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1st DAY OF SUMMER-LAST P-DAY

2010-06-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 7:25 AM

Querida familia,

Wow. It has come. I can´t even believe that it came so fast. It truly is a bittersweet. I can´t begin to describe how a missionary feels knowing that this great calling will be removed and that the time is over. But the mission continues. Just with other rules and requirements.

This past week I have been working so hard. But the Lord truly blessed us. This week was amazing; truly amazing.

For this week we tried really hard to integrate our investigator Marcel. It was great. We started with a family night with a member that is almost his next door neighbor. It was great, for he stayed talking with them until 10 he told us! It was great. Then he continued to meet other members. Then we had another family night on Thursday that was fantastic! This one was about the Book of Mormon in which we showed a part of the Testaments. It was great. Then his day arrived on Saturday. He was baptized. What a great experience. It was amazing because he was so happy. It was a great day. Then it got even better when he showed up to church with his new family home teacher wearing church clothes that were a present for him!! It was amazing!!

Sunday was really special because I was able to witness Peterson (the young man who we baptized in March) blessing the sacrament!! It was amazing. I know that if he continues he will serve a mission!! Wow what a great experience.

The mission was an experience that I will never forget. It has truly shaped me into a better person. I have come to understand truly what keeping the commandments is. And what it means to be a faithful servant. It’s not easy; never will be, but the blessings that come to the diligent servant are innumerous. The blessings only come when one becomes a devout follower of the gospel of Christ. The blessings received form a testimony that reaffirms the foundation of a firm belief in our rock and redeemer Jesus Christ.

From Campos, Rio de Janeiro to Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, to Cariacica, Espírito Santo, to Jardim Limoeiro, Espírito Santo to Cachoerio de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, to Vila Velha, and Espírito Santo –its been an unforgettable journey; a journey that has enabled me to witness how the gospel heals the wounded soul. The Gospel is real and it is truly a rewarding life style. One we chose and one can we apply everyday.

My mission was not easy but was well worth it. The joy of seeing a child of God entering into the waters of baptism to make a sacred covenant to abandon all sin and become clean through the power of the atonement has marked my life. The friendships I made will eternally be remembered. I pray that those that I have helped continue in the path and never give up.

I love Heavenly Father and I Love His Son Jesus Christ. For through Him we are healed and through His sacrifice we gain joy in this life and the eternal reward in the life to come.

I know that Joseph Smith was as prophet of God. He died to put forth the church of Christ again on the earth and through him we have another testament of the Living Christ. I know that today we have a living prophet. He is guiding this church under the direction of the Lord and as we follow him we follow Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

It has been a great two years. I hope you all have had a great experience and have enjoyed the ride as you have all supported me and prayed for me in these past two years. I thank you all and give my appreciation from the bottom of my soul. Truly with out you all I would not have continued forward.

Eternally grateful e Com Amor,

Elder Fischer
p.s. See you all on Thursday!!! It’s unreal. I still don´t believe it.

10 DAYS & COUNTING

2010-06-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 7:13 AM

Querida família,

The time is flying bye!!! I still can´t believe it. Wow this week went by so fast; the time is literally slipping away. Wow. Here is a picture of our Sunday lunch! This family is so cool. They did churrasco. !!! yum yum yum churrasco is bbq.

This week was crazy. We have been teaching Marcel and preparing him for baptism for this Saturday. I pray that he continues strong to resist the temptations of the world. I know that the Lord will bless him as he does. Its interesting because he has been making the changes in his life so that he can take the step into making the sacred covenant of baptism. I know that the Lord is helping us tremendously. I pray that we can continue to help him as he prepares to become cleansed of sin.

Also this week we found a really cool investigator! His name is Kuan!! He is so cool. He went to church this Sunday with us and is really liking church. I pray that he prepares to so that he can be baptized on the 26th of this month. The work is growing here.

Yesterday it was great because the neighbor of Kuan is a less active returned missionary. This week we have been seeing out of the blue; every time I try to alert his senses to go to church. Well this Sunday we knocked on this door because we went to bring Kuan (his neighbor) to church. He was surprised ha ha he was like …Elders not today ahah and then later that day when we went to teach Kuan and he was leaving his house and I talked to him and he was like ´´you guys again ´´!! He told us he was leaving to do something and after talking he decided not to for he then invited us to come back at 7. We went there and it was great. The spirit was really working him and he said he would come to church with us this coming Sunday. Even though there isn´t someone in his house that could be baptized it was a great experience (for generally you only teach less actives if there is a chance of a baptism). But we were there to help a wounded soul come back to the truth!! It was powerful. He said that he will start reading the Book of Mormon today! It has been almost 6 years that he has read! This is the power of the Holy Ghost. It was a gratifying experience. And who knows he could help us baptize our investigator Kuan who is his neighbor! Were going to baptize and take everyone to church in that building where he lives! ha ha

I know that this is the true work of the Lord. The Lord loves us and I know as we do our part he rewards us immensely with so many blessings. We need to work hard and do our part even when it’s hard. Even when we think its not possible and it doesn’t seem like the light of hope is shining—for the Lord knows all. Trust in him and not the carnal man. We are the servants of the Lord. We must act as such.

I love the gospel. I love the peace that comes to the repented. I love the church of Christ the only true church that offers the tranquility to the wounded soul. This is the missionary work. I know that Christ lives and I pray that I will find the elects that are waiting for me this last week!!

Jesus é O Cristo, e a sua Igreja esta na terra novamente. Quão abençoados somos por sermos membros desta igreja. Eu sei que nós estamos vivendo nos últimos dias e que temos que fazer a nossa parte para que voltemos a viver com Deus. Temos que ser os faróis de luz! Temos que ajudar as pessoas a achegarem-se a Cristo! Espero que vocês tenham uma ótima semana! Daqui a pouco estarei ai! :)

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

TWO MORE WEEKS!

2010-06-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 7:06 AM

Querida família,

Wow. How the time passes. This week flew bye. I still can’t believe there is only 2 more weeks left!

Well this week we have been ´´running behind´´ Portuguese phrase (we have been working really hard). We were blessed to find an awesome investigator. For his name is Marcel. We met him on the street and invited him to come to our English class because he approached us speaking English. It was cool because this past Thursday was a holiday and we went to the church thinking no one would come and there he was. It was awesome. We then taught him after the class and wow, the spirit was so strong. It was like a strong warm wind. It was powerful. We then visited him again on Saturday and we marked a baptismal date for the 19th!! He accepted and said that he wants to change his life. We invited him to go to our stake conference which was held in another area really far away. He said he would go and find it (normally when people say that they will go alone they’re lying ha ha!). We arrived in the church and there was Marcel in the front row! It was great; then the conference- WOW, it was fantastic.

During the conference apostle Elder D. Todd Christopherson spoke through satellite! It was so cool. He speaks really good Portuguese. He said a few words were in Spanish but it was amazing. I loved it, so did Marcel.

I pray that we can continue to help Marcel change his life and he does need to make some changes in his life. But it’s great because we taught the word of wisdom and law of chastity and he accepted. He said he needs to make the change in his life. I pray that as he continues read the book of Mormon and prays he will feel the power of the Spirit that will really make a huge difference in his life. I know that he has already felt its presence.

The mission has been a great experience. Wow. I have really come to know who I am; and better yet, how the gospel can be applied in my life. What a difference it can make and how blessed we are to know the truth. I know that God lives. That His Sons died for us and lives today to guide the living prophet and apostles so that we can become better oriented and taught the truth- the truth that heals the wounded soul. This is the true church! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I wish you all a great week! Never forget the impact of the Savior’s Atonement that makes us become his beloved worthy disciples.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2-1/2 MORE WEEKS...

2010-06-06T16:06:00.001-07:00

2010-06-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Mon 5/31/10 8:17AM

Querida família,

Another week flew bye!

I can´t believe how the time goes by. It’s interesting how the mission has been a great experience. I won’t lie, there have been some really hard times on the mission but they have helped me become stronger and more dedicated as a servant of the Lord.

This week we were blessed to find a very special woman. Her name is Janete. She already got to know the church some time ago. She’s great; for she went to church with us this Sunday. Turns out she has a friend that is a member. It was great because her friend showed her around and stayed by her during all the meetings. Tonight we are going to do a family night with her and some members. She has a baptismal date for the 12 of June. I pray that she continues to pray and look for more answers so that she is baptized on this day.

Then on Sunday we had a great ward conference. It was perfect. The spirit was there and one of the counselors of the presidency spoke about a topic really interesting. He spoke of the importance to do the simple things that make a huge difference in our lives, like reading the scriptures as a family every day, praying together every day, and other things like going to the temple. It was a great talk for me for I thought of life after the mission (3 weeks J) and realize the importance of these things that make a difference. These things truly strengthen a family and provide the inspiration that is needed when we need it!

From what it sounds like, we are living in the last days, as such we need to put on the ´´armor of God´´. It was interesting because the councilor told me that when he was young he had to wake up 3:30 in the morning every day because his dad would go out and deliver fresh bread and milk as it was his daily job. He woke up his family everyday so that they could all pray together. He admitted that sometimes he caught himself sleeping. But the impact that this habit left on him was tremendous. What a great example. I know that as we sacrifice our time and desires for the Lord´s desires we are blessed. For this month we have a theme-its sacrifice. Sacrifice makes us grow spiritually. As we do such we are transformed into the Children of God that our Father in Heaven wants us to be.

