6/18/2010 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This week was another fun week in Cape Verde. We have been busy as always here in the office.

Yesterday I was on a division with another Elder in a different area. We had marked to go visit an older members home to talk with them. When we walked into the house I heard scriptures and the well-known TV or soundtrack voice. I turned to the other Elder and asked, "What film are the watching?" We listened attentively for a moment and determined that she was just listening to the Book of Mormon on CD. I found out later that this woman cannot read, but she does not let her disabilities stop her, but continues to keep the commandments and be a great example for others. At the end of our "lesson" this woman starting teach us, the Elders, about things that would happen in our lives and things that we should always to to guarantee that we will follow the will of our Heavenly Father. In this moment, both myself and my companion started receiving personal revelation for ourselves. It was incredible. This older woman, sharing with us her knowledge of the gospel and the blessings that she has received helped us learn more about our lives as well. Earlier that morning we stopped by the house of a recent convert and talked with her about the importance of teaching one another and learning from one another. This experience that I had later that morning strengthened my testimony of this commandment that our Heavenly Father has given us.

I testify that we have experiences in this life that help us grow and learn more about ourselves. Our Heavenly Father loves us, and wants to to keep His commandments so that one day, we can return to His presence.

I hope that everyone is well, and encourage everyone to continue to write letters as often as time may permit.
I love you all.

6/11/2010 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

Everything continues to come along well here in Cape Verde. This past week the waves in the ocean have been a bit larger than usually. It is pretty exciting. Things are going well here in the office, and we are continuously busy with many things to do.
We had a great week and were able to help many of our investigators arrive in church and learn more about our Savior Jesus Christ.
I hope that everyone is doing well, and hope to hear from you soon!

6/5/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week I was blessed with a special assignment from my mission president.
Currently we have some people here from they church that are filming interviews of church members here in Cape Verde about their beliefs and how the gospel has truly blessed their lives. My companion and I were assigned to do the planning and arrangements for this project. My companion and I spent much time contacting people and setting up our appointments that we would be having the next couple days.
One wonderful thing about this project is that I am able to stay with this filming crew throughout the day and help them with translations, interviews, and the filming process. The interviews and films are short clips that they are taking of powerful testimonies to be shared with other people that are not members of the church. This assignment is so very exciting because I am able to listen to the strong heart-felt testimonies of many individuals that have been blessed by the gospel. The feelings and influences of the Holy Spirit during these interview films has been incredible, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
A testimony is what we know for ourselves to be true. Each person has the opportunity to gain and strength a personal testimony for themselves. My testimony of Jesus Christ as the Son of God has improved to great levels, and my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is strong and continues to expand to great measures.
I share my personal testimony that Christ suffered for our sins and took upon himself our transgressions so that we can be free from pain, sickness, and grief. I know that as we accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and live according, we will show our love for our Heavenly Father and continually received His blessings in our lives.

5/28/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Service.
When we see the word "service," many often think of a "service project" or some type of arduous labor. Service is something that each and every one of us has the opportunity to take part in every day of our lives. Many times our service can be visiting someone, offering our help to others, and being a kind friend and follower of Jesus Christ.
As I serve the Lord here in Cape Verde for a length of two years, it has become clearer to me every day of the importance of service, and the effect that one small act of service can have on the life of another.
I know that when we offer service to others throughout our lives, we will find greater happiness and receive many blessings from our Heavenly Father. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of service; a gospel that each one of us can share with others by our service.
I bear testimony that Jesus Christ is our perfect example that we can follow. I know that as we are in the service of those around us, we are in the service of our Heavenly Father.

5/21/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week I gained a stronger testimony of the importance of respecting others. Respect is a principle of the gospel that is very important. Any type of abuse, be it verbal, emotional, or physical, is something that is not in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Here in Cape Verde, unfortunately at time we see abuse. As I contemplate the effects of abuse, and the sadness it can bring to the lives of many, I think of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the power of forgiveness, love, and peace we can receive through our Savior.
I know that Jesus Christ suffered for our sicknesses and sadnesses. I know that each of us can strive to be better followers of Jesus Christ be always trying our best to follow the example of Him in all that we do, and in turn, have a positive effect on other people as well.