This week was really great. Lots of work, lots
of walking in the sun, but also lots of smiles. I am so grateful to be a
missionary! I am also greatful for my amazing companion! She is a great example
to me; hard working, patient, diligent and obedient. We are working hard here
in Vila Mariana. I am super tired but it is going great.
We have some great
people that we are teaching. One is a young man named Luis. He is studying at a
university here and wants to learn more about what we believe. He grew up in the
Baptist church so its been super interesting teaching him. He asks a lot of
questions which is great. We have just been bearing our testimonies that we
KNOW that this is true and that he just has to pray and ask God to know for
himself. He says he is praying but that he hasn't received an answer yet. We
are praying hard for him that he can have an open heart to actually receive the
answer from God. We taught the plan of Salvation to him this week and something
that he said really made me think. We got to talking about how God gives us
second chances, even in the spirit world after this life on earth. He said it
didnt make sense because it is obvious that people would want to accept Jesus
Christ when given the chance, so it would be like taking away their free
agency. But we explained that we as missionaries talk to tons of people every
single day, inviting everyone to learn more about Jesus Christ to become closer
to Him. And how many people reject this simple message? So many people reject
the very thing that could solve every problem in their lives. It really doesnt
make sense to me either that people would reject this wonderful message, but it
happens.
I want to do what the Lord wants me to do; I dont want to do this
alone, yet so many people do just that- reject help from a loving Heavenly
Father and demand to walk alone, without light and without hope. I am so
grateful for this amazing gospel in my life! I know who I am and where I want
to go! I just love that.
Another experience, Brazil is going a little
crazy with the government and a lot of things are happening here. Lots of
people are worried about what will happen here, and if things will turn out all
right. We talked to a guy on the street one day this week and started teaching
him about prayer and of course he perceived our accents and started asking
about where we were from. He looked at me and asked "What craziness
brought you here to Brazil?" oh how I love that question! I am here
because I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is true and
is led by a prophet of God. I know that the message that I am called to bear is
true, and it can change your life. I know that we can find true happiness
through obedience to the gospel. Its amazing and I love it.
Other news real quick: I went on an exchange
with Sister Gines, from Las Vegas. It was great to talk a little about good
ole´ America, and I learned a lot from her too.
I have been thinking a lot about General
Conference and how amazing it was. I want to be a better person and conference
helps me to see what areas that I really need to focus on. I absolutely LOVED
the first song during womens Conference- I am a child of God and As a have
loved you Medley. Oh my goodness it is beautiful. I pretty much cry every time
I hear it. I know that Heavenly Father loves me! I know that He loves ALL of
us. We all have so many faults, we all make so many mistakes, but He still
loves us. And because He loves us, what does He ask us to do? He asks us to
love one another. He asks us to love people even though they make mistakes,
even though they hurt us or others, even though we are not perfect. That is
what I want to do. I want to love everyone to show how much God loves us. I am
still not perfect, but through prayer and with the help of my Savior, I can
become a little better day by day.
Thank you so much for the support and prayers
this last year and a half! It has been perfect!
Love ya and have a great week!
Sister Berry
