President Russell M. Nelson Ministry Tour/Trip to São Paulo!

Sept. 1, 2019 - São Paulo, Brazil, President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy Nelson.

Click here for the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints News Release.

Click here for YouTube Video of  Tour to São Paulo, Brazil, Sept. 1, 2019. 

Hope everyone is doing well.  Well, I had my last mission Google Hangouts call with my family- it was a great visit! - Monday September 2, 2019. Recently, President Acosta told me that I would be thinking about the last few days, to a small degree, what I would do after my mission here in Brazil. He also told me to continue working hard up to the end. I promised the Lord that I would do that.  He told me that it is all part of the process; he is an inspired man, full of wisdom and is a great example and blessing to me. This past week or so, I set some goals that I will begin the day I arrive home, September 11, 2019.  I have my final interview with President Acosta this coming Monday, September 9th. I have truly been blessed to have had an approved extension of a few weeks; and to have this awesome experience of being a missionary for the Lord here in Brazil.

Recently, this past week, Sister Resende and I had a feeling to stop and see a nonmember man who is the father in a part-member home. His name is Fernando. We had visited him a few times before and had a strong feeling to visit with him at that time. He had been taught by missionaries sometime prior to us visiting him. He was glad to see us that day. He looked at me and said, "Sister Smart, I have been praying for some time about whether I should be baptized and become of member of your church. I have been praying about this recently, and I want to be baptized. When can I get baptized?" What a wonderful miracle we had been blessed to be a part of! As we talked, I learned that he has a daughter who is a member of the church back in my city where I live in the United States! I will be tracking her down to visit with her. Yet, I am a bit sad to know that I will not be here for his baptism.

I was able to be in the audience of many other missionaries when Pres. Nelson spoke to many members, and missionaries!
It was a touching moment when tens if thousands of children sang "I Am a Child of God." It was an awesome meeting! Also, President Nelson gave the people of Brazil an Apostolic Blessing - what a great day! It was attended by just over 37,000 people.
Also, I was blessed to see and visit with many converts and members of my past areas in which I served attend the meeting/devotional!

( © Copyright 2019 - Photos provided by Missão Brasil São Paulo Sul 2017-2020: Presidente e Sister Acosta
@missaosaopaulosulcesso )

Waiting in line to hear the prophet speak with ticket in hand!

Sept. 1, 2019 - Sister missionaries on the way to hear Pres. Russell M. Nelson speak. 

We had to get up this past Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019 at 4:00 a.m. to be ready to go on on a bus to the meeting/devotional with Pres. Nelson. Here is a picture of Sister Resende and I with four other Sister missionaries that stayed with us on Saturday night.

Apparently, on social media it is a "thing" to have a mom of a missionary post  a picture of a milk jug dated with the date of the return of their missionary, son or daughter from their mission. Below is a photo of what my mom sent me, haha.  I hope they drank the milk already. I will really miss my mission and the wonderful people of Brazil! What a wonderful experience and blessing it has been! God bless each of you!

My return date back home - Sept. 11, 2019

"I think some of these children you have are some of the brightest children that the Lord has ever let come to planet Earth,” said President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as he wrapped up his nine-day Latin America ministry in São Paulo, Brazil.

[...]

More than 37,000 people, including many families, lined up for up to eight hours before a devotional on Sunday at the Anhembi Convention Center. Many were seated five hours before the meeting began, filling the venue. This was the largest gathering President Nelson has spoken to outside of the U.S.

Click here for news releases for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - News Room.

Bea and Vini's Baptisms! - in a Troubled World.

Hello from Brazil! Wow. What a crazy and eventful past three weeks. I had a gun pulled on me and my companions, Sister Araya and Sister Resende, the first week in August - an interesting way to start the month, I would say. I am so grateful that we had the blessings of protection and safety from Heavenly Father and angels from heaven. I know that the prayers of many members of the church, family and many others for all the missionaries throughout the world were answered that day! Also, we had some awesome baptisms on Sunday the 11th and Sunday the 25th.  Vini was baptized on the 11th of August and his friend Bea, was baptized on the 25th. Vini and Bea are so great; they both have strong testimonies of the Savior and his Gospel. I know they are going to be a great strength and both will be a solid example for many as they share their testimonies! Prior to Vini being baptized, I told Vini that he would have many approach him and say to not be baptized - not go through with it, for whatever reason, or he would have things that will come up that will try and be in the way of him being baptized - and of course all of those things happened. To make it even better, the baptismal font wasn't ready and full of water as it needed to be - so my companions and I grabbed any container we could find and went back and forth from the sink to the font to help it get full as required - it was filled just in time and Vini was baptized!

