From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Mon 12/28/2009 8:45 AM

Querida Familia,

Boa Tarde,

Well there isn´t too much news this week since I talked with you guys this past week. It was really great to hear from you all. I can´t believe how fast the time went. This week other than call you guys we had our conference with Presidente Pickett. It was good.

In the conference we watched Apollo 13. It was very interesting. I have already seen the film, but I had never made the connections to the gospel that one can draw upon watching the film. For in the film I was able to understand that we need to rely on the communication and support of the ´´Holy Ghost`´ to guide us in our lives so we can really avoid dangers in our journey here on earth. 

I'm excited for January. I'm hoping that my companion and I can really get going here in this area and baptize the people that are waiting to hear the gospel. Right now we are working with a Lady called Maria Aparacida. She is the mother of a man that lives in another city. Actually Cariacica where I have already worked. Anyways we went to the lady´s house this week and she accepted the baptism invitation and she went to church on Sunday! Even though she lives in another small town about 20 miles by bus!! I was excited. Then we also have been teaching a young man named Renan. He is way cool. We have been teaching him and he went to church yesterday. He told us that he wasn´t ready to be baptized on the 10th of Jan after we had marked a date with him. But then we told him that if he read and prayed he would receive an answer and then we asked him if he received an answer if he would be baptized on the 10? He said yes. I pray that he recognizes the answer the Lord gives him. We are going to his house today.

Well it sounds like you all had a great Christmas. I hope that you all have a great new year. Remember that we need to make new goals for this year! For as we mark goals to change and develop the Christlike attributes we become His disciples. I know that this is the true Church of Christ. I know that God loves each and everyone of us. I know that we need to control our thoughts and behaviors so that one day we can become more like our Savior and return to live with Him. I love the Holy Ghost and I know that He guides us and as we truly listen we can avoid the dangerous things in life whether they be physical or spiritual. I wish the best for you all! Have a great week.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 6:51 AM
Subject: Re: MERRY CHRISTMAS

Queirda Familia,

I can´t believe how fast this week went. It was full of crazy incidents. To begin with we did a division on Thursday with the Zone leaders so they could interview our Leidiane (the girl that was baptized this week). So we did the division. It was a crazy day because the zone leader and I visited some less active families and we did a singing Christmas card. Basically we yelled hymns and recited a passage about the birth of Christ. It was cool. Then we gave a dvd on Christmas. It was way cool. Then later that night the other zone leader was doing the interview way out far from the city where she lives. And he missed the bus to come back and so he took the next available bus. But the thing is, the last bus was leaving Cachoerio for Vitoria at 8:00 and he was a on the bus that wasn't going to arrive until little bit after 8, missing the connection! It was crazy so me and the zone leader were stalling the bus. We began to sing!! Haha we did the Christmas card haah it was hilarious because the bus driver was wanting to leave!! And the other bus was arriving!!! And then the bus driver was like, no we need to leave so we got on the bus and the other bus was arriving in the city and then we called them and told them to get off at a certain bus stop and then we stoped the bus and I got off and traded with the other zone leader!! It was intense. It was like a movie!! Haha

Then we had a wonderful baptism on Sunday! Wow the spirit was strong. The mother of Leidiane was telling me how she was thinking more into baptism now. I hope she gets baptized this coming month. She wants us to come back to their house. It was a great experience. Well I don´t have that much time today! What a great week. It was very stressful but good. Very rewarding.

I know that this time of the year is very special. I feel blessed to be a missionary of the Church of our Savior. What a blessing. I have seen so many great blessings during these 1 year 6 months. I will never forget this experience. I have come to feel the power of the Spirit. I have seen children of God receive answers. It's been a great blessing. I know that Joseph Smith resotred this church. I know that we have a living prophet and 12 apostles. I know that as we live the commandments and follow the gospel our lives will be filled with joy and a pay that is indescribable. The burdens that we all have will become lighter and our minds will become opened. I know that God lives. That he loves us. For this we must endure. He has done His part; let us strive and do our best to fulfill ours.
I hope you all have a great Christmas! Im excited to talk to you all!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 6:56 AM

Querida familia,

This week was crazy. It went by so fast. We had a trainning in Vitoria which was really good. Then there was a transfer of emergency on Wednesday. It was crazy; and so I have been running like crazy this week. I didn´t have time to grab the new address.. . . I forgot. Yikes. Now I have a new companion. His name is Elder Ferreira. He's from Sao Paulo. He's a good elder. I'm excited to see the results in this area. I'm actually really exited for this week because we will have a baptism.

Her name is Leidiane. She has been going to church in an area that is really far from our house. She's been frequenting a group for about 6 months. I'm excited because she's going to be baptized on Sunday. It will be great. I pray that we can continue to find those that are waiting to hear the message the restored gospel. This area has a lot of potetial. Well there isn't too much new here. It's funny becuase we have four missionaires in our house and we are all new in the area. So we are just trying to get use to the area. Our district has a goal of 8 baptisms this months. I pray that we accomplish this goal. It's going to be great.

Well it sounds like you all are great. Christmas is arriving ! I'm excited. But Presidente Pickett says that we can only talk for 40 mintues. I need you guys to call me at 9:00 in the morning. I will send the number next week.

Well.. I hope you all have a great week. I know that this is the true church. That Jesus Christ is our savior. What a great time it is to celebrate His birth. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and truly restored the Christ´s church. I know that the Holy Ghost is real. It's power is undeniable. It has truly changed my life. I know that as we truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ our mode of thinking changes and we begin to comprehend why we are here and our divine potetial.

I love you all! Have a great week! Im excited to hear from you all!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

TRANSFERRED/DISTRICT LEADER

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:07 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas MiracleQuerida família

Wow. What a change. It sounds like you all already know where I am. That’s crazy. Im in cachoeiro, Espirito Santo. It's interesting because it very different than my last area. I'm nervous. This week was very complicated and me and my companion are trying to get everything into action in regards to our area. We had to divide our area with a new dupla that arrived. It should be great. This week was not the best as for finding new people but I pray and hope that this coming week will be better.

