June 9, 2014
Yep. This week is going to be INSANE!! A Copa Do Mundo (World Cup) starts Thursday with Brazil playing Croatia. I won't lie, in the beginning I was disappointed that the closest game was in the city of Sao Paulo, but after seeing how crazy things have already gotten, I'm really glad. The Area Presidency of Brazil has said what missionaries are to do. We have to be IN our house AT LEAST 30 minutes before start time of eacah game of Brasil, and we are to leave to work again 30 minutes after it's over. That's actually the rule for all of Brasil. so if you hear of missionaries that watched a game of Brasil.....yep.
This week was pretty good. Ah. We found and "eleito" (elect). Josenita in incredible. She came to Stake Conference and everything and is set to go for day 21. We had a lesson earlier this week about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hadn't taught the Word of Wisdom yet, but she said "Ever since you guys arrived I have had the urge to not put cigarettes in my mouth." So then the next lesson we taught the WOW with a member. Turns out she drinks a lot of coffee, and so did the member before baptism. And it was AWESOME to have the testimony of a member.
We had Stake Conference yesterday. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake, but in Portuguese to all the stakes and districts in Sao Pualo, Rio de Jeneiro, and a couple others. Claudio Costa and the rest of the area presidency spoke. along with Elder Scott and Elder Ballard. Elder Ballard spoke in English with a translator, but Elder Scott just spoke in Portuguese. I love Elder Scott, but his Portuguese wasn't too great. It was really hard to understand. But it was really good. He encouraged more sincere prayers.
AND BOA SORTE to Nat and Trev. Oh my gosh. I can't believe my brother is getting married on Saturday! That's pretty crazy. Don't worry, you don't need to send pictures (yep. That's a hint). Syd said she would send plenty. (PS she's the champion).
I love you all and hope all is well there in Utah (And D.C. and Argentina and the rest of the world). Good luck with the wedding. Salt Lake Temple. ah. Que Saudades para o templo. I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I forgot my camera today. Sorry.
PPS I get to buy a new suit today!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
OOPS!!
June 2, 2014
So in my haste to send pictures to you filthy animals, I didn't realize that I only have about 5-10 minutes left. So here it goes.
This week was good. We found a new investigator this week named Josenita. She's awesome. she talked with missionaries before but they never came by her house after so she was really excited to see us. We taught her Wednesday and Friday. She came to our activity Saturday night and Church on Sunday and told a member herself of her baptismal date. It was legit. Elect.
We also had some problems with one couple we're teaching and a miracle. It's been a couple weeks since they went to Church and the husband lost his job and was really sad. And didn't really want us there any more. so we talked for a while and things are great. We left with new commitments, new excitement, and a blessing on their house. It was cool.
Sunday was the biggest roller coaster day of my mission. It was up and down and up and down and sideways and upside down and a little bit of vomit. But in the end it all worked out and I survived!
I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
So in my haste to send pictures to you filthy animals, I didn't realize that I only have about 5-10 minutes left. So here it goes.
This week was good. We found a new investigator this week named Josenita. She's awesome. she talked with missionaries before but they never came by her house after so she was really excited to see us. We taught her Wednesday and Friday. She came to our activity Saturday night and Church on Sunday and told a member herself of her baptismal date. It was legit. Elect.
We also had some problems with one couple we're teaching and a miracle. It's been a couple weeks since they went to Church and the husband lost his job and was really sad. And didn't really want us there any more. so we talked for a while and things are great. We left with new commitments, new excitement, and a blessing on their house. It was cool.
Sunday was the biggest roller coaster day of my mission. It was up and down and up and down and sideways and upside down and a little bit of vomit. But in the end it all worked out and I survived!
I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
We had an activity Saturday called 'noite do bolo macho' (night of the manly cake). The men had to make a cake and were judged. We made one as missionaries. Here it is!
Do I really need to explain this one??
Me and E. Souza. We kill it! And yes, I gave him a BYU shirt.
Convert the world while converting the world!!
FHE in the Favela with all the criancas.
