Hey who turned off the air conditioner?! It is hot!
Speaking of which, who came up with the crazy time machine that just shot me up to the end of my mission?!
It really doesnt feel like it - I dont know how to explain it, but it just feels so weird.
But no thinking about that - I got work to do (lots of it)!
We just ended another incredible week, with Bro. Fukuhara being baptized. Not gonna lie, for a second I thought it wouldnt go through. On wednesday we had the interview and my good friend Elder Spohr (whos in Uwajima) came up to perform the interview. I sat outside in the hallway waiting, and praying... then praying some more.... then after some more praying, I waited and listened to each question:
-Do you believe in God the Eternal Father? Do you believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, that He is the Savior and redeemer of the world?
-Wakaran!! (I dunno!!)
... oh boy...
And so it was question after question, and I just kept on praying.
But its funny, Heavenly Father has a way to make the impossible possible. I prayed about the baptism before and I felt a good confirmation on it - I felt at peace that it was going to happen. So I dont know why I worried so much afterwards.
After all the questions were done, Elder Spohr received some incredible inspiration and asked "Do you love your daughter?"
Then he pointed to his own daughter and said "I love her!" then by himself he pointed to his wife and said "I love her too!"
Elder Spohr then testified that through Jesus Christ, by living the Gospel, he could be with them forever. And then he asked him if he was willing to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized, and strive to keep the commandments for the rest of his life. The answer was an "All right". The Spirit confirmed his readiness and although he may not fully undesrtand it all, ... well, who really does right? ... he understands enough and is willing to show that faith. At the baptism, there was an incredible Spirit as a family became that much closer to becoming an Eternal Family.
Both my companion and I went into the water to help him, and my companion performed the baptism. It was a wonderful sight that I will never forget. As he came out of the water, everyone held their breath thinking that water went in... but he was all right!! He came out with a huge smile, all happy. Daijoubu da!!!
It really was an incredible week here and this place is burning with the Spirit. Everyone is excited about the work, and this next Sunday during District Conference (since its not quite a stake yet) its said to have President Monson speaking, (via satellite broadcast, I wish it was in real life) and directing his talk solely towards the Church in Japan. Were excited to hear the prophets voice directed towards this beautiful piece of land in the Pacific.
"But great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea" (2 Ne 10:21) And oh how they are.
I testify from the bottom of my heart that this IS the work of the true and living God. That Jesus of Narazeth, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind is truly the head of this Church, and conducts His affairs through true prophets, seers, and revelators. That He truly did restore the fulness of the Gospel through Joseph Smith and that as we abide by the precepts of His restored Gospel we can come closer to Him and know Him - which path leads to eternal families. I love this Gospel, and I love the Savior. I stand amazed at what He did for me, and I am in pure awe at His love and support. Through Him, all that is impossible is made possible. He truly is the Savior of the world. He is MY Savior, MY friend, and MY personal counselor and comforter. He leads and lights my paths, and in Him is my true and everlasting joy. Oh, how I love Him.
Im grateful for these two years, where the Savior took me, a meaningless little piece of clay, and molded me into someone I never even imagined I could be. I know that He really did Atone for me and my sins, as well as all those who have faith and believe in His name. These two years have become my life, for they drew me close to my Savior. Without them I would be nothing. But because of them I came to know Jesus the very Christ, the Son of God, and Creator. My mission means everything to me. I am so grateful to have had the priviledge to work alongside so many faithful disciples of the Savior and come to know Him by experiencing His hand in my life. This is my joy and my salvation. Even the Lord Jesus Christ. I say these things, and testify with all the energy of my soul that He lives - that He is the way - in His holy name, Jesus Christ, amen.
With all my love, gratitude, and deep respect,
Elder Victor Muniz Sanzovo Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission (7/2008 - 6/2010)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
...
So enough shenanigans, theres a lot to go through here.
This week has definitely been one of the most special weeks of my mission, on a lot of different levels. Ive been able to come closer to the Lord, and He heard my prayers, and answered my fasts. He has pulled me closer to Him and helped realize HIs hand in this work and in my Life on a much deeper level.
We had the last Zone COnference of the Japan Hiroshima Mission this last week and we all saw miracles happening in this mission. Currently one of the Zones (Yamaguchi) has baptismal dates in all areas with some of them already having been baptized. The whole mission is pumping it out (Im getting goose gumps) and the Lord is literally carrying us - in every aspect of the work.