I'm excited to work here. There is a lot of potential in this area. I´m just trying to get use to the area. This week we found a really cool young rapaze named Jedson. He went to church and seemed to like it. I'm hoping that this week we can really break into our area and find the elects that are awaiting. Also on Sunday we had a fireside that was way cool. It was focused on the Noah´s Ark idea. It's cool because it will be a great way to get references from the members. I pray that we can really make a change here. The president of the stake was there and seemed to be really excited. Now that there is 2 duplas in the area we can double the success. Also, my new companion is named Elder S. Souza. He is from Manaus, Brazil, which is almost in the jungle. He's great. This is his second transfer. I'm hoping that we can really work together great like my last companion Elder Hein. Elder Hein was a great missionary to train. He was willing to really work hard.

Well this week is going to be busy. In about 1 hour I will return back to Cariacica where I have already worked, to have a meeting tonight with our zone. And then I’m going to go to Vitoria to have a training tommorow. It’s a lot of traveling but what can I do. From here it’s about 2 ½ hours to Vitoria.

I know that this is the true church. That Jesus Christ is our Savior. What a great time of year it is to commemorate the birth of our savior. I love you all and hope that you are all well. Thanks for all you do! Don´t have much time today! Tchau!

Com amor,
Elder Fischer

From: jonathan.j.fischer
Mon, 30 Nov 2009

Querida familia,

Wow. What another blessed week. The work here is really going great. we have been making our goals and have been blessed with outstanding results. It's been great. We also have been teaching Josimar. He's really special. I just hope he continues to have the desire to prepare to be baptized. He has already received an anwser he just needs to remember that he has received it.

Other update. We had an amazing activity in the park in our area. It was on Saturday. It was so cool. We sang, passed out Liahonas and wrote down the names of the people that wanted to receive a Book of Mormon, DVD of Christmas, or another DVD. It was really cool. Also our ward joined us as The President of Relief Soceity had a booth about food storage and the other sister had a booth about genalogy. It was really cool. We received some great references. We contacted three yesterday and they are all new investigators! I'm really excited about the Progress in this area.

This has been a great experience to serve here in Jardim Limoerio. I don´t know whats going to happen with transfers but the mission is taking a huge drastic change. We are going to have trios instead of a dupla. Its going to be crazy. We are receiving 14 new missionaries tommorrow! Our mission has really started to grow!

Well it sounds like you all had a great Thanksgiving. Im happy. I can´t wait to see photos. Thanksgiving was another day in the field. But it was cool becuase a member bought us ice cream which was amazing (never happens). And we had great numbers that day.

And mother HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you're having a great one. I can´t beleive how fast the time goes. I thank you for all that you have done for me mother. Really you have done so much for me in my life. And for this I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You gave me life, you showed me the way. You are such a great example to me. I love you so much. I thank you for all of the packages, cards, and prayers. Really they have helped me through the mission. I pray and hope that you have another great year and never loose sight of the impact that you have made in my life. I feel blessed to have you as my mother. Really you were chosen for only you could help me through my trials. Thank you ! Love you forever!

Well, I hope you all have a great week.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 5:23 AM

Queirda Família,

This week was amazing. It was a week of miracles. For we know that they exist.
On Monday we received an e-mail from President that told us that we needed to set really crazy goals and try to get them this week. And that’s when the miracles started.

This week we were really blessed. We found so many new people and marked dates. It was such a blessing. I know that this is the Lord's work, for if this truly was not I would not have received the help that I do and have found the people that have been waiting for it. It incredible to see how real this work is. This is the Lord's church. We must never forget. We have evidences or special experiences that show us each one of us that these things are true. I am so grateful to be a member of the Church. To be here in the Vitoria mission. To be in Jardim Limoeiro. What a blessed area. The field is truly white and ready to harvest. We must do our best.

Also on Domingo it was great to see Geovane confirmed and see Rafael (the husband of Madalena) receive the priesthood. And Josimar, one of investigators came to church also. He is really cool. He told me this week that he has already been to so many churches been baptized and still has not found the church that he likes. He has accepted everything. I hope that he continues to have the desire to be baptized on the 6th of December. What a marvelous work and wonder. We are living in an era that is very special. A chosen era. We must be the examples as members.

I feel so grateful to have served in this area. I don´t know if I will stay because transfers are next Tuesday. But whatever it will be. I know that it will be the Lords will- for President Pickett is truly inspired.

I feel so grateful for all of you, My family. Its amazing how fast the time goes. I still can´t believe how much can change in 2 years. I am so thankful that we have the truth. That through whatever trials we can endure, for the Lord gives us the support and strength to overcome the trials. I feel so grateful for the numerous cards and presents that I have received from you all during this time. What a blessing. What courage your cards give me. I love you all very much. I am so grateful for the parents that I have been given that showed me the way. They taught me the importance of the gospel and the blessing that come as we diligently follow it. They taught me the importance of never giving up; that whatever trials we have we can overcome. That Christ already passed them for us. We must follow His example. They are examples to me. Mom and Dad- Thank you.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. I wish and pray that you are all safe and healthy.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

November

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 5:25 AM

Oi querida familia,

Tudo bem? This week was great. The time is just flying bye. I can´t believe that there is just two more weeks of this transfer. This transfer has been great. Well here is the rundown on the week:

So Tuesday we had conference. Wow! It was a lot of information. I'm excited for the mission growth that happened, but as the President said, we need to do our part. So we have new rules and stuff. It was stressful with all the new information, but all in all it was a good conference. Then later that night we had a family night. It was so cool because a lot of the recently baptized people were there, less actives, and our investigators. It was really cool. Including us there was about 20 people!! It was amazing. We made pancakes! They love them here in brazil!! Hah We just need maple syrup!!

