Taylor’s Email

October 11, 2010

Fam-

Hey, how cool that Grandpa Greaves is going to close on something in St. George! All the wild traveling starts when I leave! haha But I am doing my own wild traveling here : ) Mom, thanks for the update, I will probably get the package next transfer because we don't have much access to the mission head quarters here.... 8 hours away! Heidi thanks for the pictures of your sweet little girl, she is beautiful! And if I haven't said it yet, I love her name as well! Have you been able to use the camera a little? Use your creative side a bit? I had the distinct memory of your toast and honey nut cheerios yesterday haha funny what smells can bring to mind! Dad! Thanks for the updates on the football and of course the spiritual insights... I took a picture of the screen so I can reread a little later. Super exciting with BYU and it is super weird to think about the Bruins! But REALLY good to hear about them. I brought one of my shirts from high school and today I ended up trading it with a Brasilian in our Zone that liked it a lot haha. I'll miss it, but I have to move on from high school ; ) I hope you all have a GREAT October and Halloween including Heidi! Now you are going to HAVE to like it...with a little girl that is going to want to be a princess here in a little while! I'm sure Hallie made a darling sixties girl and rumor has it that Lynnie is going to make a one of a kind peacock! This year I'll dress up... But it won't be that hard... I'll put my name tag on, and probably teach a missionary lesson or two ; ) Hales! You make me laugh... I am glad the GAME was one of a kind... and I hope with all my heart that you get to go to the concert with your beloved David! I am sure it will be AWESOME...a spiritual feast if we let it. Thinking about that, I remember the words of President Eyring when he said that if will seek the will of the Lord in every talk, prayer, and song of this conference, we will find it! The Lord speaks in many ways, and without a doubt music is one.... you have an amazing talent Hales, and an amazing testimony to go with it. I wish you the best in finding that lucky guy : D and also in your studies, work, friendship, calling, etc..... that goes for all of you. My love to all. - Elder Johnson

ALL -

Well this week was another of miracles. We had a great Super pday today. . . went to a resort and played soccer, hiked an awesome trail and enjoyed an amazing view... I got sunburned for the first time! I also traded my MV shirt to one of the Brazilians in our Zone. . .Sad, but I had to move on haha.

First miracle. We went to work again this week, inviting people to be baptized, to repent, and also to visit the church...to start a journey that we know they will never want to end. . . We were blessed with the presence of 20 investigators at church this week. We got up at 5;50 in order to head out early and remind people about church. The Lord helped us without a doubt. It was fast Sunday and we hadn't eaten, but He gave us strength and neither of us were feeling lack of missionary ZIP!. . . He even sent some rare clouds : ) In short, many people made it on there own, many were waiting for use, and we were able to remind a lot as well. The total number of people in sacrament was 88.... 20 were our investigators. I just want to remind all of you that your presence at church does not go unnoticed, nor uncounted. We cannot afford to miss church on Sunday, particularly our designated ward. Do all you can to strengthen those who need YOU! It was a wonderful Sunday!

2nd- We have an investigator that we are helping quit smoking. She is progressing little by little and doing well (The same one who spat the dentures). Every time we pass it seems as if her sister doesn't want us to be there...Elder Stocking and I both felt that way. The other day she said she wanted to talk to us. We had no Idea what it might be. She pulled us aside, and basically broke down. In short she told us that she is taking care of her mom, sister, niece, and house... alone, and that it has been really tough. She thanked us for what we are doing and told us that everything has gotten better since we (the gospel) entered into their lives, even the health of Her mother, whom we only greet each time we visit. We all carry the spirit, and a message that is priceless and precious. I know that it is not us, but it is the gospel, the small and simple things that we have asked them to do, that has made all the difference.

