Baptizing Jesus

1. Baptizing Jesus & Jennifer
That's right, this week we had a baptism of a kid named Jesus! I joked with my comp all week that he's the Lamanite version of John the Baptist:) We spent all week planning every little detail, and Saturday morning we had some setbacks. So we decided to say a special prayer and in the end everything went perfectly! I`m grateful that the Lord worries about and takes care of the little things.

The Baptism

2. Priesthood Power
This week we had zone conference! I was asked to conduct the conference and me and Elder Lopes gave a training. The day before I got sick and was worried that I wouldn't be able to fulfill my responsibilities, so I asked for a priesthood blessing. The next morning I woke up feeling great and everything went smoothly. I´m grateful for the power of the priesthood!

We passed in Urugauy on our trip to Livramento for zone conference!!! I can now say I've been in 2 South American countries.

zone conference in Livrament

 3. It´s too good to be true!
This area has a lot of part member families, and this week a couple that was recieving the Elders got married so the husband can be baptized! Well we felt strongly one night that we should go visit them and when we showed up I saw something that I was yet to see in 1 year and 3 months on the mission.... The family's Home Teachers!! Together we left a message and a blessing on the home. I´m grateful for faithful members of the church.

love you all:)
Elder Rawson

Rainbow after the rainstorm

our jungle visit

studying the good word of God

Natanael -- coolest RM ever!

The greatest of all sodas- guarana Jesus!

zone leaders Elder Lopes and Elder Rawson

Brazil Has My Heart

1. Update from Brasil
Hello everyone, things are going real well here and the Lord is blessing me in every moment! My new branch is amazing, the members here are super involved in missionary work. We had 6 investigators at church! I gave a talk, the 9th in 15 months, and I must say it went well. Our shower broke this week so we had 3 days of ice showers. You never count the small blessings until they're gone!

2. English Class- Felipe
My English class here in São Gabriel is coming along well! It’s mostly just members but there is a man who comes every week! We visited him and he has 0 religious background and beliefs, but he said that he usually has problems focusing in classes, but at English class
in the church when we start with a prayer he focuses noticeably better! Made me feel happy.

3. The sacrifice of the Brazilian Saints
The members here in Brazil are amazing! They truly are willing to give it all to the Lord to help build his kingdom. We're working with a part member family, and one of the girls is turning the big 15, but they didn't have much to give her a party or even a cake... So we told the YW pres and she got on it and threw a huge party! Now the rest of the family is progressing towards baptism... I love the people of Brazil with all my heart <3

love,
Elder Rawson

Lose Yourself and Go to Work!

1. Mission counsel in Santa Maria 
Helloooo everyone! Transfer week is always crazy. Monday night we traveled to Santa Maria for our mission counsel meeting! We talk about how we can make the mission better and overcome our weaknesses, and then receive training from President Louza! I enjoy passing by the city that I love so much.

2. New Area/Branch
So now I´m with my new comp, Elder Lopes, and we´re working in the other branch on the other side of town! We got here knowing nothing, but thank goodness the Elders before left the area book with addresses and a map! We spent all week running around getting to know the members and investigators and trying to find someone who´s ready for baptism! I´m grateful to have the Spirit with me to lead and guide me in every moment.

Me and Elder Lopes

3. Just go to Work!
This week President came to town for district conference, and he interviewed me and we had a great talk! We talked a lot about my zone, my area, and my progress as a missionary. At the end he asked me if I was having any difficulties, and I realized that I've been so busy serving that I haven't even had time to think about me! I know that when we lose ourselves 100% in the work that God takes care of us.

I testify that this is Christ's church and that The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on earth and that we should study it every day!

com amor por todos,  (with love for everyone)
Elder Rawson

our send of crew when Elder Loureiro left.

mission counsel friends

 I saw some friends during transfers

 our district

Ending the transfer with a bangg

1. Baptism of Guilherme
This week we saw a miracle that we never quite expected to happen... Guilherme was baptized! He spent his whole life as a dedicated member of another church but started receiving the missionaries 4 months back... It was hard for him to accept Sunday worship,  the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, BUT when he prayed and got an answer and "left everything, and followed Christ." His Pastor was furious, his family doesn't support him but he knew what was right and he did it! His story is such a testimony to me that Christ really restored His church and answers our prayers!

New Convert Guilherme is 22 years old and wants to serve a mission.

The baptism of Guilherme

2. Our visit to Pomares
So there is a little villa that is part of our area that's about 2 hours away on foot called "Pomares." This week we really felt inspired to visit there, contact a few addresses, and plant some seeds! So off we went and it was easy to see what God had prepared for us! Every house that we knocked let us in. It was amazing!

Some cool pictures of our area

Elder Rawson in beautiful Brazil

3. New Transfer
So sadly I´ll be saying goodbye to my favorite companion, Elder Loureiro, today.... He was amazing and I´ll forever be grateful for our time together! I was also shocked when President told me that I would be transferred to the other branch in the city! So I've got a new area, members, and comp! I know God will strengthen me and make miracles happen.

Love you all!
Elder Rawson

working with Elder Loureiro

Tie game on point

Brazilian children are amazing!

CHURRASCO!

Elders with branch President's family

pre-conference picture

Our district

my two favorite irmas

Morning running adventures

Elder Childs (an Elder I live with)  loves to run, so we go a couple of times a week

Conferencia Geral!

1. A wonderful confrence weekend
Hellllloooo everyone, I hope your week was as wonderful as mine! Listening to the teachings of latter day prophets is always a good way to spend your weekend! I loved all the talks about how to endure to the end well and not succumb to worldly temptations. My favorite Old Testament scripture was quoted at least 3 times (Proverbs 3:5-6). We watched it at the church building with our Branch and it was great!

2. The Little Victories
This week we were super happy with Guilherme's progress! He spent 10 years in another church and has been hearing the lessons for some time now, and after watching all 4 sessions of conference has accepted a baptism date! I am grateful that the Lord softens the hearts of people to hear our message.

That's all folks! This computer isn't letting me send pics, so apologies mom.

Elder Rawson