Orange juice - me and my new best friend. Del valle Nectar da laranja (orange juice for you English speakers!) and the first jersey. Naymar. Barcelona. I also got a green Brasil .
Viva Vila!
May 26, 2014
Bom Dia!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MOM AND DAD TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!! 25 years people, 25 years! And I thought 2 was a really long time. 25 is a lot of years. Thank you for your incredible example of love and faithfulness. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have 2 parents that love me and love each other. But most importantly love the Lord.
Things are just great here in Vila Virginia. Our new missionaries that we live with, Elder Jones and Elder Madrid are incredible. They've helped us out in getting the work here rolling. We met new people this week and set 5 more baptismal dates.
We had a lesson this week with a lady who is staunch evangelical. Very firm in her Church. We actually had a lesson two doors down and we were writing the address of the new lady down while standing in front of her house. (The houses are a little different here, so we were still only like 15 feet from the house.) and she, Maria, said "what you writin down?" So we started talking and asked if we could share a message. She said any message from God is welcome and we taught the Restoration. Sadly, I invited her to baptism and she didn't understand me. So I tried again to no avail. But the third time she understood. And asked if she really needed to be baptized again. So we explained the authority. she said she would. So we left 2 Nephi 31 with her and a date for the 14 of June. We returned the next day to see how it went, and she was already in Jacob 2. What's up??
We also had a wedding on Saturday!! Our investigators, Luciano and Janaina got hitched. So we got to go to Sertaozinho, just outside of Ribeirao and see them get married. Elder Souza was actually the best man. They asked us to pray and decide who would be between us two. but Non-Brazilians can't. so that prayer was answered pretty quickly.
Also, the World Cup is going to be insane. Saturday Night. Noe one would talk to us about Church. Ha. Why? Because Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were playing for the Champions League final in Spain. IN SPAIN. Now imagine how it will be in brazil when it's IN BRAZIL! Than Sunday afternoon, same thing. Why? Because Corinthians and Sao Paulo (2 of the biggest in Brazil, both in Sao Paulo) were playing. It's gonna be insane.
Sounds like it's a party there in colorado with the family reunion! I hope all is well!
I love you all! Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Bom Dia!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MOM AND DAD TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!! 25 years people, 25 years! And I thought 2 was a really long time. 25 is a lot of years. Thank you for your incredible example of love and faithfulness. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have 2 parents that love me and love each other. But most importantly love the Lord.
Things are just great here in Vila Virginia. Our new missionaries that we live with, Elder Jones and Elder Madrid are incredible. They've helped us out in getting the work here rolling. We met new people this week and set 5 more baptismal dates.
We had a lesson this week with a lady who is staunch evangelical. Very firm in her Church. We actually had a lesson two doors down and we were writing the address of the new lady down while standing in front of her house. (The houses are a little different here, so we were still only like 15 feet from the house.) and she, Maria, said "what you writin down?" So we started talking and asked if we could share a message. She said any message from God is welcome and we taught the Restoration. Sadly, I invited her to baptism and she didn't understand me. So I tried again to no avail. But the third time she understood. And asked if she really needed to be baptized again. So we explained the authority. she said she would. So we left 2 Nephi 31 with her and a date for the 14 of June. We returned the next day to see how it went, and she was already in Jacob 2. What's up??
We also had a wedding on Saturday!! Our investigators, Luciano and Janaina got hitched. So we got to go to Sertaozinho, just outside of Ribeirao and see them get married. Elder Souza was actually the best man. They asked us to pray and decide who would be between us two. but Non-Brazilians can't. so that prayer was answered pretty quickly.
Also, the World Cup is going to be insane. Saturday Night. Noe one would talk to us about Church. Ha. Why? Because Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were playing for the Champions League final in Spain. IN SPAIN. Now imagine how it will be in brazil when it's IN BRAZIL! Than Sunday afternoon, same thing. Why? Because Corinthians and Sao Paulo (2 of the biggest in Brazil, both in Sao Paulo) were playing. It's gonna be insane.
Sounds like it's a party there in colorado with the family reunion! I hope all is well!