In our area we were able to see Brother Cho`s baptism this saturday!!!!! He is a powerhouse!!!!! He chose me to perform it and it was such a sweet, wonderful experience: as he came out of the water, he was so happy - just kept saying "Its so light! I feel so light!! Whoo!"
It was truly incredible! The whole branch was so excited and so was he. There were moments of worry before the baptism - times when even I would doubt `Is he really gonna get baptized this saturday?` but I repented and we continued to work hard and do all we could. I dont even know how to explain it, but the impossible became possible. I looked at the dates, looked at what needed to be done, and just saw this overwhelming wall in front of us. "Can we really do this?"
But the Lord is the Lord of the Harvest. He carried us and made what was impossible under our own abilities, possible. And it happened. He is so happy! Bro. Cho is already talking about going to the temple before going back to China next year, and he wants to help build the first chapel in closed China. He is a modern pioneer along with all those that listen to the voice of the good shepherd. ITs truly a humbling experience to be here and watch all this happen. The Spirit of God is burning (leaving my poor district leader so swamped with interviews and travel that theyre barely getting to work in their own area - which has enough difficulties of their own).
And along with the wall that we were seeing with everything that was going on, Bro Fukuhara is also getting baptized this next Saturday!! He saw Chos baptism and got a little nervous about the water - but we told him that my companion and I both will go in the water with him, and while my companion performs the baptism, Ill stand behind and support him - he seemed satisfied with that haha. Were really looking forward for this one, because it will be years of prayers answered, and a family will become eternal.
This week too, we had a random phone call from this guy that spoke fluent english saying he wanted to meet with us. Well, we met him, and while we were talking I felt the Spirit saying that he is a member, and not a minute after he tells us that he was baptized and confirmed some years ago (hes japanese by the way). He wants to come back to Church and he loves meeting with us - it was just the Lord preparing Him and put us in his life to help Him.
We also were able to teach a cute little less-active grandma. And there is a special reason why I tell you this.
As we came into the neighborhood and the house that we thought was hers, it seemed like an abandoned house - except for the dog out front. We couldnt find the front door until this little cute old lady comes out with a big smile - missing the front teeth (it was a beautiful smile, Ill tell you what). Then she invites us inside. I almost cried.
It was this really old house with tons and tons of junk and stuff in the hallways and rooms - with barely enough room to walk around. We met a young lady who seemed to be her granddaughter, said hi (which seemed to brighten her day, for she had a look of lost-hope, and just emptiness in her eyes). We then followed the member up the stairs and met her son, and another grandson. The grandson had a disease where his body didnt grow as it should and he was extremely weak, and his joints looked red and swollen. We sat down on the floor and began to talk with her. The room was dark and needed a little bit of tidying up but as I paid attention to her and looked into her eyes, she was beaming. She was just full of this wonderful light. She explained that she couldnt understand all that was in the Book of Mormon, but that she read everyday. And she offered us this wonderful smile as we talked about the Savior, and what it means to have faith in Him. I was almost in tears as we saw the wonderful faith of this sister overcome so many trials and difficulties. I cant even begin to imagine what it must be like living in that house, but the Savior and the Gospel have given her peace and joy in life. She was so happy. I love the Gospel and the joy and peace that it brings in this life. Heavenly Father has truly made her burdens light through the joy of His Son. (Alma 33:23) What happiness it brought to my heart and what a testimony building experience it was to see this humble saint rely on the Atonement of her Savior. I know that He truly lives. Throughout that entire visit the Beautitudes played in my mind over and over again, strengthening my testimony in the words of the Savior when He said "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
On saturday before the baptism, we went out to buy something for Bro Cho, as a gift for his baptism. As my companion got in the line to the register, I decided to wait by the door, and noticed a black couple leaving the store. They saw me, and I greeted them, then the man, almost leaving, lingered and greeted me, so we started to talk. They are from Malaui (north of Mozambique) and his wife is studying at the nearby university. He explained that he is a born again Christian and that he attends services in town. And that he had never heard about our Church, but he wanted us to teach him more about what we believe. ... hold on a second, that NEVER happens in Japan - wait hold on, thats right, hes a foreigner, thats why. Miracles are happening everywhere, even in front of The Daiso.
Then yesterday we decided to go housing in this one place, but on our way there, I just felt this sudden urge to stop and house right where we were. We went to the first building we saw, and while it the first door opened, it was on the second floor that we found a new investigator! I dont claim any responsibility for this. The Lord just told us, go here and look what happens. Dont blame me! It was just a like "Theres no way we couldve done this ourselves!" kind of thing. Im speechless. The Lord is amazing!
Well, long story short, this week, probably more than any other throughout my mission, I realized how much the Lord has been pouring out the blessings. Nothing we do here is due to our work. I realized really that the Lord is doing SOO much beyond our own powers and we are just a couple of 20 year olds running around Japan - under the most sweetly profound Heavenly Guidance we could ever ask for. Its been incredible. I know the Lord lives. He is Jesus the Christ, our Redeemer, Savior, friend, and Advocate with the Father. He lives and guides this work because I am witnessing His hands move this incredible Work forward. How blessed and grateful I am to have been able to participate in this wonderful work, and gain a more deep insight on how the Lord works, and know HIm personally thorugh these experiences Ive gained. I love it. Im so grateful for it! Praise to His name, in HIS name, Jesus Christ, amen.
WIth Much Love,
Elder Victor Mourao
This week has definitely been one of the most special weeks of my mission, on a lot of different levels. Ive been able to come closer to the Lord, and He heard my prayers, and answered my fasts. He has pulled me closer to Him and helped realize HIs hand in this work and in my Life on a much deeper level.
We had the last Zone COnference of the Japan Hiroshima Mission this last week and we all saw miracles happening in this mission. Currently one of the Zones (Yamaguchi) has baptismal dates in all areas with some of them already having been baptized. The whole mission is pumping it out (Im getting goose gumps) and the Lord is literally carrying us - in every aspect of the work.
In our area we were able to see Brother Cho`s baptism this saturday!!!!! He is a powerhouse!!!!! He chose me to perform it and it was such a sweet, wonderful experience: as he came out of the water, he was so happy - just kept saying "Its so light! I feel so light!! Whoo!"
It was truly incredible! The whole branch was so excited and so was he. There were moments of worry before the baptism - times when even I would doubt `Is he really gonna get baptized this saturday?` but I repented and we continued to work hard and do all we could. I dont even know how to explain it, but the impossible became possible. I looked at the dates, looked at what needed to be done, and just saw this overwhelming wall in front of us. "Can we really do this?"
But the Lord is the Lord of the Harvest. He carried us and made what was impossible under our own abilities, possible. And it happened. He is so happy! Bro. Cho is already talking about going to the temple before going back to China next year, and he wants to help build the first chapel in closed China. He is a modern pioneer along with all those that listen to the voice of the good shepherd. ITs truly a humbling experience to be here and watch all this happen. The Spirit of God is burning (leaving my poor district leader so swamped with interviews and travel that theyre barely getting to work in their own area - which has enough difficulties of their own).
And along with the wall that we were seeing with everything that was going on, Bro Fukuhara is also getting baptized this next Saturday!! He saw Chos baptism and got a little nervous about the water - but we told him that my companion and I both will go in the water with him, and while my companion performs the baptism, Ill stand behind and support him - he seemed satisfied with that haha. Were really looking forward for this one, because it will be years of prayers answered, and a family will become eternal.
This week too, we had a random phone call from this guy that spoke fluent english saying he wanted to meet with us. Well, we met him, and while we were talking I felt the Spirit saying that he is a member, and not a minute after he tells us that he was baptized and confirmed some years ago (hes japanese by the way). He wants to come back to Church and he loves meeting with us - it was just the Lord preparing Him and put us in his life to help Him.
We also were able to teach a cute little less-active grandma. And there is a special reason why I tell you this.
As we came into the neighborhood and the house that we thought was hers, it seemed like an abandoned house - except for the dog out front. We couldnt find the front door until this little cute old lady comes out with a big smile - missing the front teeth (it was a beautiful smile, Ill tell you what). Then she invites us inside. I almost cried.
It was this really old house with tons and tons of junk and stuff in the hallways and rooms - with barely enough room to walk around. We met a young lady who seemed to be her granddaughter, said hi (which seemed to brighten her day, for she had a look of lost-hope, and just emptiness in her eyes). We then followed the member up the stairs and met her son, and another grandson. The grandson had a disease where his body didnt grow as it should and he was extremely weak, and his joints looked red and swollen. We sat down on the floor and began to talk with her. The room was dark and needed a little bit of tidying up but as I paid attention to her and looked into her eyes, she was beaming. She was just full of this wonderful light. She explained that she couldnt understand all that was in the Book of Mormon, but that she read everyday. And she offered us this wonderful smile as we talked about the Savior, and what it means to have faith in Him. I was almost in tears as we saw the wonderful faith of this sister overcome so many trials and difficulties. I cant even begin to imagine what it must be like living in that house, but the Savior and the Gospel have given her peace and joy in life. She was so happy. I love the Gospel and the joy and peace that it brings in this life. Heavenly Father has truly made her burdens light through the joy of His Son. (Alma 33:23) What happiness it brought to my heart and what a testimony building experience it was to see this humble saint rely on the Atonement of her Savior. I know that He truly lives. Throughout that entire visit the Beautitudes played in my mind over and over again, strengthening my testimony in the words of the Savior when He said "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
On saturday before the baptism, we went out to buy something for Bro Cho, as a gift for his baptism. As my companion got in the line to the register, I decided to wait by the door, and noticed a black couple leaving the store. They saw me, and I greeted them, then the man, almost leaving, lingered and greeted me, so we started to talk. They are from Malaui (north of Mozambique) and his wife is studying at the nearby university. He explained that he is a born again Christian and that he attends services in town. And that he had never heard about our Church, but he wanted us to teach him more about what we believe. ... hold on a second, that NEVER happens in Japan - wait hold on, thats right, hes a foreigner, thats why. Miracles are happening everywhere, even in front of The Daiso.
Then yesterday we decided to go housing in this one place, but on our way there, I just felt this sudden urge to stop and house right where we were. We went to the first building we saw, and while it the first door opened, it was on the second floor that we found a new investigator! I dont claim any responsibility for this. The Lord just told us, go here and look what happens. Dont blame me! It was just a like "Theres no way we couldve done this ourselves!" kind of thing. Im speechless. The Lord is amazing!
Well, long story short, this week, probably more than any other throughout my mission, I realized how much the Lord has been pouring out the blessings. Nothing we do here is due to our work. I realized really that the Lord is doing SOO much beyond our own powers and we are just a couple of 20 year olds running around Japan - under the most sweetly profound Heavenly Guidance we could ever ask for. Its been incredible. I know the Lord lives. He is Jesus the Christ, our Redeemer, Savior, friend, and Advocate with the Father. He lives and guides this work because I am witnessing His hands move this incredible Work forward. How blessed and grateful I am to have been able to participate in this wonderful work, and gain a more deep insight on how the Lord works, and know HIm personally thorugh these experiences Ive gained. I love it. Im so grateful for it! Praise to His name, in HIS name, Jesus Christ, amen.
WIth Much Love,
Elder Victor Mourao
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Its harvesting time!!!
Oh man!! You dont even know how crazy this week has been.
Weve had an outpouring of this Spirit here in Matsuyama. We just got another investigator committed to baptism - on the 12th!! My companion and I were both flabbergasted after the lesson. We hadnt even thought about inviting him to be baptized, much less so soon. Hes a sweet little grandpa, father and husband of 2 sisters here in the branch. He had a stroke about 3 years ago and since then he hasnt been able to read characters anymore - however, weve talked with President Isa, and although his mentality is still super young, he understands enough to be baptized. And plus, since he led a normal life before the stroke, it will help to cleanse him, and hopefully speed up the recovery. Nothing is too much for Heavenly Father.
Hes been coming to Church every Sunday for a while now, and this last time he was all smiles, greeting everyone, getting the congratulations, shaking hands - he was the super star! haha Then in the middle of sacrament meeting he and his daughter were leaving the chapel and he shook our hands and laughed on the way out. He just kind of laughed there for a moment and then his daughter told him "O-tou-san, ikanai to moreru yo!" - which means "if you dont go youre going to start leaking!" Hes a champ.
So that makes it 2 convert baptisms in 2 weeks, and the 3 consecutive weeks of baptisms in the branch (the 19th being the baptismal service of twin 8 year-olds). Theyre calling it "happy-june" - yes, in English.
