I received this email message today and I wanted to archive it here on my weblog. It is good to be reminded that great trees can grow from small seeds.
Hello there Elder Iverson! You have no idea who I am, and I just wanted to apologize for taking the liberty of writing you on your personal webpage. I was baptized in Belem, Para, a few months after you left the area. Nielson (one of your baptisms) helped me a lot when I was joining the Church. Sisters Jeanne McDowell and Celia Picolli taught me the discussion and Elder Richard Cook conferred the Holy Ghost. I was baptized by Ricardo, a member of the Marajoara Branch.
Soon after I was baptized, I moved back to Sao Paulo and went on my mission, and ever since I haven’t had any contact with people in Belem. I heard Nielsen was inactive (along with his cousin Jaci). I saw quite a few members during my years at the MTC and Church Area Office’s employment.
I’m just writing you to let you know HOW THANKFUL I am for you being a part of everything good that has happened to my life ever since. I feel I know you as a missionary from what I heard from people you baptized, taught, or got to know in the mission. They never forgot you. Just wanted to say THANK YOU for whatever good work you may have done, because people who were blessed by you were the part of those who blessed my life in such a crucial transition time.
I feel sorry for everything you’ve gone through over the years. I’m sorry for all the challenges with Cameron. My parents are divorce and I can relate (to small extent only) to your pain. There are a few things in life you don’t have control over, you just have to find a way to deal with it to the best of your abilities.
Alcides Lopes is a good friend I also came in contact in the mission, then, when I came back to Sao Paulo, we attended Institute together. Great guy! Love him!
May God bless you in everything you do, my friend. Feel free to contact me if you need anything.
God bless you!
Eddy Santos
ps: Have you ever anything about Elder Lutz? There is a member in Belem who’s been asking me to find him, but I haven’t been successful in my search.