Church in Brazil realizing its prophesied potential
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More than eight decades have passed since Elder Melvin J. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve stood before a small Sabbath gathering of members in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and offered prophetic words about the future of the Church in South America.
His declarations are well known by members and missionaries throughout the region: "Thousands will join here. ...The work here is the smallest it will ever be. The South American Mission will become a power in the Church."
That 1925 prophecy of Elder Ballard has been fulfilled in countless ways in South America. The continent has truly become a dynamic, ever-growing "power in the Church" with legions of members and missionaries and more than a dozen temples. Prominent among the nations of South America is Brazil — a burgeoning economic and political power where more than a million members can be found and dedicated temples dot the land. More than 35,000 people are baptized in the country each year.
During his recent tour of the country, Elder M. Russell Ballard (Elder Melvin J. Ballard's grandson and apostolic successor) marveled at the "power" that is Brazil. With each stop to meet with local Brazilian priesthood leaders, families or temple workers, the younger Elder Ballard's thoughts turned to his grandfather's prophetic promise.
"You could not help but feel his interest in what is happening in South America," said Elder Ballard in an interview with the Church News.
The veteran Church leader was joined on his Jan. 19-29 Brazil travels by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy. The Brethren were also accompanied by their wives: Sister Barbara Ballard, Sister Kathy Sue Andersen and Sister Lona Lee Jensen. The visiting General Authorities shared counsel and direction with thousands of members in more than two dozen meetings. Highlights of the tour included a review of the Brazil Area; a pair of priesthood leadership conferences in Ribeirao Preto and Campinas; six stake conferences; ten missionary meetings; nine devotionals with young single adults, families and Church employees; and visits to five temples.
Despite their grueling schedule, Elder Ballard and the others made time to visit with temple workers and individual members, including 86-year-old Elder Helio Da Rocha Camargo, who was called as Brazil's first General Authority in 1985, serving as a Seventy from 1985-90.
The Church leaders were inspired by the maturity and devotion found among the faithful Brazilian Latter-day Saints. "I was impressed with the strength of the Church and what the Brazilian members are accomplishing in their own personal lives," said Elder Ballard.
Brazil is experiencing a dramatic period of growth and exposure. Its economy is poised to become a global power and the country's middle class is on the rise. In the coming years Brazil will demand the world's attention as it hosts the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament and the 2016 Olympic Games.
Elder Ballard said the Brazilian members will keep pace in areas of industry, education and politics. "The Church will continue to raise leadership that will have an impact at all levels."
The visiting authorities spoke of the capacity found among the local priesthood and auxiliary leaders in Brazil. Many are products of multi-generational Latter-day Saint families and have served missions. Counted among their members are several General Authorities. The Brazil Area Presidency — Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, Elder Carlos A. Godoy and Elder Jairo Mazzagardi — are all natives of the country. And the Church is blessed to have a strong cadre of Brazilian-born Area Seventies.
In his instruction, Elder Ballard counseled the Brazilian members to make time in their lives for Christ and to become a "believing people." The proliferation of technology in Brazil has opened doors for growth and communication. There are said to be more cell phones in Brazil than people. But Elder Ballard warned that technology must be used wisely.
"Quit texting and start talking," Elder Ballard taught. "Put aside your video games. Be still once in awhile, and connect with heaven."
It's vital, he added, that members follow the Savior's admonition to Thomas to "be not faithless, but believing" (John 20:27). Follow the examples of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his parents, Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, who enlisted faith and prayer to become "believing people."
Elder Ballard also encouraged the men to steer clear of pornography and to live clean, wholesome lives. Priesthood holders were also taught to care for the needs of those around them "one by one."
"It's a universal principle," he said. "The work is done one by one."
Elder Andersen said the Brazilian members were thrilled to have Elder Ballard return to their country. "It's been more than 10 years since he's been in Brazil and the people love him dearly."
The many members who gathered for devotionals and conferences, he added, were also blessed to hear shepherding counsel from Sister Ballard, "who shared a sweet testimony of the Ballards' life together."
Visiting Brazil remains a treasured opportunity for Elder and Sister Andersen. While serving in the Seventy, Elder Andersen presided over the Brazil South Area and developed a deep love for the people of this nation. He has witnessed many sacred moments of growth for the Church in the country and counts many Brazilians as dear friends.
"The ministry of Neil L. Andersen was evident everywhere we went," said Elder Ballard. "The outpouring of love for him and his wife, Kathy, was significant."
Elder Ballard also spoke of Elder Jensen's lasting impact on the nations of Latin America. He served as a mission president in Colombia before being called as a General Authority and has served in area presidencies in Central and South America. Such callings have afforded Elder Jensen opportunities to work with tens of thousands of members in one of the Church's most dynamic regions.
The visiting Brethren spoke of the continued growth and spiritual power of the Church in Brazil. Elder Ballard said the influence, service and strength of the members will be felt in Brazil — and beyond. "The Brazilians are strong and are preparing to go to serve in other places."
Elder Jensen added Brazil's "rising generation" of young people will continue to answer mission calls, marry in the temple "and build up the Church where they are."
Elder Andersen, meanwhile, believes Elder Ballard's recent visit to Brazil will change the lives of many. "I was uplifted by the apostolic blessing that Elder Ballard brought to the people of Brazil."
