Boa tarde !!!! :)
One week left at this point in the empty sea (Elizabeth calls the MTC this as a joke) and just recently President Silvia sent us a letter of soon to be welcomed and a good list of well, all the scriptures in the PMG (Preach My Gospel) lessons to memorize, kinda nuts, but I look forward to it. I think I'll get the references down first, then memorize them after. So far I´ve collected the following about Salvador, looks like they have lots of spicy food, large parties every month, (about as close as I can get to a direct quote "carnival all year round") plenty of black magic/voodoo, open/humble people, and apparently Salvador South is the 4th highest baptizing mission in Brazil. I wonder about the retention rate though, guess we'll just have to wait and see, also heard from one of the instructors who servd there we invite them to be baptized on the street contact, bold but not overbearing eh? can't wait to get out there. Had my first taste of teaching last Friday. We were out tracting, and while talking to a man who at this point was saying many things I didnt quite understand, a 19 or twenty year old guy came up to Elder H and I and said he respected our church and would like to ask us a question; he then pointed across the street and headed over there. After tying things up with the older man, we headed over there and for about thirty minutes talked to two, the previously mentioned guy and another of his coworkers, both of whom had read at least some portion of the Book of Mormon, and were interested in finding out more. A. (the one who first talked to us) was really quite interested and wanted to learn more so we gave him the Christ dvd card and another Book of Mormon card, (they had one BOM tween the two of them) and L. (his co worker) had some questions about the Book of Mormon that I feel we answered with the help of the spirit, which was undoubtedly there. We shared with them about Christ´s ministery, and how he established His Church, giving the apostles the authority to act and work miracles in his name. Then how that power was lost, taken by God from the earth as the people Crucified our Saviour and killed the apostles. How the earth went for a time without this power or the fulness of the gospel on the Earth, but that in 1823, Joseph Smith, a young boy desiring to know the truth, was reading in the bible, in James 1:5 "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upraideth not, and it shall be given him." After which he went and knelt in a clearing in the woods near his home, and asked God, the Eternal Father, which church he should join. After which, God the Father and Jesus Christ his Beloved Son appeared to him, and revealed that the truth was not yet in its fulness upon the earth, but that they would restore it through him. That the Book of Mormon another testament of Jesus Christ, a record comparable to the Bible, containing words of ancient prophets here on the American Continent prophesying of, and bearing record of His Ministry was brought forth as a voice speaking as from the dust, translated by and through the power of God, to restore that which was lost, and to be convincing evidence that one could hold, touch and read, as to the truthfulness of this restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know this is God´s church on the earth today, I know Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Reedemer, I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we have a prophet on the earth today, In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Jacob
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Mailing address for letters
Here is the mailing address for letters until we receive the address of Jacob's first assignment:
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Caixa Postal 7384
Pituba, Salvador-BA
Brazil 41811-970
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Caixa Postal 7384
Pituba, Salvador-BA
Brazil 41811-970
Mailing address for packages
Packages from here on out should only be sent to this address:
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Av Lucaia, 295, Sala 202/203
Ed. Empresarial Lucaia
Rio Vermelho, Salvador-BA
BRAZIL 41490-660
(
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Av Lucaia, 295, Sala 202/203
Ed. Empresarial Lucaia
Rio Vermelho, Salvador-BA
BRAZIL 41490-660
(
Time has never passed so quickly, great news about prop 8, sounds like things are getting pretty intense though. How close was it? btw I hear Obama got elected, true?
It seems if you send a package with a picture of Christ on it they get through safer, just an idea, though so far it seems I've been blessed to have things arrive.
Well, let's see, the week at a glance, busy as usual. We're beginning to get into the third lesson in Portuguese, and the language is def. getting better. It's kind of nice to have the Spanish I took pay off in sentence structure and pronunciation, it's really been of help as I haven't had to memorize lessons/phrases as some have. I've been blessed to be able to just take the grammar and vocab together and speak a bit easier, not to mention as times go along, the previous experience just keeps getting built up and added on more and more. (line upon line precept upon precept eh?) I love the spirit that comes even in just practicing the lessons and can't wait to get out there to begin inviting others to come unto Christ. It's amazing the amount you learn in just two months when in the work of the Lord. It took me several years to get less comprehension then this in Spanish. Two Sundays ago I got called to be the new district leader as Elder W is now the Assistant to the president. It's great the way the Lord knows and looks out for us. Around that time I was really struggling out here, not out of a doubtfulness as to the truth of the gospel, but my capacity to perform as the Lord needs me to, pertaining to faults of my own. I had been praying about it and felt that this was a bit of a vote of confidence from Him, a "yes, now go and do" (Nephi 3:7) It's been a great opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, and in my capacity to lead in the Lord's hands as well, ( I think back to my blessing when I was set apart) I've gotta get going though as time as running out.
