14th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family~

Time is going by way to fast and I feel like just yesterday I talked to you all! It's hard to remember what I have shared and what I haven't so hopefully I haven't shared this.

During a lesson - in the middle of it the 7 kids
started dressing us up.

This last week I have been focusing on my studies and trying to understand Gospel Principals better. As I was studying about Faith and what we need to do to have Faith I thought of the Mormon Pioneers. Who had little money and food but had the Faith to follow a Prophet of God through difficult times trekking across the plains. I put myself in the same situation as them. Would I have enough Faith to take everything I had, risk my life, and suffer to follow a Prophet of God into Zion? Would I murmur like Laman and Lamuel and not want to go on the journey? The way to grow our Faith in Christ is by actions. 

So I related this Faith by going to church. Do we have enough Faith to go to church every Sunday to renew our covenants with God? To give just 3 hours to Him? or do we lack in this and don't grow our Faith through actions?

Elder Moss & Tistoj

I asked an investigator if Jesus came to her and told her to go to church this Sunday what her response would be. She said that she would obviously go. But only if she could. Only if she was ready with all the kids and had the time. She knows that Christ invited her and that she really needs to go. But lacks the Faith that through Christ all things are possible and if she gave it her all she would indeed be blessed even more than she could think.

Another thing that I learned this week was my companion and I just left an appointment and the investigator had doubts about the Book of Mormon. We started talking about these doubts and what we could do to help her and he asked me a question that really puzzled me and put me in the shoes of an investigator

"How do you know that the Bible is true"  

It made me really think. Almost everyone accepts the Bible as Word of God but how do we actually know that it is true? We all have an invitation in the Book of Mormon to read it and to ask God ourselves if it is true. But the Bible doesn't have this invitation at the beginning like the Book of Mormon. As I grew to learn how others feel and how we can find out the truths ourselves I was able to realize why it is true and how I can learn from the Book of Mormon and the Bible.

My invitation for all is to show your Faith. Show God that you really have Faith and have works. Read daily, pray daily, and go to Church every week! I know that through these three actions we can become closer to God. I have seen my Faith grow tremendously through my life by these three actions. I know that the Book of Mormon and the Bible is the word of God. That Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God and that Thomas S. Monson is the living Prophet here on Earth today. I know that Christ lives and suffered for each one of us and that God is our Heavenly Father that loves us perfectly.  

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Elder Moss

Bedroom / Study

Kitchen

13th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

This week I have been trying to focus on Diligence and Enduring to the End. With it being the end of the year and everything it is difficult to focus on the work of the Lord and keep working everyday strong.

But as I was able to have great spiritual experience with J. and his family I was able to see how great of a work this is. J. is a great example for me. He knows what he has to do for his family and that the Lord provides everything. Even though he doesn't have much money at all he still pays tithing and goes to church and this shows me such great diligence. 

One scripture that I found during my studies that I love is Alma 32:41-43. 

41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

In this scripture it mentions diligence and patience three different times. Emphasizing the importance of these qualities. For all of us to grow our Faith in Christ we have to work on it everyday with diligence. This means that we give the Lord our all and never let our grip become loose on the straight and narrow path. 

Life is difficult. Life isn't meant to be easy. We are here to be tested and tried and to grow our Faith in Christ. I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is here to help us. We just have to get on our knees and talk with Him. Read His words in scriptures. Attend church to renew our covenants with Him. We have these resources to help us throughout life! So why not use them?

I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and His children and grow everyday. Its not easy but it is soooo worth it!

I love you all and wish you all a Happy New Year!

Love Elder Moss

12th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

Advent Calendar from Mom

I can't believe that it's already been about 4 months on my mission! It feels like I just left last week and I feel as if my mission is too short and I need more time!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and remember the true meaning of Christmas. And make time for Christ by reading scriptures, praying, and going to church. He has given us so much and only asks for little in return.

This week has been humbling. God has given me a gift. He has given me the gift of the Gospel to share and also the gift of a wonderful family. I am honored to have a family that loves one another and helps one another. This week I have run into families that need help physically and spiritually. It hurts me to see the pain and the troubles that they have. And I have gained such a deep love for them as I have served them just like Christ served us. 

