Papa's Thoughts: Brazil North Mission Experiences (3/27/18 through 4/7/18)

What follows is from email conversations between Papa and various members of the Brazil North Mission in preparation for their 50th reunion:

3/27/18

Just a quick observation that some Brazil North Mission Alumni may or not know.  It was Elder Spencer W. Kimball (as an Apostle) that pushed for opening the Brazil North Mission in mid-1968.  There was reluctance by some members of the Quorum of the Twelve at the time, as well much discussion. 

Of course, the Lord knew the time was right and Elder Kimball was His advocate for opening the mission.  

In my mind, it was no coincidence that President Kimball was also the Lord’s mouthpiece on June 1, 1978 for fulfilling assurances that many of us made in our seventh and final palestra (aka, the “Genealogy Lesson”). 

As Brazil North Mission Alumni, we are privileged to have witnessed in  an “up close and personal” way fulfillment of latter-day prophecy regarding the priesthood being extended to all worthy male members of the Church.  

Although I don’t publicly share the “Genealogy Lesson,” I continue to have a testimony of the scriptures and principles we taught in the lesson.

The bottom line of the Genealogy Lesson in my mind was (and still is):  “Achieving our full potential as sons and daughters of God is NOT a matter of black and white, but a matter of ‘dark or bright,’ based on principles we choose to live.”

I bear my witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.  

I’m still working on “day-to-day implementation” of the principles, but thanks my “Senior Companion” and best friend (my wife, Marilyn), progress is being made!

3/28/18
Our family lived in Brazil from 1976-1980 on an expatriate assignment with a large U.S. bank at the time.  We helped build concrete bricks used in the construction of the temple and were here for an area conference presided by President Kimball.  He visited again for the dedication of the temple.  

Marilyn and I both were both temple workers to accommodate the original rush of people from all over South America that came in droves to be endowed.  

The Brazil North Mission changed the course of my life and destiny of an entire continent, if not the world.  

When asked about the importance of Brazil to the Church in the news conference after the First Presidency was announced, his response was:  “Brazil is the seed bed of future leadership of the Church.”   

I guess the Prophet could say the same thing about the youth of all countries of the earth, but the Church in Brazil is on the move.  It’s influence for good in the country is dis-proportionate to its size. 

We never cease to be amazed at the changes in the Church and country now from the time I here in 1969-71 as a young missionary in the recently opened Brazil North Mission, and our family’s time here in 1976-80.  And the work goes on at an ever-quickening pace.  

One of the biggest contrasts that comes to my mind is Forteleza.  When I served there in late 1970, there were 10 members, 3 chickens and a Papa Gaio that attended meetings in the make-shift chapel in Dona Chaginha’s home.  Now there are 2 missions, 20 stakes and a temple nearing completion. 

I still have fond memories of crystal clear Nordeste nights, sleeping in a rede, listening to the sounds of Elder David Hymas and Elder Reed Nelson snoring, and Brad Shepherd playing Santa Claus at our branch Christmas Party.  

There are also other hazy recollections of improvised boogie boards on the perfectly-safe beach across from the Clube Náutica, where we played basketball on P-Days.  I’m sure those beach memories were purely heat-induced hallucinations easily dispelled by an “estupidamente bem-gelada” Guaraná Brama or Antarctica. We survived.  The work thrives.  The gospel changes countries, as well as lives. 

4/7/18
Thank you for clarifying the date of President Hinckley’s visit in 9/70. I thought it was in June or July because it was relatively cool in Brasilia. 

I was serving in Belo Horizonte at the time. The all-night bus ride to Brasilia was a memorable adventure.

I remember sitting next to Elder Richards and reading the book by Elder Eyring’s father entitled “Science & Mormonism.” The book is no longer in print, but it sure made an impression on my 20 year old mind.

What I remember most about the Q&A session of the conference was the question we all had, but only one Elder had the audacity to ask. I don’t remember the Elder that asked the question, but the answer was very powerful.

My paraphrased version of the exchange is presented below.

The essence of the question was:

“As an apostle, you are a special witness of Jesus Christ. Have you seen him in person?”

I remember the room becoming so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop.

After what seemed like minutes, but I’m sure was only a few seconds, Apostle Hinckley responded in a calm, quiet, but resolute voice:

“Elder, there are spiritual manifestations that are much more powerful than physical manifestations.”

Apostle Hinckley then proceeded to bear his witness that Jesus is the Christ, the head of His Church and the Savior of mankind.

As Apostle Hinckley spoke, I remembering receiving a “very real” personal “spiritual manifestation” that he referred to in his answer to the Elder’s question. That “manifestion” remains indelibly imprinted in every fiber of my being.

All good teachers use “visual aids” to illustrate their point, but Apostle Hinckley’s response was my first experience of someone using a “spiritual aid” to vividly illustrate a principle!