Miracle

He is now the financial clerk for the mission.

So yesterday we left will some cool guys, Jiorgio and Tito. I stayed with Jiorgio, he is 17 and speaks fleuent english. He did a foreign exchange in Colorado! It was so cool. So Elder Eggers and I had only planned for one set of appointments instead of two for two companionships. Elder Eggers and Tito went to our appoinments and Jiorgio and i just though, "lets find some middle class homes and go tracting". We went and we got to a certain part of the area and Jiorgio said, "I think that i remember a couple that the missionaries used to visit here." I was so excited to go and try it out. We went there and the couple did not live there, but there was an 18 year old girl that ran to us at the door with a huge smile. We said we were missionaries and that we had a message about Jesus Christ. She then said that she was a less active member and said that her dad was in the house if we wanted to enter. We entered and talked to them about the Book of Mormon and Ether 12:27. Then here dad had to leave so we went to finish the message with her in the street with. We testified that we did not find her by accident and then she said that she already knew that. ´She said that she was on the couch and feeling really sad about a variety of things in her life when all the sudden she heard us clapping at the gate. She went out and saw us and just felt like she had been remembered. She started to testify of the love of our Heavenly Father. She bore a great testimony, i meanshe had already been through the young womens program of the church. She spoke and began recognize the love and need of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through her words. She started to cry as the spirit testified to her of the truths that she so much wanted and needed to know and feel. She committed to read the book of mormon and to return to church.  Her name is Carol!

I testify that revelation can come in many ways! This young man, Jiorgio, doesnt even live in this ward but through prayer and and worthiness, he remembered of that very house where we would find that person in need of our help.

I testify that we are children of a Divine Father who loves us and knows us and that makes Himself manifest unto us through His Spirit and His faithful followers. He knew that Carol needed help and know how and when to help. He loves me and knows me. He sees who i really am, even when i have a difficult time seeing who i really am.

I testify of the power of prayer. It is direct communication with heaven.

I testify of the power of the holy priesthood. We can be strengthened and comforted through and by it. It makes and seals our covenants with our Father. And without a doubt, it is the power of Son and Savior, Jesus Christ, given to men to help all become more like Him and live with Them, the Father and the Son, again.

Missionary work is His work.

I testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I testify that He paid our price, individually. I testify that there is not a dark corner that He cannot enter and illuminate with pure light, if we will be humble ourselves before Him. Humility includes honesty, sincerety, simplicity, and obedience. I testify that He lives and activily looks to lift us up off the ground! He is the Life and the Light of the World!!

I testify in His holy and sacred name, amen.

Check out the video for this christmas. #LightTheWorld. And participate this christmas season! Be the light of the world with Him!!!

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_VRN7hcL_8

Campaign Link: https://www.mormon.org/

Love you all!!!

Elder Sanchez

Hello Everyone!!

This week was great. I am learning alot about my imperfections. Being a leader is harder than i thought. I cant relax. I have to love and learn and be obedient. If i dont, i can loose the trust of others and of the Lord. We are having miracles. We cant do prosyliting in our condominium but we, through the hand of the Lord, have entered into many houses in our condominium and taught the gospel. People give us rides to the center of town and we ask if we can visit them. Its sweet! We have to give a training about the Ward Mission Plan to two zones this week. My companion is amazing. He was able to take the story of Ammon and connect it very well with the concept of creating and carrying out the Ward mission plan. I am excited to see where this will go. The whole mission is creating stronger bonds with the wards and stakes so that the fruits of the work can be greater and lasting!! I love President Thomas. He is such an inspired man. Today i will go to the church farm here in the middle of nowhere. It is the last p day of a sister in my district. She and her companion are amazing. They have left an amazing legacy here in Caucaia. We will miss her service! I love you guys. I dont have much time today. The box arrived in São Paulo and i will pay for it this week. I love you guys and am so excited to work another week here in Caucaia 2 Zion!! I have goals to get to know better my Savior Jesus Christ. 