(Left to Right) - Sister Araya, Bea in the black long sleeve, Vini next to her, Elder who baptized Vini, Sister Smart, Sister Resende far right.

Bea's Baptism to the left of Sister Smart - I am so happy for her! Vini is far left.

(Left to Right) Sister Smart, Bea, Sister Resende - what a wonderful day!

Guess which one is me? Vini is an awesome artist too!

Also, Vini drew a picture of the three of us (he is such an awesome artist!) - maybe you can guess which one of the four of us is me - haha - also, notice the missionary name tag he is wearing in the drawing - I definitely can see him being a full time missionary some day in the future! - he will also play a huge role up to that time with the sharing of his testimony and his great example!

All our investigators are doing well. Sister Resende, my companion, stayed in Rudge Ramos again this past transfer. Sister Araya was transferred out to a different area - so no longer a trio. Sister Resende and I were recently doing street contacts. We saw a man at his home; his name was Rafael-  walking to his car to drive to work. Sister Resende had a feeling to go and talk with him after we had passed by. We went back and talked with him. He said he could not talk then but accepted our invitation to an appointment at a later date. We were able to teach him at that later date and he came to church with our other investigators this past Sunday!

This past week beginning Sunday, the 18th of August, we had lots of meetings. The first part of the week we had a meeting to welcome the new missionaries, then a  Leadership Conference, then a mission conference with a visiting authority, Elder Carboni which was awesome. To make it even better, we had Bea's baptism this past Sunday, the 25th of August  - we are so happy for her! I know it was hard as she too had many things try and get in her way of being baptized. This coming week, beginning August 25th we will have the opportunity to hear a satellite broadcast of our Prophet and President of the Church,  President Russell M. Nelson. Then this coming Sunday we will meet in a very large soccer stadium to hear him speak to 10's of thousands of missionaries and church members! Wow - so excited for this. He is currently on a Latin and South America trip to visit several areas. What a blessing for all members and missionaries!

So I am not sure if I mentioned this - I had a previous trio companionship a few months back with a Sister Leal who was waiting for her Visa to go to her mission. I found out she is going to the same mission as my brother who will be leaving on the 24th of September - Mexico, Villahermosa! Crazy to think of that! Time is winding down for me - I will miss this mission and all the awesome people and memories. I will miss it tons - for many reasons! In two weeks, I will be be able to travel with a member of the church, a young woman, who is also a dear friend, Isabel Bastos who lives in São Paulo. She will be my companion for a day as we travel to my old areas to visit many wonderful people the last day before I fly home - what a blessing that will be!

Time is short until I finish this awesome, crazy and worthwhile mission here in Brazil - I am working hard right up to end - I am so grateful that President Acosta allowed me to extend a few weeks. My parents said I would  not want to come back home when the time came; that I would love the mission and the people of Brazil that much - I did not believe them prior to leaving just over a year and half ago - now I do. What a blessing this mission has been and is for me!


( © Copyright 2019 Facebook: Missão Brasil São Paulo Sul 2017-2020: Presidente e Sister Acosta  @missaosaopaulosulcesso)

Full mission photo taken Aug 23, 2019 with visiting authority, Elder Carboni.

Image by Fabio Auri Stratmann Fauriman from Pixabay

New Area - Rudge Ramos.

Hello all! Just a small email blog entry to let you know I am doing well. I am currently in a new area in south São Paulo called Rudge Ramos. The mission zone is called the Assunção Zone. I am in a trio of three sister missionaries - Sister Resende and Sister Araya and myself - they are awesome sisters! We spend a lot of time on the streets talking with people. Recently, we met a young man whose mother had passed away few years back and taught him about the Plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness and that families can be together forever. I hope he will continue to listen to our messages. The work is progressing and I love it. Love you all!

Sister Resende and Sister Araya - me in the middle, at a zone conference held in July 2019.
 (Image rights given to https://www.facebook.com/missaosaopaulosulcesso/) search for @missaosaopaulosulcesso on Facebook.

Rudge Ramos area of São Paulo

Image by Fatifotos from Pixabay

The Worth of Souls is Great!

 Hello from Brazil! It has been a long time, about four weeks, since the blog has been updated; however, lots of exciting and blessed things have happened in that time! I have had about six different companions in the Piratininga area where I am serving currently (i.e. training Sister missionaries, Sisters waiting for their Visas for there missions and some emergency transfers). I have been in a trio two times, had several splits/companionship divisions, had several baptisms, and have been blessed with many miracles! (I need to catch my breath) - had a leadership conference, a zone conference and a few district meetings; and I did get approval from President Acosta - I am going to extend my time here! My mission release date is September 11, 2019! From an original release of the middle of August. This release date is just in time to spend a few days with my brother who will report to the Mexico City CTM/CCM on September 24, 2019, for his mission service to the Mexico Villahermosa mission . Sister Garcéz, my current companion and I, have been busy tracting and contacting many each day sharing a message of hope and love.

