[Mom asked if he teaches the Gospel Principles class for investigators.] No we don't teach that class because it's not my job. :) In fact we aren't supposed to to teach it, since they have a calling for it. Sometimes the teachers forget to prepare a lesson and tell us to give it, but President Batt told us to politely decline. We just attend and say things because they have 2 Gospel Principles classes here, one for old members and one for 1 year and less members (since baptism) so we attend the newer one and help with comments and stuff. [We did have a good lesson on the sacrament yesterday.] We didn't talk about that this Sunday... we talked about the life of Jesus Christ :)
This week was good here, we had a few references that turned out to be good. They are really open and they are making strides not just the little steps like usual. One of them even gave us 2 references to teach two of her friends. They are helping more than the ward does :) One of them we were teaching and had a pamphlet out for the 1st Lesson ( Restoration of the Gospel) and she was talking about how her husband died and how she was sad etc etc so I slipped the pamphlet back into my bag and grabbed the 2nd Lesson (Plan of Salvation). It turned out to be a really good spiritual lesson, which is obvious because the spirit told me to do it :) It's good when you have the spirit guiding you and telling you what to do, it makes teaching easier and a lot more spiritual. Well I don't have much to say this week. The stake is splitting next week so some Seventies will come and then transfers, so I might stay or move.
Monday, December 6, 2010
5 Dec 2010 - Alvorada Area Photos (Dad)
I put some random pictures in, one of Thanksgiving dinner and the other ones just random stuff I took on the street.
5 Dec 2010 - Alvorada Area (Dad)
[We're going to California for Christmas.] Mom told me that you would be going there. If the time difference is only 5 hours, I wake up at 6:30 so I'll probably call you at 6:45 AM my time ;) Just kidding. I'm almost certain I will call, from the chapel or even a pay phone on the street who knows I have heard both. [We look forward to hearing some amazing Portuguese.] I will speak too fast for you to be able to understand :) I'm pretty sure you will be able to understand everything anyways, it's not that different from Spanish. I don't know when they will tell us what the plan is. We are going to the beach next week with President Batt so that should be fun, since it's against the rules otherwise as of lately. It will be nice to see the nice sandy beaches with clear water and palm trees. Unlike the beaches you have pictures of, dead fish and dirty water :)
I sent Mom the pictures today, since I might have forgotten. They are good though.
Today was P-Day of the Zone so we played some soccer and ate mangos. It was good, it's always good to meet up with your fellow missionaries and it's the only chance I have to speak English too :) We had it at an institute building which was just a huge house, I mean huge for Brazil. It was big and nice, it even had a swimming pool too ;) We had barbeque so the zone will all probably sick this week because of uncooked meat. Just kidding. Well I have nothing else to say....
I sent Mom the pictures today, since I might have forgotten. They are good though.
Today was P-Day of the Zone so we played some soccer and ate mangos. It was good, it's always good to meet up with your fellow missionaries and it's the only chance I have to speak English too :) We had it at an institute building which was just a huge house, I mean huge for Brazil. It was big and nice, it even had a swimming pool too ;) We had barbeque so the zone will all probably sick this week because of uncooked meat. Just kidding. Well I have nothing else to say....
