Friday, December 19, 2008
Mission Christmas Party
Dear Azalea Mommy and Family, Friends, etc.....
Life on the mission is good, just got back from a huge Christmas conference with the whole mission (around 80 to a hundred missionaries I think) where we had a good time eating McDonalds (yesss!!! so good) slurping milk shakes, playing soccer (1st time with Brazilians, good time) a little basketball, a little time at a gaming area (not really that great, pretty bad actually) and Madagascar II, (also pretty bad) but it was good to see friends from the MTC again. President Silva also spoke a bit about temples and the significance found within them now and in the days of the Old Testament, when I get the time I think it would be really cool to study the Old Testament symbolism end of things. Met another elder who went to BYU-I and lived just two doors down from me at Viking, though at diff. semesters, small world eh? Not a whole lot to report other then that this week, we had a Monday and a bit of Tuesday to work, and tracted into a family, Francisco his wife and I believe it was four kids, he was drunk at the time but seemed to have a sincere desire to change, and his family was open to the message, we'll be heading back there today so we'll have to see how that goes. Also have another family with a similar problem, drinking father, but he honestly seems like he wants to change as well, and has def. been prepared for the message, allot of people drop the church after the 1st or second time we meet with them after they hear some sort of crazy story from a neighbor, that we worship Satan or the like, and so we make a point of telling them that Satan will try to work against them in their decision to follow Christ’s church, the same way people persecuted Christ and His apostles when they were here, and while many seem to set that aside, as we talked with Hamilton this past time he told us that Satan had already started working against them by the words of others, but he recognized it, and is still coming along strong. That’s the amazing thing about it, people accept a message from two strange nineteen -20 year old guys, half of which are from another country and speak with funny accents, and set aside family traditions, and the words of friends and neighbors to follow. They give up things they've done all their life (coffee is huge here) and in this case are willing to go through the hassle the state puts people through to get legally married, because they feel and come to know it is of the Lord.
Also on the big side of success we have a web of sorts forming through novo Itapetinga which is sweet, this past Sunday when we passed by to bring people to church, almost all the people wed invited from the neighborhood that week and then one or two were ready and waiting in the street. (one family which we passed by planning to grab them on our way back apparently had been watching out the window and so when we walked by ran out and asked if we'd forgotten about them, twas an amazing feeling that morning having them all there and ready. This included Clemer btw and his inactive brother. There are some really cool things happening over there.
Jacob
Life on the mission is good, just got back from a huge Christmas conference with the whole mission (around 80 to a hundred missionaries I think) where we had a good time eating McDonalds (yesss!!! so good) slurping milk shakes, playing soccer (1st time with Brazilians, good time) a little basketball, a little time at a gaming area (not really that great, pretty bad actually) and Madagascar II, (also pretty bad) but it was good to see friends from the MTC again. President Silva also spoke a bit about temples and the significance found within them now and in the days of the Old Testament, when I get the time I think it would be really cool to study the Old Testament symbolism end of things. Met another elder who went to BYU-I and lived just two doors down from me at Viking, though at diff. semesters, small world eh? Not a whole lot to report other then that this week, we had a Monday and a bit of Tuesday to work, and tracted into a family, Francisco his wife and I believe it was four kids, he was drunk at the time but seemed to have a sincere desire to change, and his family was open to the message, we'll be heading back there today so we'll have to see how that goes. Also have another family with a similar problem, drinking father, but he honestly seems like he wants to change as well, and has def. been prepared for the message, allot of people drop the church after the 1st or second time we meet with them after they hear some sort of crazy story from a neighbor, that we worship Satan or the like, and so we make a point of telling them that Satan will try to work against them in their decision to follow Christ’s church, the same way people persecuted Christ and His apostles when they were here, and while many seem to set that aside, as we talked with Hamilton this past time he told us that Satan had already started working against them by the words of others, but he recognized it, and is still coming along strong. That’s the amazing thing about it, people accept a message from two strange nineteen -20 year old guys, half of which are from another country and speak with funny accents, and set aside family traditions, and the words of friends and neighbors to follow. They give up things they've done all their life (coffee is huge here) and in this case are willing to go through the hassle the state puts people through to get legally married, because they feel and come to know it is of the Lord.
Also on the big side of success we have a web of sorts forming through novo Itapetinga which is sweet, this past Sunday when we passed by to bring people to church, almost all the people wed invited from the neighborhood that week and then one or two were ready and waiting in the street. (one family which we passed by planning to grab them on our way back apparently had been watching out the window and so when we walked by ran out and asked if we'd forgotten about them, twas an amazing feeling that morning having them all there and ready. This included Clemer btw and his inactive brother. There are some really cool things happening over there.