We were leaving the house one night this week to get food that a member had brought for us and as i opened the door, a HUGE spider fell on me and freaked me out. It is super big. We put a bowl on it and then messed with him. He was in all sorts of defensive positions and then my companion taught me how they kill spiders in Mato Grosso (his home). He got cleaning alcohol and drench the spider and the ground around it and then lit it on fire. The little devil ran and ran on fire. I felt like i was in a game of Pac-man World 2 running from the flamming spider! It was a great brazil experience. I have pics and a video but i wont be able to send them today.

Getting back to spiritual things. I am so grateful for repentance that is possible throught Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who literally intercedes for us to the Father during our mortality. They want us to be happy and through the Holy Spirit we can be pure and clean and happy. We have to be worthy of this spirit. I love to feel close to my Savior and i can feel closer to Him by living His teachings and by following His example. You can do the same. This is my challenge to my friends and family this week. Do something that will bring you closer to Jesus Christ. It could be through greater obedience, stronger and more sincere prayer, or by studying about His great and eternal sacrifice! I love you guys and miss you! Have a wonderful week!

Elder Sanchez

Hey everybody!!!!! I am still alive!!!

At the Mall


My new house!!


My new companion, Elder Melo!!

We had transfers and i left my swole companion, elder Nascimento in Giovanni Gronchi Sião!!! He will destroy there. He is a great man and i loved my time with him. I will miss living with the Assistants too. Elder Bartling and Elder Meira and Elder A dos. Santos were great roomates!! But here i am in Zona Cotia as a zone leader. My companion is Elder Melo!! The best missionary in the world. The guy is incredible and i love working with him. This ward is the Caucaia 2nd Ward and it is amazing. So much love. The family of Felipe, Waldisa, Kauanny, and Kauan was baptised in Giovanni. I couldnt make the baptism because my area is so far away. We are over the zone of farmers. It is amazing. The first time that i have inhaled pure are, non polluted in eleven months!!! We are finding so many people here and so many families. We are planning to have a mission-wide baptism on the 10th of June called the Waters of Mormon!! All of the missionaries in the mission will baptize in their respective stakes that day. Now is the part of motivating our zone to get every companionship at least one person to baptize! It will all work out! I cannot believe that i am a zone leader. I was never even a district leader. I am new and a little nervous but i love learning how to follow up and talk to people. Sisters are intimidating but i will figure it out haha! My first day in this area we moved into a new house!! This new house is amazing (almost too much for missionaries) but i think that these are the blessings for cleaning all my other houses with so much enthusiasm in my other areas! I love it!
I love the Lord. I am learning about prayer. God want us to live good and abundant lives. We have to be worthy and then we just have to ask for it with faith. I know that we are in our second home here on earth. We were taught at prepared before this world to come here and fight against the wickedness of the world. It is amazing to me! I know that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer. Now you guys can enjoy the pics of this week!!! I was given a talk assignment in church about the general conference talk of Elder Holland from this past conference. I am working a lot with english with my new companion. He is great. I miss you guys and love you guys!!! I will do my best in this area!!

Love, Elder Sanchez

I love you all! Happy Easter!

Elder Nascimento e Conferencia Geral!!!                        April 3,2017

Hey everybody. Hope you all are feeling good! I had a great week. Loving the work and my companion. Sorry that i dont have pics. The adapter that i used broke and i have to buy another one but i dont have a store near me that i know of. I love General Conference. It was so amazing. Those who didnt see. Go and watch. My faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His Father, God, was strengthened so much. I want to be more like Jesus Christ. I want to love others like he does. I loved learning about the priesthood and the Savior. I think my favorite line of the conference was "The more we try to walk with Him (through dedicated priesthood service), the more we will recognize how much he already walks with us!!" It was so cool. My companion is so cool. His name is Elder Nascimento. He is from Manaus and has 6 months on the mission. He is 20 years old and was baptised in the church with 15 years of age. He is so humble and ready to work and i have already learned so much form his example! Olenilton and Valeria got married this past week and will be baptized this saturday!! They have been a huge blessing in my life and in the lives of their families. For because of them, their families are being taught the gospel. Congratulations to Aunt Tata and Uncle Mark!! You guys are blessing your children more than you know!! I dont have much time. I know this church is the true church of Jesus Christ!! I know that we can be happy with true happiness through Him! I love you guys! Have a good week!

