1/24/2011 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week has been a week of hard work and great success here on the island of Sal. This past Saturday we held a church activity. All of the church members gathered at the church building and we traveled in a bus to a family that lives outside of town. This family had not came to church in some time due to family problems and lack of transportation to and from church.

This event reminded me of a scripture in the Bible when Jesus gives the parables of the lost sheep. In in the New Testament, Luke 15:3-7 we read:

"And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

We found the lost sheep (the missing family) and warmfully layeth them on our shoulders (spent some time with them) and rejoiced, for we had found the sheep which were lost (they arrived in church the next morning).

The life of the Savior Jesus Christ was a life of service and love for others (us). I continually see the Savior´s love manifested as I work daily to serve "His sheep" in His name. I am thankful for the many opportunities that we are all given in our lives to serve others and experience the joy and happiness that comes from the service we provide.

I testify that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepard. He came to earth to show us the way. As we live according to His words, we shall find eternal peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1/17/2011 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was a great week here on the island of Sal. We had some great times as we celebrated my companion´s 20th birthday and held a baptism service for one of our friends that we have been teaching. It has been a week full of joy and the spirit as we worked to bring the gospel into peoples lives.
I am so thankful for the many blessings of the gospel in my life. As I find and talk with new people everyday and share our Heavenly Father´s plan with them, my own soul is comforted in knowing that God is our loving Heavenly Father that loves us and cares for us. We are blessed everyday to have His spirit to guide us in our lives and help us follow the right paths.
I pray that as I continue to work hard and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, that we all might find the true happiness that comes from the knowledge of our Father in Heaven and a testimony that he continues to guide us today through revelation given through His divinely appointed servants on the earth today. I invite all of those that may not yet have a certainty of these things to visit this site to learn more. I testify of these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1/10/2011 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week has been an exciting week as I celebrated my 21st birthday here in Cape Verde. It was a great day spent with my friends while learning many new things in a missionary conference.

As I celebrated my birthday and taught people about the gospel of Jesus Christ this week I thought about the importance of "today" and how I and others need to focus on the things of today, and not wait until tomorrow to do our best. I remember hearing the words of Marvin J. Aston, former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, when he stated:
"To live more fully each hour and to glean the most from each day is wisdom. How unwise we are to waste our today's when they determine the significance of our tomorrows. We should wisely live a day at a time because that is all we have."

How true these words are in showing the importance of striving our best to be who we can today. I know that Savior Jesus Christ taught principles that help us become better every day of our lives. As we try to become more like Him, we become more perfected through the gospel. I am thankful for my parents and my brother who in the past 21 years of my life have been an example for me so that I am able to be who I am today. It is my prayer that each of us can remember the importance of today, and always try to be our best now to be an example for others. I leave you with this words, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1/3/2011 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week has been a week of new beginnings for many. For me it has been a new beginning to serve in a new area. For many of the people we encountered, it has been a new beginning of following Christ. For all of us, it has been a new beginning of a brand new year.

One thing that I experienced this past week was the blessing of sharing with people how to gain faith in Jesus Christ.

In the Book of Mormon, Alma 37:27-37, we learn that experimenting on the word of God brings true conversion. Many people that I am currently teaching are in the process of finding renewed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. My faith has been tested and proven this week as I helped people, one by one, understand how our loving Heavenly Father communicates with us, and how we, as His children can gain more faith in Him and His son through studying the scriptures and communicating with Him through prayer. What an experience it is to meet someone new, share with them the knowledge and testimony of the things that you know to be true, and watch a seed of faith be planted in their hearts. I am very excited to see these "seeds" that I have planted this week grow and strengthen into a steadfast and sure testimony that Christ lives and that His gospel has been restored.

I know that as we are willing to learn more about our Heavenly Father and His plan that he has for our lives, and communicate with Him daily through prayer, our faith within us can grow to limits that we might even think is not possible. I testify that Jesus Christ came to earth to atone for our Sins and teach the way and the path that leads to eternal life. Of these things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

To learn more about how you can find Faith in Jesus Christ visit the site http://lds.org/topic/faith-jesus-christ/index.html .

12/27/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Day 1 on the Island of Sal, Cape Verde

Yesterday, the 26th of December, I arrived here on the Island of Sal. The trip here was very neat because our plane had a stop on the island of Maio. There are currently no missionaries serving on the island of Maio and so it was a special opportunity to be able to stop there.

We arrived here in Sal around 7:00pm and headed to our house to leave our suitcases. We left right away to go out and pass some of our friends and we were blessed to encounter the Branch President first. We talked to him for a little and he accompanied us in our other visits with the members. I already love the Branch President here, and I know he will help us out a lot. We visited some of the members last night and received a bunch of referrals from them which will be a great help for us in finding and teaching the family and loved ones of the members.

