As the title suggests, last week we had a wonderful Sunday!
We got up earlier than usual to get Bruno and Vitória and were super pleased to see that their dad was ready and up to go with them to their baptism. We got a bus to church and got to know their dad better. He is a wonderful dad who has raised them alone. Despite not being interested in being baptized himself, he made the effort to go and support them on such a special day.
Here's a picture of Bruno and Vitória during the week.
We got to the chapel and guess who was sitting on the front row? Carmita, Mateus, Lorenzo and Anna Luiza. I felt so happy to see they are becoming self-reliant and are going by themselves to church despite their advanced and also young ages. I can say they are truly converted. :) Alex was also there, the big guy who was baptized a couple of weeks ago. We had the blessing to confirm Alex and Anna Luiza members of the church and confer to them the Holy Ghost. What a privilege to be a holder of the priesthood, the same power that Jesus Christ gave to His disciples during His earthly ministry. Sometimes I reflect on how much the Lord trusts us. Despite our many shortcomings and sins we are still entrusted with a this priesthood which can help one gain salvation.
Afterwards, Mateus was sustained by the ward to receive the priesthood and be ordained as a deacon. He was wearing a white shirt and a tie for the first time and everyone in the congregation smiled and looked at him. He understands what the priesthood is and has demonstrated the importance it has for him. To see those three people go beyond their baptism and receive more saving ordenances made me incredibly happy and I understood a bit better why I am serving a mission. To help others not only be baptised, but also to be saved. :)
After church we had the baptism of Bruno and Vitória. Their dad was super proud taking pictures and smiling the whole time. I had the chance to baptise Bruno and Elder Cardoso baptised Vitória, because according to her: "Ele é mais legal!" ("He's cooler!") Hahaha, children. :')
After the baptism, I invited Mateus to share a scripture and he shared 1 Nephi 31:5, which says that if Jesus Christ who was perfect and sinless was baptised, how much more do we need to baptised. He shared a brief explanation of the scripture and his testimony. After saying amen. he smilef and quickly went down to sit with his grandma.
Then the baptismal meeting ended with the crowning moment when Carmita prayed. She did such an honest and heart-felt prayer, everyone there felt the spirit. She thanked God in her prayer for meeting "Brother Torres and Brother Cardoso", for changing her life and for her baptism, the best day of her life. She thanked God for her grandson receiving the priesthood and began crying and she said how proud she was of him. She's amazing, what a elect lady!! :D
This week was great with Elder Pereira in a trio here in Horto Florestal. I am learning a lot from him and the way he teached and does contacts is incredible, what a great spirit he brings to our companionship.
This morning Conrado and Melissa invited us to go to the notary to be witnesses of their civil marriage. It's one step closer to their temple marriage! :D
I love you all and hope you are safe and healthy!
Elder Torres