Elder Sanchez

I love you all! Happy Easter!                                           April 10, 2017

Everybody, all my friends and family. Take two minutes of your day to watch a video about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Go to Mormon.org or go to Youtube.com and type in "The Prince of Peace" to watch and remember the peace of our Salvador. I know he lives and loves us. He came to down to this earth and lived a mortal life, He died and lived again so that we can have an infinite peace during this life and the next if we follow his teachings. Learn more about him and talk with the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in your area!!!

We are teaching a lot. Olenilton and Valeria made their first covenant with God this past weekend, starting their journey to be an eternal family. Please pray for Waldisa and Felipe so that they can carry their family into the gospel, for Jenilson and Marie de Laurdes so that they can recognize the truth, for Leila so that she can raise her children in a firm and loving family, and for all the missionaries around the world so that they can be strengthened in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Love you guys and have a great week!!!

Elder Sanchez

Hello Everybody!!! It´s been a while"!!

I am super good here in Brazil. I am loving everything. I learned about optimism, which is probably one of the best things in the world! I saw this video in a training and i want everybody to go and watch it! It is in black and white and it is called "Validation"! You will love it!! I got bit by a dog this week in the favela. Dont worry, it didnt draw blood or anything. It just hurts so bad that i wanted to go back and knock the lights out of that dog. But he was protecting a little boy in the house. This little boy opened the door and the dog saw me in front of him. We are teaching so many people. Pray for Cintia and Regina so that they can find peace in the message of the Plan of Salvation because they have had some intense experiences in life. Pray for Sandra so that she can be happy and recognize the Grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. (If any of you would like to understand better the Grace of Jesus Christ, then go and watch on youtube a talk called "The workers of the Vineyard" by Elder Jefferey R. Holland). Pray for Olenilton and Valeria, that their wedding this saturday can go smoothly, so that the can feel comfortable with a baptisimal date the eight of April, and so that the can be inspired to take care of their sons. Pray for Waldisa, Felipe, Kauanny, Kauan, and Alexandre so that they can have their eyes set on the blessings of the temple! These people are amazing and i love them so much. They are blessings sent from Heavenly Father. I learn more with them than they learn with me. I feel an eternal connection with them. I hope that they can reach their eternal potencial as children of God. I hope that all of you can be happy this week. Life is not easy but we can be happy. We have godly potencial here on earth. We cannot find the happy life, we have to make it following the teachings of Christ. He is our Savior. He went to the deepest darkest extremes of eternity to save us and understand how to help us just because we are children of His Father. He loves us like His Father loves us. According to the talk "the workers of the vineyard", I am and will always be the last worker to arrive in the day and that is why i am grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God in the flesh. Whose ministry and sacrifice was testified by prophets in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon!! Love all you guys! You are amazing people, doing amazing things! Keep it up!

Com amor,

Elder Sanchez

My New Area / Gratitude is the Source of Happiness!

My New Area   1/9/17

Hey guys I was finally transfered! I felt like a new missionary again because i have never been transfered before so i had no idea what i was doing. I am training Elder Pastene! He is from chile and is learning Portuguese! It is quite an adventure working with him because i dont know spanish haha. But he is really cool and is improving every day! I live in 4! It is me, my companion, and the assistants! Its such a cool priviledge to live here. This ward is so solid in the church. This area is pretty wealthy but with the help of the Lord we are finding people to teach. We live in an apartment on the fifth floor overlooking the city of São Paulo. Its cool, we have a balcony and everything. Compared to my last house it was like leaving a dungeon to enter a palace. This was a house of sisters and they left a mess. There was about 20lbs of clothes that i crammed in a closet and i find hair everywhere. I guess this is another part of mission life preparing me for marraige. Opening this area is a challenge. We arent having any progress with information in the area book so we are just doing tons of contacts to try to establish a base here to work on. I am enjoying it and learning to work in new ways.

