel, yelling out our names for a little bit of time I admit my patience was tried, so Elder Severo and I went out there to get them to at least quite down (Interesting what a difference is made when their parents aren’t around) and As one of them just didn’t seem to want to calm/quiet down we left church early with them to drop them off at their homes again, but before leaving had a neat experience with them (minus the fact that one of them would not shut his mouth) In trying to get them to realize the importance of Church, and why they at least needed to be quiet, I asked each one of them, why they came to church in the first place, starting with Valmar, who responded that he felt God touched his heart and told him it was the thing to do and that the church was true, this continued through each of the others except the one who kept them all riled up and made fun of them as they answered, (though he too answered with in a similar manner) I was a bit well, perturbed to say the least, and we left to bring them home. Through this experience I feel I have experienced a little about what it means to be a scout leader, and/or parent, but also a renewed testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and the strength of the spirit, that would cause even 12-15 year old boys full of energy and whatnot to say even in the presence of one who is making fun of them, that God touched their heart and they feel of the truthfulness of the Gospel.
Currently working on a plan which we will present to the ward including how they will help the ward grow by bringing people (specifically at the moment recent converts) to church on Sundays, so that we can work on just bringing the people we found that week. this will also help those who have recently been baptized make friendships and not feel connected to the church only through the missionaries, and thereby eliminating the likelihood that once the missionaries leave, they will stop going to church. The ward seems reluctant to do more then just show up at church on Sunday (save a few exceptions) but we will hope, pray and do what we can to excite them and feel of their responsibility to help the work of the Lord move forward. The goal of this plan for the moment is to have 75 people attending church regularly within the next month and a half, (Starting at about 25) if any of you have any ideas feel free to send em my way :)
Well, I know this is the restored Church of Christ, that Christ is our Redeemer, that God is our Heavenly Father, and that if we just do those small and simple things, reading the scriptures and applying them in our life, praying each day, going to church on Sundays, in reality exercising our faith, the Lord will bless us, and we will return to live with our Heavenly Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Jacob
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Feb. 11, 2009
Thankfully the toe is pretty much a thing of the past, just have to go into the hospital every couple days to change up the bandage, though it looks like this’ll be the last week, WOOO hoooo just in time for transfers, I have mixed feelings as to whether or not I want to be transferred, but fortunately I don’t have to worry about that decision. Itapetinga has been good, it’s been interesting as this transfer has been coming to a close, I’ve looked back at the success and the failures, the things that have changed, within and without me. That’s something that’s diff. about the mission, it’s split into smaller periods of time, set up for goal setting, looking back at where you’ve come in a six week period, it’s almost like a happy new year every month and a half. And though I haven’t thought too much into things yet (time to think about those sorts of things is a little scarce on a mission) I feel a great desire to and to set new goals. That’s become something I’ve had a greater desire to do, without goals, we just spend most of our time dribbling the ball up and down the field of life.
Went to the zoo here in Itapetinga today, thought it would be a dinky little place judging by the size of the town, but as it turns out it was really pretty cool. It’s a lot different then the zoos in the states as all the roads were dirt, they had random trails leading through the forest with animal statues and tribal looking things as well scattered throughout. (not to mention the wild monkeys, SOOOO COOOOLLL) also of note were the pigeons they had there, not outside the cages but in... that was a bit of a site to see, don’t think you’d find that anywhere in the states. Also had a good number of sweet birds, turtles, crocodiles, a puma, porcupine.... and another strange find hamsters yes hamsters, and some rabbits. Also got some cool shots of the plant life there, it’s so sweet being in a diff. climate like this. Oh and before I forget a big ole banana spider that Elder Severo practically walked right into, (I’ll send a pic next week) it was chilling right there across one of the trails.
