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)