Feliz Natal e um Bom Ano Novo!

So, Christmas was pretty neat here. We had a special Christmas Eve dinner at the house of the relief Society President after we shared a message about Christmas. Christmas here is very different than back home. Everyone here starts Christmas on Christmas eve. They go to someone´s house around 8-9pm to have a big ol´ dinner and party until 5-6 am in the morning the next day, and many stay awake until lunch and have leftovers for lunch at the same person´s house on Christmas Day. So, it´s pretty different. Apparently everyone wears white on new years eve here. I´ll have to tell you more next week after the new year turns over.

On Christmas day, I sang at the annual Christmas Cantata at the stake center here in São Luís. It was a lot of fun. Also, on Christmas day I said good afternoon to a drunk person on the street and he swung his arm into my stomach and called me a whole bunch of bad things. Merry Christmas to you too...

Yesterday, I saw something pretty interesting. There was a lady with a big kitchen knife and a guy with a machete chasing another man swinging their big knives at him. He only had an umbrella to defend himself. Fortunately, he made it into someone elses house. Then the two with the knives started arguing with eachother and dispersed. Some people need to sit back and relax and enjoy the Christmas Spirit. Also, apparently transfers were today, but no one in my district was transfered. So, my huge district of 4 missionaries still includes (since October), Sister Lúcia, Sister Hallman, Elder Bezerra, and me. But things are all good here.

Today, I want to talk a little bit about faith. Many people think that faith is a belief in God, and in some contexts you would be right, but if you look into it that´s not the case. Faith is a belief in something that you know is true but cannot see or have not seen. For example, the wind, you can´t see it, but you can see it´s effects and you know that it exists. So, why is faith important? Or, why is faith in Jesus Christ so important? Sure we can believe that He exists, we can see the effects that Christ and His gospel has on others, but when we have faith in Jesus Christ, we follow His teachings and keep His commandments. Faith without works is dead. If we have faith in Jesus Christ, we need to do all that we can to do what He asks of us. We need to follow His gospel having faith in Him, repenting, being baptised and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by someone who holds His authority, and enduring, keeping the commandments, until the end. I know He lives. Let´s show are faith in Him. I love you.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas Morning Pancake Breakfast with the Sister Missionaries

Zone Baptism

Feliz Natal!!!

Querida Família e Queridos Amigos,

This last week was great. We were visited by Elder Mazzagardi and his wife. We had a special combined zone conference for the Mission Tour. I had the opportunity to sing with Sister Hallman, accompanied by Elder Gustave, for Elder Mazzagardi. I was also able to talk with him and Sister Mazzagardi a little bit after the conference and lunch. They are really great people. Very inspiring.

This is the week of Christmas. What a wonderful time of year. Take a little bit of time to reflect on the Savior. Remember why He was born, and the purpose of His earthly ministry. Remember what He has done personally for you. Those that brought great gifts to the baby Jesus knew His divine purpose. As Christmas comes quickly, take some time to think about what you can give to Him, what you can do to show your love for our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know He lives. I know that He suffered for my sins. I know that only through Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can truly be happy. I love you. Merry Christmas. Feliz Natal.

-Elder Chiba

Not Quite General Conference, but still Great

Yesterday we had stake conference here in São Luís. It was great! After the conference we went to our lunch appointment, but during our lunch appointment it started to rain. (it´s starting to be winter here. there are too seasons rainy winter [remember winter here is not cold, just wet] and hot dry summer) But the Lord´s work was not immediately put to a stop. We still went about doing some visits in the pouring rain. We were in our suits because of the conference, which was good because the rain made it a tad chilly. But we were still drenched. After a couple visits we decided to go home because our shoes were filled with water, and we didn´t know what else could be in there with the water. So, we went home to dry off. My shoes are still drying from yesterday. Unfortunately my companion only has one pair, so we´ll see how that goes. I hope that they are dry... Anyway, back to the conference yesterday.

It was more of a northern part of Brasil conference. It was pretty cool. There was a transmission from what seemed to be Salt Lake. President Uchtdorf, Elder Anderson, Elder Ellis and Sister Dalton all spoke. It reminded me of General Conference because it was a broadcast. It was all in Portugués. (of course) Elder Anderson and Elder Ellis both gave their talks in Portugués while President Uchtdorf and Sister Dalton spoke in English with a translator. It was a really good conference. I learned a lot and other things were brought to my remembrance. All of the speakers were good, but I got the most out of what President Uchtdorf said. He spoke about a lot of things. He spoke about building our own testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which we should all study in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel). He also spoke about the importance of member missionary work.

