4/23/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Transfers have happened once again, and receiving a telephone call from our Mission President, I was transferred.
I was been called by the Lord to serve as a Mission Finance Secretary and to serve in Achada of Santo Antonio in Praia, the island of Santiago. Having traveled once again on place from Sal Vicente to Santiago, I am now working in the Mission Office and serving in this new area. My companion is Elder Peterson, from Missouri, and I am excited to be here to serve. I am now serving with my 6th companion, in my third area, on my third island.
The mission is continuing to go very well, and the Lord´s choice blessings are being witnessed every day.
I am so thankful for the privilege to serve the Lord here in Cape Verde, to preach His word onto His children and help them return to their Father that is in Heaven.
I encourage everyone to continue to write letters as often as time may permit. I love hearing from all of you, and your words of love and support help every day.
I pray that everyone is well, and thank everyone for all that they have done for me.

4/5/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was an incredible week as we were all greatly inspired by the words of our Prophet, Apostles, and other church leaders.

As we viewed General Conference this past week via Internet broadcast, we were all greatly edified. We went to a church chapel that is located in the city here in Mindelo. On the second floor the General Conference was available for all of the church members to come and enjoy in Portuguese. One the lower floor we were able to view General Conference in English. It was an incredible blessing.

One of the main points that many of our church leaders were inspired to speak about was the importance and love of families. As I sat and listened to the counsel given by our Prophet and Apostles along with other church leaders, I was lead to think about my family, and how important they are to me. Ever since I can remember, my family has always been a family of love, people who care for me and are always there for me. As we received counsel from our church leaders about our families, my love for my family was burning within my heart.

I know that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ truly and surely blesses families. Of this statement of truth, I have no doubt. The joy contained within a family when based on gospel sod is miraculous.

As a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, during this Easter Season I also can share my testimony that I know He lives. He loves us. He desires our happiness during this life, and in the life to come. I testify with all of my heart that Thomas S. Monson is an inspired man of God; he is the Lords prophet on the earth today.

I invite everyone to listen to the wonderful talks given by our church leaders about families, and the importance of them in our lives. I know that as each one of us apply the teachings of the Prophets and Apostles in our lives, we will surely be blessed by our Father in Heaven.

3/29/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was a great week. This week we had Zone Conference, which means that half of the missionaries on the Island of Sal Vicente and the Elders from the Island of Sal got together and we were instructed by our Zone Leaders, the Assistants to the President of the Mission, as well as the Mission President and his wife. It was a great day with good trainings, good spiritual growth, and good food. This week was a week that I really gained an even stronger testimony of the Priesthood Authority and the fact that we have living prophets and apostles on the earth today. What an amazing thing that is. We have worthy men, called of God, and given authority to teach us of the message that our loving Heavenly Father has for each of us. This next weekend, April 3rd and 4th, we will have the great privilege to listen to the words of our inspired leaders of the church. With all of my heart, I invite everyone who reads this blog to listen to the messages of our Prophets and Apostles. Listen to what they have to say to you. You can find the information on how to view General Conference by clicking here. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, and that as we listen to the words and the counsel that he has for us, we will surely be blessed. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well and hope to hear from you all soon.