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
Sunday, May 23, 2010
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
