The Missionary Training Center (MTC)

 

     My parents drove me to the Missionary Training Center where I arrived on April 25, 1999 in Provo, Utah. The MTC was the training ground for teaching the “Army of God” how to prepare the world for His second coming. My first name was removed, not to be used again under any circumstance. I received a name-tag with the title “Elder,” the same as the other male missionaries. For the next two years, I would be known as “Elder Ferreira,” a special rank reserved for God’s personal servants, because He had called upon someone as special as me to save a vast portion of Brazil from their sins. One conundrum existed. “How could a terrible sinner who is attracted to other males bring salvation to anyone?” This self-doubt would haunt me throughout my entire mission.

     Nevertheless, as I stepped inside the MTC, I felt a sense of relief and excitement. I was on my own for the first time in my life. I would search my soul and find out what was making me have these sexual attractions. I could finally focus on how to resolve this problem. The MTC brought me a strong feeling of acceptance, love, and camaraderie. It was nothing but brotherly and sisterly love fed by the pride and joy in our unique cause. I soon formed close ties with all those in my missionary district headed for Brazil. We all missed our homes, but we were united in a greater cause. It brought humility to my soul knowing I was embarking on a quest on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I was called to bring the true gospel of love and righteousness to the world! I was comforted in this thought and believed I could overcome anything! What I didn’t know was that this new experience would only exacerbate my current struggles. I was now facing four more weeks in the Brazilian missionary training center, then twenty-two more months in the mission field.