It seems if you send a package with a picture of Christ on it they get through safer, just an idea, though so far it seems I've been blessed to have things arrive.
Well, let's see, the week at a glance, busy as usual. We're beginning to get into the third lesson in Portuguese, and the language is def. getting better. It's kind of nice to have the Spanish I took pay off in sentence structure and pronunciation, it's really been of help as I haven't had to memorize lessons/phrases as some have. I've been blessed to be able to just take the grammar and vocab together and speak a bit easier, not to mention as times go along, the previous experience just keeps getting built up and added on more and more. (line upon line precept upon precept eh?) I love the spirit that comes even in just practicing the lessons and can't wait to get out there to begin inviting others to come unto Christ. It's amazing the amount you learn in just two months when in the work of the Lord. It took me several years to get less comprehension then this in Spanish. Two Sundays ago I got called to be the new district leader as Elder W is now the Assistant to the president. It's great the way the Lord knows and looks out for us. Around that time I was really struggling out here, not out of a doubtfulness as to the truth of the gospel, but my capacity to perform as the Lord needs me to, pertaining to faults of my own. I had been praying about it and felt that this was a bit of a vote of confidence from Him, a "yes, now go and do" (Nephi 3:7) It's been a great opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, and in my capacity to lead in the Lord's hands as well, ( I think back to my blessing when I was set apart) I've gotta get going though as time as running out.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
OI! OI! OI!!!
Sounds like a mad house, stolen signs, Obama winning, and I heard some stuff about the economy being pretty scary for a bit to boot. ( though word on the street has it that gas prices are down... that true?
Let’s see, where to start... Proselyting, twas a great experience, though I think it was harder to do the second time than the first, though I've learned more of the language, I feel like I understood less, we talked to a man named Luigi though, and had a great experience. It’s interesting as I go out to proselyte, I feel a need to talk to so many people and yet at the same time feel kinda nervous about approaching them, But that’s the trick, just facing the fear, I was reading in the bible the other day, and forget the reference now, but in John... something, we are told the Lord Doesn't give us feelings of fear, and I think the more fear you have to do something, particularly where sharing the Gospel is concerned, the more important it is that we do it.
I'm a real big fan of the quote you sent this week, (“discipline is the difference between goal and accomplishments’) it’s so true, and I think that’s half the battle here in the MTc, learning how to plan, and then complete, if you can master that, a whole lot more becomes possible. Ayway, back to Luigi, after we said hello one of the first things out of his mouth was, why me? Which for the moment seemed like a rather interesting and negative response, but as he continued on, he told us of how he used to be rich, had a wife, nice house, cars, and now he has nothing. His name is dirty, he's going in for a second heart surgery and he feels that God is the only one he can turn to, (he spoke some english, btw) He also told us how he felt God was looking out for him and that us talking to him confirmed the feeling. It’s great to be a part of God's work here and I can't wait to get out in the field to be doing stuff like that and teaching every day. That’s one of the greatest parts here, the more we learn the doctrine, and the more comfortable we become with teaching it, the less we worry about how we say things and the more able we are to feel the spirit and be directed. The spirit comes so strongly even in practice situations with the brothers or sisters that teach us here. Guess that’s its job though right? To teach, testify, bring peace and confirm truths. Gtg though, times up. Love and miss you all.
Your son, friend, and fellow elder,
Jacob
Sounds like a mad house, stolen signs, Obama winning, and I heard some stuff about the economy being pretty scary for a bit to boot. ( though word on the street has it that gas prices are down... that true?
Let’s see, where to start... Proselyting, twas a great experience, though I think it was harder to do the second time than the first, though I've learned more of the language, I feel like I understood less, we talked to a man named Luigi though, and had a great experience. It’s interesting as I go out to proselyte, I feel a need to talk to so many people and yet at the same time feel kinda nervous about approaching them, But that’s the trick, just facing the fear, I was reading in the bible the other day, and forget the reference now, but in John... something, we are told the Lord Doesn't give us feelings of fear, and I think the more fear you have to do something, particularly where sharing the Gospel is concerned, the more important it is that we do it.