Then on Sunday a lot happened. I gave a talk on the importance of the members helping in the missionary work. It went good. It was a blessing. Then later we had the baptism of Geovane. It was another great blessing. He's a cool kid. He told us that he wants his friends and sister to be members now. It was really cool because his mother came to the baptism who is not a member. She is way nice but doesn´t want to join the church. It was funny because she wanted Geovane to frequent the Church of Jesus Christ. She loves the missionaries. The baptism went well. We sang again and the two members played the violin and the piano again. It was a great addition. The work is really growing.

Its been really great to work in this area. Its been amazing to see the growth. The ward has really started getting excited about the missionary work. I'm hoping that we can get permission from the city to do a display in the local fair. We want to give out DVDs liahonas and things, and we would sing to attract the people. It would be really cool. We were waiting to get the permission.

This week should be great. Tommorrow night we will do another family night at Madalena and Rafael´s house. It should be great. I'm excited.

I know this is the Lord´s work. That as members we have the responsibility to help everyone. We need to do what is best. We need show the world who we are. I know that we can make a difference. I know that these things are true. The Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth once again. And we are part of it. I know that we are blessed with apostles and prophets-let us never forget this. I know that prayer gives us divine revelation. We must do what is right.

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 5:32 AM

Queirda família.

This week was amazing!! Wow. The work is just going crazy here in Jardim Limoeiro. I love it here. This week was great. The weather completely turned around and we have been working in the blazing sun. I have grown to love the sun here. So here's what the week was like. Well during the week we were blessed. A lot of miracles happened this week. We had not many lessons with members in the beginning of the week and I got sick with a fever and then my companion got sick and then I became worried that we would not achieve our goals. Well, the Lord hears our prayers miracles happened this week. We taught lessons with members. And many investigators came to church!! It was great we have been preparing a young adult, Isailson for baptism this week. He is so cool. He is an elect. Really he follows all the things we teach him and the responses he gives reaffirms that he was truly pre-ordained to be taught by the missionaries and be baptized. He was baptized on Sunday. It was amazing. Us four missionaries sang. It was so cool. We had a sister play the violin and one sister played the piano. One of the elders that sang with us sings really good and together the music was so great. I love this work. And before we sang, Madalena (she is the recent convert with her husband), gave her testimony. She was nervous but did a great job. Her testimony touched me profoundly as she testified about the difference the gospel has made in her life and the new person that she has become. It was great!

On Friday we had interviews. Wow I love President Pickett. Really he is a man inspired of God. He was chosen in the life before this to lead this mission and I feel so privileged to serve here under his direction. Then we will have our conference tomorrow. Im so excited. It should be great. Im excited for this week. For this week we are teaching another young adult named Geovane. I pray that he continues to feel the light of Christ in his life and will follow through to be baptized this week. I feel so blessed and happy to be serving. This coming week we are praying and preparing another young adult that is so cool called Gevoane. He went to church yesterday for the second time in a shirt and tie!! It was so cool. And then he had his interview to be baptized this coming Sunday and stayed to watch the baptism of Isailson. It was terrific. We are going to start practicing singing for his baptism. Oh, and this Sunday I'm going to give a talk too!

This is a great work and a wonder. We are making the difference as members and missionaries. I love being a part of it. For the spirit is really what makes the difference on the mission. If there is one thing that we can all begin to pray for it is to have the spirit always. For the spirit edifies and brings joy to our lives-the joy that makes us want to continue to share what we are feeling with others.

I know this is the Lord´s work. I know that God lives and loves each and everyone of us! I will pray for you three Casch, Casey, and Niki that you can all get better!! I hope you all have a great week and will pray that you all can feel the great spirit that I'm feeling here in Brazil!!Here are pictures. One is of the baptism and the other was when I came home one day drenched ha ha. I was using an umbrella too! Ha ha! I love you all!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 5:43 AM

Feliz de Das Bruxas!!! ....Chuva ..Chuva.. Chuva..
Querida família,

This week was crazy. There was a lot of rain that fell this week! But it' s been really great training my American companheiro or as they say verdinho (greeny)ha ha. I'm really excited for this week because we have been teaching a really cool young adult. His name is Isailson. He was actually already taught by the missionaries a few times but never went through and wasn´t baptized. Luckily we were blessed to find him because he was ready. He decided to hear the voice of the spirit and has been progressing. He is very special. He understands everything and really wants to change his life. I'm excited for his baptism that we are going to perform this coming Sunday. It's going to be great. We have also been teaching two other young adults. I'm hoping they continue to have the desire to enter into the waters of baptism. This week has been very interesting. The weather really was proved our faith. And because of it we were blessed. It's really interesting how much I have been learning with my new companion. It's ironic because as trainer I'm the one teaching, but in return, I'm the one that's learning. The mission is such a great experience. As for dads job. I'm so happy that he still has a job. The lord blesses his valiant children. I hope he continues to perform so that others can realize the potential he has. Texas? Ha ha ha that's so random mom. But whatever works. Ha ha. I could see you living there. But its hot.. really hot. I'm fine with whatever. For the Lord will guide you two in the right direction. I'm so grateful to be a member of the true church of Jesus Christ. Really as children of God we are proved and tried. We all have difficulties. Whatever they may be. I feel blessed to have a house. For there are people in brazil right now who are losing their house due to the rain. Houses are being engulfed by the rain! But as we remain faithful we can endure to the end. For this life is short. We must stand against the adversary. WE must endure our trials and prove our faith. Loyalty is something that is not easy but it is worth it. I know God lives. I know His Son Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that the Holy Ghost is powerful. We can feel its presence as we study the scriptures and supplicate ourselves unto the Father in sacred prayer. God knows all, and He desires our well being. He cries when we cry, and He is happy when we are happy. I know that we must endure and I thank you all for the numerous prayers.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

NEW COMPANIONS

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 6:21 AM

Querida Familia,

This week was great. The news is that I'm still here in Jardim Limoeiro. I'm happy here, the ward is just great! Actually I'm really excited because my new companion is new! I'm a father as we say on the mission. He's way cool. He's from Lynden Utah. I'm really excited to show him what Brasil is like. This week was great.

