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

17th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

Sometimes I just don't understand life. I mean I have the scriptures and prophets to help me know my purpose and why I am here. I have this testimony of why I am here. But it just puzzles me. These last two weeks I have focused on being a better missionary and giving it my all. Having Faith in God that all things will work out. But Faith in God means Faith in His timing. I have learned that lesson very well these last two weeks. 

Costa Rican Sunset

We are here on Earth to test us. We have our agency to choose from bad or good. All things that are good come from God. All other things that are bad come from Satan. As a missionary I'm suppose to help people along on the path of good, the pathway of God. But I can't force them onto it because that would take away their agency and take away God's plan. 

With that being said I have learned alot of patience this week. I feel as if I have ran and ran trying to help people and they sincerely want to be on the pathway of God but have a fear of man and don't want to take that first step. 

One big thing I have gained on my mission is to never have a fear of man. Just a fear of God. He is the almighty and powerful. He is truly the one who we should be trying to please. This fear of God has helped me overcome the fear of talking to men on the street in a different language. To choosing the right even though it might seem harder sometimes. 

I invite all of you at home to get on the pathway of God if you haven't yet and not have this fear of man. God has a plan for all of us and He wants you to return with Him someday. I know that the first step is one of the hardest. But it is the most rewarding step you will ever take. 

I love you all so much and I hope this email makes sense. I didn't have to much time to write it so it probably sounds bad. Keep reading your scriptures, praying, and going to church. It is vital to put on your armor of God EVERYDAY!

Love you,
Elder Moss

16th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~

Today marks 5 months of my mission. Its been the hardest 5 months of my life but the most rewarding 5 months. I want to bear my testimony of what I have gained during these 5 months here in Costa Rica.  

Guanacaste Missionaries

I know that God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants the best for each and everyone of us. I know that He knows me personally. He knows my challenges, weaknesses, and what I am good at. I know that Christ lives. That he suffered for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. That He was perfect and set an example for all of us to be baptized by someone who has the proper authority of God. I know that through the atoning sacrifice of Christ we too can live with our Heavenly Father again. I know without a doubt that the Book of Mormon is true. That it is word of God and that it can help us in every aspect of our lives. I know that Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. That he was a Prophet of God that helped restore the Gospel here on the Earth. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet here on the Earth today. That he holds all the keys of the priesthood. I know with all of my heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's Kingdom here on Earth. That he leads the church. I have come to a better understanding of all of this and all of God's plan for His Children. I know of this to be true and invite you all to find out for yourself in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you
Elder Moss

15th Week Liberia - Guanacaste Province

Family ~ 

Sorry for having boring letters lately! I will try to make them better! My mom told me that they are all serious now!

on top of a mountain in my area.
It overlooks all of Liberia. Super windy lately and it
was hard to stand.

This week was a tough one on me spiritually and emotionally. Things weren't going for as I had hoped with all the investigators and lessons and I had a hard time staying super motivated like usual. This Saturday is when I became a little frustrated. Nothing was going well. I was walking and ran into a piece of steel rod. I had no idea how it was at the level of my head or how I did it but it just happened. Kind of funny but still hurt. Then during a lesson we were teaching and this little boy kept throwing chickens at me and they were flapping and clawing my back. Nothing was going well and we were having difficuties in the missionary work. Then Sunday came and we still had troubles in the missionary work. People having challenges over challenges and I just felt like I failed. I felt as if I failed the Lord and His children. 

Sunday came along and I was trying to keep going strong and happy. But yet again it just didn't seem to be a great day. We tried talking to everyone we know and then some but that still wasn't working. Here we have to sacrament meetings one in the morning and one in the night. As we were walking to the one in the night someone drove past and said "hola elders!" It looked like one of our investigators and they turned toward the church. So my companion and I got really excited and started walking faster and faster. Next thing I know my companion just took off running so I started running too! We ran to the church and they weren't there. But one of the recent converts was and we were able to talk to him and help him out. As we sat in the sacrament meeting I had the opportunity to bless the sacrament (usual only investigators go to the night sacrament) and then after heard a talk about the atonement. The last Hymn was "Abide with me". As we sang the song I began to tear up and it came to a strong realization what Christ did for me. He suffered and died for me and everyone of us. He was perfect and did it for the Charity and Love He has for us. We have difficulties in this life. It's not easy but through Christ we can overcome every challenge that is placed in front of us. That is how we grow. I am excited for next week to better myself as a servant and help correct my wrongs to build God's Kingdom here in Costa Rica.

"Oh Savior stay this night with me" is one of my favorite lines in this hymn. The Lord is always there for us. All we have to do is call out for Him and ask for His help. This entire week was difficult but I found myself closer to God. I was able to better grow my Faith and Testimony of the Plan that God has for me. I know that He is there. That He loves us and is here to help us and through the atoning sacrifice of Christ we too can become perfected. 

I know with all of my heart that God loves us. That Jesus Christ suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. That on the third day he was resurrected and went and ministred to the people in the Americas. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I know that Christ leads this Church and that it is the true Church of God. I know of all these things and I testify that they are true in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you all

Elder Moss

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