July 7, 2010
Well, well, well indeed, interesting how I got one day older today but everybody seems o be making a big deal... I got the package and really enjoyed it, thanks for the talks and a special thanks to Elizabeth for the birthday brownies!! Amazing how good they taste after having gone so long without them. I really enjoyed and am trying to apply the principles in that talk about excellence, trying to do excellent work sure does get tiring and it takes a good bit of self control, but its worth it and its all we can acceptably give in this the work of the Lord. The interior of Bahia.... its good, and this city in and of itself is pretty big. As is the ward, (did I mention its getting pretty close to dividing?) The interior means lower education (usually) wooden shacks are more common, and we have a greater chance of running into bizarre food at lunch. (I had cow's tail the other day, imagine a backbone looking thing with a really fatty meat wrapped around it... mmmm mmmm, it wasn't too bad to tell you the truth)
Our teaching group is wearing a little thin at the moment but we met a man yesterday who seems ready for the gospel. He just got into town after years working out on a farm. He had great plans to buy a house and start a new life here with his ten year old daughter but he met with some difficulties and temptations and unfortunately spent that which he had on that which he truly didn't want or need. I hope that he will accept the gospel and find the happiness we all seek where it truly exists, in the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through Joseph Smith. Delile, that lady who just showed up at church one night a bit before english class, is progressing and is eager to share the gospel with her family though unfortunately no one else seems to have really picked up on her excitement yet. Though in saying that it also seems like her step dad is not a big fan of Maristella (Deliles mom) going to church. We hope to resolve that though he stays in the other room when we visit and seems petty shut as far as conversation goes.
I know this is God's work and that Christ is our Savior. In the name of Jesus Chirst, Amém.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
June 16, 2010
Transfers will be next week. Monica was baptized his past week and her son Caiu will be baptized this coming Saturday. We are also helping an inactive mom come back to church and then we will baptize her son. We had what you might call an iceburg moment Monday night as she really opened up and finally told us about the problems she has had in her life, her true desire to go back to church, her worries and doubts and her desire to be a faithful follower of Christ. Her words made me think of just how much Satan uses doubt as a tool in our lives. How he also tries to stop us from beginning something great with thoughts and feelings of I'll never make it to the end, or I'm not worthy. That’s the importance of a firm foundation of Christ, if we are faithful, we can have the hope that we will be able to do our part and that God will do His if we continue acting in accordance with His will. Interesting to think of big buildings, there is usually a lot more material in the foundation under the ground then there is above...
I've been studying Humility read a scripture that I'd never seen in this light before. King Benjamin in the 4th (think) chapter of Mosiah tells us that we can remain humble through prayer and that the pure love of Christ is one of the blessings we receive as we humble ourselves. If we want to be humble we need to work on having fervent thankful prayers and if we want to be full of Charity we will need to be humble.
June 23, 2010
I was transferred this morning at 1 am, it was a long night/morning and I am now in Itabuna, area São Caetano. The transferencial cleaning has begun and once it’s done the house will be really nice which is always a plus...
I would have been happy staying in Amaralina as I really came to be friends with so many there and the way the work was progressing, it was easily one of my favorite areas on the mission and also one where I learned the most.
Elder N. is my new comp here. I am really looking forward to working with him and helping the Lord's work move on here in this city and a neighboring city called Jequié.
Don't have a whole lot of time today though as we will be having a meeting with the Mission leader here in a little bit but I love you all and will send more next week.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Transfers will be next week. Monica was baptized his past week and her son Caiu will be baptized this coming Saturday. We are also helping an inactive mom come back to church and then we will baptize her son. We had what you might call an iceburg moment Monday night as she really opened up and finally told us about the problems she has had in her life, her true desire to go back to church, her worries and doubts and her desire to be a faithful follower of Christ. Her words made me think of just how much Satan uses doubt as a tool in our lives. How he also tries to stop us from beginning something great with thoughts and feelings of I'll never make it to the end, or I'm not worthy. That’s the importance of a firm foundation of Christ, if we are faithful, we can have the hope that we will be able to do our part and that God will do His if we continue acting in accordance with His will. Interesting to think of big buildings, there is usually a lot more material in the foundation under the ground then there is above...
I've been studying Humility read a scripture that I'd never seen in this light before. King Benjamin in the 4th (think) chapter of Mosiah tells us that we can remain humble through prayer and that the pure love of Christ is one of the blessings we receive as we humble ourselves. If we want to be humble we need to work on having fervent thankful prayers and if we want to be full of Charity we will need to be humble.
June 23, 2010
I was transferred this morning at 1 am, it was a long night/morning and I am now in Itabuna, area São Caetano. The transferencial cleaning has begun and once it’s done the house will be really nice which is always a plus...
I would have been happy staying in Amaralina as I really came to be friends with so many there and the way the work was progressing, it was easily one of my favorite areas on the mission and also one where I learned the most.
Elder N. is my new comp here. I am really looking forward to working with him and helping the Lord's work move on here in this city and a neighboring city called Jequié.
Don't have a whole lot of time today though as we will be having a meeting with the Mission leader here in a little bit but I love you all and will send more next week.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 9, 2010
I think I'll be transferred this next time around, we are on week 5 of 6 here in the transfer.
The work is going well, though Carlitos and Dorita didn't go to church this last Sunday. We talked to Dorita and she told us how she has started reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning though and how she feels a "homesick" for church when she does. Her grandson Carlitos was also progressing well last week but then it seems he got a girlfriend who is drawing him away from the gospel we'll be fighting to help him this week but we don't seem to be able to find him at home anymore.
We have been blessed with a mother and her two kids being interested in the gospel though. Monica is going to be interviewed tonight and has a date set for this Friday. She has been coming to church alone these past two weeks and is excited for her baptism. We will be baptizing her eight year old son next week as well. Her little daughter Clara is probably the cutest little four year old I've ever seen btw.
Sunday night we also got to know another lady named Roseangela who is quite interested in getting to know the church as well. She had been going to several churches at varying points in her life but had left them behind as she found things that she didn't think were right. It's always a great experience to be lead to people who truly want to know more about the gospel, those who the Lord is preparing.
I know this is God's work, that Christ is our Savior and that they love each and every one of us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
I think I'll be transferred this next time around, we are on week 5 of 6 here in the transfer.
The work is going well, though Carlitos and Dorita didn't go to church this last Sunday. We talked to Dorita and she told us how she has started reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning though and how she feels a "homesick" for church when she does. Her grandson Carlitos was also progressing well last week but then it seems he got a girlfriend who is drawing him away from the gospel we'll be fighting to help him this week but we don't seem to be able to find him at home anymore.
We have been blessed with a mother and her two kids being interested in the gospel though. Monica is going to be interviewed tonight and has a date set for this Friday. She has been coming to church alone these past two weeks and is excited for her baptism. We will be baptizing her eight year old son next week as well. Her little daughter Clara is probably the cutest little four year old I've ever seen btw.