I know that God lives and that He sent His Son for us. I know as we do our part we will see the blessings because of the sacrifices we make. Our testimony becomes strengthened as well.

I hope you all have a great week! Only three more weeks’ baby! I pray that I find those that are waiting! Please pray for our success.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

COPA TIME FOR THE WORLD

2010-05-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 7:00 AM

Querida família,

Another week! Well I received a new companion this week. He’s from Mesa Arizona. It’s interesting because my recent companion was transferred. I hope all goes well for him.

The mission has been an interesting experience. This week we had our interviews with President. It was a great experience as it always is. I know that he was pre-ordained to be my president. He is truly inspired and leads this mission following the Lord’s will. This week we really worked hard-it was great. We taught 33 lessons this week. It was awesome. We met a young man named Tigao. He’s cool. We taught him and he told us that it was not a coincidence that we arrived; for he is looking for a change in his life. His parents are both dead and he is about 24 years old.

I know as we continue to work the Lord will bless us. I’m excited to work hard to find the elects this week. I know the Lord wants us to find them and through obedience we will receive the blessings that we need. The Lord is aware of our situations. He knows our needs and wants us to be successful. It’s our choice that will determine this.

I still can’t believe the mission is coming to an end. I pray that I may be led to find those that are ready to hear the gospel. I know the lord wants me to find them. I pray I might be worthy of being led to find those that are ready.

Well things here in Brazil are starting to get colorful, for the copa of the world is arriving and Brazil loves soccer. They have already started to paint their houses and throw up the flags.

I hope you all have a great week! The picture attached is what Brazil is turning into because of the world soccer game (copa) love you all!

Thanks for all your prayers.

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON

2010-05-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:16 AM

Querida família,

This week was very interesting. Wow. I stayed and more than my district was transferred but me. It was crazy. Elder Hall my companion was transferred. They shut down an area in our ward so it’s only me and my companion. My companion is cool. He is from Herriman, UT! Nicole!! Cool huh his parents’ names are Debby Turley and Tim Turley. That would be cool if Nicole new them.

This week we really worked hard. We had found a really great investigator who was progressing a lot and went to church, but later we found out horrible news. His name is Rick. We found him on Monday and it was a great lesson. He was really interested and was progressing a lot. He went to our activity in the church and it was great. He was not smoking as much and stopped drinking coffee. He was loving everything about the Church including the literature of the gospel that we gave him. He said it was interesting because before he hated anything to do with the Gospel. And He just loved what we were teaching. Well later on Sunday we went to visit him. He told us that he wanted to be baptized but if he did in the future he would maybe need to leave the church. Why – because his brother is involved in some pretty difficult stuff –his brother is a drug lord and owns 5 areas. Rick had left that area about 2 weeks ago for the want of a new life, and was living in our area with his grandma. He said that if his brother were to die, he would have to take his place for it’s the way things go he said.. His brother called him yesterday reminding him of his duty even though Rick told him of the joy that he had found in the Gospel. He said If he denied the ´´the position´´ there’s a chance that they would take his life. It was so sad. I cried because I wanted salvation for him. He also cried.. I couldn´t handle the fact that he couldn’t take control of his life – for he said that he wanted to change his life so bad even though everyone was questioning his decision to become a ´´church goer´´. He said that he would continue to go to church. It was sad because he said that if one day if he didn´t go to church, it’s because he had to leave for that area.

It’s an interesting situation. I’m pretty sure that the situation is true. Either way I pray that a miracle happens. The world is another place. For the gospel is the Light unto the World.

The Lord knows each one of us. He loves us and knows our difficulties. He wants the best for us. When we confront challenges, we need to have faith. We need to do our best and become the person that the Lord wants.

This week was great and very hard for me- especially my companion. Please pray for him and me. Bless my companion that he might overcome his problems here on the mission and have the desire to continue to endure on the mission. I know that the Lord knows all of our difficulties and we can overcome. My companion has been having difficult time with the mission. Maybe Nicole can talk with his parents. I know that all will go well in the end. This is the test that we live. We need to give all we can to endure to the end. For as we worked this week, we had another investigator named Max. He went to church and liked it. He’s frequenting another church but seems like he has not found what he is looking for a.k.a. the truth. He liked church. We plan to mark a date with him this week.

Also, I would like to wish Aaron a happy birthday! I hope that you had a great birthday yesterday. Remember the blessings that the Lord has so graciously given you! What a blessing it is to be a member. I pray that all continues to go well for you and Kim. Let the Lord bless thy paths and that you might overcome any difficult. We have trials. They´re part of life. I know that as we do all that we can, we will be blessed and the Lord´s mercy will be extended unto us. I know that this is the Lord´s church. I know that God Loves each of us. Well I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Seu Elder, Irmão, filho, e amigo,

Elder Fischer

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

2010-05-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 7:38 AM

Querida Familia

What a great experience it was to see you all. Wow. It was unreal. In a little bit I will be home. But I need to focus! For I need to find the elects that are awaiting us.

This week we have been working with Vinicius the young man that has a date for the 22. Unfortunately he didn’t come to church. I feel though that he will continue to progress as he has been expressing his desire to change. He’s very intelligent. I pray that he continue to prepare so he is baptized.

Also, Tiago our other investigator, traveled this weekend. I pray that we can continue to teach him and prepare him for his baptism- as he too expressed his desire to be baptized.

It’s interesting how fast the time goes. I know that this is the Lords work. I know that there are elects that are waiting for my companion and me. We have been pre-ordained with certain purposes. As we do our best to fulfill them, I know that veil becomes thin and we will reunite with those we promised we would help in this life. For life is a test; a test to show our eternal Father we are faithful. It’s not easy- But it is worth it.

I know that this is the true church of Christ. I can not deny it. I know that the families can be together forever. But we must do our part so that this becomes possible. I know that Christ is our advocate and as we do our part we receive the remission of our sins and errors. We are not perfect but we are saints in action working for perfection. We are the defenders of righteousness; we hold the title of liberty. We can’t give up, what ever trial or difficulty we are facing or will face. We are the chosen and blessed. We have the responsibility to do what is right and be the example. I know that we have our callings here on earth and we must fulfill them. For we have an assistant; His name is the Holy Ghost. He is real and He can lead our lives in the path of Christ-- if we let him.

I know that Mothers are divine. I know that they help us and guide us. They help when we are weak and encourage us to go on. Their love is infinite. Their wisdom and guidance is true. I am so grateful for the Mother I have been given and thank you this Mother’s Day to express my love for you mother, and for all the mothers that live.

I know that God lives, and He has a plan for us! We cannot give up!

Eu sei que se nos esforçarmos, receberemos as bênçãos aqui na terra e na vida que vêm. Esta é a Igreja de Jesus Cristo. Eu não posso negar. Eu me sinto a presença do espírito santo como eu tenho trabalhado aqui na missão. Pois Deus VIVE! E Ele quer o melhor para nós e por isso Ele nos dá o dom do espírito Santo como membros da Igreja.

Eu espero que vocês tenham uma ótima semana!

Obrigado pelo apoio e orações de fé!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

2010-05-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 7:46 AM

Querida família,

Another week passed bye. Wow. We had some great miracles happen. Tuesday we talked with Severino. He had to leave after our visit or embark for the sea as he will stay there for about 14 days. The lesson we had with him was great. The spirit was present. We gave him a lot of material for the trip (all of the lesson pamphlets) haha he’s great. And he has a lot of reading to do in the Book of Mormon.

Then we have Tiago. What a miracle. Tiago works during the day and studies at night and so it’s really hard to visit him. Then on Tuesday night we were passing close to his house and we decided to go to his house. A miracle happened he was in his house! And we talked about prayer and said that he had been feeling good about our message. He accepted a baptism date for the 22 of May!! And he went to church. He’s way cool. He’s 23and is studying at the local college. His mother passed away about 3 years ago and removed himself from the church. It seemed like he loved the church!

Then another miracle happened. About two weeks ago, we were knocking doors. Randomly we stopped on a side street and knocked at a huge garage door. To our surprise a young man 17 (Vinicius) answered the door and invited us in. He told us that he had already searched on the internet about the church. He had asked for a Book of Mormon but never received it. He taught the 1 lesson and it was great. But then he told us he wouldn’t go to church and we decided to ´´cut´´ him. Then this past week we saw him again. We invited him to go to church and he said he would go. Forgetting about him, Sunday arrived and he was already in the church!! He loved it and seemed really interested. I’m so excited to teach him. He’s very intelligent for his age.

I know that the Lord has been blessing us extremely. It’s amazing how the Lord truly blesses us with miracles.

Also, Peterson the young man we baptized at the end of march, has been progressing like crazy! He’s been going to seminary and we told him about a mission. He’s thinking about it! And he’s going to receive the priesthood this coming Sunday as I believe they already announced it in the sacrament meeting.

