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Begin forwarded message:
From: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Date: June 5, 2017 at 2:20:50 AM PDT
To: Serph <robinld.serph@blogger.com>
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Fwd:
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Begin forwarded message:
Monday, June 5, 2017
Fwd: 10
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: August 15, 2016 at 2:21:03 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: 10
I can't believe that this is my last week as a full time missionary...I'm not gonna lie, I'm not gonna lie it's kinda scary...but I know I'll be alright :DWhat I wanna eat? I was actually thinking about that last week and I'm craving ribs !Who I want at the airport and homecoming? Ummm my family haha but anyone who wants to be there is welcome. Maybe Brett could tell some guys that I'll be home and they can be at the homecoming.Things with Courtney are.....different. I'll explain more when I get home ha. I'm excited to see her though, I'm excited to see everyone ! :DI'll probably go up and see Colby when I get back too. I miss that boy.So this week me and Elder Marques had to hit a Goten and Trunks fusion to save the city. Literally I was afraid to visit people because of how much Satan was working these last couple days. I'm not gonna go into details but I'll say: OBEY THE LAW OF CHASTITY. It got to a point that we planned and spoke at a devotional yesterday to the youth and young single adults. We spoke pretty openly about the seriousness and importance of keeping human intimacy within marriage and how it can and will destroy your life if you don't learn to control that human apetite. Virtue is power so let us let virtue garnish our thoughts. I know it's a not an easy thing to do especially the way the world is but set goals, set personal standards, and resisit temptation. It's worth it.I'm super excited to see you all, I don't know if I'm gonna send an email home next week but I love you and miss you all.See you soon :)--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: 17
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: August 8, 2016 at 1:45:31 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: 17
Colby's gone ! :( I'm super happy for him . I was thinking about going to see him in the MTC but I don't know, it sounded like he didn't want me to go see him....I'll talk to him about it.That's pretty cool that Pollard's gonna be there when I get home ! The Salt Lake CC coach wants to be at my homecoming too :o speaking of my homecoming. I'm gonna speak at the building by Shadow right ? and is bishop gonna give me a subject to speak on?I'm always praying for you all. I don't go a day without thinking of you guys. I sometimes feel like I don't deserve the family that I have but I just thank God for loving me.Sorry about my emails :/ I know I'm not the best, it's just that so many things are going through my mind at the same time and I don't know how manage it all hahahaha..So this next sunday is gonna be my last in this area. The weekend after next I'm gonna visit some old areas of mine. I don't know how I really feel about all of this that's going on with me ending but I'm just trying to act like I just started the mission because I'm not gonna stop being one when I get home.My message for today is KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS. Especially the Law of Chastity...please...God bless you all. See you soon.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: yah yah
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: August 2, 2016 at 1:40:43 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: yah yah
Thanks for the email with Colby's talk ! I felt the spirit reading that talk so I could imagine what it was like hearing him speak. My little brother is going to be an awesome missionary.It's weird because he's starting and I'm ending but I feel like I'm the one that's just now starting hahaha like I have so much to learn still ! I feel like I'm just now learning how to be a missionary.So today we had P-Day with President Lisonbee, we went on a tour of Salvador. It was pretty cool. I was trying to figure out how I could make me getting in the water at the beach look like an accident but it never worked out haha. Tomorrow we're gonna have a leadership meeting which will be my last :o mas eu estou tranquilo !I don't have a lot of time unfortunately and the internet is not on my side today but here's a scripture to ponderize !D&C 59:21i love you all :D--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Yessss
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 25, 2016 at 11:43:54 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: Yessss
One more week down!Let me just get to the good stuff. So this Saturday was looking like it was gonna be a terrible day. Honestly the whole weekend was looking like it was gonna end up terrible. But thanks to a loving Heavenly Father, everything worked out for the better. We had a baptism and my companion was super irritated because we have little support here a lot of times. But the baptism went really well and a lot of people showed up. After our branch president (that doesnt get along very well with my comp.) gave us a SUPER NICE refferal, then we had a huge birthday party for everyone that had a birthday in the first half of this year which was a success. Me and my companion sang again and we had to run from the paparazzi...