We have been teaching two really great rapazes (young men). They both have a date to be baptized on the 8th of November. I pray and hope that they can continue to progess and can enter into the Holy covenant of Baptism. And then on Sunday it was a great experience. I was able to watch Madalena and Rafael complete the other part of the baptism. For they recived the gift of the Holy Ghost. What a special experience. I will never forget them. What a marvelous couple they are. I can not express the love that I have for them. They are beginning to grow in the gospel. Madalena is really excited. She even went with the president of the Relief Society to visit less active sisters!! She is so great! I feel really blessed to have known this great couple. Then we were blessed by a man that came to the church. Actually my companion and I made a contact with him on the street. And I think we couldn't set up a time with him so I just told him where the church was. He was really cool but just let it pass my mind. Then on Sunday he showed up at the church!! He said he had gotten on the bus and then asked someone on the bus (who luckily is a member ) where the church was. And he arrived. He is way cool. I'm hoping that we can teach him and he continues to have the desire to learn more about the Restoration of the gospel.Also this week we received another dupla of missionaries in are area. Acutally are area split!! It was so cool. So now there are 4 of us in apartment. I'm excited because the other senior missionary was my companion in Rio. It's going to be great. I'm really excited for this transfer!

Well I hope you are all well. Just remember that we must hang in there. Even when we have trials we must endure to the end. As the prophet said we need to have happiness in the journey of life. We must look for the best in all things. For if we do our part, the Lord will keep His promises and we will be blessed. I love you all much. I hope all goes well! Today we are going to go buy furniture for our apartment! Ha ha we need beds for the other elders!Also on friday we are having our conference! Elder Jay Jesen from the seventy is going to visit. It should be really good. Im excited!!

Com Amor
Elder Fischer

p.s. thanks for all you letters! I got the missionties! I can't believe all the snow that hit Colorado! I hope Aaron is better! I wish all a great week!!

p.s.s i still can´t beleive what happened with Sandy. It's almost like a movie. I can´t beleive it. How are the kids ? What are they doing? Thats really sad. I hope that the kids remain firm in the gospel. How did you find out about her death?

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 6:11 AM

Queirda família,

Wow what a week!I can´t believe the transfer is already over. Tommorrow the new transfer will start. This week was a great week. My companion and I were blessed with the opportunity to help a very special casal(couple)enter into the path of Christ this weekend. It was a great blessing to see them marry on Saturday and be baptized on Sunday. It was a great wedding. The ward came together and it turned out great. Then the baptism was fantastic. The president of the relief soceity gave a breif talk and bore her testimony. It was amazing. Very spiritual. This truly is the Lord´s work. I hope everyone in the baptism felt the truthfulness of this great missionary work. Madalena and Rafael are great. I will never forget them.

Also we have been working with a young adult that had already met the missionaries. Wow. He is great. He has been progressing very well. He said that he had already been given the chance to hear the gospel and this time he is going to follow. He has a date to be baptized on the 8th. I pray that he continues to have the desire to follow the example of Christ and be baptized!! What an elect!

I'm excited to see what will happen with transfers. Mom aftering hearing the lastest news. I just want you to know that God knows our situations. He knows what is best. For we learn from the lessons of life. I know that the power of prayer is real. But, also that we cannot change the will of God. We are so blessed as members of the church. We are rich- we have a richness that cannot be taken away from us. For we have the greatest knowledge! We know for ourselves that God lives, Chirst His Son lives, and that His Church is on the earth. That the power to seal families for all eternity is on the earth once again. We must not be fearful even though we are living in the last days. I know that we all difficulties. Whatever they may be we will overcome them. But we must continue. As Presidente Dieder F. Uchtdorf mentioned ( I think) , we cannot be distracted by the little things. We cannot lose sight. WE have the light. I know that Jesus Chirst is our Savior. I know that this is His Church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I don´t think I know it ..I know it. I know that the Holy Ghost is real. I have felt the power he has and cannot deny it. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

p.s. How's the weather? It's really heating up here!! Yikes!! Are there a lot of Halloween decorations? p.s.s mom I got your package! Thanks so much !! I love you much

October 12, 2009

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Monday, October 12, 2009 7:06 AM

Queirda família,

This week went by so fast! I can´t believe that this is the last week of the transfer!! Already! This was great.

We met some great people this week. This week we did an activity during lunch with one member to retrieve references. We call it the "the ark of..´´place the name of the member´´. Its great because we ask them to write down the names of their friends that live in the bairro that they would save. In doing this we ended up with a great reference. It turns out that the member's neice lives close by..never went to church and has only 5 months here in this state. We visted her and she promised she would go to church. Then on Friday we returned and taught the neice and her husband. They are not married but they marked the 25th of october to turn in their papers to marry. I'm excited. Im hoping that the uncle of this neice can help them through the marriage process. Maybe even loan them money so they can get married faster. The couple went to church this weekend. It seemed liked they enjoyed it.

Also this weekend Junior was confirmed. He's such a great kid. And this weekend I'm so exited. Madalena and Rafael will get married in the chapel and then on Sunday they will be married. I'm exited. I pray that everything goes well. My companion and I have been extremly blessed.

This truly is the Lord´s work. This Sunday was great too. It was fast and testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong. It was a great spiritual boost. The spirit is so incredible-it's influence is undeniable.

I know that Heavenly Father knows each and everyone of us. He wants us to make the right choices-but we must choose. Will we follow? We must continue in faith. A mission has been a great blessing in my life. We all experience difficulites-we share a common trait -as brothers and sisters in zion we must remember to support each other and keep on going. I know that Christ lives. He loves us and is our advocate. I know that I am not perfect by any means but I'm trying. I know that all of us can have more peace and joy in our lives through the restored gospel of Christ.

I love you much! I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for all you do! I love getting your missionties! Thanks! I love you all!

