Transfer/No Transfer?

Tue. Feb. 26

"I made it through my first transfer. Today is pday instead of Wednesday, because they have new elders arriving today--so instead of missing a day of proselyting, they have today as pday and tomorrow as proselyting. (Note from his parents: He didn't mention a new companion or a move, so we think everything's still the same).

I'M SO DANG EXCITED THAT CASEY GOT CALLED TO BRAZIL!!!!!! (Note from his parents: For those of you who don't know, Casey Bangerter is a member of our ward and grew up with Christian--just a few months younger and has been called to Brazil Fortaleza Mission). He and I will be able to speak Portuguese to each other when we return. It is hot in Fortaleza, but it has a coastal wind. I'm told the language is harder there because they speak really fast.

The language is coming better. I can understand about half and speak about a fourth which is quite amazing when you realize I've only been here six weeks. Everyone is amazed when they find out I've only been here that long. The ladies that work at the deli at the supermarket are funny in particular. They say, 'What beautiful Portuguese he is speaking!' It's funny that everyone who knows any English will try to use it with us. When they ask me to speak in English, I ask them, 'What do you want to hear?' When I translate it for them, they laugh. The gift of tongues is real!

We are teaching Hugo's sister and her family. She and her husband have had some experience with evil spirits in the church they attend. The spirits actually are invited to possess the congretation and then are "exorcised" by the priest who then demands money. He promises blessings if they pay and cursings if they don't. She told us that some years ago she saw three evil spirits and described them to us. We taught her about the Holy Ghost and the Book of Mormon. She prayed about it and awoke in the middle of the night. She saw a figure of some kind and a voice testifying to her that the Book of Mormon was true. Because of her previous experiences she is now afraid and confused because of what the adversary has put her through. This has strengthened my understanding of the nature of this work. We REALLY ARE engaged in a war, a struggle where life and death greater than we know are at stake. Satan is striving to deceive the hearts of men, and angels are preparing the way of the Lord.

You have no idea how much I've learned out here. I chose Alma 26:22 for my missionary plaque which talks about knowing the mysteries of God. That's how I feel, like God is unfolding his mysteries to me right under my nose and I barely have to look to understand. It's quite amazing.

The church is true. Jesus Christ lives!" Elder Christian Larsen