Quick Update

Hey I'm getting online literally let you guys know that I'm fine. I'm here in Botafogo for transfers. I stayed in São Pedro and my companion was transfered. I will receive a new companion tomorrow! I'm really excited and am anxious to get this next year started with a bang, helping split the Cabo Frio ward by february.

Feliz natal, e feliz ano novo também!!

 

Com amor,

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

Feliz Natal

This was one of the most intense weeks of my mission.

The story of Gracia's baptism was truly miraculous, so incredible.  Unfortunately I dont have all the words nor the time to write all that right now. But what I can say now is GRACIA WAS BAPTIZED YESTERDAY!! And it was an unforgetable baptism, the testimonies, the music, and most  importantly the great joy that she expressed. She was very well accepted into the family of God. It's been incredible to see the transformation in her since I met her. She was a grumpy sad woman with little hope. And now she is living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is changing her life.

I know this is Christ's church. God lives and loves each and everyone of us.  Jesus Christ died for me and you and humanity and today lives, redeeming us. And entering in his covenent of baptism is the greatest blessing we have, to be able to one day enter in the kingdom of God again.

Love you all!  Merry Christmas!!!

Elder Hamilton

 

 

 

 

 

Estou Feliz, Mas Não Satisfeito

Everything is great here in São Pedro. This week was our Christmas mission conference, and for the first time ever, the entire mission was together, all 188 missionaries! These last two weeks have been full of great training seminars, but I'm so relieved that the traveling is over now.

There is a phrase that started up with Elder Aidukitis that has become common around ever since: 'feliz, mas não satisfieto' or in english 'happy, but not satisfied'. It has caused me to think about the state of my life right now. I am so happy. I am working everyday to spread the eternal Gospel to everyone. But I am happily not satisfied. I know more can be done. I know I have a lot to do. And this Christmas, I know that miracles will happen to satisfy the Lord's work.

So pray for Gracia's baptism which will now be this coming Sunday!! That's it for now.

Pic 1 - Private bus to mission conference!

Pic 2 - Barata/Cucaracha/Cochroach!

Love you guys!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ele é o Presente!

How are you all doing at sharing the gospel this Christmas season? This is truly an important work at an important time of the year! I would love if anyone has an experience to share, please send me a message at alexander.hamilton@myldsmail.net
 

It was kind of a weird week. We traveled a lot. But that didn't stop the miracles. This week was mission tour with Elder Aidukitis and it was incredible!! A truly life changing experience. We are changing many things in our work.

 

Gracia's baptism is this Saturday!! Please pray that she will return from Rio in time so that everything work out. Love you all!!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick Update

Everything is great here in São Pedro! We had an great week working with members and finding some awesome new families to teach. Also, this weekend was stake conference, and we had a ton of visitors there! President and Sister Cabral spoke at the conference and stayed for the baptisms in Araruama and Cabo Frio. Our friend Gracia stayed with us for the baptism too and absolutely loved it. I love how Brazilians are casualy shameless - everyone at the baptism was telling her how she will be next. The baptism and the inspirational conference really did make a big impact on her and it's looking hopeful for her to be baptized this Saturday!

Oh, happy december everyone!! Today I was studying in 3 Nephi 1 about the signs of Christs birth and how the Nephites anxiously awaited his coming and didn't deny their faith even though their lives were at risk for their beliefs. As I read how Nephi, son of Helaman, began to preach the gospel and baptize right after the new star appeared, it hit me; this is the time of year to share the gospel. We can share the book of mormon with everyone to show what Christmas really is, clearly show who is our Savior. We can invite others to come unto Christ, receiving the best christmas present there is: being embraced into the family of God and receiving a remission of sins by baptism.

I hope you can all do the same this Christmas. Sharing the gospel to bring true happiness to those who need it.   Praying for missionary experiences this Christmas will bless you and the lives of those you are guided to.

I love you all so much! Happy holidays!!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

Feliz Dia de Ação das Graças!

Olá!

Well, things are going. I´m loving my new companion. I found out that he loves to experiment with new types of food (me too!) and is a great chef (I'm not). Today we will celebrate thanksgiving and we will make pumpkin pie!! (That's if our neighbor lets us use his oven) Thanksgiving here is called "Dia de Ação das Graças" but they do not celebrate it here.