Com amor,

Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 6:55 AM

Queirda familia,

Well as for this week. I received your letters! Wow there was a mountain after the mail strike stopped! Thanks so much. It was great to see your photos! Nicole --haah-- Casch is growing so fast!! :) Can´t wait to see him. Mom you look so skinny !!! Ha hah I loved the pictures of the trip. The arches ..I want to visit that place!! As for last´p-day we visited the covento da Penha. Its a Catholic church way high up that overlooks the city. I will show you guys photos next week. It was way fun. I even saw a monkey ha ha ha! I took pics. I´ll send them next week. And today we are going to the chocolate factory. I'll take pics! I'm excited I love the chocolate factory ha ha ha..But, as for this week:

We have been teaching Maria da Penha, Madalena and Rafael. Wow these people are so great. Madalena and Rafael will be married and baptized on the 17th and the 18th. I'm so excited for them. They are so special. My companion and I have been so blessed. Maria da Penha, She is so great. She has two restaurants and last night she agreed that she would not sell alcaholic drinks in them. Wow. She is special. She went to conference-2 sessions! The second session she watched which was the last, I think she liked more. What a blessing it is to take part in this marvelous work. She is searching for something and wants to change her life. She has a date to be baptized! The 25 of October. I pray that she continues to make the changes in her life so that she can enter into the holy covenant of baptism.

As for conference, Wow! I loved conference! It was such a great spiritual experience. I especially liked David. A. Bednar´s talk and Jeffery R. Holland. I could feel the power and authority that Jeffery R. Holland has when he gave his talk. Wow. He is the warrior of the church. What inspirational men of God that are leading the Church of our savior Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to have the privilege to hear the words of the prophets. To hear their counsel and feel the truthfulness of their divine callings. I would like to thank you all. Each one of you. For the love and support that you have been giving me. I thank you for your prayers and your letters. I love you all very much.

I hope that we all can remember the words that were said in the conference. Especially how we as children of God have families, and we can live together forever--- but we need to make the right choices in this life. For if we do not prepare us in this life and avoid the temptations of the adversary everyday -How will we be able to live in the presence of our father? We need to support one another and as Presidente Uchtdorf said, as member of the Church we need to try to develop the divine attribute of Love. If we continue to do so in this life we can live together forever; that the promises made in the temple will be fulfilled. I am so grateful to be a member of the church. I know that this is the only true church on the face of the earth, that the heavens are open and that we are living in the last days -the last dispensation. I know that Joseph smith gave his life to restore the church of our savior Jesus Christ. That even though he was persecuted he continued on and brought forth another light of Christ -The book of Mormon. I know that this book if the word of God. For we can feel the spirit as we read this holy divine scripture. I hope each and everyone of you have a great week. I pray for you all and wish the best!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 6:50 am

Queirda familia,

Another week hás gone bye. This week was good. The mail strike is still going on as far as i know..haha But here's the highlights:

On Friday we had our conference. It was so good. It was focused on following the spirit. It was very uplifting. For the Holy Ghost truly converts the people. We are the instruments, but we need to be worthy and willing to be holders of the spirit, so that the spirit can testify of the truth. The holy ghost is amazing. It's power is undeniable. We discussed many of the fruits that come from the Holy Ghost. The spirit leads, guides, warns, teaches, and offers many blessings to the diligent and worthy children of God. We are all able to partake of these fruits. But, first we need to have the desire. What a great blessing we have as members of the church. The Lord loves each one of us.

Then on Sunday my companion and I were blessed with a baptism. What a special kid junior is. He is a friend of a member. He truly is an elect. Didn´t have any problems-He is an example that truly there are the Lord´s elects that are waiting to hear of the restoration. But whats even more interesting is that a memeber took him to the church. He was brought to know of the truth through a member. Truly as members we have a huge influence on others. Let us never forget the potetinal we have. Speaking of members....

A member in our ward here in Jardim Limoeiro decided to give a pass along card. As a result the woman than accpeted the card told him that she had visited the church (6 years ago) and was willing to go to church with him that Sunday. He took her to church and what happened? She loved it. She stayed to watch the baptism that happened and later that evening we taught her. What a miracle;. She is going to watch conference with us on Saturday. She is great. I pray that she can recieve an anwser that we are members of the church of Jesus Christ and that today we have 12 apostles and a living prophet that guides the world. How blessed we are!

Miracles happen. We are living in the last days. We are members entitled to the guidance of the spirit-but me must be worthy of the blessings that come from the spirit. Miracles can happen in our lives. We just need to put our faith in action and need to be willingly to put forth the effort. Im so excited for conference this week. Its going to be great. My testimony has grown so much in the regards to the leadership of the Church of Jesus Chirst. We are so privileged to be living in a dispensation! What a blessing.

Well I hope you all have a great conference week! I hope you all get to watch all of the sessions! Don´t miss out!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 7:19

Well this is the second time that I am writing this e-mail becuase something happened with the keyboard and I unplugged and the computer shut off.

Hahah...well this week was interesting. There is a mail strike thats happening so I have´t recieved your cards for about 2 weeks. We have been working with with some three great people. Junior is a friend of a member. Hes going to be baptized this week. I'm excited. I pray that all will go well. We have also been teaching Magdalena and Rafael. They are going to be married and baptized on 17 and 18 of october. I'm excited. But we just need to contine to work hard and need to be obeidnet. Really it's just like this in life. We need to be obedient to the commandments that we have been given. If we do so we will be blessed. But it doesn't mean that we won't have trials and it it doesn´t mean that everything will be our way. For the Lord knows everything. He knows what is best for us.

This week we are going to have conference; I'm excited. It shoud be great. Well I don´t have much time beacuse of the computer incident. I hope all is well.

Com amor,
Elder Fischer

Querida Familia,

Mom, sounds like you guys had a good time at Jarett´s farewell. I bet it was great. What a exciting time for him. When does Garret leave? When you get Jarett´s address send it to me please!! But,as for this week...

