Hello everybody! First off, I miss you all terribly and I love you all so much. But I still have to keep mission rules. I love the few emails I got from some of you, but I cannot reply to them. I will try to write though! I just need addresses. So send them to my sister and she can send them to me. Postage isn't super cheap here, and time is very limited, but I will try to get to you after I talk to family :)
So, week two here in Brasil. Amazing. Well, hard. Very difficult. But so good. I am starting to feel like I fit in around here, and I am beginning to be able to communicate with normal Brazillians which is very comforting. I love them so much, and I want to teach everyone the gospel, but it is kind of difficult when you don't speak a common language. I've already taught a few lessons to fake investigators, all in Portugués, and despite hardly being able to speak, there was one instance where I felt the spirit very very strong and it was touching.
My companion, Elder Tibbitts, and I were teaching a man named Bruno who wants to be baptized and has been progressing wonderfully. He lives with his parents who can't work and he is the source of their support. His father was hurt in an accident at work and had to retire. Anyways, he was supporting them and himself. Well, he is very close to baptism and is awesome, and we had to teach him the Ten Commandments. All was well until we got to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Interesting fact: Sabbath translates into Sábado, which means both Sabbath and Saturday. So we had to explain that it was still Sunday. He pretty much figured that out on his own, so that was good. The only problem was he has to work every Sunday. And he can't just not work. So we were worried. I had no idea what to do, and my companion wasn't exactly sure what Bruno and I were talking about (it was all Portugués). Bruno was very sad. I had nothing I could tell him. To be baptized you must keep the Ten Commandments. After some pause, a scripture suddenly poped into my head. 1 Néphi 3:7, "Wherefore I, Nephi said unto my father, I will go and do the things which the Lord has commanded. For I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save He shall prepare a way that they may accomplish the thing which He has commanded them." That may be misquoted slightly, but you get the idea. I don't know the scriptures in Portugués. I don't know very well how to teach investigators. I don't speak Portugués. But the Spirit was there. And the spirit spoke to my mind. That scripture came out of nowhere. I wouldn't have thought about it. I was too nervous and distraught. After Bruno read it, he looked at me and said, "É uma promessa de Deus?" Which means, "It is a promise from God?" The spirit was so strong. All I said was "Yes. It is a promise. I don't know how you can work and keep the Sabbath Holy but Heavenly Father does, and He will tell you how."
His faith was so strong. He was so happy. I cannot tell you how awesome that moment was. There is no other feeling that feels the same. Spiritual service brings into your life fulfillment that cannot come in any other way. My Patriarchal Blessing told me this. Now I am beginning to understand. There is nothing better than being an instrument in the Lords hands to bring about work that can't be done by anyone but Him. You are literally his hands on the Earth. And He gives you everything you need. I know this is true. I have felt it. It is a promise from God. Even you who are not on missions have the same promise, that if you keep the Commandments He will sustain you. It is true, 110%. He can give you more to make you happy than you could ever find for yourself on your own. And He will if you go to Him. So do it! There is no reason not to. This life is amazing. I love being a missionary. "Those who lose their lives for my sakes shall find them again." So true!
Anyways, 3 minutes left to type! Sorry I didn't tell more stories, I have a ton! I thought you'd like to feel the Spirit a little more than hear me ramble though. It will do more for you anyways. I love you all so much! Write me and I will try to write back and tell you some sweet stories! This work is good. The best on Earth. I lvoe my mission. I love my Heavenly Father. He knows me so well, adn gives me everything I need and so much more. Don't miss a single opportunity to feel His love! Wherever you are, He is right there with you! I promise!
I lvoe you all. I can't describe how much. Fight the good fight!
See you all soon,
Elder Matthew Salvatore Viglione
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