The work is going well.   Its changing. So Gracia is reading the book of mormon, feeling great, wants to be baptized and went to church yesterday! She is leaving to Rio tomorrow for some medical appointments and won't come back until the next week.. So we are praying that it will all work out. Adriana and Miguel have also been in Rio. Miguel's mom died, and there isn't any knowing when they'll come back. Please pray for them.

Other than that, the work is really picking up! Finding many new investigators, lots of great ones and references from members. It was another week of feeling so happy to be a missionary. Because truly, there is nothing happier than the Lord's work.

Thats it for now. Love y'all!

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiquei!

Bom dia!

 

The long trip from Cabo Frio to Botafogo and back is over now. We've survived transfers.

 

So I stayed in São Pedro (halelujah!!) and my new companion is Elder Dieffenback. He is 20, from Wisconsin, and has just a little less time than me on the mission. He's a legit and good missionary and we are off to a solid start. Today is our first offical day of work, and we will remark the 5 baptisms we had marked. Yeah, this will be a great transfer! Forever São Pedro

 

Fotos:

 

 

 

Hey look dad they have Rotary here!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch with Adriana and Miguel

Rio das Ostras

 

 

 

 

 

 

I taught LeSueur to make this knot. He goes home tomorrow, weird stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well that's it for the week. So I was cut short and now I'm going to eat lunch. Until next week!!

 

Com amor e fé,

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

 

Meu Proposito (My Purpose)

Meus queridos,

Wow, what an unanticipated week. Don't know how this happened, but this was probably one of the roughest and greatest weeks of my mission.

So, more about the area. São Pedro is in "A Região dos Lagos" or "the lake region" of Rio and there are many beautiful beaches, the ocean and lakes. We are trying to concentrate our work here around the town center in the neighborhoods where it is more likely to have a new church. Me and Elder Morales are starting together really well. We've really gotten to know each other. I've never had a companion like him. I'm really learning to make sacrifices to help my companion be the better half and the love is rubbing off on our investigators.

After almost a year and a half into the mission, I finally cried for the first time while teaching investigators. We are working really hard with this family, Adriana and Miguel. We set dates for them for this coming saturday, when their circumstances became really difficult.  Miguel has spent this last week taking care of his mom who had an emergency, and their family has been going from some rough times. When we taught Adriana about fasting, I shared my testimony and experience of how fasting has blessed my family, and it was one of those moments where the spirit was so strong and we could see and feel her change of heart. Now we are fasting together to help their family become prepared for baptism.

Well my time is dying. I wanted to say so much more, so I will give a quick version of the weekend that I truly learned to love and work with my mission president.  You can ask me more about it when we meet again.  These last 6 or so months have honestly been really rough and I have been full of questions and sometimes even doubt about my purpose here. This weekend I was privileged to spend even more time with him between interviews, trainings, and a missionary activity with our zone. I have learned how truly inspired he is. The trust and gratitude he has expressed in the work I am doing. And as much as my head has been spinning and feelings of doubt that the inimigo throws at me, I have come to understand the unique purpose I have in the team of the Rio mission. And I am so greatful for my loving mission president and the honor I have to work with him.

That's it. Love you all!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário d'A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Cabo Frio, Estaca Macaé - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

São Pedro de Aldeia

I'm going to write this email as quickly and patiently as I can. Things have changed ... again.

 

Last week, I was in the mission office. The plan was for me to wait in the mission office for two weeks until new missionaries would arrive from Sao Paulo and I would return to Itaboraí to train an American. Then out of nowhere, Presidente called me and asked me to pack my bags and go with him to the stake conference in Arsenal (it was easy to pack since I still only had a small bag and the rest of my stuff was still in Itaboraí). While we were away at the conference Presidente called in four other missionaries, interviewed them, and assigned all five of us to different areas to resolve problems in various parts of the mission.  I have been sent to São Pedro de Aldeia to create several branches out of the existing Cabo Frio ward.  São Pedro de Aldeia is a coastal beach area of Rio. My companion is Elder Morales. I was actually really excited when I heard he would be my compantion. We served together in Niterói. He is awesome we are great friends. He is from North Carolina and has been out about a year.

 

Among all the change and chaos, I remain steadfast in my belief that this is Christ's work.  It is that conviction and knowledge of this doctrine that keeps me unshaken despite the trials and waves that afflict us. Christ is my
rock and I will never be shaken (Helaman 5:12)

Love y'all!!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

Caraca Muleuqe

Olá!!

It's funny how I make a promise to write a good email the next P-Day and how much harder that becomes. Well, I'm a man of my word.

Let's go back 4 weeks to explain 3 different areas with 4 different companions.