I'm a real big fan of the quote you sent this week, (“discipline is the difference between goal and accomplishments’) it’s so true, and I think that’s half the battle here in the MTc, learning how to plan, and then complete, if you can master that, a whole lot more becomes possible. Ayway, back to Luigi, after we said hello one of the first things out of his mouth was, why me? Which for the moment seemed like a rather interesting and negative response, but as he continued on, he told us of how he used to be rich, had a wife, nice house, cars, and now he has nothing. His name is dirty, he's going in for a second heart surgery and he feels that God is the only one he can turn to, (he spoke some english, btw) He also told us how he felt God was looking out for him and that us talking to him confirmed the feeling. It’s great to be a part of God's work here and I can't wait to get out in the field to be doing stuff like that and teaching every day. That’s one of the greatest parts here, the more we learn the doctrine, and the more comfortable we become with teaching it, the less we worry about how we say things and the more able we are to feel the spirit and be directed. The spirit comes so strongly even in practice situations with the brothers or sisters that teach us here. Guess that’s its job though right? To teach, testify, bring peace and confirm truths. Gtg though, times up. Love and miss you all.
Your son, friend, and fellow elder,
Jacob
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Howdy Mama!!! and everybody else who may happen to be reading this, Week five of the MTC experience here and I cant tell you how ridiculously fast it's going by, I feel like I just can't do or learn enough by the days end, but I am def. learning, it just takes a little patience and diligence to get through it. It seems that learning how to plan effectively and follow through with goals is just as important as learning how to teach and speak in Portuguese. Well, big news this week... Saturday we taught the first lesson in Portuguese to some members who live near the CTM. Basically theý'll come in to a room with a camera mounted on the wall/ceiling and every 15 min or so missionaries will come in teach a lesson, then leave and grab the tape of the lesson. I feel like we did pretty well and that I was able to speak much of what I wanted, though I am no doubt in need of more fluency, though prayer, faith, patience, diligence and time will help out with that one. Also of note is the fact that Elder Scott came this past weekend to speak to us, it was much different then I expected as he started off shaking everyone's hand and then part way through his talk opened up for questions. One thing he said that stuck with me was a response to how we can develop faith in ourselves. He gave the following advice:
Forget yourself.
Do it with all conviction.
Don't worry about whether or not you have enough time for yourself.
Remember you have been assigned to do this work by inspiration from God.
Indeed the longer I'm out here the more I realize how much I need and will need His help. I think that's one of the things Heavenly Father is trying to teach me, to rely on Him, to be less prideful and to really learn to give Him my all. Looking back at high school I realize just how much I was just getting by for the grades, not that I did all that bad, but I wasn't there to learn. College I began to get that message of trying to go through school for actual learning, and now on my mission it is only becoming ever clearer the need to learn these skills for the mission field and for life. I truly know that the things I do here will likely determine the rest of my life, I'm not only serving and building the Kingdom of God on the Earth, but am building the foundation for the rest of my life. So I've been feeling a bit of pressure (to say the least) but know that I need to just put my life into the Lord's hands, and at this point am just trying to learn how I can best do that. As great as the CTM is, it certainly does make it hard to have some time to really pray and talk with God the way I would like to. I have found a Walden Pond of sorts though in the view from our 6th floor window. (takes a good number of stairs to get there let me tell you...) O btw I also got to sing in a quartet (baritone)for Elder Scott, we sang a mix of "Come Follow Me" and "Vinde a Mim" (some verses in Portuguese some in English) it was a great experience and I took some comfort as I was reminded of the inspiration of mission calls. I know the Lord has called me here for a wise purpose in Him, and that if I can but place my trust in Him, and be obedient to his commandments, He will go before me and prepare a way for me to do those things which he has commanded.
Well I gtg but sounds like you had a rather well, not quite astronomical experience serving a good cause out there for Prop 8, keep up the good work, Love you all and happy birthday to all.
Again love you all much, and know this is the Lord's work,
Your son,
Elder Pettit
Forget yourself.
Do it with all conviction.
Don't worry about whether or not you have enough time for yourself.
Remember you have been assigned to do this work by inspiration from God.