Jacob
Saturday, December 6, 2008
P-day today! did a lot of cleaning (not sure it would pass your inspection yet, mom, but its a whole lot better then it was, I wonder how many missionaries have gone through this place and not cleaned a thing... and I'm only kind of kidding...
Este semena nos tivemos uma boa experiencia com um rapaz cujo nome é C.O.P. Eu vou descrever em inglese porque eu não tenho muito tempo para escrever a minha familia depois isso, On Sunday, Elder S. was thinking about who we might baptize that day as all our investigators had fallen through, and as he was looking through the area book he came upon a name, H., a now inactive member who I believe was baptized about 8 months ago. The name stood out to him, and as he thought about him, trying to remember who he was, it was brought to his mind that he had a younger brother that wasn't baptized. So that afternoon we headed over, and the first time we passed by C. wasn't home and so we tracted through the surrounding area, then returned to grab a drink of water from H's house. This time C. was there so we began teaching the first lesson, After Elder S. made the baptism challenge, and C. accepted with a big grin on his face, his mom was a little hesitant about the whole thing. She liked the church, and felt it was a good thing, but she didn’t know that C. was ready for baptism, thinking and saying to us that is only 12 years old, and that he may want to keep the commandments today and be baptized, but that tomorrow he might have a change of mind and decide not to. But Elder S. kept on going, during this point in time I was a little mixed about the whole thing, being the anti confrontational being that I am, but I prayed, I prayed and told the Lord that I knew He could make this happen if it was his will, and that if it was his will, that C. mom would let him be baptized, and she did, we left the house, walked to the church... and found that someone had pulled the plug on the font, which takes about 4 hours to fill. So, we did what we could, turned on the faucet in the font, and just about every other faucet we had a bucket for.... 5-10 min later the water pressure began to go, and I prayed, I prayed and told the Lord that I knew HE could make the water flow to fill up the font so C. could be baptized, and that if it was His will, that he would make it so, and the water flowed a bit stronger. Then after an opening hymn, “Come Follow Me”, a prayer, and a short talk by Elder J. , C. was baptized by the power of God, in a cold little font in the Itapetinga ward building. Deus Vive, Cristo é nosso Salvador, este é o trabalho dele, O obra e gloria dele, Ele vai ajudar nos se nosso mostramos nosso Fé em Ele, Em nome de Jesus Cristo, Amém.
Your son, friend and brother,
Jacob
Este semena nos tivemos uma boa experiencia com um rapaz cujo nome é C.O.P. Eu vou descrever em inglese porque eu não tenho muito tempo para escrever a minha familia depois isso, On Sunday, Elder S. was thinking about who we might baptize that day as all our investigators had fallen through, and as he was looking through the area book he came upon a name, H., a now inactive member who I believe was baptized about 8 months ago. The name stood out to him, and as he thought about him, trying to remember who he was, it was brought to his mind that he had a younger brother that wasn't baptized. So that afternoon we headed over, and the first time we passed by C. wasn't home and so we tracted through the surrounding area, then returned to grab a drink of water from H's house. This time C. was there so we began teaching the first lesson, After Elder S. made the baptism challenge, and C. accepted with a big grin on his face, his mom was a little hesitant about the whole thing. She liked the church, and felt it was a good thing, but she didn’t know that C. was ready for baptism, thinking and saying to us that is only 12 years old, and that he may want to keep the commandments today and be baptized, but that tomorrow he might have a change of mind and decide not to. But Elder S. kept on going, during this point in time I was a little mixed about the whole thing, being the anti confrontational being that I am, but I prayed, I prayed and told the Lord that I knew He could make this happen if it was his will, and that if it was his will, that C. mom would let him be baptized, and she did, we left the house, walked to the church... and found that someone had pulled the plug on the font, which takes about 4 hours to fill. So, we did what we could, turned on the faucet in the font, and just about every other faucet we had a bucket for.... 5-10 min later the water pressure began to go, and I prayed, I prayed and told the Lord that I knew HE could make the water flow to fill up the font so C. could be baptized, and that if it was His will, that he would make it so, and the water flowed a bit stronger. Then after an opening hymn, “Come Follow Me”, a prayer, and a short talk by Elder J. , C. was baptized by the power of God, in a cold little font in the Itapetinga ward building. Deus Vive, Cristo é nosso Salvador, este é o trabalho dele, O obra e gloria dele, Ele vai ajudar nos se nosso mostramos nosso Fé em Ele, Em nome de Jesus Cristo, Amém.