Sal is a different world compared to Praia (the area I came from). There are less people, less dogs, less noise, less trash, less cars,...it is pretty nice. I am very excited to serve here on the island of Sal.

I know that the Savior Jesus Christ came to earth to fulfill the will of our Heavenly Father in saving the souls of all those who hearken unto His voice and keep His commandments. I am very thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and the joy and happiness I have every day as I serve my King. I testify that He lives and that He loves us, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Joshua Shelhamer

10/09/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This past weekend we had the great privilege and opportunity to listen to counsel given by church leaders and authorities during the General Conference of the church. What a great weekend it was.
Here in Cape Verde the chapels do not yet have satellites to receive live transmission of General Conference. In some areas in the past, some branches have watched General Conference through an Internet connection. Here in the area I am serving in, they are accustomed to watch two or three talks the weekend after General Conference in Sacrament Meeting. This year, with some preparation and planning, The branches here in Praia were able to assist every conference session. It was an inspiring experience to prepare for this conference and help everyone here hear the words of the prophets and apostles and other church leaders. The attendance at the conference sessions here was surprising. Many were taught and instructed by the spirit and left with a renewed desire to always keep the commandments and do our Heavenly Fathers will.
I am so grateful for the love our Heavenly Father shows for each of us. The words of the living prophets help us day to day to do what is right and help others do the same. I testify of the Savior Jesus Christ and His redeeming sacrifice performed on our behalf. I encourage everyone to check out the church´s newly designed website at www.new.lds.org to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I leave you with these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

8//13/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was an incredible week as I witnessed the blessings of the gospel in our lives.
I am currently teaching a man that lives by himself in a room that is just a little bit bigger than his bed. He is a great man that consults broken electronics. I am currently helping him learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. As he began to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel, he quickly gained a desire to be baptized. He has a goal to be baptized on the 28th of August. This week we were talking with him about the "Law of Health" that the Lord has revealed through the modern day prophet Joseph Smith called "the Word of Wisdom." The next visit he shared an experience with us that during that week, one of his good friends invited him to go out with him to some bars to have fun. This man told us, "Elder, I had already made my decision, I will not go." This mans confidence in the Lord of the promised blessings he will receive in following the Lords commandments is a great example that each of us can follow in our lives. I was happy to see the gospel touching and blessing the life of this man as he strives to follow the teachings of his Savior Jesus Christ.
I know that God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and cares for us. One of the loving ways that he does this is through giving us commandments that we can following to merit his blessings.
I know my Father lives, and testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

7/23/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Cape Verde is hot!! haha
Everything is going well here in Cape Verde.
As we continue to work hard here to bring the message of the restoration of the gospel to as many as possible, the Lord continues to bless us with many blessings. I thank everyone for their prayers and support.

7/16/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week marked one year in the mission. This week, one year ago, I entered the Missionary Training Center with a long two years ahead of me. Now, I have been serving for one year, with only one year left. With how quickly the first year went, I can imagine that this second year will fly by as well. I have learned a lot this past year about many different things. I have grown a lot as well (unfortunately, not in height though, haha). I have had many different companions up to this point, and so therefore many interesting experiences.
My testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ has strengthened to great measures, and I have seen miracles and blessings occur in the lives of many of our Heavenly Fathers children. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that by following the guidance and counsel of His living servants on the earth today, we will find peace and happiness.

7/9/2011 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week I have seen the great influence of others and the things around us that can effect the way that we act.
One thing that I have learned to be true is that each and every one of us, as children of a loving Heavenly Father, we have an enormous power and opportunity to choose for ourselves what is right. The principle of free agency, or in other words, the ability to use our free will to choose things in our life is a gift give to each of us from God. We know that as we strive to always choose the right, we have a promise with our Father that he will grant us His blessings.
Today on my way to this location where I use the internet, we were riding in a Taxi. We hopped in, and told the driver where we wanted to go. Quickly I noticed the type of music that this man was listening to, and they way he acted and lived. They were similar. The music he was listening to had some of the most vulgar words and lyrics that I have every heard. His appearance and lifestyle followed in the same manner. The song was in English, this man did not speak or understand English, yet, I could see the influence of this music on the life of this individual. I see this every day as I walk the streets here in Cape Verde. Many young people will see the popular "gangsters" and "rap singers" from America on TV doing things that are related to sex, drugs, and violence. These people want to be "cool" like them. These types of things that people see and hear influence them enormously.
I have a strong testimony that our surroundings, music, loved ones, and friends have a great influence on the way we live our lives. I know that as every one of us seeks the good things in life, the Holy Spirit will be with is to lead and guide us. I encourage everyone to always remember to be in good places, doing good things, and being influenced by good friends, and in turn, your life will be lead and molded to follow our Savior Jesus Christ.
Of these things I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

6/25/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Hello Everyone!