Sunday night we also got to know another lady named Roseangela who is quite interested in getting to know the church as well. She had been going to several churches at varying points in her life but had left them behind as she found things that she didn't think were right. It's always a great experience to be lead to people who truly want to know more about the gospel, those who the Lord is preparing.
I know this is God's work, that Christ is our Savior and that they love each and every one of us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2, 2010
Jey hey hey!!!
Just about done with the move here, our new house is pretty cool, the only problem might be when the ocean breeze comes in so strong it blows pillows off beds, papers off tables and brings in the corrosive salty air. (it also spins the fans turned off in the room, making me think of dad for some odd reason as I ponder the possible alternative energy solutions...battery powered fan which recharges itself while we missionaries are out and about as the wind turns the fan blades)
The work is going well, Dona D's grandson, (not the little one) but another one named Carlitos will probably be baptized on Saturday, it was kinda funny he was going to be baptized on the twelth but in the gospel principles class our Mission leader invited him to be baptized on Saturday and he accepted... We've also had some tender moments with the Marília's mother Claudia. From the very first day we met her she told us of a difficulty she has with certain things in her life, feelings she has trouble with but that with this time that we have been stopping by and leaving messages at her house, her reading the scriptures and going to church she is feeling changes in her heart. She is a very humble woman and has had a good bit of difficulty in her life.
This past week we were able to have a meeting with a member of the 1st quorum of the seventy (I think) Elder Godoy. He taught a variety of different things to us and we also had a meeting with President Vecchi. Something that stands out more and more to me here on the mission that was also mentioned in the counsel with President is the importance of having people take action and not just to receive action from others. The both of them also talked in sacrament meeting at church as well. We were blessed that day as we had a good number of investigators come, investigators that are truly interested in the gospel. Interesting how the common theme of the talks were on friendship even though they hadn't planned it out like that before hand. That is one thing this ward is in need of unity in friendship.
I love the Lord, this work and each of you.
Elder Pettit
PS: The internet access here is kinda different. It isn't common for people to have internet access in their homes so they have these little internet house where you go and pay between one and two Reais for an hour.
Jey hey hey!!!
Just about done with the move here, our new house is pretty cool, the only problem might be when the ocean breeze comes in so strong it blows pillows off beds, papers off tables and brings in the corrosive salty air. (it also spins the fans turned off in the room, making me think of dad for some odd reason as I ponder the possible alternative energy solutions...battery powered fan which recharges itself while we missionaries are out and about as the wind turns the fan blades)
The work is going well, Dona D's grandson, (not the little one) but another one named Carlitos will probably be baptized on Saturday, it was kinda funny he was going to be baptized on the twelth but in the gospel principles class our Mission leader invited him to be baptized on Saturday and he accepted... We've also had some tender moments with the Marília's mother Claudia. From the very first day we met her she told us of a difficulty she has with certain things in her life, feelings she has trouble with but that with this time that we have been stopping by and leaving messages at her house, her reading the scriptures and going to church she is feeling changes in her heart. She is a very humble woman and has had a good bit of difficulty in her life.
This past week we were able to have a meeting with a member of the 1st quorum of the seventy (I think) Elder Godoy. He taught a variety of different things to us and we also had a meeting with President Vecchi. Something that stands out more and more to me here on the mission that was also mentioned in the counsel with President is the importance of having people take action and not just to receive action from others. The both of them also talked in sacrament meeting at church as well. We were blessed that day as we had a good number of investigators come, investigators that are truly interested in the gospel. Interesting how the common theme of the talks were on friendship even though they hadn't planned it out like that before hand. That is one thing this ward is in need of unity in friendship.
I love the Lord, this work and each of you.
Elder Pettit
PS: The internet access here is kinda different. It isn't common for people to have internet access in their homes so they have these little internet house where you go and pay between one and two Reais for an hour.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
May 28, 2010
Hey Hey!
We had a meeting with president yesterday and another one with Elder Godoy (an area 70) this morning. As always they were inspiring and full of learning.
As a leader on the mission often times I would feel so unable to really help others who seemed to have either more experience etc. as I often I wouldn't see ways that they really needed to improve. Today we discussed "traps" in the missionary work. Ways that at times we work hard but have little results that come out at the end. We discussed specific measurable ways to evaluate teaching, planning and other aspects of the missionary work and how to evaluate where the problem is so as to be able to really help.
Afterwards Elder Godoy finished up reminding us about the importance of repenting, sanctifying our lives to bring them in line to the Lord's will, letting Christ's sacrifice take effect in our lives. How so often we in our lives and at perhaps a faster rate on the mission we may recognize a problem that we have, a "favorite" sin and we put off the repentance process.... With thoughts of, "oh, I'm junior and just have to follow my companion, when I'm senior and I really need to be in tune, I’ll change." then, after becoming senior and seeing one is able to be senior even with that little sin etc. one might put off the repentance for a bit further down the road..." And so on to Zone leader, than Return Missionary, Married man.. bishop.... etc Until it becomes deeply embedded into our character and as a result much harder to "root out".
May we all remember that today is the day to perform our labors, to repent, to prepare to meet God, before we come to that day, in which no repentance can be done and we will stand before Him to report that which we have done with the time he has gave us here on Earth.
I know God lives, this is His work. Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet on the Earth today. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Hey Hey!
We had a meeting with president yesterday and another one with Elder Godoy (an area 70) this morning. As always they were inspiring and full of learning.
As a leader on the mission often times I would feel so unable to really help others who seemed to have either more experience etc. as I often I wouldn't see ways that they really needed to improve. Today we discussed "traps" in the missionary work. Ways that at times we work hard but have little results that come out at the end. We discussed specific measurable ways to evaluate teaching, planning and other aspects of the missionary work and how to evaluate where the problem is so as to be able to really help.
Afterwards Elder Godoy finished up reminding us about the importance of repenting, sanctifying our lives to bring them in line to the Lord's will, letting Christ's sacrifice take effect in our lives. How so often we in our lives and at perhaps a faster rate on the mission we may recognize a problem that we have, a "favorite" sin and we put off the repentance process.... With thoughts of, "oh, I'm junior and just have to follow my companion, when I'm senior and I really need to be in tune, I’ll change." then, after becoming senior and seeing one is able to be senior even with that little sin etc. one might put off the repentance for a bit further down the road..." And so on to Zone leader, than Return Missionary, Married man.. bishop.... etc Until it becomes deeply embedded into our character and as a result much harder to "root out".
May we all remember that today is the day to perform our labors, to repent, to prepare to meet God, before we come to that day, in which no repentance can be done and we will stand before Him to report that which we have done with the time he has gave us here on Earth.
I know God lives, this is His work. Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet on the Earth today. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 19, 2010
We have yet to move into the new house though the time is not too distant when the long awaited move will take place. Elder W. and I are having a good time as companions and I really enjoy his sincerity and optimistic outlook. It hit me the other day that the one year and eight months mark is already coming about... really kind of weird to think about, time goes so fast.
