Don't Get Eaten By Piranhas: Days Without Rain

Opa!

Once again you have the great opportunity to hear the toils and random nonsense of Elder Angus out in the farthest reaches of Brazil (well, okay that may be a little exaggerated). The only real way to describe how life is here is adventure. In our house, we haven't had power for the duration of the week, so we haven't been able to wash our clothes or iron them, and we also have been taking cold showers by candle light every night. Elder Tenório, my companion/trainer/Pai, says he's always had everything he needed in a mission house, and so he feels very unprepared. However, just this morning, the lights suddenly came on and it was like a hallelujah chorus. However, we still haven't had the chance to use it. :l Oh well.

The work here is going remarkably well. Among all the chaos of a new area and a new home, we've been meeting some great new people. We met a family the beginning of this week who are from Forteleza, and they were really receptive. My companion is from Forteleza as well, so immediately they hit off a great friendship. So far we've been teaching them everyday and already have the kids set for baptism on Dec. 9! Oh sweet beans and hot sauce! Sorry for my weird exclamation but I just think this area is really cool. Literally no one here has heard about the church and everyone is letting us in for at least one lesson. What's really cool, though, is that this Sunday we had eleven investigators and a few children come to church, nearly doubling the size of the branch attendance! That's already tons for this mission, but me and Elder Tenório have even greater goals, to help everyone we can, find the pathway toward joy and salvation.

For my little spiritual message this week, I'd like to talk about one of our investigators. We've only taught him once, but we are already certain he will be ready for anything we throw at him. He's the father of one of the branch members here that was recently converted, and he has a great interest in truth. After we finished teaching him and challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know of its truth, he said, "Com certeza," ("without a doubt," in this case) and explained that he felt a true knowledge and spirit within us, and that he had studied and searched for truth in all things. Furthermore, he explained that he had no doubt that if these things were true, and if God were to affirm this through prayer, he would, without a doubt, be baptized and become a member. This is the kind of person we all need to be. Not necessarily in receiving the gospel as such, but we must be actively seeking for truth, or more truth. We must be searching to learn more about God, about his plan, about our responsibilities, and even simply about the world he created if we so choose. When we do this, when we are in a state of active search, it is then that the Lord reveals his truths unto us.

Just a note for my Mom, the little worry wart, ;) I'm fine and eating well... at lunch. The members truly feed us well, and although we only eat cookies for breakfeast and dinner, the lunches make up for the rest. >:D

Thank you everyone and thank you for your prayers and support. I'd hug you all, but that's a little difficult to do from here, so hug yourselves for me. :P

Your friendly laborer in the field,

Elder Angus

For all mail and packages, send to

Elder Jess R Angus

Caixa Postal 13008

Porto Alegre - RS

CEP:91010-971

Brasil