STORY! REALLY FAST... the other day we were teaching Maria Fabricia and Fernana (who will all be baptized this week.... an AWESOME family that was found through a simple invite to family night) and something hilarious happened. Out of nowhere 10-12 little kids(a majority without shirts and pants) ran in the front door asking for us to speaking English. I told them we were going to pray first and asked them if they would like to participate... we all bowed our heads crossed our arms and I prayed a simple prayer. 3 of us said amen... and quickly the children follow suit. But they went beyond the mark. It happened like popcorn! amen, amen amen, amen AMEN AMEEEENN... until they were ALL screaming amen and creating a small mosh pit in the front room. Elder Stocking and I were dying with laughter.... it all ended with the grandmother of the house running in with a broom stick and chasing all of them out. I love being a missionary!

I know this church is true, many have suffered and died for it, and I am willing to do the same...it is my life, It is number one , there is nothing more important and nothing will ever come before it...

My Love - Elder Johnson

Tay Mission Email

Week #28

October 4, 2010

FAM-

I hope the conference weekend was one of blessings and enlightenment as it was for me! Mom I thought I would let you know that Elder Stocking has the same favorite food as me - Chicken and Broccoli Casserole! haha I forget to mention that awhile back! Congrats on finding out about Stephy and Jake!. . . I am proud to say that knew first! WIHOO! I am so grateful for you all, and for this weekend to hear from a prophet of God who undeniably speaks with His spirit, with power, authority, and even more amazingly, His love. I am sure it doesn’t compare to the love God has for you all, but I love you all a whooole lot!

PS. no one was able to send a pic of the house to me...yet : )

All -

Well I wasted a bit of time with a slow computer today and some defects. . . But I gotta count my blessings that I even have a computer here to use! The weekend was one of the best on the mission. I won't even go into much about conference, it sufficeth to say that I know that Thomas S. Monson communicates with God on our behalf, and that as we study the words of this conference, as Pres Monson admonished us to do... We will find the will of the Lord for us. And even greater, if we do it, if we change our lives to fit with His will, we will be ever so blessed. To me, conference is more than just a blessing, but a calling to do better! I don't have words to quote or even a favorite talk to mention. . .Every bit of it filled my heart with Love for the Lord, love for the truth, and a desire to do ALL I CAN to one day kneel at the Lord's feet and know that I did my best!

Amazing story of this work. As we were walking home from conference...we were with one of our recent converts - Edmilson, who is preparing for the Melch. Priesthood. He told us about an interview with pres. he had. In the interview president asked if anyone in his home was against the church. He said yes... his step dad. Who has lived with for 8 years... never talked to. I have no time to tell the story like I would like... but long story short. . .through the counsel of a priesthood holder, he talked with his step dad... and bore his testimony to me yesterday of the indescribable feelings he had listening to conference, and how much he has changed in 1 short month. I would LOVE to share more detailed the story... but I gotta obey the 1 hour rule... I gotta run. Love you all. I know that this is Gods kingdom on Earth, designed to bring us back to him in heaven...together : )

Love Elder Johnson

Tays email

Week #27

September 27, 2010

: D . . . I think that sufficeth almost all I have to say! The work is tough but the reward is great. I don't know that I will ever feel like I have ever 100% pleased the Lord, we know that with all we can do, we are unprofitable servants, but that is all the more motivation to give a little bit more!

My Companion from the CTM was moved to my zone this transfer and we had an awesome reunion when he showed up for Zone conference! He had some tough comps and is now in the best area of the mission with an awesome companion. I love Elder Waldron! I had forgotten how short I am and how tall he is haha.

It has been verified that all of my pictures from the first 6 months of the mission are un-savable.... : ( . . . Life goes on! at least I have those that I sent to all of you!