(joking). But the branch president's wife came up to us crying, telling us how much she loved us...it was weird because her and my companion didn't have that great of a relationship before. It probably seems like my companion is a bad guy but he sometimes creates enemies because he's always wanting to do what's right in the church. A lot of things weren't the way they were supposed to be so president sent us here to fix it all and we had to be kind of short with some people. But it's all paying off now because things are flowing really smoothly here in Luis Eduardo. I don't know if I've already said this in an email but, this last transfer I've never been so stresssed/tired/"beaten up"/aware of how much Satan fights against us. But for that exact same reason I've never felt closer to God. A girl here named Bianca gave a talk yesterday at church and she spoke about weaknesses and how God and the devil both use our weaknesses. The devil uses them to make us sin or feel like we're bad people but God uses our weaknesses to bring us closer to Him and make us stronger. I'm very grateful for my weaknesses and hard times. Because of them I've come to know my Savior in a way that I've never known Him before.in the picture is Renata who was baptized and her family that we helped reactivate.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Yessss
Begin forwarded message:From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 25, 2016 at 11:43:54 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: YessssOne more week down!Let me just get to the good stuff. So this Saturday was looking like it was gonna be a terrible day. Honestly the whole weekend was looking like it was gonna end up terrible. But thanks to a loving Heavenly Father, everything worked out for the better. We had a baptism and my companion was super irritated because we have little support here a lot of times. But the baptism went really well and a lot of people showed up. After our branch president (that doesnt get along very well with my comp.) gave us a SUPER NICE refferal, then we had a huge birthday party for everyone that had a birthday in the first half of this year which was a success. Me and my companion sang again and we had to run from the paparazzi...(joking). But the branch president's wife came up to us crying, telling us how much she loved us...it was weird because her and my companion didn't have that great of a relationship before. It probably seems like my companion is a bad guy but he sometimes creates enemies because he's always wanting to do what's right in the church. A lot of things weren't the way they were supposed to be so president sent us here to fix it all and we had to be kind of short with some people. But it's all paying off now because things are flowing really smoothly here in Luis Eduardo. I don't know if I've already said this in an email but, this last transfer I've never been so stresssed/tired/"beaten up"/aware of how much Satan fights against us. But for that exact same reason I've never felt closer to God. A girl here named Bianca gave a talk yesterday at church and she spoke about weaknesses and how God and the devil both use our weaknesses. The devil uses them to make us sin or feel like we're bad people but God uses our weaknesses to bring us closer to Him and make us stronger. I'm very grateful for my weaknesses and hard times. Because of them I've come to know my Savior in a way that I've never known Him before.in the picture is Renata who was baptized and her family that we helped reactivate.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias<P1070455.JPG><P1070451.JPG>
Fwd:
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 25, 2016 at 11:42:08 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: Fwd:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Françueldo Marques <francueldo.marques@myldsmail.net>
Date: 2016-07-25 11:22 GMT-03:00
Subject:
To: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>--Elder Marques
Missão Brasil Salvador
Av. Antônio Carlos Magalhães, 3247
Ed. Empresarial Delta - Sala 402
Pituba—Salvador—BA
CEP: 41830-355
--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd:
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 25, 2016 at 11:41:49 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: Fwd:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Françueldo Marques <francueldo.marques@myldsmail.net>
Date: 2016-07-25 11:19 GMT-03:00
Subject:
To: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>--Elder Marques
Missão Brasil Salvador
Av. Antônio Carlos Magalhães, 3247
Ed. Empresarial Delta - Sala 402
Pituba—Salvador—BA
CEP: 41830-355
--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: É Nois
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 18, 2016 at 2:04:18 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: É Nois
Congrats on your talk dad ! I gave a talk this week and it really is an amazing feeling when people thank you for the things that you shared. This branch is with a lot of problems and the people that are called to help the members aren't doing what they should be. I spoke on the Character of Christ and a little about attending to the poor. I felt like it was easy to talk about that because it's something that I really try to live. I'm not perfect but when we try to be like Christ and see people the way He sees them, we start to live a life more like His. I've seen a lot of people suffer in this city because of lack of support but I hope that changes.Anyways, let me tell ya. This Friday we had a baptism. That kid named John that I told you guys about is such a special kid. His baptism was the most spiritual, heart touching meeting I've ever been apart of. My companion and I sang "A Childs Prayer", a couple people bore testimonies, and after I hugged John and cried like a baby. Some things I can't share because they're personal things that he shares with us but all I can assure is that God knows and loves His children more than we can even begin to imagine. It's a miracle that He trusts people like me to be His hands here on earth. I love this gospel.Ever since that day no one let's me leave the spiritual thought after lunch. They make me sing and my companion leaves the message hahahaha.I have such little time to do so many things, I just hope that the Lord accepts my mission.God lives. This is His church. Repent always. and Love God.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Last Transfer