I am so grateful for the emails that i receive. I read them, i may not respond because of time but i read them! I love you all, this is truly the Lord´s work. I need to trust in him more now than in any other time in my life.

Com Amor,

Elder Sanchez

Gratitude is the source of happiness        2/6/17

Wow this week was amazing! I am so happy to have recieved galoches this week. Thank you so much mom and dad, i had no idea that this was coming haha. They are even fancy! Moccassin style! I think that I and the elders that i live with laughed for about five minutes seeing the galoches, after we finished entertaining ourselves popping the little bit of bubble wrap that came with them! I will take and send fotos of them in action!

I ate this grose native fruit this week... it is so sour. This girl in Jardim Colombo was eating them and i passed by and asked what it was. She said the name of the strange fruit and offered it to me. I ate it and didnt like it. Later i learned that it is better in juice! I also was walking with Elder Bartling and he stopped on the sidewalk and started eating these berries. I had never seen this berry before. He said it was good so i ate it too and it was really good and really sweet. I still dont know what kind of fruit i ate both times but it was a good cultural experience!

A family came to church this week! It was the first time on my mission that a whole family, Dad, mom and kids came to church. They loved it, I loved it, They want to come again, they love the Book of Mormon and have growing testimonies of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be a part of their conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am grateful for the experiences that i am having with my companion in this area. I am learning little things like how to listen and how to learn. I love my mission president, especially because i know that his vision for me and this mission is the Lord´s vision. I can feel it and experience it here in São Paulo West.

I am learning so much about the nature of the Lord. I was thinking about the creation of the world. Jesus Christ created the world, but it was under the direction of God. Jesus Christ, alone, didnt have the power to create a world during that time, He was  how we were, only spirit. But through the priesthood power of God, Jesus Christ was able to build this beautiful world. Today because He completed His mission, Jesus Christ has recieved His Glory. Now He too is a source of power and priesthood. The same principle applies to us. And like Christ before, the initial power that we have today is our agency to choose. And if we choose to rely on the Lord, His Son, and His Priesthood we can do anything according to His will! The power, glory, and joy of the Lord will become ours in humble obedience, service, and gratitude to God. Endurance in these sacred principles will lift us to be like our Father. The same way our Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ, is like the Father. I just invite all to be more grateful and remember that we are a part of a Grand and Glorious Plan. A perfect plan. We all have our individual purpose here on earth and in the eternaties.

I love all of you guys. I am so proud of the Patriots and of Tom Brady for taking the win one more time through teamwork and professional couching! I could not have asked to be born in a better part of the country where our country is honored through a football team that wins! Tom Brady´s wife is also Brazilian! Love you guys! Have a great week!! Be an example!

Elder Sanchez

2017!!

Happy New Year everybody!! I can certainly say that i grew a lot this past year. From welding at Caterpillar, to being Troy Bolton, to taking the AP Calc test, to graduating high school, to becoming a full-time missionary in Brazil... it has been a journey! I will be transfered on teusday. It is a wierd feeling. I have been in this area for 6 months. These roads are the only ones i know in this country and i know them by heart. Its hard to fit everything in my bags. My new area is in Zona Ferreira. I dont know the name of the area because i didnt understand very well the portuguese of my american mission president. I am entering deeper into the city of São Paulo. I dont know yet but i think my area will be filled with apartment buildings and business. A HUGE cultural change from this area. I will be having the priviledge to train again! A Novinho (new guy) fresh from the CTM in Brazil. I will meet him on tuesday and then find out how to arrive in my new area. I hope it has a good area book and at least the address of the Ward Mission Leader or Bishop. My companion, Elder Pittella that i just had the opportunity to train, will be training a novinho too in Catanduva! I am so happy for him. The have some amazing families to teach and help right now.
I have made some goals to be more grateful this year like writing in my journal. But my biggest overall goal is to become a man in my work-ethic, attitude, happiness, obedience, portuguese, and my purpose as a missionary. I love a what one the assistants to the President said in his last weekly letter. He said that faith is not based upon the past but is based upon the blessings, truths, and occurances that in the future will be effective in our life. Faith always points forward to the future.
Love, Elder Sanchez

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!!

