8 days Til Return

30 April 2012   5:12 am Dear sweet Hillary, How are you? What is on your mind today? Tell me. We love you!!! Momma

30 April 2012   5:15 am
 I am excited for this week ahead! it will be great!

Irma MIchael

Que manhã maravilhosa!

Irmã Thomas, Elder Perkins, and I had the privilege to sing during sacrament meeting, with Elder Silva on the piano, this wonderful truth that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to the young Joseph. What a great and marvelous truth! I am so grateful for the many sacrifices that he and many others made so that we all can know with surety that we are God´s children, eternal beings on a mortal journey. Each step we have guides to help us know from right and wrong, to light our path. I have learned much about the Holy Ghost during these weeks and months. He is my best friend. the bishop from the Setubal ward always said that the Holy Ghost will whisper first all things that we should do, and we are commanded to listen and obey. When we follow, we will "prosper in the land" He will guide us and walk beside us. Halyna received this great and marvelous gift on Sunday, as well as a little 8 year old, Ana Laura, who is the daughter of a recent convert in the elders area. The baptismal service was beautiful. Halyna has been saying these weeks that she really wants to clean her body and soul from her sins and be blessed by Heavenly Father. As she entered the water, it was priceless to watch her huge grin, and right after the prayer, Oliveira didn't´t have to do much, because she basically threw herself into the water, she was so excited!! That moment right after coming out of the water too is priceless, as she had that huge smile, full of the light of Christ. This week we had plans to go to a new area to contact some references we had received. We were excited about our adventure ahead of us. But as we were on our way to Bairro Novo Imagem, we received a call from Sonia, a recent convert of a year and a half, and she needed our help. She has some difficult health problems, and when she called she already wasn't´t doing well, so we quickly turned around and ran to her house, singing "I am a child of God" with her on the phone the whole way. When we arrived she had opened to door, and was almost passed out on the floor in the entry way. The neighbor soon came out, and was also able to help (this happens occasionally so the neighbors are always ready) and about a half hour later Sonia was again her smiling self. I was grateful for the whisperings of the Spirit who helped us know what to do to help Sonia. After leaving her house, we went back to work, but didn't´t have time to go all the way to the new area, so we followed where the spirit guided us. We contacted Carla, who at first said she didn't´t have much time, but then opened up and shared with us that we had contacted the right person, in the right moment. She is passing through some difficulties with family and as we invited her to church, she said that is exactly what she needs, comfort from the Savior´s arms. She didn't´t make it it church, but we will try and contact her this week. We taught Emanuel and Halyna with Pedro who is visiting this ward, he recently returned from his mission to Cabo Verde. I am so grateful for members present in lessons! There is just a different spirit when members testify of how the gospel has blessed their lives!! We also taught Alexís with Liliana again about the book of Mormon.It was pretty funny because they would speak in french and then she would translate and then we would speak in Portuguese/English, (still not sure which he understands better). He has so many questions about the book of Mormon and he continues to read to gain greater light and knowledge about its truthfulness. The book of Mormon is so powerful! i love its truths, and am grateful for it being a grand tool that Heavenly Father has given us to use as a guide. We had interviews this week with president Torgan and a training from the assistants. There was a great focus on using Preach My Gospel to find the areas where we are weak and need to be better. In my interview President asked if i had any questions, and i just asked him what can i do to make the best of this time. He gave me some advice, and included was to ask Heavenly Father to take me to the garden of Gethsemane a little more. This is a theme he has used in several of my interviews with him. i am so grateful for inspiration and the divine gift of revelation. I am working on bettering my prayers, with more focus on gratitude and a greater appreciation for the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for His infinite love, and His enabling power. He is always with outstretched arms of power, love and mercy to receive us, every one. I love this gospel and I love you all. I am grateful for this time that He has given me to serve Him, serving His children her in Portugal. I love this people, they work hard, they have great faith and there are many who have the desire to do God´s will and make sacrifices to bring forth the blessings of heaven that He so much wants to pour down upon them. As we follow the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, He will continue to guide us in all that we do. love to you all!! com muito amor, Irmã Michael

O Criaturas Do Senhor!

cantai hosanas dai louvor, ... aleluia!  (All creatures o four God and King)

Irmã Thomas and I both love that music!  She has an angelic voice, I am grateful to hear her sing each day!!

 

 

Well, this week, where do I begin???

 

CONGRATULATIONS RUSSELL!!!!!!!!!  My brother is all grown up!! Thanks for the pictures i loved them! Love to you all!

Sounds like it was a really busy week for you all! Was here too.

We were so blessed to see so many miracles.

A miracle and blessing from each day this week.

 

Monday- We taught Joyce and her cousin about the pre-mortal life.  Something they have never contemplated before. I felt the spirit strongly as we testified that Jesus Christ chose to be our Savior since the beginning, and without Him, the plan could not be completed. Now it is up to us to accept Him and follow Him.

Tuesday - We taught Alexís, his wife and his friend Felipe.  Alexís was the second contact we made this transfer, but there was a language barrier because we don´t speak his mother language french (it made me want to know french!) a few weeks later we ran into Felipe, and discovered they live together. They are from Ivory Coast, and have been here little time. Alexís came to church last week, and we visited him tuesday night with Liliana, who is visiting her boyfriend/fiancé who is part of our ward. She speaks french and english perfectly!  She translated the restoration lesson. As we were beginning the lesson by saying God is our loving Father and He gave us families to help us learn principles for our lives, he stopped us and said in english, "Tell me something that is different about your church that I don´t already know from the bible.  I know the bible, but I want to know why your church is different from all the other churches."  Irmã Thomas and I looked at eachother basically with jaw dropped, then said we can answer that. And we proceeded to share the first vision.  The spirit touches my heart each time we share it and each time testifies to my heart that this is the church of Jesus Christ reestablished on the earth.

