TAYLOR

Brazil…Week #21

August 9, 2010

FAM –

Well, I don't even know what to say! Sounds like The Lord is truly watching out for our family. Before I forget I just wanted to Tell Hallie Belle that I pulled out an old Letter today when I was organizing and I got a little teary eyed because of the tender note and picture "I am so excited for you to serve your mission, I will miss you, I love you - Hallie" . . . wow I can't believe how pure children are, even in their worst moments. No Wonder Christ commanded us to become like a little child, meek and lowly in heart, willing to submit..... Thanks Hallie" Mom go ahead and use this e-mail if you would like. I ended up having to pay the dentist bill because th mission doesn't cover it....so if you can make sure I have 200 dollars on my card that woooould be great! -Love you all

All -

For all those who are on missions that will get this letter... My name is Elder Taylor Johnson and I'm in Fortaleza Brasil...transfer 2 just passed and I said goodbye to my trainer, he is an amazing elder who truly showed me what a missionary should be like. He lived the law of 'forget yourself and go to work' like you'd never believe it. He never thought about his own self...he was always thinking about an investigator, a member, a lesson that he was preparing, or something related to the work. I will continue in my efforts to channel my mind and focus solely on moving the work forward.

Miracle number 1: My good friend Daniel that we baptized a month ago returned from a month long trip. Everyone is always leaving the city and it can be pretty hard to find people at home sometimes. The people with money go on trips, and the people without money can't pay for the bus ride to go to church. Anyways, Daniel went on a trip for a month right after his baptism.. Which left us a little worried about him. He came back this passed week and when we called to remind him about church the reply came over the phone "Claro, Já está pronto já" Of course.. I'm already ready! Miracles : )

Miracles #2 : We are teaching four boys that are 13 14 15 and 17...really good friends, and they are truly interested in the gospel. They have read, stopped drinking café, and are going to church. The miracle? They don't have money (being young boys who play video games) to pay for the bus. This Sunday they were at church after having walked 45 mins - 1hr to get there. The power of the spirit moves us to action, without a doubt.

Miracle letter C: I wish I could introduce you all to A little girl, 7 years old, who is reading the book of Mormon for her dad who doesn’t read well, and woke herself up early Sunday morning, got ready for church, and waited for us to come by. Her name is Tamyres. Her faith is unshakeable. We are teaching her parents and we were excited to pick them up for church (on foot) the other day...when we passed, they didn’t answer the door and we had to leave. Come to find out they didn’t have money for the bus, and the father didn’t want to be embarrassed. Tamyres had gotten ready and was waiting to leave....... she cried when she found out that she wasn't going to be able to go to church. She, through her faith, is going to hold her family together, and one day they will be sealed in the temple for all eternity.

I apologize for my lack of ability to relate stories, but I tried. I know God lives, he is a God of miracles and we see them everyday all around us. I know he keeps his promises and he will make out of us what we put forth. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the Earth again, and I am eternally grateful to be part of it, as well as sharing it with the people here in Brasil.

Love - Elder Johnson