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
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
10 Year Mission Baptism Record
"This week was tough, but we're happy!
The mission broke a record. We got the highest number of baptisms for one week in the last 10 years. The mission as a whole baptized 69 people!
Friday we have transfers, but it doesn't look like much is going to change in the whole mission. We're afraid that Elder Clark will get transferred (to be assistant) but we think that everyone else will stay put.
Today has already been great. We had breakfast at a member's house in the other ward and he made pancakes with the Krusteaz stuff you sent me. He just got back from vacation in the US so he's rich. He made pancakes and scrambled eggs and bacon. I used the last of the Lawford's Maple Cream Syrup which is considered by all of us to be the best maple syrup on the face of the planet!
Saturday Elder Clark's ward had a baptism and we helped. We sang with Elder Clark and Elder Bradford in a choir for the special musical number. Out of the 17 baptisms marked between the two of us, only that one happened...sad huh! But, oh well, we did our part, this I know.
Last Thursday, we prepared an inspired lesson about the priesthood for Antonio, Roseli, and Jader. When we walked in, the first thing she said to us was that it would be our last visit! Even before we got to the baptismal invite, she said that she was certain that she would never get baptized in our church, EVEN THOUGH she knows that everything we taught is true. So, we taught and bore testimony and personal experiences and invited them all to be baptized. They rejected, but in the closing prayer we felt the greatest sense of peace. We felt the Holy Ghost confirm to us with power that we had done all that was required of us, and that their future was in the hands of the Lord.
I also felt a peace similar to that as I looked at the roses in our neighbor's yard. I remember the garden that we have and feel like I can comprehend the perfection of God. The mission is pretty good!
I'm happy and love you all.
Elder Christian
The mission broke a record. We got the highest number of baptisms for one week in the last 10 years. The mission as a whole baptized 69 people!
Friday we have transfers, but it doesn't look like much is going to change in the whole mission. We're afraid that Elder Clark will get transferred (to be assistant) but we think that everyone else will stay put.
Today has already been great. We had breakfast at a member's house in the other ward and he made pancakes with the Krusteaz stuff you sent me. He just got back from vacation in the US so he's rich. He made pancakes and scrambled eggs and bacon. I used the last of the Lawford's Maple Cream Syrup which is considered by all of us to be the best maple syrup on the face of the planet!
Saturday Elder Clark's ward had a baptism and we helped. We sang with Elder Clark and Elder Bradford in a choir for the special musical number. Out of the 17 baptisms marked between the two of us, only that one happened...sad huh! But, oh well, we did our part, this I know.
Last Thursday, we prepared an inspired lesson about the priesthood for Antonio, Roseli, and Jader. When we walked in, the first thing she said to us was that it would be our last visit! Even before we got to the baptismal invite, she said that she was certain that she would never get baptized in our church, EVEN THOUGH she knows that everything we taught is true. So, we taught and bore testimony and personal experiences and invited them all to be baptized. They rejected, but in the closing prayer we felt the greatest sense of peace. We felt the Holy Ghost confirm to us with power that we had done all that was required of us, and that their future was in the hands of the Lord.
I also felt a peace similar to that as I looked at the roses in our neighbor's yard. I remember the garden that we have and feel like I can comprehend the perfection of God. The mission is pretty good!
I'm happy and love you all.
Elder Christian
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Oy Veh!
"Oi familia,
First, I want to say that almost all of the baptisms fell through. We still have one marked for this Saturday, but he has real Word of Wisdom problems that we're working on, but he'll get over them. They fell through because they didn't go to church. I was so excited. We were finally seeing some major results from all our hard work, but then they all went away. I know this is just a trial of our faith, and it's impossible for me to stop working so we continue, enduring to the end.
Last night we taught Antonio, Roseli, and Jader and invited them to be baptized. We taught them an inspired lesson about the priesthood and bore powerful testimony. The spirit was there. She rejected even before I could invite her, but I still invited them and they rejected. We said the final prayer and in the prayer Elder Nodal and I both felt an overwhelming peace
and we knew that we had fulfilled our purpose with them. Afterwards, I bore testimony of the Savior in a way that I felt to be as powerful and personal as the testimony of Pres. Castro Deus. It's hard to describe, but it was a powerful confirmation.
Our zone leaders (with whom we live) are going to get a washing machine! That's exciting!
We're going to carve jack-o-lanterns today...out of watermelons! I got your Halloween package and it was amazing. You really put a lot of work into that package and we all appreciate it. Everyone is amazed at how well you pack the packages.
Dad, everyone here says Obama is winning...uh oh!
I noticed something alarming...my credit card says it expires this month. That is weird because I've only had it for one year, but maybe you should check that out. I drew out a whole bunch of money because the rate is super good...almost 2.5 to one. So, I have that as backup, but I know I can get by on just my mission money for awhile. You might want to call the bank.
I don't know what more to say than we are working hard, always, and that I know this is the work of God. I know that Jesus Christ lives and is my Savior. I love Him and I love you all. Ate mais!
Elder Christian
First, I want to say that almost all of the baptisms fell through. We still have one marked for this Saturday, but he has real Word of Wisdom problems that we're working on, but he'll get over them. They fell through because they didn't go to church. I was so excited. We were finally seeing some major results from all our hard work, but then they all went away. I know this is just a trial of our faith, and it's impossible for me to stop working so we continue, enduring to the end.
Last night we taught Antonio, Roseli, and Jader and invited them to be baptized. We taught them an inspired lesson about the priesthood and bore powerful testimony. The spirit was there. She rejected even before I could invite her, but I still invited them and they rejected. We said the final prayer and in the prayer Elder Nodal and I both felt an overwhelming peace
and we knew that we had fulfilled our purpose with them. Afterwards, I bore testimony of the Savior in a way that I felt to be as powerful and personal as the testimony of Pres. Castro Deus. It's hard to describe, but it was a powerful confirmation.
Our zone leaders (with whom we live) are going to get a washing machine! That's exciting!
We're going to carve jack-o-lanterns today...out of watermelons! I got your Halloween package and it was amazing. You really put a lot of work into that package and we all appreciate it. Everyone is amazed at how well you pack the packages.
Dad, everyone here says Obama is winning...uh oh!
I noticed something alarming...my credit card says it expires this month. That is weird because I've only had it for one year, but maybe you should check that out. I drew out a whole bunch of money because the rate is super good...almost 2.5 to one. So, I have that as backup, but I know I can get by on just my mission money for awhile. You might want to call the bank.
I don't know what more to say than we are working hard, always, and that I know this is the work of God. I know that Jesus Christ lives and is my Savior. I love Him and I love you all. Ate mais!
Elder Christian
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