WEEK 30: January 8, 2019 “Milagre Milagre... TCHAU SISTER HAMMOND”

Miracle of the area... Miracle of the mission

Wow. This week we had a MIRACLE happen. But let me tell you the story.

So two weeks ago we were doing our weekly planning. We were all super depressed and  super upset because Presidente Souza called and told us he was thinking of closing my area. I opened this area for the first time ever and I DID NOT want to see it close!!! So we were super upset and depressed. But then Sister V. Araujo asked if we had ANYONE that could POSSIBLY be baptized the next Saturday so that President wouldn't close our area. I suggested Julio because he already went to church every week the only problem was that he didn’t have any desire to be baptized because he didn’t believe in baptisms for the dead and he already had been baptized in a different church. But I suggested that maybe he could be baptized. So we had already DROPPED HIM COMPLETELY AS AN INVESTIGATOR but we decided to just visit him one more time. Sister Ressurreição suggested that we teach about the Priesthood to give him a different perspective. And I suggested that we take our Ward Mission Leader there to bear testimony.

So the next day we went. Saturday. We sat down and Maicon (the ward mission leader) just started teaching EVERYTHING about the priesthood. We didn’t say anything. And he taught it so clearly. Then at the end he asked, "what is stopping you from being baptized?" And Julio said, "I don’t believe in baptisms for the dead." Wait I will just write the conversation.

Maicon: "So how much of the doctrine of the church do you believe Julio?"
Julio: "99%"
Maicon:"So you are going to let 1% stop you from entering into the Kingdom of God?"
Julio:"I don’t know."
Maicon: "Everyone has doubts. I have lots of doubts about the church"
Julio: "really?"
Maicon: "Yes. The Sisteres have doubts."
Julio: "Wait. The Missionaries have doubts?"
Me and Sister Ressurreição (nods)
Maicon: "So you are really going  to let 1% of doubt stop you from being with your family forever?"
Julio: "No..."
Me: "So Julio, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized next Saturday so you can prepare to receive the priesthood and be sealed to your family?"
Julio: "Yes."

GUYS I HAVE NEVER FELT THE SPIRIT SO STRONG IN MY LIFE IT WAS AMAZING!!! And better yet, HE REALLY WAS BAPTIZED!!! He was baptized and there were so many people there that we had to use the sacrament room for the program. The entire Zone of missionaries was there and the ward and PRESIDENT SOUZA CAME!!!! IT was such a miracle. A real miracle. We saw a change in him immediately. And after the baptism he came up to  me and said, "Thank you both. You both helped me make a covenant with God and I promise that I will stay firmly in the gospel for the rest of my life." It was such a miracle. Such a great moment. I may or may not have cried.

Again, baptism of Julio because WOW!

Goodbye Cassino..... 

The worst part was immediately after the baptism. President came up to me and told me that I was being transferred the next day. I cried so much. The whole ward cried with me on Sunday. The amount of tears that were shed are innumerable. But now I am in a new area, "Butiá." It is even hotter than Cassino. My new companion is Sister Rodrigues. I have lots of faith that this new area will treat me well!!!

(Butia facts: Population about 20,000, about 45 miles west of Porto Alegre, Named after a famous palm tree that the fruit is used in some beverages)

This week I want to challenge you all to read Moroni 10. I love this chapter of  Scriptures because it is the last words that Moroni wants to tell us before we finish the Book of Mormon. I love the spirit and testimony of Christ that I feel every time I read it. I am super grateful for the Book of Mormon.

I love you all! Thank you for your love and support!

Com MUITO amor,
Sister Hammond

Questions from Mom:

What were some of your worst moments this week?
-The worst moment this week was in the interview with president on Saturday because he told me I was being transferred. I cried like I have never cried on my mission. I cried that entire night and all of Sunday. The whole ward cried with me and my comps and everyone was crying. It was terrible.

What were some of your best?
-BAPTISM OF JULIO!!! I will write more in the group email.

What is the funniest thing that happened this week?
-There is a Brazilian song called, "é bomba" and it has a specific dance and Sister Ressurreição danced it for me many times haha.

What happened with transfers!?
I was transferred to a city called Butiá. My comps name is Sister Rodrigues from... you guessed it.... São Paulo.

When did you see the hand of the Lord in your life this week?
- The baptism of Julio again. It was amazing.

I was overly fascinated with the cow....