12 June 2017 Thump

Dear family and friends,

Let´s be quick! Rewinding to last monday, after emails Elder Thompson and I took a drive to a mountain that is the tallest in the algarve (but still not tall by my standards). It was a nice drive, we stopped at the top and we soaked up the view and took some sweet photos.

Monday night we were contacting and we found this 18yo fella named Diogo. We did the normal introduction, and he was interested. We walked to the chapel with him and we taught him the third lesson. He really enjoyed it, he said that he had been looking for ways to be happier in life and include God more. We marked a follow up visit, he committed to church and to baptism in a few weeks. He was really cool. However, during the week we got a message from him saying "hey guys Im just too busy to meet up with you. It was nice knowing you." and that was that haha. I think we scared him.

I share this because it´s kind of amusing how often people clearly show a need and desire towards the gospel and then the next day completely forget. It´s not uncommon here.

On Tuesday we went to a district meeting in Olhão and we split up with some missionaries who are currently serving in Tavira. We had a good division, I passed the day with Elder Lopes, a brazilian who has been in the mission for 3 weeks haha. We had a good day, we taught a few new faces and did a lot of finding. It was a good opportunity to open his vision a little bit about the mission.

A couple weeks back, Elder Welch and I were leaving the chapel when a brazilian woman, Dâmaris (DAH-mah-reesh), stopped us and asked a bit about the church. We happily responded and she went on to say that it was her greatest desire to learn english one day. We jotted down her number, and this last thursday Elder Thompson and I taught her the restoration, followed by a 10 minute english lesson. Turns out that she is a super devoted evangelical, her husband plays in the church band and she is a teacher there. In spite of all that, she was rather intruigued by the message of the restoration. Gets them every time.

In our lesson, we invited her to be baptized, and she accepted on the condition that she receives a response from God. We will have to see what happens, much depends on her own willingness to change. Unfortunately, although she said she would, she didn´t make it to church...

We had another experience quite similar just the next day. We taught a man named José, a student who is finishing up with school, a smart guy. He isnt active, but is — according to his own words — a "spiritualistic christian". In short he was a bit wishy washy with what he actually believes, but was very skeptical in thinking in any other way than his own.

He opened up the door, and let us share the message of the restoration. He gave us only a few minutes, but just like Dâmaris, he made that classic "I had no idea/this makes so much sense" face. Time was our enemy though, he said he would try to make it to church but didn´t...

Walking down the street on Saturday, I contacted two guys, André and Lucas, two brazilians. They had a moment, but just a few minutes. We sat down on some soccer stadium steps with them and we taught the restoration. They too are pretty dedicated evangelicals, but without fail, the story of the restoration got them thinking. In the end they were quite surprised, and André said "well if what you told me is all true I´m gonna have to make some changes in my life".

However, even though they said they would, they didn´t make it to church...

Santiago and Diego are doing well. We taught them once more this last week. We talked about baptism once again, and they expressed their desires to do so, and to be prepared. We asked them "what do you guys want to change in your lives to be more ready for baptism?" They listed immediately smoking and drinking. We made plans with them, and invited them to start decreasing so that they can quit soon. They were accepting it all very well. We made plans to walk with them to church. When we got there Sunday morning, only Diego was ready, Santiago was still out cold, so we walked with Diego to church. He enjoyed it, although he was a bit nervous. He wanted to take a Gospel Principles book home to read, and we gladly let him. He´s a good kid, turns out he´s 19 years old, even though he looks 25. We will be right by his side to help him progress.

Ivanilson got a job, and is now working with 3 other great members (including the branch pres) from our branch. Awesome. Now Ivanilson has no time to meet up with us, but no worries, he´s with those members every day now, so it´ll be good for him. Ivanilson came to church yesterday, was interviewed for the Aaronic priesthood and also asked to give a talk next sunday! I´m very happy for him.

Basílio is a bit of a pattern. Basically the same thing that happened last week happened this week. He drank once again, but this time it wasn´t because of boredom, but rather because his friend had passed away. Ok. We are now visiting Basílio a few minutes every day to review things with him, especially the Word of Wisdom. He´s doing well. He prays very well now, and is growing a desire to stop drinking. He came to church yesterday, making 4 times now. He´s a good fella. If everything goes well, he´ll be baptized soon.

Welp, I think that´s an update. Elder Thompson and I are having a great time, the work is good, and I´m loving serving in this area.

Take care,

Elder Ward