Circumstances

Sometimes I look at my name tag and think, "Wow, I'm actually the missionary now." Ever since I was a child, I'd thought about being a missionary, but I don't think I ever really imagined what it would involve until about two weeks into the mission. How interesting. :P 

Anyway, this week was especially gratifying. Yesterday, we finally were able to bring three special investigators to church that had never arrived there before. But, even more special than them arriving was what they felt and learned. One woman we'd been teaching ever since I'd arrived here in Rio Pardo. She had lost her son to drugs a few months back and was really devastated. Then after we began to help her understand a little more, she began to really desire to go to church. Unfortunately, every week had an excuse; work, visitors, birthday parties, even sleeping. Finally, this week she decided that without a doubt, she'd go to church. Once there, she felt so good, she began thanking everyone, from us to all of the members, for all that they'd done to help her feel good. She returned home ready to tell everything to her husband, and ready to return every week she could.

The other more interesting story is that of Daniel. We've been teaching him quite some time, and he's one of the greatest people I know. Unfortunately, he'd never had time off work since we began... until now. However, although he enjoyed church a lot, what was even more special was the night before. Just to help him really be interested in going to church, we did a tour of the building, showing the rooms, the baptismal font, and finishing in the chapel. When we arrived in the chapel, he got really excited as he laid eyes on the piano. After playing a little, he told us about an experience where in a time of need, God had provided him with a keyboard and taught him how to play. In just a month, he'd been playing better than everyone else. Ever since, he'd felt that God wanted him to play in a church, but every other church he visited didn't feel right. Then, when he saw the piano in the chapel, he knew. As he put it, something so good and so big grew in his heart that he could barely stay in the building too long. :) In that moment, he knew where all the pieces came together.

It's moments like these that truly make the work worthwhile, and truly testify to me the power that God has. Our father knows and guides each and every one of us according to our own selves, and he will prepare all to receive and to know of the truth through whatever means arrive closest to our souls and our hearts. What we decide to do afterward is up to us.

Thanks for the prayers and support. I'll make sure to send photos next time. Until then, vai com fé, nada duvidando.

Elder Angus

Phrase of the week:

vai com fé (vai cong fey) Go with faith.

P.S. For those who want to know, my companion is from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais born in the church and a lot like me. :P