This week was a little crazy! We had to go to Caruaru twice this week instead of just once because we had interviews with President Houseman. We also spent a lot of time with Mirelle. It turned out that she actually was smoking when she said she wasn´t . . . which was sad. But then she had to go to the hospital because of blood pressure issues and decided to never smoke again! Which was wonderful. So we spent a lot of time trying to help her learn the lessons this week. She is learning! But her baptism this week fell through — we will see if maybe she can be baptized on the thirtieth.
So we had less time with our other investigators this week. But we saw the most important people and on Sunday we had a miracle — ten investigators who made it to church! We always have an expectation of 15-23 people at church more or less, but usually less than five people actually show up. So it was exciting because of the number of people, but really we were excited because we pray and hope and think about each one of them, and we know that going to church is really important. So every time someone walks in the door we get super excited!
We spent an hour with a young woman last week before church. She didn’t end up going, which was very sad, but this week she showed up! We were trying to be reverent because sacrament meeting already started but we were very happy.
I remembered this scripture which is about when the sons of Mosiah return from their missions and find one another:
17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
19 Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly great, and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their joy was not that to exceed their strength.
Alma 27: 17-19
I have a long ways to improve in order to be a truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness but I can relate to the joy they felt here. (I didn´t faint twice like Ammon, but still . . .) Every soul that is at church on Sunday, or reading the scriptures or praying or serving others during the week deserves a little celebration.
I know doing little things like reading the scriptures, praying, serving others, and going to church really does make a difference — out of simple efforts, great things come to pass. I have seen it in my life and I am seeing it in the lives of our investigators!
Love you all!
Headed to Recife 