Letter #52

Dear Family,

I feel old! But I don´t show it: )  This week was just happiness, and my companion continues to be fantastic.
Haven´t gotten any letters or packages yet, but life is good and today I'll be sending out a new wave of Brasilian notes. How am I so lucky to get a companion that just wants to write letters on p-day with me and eat chocolate? I don't know but it's pretty great. ; )

I don´t have much to write this week as far as news or stories even but there were a few highlights.   Yesterday we confirmed 3 of our last 5 baptisms who had traveled for the holidays. Needless to say, lots of joy, but what made it especially special was that I confirmed the young man whom I had also baptized. It was my first confirmation, and in Portuguese at that! Very special. He showed up for church in a suit and tie with a white shirt. He's an absolute future missionary, along with his other friends. Elder Nascimento also confirmed.

As the sacrament meeting went on I looked over at the young man and he was absolutely glowing. It was as if his countenance was clearer, brighter, sharper and cleaner. The gospel is true, and if you look, you can see it with your very eyes.

It has begun to rain again, but that's alright because we cleaned out the petri dish our house turns into with moisture this morning.

We really focused this week on getting the members to involve themselves in missionary work. I can´t say that it has worked at all but it has been an incredible learning experience. There are simple principles that our leaders teach that if followed will lead to the rapid growth and strengthening of our wards, stakes and missions. What are they? They are actions that can and should be taken by members, such as specific goals to share the gospel, fulfilling home teaching etc.

Without suggesting fanaticism, we should base our lives around sharing the gospel and living it. This is the will of our Father in Heaven, of Christ and of their servants the prophets and apostles. Enjoy living and help others to do the same, receiving the gospel.

Well, all this is leading up to a suggestion, one so simple, yet one that would absolutely solve the majority of problems we in the church face: invite one person, or family to hear the message of the missionaries per week. Doesn't have to be a long marked lesson, but lets say you have lunch - invite a friend, or there's an activity - invite a friend and introduce the missionaries to them. I am still impressed with the world training we received, but sadly do not have the ability to put into practice what was meant for the members at large, so I ask you to ponder, pray and focus on this objective. One person a week will hear the message of the restoration from you. Giving references, it was basically inferred is simply not enough now. They need to be presented to the gospel by a friend. And you my family are so friendly : )

I love you, I pray for you, I want to hear your missionary experiences as you are led by the spirit to those prepared at home. And in the future, pictures of the baptisms : )

Love ,

Tanner