Monday, November 29, 2010
29 Nov 2010 - Alvorada Area (Dad)
[Scruffy died Wednesday. The vet says he had a brain tumor. I can't even write this without starting to cry again.] I have to say I cried when I found out Scruffy died too. It's sad but Scruffy lived a good life, lazy but good. We will have animals in heaven too, so maybe Scruffy will find us there :) It's better to learn about it here because I have something to do to take my mind off of it. [I've never lost anyone whom I was very close to, and this gives me some small insight into how much more I would miss a family member or friend.] Come to think of it, nobody that I am close to has died either. [Don't you guys ever leave this life before I do.] I don't think I will leave this world anytime soon, but you and Mom have to live forever too. :)
[Hopefully you had some extra good beans and rice or something delish for your meal, not that Thanksgiving is a Brazilian holiday.] I don't even remember what I had for lunch on that day. I actually forgot about Thanksgiving because nobody says anything about it. I remembered when somebody was talking about it during District Meeting. I had a turkey sandwich and some saltine crackers for my Thanksgiving dinner though :) I have a picture but this computer doesn't want to accpet my SD card. Someday you will see it. I sent my SD card a few days ago, but they aren't too exciting. I'm pretty sure I had rice and beans, and baked chicken on Thanksgiving because that is what we have in 90% of the houses. This place is a chicken killing/baking machine. The typical Brazilian street has at least 2 chicken bakers, 23 bars, barbers, 3 churches, and a homemade clothes store. That is just a small street, the number increases exponentially as the street gets longer. This area has a lot of soccer fields too, it kind of looks like an old west mission sometimes. There is a huge field in the middle with houses all around it, and a huge Catholic church. During the soccer games you have to watch out or you might get pegged in the head by a ball. It's kind of cool actually. I have yet to see anyone score a goal, I think they just aim for the missionary's heads.
[Your comments last week about teaching by the Spirit vs. by memorized lessons is right on target. Preach My Gospel is truly a revelatory change in missionary work. Where you are in your effectiveness as a missionary is far ahead of where I was those many years ago (or where I am now, for that matter). It is the Spirit that teaches, testifies, and changes hearts. We are simply instruments or conduits for the Spirit. But we are still key in the sense that God works through men to accomplish His work and that work won't happen unless we do our part. The people of Limhi would not have been converted if Alma had not repented and taught them. The Lamanites would not have been converted if the sons of Mosiah had not gone amongst them and served, testified to, and taught them. Through His faithful servants God blesses His children. And you are one of those chosen servants and He will bless you eternally for all that you do in His service.] It's not all about the PMG though, like you said Alma baptized a lot of people without it :) Paul baptized a lot of people, you just have to be faithful and work hard, or be personally taught by Jesus. However, PMG helps a lot for sure. It was revealed by God, and therefore should be used with that in mind. It's also a lot nicer to just talk to people and then teach them certain parts of the 1st lesson etc. There is no point teaching a hardcore Baptist that God is our loving Heavenly Father because he already knows that. It's better to go right for the throat and teach about authority and Apostasy. yeah! :) Then the Book of Mormon, then whatever 2134 scriptures he tries to show, you can just smile and nod and tell him to pray to find out.
[Hopefully you had some extra good beans and rice or something delish for your meal, not that Thanksgiving is a Brazilian holiday.] I don't even remember what I had for lunch on that day. I actually forgot about Thanksgiving because nobody says anything about it. I remembered when somebody was talking about it during District Meeting. I had a turkey sandwich and some saltine crackers for my Thanksgiving dinner though :) I have a picture but this computer doesn't want to accpet my SD card. Someday you will see it. I sent my SD card a few days ago, but they aren't too exciting. I'm pretty sure I had rice and beans, and baked chicken on Thanksgiving because that is what we have in 90% of the houses. This place is a chicken killing/baking machine. The typical Brazilian street has at least 2 chicken bakers, 23 bars, barbers, 3 churches, and a homemade clothes store. That is just a small street, the number increases exponentially as the street gets longer. This area has a lot of soccer fields too, it kind of looks like an old west mission sometimes. There is a huge field in the middle with houses all around it, and a huge Catholic church. During the soccer games you have to watch out or you might get pegged in the head by a ball. It's kind of cool actually. I have yet to see anyone score a goal, I think they just aim for the missionary's heads.