This week has been another fun, exciting, and HOT week here in Cape Verde.

This week we met a new friend named Josalina. She is single and in her twenties. The Sister Missionaries came in contact with her while they were talking with people throughout the week. Josalina showed up in church on Sunday and had an incredible experience. She loved the building that she was in, the wonderful words that were spoken about Jesus Christ, and more importantly, the comfort and feelings that she had. Two days later we met up with Josalina in her home to talk with her a little bit about our church and our message. As we asked her about her first experience in church, I was filled with unbearable joy as I listened to what she said. She truly found and experienced what it feels like to feel true happiness and the pure love of Christ. She felt wonderful, and looks forward to church next week. This experience taught me two lessons. One, that there are really people in the world that are prepared and ready to hear about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. And secondly, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord´s church re-established once again upon the earth. He leads His church. I have seen and experienced my self the joy that one can receive when they follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I testify that He lives. Jesus Christ is our King. I know that if we follow Him, and His chosen prophets that live and guide us here on the earth, we can live eternally with Him forever.

I testify and share of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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.

5/14/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was a very busy week with some extra spent time working on extra projects and work. As I went throughout this week and the week quickly passed by, I realized how fast time can pass us by sometimes without us really noticing. The importance of planning our time and prioritizing the things in our lives becomes particularly important when we are always busy and need to leave something behind.

As one who preaches the restored gospel of Jesus Christ everyday, I have deeply realized the importance of religion in the lives of everyone. Our love for our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ is not something that can be placed behind in the "To do later" pile, but, should surely be placed at the top of our priority list in life.

I testify of the blessings of obedience to the principles of the gospel. Obedience brings true happiness.

As we continue to work and complete our daily tasks, I would bear testimony and urge everyone to always put the important things first in life, that being, the spiritual things in our lives and our family. I know that as each and every one of us manage to do this, we will witness wonderful things happening in our lives.

5/7/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was an exciting week. I was able to call my family for Mother´s Day and was able to talk to my Mother and my Father. It was very exciting to hear their voices and talk to my family at home.

This past week we have been helping many youth find hope and joy in Christ as we showed them how to study and follow the words of Christ. Every Tuesday through Friday night here in my area, the area youth that are members of the church gather in the Chapel for a class called "Seminary." Seminary is a class that allows youth to come and be edified by the word of God, and to find much needed spiritual strength in their lives. This past week, we started inviting more and more youth that we are teaching to arrive at this class, to study and be enriched with the words of the scriptures, and as we do so, I can see them changing and coming closer to Christ each day.

I know and testify that the Holy Scriptures have spiritual power that can help and bless us every day of our lives. Studying and examining the words of Christ allows us to learn and apply the teachings of our Savior in our lives and in turn, walk the pathway of life that leads to our eternal salvation.

I invite everyone to study the scriptures that you may have, and learn about the happiness and hope that the words of Christ contain. Also, I would invite everyone to request a copy of the Book of Mormon if you do not already have a copy at http://www.mormon.org/.

I hope everyone is doing well, and hope to continue to hear from you all soon!

4/30/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was an exciting week filled with many things to complete in the mission office along with many people to help.

Today, we went on an office trip to the other side of the Island of Santiago called Tarrafal. It was a lot of fun. We spent some time on the beach, and also visited a tunnel/cave in which we passed through. As we passed through this tunnel, it was dark, and the 2 flashlights that we had were barely sufficient to guide the way through. Halfway through the tunnel, one of my sandals that I was wearing broke. I started walking barefoot. I hit my head off the top of the cave once when the height suddenly changed. I had some difficult moments passing through this cave, and near the end, without any sign of light, was hoping that the end was near. As we finished this journey, I pondered about this experience and how this same type of experience like I was experiencing, many people around the world are experiencing, spiritually. Some times in life, we have dark moments, or times when we just doing really know why, how, or who cares. We have days when everything seems to be going wrong, and we feel along in a large world. In life, these experiences can be fixed; peace, happiness and hope can be found in and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that all of the experiences we encounter in life are meant for our benefit, and that as we act, using our agency, we can show great love for our Father in Heaven and feel his merciful love in our lives. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and a light that can guide our lives, if we permit him to. Troubles, weaknesses, and sadness can be overcome with happiness, strength, and success, as we live according to the teachings of Christ.

As one of His servants, I testify of the love of Christ available for everyone. Jesus is our Savior, and in saying this, I mean to say that we can be saved through His sacrifice and ultimate expression of love that we showed for each of us when he took upon himself our sadness, pain, and sins.

I invite everyone to come to Christ, and to look to Him in those moments of darkness and troubles, and as you do so, I know that you will begin to feel his abundant love in your lives.

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.