But there is a little bit of a worry about brother Cho - it is harvesting time for wheat and they will soon be planting rice, which makes it the busiest month of the year. He wasnt able to come to Church this last Sunday, and theyre having him slave work until 9 PM or so everyday for the past few days....we havent even been able to get a hold of him on the phone. BUT, we believe and trust in Heavenly Father preparing the way for Cho to get baptized this saturday (hes already passed the interview too). So were looking for a white-june!!
Heavenly Father has truly been blessing and guiding us here in Matsuyama. Weve been seeing some great miracles in finding too, getting a brand new investigator while housing last week. Wed like to be able to work with the members more but were gonna be a tight schedule this week having to go to Okayama for the last ZOne COnference of the Japan HIroshima Mission.
My companion is doing good, it kind of got a little rough yesterday and its been having a weird effect today, but Im just gonna try to love him as much as I can. Hes brazilian, so he hates admitting that hes wrong and doesnt like to be told what he needs to do. Well, my DL told me to try to humble him, but Im not sure thats the Lords way of doing things. At any rate, we only got 3 weeks left together anyway, and it wont hurt to be the best companion I can be... or something like that.
Speaking of which, I might have to start packing soon - not like I unpacked in the first place, my bags are still sitting in the room pretty much how I left them there when I transferred in. Im just gonna have to throw out all the unnecessaries to I dont go over the weight limit - for right now thats my biggest fear about coming home. But I just said it was the biggest, not the only one. Dou shou ka naa....
As always Id like to leave a little Spiritual food for thought. Today, I was reading Alma 56, talking about the people of Ammon, and because of the war of 66BC they were watching as their Nephite brethren were in deep distress fighting in their behalf. As they saw this desperate situation, they were about to take up arms to help their brethren, only to be compelled by Healaman not to break the convenant which they had made. I thought aboout this concept and how much we are like the people of Ammon. We have a big change of heart then, when the enemy seems too frightening, we too put our covenants on the line because we think that doing it ourselves would be better. But in doing so, we would forfeit rich and abundant blessings from the hand of our Father in Heaven. We would lose the special protection because of our short-sightedness, and eventually fall into a situation where we could be spiritually destroyed without His help. We need to be like Helaman - who put trusted that the Lord would provide a way to save them and their brethren the Lamanites. Instead of taking up arms when all seems bleak, we could hold on to the strength found in our baptismal and temple convenants and trust that the Lord will do HIs part. Believe me when I say that the Lord wont let us down; He wont let us be destroyed and He will come to our aid and send the 2000 stripling warriors to fight our battles.
So when were about to break the covenants weve made because it "doesnt make sense that the Lord would have us keep this commandment at this time", or when we feel that we must rely on our own selves, short-sightedly trusting in the weak "arm of flesh". Let us remember and keep the covenants which we made, for when it is the hardest to do so, that the biggest miracles and building of character will occur towards our final eternal destination. In those time when we feel we are at the end of the rope, when we can go on no more let us remember the voice of of the Great Jehovah saying:"Ye cannot bear all things; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." (D&C 78:18) For our afflictions " worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Cor 4:17)
I love this Gospel. It is a gospel of hope, peace, understanding, love, and pure undiminished faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. He overcame all things and made all things possible through His atoning sacrifice. When dont have to do it ourselves because He has already paid the price. I love Him with all my heart, mind and strength, and I wish I could be so much better, for He gave His best for me - and to all of us. But because we need the improvement, He gave us HIs best - we just need to do our best to follow HIm, and He will change us so we can become like Him, full of hope, faith, charity, and good works. Im eternally grateful for this Gospel, and the Restoration through the boy prophet Joseph Smith. It is true. And I am so grateful to be here to spread the word. I love all of you and I hope that we may all come closer to the Savior this week: this is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love
Elder Mourao
Weve had an outpouring of this Spirit here in Matsuyama. We just got another investigator committed to baptism - on the 12th!! My companion and I were both flabbergasted after the lesson. We hadnt even thought about inviting him to be baptized, much less so soon. Hes a sweet little grandpa, father and husband of 2 sisters here in the branch. He had a stroke about 3 years ago and since then he hasnt been able to read characters anymore - however, weve talked with President Isa, and although his mentality is still super young, he understands enough to be baptized. And plus, since he led a normal life before the stroke, it will help to cleanse him, and hopefully speed up the recovery. Nothing is too much for Heavenly Father.