[Your comments last week about teaching by the Spirit vs. by memorized lessons is right on target. Preach My Gospel is truly a revelatory change in missionary work. Where you are in your effectiveness as a missionary is far ahead of where I was those many years ago (or where I am now, for that matter). It is the Spirit that teaches, testifies, and changes hearts. We are simply instruments or conduits for the Spirit. But we are still key in the sense that God works through men to accomplish His work and that work won't happen unless we do our part. The people of Limhi would not have been converted if Alma had not repented and taught them. The Lamanites would not have been converted if the sons of Mosiah had not gone amongst them and served, testified to, and taught them. Through His faithful servants God blesses His children. And you are one of those chosen servants and He will bless you eternally for all that you do in His service.] It's not all about the PMG though, like you said Alma baptized a lot of people without it :) Paul baptized a lot of people, you just have to be faithful and work hard, or be personally taught by Jesus. However, PMG helps a lot for sure. It was revealed by God, and therefore should be used with that in mind. It's also a lot nicer to just talk to people and then teach them certain parts of the 1st lesson etc. There is no point teaching a hardcore Baptist that God is our loving Heavenly Father because he already knows that. It's better to go right for the throat and teach about authority and Apostasy. yeah! :) Then the Book of Mormon, then whatever 2134 scriptures he tries to show, you can just smile and nod and tell him to pray to find out.
29 Nov 2010 - Alvorada Area (Mom)
Do you know what Lauren and Michael did for Thanksgiving? I actually forgot all about Thanksgiving until the day of, so I had a turkey sandwich and some saltine crackers :) They don't even have turkey here, I would have had to use chicken or something. They have baked chicken every 3 feet in this place which is good because I like it, especially the skin! [The Hanson's dog had puppies.] Maybe you can get some of their puppies for when scruffy keels over. [Bad timing for that statement.] They will almost remind Dad of Bingo. [That should be Uno.]
[... We went to pick up the exercise equipment that dad won in the work lottery.] Dad is gambling in lotteries now?!?! :) Dad better be ripped by the time I get back. [Think of you multiple times a day, like yesterday when we watched the movie Diary of a wimpy kid. You would like it.] Diary of a Wimpy kid reminded you of me just because I am the exact opposite right? [Since we will be in California we will read your letters from computers there and call you on Christmas day from there.] I think, I'm actually pretty sure, that I will call you and since I don't know numbers of phones that might be a little difficult to call you :) I sent you pictures too but I don't think they have made it yet. Hope you have a fun time in California.
[... We went to pick up the exercise equipment that dad won in the work lottery.] Dad is gambling in lotteries now?!?! :) Dad better be ripped by the time I get back. [Think of you multiple times a day, like yesterday when we watched the movie Diary of a wimpy kid. You would like it.] Diary of a Wimpy kid reminded you of me just because I am the exact opposite right? [Since we will be in California we will read your letters from computers there and call you on Christmas day from there.] I think, I'm actually pretty sure, that I will call you and since I don't know numbers of phones that might be a little difficult to call you :) I sent you pictures too but I don't think they have made it yet. Hope you have a fun time in California.
Monday, November 22, 2010
22 Nov 2010 - Alvorada Area (Mom)
If you truly believe that you were guided by the Holy Spirit then you were, and nothing anyone says can take that away. I was talking about this yesterday during the lesson for Relief Society, the teacher asked me to talk about the Gift of Tongues. Anyway I was talking about how we as members have the right and ability to have the spirit. Nobody can take that from us, nobody can take the feelings that we had or the thoughts of when we felt the spirit. They aren't physical, they are spiritual. They are in us forever. The 2 of the 3 witnesses left the Church but nobody could take away the fact that they saw what they saw.