We should pray for the wisdom that we can know how to touch the hearts of others. Keep friendships and reach out to others. Remember the people in your ward who have special needs (ex. alone, no friends) and reach out and love them. Don´t be ashamed of the church and gospel of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:16) Some things that we can do to keep ourselves safe are 1. strive to be worthy of a temple recommend 2. study the word of God daily and 3. speak with your Father in Heaven Daily. (I took notes in Portugués, and I noted the things that stood out to me, so sorry if any of it doesn´t make much sense).

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and am so happy to be one of His servants, serving and looking for His lost sheep. I know that Christ lives and that He will come again. I love you.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

(p.s. I tried two new fruits this week. Cupuaçu and Jambo)

{note from the mysterious sister behind the blog: here are some images off of 'google image search' of the fruit that Sam tried this week.}

Cupuaçu (above)

Jambo Vermelho (below left) Jambo Rosa (below right)

Pictures!

Here are some pictures that Elder Chiba sent us this week.

Oh So Handsome!

Remember Him

Yesterday, I had to go to the stake center here for a rehearsal of Christmas music. There is going to be a "Cantata" on the 25th(Christmas), so, I´ll be singing. It was a lot of fun rehearsing. It´s been a while since I´ve been able to exercise the fullness of my singing capabilities. I´m a little rusty unfortunately, but I´ve still got it. And by the looks of it, I´ve not lost my range. I just have to put a lot of energy behind what I sing. My vocal stamina is not what it used to be. I suppose I should practice more, but there isn´t too much time in the day. Actually, I think the only time that I really have in the day to actually practice is when I´m in the shower. But I take a shower right when I get up in the morning, and singing in the morning is not the most fun, especially before 7 am........ I also don´t want to bother the neighbors, but who knows. Maybe I´ll work up some courage.

Yesterday was also fast and testimony meeting. I was sitting in sacrament meeting listening to everyone sharing their testimonies. I felt that maybe I should get up and share my testimony also, but there were a lot of people and the time was running out. But my heart was pounding with such a force that I could not reject the impulse to go up. I bore my testimony. It was an amazing experience. I bore my testimony about the Atonement of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and why this time of the year is so special. I cried. Which in my opinion wasn´t something very common for me until I started this mission.

It doesn't do much good to try and repeat what I said, especially because it was in Portuguese, but I have a testimony of the love that our Savior has for us. I know that He suffered for our sins, our heartache, our sadness, our pain, our difficulties, and any other trial that we face, have faced, and will face. I know that His love for me is so imense that even if I were the only person in the world who sinned, He would still come to rescue me. We are never alone. I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, came into this world a silent and peaceful night many years ago to save us from our sins and redeem us from death. This is why Christmas is special. Do not forget the importance for this season. Remember Him. I love you. I know that Christ lives.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Make the Change

So, this week we had our Zone Conference and I also a leadership training. Aside from that nothing especially interesting happened. I was doing hanging my laundry up the other day, but unfortunately the cord broke loose and all of my clean white clothes fell to the wet and dirty ground. But, I wasn´t angry. It was more like a, "Well, that was unfortunate. Oh well. Hahahaha." kind of moment.

But anyway, for a while now I think I was a little depressed. I couldn´t figure out why. So, I talked with my mission president. Basically, he told me that I have to make the choice to change, or just do it. You know. I guess it was something that I had kind of forgotten. But, I applied what he said, and I´m really happy. We all pass through hard times. Whenever life is hard or whenever something bad happens we have a tendency to "give up". We say things like "It doesn´t matter what I do, it won´t work." or when we´re frustrated with someone "Nothing that I can do will make it better." But these responses and feelings are in fact wrong. Giving up never helped anyone. If we want a change in life or with our circumstances, we need to be the ones to make the change first. If life is hard, put on a smile and hope for the best.

Many people claim to be "realists" but in reality they are pessimists and expect the worst. In reality, expecting the worst is not a bad thing because in many instances the worst happens, but not always. For this reason we need to hope for the best but also expect the bad. Each day is a present. You can wake up and think to yourself "Poor me, my life is terrible." or you can wake up and say "Today is a new day, and I will make it good." No matter the outcome of the day we can always look back and laugh, good or bad. The things that have happened are in the past. The future is mysterious.... kind of. If you keep on the same track of self pity, the future is kind of obvious. It will continue to be bad. But that´s why we have the present. Like in the movie Kung Fu Panda, the old turtle said "Today is a gift, that is why it is called the present." What we choose to do today effects tomorrow. Choose to be happy. Choose to make tomorrow better. Make the change.

Dwelling in the past doesn´t help anyone either. The only thing good about the past, are the lessons that we can learn. Other than that, dwelling on it and being sad won´t help you go anywhere. The past will never change. Look forward to tomorrow. Make the change now to make tomorrow better.