Christmas decorations from mom

"He is The Gift"

John 3:16 Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo que ha dado a su HijoUnigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Baptism

Christ came here to Earth to fulfill a purpose for all of Gods children. He loves us and serves us with his atoning blood and sacrifice. I have learned of the powers of the atonement and the love Christ has for me. I testify that he lives. That he is a glorified resurrected being. He is the Light and Life of the World. And I have no doubt in my mind that he leads and directs this church. That we have the priesthood keys here on the Earth and have a living Prophet Thomas S. Monson. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

I love you,

Elder Moss

Family Baptism

Baptism

Baptism

11th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

We all are here on Earth for a purpose. We have come to learn everyday and to also use our agency. This week has showed me that I still have a lot to do here on the Earth and that everyday I need to learn more and more and show my Faith in Christ.  

The family that got baptized, this is outside their home
I do not think that the pic justifies the view.

My new companion Elder Tistoj is great! He has 19 months out and is very smart. I have learned lots from him everyday. But one thing in particular that I learned was when we were teaching one of our investigators. My companion started doing a demonstration that I had never seen before. It was about Faith and how we have to do works to grow our Faith. He had a pen by him and asked the investigator if they had Faith. Faith that they could do all things through Christ and if so to move a pen. The investigator said yes I have Faith but I don't know how to move that pen. Then my companion asked me the same thing and I was a little nervous because I  didn't know how I was going to move the pen. Then I realized that I have to do something about it to change it that I can personally move the pen! Like it says in Santiago (James) 2:17 That faith without works is dead!

Then later that day we were looking for an investigator that we could never find home for almost this whole week! We asked around the neighborhood and we kept getting sent to look for him at a different house. After about 3 houses I kind of wanted to give up especially since we were late to an appointment. But I had been praying super hard and had Faith that we would be able to find him to help him resolve his doubts. So I told my companion lets give it one more try and I walked down the street and he was about 20 meters away from us the whole time sitting down but we couldn't see him. It was a miracle and we were able to help him resolve his doubts and prepare him to gain a stronger testimony of baptism.

I have learned so much and and going to keep learning everyday!  I have been able to grow my Faith everyday like the seed in Alma 32:28-43. I am truly honored to be able to Represent Jesus Christ here in Costa Rica and to spread His Gospel throughout the World. I know that He lives and He suffered for us in Gethsemane. That we too can be resurrected and live happily with Heavenly Father again. I know that Families can be eternal and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church here on earth. In the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

LOVE YOU! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK ON SKYPE!

Elder Moss

10th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~ 

This last week has been amazing! We started out the month with baptisms - remember the family we found, they were all baptized and we are ready to prepare more and more to be converted unto Christ! This week Elder Cardon will be here training the leaders in this area to become a stake! Super exciting to see this happening and to see the branches grow into wards here!  

We had cambios this week and I received a new companion. His name is Elder Tistoj and is from Guatemala! He is super nice and I can't wait to get to work with him! Although I will miss my old companion I am excited to see what is ahead of me.  I am still in the same area the San Roque Branch (Ward) in Liberia, Guanacaste.

Something I learned this week is the power of prayer. During the MTC Elder Scott talked about the prayer and growing your relationship with God.  I was talking to one of our investigators about prayer and he said that every morning he goes out to this little shack and prays. At first I thought that was a little weird. But then I thought about it, that he goes to his personal place and talks one-on-one with God. He strengthens his relationship everyday and literally talks privately with God. I learned so much from him and am trying to strengthen my prayers everyday.  I hope all at home tries to do the same!

I love you all so much!

Love Elder Moss

9th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

It's great hearing from all of you on the adventures back home with Jacob coming home and Parker leaving tomorrow! This week has been amazing with the wedding of a family who is getting baptized this weekend and baptisms!

Wedding Day!

One of my favorite things to hear from investigators in prayers or testimonies is them talk about this great change in their life. For them to be able to come unto Christ and feel the joy that it has. To apply the atonement in their lives and to come unto Christ. It never fails to make me smile when I hear these words! I love it sooo much!

As we start the month of December I love the focus that we have on Christ and His life. He came here as the only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father. He taught us. He suffered for us. He died and was resurrected so that we too can live with Him again. He did all of this for us without complaining. I am so grateful for Christ and His atonement that I can become clean of my sins and live with God again. 

