State of the Church in Portugal and Specifics of Our Calling

We studied and prepared, then went to Porto for our meeting with Elder Lassiter, of the area presidency. There were a lot of interviews going on, for this is a historic occasion in Portugal. Elder Lassiter is here to divide the Porto Stake—the first stake in Portugal to be divided. 3 stakes have been formed here, but from mission districts. This is the first division—a landmark. Elder Hilliam, the regional representative, is here to assist. We met him first. He used to be a mission president here. He's an orthodontist from Idaho, and has 2 regions there to supervise! Talking to him, he says that in years there will be stakes here if the church doesn't stub it's toe some way. He is merely projecting what's happening into the future. The Lisbon stake is in for division. Setúbal is needing division. Coinbra will be a stake in a year, as will Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho . São João da Maderia district should go in a year and a half. By then we'll be getting 3 or 4 more in the south mission and coming up again for splits in the Lisbon, Porto, Setúbal and Matozinhos stakes. Give all these stakes splits every 2 years or so, and you get a lot of stakes fast. Portugal is so exciting right now. Elder Hilliam and Lassiter said that we are not only leading Eurpon, but making the rest of Europe start hustling! They are being shown what can be done and getting shaken loose. These 2½ missions are up to 1000 converts per month now, and they are just getting started. It's a thrill to be here and see the dedicated men and women who are getting it done! And ⅓ of the missionaries are Portuguese!

Then our inteview with Elder Lassiter. The forgoing is all a pre-amble to his message to Marian and me. He said he was glad to meet with us finally, that our names were the most-used names in the area presidency meetings for the past 6 months. He said they have had many calls to and from the missionary committee about us. One thing, the committee didn't know how to word our mission call. He said "just word the call anyway you need to. When they get here, we'll tell them what we need." (That explained some of our confusion with the call.) He talked of the above— the great growth in Portugal, and how many of the youth are slipping away. He asked what size car we were driving (we said an Opel Corsa): he said we would have to have a larger one, because we would be traveling all over Portugal and we needed to protect our heath! He wants us to work with every bishop and branch president in Portugal to upgrade the education program—better teachers called and they become more involve with new member youth, more youth taking seminary— he wants 85%! This next year!!— The missionaries are to teach seminary when they teach the discussions and get the non-member youth into Seminary. The class should be at the baptism. There needs to be shown Elder Packer's presentation on Seminary to every ward and branch PEC. We are not to visit homes of members to get there children into Seminary, but may go into non-member homes to encourage children and youth, because we are missionaries. Quorum leaders are to be taught to get member youths' parents enthused about Seminary. He wants activities for the youth, and they may raise funds for these. He'd like to see Portugal-wide activities for Seminary!

How do we do all this? He'll write a letting to each branch president and bishop and tell them we're coming. Keep President Copeland advised of our whereabouts, but feel freee to move about where the Spirit dictates. Contact him anytime (or his successor, Al Chauler!! obey!) but don't call him about chearances or where to go or can we do this or that— President Copeland will be our touch-place.

Elder Lassiter called Marian and me "pioneers". He said we were the first, and he hoped there would be more like us, but that our success and/or experiences would dictate what to do with future education missionaries in Europe. He said we would be carefully watched to see if it can be done. Elder Lassiter gave us to know that much was riding on what comes of our mission. He said "it may take 18 months, and it may take more. Are you prepare to stay 5 years?" He was joking, I'm sure— I hope. He just has to be joking.

We (Elder Chapman and I) attended the Priesthood leadership meeting incidental contact to the Stake Conference. Elder Hillum and Elder Lassiter leaned very heavily upon Portugal sacrificing for the future of the Church. They spoke of buildings needed- needed badly! They need in for 20 a years in Portugal for the next 3 years. They start now. Money is needed, and when a building labor is needed—all must work on the chapels! Sacrifice is needed for time—time to serve in callings, for everyone, time to reach out to neighbors—time to receive the endowments— sacrifice of money, self, time. The a temple will be built. But the Brothern will be watching Portugal for 5 years to see if the Gospel is deep enough in peoples' hearts for a temple. (Some of the above also came out in the Adult Session at 7:00, with Mariam and Sister Chapman joining us.) Between meetings, we rode out and saw where Chapmans live—in Matozinhos nearby—a bairro (neighborhood). They are getting a little apartment fixed up for them in the home of a member. It'll be nice. We bought bread and cheese and sausage for dinner at the Models. Then after the evening meeting Mariam and I drove home, and we had a lot to talk about! Bed came late, and sleep took awhile.