In the long run, our life is but a small moment. Do you want to look back and say "My life was terrible." or "I lived a good life."? Sure, there will certainly be moments of trials and difficulties. But there is hope. We can always rely on the Savior to help us through. If we do all we can, the Savior will always be there to help us through our difficulties. Whatever they may be. In the book of Alma in The Book of Mormon, chapter 7 verses 11-13 says this...

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit ^aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the ^bflesh that he might^ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

I know that He knows each of our pains and difficulties. Make the change to rely on the Savior and follow him. He will always be there to catch us when we fall. And He waits for us with his hands stretched out to receive us. We need to reach out to him as well. As we enter this Christmas season, remember what Jesus Christ did for each and everyone of us. Remember the true meaning of Christmas. I know He lives. I love you.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Turkey Week

So, it´s the week of Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey week everyone!

You know what´s funny? In English there is a country called Turkey right? And we think and laugh at how a country can be named after a bird we eat annually. But in Portugués there is also a country whose name means the same animal as turkey. Do you know which country it is? Well, if you haven´t looked into it, the country is Peru! Peru means turkey. Well that´s fun.

As with the rest of the world, there are people here in São Luís that prematurely put up Christmas decorations. It started a week or too ago. On the streets I´ve started to hear Brazilianized tune of jingle bells with a reggae twist. I´ve seen one reindeer made of lights and a few other Christmas decorations. Maybe it´s not premature in Brazil to put up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, because as far as I know, they don´t have a Thanksgiving. Fortunately for us missionaries here in São Luís, we have zone conference on Thanksgiving.

I don´t remember what I talked about last week. But there was a marriage at the church this past Saturday. It was nice. I sang with one of the sister missionaries, Sister Hallman from Nauvoo, while the bride walked to the front. The ceremony was nice. I´m actually not to used to witnessing a wedding. I think it was the third time in my life. But that´s because all of the other weddings I´ve been to have been at the temple and I´ve had to wait outside and sometimes watch or take care of the little ones. So, their marriage is a legal marriage. The following morning, the husband was baptized. So, in about a year, they will be able to go to the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity. It´s truly an amazing thing. Eternal marriage. It can only be done at the temple by someone who has the authority of God (the priesthood).

The priesthood is an amazing thing. Long ago, Christ gave the priesthood to his apostles. He told Peter that whatever he sealed on earth will be sealed in heaven. This sealing power was lost for a long time, but thanks to the Mercy of God, He restored the priesthood and the His gospel and His church through His servant, the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was Peter, James, and John that appeared to Joseph Smith to restore this sealing power. Today, we still have this sealing power of the priesthood of God. I know that through the temple and through the priesthood, families can be together forever. I know that any other marriage that is performed here on this earth ends at death, it´s like putting and expiration date on your marriage. But through the blessings of the temple marriages and families can be forever. I know the Lord Jesus Christ lives. I know that His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know that families can be together forever, and that God wants us all to have this amazing blessing. I love you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

P.S. Here are some other pictures from P-Day last week. It´s pretty cool. There were a whole bunch of old buildings and there was practically no one there because it was a national holiday. So, a lot of things were closed, but we got to explore and have fun and take pictures.

Sushi Night!

A week ago, I made sushi at Waldemar´s house. (Val-deh-mar he´s a member of the church here who takes care of us) Anyway, he has traveled to Japan and other countries because he works with ships, but especially likes Japan. So, he bought some seaweed and kani (artificial crab), and we made sushi. More like California rolls. So, you know in sushi, you need to add some rice vinegar to season the rice, but here it´s kind of difficult to find. So, I used apple vinegar, and it turns out that apple vinegar is a good substitute when you don´t have rice vinegar. Also, you need to use a special kind of rice, but didn´t find that either. Fortunately, I know how to make normal rice into sticky rice.

Also this week, we discovered that the area that we tract isn´t actually São Luís. A small part of our area is, but we discovered that most of our area is actually in the neighboring city, which is São José de Ribamar. We were surprised. We´ve been here for more than a month, but didn´t realize that we were leaving the city, in which we live, everyday.Yesterday, I was talking with some visiters at church. One of them asked me, what is different about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other churches. I told him, "well, that´s kind of a difficult question. but basicially this, we have the whole gospel of Jesus Christ" And basically that really is the answer, we have the fullness of the gospel, when others have parts, or have altered parts, or missing parts. It´s actually really kind of lengthy and difficult to explain in an email. So, here is what I have to say:

1. talk with some local missionaries. They can help you understand better.
2. Visit the Church of Jesus Chist of Latter-day Saints. There you will learn more about the gospel.
3. Read the Book of Mormon, because in the Book of Mormon, you will understand clearly what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. I know that the things that we teach are true. That´s why I´m here in Brasil for 2 years. That´s why I speak Portugués.

I love you my friends and family.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Lacraia.....