I am so excited to see what this month brings with investigators and members here in our branch. I can see them growing and coming unto Christ and it's a marvelous thing. I love the Gospel and I am so grateful to have this gift in my life.

I love you all!

Elder Moss

Dangerous spider here in Costa Rica

8th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

This last week has been great with a multi-zone conference! Learned lots from President Wilkinson and from other missionaries and I went home with alot to put into practice! This meeting just showed me that I am no where near where I need to be with the Gospel and I have to improve in it everyday to become a better instrument in the hands of God.

Elder Cuevas y Elder Moss

As I think of Jacob and him going home tomorrow I think about his signature thing at the end of every email which said "No Regrets". I used to think it was silly until I realized that this time we have to serve the Lord is precious and we have to give Him our all with no regrets. As I've looked back on the 3 months of my mission I see the room for improvement on where I can do better to serve others. As we are all growing here on Earth it's great to measure yourself to see the improvement, and live a life with no regrets. Not looking back and serving the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. 

A family that we have been working with that is close to my heart has changed my life.  It was Wednesday night around 7:40. My comp and I didn't have plans for the night and people here in Costa Rica go to bed pretty early, at least in my area in Liberia. We decided to go out tracting. Nothing was going right and it was getting late.  We were still walking and the street we were on came to a dead end that was super dark. I saw only two houses in this area and they were still about 50 meters off the street. One of the house that I saw had 3 dogs barking at us.  So I got closer to the house and the dogs started going crazy and jumping at my feet. I felt in my heart that I needed to talk to him. I called out for the man and he started coming. We started talking to him and he invited us in to share a message with him. We got to know him a little bit and he said that he has no job and can't read. His wife has a blind eye and its kinda blueish. He has two kids and they barely have money for food. We started teaching him and his family and it was the most powerful lesson that we have taught together. The spirit was so strong throughout the lesson and at the end the man said that life was so hard for him and he couldn't handle it anymore. And he said that God told him that he needs to be there for his family. And then later that same day 2 representatives of Jesus Christ showed up at his door. It was an amazing moment and I knew that the Lord has a plan for all of us. We left the house that night speechless not knowing what to say to each other. We talked to the family on Friday and the Father ended up finding a job the very next day. They all came to church Sunday and President Wilkinson was there for the District Conference. Something about President Wilkinson is he is an amazing speaker. He talked about a story on his mission related to the one that just happened to us and the spirit was so strong and it was so amazing! The man turned to us and said that is just what happened to me with two representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ showing up at my door in time of need. I was so happy to be apart of this moment and can't wait to see this family grow in the church. They all pray together every night now and are all planning on being baptized and I can't wait to be able to see them go through the temple and be sealed for all time and eternity! This family has the biggest struggles and had nothing going for them when we met them. As I've watched them turn to the Lord to better their relationships with Him and to better their life in general. It amazes me everyday to see them apply the atonement in their lives and come unto Christ. It was a miracle how we found them and I know that God put them in our path because they were ready and needed the Gospel so much in their lives. As they prepare to become married and baptized the Lord has blessed them so much with love and things they need. Witnessing this miracle in my life has really showed me that God loves each and every single one of his children. That we are his direct children and he knows us personally. He is our loving Heavenly Father and wants the best for all his kids. 

Liberia Elders

I love you all and hope that you have a great week and I can't wait to hear how it was to see Jacob!

Happy Birthday Jordyn

Happy Thanksgiving to all

and Happy Anniversary to the best parents in the WORLD!  Ha ha - only a month late.

Elder Moss

Great experience to see turtles lay eggs at the beach.

Liberia Missionaries

7th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

This week has been great! With many progressing investigators and the work going great I am so excited to see this branch grow into a ward! We had District Conference this week and this will be the last district conference because they are sending in the paperwork to turn it into a stake! Hopefully everything will go well and then in the next two or so months this district will turn into a stake. 