Wow, we have been teaching a very special couple, Madalena and Rafael. They went with a member this week and turned in their papers to get married!! They have a date!! They are going to get married in our newly reformed chapel on 17th of October and on Sunday they are going to get baptized!!!! Really it has been a great blessing to get to know them. I will never forget the friendship that I have made with them. Truly there are so many blessings that come from the mission. They are just so special. Also we have been working with a young kid (rapaz) named Junior. He is a very excited the baptism. He has a date for the 27 of September. I pray that all goes well. He is a friend of an member in our ward.

Other than that. Not to much has happened. We have been working really hard this month. And becuase of our effort, the Lord has blessed us. We just need to continue to work so that we can acheive our goals. I can always do better.

I'm hoping that this month we can go to the factory of chocolate. It's way cool. I want to take pictures this time if we go. It's way cool. But nothing new here. I just know that this truly is the Lord´s work. We are living in the last days. We have the truth. We must never forget our potential. We are members of the true Church of Jesus Chirst. He is the Head of this Church and His apostoles and Prophets are leading His Church. How blessed we are to live in this last dispensation. I'm so excited for conference. I'm pryaing that I can watch it in English!! It's hard to describe, but hearing the phophet and apostles in my own language---its amazing..The spirit seems more close.

Well I hope you all have a great week! I love hearing from you all! I want to hear more! Thanks for all that you do!! I continue to pray for you all!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

Eu quero agradecer a vocês por tudo que vocês têm feito por mim em minha vida. Quão abençoado sou eu! Muito Obrigado. Eu sei que as famílias podem ser eternas. Mas, nós temos que nos esforçar todos os dias! Se fizermos isso, nós perseveraremos ate o fim e herdaremos vida eterna!. Eu espero que vocês tenham uma boa semana, e eu quero que vocês saibam que eu amo vocês muito!! Nunca se esqueçam disso!! Eu espero que vocês traduzam o que eu escrevi! 

Mom, thanks for all you !! Love you much 

Two photos! one of the parade and the other at Madalenas house the couple that are turning in the papers‏

From:
Elder Jonathan Fischer 
Sent:
Mon 9/07/09 8:19 AM

Queirda família


Another week hás flown bye. I don´t know where the time goes! This week there were a couple of highlights!

First the Lord has really blessed my companion and I. We have been teaching this couple that is absolutely amazing. They have been really progessing. Madalena, the wife, has really passed through some hard times in her life. And as we all know the restored gospel was the light of Christ she was looking for. Really I feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach her and her husband. Im so excited for them. On Thursday they will turn in there papers to marry! We have been blessed to find some new investigators to baptize this month. Im hoping that we can baptize them.
Then today we marched in the parade here in Vitoria because today there independence day. It was the missionaries of vila Velha, Vitoria, and Cariacica. It was cool. Im going to attach some photos.

Well tonight we find out about transfers. I think me and my companion will stay in this area; I really like this area. There are some really great people here. Lately in the mission we have been focusing finding the elects. We have changed the way we teach. Truly we are finding those that have the potential to be baptized. Wow!! This truly is the Lord´s Work. He inspires His leaders-Presidente Pickett is very is inspired. I love this mission. Really if it were not for Presidente and Sister Pickett, the mission would not be the same. I know this is the Lord´s work. Really as presidente Pickett said, there are people waiting for us. We need to ´´call the elects and magnify our callings´´. For this work is a marvelous work and a wonder. We must find our brothers and sisters that are seeking the truth but do not know where to find it.

I know that this Church is the Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Lives. He is our King. And He will come to rule here on Earth. I know the the scriptures are our liahona in these last days. We must pray everyday. For the prayer is the key that opens the door to personal revelation.

I hope you all have a great week. Thanks for your prayers!
Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

Thanks mom for all you do! Love you! I hope to get the creams soon! thanks love you!

From:	Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent:	Mon 8/31/09 8:05 AM

Querida Família

This week was crazy!

To start off we had conference on Thurseday! It was great to see Presidente and Sister Pickett. We talked about how we can use our connections to find new people. Its been a new interesting way to find people. We have some great people we are teaching, but they need to marry.....  But the conference was really good. We actually all recieved this DVD that we are going to show during family nights. It's way good. It's called Brasil Doce Lar (Brazil Sweet Home).

Then this weekend we were blessed. We had two baptisms. A couple. I'm so excited for them. Tamiris and Emeson were baptized. They are a young couple and have three kids. The oldest is 7. Tamiris said that if her son was older he would have been baptized with us. This couple is great. We actually combined the babtismal meeting with the other ward. It was great. My companion and I sang É tarde e noite logo vem! I didn´t sing the best but it was cool becuase we did two verses in English and one in Português.

Well i just hope that we can continue to be blessed to find two people to baptize this coming month. Its our mission goal;every dupla baptize two people per month! I hope all goes well. It seems like our mission is starting to take fire (its a good thing)!! We are having more success!

Really this church is the Church of our Savior. We are soldiers of the Kingdom of our Savior. It is interesting because we must stregnthen our faith everyday. I know that Jospeh Smith was a prophet of God. I know that we have a loving heavnly father who loves us and cares for us.

Well i hope you are all well! Have a great week! Thanks for your support!

Sorry this week the e-mails short. Im trying to send photos but this new camera is wacked!!!

Com Amor
Elder Fischer

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Monday, August 24, 2009 7:23 AM

Hello Again Querida familia,

This week flew bye. We have blessed so much here in this área. The members are great here. One of the highlights of the week was yesterday. We had our conference; Wow. It was so great. Presidente Soares was there and he gave an amazing talk. It was wonderful. He stated how we all have difficulties. Whether a leader or not we all have difficulites. It was interesting because he said that our trials are not an affect of our choices-these are consequences. It is so true.