This week has been a bit slow on the work as Elder Severo has been sick a good number of days (3-4) with a flu like deal. Elder Matos also picked it up, but fortunately the rest of us have stayed out of it. But the work as been slowed as a result, but it looks like Creuza will finally be coming to Church this Sunday, we taught her the 2nd lesson this past weekend which hopefully brought some eternal perspective into here life, and comforted her concerning her son who was killed awhile back. We also baptized a boy named Eleo, who seems excited to come to church this Sunday (couldn’t last week as we had stake conference out in Conquista, bom de mais, I’ll explain more later) we will be baptizing his brother this Saturday, and hopefully the parents will follow. As of yet though they aren’t married. Redinaura (Eleo's mom) has a problem with drinking and smoking but is trying to stop, and in the short week and a half that we’ve been visiting with her family, I've seen a great change in her, she seems to be happier when we swing by her place, and it seems she is drunk less often when we pass by. It's rough though as of yet, it seems her husband is still drinking a good bit and we haven’t been able to really catch him in the house sober yet.
Stake conference was great, President Silva spoke as well as his wife, and other leaders in the stake. The themes of the talks were more or less consecrating everything to the Lord, building faith, hope in the plan of salvation, preparing for the future, (financially, food storage etc) and uniting the family in the gospel of Christ. All of which reminded me of general conference and how these really are the last days, and how the hearts of Zion are being prepared for the Second coming of the Lord.
Well that’s all I’ve got time for today, love you all, thanks for the letters and packages, I got the one with the fruit leather and measuring stuff at the conference. (speaking of which made the syrup today, pretty good if I may say so myself) thanks much. I know this is the only true and living church on the earth today, with a prophet who can speak with the Lord, face to face as Moses did, with 12 apostles, and the priesthood authority to baptize and perform the saving ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know Christ is our Savior, and that He lives and loves each and every one of us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Elder Pettit
Thankfully the toe is pretty much a thing of the past, just have to go into the hospital every couple days to change up the bandage, though it looks like this’ll be the last week, WOOO hoooo just in time for transfers, I have mixed feelings as to whether or not I want to be transferred, but fortunately I don’t have to worry about that decision. Itapetinga has been good, it’s been interesting as this transfer has been coming to a close, I’ve looked back at the success and the failures, the things that have changed, within and without me. That’s something that’s diff. about the mission, it’s split into smaller periods of time, set up for goal setting, looking back at where you’ve come in a six week period, it’s almost like a happy new year every month and a half. And though I haven’t thought too much into things yet (time to think about those sorts of things is a little scarce on a mission) I feel a great desire to and to set new goals. That’s become something I’ve had a greater desire to do, without goals, we just spend most of our time dribbling the ball up and down the field of life.
Went to the zoo here in Itapetinga today, thought it would be a dinky little place judging by the size of the town, but as it turns out it was really pretty cool. It’s a lot different then the zoos in the states as all the roads were dirt, they had random trails leading through the forest with animal statues and tribal looking things as well scattered throughout. (not to mention the wild monkeys, SOOOO COOOOLLL) also of note were the pigeons they had there, not outside the cages but in... that was a bit of a site to see, don’t think you’d find that anywhere in the states. Also had a good number of sweet birds, turtles, crocodiles, a puma, porcupine.... and another strange find hamsters yes hamsters, and some rabbits. Also got some cool shots of the plant life there, it’s so sweet being in a diff. climate like this. Oh and before I forget a big ole banana spider that Elder Severo practically walked right into, (I’ll send a pic next week) it was chilling right there across one of the trails.
This week has been a bit slow on the work as Elder Severo has been sick a good number of days (3-4) with a flu like deal. Elder Matos also picked it up, but fortunately the rest of us have stayed out of it. But the work as been slowed as a result, but it looks like Creuza will finally be coming to Church this Sunday, we taught her the 2nd lesson this past weekend which hopefully brought some eternal perspective into here life, and comforted her concerning her son who was killed awhile back. We also baptized a boy named Eleo, who seems excited to come to church this Sunday (couldn’t last week as we had stake conference out in Conquista, bom de mais, I’ll explain more later) we will be baptizing his brother this Saturday, and hopefully the parents will follow. As of yet though they aren’t married. Redinaura (Eleo's mom) has a problem with drinking and smoking but is trying to stop, and in the short week and a half that we’ve been visiting with her family, I've seen a great change in her, she seems to be happier when we swing by her place, and it seems she is drunk less often when we pass by. It's rough though as of yet, it seems her husband is still drinking a good bit and we haven’t been able to really catch him in the house sober yet.