Recently we met a young man named Rafael. What an awesome young man! When we first met him, he had some challenges with addiction related to alcohol  and smoking/nicotine. He was smoking twenty or more cigarettes daily. He knew he wanted something better in his life that was different to the path he was on. We began to teach him, meeting with him often. With that teaching and the Spirit he felt, we helped him cut down on the amount per day he smoked to only two cigarettes per day! He also stopped drinking entirely. It was amazing to see him change and progress as we taught him. As time passed, he completely quit smoking! However, one day something bad happened that made him drink. He then said that he had such a distaste for the alcohol that he knew he needed to be baptized! He got through that and said, "I  want to be baptized on the 23rd of June."
He completed all his interviews as required and he was baptized on the 23rd! Remember Claudio, he was able to baptize him! It is truly amazing to see Rafael and how happy he is. He wants to someday serve a mission as does Claudio and Miguel! He told Sister Garcéz and I, "Now I know what Faith is and I know who Jesus Christ is! - if it was not for you both I would not have been able to do this." We know that it is our Heavenly Father and his son's divine purpose and the great love he has for all of his children. It is amazing to see how Heavenly Father prepares each of his children for the Gospel!

(Left to Right)  Elders, Claudio, Rafael, Sister Garcéz, Sister Smart

Many in the ward here in Piratininga have told Sister Garcéz and I that you and your companion have blessed this ward and area with your work and have made a big difference! The work of the Lord is a great blessing to me  - the Savior is the one that converts and changes lives!

Remember Leilah, she was also baptized this month! Claudio also was able to baptize her.

(Back Row - Left to Right) Miguel, Claudio, Leilah

Miguel and Claudio with our name tags practicing being missionaries.

It is a great blessing to be a part of this great work and how the Savior changes lives! Thank you for your prayers, love and support.

16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! (Doctrine and Covenants 18:13)

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11)

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! (Doctrine and Covenants 18:15)

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39, Pearl of Great Price)

“all these things shall [be for our] experience, and . . . for [our] good” (D&C 122:7)

The week (the week beginning April 15th, 2019) was super crazy busy and full of a ton of challenges; however, one thing I have learned is that through a lot of challenges we learn the most and find the most miracles. The greater the battle the more we value the victory. This week on Monday we arrived late to the district meeting because the Uber ride we decided to take took about an hour to get to the meeting; but one of the miracles is we didn't have to pay (the mission helps with the cost of Uber rides when missionaries are on time to meetings) because here when you are late to district meetings or other meetings missionaries have to pay the full cost of the Uber ride. Luckily our zone leaders were kind enough to let it go this time, I respect and like them a lot. They are great examples to me of strength and change. They gave a powerful training in which they talked about how when missionaries teach the lessons the missonaries aren't to use the same memorized lesson but rather teach the lessons from the heart so that the Spirit can testify to the people that God loves them that they are not alone.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel that  changes lives and fills the broken hearts and drys our tears no matter what circumstance we are in.
This week we had a division - where missionaries exchange companions. We did this on Wednesday (April 17th, 2019) and I went to  Parque Bristol. It was great! I also had a division on the past Friday and I went to Vila Liviero in Parque Bristol. It was super exhausting, but I love divisions because I learn something new with every Sister that I stay with and work with. Because I wasn't able to stay in the area this week, my companion and I weren't able to find a lot of new people to teach. We were praying and fasting to find someone that needed the Gospel. We were walking to an appointment and my companion felt the need to go down a certain pathway that we had never taken. We both new it would take longer to get to our appointment. It didn't make sense for us to go down that path but we felt something drawing us to do this. We took the path and made a contact with a man named Marcelo. He was praying a little bit before we passed asking God for help, begging God for help. As we passed and said that we were missionaries, he gladly accepted our message. As we spoke he began to cry without stopping and told us he knew without a doubt that it was God sending two angels to him! We will going this week to visit him and his family. Maria-Elena also went with her grandchildren to church and is preparing for baptism the 27th of April!
Leila unfortunately came in contact with a leader from another church and things are slowing down a bit for her regarding us teaching and helping her. We are hoping and praying for the best for her. Claudio is doing well although he will have to be confirmed next week (the week beginning April 20th, 2019) instead of this past week. Miguel has a baptismal date for the 23rd. (Miguel was baptized as planned!).

Miguel's baptism.