Wednesday - We were at lunch with members when our phone rang and rang and rang, finally we answered it and it was a man we have been trying to contact for weeks, and he said he just got back from being gone, and wanted us to visit him. So we went!  He shared with us that his wife passed away 4 months after giving birth. His daughter is now 10 and he is just starting to get his life back in order. As he was sharing this, the office elders started calling, after rejecting the call 3 times they called from Irmã Torgan´s phone, and we felt our hearts stop, and told him we had to leave. I felt bad for leaving so quickly, but we immediately called the elders. Luckily, it wasn´t something that my heart was thinking was. Everything is okay :) they just wanted us to catch the next train to Lisboa... oh the drama in my head, now is hilarious, but at the time my heart was pounding!!!  So what happened is Irma Thomas has to renew her visa, and she needed to make an appointment in Lisbon that night. Everything worked out in the end. I hope we can still meet with Barroso again!

Thursday - we spent a lot of time in Cascais. We were supposed to have interviews but because of visa problems they were moved to tomorrow. Later we met with Emanuel and Joyce and invited them to be baptized this sunday. They both said they wanted to be, but Joyce´s dad is catholic and probably wont let her.  We also met with Alexís again an dgave him the book of mormon in french. He said give me 2 weeks and i will finish it!

Friday- after weekly planning we met with Emanuel and Joyce with a member recent RM Ismael. We were going to teach the commandments, but Ismael was inspired to ask some basic questions that led to an incredible discussion about the plan of salvation. This plan is so real!  We invited Emanuel to pray about baptism

Saturday- We taught in more detail the plan of salvation to Emanuel and Joyce, including the commandments. He believes so much in science that he has questions and doubts about God, but at the same time totally believes that God exists!  We invited him to have an interview and he said okay, The elders came and he passed and said yes to baptism!

Sunday - Church was so awesome! We were blessed to have people just keep coming in to sacrament meeting. It was a really spiritual meeting too!  After church we had the baptismal service, and Emanuel was super happy. Halyna assisted and is excited for her baptism on Saturday. The icing on the cake was that this family from Setubal visited our ward, and the kid that was there is who baptized Emaunel´s dad when i was in Setubal back in October!!!  What a tender mercy of the Lord!!

 

Well, tender mercies are always happening! I feel so blessed to see His Hand at work, and when we do His will, things will work out. I have learned a lot about faith and action this week. We have to have faith that things will go well, and we have to put ourselves to work so that His will can be realized.  The church is true!  I am so grateful for the Savior, who knows all things and the way is simple if we will look, we´ll live!

 

Have another awesome week! 

 

com muito amor,

Irma Michael

 

Sad News

Monday

April 16, 2012

mom, Remeber irma forbush???  Her son from mission passed away last monday!!!!!!!!!!!  oh my goodness!!  she and her husband went immediately home!

 

hit me hard, i asked why!!

but they were comforted.

 

we have interviews this week with president!

gratitude for the palo of salvation

Assombro Me Causa

April 16, 2012

Oh it is wonderful! The plan of our Father in Heaven! 

 

What great news to hear about Sister Stella!  and dad i loved your letter to Jacob about the ongoing dialogue, so many connections to Tonga!!  Wow, this gospel is so wonderful! 

 

Well this week was a good one! We were really blessed to find a lade from Ukraine who really has been looking for the truth and feels that she has found it. Also a blessing that the elders in our ward had a book of mormon in russian so she could immediately start reading.  Her name is Halyna, and she just turned 50 too (parpabens aunt melissa!!). She has passed for many many difficulties in her life, specifically with her family, and she really wants to become clean from her past and start over. She accepted to be baptized in two weeks, enjoys our visits, and had a good experience at  church yesterday.  She is working to stop smoking, and hasn´t smoked for a few days!!!

We also last week ran into the son of Emanuel who was baptized when i was serving in Setubal!  He had told me that his son lived really close to the train station (the first building as you come out of the station) last transfer we tried a few different buildings, but never found him.  Then last sunday while it was raining he saw us from the other side of the street, and waved the called out to us. At first i said "quem é??" to my companion, but then when he said "you are here now?" i realized that it was Emanuel!! the son, same name :)  Then i got all excited and told him that i have been looking for him since i got here!  It turns out he lives on the other side of the station, where we hadn´t looked yet. That was the miracle of the day for me! (after the baptism of Alfredo)  Anyway, so we passed there during the week and met his sister, Joyce who is 14 and within the first 15 minutes of our conversation she said she wants to be baptized! (in the catholic church initially because that is where her friends go) But then we explained authority and the way that Christ was baptized and we invited her to pray about baptism in the church of Jesus Christ!!  Her brother, emanuel, believed more in science, (we had a long conversation with him in setubal when i was serving with irma walker during christmas when i met him the first time) but Emanuel said he just is really confused. When we returned on saturday to teach the first lesson, he said that his mom is muslim, but when she prays, it is a half muslim half catholic prayer, and basically they are all just confused.  When Joyce said the prayer at the end she thanked Heavenly Father for sending the irmas to teach about prophets and things they had never heard of before!  It was a sweet spirit!  Later we took Joyce to "new beginnings" in our ward, there are lots of YW and the spirit was really sweet there too! it was a great reminder to me that there is a greater picture and great purpose to this work! so that these girls can know who they are and why they are here on the earth!! Sunday emanuel and joyce came to church and she received the personal progress book!!  Blessings blessings!!

Alfredo received teh holy ghost and all the family menos the dad were there. and all 4 kids stayed for all of church! the mom, bibiana still wont stay for all but at least the first hour she will keep coming!

The church is true! God is our loving Father!!

 

com amor, Irma michael

Cristo Ja Ressuscitou!

09 April 2012

Continuing thought from last week´s email real quick, ... we arrived here to do internet, and as we paid to use internet, the lady at the cashier asked if we had 40 cents so she could give us back a whole dollar, irma thomas wasn´t sure, but the lady insisted that she had enough, so she pulled out the change she had, about 36 cents, and the lady gave back the change as if we had the shole amount. I said to her, i think we didn´t have enough, and well, she said "não faz mal" basically don´t worry about it, it´s covered.  As we then walked to the computers, i reflected on how that simple act is just like the Savior, only He paid the price so great for each of us!  How great is His grace!

 

And for this week, first, i want to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued prayer and love. Mom, i was going to write a note to the ward last week, but didn´t get to it, i have received several letters from so many ward members, the young women, the primary, and relief society, and various members in the ward that i haven´t written back. Please send them my love and gratitude. Also i received a package this week from aunt gail!  Thank you so much! Members loved the goodies, and the goodies you sent too mom, thank you. 

