Vista Alegre

So this week was a good adventure. We had exchanges with our district leader and I got to go see the country side of Brazil. It was really interesting, there was a lot more walking in the area. I learned a lot about how reading our scriptures is a barrier that we can put between us and Satan.

I was called to give a talk on Sunday about the power of the word of God. It was amazing to see that I actually could somewhat speak the language. Many people understood what I said. My favorite part of my talk was a scripture that I shared Alma 31:5. It talks about the power of the word of God and how it has the power to work on the minds of the people then anything else. It is so true. 

If we really want to become a disciple of Christ read your scriptures, they are the instructions. They bring understanding that can not come by the power of man. When it comes from God it all just makes sense, because it becomes a testimony. 

Eu amo voces, 

Elder Cooper

Standard to the Nation

This week has been so good! The language is still a road block, but it is getting smaller! The thing that I love most is that you can just feel love for the people! Everyone on this earth is so amazing and there is a reason for everything! I have learned so much from every person already. 

One thing that I learned is how wonderful it is to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Chapel here is huge! It is a three story building and it is gorgeous! I love the spirit that dwells there it is amazing. 

This week we have been trying to help one of our investigators gain permission from his mom to be baptized. He wants to be baptized so bad, but she keeps on saying maybe....and then no! 

I learned how fun it is to see Brazilians try Candy from the u.s. It is so funny. We found some new investigators through a member referral and they are amazing. The Grandma asked us for a priesthood blessing only minutes after we met her. 

I truly feel like I am living my life as a representative of Jesus Christ. The experiences we recieve in this life are amazing, they are all a part of God´s plan for us! I love the potential that we have (2 Nephi 9) This week I looked through some pictures I have and found one of Christ that said: It is in stillness that we come to know God......and ourselves. It is so true. When we create an enviorment where we are ready to hear from God that is when he speaks. I know that pondering brings power and understanding.

Eu amo voces,

Elder Cooper

First letter from Brazil

So now that my whole missionary experience has been flipped upside down. I do not really know what to think! Everyone here in Brazil is so nice and you teach people like crazy. I could not believe it. My companion is a native and so me with my little Portuguese and his little English we have come to know each quite well. 

This week I have learned a lot about faith and our potential. When God talked to Enoch about his calling Enoch replied with: I am slow of speech and all of the people hate me. Many times we feel like Enoch that we can not do something because of our weaknesses. In Ether 12:27 we know that God will make those week things strong. 

I know that when we have faith and take a step into the dark God illuminates the way. I am always amazed at how much love God shows to us. He can take us somewhere higher, but only if we let him. 

I know this gospel is the most important thing on this earth, because without it, we would not be able to fulfill our full potential. Look inside yourself and find an area that you can change to really know God!