A lot of big things happened this week in the branch here!
As I told you last letter (or maybe the letter before), the mission president was planning on sending a senior missionary couple to Abrantes. What I didnt tell you was that he was planning on assigning the husband to be the new branch president. Our branch president has been in that position for eight years, so I know that he deserves a much needed break. The missionary couple is from Brasil ( Elder and Sister Roque). They will be such a wonderful addition to the branch! Sister Roque taught the sunday school lesson (on the fly) yesterday, and it was so good. They both gave talks in sacrament meeting, and the members already love them. I could really tell that Elder Roque will do such a good job at leading the branch (until he leaves in December). He told me and my companion that he was really nervous and that he had never been in such a leadership position before. He is a humble man who loves the Lord. Im really excited to see the Branch grow this transfer!
Our mission presidente (Presidente Amorim) was there this sunday as well, and gave a very inspiring talk. He talked about a tiny branch of the church in his mission that became a stake several years later. He gave a lot of hope to our members ( we had 15 members there yesterday). He talked about faith and about the love the lord has for all of them.
Also, while he was here yesterday, he interviewed Rosa and Claudia. He approved them to be baptized this week!!! We have been teaching them since the beginning of December, and theyve come to church every sunday. We are all very excited! If everything goes well, we are hoping that their brother (Jejualdo) baptizes them. The only thing missing now is to know when their moms day off will be. She only finds out on Monday nights.
A few days ago, I was starting to worry about Rosa and Claudia in a few years. I want them to continue strong in the faith. I know that a lot of times people get baptized in their youth, and then stop living the gospel a few years later. I was worrying about them not having a very strong support system. Ive already met people that have said " Oh, I was already baptized into your church a long time ago" but they havent been active for years. I dont want that to happen to Rosa and Claudia. I brought this up in one of my prayers, and I felt the Lord speak peace to me. I remembered how they have their aunt and uncle, who are very, very strong members of the church. So now, I have faith that all will be well, and that I dont have to worry about them, because the Lord has a plan for everyone.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to give my first priesthood blessing in Portuguese. We were visititing with a member who was having a very hard time. I wont say who it was, or what he was having a hard time with, but just trust me that he needed our help. We were talking to him for an hour, giving him comfort and trying to help him out. At the end, we offered to give him a blessing. We have given two blessings here in Abrantes, and both times my companion has given them, mainly because I didnt feel very adequete with my portuguese. But this time he asked me if I wanted to give it, and this time I felt the spirit telling me that I was ready. I gave it, and I didnt feel at a loss of words. I didnt have to think at all about what to say. I felt the words that the lord wanted me to say come from the back of my mind. They werent my words; they were the words of the Lord. Because of this experience , I have a testimony of Priesthood blessings!
We received news of the transfers yesterday and... nothing changed for us, haha. Also, we arent going to receive two new elders in Abrantes. Dont ask me why not, haha. But pretty much this area will stay the same, EXCEPT we will have more success!
I hope you all have a wonderful week, and know that I love you all so much! I miss you all!
Com Amor,
Elder Barker
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