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 11, 2016 at 12:54:04 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Last Transfer
Just so you know, I was scared to death to play the piano on Sunday but it went really well. I got to practice a little bit on Saturday so I didn't show up without any preparation. The branch thanked me and my companion non stop (he conducted) so I think it went well ha.Today we had transfers. Me and Elder Marques are staying here which is good because I don't have to worry about getting an annoying companion or anything (even though my companions probably think I'm annoying)..or a companion that snores like dad... :o that would be terrible..hahaha but we set some pretty big goals for this transfer. This city is really growing and we're seeing the Lord's hand in abundance in our everyday lives, it's great. I feel like I'm growing so fast in so little time. We met this kid, his name is John Victor. He really is a special special kid. I have never seen someone excercise faith the way he does. we taught him for the first time and we go back to his house and ask him if he had any questions. He goes, no I already asked God and he cleared it up for me....He's praying and having visions....Yeah so long story short, he's gonna be baptized this week and hopefully his mom and his friends that he's bringing to church will follow.God is good, all the time. I really love my Heavenly Father. More than anything. and it makes me beyond happy to know that Colby is gonna be partaking of the great blessing of walking in Christ's footsteps.The church is true.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd:
Begin forwarded message:From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 5, 2016 at 6:13:25 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>Sounds like Girls Camp was a success. I'm glad to hear that it was a good experience. I know for a fact that these experiences that the youth have make a big big difference in their lives.Umm my plans? I should probably think a little more about that since I just got my plane ticket emailed to me today...but as of now I was thinking that I could work when I get home and then apply for winter semester. I know basketball isn't the most important thing in the world but it's important to me. To be able to play on a high level is a childhood dream so I'm gonna chase that. I'm gonna see/talk to some coaches when I get back and see what the best offer is for me. Of course I'm gonna put God and my priesthood responsibilities first too. I've been praying and fasting about it all and so the decision process is still in process ha.This week was a good one though. Satan's army is fighting hard here in Luis Eduardo but God's army is fighting harder. We had a pretty scary experience yesterday: We were waiting for the bus because there usually arent taxi's on Sunday. But a taxi shows up and so we get in the car. From the moment that I sat down in that car I felt terrible, and my companion too. The spirit was screaming at us to get out of that car. I was gonna tell the man to pull over or we were gonna some problems lol but my companion started asking him some questions...like..."why are you working today if there usually aren't taxi's on Sunday?" and What's your name?" and Why are you taking a different route than the other taxi's?" He gave some bogus answers and I was ready to smackdown in the car but Thanks to angels and God's goodness he decided to let us out of the car. He didn't even know how much we were supposed to pay him -_- We're okay though ! haha To close the week off we had a baptism which is always good news :) This has probabaly been the most complicated/difficult area that I've been in but because of these hard times I've been able to grow and see God's hand in my life so much more. I've never felt closer to Christ than in these last 2 weeks. Oh and I'm the branches official pianist hahaGod lives and the church is true.I love you all and I'll see every one in 7 weeks (mais ou menos)--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Fotos
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: July 5, 2016 at 6:15:00 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Fwd: Fotos
the pictures were pretty bad. I think a member took some better pictures that I can send next week.---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Françueldo Marques <francueldo.marques@myldsmail.net>
Date: 2016-07-05 10:11 GMT-03:00
Subject: Fwd: Fotos
To: seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ryck1000@outlook.com>
Date: 2016-07-04 13:46 GMT-03:00
Subject: Fotos
To: francueldo.marques@myldsmail.net
Obter o Outlook para Android
--Elder Marques
Missão Brasil Salvador
Av. Antônio Carlos Magalhães, 3247
Ed. Empresarial Delta - Sala 402
Pituba—Salvador—BA
CEP: 41830-355
--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Batismo
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: June 27, 2016 at 1:52:23 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: Batismo
