In the sport of baseball, a curveball occurs when the pitcher throws the ballin a certian way causing the baseball to moving quickly to the intended target in a arc instead of a straight path.  In informal speech, we say that an experiance threw a curveball at us to say that an unexpected, surprise `hit` us. I got a curveball that I never would have seen coming this week.

 

When you´re a missionary and you try to predict the future, you´ll find that you´re almost always wrong.  After three transfers here in Castro, I thought for sure I´d be leaving Castro.  I have never been farther than the truth.  The day before transfers we recieved a special call from an unrecognizable number.  Elder Tavares was a little lost, so when he spoke he asked who was speaking.  A recognizable voice said, `Hello Elder Tavares, this is your President speaking.`  Immediately everyone froze and looked to the phone.  The following words will stay in my mind forever.  President said `Elders, I´ve considered your petition to put Sisters in Castro and think it´s a great idea.  Can you find a suitable house for the Sisters who will arrive tomorrow?`  Immediately we all jumped for joy and started making plans.  Finally, after 30 years of missionaries here in Castro, the sisters have arrived.  

That´s not all!

When the zone leaders called in, I was prepared for, `Elder Johnson will leave for Ponta Grossa`, but NONONONONONO.  Instead I recieved the information that I would become the District Leader!  More responsibility!!  And on top of that, when we recieved our new companions, it turns out that everyone knows more, has more experience, and has more energy than me!  Quickly I´m coming to learn that being a leader is another phrase to say being humble.

That´s it for now!!

Elder Johnson

These are random pictures taken in Castro!

Have you ever got punched in the face...by the spirit?  I sure have. A couple of days ago, we were attending the temple in Curitiba as a zone. In a sacred room I had the oppertunity to ponder about my mission, what were my strengths, and what were my weaknesses.  Some of my strengths include: Becoming close to my companion, making friends easily, waking up on time, organization, planning, and keeping myself (as well as the district) animated.

My weaknesses are walking between 15 to 20 kilometers in a day,  staying awake, alive, and alert after lunch, Having little to no sucess reactivating less actives, getting investigators to just walk a short distance to church, and finding people who will truly be converted to the Lord before and after baptism are definate downers for me.  All these negative symbols are signs that I need to change something in my world of work.

   As a result, Iopened up the sciptures and read the first words that I saw...which were the following:

`Behold, after much tribulations come the blessings.  Wherefore, the day will come when you will be crowned with much glory; yet the hour has not arrived, but is close.

Remember which I tell you beforehand, so that you may keep it in your heart and receive what will follow.

Behold, verily I say unto you, that for this reason I have sent you, that ye might be obedient, and that your heart might be prepared to bear witness o the things that are to come. (D&C 58:4-6)`   

You know what´s even more cool?  My companion opened up to the EXACT SAME SCRIPTURE!!!!!! Revelation is for real, people!

I hope that I can prepare my heart for the blessings that will come, instead of just focusing on my personal goals of baptism. See you guys next week!! 

Elder Johnson

Life is a test.  

Everyone on this earth knows this statement to be true.  Whether one is born into the Church of Jesus Christ, is part of another church, or is completely unaffiliated with the prospect of religon.  From the poorest man who pleads for loose cardboard to sell or to the fancy actress who´s ring could buy a city block, every individual has or will have difficulties thrown in their faces. 

One of the greatest trials of all is being a leader.  Countless times we look around us and see people of all different colors, sizes and ages choosing a path to follow.  In referance to Lehi´s dream of the Tree of Life, all the sons and daughters of God began in a dark and dreary waste.  Some began following the rod of iron provided but fell away, some persevired until they had partaken of the fruit of the tree, and yet others (the majority) looked to the great and spacious building (attractions, parties, `fun`- signifying the world). Feeling pressured by the amount of people/friends laughing at them or beckoning with a hand, they either became lost searching for a false hope, or fell with the great a spacious building when they reached it.   Personally, I was totally comfortable following others that were smarter, faster, or `more experianced` than me down school aisles, in the church´s hallways, and in regular, everyday choices.  Now I KNOW BETTER.  This state of being, when we don´t make our own decesions or progress using our agency, is in my opinion BEING LOST. 

I feel inspired to share what advice President Hart gave me in a 30 minute personal interview a couple of days ago.  The moment I opened my mouth to begin speaking, tears began coursing down my face.  I explained that I was afraid for the missionaries in our mssion because of their disobediance and absolute lack of desire to work.  President said that he was experiancing the same feelings and then said the following: `Elder Johnson...I NEED LEADERS.  I need lions...brave and couragous enough to stand up for what´s right.  I need a lion that can lead a herd of deer...NOT a pack of lions being lead by a deer.  ARE YOU A LION?`

That same question has been ringing in my ears...am I a lion???  Am I the one leading and guiding my own soul to salvation, or am I letting others influence me?  To each and every one of you, I ask the same question:  ARE YOU A LION?  If you´re not, please take a step back and look in the mirror. Are you actually you?  Where are you at in Lehi´s Dream?

Elder Johnson

Pictures from December some are repeats

Kumen at the park
Kumen hiqhlighting a symbol for San Antonio where lived when he left for his mission
Doing service with his companion

Kumen arranged this hymn for piano and violin.  I thought he did a pretty nice job!