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!