So, I had a near death experience this week. It´s kind of funny. Mostly because, in the moment, I didn´t know I had a near death experience. Maybe I´m being dramatic.

Anyway, I was peacefully taking a shower after I got home, and when I was about to turn off the water, I felt something slithering up my ankle. I looked down and to my surprise, it wasn´t a snake that was slithering up my ankle, but it was a black centipede. It had crawled up from the drain in the floor that I was standing on (I´m really greatful for my current habit, since the beginning of the mission, of wearing sandals in the shower). It wasn´t too big, it was maybe the length of my palm, but nevertheless it was creeping up my ankle. I quickly shook it off and trapped it under the giant squeegy that all bathrooms here have. I grabbed my towel and then yelled to my companion to ask him if he knew what it was. He told me it was called "lacraia" and that they are really poisonous. He then preceded to ask if it had bitten me, (fortunately no), but told me that I need to be careful because they are really poisonous. He said that people who get bitten by one end up in the hospital and some people die. After that, he said that it´s okay to kill the lacraia and that I should, so I did. After that, I threw some bleach down the drain and all over the shower and went to sit down, because it hit me that I could have been in the hospital... WOOHOO!!!! That night and the next I slept in my hammock to stay as far away from the ground as possible. Since then, I take my shower keeping my eyes fixed on the drain. So, good news friends and family! You´re prayers are keeping me safe! I love you SOOO much! Yeah.... only in Brasil... hopefully...

I´m liking this topic of prayer, so I´m going to elaborate some more.

Prayer is how we communicate with God, our loving Father in Heaven. Prayer is literally a conversation with Heavenly Father. The Savior taught us how we should pray. He gave us an example to follow, but right before he gave the example of prayer, he said not to pray using vain repetitions. So, when we pray, we should pray from the heart and express what we tuly want to express. You don't need to speak very beautifully, but humbly from the heart. Be simple, sincere, but also respectful. Also, when we pray we need to have faith in what we ask of God. Like in Matthew 21:22

"22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. "

Remember to take some time to listen. Like when you call someone on the phone. It´s not just you talking, you also have to take time to listen to what the other has to say. It´s the same thing when we pray. It´s something I need to work on. It seems that we are often in a hurry when we do anything, but we need to take time to pray. Slow down a little. Prayer is very important. In the book of 2 Nephi chapter 32 verses 8 and 9 talk about the importance of prayer.

"8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."

I know that prayer is essential for our growth. We need to learn to rely on the Lord a little more each day. Prayer will increase your faith, and if you pray sincerely and listen, you will be guided to what you need to do. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and for this reason, I am here serving a mission to which the Lord has called me. I love you my dear ones. May the Lord bless you until we meet again.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Re-Elections

Well, we started an English course last week. I´m teaching basics and one of the sisters in my district is teaching an advanced class. We put some fliers and things up at a local college/university. So, that´s pretty fun. It´s pretty interesting how much you learn about your own language when learning another language or teaching your own.

This week, there hasn´t been too much excitement, aside from the election for the new president of Brasil yesterday. They had to do a revote a month after the elections occured because there were three candidates for president and none of them got more than 50 percent, so the two with the most votes had an extra month to send out their propoganda and debate. So, yesterday we had to go to the voting place because here in Brasil, it´s a law that everyone has to vote. So, I got to see how it´s done kind of. Actually, all the Brazilian missionaries do a "justification" because they are not able to vote, but you have to go to the location to vote in order to "justify." We went to a local school, and practically all of the classrooms were open to voting. They have an electronic voting system here. I asked one of the attendants if I could look and see what the machine was, and they said I could. Actually, they were confused at first until my companion told them that I was American. So, I got to see a Brazilian voting machine. My companion later told me, that I´m probably one of the only Americans to have seen one of those machines. Apparently, you can´t even look at one if you´re not Brazilian, or if you don´t have all your documents to vote. I´m not sure though. It was pretty interesting. It had a screen with numbers to the side. Then underneath the numbers there are three buttons. White, Correct, and End. 'Correct' if you put in the wrong numbers (there are a set of numbers that represent the people you are electing). 'End' for when you end.... And 'White' which is if you don´t know who to vote for you press white and you vote goes with the majority. Unfortunately, (my companion explained), the people think that when they press 'white' they are just putting in a blank vote rather than voting with the majority. Anyway, the new President of Brasil is the first female president of Brasil. Unfortunately, I don´t like politics. In fact I think that 90% of all politicians are corrupt (and I´m being lenient).

