What a crazy and amazing week! Our area has the most work it's probably ever had, and each day is a reminder of how special the Lord's work is. We taught multiple lessons this week and marked multiple dates for baptism. I could go on and on about every little part, but I want to share a few stories that were very powerful.
Wednesday night we had the opportunity to teach a family who was referenced to us by a member. We had previously taught the parents and they showed a desire to be baptized but this time we had the kids as well. They had all read the Book of Mormon on their own and had trouble understanding the teachings, so we decided to read 3 Nephi 11 with them. We read the chapter and really emphasized that baptism is essential for inheriting the kingdom of God. We then taught the Plan of Salvation and I shared why I'm here, what my purpose is in serving, and how much of a sacrifice a mission is, but that I've never been happier because I get to teach families eternal happiness. This family is awesome, and the parents are starting paperwork to be married so we can baptize them. The kids are all very interested but want to be certain this is right for them, so they promised to pray sincerely and ask God. This family is awesome and every lesson we have with them is very powerful. I want so badly to be the missionary they remember in 25 years the same way my dad was, and although I can't say everything in the way I want, I know it's not for a lack of trying.
This week we received an online reference from a woman who explained her husband has recently left her and taken all of the money they had and left her alone with her two kids. She explained she was a victim of domestic violence and that she has no money to take care of her family. We set up a call to teach the Plan of Salvation with her. She was beyond grateful for the call and had a lot to say. She had a hard time understanding why these bad things had happened to her and why we sometimes suffer. This is a hard one to answer, but what we do know is that we were all given the gift of agency to make decisions for ourselves and because of that, we will be the victim of a person's wrong doings. However, we know that Christ suffered all pain and knows exactly what we are going through. He has the power to help resolve our problems and will always be by our side. We did our best to explain the eternal plan God had and that in this life we will suffer, but life after death living with our Heavenly Father is where we will be in an everlasting state of happiness. She was very quick to accept baptism and I have no doubt we were put in her path for a reason.
I've now started to realize that hearing gunshots close by is just another day in Brazil. At first, I was a little alarmed but now we just act like nothing happened lol. Who knows what they are from, but if the locals don't seem to bother, then we should be good. We decided it's best to stay away from certain areas at night, but other than that, it's regular business lol.
This Sunday we had 9 investigators come to church, which is an awesome achievement. We have plans to meet with all of them and hope to move forward with baptism. The members are starting to do a great job in helping us and understand the power they have in sharing the gospel. The president of our mission focuses a lot on the purpose of a mission is to invite and he is exactly right. The message of the restored gospel is for everyone and it's our job to spread the knowledge we have.
It has now been six weeks in the field, which means it's the end of a transfer. My comp and I are splitting up as he heads to another city. I'm grateful for the things he taught me and the way I was pushed. I've grown more in the last six weeks than I ever have. The work here has never been better, and I can't wait to get it started and can't thank my comp enough for the progress he made here. I have good days and bad days with the language, but to think of how far I've come since being here is pretty amazing. I love being a missionary and the challenge it presents. For those of you that are on the ropes back home on whether or not you should serve, Do It. It is the hardest but best thing I've decided to do and can't wait to see what happens from here!
Elder Copeland