Also this week we have been preparing Tamires and Emerson for baptism. I hope all goes well. They have a goal to be baptized this Sunday. I pray that they will. Tamires said she would be baptized. It was a humbling event went she said the ending prayer and testifed that the Book of Mormon is true. Her husband accepted the date but he's a little wifty about it. I pray that he continues to pray and read this week which he said he would. This truly is the work of the Lord. I know that we all have trials in our life as Presidente Soares said. We must have faith as President Monson related to us this past conference. WE must endure, and endure with faith, with joy, with courage. For we are the latter day saints!

I'm excited for this week! This Thursday we have conference with our presidente. The conferences are now smaller which is a little dissapointing (because I don´t see everyone but still cool nontheless) We will have a conference I think, Vila Velha, Vitoria, and Cariacia. It should be great.

Well it sounds like you are all doing great! Im so happy. Sounds like dads job is going well. Thanks! terrific! I continue to pray for you all ! Also I received your missionties (mom and nicole) Thankss!! So much! Really it makes the day so much better! The photos were great! Well hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

From: jonathan.j.fischer

Mon, 17 Aug 2009

Querida Familia,Tudo Bem!?

Wow, this week went by fast. We had our conference of the zone. Things changed. Instead of normally teaching the first lesson, we are making connections, or, we try get to the know the person and use the scriptures to help them recongnize the need of the restored gospel in their lives. We then give a brief outline of the first lesson. It's cool. Then we tell them to go to church. If they say no we don´t go back. Really this new way was inspired by our Heavenly Father. This week were blessed with a lot of people in the church. It was awesome. The work is going great here.

We even found this old lady named Antônia. She had already received the missionaires. She's great. She wants to be baptized. I pray that all will continue to go well. She has passed through a lot in her life. She really is an example. She passed an expereience that is so sad. She said that one day after she had received her payment from work, she was robbed. But not just assalted, but brutely beaten and left to die. She spent 12 days in the hospital recouperating. She is a survier, She has difficulties in her life, but yet she is happy. She said that she has received an anwser and she knows that this Church is the Church of Christ. As well with the couple we have been teaching Tamieres and Emerson, I hope and pray they received an anwser.

This Sunday we are going to have a stake conference. Im really excited. There is going to be the president of the first presidency of Brazil. I don´t know his name, but it should be really good.

It's interesting how fast time goes. Really this work is inspired. I have been blessed so much. I know that are families can be together for ever. We just need to continue to endure to the end. Step by step. Although we have difficulites, we must fight because there is a greater reward awaiting us after this life. I know that Chirst lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Through Him, we are redeemed, we become clean and purified in His grace. I know that His gospel is one, it is pure, it brings hope and peace to our lives. I know tha prayer is real. It's power is undescribable. Heavenly Father is listening. I know that Joseph Smith was prophet of God. That he truly did see God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ.

I hope you all have a great week! Never give up!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

PS: I thank you all for all that you have done. Mom, I received the package! Thank you so much!! Wow.. Im not able to read the books.. against the rules.. I wish I could. But thanks so much. The only thing is that I'm getting low on my facial creams.. Thanks for all that you do. I'll look for a camera . I'll let you know what's up next time. It will probable be next week. Thanks for all you do. Love you much

Elder Jonathan Fischer
Monday, August 10, 2009 6:52 AM

Querida família, This week flew bye. It was sure was interesting. That was a great letter from Lauren! Thanks. How cool. Sounds like shes great. Haha yea it sounds like everyone is getting married. Oh and i knew that Sherry´s son was going to mozambique. When does he leave?

Here's the update. Me and my companion have been blessed with some really great investigators. The down side is that a lot of them have to get married which takes about 40-60 days. L But luckily, we have been working with this one family Tamires and Emerson. Im really excited. They are married have 3 little kids and we got to know them through a member. They went to an activity we had at the church on Saturday. It was great. It was that actvity again called 'party in the country' or as I say 'party of the hicks' haha.. its funn. But the down side is that my camera is demolished.. L I dont know what happened I kept it in my backpack, which was with me the whole time and and when I took it out to use it at the activity the screen (LCD) was smashed.. It doesn´t even take pictures.. i don´t really know what im going to do.. L Oh well..

But it's been really great here. Im still trying to get the hang of things here in this new area. I hope that I can continue to improve in the language, the Lord has blessed me, and I know I can improve! Haha.. Aside from that, there isn't too much here. It's been really hot and sunny this week. I don´t even know how hot. But, Im liking it..I think I will live somewhere hot.hah..jk.

But really my companion and I have been blessed to find some really great people. I just hope that we can continue to find those that are ready to be baptized. I pray that Tamires and Emerson can continue to come to church and recognize the difference it makes in their lives. The Lord trully knows all of us individually. He knows our hearts and gives us the chances to change our lifes. But we have the choice, to accept and follow with faith, or remain in the doubt and follow the natural man. I know with out a doubt that this Church is the Church of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. He loves us, and wants us to return to live with Him. But, we must choose to follow, or no,.. yes it is by the small steps that lead us to the eternal gift of Salvation.

I hope you all have a great week. Please continue to pray for me. And never forget the influence you can make in one's life. As Tiana, our professor of the gospel and Princples class said, we need to be charitable. Lets decide this week to help someone out and make a diference. We are the examples.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

TRANSFERED

Elder Jonathan Fischer

Monday, August 03, 2009 7:10 AM

Wow!! Thats crazy about the weddings!! I don´t beleive that Jessica is getting married!! That is crazy! And David Breing and Jameson Ranck are alredy married! And autumn is getting married soon. That is just crazy! That's good to hear about Hannah! So shes looking good huh? Tell her to send me a letter! Send me a photo!!..I don´t really get many letters from my friends back home. I still haven´t got one from matthew!! Ahha..I just get letters from Tad, Bryan, Kevin (once in a while) and my friend that is serving in brasil-Tyler Westover! What about Lauren? Whats the news about her?

Thanks for the update. I love hearing news! And Mckenna! WOW Modleing!! Thats awesome. SO, her step brother will serve a mission in Africa speaking portugues:?! Thats awesome I want to know what part, its probable Cabo Verde or Mozambique! Scary..but all is well.. ] As for my news!