Indeed the longer I'm out here the more I realize how much I need and will need His help. I think that's one of the things Heavenly Father is trying to teach me, to rely on Him, to be less prideful and to really learn to give Him my all. Looking back at high school I realize just how much I was just getting by for the grades, not that I did all that bad, but I wasn't there to learn. College I began to get that message of trying to go through school for actual learning, and now on my mission it is only becoming ever clearer the need to learn these skills for the mission field and for life. I truly know that the things I do here will likely determine the rest of my life, I'm not only serving and building the Kingdom of God on the Earth, but am building the foundation for the rest of my life. So I've been feeling a bit of pressure (to say the least) but know that I need to just put my life into the Lord's hands, and at this point am just trying to learn how I can best do that. As great as the CTM is, it certainly does make it hard to have some time to really pray and talk with God the way I would like to. I have found a Walden Pond of sorts though in the view from our 6th floor window. (takes a good number of stairs to get there let me tell you...) O btw I also got to sing in a quartet (baritone)for Elder Scott, we sang a mix of "Come Follow Me" and "Vinde a Mim" (some verses in Portuguese some in English) it was a great experience and I took some comfort as I was reminded of the inspiration of mission calls. I know the Lord has called me here for a wise purpose in Him, and that if I can but place my trust in Him, and be obedient to his commandments, He will go before me and prepare a way for me to do those things which he has commanded.
Well I gtg but sounds like you had a rather well, not quite astronomical experience serving a good cause out there for Prop 8, keep up the good work, Love you all and happy birthday to all.
Again love you all much, and know this is the Lord's work,
Your son,
Elder Pettit
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Way to much to say but first I need to thank all for letters, Br Gordon Charles Laura and Elizabeth, sorry I don't have time to reply to each individually, but I have so many I haven't even been able to read all of them yet.... questions though...
How does exercise fit in? We have gym every other day and can use the gym on p day, there's a mini track (14 laps to a mile i think) a weight room, volley ball courts and basketball courts, no frisbee though which is to bad, but tis a good time still.
How many missionaries are there at one time? not sure, a bunch
Where will Elder Hernandez serve? Salvador South
How are the rooms set up? bunk beds a closet for each a safe for each and three desks for six people...not sure how that last one worked out, but I guess we're supposed to study mostly in the class room anyway...
I've had a pretty good week since we last talked, conference messages that really stuck out were looking outwards, strict planning and never giving in to Satan, faith is not a feeling, it's a decision, store deep the spiritual experiences you receive, (I've found this one to be particularly true, just as Satan sent questioning feelings around the Nephites after the sign of Christ's birth, he does the same when we have spiritual experiences.
Had a good insight in Alma 37 (for those who aren't members of our church reading this, Alma is found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)yesterday around the end basically reiterates how I need to be diligent and exercise faith for miracles to happen in and through me. Currently trying to work on "being diligent unto prayer", and seeking to recognize and strictly/courageously follow promptings I receive, and I'm out of time already, hope to get the reading to writing balance down soon enough, other big news, we go tracting downtown on Friday, I'm excited to say the least, and a bit nervous as you might expect, but if I am prepared I know the Lord will help me.
Love you all, Eu sei que este evangelho é vedadeiro e nós temos um profeta vivo. em nome de jesus Cristo amém.
Elder Pettit
How does exercise fit in? We have gym every other day and can use the gym on p day, there's a mini track (14 laps to a mile i think) a weight room, volley ball courts and basketball courts, no frisbee though which is to bad, but tis a good time still.
How many missionaries are there at one time? not sure, a bunch
Where will Elder Hernandez serve? Salvador South
How are the rooms set up? bunk beds a closet for each a safe for each and three desks for six people...not sure how that last one worked out, but I guess we're supposed to study mostly in the class room anyway...
I've had a pretty good week since we last talked, conference messages that really stuck out were looking outwards, strict planning and never giving in to Satan, faith is not a feeling, it's a decision, store deep the spiritual experiences you receive, (I've found this one to be particularly true, just as Satan sent questioning feelings around the Nephites after the sign of Christ's birth, he does the same when we have spiritual experiences.
Had a good insight in Alma 37 (for those who aren't members of our church reading this, Alma is found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)yesterday around the end basically reiterates how I need to be diligent and exercise faith for miracles to happen in and through me. Currently trying to work on "being diligent unto prayer", and seeking to recognize and strictly/courageously follow promptings I receive, and I'm out of time already, hope to get the reading to writing balance down soon enough, other big news, we go tracting downtown on Friday, I'm excited to say the least, and a bit nervous as you might expect, but if I am prepared I know the Lord will help me.
Love you all, Eu sei que este evangelho é vedadeiro e nós temos um profeta vivo. em nome de jesus Cristo amém.
Elder Pettit
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