Investigators this week, not a whole lot of new people to work with but Dora is progressing slowly but surely. She is an older lady raised catholic but after many missionary's efforts, her faith and God's goodness she is having what you might call a paradigm shift. Suane and Marília are undergoing some great changes as they submit to the spirit's guidance and have been sharing the gospel with their friends and neighbors. Marílias mom has also been talking up the gospel message as well and has already invited one of her neighbors over to hear the message in addition to having encouraged Marília to do the same. We are currently going about the separation process of João (Marília's dad) and his ex, he and Claudia have tried doing this before but there is an unfortunate catch in the law here in Brasil. If the husband or the wife desire to divorce, but the other one doesn't there is a somewhat lengthy political process involved requiring a bunch of documents showing this and that, in addition to having a lawyer running it through the judicial system, and going over to the soon to be ex partner's house to have them sign the necessary documents. if he or she doesn't sign them after three attempts (or something to that effect) the case will be reviewed by a judge... a rather drawn out process to say the least. Fortunately they have already been doing their best to start this process and have already gotten most if not all the documents, and just need a little push to help the ball get rolling again. Interesting how we happen to be teaching a lawyer at the moment... we are hoping that she will be able to help this issue come to a close.
Until next time,
Elder Pettit
We have yet to move into the new house though the time is not too distant when the long awaited move will take place. Elder W. and I are having a good time as companions and I really enjoy his sincerity and optimistic outlook. It hit me the other day that the one year and eight months mark is already coming about... really kind of weird to think about, time goes so fast.
Investigators this week, not a whole lot of new people to work with but Dora is progressing slowly but surely. She is an older lady raised catholic but after many missionary's efforts, her faith and God's goodness she is having what you might call a paradigm shift. Suane and Marília are undergoing some great changes as they submit to the spirit's guidance and have been sharing the gospel with their friends and neighbors. Marílias mom has also been talking up the gospel message as well and has already invited one of her neighbors over to hear the message in addition to having encouraged Marília to do the same. We are currently going about the separation process of João (Marília's dad) and his ex, he and Claudia have tried doing this before but there is an unfortunate catch in the law here in Brasil. If the husband or the wife desire to divorce, but the other one doesn't there is a somewhat lengthy political process involved requiring a bunch of documents showing this and that, in addition to having a lawyer running it through the judicial system, and going over to the soon to be ex partner's house to have them sign the necessary documents. if he or she doesn't sign them after three attempts (or something to that effect) the case will be reviewed by a judge... a rather drawn out process to say the least. Fortunately they have already been doing their best to start this process and have already gotten most if not all the documents, and just need a little push to help the ball get rolling again. Interesting how we happen to be teaching a lawyer at the moment... we are hoping that she will be able to help this issue come to a close.
Until next time,
Elder Pettit
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 7, 2010
Howdy Neighbors!!
I wasn't able to write on Wednesday because we had a meeting with President. It was a great experience as always and I came away feeling very much inspired and ready to go forth and do better. Of particular interest in the meeting we discussed the need to do more as a mission. I think I already explained how the work has been changing in general here on our mission and at this point many missionaries are still working on bringing about that change in their work. One of the biggest challenges as a leader is not only being an example for others but also inspiring others, helping them to feel the desire to change, to do more, to "spin all the plates" increasing the quality and the quantity of work.
The Lord has been blessing us immensely this week. Last Thursday night we visited a guy we had contacted on Tuesday or Wednesday only to find he hadn't red and basically told us he didn't really have any interest. When we got to his house he was leaving to go buy something from the bakery (or something like that) so contrary to what would have made sense based on what he told us about his lack of interest, we marked to pass by a half hour after to talk a little bit better. When we came back his attitude was the same, but he told us that two girls had come up to talk to him after we left who asked him about us and wanted to know more about the church we were from. They had since left but as we talked in those few minutes with him, they appeared and we invited them to hear our message. The next night we went over to one of the girl's houses (Suane's) and her friend Marília came over with her mom. They opened up to us asking sincere questions and as with anyone who is eager to learn the Spirit taught them. The two girls went to church on Sunday had a great experience, (Marília's mom couldn't go because she was taking care of her husband, but she is reading the BOM) they will be baptized this next Sunday after church, Suan's mom has also begun reading the book of Mormon, the members are eager to help out and... well, life is good.
We also met another family (Grandma Dorita, her daughter in law Rafaela, and her grandson Juraci) who will be going to church on Sunday. Juracy has been going to church with one of the members from the primary presidency and he and his aunt will probably be baptized next week. It was pretty funny as we taught them this past Monday, Dorita has already been taught several times by the missionaries and feels that Joseph Smith was a Prophet so as we started teaching the first lesson she cut us off as we were talking about Christ’s ministry (or thereabout) and said, "tell her about Smith, about how the Mormons started, she needs to hear it!"
Afterwards she staring talking about baptism for the dead too which was kinda funny as someone who is just hearing the 1st message won't understand the need/the doctrine of it but it worked out and they are all excited to read the Book of Mormon and visit church on Sunday, Juraci will be participating in the Mother’s day program as well which could help his mom have a greater desire to visit church as well.
I know that this is the Lord's work and the diligence in obedience to the Lord brings His blessings into our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Elder Pettit
Howdy Neighbors!!
I wasn't able to write on Wednesday because we had a meeting with President. It was a great experience as always and I came away feeling very much inspired and ready to go forth and do better. Of particular interest in the meeting we discussed the need to do more as a mission. I think I already explained how the work has been changing in general here on our mission and at this point many missionaries are still working on bringing about that change in their work. One of the biggest challenges as a leader is not only being an example for others but also inspiring others, helping them to feel the desire to change, to do more, to "spin all the plates" increasing the quality and the quantity of work.
The Lord has been blessing us immensely this week. Last Thursday night we visited a guy we had contacted on Tuesday or Wednesday only to find he hadn't red and basically told us he didn't really have any interest. When we got to his house he was leaving to go buy something from the bakery (or something like that) so contrary to what would have made sense based on what he told us about his lack of interest, we marked to pass by a half hour after to talk a little bit better. When we came back his attitude was the same, but he told us that two girls had come up to talk to him after we left who asked him about us and wanted to know more about the church we were from. They had since left but as we talked in those few minutes with him, they appeared and we invited them to hear our message. The next night we went over to one of the girl's houses (Suane's) and her friend Marília came over with her mom. They opened up to us asking sincere questions and as with anyone who is eager to learn the Spirit taught them. The two girls went to church on Sunday had a great experience, (Marília's mom couldn't go because she was taking care of her husband, but she is reading the BOM) they will be baptized this next Sunday after church, Suan's mom has also begun reading the book of Mormon, the members are eager to help out and... well, life is good.