A drastic change, I was transfered to Jardim Limoeiro and my new companion is Elder Manoel Beserra de Souza. He is from Souza, Paraiba. He seems like a good person. He teaches really well which is good! Im happy. I'm also happy that he's a Brazilian!! It helps with the language. And our ward, Jardim Limoeiro looks like a really great ward. The memebers are excited about missionary work. We even have a couple of members that are able to do visits on the hour!! Its crazy. I feel extremely blessed. I'm excited to work in this area. There is a lot of potential. Actually the has Lord blessed me, because when I arrived on Tuesday I was informed that we were preparing someone for baptism! She was baptized and confirmed on Saturday and Sunday! It was great. I truly have felt the presence of the Lord in my life here on the mission.

For example. Last night we went out with a member and we taught a family that recently moved from the Baia. They are friends of the member, well actually the member helped the husband get a job. So, we went to teach a message. And it was great, the wife told us that she had been praying to the Lord that the first person that came to their house offering a message she would accept it and follow it! It was a blessing and humbling moment. Then later that night we went to find the house of someone that we made a contact. When we found the house, we taught a young man. Towards the end of the lesson he told us that he had been searching for the ´´true path´´ and had been visiting many churches and had been praying! Wow ..I pray that we can help him realize that we were went sent in awnser to his prayers and search of truth!

Really this week went by superfast! Its been crazy! But, I'm exited for this week and to find the other childeren of God that are waiting to hear the gospel!

I would like to thank all of you for your prayers. Really, I know that your prayers have been awnsered this week! I feel extremly blessed and grateful to have the family I do. I know that we have an eternal father, and he loves and cares for us. He wants us to be happy, and he wants to hear from us everyday. The Lord truly is our beacon of hope here in this life as we journey through our difficulties- that through the grace and power of our Redeeming Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we can over come our trials and we can remain in a state of happiness with an eternal perspective in mind. I know that this Chruch is the Church of our Salvador Jesus Christ, and that Joseph Smith was called of God, that there in the sacred grove, Joseph saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. That in the morning Joseph, only a young boy, was called and chosen of God to be a prophet, which once again established the Church of our Savior. I know that today, as memebers, we are soliders and defenders of truth and righteousness. We are living proof that the restoration of the gospel has happened! We are helping fullfill the prophieces of old!

I hope that you all have a great week! I pray for you all and hope that I can continue to be kept in your prayers!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer Eu amo vocês muito!! Nunca esqueçam-se do conhecimento e a verdade nós temos!!!

Elder Jonathan Fischer
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Querida Familia,

Wow this week was great! Actually the highlight of it all was yesterday. We had conference. To say the least, it was inspiring. We are the founding missionaries of this new mission, Brasil, Vitória!!

Its exciting. With the new mission, came a new Schedule!! Mondays are now our p-days! It should be interesting. Im excited. We will see how it goes! everything of course was inspired!

One of the things i liked was how president said that he was truly inspired when he made the division. He Said the Lord called us to serve in this mission, and that the Lord called President Pickett to be our President! The spirit was strong. It was a great experience. It was cool becuase everyone was there-the whole mission. As of now, we have 91 missionaries. But like President Pickett Said, there is already 30 americans scheduled to come in and that's not even counting the Brazilians. Its going to be great. The bottles are pretty cool.

Well there was much that happend. We are still teaching the two American daughters Paula and Camila. They're cool. There coming to church this week! Im excited. The Lord really hás blessed my companion and I.

But, it sounds like you all are enjoying the Summer! The weather this past week hás heated up. The rain doesn´t come untill about late September - November. But its funny beucase here, they don´t really have cold. There is hot, and really hot. But im actually starting to like it. Haha. I Love the Sun. Im might end up living some where hot! Haha. But the temperature right now is ideal. Its the perfect time to visit! Haha

Well mom and dad I hope you guys have fun down in oregon and on orcas Island! It sounds fun! Keep me updated.

Also mom I wanted to thank you for the missionties.com by Presidente Uchtdorf you sent to me. Also I just wanted to share a couple quotes that I read from the talk by him. He said, "We lift our eyes toward the God of heaven by cultivating our own personal spirituality. We do it by living harmony with the Father; the Son, our Savior; and the Holy Ghost. We do it by striving to be the truly ´submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of Love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father´ (mosiah 3:19.)´´

I enjoyed this part of the talk a lot and thought you might tôo! Really we do feel closer to óur Heavenly Father when we come unto Him through prayer and obedience. It reminded me of what was said in Conference. We need to have vision.

Also Presidente Uchtdorf Said, "Daily simple, sincere, and mighty prayers lift our lives to a higher spiritual altitude.´´ I really have a strong testimony of this. I know that our Heavenly Fahter listens. He hears our prayers and He gives us the guidance we need in the moment that is right. He is our Lord and Father.

I hope all goes well!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

Elder Jonathan Fischer

Monday, July 27, 2009 9:49

Querida Familia,

I dont have a lot of time this week. But I have been transfered. I don´t even know where yet! Haha... I'll let you all know next week!This week was great. We accomplished a lot of our goals. I was blessed! And one of our investigators that is a friend of a member came to our activity in the church. She loved it. She is really progessing and is finding interest in the Book of Mormon. She even askéd what part of the book is heavy for the people that need to change or something like that, and we told her about Alma 5. She liked what she heard and wanted to read it. She's a great person and even better, a good friend of a member! I'm excited for her.

I actually took pictures and have attached them in the e-mail. Last week it took too long to attach the fotos! Yikes! So, I sent some this week.

I'm anxious to see where I will be going and who will be my companion. It's always interesting. The mysteries of the mission.

Don´t have much to say I just wanted to thank you all for all the support you give. Really.. It is a strength that is indescribable! Thanks for eveything"!

Love,

Elder Fischer

Thanks for sending my meds and the everything mom! Love you much!