"O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh ... Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh, ... therefore I will lift up my voice to thee ... my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen." (2 Nephi 4: 34-35)

Monday, February 8, 2016

December 28, 2015

Hey Everybody!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Christmas in Brazil was pretty awesome, and a little bit different that what we do in the states. So for christmas the president of the mission let us stay at a members house until midnight Christmas eve if we had been invited. Here in Brazil they celebrate Christmas more like New Years. They make a huge dinner and invite everyone to come over the night before christmas, and every one stays up playing games, exchanging gifts and doing other activities until midnight. And when itsmidnight everyone gets up and wishes Merry Christmas to one another giving hugs and kisses. A little bit different but also super awesome. My companion and i went to the house of the counselor of the stake and had a huge barbaque there. Oh also another thing that was kinda strange was that it was about 90 degrees for Christmas... But everybody ate and just hung out until midnight to wish merry christmas to one another.

Other than the christmas celebration, all of the missionaries in the zone took advantage of the christmas season to go caroling on the buses and in the bus terminals! It was a different tactic than usual to do contacts with people and for the most part everybody enjoyed. In one of the buses after we finished singing all of the passangers applauded for us! haha It was a great chance to spread a little bit of the true spirit of Christmas.

This area is starting to get moving again, Elder Cruz and I have found a few new people to teach that are interesed in the church and actually want to learn. One of them is named Lucas, he is a young man that is 19 years old and has started the process of changing his life. Until recently he was addicted to smoking but quit so that he start a life as follower of Christ. Right now he is frequenting another church but we will teach him the messge of the restoration tonight and what it means to have all of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth again! He is a great guy and hope that he can feel the spirit tonight.

Love all of you guys and as always I will bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that God lives and that he sent his son to pay for our sins. If we want happiness in our lives we need to humble ourselves and turn to Christ and be willing to be obedient to the commandments.

``Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep hiscommandments: for this is the whole duty of man.`` (Ecl. 12:13) I hope that we remember our duty and receive the blessings God is waiting to give to us!

Love you all and have a good week!

Elder Rice