This week we did a lot of traveling! Not for anything fun, but just for some zone conferences.
First, we went to Coimbra (about 2 1/2 hours by bus) for a zone conference with our Mission presidente. It was a really good conference about how to find new people to teach. I could tell that Presidente and Sister Amorim really prepared well and wanted this conference to benefit us. They gave us advice, they showed videos (one of which had pictures of all of the baptisms that had taken place this year), etc. They really emphasized opening our mouths, and believing that every area has people ready for the gospel. I walked away from this conference feeling more excited to go out and find new people to teach.
Afterwards, I had an interview with Presidente Amorim 
. Just one of those routine interviews to see how I was doing and if I needed any advice. It was a good interview, and something that he said at the end really stuck out to me:
"Pray to have success, and then get up and go and answer your prayer."
We have to have faith to ask, but also faith to act.
Afterwards we went to Viseu (about 4 hours by bus from Castelo Branco) to do a division with the zone leaders. I learned a few new ways to contact people on the street, and they helped us with a few questions we had about our investigators.
On Saturday, we taught Antonio again!
When he arrived, the way he was talking and acting seemed to suggest that he was about to "drop" us. Things like having lots of things to have to do; talking with other people; believing but not being a believer, etc. As he was talking, my heart started to drop, and I was silently pleading for help from Heavenly Father to know what to say. I don´t remember too much about what we said or taught in that lesson afterwards, but I know that our words were being guided. Through the influence of the Spirit, we were able to help Antonio with his doubts. I said something at the end that I know weren´t my words.
Long story short, Antonio didn´t "drop" us, and he went to church for the first time yesterday! It also just so happened to be the day that Presidente Amorim came to Castelo Branco to give a talk and teach a class. Antonio stayed for the first two hours, and afterwards went up to Presidente Amorim and said to him "I want to be able to have experiences and stories like you have had."
Pres. Amorim then told him "then listen to the missionaries!"
After church on sunday, the branch had a small branch party about the pioneers. We watched some of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast, had a few presentations, and ate some soup, haha. It was a nice activity, and the few members that went seemed to enjoy it!
This was a good week, and I know that my mission has so many more good experiences and memories to make! I know that if we trust in the Lord, we will guide us in what we should do or say. I love and miss you all, and hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Barker
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