"Oi,
I'm super happy about the U of U/BYU game. These past few months as BYU was winning everything, Elder Clark and Elder Nodal have been rubbin it in a lot, and now Utah is in the spot BYU was in. I'll be sure not to rub it in though. The Lord cursed BYU for pride. LOL. ha ha
Stake conference was wonderful, but none of the ward splitting happened. That's because the first that our mission president had heard about it was in my interview with him. That's not good, he needs to know. So, I bet it will divide here soon. I got to go to all of the sessions of stake conference! I was super happy about that and I learned a lesson that I would not have otherwise learned.
I was sitting up on the stand observing all the stake leaders interact with each other and with the stake members and I noticed that they all had super social personalities...super good conversationalists, ya know that type. then I went down and there was an Asian couple making their way through the crowd, doing nothing more than nod and smile to most people, not social at all. I thought, 'there's no way he's a big leader here in the stake, I wonder what his calling is?' Well, imagine my surprise when this man was called as the stake president. His attitude was not a result of his new calling as he hadn't received his call when I first saw him. But the Lord taught me that anyone can be called, and that there is no perfect personality type for a leader.
His wife is full of the Spirit. When she spoke on Sunday, she told everyone that she found a quote by President Eyring that says, basically, that the Lord will give us more than sufficient capacity to do what he calls us to do. She wrote that phrase down during the week with the intent to give it to the new stake president (or at least his wife). Imagine her surprise when she found out that the new stake president would be her husband!
The choir sang very well and I played very well also. Everyone complimented me (I felt like a rock star!) which made me feel very good, because the piano is something that I know I do well. Even if I don't feel like the perfect missionary, I know I did play the piano well and that I helped a lot of people with that.
We will have Thanksgiving. There's a super rich family in the ward that invites the missionaries every year and they invited us. But I called the president and he said that we could go if there was an investigator there. The family, however, didn't want to invite anyone else outside of the family, so we weren't going to go. But, she called the president and changed his mind...Oh my! Oh well, we'll get Thanksgiving! I'll send pictures. It's tomorrow.
I love you and am working hard. I'm going to the post office right now to find a box to ship a Christmas present to you. It's cool!
Ate pday" Elder Christian
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Ward Divided....Urgent Choir Assignment!
Oi!
First, I'll answer your questions...
Yes, I got the debit card and it works. I haven't sent the package yet because I bought a small box and have to get a different one. We will go to the post office today and I think I can send it back next week. I bet it will cost a bundle. The next transfer is Dec. 9. I don't want to get transferred, but I bet I will. We have interviews tomorrow and I'll tell the Pres that I don't want to get transferred. I'll tell you why, it's really exciting. My zone has 14 elders and 2 sisters. My district has 4 of those elders and the 2 sisters. I assure you they would love anything.
So anyway, this week is super exciting! I'm more excited this week than any other week of my mission so far!!! We have stake conference on Sunday and the ward is going to divide!!!!
Remember how when I arrived here in Vindedo Elder Hancock told me that it was our goal to create a branch in the 'Bairro Capella.' (translated it means 'The Chapel Neighborhood') Well, it's going to happen, and what's more, it's going to be a full blown ward! Not just a branch. It's secret for now. I can't tell anyone here. Also, we're getting a new stake presidency and Elder Ulisses Soares of the First Quorum of the Seventy is coming. Exciting, huh!
What more?? Sunday night the ward called us urgently and said that the choir director had all of a sudden changed the music and that the pianist couldn't learn it in time, so they asked me to accompany the choir at the conference. I told them that the only thing I wanted in return were references of people inside the condominiums...so what did I get ...10 references! A choir of nonmember people will sing at the Itatiba and Socorro Wards in December and the stake has already prepared a thank you basket for each person, so I told them to give the baskets to us and we'll go teach them! How awesome! We've gotten up at 5 am this week to find time to practice. One of the pieces is a 7 page Be Still, My Soul, and another is a 4 page Silent Night. I've got them down, too. Suzanne (his music teacher) would be proud! And the cool thing is that I now get to go to the Saturday night adult session, which I otherwise would not have been able to go to.
And the best part? We have 5 baptisms marked for the 30th. Aginaldo, Cris, and Itala, a family of three is firm. another Marcos, accepted in the first lesson and is firm. Another Lucas accepted in the second lesson and is firm and excited!
Because of the split, I'll lose those 10 references and one of the baptisms, but that's ok...the Lord has a HUGE harvest waiting for us. If Bairro Capela wasn't prepared last week, it sure will be next week. Because the ward is dividing, the Lord is sending another legion of angels to help us! HOORAY!
I love you all and know that the church is true. Pray that we may find new, elect families, that they will accept the challenge and attend church and be baptized.
Elder Christian
First, I'll answer your questions...
Yes, I got the debit card and it works. I haven't sent the package yet because I bought a small box and have to get a different one. We will go to the post office today and I think I can send it back next week. I bet it will cost a bundle. The next transfer is Dec. 9. I don't want to get transferred, but I bet I will. We have interviews tomorrow and I'll tell the Pres that I don't want to get transferred. I'll tell you why, it's really exciting. My zone has 14 elders and 2 sisters. My district has 4 of those elders and the 2 sisters. I assure you they would love anything.
