Just Go

Are you excited to be an Uncle?

YES! I can't believe I forgot to write it down! When I got the announcement I shouted in excitement and told the news to all the other missionaries. I was so happy I must have forgotten to write it in. Sorry, x70x7. Parabéns! Congratrulations! Junie looks beautiful. Expect me to spoil my little niece once I get back. :D Take good care of her. I'll include her in my prayers now.

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One more week, one more transfer, one more companion. However, this time, I wasn't prepared. Elder F. Viera is like mission work on steroids. From the moment he arrived until now he's been nothing but active. He's definitely different from all of my other companions, but what I've learned from him is something really excellent: We can baptize every week. 

Alright, this week we ran into a lot of troubles, so we weren't able to baptize this time, but we have already found many others that are ready to be. There are many people we found, especially families that have already known the Church before. One of them, I had mentioned before, who is John. Every day since the new Elder got here, we've been running around trying to find this kid and help him out. After three days, we were finally able to find him at home. So, in case we'd never find him at home again, we taught everything and invited him to baptized. The kid got so excited he'd probably be baptized the same day! ... But, unfortunately the mother, didn't let him. However, since the world hasn't ended, the work still continues.

Here in the mission, we have something called Nova Era (New Age) where the missionaries stopped with routine teaching of the same people, and begin the search for the truly prepared and help them as soon as possible. As a result, the baptisms in our mission boundaries have more than tripled the usual. But whats the difference? Simplicity, Honesty, Obedience, and Diligence. These four qualities combined give a force that touches the hearts of all men, and gives us the opportunity to see into their hearts. Then, we help everyone with desires to serve God, enter the waters of baptism. My desire is to see us all do what we can so that each and every day, we can help our brethren come to a knowledge of the truth and sing with us the "song of redeeming love."

That's about it. Until next time.

Elder Angus

WotW:

Tio (chee-oo) Meaning uncle. I'm an uncle now!

Fighting the Winds

Where are the other two missionaries from?

Elder Sousa is from Forteleza, Brazil.

Elder Eliason is from Virginia.

If you never have much food in your fridge what do you boys eat for breakfast and lunch?

We eat whatever. I eat PBJ for breakfast, Lunch is provided by the members (Lunch is the big meal in Brazil, not dinner) and we eat whatever we have for dinner.

Do they celebrate Halloween over there?

I thought they didn't. Read ahead.

What did you do on October 31st?

Knock on doors. ;P

Are you willing to serve the people of Osorio for the rest of your mission?  Would you have been happy to serve there for your whole 2 years?

That's a very good question. This is something that is really difficult to respond, because this is all a question of the soul. If the missionary is truly a representative of Christ, as much in heart as in calling, they'd be willing to do whatever to help every living being of whatever city they pass. Sometimes, we as missionaries become a little discouraged when people aren't involved in the missionary work, or when people aren't open to the gospel, and especially when the church itself is full of wickedness. There have been many missionaries that have passed through areas, wishing to be transferred. One time I even felt so. But then, one missionary arrived in that area and motivated all the members to take a stand for what was right and to "wake up." After that, I was sad to leave the area. Personally, I am simply in the mode of obedience ("I'll go where you want me to go") but I know that there are stronger and more powerful modes of serving the people as you have stated. Love and charity. Now I know that I need to be better. Thanks Mom.

This week was eventful. There's a lot that happened, and probably very little that I'd be able to tell. To start, this week the "good winds" of Osório became simply "feet sweeping winds." Every day we walk from one side of the city to the other, and over the last few days, I was getting a headache just trying to walk against the wind. By the sound of it, this happens every year, and it's always a cycle. Wind->Extreme Heat->Rain->Wind->etc. This next week better be enjoyable. :l

Something that was also very interesting, was Halloween. As missionaries, we never realize what day it is until something different happens. On the thirty first, we were walking through the streets looking for people to teach, like usual, when alot of kids started walking around in large groups. The first thought in my head was "Oh no, somethings up." Imagine how much worse it got when everybody is going around in black with painted faces! >.< Then, it struck my companion and I. Why did the last person have candy prepared?... OH!! It's funny, because they actually don't celebrate Halloween officially here, so this really caught me off guard. However, after realizing it, we took advantage of the situation and got some candy. :P Alright, just kidding, but it would be interesting to tract on Halloween. 

