EASTER!!!

3-25-13

I will just say Happy Easter now because I won´t be able to write until after!  so.... HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!!!!  HAPPY EASTER TO THE WHOLE WORLD!!!! I may love Easter more than I love Christmas- which is a big deal.  Because I really,really love Christmas.  But Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection!  THAT CHRIST LIVES!!!  This means more to me than anything.  That He died for me and lives for me.  I know that Jesus Christ was resurrected and that He truly Lives- as a glorified, perfect being that loves us and that fights for us and has His hands always outstretched to help.  I know that He is our Savior, Redeemer, He is the Messias, the Great Jehovah, the Wonderful, Counselor, the Prince of Peace.  He died so we could live.  The Advocate.  I love Jesus Christ and I know He loves me too.  That is why I am preaching His gospel everyday- because I love Him.  And He helps me to love His sheep more and more every day.  He has held me when I have cried, He has strengthened me when I was low, He has softened my heart to be humble, He has made my load lighter, He has granted me experiences to grow closer to Him.  I will always be in His dept, but He will always make up the difference.  He truly suffered in our place and rose so that we can all arise.  I know that Jesus Christ lives.  ... Happy Easter. :)

Also, GENERAL CONFERENCE IS COMING UP!!!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!  I AM SO EXCITED!!!!  My goal for reading all the conference talks from last conference is going pretty well- almost there!  Also, only 6 more days till we can take the Sacrament again!!!!  YES!!! Even better news.  Something that I have learned better here on the mission is that small things bring about great things.  Every card you hand out, and every contact you make counts- it affects people’s lives no matter what.  Last transfer a member gave us some names of some menos ativos.  We kept calling them and they came to church.  And they haven´t stopped coming to church.  The ward missionaries have been able to visit them. 2 of them have now given talks.  They are much more firm in the gospel.  All it took was someone to realize they were missing and then a couple of phone calls.  

Amarildo dropped a cigarette everyday and he has now gone 2 days without smoking!!  We are still working with him a BUNCH to keep strong.  We call him every two hours and read a scripture in the Book of Mormon with him.  ALSO we have been praying A TON for him to be baptized this transfer but he also says ´ In my own time, I am not ready, etc´ So after church we got some faca from the District leader that left me to really ponder on the walk home and a chapter from the Book of Mormon came to my mind and I knew exactly what to do to help Amarildo accept to be baptized this transfer.  We prayed a lot and we went to his house to talk to him.  The spirit was very strong.  We read those scriptures, talked to him and invited him to pray about baptism for next weekend.  He said a really humble and sincere prayer to feel to know if he is ready for baptism and after the prayer we all stayed in silence and we all felt an incredible feeling of calm and peace. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!  It made me sooo happy.  AND...  he said he would be baptized next weekend!!!!  AHHHHHHHH!!!! SO EVERYONE PLEASE PRAY THAT HE WILL STAY STRONG AND NOT SMOKE!!!!  He needs lots of prayers.  I am sooo grateful to a part of Amarildo´s spiritual growth.  What a privilege!  I LOVE this work!!!  I am SOOO happy!!!

The Marinho´s invited us over for P-day!  They are so much fun.  Everyone thinking of going on a mission- just do it.  

In our Zone conference we talked about the difference of testimony and conversion.  Conversion is a process- we must work on it every day. every day.  Remember to read the Book of Mormon.  I know it is true!!!  We talked to a woman really quickly on the street and got her address and phone number and we stopped by- she wasn´t home but her 6 kids were!!!! It was so much fun!!! A FAMILY!!!! With six kids!!! I almost cried.  Remember to FOLLOW UP with all the people you have talked with about the gospel.  It makes a big difference.  I testify that this is the true church of Christ here on the earth.  I know Jesus is the Christ.  I know the gift of tongues is real.  Keep praying for me :)  I appreciate it.  I have been thinking about Jerusalem a TON and every time my eyes tear up.  I love the Lord.  I love his work and I am SO grateful to be a part of it.  I love you all SOOO much!!!!  HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!

Com muito amor,

Sister Tingey