The Lord has been blessing us. I pray that we continue to find the Lord’s elects. For my time is coming to end!! I pray that I find those that are ready.
Thanks for all you do. I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-04-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 7:42 AM

Querida família,

Wow we really worked hard trying to find new investigators. It’s been very interesting. We have been trying to be very obedient. We have been exceeding atleast 30 minutes everyday except Sunday as this is the rule. We have been trying to do our best. We’re not perfect and we still need to improve, but I know the Lord has been blessing us because of our effort. For we have found some great people. For Severino is really interested and wants to get baptized. But it was strange because he didn’t show up on Sunday and then we couldn’t get a hold of him. We don’t know if he embarked for the ocean to work on the oil platforms or not. When we taught him about baptism it was great. I could see his desire to change.

Also this week we have found a less active and his ´´wife´´. The less active Anderson loves the missionaries and, he and his wife want to get married. His wife Regina really liked the message and is interested in the church. Unfortunately they traveled this weekend to visit family members, but there coming to church next week.

Also we have been working with a couple named Eleniza and Elzimar. There very intelligent. I love them. The problem is that they both study and work. Elzimar also works on the ocean with oil and leaves every 14 days. But they like the church. We invited Eleniza to be baptized for the 15th but she said she doesn’t know yet and that she wants to be baptized but she doesn’t know if the 15th works because she wants to get baptized with her husband!! J So he gets back on the 6th I think. And so we are going to work with them and hopefully with the Lord’s help of course we can help them enter into the waters of baptism.

Also this week was interesting as well looked for new investigators. We taught a professional surfer. It was cool. He has surfed in Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, and other places. He liked the message and said he would pray. But unfortunately he didn’t want to commit to go to church and would rely on the answer from the prayer to determine if he would go to church. He lives in a really nice house with his parents.

I know that this work is real; that the Lord loves us and knows that we need to grow through our trials. Even though we face challenges we can overcome them. We need to have faith and work through them and then as we do all we can we receive the blessings of the gospel. It’s a nonstop cycle. I know that the Lord loves us.

I know that as we continue to work and heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost we will receive the guidance we need to overcome the difficulties. I love the gospel. It’s perfect. It’s the tool (together with the priesthood) that, with help, enables us to become the people we need to be.

Well I wish you all a great week! I still haven’t received the missionties.com letters! I’m looking forward to reading them :)

Com Amor
Elder Fischer

2010-04-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 8:33 AM

Querida Família,

Another Week passes!!! Its amazing how time just keeps going. This week we’re trying to find so many new elects. We had an incredible lesson with a man named Paulo. He is a lawyer for criminals. The spirit was so strong. It was an amazing experience. Lessons like this truly make the mission. He said that he would read the Book of Mórmon and if he received an answer he would get baptized. Unfortunately he did not put forth the effort to GO to church. Another lost soul in the world. But I felt gratified to have helped him feel the light and truth of the everlasting restored gospel.

My companion and I are trying to find the elects. I know as we continue to be strong the Lord will bless us, for this is the Lord´s work and He wants it to grow; but we must be worthy to be His instruments. I know that as we continue to apply the things that the Lord wants us to apply in this work we will find those that are ready. For yesterday we found another youth about 24 years old. He was way cool. He is truly looking for a difference. He said that about three years ago his mother passed away and then he left his church. He told us that he is interested to getting to know this church. I know that through prayer and effort he will come to realize that there was a purpose in finding him on the street. It was a great experience.

This week we are going to have a mission conference. It should be great. It’s going to be on Wednesday. I’m hoping to pick up my package J HAAH.

I know that as we do all we can we are blessed. We must express ourselves to our Heavenly Father through prayer. I know that as we do all we can the Lord Will bless us.

That’s great to hear about Elder Briggs. He’s a great kid. I knew he would be a great leader. I’m still a district leader. And I’m with the same companion. Elder Hall. Mom did you find his mom on Facebook? Her name is Suzanne Wilson, now Hall, she’s from Alta. Maybe you know her. The Alaskan missionary is part of our district. And yes mom, He is sweating all the time. I still sweat tôo! Haha Also, Just my companion and I live together. Our district hás a total of 8 missionaries.

Well I hope you all have a great week. Never forget the Power of prayer.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-04-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 8:02 AM
Querido Familia

The transfers happened. I stayed. !! This transfer is going to go so fast- its super short only 5 weeks unlike the normal 6. We received a new missionary from Alaska. Hes cool. Hes struggling with the language. I feel extremely blessed for the rapid pace that my companion is learning the language. It really makes a difference in the work.

What a great experience this week was. Actually the best of the experiences happened yesterday. We have been teaching a man named Lucas that came to church. He is truly trying to find the truth. I pray that through the Book of Mormon he receives a confirmation that this is the true Church.

Also yesterday we had a great fast and testimony meeting. It was unreal. Wow. Us for missionaries bour testimony. It was a very emotial experience for the spirit was extremely strong. I know that this truly is the work of God. I feel blessed to take part of it. Its amazing how the Lord truly knows each one of us and our capacities.

Well I pray that this week we find our more new investigators, for we need to meet our goal of baptisms, which is 4 for the month. I know that Lord wants this to happen. I just need to have more faith and believe.

Well I pray that you all have a great week. The photos of me are giving instruction at our activity night about the activity -we played Jeopardy. It was a riot!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER FISCHER

2010-04-09T17:56:00.001-07:00

HAPPY EASTER & BIRTHDAY!

2010-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 11:55 AM

Querida família,

Wow, what a powerful conference. I can´t believe how great it was to hear the words of the prophets and apostles. I felt the spirit. I was so blessed, for I was able to watch all but the priesthood in English. It’s amazing to hear the prophets and apostles in there own tongue. We are so privileged. It’s a completely different feeling otherwise. I wish I could explain better. But I loved the talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the priesthood session. It was monumental. It was terrific. President Monson said it was the best session at priesthood. It was incredible. The talk by President Uchtdorf really focused on the need of patience.
It was a great conference, better yet, a great Easter.

This week flew by as we ended this transfer! Wow. 2 more to go! And this next one is only 5 weeks. Tonight or tomorrow I will find out if I will be transferred. Its going to be interesting what happens, for President said that he’s going to change the leadership…Lets see what happens.

We have been working with Antonio and his family. We are going to try to get his is marriage papers in this week and then we are going to baptize his two kids Alef and Mateus this week. Alef is wanting to be baptized so bad. It’s great. This is such a special family. And Antonio just wants the best for his kids. It’s great.

Today was great. We woke up at 6:oo am to do our daily run and then I came home and made pancakes! Mother, I want to thank you sooo much. You have no idea how much pancakes make a difference in the life of a missionary. Thanks for the mix and syrup.

Also this week we did a service project; we painted in side of a less active member’s house. It was fun. I attached a photo. Ha-ha

Well I know that this is the true church of Christ. That Christ lives and that He wants the best for us as does our Heavenly Father who knows all. I know that the Holy Ghost is real. I cannot deny the power it has. I have had some amazing experiences on the mission with the Holy Ghost. I know it’s real. I know he helps us in all things for good. He directs, edifies, warns us, and reveals the Lord’s will. He is the messenger of truth and Light. He testifies of the truth.

What a great conference we had. How blessed we are to live in this last dispensation. I’m so grateful to have the family that I do. I feel so blessed to know that we can live together forever if we do our part. What great counsel we heard this conference about the family. Satan is attacking it and for this we must not give up but protect it. I know that God lives. I know that we must endure to the ends in these troubling times and always have the hope of Christ in our attitude, mind and hearts. We cannot give up-for we know the consequences and it is not worth it. Wickedness never was happiness. God does not move. I love the gospel. I love the Church. I love all of you and thank you all for your birthday wishes, packages, and words of inspiration. How blessed I am to have you all around my thoughts. I love you, and thank you! I wish you all a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-03-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 7:49 AM

Feliz Páscoa!

Querida Família,

Another amazing week in Itapoá. We encountered some great miracles.

On Monday we ate lunch with Tiago´s dad. When we went there he had already read half of the principles of the gospel book. He had lots of questions and had already understood what the priesthood is. It was crazy. Then later we found out that he continued to read and decided to not drink coffee anymore. It was shocking to see his progression. Then we visited him again this past week and invited him to be baptized. Unfortunately he rejected the invitation even though he understood that only this church has the authority to baptize. It reminds of Elder Jeffery R. Holland’s talk that even the elects can be tricked and tempted by the adversary. I know that we planted the seed and who knows if in a couple weeks he will come back to church.

But on higher note, Antonio has been really progressing and his children. Today we will find out if he will get married or separate. He wants to get baptized so bad and his kids are asking basically when they can get baptized. It’s a great family. Also it was great because this week we had Bingo with the scriptures. It was great. Everyone loved it. Ha,ha. I wish we would have had more people, but there were sufficient numbers, about 20 people or more. It was fun.

Miracles happen. I know that as we do our best be are blessed. This Saturday we baptized Peterson. It was a great experience. And then yesterday, Sunday, it was terrific because his mother came to church and watched him receive the Holy Ghost. It looked like she loved church. We are going to go visit her tomorrow. Also yesterday we sang in Church. It was soo cool. A lot of the women were crying haah. It was a great experience.