When the spirit guides, just follow. I had an experience in my last area with this. We were teaching an elect of God ( all missionaries say that about every investigator :) ). We were teaching about the Law of Chastity and he was accepting everything but he is separated from his wife. He was truly hurting as he told us about the love for his wife and children etc. He didn't know if he could ever fix whatever happened or if he should just look for another wife. I wanted to say something to help him but we just continued giving him advice etc about it. Then I felt I should tell him to pray and do everything he can to reunite with his wife, because it was God's will. He was meant to be with this woman. I thought "Are you crazy?? This is some serious stuff and I don't know his situation!!" But I felt it again, and me being a doubting Thomas, I thought of what I should say again and thought "This is what I should say?" and a horse kicked me in the chest and I felt more than ever I needed to say it. So I did, I poured out the spirit that was in me and told him what I felt. Needless to say I cried :) as I usually did in his house. I never felt the spirit so strongly before in my life than in his house, every lesson. I don't know what will happen and I was transferred but could I deny that man what I felt? Is it right for me to hold it in and not tell?? No, I felt I had to say it, and after a bit I did. Never deny the Spirit, never think that His revelations are strange or not "cool" enough to say, just say them. If you hold it in, He will stop talking to you! That's the end of my sermon :)
When the spirit guides, just follow. I had an experience in my last area with this. We were teaching an elect of God ( all missionaries say that about every investigator :) ). We were teaching about the Law of Chastity and he was accepting everything but he is separated from his wife. He was truly hurting as he told us about the love for his wife and children etc. He didn't know if he could ever fix whatever happened or if he should just look for another wife. I wanted to say something to help him but we just continued giving him advice etc about it. Then I felt I should tell him to pray and do everything he can to reunite with his wife, because it was God's will. He was meant to be with this woman. I thought "Are you crazy?? This is some serious stuff and I don't know his situation!!" But I felt it again, and me being a doubting Thomas, I thought of what I should say again and thought "This is what I should say?" and a horse kicked me in the chest and I felt more than ever I needed to say it. So I did, I poured out the spirit that was in me and told him what I felt. Needless to say I cried :) as I usually did in his house. I never felt the spirit so strongly before in my life than in his house, every lesson. I don't know what will happen and I was transferred but could I deny that man what I felt? Is it right for me to hold it in and not tell?? No, I felt I had to say it, and after a bit I did. Never deny the Spirit, never think that His revelations are strange or not "cool" enough to say, just say them. If you hold it in, He will stop talking to you! That's the end of my sermon :)
22 Nov 2010 - Alvorada Area (Dad)
[Response to a comment Dad made about Elder Christofferson's conference talk where he mentioned the old film "Man's Search for Happiness," and how it reminded Dad of showing the filmstrip back in the day he was a missionary.] They had film back in your mission? :) The thing that stood out to me when I was reading this is how much the missionary stuff has changed. I haven't heard anyone teach anything like this in the trainings etc. We don't talk about time I guess :) ["Life offers you two precious gifts—one is time, the other freedom of choice, the freedom to buy with your time what you will."] Also, in your day it seems they encouraged carrying as much as possible, projectors, stone-age cameras, flip-charts, filmstrips. I have a backpack but all it has is Bible, Book of Mormon, and 6 pamphlets. Things are a lot different these days, but things are the same too. I'm pretty sure some of these houses here looked exactly the same 600 years ago when you served. I thought it was hard at first to just talk, but now it's a lot easier than memorizing every lesson. Elder Jeffrey R Holland talked about that a little bit during a devotional in the MTC. He told a story about 2 Americans on a Spanish speaking mission and they were in the age of memorized lessons. They found this one lady and they were talking to her, and she found out they spoke English. She wanted to practice her English so she asked them to leave the message in English rather than Spanish. The missionaries just looked at each other and started in Spanish. She stopped them and asked for English once again but the missionaries began in Spanish again. They had memorized it in Spanish after all. The lady stopped them and asked them why they couldn't teach her in English if this message was so important. She was disturbed that the missionaries only knew the memorized Spanish lesson but couldn't testify in their native language the truth of the gospel and she asked them to leave. Just a story, but it doesn't matter if the lesson is memorized or not, a missionary should be able to testify by the Spirit and not what he memorized or what he practiced 100 times in the MTC. In that way missionary work is the same forever and for always. We teach by the Spirit, no matter how smart or how much we know the language, the lesson will mean nothing without the Spirit. Paul taught by the spirit, Dan Jones too, You, Michael, Me all teach by the spirit and that is what missionary work is. That is why we don't need a badge or calling to teach the gospel, just the Spirit.
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