We also met another family (Grandma Dorita, her daughter in law Rafaela, and her grandson Juraci) who will be going to church on Sunday. Juracy has been going to church with one of the members from the primary presidency and he and his aunt will probably be baptized next week. It was pretty funny as we taught them this past Monday, Dorita has already been taught several times by the missionaries and feels that Joseph Smith was a Prophet so as we started teaching the first lesson she cut us off as we were talking about Christ’s ministry (or thereabout) and said, "tell her about Smith, about how the Mormons started, she needs to hear it!"
Afterwards she staring talking about baptism for the dead too which was kinda funny as someone who is just hearing the 1st message won't understand the need/the doctrine of it but it worked out and they are all excited to read the Book of Mormon and visit church on Sunday, Juraci will be participating in the Mother’s day program as well which could help his mom have a greater desire to visit church as well.
I know that this is the Lord's work and the diligence in obedience to the Lord brings His blessings into our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Elder Pettit
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 1, 2010
The work is coming along pretty slowly thus far in this area though I found out that a family we had started to teach back in another area may be receiving the lessons again here. We had a conference with President yesterday and as such I wasn't able send a little letter until today. The mission is focusing on using the Book of Mormon in contacting and teaching people and helping them to achieve the lasting conversion neccesary to help them return to the Lord's presence. President Vecchi feels this is the key (stone) to real success here and I felt that too as he spoke about it at the conference.
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that this is His work, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
April 8, 2010
Don't have a whole lot of time today, transfers were yesterday. Elder M. should be getting home about now and Elder H. (yes, my MTC companion) has come here from the interior and we are companions for the second time. It’s been a great 24 hours and it’s a breath of fresh air being with him after being with a "dying" Elder last transfer. As always he is ever in the pursuit of knowledge and in this short amount of time we've been together he has already shared an interesting "conspiracy theory" with me, one of the biggest I think I've ever heard actually, maybe we'll talk about it one day...
Not a whole lot to report, we have started trying to "invade" the apartment complexes here, contacting people as they are taking their garbage out, going to work or coming from it. so far without much success but with patience we will go on (check out Uchtdorf's talk btw, twas a good one).
Elder Pettit
April 14, 2010
We have had some cool experiences this past week as Elder H. and I have begun working in this area. It has been refreshing working with him and we have found a very different group of people interested in the gospel than I have ever had before on my mission. The most notable of our investigators is João, an older man in his 60's. He has studied a lot of different religions and currently seems to be following one of oriental origin. He has begun reading the Book of Mormon and plans to read it from cover to cover which is an exciting change from many of the half interested people we find so often in the nets of our finding efforts. Time once again is short but and promise I'll write more next week.
Elder Pettit
The work is coming along pretty slowly thus far in this area though I found out that a family we had started to teach back in another area may be receiving the lessons again here. We had a conference with President yesterday and as such I wasn't able send a little letter until today. The mission is focusing on using the Book of Mormon in contacting and teaching people and helping them to achieve the lasting conversion neccesary to help them return to the Lord's presence. President Vecchi feels this is the key (stone) to real success here and I felt that too as he spoke about it at the conference.
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that this is His work, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
April 8, 2010
Don't have a whole lot of time today, transfers were yesterday. Elder M. should be getting home about now and Elder H. (yes, my MTC companion) has come here from the interior and we are companions for the second time. It’s been a great 24 hours and it’s a breath of fresh air being with him after being with a "dying" Elder last transfer. As always he is ever in the pursuit of knowledge and in this short amount of time we've been together he has already shared an interesting "conspiracy theory" with me, one of the biggest I think I've ever heard actually, maybe we'll talk about it one day...
Not a whole lot to report, we have started trying to "invade" the apartment complexes here, contacting people as they are taking their garbage out, going to work or coming from it. so far without much success but with patience we will go on (check out Uchtdorf's talk btw, twas a good one).
Elder Pettit
April 14, 2010
We have had some cool experiences this past week as Elder H. and I have begun working in this area. It has been refreshing working with him and we have found a very different group of people interested in the gospel than I have ever had before on my mission. The most notable of our investigators is João, an older man in his 60's. He has studied a lot of different religions and currently seems to be following one of oriental origin. He has begun reading the Book of Mormon and plans to read it from cover to cover which is an exciting change from many of the half interested people we find so often in the nets of our finding efforts. Time once again is short but and promise I'll write more next week.
Elder Pettit
Monday, March 29, 2010
March 24, 2010
Unfortunately Yessica didn't get baptized, her mom didn't want her to meet with us anymore. Sorry to hear that Uncle Lynn is suffering so much but am grateful for the knowledge that all families can be reunited on the condition that we make and fulfill the necessary baptismal and temple covenants made possible through the Priesthood authority restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Recently I have been learning better to recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit and to trust that He will guide us in this work. We have still been working on bringing recent converts/less actives back to church but are trying to "keep the plates spinning" as President puts it. Working with new investigators as well as part member families and inactives. This past weekend most of a less active family we are working with came back to church which was very rewarding and we were blessed to find that a recent convert (João Vitor's) mom came to church as well. Elder L Tom Perry has introduced a plan for missionary work in the wards/stakes called united in purpose which we are working to bring into play here in the Salvador stake. We are also working at getting a ward missionary program up and running with the support of an amazing missionary couple here.
I am grateful to be on the mission at this point in time helping to edify the Kingdom of God on the earth. I know that He lives and that this is His work, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Unfortunately Yessica didn't get baptized, her mom didn't want her to meet with us anymore. Sorry to hear that Uncle Lynn is suffering so much but am grateful for the knowledge that all families can be reunited on the condition that we make and fulfill the necessary baptismal and temple covenants made possible through the Priesthood authority restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Recently I have been learning better to recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit and to trust that He will guide us in this work. We have still been working on bringing recent converts/less actives back to church but are trying to "keep the plates spinning" as President puts it. Working with new investigators as well as part member families and inactives. This past weekend most of a less active family we are working with came back to church which was very rewarding and we were blessed to find that a recent convert (João Vitor's) mom came to church as well. Elder L Tom Perry has introduced a plan for missionary work in the wards/stakes called united in purpose which we are working to bring into play here in the Salvador stake. We are also working at getting a ward missionary program up and running with the support of an amazing missionary couple here.
I am grateful to be on the mission at this point in time helping to edify the Kingdom of God on the earth. I know that He lives and that this is His work, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March 17, 2010
Of all the areas I’ve passed through I think I’m most likely to gain the most weight in this one. We have a "grandma" figure living upstairs who cooks as good as any grandma for her grandsons and she does it quite frequently to boot.
