Another Great Week from Maranguape

Hello, everybody! I hope that you all had a wonderful week.

This week was good. We had Zone Conference, which means great food and great trainings. I got to lead the music. We had four zones together, so about 80 misisonaries or more were there, along with President Souza, Sister Souza, the secretaries, and the assistants. One of the past assistants was called as a trainer, and the new assistant, is Elder Araujo, who I lived with for 3 months in Beira Mar! I love him tons, and I know that he is going to do a great job.

Andreline was baptized this week! Things went really well for her this week, and the baptism went smoothly. Her dad even came, although he was a little bit tipsy from drinking......we plan on helping him out and hopefully the whole rest of the family.

Also, there was an incredible lesson this week. A member named Vitória has a brother named Romário, and they live way far away in Columinjuba, which reminds me of home because it's in the middle of no where. Anyway, we were going to have to head out there for a 40 minute to and hour bus ride to teach him. Before this, we had an appointment marked with Andreline, but she wasn't at home. So, we headed back to the chapel, and who did we run into? Romário! He was on his motorcycle, just like the last time we saw him. We asked him if he was going to be home for us to head over there, and he said no, because he had some things that he had to do still in Maranguape. But, he said that he had some time right then to talk. So, we asked him if we could meet him over at the church and talk there, and he said sure.

We opened up the church, and he drove his motorcycle into the parking lot. We when in, and opened up the bishop's office. We started talking to him, and asked if he had prayed to know if the Church is true. He said that he had prayed, and received an answer that it is true! I then invited him to be baptized.

Usually when we invite people to be baptized, we ask them, "When you receive and answer and know that these things are true, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the authority of God?" They usually say, "Well, if I receive an answer, yeah."

But, this time, he already knew that the Church was true. So, as I invited him to be baptized, I felt a strong spirit testify of the truth, and of what he needed to do. I said, "Because you know that these things are true, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized?" He responded, "Yes, I will." I felt the Spirit so strongly, and said, "We are preparing a baptismal service on _____. Will you be baptized on this day?" And he replied, "Yes, I will." I felt so happy, so excited, and my eyes teared up as I testified that I know that he had made the right choice, and that this Church truly is the true church here upon the earth.

How grateful I am for this Gospel, and the impact it makes in our lives. I love you all so very much, and hope that you have wonderful weeks, and wonderful experienes! Quoting President Uchtdorf, "Don't let a day go by without doing something to act on the promptings of the Holy Ghost." He will guide you in your daily lives as you seek His will with the real intent to follow it. You will be instruments in His hands for good, and you will bless the lives of many of His children.

I love you all so very, very much! Make it a great day! YOU ROCK!!

Love always,

Elder Reid Powell Empey

Weekly Greetings from a New Area! Maranguape!

Hey, all!

I got transferred! After spending just one transfer in Sitio São João, I have been transferred to the area Maranguape, which is a city in the "interior" of Fortaleza. Our area is huge, including two other cities as well. My new companion is Elder Langfoss, from Chicago, Illinois. He's my first American companion since I was being trained by Elder Call! Anyway, he has about 5 months, maybe a little bit less, on the mission. He told me that he doesn't want to speak any English with me, because he really, really wants to improve and master speaking Portuguese, so I'm going to do my best to help him achieve that goal! I am really excited for this transfer.

The family that went to church in my other area was not able to make it to church this past Sunday. Ayrton got a phone call saying that he would have to travel over the weekend for his work, and he was disappointed. In fact, he asked us, "Is it this hard for all people who try and follow the Church? Does everyone face this much opposition?" I hope and pray that they will be able to find ways to overcome the obstacles and the challenges, that they will be able to receive the blessings of the Gospel in their lives. The awesome thing about them is that they are actually interested, and willing to try to change, and to act upon the things that we're teaching them! I hope that everything works out.

I love you all so very, very much! I hope that you all have a great week, and that you can find joy in the journey.

With love,

Elder Reid Powell Empey

Elder Empey's Email

This week is the Powell Family Reunion, which is my mother's side of the family. This message is specifically geared towards them, but I hope that all will enjoy it, read it, and ponder its meaning for them personally.

As far as family reunion goes, I am trying not to be jealous, nor to think about the fact that you're all there together without me. I am so glad that you guys have this chance to have fun and enjoy one another's company. I cannot tell you all how much you have all influenced me for good, and the blessings that I have received because of your love and support and funness and craziness! Our family traditions have become a part of who I am, and who I want to be for my children, and I cannot tell you how much you all mean to me.

One of the things that has deeply affected my spirituality and my love and fond memories is our family songs, and all of the times that we have sat around a campfire (or in this family reunion, "camp stove", as my mom has informed me) singing our family songs. I remember looking to all of my aunts and older cousins who knew all of the words, and saw how much these special songs mean to us, and to our children. Singing has always been, and continues to be, a Powell heritage (and also to all those who marry into it:) ). As I have looked through the Powell Family Songbook that my mom sent me, I have felt and realized that these songs have become sacred to us, especially as we sing them in remembrance of our Grandad and Grandma Powell. They have become links that, I believe, literally cross the veil, that we can reach out to our beloved parents and grandparents and great-grandparents, just to hold on to their hand for a little bit, and say, "I love you. I miss you. I want so much to be with you. I will do anything to be with you again, and I do not want anything to get in the way of me living with you forever as an eternal family."

As we remember the love and the joy of our eternal family ties, we remember that when we sing praises to God through the sacred hymns of the Church, we feel and express these same sentiments in connection to our Heavenly Parents, and in gratitude and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We feel the desire to shout, "Oh, I will do anything to have these feelings forever, to return to Thy presence, to live in a fulness of joy and beauty and magesty for all eternity!" In the words of Lamoni's father, "I will give all my sins to know thee." We feel the desire to leave everything behind that could possibly keep us ack from returning to Him. These are the feelings that we experience as music, together with the Spirit, touches our hearts.

As we feel the love of God and the love of our family ties, we find the strength and the support that we need to endure to the end. We find the strength to overcome our fears and doubts with love and faith, and with the desire to live together forever. We feel that nothing is more important to us than those eternal relationships, "that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy" (D&C130:2). So, of all that I can say to my family on such a wonderful, fun, and happy occassion, I would encourage you to have as much fun as you can, sing as much as you can, laugh as much as you can, and only cry as much as is necessary and as is tolerable for your emotional stability:) Also, remember that as we keep the commandments, keep our covenants, and serve one another, we qualify to live together forever in glory.

Please, please, please do not let anything get in the way of that blessing. Nothing is more important, nothing is more significant, nothing has more of an eternal impact than the chance we have to live together, with our Father in Heaven, and be as He is. Nothing. I know that I want to live my life so that I can be with all of you forever, and I do not want that anyone is not there with us. Someone once said that heaven will not be heaven if the people we love are not there with us. As another once said also, "Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter." We need to remember that "we're all in this together" (I know, cheesy, random High School Musical quote...), and that we need to help one another to make it. We cannot do this alone, and we were never meant to. We need the support of our Savior Jesus Christ, and we need the support of one another. We have a responsability to help one another in times of trial, in times of need, and in times where we may be wandering from the path. And why do we have this responsability, and why do we act on this responsability? It's not because we have to, it's not because we are obligated to, it's not because our parents or our leaders will get mad if we don't do it, it's not for any of those reasons. We have this responsability because we love each other. We care for each other. And we remember the promises and the blessings in store for us if we are faithful. That knowledge, and that testimony, help us to act in the rescue of our loved ones. Sometimes, we all need rescuing, and it's okay if that's the case. The Lord Jesus Christ is our ultimate Rescuer, and each and every one of us needs His rescuing grace and power.

I love you all so very, very much. It is because of that love that I don't want anyone missing when we get there! I want us all to be there! Imagine what it will be like, to have everyone there! And, only for a millisecond and no longer, imagine what it would be like if we're not all there. Then, forget that last idea as quick as you can, and remember the first!

