Wow! What a week!

Wow, what a week! PAULO WAS CONFIRMED AS A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH! I had the privilege of confirming him and also giving him the gift of the Holy Ghost! Later on in the meeting, he recieved the Aaronic Priesthood! He wants to baptize his whole family! We´re going to help him! MARIA DOS DORES WAS BAPTIZED! Irmá Maria was about to give up, when we taught her about temples and family history work. She felt the Spirit of Elijah and decided to continue on the covenant path! Now, we will help her three grown kids to also come to church! She will be confirmed next Sunday! FRANCISCO AND ANDREIA NEED YOUR PRAYERS! This is the last week we have to mark their wedding in the city hall. Please join us in asking for help from Heavenly Father that we will be able to mark their wedding. They are willing to temporarily separate (in order to keep the law of Chastity) to be baptized. This action is authorized both by President Dalton and Bishop Mario. THREE YOUNG MEN RECEIVED THE PRIESTHOOD! These three young men were once less-active, one of which was found and taught by Elder Paiva and I. Three more recent converts also were sustained to their offices in the Aaronic Priesthood. In total, there are SEVEN priesthood holders in Jardim Mirna. It was so great seeing the Priesthood power grow in one ward! BISHOP GERALD CAUSSE WILL SPEAK TO US! This Friday, as a mission, we will meet in Santo Amaro with Mission São Paulo South to hear the words of Bishop Gerald Causse of the Presiding Bishopric. I´m really excited to hear what the Lord has to tell me through one of His chosen servants! I hope my brother and sister will watch this week´s Worldwide Broadcast about strengthening testimonies! More about it on the church website! A TEMPLE IN CORDOBÁ, ARGENTINA! This week, the temple in Cordoba will be dedicated and consecrated to the Lord. One more House of God in the world means that Satan´s power over the hearts of men will be weaker! This is so much needed in today´s world of disasters and distractions! ELDER ALMEIDA WILL GO HOME... After completing an honorable two years (and a little more), Elder Almeida will go home to Fortaleza, Ceará next Tuesday. He is such a great companion! It´s a privilege to serve with him again and to have been trained by him. I testify that this church is true, and that as we embark in the service of God, we are allowing our Heavenly Father to bless us with more blessings than we can count. President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet. He talks with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Salvation is only found within the bounds of holy sacred covenants made in temples. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He opened the way for us to have our families forever. I testify of this in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen. -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Jardim Mirna Estaca Grajaú Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos