HEY!

We had transfers last night, Elder Turner and I are staying for 1 more! I was already 99% sure that we were staying, it wouldn’t make much sense to transfer me on my last transfer. Yes. My blasting last transfer. The words don’t even seem real. I can’t even explain how weird it feels. I feel like I have only been here for a short time, like a few months. I honestly don’t even really miss America (except for maybe carpet and a few other things). The time has gone by so fast. I have had the most incredible opportunity to serve the Lord and work miracles in His name. I’m glad that I have kept a journal my entire mission, so that I can ponder about these things I have passed through to share with future generations.

We have been training President Rodrigues about the importance of doing interviews with the members. These interviews are essential, they are a way to verify worthiness, prepare to give callings and strengthen each and every member. Also we have discussed with him the importance of motivating the members to participate more actively in missionary work. Missionary work only done by Elders will never lead to true baptisms, conversion and retention. It is only when the missionaries and members work together, that true growth can happen. He agreed with this. He has agreed to talk about this in a meeting that we will be holding this week for all of those that hold a calling.

We got to find a really awesome investigator this last week. His name is Steven. He does not work at the moment, and he lives with his girlfriend and their daughter. It turns out that his girlfriend is a member of the church, apparently she was taught and baptized like 12 years ago in Praia. Her name is Monica. They are a really nice family. They even invited us over for lunch today, should be sweet.

Our branch president has designated Judith (our recent convert) to give a talk this next Sunday, so we will be helping her out a bit with that.

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to true happiness, being edified on his doctrine brings long lasting and eternal happiness, as opposed to the ways of the world. Wickedness never was happiness. It is by the commandments that the Lord protects and makes the pathway that we may become as He is.

Love,

Elder Rice

HEY EVERYONE!

Its been a super sucessful week! We have been really praying and looking to find the Lord’s elect, and those that are ready to receive the restored Gospel. More than anything, we need leaders here in Santa Maria. We need strong men and women that are willing to dedicate their life and serve God. I believe the Lord has been answering our prayers.

In this process we have found 16 new investigators this week. Our most effective form of finding has been knocking on doors. Not only knocking doors has helped us to find new people, but actually we have found a lot of people that have really great potential. We are usually used to just contacting people on the street and getting their number, but that leaves too much room for error. They could give us the wrong number, or we could never find their house. But when we go directly to their house, we have the chance to sit down, testify and teach the restored Gospel in a few moments so that they can feel by the power of the Holy Ghost that the things that we are teaching are true. This gives them much more desire to have us come back again. For example, we knocked on a door and found a man named Immanuel. Immanuel is an incredibly smart man. He is working on a business idea to start up a taxi center that would revolutionize taxis here in Cape Verde. He sat down very willing and open to hear our message. As a result he has already read 3 Nephi 11 and has committed to a baptismal date. I see a great leader in him. He is around 30 years old. He is intelligent and has leadership qualities. He is direct. I know the Lord helped us to find him.

Also, we have recently started to teach a family. The husband and wife are named, Dada and Soraya. Soraya was actually baptized in the church, but later fell away. Her husband was preparing for baptism but had some problems with some commandments and also distanced himself. I actually got to meet them last week as we did the family home teaching visits. Since that day we have returned and been teaching them. We shared the story of 4 Nephi 1, of how the people of Nephi were immensely blessed because they were converted and lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They didn’t have fights, or lies, or contentions, they were the happiest of all people. This was possible because of there obedience. Soraya expressed how they have been having some problems between them. We applied this story to them. Through obedience to the commandments of God, our families and our home can be a place of refuge, peace and joy. We have challenged them to be obedient, reading in the scriptures and praying together every day. They have started to do this and I can already see a huge difference. They have smilies that they didn’t use to. And it appears that Soraya has even stopped drinking. not only that but their entire family came to church this last Sunday and they loved it. Now we working on helping Dada prepare to be baptized. The Gospel truly, truly blesses families. There is no way that a family can have this happiness without practicing the principles of the Gospel.

Chidi is passing a pretty difficult time in his life. He came here to Cape Verde to find work to send money to his family. In the process he has fallen into some pretty bad habits. At one time he was in prison here in Cape verde for 6 years, he has been here for a total of 17 years without going home. This was never his plan. He wants more than ever to go back home to see his parents, especially his dad who is sick. One day when we passed by this week, Chidi just looked really down. He told us that he had even though about taking his own life. Trying to think what he needed to hear, we bore the most profound testimony that he is a child of God, and that God loves him. The most wonderful thing about the gospel is that even though we are imperfect and we have done many terrible things, we can forget of these things and be completely clean, being born again. We read Matthew 11:28-30 about how we can come unto Christ and find rest for our souls. We then shared the story of the sons of Mosiah. In Mosiah 27 they did many terrible things, but by coming unto Christ, they were able to abandon their carnal selves, and be born again, becoming a new creature. The light returned into Chidi´s eyes. That was what he needed to hear. he is planning to go back to Nigeria at the end of this month, but before he goes he wants to be baptized. Miraculously, the church is super big in Nigeria and their is actually a chapel in his hometown where he would be returning, what a blessing!

