Families are Forever (Week 41)

This week we had a very humbling experience. As a trio, we were talking about who we could help receive the first ordinance of the gospel. We remembered a list of people who we had taught in the past and who had gone to church with us. Me and Elder Cardoso remembered a family of ten children (I told you about them in my week 28 blog) who we had met. Two of them had gone to church with us but sadly they did not progress. The mother, Roseli, also lost interest and sadly we were unable to continue teaching them. As we remembered them I quickly thought: "No, they won't be interested, it will be a waste of time!" Elder Pereira hadn't met them yet so he suggested we go visit them. I gladly agreed, albeit with a little doubt at the back of my mind.

When we went to knock at their big yellow house again, Roseli was standing out on the balcony. When we asked if we could say prayer with them, she quickly came downstairs. From her countenance, all three of us knew something was burdening her. When I asked how she and her family were doing she told us that her 15 year old son Rodrigo had died 2 months ago. He was at a party when two men on a motorcycle drove past and shot at everyone. He and another young men died. I had heard this happened but had no idea it was her son. I was heartbroken for this woman. Through teary eyes she expressed her pain and struggle, although she has many children she had a special friendship with Rodrigo. She said that in these two months she had felt the desire to be taken up to God but as she looks around to her little ones she knows she can't. She has to be strong for them.

We were somewhat speechless for a few seconds but the spirit compelled us to tell her about the plan of salvation, that families are FOREVER and death will not "do us part". She was visibly happier by the time we had left. This week we have returned a few times to their house and Mateus and Sara, two of her children have become very interested in the gospel. If everything goes well, they will be baptised soon along with the rest of the family. Let's see how it goes! :)

Me and Sara, we were drawing something to cheer up her mom. Yes, those are blue sports socks. Sorry for any fashionistas out there, it was all I had. :P

This week President Farnes made a big emphasis on finding adult men to teach. It can be easier to teach women and youth as they are generally more humble and teachable however, we know that by bringing more men to church, more families will also come and the will have higher chances of staying firm. So this week we went out with a little more effort to find and teach men. As we changed our attitude and efforts slightly, we were able to find several men and their families who will hopefully progress.

I will be leaving the mission office next week to go to the field "full-time". ;) I am very thankful for this incredible opportunity I have had to serve so close to President Farnes here in the office. It's been a time of learning life lessons, work experience as well as a time of great spiritual growth. I have learned how to solve problems, how to talk to people in different occasions and know this experience will be incredibly valuable for whatever the Lord has in store for me in the future. I have learned the importance of setting aside a time for the things of the Lord and how the Lord is willing and ready to bless us in ALL aspects of our lives if we but reach out and remember him daily despite of the challenges and stresses that we may face in the office, work and life. I gained a stronger testimony of this reading from Alma 58:40. The faithfulness of these soldiers who had suffered so much and had so many "good excuses" not to remember the Lord, inspired me and made me want to be quicker to remember God every day. I am certain I am leaving the office a better missionary and a better person.

In other news, I have been learning to solve a Rubik's Cube, hopefully I'll have it down by the time I get back home in a year and two months. ;)

Here are some pics!

Elder Fernandez is finishing his mission so we had a little farewell as a zone. He's the one holding a flower. ;)

As Elder Pereira pretty much knows everything he has to do as secretary, on my free time I have been drawing a huge "Lehi's Dream" (1 Nephi 8) scene that President asked for, I'll show you the end product next week! :D

I love you all my dear family and friends!! :)

Elder Torres