So it was mid-way through last transfer when me and Elder Fonseca split Bangu into 2 proselyting areas and took on 2 new gringo companions. My samoan son (Elder Apo) and I hit the ground running in the untouched lands of Bangu, Senador Camará, Santissimo, with it's great and spacious favelas (I lost count of how many cat lives I have, but I lost one more of them). It was an intensely hard three weeks but we had many miracles finding, teaching, and inviting people to come unto Christ. But then transfer came, and we were surprisedly transfered!

I went to an area called Itaboraí. Close to my first area here. I love Itaboraí. I kept the work going with Elder Souza, a legit kid from the capital of São Paulo. He is a great missionary and really loves the investigators here. And there are a ton of them!! Only problem is the area is huge and none of them live close to the other. We'll work on that.

On Saturday the assistants called and told us we needed to report to the mission office for emergency transfers. My companion was told to pack his bags, and I was told to bring 4 days worth of clothes. When we got to the mission office, my companion was called to be interviewed. Sadly, he went back to São Paulo.

And now I have been called as the referal secretary for the mission Rio de Janiero (basically the calling for missionaries who get sick and need to pass time in the mission office).  It's President's goal to find a new companion for me by Wednesday so I can return to my awesome area. Doesn't look too promising yet.

Despite all the change and chaos, my friends, I am so happy! It's such a privilege to be a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. He lives. He loves us and has made possible our salvation. It is the fire that burns within me regardless of where and what I am called to do in this mission. I know that this mission is directed by an inspired president called of God to hasten the work of salvation in "Cidade Maravilhosa".

I love you all!!

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

Mudança

Olá!!

So little time to write this week!

So everything was all normal and going how it had been going. Until 7pm on P-Day, the assistants called us and said, "Elder Fonseca and Elder Hamilton, tomorrow at 1pm, you need to be at the mission office. You both will be training new missionaries. Elder Fonseca will take area 'Bangu 1' and Elder Hamilton will open 'Bangu 2'."

My companion is Elder Apo. He is from Samoa and he is awesome!! He's 19, speaks fluent  English, and he hunts fish with spears. We are working on the east side of the area that comprises of the neighborhoods Bangu and Senador Camara. It's far away from the church and we did very little work on this side of the area, because we are supposed to focus on working around the church. Well not anymore. Its funny how much time I have in this area and how little I know the area now. But its been a fun start. The ward is super excited about  the new missionaries. I know without a doubt that we will be seeing a lot of miraculous changes here in the next few weeks!!

Thats it for now. Love you all!!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

Hi

Today just a quick note out to everyone who might be waiting for emails or letters or frustrated by the brief correspondence from me.  Please know that I love you all and I am doing all I can within my personal limitations and in obedience to mission rules. Here's a scripture to study - D&C 101:32 (replace "the Lord" with "Alex")

Here's the zone:

 

Tchau galera!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

Just Another Week in Bangu

Here's a quick update.

The zone is changing alot. Opening up for sets of missionaries in the ward and the leadership has greatly improved. A new couple will come to Bangu in the next couple of weeks. Realengo is looking for a new house right now.

We are doing some awesome work with our ward mission leader Jairo. He has two more months until he leaves for his mission, so he is on fire to organize some activities and help the ward become more involved. We are calling a strong group of new ward missionaries and we will start training them to help find new investigators.

On Saturday we were eating lunch with Irmã Alice. She served a mission in Brasilia some years back and she introduced us to her 9 year old niece. We taught her the restoration and she is so smart! Understood the lesson better than most adults I've taught. She wants to be baptized and has a date for the 13th!

Well thats it for now. Abraço!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

Mais Bangúnça

Buona sera, como estai? (I'm learning some Italian)

Yesterday was quite the day. We had a special stake conference with Elder Jairo Mazzagardi of the Area Presidency of Brasil. It was funny, the missionaries from Andaraí (the stake where Elder Holand stayed) were sent to attend the conference in the other stakes. I found that fair, since the mission wasn't invited to see Elder Holand, no one should. Anyways, after the conference, assistants (from andaraí, hehe) called all the missionaries to the back of the chapel to talk about transfers. Just as I walked up, Elder Maciel started talking to me with such excitment "You guys excited? Hamilton and Fonseca? Another one together? You guys are staying in Bangu." So... here we go! 4th transfer together and my 5th in Bangu. Today, I will start unpacking the suitcases that I prepared in advance.

The conference: Elder Mazzagardi was awesome! He's from São Paulo but has a strong southern accent which is quite interesting. Great sense of humor and a dynamic speaker. He talked a lot about the progress of the temple and about the sacrifices we need to make to receive a temple here. The importance of attending the temple now, the need to rescue the people who have gone astray, and the need to stengthen the families here. Things aren't easy here in Rio. But things are changing. The Lord is truly calling His people to build the kingdom with urgency.

And that's why I'm still in Bangu. I already love the people, the members, the church here. And now it is my time to help build up the kingdom, according to the instruction of modern seers and revelators. There is no doubt in my mind that this the God's gospel, His church.

Até mais,

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

Alô Realengo!

Hi!

I found Elder Bitnoff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess what? Bangu ward will recieve another set of Elderes this coming week! Let's see if the mission president keeps me around to see how that turns out or if he sends me off to a new adventure.

This week was quite a nail biter with Vitor. On Tuesday, we taught him with our super new ward mission leader Jairo. We talked about his reading of the book of mormon and discussed key teachings needed to prepare him for the baptism. He had been reading everyday during the previous week: up to 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, some of the new testament, and 2 chapters of the gospel principles book everyday. He had received a strong answer that the book of mormon is true, that the restoration happened, and that he must be baptized in the true church of Jesus Christ. But he was full of a lot of doubts about being baptized on saturday. The three of us shared our testimonies on the importance and blessings of baptism and invited him to pray in respect to the date. When he arrived at the baptismal interview, he said that he was sure without a doubt that he was to be baptized this saturday! But then all of the sudden, the military got in the way. His captain called him to do a service on saturday. He called us asking if he could be baptized on sunday. "Well, of course!", we said, so he was baptized yesterday. There were a ton of people there and it was one of the most spiritual baptisms I've ever been a part of. Vitor is such an amazing man (yeah he looks like hes 15 but he's actually 20) and will be a powerful priesthood leader.

I always want more time to write these emails. After the mission, you can ask me about all of my incredible experiences. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church restored here on the earth. The Gospel is perfect and through His priesthood authority, we are baptized in His name, and receive the promise of eternal life!

Com amor e firmeza,

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

Gol!!

Oi galeira!

Things are going well here. At the end of this month, we have stake conference, and on the saturday, there will be a combined meeting in Andaraí with two other stakes... WITH ELDER HOLLAND!! There is no news yet if there will be a mission conference with Elder Holland, so pray that my mission president will let us go to that meeting!

This transfer has been quite an interesting one so far. We've been meeting so many new people and refreshing our teaching circle to focus on those who are truly ready to be baptized. We´ve been working a lot these last couple weeks with Vitor. He's 20 years old and serves in the military. He started coming to church with his stepmother. Between his crazy work schedule and our struggles to travel to visit him (he lives literaly on the border furthest away from our area of concentration) we have challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and prepare for baptism. He has accepted a baptismal date for this coming Saturday!!

This week we had interviews and a training session with President Cabral. He is simply awesome!! Full of energy and is working us like crazy. He made a cool analysis that has really got me going now. Here's the translated paraphrasing: 

"Imagine the Brazilian World Cup Team. It is always a great dynamic selection of players who everyone in focused on. The fans look at players like Neymar, and have the expectation to see a show, to see him do nothing but score goals."

"Right now everyone has their eyes on Rio and this mission. In the midst of so much excitement here; world cup soccer, beaches, olympics, everything, everyone is looking to us and expecting to see a show, see batisms, families rescued, a temple constructed, goals!"

I'm am so glad to be a part of mission Brasil Rio de Janiero, and know that I'm here to do everything in my power and in accordance with the will of the Lord to make this wicked land a place worthy of the kingdom of God.

Eu amo vocês,

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conserve Tua Rota

 

Things sure are changing here. So much is happening that my mind is absolutely blank on what I should write. So I'll share two announcements and a cool story.

1 - I forgot if I said anything yet about this, but we started teaching a free english class here in the church. Its started out slow with our "alunos" (yeah I cant remember this word in english) but it is starting to bring success now.

 

2 - This week, President Cabral has made a mission-wide challenge to for us to bring 20 investigators to sacrament meeting to each and every ward in the mission. Pray for us, I really want to see this miracle happen.

Story: I spent a trip to the mission office last p-day and the money that I had saved up to get this CTR ring. I lost the one I brought with me on the mission and this was a major upgrade. Pretty sick CTR ring huh?

