Firm Foundations

Leaving Colorado, I thought that maybe the weather would become more stable. Unfortunately, the weather here is just as unpredictable here as it was there. One moment it's freezing cold with powerful winds and heavy rain, the next it's clear skies and blazing hot. The worst problem of all is it changes so quickly that everyone gets sick. But in the end, I hear I didn't get the worst of the weather front. Unfortunately, my family doesn't inform me very well, so I only hear rumors from people that watch the news down here. As far as they're concerned, the whole country is being destroyed by tornadoes and hurricanes. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the various disasters. 

Anyway, this week was fun, first of all due to my new greenie, Elder Pereira. He was born in the church but only his close family are members. As well, he's part of the first 18 year old crops that are entering the mission field, but even so, he is almost more prepared to serve than I am. I have alot to learn. :D The only problem is that he's as ashamed to talk as everyone else. It's interesting how all of us really want to talk about something, but are really shy about it. When the world is so loud, we should let the gospel shine forth if we expect things to get better.

Last week, Vladimir was baptized, but I didn't have time to explain why. This man had been going to church since the dark ages. He knew it was true, knew it was better than any other he'd visited, but because of daily trials and persecution from others, he never joined. Even a few members had begun labeling him as crazy or saying that he'd never be baptized. However, my companion and I, and a few members on our side, did as Jesus directs and saw him as our Heavenly Father does.  Despite all the trials, the problems, the past, we saw him as our brother and continually invited him to become better and feel better through the gospel of Christ. Finally, we arrived one day and he was happier than I'd ever seen, and excited to speak with us. We asked if he'd received an answer. He looked at us with firm resolution and said, "I cried like a baby."

Last year, the prophet spoke to us on how we should not see people as they are, but see them as they can come to be. Truly this is an eternal principle, and I can witness of it's truth. Had we continued thinking the same way as others, that this man was crazy, that he'd never change, he'd still be in the same state of misery he'd been before. We are all children of the same Heavenly Father. We have a responsibility to help all of our spiritual family be comforted, helped, and best of all, informed of the great plan of redemption given us through our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for everyone's prayers and letters. Unfortunately, some packages are still only rumors and haven't materialized in my hands, but I hope for the best. May god be with you all, always.

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

envergonhado(a) (en-ver-goy-nyah-doo[duh]) means ashamed or made shy