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.