March 25, 2013 Seven Miracles in Nova Granada

I could also title this "Suffer the little children to come unto me."  Read on to find out why.

Five miracles and counting...

So this week (Oh, Hi everybody!):  Our zone’s goal was to have 7 miracles be baptized, and while as a zone, we didn’t have seven miracle baptisms, Elder Lucas and I did have 7 miracles happen in Nova Granada.

#1 – We are teaching a woman who just two weeks ago said (I’m translating into English): “Okay, Elders, you’re great and I like what you’re teaching me.  But just to be clear, I am not going to be baptized, understand?”  So what did we do?  We planned a special lesson on baptism (teaching that Jesus was baptized, He showed us the way, etc).  And you know what?  When I invited her to be baptized she said yes – that she wanted a change for the better in her life and it felt like the right thing to do.  Wow.

#2  – Elder Lucas and I are strengthened beyond our capacity.  Who would have thought that an American gringo and an Argentine newby – both learning Portuguese – would be doing the Lord’s work together in Brazil?!  Life is so good.

#3 and #4  – We’ve been teaching two families: “Family A” and “Family B.” Daughters in both families wanted to be baptized, but Mom A and Mom B were both apprehensive about it.  We had the baptismal interview with Girl A, and found her to be completely ready, but her mom declined permission, saying no, she would not approve (which is her right, and the Church respects parents’ wishes).  As we explained the concept of baptism, the mother’s heart softened and she decided to sign the permission form after all.  Mom B supported her daughter in her choice, and also signed the permission form.  So…both young ladies were baptized this last Saturday.  3 Nephi 11: 37-38: And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.  And again, I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

#5  –  I was able to confirm one of these girls, in Portuguese, and did so fluently, without making some horrible language mistake.  I love the power of confirmations!

#6  – We were walking down the street close to the church, and this man on crutches came up to us…(well, actually he staggered up to us because he had been drinking).  He asked us if we had any money because he was hungry.  We couldn’t give him any money, but we told him that if he’d wait we would get him some food.  We ran to the church and were looking for someone who might be able to help, when lo and behold, we found a giant platter of tuna sandwiches!  In the church! (Insert heavenly voices here :D !!)  Elder Lucas and I took a few back to the man.  Isn’t that awesome?!  The Lord provides in unexpected ways.

#7  – Repentance.  It is such a humbling experience to see the miracle of true repentance as it transforms the lives of people.  Christ lives and He loves us so much.  We can change our lives for the better though faith in Him, and a sincere desire to come closer to Him.  The church I represent isn’t just another good church, I testify that this is THE Church of Jesus Christ – the one He organized and ordained. 

I love you all.  Share your testimonies. 

Until next week, with all my love, Elder David Bean

Putting on white

March 18, 2013 Helping others take baby steps to the non-smoking elevator...

The news is old...but newly posted...so new to all you BeaninBrazil Blog readers!

Hi, everybody! Elder Lucas and I had a great week.  It was a super busy, a little stressful, kinda painful totally worth it, awesome-sauce week.  So what’s new?  Well, I’ll tell you:

Scriptural thoughts attached to cigarettes -
helping good people break a bad habit

1.  We’re working with some people who need to overcome their smoking addiction before their baptisms, and we are coming up with the craziest ideas! We've written scripture references on their cigarettes, made fake cigarettes for them to hold and encouraged them to tally how many cigarettes they smoke in a day on a picture of Christ.  It’s crazy, but the results are good!  From 3 packs a day (about 60 cigarettes) to ½ pack (10 a day) — They’re really progressing!  It’s so cool seeing people trying to “leave the world” behind.

2.  We don’t have any credits on our cell phone, so to talk to anybody we’ve been having to go there “ by foot” and talk face to face!  Ahh!!

3.  I’m the stroganoff wizard!  I’ve become really good at making rice and a good ol’ stroganoff.  Cool, huh?

Elder Groesbeck and Elder Bean

4.  We had a wonderful conference on Tuesday with a few other zones, and I learned a ton!  Our zone leaders (Elder Groesbeck and Elder Young) taught a great workshop on our purpose: to baptize.  Really, everything we do points to baptism, and I learned how to preach baptism in all I do.  Sometimes missionaries don’t want to invite people to be baptized because they don’t want to offend, be rejected or feel uncomfortable.  But when we treat baptism like a normal necessity (which it is), the people also see it as normal.  We learned a lot of other cool stuff, and as we’ve started applying it in our day-to-day work we’re seeing major differences already!  It’s super.  I also got to see Elder Petersen (my first trainer and companion in the field) at the conference. :)

5.  The “mantle” of responsibility I’ve been feeling is still heavy, but it’s also happy.  I love this work!

6.  If you had told me four months ago that I’d be teaching an Argentinean the Portugues language, and taking the lead in the lessons and making decisions for the work, I would have said you were crazy. I’m in Brazil, folks, on a mission, and so happy to be here!

Until next week!  Elder David Bean

Love, Elder David Bean