May 19, 2014

FAMILY!!

Sorry to hear you were a bit sick last night! Hope it passes! 

This week was super good! We worked super hard this week. My legs are super tired. But that is just weakness leaving the body right! haha We taught 32 lessons this week! It was a long week. We also invited a lot of people to be baptized. Many excepted! I think this week we are going to work more with people getting an answer to their prayers. Because when they have a good answer to their prayers, they will do anything to follow this answer. It is really neat to see the change in people. This week we had a baptism. After he had recieved the Spirit, it was really cool. We went to his house and you could see the difference in his life. We are also helping this family that is almost ready for baptism. It will be a lot of work, but we are almost there. This weekend, they got the feeling of they dont know if they can keep on the path. One of them went to Church. We wanted to pass by and see where the others were. We could hear the loud music from super far away. We hoped that it wasnt their music. When we turned the corner they were all dancing in sync in the road. It will be work, but it is definately possible. 

Also this week we were walking a family home after the baptism. We left the church at 9:00. It was a 25 minute walk to their house with a 25 minute walk to our house with only 30 minutes left. The second we got to their house we RAN to our house. The Lord saw our will in being obedient and blessed us to get home on time with saftey. It was pretty funny. We ran super fast and everytime we ran past a bar, everyone was cheering us on. It was pretty nice to have that motivational boost. hahaha 

These weeks I am studying hard in the new testament. It is really neat to learn and find the scriptures in the Bible that proves their was a Church of Jesus Christ. The other day I learned about the Gift of Tongues. Here we will walk by Churches and there will be people screaming, falling on the ground, yelling, jumping up and down, rock band playing in the back ground, and a bunch of other stuff. I cant imagine this was the type of Church that Christ established. When I see stuff like this, it gives me more motivation to go tell people that there is a better way to show their appreciation and love for God in a more humble and reverent way. 

I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve here in Brazil. It is such a blessing to be able to help and invite others to come be closer to Christ. It is so neat to be under the Spirit constantly. Especially during the lessons. We are able to teach people exactly what they need to hear. Everyday I thank God for this opportunity to serve. At times it is physically exhausting. Spiritually too. But I know that it will all pay off. 

This week I was thinking of how hard sometimes it is. How bad my feet and legs hurt at times, how sunburnt I am, why so many people just flake out of compromises. But then the hymn count your many blessings came to mind. And I had to remember all that has done for me. And that these little temporary pains are nothing to what the Savior suffered. So I better start counting my blessings rather than looking at the sacrifices or difficulties. 

1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

[Chorus]
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Thank you so much that you have done for me to be here. I know that you will all be blessed for your help in my preparation. The things I have learned from my parents and leaders are the things I apply here on the mission. Thank you! 

Have a wonderful week! 

I Love you All!!!!

Elder Wild