Your son, friend and brother,
Jacob
November, 26, 2008
Don’t even have time to read. We flew into Salvador yesterday on a beautiful, rainy, muggier then I ever imagined possible sort of day, we came into the airport and were soon thereafter welcomed by afrobrazilian music and a dancing woman. well gtg, just had a moment to use this comp in a hotel that reminds me alot of the pirates of the carribean, oh and we had a banana tree outside our window, def. a highlight. We´ll find out our first areas a little later today during our training meeting etc. I know this is God´s work.
Elder Pettit
Don’t even have time to read. We flew into Salvador yesterday on a beautiful, rainy, muggier then I ever imagined possible sort of day, we came into the airport and were soon thereafter welcomed by afrobrazilian music and a dancing woman. well gtg, just had a moment to use this comp in a hotel that reminds me alot of the pirates of the carribean, oh and we had a banana tree outside our window, def. a highlight. We´ll find out our first areas a little later today during our training meeting etc. I know this is God´s work.
Elder Pettit
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
One Week Left
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
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
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
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
OI!!
As to the news about the package on the muito, bon!
I see you were listening carefully in conference (which was amazing and in English, to answer your question.) It had an extra special meaning this time around, though I´ve always known the words spoken were from God, being out here preparing to serve brought it home that much more. I had been having a bit of a rough time and had some questions on my mind, but as I came into conference praying to receive answers, I found what I was looking for and more. Did anyone else think Brazil was mentioned alot? Or perhaps notice the numerous times we were told to endure to the end/hard times are coming, learn to receive revelation, angels are always there? Signs of the times eh? Maybe next conference they´ll announce a temple complex to be built in Missouri ... Dunno, but if we are prepared we shall not fear eh? So let's go and do...
Aahhhh running out of time, and haven’t even read all my emails yet... I’ll make this quick and try to find a comp with a better keyboard next time.
The food here is pretty good, though it will def take awhile to get over chunks of fat seemingly injected into the meat . Also of note is a fried bean cake with a bean paste, various veggies and shrimp that is apparently very popular in Salvador, along with what I have heard described as other strange cuisine, (not sure exactly what that entails... not sure I”ll want to know either till after I finish some of the meals)
As to the news about the package on the muito, bon!
I see you were listening carefully in conference (which was amazing and in English, to answer your question.) It had an extra special meaning this time around, though I´ve always known the words spoken were from God, being out here preparing to serve brought it home that much more. I had been having a bit of a rough time and had some questions on my mind, but as I came into conference praying to receive answers, I found what I was looking for and more. Did anyone else think Brazil was mentioned alot? Or perhaps notice the numerous times we were told to endure to the end/hard times are coming, learn to receive revelation, angels are always there? Signs of the times eh? Maybe next conference they´ll announce a temple complex to be built in Missouri ... Dunno, but if we are prepared we shall not fear eh? So let's go and do...
Aahhhh running out of time, and haven’t even read all my emails yet... I’ll make this quick and try to find a comp with a better keyboard next time.
The food here is pretty good, though it will def take awhile to get over chunks of fat seemingly injected into the meat . Also of note is a fried bean cake with a bean paste, various veggies and shrimp that is apparently very popular in Salvador, along with what I have heard described as other strange cuisine, (not sure exactly what that entails... not sure I”ll want to know either till after I finish some of the meals)
Howdy neighbors,
Hope all is well. This may come as a bit of a surprise but it seems we will have email access here through a place called Mr.Cheney´s Cookies across the street, (some mormon guy who took the mission scene as an opportunity for business, seems reasonable enough though) Tuesdays are p days for me, and today (along with most supposedly) we got to go to the Campina temple (Sao Paulo is also an option, just depends on the week) so that was pretty cool.
My companion Elder H is from Northern California and seems to be a great guy. The Christlike attributes we´re working on this week are faith and obedience. That's something they put alot of emphasis on here at the CTM (and yes I mean CTM, think portuguese/spanish para mtc) setting measurable goals and accounting for them, and it makes sense, but it'll def. take some getting used to. The other day we (minho companhero e eo) got called in to account and I have to say I felt kinda sheepish at how unorganized we must have seemed (and were). Efficiency I believe truly will come as we learn to plan ahead, set goals, and plan on accounting them not only to our teachers, but ourselves and most importantly the Lord. I feel like I~m picking up the language here pretty well (the key board is a bit diff. btw, so when i go to hit the ` key ill often hit the ~ key, there's also a nice ç key for various words like naçao e maçao) lets see... milestones this week are being able to pray and testify in Portuguese and also to give the first lesson both street contact and medium length. ]
My district is great and we have a ton o fun throughout the day (not forgetting to study seriously though) take for example the other day when one of the elders was trying to remember how to say brincadeira (don~t count on my spelling) which means just kidding, but came up with the word baracao (with a tilde over the last a) which doesn't actually mean anything, its just alot of fun to say, (pronounced bara (roll the r) cao said with a bit of nasal action at the end) don't know if that will make any sense to you guys, but that's the best I can explain it.