District Conference with President Wilkinson

While I was sitting in the conference I looked around at all of the members and I felt an immense love for each and every one of them. They are so great and I am loving the land of Pura Vida more and more! President Wilkinson talked for all 3 sessions and it was really great hearing him talk! He really knows how to get people excited to work and to go out and change things for the better. With the area of Guanacaste being one of the fastest growing areas in all of Costa Rica it's great to see the Gospel spread more and more! I am so glad to be in this area and to be able to serve here in this area! I know that I was called here for a reason to touch the hearts in the Branch of San Roque. I can't express to you all the miracles I have seen here and all the great things that have happened. Everything has shown me that I am a Child of God. That He really does have a plan for all of us! That He loves us like we don't even know. I have gained a stronger testimony of this to know that I can make it back to live with Him again. That I can become clean through the atonement of Christ. As I find the peace and joy that comes hand in hand with the cleansing power of the atonement I want to share it with everyone that I possibly can!

District Conference

I know that Christ lives. That he directs this church. That Thomas S. Monson really is a prophet of God that guides us and helps us in our lives. I know that families can be together forever and that we all can become clean and perfect through the power of the atonement. I love you all and hope you have a great week! Don't forget to say your prayers!

Love,

Elder Moss

6th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~ 

The work has been going great here and it's been a great week! We were able to get to videos of Mormon Messages and I have watched alot of them and want to talk about two that touched my heart and that we shared with others in this area. 

MTC District back together after 5 weeks in
Costa Rica

The first is "What matters most". As we go about our day to day take time to be grateful for what you have. Love one another because one day you might not have them with you. 

What Matters Most

The other is "Expressions of Love" Show each other how much you love another. And how much you care for them. Life is too short to be mad at someone or not love someone. You will find so much more peace and joy in your life if you do this!

Expressions of Love

Sorry I didn't manage time good this week and ran out! 

I am so grateful for this Gospel and everything it has done for me! I have gained such a love for the world and for my Heavenly Father!

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

Elder Moss

5th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

Writing late because wasn't able to write yesterday. Spent the day in San Jose and on a bus!

Funny story this week. We were walking with a member who is going to leave on his mission soon and while we were walking I hear a "buenas" which is a greeting here. I didn't know where it came from so I just yelled it back and I heard it again, so I said it again. Than the member started laughing and told me that it was a parrot who I was talking to the entire time ha ha!

Having more and more disappointments in my area. It makes it hard to keep my head up and keep working but knowing that I am doing the work of the Lord has kept me going strong. Until last night I had no idea what to write to you about. And this amazing moment for me happened on the bus ride home from San Jose.

First when we were at a break stop for the bus ride my companion and I were buying snacks when a man came up and started asking us questions. He wanted to know about our church and about us. We started talking to him and he said he has been searching for God and hasn't been able to find him yet. He said that he felt something different about us and wants to learn and go to church with us. I was so excited because not only did he say that but he came up to us and talked to us. I was so worried about buying my things that I didn't even think to talk to him but I know the Lord has been working on his heart and it was a miracle to be able to have this moment.

Elder Branham from DO Ward in Surprise.

Then on the bus ride, there was this gringo who was in the army. He was playing loud music on the bus off of his speakers and it was the dirtiest music I think I have ever heard. People on the bus kept telling him to shush so he would just turn it on louder. I didn't know what to do in that moment and I wanted the music to stop too. So what I did was just started talking to him so he would have to turn it down or off. Well I started talking to him and he started opening up to me real quick. He was in the army and decided to move to Costa Rica and has been living here for the last 17 years. He has had a very rough life with many people close to him that have passed away and he has had experiences of where he had to kill people over in the middle east for war that has just changed his life. He expressed to me that he has lost God but has always wanted to find Him again. He also said with all his family and friends dieing that he was scared of death and what was going to happen to him. He also said that he doesn't think he will ever be forgiven of what he did in the past with killing people. 

We told him that we have the answers that he is seeking for and can help him come closer to God. We told him that we know that we will return to meet God after this life and that we can be forgiven of our sins through the power of the atonement. I had the answer to all his questions. I have been blessed so much in my life for having this knowledge of the Gospel. I took for granted before that I have this knowledge because I never shared it with anyone. The man told us that he is amazed about how young we are and how much we have figured out in our lives. God has blessed me so much with the Gospel and I will forever be indebted to Him.

My area with the sunset.

I know that the Gospel blesses families. That we can return to God and live with our families forever. That we can be forgiven of our sins through the power of the atonement.

I love you all

Elder Moss