sounds like girls camp is a lot of work. Those girls are blessed to have the YW's president that they have. It's good though that this will get Brooky and Kate away from their not so good friends. I'm always praying for our family, I know things will all be okay in the end.I literally laughed out loud because of the story of Eli locking himself in the bathroom hahahaha hopefully nothing like that has to happen to him xDCongrats on the new calling Pops ! What's emergency preparedness though? Bishop Stout's time as bishop is already up? That was fast. I bet he's pretty tired though. He's been an amazing bishop. At least to me and the way he affected my life.This week week was full of craziness. We almost died but God loves us hahaha. There was a pitbull that got loose from it's owner when we were leaving an investigators house. He ran up to us and I was sure that I was gonna die in that very moment but when he got close he just looked at us and ran off. I'm 1000% sure that angels protected us because it all felt surreal, like I couldn't move when I saw the dog. There's this other dog though that nothing holds him back and every time we go to this recent converts house he messes wtih us. My companion gets super mad at him it's funny.We had a baptism this week which was a miracle. A couple fell through but we got the maiority of a family baptized which was a blessing. Monique(my new best friend) Awana, and their grandma, Maria José. I've never seen any have as much faith as Maria, she really is special. Monique and Awana's mom is gonna be baptized next week. Her name is Monica, please keep her in your prayers, thanks :)Anyways it's getting pretty cold here in Luis Eduardo which is really weird to me because it never got cold in the other cities I was in. I don't know how I'm gonna deal with the cold in the U.S. but I guess I'm getting prepared for it now.Well, that's pretty much it for this week. Thank you all again for all the support, trust me, I need it more than yall know. God bless every one of you.until next week--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: P
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: June 20, 2016 at 12:01:02 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: P
Happy Fathers Day dad !!! Sorry I couldn't be home to eat mashed potatoes with you but next year I'll make sure to be there. Congrats on the news about your new calling by the way !So you guessed it. I've been extremeley busy these last couple weeks. It's pretty tiring so every second on P-Day is sacred haha. It's good though. We've found a lot of good people to teach and we're fighting to get them baptized. Your prayers are needed haha their names are Rafael, Awana, Monica, Monique, and Deleon. If you could include them in your prayers, that'd be awesome :)I feel like as every week goes by I have less and less to say. I gave a talk in church yesterday about Repentance. I was kind of feeling like I should've talked about something else but after sacrament meeting a couple people told me that they were really needing to hear what I said so that was an answer to my prayers.The work is going great. The church is still true. I love you all. Have a good week and I'll talk to you all next week :)--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd:
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: June 13, 2016 at 2:01:23 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Hey parentals ! One more week in the books and things are still looking beleza here in Luis Eduardo, Bahia. That made me SUPER happy knowing that Colby graduated from seminary, highschool, and got to go through the temple. It seems like it was yesterday that I got to do all of that ha. I've been trying to run and work on my ball handling and flexibility these days. My companions been helping a lot.Anyways, the work is looking good. We a lot of people that can be baptized so we're trying to kick Satan and help these people make covenants with God. It's been a little harder than usual though because we've been traveling a lot and it's harder to talk to people in the streets but it's going good. Buying a farm out here wouldn't be that bad haha.This week we had a family night and we watched the restoration video. It's amazing that every single time the story of the first visão is shared it invites the Spírit into peoples lives. It is one of the most powerful testimonies ever born and for that it should be shared often. The church is true. God lives. Joseph Smith was a prophet. Share the gospel and Love God.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Luis Eduardo
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: June 7, 2016 at 12:07:50 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Luis Eduardo
Minha família ! So I'm in an área called Luis Eduardo and it's been....interesting getting to know the city. I feel like I'm not in Bahia anymore. Everybody's White, rich, with diferente accents, the air is dry, there's no trees just dirt, and I'm in a super tiny branch. It was a big change but so far I'm liking the city. I'm actually in Salvador right now for a meeting we're gonna have tomorrow. The bus ride was 18 hours -_- I'm gonna have to make that trip for the 3rd time in 2 weeks tomorrow....super fun.So I talked to Coach Marble. I actually forgot to tell him that I was going home in August. He told me that they want to see me play when I get back from the mission. Basketball season starts in October usually so I'm not sure if I'm gonna have a lot of time to workout when I get back home. It's okay, I'm not gonna worry about it too much for now, I'll just do all I can now and then when the day comes I'll know that I did all that I can do. My companion is determined to help me out too. I've sent e-mails to other schools too (Snow, Northeastern, Montana.) Btw my companions name is Elder Marques. He's from Londrina, Paraná (close to where Elder Oliveira is from). I had met Elder Marques once before being his companion and lemme tell you, I've repented a lot for having judged him. He's not like anything I've heard or thought about him. Let me tell you about him though. He's 26, has been a member for 3 years, dances, is really really smart, is learning english, wants to study at LDS business school and is in general a really cool person. I'm excited for this transfer for the things we're going to be able to learn and accomplish together.I don't have a lot of time this week and I apologize for that but you all are Always in my prayers. One of my favorite chapters in the book of mórmon is Ether I've studied chapter 2 and 3 It's helped me make a lot of decisions in my life and I hope it does the same for all of you.God be with you.