The food here is really pretty good, rice beans and meat with 2\3 meals a day usually. They tell us we~re supposed to eat at least 7 colors of food a day and so its probably safe to say I´m eating relatively healthy, at least as well if not better then at home, though the meats here seem to have alot of fat left on if not put in intentionally, so that's kinda gross... but I guess you get used to it. We had a devotional Sunday night where one of the stake presidents and his wife spoke. I liked the way The wife spoke in particular, saying she wanted to speak to us as a mother to her own sons, and offered us a look into eating at members houses on the missions, and really made me think about the situation I~m likely to find out there. Very poor families who have the faith that if they provide for the missionaries they will be blessed, and want nothing more then to serve anyway. Asking us to think what it would be like if we didn't show up, whether intentionally or not. The people of Brazil seem to be very loving humble people by the sounds of things and also judging by the elders who come in, easy to laugh and pal around with. I love to eat with the Brazilians at lunch and try to communicate with a little Portuguese, a little English and a whole lot of hand signals, facial expressions and laughs. One of my favorite things to do is laugh with them, which seems to happen alot.
I know this is where I should be and that a mission, like anything becomes something truly great in small, simple steps.
I love and miss you all,
Your son and missionary,
Elder Pettit
Hope all is well. This may come as a bit of a surprise but it seems we will have email access here through a place called Mr.Cheney´s Cookies across the street, (some mormon guy who took the mission scene as an opportunity for business, seems reasonable enough though) Tuesdays are p days for me, and today (along with most supposedly) we got to go to the Campina temple (Sao Paulo is also an option, just depends on the week) so that was pretty cool.
My companion Elder H is from Northern California and seems to be a great guy. The Christlike attributes we´re working on this week are faith and obedience. That's something they put alot of emphasis on here at the CTM (and yes I mean CTM, think portuguese/spanish para mtc) setting measurable goals and accounting for them, and it makes sense, but it'll def. take some getting used to. The other day we (minho companhero e eo) got called in to account and I have to say I felt kinda sheepish at how unorganized we must have seemed (and were). Efficiency I believe truly will come as we learn to plan ahead, set goals, and plan on accounting them not only to our teachers, but ourselves and most importantly the Lord. I feel like I~m picking up the language here pretty well (the key board is a bit diff. btw, so when i go to hit the ` key ill often hit the ~ key, there's also a nice ç key for various words like naçao e maçao) lets see... milestones this week are being able to pray and testify in Portuguese and also to give the first lesson both street contact and medium length. ]
My district is great and we have a ton o fun throughout the day (not forgetting to study seriously though) take for example the other day when one of the elders was trying to remember how to say brincadeira (don~t count on my spelling) which means just kidding, but came up with the word baracao (with a tilde over the last a) which doesn't actually mean anything, its just alot of fun to say, (pronounced bara (roll the r) cao said with a bit of nasal action at the end) don't know if that will make any sense to you guys, but that's the best I can explain it.
The food here is really pretty good, rice beans and meat with 2\3 meals a day usually. They tell us we~re supposed to eat at least 7 colors of food a day and so its probably safe to say I´m eating relatively healthy, at least as well if not better then at home, though the meats here seem to have alot of fat left on if not put in intentionally, so that's kinda gross... but I guess you get used to it. We had a devotional Sunday night where one of the stake presidents and his wife spoke. I liked the way The wife spoke in particular, saying she wanted to speak to us as a mother to her own sons, and offered us a look into eating at members houses on the missions, and really made me think about the situation I~m likely to find out there. Very poor families who have the faith that if they provide for the missionaries they will be blessed, and want nothing more then to serve anyway. Asking us to think what it would be like if we didn't show up, whether intentionally or not. The people of Brazil seem to be very loving humble people by the sounds of things and also judging by the elders who come in, easy to laugh and pal around with. I love to eat with the Brazilians at lunch and try to communicate with a little Portuguese, a little English and a whole lot of hand signals, facial expressions and laughs. One of my favorite things to do is laugh with them, which seems to happen alot.
I know this is where I should be and that a mission, like anything becomes something truly great in small, simple steps.
I love and miss you all,
Your son and missionary,
Elder Pettit
First Letter Home
9/24/08
Howdy Neighbors!