One of our recent converts Jezidel had the opportunity to go to EFY (FSY) here in Cape Verde. They traveled to an island called Santo Antao and they stayed there for 5 days. She absolutely loved it. She said when she first got there she wanted to go home because she didnt like it, but by the time she left she was crying. The day that she came back she gave us a call and she asked if we could come over. We came over and she asked if we could give a priesthood blessing to her sister who has liver (or maybe kidney stone) problems. Her sister, Jezilene, had to go to the hospital. So we sat down with Jezilene and explained that the same power and authority that Christ and His Apostles had to cure and raise the dead is the same power and authority that we possess. Just as Christ, his miracles and blessings were brought about with accordance to their faith. I assisted my new companion Elder Turner in the annointing and I performed the sealing. It was a beautiful experience. Afterward we got to talk a bit. She has 3 kids and is a single mom. We testified that the Gospel will help her raise her kids in the right path. I could tell that she has passed through a lot of afflictions as a single mom, the gospel is the light that she needs. She agreed for us to talk with her the next day. Before when we would talk to her she wouldn’t show any interest. I think that giving her this blessing really opened up her heart. Yesterday we got to teach her the Restoration and mark a baptismal date. In the middle of the lesson, her boyfriend came to visit the house. He also happens to be a member of the church, less active. He is a priesthood holder. He is exacltly what we need her. The Lord is truly blessing us.

This work is literally impossible without the Spirit. Despite how much talents or capacities someone thinks they may have, if they do not have the Spirit and do not teach by the Spirit, they will never have real sucess. I feel the Spirit testify through me, its a wonderful thing. I am not the greatest teacher, but I know the Spirit makes me stronger.

I testify that God is our Father and that He loved us in such a way that He sent His son, Jesus Christ to take upon him the sins, enfermities and pains of all inhabitants of all the Earth. I have felt my sin and my burden be lifted, and I have seen this same aliviation in my investigators and recent converts. There is no other way or name that a man may be saved if not by the name of Jesus Christ.

Love,

Elder Rice

HEY!

So last Monday we planned a family night at our recent convert´s house, Judith. The only problem is that she lives in a very small dark house that doesn’t have light, water and very few chairs. We told her not to worry, we bought a bunch of candles and some cookies and invited everyone!!! There ended up being 22 people in her house. I don’t think I have ever seen Judith so happy. She is a very shy woman, and through the church she has made so many friends. She is always smiling now. She even gave the spiritual thought about obedience, it was great. We played some games in the candle light. Judith absolutely loved it!!! It had so be one of the best family nights that we have had.

We have started to teach a Muslim man. Usually, they won’t even talk to us. In some extreme cases they can be threatened to be killed if they leave their religion. But this man we found named Brym is a really nice guy. He is showing sincere interest in what we are teaching and even agrees and believes that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He said he would like to come to church. He couldn’t come this week because he had work, but hopefully in the future he will be able to come.

We have been having Priesthood classes for the few priesthood holders that we have here in Santa Maria, taught by me. I teach them the essential lessons needed before recieving the Melchizedek Priesthood. I have been sharing a few things from the Priesthood session of General conference that I have been reading lately. I literally cannot stop reading the General Conference talks. I have probably gone through 2 to 3 general conferences. Thats what I like to do during lunch. I know that these men are chosen and inspired by God. Their words are so applicable in our lives. They have such relevance. The words of these prophets, apostles and 70´s make me want to be better. They motivate me to be better. What a HUGE blessing it is that we have a living prophet on the earth that posseses the keys to guide us in this last dispensation. I am so grateful for General Conference. I cant wait until the next one in October!!!!

During the priesthood class I have had the chance to teach them a bit about Family Home Teaching. President Rodriguez was able to draw up a list and make some companionships to visit all the members of the branch. Because there are so few worthy priesthood holders, we did a 4 way division. 1 member went with 1 of the 4 Elders here in Santa Maria and we visited 4-5 people each. It was a HUGE success. I really believe that a consistent plan to do this every month could really help a lot in this branch to demonstrate love and to rescue those that have distanced themselves from the church and strengthen those that are active. I went out with our branch mission leader, Alex. He is a great young man. He is 19, he actually has more time being less active than being active, but he has made a great transformation and now he is even preparing to serve a mission, we are going to help him to fulfill his dream.

Elder Turner and i are doing great, we are having a lot of fun! There truly are not words to describe for the love I have for the Savior and his gospel. I wish everyone could just understand the incredible message that we have to offer. We sound and even look crazy to the world. We are the minority, but there is truly nothing more sweet on this face of this earth than partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Life. I love this church.

Love,

Elder Rice

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