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