Week 6- July 14, 2010

So this last Friday was proselyting and it went so well. I was told that the very best thing you can do is talk to the first person you see. Within 30 seconds of walking outside the gates I started a conversation with a husband and wife and their daughter. They had never heard of The Book of Mormon. That concept is so cool to me because the gospel really is new here in Brazil and Im so grateful to be called to an area with such wonderful people. I was blessed with an ability to communicate and there was not one awkward moment where I didnt know what to say and they couldn't understand me. What a blessing it really was.

The most tender experience was when Elder Bavender and I were walking by a little market and we began to talk to two men talking outside. This market is right open to the street as most stores here in Brazil, and as I was talking, a younger man, probably 19 or 20 was cleaning a counter and looking intently at The Book of Mormon. I included him in the conversation and then focused on him as Elder Bavender talked to the others. I stepped inside the store and told him about this wonderful book. I could see the sincerity in his eyes and feel of his sincere desire and curiousity. He asked if he could have the book and from his expression it was very clear he would read the book. I felt the Spirit strongly as I was testifying to him. How wonderful of an experience it was to be among the people I will shortly be working with. Even those who were busy or not interested told us in such a polite way.

The people here in Brazil are wonderful. I feel so blessed to be walking these streets and speaking this language. I prayed to have a confidence building experience and I really did. I now know through that experience that I can assist in moving the work forward even in my weaknesses. My mission began a month and a half ago. It does not begin when Im in the field or can speak fluent Portuguese. If I am willing to be an instrument in His hands, He will reveal someway for me to be effective my first day in the field. It may have to be a little more creative, but our all knowing Father in Heaven will reveal to me what to do, or say, or perhaps even act out. I have faith that this is true, and I'm so grateful for the Lord in revealing this new faith provoking thought to me. I'm so grateful to be a missionary of the Lord. I'm so grateful for all that the Lord is investing in me and His trust. I'm so grateful for the joy that flows into my heart, that is not fabricated in my mind in any way whatsover, and the peace that comes over me when I feel the Spirit burning strong in my heart. What I'm teaching began before this world was, and will go far after my 2 years in my youth. This is the only way back to our Father in Heaven. The gospel is real. Ask sincerely and you will receive. I believe it does all of us good if we sit back and contemplate the plan of salvation. I love you all. so so so much. Love, Spencer