Prayers are Answered

This week has been special. A week full of famalies coming to church, baptisimal dates falling, finding people who are elect, elect people rejecting the gospel and just lots has gone on in the past week here in the Vista Alegre ward. 

Despite all that has gone on the thing that I have learned most is that all prayers are answered. This week I had the oppurtunity to go on an exchange with our zone leader Elder Reeves who is fantastic. I had a moment really special where all of our appointments fell through and we were just waiting for the next thing to happen. We then went and prayed in a more secluded area that we could have guidance of the spirit. After we knocked doors. Found many newamazing lessons and got to know the husband of one of our investigators. The blessings were amazing.

This week specifically as I walked through the roads of Brazil I felt so strong and close to the spirit and it was made very clear that the spirit was answers to prayers of my loved ones, the temple and members of the church.

Despite being tossed amongst the waves of missionary life I learned to pray and then do. The best way for me to describe my feelings is 2 Corinthians 5:7.

I love you all,

Eu amo vocês,

Elder Cooper

New Year Wishes

Happy new year and Merry Christmas to all! This week I had the strange realization, once more, that missions are not forever and that I need to plan to be the person I want to be. I have been reading in Our Search for Happiness, and one thing that I really love is in the first few pages it talks about the power of understanding. If only we as people understood one another and looked for ways that we can better ourselves to better the life of another.

What power we have when we seek for understanding from God, the spirit and other people. We solve conflicts, end wars and change lives. I have learned so much on my mission about trying to understand leaders, companions, investigators, members and myself. The thing that I have found to help me is I have looked to my Heavenly Father as my example.

First He always listens. He is always waiting just for us to thank, talk, ask. He just is waiting to hear what is in our heart. I know that listening is the first step to understanding. If we do not listen we have no power to recieve revelation.

Second is he waits. He waits for the moment when we need the blessing most. He waits for when we have learned the lesson he needs us to. He waits to decide what is the best choice. He prepares the best way for us to find our answers instead of just giving it to us. 

Third He speaks. He speaks to us, that we may be inspired and know what to do, where to go and how to be what he truly wants us to be. I know that God takes the weak things and makes them strong, but only when we let him. 

I love my Heavenly Father for the love he gives me daily and the blessings I always recieve. I love him for the spirit he sends me and the comfort he give so graciously. I wish all these things up you all this wonderful New year. I hope you all seek to understand, not just yourself, but God. For he is the creator of all things, and therefore understands all of them. 

Eu amo vocês 

Elder Cooper 

Poem

Who are we?

I look at the path 

That Jesus walked.

and wonder

Where am I?

When he stood
in front of the
crowd, was I one
who yelled crucify?

Or was I like 

the disciples?

The three,

Peter, James and John?

Who could not

pray for just

one hour while his

suffering went on.

Or was I just

and angel, 

watching in 

Gethsemane?

Watching all

his pain as

he prayed
continually?

Sometimes we

forget who we are

and don´t see the 

grand scheme of things.

I just hope

that when I return 

God will say, ¨son I 

am well pleased¨

Love you all 

May we all be that child of God we were meant to be

Elder Cooper