--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Last Area?
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: May 30, 2016 at 11:58:01 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Last Area?
Heymomma :) News is that I'm getting transfered. I don't have a lot of time because I have to leave tonight -_- I found that out this morning. It's okay though, I'm excited to go to Luis Eduardo (the city I'm going to) I heard it's pretty cool there. I'm thinking it's gonna be my last area since I have 2 transfers left. Time really does fly. I don't know how I feel about all of this but I'm just trying to take advantage of the little time I have. I don't know if the pictures got to you but yesterday the ward threw a surprise/going away party for me. It meant a lot honestly..I had to hold the tears in 😢 lolAnyways, I don't have a ton of time today and we're using a different computer today so that's complicating some things but I just wanted to let you know what was going on and say that I love you.I heard from Courtney and I tried giving her some words of advice. She'll be okay though, she's stronger than she thinks.I emailed coach Marble last week and he just said, "Soon we'll be in touch." -_- okayyyyyyy ? I'll let you know when he let's me in on some more information though. Maybe dad could send him something since my release date is getting kind of close ha. No worries though, everything will work out. We're gonna start school together :D hahaAs far as the struggles that our family is facing...I want to help in whatever way I can. Just remember that things get better. God keeps His promises ALWAYS.I love you mom. Thank you for being who you are. There isn't a luckier group of kids in this world or any other world than the kids in our family. We have one of the greatest privileges in having you as our mother. Truly.Talk to you next week !D&C 123:17--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: my companheiro
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: May 23, 2016 at 2:49:50 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: my companheiro
he's tall--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: May 21
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: May 23, 2016 at 1:49:32 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: May 21
Hi family and friends !Thanks for all the birthday wishes ! It means a lot to know that I have so many people that think about me. I pray that God blesses each an every one of you.My birthday was chill. I actually forgot it was my birthday...ha my companion put a reminder on the phone that reminded me. Oh and I got a dunk on my birthday so that's always good :DI haven't done anything special but I found out that there's gonna be a surprise party for me hahaha so I'm excited for that of course because there's gonna be a lot of food I'm hoping.I'm lucky to have had 2 birthdays on the mission. It's different because you spend your day thinking about everyone besides yourself ha. I love it though.The transfer ends this week and I'm thinking I'm gonna be transfered to my last area. I hope I get transfered because Salvador is not the business (sometimes) (It's babylon :/ )anywayssss this week I was reading in D&C and there was something that really caught my attention. In verse 16 Christ says that men walk in their own ways, and in the image of their own God. And Joseph Fielding Smith explains that that doesnt necessarily mean literally kneeling down before an image and praying to an idol but it's simply what we do act and say. A lot of us worship false idols and walk in the image of our own god. Maybe it's sports, movies, sex, drugs. This isn't church doctrine but to me, when God gave this commandment to Moses to have no other God before our Heavenly Father, besides the blessings that we can't receive for having another god, I think God just wants us to show our love for Him. I imagine sometimes how it must be to be God. Day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, literally EVERYTHING SINGLE THING he does is to simply make a person happy. And 9 times out of 10 receives zero love in return because of our lack of faith or obedience. I couldn't imagine the excrutiating heartbreak that He has when He sees His children worship other gods. And we might say, "Well it's hard.." It is. But if we want the same things that Christ has (exaltation, and eternal family, etc...) Let's remind ourselves what He did to get where He is. So if your thought is, "Well I was born this way, I can't change." Then you have one more reason to repent. We're not rocks, and if we can't change then Christ's sacrifice was in vain. But I testify that it was not in vain. That God loves His children with an unmeasurable, unconditional love that will never end. So my message for today is the same as it always is...Love God, and see His glory in your life. I promise that nothing can bring a man more joy than to love God and feel His love in return. Like Alma said: "There can nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."God bless you all.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Hi from Brasil
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: kdietlein@gmail.com
Date: May 19, 2016 at 1:53:38 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Hi from Brasil
Marvelous testimony!!
