From: Jacob Thatcher <elderthatcher@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Subject: Carta de Elder Thatcher 04-21-09
To: thatchercolton@hotmail.com, Kni07001@byui.edu, wes07006@byui.edu, suzysumm@gmail.com, runmts@gmail.com, elderthatcher@gmail.com, cliffhucker@gmail.com, dmhansen@ida.net, runmts@ida.net, summercofarms@gmail.com, annalisesummers@msn.com, gramlaree@gmail.com, bethatch@gmail.com, isavethewhales@gmail.com, shaleesummers@hotmail.com, tannernelson@gmail.com, mikts@docomo.ne.jp, skylaw@ida.net, crazygr8@msn.com, WOODS@byui.edu, shansummers@gmail.com
Well, I have written a lot this week, so I will send a couple of pictures, and leave it at that, but know that this week has been very good.
This week has been one in which I have recognized many faults in my personality, and in my language, which is very good, because only when we recognize our faults are we able to fix them.
This week we had zone conference in Caxias, 11/2 away. It was a good conference; we talked about the importance of studying. How each person should have a study journal. That is all the doctrine and a covenant is! A study journal of the prophet Joseph smith. And how, the mission is the only time in ones life, in which we can devote 100% of our study towards the scriptures, very cool, and one in which was very inspiring.
But, I must confess, that the best part of the conference was the 6 packages I received. 1 from gram Shan, 1 from miki, and 4 from home. Marking the end of a VERY long and hectic spell of being without money. I have learned how to love on almost no money, I am very impressed with my self, although I am excited to eat fruit, and some fillet million now, instead of rice J
We had a fantastic activity this week. One in which we have been planning for the last two months. With the focal point the book of Mormon. How each person should recognize the importance of the book of Mormon, how it is a powerful tool in missionary work. It was obvious that Satan did not want us to do this activity. He tried each and every means possible to try to prevent it from taking place, from loosing documents, to weak leadership. Very frustrating. The marked night finally came. And of course it was raining, the number 1 deterrent for members coming to church. Especially on 45 degree angle slopes J the leadership of the ward was there, and the people involved in the activity, yet no members and it was almost time for it to start. We found a room, and kneeled down, and literally, with the priesthood power commanded the rain to stop, and members to come.
The rain stopped, and the members came---about 70 percent of the ward. A great turnout. The activity was a HUGE success. We divided into 3 groups, and did a rotating circle of 3 workshops each 15 minutes a piece, monitored by the bell. 1 taught about how the book of Mormon is a testimony---I had copied the film Francisco de Franchezca from another missionary, they watch a part, the second workshop focused on through small and simple things great things are brought to pass—they watched another one of my films about how the book of Mormon changes lives. The final was a workshop designed to teach people how to adequately deliver the book of Mormon. People were crying because the spirit was so strong.
Afterwards, we introduced a challenge. We handed out 40 books of Mormons. And challenged the people to deliver them within 40 days. I made a calendar with 40 days, and during this period of time, families have the opportunity to fast for inspiration, on how to deliver it. Similar to Torres, what we did there (by the way, a huge success) the idea is that we will do a 40 day long, unbroken fast in the ward. I also made a calendar, the same type, with scriptures related to missionary work, that people can read.
Things are moving forward here. We found 1 family this week that I am certain will be baptized, another family like that of germán's (was baptized in Torres) there names are: Kisi, Erdorado, Isabella, Michael, Luciana. Pray for them!!!
By the way, the photos are of a soccer stadium that we passed by in Caxias do sul, a member family, that is very special, we did a family home evening with them, and the turnout at the activity.
Love you all!
Jacob