Anyway, Let's finish with how the work is going. This week we had a lot of disappointments; people that don't keep promises, others that we can never find again, and others that just don't care anymore. Never the less, we found someone more ready than ever, and right in front of our eyes. John is the cousin of a member, Luke, and has known the church for quite some time. He had even gone to church several times, but had never desired to become a member. We were walking down the street one day and found him and Luke talking together, so we decided to stop by. After we talked a little with them, we began teaching John a simple message of the Restoration, and then Luke bore his testimony. Finally, we challenged him to be baptized, and he accepted! If all goes right, he'll be baptized this week, and we'll be running behind everything to make it happen. 

Sometimes we underestimate the power and the promises of God. But, if we put our confidence in him, and do all that we can, He will make all things fall into place. If there's anything to be learned, it is this, that All of God's promises will be fulfilled. So, what do we have to lose? Why should we let laziness take control, or opposition take it's toll? Why should we shrink against the fight, or wait for the tempest to pass before we make our way? Why should we fear the loss of the things we have when there is so much more to receive? If we do everything to find those prepared of God to hear his word, we are guaranteed that we will find them, or they will find us. So, as Christ said to his disciples, we must leave behind the world and take up our cross, for therein we will find true happiness.

Well that's about it. I'm sorry if nothing meshes really well, but I always get excited when I talk about this stuff. Anyway, until Next time!

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

bruxa (Broo-shuh) Meaning witch. Halloween here is actually called "Day of the Witches" (Dia das Bruxas) 

Prison Shifts

0.0 I don't believe it. Mom didn't make any questions... I hope everything is alright. ;P I'll just make some questions up then.

How are you?

I'm fine.

What's your address?

Corner of  R. 7 de Setembro with R. Osório Firmiano. We live on the top floor of the apartment complex. (I think I got the streets right)

Are you brushing your teeth?

...

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This week was interesting. As you all may remember, one of the missionaries that lives with us, Elder Souza, caught chickenpox. What I didn't realize then is that he'd be quarantined until he's no longer contagious. Which means, he spent the entire week in the house. By now he is going crazy. Fortunately for the rest of us, we've already had it, so we can leave to proselyte. However, seeing as someone always has to stay with him at home, we took imprisonment shifts. :)

Nobody cries over a day off, but in our type of work, extra days off leave you with a strange feeling of being unproductive. After my first shift, I was ready to leave that house.  Now just imagine Elder Souza. 0_0  Oh well, he's already getting better, so in a few days he'll catch some fresh air.

Beyond the strange circumstances, this week was really good. We were able to find a lot of new families to teach. With the mission as it is, we are seeking for those that God has prepared to hear his message, and as we do that, we see that God truly prepares his children. One of these families is really small, in fact, just a mother and her daughter. She had actually received the missionaries before, but they were called in an emergency to return to the United States, just after 9/11. Since then, she'd lost all contact with the church, but God never forgot her. 

When her daughter was born, she had a huge heart problem, and wasn't going to survive. Amazingly, there was a sudden heart donation of a five-year-old child who had recently died. The heart was very large for such a small child, but they went ahead with the operation. The doctors advised that it was highly likely she would die or that the body would simply reject the heart. However, by the mother's faith and constant prayers, the child lives today, and at only six years of age, she is one of the smartest young children I know. 

Now, God led us to her door, and she's happier than ever to receive God's plan for her and know that she and her daughter can be together forever. If there's anything that makes this work worthwhile, it's this: participating in God's marvelous work "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Sorry there's not much more to write this week, but thanks for everything y'all do for me. Your prayers have  been welcomed, and mine go out for all of you. Until next we... write.

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

poder (poh-der) Meaning Power. Those who are called of God are promised power and authority if they humble themselves before Him.  I always think of air-bending when I read this. (Maybe some day :P)

Photos

- Looking in from the outskirts of town

- A missionary's fridge has never been so full. This is what happens when someone gets sick and members have compassion. :P

Know of all the Nations

Have you been able to do very many service projects since you have been in Brazil?

Yes. I've been able to relocate dirt (twice), build a concrete wall, help people move, construct a gate, and destroy a house. :P My companion has already washed dogs and dishes. Not together! ;P

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The one day that never ends well is the start of daylight savings time. I always wake up ready to die. Unfortunately, the mission has limited time and therefore can't be wasted with a few more hours in bed. Especially when the work is being accelerated with every passing minute. 