I know that this is the true church. I know that we have periods of hard times and periods when we are just happy. We need to learn how to act in both of these time periods because the Lord wants us to be the best we can become-His diligent servants.

What a great season we are entering. This week is going to be great! Conference weekend !! I love it. I love Portuguese but conference is so great in English. The fact that we have the blessing to hear the prophet’s voice!! We are so blessed to live in this dispensation. And Easter, a great season to really remember why we are here on the earth and what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us; that we know that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father through His atoning and infinite sacrifice.

I know that this is the true church of Christ. I know that we are blessed to be members of it. But with this blessing we have a tremendous responsibility to share our knowledge. I hope you all have a great General Conference weekend and Great Easter!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-03-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 10:19 AM
Querida Família

Wow. Another great week passed. I can't believe how fast the time goes. Only 3 months that are left now. This is crazy.

This week we were blessed to have the área president in our mission. It was great because I got to learn about the importance of talking with everyone. For example his life. Presidente, Carlos A. Godoy, met the missionaries when he was only 16 years old. He was a normal young kid of the world. Or at least like it was. He had problems with the Word of wisdom and had long hair. Well certainly he became a leader in the church and became a very successful man. Its crazy to think because we are teaching a 16 year old kid that is 16 that is going to be baptized this Saturday. I pray that everything goes well. He reads everything we give him and hás the desire to be baptized. Hes truly the exmaple for his family. Its great.

Then this week we met the neighbor of one of our investigators. Wow! The lesson was powerful. The spirit was strong and he, and Tiago (another one), wanted to go to church. And well, he went yesterday. To say the least he loved it. Hes 25 and reminds me of Casey. He works at the bank and works out at night. His father died of câncer and lives with his family. Hes way cool. I pray that he continues to search for the truth and pray to receive more anwsers that this is truly the true church of Christ. Wow. What a blessing it is that we found him.
Today I´m excited because the parents of our investigator went to church (the father for the 3rd time yesterday). We are going to have lunch with them today and finally we are going to teach the father and mother( for the father is always working in his business).

Also yesterday it was great because I had a great experience. We were putting our things together for church and what my companion would take in his back pack. As I was thinking what we needed I felt to ask him if he had his oil. He Said Yes, and then the Day continued. Then about 8:10, as our appointments had fallen I felt like we should visit a recent convert –for she didn´t go to church. We would share our living Easter card; its a message we are giving to members – (we sing and read a couple of scriptures. Its awesome!) So we went to her house (Arlete). When we arrived there she greeted us with a smile as we were singing at her door. We continued the message as we entered and then as we ended she said she was feeling a lack of our presence. And then I asked her why she didn´t go to church. She said that she was feeling pain in her back. I then asked her if there was anything we could do.. and then an impression came to my mind ´´give her a blessing´´. She said no. And then I asked her. 'are you sure?'; and then she said she wanted a blessing. And we were prepared, for we had put the oil in the backpack. It was a special experience. I know that God knows each and everyone of us. He loves us and cares for us and mom, as you said, through the spirit we are guided and directed and as such we receive the revelation we need so we can complete the tasks the Lord wants us to!

I Love this work, it's so great. I pray that we can continue to find those that are ready to hear the gospel. I pray that I can continue to be worthy to have the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. I Love this Church. I Love the leaders. I know the Presidente Pickett is inspired and leads and guides us so we can complete the Lord's will.

I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-03-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 7:39 AM

Querida família,
Wow another amazing week in Itapoã. I love this area. It has stopped raining which has been a great blessing. We have been working really hard to reach our goal of 2 baptisms for this month. WE have some really great investigators.

Tiago has been progressing and is doing really great. He stopped using some the substances he was addicted to and to do this we did the cigarette tea. I know what you are all thinking; cigarette tea? Haha It's amazing. You boil ten cigarettes in two cups of water and then filter it. Then you add lemon and sugar to taste. You need to drink one cup of the tea and leave the other in the fridge in case you have the desire to smoke afterwards. It works. For Tiago did not like the tea. Haha. He's been smelling the other cup that’s in the fridge when he has the desire to smoke. I hope that he continues to resist to smoke. He wants to change his life for the better. Its so great helping him. I feel like a life coach. It's been an amazing blessing to work with him. He has a date for the 4th of April to be baptized. It's going to be awesome.

Then we have Peterson. He's a great kid. We been trying to intergrate him will all the youth here. He went to church for the second time yesterday. It was a great experience this week with him. He said on wednedsay he was thinkning about the baptism and had doubts. He then read the pamphlet about baptism that we gave him and he found the scripture in John 3:5 about baptism. As he read he confirmed his desire to be baptized. He's great. I pray he continues to progress so he can be baptized on the 27 of this month.

Antonio is great. He and his sons went to church with us this week. They loved it. His wife would have went but she was working. I pray she goes this Sunday. For we are going to mark a baptism date with them and his two sons tomorrow for the 28 of march. I know the Lord wants this. Also we have been working with Rachel. She went to the English class and church yesterday. She's great. But she is trying to decide whether to frequent our church or the Methodist. I pray that she continues to pray and read so that she accepts the date today for the 28 of March.

Also this week we went to the presidents house for a training. It was great. And we also had a great acitivity on Wednesday with the ward. It was great. WE did a scavenger hunt with the scriptures. It turned out good but there wasn't as many people as we hoped.

This is truly the Lords work. He wants the best for us. The Lord knows our trials as 1st Corinthians says. The Lord does not give us anything that we cannot overcome. We need to be faithful. We need to do our part. As we read the scriptures searching for revelations to guide our lives, WE WILL RECEIVE Them! I know that this is the Lord´s work. I know the Lord loves each and everyone one of us. Let us remember the importance of prayer. Miracles happen. Miracles are real! I pray that we notice the miracles in our lives and that we can do our best to be worthy of more miracles this week

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

LOVE MY NEW AREA!

2010-03-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 6:11 AM
Querida Família

Wow. This ward is great. I'm loving this área. This week we had some great experiences. We were doing contacts on the street and we met a man named Tiago. He is 29 and lives in Itapoã and works at the bank and studies. He lives with his parents and is desperately seeking spiritual and physical help. Well, we marked a day to visit him and then we went there. He said that He was needing a change in his life. When we went there, it was great we realized what we needed to do to help him have a better life. We told him that we could help him with his addictions through the gospel. We taught the first lesson and the spirit was so strong. To say the least it was powerful and a great lesson as we bore testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and how we are representatives of the savior and have the power to help him become free from his addictions. He accepted a baptism date for the 27th. He's great. He went to church and his parents came with him! It was a great experience. Wow.

Also we have been teaching a young man named Peterson. He is 16 and is pretty quiet. He went to church and seemed to like it. He also accepted a baptismal date for the 27th. I pray that we can help these men realize the importance of the restoration so they can enter into the waters of baptism on the 27 of March. I know Heavenly Father is on our side and we just need to teach them and help them walk in the path of Christ.

This week was pretty crazy also. It dumped water here. It rained so hard that the streets were flooded like crazy!!! Next week I Will send fotos. It was insane. I'm exited for this week for we are going to have a great activity that were putting together. Its a scavenger hunt in the church using scriptures. We also started our English class this Thursday. It was great. I Love teaching.
Well this week is going to be great we will have training at the President's house. I Love going there. Its like the temple.

Well it sounds like everyone is doing well. How’s Elder Hadfield?

Muito obrigado por tudo! Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

TRANSFER~ITAPOA!

2010-03-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer

Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 8:03 AM

Querida família,

Wow! I have been transfered!!!! Im so excited about this area!! Its amazing! Im in a area called itapoã!1 And I'm training!! I' m so happy. The ward here is great!! I'm training an American called Elder Hall, which is a friend of my other son, Elder hein!! Its way cool. We started running in the mornings. Its great. Elder Hall is a great elder and really wants to work hard. This ward has a beautiful church. Wow its two stories and brand new. Next week I will send you a photo ! Its amazing. We have been really working hard trying to find news and we have been blessed with great members and their references. I love this area. I'm in the part of Vila Velha, which is really close to Vitoria. Im actually in the Elder Maiers zone. Its way cool.

Here's my new address for mission ties:
R: Miracema #129
Itapoã
Vila Velha, E.S.
29107-195
Send me missionties please!!

Also i feel so blessed I received my contacts and package from Valentines Day! Thanks mom it really makes a difference. I feel spoiled to have contacts.

Well there isn´t more to tell. I love training Americans. It's great,. Oh and another missionary that arrived with my ´son´´ said that his mom was reading my blog!! Way to go mom! I can´t wait to see it! Only 3 more months! Can you belive it!! In a little bit I will be home. I just need to find the elects here in this area before I leave.

Well that’s it for this week! I want to hear from you all! Whats the latest! It sounds like Niki is excited now! She's going to have a girl!! Ha ha ha! I can just imagine a little browned black haired girl running around screaming with Casch! Ha ha what a riot!