Mom! You don't need to worry about sending stuff to me seriously! I feel bad thinking about your stress to send stuff down here. I really am not in great need of anything. American Candy is the only thing that I can't buy here, and that pair of shoes that I sent a picture of. AH! One thing...I would love another journal, I'm about to the end of mine... just the same as the ones I was using at home! Really that is it. I got a package this week with AWESOME shirts, letters, peanut butter (that the Brazilians love haha... me too) surprise pens! etc. Thanks for always thinking of me : ) ALso haha I thought I would thank you for teaching me how to eat! Yesterday someone made a comment about how I eat and that it is almost comically 'proper' haha I thought about your classes on etiquette (SP) ! Sent you a letter today with a note to Grandma Johnson. Love You Mom.

Heidi Thanks for the pictures! What a stinkin doll... how fun! I'm stoked for you both : ) Thanks as well for the thoughts and the heritage commentary! Love it!

Dad- So many things that can be said. But first... Happy Birthday! Sounds like you all already celebrated! Jealousy! I shared most of my thoughts in the letter that I sent to you, but one more time, I look up to you in everyway. I was visiting with a family this week and I had a vision of our FHEs that we always had. Whether I fell asleep on the couch, or didn’t want to be there, you always made sure we got together and had some sort of lesson. I got a little sad thinking about the times that I complained or didn't act interested, I wanted to quickly apologize for those times, I would give anything to get some of the families here to have family night like you had with us. I love you!

P.S. . . I really don't have a lot of time to read emails from the other missionaries but you can send them and if one day I have time I'll read a little bit! Greg and Taylor must be getting old on the missions! It is amazing how fast it goes. I thought about your comment on level of conversion the other day.... how sometimes we have special witnesses where we are positive that we have received a witness and we also know that God knows we have received it . . . 2 Nefi 9:27made me think about it

LOVE YOU ALL!

Hello all! I am almost out of time...I'll write fast! I forget to write about how I had one week where I slept on my knees almost every night of the week. One of the Brazilians that I live with cracked up about it. He woke up at 3 AM and saw that the light was still on.... I was asleep on my knees, zonked on the bed. Haha It is a fight to keep your prayers fervent everyday, but I am trying! I no longer am allowed to touch the bed when I pray. it has helped for sure.

This week we had some great lessons, but no baptisms. Our goal is 2 baptisms per week because President Batt is really trying to turn this area into a stake. I know the Lord will help us with our Righteous goals as we give our honest best. REALLY FAST. ........ I fell on my face this week. I won't even tell the story... to say the least we were late... I started to run...didn't seek a crack.... and I skid....skid on the concrete hahahaha my arms didn't brace the fall and I airplaned it... My companion laughed the rest of the night including the 5 minutes we spent jogging to get home in time! Adventures everyday! Time is up! . .

Love you all - Elder Johnson

Taylor Ray
September 20th 2010
Email #26
FAM-
So I haven't talked with ya for 6 months! Can you believe it?! We didn't really do anything super special to commemorate... we talked about buying a little cake... it happen a few days after haha. I don't know why but I don't have a huge desire to celebrate the passing of time on the mission although each day brings me closer to my family!
I have an inside source that says Dads shakes are getting better. I believe it! I need to start eating a bit more fruit and losing some pounds.... FAMILY I am getting a little. . tire around the belly and back! I will set some goals and get rid of it alright? Ya don't have to worry! Hey Dad If you have any idea how synergy is doing let me know! I thought about them the other day and wondered how the new branch is doing.
I just wanted to point out something that struck me, being a fulltime missionary. When Mom told me that Grandpa Greaves had baptized his neighbors I truly learned a lesson. Grandpa was about to baptize them because of WHO he is. Because of the love for the gospel that he has, and because he fearlessly served and opened his mouth about that gospel. What an amazing man!
Don't forget to send me a picture of two of the weeks happenings, especially now that there is one more family member that I won't meet for a while! I hope all is going grrrreat! I look up to you all and I pray for you each and every day.
love- Elder Johnson
PS. Hales I LOVED the pictures of me when I was fat! And of our backyard etc. I will try not to look like that ever again in my life. If someone has a picture of our house/backyard/mountains that they could send or e-mail that would be AWESOME to should people a little more about where we (you) live!