Stake conference was great, President Silva spoke as well as his wife, and other leaders in the stake. The themes of the talks were more or less consecrating everything to the Lord, building faith, hope in the plan of salvation, preparing for the future, (financially, food storage etc) and uniting the family in the gospel of Christ. All of which reminded me of general conference and how these really are the last days, and how the hearts of Zion are being prepared for the Second coming of the Lord.
Well that’s all I’ve got time for today, love you all, thanks for the letters and packages, I got the one with the fruit leather and measuring stuff at the conference. (speaking of which made the syrup today, pretty good if I may say so myself) thanks much. I know this is the only true and living church on the earth today, with a prophet who can speak with the Lord, face to face as Moses did, with 12 apostles, and the priesthood authority to baptize and perform the saving ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know Christ is our Savior, and that He lives and loves each and every one of us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Elder Pettit
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Address to send letters to!
This is the address to now send letters to Jacob:
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Rua Lucaia, 295 Sala 202-Bairro Horto Florestal
CEP 40295-130 Salvador - BA
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Rua Lucaia, 295 Sala 202-Bairro Horto Florestal
CEP 40295-130 Salvador - BA
Extracted Toenail
February 3,2009
Sorry about no letter last week, I was a little, well preoccupied, as you may or may not have reasoned, the nail was continuing to grow into my toe, so the doc decided to pull it out, not the most pleasant of experiences as the tissue was swollen so the anesthesia didn’t pick up very well (or at least that was my understanding of it) but after only 5 to ten minutes I had one less toenail and a bit of my toe to boot, (rather inconsiderate if I may say so myself) but all is fine and dandy now. The toe is healing up just fine and the new toenail is coming in good as new. Though I have decided that we (as with everything else) were given toenails for a wise purpose, that being to keep things/people from touching the skin underneath, I really don’t think I can ever forget the feeling... strange as ever... I'm now finally able to work again, and thanks to the Lord, and support/hard work of the rest of the district, the work has carried on through this time. That’s something I have been blessed with here in this area, the other elders in the district have really been a great support and example to me. Whether just coming in and talking about the day when I was stuck in bed with my foot propped up on a suitcase/chair stack, and answering all my pestering questions about the people, to bringing lunch to me while I was again, stuck in bed, to even just reading in there and saying that if I need anything to ask and they’d do it, (the last example there being when that particular elder was taking his turn staying at home with me while the other two elders took their day out working the two areas) it’s really been a great blessing, and also a time when I’ve been able to do a good bit of thinking/reading, and something I came to the re-realization or was the need to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and that whole end of things, I thought of Stephen as well and all the things he went through, and how in many cases in life, I’ve always looked at pain and sickness as something you just deal with as it comes, and it’s not really a big deal, not that bad etc. but the difference that someone can make just being there to serve/help out, makes the whole experience that much easier to deal with, something I’ve needed to do a whole lot more of in my life. I remembered an experience back with Stephen as well, when he was having a really hard night during the time when his bones were swelling in his legs. I remember just staying up that one night with him, not really doing more than holding his head, I don’t even remember if we really had any conversation, just being there. Eventually I headed off to bed and the next morning with school the next day, everything went well and if anything felt less tired for the lack of sleep Id had the night before. And after coming home, (I don’t remember if it was mom or Stephen who asked) if I had been tired at school, as Stephen had prayed, thanking Heavenly Father for that small thing I was able to do, and had prayed as well to have Heavenly Father bless me with the energy I needed. His example of thankfulness, faith and the power in sincere prayer is and has been a great blessing in this time, and in my life. Just a thought I had.
I also had the great opportunity to read through the book Our Search for Happiness by Elder Russel M. Ballard, what a great book, during the reading and after which I received that great gift of the Spirit, testifying mais ainda of the truthfulness of his words and thus this gospel. Read the book if you have the chance, it’s not real long, but its more than worth the time.
