Hello everyone!
Yet
another great week in Brasilian Europe serving the Lord! We had a tough time
getting to any investigators, and our golden hope, José the vagabond, didn’t
come to church again or the activity so we didn't see him or teach him. We were
doing a contact with this guy one day and while we were talking to him, his
neighbor came over and started saying things about the church and man I got
heated fast. A lot of people here don't know much about neither the bible, nor
our religion and then try to bash with us. And it is hard to fight back because
they are so limited with their gospel knowledge that all the say is no in
response to everything. Ha-ha it was annoying but it’s part of the work.
We
finally got into an old investigators house and read from the book of Mormon
with them and invited them again to say a prayer. I have been praying so much
that they will somehow feel the truth and at least have the desire to know if
it is true or not.
We went
to Bragança Paulista on Monday night after p-day ended at six and had our
district meeting in the house of the elders because Amparo has two bus times in
the day to get back. It was super fun. We did practices in our pajamas and it
was me and a newborn Brasilian Elder as missionaries with Permann and the other
as our investigators. It was super funny and I was able to see how much I have
progressed with the teaching. I loved it.
The rest
of the week went pretty slow until we got to our Multi-zone meeting which was
really good. It is always a great spiritual booster and I love learning some
new great things there. The night before I had remembered that President
Perrotti asked everyone to study 2 Nephi 31 because he would randomly choose
someone to give a forty minute lesson to the crowd at the conference. So I
stayed up late and had a super awesome study session even though luckily
enough, I wasn't chosen to teach. The kid who was chosen was taken quite off
guard and clearly wasn't prepared. I also got my packages there and it was
great! Elder Permann and I didn't get back home until 9:15 that night. He got
two packages also and we both just had a huge party and colored eggs and after
we enjoyed some eggs and amazing hot sauce! It was a great day!
On Saturday
we went to visit one of our "mothers" who hasn't been able to make it
to church for a while because her father's health is going south and she is
looking after him. When we got there she told us about a lump she has in her
neck and that she would be getting some big tests done on it soon. I
immediately thought of the worst. I had operated on way too many people at
Huntsman with "lumps" in their necks and seen a lot of instances
where it turned out to be something really bad. I immediately thought of the
worst with her. She told us she would be wanting a blessing soon. She then told
us some awesome experiences she has had with priesthood blessings in her life.
She is like a wise old shaman and everyone loves her. She then said that a
priesthood blessing depends on two people, the faith of the recipient, and the
faith of the giver. It really touched me to the core when she said that. I
would not have been ready to give her the right blessing at that moment because
I allowed the thoughts of my own past experiences interrupt the capacity of
God's power. I have since then worked so much harder to strengthen my faith so
I can always be ready to give the blessing that the Lord wants me to give to
those who stand in need. It truly was a humbling experience and a reality
check. It is often hard to remember everything about this gospel in every
moment, but I had realized that it has been a while since I have evaluated my
faith.
Finally
Sunday rolled around. We were almost able to get a single mother to church; she
let us pass by her house quickly on Sunday to walk with her to church so she
could make it to sacrament meeting. When we showed up she was all dirty and was
cleaning her house so she didn't go but promised us next week. She was really
sincere and we probably have the most hope in her at the moment. So we ran back
to church and got there a little late, so they made the other priesthood
holders pass this week. It was kind of nice to be able to sit down and think
about the wonderful covenants I have made with Heavenly Father and to think of
how I would improve myself this week. It was a great spirit there. At times it
is hard to make Sunday feel more sacred when every day is the same for me, but
the Lord blessed me that I was able to feel of His Spirit and of His love. It
wasn't a profound week. But it was great. I am
so grateful to be here serving the people in whichever way I can. I love this
work. I love the Lord with all my heart. I know that this is his church and we
have a wonderful loving prophet who guides us and leads us. I love you all and hope
you had a week as great as mine. Have another good one okay?
Love,
Elder Paynter
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