Wow a lot has happened in the last week. So it’s been a rough week for us. We have been working with our investigator named Tãnia. She was marked for last Saturday to be baptized. Well, she wasn’t baptized. We have been trying so hard to get with her this week. She works like crazy so it’s hard to get a hold of her. She has been taught all the lessons and already had the pre-interview and passed. They only thing we needed to do was to have the actual interview and then the baptism. We literally had everything ready. It could have been the easiest baptism; all she had to do was show up. We had the program ready, people where excited and everything.
Thursday we had the District Leader come from Portimão come to do the interview. Tãnia had told us that she would get off work around 7:30 and would be ready by 8:00. We arrived at the church and waited for her and then we receive a message from her that she can’t do it. We finish the night out with contacts and then went to our house. The other elders from Portimão slept in our house that night.
We were still planning for the baptism so that we could be all organized. Later, during the day we were at the church, finishing the baptism programs (last touches). During the last two days we have been calling Tãnia a lot trying to get a hold of her, but she would never pick up her phone, she was at work. Then we called her friend Nelia (our recent convert) and asked if she knew where Tãnia was. She told us that she was at her house. So we asked if they could come and talk to us at the church. Then we talked to her and then she explained to us what happened. She told us that she had a problem and that she didn’t want to be baptized just yet. She will still go to church, but she didn’t want to be baptized on Saturday. So we tried to find out the problem but she told us it was between her and God so we gave her space and respected her decision. That was a huge bummer that happened this week but we are still working with her. She came to church this Sunday and loved it. We talked with her for a little bit and she told us that she is getting better and that her "problem" is getting better as well. We will still pass by and try to help her with this "problem". So keep her in your prayers. She will get there.
Easter was really fun over here in Lagos. We got to go over the Melo´s and have a great lunch/dinner with them. We had lamb, turkey, potatoes, salad, and dessert. It was so good and very filling. They are just awesome. We then played games after and then we invited their neighbors over for a little Easter message. We showed a 15 min video of Christ. When He atoned for our sins, died on the cross, and when He raised from the dead. They really liked it and the spirit was really strong there. Easter was a great day for us. I hoped you all had a great Easter and that you all feel a lot closer to our Savior.
Well to all of those who don’t know, Sunday was transfers and we all stayed here in Lagos. We still have more work to do here. I’m super excited that I get to stay here with Elder Solomon. He is one of my favorite companions. Everything is going good here in Lagos. We may have some bumps every once in a while, but we work hard to smooth it out or adapt to it. Thank you for all your prayers and love. All of you guys are amazing. I want you all to know that I am doing alright. The Lord is on my side. I love you all so much. Keep on smiling.
Com muito amor,
-Elder Rusnell