Meet Hercinio de Jesus Gomes Katar
We were walking north on the sidewalk in front of our home on February 26. Hercinio (air-seen-yeo) was walking south on the same sidewalk on his way to the Pingo Doce Grocery store. We said 'Bom Tarde', (Good Afternoon) like everyone does and he stopped to talk to us, not like everyone does. That's when we first met this gentleman of faith. He told us that he was studying at the university here and is from Guinea-Bissau. He had just arrived in Evora the past few days and was staying with friends just around the corner from our apt. until he could get into his apt. We told him that we are missionaries and that we have a wonderful message to share about Jesus Christ. He wanted to hear more about the message.We set an appointment to visit more on the next afternoon, but continued visiting a little and when we asked what he was studying, we found that he was in the medical field and we asked if knew a man named Vadinho that is also studing here in the medical field. He said, "Yes, he is my long time friend," We talked to him about his friend and how much we had enjoyed teaching some parts of the great message to his friend. (Our wonderful young Elders Delaney and Caetano kindly invited us to teach the last 2 lessons to Vadinho when they contracted Covid and had to be quarantined.) We asked if Hercinio would like to go to church with us the next day and he said he would be ready at 9:15 am.
We also learned that Hercinio is a medic (has been delivering babies for 15 years), and is now here at this university getting his Master's degree. He has a wife and three children in Guinea-Bissau whom he misses and loves very much.
March 6th, we met Hercinio and walked to church with him again. Between his schedule and ours, we could not meet that week, except by texts. His father was sick and he went to Lisbon to help him, we were in Lisbon attending the Temple with Vadinho and the young Evora Elders, but the visits were on different days. Hercinio said he would contact us when he got back. On Sunday evening, he asked if
March 1st, at 11 am we arrived to see that Hercinio had prepared 3 chairs for our visit. I should be used to the goodness of people after 3 missions, but a tear of gratitude at the sight of chairs prepared for our visit always seems to catch in my throat. I took this photo of his preparation, and then we knocked on his door and he came into the dooryard with his smile. We shared one of my very favorite lessons: The Plan of Happiness! Hercinio asked great questions and as we opened the scriptures, his eyes and conversation shared that his heart was right at home.
I have made little visual aids for the Plan of Happiness lesson. I was touched when Hercinio asked me if he could take a photo of the visual aids. (Usually it is me who is asking if I can take photos!) The reason I must save this photo, is because of his request to take his photo. We learned then, that after each lesson, he would call his wife and teach the lesson to her. That Tuesday morning he would teach them The Plan of Salvation and she could see it as he taught her. Our hearts overflow with his desire and happiness to share such treasure with his family. (Especially as we understand that their country is one of the few left on earth where they do not have missionaries (YET) nor chapels which invite people to visit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. He told us he had been praying (in our visits we have heard his humble and sincere prayers) and he said he would like to be baptized.
8 pm would work on Monday, March 14th, after his classes. Vadinho joined us for the 3rd lesson and we had a great discussion about The Gospel of Jesus Christ, His infinite Atonement, and we visited about the blessings of the covenants (promises) and how the commandments are the Characteristics of Christ. (If you love me, keep my Commandments. If ye love me, keep my Characteristics. Learn of me, Jesus said. Come follow me. Live the commandments to see what I love, what I do, how I live!)
We talked again about the Priesthood Authority and how it has been restored to the earth, and how father's could give blessings and also baptize their children with the same authority that Jesus gave His apostles. Grandpa suggested that perhaps it would be wonderful to have his friend baptize him.
In Hercinio's 4th lesson we reviewed the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, the Gospel and the Commandments. When Elder Benedict asked Hercinio how he felt about each one, his thoughtful answers taught us. His reverent summary was:
"Estou muito contente e sinto muita alegria"
(I am much content and I feel much Joy!)
March 19, 2022 as 19:00 horas, Vadinho baptized Hercinio.
Yesterday, March 20th, Elder Benedict confirmed Hercinio and asked him to receive the Holy Ghost which completed his baptism. Vadinho passed the Sacrament.
Grandpa, Djojo and Djeison (from Cabo Verde) sang this special song in the meeting:
You can cut and paste Brooke's link to their song:
https://www.facebook.com/brooke.leonardson/videos/347818217119410
We Love you so very much and pray that this week is extra blessed for all of you!