So anyway, this week is super exciting! I'm more excited this week than any other week of my mission so far!!! We have stake conference on Sunday and the ward is going to divide!!!!
Remember how when I arrived here in Vindedo Elder Hancock told me that it was our goal to create a branch in the 'Bairro Capella.' (translated it means 'The Chapel Neighborhood') Well, it's going to happen, and what's more, it's going to be a full blown ward! Not just a branch. It's secret for now. I can't tell anyone here. Also, we're getting a new stake presidency and Elder Ulisses Soares of the First Quorum of the Seventy is coming. Exciting, huh!
What more?? Sunday night the ward called us urgently and said that the choir director had all of a sudden changed the music and that the pianist couldn't learn it in time, so they asked me to accompany the choir at the conference. I told them that the only thing I wanted in return were references of people inside the condominiums...so what did I get ...10 references! A choir of nonmember people will sing at the Itatiba and Socorro Wards in December and the stake has already prepared a thank you basket for each person, so I told them to give the baskets to us and we'll go teach them! How awesome! We've gotten up at 5 am this week to find time to practice. One of the pieces is a 7 page Be Still, My Soul, and another is a 4 page Silent Night. I've got them down, too. Suzanne (his music teacher) would be proud! And the cool thing is that I now get to go to the Saturday night adult session, which I otherwise would not have been able to go to.
And the best part? We have 5 baptisms marked for the 30th. Aginaldo, Cris, and Itala, a family of three is firm. another Marcos, accepted in the first lesson and is firm. Another Lucas accepted in the second lesson and is firm and excited!
Because of the split, I'll lose those 10 references and one of the baptisms, but that's ok...the Lord has a HUGE harvest waiting for us. If Bairro Capela wasn't prepared last week, it sure will be next week. Because the ward is dividing, the Lord is sending another legion of angels to help us! HOORAY!
I love you all and know that the church is true. Pray that we may find new, elect families, that they will accept the challenge and attend church and be baptized.
Elder Christian
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
New Approach to Our Area....New Investigators!
"My Bday was good! I hardly believe I'm 20. AH! OLD!
I went on division with Elder Kershaw (our strict former AP) and it was a really good division. I learned a lot and things have become a little more relaxed in the house.
Aparacida...remember she was the one that Elder Hancock and I baptized...well lunch that day was at her house because she found out it was my bday. She traded to have our lunch that day. She made a wonderful lunch and a great chocolate cake which we still haven't finished eating. LOL! She also gave me a white shirt which she spent forever trying to find. That is a great family.
I got all six packages yesterday. I'm sure now that no matter what else happens in my mission everyone will remember me as the elder who received the most packages. I don't have an exact count. I lost count after 22. I especially loved the camels from the 1st ward. I love that ward. Send everyone a hug.
Among those packages I got the debit card, but I think I'll give the Joseph Smith book to someone here in the ward that speaks English. Whomever I give it to will be super excited.
Yesteday was our mission conference and it was almost as good as General Conference. Pres. Castro Deus talked a lot about specific prayers and how we should teach about the Book of Mormon. He also gave a language study time to all Americans, and gave us a study plan which includes reading Preach My Gospel while biting on a pencil.
We've decided to take a different approach to our work here. Last week we were tired and sat down on a bench to think and talk. We realized that in 6 months with 5 different missionaries this area has only baptised 12 people...that's miserable! So we thought, what has been the common denominator? Every single missionary worked almost exclusively in one big neighborhood called Capella. Then as revelation we both felt that Capella isn't prepared yet. We need to focus on the other half of our area and it's there that we'll find the elect. We haven't been able to fully leave Capella yet, but on the first day of work in this other half, we found a family of four...Aginaldo, Cris, Itala, and Christopher (baby). They have their baptism marked for the 28th of November. They believe the Book of Mormon to be true. Aginaldo said, 'I just can't help but believe, I feel the urge to believe.' We taught them last night with the bishop. The bishop, who is normally really reserved, said that he felt the huge desire to meet this family. We were also able to teach Joao Batista again and this time WITH HIS WHOLE FAMILY!!!!! Elder Nodal and I put my inherited crafting skills to work and we made a family home evening kit with the March 08 Liahona about Christ, a dvd, a proclamation, the Living Christ, candy, and an Uno game. They were really grateful for the gift. Right before that lesson we ran into a member in our ward and he went with us and invited them to do a family night with them this coming Monday. Pray that Joao Bitista, Adelia, and Isadora will go to church this Sunday and to the family night on Monday.
I love you all and I'm happy and sure that miracles will occur in our area this month. Pray for a specific blessing for these people.
Tschau Elder Christian
I went on division with Elder Kershaw (our strict former AP) and it was a really good division. I learned a lot and things have become a little more relaxed in the house.