All-
So I have been out 6 months. It is a landmark on the mission but I have a loong ways to go. I wasn’t transferred! A miracle on the mission! I will spend 6 months of my mission in the same area, my first area! Juazeiro Do Norte Brasil! I'm still working with Elder Stocking from SLC and we are having a great time, always trying to get better. Elder stocking and I didn't have one conversation in English the whole 6 weeks we spent together and our goal is to not speak English for another transfer...... it really has been a blessing to have a comp who wants to grow!
Really quickly, I found out that my grandpa had the chance to baptize his neighbors a little while back. He is an older man, but through his selfless service and fearlessness in sharing the gospel, he was able to bless their lives forever. We all have someone around us that is waiting to hear the good news, whether they are a member or not...and if we don't tell them, who is going to?
Remember that family that we taught because of the contact we made with the older woman playing dominoes? Well we are still teaching and 2 of the family members were able to go to church this week. They loved it and they plan to return. Funny note: We were teaching the other day and Jacira (who is mentally impaired), started sneezing. sneezing A LOT! . . . The Final sneeze arrived, and her dentures went flying...jingling across the floor. I didn't realize until a while after who funny the situation was until I turned to my companion and notice that he was trying to hold in the laughter. Jacira quickly grabbed the dentures and with a funny smirk on her face, acknowledging the humor of the situation, went to wash them off. I will continue to keep you updated on this family...I am convinced that the Lord has prepared them for us!
We are teaching a young man named Jefferson who is truly searching for the truth. He analyses every last detail and is progressing slowly. If he can have the patience and faith to receive an answer from God about the BOM...he will be a GREAT leader in the church!
All the missionaries who are finishing the mission have a chance to bear testimony. Elder Hirata my former LZ bore testimony that presented a simple truth that can make all the difference. He said that one the mission he learned that the gospel is the center of everything. It isn't just one more thing that we try and fit into our daily schedule amongst all the rush... it is just the opposite. The things of the Lord should truly have #1 priority, and while magnifying those duties we find time to do the other things that we have to do. It returns to the question of good better and best. I KNOW that the work of the Lord is the BEST thing that we can be involved in. I hope that we all take the time and caution to put the things of the Lord in first place.
1. The Lord
2. Others
3. Ourselves...
Remember the phrase...."I am third"

I Love love love ya all. Until the next pday! - Elder Johnson

September 13, 2010

Elder Taylor Ray Johnson

Email #25

FAMILY!!!
So she is here!...or there!! I had random times throughout the week when the thought slammed back into my head... you could be an uncle again..RIGHT NOW haha. What a beautiful little girl and I love her name! Jacie Kate Nelson....beautiful, as I'm sure she is and will be! Super jealous that I can't be there but give her a kiss for me someone... and tell her quickly who her favorite uncle is ;). I don't know if I already reported but my comp is a Ute... I saw the hat Juice and thought about it! Once again, Congrats Heidi and Juice, love you both! Mom and Dad I forgot to tell you that I am in the city Juazeiro Do Norte! The southern tip f the state Ceará! I hope you all had a lovely week...they are flying by for me! like Dad told me, Focus makes time fly! I'll try and stay focused for two years haha.

My love and prayers , elder Johnson

PS Dad... check pg. 144 of Jesus the Christ and tell me what ya think! I thought of you when I read about 'the woman'