I feel your prayers, and the angels are around us to guide us to the people who are ready to receive the restored gospel.  This week i had a conversation with my district leader about this scripture in Alma 13:24 how the angels are preparing the hearts of the children of men. Pres. Torgan has shared this scripture several times with us that really there are angels preparing the way, and when we arrive, the path has been opened, that is why it is so important that we pray always and ask Heavenly Father to guide us in this work.  Mom, you mentioned many times that you are praying to know who is ready to receive the gospel, and He is preparing the hearts of the people. The district leader shared an experience of another elder who began praying asking Heavenly Father to send angels to prepare the hearts of the people. As this elder did this, he started finding people who were prepared by the Lord and ready to receive the gospel.  Irmã Thomas and i started applying this in our prayers, and one of the results was with the family of Bibiana. 

 

This week we were with Bibiana´s family a lot, teaching, inviting helping Alfredo prepare for baptism this easter sunday. Bibiana, the mom was a bit hesitant to give permission because she wanted to have a big festa for him, like they had for their daughter in the catholic church, but we assured her that the festa in heaven is way greater than any festa we can make here on earth. The baptismal service was really special. First the whole famiy came to church! It was awesome and there were four people confirmed who were baptized 2 weeks ago (the elders area) they are a family of mom and 3 kids! 

Something really that touched me was when we samg the song `Sou um filho de Deus` it´s a song that we sing often in baptisms, but this time it was particularly special because, well on saturday i asked Alfredo which songs he wanted to be sung and he said first Mais Perto quero estar (nearer my God to Thee) then sou um filho de Deus because after being baptized he could really say that he is a child of God. !  It was so great and the spirit was sweet!  Irma Thomas and I also got to sing Lead Kndly Light as a special music number.  Trma Thomas has a really beautiful voice and i was nervous that i would mess it up, but really the angels were singing with us and the spirit filled the room. 

It was a really special experience and Alfredo one day wil have the opportunity to serve a mission!! (he´s 12)

 

Reflecting on the true meaning of easter, it was a really interesting week, as we as a district studied more in depth the atonement of our Savior. He truly lives and is on our side every step of the way. He knows everything about every single one of us and He knows how to cure us one by one. I am grateful for the opportunity to, in my weakness, be a representative of Him, the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world.  Our stake president spoke of how the Savior never give up, even though He had the power to do so, but because of love, He never gave up and finished His work.

 

Oh it is wonderful!

 

Have a great week!

com amor,

Irma Michael

 

 

Graças damos a Deus por um profeta!

April 2, 2012

mom i am writing in response to the letters you just sent last week, i opened them here in front of the computer.  i loved the analogy of the last leg of the race.  thank you for what you said about don´t look back, because if i do i will trip and fall.  The spirit prepares the way in everything, i know this to be true!  after studies today we were cleaning our house and i began to reflect a little on this time i have been here, and i almost started to fall, but then i remebered the sweet merciful power of the atonement. Christ is real and He is always by our side to give us the comfort and strength we need to press onward. this morning during studies our district leader called with scriptures from the Zone Leaders about the atonement, our zone had a weak week and the zone leaders felt we need to apply the atonement in our personal lives and also in the lives of the people we teach.  irma thomas and i had a good conversation about the scriptures we read.  Mosiah 28:3, DeC 19:17, and Alma 36:20-21.  Christ doesn´t want ano one to suffer. He has provided the way, and we have to do our part to help those who are lost to find their way home.  The great joy comes when we have Him on our side fighting with us!

Irmã Thomas made an analogy last night of an experience we had with irma stillman a few weeks ago, i will try to share it:

our life is compared to getting on a train ride to eternal life, and we need a ticket to get on the train.  When we get to the ticket machine, we start putting in our money, it is all small change because we have made other expenses to make it to the station.  As we are putting in the change, we start to get nervous because it looks like we won´t have enough. then the machine starts rejecting our little change we have, one of us runs to find someone who can help us get bigger change, and that person does everything she can to help us find the change. When the one runs back to the machine, the other says, don´t worry, it´s all been payed for, we had enough.  Then, with awe, we are able to pass through the gate and enter the train, and be on our way. 

That part that we don´t understand fully is like the atonement of Jesus christ.  He says "the price has been payed" We don´t understand how He has done it, but through His infinite mercy, all is complete, we in our weakness, are sufficient to enter His kingdom. 

How grateful I am for the mercy of the Savior, even though i am a lot farther away than just some "change", but because of the infinite love that He has for each of us, we are sufficient.  we pay our price, give all that we can, and then, we allow His mercy to take over.  And, not until later, we recognize that He was with us the whole time. He helped us along the pathway to get the the train station.  He wipes away every single tear.  He knows every heartache and every pain that we go through. I am so grateful for the gift of the Atonement in my life. I really don´t understand so many things, and my actions haven´t always reflected what my mouth speaks, but I know that Christ lives.  He is with us along the journey, the whole way. 

I really enjoyed general conference!  it was awesome! One thing i want to share here is what I think Elder Robert D. Hales said, ther are two pathways. The way of Christ which brings light and true joy and love, and the way of satan which brings misery and doubt and darkness.  This was a clear message to me to reflect on everything that I do. Is this following Christ or satan. 

And, he, also talked about gratitude. Everyting that we have comes from God and we should give Him all the thanks and glory!

And, we are here to bring this message to all people!  There is no other way they will receive it if we don´t do our part.  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father trusts in young weak things of the world. He knows best, and He has paved the way. The weak things of the world have been sent to confound the wise. But, power comes through HIM, the Savior Jesus Christ.  He has sent His spirit , the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion, to guide the path through the darkness.  There are so many people searching for this LIGHT. 