I remember when I arrived here, I couldn't do more than talk with ten people on the street for any given week. A few months back, we received the challenge for every missionary to do 60 contacts each week, and that was super crazy. But, as acceleration suggests, it didn't ever just stop there, because 60 people is very little for the number of people we pass each day. In this last week, my companion and I did 120 contacts, each one. What changed? I think the simplest answer is outlook.

Our outlook on things is a heavy differentiation on the actual outcome. If we think something is impossible, it probably will be. But if we have faith, and we act on that faith, we can do all things. When I arrived in the mission, we had about 40 baptisms each month. Now, the mission helps more than 150 each month enter into the waters of baptism and make a covenant with God, and that number is still growing. This is true for all people, all nations, all situations. We need to remember who we are, and what it is we truly have. If we truly believe, nothing is impossible. 

So, we can never count anything out. This week, we continued helping out Rita, but especially her husband, Bryan. When I had arrived here, the missionaries weren't teaching Bryan anymore, as he had expressed that he didn't believe in God, didn't want to follow him, and was satisfied going to his church. (Batuque, or demon/spirit worship. I think it originates from Africa) However, ever since Rita's baptism, he's changed, a lot. Every day he's reading the scriptures, he sits with the family to pray, and even does a few of the prayers himself. He changed so much that even Rita was astonished. There are still a few things to do, but I'm really ready to help him follow the right path, together with his wife.

Anyway, that's about it, so until next time!

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

catapora (kah-tah-por-uh) Meaning chicken pox. We live with another companionship at our house, and one of the Elder caught chicken pox. Poor guy. 

Photos

- Baptism of Márcia

- Baptism of Rita

(Both two weeks back. Sorry for the delay.)

More pictures of Osório!

- Aftermath of the destroyed house. (we forgot our cameras until after it was all cleaned up)

- The delicious wildlife. :P~

Total Destruction

Do you think you will get a chance to go further east and check out the ocean?

Maybe. If we want to take a p-day there, or if I'm transferred there. Maybe even a division. :)

What area do you prefer?  The mountains or the plains?

Yes. They both have their benefits and beauty.

Are you the senior companion and how long has your companion been out on his mission?

I'm still senior. Elder Jasperson only has three months in the mission.

How do you mix up the language that badly? (In reference to his last letter)

You're taught by mischievous Brazilians. :P

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Best week ever! Alright, maybe not exactly, but this week we got to help in a service project: complete destruction of a Rita's house. :D What man would turn that opportunity down? The project used up two days of destruction under the force of the hammer, heavy lifting and then a lot of cleanup. Actually, a bulldozer could have done it all in like ten minutes, but that's more than we can afford, and loses all the fun of it. That, and we scored a dinner with them later. ;P (Hint: To win the friendship of Elders/Missionaries, give them food)

Anyway, before I stray off, the project turned out really well. Rita's husband, a non-member, was especially impressed and grateful for our help, and it appears that he's now a lot more open to us, and probably the gospel as well.  I hope we can help the whole family enter the church. 

Service is a great way to help others and to help them feel the love and charity received from God. As you help all those you can, you will be an instrument in the hands of the Lord for the salvation of his children. But beyond large service projects, people are affected by simple Acts of Random Kindness (yes, I stole that from a movie). My companion is an excellent example of this. As he says, "Many times we hate people, or people hate us only because we don't understand each other. If we begin to study people out, then greet, smile at, and joke around with them, they will begin to like us."  He may appear like a big goofball when you come to know him, but with all of his fun comments and strange friendships, we've been able to find many people that were searching decades for the gospel, several of whom appeared to be the least likely of all people to accept it.

I guess that will be my message for today. Serve everyone, be it destroying a house or a simple smile.

Well... That's about it, so until next time. Abraços!

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

desculpe(deh-SKOOL-pee) Meaning sorry, like "sorry I forgot pictures again." My companion is using my pen-drive. :l Oh well, next time it's a promise.

Blessed Beaches

Where in the world is Jess Robert Angus?

 

October 7th, Year 2013

Osório - RS, Land of the Good Winds

From what seemed like endless hills has suddenly become nothing but flat. Flat flat flat. I'm almost having knee problems because of the switch, but that doesn't matter, because this land is truly blessed. The climate follows what the nickname suggests: always breezy. It's kind of terrible when it rains, because the rain practically falls up, but it guarantees a perfect day when it's hot. It even has beaches!...Well, lake beaches. 

