Letter #76

(For Breyer!)

Dearest Family,

I figure this letter better be a good one as my circumstances are the most comfortable I have yet encountered in the mission as far as p-day email communication. I sit in the mission office on the 6th story with a wonderful view of sunny Londina, sunny prospects and having only fair winds at my back (we baptized more than João Pessoa, Uncle Zach).

This week we spent a large part of our time preparing the mission for the leader's counsel and putting into place a few new rule changes as it relates to age and requirements for baptism. Administrative things. I developed quickly some tools for the mission to use to measure productivity of areas in the mission, and I also made my first "pitch" to the president this morning, suggesting that we open, or begin plans to open, or close, some areas in the mission. Exciting times here in the mission, ambitious and gutsy come to mind.

The new year was welcomed in the presence of President and it was even more wonderful than Christmas. More informal, the conversation flowed as well as the food and drink. President even revealed his long held secret--he plays the piano extremely well by ear. . .Who knew? The night was rainy and so we passed the new year night in peace, able to sleep undisturbed by the bombs they let off so constantly in the streets. The next day we made our way back to our area (we slept in Londrina) and there we had a wonderful lunch as well, made the more wonderful by the presence of two investigators that we were teaching. They were coming along well but unfortunately desisted at the end of the week. I think Sunday is nearly always the highlight of the week, because there is a marvelous spirit that comes from the sacrament meeting. 

This week was a jewel among jewels. We heard the sweet and simple testimony of a convert of two months. He came without his family this week to church. His newly formed testimony is passing through the refiner's fire, but I believe Sunday marked his triumph. He stated simply, "I know that the Book of Mormon is true. This church is true." What marvelous power was behind his words! If you will remember the experience of Brigham Young in his conversion, what had made the difference was the testimony of an ineloquent man, stating what he knew. Although I have long been a member of the church I felt that I had a very similar experience to this on Sunday.

After that, the sweet and peaceful spirit accompanied the rest of the day's activities, including the opening of a mission call of a young man baptized nine months ago. He will serve in São Paulo East, and I expect we will baptize the rest of his family before he leaves. A tender moment and one of which the spirit took full advantage of to testify to his loved ones that, THESE THINGS ARE TRUE! Afterwards we led the ward in a training about how to conduct Priesthood Executive and Ward Council meetings. It went well and as a result souls will be strengthened as visits are made to those who need them. We made one of these visits that night, heading to a home where we spoke about the atonement and its enabling and ennobling power. Sometimes all someone needs is love. How I have learned that on the mission.

As I felt so spiritually fed yesterday it led me to reflect on the importance of the spirit, as I have frequently during the mission. That is essential that we keep his influence in our lives constantly, I have no doubt and it has become a matter of extreme importance that we live and make choices in such a manner that this happens. How I desire and am thankful for the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

That you too may be lifted this week, I pray,

Love,

Tanner