I love you all! Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
O Trabalho esta acelerand. (The work is hastening!)
May 19, 2014
Boa Tarde!!!!!
This week has been INCREDIBLE!!! For reals. We've worked like crazy and we've been blessed to see fruits of our labors.
So, after only marking 1 baptismal date, and not having anyone at Church all of last transfer, we worked, fasted, and prayed. We were blessed to find 13 new investigators. We were able to mark 5 baptismal dates, and we were blessed to finally have someone at Church.
So we had a pretty cool experience. Monday, all of our appointments were falling through, so we decided to do some prayer contacts. So we prayed and went to a house and told them that we wanted to bless them and their house through prayer. The Spirit was incredible. Veraldir, the man, told us that at work that day, a man had said that someone would come to his house to bless the family that night. And lo and behold, we showed up. It was cool!
Then Wednesday, we prayed about where to knock doors. After a whole street of no and maybe later, the last house on the corner let us i. We taught the restoration and set a baptismal date for 21 of June. Yep. The blesses us when we work.
Then Friday, we felt that we needed to visit people on Rua Franco Da Rocha. Well, one of our members owns a store on that street and told us that if we went right then we would find his referral at home. Lo and behold Luciano and Janaina were there. They are awesome. They are getting married this Saturday. We taught the restoration and set a date for June 7. and Guess what? We went to pick them up for Church, AND THEY WERE READY!! They went to Church!!
This week was awesome!
I love you all!!!! Good luck with everything in life.
Love Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
I tried to send pictures but they're too big and I'm out of time. Next week.
Boa Tarde!!!!!
This week has been INCREDIBLE!!! For reals. We've worked like crazy and we've been blessed to see fruits of our labors.
So, after only marking 1 baptismal date, and not having anyone at Church all of last transfer, we worked, fasted, and prayed. We were blessed to find 13 new investigators. We were able to mark 5 baptismal dates, and we were blessed to finally have someone at Church.
So we had a pretty cool experience. Monday, all of our appointments were falling through, so we decided to do some prayer contacts. So we prayed and went to a house and told them that we wanted to bless them and their house through prayer. The Spirit was incredible. Veraldir, the man, told us that at work that day, a man had said that someone would come to his house to bless the family that night. And lo and behold, we showed up. It was cool!
Then Wednesday, we prayed about where to knock doors. After a whole street of no and maybe later, the last house on the corner let us i. We taught the restoration and set a baptismal date for 21 of June. Yep. The blesses us when we work.
Then Friday, we felt that we needed to visit people on Rua Franco Da Rocha. Well, one of our members owns a store on that street and told us that if we went right then we would find his referral at home. Lo and behold Luciano and Janaina were there. They are awesome. They are getting married this Saturday. We taught the restoration and set a date for June 7. and Guess what? We went to pick them up for Church, AND THEY WERE READY!! They went to Church!!
This week was awesome!
I love you all!!!! Good luck with everything in life.
Love Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
I tried to send pictures but they're too big and I'm out of time. Next week.
Mission Tour
May 12, 2014
Bom Dia Familia!
Words can't tell how good it was to see you all yesterday. I love you all. I wish we could skype like once a month. That'd be legit. Ha!
You all look fantastic. And it sounds like you are all doing well.
This week was awesome. We had a mission tour. Where a general authority tours all the missions. Elder Moroni Torgan, a native Brazilian, spoke. He talked about the difference between a Terrestrial, telestial, and a Celestial missionary. It was incredible. He was really funny but threw down. He laid it down on a lot of things and talked about not being a fubeca. He talked about the mission being the greatest University we can attend. Better than Harvard. ha. But he made the comparison. You would not get accepted to and pay for Harvard, just to party, skip class, and not learn. So why do some missionaries do that? It was cool.
We are working with a family right now. The family of Odair. He is way cool and wants to come to Church with his family really bad. But couldn't yesterday because of Mother's Day plans. But we marked this Sunday to walk to Church with him. He lives pretty close.
We also had transfers today! We received two new Americans. Not new. they are actually the zone leaders. I found out that only one is from Utah. The other is California. the one from Utah is from Nephi. I'm really excited because they are a lot harder working. they already have ideas for Bishop for activities to work with the ward more.
ABBEY. PARABENS! That means congratulations. I'm so happy for you Ab. SBO. Live it up. It's so fun. And you're getting a phone. Weird. But I got one at 14 also, so ti's all good.
Well family! I love you all! It was so nice to see you!
I forgot my camera chord so still no pictures. Sorry.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I had BBQ sauce this week! American BBQ sauce!
PPS I also had my first warm shower here this week. Ha. Our shower head is what heats the water, and it was broken. But we finally bought a new one this week and I took my first warm shower!
Bom Dia Familia!
Words can't tell how good it was to see you all yesterday. I love you all. I wish we could skype like once a month. That'd be legit. Ha!
You all look fantastic. And it sounds like you are all doing well.
This week was awesome. We had a mission tour. Where a general authority tours all the missions. Elder Moroni Torgan, a native Brazilian, spoke. He talked about the difference between a Terrestrial, telestial, and a Celestial missionary. It was incredible. He was really funny but threw down. He laid it down on a lot of things and talked about not being a fubeca. He talked about the mission being the greatest University we can attend. Better than Harvard. ha. But he made the comparison. You would not get accepted to and pay for Harvard, just to party, skip class, and not learn. So why do some missionaries do that? It was cool.
We are working with a family right now. The family of Odair. He is way cool and wants to come to Church with his family really bad. But couldn't yesterday because of Mother's Day plans. But we marked this Sunday to walk to Church with him. He lives pretty close.
We also had transfers today! We received two new Americans. Not new. they are actually the zone leaders. I found out that only one is from Utah. The other is California. the one from Utah is from Nephi. I'm really excited because they are a lot harder working. they already have ideas for Bishop for activities to work with the ward more.
ABBEY. PARABENS! That means congratulations. I'm so happy for you Ab. SBO. Live it up. It's so fun. And you're getting a phone. Weird. But I got one at 14 also, so ti's all good.
Well family! I love you all! It was so nice to see you!
I forgot my camera chord so still no pictures. Sorry.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I had BBQ sauce this week! American BBQ sauce!
PPS I also had my first warm shower here this week. Ha. Our shower head is what heats the water, and it was broken. But we finally bought a new one this week and I took my first warm shower!
I will see you soon!
May 5, 2014
Boa Tarde!
First off, I will be calling you on Sunday. We will be using Skype. We are going to try and call at about 4 o clock here. So around 1 o clock there. Or around 1:30.
IF YOU MISSION THIS CALL.....
Seriously though, if you miss this call....
This week was good. Tough, but good. We did A LOT of walking. I'm pretty sure I've shed some poundage. ha. We made a lot of contacts as well. We are working right now on working better with ward members. We don't really have any solid investigators in this area right now. They don't really have any connections to the church so it's all pure curiosity. But we have an awesome member who likes us and is giving us some referalls today. So it'll take some work, but the work will progress! Our ward members are good and now we just need to work better with them.
We tracted into an AWESOME couple this week. They are each about 80 years old. They met with missionaries in the past, but they didn't really progress. But the husband still has his Book of Mormon, with a message from the Elders in 1999. It doesn't seem like he really read any of it. We shared a message on faith that was super spiritual and they told us that we are welcome in their home any time. We are praying that the spirit will touch them to read the book of Mormon and really have a change of heart.
Yes, Elder Jackson is still REALLY weird. We had a street contact the other day where I said, "My name is Elder Taylor and this is my companion, Elder Souza. I mean Elder Jackson." Yep.....
I'm sorry this is so short this week. I really don't have a whole lot ot say.
BUT I LOVE YOU ALL!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Boa Tarde!
First off, I will be calling you on Sunday. We will be using Skype. We are going to try and call at about 4 o clock here. So around 1 o clock there. Or around 1:30.
IF YOU MISSION THIS CALL.....
Seriously though, if you miss this call....
This week was good. Tough, but good. We did A LOT of walking. I'm pretty sure I've shed some poundage. ha. We made a lot of contacts as well. We are working right now on working better with ward members. We don't really have any solid investigators in this area right now. They don't really have any connections to the church so it's all pure curiosity. But we have an awesome member who likes us and is giving us some referalls today. So it'll take some work, but the work will progress! Our ward members are good and now we just need to work better with them.
We tracted into an AWESOME couple this week. They are each about 80 years old. They met with missionaries in the past, but they didn't really progress. But the husband still has his Book of Mormon, with a message from the Elders in 1999. It doesn't seem like he really read any of it. We shared a message on faith that was super spiritual and they told us that we are welcome in their home any time. We are praying that the spirit will touch them to read the book of Mormon and really have a change of heart.
Yes, Elder Jackson is still REALLY weird. We had a street contact the other day where I said, "My name is Elder Taylor and this is my companion, Elder Souza. I mean Elder Jackson." Yep.....
I'm sorry this is so short this week. I really don't have a whole lot ot say.
BUT I LOVE YOU ALL!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
YEP... It's still weird!!
Mission President letter
May 2, 2014
Dear Taylor Family:
We are excited to have you son, Elder Jackson, is our mission. This will be a great opportunity for continued growth and development as he serves faithfully here in the misison field. He will meet, teach, convert and touch the lives of many people who are seeking to know, understand and live the truths of the restored gospel. Your son will have the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and better understand how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Through his continued study and application of gospel principles, we pray his testimony will increase and his love and obedience to Heavenly Father's revealed truths will forge a pattern for the rest of his life.
Your son has already been assigned to his first area. He will be working i Vila Virginia Ward in the city of Ribeirao Preto, and will be trained by Elder Souza. The area is very blessed, and your son's trainer is a reliable and responsible misisonary. your son will certainly have much success and great spiritual experiences.
Along with missionary service comes many new and interesting demands and challenges. your son will continue to learn and adapt to new and interesting customs, cultures and foods, as well as a new language and schedule. As parents, you play a very important role in the well-bring of your missionary. your continued love and encouragement will give him the support and help he needs. p Please write him regularly, sharing your testimony and love of this great gospel plan and help him stay focused on this sacred work.
Trust the Lord's watchful care as you pray regularly for all the missionaries throughout the world. Remember the Lord has said:
My wife and I are very grateful to have your son serving by our sides in this great missionary effort. The lives of many will be influenced and blessed because of your son's great service and dedication. We will do our besttot help your son succeed in his service to the Lord. Thank you for preparing a son that is willing and ready to be of service in this part of the Lord's vineyard. may the Lord bless you for your sacrifice and help in this important and eternal endeavor.
With Love,
Mauro Tupinamba Brum de Oliveira
Mission President
Dear Taylor Family:
We are excited to have you son, Elder Jackson, is our mission. This will be a great opportunity for continued growth and development as he serves faithfully here in the misison field. He will meet, teach, convert and touch the lives of many people who are seeking to know, understand and live the truths of the restored gospel. Your son will have the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and better understand how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Through his continued study and application of gospel principles, we pray his testimony will increase and his love and obedience to Heavenly Father's revealed truths will forge a pattern for the rest of his life.
Your son has already been assigned to his first area. He will be working i Vila Virginia Ward in the city of Ribeirao Preto, and will be trained by Elder Souza. The area is very blessed, and your son's trainer is a reliable and responsible misisonary. your son will certainly have much success and great spiritual experiences.
Along with missionary service comes many new and interesting demands and challenges. your son will continue to learn and adapt to new and interesting customs, cultures and foods, as well as a new language and schedule. As parents, you play a very important role in the well-bring of your missionary. your continued love and encouragement will give him the support and help he needs. p Please write him regularly, sharing your testimony and love of this great gospel plan and help him stay focused on this sacred work.
Trust the Lord's watchful care as you pray regularly for all the missionaries throughout the world. Remember the Lord has said:
President and Sister Brum
Elder Souza and Elder Jackson
Sao Paulo MTC group
With Love,
Mauro Tupinamba Brum de Oliveira
Mission President
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