ALL-
First I would like to say that I am an uncle on more time! Heidi had her baby Jacie Kate Nelson this week on the 8th! Beautiful little girl. What a blessing that she was born into a family that is based firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ, there could be no greater blessing.
I wish I had time to tell it all! This week we were chased down by a member and told that a woman had been possessed and that they needed our help. WOW, shocker. Elder Stocking asked me if I was ready for an adventure and we went to see what we could do. We arrived at the house, asked for a minute to ourselves, and prayed for guidance as to what to do. There was already a large group of people watching a pastor try and get the demon out of her. We were both at a loss for words and actions. We both felt after our prayer, that it wasn’t our place to mess with such a situation and in the end we told the member that we would pray for her and the woman. She thanked us for that presence and told us that we had already helped enough. CLOSE ONE! Although it was a strange situation, my faith was strengthened by the faith of that member when she told us that she knew that only someone who truly has the authority of god could act in his name. How blessed we are to have his power her on Earth and at our command if we are worthy and faithful.
The other week we were walking down the street and passed two old women that were playing dominoes on a table on the sidewalk...very common here. Many times the elder people here are already set in their ways and it isn't super effective to contact them. As we passed, I felt strongly that I needed to go back. Long story short, we went back, talked with them, got the address, and went on our way. A few days later we had time and we passed by that house. Turns out, her daughter was in the house along with a few more family members. Her daughter is married and has three children. I could have sworn I had seen her before. We had a wonderful lesson, and are teaching both the mother and the family of the daughter now. She was overwhelmed with emotion as she offered her first audible prayer in who knows how long. Her and her mother both ended up in tears. We will continue teaching and ill update ya! I KNOW that the spirit led us to that family. I know that the Lords hand is in this work. We have to believe!

Love you all! - Elder Johnson

PS. Had an investigator who went crazy when i pulled out my post it notes this week... "WOW, what is...how does it....SWEET!!" haha good stuff : ) tciao!

Elder Johnson

September 6, 2010

Email #24

Family-
So it is Labor Day and you are all partying again. Except for heidi wif her big bewy : ) Heid I am stoked for you both and I hope there are pictures next week! Tell Hallie Belle Happy birthday for me! I didn't send any presents, I don't know if I dare tempt this mail system here, but I send my love! What a fun night it will be in front of the fire.... the fire will continue to beat on my neck here as well ; ) haha... it is amazing how everyday is hot, but the sun has different levels of hotness. Love you all dearly. OH I heard about the truck you bought Barrett! Unfair, having adventures like that without me there! I will be expecting a picture of two alrighty? Alright. And did Justin Lindorf do anything with my moto? Tell him congrats on the marriage! What a huge step. He is grrreat. Love you all - Elder Johnson
PS. just to give you a taste of the language... The word " Reili " would be pronounced HALEY
PPS. This week we had a great training.... and the Devil knew that our capacity to teach well had improved.... because he saw to it that many things fell through this week. We are shooting for the stars here and this week will surely be better!

ALL
I apologize to you all....something devastating happened last week... haha I accidentally deleted ALL of the pictures of the mission up to this date... I'm so smart! We are going to try and save them (who knows how) but I think it is a lost cause. That is OOK. After all, we can't take pictures to heaven, and I have a lot more time here to take pictures!
We had the Baptism of Eliêgina this week! She is a bundle of joy haha and never stops smiling. I had the chance to confirm her in sacrament meeting (Fast Sunday), and that same meeting she bore her simple but powerful testimony. She spoke about the unmistakable different feeling there is in the church, and how she thanks the Lord everyday for John, who brought her to church for the first time, and for the missionary lessons. I am truly grateful to have played a part in this small change that will change her life forever.
Interesting thought that I heard in priesthood this week: What is always right next to the steps of a recipe? There is always a picture of the food already prepared, and it always looks too good to be true. Why? Because that picture gives you the motivation and incentive to follow the steps and achieve the finished product. Smart is it not? Now, for us, we have to always have the celestial kingdom in mind, that moment when we will wet the saviors feet with our tears and be accepted into his presence. Our eternal perspective and keeping our eyes on the finish line will give us the motivation to climb over the obstacles that tthe Lord have given us and that sometimes we give ourselves. We are a forgetful people...That is why we are commanded to read daily, pray daily, and attend the temple frequently. All of the small, daily things, are what help us to maintain our eternal perspective and in-turn, have a much happier life here on Earth : ) . . . Next time I get a little frustrated about something unimportant, I will try to ask myself if in the eternal perspective it will really make a difference... if not... I'll try and forget it! Love you all. Thanks for your support, your prayers, your letters, and your love.