This week we have a doctors conference going on in the stake center and so Elder M. and I did a division with a soon to be elder from the stake and one who came home last week manning a little table there with materials to give out etc. While my comp and the RM stayed there handing out materials and answering questions, Ismael (soon to be elder) and I worked in the area going through a list of recent converts of which a saddening large number are inactive. Of those which we found at home we had some success, not so much in the reactivation end of things as finding new investigators. Jassi is a RC's mom who wanted to hear the message and seems really interested in the blessings of a family more united. interesting note, her nephew who I got to know in another area went on his mission a couple weeks ago, (the Lord prepares his elect and leads us to them when we qualify ourselves for His trust) Our hopes are that as we bring her into the church that her son and perhaps other relatives that live close by will either come back to church or join.
We also had another great experience with an inactive family holding a FHE in their home on Monday. They recognized the Spirit's influence and after a discussion in which the mom spoke of her conversion they decided to come back to church on Sunday.
I’m being blessed to recognize how the Lord works in small ways through us if we let Him. The other night as we were returning to a chapel to finish the division, we felt prompted to make one last visit. As it turns out the guy we planned on visiting wasn't home, but we contacted one of his neighbors who we hadn’t ever seen before and she is eager to learn more about the gospel.
I know this is the Lord's work that the Spirit's influence is real. If we live worthily and listen we will hear Him, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Love,
Jacob
Of all the areas I’ve passed through I think I’m most likely to gain the most weight in this one. We have a "grandma" figure living upstairs who cooks as good as any grandma for her grandsons and she does it quite frequently to boot.
This week we have a doctors conference going on in the stake center and so Elder M. and I did a division with a soon to be elder from the stake and one who came home last week manning a little table there with materials to give out etc. While my comp and the RM stayed there handing out materials and answering questions, Ismael (soon to be elder) and I worked in the area going through a list of recent converts of which a saddening large number are inactive. Of those which we found at home we had some success, not so much in the reactivation end of things as finding new investigators. Jassi is a RC's mom who wanted to hear the message and seems really interested in the blessings of a family more united. interesting note, her nephew who I got to know in another area went on his mission a couple weeks ago, (the Lord prepares his elect and leads us to them when we qualify ourselves for His trust) Our hopes are that as we bring her into the church that her son and perhaps other relatives that live close by will either come back to church or join.
We also had another great experience with an inactive family holding a FHE in their home on Monday. They recognized the Spirit's influence and after a discussion in which the mom spoke of her conversion they decided to come back to church on Sunday.
I’m being blessed to recognize how the Lord works in small ways through us if we let Him. The other night as we were returning to a chapel to finish the division, we felt prompted to make one last visit. As it turns out the guy we planned on visiting wasn't home, but we contacted one of his neighbors who we hadn’t ever seen before and she is eager to learn more about the gospel.
I know this is the Lord's work that the Spirit's influence is real. If we live worthily and listen we will hear Him, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Love,
Jacob
March 11, 2010
The work is coming along though we are having difficulty getting a solid teaching group together. Solange and her daughter don't want us to come back though they won't tell us why... A bit of a downer but we'll leave them in the area book for another time when they are ready. We tracted into another girl named Yessika, (Yes, her name is Yessica) who is really firm. We talked with her a bit before leaving the 1st message and found out she has always been one to seek out the Lord's will in her life. The Spirit testified strongly of the truthfulness of the Restoration and she agreed to be baptized on the 20th of March. This last Sunday she missed the meeting because of her work and an emergency trip her brother had to make to the hospital, but as we were out and about Sunday night we felt we should stop by and see how she was doing (though previously our plans were different) so we gave her a call and found out she was heading to church thinking there was a meeting still going on. So we met up with her there and gave her a little tour of the chapel after which she decided to sing with the stake choir that was having practice at the time. Twas a cool experience and testifies that the Lord does guide us in this work.
Jacob
The work is coming along though we are having difficulty getting a solid teaching group together. Solange and her daughter don't want us to come back though they won't tell us why... A bit of a downer but we'll leave them in the area book for another time when they are ready. We tracted into another girl named Yessika, (Yes, her name is Yessica) who is really firm. We talked with her a bit before leaving the 1st message and found out she has always been one to seek out the Lord's will in her life. The Spirit testified strongly of the truthfulness of the Restoration and she agreed to be baptized on the 20th of March. This last Sunday she missed the meeting because of her work and an emergency trip her brother had to make to the hospital, but as we were out and about Sunday night we felt we should stop by and see how she was doing (though previously our plans were different) so we gave her a call and found out she was heading to church thinking there was a meeting still going on. So we met up with her there and gave her a little tour of the chapel after which she decided to sing with the stake choir that was having practice at the time. Twas a cool experience and testifies that the Lord does guide us in this work.
Jacob
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March 3, 2010
I dreamed of snowboarding the other night though I woke up right as I was strapping in at the top of the run...
We had a rough couple first days last week but the Lord has blessed us this week with a pretty solid group of people ready to seek out their testimonies. Of greatest note was yesterday as we were out knocking doors/talking to people in the streets we met a girl and her grandma who invited us in and let us teach them. Right about the time we got to talking about the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ the Grandma Solange asked us how much time it took for someone to be baptized. A bit taken aback we explained there isn't a set time but that usually people are baptized after about two weeks or so, she than accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 20th of march as did her g-daughter. She than told us how she had been praying at the time that we began talking to her grand daughter Yasmim. Apparently after the Solange realized that her g-daughter was talking to someone she called to her and asked her if we were wearing black pants and white shirts. (this being before she saw us) She was quite touched by the experience and the Spirit was felt very strongly throughout the lesson. Further proof of the Spirit's work was as she asked us afterwards about stopping to smoke. We hadn't talked about the word of wisdom yet, but she knew and felt that she needed to stop and felt that desire after our short time being there.
I know that God led us to her doorstep and that he hears our prayers when they don't stop with amen. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Jacob
I dreamed of snowboarding the other night though I woke up right as I was strapping in at the top of the run...
We had a rough couple first days last week but the Lord has blessed us this week with a pretty solid group of people ready to seek out their testimonies. Of greatest note was yesterday as we were out knocking doors/talking to people in the streets we met a girl and her grandma who invited us in and let us teach them. Right about the time we got to talking about the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ the Grandma Solange asked us how much time it took for someone to be baptized. A bit taken aback we explained there isn't a set time but that usually people are baptized after about two weeks or so, she than accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 20th of march as did her g-daughter. She than told us how she had been praying at the time that we began talking to her grand daughter Yasmim. Apparently after the Solange realized that her g-daughter was talking to someone she called to her and asked her if we were wearing black pants and white shirts. (this being before she saw us) She was quite touched by the experience and the Spirit was felt very strongly throughout the lesson. Further proof of the Spirit's work was as she asked us afterwards about stopping to smoke. We hadn't talked about the word of wisdom yet, but she knew and felt that she needed to stop and felt that desire after our short time being there.
I know that God led us to her doorstep and that he hears our prayers when they don't stop with amen. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Jacob
Thursday, February 25, 2010
February 25, 2010
Hey hey hey!!