Miguel and Claudio.

Claudio and Miguel are awesome member missionaries. Miguel recently presented the Book of Mormon to others and bears his testimony to his friends. Claudio is doing the same. They both are such great young men. Talita was confirmed this week and her family is progressing a lot! They are now there at church every week and want to be baptized!
As of the second week of May, I have had a medical issue come up that has required a bit of time to recuperate from and that unfortunately, has kept me from doing the work that I love, that of being a full time missionary. I did get to spend some time with Sister Larsen who recently had to recover from her own medical issue; we laughed prior to being together that we thought it would be great to be companions at some point and we were for a short time just not under the best of circumstances. If I am cleared medically, I can possibly get  back at it by the middle or end of this week (week beginning Monday, May 27th, 2019). I am doing well! Also, I have been able to talk with my family every few days via a video internet call. God bless each of you!

Image by Joel santana Joelfotos from Pixabay

Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo - State of São Paulo, Brazil

The Holy Ghost - Teaches the Truth of All Things!

This past week was difficult but filled with a lot of spiritual experiences; I think that is how most of my weeks are here in the mission field. This past  week started with mission zone conference.  We were able to learn a ton, but I think my favorite part was probably talking with all of the missionaries that I know. They are my friends and I haven't seen them in a very long time! They are all doing well, especially the group of missionaries that came into the field with me. It seems like we have  bigger connections and greater friendships! Crazy to think that we are all becoming the older more experienced missionaries instead of the "greenies."
This week we felt a strong impression that we needed to visit a specific house. As we got to the house we knocked on the door expecting someone to come out and to receive our message, because of the strong feeling... But to our surprise nobody came out and nobody was on the street. We wondered why we had felt so strongly about this house when it didn't go as we had hoped. As we walked away from the house a little disappointed, we had a little extra time because a prior scheduled appointment fell through. We decided to knock on the door of a woman named Leila that we had tried to visit once some days prior. On our prior visit, she wasn't home and the other time didn't seem very interested. To our surprise she answered the door and as we spoke we could see a change in her interest and desire in what we shared with her; she was now interested in the message we shared! She said that she was Catholic and had practiced Buddism in the past, but recognized what we were saying was true! At that moment, she began to ask many insightful questions and before we knew it, she had listened to all the basic missionary lessons; an understanding of what Heavenly Father requires, an understanding of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a bunch of other things. The missionary lessons, which usually take about a week or two to teach she had learned in a few hours. She accepted our invitation to watch General Conference in the church building with us the upcoming Saturday. When Saturday came we went to her home to pick her up. She called us to let us know she was already in the church building waiting for us! As we got there, she was sitting reverently in church best dress. She watched the first session and loved it! She went to the other session that same day and the two sessions on Sunday. She was also able to be at Talita's baptism! I have never seen anyone be so touched by our messages so quickly. The Holy Ghost teaches and strengthens! She accepted our challenge to be baptized on the 20th of April - which happens to be my mom's birthday! Taking this step of being baptized will be an amazing help as she is working through health and other struggles in her life.

(Left to Right) Sister Coutinho, Talita, Sister Smart.

Talita was baptized! On this past Monday, we went to go get authorization from her parents and were nervous that they wouldn't give it because they are a little more cautious and reserved. We did a family night in their home and planned to teach the lesson titled, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" and do it to the best of our abilities with scriptures and personal testimonies. We had had a prayer prior asking Heavenly Father that he would bless us with his Spirit. By the end of the lesson, everyone had tears in their eyes and had been touched by Heavenly Father's Spirit! They accepted our invite to give authorization for Talita's baptism and not only that but expressed their desire to be baptized as well! I know that they felt the Spirit! My companion, Sister Coutinho and I do not remember what we said yet know it wasn't us that was teaching but the Lord. The Holy Ghost was helping Talita and her family learn and understand exactly what they needed to hear. I know that if we are worthy God helps missionaries to be instruments in his hands. I know that he has a specific plan for each of Heavenly Father's children.

Talita and her family.

Remeber Claudio and his cousin, Miguel. They both  also went to all of General Conference! Sister Coutinho and I  are helping Claudio prepare for great things to come for him in his life; he has shown great interest in serving a full time mission someday! Claudio's cousin,  Miguel, we are teaching the lessons to and hope to invite him to be baptized this coming week. Those two are super excited and singing in the ward choir weekly! We will "press-on" with the work of the Lord! Have a great week!

(Left to Right) Sister Smart, Sister Coutinho, Claudio, Miguel.

The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel.