- Elder Johnson

Elder Taylor Johnson

Email #23

August 23, 2010

FAM-

So here in a little bit there is going to one more little baby in the family... SUPER exciting! Stephy , Happy Birthday! When I get back I owe you one day of babysitting for free alright? You can hold me to it! I will even teach your kids a little Portuguese while I'm at it haha. We sang happy birthday to you (the four elders that I live with)... it was literally the least I could do! You are amazing! Keep up the good mommy-ing. : ) Mom I got a little worried last week because I have sent an envelope to the house every week of my mission (usually with 1-4 letters inside) and the past few weeks I have goofed around with the name on the front instead of just putting "Johnson Family" I put "Fohnson Jamily" . . . My comp told me that he did the same and the letters never made it.... So I am just hoping that they are gettin there! Do let me know if you are receiving one per week alrighty?! Fanks. Loved the picture of Dad's animation in action... on the boat haha. I wish I could be with you and serve a mission at the same time! The days are flying by, it is only that sometimes the hours don't do the same. The members have been telling us that sooner than later the heat is going to turn up and the wind is going to stop... pray for me. haha I have a WONDERFUL tan line on my neck... and I'm gaining weight...in the stomach and also I think in the muSKles a little....... sometimes I just like to eat alright? YOU CAN DO IT BRUCY! Love you all...I don't think I could do it without all your support. Thanks for being amazing, Each one of you.

-Elder Johnson

ALL -

So we had to more Miracles this week. I had the blessing of baptizing Edmilson (22) and Raquel (19). They are two more people that one day will have the blessing of entering the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. I am always thinking about the 'endure to the end' part of the lessons that we teach to our investigators. When you baptize someone you want to do ALL you can to help them continue onward, but I just have to do my best and trust the Lord!

When Elder Nelson spoke to us in the CTM he said to focus on the ordinances of the gospel, primarily the temple. He used the phrase "endure to the end" and suggested that it means Endure to the Endowment, in other words that is our goal! Never lose sight of the eternal purpose!

Just a rundown on the events that led up to the Baptisms: Edmilson was a member reference. Two times he didn't show up on the Sunday for his baptism. But we didn't give up! He continued reading, we continued teaching, and the spirit witnessed to him that this is where he needs to be. He knows that despite the trials that might come because of his baptism, the blessings will greatly overshadow them. Raquel was an example of the Lords preparing a way, always. Elder Fonseca and I contacted 3 youngs boys (12-14) on the street and got some addresses to pass by. A couple of days later we passed by one of the houses to teach Bruno. He listened...a little. Luckily, and not by chance, his sister Raquel was there to save the day! She listened intently, asked good questions, and showed all the signs of an elect daughter of God! She is in 1 Nephi 18 or so and is loving everything about the church! What a blessing to see these two enter into the church, knowing that their lives will change forever, and for eternity!

Quick Story- I was teaching in the house of a member the other day when all of the sudden my companion advised my about the cockroach that was on my neck. YUMMY! I was a little on edge after that . . . descreetly keeping my feet moving on the floor as to avoid the same thing again. 10 Minutes later my friend returned (or his brother or aunt) to my sleeve. This time I jump like the dickens. I even started to talk in English because the words to express my fear weren't coming fast enough in portugues... adventures everyday!

Quick thought. - 1 Néfi 21:4 -------> The Lord is all powerful, therefore he can do whatever he wants with the work that we do. He can take the work that we do, and store it up to be used in another way for another purpose! That maybe we will never see, or will take a long time to see. Interesting thought. "Leave your work with the Lord" He can surely make the most of it.