There is not a lot to say about this week. All in all it almost appears as the weeks are blending together and the work just keeps on going. Weeks become months and years become only days. In fact, the whole sense of time is lost in the continuous labor of the Lord's vineyard.
However, the people in which we were able to help did leave an impression. An interesting fact about the people here is that they have been taught since their youth to respect all people and to do good works. In this manner, they all are great people, all who believe in God and desire to do what is right. Unfortunately, their respect and tolerance has also left them with an unfortunate side effect, being the belief that no matter what you believe or do "God is only one" and will save all of us. It is this very belief that settles them into their comfort zone where they'll never be removed. We are soldiers in a battle against all evil, and so, we must help all that we can leave their comfort and see with open eyes the dangers they face and the safe path they must walk. This week we had the unfortunate experience of really good and united families deciding to reject what they've seen and heard and return to their comfort zone. But the war continues, and the successes always overrule the losses.
Two young people, for example, have been extremely touched and readily leaped into action. We found them as we looked for another young man, Sandro (who should be baptized this week), and they responded at the door. We talked a little about hopes, fears, and about God. We taught them about Joseph Smith, the restored church, and the Book of Mormon, and left them with the challenge to read and pray to know if the book is true. In the moment, we didn't feel like they were truly open to the message, but all our doubts were eliminated the next time we saw them. When we arrived at the door, they greeted us with grins wider than ever and hurried us into the house. They told us that they'd read the the Book of Mormon and were filled with a peace they'd never felt before. They'd already read all that we'd marked and the next few chapters, and even had planned out when they would read the rest of the book. I got so happy, I had to restrain myself from shouting for joy. :D They're preparing for baptism by the end of the month.
I know that God lives, and we are all his children. Because of that, he provides all the means that will provide us with a meaningful and happy life. It's just up to us to search for what's right and live what we find.
Thanks for everyones prayers and support. Vos Amo!
Elder Angus
Word(s) of the week:
Chva Congelada (SHOO-vuh cong-jel-AH-duh) Meaning frozen rain. It snowed in a few cities around here, but we only got freezing cold rain. :( Oh well.
Photos:
- The tower of Carlos Barbosa
- The house where the church meets here
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