12/5/16

Hey everybody!! This week was great! We found a lot of cool people and like three families with a lot of potencial. My favorite visit was with Eduardo, Marcia, and Izadora! They were so excited to here that we have a living prophet! Dad, you made me start thinking about gratitude and I dont have a story from my mission that i can think of right now but i am will start to try and share more stories about my life here haha. I am so grateful for my family. So the Confraternização de Natal (probably the longest word in the world for Christmas party) of the mission will be a talent show. Our zone (Campo Limpo) is putting together a show about Christmas and missionary work for our mission. I am acting as an investigator that will be baptized. It is so much fun organizing this thing. We work on it the mornings of p-day! It is making me miss my days as Troy Bolton under the bright lights in the Oconee county Civic Center haha! But really i am so excited for Christmas. I have been sharing the christmas video of the church in almost all of our visits recently! It brings the spirit so strongly. I am learning so much on my mission how i am very imperfect but i love to be imperfect because it gives me the opportunity to grow! Jesus Christ is our savior. He was born, lived, suffered and died for each one of us. He knows us and loves us and He lives! Lets commemorate this Christmas by helping others feel His love and light. If you haven´t seen it yet, its not too late! Go to Mormon.org and watch the video! One day this week it rained alot and i saw a transformer blow up! It was pretty cool. reminded me of welding! You all have a wonderful week! I love you all!

Com amor,

Elder Sanchez

12/13/16

Hey guys i dont have much time today. I got to go to the temple today and it took up my p-day. Sorry to not warn about p-day being tuesday this week (mom and dad). Mom, the box was rejected, thank you for putting in the money. I had to pay 239 reais and i paid with cash, I will take out the money in the account to buy food for this week. Thank you so much for the box, i havent recieved it yet, because the secratary will get it for me this week from the mail service here. But it is paid off. I hit my six month mark, it feels like i arrived yesterday. I am sick again today. I have been sick so many times on my mission. I dont know if it is the climate here or just because i interact with so many people but i´ll figure it out. We are teaching a lot of families. It is cool to see fathers find more purpose in their family role as they learn about the restored gospel. We had a mission tour by the Area President of Brazil. It was amazing. My whole mission has been doing weekly planning wrong and so now we learned how to plan and utilize the area book better. It was an amazing training and we started applying the principles the day we were instructed and we are already having results. Less appointments are falling through and we are able to follow up with people way more effectively. We got a new smoke detector because ours broke and wouldnt stop beeping. Two days ago it rained so much during weekly planning. We were planning in front of the window where the map is and the transformer just outside exploded. It was the first time i have been that close to an exploding transformer. My whole body shaked and it scared me i almost fell out of my chair haha. And the thing about a transformer is that its not just once, the thing keeps exploding until they shut it down. It was booming and sparking for about 15 minutes! I had seen it from a distance a few weeks ago and i thought ot myself "wow! thats so cool!" but now that it happened right outside of my window, i never want to be that close again haha. Sorry i dont have any pics for the christmas card mom! I didnt have time this week to take any pictures.

I love Christmas. I love how everybody is thinking more about Jesus Christ and his example. I know that He lives and loves each on of us. He is the Christ and recieves his commands directly from our Father. Lets obey Him and rejoice in His joy and liberty!

Com amor,

Elder Sanchez

12/19/16

Hello, I dont have much time. We got a box from the Relief Society, it was awesome. I finally got my box from home, thank you. Just to let you know the cock roaches are not winning. I've been out for a little over 6 months, 18 left to go. It's starting to get hot here. I love you all!!

Merry Christmas!! 

Com amor,

Elder Sanchez