Mitchell, week 45, Tapana

GOAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOOOOOLLLLL!!!!!! Its getting crazy! The world cup is definitely hug here in Brasil, compared there in the States! But Brasil beat Croácia this past week. We stayed in out our apt the whole day after lunch that day becuase it gets pretty crazy here during and after the games! I definitely knew when Brasil scored and won and all because we can hear everyone screaming and the fireworks and all going off. But THE USA PLAYS TODAY!! GO USA! :P But also these past days had been rough.... My companion was on his last drops of energy but he died and past over to the regular life today. He will be home tomorrow. But here is a picture of him and I.... 

So Elder Rodrigues finished his mission and I am staying that means a new COMPANION!!! And he is..... ELDER COSTA! His from Portugal! ITS GONNA BE GREAT! I actually knew him right when I got to Brasil back in September he also arrived with us, but he is great! He is a big fella as well, but its gonna be great serving with him! He arrives from Santarém tomorrow morning. (the last I heard he was serving in my 1st area of Tapajós in Santarém) 

But the weeks are going by faster and faster!!  Next week I hit 11th month anniversary on a mission. (My sister hits her 1 year mark in 3 days :O ) Then in July I hit my 1 year mark also. But its sure going by fast, the mission! I am sure grateful for the chance I have to be serving and helping people here in Brasil. I love this Gospel and I know that it blesses families! I know that this work is the Lord's work and all that we do is with Authority of God. We don't brain wash people to believe in what we say.... we teach what we know and we ask them to simply say a prayer asking God to see if we teach is true. I know that I don't know everything but I don't have a doubt in what I teach everyday is true. I know that Joseph Smith restored the same gospel that was taught when Christ was here. on earth.. What does it mean to restore.... 

re·store

: to give back (someone or something that was lost or taken) : to return (someone or something)

: to put or bring (something) back into existence or use

: to return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restore)

So Joseph Smith didn't make or create a new church. He restored the exact church that was established when Jesus Christ was here on Earth. How did Chirst established and organize his church with 3 things... Ephesians 2:20 

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"

So this is how Chirst organized his church and this is how Jospeh Smith restored it. And today we have a living prophet and 12 Apostles. And they have the same Authority that the origanal prophets and apostles had and they are called by God. I know this is true and I have no dought in my heart it is false. And if you wanna know  for yourself just pray and ask God.

But I love my family so much and I know that we are sealed for all time and eternity! I know that what I do is helping people/families out for eternity! 

I hope all y'all have a splendid and safe week and continue counting your blessings! 

Love always,

Elder McCrea