 

Yesterday, a man came to church who we hadn't seen before. His name is Rodrigo and it had been about 3 years since he had attended church. He told us about the tragic death of his mother a few days back and how she had given him a CTR ring that served as a reminder and helped him years back stay strong and faithful.   But some years back he lost his ring. With tears in his eyes, he asked if there was any way that we could help him get a new ring, that it would be everything for him to have that remembrance again of his mother and his testimony. We told him that we would talk to bishop and see if there was anything we could do. Then the prompting came that I should give my awesome new ring to him.   Despite this feeling, we proceeded to inquire and search the church and the members for a spare ring.  We quickly realized there weren't any out there. I still fought hard against the spiritual prompting to give away my ring. But after a sacrament meeting filled with much prayer and contemplation, I realized what I had to do. After the meeting, I took my ring off, found the man and told him that we had found a ring for him. He looked at me and my companion with tears in his eyes. Words don't describe the joy in his eyes and in my heart in knowing that I did what the Lord needed from me to help this man. He has invited us to come to his house to visit and teach his nonmember wife and two sons.

Sacrifices are not easy. At times they are against our human nature. But when we make an offering to the Lord in obedience, money can't buy the happiness and rewards that lie  ahead.  I realize more than ever that I am just a man. Weak and poor, but with the power of God, can help miracles happen for those I love.

Eu amo vocês!

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

No Changes in Bangu

Transfers are today.  I took pictures with everyone in the ward yesterday, expecting that I would be transferred. It just so happens that both me and my companion are staying, going on our third transfer together. our district mates Elder Leite and Hobbs also stayed here in Realengo.  Not much happened mission wide.  I will pray for patience and understanding of purpose.  I'm actually excited about many of the things ahead here and am happy to be staying.

 

 

Here are the pictures I promised:

1 - World Cup (An embarrassment for Brazil... only consulation us that Argentina didn't win)

2 - The ripped suit pants

3 - Elder Call - found him

4 - Meus Texanos

5 - Me and Bishop Malguven

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

 

Começar Com o Resultado Final em Mente

There are about a million things that happened this week, so I'll share a bunch of short stories. Let's see how that goes.

 

I almost killed a cat yesterday.

Everyone stops me in the street now to let me know that the United States is out of the cup. Tell me something I didn't know.

Everyone is very excited for Brasil now. Despite the ridiculous Neymar injury and Thiago Silva out of the next game, the people have faith that we can beat Germany.

We met our new mission president this week.

Just before the mission conference started, I was helping remove some heavy wrestling mats in the church gym, and out of nowhere, my pants ripped and created a HUGE hole in the behind. I had to keep my suit on and walk like an awkward penguin for the rest of the meeting. (I'll send pics next week)

I've made some new diet goals.

President Cabral is awesome!! He is from Fortaleza Brazil and is a professor in Portuguese. Very smart and an incredible speaker. He can't be any taller than 5'2 but is a very inspirated man of God. I can go on forever talking about him, I am very excited to work with him!

We are teaching an awesome new investigator! He has the same name as my mom. Michel is the friend of Jairo, a soon to be missionary from our ward, and he is looking for a change in his life and is feeling that in the Church of Jesus Christ is the right place. He accepted a baptismal date for July 19th, and we are excited to work with him.

President Cabral has created the following new slogan for the mission: "Começar Com o Resultado Final em Mente" or "Start with the end result in mind". There are some changes being made so that we we don't just baptize and leave new members on their own, but stay involved step by step until families make it to the temple. My vision for the work has grown so much this week. I'm so grateful for the privilege to serve as a missionary during this amazing time.  It will be rewarding to be more involved with the people I have grown to love so much.

I'll send pictures next week. Love ya'll!

Até a próxima,

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro


 

Deus Vos Guarde - Presidente e Sister Lima

Thursday was President and Sister Lima's last mission conference with us. Of course it was nothing short of spiritual mind blowing. I will have to admit, saying goodbye to President Lima was really hard, I bawled like a baby. President Lima lead an epic effort of missionary work here in Rio full of baptisms, reactivation, retention, and leading the way for temple construction. Our new President, President Cabral, and his wife  arrive here the 27th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                           

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro

 

 

 

As Famílias Poderão Ser Eternas

So much to say and of course so little time...

It's been my privilege to receive lots of good news from home, about my family and friends and all the great progress that is happening there. I hope to get the time to individually respond, but until then, I want to let you all know that I love you.

