20th Week Guapiles, Limon - Pococi Ward

Family ~

Another week has flown by! The days seem like a blur and I can't believe that it is already Monday and I am writing to you all again. 

My absolute favorite Gospel Doctrine is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have recieved so much joy witnessing and seeing the atonement work in my life and the lives of others. The other day I was talking to a brother of the church who said he can't change the way he is because that is how he has been for his entire life. But I know that he can change his nature through the atonement of Jesus Christ and begin to be in the process of being perfected.

The atonement has been completed for us. We are the ones who let it into our lives so we can overcome our sins, afflictions, pains, sickness, and shortcomings. During my mission and before my mission I have been able to taste of the sweet joy of the atonement. I have many shortcomings! A lot actually, but knowing that through the atonement of Jesus Christ I can become better, and little by little leave the bad things in my life and become born again.

It doesn't matter where we are on the pathway to conversion. The most important thing is that we are in the process of being converted and we are working towards becoming like Christ. I know that my Father lives, that Christ completed with the atonement and that we can overcome whatever obstacle that comes into our lives because of it. 

I love this video of modern-day prophets and apostles testifying and teaching about the atonement of Christ and how it can help us in our lives. It has helped me become a better child of God and missionary.

Lifting Burdens

I am so very grateful for the opportunity to share this fruit with others here in Costa Rica and see how it can help them become better people and experience this joy that I too have been able to experience!

I LOVE YOU ALL

Elder Moss

19th Week Guapiles, Limon - Pococi Ward

Family ~

As a missionary you come upon many people from many different backgrounds. Rich people, poor people, humble, proud, and from young to old. Throughout the last year and a half of being a missionary I have come to a conclusion.

That almost everyone I have met on the street are searching for true happiness.

I've been thinking lately about how can someone, no matter who they are or what has happened to them. Be TRULY happy.

Then I thought about the plan of happiness. The plan that God has created for us so that we can TRULY be happy. An eternal happiness that anyone can obtain no matter where they come from.

Happiness

Heavenly Father desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the design of all the blessings He gives us—gospel teachings, commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets, temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to experience adversity. His plan for our salvation is often called “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). He sent His Beloved Son to carry out the Atonement so we can be happy in this life and receive a fullness of joy in the eternities.

Testifying of God's “eternal purposes,” the prophet Lehi taught, “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:15, 25). Many people try to find happiness and fulfillment in activities that are contrary to the Lord's commandments. Ignoring God's plan for them, they reject the only source of real happiness. They give in to the devil, who “seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). Eventually they learn the truth of Alma's warning to his son Corianton: “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).

Others seek only to have fun in life. With this as their main goal, they allow temporary pleasure to distract them from lasting happiness. They rob themselves of the enduring joys of spiritual growth, service, and hard work.

As we seek to be happy, we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. We will find peaceful, eternal happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of our sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service.

My favorite part is at the end where it says "the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel" I know that God wants us to be happy and that Satan wants us to be sad. I have been able to start living the principles of the Gospel during the mission and I've been able to find true happiness. It isn't easy to obtain. We actually have to put our part. Develop our Christlike attributes and live the plan of happiness. I can't express how beautiful it is to see someone find this true happiness. You can see a change in them and you can see the purpose they have found in their eyes. I hope we all can strive to become truly happy and live the Gospel .

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Elder Moss

This is "Grandma" and her grandson with his family. Grandma is 95 years old and never misses church. She walks to the bus stop and goes on a bus for about an hour to get to church! She is great!

We are working with her grandson and his family who we've been able to see the spirit touch their hearts and see them gain a testimony of the Restored Gospel

18th Week Guapiles, Limon - Pococi Ward

I am not sure if you have received any emails from me this last Monday but they told me that the emails didn't work Monday (15th) and that we have to resend the emails. I hope you all receive my emails that I just re-sent.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love, Elder Moss

(Resent on 18th)
Family ~

A very busy week for sure! Tuesday we had baptismal interviews to do so we didn't get to work in our area as much as we would of liked. Then Wednesday we went to the District Meeting and after the District meeting we had to leave early to go to San Jose because they were going to close the mountain that we have to pass through in the afternoon for all of the rain. We stayed in San Jose until the afternoon Friday and came back and worked a little bit. Then Saturday we worked until a baptism in the ward. 

A super busy week for sure but it was great because we learned a lot and had the opportunity to have a few meetings in San Jose with a member of the seventy. 

I cannot explain how much I look up to President Hayes. He has taught me so much and has helped me understand how I can be a better missionary, person, future father, future husband, and member of the Church. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary and share these simple beautiful truths with those here in Costa Rica. It has filled my heart with love and has helped me to become more and more  converted to His Gospel everyday!

I love you all so much!

Have a great week!

Elder Moss

after our journey, the reward.

