Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Leadership Training Meeting - Portao

Elders and Sisters at the Leadership Training Session in Portao.

Poderosas!!

Sisters Roy and Francesca getting ready to head out after the Leadership training.
And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever! Mosiah 15:17

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Wonderful New Group of Missionaries Arrive!!

A wonderful group of new missionaries arrived today. Many of them were taught in the MTC by one of our former missionaries, Elder Costa. In this powerful group was what I believe is the first missionary from Germany to serve here in the Curitiba Mission if not all of Brazil, Elder Schmidt. We now have missionaries from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Germany and the United States. It is truly an international mission!! Front Row, l to r: Sisters Miranda da Silva, Barbosa da Silva, Horkley, Hass, Cordon.
Back Row, l to r: Elder Melo, Presidente Cordon, Elders Sant'Anna, Romm, Guimaraes, Schmidt, Barkdull, Rodrigues, Hobbs, Reeves, Trevisanut, Twitchell, and Hugo.
Our new group arrives in the mission home. They are filled with hope and faith. What miracles they will do!!

Monday, November 21, 2011

November, 2011 Departure Meeting

This departure group really pulled at our heart strings. First we had the Carters leaving. They were our first missionary couple to arrive just days after we did. They served a wonderful mission, initially helping out in the mission office and then spending 10 fantastic months helping in the Prudentopolis branch leadership. They will be missed. Sister Jacinto was a powerful Sister who taught with the spirit. She is leaving to get her knees fixed. She has the faith of Job. Elders Tavares returns to Manaus having learned so much here that he will now use to help others there in the Amazon. Elder Lemos, our giant Brazilian, touched the hearts of so many people here. He had the blessing of having his parents pick him up and tour the mission with him. Last but not least are Elders Simper and Smith. They asked if they could extend one transfer in order to train and train they did. We love them all and will miss them everyday. Parents say goodbye to your missionaries one time, we have to say goodbye to missionaries every 6 weeks and it is really tough.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Bonsucesso Branch Presidency

Branch Presidency together after the dedication of the new chapel and the branch conference. Presidente Paulo Correa is third from the left and leads the church there.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Bonsucesso Guarapuava Chapel Dedication

We dedicated the new chapel in Guarapuava today. The district is so excited and the members of the Bonsucesso branch were super anxious to use this beautiful new house of the Lord. During the week the members held an open house each night. More than 300 neighbors and friends passed through the building prior to the dedication. Saturday night the chapel was dedicated by Presidente Derek L. Cordon, president of the Brasil Curitiba Mission in a full meeting. Present at the meeting was the presidency of the district of Guarapuava, several of the branch presidents, members and friends. Following the dedication, 5 baptisms were performed in the new baptismal font. Sunday, the 20th of November, the Bonsucesso Branch held their annual branch conference with over 110 in attendance.
Bonsucesso Branch members at the dedication. What a wonderful weekend!

First Baptisms in the New Chapel in Guarapuava

After the dedication of the building the branch held a baptismal service in the new font. It was great to see the excitement and commitment of our wonderful members there.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Xaxim Apartment Checks

Sister Cordon and I made a quick visit down to the Boqueirao Stake this morning and did an apartment check for Elders Menezes and Smith. Nice job Elders!! Their apartment was neat and clean as were they. They had the Spirit with them and were ready for a day of miracles.
Looking good Elders!! Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Elder Crook Trades Wisconsin Fall for Curitiba Spring!

Elder Crook arrived here in Curitiba after a long 20+ hours of travel from Wisconsin. He was greeted with a great Brazilian dinner at the mission home afterwhich he met his two new companions, Elders Simper and Fuchs. He will be working in Jardim do Sol.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Christmas Season arrives in Curitiba!

Christmas season has arrived here in Curitiba and Elders Simper and Fuchs arrived at the mission home just in time Wednesday evening to help get the decorations on the mission tree. We love this season of the year when the world reflects on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Conselho dos Lideres de Zona-A Greater Vision

We took our zone leaders to the top of the highest building in Curitiba during our zone leader council meeting to receive a more complete view of this great city. Thanks to President Geurtner, president of the Brazil Brazilia Mission and his son Guilherme for allowing us to visit this wonderful site.
Elder Lima Santos enjoying the Conselho dos Lideres de Zona.