Sounds like everyone is curious about how the world cup is going. Well it´s been pretty crazy here. So many parties. It has resulted in many slow days, but we are working around all that. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to watch the games and our mission president has directed us to stay home during the games. He said, "missionaries are set apart from the 'world', and as so we must not participate in the 'world' cup." Outside of actual game times, we are bombarded by 24/7 recaps everywhere. GO BRAZIL!!

This week has been great with Tiago and Louise. Tiago was baptized and confirmed a member of the church this weekend!!  It's been incredible to see how he has changed line upon line, precept upon precept and the impact that his baptism has made in his life. And he already has an interview set to receive the priesthood, and he and Louise have set a goal to be sealed in the temple. The path with this family has taught me so much and has helped me realize the importance of families in this life and the necessity of the Gospel to help us through.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is Christ's church. His priesthood has been restored, and families can be together forever.

"e em ti serão abençoadas todas as famílias da terra, sim, com as bençãos do Evangelho, que são as bençãos de salvação, sim, da vida eterna."

- Abraão 2:11

 

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro


 

Rellow!

News Report:  Elder Fonseca and I are keeping it rolling here in Bangu.  People here in Rio view people from southern Brazil the way most americans view people from the southern states, wild and weird accents.  Now I'm picking up my companion's accent and weird uses of the language.

This transfer is off to a good start.  We have been determined to work more with families in our ward and have found a great part-member family.  Luise has recently returned to church and we have started working with her husband Tiago.  They are an awesome couple.  We have scheduled Tiago's baptism for this Saturday!  Tiago is setting a great example for his father-in-law who hasn't been active in the church for many years.

This weekend was stake conference.  Sunday was a special broadcast to the stakes and branches in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.  We also had training from Elder Scott and Elder Ballard from the quorum of the twelve and leaders from the church general relief society and Brazilian members of the seventy.  I've become accustomed to watching church conferences and video with english being translated into portugese.  It was cool to see a mixture of that and straight up portugese from the general authorities.  I was waiting to hear the translation when Richard G. Scott started to speak, but he spoke in portugese!  Yeah, Elder Scott is fluent in portugese.  It was a great and inspirational conference.  I'm grateful for the guidance and direction we receive from God's servants. This is his church.

Tchau,

Elder Hamilton

Agora, To Caindo

I planned to write a nice long letter for my one year mark, but due to an assignment from President, I am low on time and have to make this fast.

It's official, I'm on the downslope. It is hard to believe that I have actually hit the year mark. It's a great time of reflection: where I've come from, what I've accomplished, what I have ahead of me, and what I need to do. I'm am so grateful for the success the Lord has granted me and the experiences that have changed my life. I feel like I don't deserve all this, but I know that I have so much more to do, and more responsibilities ahead for me. It's my prayer that this next half can be even better than the first and that I can leave Rio better than I found it. This is the work of salvation and happiness.

Só isso,

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro



 

O Livro de Mórmon

Oi,

 

So you all know, I am safe and sound here. Made it through the police strike and chaos and all is back on the up up.

It took longer than I planned or would have imagined, but certainly happened perfectly on the Lord's time: I have read the Book of Mormon in Portuguese from cover to cover!! It's been incredible to look back and see my language progression. Started with looking up everything other word to ripping through understanding what I needed to understand to struggling to finish reading it in the end because I was getting distracted with new understanding of some of the doctrine. As promised by President Hinckley, it has helped learn Portuguese better than any teacher or person. I have learned soooo much during this reading and it has given me the help I have needed through the roughest times of my mission. It's the word of God. I have no doubt in my mind about it.

 

Queria prestar meu testemunho de que O Livro de Mórmon é verdadeiro. Ele contem a plenitude do evangelho e é uma testemunha do grande amor de Deus e a fieldade que tem para Sues filhos. O Livro de Mórmon é nosso guia nestes últimos dias, ensinamentos dirigidos especificamente para nós. Ele tem mudado minha vida pelo melhor e irá me ajudar enquanto eu buscar por orientação em minha vida. (It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. It contains the fullness of the gospel and is a witness of the great love God has for his children. The Book of Mormon is our guide, lessons specifically tailored to our time. It has changed my life for the better and will help me as I seek for guidance in my life).

Photos: Zone activity, Now that I've read in Portuguese, I'm ready to go on to the next language
 

That's it. Love y'all!

 

Élder Hamilton

Missionário de A Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Últimos Dias

Ala Bangú - Missão Brasil Rio De Janeiro