17th Week Guapiles, Limon - Pococi Ward

Family ~

This week I've realized how much I need to rely on Christ to be able to do anything. From a conference we had a little while ago Elder Christensen from the presidency of the seventy he shared a story of a missionary who wanted to go home because he couldn't stand his companion, the house, the rules and many more things. And Elder Christensen said you know what it is true. You can't do this work, you can't handle your companion, you can't live in this little apartment, you can't obey the rules of the mission. Alone. You need Christ and His Infinite Atonement to be able to do anything.

I have come to a conclusion this last week or so that it is true! I can't do anything without Christ in my life! To be able to overcome the trials that I have in my life I need to rely on Christ and His Atonement. I know it's real. I know He lives. I can feel it everyday that the atonement helps me do things. Because without it I wouldn't be able to fulfill my purpose as a missionary.

One of my favorite scriptures that teach about Christ and what he did for us is in Alma 7

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

I know that this life is hard and that sometimes we feel alone and we feel like we can't do anything. But I also know that through Christ and His atonement we can overcome any challenge that is placed in front of us whether it be sickness, afflictions, death, pain, or temptation.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Our journey we took

16th Week Guapiles, Limon - Pococi Ward

Family ~

Sorry I know I haven't written for awhile but I want you to know that I love you all and that I am safe and sound here in Costa Rica!

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! It was great I got to spend my birthday with an apostle. Elder Cook! I learned so much and could feel the spirit so strong!

From Elder Branham: "I got to catch up with Elder Moss

I talked to dad about coming here to pick me up. SO talk to him about it and choose which one you would like to do.

I LOVE YOU THE MOSTEST MOMMY!!!

I have pictures of a beautiful waterfall we went to today! Will send them next week!!

LOVE Elder Moss

21st Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

What a great week! I've been learning so much and loving it here!

First is the baptism of E and his wife L from the wedding last week!  They are such great people and are so strong! It has been such a blessing to be able to teach them and help them through every difficult time. This week was great at church to see the two families that got baptized while I was here in Liberia together. Made me so happy especially with the saying "Missionary: Someone who leaves their family for a short period of time so that other families can be together for time and all eternity". Makes all the challenges, pain, sweat, tears, and a little blood disappear from the joy.

E & L Baptism

2 Families Baptized and their referral

Something that I have been trying to do better this week is work on my studies and find the love for the scriptures. And wow has it changed my life I took this scripture and applied it in my life.

"And now, O my son (Elder Moss), behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." Alma 36:3

Scriptures are powerful and we can learn so much from them. they give us strength when we are down, help us understand our purpose in life, and give us a better understanding of God's plan for us.

A man told me the other day that he knows everything and doesn't have to learn anymore. That is false because men can't be saved in ignorance. We have to learn every day and will gain even more knowledge everyday as we study the scriptures. No matter how many times we have read them.

2 Nephi 28:30
"For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have."

I have been able to gain such a great knowledge these last few days during my studies as I have been working harder to be able to understand the scriptures. It really is a wonderful gift that we have and my mind has been opened to much more! I love reading and having the scriptures to learn from and I invite all of you to take the time out and read scriptures. They help us in our life in all things. These things I know are true and I bear testimony of them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,
Elder Moss

Funny Moment this week..... the other day a member called us because she had a snake in her house so we went to go find it. Well I talked in English to the other gringo when we move a pile of junk to start screaming and run away to act like we found the snake. So we did and everyone ran and my companion ran all the way to the kitchen and it was super funny! Never ended up finding the snake.

20th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

Wedding

I can't express in words how wonderful this week was! The couple we have been teaching just got married and it was so amazing to see them work together on the pathway of God. Every lesson we have with them is super spiritual! They have a baby that loves me and always follows me around. (It's funny because the baby looks more gringo than me).

The wedding was great and all went well. I made the cake with supplies that Sister Wilkinson gave me so that was great! I felt so smart because I used strawberry Tang as food coloring and it worked out well!

I love the kids just staring in amazement. (Dad)

Then Sunday night the family went over to a members house and watched a movie with them called "Joseph Smith-The Prophet of the Restoration". My companion and I didn't set this up so it was great to see them do it for themselves and we came in when the movie just ended. The Spirit was so strong and so much love. I can't describe the moment but it was a great one. One I will never forget. 

Elder Moss and the cake.

The Miracle of Tithing.

A commandment in the Church of Jesus-Christ is Tithing. Tithing is a law to where you give the Lord 10% of what you receive back. It is a small sacrifice but the Lord blesses you if you obey the laws. 

This week we taught one of our investigators the law of Tithing. This investigator has been without a job for 4 months and has been searching for one this entire time we've been teaching him. He has been under super hard times with his family. His house isn't in the best shape. It's got the 4 walls. Tin roof. One bed. A small electric stove. And a mini fridge. All of this is in the same room with not alot of room to walk. But this doesn't bring down his Faith. 

This Sunday he payed his tithing for the first time. (Still not a member of the Church) It wasn't the biggest amount of Tithing but it was the sacrifice for the Lord that counts. The following day he received a call for a job. He now works a full-time job that still lets him go to church.

