What's up, everyone! I hope everything is well with you guys back home. My first week here in Parque das Maias was awesome. The area is a lot different than Tramandai, but I like the change. The area has a ton of houses and a ton of work to be done. The ward here is huge and on Sunday we had close to 130 people at church. The members are awesome and are super supportive of the missionaries and assisting in the work. There are definitely some parts you want to stay away from at night, but that's all part of the fun lol.
My companion, Elder Mendes, is so awesome. He has 20 months in the mission and has a lot of experience out here. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from him.
This week we had a few instances where we came across certain people for a reason. It's not a random coincidence when this happens because the Lord puts people in our path. We happened to knock on the wrong door for lunch and after we decided to go back after, the member told us she had a feeling we needed to. We had two really cool lessons with the couple that lives there, and the Spirit was very present. We had the member join us for the second and hearing her conversion story and how the church has impacted her life was really powerful. Another instance is that one day we came across some members while trying to find something to eat. The address was wrong, but the couple invited us over and explained they had a non-member daughter. The daughter has been faithful to her other religion for a long time but had recently been praying and hoping to talk to Elders. Sister missionaries have been in this area for the last few years, so it was no coincidence we are supposed to be in this area. She had a lot of questions for us but is super open to hear more. We testified a lot about families and had a very cool lesson with her.
For those of you reading this email, please give this church a chance. I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe with everything I have that it's true. Here on the earth today, we have the true church of Jesus Christ. No matter where you go in the world, you will find the same church with the same doctrine and principles being taught. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way of the Lord and following his example is what brings us happiness and gives us hope.
However, following his example isn't always easy, especially with the current state of our world right now. As a society, we have become so divided based on differences and value things that in the grand scheme of things really don't matter. In the eyes of the Lord, we are equal and all sons and daughters of God who has prepared a way for each one of us to return to the presence of God. If we want eternal happiness, we must sacrifice here on earth. We must sacrifice the materialistic things of the earth that bring only temporary happiness. There is a big difference in immediate happiness and eternal happiness. It's easy to chase things in this life that distract us from the will of God. Each and every day I'm reminded of how following the Lord's commandment keeps us away and safe from the dangers of the world. Every day I come across and see people that got caught up in the wrong things and, before you know it, have completely ruined their life. The gospel of Jesus Christ keeps us on the righteous path and focuses on building a personal relationship with our Savior. Jesus Christ knows us personally. He knows our doubts, concerns, trials, problems and afflictions and most importantly each of us by name. Through him we can be baptized as a member of his church and return to live with God for all time and eternity. Start today. Don't delay it. Choose to follow Christ and his example. The gospel can change your life if you allow it. Believe in miracles because the power of Christ is incredible.
Read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. The book is true and always remember that no matter how far we have gotten off the path we can always go back. Everyone has a second chance!
Click here to Request your Free Copy of the Book of Mormon
If you have any questions, please email me. I'd love to answer them. We Mormons are not as crazy as you may think lol. Love you all!
Elder Copeland
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