Anyway, the area is more blessed than just the weather. When I arrived, my companion and I went to visit the bishop and the members, and they're all really active and ready to work. They are ready to help any second we need it. I didn't even escape their houses without a little food in hand. :D My companion is cool as well. Elder Jasperson (my first American companion) is from Texas. He loves to joke around and is already friends with practically everyone. He even has a habit to wave to everyone we pass, 99% which he doesn't even know. Cool.

But, before I go off on any tangents, lets return to the work. This week we had two weddings and two baptisms. Over the last month, my companion and the other I replaced had been preparing them and helping them to commit to baptism, then I arrived to take the last steps. Cool Beans. One of them was especially strong. Rita was an investigator for years, and has attended church regularly for many of them, but had never decided to be baptized, or get married (as she was living with her boyfriend). Then, when Elder Jasperson arrived new in the area, unable to speak nor understand Portuguese, He responded to the question "What's your name?" with another, "When are you getting married?" After that, it all fell into place. :P She has a truly strong testimony, and was really good to see her happy. I'll send pictures when I get them. 

Anyway, this week was General Conference, so we had the opportunity to hear from the prophet and apostles. It's always good to hear their council and apply it in your life. Once more, I still have trouble understanding the half of it, but I'll make sure to download it in English to listen to later. 

Well, that is all there is to say about that.

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

Casamento (kah-zah-men-too) Meaning Marriage. The word literally appears like house-meant, coming from the verb "to house." :P

Once More

The cake looks yummy.  Who made it for you?

I did. I used the stuff you sent me. Unfortunately, I don't know how to frost, so the cake was a big mess. Oh well, looks aren't as important as taste. :P

 

What are the springs like over there?

Hot. When it rains, the streets are covered in wet flower pedals, making a great slipping hazard. :P

Did you have a baptism this week for Arthur?

Yes! :D

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It seems that my time here has come to its end as I'm transferred once more. This time was faster than usual, but I'm glad I finished on a high note. This week was challenging, but rewarding, and certainly different than the usual. 

For one, I had to renew my visa this week. The laws are interesting here, because officially, I can stay here as long as my visa application is being suspended. But, as soon as it is accepted, I need to report to the police or I'll be ex-pulsed from the country. :) Oh well, I have nothing to complain about, as this years photo is one of the only good photos of my lifetime. Que bom. As well, I began making chocolate chip cookies for everyone (I finally achieved the right recipe!) and they all want the recipe. I'm thinking I should start doing street contacts this way. Just start handing out cookies in exchange for addresses. :P I doubt it'll work but it doesn't hurt to try. 

But what was best about this week? For one, we helped one more soul enter the waters of baptism, Arthur. This whole week he was excited and asking about how the baptism will be. When the day finally came, you could see the smile on his face. (Unfortunately he doesn't smile for photos ;P) We also had the opportunity to help out his nephew, Israel. We had talked to him a few weeks back, but he didn't seem interested in our message, but last week, he approached us saying that he'd dreamed about my companion, and that he knew he'd be responsible for helping him change his life for the better. Israel is a young man, and although he is doing the usual wrong things that college kids do, he recognizes it and wants to find an escape. He went to his uncle's baptism and is really excited to follow suit.

This goes to show that God is preparing people to hear and follow his restored gospel. Another example is that of one strange but really cool family. Pafum (nickname) and his family have known the church for quite some time. Their kids, in fact, have already been baptized, but are inactive. In the past, the father had really powerful addictions to drugs and alcohol, but the whole family decided to move from the big city to help him change. Ever since then, the family has been working together to help him quit, and today, although he still has a few problems, the whole family is united and he has abandoned almost everything. When we arrived, the only thing they lacked that they wanted to know, was where God fit in with all this. With each visit, we are helping them understand all that God did for them, and step by step, helping them magnify every little bit of happiness they can get.

That's about all for now. So... until next week/area!

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

Pelúcia (peh-LOO-see-uh) Meaning Teddy Bear. You have no idea how much time I was looking for this word. I learned it this week. :P

Photos:

-Baptism of Arthur

-Last photo of Father and Son (our house in the background)