There is a quote from the last General Conference, by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, that I feel is appropriate: "So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late."

I don't want to preach a sermon, but I want you all to know that God lives. He is our Father. And through His Son, Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness from our sins, relief from our burdens, and the power to overcome the world. Yet, most important, through His Atonement, we can be filled with His love for one another, and through His priesthood power and authority, we can be sealed together forever in a family unit. Never forget how important that sealing is. Never lose sight of the temple as a goal and as a often-frequented haven. Wouldn't it be a wonderful goal to have everyone there at the temple, maybe even during these few days that you are all there together? Maybe that isn't totally realistic for this exact week, but maybe in future family reunions! All it takes is preparation! And not just the planning that we need to do with getting scheduled at the temple and the carpooling, but the preparation that it takes to be worthy to hold a temple recommend. I challenge all of you to ponder about these things, and listen to the promptings of the Spirit, and the desires of your heart. Remember the way you feel as you sing the family songs, and remember Grandad and Grandma, and think about if you would like to feel those feelings forever, and be with them forever.

I love you all so very, very much. This Gospel is the True Gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter where we are, or who we are, whether those of you who are reading this are not at the family reunion this week, or you aren't even a member of our family, please know that these blessings are available and intended for all, without exceptions, without anything held back. Our Heavenly Father lives, and He wants each and every one of us to return to Him. I encourage all of you to ponder upon this, and then to act upon the feelings and promptings that you receive.

Have a wonderful week! Sing lots of songs, have lots of fun, and remember that these feelings aren't meant to end, not even after this life!

With all the love in my heart and soul,

Elder Reid Powell Empey

Cool stuff and Pictures from Sitio São João

So, crazy week! Lots of stuff happened, so just a quick overview:

We found a gigantic rat, and tried to catch it, but it got away (my fault). While we were trying to figure out where it could have gotten away to, we discovered a large tarantula. It looks just like they do in the movies: hairy and creepy! Anyway, we caught her, put her in a peanut butter jar, and then ended up ``disposing" of her the next day (if anyone knows my Dad, you can guess the method we used: fire.) It was a rather cool experience:) I have attached a few close of pictures of her. Because she was getting weak from being in the peanut butter jar, and because I had been very close to her while she was in the jar, I got a little bit more brave, and took some very close-up pictures.

 Also, I received two packages this week! On two different days! I went to district meeting, and got a package, and then when we had interviews with the President as a zone on Friday, I got the other one. I received lots of cool stuff, including around 40 notepads (I can't believe you sent so many, Mom, but that's okay, I'll put them to good use), a shirt, some shorts, lots of candy (including gummy bears, bottle caps, root bear drops, and Reeses!), a wooden puzzle of the Plan of Salvation in Portuguese (I know some other Elders that have one, they are really cool and really nice). The only unfortunate thing about my packages is that my family also sent me a bottle of Axe, which in and of itself is not bad. It's just that the bottle opened and the Ziplock bag had a small hole in it:) So, lots of the candy at first tasted like soap, but as time passes the taste is going away:) Anyway, so it was a WIN this week.


And Elder Whitby also got a package FULL of candy, so that was good, too. He has another package that he has been waiting 7 months to arrive, and still hasn't got here, so he deserves a little something! This package got here from his house in 23 days. Talk about record time!

We had a really cool experience this week. We were looking through the Area Book last we, and we found a baptism record that was filled out, but the person hadn't been baptized. So, we went there to see what we could do. His name is Junior, and he is 9 years old. When we asked him questions about the commandments and the lessons, he remembered almost everything perfectly. It was amazing. He wanted to get baptized with the other Elders, but his mom said that he wasn't ready yet, and that he would have to wait. So, we asked to talk to his mom. When she first walked in, I could feel that she was not very open to letting her son be baptized. We asked her what she thought about it, and she said that she wanted to wait, and that he wasn't ready yet. We explained that he had answered all of our questions, and that he had remembered the material better than many adults that we teach! She said that she would think about it. So, we didn't push her, and were content with her changing her mind about thinking about it.

