Hello everyone!
We had our multi-zone meeting this week and President and Sister Farnes taught us very profoundly about the atonement of Jesus Christ and how the ordinances unlock its power. President brought one of his favourite paintings called "I Would Gather Thee as a Hen Gathereth Her Chicks" by Liz Lemon Swindle. He said that Jesus Christ displayed a love comparable to a hen towards her chicks. He longs to protect us and to save us but he cannot force His protection upon us. We must follow His footsteps and partake of the saving ordinances in order to permit his sacrifice to take action in our lives.
He also taught is about each part of the atonement. He said that his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane unlocked His forgiveness for us, which can be accessed through baptism and confirmation. Christ's scourging before the Crucifixion unlocked His grace, which we can access through the sacrament each week. Finally, his crucifixion and resurrection allowed us to obtain exaltation which we can prepare for through the temple ordinances. It was interesting to look at the atonement in that way and made me have a greater desire to help everyone be baptised and obtain the subsequent ordinances!
This week was Elder Braga's birthday, the members were nice enough to prepare two cakes for him and also a birthday dinner with tortilla wraps! Bishop's wife has promised that next time she'll make arepas! Anyway, I am really enjoying being with Elder Braga. He has a massive desire to work and help all come unto Christ. He is helping me not become trunky in my last 4 or so months of the mission. Mum sent me a quote that is now in the front of my planner: "There is no such thing as a homesick missionary in the baptismal font".
On Saturday, we had a ward missionary activity. The youth did contacts around the chapel and the men visited less-actives from the quorums. Wdson, Eduardo, Kauam and Carlos (recent-converts) all came and participated. Their enthusiasm in sharing the gospel was contagious and really pumped some energy into the ward for missionary work. A lot of people turned up and things look like they will continue improving in the ward!
We continued following up with Carlos and his mum throughout the week and they stayed firm as rock! On Sunday was Carlos' baptism and him mum was very emotional throughout. He is a very nice young man with a strong desire to follow Christ. Sadly his mother isn't yet married and can't be baptised yet but I'm certain she will do all in her power to straighten everything out and then be baptized!
On Friday we found a 16 year old boy called Oscar who moved from Mato Grosso do Sul to Sorocaba a couple of months ago. His family built a little shack of wood and metal, it's very hard to miss. He went to church with us on Sunday and really enjoyed it. His baptism is marked for this Sunday but his mum is trying to stop him. The sad thing is that her other son is already involved with drugs and she can't see the good that the church will do in Oscar's life. Please pray for him! :)
In other news, we spotted a wild owl this week on the way to Eron's house. It was a pretty legendary owl. Hoot hoot.
Love you all,
Elder Torres