 

This past week was an interesting battle.  Each week is a battle to help our brothers and sisters get on the path. Irmã Thomas and i have been working with this family, parents and 4 children. Well, the dad participated in the first lesson, when irma stillman was still here, but since then has been occupied with other things. And one of the kids is always gone. But, Bibiana is the mom and we contacted her last transfer and invited her to a church activity that wednesday, she couldn´t make it, but said she would go to church. we called her on sunday and she said she would come! this was 3 sundays ago.  She only stayed for sacrament and didn´t want to mark another appointment. But, Pai Celestial put her in our path during that week, and she said we could come by that thursday. unfortunately we didn´t make it. So friday, we passed by without calling, and the family was at home! (they are on holiday for 2 weeks for easter) we had a intro lesson with them and invited them to read the book of mormon and pray about it! Awesome! Then saturday we had an activity at the church (barbeque) and Alfredo (12) and Tiago (6) came!  They had a great time playing footbal with the members!  The next day Bibiana and Alfredo and tiago came to church!  We passed by monday night and talked a little with Alfredo and Catiana (19) who said would go to church but then overslept. they really liked church!! We have been teaching them all week, and they are so awesome! they read the book of mormon together and pray together sometimes, and thursday and friday we taught the plan of salvation!  They said they are grateful for hearing about this plan so that they know the path to go in this life and that death is not the end!! We invited them to general conference on sunday and they came! the mom said she couldn´t come, but then showed up sunday!  Alfredo and Catiana stayed for 2 sessions (the only two i have seen until now...) and the questions they brought were answered!  Mine were also answered! i am so grateful for the power of the holy ghost who brings the truth unto our hearts and allows us to seek, and understand truths! 

I am so grateful for our living prophet!!

 

sorry, i ended up writing a lot, but didn´t get to all, and was gonna write other things but tudo bem. i hope you all enjoyed conference and i know that the Lord provides the way for us in all things!

The church is ttrue!

and president torgan was called to be a seventy!  Holy cow!!

 

lvoe you all thank you for your prayers!!

 

xoxo Irma Michael

i got the letters from williams russell aubs and amy! Thank you so much! also package from aunt gaile!  obrigada!!! love you al

forget about the bad go forward with faith and hope in christ!"

On Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 1:44 PM, Hillary Michael  wrote:

my last shall be my best!

On Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 1:44 PM, Hillary Michael wrote:

i just sent another email jsut for you and dad.

ellen i s growing tons!

On Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 1:43 PM, Hillary Michael  wrote:

mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!  i love you!  i am sorry for my mistakes

On Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 1:39 PM, Martha Michael  wrote:

Great news you are with Irmá Thomas! Remember Irmá Speigle was with you her last transfer....you loved her and you loved the people together. Go and do likewise. Hillary go and do everything you have been doing your entire mission.all the lessons you have learned....Irmá Thomas is so blessed to be with you in mem Martins and clearly there its so much for you to do. I think the best advise I could give to you is to go out each day and make it Better than the day before. Meaning, love love love and love the people by giving them all you have. We love you momma From: Hillary Michael ; Sent: Mon, Mar 26, 2012 10:34:23 AM YAY! they are all growing up so fast!!  happy birthday ashlyn!! mom and dad: time is killing me...!!! how was the last little part of your mission?? i feel like i have been a sleep in terms of time not paying attention... and now i am with anxiety, what am i supposed to do in this time? how do i measure my progress? of all the things i haven´t learned yet, how am i going to learn it all now... you know?!!  well, these are just some of my thoughts running through my head right now... transfers and well, we didnt have much sucess this past transfer i feel like i was a great slacker, not focusing in the right area which is baptism... well, i am grateful i have this time to really show my love for hte people of mem martins. i feel like that scripture is true if you try to find your life you will lose it, but if you learn to lose your life for Christ´s sake, you will find it.  i don´t know many things but i know that the church is true and God loves us everyone! Irma stillman is going to Madeira!!!! she will serve with irma Thayer! i just talked with her on the phone! i am so grateful for her! she just served with irma young who was the first that i trained.  i feel like  i am definitely in a dream!!  WELL, I AM staying wiht irma thomas, not training, i think heavenly father said ja chega. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with irm athomas more time i have a lot to learn wiht her and also we have lots of work to do. we were planting lots of seeds and now we have to reap and help the people of mem martins progress!!  love you! xoxo Irma michael

March 26, 2012

WOW!!  obrigada!

 

Ellen, thank you for sharing your testimony with me. 

I am so full of fear and doubt right now. i feel like i am that person you were.  still reading the scriptures but still slipping. obedience is the first law of heaven, if we don´t accomplish the first law, we are in no way going to make it back to live with God, our Father.

 

Dad, i decided to send this letter to you instead of ellen. i am grateful for your help during my entire mission, now i the beginning of that last stretch.  if i look back i will definitely not wan tot keep moving forward. i am so grateful taht heavenly father has allowed me to serve with so many new missionaries because i have not had time to think about the past mistakes.  i have repeated so many of the same mistakes this whole time. i finally began to recognize that i have to literally make changes in my thoughts, beliefs and actions in order to show heavenly father my desire. but there are a lot of things i haven´t done and now the time is so short, i haven´t been really good at allowing heavenly father to mold me because i have had the desire to give up (take the easier way) but that is not the wway of God.

 

This week, we had lunch thursday with a member and when we arrived, irma reis was there hiding behind the door. it was so awesome to see her, but really weird too. my mind started to race thinking about the changes i have or have not made yet.  At night, our district leader talked to me and asked me if i am getting trunky. i lost it in that moment, and started to cry on the phone, he gave me 2 scriptures isaiah 41:10 and luke 1:37 with Christ all things are possible.   that day, i had been reflecting a lot on how will i be when i get home. dad i am so scared because i have made so many mistakes, and haven´t lived to the potential that heavenly father has for me. i feel like i am nnow "passed feeling" we haven´t marked anyone for baptism in 3 weeks, since irma reis left. i just haven´t been acting with the revelation that god has given me.~

 

how do i know if i am close to christ? b their fruits ye shall know them. well fruit is changes, and helping people enter baptism and change their lives.

 

basically, i just want to know your opinion...