He “witnesses of the Father and the Son” (2 Nephi 31:18) and reveals and teaches “the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). We can receive a sure testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only by the power of the Holy Ghost. His communication to our spirit carries far more certainty than any communication we can receive through our natural senses.

As we strive to stay on the path that leads to eternal life, the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger.

Through Him, we can receive gifts of the Spirit for our benefit and for the benefit of those we love and serve (see D&C 46:9-11).

Brazil Melastoma Flower.

Image by Min Kong from Pixabay

The Book of Mormon Blesses and Transforms Lives!

Claudio was baptized this past week! Remember the young man that has long black hair that is longer than mine haha 😃. He had been taught in the past by Elders serving in the Piratininga area of São Paulo. He remembers them - their faces and what they did then;  their patience, love and devotion to teaching and each week leaving a message of hope with him. He said the Savior had prepared him and that he was ready to be baptized! That he realized that he was doing things that had led him  down a path that he knew he was not to be on. This area had not had missionaries in it for some time; he had waited for missionaries to be in the area again and said that Sister Coutinho and I were to help him be baptized and were sent to him for that purpose! The Elders prior had given him a Book of Mormon. He admitted that he had not treated it, for whatever reason, with the respect he felt it should have received at that time - placing aside and letting it collect dust. When he was being taught, I bore my Testimony of the Book of Mormon and at the end said, "Claudio, this is your Book of Mormon." He has read it and has gained a testimony of its contents! At that point, he felt that the Lord had forgiven him for his sins and  for the way he treated the Book of Mormon prior. He is an amazing young man! He told us that he will cut his hair and that someday he will serve a mission for the church. He was able to go to church with us this past Sunday and his cousin came to church with us too!

Claudio's cousin had seen the change and joy Claudio feels, so he wants to be baptized too! We will teach Claudio's cousin and prepare him for baptism soon. One can see a physical change in Claudio; from reading the Book of Mormon and being baptized. He now has joy in his eyes. He is happy. The Gospel changes lives - not only spiritually, but physically as well! Everyone in the ward here in Piratininga loves him.

I am keeping busy as I have been asked to help lead, and train six other sister missionaries. I am required to do splits or divisions with two of the six each week - so each week for a month then the process starts over again the following month. Sister Coutinho stays in our area with the other Sister in the companionship. It is hard work, yet rewarding work. I love each one of them! This Piratininga area of São Paulo that we are in is a large area. We often have only a certain amount of time to see those we teach and those that are preparing to be baptized each week so we often run to our appointments - so my right ankle is sore haha 😊. I have tried to tape it some.

Talita and  her family are doing well. Sister Coutinho  and I had tried to find them home this past week with no luck. However, they were able to come to church with us this past Sunday! At church, a return missionary spoke and bore a strong testimony; the Holy Ghost bore witness to Talita who ask us after the meeting, "what can I do to be baptized?" - now wants to be baptized too! We hope that her family can be baptized as well!

My parents told me before I came to Brazil that it would be hard to come home at the end of my mission; they are correct on that one. I  really enjoy serving Heavenly Father here in Brazil. I have been able to see many miracles and the impact of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon on one's life and how the Book of Mormon transforms one for the better! It truly blesses lives!

“There is a power in the book [Book of Mormon] which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance”  (President Ezra Taft Benson, 1899–1994).

Keep on Tracting and Sharing a Message of Hope!

I decided to write an email this week as well have a short short chat (the last few weeks I been able to have a Google Hangout chat with my family - which is awesome!) as well because its a little bit better than saying everything that happened this past week in the chat!

This last Monday, March 18th, we had a zone activity. For part of  the activity we did a bunch of role play practices with our teaching lessons/discussions - which was pretty great! It is always good to practice, right? Also we did a "just for fun activity" - for this activity we pretended to do a "bible bash" with a Priest which was actually just our Zone Leader, Elder Perreira although he does have enough experience and knowledge to be a priest of another church, haha 😄. It is not recommended for missionaries to do "bible bashing" as we teach or talk with others. It was just for fun. Elder Perreira will be going home, finishing his mission here in a couple weeks. This past week I have seen God answer many prayers. I know that God answers prayers -  when we ask in faith, God will always answer our prayers - in his due time.

We had mission tour this week with Elder Cascard, a visiting authority. He gave us a ton of great advice for our teaching and finding investigators to teach. We stayed in this devotional meeting from 9:00 am in the morning to 6:00 pm at night. I learned a lot! Yet, it is super exhausting - that is for sure. He taught us about the role of the Spirit in missionary work. Our  job as missionaries is to be worthy and prepared to take the message to the hearts of the people. The Spirit is what touches the heart and each person has the ability to let the Spirit allow that or not. This week each missionary in our zone also had their monthly interview with President Acosta. He is such a great, inspired man! He said that he will give me tasks, especially as I am a Sister Trainer Leader, that every time is a bit harder and harder because he knows that I have a lot of potential and he wants to send me home the best person that he can. He said that he believes that I can do any task that he puts in front of me. He knows that the Spirit will be a  guide for me and it will be wonderful experience for me!

