Hello everyone!!
This week went much better than the last, thanks for your prayers and support! Let's begin with Carlos, the wonderful old man I introduced you to last week! As we visited him throughout the week it was amazing to see his willingness to accept the commandments and change his life though little adjustments here and there. He is incredible, the spirit he carries can be felt and imagine how strong it was on Sunday as he entered the waters of baptism and then came out. A member of our ward basically grew up on the same street as Carlos and never imagined this day would come. Our example as rightoeus members and disciples of jesus Christ can plant a seed that will later will grow into a testimony of the restored gospel and His church.
Here's a picture with Carlos and the members who were neighbours and good examples their whole life!
Last week, a member called Cezar (you might remember him from my week 46 blog) brought a friend who suffers from depression to church. He watched the batisms last week and we began teaching him in the week. In the middle of the week he told us he wanted more time and didn't want to be baptised yet. We didn't insist too much and began teaching him less. To our surprise, on Sunday he was there in his sunday best and sat listening very attentively to the speakers. As sacrament meeting was drawing to a close, he came and sat next to me. He whispered to me: "Can I be baptised today?" I was very surprised to say the least! I spoke with my companion and with the bishopric and decided we would teach a few more things during the sunday lessons and then had the other missionaries interview him. Brother Cezar got a bit emocional to see his friend taking that decision. More so because he had also suffered through depression and he knew that as well as following professional's advice, it was the gospel that had recued him from a very dark place. It was a true miracle to end the transfer!
Little Leo who was baptised two weeks ago has been suffering some persecution since he was baptised. He had evangelical family members and they have been speaking all sorts of lies about the church as well as critisising his mother for allowing him to be baptised. This caused his mother also to close up to us and she began giving a hard time to her son... On Sunday morning as I was waiting in the chapel for some people to arrive, Leo walked up to the capel by himself to be confirmed. I am inspired by the faith of this 11 year old boy who even in the face of persecution, he holds tight to his testimony and his treasured hard-cover Book of Mormon. Please pray for him and his family, it will be a tough road ahead.
This week my companion ended his mission and to send him off Torres-style, I drew something for him! It was awesome serving with Elder Burt, he has a life of great success awaiting him ahead! :D
Love you all family and friends!! :D
Elder Torres
PS: This week our zone finally got to try out the shirts and they loved it!! :D We are super united in purpose and spirit. ZONA JAÇANÁGUA!!!! :D