Transfers happened and after a long three week stay in Itapuã.... I’ve been transferred again. Unfortunately right when we started picking up some good solid investigators but its all good. We had a really cool experience with one man, Elso, who truly seemed to be taught by the spirit. One of those lessons where you feel that true comprehension has been reached. He began to finish sentences with us as we were explaining about the Priesthood being restored and as we invited him to read and pray about the Book of Mormon he told us that he didn’t want to read it alone but rather would read it with his wife and afterwards wanted to pray about it with her. Interesting how often people who come into contact with the truth and truly are touched by the Spirit have a great desire to share the gospel with those they know and love. Also had a girl who we invited to go to church on Saturday night who showed up alone to church on Sunday. When we had passed by her house Sunday morning to go to church her neighbor told us she had left a little while before we got there. A little disappointed as nobody else had decided to go to church on Sunday, we got to church only to find her in the hallway talking with a relative of her's, a member of the church. There was also a brother of a recently returned missionary who decided he wanted to be baptized and will be this coming Saturday. I was really liking the area but I am also excited to work here in Amaralina with Elder M. He is from Natal which is up on the northern end of things here in Brasil. Thus far we've done a pretty good clean-up of the smallish house here and after a bucket shower we came here to the LAN House to send some emails and pick up the weekly boletin. Other than that not much to report. I'm going to be studying Christ's life and teachings a good bit this transfer and am looking forward to gaining a stronger testimony thereof.
Jacob
Hey hey hey!!
Transfers happened and after a long three week stay in Itapuã.... I’ve been transferred again. Unfortunately right when we started picking up some good solid investigators but its all good. We had a really cool experience with one man, Elso, who truly seemed to be taught by the spirit. One of those lessons where you feel that true comprehension has been reached. He began to finish sentences with us as we were explaining about the Priesthood being restored and as we invited him to read and pray about the Book of Mormon he told us that he didn’t want to read it alone but rather would read it with his wife and afterwards wanted to pray about it with her. Interesting how often people who come into contact with the truth and truly are touched by the Spirit have a great desire to share the gospel with those they know and love. Also had a girl who we invited to go to church on Saturday night who showed up alone to church on Sunday. When we had passed by her house Sunday morning to go to church her neighbor told us she had left a little while before we got there. A little disappointed as nobody else had decided to go to church on Sunday, we got to church only to find her in the hallway talking with a relative of her's, a member of the church. There was also a brother of a recently returned missionary who decided he wanted to be baptized and will be this coming Saturday. I was really liking the area but I am also excited to work here in Amaralina with Elder M. He is from Natal which is up on the northern end of things here in Brasil. Thus far we've done a pretty good clean-up of the smallish house here and after a bucket shower we came here to the LAN House to send some emails and pick up the weekly boletin. Other than that not much to report. I'm going to be studying Christ's life and teachings a good bit this transfer and am looking forward to gaining a stronger testimony thereof.
Jacob
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Feb. 17, 2010
Life here in the field is good though the results aren’t immediate in coming. We are currently working with an unmarried couple who are progressing slowly in their reading of the Book of Mormon (though the wife is really the only one reading as of yet I think) and another family who really seem quite excited about the gospel though they will have to get married before being baptized as well. We also were led to another woman who is extremely excited to know if the church is true. We taught her husband and a good number of family members though she seemed to be the only one who was really into the message. Recently Elder P. and I have have been trying to narrow in on how we can have the Spirit's influence stronger in our lessons and something we have been finding is the simpler we say things and the less "fluff" we throw in the better. A principle taught all over Preach My Gospel (PMG) but I just hadn't applied it. I feel like I haven’t used PMG as much as I could or should have here on the mission and am working on changing that around.
I know God Lives and this is His work, that through the prophet Joseph Smith He restored His gospel in its fullness and I feel that as we teach these principles each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Life here in the field is good though the results aren’t immediate in coming. We are currently working with an unmarried couple who are progressing slowly in their reading of the Book of Mormon (though the wife is really the only one reading as of yet I think) and another family who really seem quite excited about the gospel though they will have to get married before being baptized as well. We also were led to another woman who is extremely excited to know if the church is true. We taught her husband and a good number of family members though she seemed to be the only one who was really into the message. Recently Elder P. and I have have been trying to narrow in on how we can have the Spirit's influence stronger in our lessons and something we have been finding is the simpler we say things and the less "fluff" we throw in the better. A principle taught all over Preach My Gospel (PMG) but I just hadn't applied it. I feel like I haven’t used PMG as much as I could or should have here on the mission and am working on changing that around.
I know God Lives and this is His work, that through the prophet Joseph Smith He restored His gospel in its fullness and I feel that as we teach these principles each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Feb. 10, 2010
Don’t have a whole lot of time today but I'm really liking this area though we have been having difficulty in finding people interested in the gospel. We are keeping in mind though that while we are being obedient to the rules and God's commandments that the difficulties we face are according to the will of God so that we can learn and grow. In this light we are trying to bring our lives closer to the standards the Lord has set forth for us as His Sons and representatives. I am feeling a greater desire here in the field to grow closer to the Lord and be more responsive to the Spirit, a feeling I wish and need to feel for the rest of my mission and life. I am currently in Itapuã in the Imbui stake here in Salvador. The ward members seem really excited in general and have a desire to help with the work. Even though we weren't really expecting o have any investigators show up to sacrament meeting we came to know of part member families and we have already started teaching two of the three this week. I find inspiration and a greater perspective of the gospel of Christ as I come to know these families and think of how prevalent the doctrine of eternal families must be for them as they have members of their immediate family still unbaptized and unsealed to them. It is inspirational as well to think of one of these sisters, who has recently started working on her genealogy as a result of her testimony and her desire to have an eternal family, even traveling to the interior to talk with people who knew her relatives. Well, I need to go but I love you all and know this is God's work.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Don’t have a whole lot of time today but I'm really liking this area though we have been having difficulty in finding people interested in the gospel. We are keeping in mind though that while we are being obedient to the rules and God's commandments that the difficulties we face are according to the will of God so that we can learn and grow. In this light we are trying to bring our lives closer to the standards the Lord has set forth for us as His Sons and representatives. I am feeling a greater desire here in the field to grow closer to the Lord and be more responsive to the Spirit, a feeling I wish and need to feel for the rest of my mission and life. I am currently in Itapuã in the Imbui stake here in Salvador. The ward members seem really excited in general and have a desire to help with the work. Even though we weren't really expecting o have any investigators show up to sacrament meeting we came to know of part member families and we have already started teaching two of the three this week. I find inspiration and a greater perspective of the gospel of Christ as I come to know these families and think of how prevalent the doctrine of eternal families must be for them as they have members of their immediate family still unbaptized and unsealed to them. It is inspirational as well to think of one of these sisters, who has recently started working on her genealogy as a result of her testimony and her desire to have an eternal family, even traveling to the interior to talk with people who knew her relatives. Well, I need to go but I love you all and know this is God's work.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3, 2010
Woohoo!! I've been transferred and as such now have p-days on Wednesdays again. My new area seems pretty cool all three or four streets that I’ve walked on until now anyway... Elder P. my new companion and I came in last night and spent much of this morning unpacking and doing a bit of much needed cleaning. Our new house is spacious but the area is swarming with mosquitos at night so we have to sleep with the windows shut (we're thinking of investing in installing screens of some sort here) but thanks to a wonderful invention called the fan it works out well enough in the end. ELder P. was one of the guys waiting for his visa long enough that he had started serving in another mission (Tennessee Nashville area ) He seems like a good guy and speaks really well considering it's his second day out here in Brasil.