We also, as a zone, went to Heavenly Father, asking in prayer, with faith regarding some questions. For example, with faith that we would open randomly to the scripture and that it would give us the answer to a specific question - it happened not just once but all of the questions we asked as a zone. A truly amazing experience!  I know that through the Book of Mormon we receive answers!

This past week, it was good! Also, super crazy! We are working very hard as we open this new area, Piratininga. My companion and I  were able to reach our goals. We both were able to make a combined, over 150 contacts during the week -  talked to these new contacts about the blessings and Hope of the Gospel!

My companion and I had been praying and fasting to have a chance to teach Talita and  her family. This past Sunday we were able to teach Talita and her family - I know they felt the Spirit. We will continue to teach them and set a date for baptism. They invited us to have lunch with them in the next couple of weeks. Claudio has a baptismal date set  for this week! He had been taught by missionaries in the distant past  when he was 13 years old but never felt ready. He said that now he knows that this is what he wants and what God wants for him - which is to follow Christ's example.  He is very excited to be baptized and has a super, funny personality - makes us laugh. His black hair is longer than mine haha 😃. This week was super great! Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support!

© Copyright 2019 - Micaela Castro. 

Image by WilsonNaves from Pixabay

Transfer and Prayers for those Impacted by Recent Flooding.

Hello from São Paulo! In the last couple of days, we have had a natural disaster here in São Paulo impacting several areas in the city. Flooding parts of the city due to amount of rainfall received in the last 24 hours. Estimates given indicated upwards of 110 millimeters in the last 12 to 24 hours - this past Sunday to Monday, March 11th (Average rainfall for the month of March here is around 160 mm).  I was able to call my family very early  this past Monday, March 11th for just a small time and then call again Tuesday, March 12th to again let them know how I am. Our Mission President, President Acosta asked that all missionaries stay inside for their safety. We pray for those impacted by this tragedy and who have lost loved ones.

(Click Here) News Story: Recent Flooding In Areas of São Paulo

President Acosta posted the following on the Brazil São Paulo South Mission Facebook page:

(Missão Brasil São Paulo Sul 2017-2020: Presidente e Sister Acosta

Yesterday, March 11, 2019 at 8:09 AM)

Informamos a todos os familiares, responsáveis, parentes e amigos de nossos missionários, que TODOS encontraram-se em segurança, e devido ao forte temporal ocorrido na grande São Paulo atingindo diretamente o a região Sul da capital, o ABC, Ribeirão Pires e Mauá nas últimas doze horas, nossos missionários estarão em suas casas até que a situação se normalize na região.

Presidente e Sister Acosta.

***** (English Translation) *****

(Mission Brazil Sao Paulo South 2017-2020: President and Sister Acosta

Yesterday, March 11, 2019 at 8:09 AM)

We inform all the relatives, responsible, relatives and friends of our missionaries, that ALL have found themselves in safety, and due to the severe weather that occurred in the great São Paulo, directly reaching the southern region of the capital, ABC, Ribeirão Pires and Mauá in the last twelve hours, our missionaries will be in their homes until the situation normalizes in the region.

President and Sister Acosta.

Another missionary transfer came this past Sunday resulting in myself getting transferred. It was sad as I said goodbye to many friends in Cidade Vargas. I will miss them.  I will be going to Piratininga area on Tuesday, March 12th and will be with Sister Coutinho. I will also be sister training leader over four other sister missionaries - two other sister companionships. This is an area that will be opened again with us - or as missionaries call it "white washed." A new adventure begins!

(Click Here) Map of Piratininga Area, São Paulo, Brazil

Image by João Johnny from Pixabay

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - an Apostle, Ministering, and Baptisms!

