I can’t believe this is my last transfer in this place! There’s a lot I want to do and not enough time but I a happy for the miracles happening around me!
Our friend Claudia has been taught by the Portuguese elders in Philadelphia. We talk to her every other week and she was baptized yesterday!! She has such a strong testimony of the gospel ad loves being a member of the church already. She sent me a text telling us how she can feel the Holy Ghost with her so strongly since her baptism. I know the Holy Ghost is a member’s best friend for every single moment of their lives. It can only be received and linked to you through the power and authority of God given to worthy men. A tender mercy for me from her baptism was that it was the first time in about 10 years since I heard the baptismal prayer in Portuguese!
We had three friends join church this week over zoom. Andrade and Maria are married and I love them dearly. Flavia who came to to church in person last week joined as well. We made her a little calendar to help her stop drinking coffee and she is very determined to do it!
We have a friend called Aparecida who is very shy and sweet that we planned on teaching her a simple lesson about faith but as she opened up to us about a few things, we taught her about the restored gospel and my companions and I felt that we should invite her to be baptized. We did and she has a baptismal date for the 29th! I’m excited to continue to help her to grow her faith and testimony of the restored gospel.
After 4 months enjoying life with Sister Perez, she was called to a different area. This woman is a special. She is funny, loving, had working and humble in so many different ways! I love the woman but I’m happy she will be shining her light in a different area. Sister Shock and I will continue to be in a trio with another sister, Sister McCally. She is the sweetest and I’m excited to learn from her in the next few weeks!
74 Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of. ” (Joseph Smith-history 1)
I read this scripture this morning during my studies. After Oliver Cowdery was baptized by Joseph Smith in 1829 he wrote this. I know this is the same power Claudia has now to understand what her Heavenly Father wants her to know about him when she reads her scriptures. Her mind will be opened to understand many more things from now on. I know this is only possible through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is truly a gift.
I love you all and I hope all the best this week!
Sister Santos
315 Lippincott Avenue, Riverside NJ 08075
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