I know that this truly is the Lord´s work. The Lord loves each one of us. He wants to have the joy he has. But we must do our part. As scripture for this transfer says. We need to have charity. We need to love one another. I know that this is true . We must become true disciples of Christ. I know that God wants the best for us!

Eu espero que vocês tenham uma boa semana! Eu sei que através das coisas pequenas e simples as grandes são realizadas e por isso devemos orar sempre! Lembre-se que as escrituras são nossas fontes da verdade e fazem com que sejamos fortalecidos contra as tentações que nos acercam! Eu sei que esta é a Igreja de Jesus Cristo!

Tia Susan! All Will be fine. As missionaries we are protected. Without a doubt your son is with good health. Trust in the Lord and not worry, for not long you will hear from him. Love you!

Com Amor
Elder Fischer

2010-02-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

From: Jonathan Jarett Fischer
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 6:48AM

Querida família,

Well another transfer hás ended. I only have 3 more!!

Wow. Well the lunch at presidents house was way fun. Its always great to see President and Sister pickett. It was great to see the other missionaries that won the competition as well.
As for this week. Me and my companion were working really hard. We were blessed to find a man named Sebastiao. He's was cool. He's way willing to change his life. He went to church this Sunday even though he worked that morning until 9 in the morning. He's way cool. He accepted the baptism invitation for the 13th . It was funny because he was like it’s a bit early. And then we explained and asked if he wanted to be baptized and he said that well, we need to follow the example of Christ. It was cool.

Today I will find out about transfers. Its going to be interesting what will happened. I'm exited to see what happens. The Lord sends us where we need to be. Even though at times we have other ideas and opinions. I'm really trying hard to be positive´, for this area has been really different for me. It's been very difficult; Im trying to have more faith. I'm trying to find the elects, for I know that Lord wants me too. I just feel blessed that I was blessed with the district that I was given and the baptisms that happened.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-02-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

From: jonathan.j.fischer
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:30

Querida família,

Wow. Another week hás gone by. It sounds like you are all great. I'm excited for Aaron and his new job. I will continue to pray for him. What a blessing. I pray that this will become his nitch! Also, it sounds like mom has turned into a video gamer! That’s crazy. Ah ha I would have never thought that mom would like video games. Ah ha ha. Sounds like dad has been working really hard as usual. What a blessing that he has work. I pray that you can all continue to be employed.

As for me an my comp. We have been really working hard. But we are not finding enough new investigators. I know that we are given challenges so we can grow. So that we can prove our faith. We have been working with a elderly woman who went to church yesterday. I hope she continues to progress. I pray that I can truly find those that will become leaders. Those that will edfiy the kingdom of our Heavenly Father here on the earth. I know that it is possible. I just need to, as president said in his e-mail this week, have more hope. It’s the hope and faith that drive us to accomplish our goals. Actually all of us could apply this into our lives. We need to have a desire, we need to be humble, and we need to change our lives so that live according to the doctrine of Christ's repentance.

This area has been a lot different. It's been challenging. I know that I am here for a purpose. I want to find the elects. Transfers are the 23. There is going to be a lot of changes in my district, since no one was transferred this past transfer from my district. Tomorrow will be great. We are going to the president's house because our district baptised the most, even though me and my comp didn’t have one baptism. It’s a great blessing for us. Plus we are going to have our interviews with president in his house. I'm exited. I love interviews with him. He's so inspired and truly helps me.

I know that this is the Lord´s work. I pray that I can become a better person. That I can have more faith like Enoch. Enoch was a great man of Faith. For as I read today, he had faith to move mountains, to move rivers, and much more. He was a man of God. He is a hero for all!

I truly know that we all have trials, but we can't give up. The mission has been a very interesting experience. It has been a time of testing. I know that as we show our faithfulness to the Lord He will help us achieve our goals. We can´t give up. Never. Even the elect fall! As Elder Jeffery R. Holland said. We need to do our best every day. As President Monson said, we need to ask, What have I done to help someone today?

I thank you all for all the e-mails and letters and packages. It really makes the difference. I wish a great week for you all.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-02-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 5:20 AM

Querida família,

Wow. It was a geat conference we had with Elder Beck. It was great to see everyone too! He talked about the youth and how they can be fortified against bad things these days. It's interesting how far away we may be and live in other parts of the world; all of us must follow the gospel.

Then this week we have been really trying hard to find people. It's been difficult. We found a youth on Saturday. His name is Rafael. He's cool. He has some great goals he wants to achieve for his age= he's 17. He went to church yesterday. I hope we can help him be baptized on the 20th. It's really starting to be difficult. I know im here for a reason, I'm just trying to find it and not get depressed on the way.

It sounds like the weather has been hot. Just like here J It will be strange to see snow and cold rain again. The sun and hot humid weather have become normal now. I love air conditioning....For those that have it. Haha

I know this is the true church. I know that we have hard times so that we can grow. I read a scripture really interesting. Mosiah 4:9. It talks about how even though we may not understand everything the Lord does. We just need to do our part. It's life. We have hard times so we can truly understand what joy and happiness is. Just as Adam and Eve. How would they know what joy is without knowing what misery is. I know that God loves each and one of us. We are here on the earth to learn. Therefore we must have faith and endure the hard times so that we can do what the Lord wants us to do-even when it seems like there is no end and its hard.

I know that Christ knows each one of us. He loves us. He died for our sins. And through Him we can become clean-but we need to do our part.

I love you all very much! I hope you all have a great week! Please pray for my companion and I that we may be guided to find those that are prepared.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-02-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 10:20

Querida família,

Another week passes by. The conference was amazing. It was about baptism invites. It was amazing. The fast and testimony meeting was amazing. When I bore my testimony I felt the spirit so strong. It was like an out pouring of wind on me. It was a very sacred expeience. I Love conferences.

This week we really worked hard. That one family of Fabiana took a trip and we haven´t had contact with them. We have been really trying to find new ones. I pray that we can find more people to baptise. It's starting to get difficult. I know that the Lord wants us to be successful. Please pray for me and my companion that we may be guided to find those that are ready to be baptised.

We had a meeting with the Bishop and we are going to have two really great activities this week. I'm really excited. We are going to have an English class on Friday and then we are doing a cinema night at the church. We are going to watch the Chronicles of Narnia. It's such a great film that hás a lot of religious meaning. I'm really excited to see what happens.

Tomorrow is going to be great. We are going to Vitoria and we are going to listen to Elder Beck the general president of the Young men. It's going to be great. I'm really excited. It should be a great experience.

It sounds like your all doing great. I'm exited about Aarons job. I pray that all will go well. This is an anwser to endless prayers. The Lord listens. We must trust in Him and have faith; something I'm trying to do more. I know it's hard when we have difficulties, but we must give up the natural man and remember that we are childeren of God. All of us. We must become as though children, so that then we will be prepared to enter into the Kindgom of our father. I Love the gospel. I know the Christ lives. I know that He tôo wants the best for us. For this we must strive to do our best. I pray that my companion and I can find the leaders of the church, for therein comes the happiness. As The Doctrine and Covenants states, the joy we will have is great in seeing another child of God in the kingdom because of our service, but how greater will be thine joy IF we help more than one. We all have gifts, and we must use them to edify the kingdom of God. I pray and hope that I can become the missionary the Lord wants me to be. There is a lot of room for improvement. But little by little all of us will acomplish our perfection.

Eu sei que Deus é nosso Pai e como tal, Ele quer o melhor para nós! Também eu testifico que precisamos aplicar os princípios do evangelho em nossas vidas todos os dias de modo que nos tornemos as pessoas Deus quer que sejamos. Eu sei que Jesus Cristo nos conhece- cada um de nós. Ele sofreu por nós. Ele já passou qualquer dor, aflição, ou sofrimento que estamos passando. Ele verdadeiramente é nosso Redentor. Eu espero que possamos nos esforçar a fazer o nosso melhor. Esse tempo é bem curto. Eu sei que essa é a Igreja de Jesus Cristo. A única igreja verdadeira que foi trazida de volta por intermédio do profeta Joseph Smith. Quão abençoados somos por sermos membros desta igreja. Eu deixo este testemunho em nome de nosso Salvador e Rei, Jesus Cristo. Amen.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-01-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 7:12 AM

Querida familia,

This week went bye super fast. This week I went to vitoria. It was great. We talked about what we can do to become better leaders and help our district to become it's full potential. It was great to see missionaries that I know. The president's house is amazing!!I hope you have received the cd of fotos already. Then on Wednesday we did a division with the assistants. It was great. I learned a lot. And we were blessed to find a special family. We have been preparing the mother (fabiana) and her two daughters (Andraine and Stephanie) for baptism. I am super exited. We're planning to baptize them on the 6th! It's going to be great because we are going to do one giant baptism with the our duplas in our district. It will turn out great.

Then on Sunday. I went on a division with the stake president to a group thats in a far away city. About 1 hour going by car. It was a great car ride. I went there to see what kind of potential there is to have a dupla of missionaries. It was interesting. There is about 15 members there and they meet in a school. It was great to meet the members. Its incredible the faith that they have. There is one lady that lives in the ´´Roça´´ which is like the sticks. She travels every week two hours to go to church. She comes in on Saturday and then goes to church on Sunday and then goes home! What great faith! As I was talking to President Aguirres the stake presidente, it is apparent that they truly are pioneers. It was great because I directed the sacrament meeting and gave a talk. It was fun.