Irma Reis, Irma Michael, Irma Stillman Irma Torgan Pres. Torgan

Irma Encalcadas y Irma Michael

Baptism

Jelson, Ismael, and Bibiana

We just came out of a very spiritual lesson with a guy named Jelson. Jelson is a man that we contacted last Sunday when we were waiting for the train to take us to our lunch appointment after church. We missed the train with the elders and had to wait 15 minutes. We were standing outside the ticket box when this man looked a little lost. He said he was looking for someone, his cousin, who said would meet him at the station. We talked with him briefly and invited him to an activity Wednesday night at the chapel (night of integration). He said if it worked he would come, gave us his number and we wished him luck in finding his friend. I remember thinking, well maybe that lost person he is trying to find is God, then we got on the train and left. Wednesday came and he didn't´t answer our phone call nor came to the activity, none of the people we invited came. Saturday rolled around and Maria Reis with whom we had been working for these two weeks, was gone to a funeral, and almost all of our appointments we had lined up had fallen through. Well, i decided to start calling all of our references, including Jelson. And he answered! Originally i invited him to church, but then asked if he had time to pass the church at 5, and he said sure. We got to the church at 5:04 and called him and he said he had already passed by rang the bell and had left. We asked forgiveness for our lack of punctuality and he said he would come back. So he showed up about 20 minutes later. Before he got to the church, i was getting nervous thinking, well he´s probably not gonna show up and it is our fault for being late and blah blah blah and then he showed up. :) Irmã Michael is still in the process of learning patience and waiting on the Lord. So he came in and we gave a tour of the chapel, starting with the sacrament meeting room. We all felt the spirit strongly! Then we went to the baptismal font room where we also have gospel principles class. There we showed him the font and testified. Irma Stillman bore powerful testimony of her conversion 4 years ago and how it changed her life. It was awesome, we invited him to be baptized when he know that the is the right path for him and he said yes! He also said, "i was baptized when i was a baby but that´s okay right to be baptized again?" We said of course not! We also explained authority through Joseph smith and gave him a copy of the book of Mormon and he agreed to come to church! So he came to church! When he arrived, Elder Silva greeted him then Ismael gave him a huge welcoming hug. Ismael is a recently returned missionary, he served in Porto and finished with Irma Speigle. We had called him to ask him to welcome Jelson. Ismael sat with him during sacrament meeting it was awesome!! We also had called a girl that we contacted super quick in the street one day after leaving our apartment. Bibiana, and we invited her to church and she said she would come! She only could stay for the first hour but she loved it too! we found out that she has three kids at home and she has a really busy life. Other people said they would come to church but didn't´t make it. Oh, and this other cool story, we met a blind man in the street the first week we got to mem martins, that Irma reis remembered helping when she served here a year ago. We had seen him various times since then, and early in the week we saw him again and had the opportunity to get to know him better. he told us that he is Mormon! and that 25 years ago he was in the bishopric!! But for various reasons, including being offended, he stopped going to church. We invited him to come and he came!!! He is so incredible! A very humble man and he is 81 years old! His name is Manuel Bernardo. The bishopric made sure to announce from the pulpit a great welcome for him. It was incredible! And there are 2 recent converts Sandro and Sandrina who are twins, 9 yrs old who haven´t been coming to church, but this week we picked them up and they had a great experience!! Well, back to Jelson, we had a lesson with him and Ismael this morning and the spirit was incredible! Wow! He basically believes in God but he feels like he doesn't´t have that certainty that everyone around him seems to have. As he was leaving he said if he could he would stay in the church forever all day every day! He had a huge smile on his face too!! It was awesome! Well, this week i feel like Heavenly Father was testing my faith in Him. It is after the trial of our faith that we overcome obstacles. I am so grateful to know with certainty that God is my father and he cares about me. He wants all of us to communicate with Him daily. I have so many weaknesses, but He still uses me as an instrument in His hands. There is so much more work to do! Obrigada for your love and prayers and support!! Have a great week! Share the love of the Savior with someone who needs it! com amor do Salvador, Irmã Michael

OTHER THOUGHTS

Other thoughts in relation to the above...

I haven’t really made it a goal to specifically be a PREACH  MY GOSPEL  missionary. I have always said in my mind, "Well I am trying..." but haven’t applied all the principles. It is now my goal to apply! 

I am learning a lot with Irma Stillman - she is goal oriented, and I really have been feeling a difference as I have been applying more principles of the gospel into teaching.

Good thing I am still a greenie myself and have lots of time to keep learning!!

I had really awesome personal studies this week, and I felt the spirit working a lot more in our teaching and contacting. Speaking in this, we had 28 other lessons this past week, but only 2 progressing investigators and 1 in church (last week we had 0, it is super weird without investigators in church!!!)  Our district leader called us back and asked how is that possible to have so many lessons and very few progress. It was a good conversation and part of the conclusion we came to is that we are not doing a good job in follow-up to know if our investigators are progressing.  It was another click moment that I really haven’t understood that concept until now. Of course baptism is the biggest priority but it will never happen if investigators don’t pray or read the Book of Mormon first or go to church.  I am very grateful for inspired leaders and companions who understand this concept, so that we can make changes and help people progress!!  I am learning about the importance of priorities.  In many ways I try to run doing everything I can to help in the work of the Lord but as someone once said I believe Elder Caussé the spirit likes preparation.  So when we prepare according to our priorities things will work out.

...I didn’t really prepare this email or basically any email that I write so it is usually just my random thoughts but hey, some things don’t change or haven’t yet... :)

Anyway, it was a great week of learning!  We had a surprise Tuesday morning that Irma Reis would leave Tuesday instead of Wednesday so we left the house immediately to do contacts instead of do our studies, she was really upset that she had to leave a day early, but the last was the best! We found some awesome people!!!  Then an hour after she left, about 6pm we received a phone call that we would be receiving another companion!!!  Irma Thomas was in Vila Real (Porto) but was transferred to serve with us!!!  Some things happened in her area, she was in a tripla too, and well, it worked out perfectly because we lost Irma Reis, and Irma Thomas jumped right in!!  She is from Canada, and she was companions with Irma Urgiles Encalada in the MTC!! 

Great excitement!  A reminder that God is in control of all things!!

Obrigada for all of your prayers and support!  I love this work! It is the best!

Read the book of Mormon- there is so much power in that book!!