Sent from my iPhoneFrom: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>Date: May 16, 2016 at 4:22:28 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: Hi from BrasilAnother good week in the books. We had a baptism this week but my camera is with some problems so the pictures are going to have to wait. We're praying and fasting to have 2 more this transfer but we'll see what happens. Thank you all for your prayers, I need them more than you think.This week I've been reading a couple Brigham Young talks and the word progress kept standing out to me while I was reading. This life is to be enjoyed. Learning, experiencing, and progressing to prove ourselves worthy to have what God has. And to think that God would offer me all that He has in the first place is too much to thank Him for. And the fact that Christ would dedicate all of His earthly and heavenly life to help me reach that goal is a miracle in itself. So it's our responsibility to make sure that His sacrifice was not in vain. All He wants is your happiness. So love God always, do what He says will make you happy because it will, progress and learn, use your time to do what matters most. It'll all be worth it in the end I promise. God promises. It's hard sometimes I know it is but please don't give up.It's amazing to me know how much I've come to my God and older brother Jesus Christ. I asked a lot of "why" and I found my answers through the little, simple things....studying the scriptures, praying sincerely, fasting with purpose, and trusting in God. Then little by little you start to understand God, you start to think like Him and then you begin to truly know Him, which is eternal life.I love this gospel more than anything. God lives and Jesus is the Chirst, the Savior of the world. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration of His gospel and this is His church.Thanks always for your support.I love you all !!!--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Dia das Mães
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: May 9, 2016 at 2:11:55 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: Dia das Mães
Hi parents !It was amazing seeing the family yesterday. I really do love and miss you guys. It was weird seeing how everyone is all grown up and matured a little bit ha. Braydens married, Colby's going on a mission, all the girls in young womens...it's crazy. It makes me happy to know that I have a family like the one I have. We have a couple things that need to be corrected but just keep doing EXACTLY WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE. Your prayers will be answered.About Courtney, I've spoken with her a little bit but I don't know it's just different. I'm not mad at her or anything we just don't have the same relationship we had 2 years ago.This week was good though, and I'm thinking this week is gonna be even better. We're helping prepare a couple people for baptism so your prayers are much needed. Their names are Nanaelson, Mateus, Lenice, and Daniel.I love you all so much.D&C 121:7-8--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd:
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: May 2, 2016 at 2:31:46 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Hi mommaThings are going well with my companion. There are times where I wish that he would talk more and be a little more assertive because it seems like I do most of the work but other than that we get along perfectly fine. The elders in our zone are doing a lot better. We all are actually, hopefully this transfer we'll see more baptisms. We have a couple people that we're teaching and it's going well but we're still looking for our elect souls who are just waiting for us to invite them to be baptized ha. We'll find them soon.How was our Sunday ? I fasted for Masey ! and we left the house at like 7 or 730 to bring all of the people that said they would go to church with us on Sunday. so after 2 hours of walking we ended up at the chapel alone...I'm not gonna lie I wanted to cry. I had so many emotions mixed in and I felt like I had worked so hard this last week for nothing. So we were sitting in sacrament meeting and I was looking around and I saw a recent convert sitting next to her brother (who isn't a member). We found out later that he was a little more interested in the church and he told us that we could teach start teaching him. I already knew him and I was so desperate for something good to happen so I hugged him for a good 7 minutes hahaha. That was a tender mercy from the Lord. I repented for thinking that I was wasting my time and thinking that my efforts were worthless and that God wasn't watching. I remembered how Sister Lisonbee one time told us that it's necessary for us to feel alone sometimes. That's the only way we can grow. But when the spirit does take a step back and let us handle things on our own we don't have to tests God's patience and sin or forget about him. God lives and he watches over us at all times. When the Savior felt like God had abandoned him he didn't give up and quit. He kept fighting until the fight was completely finished. And because of that He could say, "Into THY hands, I commend my spirit." and the savior of the world was received in the spirit world by God's open arms the same way we will be if we fight until our fight is completely over.Man I'm super jealous that you guys got to hear Elder Holland speak 😑Thanks for the notes though.I think mothers day is this weekend right ? So I'm excited for that.but....i love youuuuuuutalk/see you soontake careabraço