I'm excited for this week because we have a conference scheduled with our zone in cariacica. I love that church. It should be really great. I'm exited to hear what new things we can put into practice.

This truly is the work of the Lord. It's great to be part of it. The Lord's Church is on the earth, and how blessed we are to be part of it. I am so grateful for the leaders that we have in the church. Presidente Pickett is truly inspired of God. I know that he follows the Lord´s will and as members where ever we may be, we must follow our leaders. We must hang on to the iron ron and continue onward. I know the Lord knows our difficulties. We must feed our selves spiritually through diligent scripture study and powerful daily prayer. These our are greatest tools. Eu oro que vocês estejam bem e que amanhã seja melhor. Lembrem-se de que somos diferentes e por isso devemos fazer a diferença! Nós temos uma luz. Como Presidente Pickett disse, nossa luz vai atrair os eleitos. Todos nós, membros ou missionários, temos que mostrar o mundo o conhecimento nós temos! Sejam diferentes!

Eu sei que esta é a Igreja de Jesus Cristo. Eu sei que a oração é real e que à medida que nós orarmos diariamente, teremos mais paz e receberemos mais orientação em nossas vidas! Quão abençoados somos por vivermos o evangelho de Jesus Cristo. Como as escrituras dizem, è preciso que haja fé, e se preciso que houver fé, e preciso que haja esperança, e se preciso que houver esperança, è preciso que haja caridade! moroni 10:20

Thanks for all you do. I pray for you all.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-01-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 7:50 AM

Queirda Familia

Another week passed away. It interesting how fast the time goes bye. This week we have been really trying hard to find investigators. It's getting a bit difficult. We have been running after references, knocking doors, and making contacts! I pray as we continue to work we can find our elects so we reach our goal of two baptisms!! I know its possible. The Lord wants us to! This past Sunday we had an investigator in the church. Her name is Conceição. She liked church. I know she felt the spirit. I hope she continues to search for an anwser, for this is truly what she has been looking for. She told us that she has material things and she is not happy. She asked her padre why she isn´t happy, he told her that she is happy even though she doesn´t feel like it?? Ha ha I pray that she continues to pray so that she accpets getting baptized with her son on the 30th. IT would be great! We had also been teaching a family that was progressing but when we went to take them to church. They didn´t want to come and turned lazy. I was feeling like there was something wrong with the family.

Today I'm going to Vitoria. Tomorrow I have a training at President's house. All the district leaders are going. It should be really great. President is such a great man of God. I hope I can understand what I need to do better to find the elects in our area and really turn this area around. I just pray that my companion and I can find the elects this week. I know that this is the true Church of Christ. I know we have hard times. And these hard times help us reconginze our need of the Lord; for we remember the blessings we have been blessed with. As we continue to do what is right we will be blessed. We receive the help we need to change our situation and become the discple of Christ that the Lords wants us to be. But it starts with a desire and patience. The mission has been interesting. I have had some really hard times, but I had have had some amazing experiences too! Whatever the situation we need to have faith and patience. We can´t give up.

Well I hope you all have a great week.

Com amor,
Elder Fischer

2010-01-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 7:32 AM

Querida Familia,

Well another week passed bye. Transfers happened! I'm staying in Cachoeiro! I received one mission tie this past week. The only one that I have gotten. It was the talk by Uctdorf. It was really good. Thanks so much. My companion wants to know If you can send it in an e-mail. Well. This week were blessed. The bbq was way cool, their house is soo nice. I want to send photos. I tried to send photos but the computer here is not working. I bought a cd and im going to send all of my photos to you guys. But it will be next week. I will got to another lan house.

Also we were blessed because we baptized Maria Aparicida. It was a great. Her family came. And her son that is the member from Cariacica baptized her. It was great. We have been trying really hard to find new investigators. We are going to try working in two new parts of the area. I pray that this week we find two elects. It would be great. I really want to achieve our goal of 2 baptisms for this month. It's been really great this past week as I have been reading the talks from general conference. How privileged we are to have living prophets and apostles. There words give me much hope. I know that this is the true Church. I know that Christ lives and that He died for us! I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 4:08 AM

Querida família ,

Happy New Year. Are you all excited for the new year?! I'm excited because we have the privilege to Mark goals and acheive them. It's interesting because as we mark goals we can become more like our Savior and prepare ourselves for the future. I still can´t believe how fast the time went bye. 2009 was a great year for me. I was able to meet some amazing people. I was able to view how the gospel of our Savior changes lives and heals the wounded. I was able to feel the Savior´s Love and strenghthen my testimony that this is the true church of Christ. That there are people that are waiting for me. Im so grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission. It's interesting because during this past year I passed difficulties and had great experiences. It's interesting because when we think we have finaly managed a trial we face and are going well things change. Sometimes we think why did things change? And sometimes we get frustrated. But I know for a fact that these lessons are for our benefit. I know that we have trials so that we can grow. Aaron I know you have had some trials in this past year. And I know that right now you are facing some tirals still. Aaron, never give up. Sorry about on the phone I asked about IF you are having kids yet. Everything will work out. I know that Christ hás already suffered whatever we suffer and what you are suffering nd passing in this moment. Never give up. Continue to be strong. Remember the power of the temple conveants. I pray for you and Kim every Day. I know that all will work out. I know that God loves each and everyone of us. He knows our situations. We just need to do our part and as we do such we become worthy of the Lord´s blessings. Seek the kingdom of God and all with work out. Job was tested and received Double in return. As I have lived here in Brasil I have seen some humbling situtations. We are blessed. Very blessed. And the most richest blessing we have-we have the truth! We are members of the church of Christ!! Well I wish you all the Best!

We have been working with Maria Aparacida. We hope to baptize her this week. It's going to be great. I hope that me and my companion can find another person to baptize for this month. I pray and hope. We really want to make our goal of 2 baptisms this month. I don´t have much time today.

Today we are going to a BBQ that our zone won at the presidents house because our zone baptized the most in the mission! Its going to be exciting. I will take lots of pics mom! Don´t worry. I thank you all for everything that you do! I hope you all have a great week.

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

PS Photos from Christmas Zone Conferences. I'm in the back row of the picture in the small looking chapel.

2009-12-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

Elder Jonathan Fischer
Monday, July 20, 2009 7:14

Querida Familia,

This week went by fast. There isn´t to much that is new. That's crazy that Sherry's step-son got his call to Africa Portuguese speaking. That's awesome! It must be Mozambique. Thats going to be a hard mission. Its really really really poor there. It will be a good experience.

It sounds like Grandma and Grandpa got everything worked out. Thats good. I can´t believe that Dustin is going to be an EMT. I never would have thought that. How's aaron and Kim? Is Aaron liking his job still? I haven´t heard from him since mother´s day haha. Oh and as for sending something to President and Sister Pickett...um.. I think something cool from Seattle would be good. I heard that he loves Seattle. Maybe some nice Chocolate.

Oh when you send my prescription do you think you could send syrup!?: haha they don´t have it in Brazil..I'm dying for it to make pancakes. Haha

Next week we will have transfers on the 29th. We will see what happens. I'm excited. There hasn't been too much that has happened. We have continued to search for more investigators. I hoping that tonight we can encourage the two daughters of the a ward member to come to church this Sunday. Actually we are having an activity in the church this Saturday. It should be pretty good. Its called the party of the country. Haha Its hilarious. Its a holiday in Brazil. Everyone dresses up like a cowboy or hick or somthing. Haha We should have some investigators going. Im excited! Haha

Like I said this week was pretty chill. There wasn´t too much that happened. I think yesterday was the most eventful day. I got spit on at a bus stop. I was making a contact and then someone on a bus spit on me haha. And then later that day, my compainion got diarreah. Haha. We had to go home. But, the good news is that I know its just part of the work. No one ever said it would be easy. But its worth.

Well I hope you all have a great week. I sent some pictures. I have a horrible cankersore ..its huge. Haha J Thanks for all that you all do!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2009-08-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Elder Jonathan Fischer
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 6:47

Querida Familia

This week went by fast again. It was great to get your letter mom through missionties. The letter about your lesson you gave from the talk by Elder Holland. What a great way you taught! Really it was a great way to Interact the class. Sounds like you guys had a blast at eagle crest! Thats terrific! Im so excited for our adventures together in the future!

But, as for this week. It was great. We really have been siginificantly blessed by the Lord. We have been finding and reciving some really good references. Its amazing how powerful a member can be to a missionary. Really. We have started to teach a family that is incomplete. The parents have lived in the U.S. They actually have watched the pagent in Palymyra many times. And I think the father Said that He had been to the sacred groves 8 times!! Can you believe that! He's actually returning back to the church. It was through him we met the rest of his family (his wife and two daughters). Their family is awesome. We are teaching the 2 daughters (Paula 9 and Camilia 13). Its funny becuase the two girls were Born in the U.S.!! The first Americans I have met that don´t speak fluent english!!