Have a great week!!

com amor,

Irma Michael

PS  song for this week:  Vonde ó filhos do senhor

Advice for a NEW GREENIE

Tell that mom that yeah... it is hot in the summer and really cold in the winter :)

I have everything that I need here. You know me... I just deal with it, but surprisingly everything has been working out, and Portugal has just about everything that we have in the states. I remember when I arrived that I was surprised that they have lots of things we have.

As for advice to a new greenie... well, OBEY the counsel of your leaders. They are inspired and they know the "why" behind the counsel they give. This whole time I have tried to apply what I have learned from my leaders, but not literally changed my thoughts behavior and beliefs in the moment they have invited us to change. It has taken me until now, and I am still learning. We only can progress when we correct our errors in the moment. At Christmas conference, Elder Texeira, talked about repentance- a change of thoughts, behaviors and beliefs, (in PMG). Literally means change behavior. Don’t go back and do the same thing over again.  This is probably the thing I wish I would have understood earlier on.  Also, have fun!  Make missionary work fun as you proselyte, and make sure that the members and investigators can see how living the gospel makes us happy people!  I was reading the book of Mormon this week in Mormon 8:38... I imagine that Moroni was trying to figure out why there was such great destruction among the Nephites,..I imagine that one of the reasons he discovered is because of the focus the people had on the things of the world and preoccupation, fear, Embarrassment in the eyes of the world, (trusting in the arm of flesh) instead of trusting in that God who is their Father and who created all things!  I am coming to the end of the Book of Mormon in Portuguese and finally I am recognizing that there is no need to be embarrassed, or timid or shy or weak as to the things of the Lord. He makes us strong when we come unto Him.

Also, all the answers are in Preach My Gospel!  In our zone meeting this past week, President Torgan gave us 2 challenges: 1-PRAY with faith, Nothing doubting. 2-BE PREACH MY GOSPEL MISSIONARIES.

Well, maybe there is something out of what I just wrote that you can give to the new Irma as advice...

BTW, I was in the office in January and saw the photo of a girl that said she was from Downey, CA...??  mistake, or Spanish stake?? Just curious… She is coming in March I think?

Tao Humilde Ao Nascar

One of Irmã Reis´s favorite hymns :)

 

Well, this past week we had rain for the first time in a really really long time. It seems that the rest of Europe is getting water, except us, but no problem for missionary work here :) I enjoy the sun!

 

We had a wonderful zone conference with President Torgan and the zone of Lisboa. Desire, Obedience, Repentance, and Diligence were great focuses, and also the importance of teaching our investigators that the gift of the holy ghost really is the most important gift that they can receive - help in practical life now. It is so true the gospel is so simple and we have a responsibility as missionaries to help our investigators see that the gospel is simple and the best way to happiness. The simple truths are the best!

 

We have been working a lot with a lady, Sara, who has had contact with the misisonaries for over 2 years, and knows all the commandments, and knew that it was God´s will for her to be baptized this last sunday, but she wasn´t ready to make the promise wiht God yet. We will continue to help her feel the spirit so that she can not only feel but act.

Antonio who was baptized a few weeks ago received the Holy Ghost, even though he was really sick. I know that the power of the priesthood is real. The Holy Ghost works through those who are willing to listen.

Irma Reis has been really sick so Irma Stillman and i went on an adventure to know the area better, and we found a man who had contact with the mormons years ago. now he has 3 kids and invited us to come back this week to teach about families. we are excited!!

Follow the spirit and everything works out!!

Have a great week!

 

Com amor, Irmã Michael

Miracles

Last night Irma Urgiles called me and told me the great news that both Helder and Christina were baptized!!!  This is such exciting news to hear!!  Remember Helder?  He is the man 40yrs old who was drunk when we met him the first 2 times, but when we arrived in his house (his mom is a less active many years) my companion beared powerful testimony about repentance... basically just forget about what happened yesterday, it already passed, and focus on what you are going got do today!  Helder struggled for 20 years with alcohol and the mom was tired of it, so was all the family. They were ready to put him in the street when we arrived.  The mom was baptized 14 years ago with another son, and over time they went inactive. we found them because we were looking for another reference but couldn´t find the house so we knocked Helder´s door to ask if they knew the reference, Olga. The mom, Adelaide answered and said no, but then told us that she is mormon. (but now is Jehovah witness)  Anyway, it was a miracle big time and he was baptized yesterday!!!!  one of the greatest miracles of my mission!!

The other person Christina is another great miracle!!!  She has a daughter Rute, and when i was serving with Irma Brown we passed one or two times, (we found them in the Area book/a list of people that other missionaries had written) but with irma brown it never worked to enter their house.  Then with irma Walker, we made a list of all the people in the area book that had gone to church and prayed about who was ready for baptism.  We felt Christina and Rute. We went to their house, but cristina works monday-friday until 9pm, so our time was limited. We prayed at the door a few times but never were able to enter their house.  Then Cristina came to church on Christmas.  THen when Irma Urgiles Encalada arrived, Christina was our "revelado" ou seja, she needed to be baptized that first, or second week, i can´t remember... and we went to their house and they let us in. We talked wiht them and invited them to be baptized, (soft invitation) and they both accepted and said they want to be baptized.  (Oh i forgot to say this... cristina is the sister of a member, Isabel chagas martins in the ward of setubal. she received all the lessons 4 years ago and her sister was baptized but she gave up and wasn´t.  Her other daughter silvia was also baptized years ago but became inactive).  Ok, then we returned the next day to invite them to be baptized for that weekend, but they were in doubt, (and i struggle giving pressure to people, so i was doubting too) Anyway, after the lesson, we were all unsure if they would accept.  The next night, we didn´t feel that we could invite them to be baptized right in that moment, so we instead just expressed our love for them and that we are here to help them on their journey that will begin with baptism and that when they are ready they will know.  We invited them to church and left.  That sunday Cristina was going to come to church but the baby of Rute got sick so they didn´t show.  ...weeks passed... and we felt cristina and rute again so we went back to their house. Cristina expressed desire to stop smoking so we bought tons of Vitamin C and gave her `cigarros de cristo` that is, a bunch of scriptures rolled up like cigarretes, and instead of smoking read a scripture!  She loved it and immediately stopped smoking!!  We passed varios times that week and she came to church on that sunday! Then came the last week of the transfer and we passed their house to invit them to be baptized this sunday that just passed, but they were eating dinner and invited us to eat with them, so we did and didn´t get the chance to invite her.  then the next day was my second to last day, we passed by at 9:10 at night, i was nervous because we didn´t have much time and i didn´t know if she would accept and the baby was a big distraction and and and, then we just sat down, said a prayer with her adn rute, then we basically just, i don´t even know but the spirit did his work and cristina jsut said, you guys want to invite me to be baptized right? yeah we said this weekend. Then she said, "okay, yeah, i woke up the other day and the thought came to me, i am going to be baptized in the church of Jesus Christ! And then you are inviting me so yeah i will be baptized this sunday!" 