--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: howdy
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: April 26, 2016 at 11:26:28 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: howdySo my new companions name is Elder Tzep he's from Guatemala. He's really really really......really short so everyone thinks it's funny that me and him are companions ha. He reminds me a lot of Colby so it's been pretty cool to be with him. I would send a picture but my cameras having some technical difficulties these days so that's gonna have to wait. Elder Oliveira is missed of course, he's in Jacobina (the area I started my mission in) training a new missionary and yeah I'm still zone leader. We had a really good week this week so I'm excited about this transfer.About school and what not, I still have to talk to the coach a little more to get things sorted out a little better.For my birthday....like you said birthdays aren't really that fun anymore so whatever you send I'll be happy ha.Amanda got married !? wow. Did you know that Elder Teasley knows her too ? kinda....but anyways that's cool. If you get the chance, tell her I said Congratulations :)That made me happy to hear about Autumn. It's even better because Porter brought her to the missionaries..good job Porter ! :DI've played the piano a couple times here so yeah I've been able to use that on my mission.Speaking of your class, there's a sister here in the ward that was telling me about how she has to speak to americans on skype every week because she's taking english classes. it must be the same program that you're involved in.So we just got back from the zoo with President. we switched our P-Day to today so that's why I didn't get on yesterday. We have a couple meetings with him tomorrow which should be good. It's funny because everyone's always talking about how my mission's ending but to me it still feels like that day doesn't exist ha. It was the same thing when I was waiting to leave for my mission, I felt like the day would never come then it just snuck up on me ha. But I don't really know how to feel about it, I just try to take advantage of the little time I have left. I won't lie I'm tired ha but I always seem to find a way to find some strength to finish out the day. I had a dream that I had gone home and I woke pretty scared with tears in my eyes ha. I'm excited to be home soon but I'm for sure gonna miss Brasil. But the biggest blessing that I've gained from the mission is definitely the chance I have to come to know the Savior and understand His love for me.God lives. We are all His children and he loves us with a perfect and infinite love. He made a plan for all of us to find joy and peace and to one day live with him again. So, He sent His son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior. God the Father and His son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820 and through him restored the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible is true. The Book of Mormon is also true. This is God's true church.Thank you all again for everything.Deus esteja convoscoJoshua 3:5--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Calma Calma
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Andrea MacKay <andiemac19@gmail.com>
Date: May 19, 2016 at 2:24:58 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Calma Calma
Sooooo exciting!!!On Apr 25, 2016, at 8:51 PM, Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com> wrote:Begin forwarded message:From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: April 18, 2016 at 10:36:10 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>, Sandy Woll <mamawoll@gmail.com>
Subject: Calma CalmaMy family ! I love you guys hahaha. I miss you guys too. Thanks for encouraging me to be the best I can. Making you all proud is one of the most important goals I have and I pray that I succeed in that. I'm too lucky to have you all rooting for me. Sooooooo i talked to my mission president and he said my release date was August 25 so I'll probably land in Vegas on the 26th. I talked to other missionaries in my group and they said they were going home on that day too...I though I was going home early but our secretary explained to me that the next transfer would be more than 2 years and a lot of times it happens that the missionary serves for more than 2 years but president decided to send our group before the 2 year mark.About college...I want to play at Salt Lake. I've thought about it and prayed and what not and I feel like that would be a way better decision. It's been a couple weeks since I talked to the coaches but Coach Marble said that he they were gonna wait a couple weeks then sit down as a coaching staff and talk about recruiting and what not then let me know what was up.Transfers are today so I'm gonna take Elder Oliveira to the bus station later tonight and my new companion should be there waiting for me. I'm honestly pretty sad about that but I can't really do anything about it ha. I'm gonna miss that kid. That's the big news for this week.I love you all. Deus protegam vocês--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: †
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: April 11, 2016 at 12:02:34 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Fwd: †
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Thiago Oliveira <thiagoo@myldsmail.net>
Date: 2016-04-11 15:57 GMT-03:00
Subject: †
To: seraphin.decker@myldsmail.netbatismo--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: Congrats Bray !
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>
Date: April 11, 2016 at 12:02:04 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>, Brayden Decker <braydeck@gmail.com>
Subject: Congrats Bray !
Brayden's married ! Thanks for the pictures, Brayden and Heather looked good. Glad to hear that everything went well. I still wish I could've been there but that's okay. I liked the colors a lot, I didn't know Brayden had style like that 😎 hahahahaWe had a baptism this last week which is my good news ha. His name is Horácio. His wife is already a member and we've taught him a couple times and fasted and prayed and he finally decided to be baptized. That was definitely a tender mercy because we've been struggling to get people baptized these last couple weeks.But of course someone had to ruin the weekend.....our stake president had a "conference" with all the members and Horácio went...He started talking about how we can prove that the Book of Mormon is true and how in the Book of Mormon it doesn't say anything about having more than on wife (which it clearly does and it's sad that our stake president doesn't know that) and that's why all men are gonna have plural wives in heaven and a bunch of other things that didn't need to be said. Me and my companion got up and left. But we talked to Horácio and he was fine so everything's okay with him.k I'm done venting but once again, I'm super happy for Brayden and Heather. Like the brasilians say it: God bless with you with everything that's good...many years of life and health to you and your family :D--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
Fwd: ya
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: kdietlein@gmail.com
Date: April 5, 2016 at 2:54:20 AM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: ya
Absolutely LOVE this!!!
Sent from my iPhoneFrom: Seraphin Decker <seraphin.decker@myldsmail.net>Date: April 4, 2016 at 2:28:41 PM PDT
To: Robin Decker <robinlynnd@gmail.com>, D Decker <7halcon@gmail.com>
Subject: ya
I was super to hear that Colby got his mission call ! Thailand ! I never would've guessed Thailand ! I heard you guessed that mom. NICE. I know he's going to do a great thing but it's kinda lame that he leaves a couple weeks before I get home. haha it's okay though I'm not mad. Thailand looks like a really pretty place though, I'm kinda jealous. I wouldn't trade it for my Brasil though ;)Happy Easter btw ! I didn't eat any chocolate -_- It's kinda sad because here in Bahia, every holiday is just an excuse for people to sin. It's the same thing every weeknd/holiday: Parties, drinks, women with no clothes, really loud music, and to top it off because I'm in Salvador, gunshots. It's kind of sad but that's what I'm here for !Brayden's getting married this weekend ! That's pretty weird to think about but I'm happy for him. Make sure to send me pictures pleaseeeeee.Conference was cool. I'm downloading the talks in English so I'm gonna listen to them again. I liked Elder Holland's talk (of course, he's a boss). It was great to be able to be edified that way, it's always sad when it ends but it's cool knowing that next conference I'll be watching it in English :D Who knows maybe I'll watch it live at the conference center.So this past week we had our District meeting at home because we didn't have the key to the chapel and when we were reciting D&C 4 this guy walked by, saw us, and shook his head. It was funny like what was probably going through his head hahahaha. So that's one more person that'll never wanna be baptized because we're a cult hahahhahahaWe're still having to fight to have baptisms. Mariqueli is kind of...idk. She didn't go to any of the conference sessions -_- We have a guy named Rogerio that disappeared, no one knows where he is, and we have Ingrid that we just met this last week but those are our main investigators right now, I'll let you know how their progress is this next week.I don't know a lot of things but I know that God knows all things and that he sees us for who we truly are and can become. He lives and He loves His children with all of His heart, might, mind and strength. Doyle, Robin, Masey, Brayden, Colby, Brooklyn, Shekynah, Kate, and Eli Decker I love you more than words can describe. I think it's the fact that you only realize the worth of something when you lose it but thank goodness that in a couple months I get you all back :) Love God and I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that miracles will be seen, the glory of God will be manifested in your lives, and God and angels will stand in reverence as you kneel down in secret prayer.I love you all to the moon and back. I'm praying for you always, and I'm grateful for your prayers for me. Have a good week and keep God close.--Élder Serph Alain DeckerMissão Brasil SalvadorA Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos SantosDos Ultimos Dias
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