We have also been teaching a friend of a member. Her name is Andrea. Wow she is a riot. She is hilarious and is searching for the truth. We played the Joseph Smith restoration film (20min) and she Said something like, "I know what Joseph Smith was doing. I feel like I have been searching´´. She grew up in the Jehovah witness church and left when she was about 15. She then went back and still didn´t like it. She hás already visited other churches and still hás not found the one. I pray that she feels the truth of the message that we have. It would change her life and she would be a great asset to the church! But really my companion and I have been extremely blessed recently. Wow.

But, this week I AM going to give a talk in church about missionary work. Wish me luck!

Oh and on Monday we had our interviews with president. Really President is such a great man inspired of God. I feel blessed to have stayed in this mission. Sister Pickett also is so great. They´re a riot together. But really, the Lord hás blessed me with some great leaders in my life. I truly feel blessed to have received the counsel over the years from these inspired men in the church of Savior Jesus Christ. Well, thats my week! I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

VITORIA MISSION

2009-08-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Elder Jonathan Fischer

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 7:00 AM

Querida Família,

Today is the first Day of Mission Vitória, Brasil!!!! And tommorrow I make one year on the mission!!! Wow hás the time passed. I still can´t believe how the time just goes. I'm super excited for the conference we are going to have on the 14th of July!! We are going to kick off our mission with sucess!Well back to this week. This week was crazy. We had been preparing Linara (the 12 year old smart girl) for baptism. It was a great. We were blessed also to help perform her baptism this Sunday. It was great. Her father, who is a less active, came. Actually it was kinda funny because when He showed up He asked if He could sing a song for his daughter. We Said, ya sure. Haah. It was kinda of funny. It was kinda of evangelical music and He went on and on singing and talking 30 mintues with his guitar. It would have been great IF He would have just kept it shorter and would not have yelled out so much J; but, nonetheless, it was a great baptism. It was special because the Bishop baptized her. I Love when the members baptize. It's just so much better. They get to see the person who baptised them every Sunday. That was the highlight of the week.

Then my companion got sick. We think Dengue Fever. He was sick Saturday until yesterday. It was pretty bad. I was locked in the apartment going nuts without music!! I just couldn´t read anylonger. I think I have ADD. Haha.

But there isn´t tôo much news this week. Oh and i recived all of your mission tiés! How great it was to see you guys. Mom and dad, wow losing weight like crazy! Thats terrific! Keep me updated! Oh and sounds like you guys hád a great Father´s Day! Happy fathers Day again dad!! And Niki, I loved the Picture you sent. It's hilarious all the Brazilians think you're black and they all love you. Ha ha! You would be a soap opera star here (soap operas are huge here)! Ha ha! Well I hope you guys have a great week. Sounds like everything is going good. Keep me updated. I Love hearing the smallest things!

I Just want you all to know that I love each one of you. I'm so grateful for the family that I have been given. The Love that you have for me and the guidance you give me. You are the examples to me. Really, we were chosen in the life before this one to be united here on the earth. We were called to be a family. And I AM so grateful that we are a family united in the truth with righteousness running in our veins. Let us never foret our purpose here. Let us never give up. We all have trials. We all difficulties, but throught the atoning sacrfice of our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we can overcome them. I know this is true. God cares. He loves us. He can guide us IF we let Him into our lives. Im striving everyday to let Him into my life, and pray that we can have the strength to never give up. We are here to succeed and not to fail.

Well I hope you are all doing great. Eu espero que vocês tenham uma boa semana e nunca se esqueçam do conhecimento da verdade temos em nossas vidas! Obrigado por tudo que vocês têm feito em minha vida!

Com Amor,

Élder Fischer

2009-06-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 7:54 AM

Querida Família,

New Vitoria Mission address for mailing packages:
Rua João Batista Parra, 633 Sala 1501
Enseada do Suá
Vitória-ES-29050-330 Brazil

Another week flew bye. I got your missionties.com thanks!! They were great. I cant believe that Brock is off on the mission already. And the e-mail from Talmage was really great. Wow were all so old.

Well there isn't too much that's new with me. We have been teaching this 12 year girl that hás been going to church with her mom. Her mother was baptized in '98 I think or '94... but it was a long time ago. She had been feeling like something was missing in her life; even though she was going to another church. It's interesting because she would go to church and her husband would tell her it didn't even seem like they went because they would all come home yelling and arguing. But she came to church 2 Sundays ago, and to say the least, she remembered that there is a true church. She broke down saying how good Sunday was. She knows that going to church can save her family. And the girl we have been teaching, Linara, she is so intelligent. I was shocked. She would ask questions like why did Jesus get baptized if He was perfect? Or what is virtue? Wow, she is great. It's interesting because the first time she went to church (2 weeks ago) she said that she wanted to baptized that day. Her mom said that the only time she went was when she was in a stroller. She wondered if we thought that their early experience then might have had an influence on her now? It's crazy. Really the Lord hás His hand in this work. We have been blessed a lot.

Everything hás a purpose, and the Field really is White. Jesus is the Christ and taught the truth. This truth is being taught again throughout the world. All over Brasil (shout to Bryan), to Florida (shout out to Kevin), all the way to Belgium (shout out to Tad) ha-ha!!

This is the marvelous work and Wonder that is happening that was prophesied. And we have the power and authority of God on the Earth again. We have the truth. Nothing is going to stop us. Only our wrong choices will weaken us. We must stay firm, we must fight. This is an eternal battle, and we are the defenders of truth.

Let us be an example. Let us show the world that we have something different in our lives, that we live the way the Lord taught, and that we are members of His Church.

I hope that you all have a great week. It sounds like your all doing great. I pray that it continuesJ Keep sending me updates in mission ties J I Love hearing from you guys. It looks like it takes about 7-8 days for me to get them.

Com Amor, Elder Fischer

Another Day in the Mission Field

2009-06-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 6:54 AM
Querida Familia,

Well this week has gone by again. That was interesting to hear about Dads job offer. What a blessing for you guys. There was so not too much that happened this week. But we did meet a less active at church and she brought her daughter. It was a huge blessing because her daughter said that she wanted to get baptized! Blessing. But ya there isn’t too much going on. Except for this past Saturday we had a family night at the bishop’s house. It was so good. The spirit was so strong. It was great to feel the power of the Holy Ghost. It was a message about I think Wilford Woodroof and how he came to know the church. How he was searching for the truth. And finally two missionaries showed up at his door. It was a powerful message and was actually a film we watched that was produced by the church (I think). It was excellent. Its experiences like this that truly makes the mission.

Oh, and today, the mission did the last transfer before the mission change. How sad. I guess a lot of people were crying in the Rio bus station because they didn’t want to leave Sister and Presidente Picket. And guess who got transferred to Rio? Justin. It’s sad, but like the president said everything was done under the will of God.

Really I know that God is our Father. He loves us. He wants the best. This week I was reading an article by Bruce R. Mckonkie. He was telling of how our Father is really just that, our Father. He as a Father wants to counsel with us. That really hit me. When I read that I just felt the truth in that saying. He loves us. He wants to hear from us. I was touched because I have passed some hard times in my life. I know He was there listening, and still is.

Well I hope you all have a great week. Remember to talk to our Father in Heaven. He's there, He lives.

Com Amor,Elder Fischer

GREETINGS

2009-06-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:45 AM
To: Fischer, Sheila
Subject: Re: Greetings

Querida Familia,
First of all yes, I received my contacts. Thank you. :):):):) It sounds like everything is pretty normal.

This week also, was pretty normal here in Brazil. Me and my companion have just been trying to work as much possible with the members because our mission has decided to make this the focus in doing the work. I'm actually really excited because really the members do make the difference. Actually I have a cool story about a recent convert that taught with us this week.

Her name is Jacqueline. So how did she come to know the church? Well it started when her mom had breached the United States border and decided to make a living there. Along with many of her other family members, (brother, aunt (I think step dad)) she desired to make a run for the United States too. So she began her journey as she paid 9,000 reais ($4500 dollars). She travelled through Honduras, Belize, Mexico, using boats, planes, trains, and everything that moves. She was almost in the place she needed to be as she was heading to Boston or in that area, when the people that were traveling with her on this excursion turned them all in. So what happened she got thrown in prison? There she began the other part of the journey. She was moved from prison to prison as the U.S. could not hold an illegal immigrant in one prison for more than 3 months. So she travelled to Texas, Oklahoma, and other places finally ending in Virginia. There in that prison she met the person that changed her life. An Asian lady who was of Chinese descent that was from Brazil. She spoke 4 different languages. This lady had even a sadder story of why she was there. She had married a man in the U.S., in the temple actually. But she later faced divorce. She didn’t want to divorce because they were married in the temple. But they ended up doing so anyway. Then the man wanted more child rights. So she let her child visit him. Then he wanted full custody but she wouldn’t allow it. Then her grandmother became sick in China and so she decided to visit her and take her child with her to visit the grandmother before she died. The husband agreed. Except when she went to the airport the police were waiting for her. I'm guessing the husband probably lied, saying that she was trying to kidnap their child. She was thrown into prison. I think Jacqueline said she was in prison for 5 or 7 years, don’t remember, but she is now free in the U.S. (with a green card I think she can’t live there forever) and she is trying to get her child. But..