We baptized the last son of Maricia´s this week (last night) her family is now only lacking her marriage to her husband Valmir, and their baptisms and then on to the temple to receive the blessings of being sealed as a family for eternity, it’s been a great blessing getting to know them and seeing them come unto Christ, there truly is a great joy to be found in this the work of the Lord. Please pray for a lady Redinaura who is trying to stop smoking and drinking, and also pray for Maricia (a diff. Maricia) who is currently having a tough time in her family as its now set that she and her husband will be separating, meaning she and her daughter Patricia will be moving out of the house (Leandro the 14 yea old son who was baptized awhile back was already kicked out of the house by the husband) tough times there, I feel to pray specifically for them to feel the love of the Lord for them.
I know this is the work of the Lord, and that Jesus Christ is our Savior, In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Jacob :)
Sorry about no letter last week, I was a little, well preoccupied, as you may or may not have reasoned, the nail was continuing to grow into my toe, so the doc decided to pull it out, not the most pleasant of experiences as the tissue was swollen so the anesthesia didn’t pick up very well (or at least that was my understanding of it) but after only 5 to ten minutes I had one less toenail and a bit of my toe to boot, (rather inconsiderate if I may say so myself) but all is fine and dandy now. The toe is healing up just fine and the new toenail is coming in good as new. Though I have decided that we (as with everything else) were given toenails for a wise purpose, that being to keep things/people from touching the skin underneath, I really don’t think I can ever forget the feeling... strange as ever... I'm now finally able to work again, and thanks to the Lord, and support/hard work of the rest of the district, the work has carried on through this time. That’s something I have been blessed with here in this area, the other elders in the district have really been a great support and example to me. Whether just coming in and talking about the day when I was stuck in bed with my foot propped up on a suitcase/chair stack, and answering all my pestering questions about the people, to bringing lunch to me while I was again, stuck in bed, to even just reading in there and saying that if I need anything to ask and they’d do it, (the last example there being when that particular elder was taking his turn staying at home with me while the other two elders took their day out working the two areas) it’s really been a great blessing, and also a time when I’ve been able to do a good bit of thinking/reading, and something I came to the re-realization or was the need to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and that whole end of things, I thought of Stephen as well and all the things he went through, and how in many cases in life, I’ve always looked at pain and sickness as something you just deal with as it comes, and it’s not really a big deal, not that bad etc. but the difference that someone can make just being there to serve/help out, makes the whole experience that much easier to deal with, something I’ve needed to do a whole lot more of in my life. I remembered an experience back with Stephen as well, when he was having a really hard night during the time when his bones were swelling in his legs. I remember just staying up that one night with him, not really doing more than holding his head, I don’t even remember if we really had any conversation, just being there. Eventually I headed off to bed and the next morning with school the next day, everything went well and if anything felt less tired for the lack of sleep Id had the night before. And after coming home, (I don’t remember if it was mom or Stephen who asked) if I had been tired at school, as Stephen had prayed, thanking Heavenly Father for that small thing I was able to do, and had prayed as well to have Heavenly Father bless me with the energy I needed. His example of thankfulness, faith and the power in sincere prayer is and has been a great blessing in this time, and in my life. Just a thought I had.
I also had the great opportunity to read through the book Our Search for Happiness by Elder Russel M. Ballard, what a great book, during the reading and after which I received that great gift of the Spirit, testifying mais ainda of the truthfulness of his words and thus this gospel. Read the book if you have the chance, it’s not real long, but its more than worth the time.
We baptized the last son of Maricia´s this week (last night) her family is now only lacking her marriage to her husband Valmir, and their baptisms and then on to the temple to receive the blessings of being sealed as a family for eternity, it’s been a great blessing getting to know them and seeing them come unto Christ, there truly is a great joy to be found in this the work of the Lord. Please pray for a lady Redinaura who is trying to stop smoking and drinking, and also pray for Maricia (a diff. Maricia) who is currently having a tough time in her family as its now set that she and her husband will be separating, meaning she and her daughter Patricia will be moving out of the house (Leandro the 14 yea old son who was baptized awhile back was already kicked out of the house by the husband) tough times there, I feel to pray specifically for them to feel the love of the Lord for them.
I know this is the work of the Lord, and that Jesus Christ is our Savior, In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Jacob :)
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