But that aside, some day the world will be a better place. That´s part of the purpose of missionary work. It´s to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. If you pay attention, you will see the signs of the second coming in the holy scriptures. One of the modern day Apostles of the Lord, Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke about preparing for the Second Coming. Here is a link,

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=4845ee9ba42fe010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that He will come again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly His church. It´s important to remember not to delay the day of our repentance because no one knows the exact day, month, or year when our Savior will come again. I love you my beloved friends and family. Stay strong and do what you can to stay close to the Lord.

-Elder Chiba

Burro e Cabra

So, burro (boohoh) means donkey and cabra means goat. This week I discovered how much my companion loves to pet animals. Fortunately the frequency to encounter these animals is such that we happen upon them several times a day. We usually stop to pet them or give them some kind of foliage. We´ve been playing with the idea of getting donkeys when we return home from the mission. If I end up having a lot of land, I´ll get myself a donkey. They´re pretty useful. They can pull things for you, but also, you can use the donkey in the local Christmas pageant. I think if I get one, I´ll name it Stanley. I think that´s a good name. There is also a donkey that really likes me. She is quite passionate. My companion likes to joke that she is my girlfriend. Unfortunately, I´m still not the biggest fan of goats. But he took some good pictures.

Recently I finished reading the gospel of John in the New Testament. I had never read it before, but during genereal conference in April the Prophet said to read the book of St. John. So, I read it. It was a really good experience, especially because right now I´m a representative of Jesus Christ. I was reading so I could learn more about the Savior, but also how to act more like Him. There is a scripture in The Book of Mormon that I encountered recently that I thought was very profound. It´s found in the book of 3rd Nephi chapter 27 verse 21. (Jesus Christ speaking)

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;

It was the last phrase that stood out to me. "for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do;". Truly, this phrase is the something that we all need to apply in our lives. I know that if we follow the example of our Savior in all things, we can truly be happy. I love you my friends and family. I pray that we can all improve ourselves a little bit more everyday to be more like the Savior.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Gone With the Wind of Guanabara

So first off, Guanabara is the charter bus company that our mission uses to transport missionaries from place to place. After 6 days of being together, one of the assistants called us and told us that Elder Paz was to be transfered the following day. So, that´s what happened. The day after I received my new companion Elder Bezerra (remember a double "rr" makes an "h" sound). He´s pretty small and feisty. He´s from Manaus which is the capital of the state of Amazonas. If you are wondering, he´s never seen a native before because Manaus is a huge city and people there are normal. (they just eat a lot of fish and exotic fruit, well I suppose if you live in the area it´s not exotic, so let´s go with tropical fruit) He´s also had a pet monkey and has been trained in several martial arts. My Portugués is definitely going to improve with him, he doesn´t hesitate to correct me (which I think is a blessing from heaven because I´m not the best at studying the language). I say the words correctly and never really had an accent to begin with, I just don´t speak normally. He´s a good teacher, especially for having only one transfer in the field.

Things are going well. The people here are great. I baptized two people on Saturday. It was amazing. Really, it´s truly amazing to be a part of someone´s eternal progression. I was telling my district at our district meeting that "Everytime we invite someone to be baptized, we invite them to have Eternal Life." That was one of those profound moments that the Holy Ghost taught me the instant that I spoke. Ít´s true though. Teaching and studying the gospel is amazing. In St. John 3:5 says "5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God."

In order to inherit eternal life we need to enter the kingdom of God, and in order to enter the kingdom of God we need to be born of water and of the Spirit (which is being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost). But the thing is, there are many people that will say that they´ve been baptized and received the Holy Spirit or that they can baptize, but unless they have the proper authority it´s not valid. Jesus Christ set the perfect example for us to follow. Matthew chapter 3

13 ¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be ^abaptized of him.

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, ^aSuffer it to be so now: for thus it ^bbecometh us to ^cfulfil all ^drighteousness. Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus, when he was ^abaptized, went up ^bstraightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the ^cSpirit of God descending like a^ddove, and lighting upon him:

Why did Jesus search out John the Baptist? It was because John the Baptist had the proper authority of God to baptize. John knew that Jesus was the Son of God because he was a servant of the Lord who had the authority of God and that´s why he said that he need to be baptized by Jesus. So, why was Jesus Christ baptised? Did he not live a perfect and sinless life? Why was it that he needed to be baptised for the remission of sins? What does he mean to "fulfill all righteousness"? Here is the answer in the book of 2 Nephi chapter 31 (located in the Book of Mormon)...

5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being ^aholy, should have need to be ^bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be ^cbaptized, yea, even by water!

6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be ^aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the ^aform of a ^bdove.

9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the ^agate, by which they should enter, he having set the ^bexample before them.

10 And he said unto the children of men: ^aFollow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we ^bfollow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father ^agive the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, ^bfollow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

Jesus Christ was baptized to show us the example that we need to follow. My dear friends and family. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, for many reasons. But I know the Book of Mormon is true because it teaches of Jesus Christ. I love you my dear ones and I invite you follow Christ´s example. Let´s all try to be more like our Savior every day.

Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Sião Luís

So, I´m in the capital city of Maranhão, São Luís. Which just so happens to be on an island. But, it´s pretty big. This is my third area. I´m serving in a really big ward with my new companion Elder Paz (his name means peace). Just so you know, Sião means Zion, so I´m in "Sião Luís." Get it? My companion Elder Paz is almost the same height as me, and quite a bit bigger than I am. He´s 25 and joined the church 4 or 5 years ago. He´s pretty cool.

There is this awesome soda called "Guaraná Jesus" it´s pink, and it´s tasty. It only exists here in Maranhão. On the bottle it says, something like "the flavor of living in Maranhão."

I don´t have too much time today, but I want you to know something very important. The Gospel of Jesus Christ truly blesses lives and families. In my last area, there was a family on the brink of separation, until we helped them learn about the gospel. When they truly applied the principles of the gospel, there was a miraculous change. In the beginning the man and woman were sitting on opposite sides of the room. But now they want to be baptized and sealed in the temple for eternity. So, what I learned is that if your marriage is falling apart either one or both parties are not living the gospel. Don´t pass blame to others for your faults. Do what you can to live the gospel and invite others to live the gospel also. Don´t give up. A family can be together forever, but remember that we all have to fight to stay on the right path. A marriage can last forever, but you have to live selflessly. I know the gospel is true because I see it changing lives. It´s truly something amazing. I know that Christ lives. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God. I love you my brothers and sisters.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

(A Little Background on Sião Luís)

Hello Dear readers of Elder Sam Chiba's Blog! This is a message from the sisters behind the screen:

Here's some information found online about Sam's new city & photos of that city. Click on the links below.

About the city
pictures

Tchau Camoceu

Well, today is kind of bittersweet. More on the sad side of things. We´re being transfered and the mission here in Camocim is closing for now. I´ll be going to São Luis in Maranhão and Elder Braga is going to Teresina. But you know, I´ll go where the Lord wants me to go. So, São Luis it is. I´m excited to experience more of the mission though. I´ll be training another missionary and I´m going to be the District Leader in my area as well. So, I guess that means I´m expecting.

If anyone gets the chance to come to Camocim, you should. It´s a little slice of heaven. That´s why we call it Camo-ceu (ceu meaning heaven). I don´t have much time today because we need to pack everything and clean the house before 2 am.

But, I love you. The gospel is true. The Book of Mormon is true.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

From Ireland?

So, today, we went to buy our bus passes to go to Sobral tomorrow for our district meeting. I saw some caucasion people at the bus station that were trying to get to Parnaíba, and I thought I heard english. But Brasil is kind of a confusing place, because there are also caucasion people here that are native Brasilians. Also, because Elder Braga and I speak a mixture of english and portuguese to each other I get kind of confused if I am hearing english or portuguese. So, I proceeded to ask them "Vocês são da onde?" And they said "sorry, we don´t speak portuguese." in a very timid kind of way. So, I asked them "where are you from?" And guess what, they are from Ireland. I think they´re on an 8 month adventure exploring South America or something like that. They were going to take a taxi, which would have been very expensive, but they decided to take the bus instead. (good choice). I asked them if they wanted help with buying their tickets, and they gladly accepted. Then we pointed them in the direction of the bank and some places to eat. I´m not easily recognized as an american. They were appreciative. Also we told them a little bit of what we do, which was way weird to try to explain missionary things in english. I had to think really hard. That made my day though.

Camocim is a touristy kind of place, but until today, I hadn´t met anyone english speaking. It was fun, and we helped some weary travelers. I remembered later though that I should have explained the difference between a motel and a pousada. Don´t ever use a motel if you come to Brasil. It´s only a place to go to "hook up".....gross. Pousadas are good though. It´s like an INN or something quaint like that.

Anyway, our job is to preach the "Restored Gospel." Restored, because after the time of Christ, simple and precious truths of the gospel had been lost and/or distorted. The Gospel of Jesus Christ consists of 1. Faith in Jesus Christ, 2. Repentence, 3. Baptism, 4. The Gift of the Holy Ghost, and 5. Endure to the End. For this purpose a restoration was needed. In fact, the gospel can be found in the Bible, but it´s difficult to put it all together because of all of the translations the Bible has gone through. So, God gave us the Book of Mormon as a means to restore the fullness of the gospel of Christ. I know it is true, and my job right now is to share the good news with everyone. It's so wonderful. The gospel blesses my life everyday, and it´s amazing to see it changing lives here in Camocim. I love you my family and friends.

Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Did you know cockroaches fly?

