Elder... NajuriMadsen vai me batizar!







Oi todo mundo!

This week was a little tiring, but all's well in Patriota. Sadly, Elder Lima was transferred, so tomorrow we'll know where he goes and who will be my new companion. I'll be staying here in Patriota, so we'll see what happens. 

Today we played soccer with our ward and the other ward that meets in our chapel. I accomplished my goal of not causing our team to lose singlehandedly. A lot of people actually complimented me, that I didn't play like an American ha-ha. I guess the other American missionaries must have not been so good at soccer. Playing soccer was fun, but I got pretty badly sunburned, see picture below, lots of lotion getting used from here on out. 
Foto atividade futebol

This week the Sisters baptized some girls, and Helena chose me to baptize her, which was an awesome spiritual experience. The spirit is always so strong at baptismal services. When she chose me to baptize her a few days before, she called me Elder Najurimeia at first, an Elder who served in her area in the past. She then called me Elder NajuriMadsen which was pretty hilarious. It's awesome to see people accepting the gospel and following Christ's example to be baptized, and to follow in his ways. 

Highlight: Constantino finally came to church with us! He was taught by missionaries in the past and has said that he wants to serve a mission and loves all that we have to teach. He's usually pretty busy so that was really cool. 

Foto atividade futebol 2

At church we focused on serving and how we often feel inadequate in many things we do, which can lead us to stop doing the small and simple things, like reading the scriptures, praying to our Heavenly Father, going to church, and serving others. I have seen these little things affect my life so much, especially on the mission. One thing I've noticed is that the times when I was reading the Book of Mormon and praying daily, I was so much happier in my daily life. 


I've been reading a lot in the Old Testament lately, and I've been noticing how repeated and emphasized obedience is. The kings of Israel and Judah were always extremely blessed when they strove to follow God, but when they served other Gods they were either cursed or taken captive. In our lives, we won't become physical slaves, but when we are disobedient to God's commandments we allow Satan to enslave us, through addictions, through guilt, taking us away from the things that really make us happy. Obedience is how we show God that we love him, Elder Lima always says that he hates the word "regra" or rule, because that means he's doing something for obligation. Being obedient and serving because we want to and out of love will bring us true happiness, it is by doing this that we discover the blessings of obedience, especially willing obedience. 


Even though I'm away from my family walking in the hot equatorial sun every day, I am always happy here. The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me so much happiness, especially seeing others experience these blessings. I invite you all to see how being closer to Christ can bring you more happiness. Sometimes even prayer can seem like a big task, but I know that as each of you talk to you Heavenly Father, you will be able to see what he has in store for you and you will be able to feel his love for you more than ever before as you make him a part of your life. 

Eu amo voces!

Elder Madsen
fletcher.madsen@missionary.org
https://fletchermadsen.blogspot.com/



41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out cfaithful to the end they are received into dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.



Elder Lima on his way out
the aforementioned sunburn

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