Sunday Guests and Fireside

February 1  Sunday

With mixed feelings this morning, we prepared to go to our home branch for Sunday meetings.  When Merl was called to be a High Counselor to serve in the 'Cisco Branch, Pres. Nunes asked us to attend all the activities and meetings there, but attend our home branch on Fast Sundays.  In a very short time, we have developed a loyalty already to our new friends.  The missionaries had five baptisms scheduled, three of whom were children who attended Primary last week and the Integration meeting on Wednesday evening.  I am sad to miss their baptisms.

Eduardo Cruz

David taught the Priesthood lesson, Ann had Sharing Time in Primary, and I played the piano in Relief Society and Primary.  The highlight for us at Sacrament meeting today was Eduardo Cruz - the young man that shared Christmas dinner with us.  He came to church in a new white shirt and tie - just beaming.  His whole demeanor had changed.  When he rose to bear his testimony, David was amazed.  He had never heard Eduardo speak more than a few quiet words.  After church, Eduardo gave Ann a wrapped gift an asked her to open it.  It was a small pink flower arrangement. . . of course, hugs and kisses followed. 

Gustavo with Elders Piccini

and Munos

Luciano with Elder Lagos

Ann, Merl, and I had to rush home right after the meetings to get lunch prepared.  David stayed for the two baptisms today:  Gustavo Borges Gomes an Luciano Bernardo Colerax - one for Primary and one for the Young Men.

On the home front, our guests arrived earlier than expected.  We visited as we prepared lunch, and David returned in plenty of time to join us.  We found both couples to be gracious and down to earth.  Regular folk. . .   Before they left, Bro. Wright brought in the teclado and asked what we were going to use it for.  Merl told him that it would be used for piano lessons and for Primary in São Francisco de Paulo.  He then said not to worry about paying for it; he would add it to the mission expense account.  What a blessing this will be for the Branch.  We sent them on their way to Gramado to prepare for a fireside with Pres. Swensen as the guest speaker.  We followed over on the bus shortly after.
 

Kathlyn, Ann, Bro. Wright, Sis. Wright,

Sis. Swensen, Bro. Swenson

 



The chapel in Gramado was packed with members from all over the District.  At the last minute, Pres. Nunes asked me to play some prelude and the opening and closing songs.  Pres. Nunez spoke, and then Pres. and Sister Wright played a beautiful song, him on the piano and her on the violin.  Sis. Swensen spoke and then played a piano solo.  Pres. Swensen gave a dynamic, bold discourse on the importance of missionary work, the admonishment of 'every member a missionary,' and the importance of the youth preparing to serve missions.  After 40 years of work in the missionary department of the church (including being a mission president in Brazil two times), it was evident how passionate he is about the topic.

All the Zone missionaries wanted to have photos with their leaders, and it was fun helping take pictures with all their cameras.  David and Ann were happy to see members of the District that they had not seen since their mission.  Lots of hugging and visiting.  I think we were the last people to leave the church - just in front of Pres. Nunez.  We had a leisurely walk to the bus station, a quick ride home, and off to bed.  A good end to a good Sunday.


From David:




1 Fev 2015  Domingo a noite Pres. Swenson e a esposa discursaram no serrão dominguero em Gramado pelo todo o distrito. A capela foi cheio, até muitos de Taquara.  Eles falaram da obra missionária; que temos que ensinar e preparar os filhos desde nascer.  Temos que os ensinar que no mundo pre-terreno que eles foram chamados e eles aceitaravam o designacão a servir missão quando chegariam na terra.  Só agora é para conhecer isso pelos ensino do pais e lideres e pelos seus orações e testimunhos que é assim.  Pelos jovens homens já é um dever, uma responsibilidade.  Pelas moças fica uma oportunidade bem boa.

Pres. Swenson falou com a lingua portuguesa bem boa—mesmo como um Brasileiro—e com muito poder do espírito.  Todo mundo estava motivado a servir pelos discursos de ambos o Presidente e a Sister Swenson.