(Week 17)

I believe I have said this about 500 times already but, how time has flown by! In my 4 or so short months here in Brasil so many things have happened. In this side of the world I have seen in myself a change of heart and an increased closeness to the Lord. I and my companions have striven to be instruments in the Lord's hand to bring if possible, some souls unto him through the sacred ordinance of baptism. I have met incredible people with incredible stories, worked with exemplary leaders including my dear President Timothy Farnes. He is an inspired man who has elevated the vision of the entire mission. More than ever, the Brazil São Paulo North Mission is relying on the Lord to find, teach, baptise and confirm more people. I have had lots of memorable moments, mainly spiritually edifying as well as hilarious, sad, difficult and joyous situations and memories. I am grateful for your prayers and constant words of support. I have no doubt that the miracles I and Elder Yegros have seen here in Cidade Nova are thanks also to you and your righteous desire for the work to move along. Over that side of the continent, I have gained another nephew who is the cutest baby (thank goodness Leon can't read yet). My spectacular sister Lara has gotten married (say whaaaat?) and has entered into an everlasting matrimony with my new bro-in-law Matthew. I am grateful to the Lord for blessing my family so much and in the lead up to Christmas I have reflected and shared with many the teachings my parents have passed on to me and how my family is a strong influence in my life, character and being.

Well, here in Cidade Nova things are going great! :) Last p-day, I asked President Farnes how I could be more consistent in my teaching and work. I had felt that my efforts we're varying in amount from day to day and I wanted to know how I could be more consistent. The next day in the District Meeting, the two Training Sisters in the Zone Itu answered my questions by simply saying: "The secret to being consistent is DOING!" It was a "gobsmackingly" straightforward council. I was expecting some profound council from my mission President, a talk from General Conference or something of the sort but I learnt that day that we simply have to do what we know we have to do, always with a positive attitude and being strictly obedient. Then the fruits of our work will be evident and plentiful.

This week we felt we needed to work more closely with the bishop so we asked him if he had any referrals for us, any people he would like us to visit. When he names a couple of sickly members of the ward we first thought: "Will us going there help the missionary work move along? Will we find someone in that family who we could teach?" We quickly left those thoughts behind as we remembered that the Bishop receives revelation from God to care for His sheep. While on a division with Elder Carvajal from Chile, we had been to all our appointments and didn't know what else to do. I then remembered who bishop had asked us to visit a few days back and so we went. We got there and the elderly sister Joana has very ill, half of her body was swollen and in lots of pain. A lot of her family was there and the mood was quite sad. We spoke a few words of comfort and gave her a priesthood blessing. We left with a wonderful spirit but thought little more of our experience that night. A couple of days later at a ward activity, one of the daughters of that lady came up to me crying and thanked for us going there when she was unable to be there for her mother. She said her mother had improved slightly and that she had been praying for us to come. In that moment I learned how selfless service can impact the lives of those around us. When bishop passed us the name, my reaction was "What will I get from it?" I learned that we should first think of how our actions will bless those around us and not the other way round. An article in the December 2015 New Era entitled "Are You a Giver or a Getter?" teaches this point very well! Needless to say, I am learning to be more like Christ, who in His moments of most suffering, persecution an rejection always performed an act of service and gave of Himself to help someone else, often those who caused him distress and pain.

I have R$ 0,66 left of my time here in the computer house so I will have to rush this next bit. Last week, the 11 year old boy Vinicius was baptised and his granddad João Batista (John the Baptist, what a name) and his auntie came to watch the baptism. On Saturday we visited them and invited João and his wife to take that step too and follow Jesus Christ by being baptised. They shared with us their strong desire to do so but we're downhearted as they are battling with some addictions such as alcohol and tobacco. We encouraged them and promised we would help them leave those chains behind and taught them the powerful gift that is the Holy Ghost in helping them stay strong and far from temptation after baptism. João said: "Yes! I want to start this year the right way. I am tired of living like this. I would like to be baptised." We looked to his wife and she nodded in agreement with a smile of hope. I am looking forward to helping this family grow further in the Gospel and it will be so important for Vinicius to have family with him on this journey.

I am looking forward to Skyping with my family and for Christmas this week!

Have a great week and don't forget that #ASaviorIsBorn! :D

Lots of love,

Elder Torres