December 6, 2014

One night this week, when we were returning home around 9:15 at night, we were walking on an empty street.  There was a very worn down, dirty, garbage sifter sitting on the side of the road thinking.  We passed right by him, told him good-evening, and continued walking.  We had walked about 50 yards when I stopped and asked Elder Thieme if he had a “Ele É O Presente” card.  He smiled, said no, and then went on to tell me that he was thinking the same thing.  We turned around and walked back to the man.  He was a man who looked like he lives on the streets, had a worn down buggy to collect trash, and has definitely felt the effects of drugs during his life.  I asked him, “Excuse me sir, do you know where Rua Rui Barbosa is located?”  He smiled and said that he thought it was a few streets down.  We went on to talk with him.  In the middle of the conversation, a shop owner came out with a 2-Liter coke bottle filled halfway with water.  The man had stopped to ask for water since he did not have any money to buy it.  It turns out that he spends the entire night scavenging for trash in order to provide for his family.  We were shocked to find out that he has a family.  He has a wife and two children, 10 and 9 years old.  We were both very humbled by the situation.  At first glance, we would have simply thought he was a homeless man due to drug addiction.  However, he explained to us that he walks about 10 miles each night to Aldeota in order to find the valuable trash.  He returns home every morning about 10:00, eats with his family, sleeps, and then does the same routine all over again.  We told him that we had a message about the Gospel of Christ and we would love to share it with him.  He was super happy and told us that the missionaries could come by.  Who knows if anything will come of it, but I know that the simple action of us turning around and taking the time to talk with him made him light up.  It made him realize that he is of worth in the world.  These small actions create true humanity…

It has been a very interesting week.  It has been super busy in the office but things are working out.  I have taken the time this week to completely memorize the song “Come Thou Fount.”  It is by far my favorite hymn.  Now, anytime I get discouraged, I start singing it!  I love the Gospel.  The Lord answers prayers. 

He always listens to our prayers.