I am doing well this week (week starting Monday, Feb. 25th). It was pretty busy but great. It was neat to be able to chat with my family at home the last couple of weeks on our prep-day.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to São Paulo and Salvador Brazil on a nine-day assignment to visit with the missionaries, church leaders and member families here! What a wonderful blessing. We had a few missions in São Paulo, Interlagos meet as a large group to hear his message. It was super exciting as I was able to shake his hand and speak with him briefly! It was a wonderful, spiritual experience for me! The presence of the Spirit was super strong! I didn't get to talk to him for very long but his message was a great inspiration to all the missionaries in attendance! Part of his message was that we as full-time missionaries need to always try and help the Savior baptize to make not only members of the church but help in creating disciples of Christ. He said that our missions in Brazil, we baptize but we need to remember that it is not just about the number but the helping of the soul to endure to the end! Also, he talked a lot about gratitude and how when we are thankful in all things we find more peace and power in this life to love and endure to the end with joy.
As a missionary hard times will come to them on a mission; those times have come to me periodically. Yet, they come to help missionaries understand, to a very small portion of what the Savior has gone through for each of Heavenly Father's children. Sometimes doubt, or lack of faith 'creeps' into the work.  President Acosta has told the missionaries that the Lord knows that excellent missionary work is going forth and that the Savior loves each of them! But that they are to remember that this work is not whether they are sufficient enough, but that it is about the Lord and the power he has to do all things. President Acosta told the story of Laman and Lemeul and the difference between them and Nephi. He said that they were all obedient; all had the same successes and difficulties; the same potential - everything was the same. The only difference was the fact that Nephi recognized the Lord and instead of complaining and letting doubt or lack of faith creep in, Nephi looked to the Lord, loved the Savior even more and was thankful. President Uchdortf talked about similar things when he spoke to us. I am now even more thankful and prayerful; giving more thanks and remembering what was said.
Now that I am here on the mission I know that there are people that needed me here and the adversary did not want me to come to find them. I know that there are many of God's children, here in Brazil and throughout the world that still need the help the Savior can give and it rests with the members of his church and that have a testimony of his Gospel and the missionaries to share it! God always, and I mean always qualifies those he calls. There is a Scripture in D&C that says when we are called and labor in the Lord's vineyard you are qualified for the work - whom the Lord calls, he qualifies.
A man named Fabio is scheduled to be baptized this coming week! He is the nephew of a member! We have been working and fighting to get him to church for about three weeks. He always said,  "I am not the kind of man that goes to church." But he went this week and loved it! We found out his brother that passed away had actually been baptized as well.

Ryan's Baptism!

Rafael's Baptism!

One thing that is the really great thing about a mission is when one is set apart as a missionary you are given the power and gifts of the Spirit to help those that you will come in contact with. I have seen many times on my mission where I felt guidance to teach a certain lesson at the initial contact and it has been an answer to someones prayer. I know that the lesson you need to teach comes to your mind from the Spirit!
Rafael was baptized this past week! Also, Ryan, he was baptized the week prior to last week! These are young men that we found while talking with and contacting people in the rain. There is another man we found making contacts in the rain this past week.
I guess the rain is a blessing in disguise. I think of it that way, yet it rains lots here - that means lots of blessings and many to talk with! I am truly blessed to serve the Lord here in Brazil! God bless all of you!

7 And in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you

(D & C 60:7).

60 Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear my words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things;

61 For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you.

62 Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature (D & C 84:60-62).

88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up (D & C 84:88).

O Ye that Embark in the Service of God!

This past week was bit of a battle; we are very busy and time sure seems to be flying by! We had splits or a division this week and I was able to go to my old area, Cursino! I was able to go back there to help  find a few more people to teach. I spent all of Tuesday, February 5th there  and it was great! Also, I was able to see a few of my recent converts Dorival, Patricia, Thaissa, Cris, and little Matheus - if you remember them. Patricia and little Matheus ran up and gave me a big hug. Also, I was able to see an old investigator, Anna and I made a call to talk to Isabel - which was also super awesome!
This week we were able to start teaching a man named Rafael! He said that Sister Missionaries had been teaching him in the past but he feels that now is the moment for him to start following a religion. He expressed that he knows that God guided us to him and knows that it has purpose that we found him again, given he works almost 24/7 and we were able to speak with him again. He is a great miracle because he was a contact that we were able to do when it was pouring rain!
We are teaching Rian still;  his mother said that she wants to give it a few more weeks before baptism. Yet we are going to try this week to commit them to a baptismal date. We will also try to set a date for a woman named Lucia that has a daughter that is less active and has a ton of desire to receive the Holy Ghost and follow the Savior and his teachings.
Luis, a recent convert is super active. He memorized D&C, section 4. By doing that he was able to get a tie to wear to church! Rita was also at church even though she just had surgery.  She knew it is important and is going to start giving lunch to the missionaries and prepare for attending the temple. Washington is also preparing for attending the temple. Sandro is doing super well! Flavia will being going to girls camp and her whole family now is super active in the church - it is so neat to see their smiles and feel of their happiness! Benedito decided that he will, for now, keep going to his church because his pastor said that he shouldn't change his tradition and what he is used to -  ughhhhh..
Have a great week!

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 4, verses 1 to 7

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

The Beauty of the Gospel!

It was a blessed week, yet a hard week at the same time; I will be staying in this area of Vargas as we just had another transfer. I am positive that we will continue to see the area grow with many more hearing the Gospel message; supported by our testimonies. We hope many of those we will come in contact with and teach can be invited to the waters of baptism. It seems like yesterday that I was asked to reopen or as a missionary says, "whitewash" this area that was closed for sometime prior. We have seen some great things happen in this short time here!

This past week we were able to see some of our wonderful new investigators be baptized. That being the baptism of Ruan,  Isabelle and a friend of our recent convert, Ingrid! Sister Feres and I were super excited! Rian was not able to be baptized this past week because he will be going out of town, however we are working with him for this coming week. Benedito said to us, that prior to this coming Sunday he would decide what path or what church he would follow and then be baptized. We reminded him of what he knows to be true and to ask Heavenly Father in prayer what he should do. It was also a great time to bear my witness; my own testimony of the blessings of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, we reminded him to ask Heavenly Father and that he would answer his faithful prayers. He was not able to be at church this past Sunday, yet hopefully he is doing what we asked him to do to find answers. We will be checking at his home often to see what his feelings are. We are praying a lot for him and each of our investigators! On a lighter note, Sandro, for his work, does parachuting classes - you know jumping from a plane with a  parachute, crazy huh. I told him that I would come back with my family to visit and go parachuting! He smiled and said okay!
We are enjoying the warm Summer here in Brazil!  God bless each of you!

Church and Darkness to Gospel Light.

This past week was pretty great! Although,Isabelle and Ruan were not able to be baptized because of the holiday here in Brazil. They went to visit their family, however, this coming week Sister Feres and I will get them to commit to a date for their baptism - it will go alright for sure and maybe even this current week they will be baptized! Eduardo is doing well always going to church with us, although whether he gets baptized now or in the future - it yet to be determined; I am confident it will happen. Also, we visit Eduardo frequently to help him always progress. It's kind of funny, because in a few of the pictures I have you will see him with one or two of his dogs. I think he has more than that; I may have lost count 😄.  Benedito had the baptismal interview but doesn't feel prepared to be baptized just yet; so we will  work with him a little bit more. I have faith because Sandro was exactly like that. Sandro, in his own time, with patience and love, was baptized! Jonathan moved to another home, out of area so we have referred him to those missionaries in that area. They will get  him where he needs to be!

Washington this past week went to church wearing a suit and tie; crazy because he hates wearing a suit and tie. He even brought a friend with him to church. He also went to the young single adult activity with his friend. When we went to visit him, he told us that we are his "Angels" and that we changed his life - we know it was the Holy Ghost bearing witness to him! I love to see the light that is now in his eyes! He said prior to meeting with us that he felt an emptiness that he now doesn't feel! I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives!

We went to visit Sandro with a member and he made Tapioca for us and it was super good. Kind of funny that he was trying to make it on the stove but forgot to turn on the stove (maybe just overly excited to have the three us there) - he just kept stirring, and stirring. I didn't say anything; I just smiled. I wanted to see how long it would take him to realize what was not happening. Finally my companion, Sister Feres, said something and everyone started laughing - we all laughed for a very long time. It was pretty great!

This past week we were able to take a teenage boy named Rian to church. Also, Jonas came to to church - many came to church with us! We are hoping to baptize all of them this week! We are also helping a less active member, Roselito come back to church. The best part about the mission is seeing people in darkness come into the light and seeing Christ change their lives! These definitely are the big miracles that make it all worth it! Also, this past week, ward members, recent converts, Sister Feres and I helped provide some service by painting. It was a lot of fun.

( © Copyright 2019 Eneida Costa - São Paulo, Brazil)

For my birthday, we had lunch with Eneida and Claudio. They are wonderful, awesome people! I love both of them and their family.  Eneida had a cake for me. It was a great celebration! We also had a division in our area with the Secretaries and Assistants to the President. They called me that morning prior to the division and sang "Happy Birthday" which was a wonderful surprise😄. Sister Acosta also called me to say Happy Birthday! Many in the ward and recent converts also remembered my birthday! What a great birthday - many people that I love made it such a wonderful day.  Remember Irmão Lima, I also got to see Irmão Lima, from the CTM when I was there. He came to visit us, in the ward, this past Sunday!
I feel very blessed! I send my love to each of you.

“Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More important, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs.” - Elder Robert D. Hales, Ensign, "Light and Darkness Cannot Occupy the Same Space at the Same Time", May 2002.

“With Christ, darkness cannot succeed. Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ." - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Hope of God’s Light” - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 2013.