Week 16 - October 10, 2022

What's up, everyone!  This week was full of non-stop work and lessons.  This was one of the best weeks I've had out here, and I couldn't be happier to be a missionary.  We had an all-time high of 12 investigators at sacrament, Including three different families!

Our area has an insane amount of potential right now, and I've started to get really close to the members and people out here. A mission is really special because for once in your life, you put your sole focus into helping other people.  The sole purpose is to find the need of a person and build a sense of trust.  This week we taught a lot of lessons and had a bunch of surreal experiences that were very touching.

This week I had one of the most powerful lessons since being here.  We taught a couple who are friends with our good friend Ivone, the mom of Amanda.  We taught the restoration and for the first time since being here, I felt like I taught through the Spirit.  Instead of worrying about how to pronounce words or what to say, I just spoke.  There is no greater feeling than bringing people peace and hope from the gospel.  Seeing the Spirit confirm the blessing Jesus Christ has promised us is the best.

We also taught Altair and his family a lesson on temples, which was so amazing to be a part of.  The temple is such a sacred place and to teach a family about the eternal blessing that comes from being sealed for all time and eternity showed me how much happiness can come from the gospel.  The simple truths that the gospel is built upon truly can change your perspective on life.  The knowledge of the gospel is so precious and has been kept in the unknown for so many people.  As missionaries, we get the chance to teach these things and there is nothing better. 

Each and every day, I'm reminded of how important it is to align our will with the Lord.  Every day we have an opportunity to start over and aspire to better.  A scripture in Ether 12:27 says:  "And if men come unto me, I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  We can find peace and hope through faith in Jesus Christ.  This life isn't about being perfect but to try our best to follow the teachings and example of him.  He has the power to strengthen us and it's our choice on whether or not we will accept him in our lives.

Thank you all for the emails!

Elder Copeland❤️

 

Week 15 - October 3, 2022

Hey, guys!  Week 12 in the field!  I hope everything is going well back home, and I miss you guys a lot!

Spent a lot of time this week on the road trying to visit people that once had contact with the church.  You never know what to expect when meeting people on the street and you will hear stories about the lives of people that are sometimes hard to even comprehend.  However, I know for a fact the Lord puts certain people in our path for a reason.  Acting upon spiritual promptings is essential as a missionary and was evident this week.  We came across a lot of people that had spoken with missionaries before, and it shows how the planting of seeds can leave a lasting impact.  Not everyone is ready to hear our message, but it's our job to plant a seed in every person we meet because one day when the time is right, true conversion will happen. 

We got great news this week that Altair and his wife, Giovana, will be able to finish the process of marriage and be baptized this transfer and we couldn't be happier.  We've worked a lot with them and to see their growth has been amazing!

It's also election week here in Brazil, so things have been crazy.  People and cars have filled the streets promoting certain candidates non-stop.  It's been straight chaos in the city, but it's cool to experience things like this in another country. 

For those of you that don't know, we had General Conference this week which is an opportunity for us to hear words from the prophet and general authorities in a worldwide broadcast.  I always took for granted how special it was until I became a missionary and realized how important the occasion is.  

(Click below to listen to messages given by the Prophet and General Authorities)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints October General Conference 2022

One of the main things I took from it was the importance of Jesus Christ and his role in our lives.  He knows each of us personally and has a perfect knowledge of the things we are going through.  Turn to him in times of need and he will guide us.  Have faith that he is our Savior and understand that joy comes from him.  Push forward with a steadfastness in him and align your will with God.  It's important to never get complacent in spiritual growth because the adversary attacks good.  When we continually strive to strengthen our testimonies on the love of Christ and the things he has done for us, we can find peace.  Don't worry about the unknown, take leaps of faith in Christ, and he will bless us.  As long as we do our part, we will be watched over!

Love you guys!

Elder Copeland❤️