Hes been coming to Church every Sunday for a while now, and this last time he was all smiles, greeting everyone, getting the congratulations, shaking hands - he was the super star! haha Then in the middle of sacrament meeting he and his daughter were leaving the chapel and he shook our hands and laughed on the way out. He just kind of laughed there for a moment and then his daughter told him "O-tou-san, ikanai to moreru yo!" - which means "if you dont go youre going to start leaking!" Hes a champ.
So that makes it 2 convert baptisms in 2 weeks, and the 3 consecutive weeks of baptisms in the branch (the 19th being the baptismal service of twin 8 year-olds). Theyre calling it "happy-june" - yes, in English.
But there is a little bit of a worry about brother Cho - it is harvesting time for wheat and they will soon be planting rice, which makes it the busiest month of the year. He wasnt able to come to Church this last Sunday, and theyre having him slave work until 9 PM or so everyday for the past few days....we havent even been able to get a hold of him on the phone. BUT, we believe and trust in Heavenly Father preparing the way for Cho to get baptized this saturday (hes already passed the interview too). So were looking for a white-june!!
Heavenly Father has truly been blessing and guiding us here in Matsuyama. Weve been seeing some great miracles in finding too, getting a brand new investigator while housing last week. Wed like to be able to work with the members more but were gonna be a tight schedule this week having to go to Okayama for the last ZOne COnference of the Japan HIroshima Mission.
My companion is doing good, it kind of got a little rough yesterday and its been having a weird effect today, but Im just gonna try to love him as much as I can. Hes brazilian, so he hates admitting that hes wrong and doesnt like to be told what he needs to do. Well, my DL told me to try to humble him, but Im not sure thats the Lords way of doing things. At any rate, we only got 3 weeks left together anyway, and it wont hurt to be the best companion I can be... or something like that.
Speaking of which, I might have to start packing soon - not like I unpacked in the first place, my bags are still sitting in the room pretty much how I left them there when I transferred in. Im just gonna have to throw out all the unnecessaries to I dont go over the weight limit - for right now thats my biggest fear about coming home. But I just said it was the biggest, not the only one. Dou shou ka naa....
As always Id like to leave a little Spiritual food for thought. Today, I was reading Alma 56, talking about the people of Ammon, and because of the war of 66BC they were watching as their Nephite brethren were in deep distress fighting in their behalf. As they saw this desperate situation, they were about to take up arms to help their brethren, only to be compelled by Healaman not to break the convenant which they had made. I thought aboout this concept and how much we are like the people of Ammon. We have a big change of heart then, when the enemy seems too frightening, we too put our covenants on the line because we think that doing it ourselves would be better. But in doing so, we would forfeit rich and abundant blessings from the hand of our Father in Heaven. We would lose the special protection because of our short-sightedness, and eventually fall into a situation where we could be spiritually destroyed without His help. We need to be like Helaman - who put trusted that the Lord would provide a way to save them and their brethren the Lamanites. Instead of taking up arms when all seems bleak, we could hold on to the strength found in our baptismal and temple convenants and trust that the Lord will do HIs part. Believe me when I say that the Lord wont let us down; He wont let us be destroyed and He will come to our aid and send the 2000 stripling warriors to fight our battles.
So when were about to break the covenants weve made because it "doesnt make sense that the Lord would have us keep this commandment at this time", or when we feel that we must rely on our own selves, short-sightedly trusting in the weak "arm of flesh". Let us remember and keep the covenants which we made, for when it is the hardest to do so, that the biggest miracles and building of character will occur towards our final eternal destination. In those time when we feel we are at the end of the rope, when we can go on no more let us remember the voice of of the Great Jehovah saying:"Ye cannot bear all things; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." (D&C 78:18) For our afflictions " worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Cor 4:17)
I love this Gospel. It is a gospel of hope, peace, understanding, love, and pure undiminished faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. He overcame all things and made all things possible through His atoning sacrifice. When dont have to do it ourselves because He has already paid the price. I love Him with all my heart, mind and strength, and I wish I could be so much better, for He gave His best for me - and to all of us. But because we need the improvement, He gave us HIs best - we just need to do our best to follow HIm, and He will change us so we can become like Him, full of hope, faith, charity, and good works. Im eternally grateful for this Gospel, and the Restoration through the boy prophet Joseph Smith. It is true. And I am so grateful to be here to spread the word. I love all of you and I hope that we may all come closer to the Savior this week: this is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love
Elder Mourao
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