Elder Gurksnis Goes to Brazil

This past week everything went smooth with Paula and Cristiano's baptism. They are such a special couple that I have grown to love so much. They brought a ton of family members to the baptism which was great for them to get to know the church as well. They are going to be such a firm couple who will be able to serve God's children in everything they do. I had the opportunity to baptize Cristiano and then confirm Paula the next day. They were both such special events and we are really happy with the progress they have had. I know the Lord will bless them for the decisions they are making right now.  We are also teaching a few other awesome people. We were able to have success with one of our favorite things this week. We love to open up the church and invite everyone out on the street to come in and see it for themselves on the inside. The spirit is always so strong and we are able to teach with lots of power.  This past week I've had a little bit of time to refl...

This morning we had the very special privilege to take Cristiano and Paulo to get married civilly. They have felt the truthfulness of the gospel in their hearts and have decided to follow this commandment and get married so they can be baptized. This past week we had a family home evening with them at Presidents house with his whole family. It was so fun to be together as a group and talk about how the gospel has blessed each one of our lives. So President is a stud and invited Cristiano to be baptized together with Paula and he told us that he was "still thinking about it". We were a little bummed but with high hopes. Today at the marriage place, Paula told us that he had started telling his family that he was gonna be baptized too! haha so we are pretty sure it will all work out. It will certainly be an unforgettable day. He's always surprising us like that. Sometimes he'll just grab the Book of Mormon and talk about something he was studying haha.  Our President...

What a crazy week its been here in the mission office. Yesterday, we had a meeting with Salt Lake City pretty much to get into the transition of making South American missions like United States missions haha. So like I said earlier, our mission was selected to be a pilot project for having smartphones, etc. in South America. This past week the project was approved and they are gonna start going through with other missions as well. And even more than that, we are gonna have Facebook, data on our phones, and other things that will help hasten the work to colligate Israel. Its been pretty crazy trying to get this all set up with President, so I'm pretty exhausted this week.  I dont have a ton to report on this week. We have continued working a lot with our current teaching group and its been going well. Paula and Cristiano have their wedding this next wednesday that we are pumped for! The time has been a little short in our area just cause of so much stuff we are involved in. It ...

This Sunday all went well at Gracielle's baptism. It was even more than we could ask for. She is the cutest little girl and she wouldnt show her excitedness in front of us cause she's shy but her mom said she was going crazy excited haha. Her dad who isnt a member was at church and at the baptism and I feel like he is really progressing a lot. We went up to him after the baptism and jokingly asked when would be his turn, and he said it would be soon!! We were pretty pumped and that would unite this whole family in the gospel, cause he's the only one who isnt baptized.  Another highlight of the week was taking Paula and Cristiano to the temple and the visitors center. It was a really great experience and they really felt at home. They loved to be able to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ in a new and different way. They were at church for maybe the 6th straight week (they´re on fire ) and the marriage is coming up in just 2 short weeks! We even planned a Family Home...