Did anyone know that cockroaches fly? Because I learned that this week. My companion and I went to the market at centro to buy some fruit. There was something that landed or fell on my head. Then in fell onto my pants. I saw it, but I didn´t quite realize what it was. It was a cockroach. Like the size of my thumb. Mind you that my hands are somewhat big. Then it fell to the ground then flew away. I asked the girl that was attending us what that "bichu" (creature/thing) was. She said it was a barata (cockroach). I proceeded to ask her, "Baratas voam?" (Cockroaches fly?), she was surpised and kind of laughed at me and responded 'You didn´t know that?!'. That same day I saw another cockroach fly and I was still in shock from what I had learned. Needless to say, people were laughing at my naivety that day.

Also, this time of the year the weather is getting hotter, and apparently the big spiders leave the fields and enter the houses. Fortunately, our house was bug/spider proofed not too long ago. Also, I have a goal to make real P.O.G. (passion, orange, guava juice) because I have access to all three fruits. So, we´ll see how that goes. I´ll try to remember to keep you updated on how that goes.

As far as preaching the gospel goes, things are picking up here in Camocim. We´re working all day long and we're double booked a lot of the time. We have to do divisions/splits a lot to cover all of our visits. The thing that is amazing though is to see the changes in people. We´ve been working with a family lately that had some relational problems, but as we´ve been teaching them about the gospel and teaching them how to apply the principles of the gospel to their family they have changed dramatically. At first they were having some problems, then the problems got worse to the point of them almost splitting up, but then they applied what we had been teaching them. It is truly amazing, the healing power of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. It´s a testimony to me how real the gospel is, and how important it is to live it´s teachings. I know that what I am teaching is true. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly Christ´s church. There is no possible way for it not to be. I love the gospel of Christ, I love my God and my Savior, and I am so happy to me an instrument in His hands to serve my brothers and sisters. I love you my friends and family.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

What?! Sushi?!

Hey Everybody!

Things are well here in the great Northeast of Brasil. Nothing really exciting happened this past week except for the training in Teresina that I went to. The training was for all of the leaders in the mission (Assistansts to the President, Zone Leaders, District Leaders, and Trainers). So, technically, I´m still training, so I went. It was fun. Teresina is a nice city, but it´s very hot and the buses are kind of scary. The nice thing was, I went to this restaurant place and they had sushi. I was thinking to myself that sushi in Teresina probably isn´t that good. And because I am recognizably Japanese, the Elder I was working with in Teresina asked the sushi guy if I could try it because I´m a real Japanese person (which is very uncommon here in the Northeast). So, I tried the sushi, and it was delicious to my surprise! So, I bought some. It was a little expensive, but oh so worth it. I think my love for sushi has increased. You know, distance makes the heart grow fonder right?

When I got home to Camocim there was some sad news. One of the members´ husband had died. So, the day that I got back was dealing with funeral things and trying to be a force of support for the sister.

My friends, death is a hard thing to deal with for anyone. And many times it catches us off guard. But, I know that there is life after death. Our Father in Heaven has a marvelous plan for us, and the knowledge of God´s plan for me is truly comforting.

If you have ever lost a loved one, if you feel lost or without purpose, you will find comfort in Heavenly Father´s Plan of Salvation. So, if you have ever wondered where we came from, if you have ever wondered what the purpose of life is, or if you have ever wondered what happens to us after we die, just talk to a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and they can help you meet some missionaries who will explain everything to you. Because Jesus Christ lives, we all will live again thanks to His atoning sacrifice for us. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that God loves us, and it is because of His love for us that we are here. It´s because of His love for us that He sent His only Begotten Son to save and redeem us from sin and from death. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His true church. I encourage you to meet with the missionaries to learn about God´s plan for you. I love you my dear friends and family.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

We are doing a service project at the Branch President's house.

that´s my hammock

We´re all by our lonesome....

So, our house was full of joy and kind of noisy, then transfers came. So, now it is only me and Elder Braga. We get along great, but we miss the others. So, monday nightlast week was pretty fun. It was me, Elder Braga, and Elder Iglézia. We went to the lan house to email. They were both not feeling well, but you know emailing isn´t that strenuous.... I thought. They weren´t well, at all. We ended up at the hospital afterward. Oh dear. We left the cell phone at the house and we needed to get a hold of our mission president and some of the church members to help. So, we were in the hospital. The two other elders lying in beds. What was I to do? Well, I had to break a rule and ran home all by myself to get the phone. I was all stressed and stuff, and praying the whole time that everything would be ok. Fortunately, Camocim is not that big and it only takes like 10-15 minutes to run from the hospital to the house and back. Everything is fine now. My companion had eaten something bad and the other was sick from what seemed to be induced emotionally. Anyway, that was an adventure.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know it is true for many reasons. Some reasons are really basic. For example, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, we follow Christ´s example. We try to live in accordance with His teachings and commandments. Another reason is that everything makes sense. There isn´t any doctrine in the church that is contradictory. The more that I´ve been studying and teaching the gospel, the more I realize how everything is connected. It is mind boggling, but so amazing. But most importantly, I know that The Book of Mormon is true. The Book of Mormon is the cornerstone of our religion. The doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures (The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price) are the foundation of our faith, but The Book of Mormon is the Cornerstone. If the Book of Mormon is false, than my whole life and my whole purpose in life, especially right now, is a lie. I challenge anyone who has any doubts, who has any curiosity about The Church of Jesus Christ to read The Book of Mormon and ask God, in faith that He will answer, if The Book of Mormon is true.