My face was like, jaw drop, what, and YES! and Holy Cow!! and Excitement!!!!  Wow!  it was awesome!!  Then my companion invited Rute to be baptized wiht her mom, but she didn´t have an answer still but said she would pray. 

So em fim, Cristina and Helder were baptized!!!!  Miracles!!

Tudo Bem Todo Bem

Tudo bem tudo bem

 

(The theme of a jovem in Setúbal)

 

Olá from Mem Martins!!!  I served here for one day with Irma Thayer in my 4th transfer when we were doing visas.  When i was here we had a ward council meeting so i had the opportunity to meet some of the members. And now i am serving here!! How cool!! It is a ward much like setubal... funcional lots of members, supportive of missionary work and eleitos!! 

I stayed in Setubal until thursday which was a great blessing for Irma Urgiles Encalada because she is now training 2 new missionaries!!!! (one from france the other from cabo verde)  She was praying that i would stay with her until thursday to help her organize a little bit, and then we received the call about ten minutes later that we would stay together!!! it was a great blessing!!  Also, during those days, we marked Domingos for baptism next week(i think he is still marked) and we also invited Christina to be baptized this week (yesterday) i was really grateful for that time to prepare the area to explode for when the greenies got there.

Las Tres Irmas

I love my new companions and this new area!! My fourth "daughter" is Irmã Stillman from Grass Valley, CA she is soooo cool!!  She is the only member in her family, and graduated from nursing school before coming because her parents weren´t very supportive of her interrupting her studies.  And of course i love serving with Irma Reis!!!  She is our GPS for these 3 weeks that she is here.  On friday she called an old investgator of hers from one year ago. he (Antonio) met with us in the chapel and we marked him fro baptism on sunday. then saturday we taught him a summary of all the lessons (to help him re-remember) and he was baptized yesterday!!

Miracles mesmo!!!

The training for the new missionaries was awesome!! There were 25 new missionaries!! and 15 are irmas!!! holy irmas!!  there are 3 or 4 irmas that are training 2 new missionaries!!

I love this work, even though i don´t always express my love. i also love my savior and irmao Jesus Cristo. This is the best work ever!!!

Have a great week, and remember, miracles happen every day!!

com amor,

irma Michael

ps i was thinking so much about the temple this week!  congrats aubrie!!! i am so excited for you!

Smile! 3 Nephi 19:25

Silva was a miracle that Irma Urgiels felt inspired to contact one night late before entering our apartment. i said to her that it was already too late and that we needed to enter our apt. When we entered, my comp said a prayer asking Heavenly Father to protect that rapaz, whom she felt was an elect.  A few weeks later, we found him again right outside our apt. We marked to meet with him, and then began to teach him.  He is so incredible!!!  He felt the spirit so strong when he enterd the capela!  we have been teaching him for these 2 weeks, and he was baptized on Sunday night.

Church was so amazing! We had 10 investigators in church and the elders had 12 investigators. a baby was blessed and friends came to support.  Our investigator, Helder accepted baptism for this next weekend so the Irmãs will have baptisms this weekend!! i will stay here until Thursday to help get things ready for when the new companion comes.

This was an answer to my companions prayer! she just wanted more time with me so that we can prepare everything, i thought that would not happen, but the Lord answers every prayer!!  another evidence of the miracles that just keep happening!!!

 

Here we go!!  i love you all and the Savior is the head of this work!!

 

Have a fantastic week!!!

Smile!  (3 nephi 19:25)
Irma michael

Count The Blessings and See the Miracles

*Hino preferido de minha colega Irmã Urgilés Encalada

 

Well, another transfer has come to an end, and an end to my time here in Setúbal has come.  I was praying for the last week that my comp would stay here because there is so much work to be done!  That prayer was answered, and she is staying!! She will be training a new missionary!!!  She is only going to start her 2nd transfer but she came pre-trained!  Maybe she learned a thing or two, this transfer, she has taught me a ton!!!  Especially to count the blessings and see the miracles!  It is all about the people here!  Everyone needs the gospel, and everyone deserves to hear the message!  i know i have not expressed much or shared even a part of the miracles we have seen, but they just always keep coming! Everyone is a special child of God who needs to feel the Savior´s love!

This area is incredible!  The ward so so awesome, the people are just amazing and have the desire to learn about the Savior.  Almost everyone knows about the missionaries which is awesome!  The bishop speaks with the tongue of angels.  He has a great gift to transmit the will of the Lord for everyone to hear.  I am so grateful for the time that i have had here.

 

I am being transfered to Mem Martins and i will be training again!!!  I will also be serving with Irmã reis who will finish her mission here in 3 weeks!  What a great blessing to serve with her again fo rthe 5th time! I love her!

 

The Savior lives and loves us, everyone, equally!

 

We had more miracles this week, Silva was baptized and is excited for his new life!

 

com amor,

irma michael

I Am Learning

Mom, how are you doing?? 

I don´t remember the last time that i asked that question to you or anyone at home. 

I think that my worst problem is always looking at my faults and not being able to look beyond them.  sorry that i always write home about the difficulties and not the miracles.  But really there are so many miracles happening every day here. This is a mission of miracles. 

Last night before going to bed i was talking with my companion and she is incredible!  i don´t remember where we started the conversation but it turned to trust in God. This is my greatest weakness. Let Heavenly father work through me. 

know and not do is sin.  The savior was always serving the people, working together. The Savior suffered the most when He was alone in the garden.  We suffer more when we try to do things on our own. my comp has helped me see that i am always trying to do things alone instead of together with my companion, or with the ward, or with the spirit.  yeah i get nervous, all the time. but the fears are less when i trust in the spirit and let heavenly father work through me.  i realized last night that i don´t trust that the decisions that i make are right, or can be good, but my comp always always is trying to support me and help me be better.

I am learning. Gratitude and service are the best medicines, just follow the Savior´s example!

Look outwards and help them, everyone needs the Savior!!

PS i am training again!! will be transferred thursday to Mem Martins (oeiras zone) my comp will train here in Setubal!

love you so much!  Thank you for always praying for me and the people we are teaching.
com amor, irma michael  (i will write more agora...)

3 Nefi 19:25

ALI EU ENTRAREI

Alí eu entrarei!!!!  

 

Obrigada for your love and support!  Jacob sent a link to a mormon message about the temple!  I love the temple and i am so grateful for the blessing we have here in portugal to prepare the people for the temple!!  we had stake conference, it was a transmission from SLC for all of Portugal and Spain!  Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Christofferson, Sister Dalton, and Elder Zwick spoke. it was marvelous!! Some of the topics were ESPERANÇA 2 nefi 31:20(my favorite word in portuguese); Virtue and chastity; 4 lessons from pres monson (1. Missionary service, 2. Rescue those that are lost, 3. marriage, 4. youth - work wiht them and help them stay active in the church; and President Uchtdorf shared 3 important simple things that will help us stayfirm 1. temple reccomend and for the strength of youth pamflet. 2. study the scriptures daily, 3. have a conversation with Heavenly Father daily.

These were all topics we had talked with our investigators that were present and i was really grateful that they were able to hear those words from prophets fo the Lord too! 

We have a few investigators that are progressing it is so amazing to see them grow in the gospel truths!!

 

Helder- maybe i already wrote about him, but he is the son of a MA. He had a big problem with alcohol, but is doing really well by not drinking this whole week!!  He really loves studying the book of mormon!! 

Silva- a rapaz that contacted us the other week; He came to church sunday and found out that he has a few friends that come to church here!!!  He also is progressing well, he says very time he enters the church he just feels so good, and he knows that this is where he is supposed to be!!!!  it is amazing to see and hear the testimonies of people who feel a physical difference in this church that is different than all the other churches!

Ramona - she only speaks spanish, she is from Guiné Ecuadoriano; she is here 5 months pregnant to have her baby. her husband is from here,. we have had a few lessons with her in spanish. It is so neat to see how closely related are spanish and portuguese!! Irmã Urgiles translated everything in conference on sunday for her.

Cristina - we have been working with here on and off since i arrived here in setubal. she is an amazing woman who is making lots of sacrifices each day for her daughter and grandson. Her sister, and other daughter are members, she just hasn´t made that step yet.  She started a program to stop smoking, we are helping her with that - lots of vitamin C!! :)

Domingues - a man who just made 25 years married, but is separated from his wife about one year. he is really sad with his life right now. he has been passing some hard times. we found him on the street a few weeks ago and have only been able to meet with him a few times. he wants to know which church is the right one... he has been receiving people from different religions and is confused. we keep inviting him to pray about Joseph smith and the book of mormon.  

This week we were teaching i don´t remember who, oh yeah, Helder and his mom who is menos ativa, tj, she said she is just confused and has lots of questions, and i remember just testifying that really the only question we have to ask is "is the book of Mormon true? and Is Joseph smith a prophet?"  If so, then the church of jesus christ has been restored!!!

 

I am learning so much each day!! 
We had interviews with President Torgan and he talked about how each day each of us attends a school. The proffesor is teh Spirit. It is our part to pay attention to the professor and apply those teachings so that we can progress.  He also said we as missionaries are here to do the Will of God and not the will of the natural man. Those natural habits need to go to the garbage so we can turn into spiritual beings that Heavenly Father needs.  Then in my interview i told pres. that i have lots of things to throw in the lixo (garbage). It is true. it is also a process. One step at a time, one thing at a time that we accomplish. us and our investigators. 

 

I love you all and i know that HEavenly Father is guiding our every footstep!  have a great week!!

 

xoxo

irmã Michael   

NO MONTE BANDERIA

A banner is unfurrled!  (sp?)

I love my companion sooooo much!!!!!!  She is so incredible!

On saturday after leaving our house after lunch, we said boa tarde to
a guy, and then continued in front, but my comp felt she needed to
talk to him. he also had the intention to talk to us.  He is a guy i
have seen many times since geteting here to Setubal but i have never
really talked to him in the past.  My comp started talking to him
first then i joined in teh conversation.  We ended upo talking for
like 15 minutes and he said that he has been looking for the right
path, and has experimented wiht different religions but something is
really pulling him to our church. he said that he has seen us many
times and always felt something, and finally the opportunity came to
talk to us!  HE is elect!!!!  We invited him to church but couldn´t
come, but we met with him after church and he explained more of his
desire for some time to enter our church!!!!  the spirit was strong on
our lesson!  we invited him to be baptized and he accepted!!!!    We
are so excited and grateful to heavenly father for this miracle!!!

Also, last week we were looking for the house of a reference, and
couldn´t find it so we knocked the door of someone and she opened and
after asking for direction, she told us that she (adelaide) is a
member!!!  that she was baptized many years ago!!!  but now she is TJ.
We told her we will return another day!  Then, sunday night we had a
lesson marked with her neighbor, but as we were about to enter their
house, the son of  adelaide talked with us and invited us to talk with
him, and his family.  WE entered their house and there was Isabel, mom
of Hugo, recent convert!  She is family with adelaide!!!!  small
world!!  then we started to talk with them, and they explained that
the son, (helder) has a huge problem with alcohol. my comp shared
super powerful testimony of the atonement and how this is the only way
that will cure this family!  we are starting the 12 step program (LDS
services) with him tonight!

There are so many miracles happening here in setubal. there is also so
much potential that we have because with the Lord everything will work
out.  i am learning step by step to stop worrying (sometimes really
slowly learning but nonetheless) and to trust that it will work out!
Our ward is super incredible!!  the bishop is full of so much love for all!!
i love you all!!

Irma michael