After we talked, she walked out of the room. Before we left, we asked Junior if he could offer a closing prayer. He did, and he gave one of the most faith-filled and heartfelt prayers I have ever heard offered. It was powerful. He asked that his mom might let him be baptized, and that everything would work out. Afterwards, his grandfather, who is a member and also was there, said, "See, no one is forcing him to do anything! He is doing this because of his own will, not because of any sort of pressure." So, we left there hoping that everything would work out.

Junior went to church that Sunday with his grandmother. Then, during the week, we passed by the house to ask his mom what she had decided. It was a little awkward inviting her and her husband to talk to us, but we did it. We sat down around the table, and I looked to my companion for him to guide the situation. But, he just looked back at me. So, I went for it, feeling nervous and awkward at the same time. I asked if she had thought about her son's baptism, and she said that she had. I asked how she felt about it. She said that she would let him get baptized. I couldn't believe it! Out of no where, as I was expecting and trying to be prepared for her to say no, she said yes! She said that she had asked him during the week if this was really what he wanted to do and to follow, and he said yes. So, she decided to permit him to be baptized. The faith of a child's prayer has power that we can hardly imagine. He wasn't baptized that Saturday nor Sunday, because the family already had another appointment. But, his baptism is marked for this Sunday.

I am so grateful for prayer, and the power that it brings into our lives. What a blessing to be out here, in this work, to seek to overcome obstacles and to help others to come unto Christ. I love you all so very much, and hope that you have a wonderful week!

Love always,

Elder Reid Empey

                                               

Quick! Again!

Hey!

Man, the time flies! Another week come and gone, and I have to run! But, things are doing great in the area, and with my new companion. Elder Johnny is my first companion from São Paulo, and I am starting to sound like someone from the São Paulo interior:) We have a fun time learning and joking together. And doing crazy things like chasing a giant rat and a tarantula that live in our house (the rat got away, but we caught the tarantula. They are just as creepy in real-life as they are in any movie you have ever seen.).

The area that we are in is a good area, and we are receiving more and more referrals from the members. I am excited for this week, so that we can push forward with the work, and do what we´re here to do.

I have to go! I love you all so very much, and I promise that I will be more detailed in the next emails!

Love you tons and scoops!

Elder Reid Empey

From a New Area: Sitio São João!

Hey, everyone!

I was transferred! I am now in the area Sitio S鉶 Jo鉶, Castel鉶 Stake, and my companion is Elder Johnny! He in not an American, even though his name seems like it:) He's from an area called Riber鉶 Preito, which is close to Sao Paulo. I am very excited for this transfer, and for the new experiences that we are going to have.

I am sad to say that I really have to go, because my time is almost up, but keep moving forward, do what's right, and the Lord is always there right along beside you. Also, good job Josh and Dad for surprising my family with my Dad showing up in Germany unannounced! Like we say like in "The Incredibles," ``I love our family....!"

Tchau, tchau!

Love,

Elder Reid Powell Empey

Wow, really fast!

Hey!

This week was a good one. Just quick, let me tell you one cool thing that happened:

We are teaching the brother of a member, and we were at his house this week. His cousin lives in the same house, and his friend was there with him so that they could study together. They love studying English, so they naturally wanted to talk to me. Anyway, we started to try to teach them, but they had to leave before we got anywhere. We invited them to go to church, like we do with everyone. They said that they would have to see, and didn´t promise anything (basically everyone says that here). So, I honestly didn´t expect anything.

We got to church after we passed by the house of a less-active member to pick him up, and the meeting started. Halfway through, Hélio, a member, came up to us and whispered to us that his cousin and his friend were there! I was so surprised, and I hope that we get to work with them more this week. They are both young, but they seem like very nice, bright people. We´ll have to wait and see!

I love you all! Take good care of yourselves:)

Love always,

Elder Reid Powell Empey