Not too much else to report for now. Christ is our Savior, this is God's work, and obedience to the commandments brings forth His blessings from heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Woohoo!! I've been transferred and as such now have p-days on Wednesdays again. My new area seems pretty cool all three or four streets that I’ve walked on until now anyway... Elder P. my new companion and I came in last night and spent much of this morning unpacking and doing a bit of much needed cleaning. Our new house is spacious but the area is swarming with mosquitos at night so we have to sleep with the windows shut (we're thinking of investing in installing screens of some sort here) but thanks to a wonderful invention called the fan it works out well enough in the end. ELder P. was one of the guys waiting for his visa long enough that he had started serving in another mission (Tennessee Nashville area ) He seems like a good guy and speaks really well considering it's his second day out here in Brasil.
Not too much else to report for now. Christ is our Savior, this is God's work, and obedience to the commandments brings forth His blessings from heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
January 30, 2010
Looks like I typed in your email address wrong last week but the email is attached to this one.
It’s been another good week here in the good ole mission office. Highlights of the week include a missionary from one of the mission branches going out to serve (though as all understand it he has been living elsewhere but decided to leave from where his non-member parents are living so we got to send him off after he got here to Salvador) Concerning missionaries from the mission area we are coming up on an important mark in church growth here as we come closer to sending out more missionaries then the number we have here in the mission serving. Who knows, maybe in just a bit Salvador will have the privilege of building one of the next temples in Brasil. President took us all out to a crazy Brazilian barbecue place called Sal e Brasa. Along with the amazing hunks of perfectly grilled meat brought out on giant spits which they would cut off as you ask for a piece but we also ate a variety of "gourmet" sea food, including muscles, shrimp, octopus and/or squid.
In my studies this week I came across a parable in Lucas 17:7-10 where Christ is speaking to His apostles,
"7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
Likewise in our lives whether we be missionaries, Relief society presidents, Home teachers or 2nd counselors in the ward primary presidency even if we all that is asked of us we are unprofitable servants and yet God still blesses us for doing so. Let us always remember this and then go forth and learn our duties to act in the office in which we are appointed, in all diligence that we may be counted "worthy to stand" at the last day (DC 107:99-100)
I know that as we do our best to be obedient to God's commandments and the duties of our callings that we will be led to complete the Lord's work and to one day return to His presence. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:58:06 +0000
Thanks for the many emails I received this past week I feel blessed to receive so many which have left me feeling edified and determined to press forward in this the Lord's work. This week has been a good one as I have been getting to know Elder J. and we have also been leaving the office pretty much every night to work in our area. Sidney, his wife and one of their daughters are excited to go to church tomorrow though it is still sad that he doesn't want to get married. It is interesting to see the difference the gospel can make in our lives. I hadn't ever thought about its effect in my your (mom and dad's) marriage. The gospel truly does teach us to love, to forgive, to help, learn and teach one another all of which are essential principles in a successful marriage. It is sad to see some of the people with either a lack of commitment or trust in their marriages keeping them from receiving God's blessing of an eternal family let alone Eternal Salvation. I am grateful for the protection the Lord gives us missionaries here on the mission and the righteous desires he gives us as we seek and ask for them. I am grateful for the testimonies of the apostles and prophets both ancient and modern that strengthen my own and help me to learn. I am grateful that our family can be together forever that Christ paid the price so that we may become clean if we but repent and come unto Him. The Lord lives and loves us and this testimony I leave with you all in the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Jacob
Looks like I typed in your email address wrong last week but the email is attached to this one.
It’s been another good week here in the good ole mission office. Highlights of the week include a missionary from one of the mission branches going out to serve (though as all understand it he has been living elsewhere but decided to leave from where his non-member parents are living so we got to send him off after he got here to Salvador) Concerning missionaries from the mission area we are coming up on an important mark in church growth here as we come closer to sending out more missionaries then the number we have here in the mission serving. Who knows, maybe in just a bit Salvador will have the privilege of building one of the next temples in Brasil. President took us all out to a crazy Brazilian barbecue place called Sal e Brasa. Along with the amazing hunks of perfectly grilled meat brought out on giant spits which they would cut off as you ask for a piece but we also ate a variety of "gourmet" sea food, including muscles, shrimp, octopus and/or squid.
In my studies this week I came across a parable in Lucas 17:7-10 where Christ is speaking to His apostles,
"7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
Likewise in our lives whether we be missionaries, Relief society presidents, Home teachers or 2nd counselors in the ward primary presidency even if we all that is asked of us we are unprofitable servants and yet God still blesses us for doing so. Let us always remember this and then go forth and learn our duties to act in the office in which we are appointed, in all diligence that we may be counted "worthy to stand" at the last day (DC 107:99-100)
I know that as we do our best to be obedient to God's commandments and the duties of our callings that we will be led to complete the Lord's work and to one day return to His presence. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Love,
Elder Pettit
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:58:06 +0000
Thanks for the many emails I received this past week I feel blessed to receive so many which have left me feeling edified and determined to press forward in this the Lord's work. This week has been a good one as I have been getting to know Elder J. and we have also been leaving the office pretty much every night to work in our area. Sidney, his wife and one of their daughters are excited to go to church tomorrow though it is still sad that he doesn't want to get married. It is interesting to see the difference the gospel can make in our lives. I hadn't ever thought about its effect in my your (mom and dad's) marriage. The gospel truly does teach us to love, to forgive, to help, learn and teach one another all of which are essential principles in a successful marriage. It is sad to see some of the people with either a lack of commitment or trust in their marriages keeping them from receiving God's blessing of an eternal family let alone Eternal Salvation. I am grateful for the protection the Lord gives us missionaries here on the mission and the righteous desires he gives us as we seek and ask for them. I am grateful for the testimonies of the apostles and prophets both ancient and modern that strengthen my own and help me to learn. I am grateful that our family can be together forever that Christ paid the price so that we may become clean if we but repent and come unto Him. The Lord lives and loves us and this testimony I leave with you all in the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Jacob
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 16, 2010
It went through eh? Well that was easy enough. My current Companion Elder W. will start at BYU-I that semester as well. Speaking of companions we have a new one here at the office, Elder J. of Salt Lake ( I think) just came in.