How wonderful of a Father in Heaven we have. That
knows and will bless us if we follow His Commandments. In Malachi 3:10 it says,

"10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of 
heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough 
to receive it."

My favorite part of this scripture is prove me now and in Spanish it says "probadme ahora". The Lord is saying try me. Pay your tithing, follow my commandments and I will open up the windows of Heaven and pour you out blessings. I have such a strong testimony of this and I know without a doubt that we have a loving Heavenly Father that wants us to obey Him and He will bless us. I testify that this is the True Church here on Earth and that through our convenios here on the Earth we can make it back to our loving Heavenly Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Moss

Elder Moss & Tistoj with wedding couple

Signing the license.

Cutting the wedding cake.

Iguana visiting us at church.

19th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Footprints in the Sand

I dreamed I was walking along the beach
with the Lord..

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life..
For each scene, I noticed two sets of

footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord..

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life
there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me 

and I questioned the Lord about it:

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

you'd walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most 

troublesome times in my life 

there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why 

when I need you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied:

"My precious child, I love you and would

never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you see only one set of footprints, it was then

that I carried you."

This is a quote that Elder Moss (Parker) sent me awhile ago that I thought about alot this week. While we were in a lesson with a family one of the uncles came in and started talking to us. The problem is that he was drunk and really sad. He is a member of the church but went inactive after his dad and brother died. Then this week a baby that was 6 months old died in his family. He came to us asking why God let people suffer. Why he allowed a baby so young to die and not live a life. He then started crying. and as tears streamed down his face he asked me "When I need God the most, where is He?"

My home - sunset over Liberia

That question struck me. I know that God is here and that He will help us in every situation or challenge in our lives. This man felt as if God had abandoned him during his difficult times of his life. But what he didn't understand is that God is always here for us. He loves us and wants the best for each and everyone of us. When we put our trust in God, He will deliver us! (Alma 36:27) God puts challenges in our lives to help us learn and grow. (2 Nephi 2:2). God is always here for us and will bless us when we do what He asks. (Mosiah 2:20-24). 

This man forgot about that. He forgot to put his trust in God and actually know that God has a plan for us. That we can live together forever with our families for time and all eternity. That there is a plan of happiness and we will be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. I am so very grateful for the scriptures that we have to be able to learn and grow our Faith. Also for the Plan of Salvation for the knowledge that I can be sealed to family for eternity. I know that Christ lives and he is our Savior and that God 

is our Father in Heaven that loves us with all of His heart. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love, 

Finally got his birthday packages - happy parents

Elder Moss

I got all the missionaries in Liberia addicted to skittles because I always had them haha so this was funny that you sent them

18th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

What a week! We had changes this week and I didn't get changed! I feel as if my work here in Liberia isn't finished and I still am here for one reason or another! So I am pretty excited!

We found a great family this week so I am going to share how we found them because these are always my favorite stories. 

I was on divisions with my District Leader and we were walking to an appointment when I suddenly heard. "Hey! Pretty Boy!" (So obviously I had to go talk to them because they called my name). It ended up being a 40 year old English teacher who doesn't speak very good English. But I set up an appointment for the next day to go teach him. So I went with my regular companion Elder Tistoj and we got there and started to share with him and his brother but they had a few drinks before so ended up just hugging us alot. I have never been hugged so hard before by a man in my entire life. ha ha It seemed like they weren't ready to here the Gospel but I still had hope for them when they weren't drinking at all. So a few days later when our appointment fell and we had time we decided to go back and to teach the English teacher. He was great and had tons of questions and has a want to learn more. We asked him for references or if he knew anyone that can benefit from this message and he gave us one of a less active member of the church that he knows. So we went to our next appointment for that day and it fell again. So we had some time to search for this reference. We got to the house and the man wasn't there but his nephew and his family was there so we started talking to them and began to teach them. 

It's a family of three and I have so much love for them. The day before the father was praying asking for help. He lost his job due to a mishap and is searching to help the family. Parts of his family are members and he used to go when he was young but just stopped going for one reason or another. I was so happy to be able to be put in the pathways of them to help them come unto Christ. 

The next appointment we got there and they were waiting for us all ready with the Book of Mormon, Bible, and the brochure we gave them. I asked how it went and they said good but I wasn't able to answer this one question. I asked what question are you talking about and they said the ones in the back of the brochure. Usually people don't even read the brochure so I wasn't expecting them to actually answer the questions too!  They then told me a story of what happened the night before while they were praying and how they received their answer to how they know it is all true.  

It was such a great miracle to be able to find them and for my companion to be able to decide to go to them and listen to the spirit. I love it here so much and love it! I know that in life there aren't coincidences. God has a plan for each and everyone of us and it is between one way or another that we can make it back to Him someday through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love you all and want to share more but ran out of time!

Elder Moss