Hi:

On Tuesday after a series of our lessons and back ups fell through, we decided to knock on a few doors. We were rejected by four houses and then I saw a man reading his bible on the street. Usually you would think, ´´oh this man must already have his religion´´, so we went up to him and talked to him. I asked him why he liked to read the word of God, and what changes it had brought in his life. I asked him if he knew who wrote the Bible, he did not know. We then proceeded to explain that the Bible was written by men called and inspired by God, prophets. I testified that God loves us, and that just has He had called prophets anciently to guide his people, he has called a prophet today! This man became more and more interested as we spoke of these things. We sat down on the curb with him. His name is Chidi He is a shoe repairman. People bring him their shoes and he fixes them right there on the side of the road. We began to teach him the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the story of Joseph Smith. A light entered into his eyes. Right after telling him about the first vision and bearing testimony, Chidi said ´´I have been searching for the word of God, I have been searching to come closer to Him, and now I have found it´´. He had told us earlier that he had attended other churches before but many of them just wanted his money and they did some pretty hypocritical things. He didn’t agree with these things and he left these churches. This was a perfect proof to me of the absolute need for a Restoration. It was necessary that God called a prophet to reveal his perfect, and pure doctrine and restored the power and authority necessary to open up the gates to the kingdom of God. This man was prepared by God.

We had another really cool experience this week. We were teaching one of our recent converts, Judith. We are reteaching her all of the missionary lessons. When we found Judith, she was alone, single mom, without work, sad and without purpose. She sold alcohol to survive. As we taught her the gospel, changes started to happen in her life. She began to understand her purpose and received many blessings for keeping the commandments. A few ward members, Tia (Relief Society President) and Katiana have been a huge help to her. When Judith didn’t have enough money, they lent her money, when Judith was sick they brought her medicine that she didn’t have enough money to buy, when she looked lonely they talked to her. We explained that the way Tia and Katiana were serving is how all members of the church are promised to act. When we are baptized we promise to comfort those in need, weep with those that weep, and help others through their difficulties. I asked her ´´How do you feel having received this service from them?´´ She couldn't help but just cry. And cry. She said she felt such a great joy. Judith is a very shy woman, but to have felt such love from a fellow member, helped her to know that she matters. This is how we should act. We must serve God with all of our heart, might, mind and strength. When we are in the service of our fellowman we are in the service of our God. Their is nothing more sweet to help someone out of the pure of love Christ that we feel in our heart.

We had a few scheduled lessons yesterday that didn't go through, but whenever that happens we just do our best to find a lesson in that very moment. We happen to see a man sitting in a chair. his name is Mario. He is a fisherman of 30 years. We bore testimony to him that he was a child of God and that God has created a plan for his eternal happiness. the man became more interested. We weren’t even at his house, but we entered into his friend’s house and taught him the Restoration. He explained that he had already quit smoking and drinking and that he really wanted to come closer to God. He accepted to be baptized. The only question he had was ´´how will I be able to find you again and talk more about these things?´´ Well that’s easy. We took his number and headed out. The Spirit testified to his heart the truthfulness of our message. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can solve the doubts of our souls.

Only the Atonement of Christ can free our lives of guilt and shame and sorrow. I know that this Gospel is the only path on the face of the earth that can bring us true, everlasting and eternal happiness. Peace in this life and eternal life in the next. I will dedicate every day for the rest of my life to this work, nothing could ever seperate me from the love of Christ.

Love,

Elder Rice