Oi família!
Well, to put it simply, this week was the worlds biggest
emotional roller coaster. We had some
absolutely amazing miracles, and some other really depressing things
happen. One way or another it´s been an
amazing week that I´ll never forget.
In short on the miracles:
Aluizo was marked for baptism this Sunday! He´s thrilled for it, along with his whole
family. I can´t even begin to describe how amazing the lesson was that we had
with him when we invited him to baptism.
Long story short, his wife asked him why he wanted to be baptized and he
bore a very simple but powerful testimony.
So wonderful. Pictures to follow.
We received a referral for a friend that a member brought to
church. We visited them and invited the
whole family to hear the message. The
result? 5 new investigators (parents and
the 3 sons) ALL of which have an extreme interest in the gospel. Every single one of them has an amazing
desire to know if this really is true and the youngest son Tynã, basically bore
his testimony about the church yesterday when we went over to visit.
But to be real, these are only just pieces of much larger
experiences. What really ended up
happening with Aluizo and with the family were a series of very powerful
events. When I get home, I´ll tell you
all about them. But as I contemplated
what to write to you all about, the Spirit spoke to me about another powerful
experience that I had this week with Elder Tribino. Because he´s sitll new, we have training
every day after Companionship Study where we follow a basic 12 week program as
constructed by The Bretheren. This past
week focused on the Book of Mormon and the role that it has in our
conversion. We read in Chapter 5 of
Preach My Gospel about this marvelous treasure.
As we read a powerful Spirit filled the room and testified to both of us
of the truthfullness and the importance of The Book of Mormon. I contemplated this more during the week and
then we had training on Saturday about "Revelation through the Book of
Mormon." As we studied we learned
of the power of The Book of Mormon in our own lives and also in our own
personal conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we considered our own conversion, we
continued on into the conversion of our investigators. As we studied in greater depth the Spirit
whispered something to me I don´t think I´ll ever forget. Simply put, the reason we haven´t seen the
success we wanted to, the reason we´ve had fewer baptisms than we would like,
the reason for the lack of anything we´re striving for is because we aren´t
focusing enough on the Book of Mormon. I
then remembered a quote from Elder Wirthlin that we find in Preach My Gospel
“Please do not take the Book of Mormon for granted. Pray for a vision of how
the Book of Mormon can be used more effectively in your mission. I promise that
as you do so, your mind will be enlightened with the direction that you should
take." So, we fasted for a way to
use the Book of Mormon more.
Essentially, what I felt is that the Book of Mormon needs to be the
centerpoint of EVERYTHINNG we do. Not
just during Lesson 1 when we want the investigator to read more. Not just to show them Môroni 10:3-5 and
promise an answer. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and
should be used as such. The first thing
we learn about the Book of Mormon on the title page is that the purpose of the
book is to convince everyone that "Jesus is the Christ". In the
introduction to the Book and as well in Preach My Gospel we learn the same
thing. Our purpose here is to show
everyone that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. But, the Book of Mormon does more than
that. It testifies that Jesus Christ
lives, and He is not silent. He speaks
today still, through a living prophet.
The Book of Mormon proves that "the holy scriptures are true and
that God does inspire men and call them to His work in this generation as well
as in generations of old (D&C 20:11)."
I imagine that the Lord still has grand things to show me rearding the
Book of Mormon. Because of what we know of the power and divinity of this
marvelous work we know that we could spend lifetimes studying the Book of
Mormon and still not learn everything there is to learn, but I wish to close
with my testimony of this Book. I know
the Book of Mormon is the word of God.
The reason I am serving a mission today is because of the Book of
Mormon. I´ve read it, and reread it, and
read it again, and every single time the Lord has revealed to me that it is
true. The blessings that are available
by means of this book are grand and impossible to describe. The Lord will bless us in every single aspect
of our lives the instant we begin to study this inspired work. I know without a doubt that there are still
grand miracles in store for me as a missionary, and I now know, that the Book
of Mormon is the key to those miracles.
So, my invitation to each of you is to read the Book of Mormon. But more than that, treasure the Book of
Mormon. Make sure that every single day
you are reading and seeking, and searching, and applying the teachings written
therein. Truly, there is an undenaiable
power in this Book, that I can´t wait to share with the lovely people in the
Brasil.
Vos amo!
Elder Evans
Now, I did not sail with the brother of Jared in crossing an
ocean, settling in a new world. I did not hear King Benjamin speak his
angelically delivered sermon. I did not proselyte with Alma and Amulek nor
witness the fiery death of innocent believers. I was not among the Nephite
crowd who touched the wounds of the resurrected Lord, nor did I weep with
Mormon and Moroni over the destruction of an entire civilization. But my
testimony of this record and the peace it brings to the human heart is as
binding and unequivocal as was theirs. Like them, “[I] give [my name] unto the
world, to witness unto the world that which [I] have seen.” And like them, “[I]
lie not, God bearing witness of it. -
Elder Jeffery R. Holland
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