I know what I know is true. I know that God knows that I know, and I can never deny it. The gospel that I have been called to teach is for the salvation of souls. How wonderful it is to be here, to see lives change, because of the blessings of the gospel. I know that Jesus Christ lives. It is only through Him that we can be cleaned of all of our sins and live with God and our families forever. I love you my friends and my family.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Staying In Camocim

To My Beloved Friends and Family,

Well, Transfers are here. Elder Braga and I are staying by ourselves here in Camocim, and the other missionaries Elder Iglézia and Elder Melo are being transfered. So, we have the whole city to ourselves. This week has been very calm. Not much to talk about. Except, remember how I said that there weren´t very many animals here? I think I´ve gotten used to random animals in random places. There are cows that roam the streets here. One time I saw a cow eating out of a garbage can. It took the garbage bags out of the can and shook it about to tear it open to get whatever was inside. You know when you´re camping you have to put your food and garbage in a place where the bears and racoons won´t get to it. Or maybe in the city, there are cats or racoons that dig through the garbage, but here in Camocim, there are cows.

We all have our weaknesses. We all have our troubles, but if we are humble The Lord will make us strong, and make our weaknesses our strengths. In the book of Ether we learn this.

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

This, I know to be true. If you have faith and trust in the Lord, He will help you overcome anything. I love you all.

-Elder Samuel H. Chiba

Voting in Brasil and Vicios (Addictions)

Oi pessoal!

So, it´s voting time in Brasil, or maybe just in Ceará. I don´t know for certain. Unlike the U.S. voting here is mandatory. Also, the ways to advertise are pretty annoying. There are these cars that drive around with HUGE sound systems that play songs/jingles for the candidates. Every candidate has a different number. I didn´t realize it was because of voting at first. Hahahaha! I told my companion Élder Braga, "Man people here really like to sing about numbers." I think it was the following day, or some time after ward, I saw a banner on one of the loud campaigning cars, and it finally clicked. "Oh, it´s for elections!" The other night there was a huge rally in the streets. More like a parade of sorts with tons of motorcycles (not hogs, like honda and such, just regular motorcycles), those obnoxious music cars, and banners. It was a fun sight, but I felt bad for the people in the cars (they probably have hearing damage).

[After an experience with a church member's family I feel impressed to share something concerning Vicios (Addictions) ]

Addictive substances are terrible things. They destroy families, friendships, and your life. One of the things that we teach as missionaries is "The Word of Wisdom" (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/89) which is a commandment that was given to the prophet Joseph Smith. It´s basically a guide of how to live a healthy life. We should eat in moderation and exercise. Also there are 5 basic things to avoid 1. Alcohol, 2. Tobacco, 3. Hot Drinks (coffee and tea [herbal tea is okay though]), 4. Illigal Drugs and abused perscriptions, and 5. Other Addictive substances. Some things seem like they may be innocent or harmless, but the reality is these things are addictive. Some are obviously bad like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco (if you don´t know the adverse effects of these, talk to your doctor or someone who knows about health). But, things like coffee and tea. What´s the harm? The truth is people gain a dependency on them. For example, "I can´t start my day without..." or "When I don´t drink ... I get a headache." And then a lot of people like to say, "But it´s been scientifically proven that...." so, my responce to that is "In the end, who is more correct? Who knows what is better for you? Some scientists? or God?" But the thing is my friends, I can say a lot of things. I only ask that you ask God for yourself if what I am saying is true. That you ask God the Eternal Father in the name Christ if the Book of Mormon is true. If the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God and he received relevations to bless our lives with more health. I know that The Word of Wisdom is truly a gift from our Heavenly Father. I know that it is true because I live a healthy life. I love you all.

Your Missionary,

Élder Samuel H. Chiba

1 Corinthians Chapter 3

16 Know ye not that ye are the ^atemple of God, and that the ^bSpirit of God dwelleth ^cin you?

17 If any man ^adefile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is ^bholy, which temple ye are.

p.s. here is a link about addiction recovery http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=b48f9ffc50481210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD