11/23/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

The work here in Cape Verde is going well. Many people have been sick lately from a disease called "Dengue," but everything is going well. The winter season is not cold and snowy here like it would be at home, but it is bright and warm.

Time is going quickly in the mission, and I find the weeks and days going by quickly.

The assistants delivered the mail this past week and I recieved my letters and packages from all of my friends and family. Thank you very much for everyone that sent me mail!

One thing that is important in our lives, but something that a lot of us don't have is a lot of Patience. As I taught 1 of our members this week about Patience, I recognized how important it is for us to also have patience with one another, as well as with our Heavenly Father. Most times, as we are patient and wait for the blessings to come, they do, and they are great. Patience is an attribute of Christ that we can always work on.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and Heavenly Father loves us very much.
I thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers as I serve here in Cape Verde.

11/16/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week on Sunday, as I was eating my lunch, my companion and I were listening to a CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As one of the hymns played, "I'm trying to be like Jesus," I paid special attention to the words that were sung. I had never really listened and pondered the lyrics of this hymn before. They are beautiful.

This hymn reads: I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in his ways. I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say. At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, “Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, For these are the things Jesus taught.

How beautiful are the words and the message of this hymn. As we learn more about, and keep the commandments of Christ, we are indeed following him, but we must also do the things that he would do as well. As a Missionary, and as a Representative of Jesus Christ here in Cape Verde, I work full-time to always teach and do as Jesus would do, but the great thing about this hymn is that everyone can follow the message of this song and "love one another," try to show kindness," and always do the things that our Savior would do.

The work is pressing forward in full force here in Cape Verde. Please continue to pray for missionary work to continue to press forward in full-force.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ which Christ once established on the earth during His earthly ministry has been restored. I have a strong testimony that the Priesthood or Authority of Christ has been restored. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He Lives.

11/9/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This past week has been another great week here in Cape Verde.
One thing that I have really pondered about this week is the importance and love of Families. When we (Missionaries) teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one of the things that we are sure to teach about is the importance and significance of families in our lives. I love this principle. I have found this week, that as I taught about Families, and how important families are to us, I felt the Holy Spirit testify to me with great influence that this is indeed true. When I teach about Families, I love to tell people how important my family is to me, and share with them, how much I love my family. I have a strong testimony that Families are ordained of our Loving Heavenly Father. ( See www.lds.org/family )
I love the food of Cape Verde. Basically our Food here consists of Fish, Rice, Beans, and Vegetables. There is also a special Cape Verdean dish called "CaChupa" that I really love to eat.
This past week I had the great privilege to baptize two wonderful people. A girl that the Sister Missionaries were teaching, as well as someone that I taught, Jorge. Jorge was a referral that we received about a month ago from a family member. We met Jorge, and started teaching him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we taught Jorge, he continued to learn more about the teachings of Jesus Christ, and agreed to live his life in harmony with gospel principles. It was an incredible experience to meet, teach, and baptize one of Heavenly Fathers children, and help them come closer to their Savior Jesus Christ.
I would like to give one quick piece of advice to all of my family and friends about Missionaries. Most people know that Missionaries travel around and teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to extend a personal invitation to all of my friends and family, to accept the invitation to listen to what the Missionaries have to say. When an Elder or a Sister Missionary knocks on your door, or invites you to listen to their message, listen and do so. The choice to accept our message or not is yours, but I can say with all of my heart, that me listening to the messages that the Missionaries taught me, changed my life.
I know that Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world, and that we can return to our Heavenly Home and live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again after this life.
I thank everyone for all of your prayers and thoughts. Heavenly Father surely watches over and protects his fellow servants, the Missionaries.

11/02/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This past week has been great. One of the things I can notice we are really doing in our area right now is completing families, and sharing the gospel with family members that haven't received it, and close friends. This is great. It is wonderful to see and feel the joy of someone when another family member accepts and lives the principles of the gospel.
I really love the branch I am serving in. Everyday I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the people in this area.
This past week Elder Chun and I made some homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies for an activity at the chapel, and everyone loved them. It was a lot of fun to make them. Also, we have a blender in the house, so my companion and I have been making slushies everyday with juice mix and stuff. They are sooooo good. haha. We work hard, but when we return to the house, we know how to relax and prepare for the next day well.
I have no doubt in my mind or heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth. I witness things everyday that continue to strengthen my testimony of this. I know that Heavenly Father loves us more than we can imagine. His love is expressed in the work and lives of Missionaries everyday.
If anyone is reading this blog, that is not a member of the LDS Church, and wants to read a little bit more about our message, visit http://www.mormon.org/ . This site contains the basic doctrines and principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts. The Lords' work shall press forward.

10/26/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

My first transfer is over. Wow. It went very fast. My trainer, Elder Nobrega, has left and is home in Portugal. This was his last transfer. He was a great trainer, and I will miss him a lot. He helped me learn a lot of things, and together our work was excellent. I am so very grateful for the opportunity I had to serve with him.
The second transfer has begun, and my new Companion is Elder Chun. Elder Chun is from Hawaii, and is very cool. He was my Zone Leader this past transfer, and I am very excited to serve with him now. I am staying in my same area this next transfer. Elder Chun and I have a lot of work to do in our area, and I am very excited to labor with him in the Lord's work.
This past week has been, hot. haha. It is always warm here in Cape Verde. My last transfer I was working in both Fonte Aleixo and Patim, on the Island of Fogo, but now, the Mission President is sending new missionaries to Patim this transfer, and so Elder Chun and I can focus more on Fonte Aleixo.
The people here are wonderful. There are many times when I can be walking down the street headed somewhere, and feel in my heart, the Love that our Heavenly Father has for these people. It is just a remarkable feeling.
I love this work. This work that I am engaged in is the work of the Lord, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as a representative of Christ. It was interesting seeing my last companion finish his mission and go home. I have a lot of time left here, and I am so happy for that.

10/19/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This week was an exciting week here in Cape Verde. This Saturday, I had my first baptisms with people that I taught. It was a wonderful day! It is such a great experience to meet a person, have the privilege to teach them about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and watch them change their lives and live and follow the example of our Savior. It was a wonderful opportunity to witness them make a covenant and promise with the Lord by being Baptized. It was great. One of the three people that were baptized chose me to baptize them too! So I was able to perform this ordinance. It was a beautiful day, and many friends and family members present to witness and feel the wonderful spirit of the Baptism.
The same day, we had a big gathering at the church. We gave people invitations to give to their family and friends, and they all came for the afternoon and evening for this activity. The activity was kind of like an Open House. Each auxiliary or group in the church, made a presentation of what that group does and how they function. We had something in most of the rooms of the chapel. In the main room, the Sacrament Meeting room, we had the singing of hymns. Outside by the soccer field, we had a few of the Women serving a Cape Verdean dish that they prepared in a barrel with fire right there at the church. It was great. The way we ran this activity was like a rotation. Every 5 to 10 minutes we would have a rotation where people would go to the next room and learn more about the programs of the church. It was a great activity and people really enjoyed it.
Here in Cape Verde we walk SO MUCH. We live at the bottom of a hill, and the Chapel is at the top of the hill, along with other people we visit. We walk SO much, and sometimes we are so tired we have to just walk really slow. The roads here in Cape Verde all mostly all Cobblestone or dirt. It is pretty cool.
I have developed a greater understanding and testimony of the scripture that states ´Every soul is of great worth in the sight of God.´ I see so many different types and lifestyles of people here, and I can tell you that I have no doubt, and have a great knowledge that every soul indeed has great worth in the sight of God.
I have been working a little bit, like 2-3 days a week for a few hours in an area called Patim which is about 30 minutes outside of our main area. We have worked hard there, and talked with our Mission President, and our Mission President has decided to send missionaries there this next transfer and open the area for full time missionary work. What a great blessing.
Everything is going well here. Life is good. My companion, Elder Nóbrega goes home this next week to Portugal, and so I am excited to see who my next companion is!

10/12/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

Cape Verde. I love it. This past week we had a very exciting Preparation Day! Our Zone and a group of members of the church gathered together and went on a trip, ... to the Volcano!
The Island I am currently serving on is a volcanic island, and it has a volcano on the eastern side of the island. We got together some vans and all traveled to the volcano.
It was a lot of fun! At first when I looked at the volcano I wondered how I was ever going to climb it. It is huge. We started out walking in this little town at the base of the volcano, and started our way up. The first 15~30 minutes wasn't too bad, but then we started to get to the steeper part of the volcano. It was difficult. Slowly, my legs started to get more tired with every step I took. We started having to climb rocks, and hang on with our hands so that we didn't fall back down. It was rough. Our water ran out about half way up the volcano. We had two groups, and I was in the second one. About half way up, we began to see the top of the volcano. I could see my friends almost at the top, and it was an inspiration to continue. It got harder and harder as we continued to climb the volcano.
After an hour or so of climbing this volcano, I was SO tired. Every minute or so, I had to stop and take a break. My heart was beating so fast because we were working so hard. I was hoping that I had the strength in me to make it all the way to the top. We struggled, and continued to climb and climb, and finally made it to the top. What a relief.
One of my friends had some water left over and shared it. The inside of the volcano smelled very strong like sulfur. A few people climbed down inside of the volcano to write their names with rocks. When you are on top of this volcano, it feels like you are on top of the world. We could see the ocean around us, the towns down below under the clouds. It was great. We stayed at the top of the Volcano for about 45 minutes to an hour.
THEN, the fun part came, going back down.
The last top part before you reach the top is all rock, and so you have you use your hands and climb the rocks. So, going back down was fun as well. We walked and climbed down the rocks, until we came to a part that was gravel. Walking up the volcano~we took a way that was a bit solid and a little easier, but going down we found a place that was basically all sand. To get back down to the bottom, we RAN down the volcano. Yeah. We ran and skipped down the side of the volcano, each step or leap, landing in the volcano rock like sand and then once in a while just jumping and falling. It was SO much fun. By about half way down my pants pockets, shoes, and everything were filled with the rocks. ha ha. It was so much fun to go down. It is one of the most fun things I have ever done.
When we made it down to the bottom, we were tired and exhausted. It was a good day, and we went back to our place, cleaned up, and started working again.
What an adventure. With the adventure I also learned a lesson. When things get rough, continue to endure it all. The result in the end is bright and true. Life is just like my volcano experience. Sometimes we work hard, we feel the pain, we are tired of everything, and we just want to give up, but the end result is always worth the wait and the suffering. The same is true with life and living the gospel principles. Sometimes we may have difficult times in our lives to endure, but, endure it well. The result and reward after this life is real and I reassure you is worth your work now.
I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that he loves us. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and suffered for our sins so that we are able to returned and live in the Presence of our Heavenly Father forever. We have guidelines to live by in this life, gospel principles, but again, I know that by living this principles, we are rewarded in more ways and in marvelous ways that we can not even comprehend.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts as I continue to serve the lovely people of Cape Verde.

10/7/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

These past few weeks have been great. I love it here. I am doing well, and am healthy. The work here is great, and everything is just, wonderful. Life is good.
So I am currently serving in an area called Fonte Aleixo. It is cool. This past week the power has been going off every day though. Its crazy. Also, we didn´t have water for about three days, it came back yesterday, and now it is gone again. Haha. Crazy.
Work is going well. We have an area called Patim that we go out to. Its about 30 minutes away from our house by car. To travel to this area, we travel in their method of public transportation. They have pickup trucks with bars on the side that we hope in and go flying down the road. It is always an adventure.

This past week when we were out there we had a very interesting lesson. We know that Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and everyone needs to hear our message, and so, we try to talk to everyone. This past week we went to this one woman, who lived in a small cement-block house. It was in very poor condition, and smelled bad. We entered and she gave us her best chairs to sit on, which as a normal American, you wouldn´t want to sit on them. We sat down, and started a lesson with her, and then her 6 children came in. They had on either no clothes, or a t-shirt that was ripped, torn, and dirty, but they had smiles and were just wonderful. They all gathered around their mother for the lesson. As we taught the lesson, a neighbor came in, and stood to the side and listened to the message. It was a older lady. She took one of the kids into the hall of the house and started hitting-beating this child. The child returned to the room a few minutes later crying, and the mother was upset. Remember, we were in the middle of a lesson. This old lady had something against these children, because as she stood there during our lesson, she kept moving closer to the other children, and kept hitting them in the head. It was very sad. The mother got very mad, and screamed at the lady to leave, but she wanted one of our pamphlets first. We gave he one and she left, and the lesson continued... Life for the people here is rough. But this is their live. They love their Heavenly Father here, and we have many strong members. But there are times with interesting things like this.
I am out of time for today, until next time.

9/30/2009 First week in Cape Verde

Ive been in Cape Verde for one week already. haha.

It was a great week. In my area we have a branch that meets in two different locations. We have a chapel that is pretty nice, and then a building about 30 minutes away that we meet in as well.

The members of the church here are very active in the church and love the gospel. Most of the members here are fairly recent converts, and love to be active. It is fairly easy to get the members to come out and teach with us. Also, since the gospel means so much in their lives, it is fairly easy for us to get referrals. People here want their family and friends to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and have true happiness in their lives as well.

It is hard to describe the living conditions here. People live in cinder brick block cement houses, that usually wont have carpet or the necessities of most American homes. They really don't have much here, and live in poor conditions. When I say that, I do not mean that they are suffering or starving for food, but they simply live simple lives, and are very happy about it.

It is interesting to look at their clothing here, like their t-shirts, because most of the clothing here has come as donations from the United States, and so we will often see people wearing clothing with logos from American Cartoons such as Dora the Explorer, American Sports teams, special attractions (Ive seen a few Pennsylvania Shirts), and other stuff.

This past week has been very hot. Very hot. We walk A LOT up and down streets and hills, and sweat, a lot. haha. Also, the power is interesting here, and tends to go off at least once a day for an hour or more. Very interesting.

We come to an Internet Cafe every week to send emails.This week we had my first Zone Conference, where our Zone (approximately 12-15 missionaries) meet for meetings of information and instruction with the Mission President and his assistants. It was a lot of fun.

My first week we have already been teaching many lessons per day. We are currently teaching many people about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping them come closer to their Savior. The work is great.

I've learned this week to always work to develop more faith. Here in Cape Verde, they basically know Portuguese, but they speak different types of Creole and it is different, and hard to understand. I can not understand Creole yet, which is what they speak all of the time, and so, it is a bit frustrating at times. Imagine yourself, in a foreign country, Cape Verde, surrounded by good people that you don't know, and all of them are having conversations and looking at you. You have no idea what they are talking about or saying. haha. Its difficult. At times when I see people in a bar, or along the street smoking and watching us walk by, and they are having a conversation, I of course have no idea what they are talking about, and so sometimes I develop a little bit of a fear. This is the work of Satan trying to slow down my work, and dampen my spirit.

Fear, comes from Satan, and Faith and happiness can be found through the Savior. As we develop more and more faith in the Savior, we will find ourselves on safe ground. I have no reason to fear others, because I have great faith in Jesus Christ, and am pleased to be a Representative of Jesus Christ for the people here in Cape Verde, teaching and testifying of Him. I know that as I continue to study, teach, and pray, always inviting the spirit to attend with me, I will be safe, I will feel safe.

Missionary Work is great. I love it. I know that God does live. And He Loves ALL of His children around the world. I know that the gospel does bless lives, and I see if happen everyday. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ is His kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to His glorious second coming. I know these things to be true, and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

9/21/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

Hello! Today is my 4th day here in Cape Verde, and I am loving it.
I am currently serving on the Island of Fogo, in the area of Fonte Aleixo.
On Friday, we went to the Mission Home where the Mission President lives and where the mission office is. We had a wonderful dinner in the Presidents house and then went off to the assistants and the secretaries homes to sleep.
On Saturday, we were split up into the different areas in Praia, and went out and worked with the other Elders in the area for the day. I spent the day serving with Elder Luthi and Elder Rodriguez. (sp?). It was a lot of fun. We talked and taught a lot of people about the gospel. I spent the night with them.
On Sunday, we went to church. The church building is one floor of a multi-level building. It was pretty nice. There were a lot of people there. Right after church, I packed up all of my stuff and went to the assistants home to prepare to leave for Fogo. Our plane to Fogo was supposed to leave at 4pm, but ended up leaving an hour late. The airline here is interesting, they seem to go at their own pace with no cares. I see that in a lot of the Cape Verdeans. They really have no worries in their life and are very relaxed. They are a very kind and patient people. It is wonderful. Well, we eventually made it to Fogo, and met the Zone Leaders at the Airport. The Zone leaders then took me to my new home where I met my first companion, and my trainer, Elder Nóbrega. He is from Portugal, and seems like a great person. I have heard many great things about him from other people, and so I am very excited to find out what he can teach me. He only has five weeks here until he goes home.
Today (Monday) we went down to the beach for a while to sit by the ocean and play around. Today (Monday) and every Monday, is our Preparation Day when we have some time for recreation, cleaning, shopping, and other things. The beaches here on Fogo have black sand. It is very beautiful. I love the beaches here. After the beach, we went up to the airport at 10am when our bags were supposed to finally arrive. We decided to walk there, being that it is not too far (only a few miles), and an announcement came over the intercom saying that the plane is not coming in today. I´m not sure if they said why. So then we came down here to a place called "The room of information" where they have Internet that we can use.
I love Cape Verde so much, and I am so excited to be here for two years and serve the wonderful people.

9/18/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

I arrived today in Cape Verde. We arrived safely, but we aren't quite sure where our luggage is. We are hoping it will come soon.We recieved a warm welcome to the mission with a wonderful meal from Sister Neves (The Mission President's wife) in the mission home.The first area I am serving in is the Island of Fogo Fonte Aleixo. I am very excited.

9/11/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This is my last report from the Provo Missionary Training Center. In only 6 days, I will be leaving for Cape Verde. I have enjoyed every moment of my time here at the MTC, and learned a lot. I am so grateful for my opportunity to be here for 9 weeks.
I'm now in the phase where we are finishing our last week of classes, reviewing everything, preparing to leave, and packing.
There is a quote I like from Beryl Markham that says "If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light not in one flamboyant moment, but during his ledger of time." A lot of times we may be quick to judge others and their goodness from our first impressions with them, and not notice the total goodness that may come from that person. Every single person, is a son or daughter of God, whose soul is of great worth. Charity, which is the pure love of Christ, is one of the attributes of Christ that we should all constantly try to develop and improve upon. This next week, when you meet someone, or deal with someone, I encourage you to think of them as a child of God, with great worth, and you will see your dealings with others will become much better.
I thank everyone for all of your letters and packages here at the Missionary Training Center. Please continue to send me letters/packages in Cape Verde. When doing so, please send them to the other addresses now. Letters now should be sent to the Salt Lake Address, and packages should be sent straight to Cape Verde. *Please also note that when sending letters to the Salt Lake Address, this is a special pouch mail service, and they will only accept "Letters." Anything else such as pictures, etc, should be sent to the Cape Verde Address.
I thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and concerns. They are all felt, needed, and appreciated. It is very comforting to know that people like yourself are there encouraging and thinking about my service along the way. Thank you. May the Lord continue to Bless you.

9/4/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This week at the Provo Missionary Training Center has been another successful week. We are continuing to learn more and more of the Portuguese Language, along with continuing to grow spiritually.
I recieved my flight plans this week, and I will outline the overall plans:
I am leaving from Salt Lake City, UT USA on September 17, 2009 and arriving in London, England on September 18, 2009.
I leave London, England on September 18, 2009 and arrive in Lisbon, Portugal the same day.
I then fly from Lisbon, Portugal to Cape Verde Islands.
We are very excited to leave the Missionary Training Center and head to Cape Verde. This next week I am going to up my level of concentration even more, and do all I can to not waste a single minute of the Lord's time. I can learn a lot of things in my last full week here at the MTC.
I thank everyone for your letters/packages while here at the Missionaries Training Center. They were greatly appreciated and brought great joy. From this point forward, please use my other addresses now for sending letters/packages.
Serving as a respresentative of Jesus Christ brings great joy to my life, and the adventure is only beginning. I encourage you to keep updated on this blog for the many stories that will come from Cape Verde.
I know that there is a God, and that He is our Loving Heavenly Father. He loves us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to Atone for our sins, that we might be able to return and live in the presence of God once again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom on Earth, once again established on the Earth. I know these things to be true, and testify these things in the name of Jesus Christ; Amen.
If you have any questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, go to http://www.mormon.org.

8/28/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

We found out this week that our estimated departure date to leave for Cape Verde is September 17, 2009.
I love the MTC, and I am constantly learning more and more Portuguese every day. It is incredible.
I was studying the topic of "Hope" this week, and I read a very good talk given by the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church. The article is called "The Infinite Power of Hope." If you have a moment, I would encourage everyone to take a look at it. The link is: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=bbd44bb52a73d110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
This past Tuesday here at the Provo Utah Missionary Training Center, we had the great privilege of having an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Richard G. Scott, come and address us. I would like to share just a few of the things that he shared with us:
One of the first things Elder Scott discussed was how useful the Holy Spirit is in our work. We read Doctrine & Covenants Section 8 Verse 2 where it states that the Holy Spirit will touch our Mind and our Heart. He told us that we need to "use both, and you'll be more productive."
Elder Scott then addressed "prayer." He said, "Sometimes things are going to be so important, that we may need to pray for a long time before we receive an answer."
He then shared an experience from his life when he prayed for 12 years about something before receiving an answer.
He then talked about "Humility" and described it as being "a fertile soil that you plant seeds of effort in."
Elder Scott promised us that if we approach prayer in the right manner, and listen for answers to come to us from the Holy Spirit, we "will be led, and protected."During Elder Scott's address to us, he exercised his keys that he holds an an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and gave us some specific special blessings.
I will share one blessing he gave us in which he stated; "As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I invoke a blessing of safety upon you. A shield of protection. I invoke this blessing for your benefit, in behalf of the Savior Jesus Christ." *Note, a few words may be different. I was so into the moment, that my notes may not contain the exact words, but I captured the concept and idea.*
Elder Scott shared his knowledge, as an Apostle, with the keys he holds, and the impressions that he receives, that we will be protected.Elder Scott addressed how real Satan is, but how we can overcome his temptation and power. He said, "Satan is real. He has screamed capacity to create illusion and power, but has nothing compared to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Elder Richard G. Scott, as he was concluding his talk, made sure that we remember one thing. He said, "If you remember one thing from this devotional, remember that you know a person, who knows 'He is real.' He is compassionate. He is willing to strengthen us, when we know that He is real and trust in Him. The Savior of mankind lives. His atonement made possible the Plan of Salvation of our Father. Without it we would have nothing, with it, we have everything. Remember, someone who holds the mantle of the Apostleship said, "I know Him. I know He lives."Elder Richard G. Scott, along with every other Prophet and Apostle that has ever lived, testified of the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ.
Their testimonies are powerful.I want to share my personal testimony and knowledge of the Savior. I know that Jesus Christ performed the Atonement, as part of Heavenly Fathers plan, for our behalf. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. His gospel blesses people in nations around the world. He lives.

8/21/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

I am now in my sixth week here at the Missionary Training Center. This past week our class has been speaking 100% Portuguese in class. At night while we are in the residence halls we speak English, but during the day we are doing our best to speak Portuguese.

We have about three weeks left here at the MTC, and we are thinking we might get our flight plans this next week. ( I hope so ) ha ha. The MTC is a great place, and I love it here a lot. We learn so much here, and I enjoy all of it, but I am getting excited now to go to Cape Verde.

Every Thursday night we have 2-3 hours to plan for the next week, and this week I planned a lot to accomplish this next week in my personal study and language study. I am doing my best to learn Portuguese and grasp the grammar concepts the best I can. I will not be 100% perfect in Portuguese by the time I leave for Cape Verde, but I am excited to get there and be surrounded by the language.

One of the great things about teaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and being a representative of Christ is that we are entitled to have the spirit with us, and the Holy Spirit really helps us and guides us in our teaching. Because of this great gift, once a week, an Elder has the opportunity to be taught by the district. Our district contains 9 great Elders. We take 15-20 minutes and ask one of us questions about their life such as "What do you fear most in life?" "Why did you choose to serve a mission" and so on... We then are able to think about the answers we receive from them and prayerfully come up with something that we feel can help this Elder out. We use the spirit, and teach to the needs of this person the next day. This past week, I had the opportunity to be taught by my district, and it was amazing how they were able to find out about my needs and teach me according to what the spirit prompted them to teach me.

Allow me to share some of the things I was taught and learned from this experience:

-The first thing shared with me was Mosiah 4:27 which states: "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."

- Next I was referred to 2 Nephi 32:1-6 which reads: "And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.

- I was then told that most convert missionaries are some of the best and strongest missionaries because they have been "converted" to the gospel of Jesus Christ and realize its blessings.

- I was then instructed that the spirit will always help me, help others.

- They then shared with me Alma 17:11 which reads: "And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

- The next subject shared with me was 2 Nephi 28:30 which reads: "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.

"The wisdom and inspiration that was shared with me from my district really made me think, and was exactly what I needed to hear at that time to strengthen and inspire me to do even better. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit.

This past week seemed to go by pretty fast.

I thank everyone for their letters, thoughts, and prayers. Your concerns and love expressed for me and my work, is needed and used. I compare your encouragement, letters, and prayers to people standing along the streets of a race, or a marathon; yelling and encouraging the runners to keep going, not give up, and do their best. Please support me in the way you feel fit, and know that your love and support is appreciated more than I can express.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom established on the earth preparatory to His second coming. God lives and loves us. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and I am so grateful for his sacrifice for us.

Hope everyone is doing well.

8/14/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This week has been an exciting week. I have had a few flu-like symptoms and some cold-like symptoms, but I fixed that and I am feeling much better.

On Wednesday, two of my good friends, Elder Taylor Erickson and Elder Nicholas Ottley arrived here at the Provo MTC. Elder Erickson is staying in the room right beside mine. Same building, same floor,...next-door neighbors. How cool is that! I go over and chat with Elder Erickson and his roommates almost every night. They are going to the Phillipines. Elder Ottley is going to Hungary, and I run into him sometimes during meals and in the mail room.

Starting tonight, Friday, August 14th, my district will begin speaking the Portuguese Language 100%. I have been here for five weeks at the Missionary Training Center, arriving with no knowledge of Portuguese at all, and we are speaking it after five weeks. A lot of people when they read this will be shocked and wonder how this is even possible. Well, let me tell you this. Here at the Missionary Training Center, we prepare to go forth throughout the world, and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here at the MTC, we have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, and we are entitled to extra help. We live our lives in a manner that invites the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. I have witnessed miracles here, and I know that Heavenly Father watches over and directs his work. It is amazing.

This week we had one of our district members, Elder Bontorno, leave and head to the Sao Paulo Brazil Missionary Training Center. It was sad to see Elder Bontorno leave us here, but we are glad that he was able to now move on to the Brazil MTC. Elder Bontorno was here in the Provo MTC waiting for his visa to clear in Brazil.

I am around the half-way mark of my time here at the MTC, and I am enjoying every bit of it. The church puts a lot of funds, time, and effort into missionary work, because they know how important it is. I am so thankful for all of the materials that they provide for us here to help us grow and learn. I am serving at a time when there has never been as much resources and materials for missionaries as there are today. I am very grateful.

Here at the MTC, every minute of my day is planned out specifically. This is the Lord's time, and so I am sure to plan to use His time wisely. My day includes, but is not limited to, eating meals, exercising, studying, reading, learning, teaching, and listening to speakers. I enjoy all that I study, and strive to do better every day.

God is our Loving, Heavenly Father. He knows us, loves us, and watches over us. He knows what we want, he knows what we need. Heavenly Father sent us His son, Jesus Christ, to Atone, and take upon Himself the sins of everyone;...he suffered, for us. We are able to repent of our sins, and come closer to our Heavenly Father, and feel His love for us.

If anyone reading this is feeling down or sad, or needs comfort and love in their lives, I would encourage them to go to http://www.mormon.org/, and take a look at what others have found as they have explored and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many great free media items available as well that I would encourage you to check out.

I thank everyone for their prayers and their thoughts. They are felt and greatly appreciated. I also thank everyone for their correspondence, letters, and packages. Your love and care is needed and appreciated.

8/7/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

I am now finishing up what is considered my fourth week here at the Missionary Training Center here in Provo, Utah. I love it here, and I am continuing to learn and grow everyday. It is amazing the amount of Portuguese I have learned so far. I have great teachers that are instructing me, and with the help of the spirit and the guidance of Heavenly Father, great things are being accomplished.

At this past weeks Tuesday evening devotional, my companion Elder Taggart and I were asked to provide the opening and closing prayers. This was a great experience. I was blessed with the opportunity to sit on the stage with the presiding authorities and the Mission Presidency. I was sitting on the inside seat on the stage, so I was also seen on camera for most of the devotional as well. It was a great experience. Great things happen here at the MTC. After the devotional, an Elder from the country of Reunion, which is a small country on the eastern side of Africa I believe, came up to me and told me that he really felt the sincerity and the love of God during my prayer. I was thankful for this experience, and humbled at how the Lord can work and touch others through some of the simplest tasks we complete.

This past Sunday, I was asked if I would serve as the district leader for my district here at the MTC. My district consists of 10 Elders. Six of us are going to Cape Verde, three are going to Brazil, and one is going to Portugual. I was happy to take upon the role of leading my district. One of the perks of this position, is that I get to pick up the mail every day now. haha. I love mail. Remember that.

I was pleased to walk into the cafeteria Thursday morning and see Sister Heather Todd sitting with her companion eatting breakfast. For those of you that are not aware, Sister Todd is from my Home Ward in Berwick, Pennsylvania. I found out that I have the same meal times as Sister Todd, and so I now see Sister Todd a few times a day.

One of the things that I have been focusing on this past week is "meeting the needs of my investigators." When teaching people our great message about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how the Church of Jesus Christ that he established has been restored, there are things that we as missionaries can do to best help those who want to learn more. Focusing on the needs, and the desires and questions of my investigators has quickly become one of the most important things while I teach. The Holy Ghost helps me find out what the person I am talking to needs to hear. Some people will need to be reassured that God lives, and that He is our Heavenly Father, while others need to learn that family happiness can last forever.

I am very thankful for everyone who has been writing me letters. Let me assure you that it is greatly appreciated. Letters and packages bring me great joy. Please continue to send me letters and packages as you see fit. Also please continue to keep missionaries in your prayers. As we are out in the world, engaged in one of the hardest tasks there is, we need your prayers.

I love this work, and I have great joy in serving my Heavenly Father. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and that He leads this church. I know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon can help us overcome temptations and challenges in our lives.

If you want to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, check out http://metromail.pa.metrocast.net/parse.php?redirect=http://www.mormon.org. This website has great information, and also has a 'chat' option where you can chat live on the computer with church representatives.

Elder Joshua Thomas Shelhamer

7/31/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

Another week has gone by here at the MTC, and what a wonderful week it was.

This week I have made great progess in learning the Language, and continue to plead for the spirit to accompany me in doing so. Every Thursday we have a Teaching Evaluation where we go somewhere and have our Portuguese and Teaching evaluated. We have been doing well.

We had a substitute teacher last night for one of our classes, and it happened to be someone that served in the Cape Verde Praia Mission where I am headed. He told us so many stories, and answered our questions, and truly boosted my excitement level of going to the islands. They way he described it makes it sound like a dream. He also told us that we will be learning and speaking three languages. Portuguese is the main written language, but we will also be speaking "Saopadjute" and "Badu" which are both unwritten languages. He really raised my dedication level, and I now have an even greater level of desire to learn Portuguese the best I can.

Today was the first day I was able to go to the Provo Utah Temple for a session. What a beautiful house of the Lord. I am so thankful that I am able to attend the Temple once a week.

I remember President Pugh, the past Harrisburg Pennsylvania Mission President giving me one piece of advice before I left, and that was to be obedient. I didn't think it was that big of a deal at the time, but I have come to gain a great understand for the reason of obedience to all of the mission rules we are given. As I continue to obey the mission rules with great diligence, I continue to find great blessings in my life.

I can feel the power of God's love here at the Missionary Training Center. The Holy Spirit is here as Heavenly Father's missionaries prepare to go forth unto all nations to testify of Him and proclaim his truth.

I hope that as you read this letter, you recognize the spirit testifying truth to you and feel Heavenly Father's love for you.

I love how when we teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, people respond and accept the gospel for one main reason; because its true. Some people may ask why I chose to become a missionary and proclaim the truth of the gospel, and so I came up with a few motives that encougraged me to serve. I have been greatly blessed, and in turn now want to let others know of the blessings they can recieve and the happiness they can enjoy. I want to share the glorious news that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. I want to experience the joy of helping a soul come closer to their Savior. I want to show God's children, my brothers and sisters, the way back home. I want to make families feel closer together and loved.

Elder Bednar gave a devotional message here at the MTC, and address a question that many people may have. That question is "How do I know its the Holy Ghost or just me?" He answered saying: "Quit worrying about it. Press forward with faith. Our steps will be guided. Get to work. Be a good boy, and a good girl." He gave numerous examples of the Holy Ghost working in the lives of others. I can add my testimony to his saying that the Holy Spirit will guide us and protect us as we continue to be obedient to the commandments.

This past week we have a great devotional where they spoke about the Book of Mormon, and how the miracle of its translation. The Book of Mormon is available today in over 82 languages, and there are many more to come. Today it takes approximately 4 years to translate the Book of Mormon into a new languages, and translations are always taking place. Joseph Smith was only 24 years old when he finished translating the Book of Mormon, and it took him approximately 63 days.

Today is one of my teacher's last day here at the MTC, and so I am looking forward to her lesson tonight and the fun we will have. The teachers and professors here at the MTC are great and knowledgable.

I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be here at the Missionary Training Center and to serve a mission to testify of Jesus Christ and to invite others to come unto him.

I thank everyone for their letters. They truly inspire me and I get great joy out of recieving mail. Please continue to pray for me as I continue to do my best in serving my Father in Heaven with all of my Love and faith.

Elder Joshua Thomas Shelhamer

10th day at the MTC

Wow! I've been here at the Missionary Training Center for over a week now. It is hard to believe. The days here feel like weeks, but the weeks feel like days.

I love this place and the spirit that can be found here.

My language studies have been going well. We learn so much everyday. My teachers, Brother Hibbert and Sister Olson are the best. They teach us so many great things.

This past week my companion and I completed our first Teaching Assignment. We went to a building where "fake investigators" come and we are given the opportunity to teach them and meet there needs. My companion and I did very well and our investigator said that he would have fulfilled the committments we gave him.

We have a gym period here 5 days a week, and I have been playing outside beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, running, and lifting weights.

Some people claim that the food here is not very good, but personally, I think that it is pretty good. We have had some great meals. The cafeteria is great.

Time here at the Missionary Training Center is very structured and organized. Every minute of my day is planned with great detail to avoid wasting any of the Lord's time.We have devotionals here every Sunday Night and every Tuesday night. On Sunday nights someone from the MTC usually speaks to us, and on Tuesdays a General Authority or Apostles comes to address us.I have only been here for two devotionals so far, but they were great.

I am in the Missionary Choir, and we perform at the Tuesday night devotionals. It is such a remarkable experience to sing with a heart full of praise with hundreds of other missionaries with the same desires.

Another thing I noticed that is unique to the MTC is that we sing 3 prelude hymns before the devotionals begin.I have a testimony that hymns and inspirational music invites the spirit into a meeting.

As I have been studying and practicing teaching, I have had much time to ponder on the scriptures. One thing I love about the Book of Mormon is that it IS true. I love the last two paragraphs of the Book of Mormon where it states:"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith WILL gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah."

The Book of Mormon contains truths that can help us in our daily lives. This book is something that if you pray about it with a sincere heart, one WILL gain a testimony that it is true and come closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father loves us very much and has blessed us with "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" to help us overcome the challenges we face today. He has restored his priesthood authority and called prophets to lead us in the right direction and safely back to him.

I would continue to ask for your prayers as I make it through my time here at the Missionary Training Center learning the Portuguese Language. I am exercising all of my faith, and doing my best, and your love and prayers help very much.

I would encourage everyone to continue to send me mail as you are inspired to do so. Mail is something that really brings joy to a missionaries life.

I want to know how you are, and by sending me mail, you can express your care and thoughts to me.

Thank you to those who sent me mail this past week.

I am thankful to be a missionary. I am thankful to be an instrument in the Lord's work to help bring souls unto Christ. There are many great campaigns in this world such as "Save the Rainforest", or "Save the Whales," but I believe I am engaged in the greatest campaign, that of "Save the People."

I know that God Lives, and that Jesus Christ is our Savior.I say all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Joshua Thomas Shelhamer

My journey to the MTC and the first three days

My journey to the Missionary Training Center began on Monday, July 13th when I made my way to the Harrisburg Airport. My first flight to Cincinnati was cancelled, and so I was on the phone with the church travel office all day to get new flights planned. I worked with Norma in the church travel office and she was so helpful. She got me a bunch of flights and even called me back with earlier ones as she could get them for me. I was very grateful for her help.

I made it to Utah that evening and met Jeff Alley and his dad. They picked me up from the airport and we made our way to Logan where I stayed for two nights. I am grateful for everything that the Alley family did for me. I am very appreicatvive for all of their support and fun that they supplied. Thank you Alley family for everything!

On Wednesday, Jeff dropped me off at the Missionary Training Center at 12:45pm. When I arrived here, I had an overpowering witness from the Holy Spirit that this was the place for me to be. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to know through the feeling we recieve that things are good and/or true. The spirits' presence here at the MTC is just simply amazing. It is a remarkable feeling being here. I received a lot of information and made my way through orientation. We had a few sessions where teachers spoke to us. I met my first companion and he is very nice. His name is Elder Taggart and he is from Salt Lake City. In the Lord's work, it is always done by two or three witnesses, and therefore we are given companions to work with. I had an incredible first day.

On my second day here, the classes began. My language class is intense. After the first day of class, I can already testify in Portuguese that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and that I am very grateful for Jesus Christ. I can also testify of that the Book of Mormon is true, and that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet. I was so surprised at everything I learned in Portugese in one day, and all that I can speak already. Throughout my first day, I was a bit worried because as we kept learning new things, I was already beginning to forget things that I learned a few hours earlier. I pleaded with the Lord that night for the spirit to assist me and put my faith in Him.

I love this scripture that can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants 42:14 - "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye recieve not the Spirit ye shall not teach." I am a witness and know that this scripture is true. I know and have realized that if I do not pray with faith and for faith, and exercise my faith, I shall not recieve the Spirit, and I shall NOT teach. This can be read as a commandment from the Lord in that if you do not express faith, and have the spirit, he will not allow you to teach. I have also experienced for myself that this scripture is true.

I now know why they do not call this "Missionary Efforts" of "Missionary Help." The work I am engaged in is Missionary WORK, and I can testify that it IS work. This is the hardest work I have ever engaged in. This work is rigorous, and I am only in the learning process.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of his Children and directs this work. I do know that the scriptures contain spiritual power that we can use to overcome tasks in our lives. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ restored in our days for us.

I testify of all the things stated, and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Joshua Thomas Shelhamer