Aparacida...remember she was the one that Elder Hancock and I baptized...well lunch that day was at her house because she found out it was my bday. She traded to have our lunch that day. She made a wonderful lunch and a great chocolate cake which we still haven't finished eating. LOL! She also gave me a white shirt which she spent forever trying to find. That is a great family.
I got all six packages yesterday. I'm sure now that no matter what else happens in my mission everyone will remember me as the elder who received the most packages. I don't have an exact count. I lost count after 22. I especially loved the camels from the 1st ward. I love that ward. Send everyone a hug.
Among those packages I got the debit card, but I think I'll give the Joseph Smith book to someone here in the ward that speaks English. Whomever I give it to will be super excited.
Yesteday was our mission conference and it was almost as good as General Conference. Pres. Castro Deus talked a lot about specific prayers and how we should teach about the Book of Mormon. He also gave a language study time to all Americans, and gave us a study plan which includes reading Preach My Gospel while biting on a pencil.
We've decided to take a different approach to our work here. Last week we were tired and sat down on a bench to think and talk. We realized that in 6 months with 5 different missionaries this area has only baptised 12 people...that's miserable! So we thought, what has been the common denominator? Every single missionary worked almost exclusively in one big neighborhood called Capella. Then as revelation we both felt that Capella isn't prepared yet. We need to focus on the other half of our area and it's there that we'll find the elect. We haven't been able to fully leave Capella yet, but on the first day of work in this other half, we found a family of four...Aginaldo, Cris, Itala, and Christopher (baby). They have their baptism marked for the 28th of November. They believe the Book of Mormon to be true. Aginaldo said, 'I just can't help but believe, I feel the urge to believe.' We taught them last night with the bishop. The bishop, who is normally really reserved, said that he felt the huge desire to meet this family. We were also able to teach Joao Batista again and this time WITH HIS WHOLE FAMILY!!!!! Elder Nodal and I put my inherited crafting skills to work and we made a family home evening kit with the March 08 Liahona about Christ, a dvd, a proclamation, the Living Christ, candy, and an Uno game. They were really grateful for the gift. Right before that lesson we ran into a member in our ward and he went with us and invited them to do a family night with them this coming Monday. Pray that Joao Bitista, Adelia, and Isadora will go to church this Sunday and to the family night on Monday.
I love you all and I'm happy and sure that miracles will occur in our area this month. Pray for a specific blessing for these people.
Tschau Elder Christian
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sadness Here and There!
"Oi!
I can't believe that Connie passed away. (Connie and Larry Kerr were Christian's trek parents and Larry was the other counselor in the Bayview YSA bishopric with Richard) This has all happened so fast that certainly she was needed on the other side.
Yep, my bday is Monday! It's just another day here in the mission, but the next day we have a mission conference and I'm really excited for it.
Elder Clark was transferred to Valinhos which is a city right next door to Vinhedo. He was made the ZL for all of Campinas! Elder Kershaw was transferred here. He is a past AP and is all business which makes us sad, because the laughter has basically died in our house. We are more obedient now, but I still think we can laugh and smile and be 100% obedient at the same time. I'll find a way. Elder Nodal and myself are still here in Vinhedo with Elder Bradford.
I got the pictures and letter from Casey! Looks like they get to go to the beach and take hikes and everything! Holy cow! Now I know I'm in a HARD WORKING mission! We'd never get to do that. He works hard, too, I know.
Everyone has been talking about the election and I guess Obama won? It's alright, I don't think he'll be as bad as we all think, but I don't think he'll win a second term.
We were out proselyting in a new bairro and we found a castle. I'll try and take a picture next pday. It's cool.
Well, I don't know what more to say this week...we're working really really really hard and we're happy. Throw a party for me on my bday. I love you guys! Let Larry know I love him too!
Tschau Elder Christian
I can't believe that Connie passed away. (Connie and Larry Kerr were Christian's trek parents and Larry was the other counselor in the Bayview YSA bishopric with Richard) This has all happened so fast that certainly she was needed on the other side.
Yep, my bday is Monday! It's just another day here in the mission, but the next day we have a mission conference and I'm really excited for it.
Elder Clark was transferred to Valinhos which is a city right next door to Vinhedo. He was made the ZL for all of Campinas! Elder Kershaw was transferred here. He is a past AP and is all business which makes us sad, because the laughter has basically died in our house. We are more obedient now, but I still think we can laugh and smile and be 100% obedient at the same time. I'll find a way. Elder Nodal and myself are still here in Vinhedo with Elder Bradford.
I got the pictures and letter from Casey! Looks like they get to go to the beach and take hikes and everything! Holy cow! Now I know I'm in a HARD WORKING mission! We'd never get to do that. He works hard, too, I know.
Everyone has been talking about the election and I guess Obama won? It's alright, I don't think he'll be as bad as we all think, but I don't think he'll win a second term.
We were out proselyting in a new bairro and we found a castle. I'll try and take a picture next pday. It's cool.
Well, I don't know what more to say this week...we're working really really really hard and we're happy. Throw a party for me on my bday. I love you guys! Let Larry know I love him too!
Tschau Elder Christian
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