What an INCREDIBLE week!
There is a small group of Haitians that come to church every week and this week I asked Bishop Gustavo "Why aren't they baptised?" and he replied simply "I don't know." On Monday night we went there with Marcelo, a returned missionary who is good friends with the Haitian here in Franco. Iveme, Isaac and Sejoney are members already and Wisly, Gesnale and Phaniel aren't. So we went there with Marcelo on Monday and taught the Restoration. Luckily I had printed all the missionary lessons in Haitian Creole from the internet which made it a lot easier to teach. All three accepted a baptismal date.
Throughout the week we taught them the gospel and the commandments. It has been an incredible experience teaching these "bon bagay" (good people). As we've simplified our teaching, I have come to understand better that "the word of the Lord is pure and clear and true" as it says in my patriarchal blessing and that the gospel transcends any barriers caused by different languages or cultures. Jesus Christ is the same in England, in Brazil and in Haiti. In an inconstant and ever-changing world, Christ is universal, "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8) Wisly, Gesnale and Phaniel willingly made necessary changes to their lives and on Sunday were radiating joy as they entered into the waters and arose from them clean from sin. I had the privilege to baptise them in Haitian Creole, it was a unique and special experience. I'm sure it made the ordinance more significant and real for them.
From left to right: Elder Torres, Wisly, Gesnale, Phaniel and my beloved son Elder Esteves
Pure joy in the water! The camera died when we were taking Wisly's picture!
This week as we continued following up with Vicente and Joaquim, they went from strength to strength reading the Book of Mormon and becoming familiar with the gospel. We went there with a returned sister missionary and in the week went with a young man who Vicente had become friends with at church. The members in this ward help a LOT, it's a shame I realized so late into my time in the area!
Guilherme is Vicente's best friend who, to my surprise, came to church last week. This week we visited him and he also accepted being baptised. In one of our lessons with him he told us that he had prayed to God and had received an answer. He also prays every day for his mother to be safe as she is living in the streets and addicted to drugs. Drugs destroy families but the Atonement of Jesus Christ restores ALL things. The three of them were also baptised on Sunday and Vicente's mother went to show her support. They were very happy boys after their baptism!
I told you last week about the two women who we gave a birthday cake to. This week, Ana Paula's daughter Jessica came to church for the first time. FINALLY! She is 17 and has a 2 year old son and is seeking the best for her small family. She fit right into church and before we knew it she was walking around chatting to other young woman and looking very Mormon! Please pray for her to receive an answer and to be baptised this week!
On Sunday after church we had an incredible banquet at Irmã Jo's house. The table was so beautiful, the food so delicious and made with so much love that this picture deserves a place in my blog! To all the families who give the missionaries food, thank you! What would we be without you?
Have an amazing week full of miracles.
LîVE! (Little Victories Every Day)
Elder Torres