Got in just a bit before 7 this morning and have been up and going since. Felt pretty akward going through an airport where I couldn't undertand half of what was being said but being with 25! other missionaries was a bit of a strength, didnt' expect that many (they all met in Dallas,TX to fly to Sao Paulo) and somehow with all of us following each other we made it to the Alex Nunes ( he was picking them up).
The food will take some getting used to, thought it's not bad --except the milk is kinda funky, not to mention buying from the streetside vendors is a no no, e-coli and the like are too often contracted --extra motivation for obedience eh?
Orientation involved various house keeping matters but also a great sharing of self. It seems all are great Elders and Sisters. Interestingly enough, many of them either remind me of others I know or just seem familiar somehow. My comapnion Elder H mentioned the same which I thought was interesting. He strikes me as a concious individual of self and others; 22 if I remember correctly with a great interest in psychology. He seems to have a strong testimony and has looked a lot into various faiths before he came back to the church. He seems a knowledgeable and disciplined learner. We;ll have our first classes starting tomorrow at 9:45 with a group meeting with the MTC president just before.
Well, dinner is on and we may be heading to the gym afterword.
Love,
Jacob
Howdy Neighbors!
Got in just a bit before 7 this morning and have been up and going since. Felt pretty akward going through an airport where I couldn't undertand half of what was being said but being with 25! other missionaries was a bit of a strength, didnt' expect that many (they all met in Dallas,TX to fly to Sao Paulo) and somehow with all of us following each other we made it to the Alex Nunes ( he was picking them up).
The food will take some getting used to, thought it's not bad --except the milk is kinda funky, not to mention buying from the streetside vendors is a no no, e-coli and the like are too often contracted --extra motivation for obedience eh?
Orientation involved various house keeping matters but also a great sharing of self. It seems all are great Elders and Sisters. Interestingly enough, many of them either remind me of others I know or just seem familiar somehow. My comapnion Elder H mentioned the same which I thought was interesting. He strikes me as a concious individual of self and others; 22 if I remember correctly with a great interest in psychology. He seems to have a strong testimony and has looked a lot into various faiths before he came back to the church. He seems a knowledgeable and disciplined learner. We;ll have our first classes starting tomorrow at 9:45 with a group meeting with the MTC president just before.
Well, dinner is on and we may be heading to the gym afterword.
Love,
Jacob
Friday, September 26, 2008
Elder Pettit's Mailing Address
Elder Jacob Christian Pettit
District 39-B, Box 36
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Brazil Missionary Training Center
Rua Padre Antonio D'Angelo 121
Casa Verde, Sao Paulo, SP
Brazil, 02516-040
Wow! Hope your envelope is big enough for all that! :-)
(Sent a letter yesterday and it cost 94 cents for what would cost 42 cents to send here.)
District 39-B, Box 36
Brazil Salvador South Mission
Brazil Missionary Training Center
Rua Padre Antonio D'Angelo 121
Casa Verde, Sao Paulo, SP
Brazil, 02516-040
Wow! Hope your envelope is big enough for all that! :-)
(Sent a letter yesterday and it cost 94 cents for what would cost 42 cents to send here.)
Safe arrival in Sao Paulo
Dear Parents,
We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time.
They now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study. The branch presidents and their wives, who are usually a senior missionary couple or mature Brazilian couple, will soon give them a second greeting. These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.
The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife.
We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.
Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.
Important information is attached for communicating with your missionary through letters and other mail while at the MTC. Your missionary's district is (39-B) and the mail box number is (36). It is important that this information be written on all letters and packages that you send to your missionary. We ask that you send packages only in the first 4 weeks and after that send any packages to his or her mission home. We are not able to forward packages that arrive at the MTC after your missionary has left for the field. A package that you send that arrives after your missionary leaves will be opened. Only the most essential items are forwarded on and only those items that can fit into a 9 inch x11 inch envelope.
We are also parents of children who have served as missionaries. And we have been missionaries who have left family. Please know that we are mindful of you and know of your love for your missionary.
Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”
Please accept our love,
President and Sister Woodward
Brazil
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Any Last Words...?
Howdy neighbors, this is in actuality me, incidentally writing my first and last post on this blog for the next two years or so. I have the privilege of being called to serve a mission for the Lord speaking Portuguese in the Brazil Salvador South Mission, and though I won't have much in the way of contact with any of those outside of my family, my mom (or perhaps my little sister, either is about as likely) will be posting some of the emails I send home. So, if you care to know how I am/what I'm up to, feel free to pop in and take a peek every once in awhile.
Alma 37:6-7
Jacob
Alma 37:6-7
Jacob
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