In other bug news we started going out at night and have been blessed richly for our efforts. On Thursday night we went on splits so Diego (a kid going on a mission in a bit here) and I went out to work in the area near his house. After contacting some of his friends and neighbors without much success we were heading over to visit a Brother's house in the area and we ran into Sidney. After talking with him a bit, inviting him to church (to which he said yes) and asking if we could leave a message with him we got to meet some of his other family members (his "wife" with whom he has been living together with for 17 years and their 3 kids though only 2 were home that night) He has been a member of several different churches the most recent being the Baptist, but he described himself as inactive but wanting to stay firm in a certain denomination with his family. What a blessing he will get in the true church of Jesus Christ where we know that as we make and fulfill our covenants in the temple with may receive the promised blessing of being with our families for time and all eternity. Pretty much the whole family is going to go to church tomorrow and we hope to help them get married asap to help them prepare to one day receive the fullness of the blessings God has in store for them.
I was talking with a good friend Elder S. at transfers while we were all together here in the Salvador stake center and we had an interesting discussion about things that we are learning. He said something that kind of struck that I have been trying to apply in the work here. Why question promptings to do good things? Just do them. I feel that we found Sidney because I was trying to apply that principle.
I know this is God's work and that our family will be eternal if we but do our part, those small and simple things that allow the Lord to guide us and shape our lives and characters. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Jacob
It went through eh? Well that was easy enough. My current Companion Elder W. will start at BYU-I that semester as well. Speaking of companions we have a new one here at the office, Elder J. of Salt Lake ( I think) just came in.
In other bug news we started going out at night and have been blessed richly for our efforts. On Thursday night we went on splits so Diego (a kid going on a mission in a bit here) and I went out to work in the area near his house. After contacting some of his friends and neighbors without much success we were heading over to visit a Brother's house in the area and we ran into Sidney. After talking with him a bit, inviting him to church (to which he said yes) and asking if we could leave a message with him we got to meet some of his other family members (his "wife" with whom he has been living together with for 17 years and their 3 kids though only 2 were home that night) He has been a member of several different churches the most recent being the Baptist, but he described himself as inactive but wanting to stay firm in a certain denomination with his family. What a blessing he will get in the true church of Jesus Christ where we know that as we make and fulfill our covenants in the temple with may receive the promised blessing of being with our families for time and all eternity. Pretty much the whole family is going to go to church tomorrow and we hope to help them get married asap to help them prepare to one day receive the fullness of the blessings God has in store for them.
I was talking with a good friend Elder S. at transfers while we were all together here in the Salvador stake center and we had an interesting discussion about things that we are learning. He said something that kind of struck that I have been trying to apply in the work here. Why question promptings to do good things? Just do them. I feel that we found Sidney because I was trying to apply that principle.
I know this is God's work and that our family will be eternal if we but do our part, those small and simple things that allow the Lord to guide us and shape our lives and characters. In the name of Jesus Christ, amém.
Jacob
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2, 2010
Happy new year to you all!!
We had a barbecue in the house (yes I mean in the house, the way the wind passed through the house sucked the smoke right out the window by which the little homemade sheet metal barbecue stood) of the other Elders in our district which was quite good, I was able to learn a few helpful barbecue hints as well. I have a goal to pick up cooking tips and recipe with just about everyone who has them.
Our house is a bit of a sick bay these days with two Elders passing time with else while doing treatment at the nearby hospital. One of them, Elder R. has taught me by his example and just through some conversations we've had walking behind everyone else (he is on crutches at the moment due to a knee problem). I have found myself with a "second wind" of sorts these days, with a greater desire to do what I need to do, so I can learn what I need to learn and then be who I need to be.
Elder Zwick told of a complicated structural situation in Utah with a plan to build on top of an active fault line. He spoke of a complex foundation that if built properly would secure the building in earthquakes up to the 6th magnitude (I think that’s what he said, maybe it was 6.5, the idea being a strong foundation) he then pointed out a couple interesting facts. First, compared to the amount of material used in the part of the actual building, there was about three times the amount used in the foundation which extended way into the earth, and second that the slightest bit of impurity in this foundation, even the slightest bit of air, would foul up the whole process and leave the foundation insecure. Meaning that much care had to be taken to do it right the first time the whole time. He then compared this to our own foundation in the gospel and how we need to make the consistent effort now to build that foundation the right way so that when the 6.5 earthquakes come in our life, (and they will come) we can stand strong. If you find you have "impurities" in your base, take care of them now, confess the sins you need to confess, make the changes in your life you know you need to change, create the habits of scripture reading, and real, sincere, humble prayer that you need to create. If we don't do this know a day may arrive when the strength we needed in our spiritual foundation isn't there but if we do, we will find it being edified, tested, proven strong and our spiritual progress will continue onward until the day which we hope to all come to, when Christ will say to us, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, that through Christ we can become clean of our sins, work out our individual "foundation" and one day receive salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
Happy new year to you all!!
We had a barbecue in the house (yes I mean in the house, the way the wind passed through the house sucked the smoke right out the window by which the little homemade sheet metal barbecue stood) of the other Elders in our district which was quite good, I was able to learn a few helpful barbecue hints as well. I have a goal to pick up cooking tips and recipe with just about everyone who has them.
Our house is a bit of a sick bay these days with two Elders passing time with else while doing treatment at the nearby hospital. One of them, Elder R. has taught me by his example and just through some conversations we've had walking behind everyone else (he is on crutches at the moment due to a knee problem). I have found myself with a "second wind" of sorts these days, with a greater desire to do what I need to do, so I can learn what I need to learn and then be who I need to be.
Elder Zwick told of a complicated structural situation in Utah with a plan to build on top of an active fault line. He spoke of a complex foundation that if built properly would secure the building in earthquakes up to the 6th magnitude (I think that’s what he said, maybe it was 6.5, the idea being a strong foundation) he then pointed out a couple interesting facts. First, compared to the amount of material used in the part of the actual building, there was about three times the amount used in the foundation which extended way into the earth, and second that the slightest bit of impurity in this foundation, even the slightest bit of air, would foul up the whole process and leave the foundation insecure. Meaning that much care had to be taken to do it right the first time the whole time. He then compared this to our own foundation in the gospel and how we need to make the consistent effort now to build that foundation the right way so that when the 6.5 earthquakes come in our life, (and they will come) we can stand strong. If you find you have "impurities" in your base, take care of them now, confess the sins you need to confess, make the changes in your life you know you need to change, create the habits of scripture reading, and real, sincere, humble prayer that you need to create. If we don't do this know a day may arrive when the strength we needed in our spiritual foundation isn't there but if we do, we will find it being edified, tested, proven strong and our spiritual progress will continue onward until the day which we hope to all come to, when Christ will say to us, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, that through Christ we can become clean of our sins, work out our individual "foundation" and one day receive salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amém.
Elder Pettit
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