Returning to the story; The Asian woman taught her about the church and even started helping her read in English the gospel principles book. She completed it. Then the Asian told her that she needed to pray. At first she didn’t want to pray she thought the lady was crazy. But after it all she prayed and received an answer. The Asian told her to look for the missionaries when she went home. When she came back she passed the church but was afraid to go in. Then one day 2 missionaries were trying to develop a photo but they couldn’t find a place. One elder wanted to go up to a studio because he felt like he should. The other was telling him that there would not be a place there. But when they arrived, there was Jacqueline. And she had told them that she new about them. They wrote down her address. They taught her and she was baptized! What a story. I don’t have all the details but its crazy huh?

Really God knows everyone of us. He loves us. He uses others so that we can come closer to our Heavenly Father. I know that each of us as members, have this potential and responsibility. We must learn to develop this tool of listening to the Holy Ghost and we too, can become the servants of the Lord helping others obtain salvation. (Alma 18 I think..) I hope you all have a great week!

Elder Fischer

Espirito Santo

2009-06-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 7:52 AM

Querida Familia,

Well another flew bye!! The time is just going by so fast. Now that I have a week in my area it's been great to get to know people from my ward. Actually my ward has a huge chapel. I have attached some pictures of it. And we have some great people in my ward, the bishop is way cool and his wife. But ya, this area is not very pretty but I'm glad I'm here in Espirito Santo. The people are so nice here and open which is completely different than in Rio. And there was conference yesterday. It was so great. I got to see so many people from my district from the MTC. Justin was there. It was cool. I didn't bring my camera but he did and I told him to post the photos on his blog or send them to mom. Keep an eye out for them mom. But ya, the conference was really good. We talked on the importance of teaching with members. Our mission has been taking a new approach. We are trying to utilize the members, because really the baptisms that are referred from the members stay active. It's proven.

My week was good. Today I Will have my interview with Presidente, which is always really good. Besides this there isn´t tôo much happening. My companion is pretty cool. He use to be the secreatary for the Mission; President likes this kid a lot. So I'm hoping we will work good together.

Oh about the Portuguese in your last letter mom; that was awesome getting paragraphs in Portuguese from your co-worker. There were some words that were out of my vocabulary, but I understood it. It was great. I Love Portuguese. It's funny because in Portuguese they write so much more formal than they speak.

It sounds like you guys are all doing great. Aaron sounds like He hás been blessed a lot. Thats awesome. And casey also, wow. What a great job experience it would be. Oh following up about the conference. We had it in vitoria it was great. That city is Nice. The chapel is minutes from this great beach. It's cool because it looks like a smaller Rio or at least I think. Mom, ask your coworker about it. Haha

Well I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy those pictures I sent. This lan house we use is the best I have ever seen in Brazil. Blessing! Keep me updated.

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

Hey here's my address:

Rua: Vicente Santorio, 37

Campo Grande

Itaquari, Espírito Santo

29146-470 Brazil

TRANSFER!

2009-05-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 7:32 AM

Querido Familia,

This week is crazy. I was transfered. It was an emergency transfer. Actually it was really weird becuase we got a call on Sunday night and they were like, "Elder Larsen, your companion has been transfered to Espirito Santo". It was a shock. So on Monday I packed up my bags and I headed to the bus station in Rio at 5:00 p.m. There were a bunch of other missionaries there too. It was crazy. I think there was probably 20 missionaries transfered. And I was transfered to Espirito Santo!! Some people think that the president is moving people around before the mission changes. I guess, who knows! I just hope that I stay in Espirito Santo. I want to stay with the president. I heard the mission change will take place the 1st of July. Ahh... But, we caught our bus at 10:30 pm that night and we travelled all during the night arriving at the bus station at 6:15 a.m. YIKES! It was not fun. Didn´t even sleep much. Right now I'm in a place called Cariacica. I live with just my companion named, Elder Fredline. He's from Michigan. He's the LZ of our zona. I think this transfer is going to be good. Our church I guess is beautiful. It's huge. I will take pictures. But yea, this is the highlight of the week.

Conference is going to be next Tuesday. Im hoping that I get my contacts. Also, another update, today we are going to this Chocolate Factory. Its supplies all of Brazil. Actually that really good chocolate that I sent to you guys for Christmas is from there, its the Goroto chocolate. It should be really good. Its only 8 reais to enter!! It should be cool. Its located in Vitoria I think, or Vilha Vela. I going to meet up with the Vitoria zone. Justin is the junior of the LZ too just like me. It should be good.

That's great to hear about your trip. I can´t belive I wont see Jarett for 3 years. Thats crazy.

Ya, I think i will make a cd soon. After this week or something. I never did get to take a picture of my old church (house with a bar and a pool). Dang it. Haha. But other than this I don´t know what to say. I'm in a new area and I'm excited to find new people to hear the gospel. I just know there are people waiting to hear this message. The Lord knows each an everyone of us. That's just it. We need to remeber that we have our trials so that we can become humble and arrive closer to Him. It is through His beloved Son that we can turn our doubts and sadness into stregths. I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

TIME PASSES BY

2009-05-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Elder Jonathan Fischer
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 9:27 AM

Querido Familia,

This week passed so fast. On Wednesday we went to MAC. That really cool art museum. It was fun. The art inside is really strange, but the building was really cool.

But the rest of week we have been having a hard time getting in and teaching. It's been a difficult week. The bonus though was on Saturday; we met someone who seems elect. His name is Reginaldo. After knocking almost all of the doors on this long street, and having a security guard tell us that no one would open the doors, a man standing outside of his house let us in. He said he never stands outside meditating, but this day he did. He accepted everything, and is very smart. He said something like our message was an answer to his prayers. Dont remember everything exactly, but basically it was a huge blessing. Really the Lord does care. He watches over His children.

I pray that we can change whatever we need to, to find more people. This coming week we have our conference in Andarai, Rio! It should be good.

That's great to hear about Jaret´s call. What a great experience it's going to be for him. Ya its too bad that he is not going to Brazil. Ahha. I wanted to talk with him in Portuguese but, even though I still think that maybe we can communicate. Hah.

This week nothing too exciting happened. The same old same old. I was thinking about listing 10 things different in Brazil:

1. They literally eat beans and rice every day
2. Basically they don't have peanut butter
3. Chicken hearts are popular during bbq
4. They throw toilet paper in the toilet
5. When there is a hole in the road they throw garbage, i.e. trees, chunks of wood. Haha it's the funniest thing
6. Gasoline is really expensive 2,49 per liter 3.7 +- equals 1 gallon..imagine
7. Farofa is a flour that you can mix in. It's a root that they mix with seasons its amazing you eat with beans an rice. The u.s. doesn´t have it
8. Motorcycles drive in between the lanes. Its nuts. I actually saw a man on a bike get hit 2 weeks ago. He almost landed right in front of us. They were going pretty slow, but he got injured. No blood. The best part was that the taxi driver who was involved drove off.
9. The stores don´t have a cold drinks sections.
10. Churches don´t pay taxes in brazil!!! That's why there are billions on every corner!!! ha ha

Well I hope you guys have a fun safe time at Candice´s. I hope you all have a great week. Please pray for me with the language. Love you all much! I know that this church is true. Jesus Christ is our savior and light. He died for us, resurrected for us, He is our example!!

Amo voces,
Elder Fischer

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 9:12

Querido Familia,

It was so great to talk to you all on Sunday. /I can´t believe I only have two more calls. I have almost reach the half way point of my mission. The time has been really flying by. There is isn´t to much that I can write since I talked to you all 3 days ago. The work is still going,. This area is a little hard. Me and my companion are having hard time find people. Our are is kinda of a beach area and now that the autumn has arrived things I think has slowed down a lot. But, its part of the work. Just got to keep going nêm?

Well I hope you are all doing great. Im excited to hear where Jaret is going to serve? Tell me as soon as you know! Well hope you all have a great week!

Eu amo vocês!Elder Fischer

ps: Thanks mom for everything that you have done for me. I didn't get to really thank you.. /I mean it was mothers day!! Time is just flying! But, really I just want you to know that really you are very important in my life. I know that you were pre-ordained to be my mother. You would know what to say, what to do, and how to act to situations in my life. For this you are my mother. For this I feel so grateful. Truly the Lord has blessed me with a mother that is strong in the gospel, virtuous, and heads the counsel of the Lord. I love you so much. I will never forget the help and guidance that I have received from you. You have made the difference in my life. You have guided me in the direction of truth, and yet given me the chance to know of it for my self. You are the best mother I could ever have asked for. And for this I always pray in thanks for the mother, mom, and mãe (mother in Brazilian), the Lord has blessed me with. I hope you had a great mothers day and wish the best! -Love Elder Fischer

2009-05-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1:07 PM

Querido família, Boa Tarde do Brasil!

This week flew bye again. But man this week was filled with events. First off my companion went to Rio on Monday night to renew his visa. So another person from my comapions group who is was in Cabo Frio, came to rio also to review his vista and I worked in my area with his companion. It was good. I crossed that big famous bridge that you can see on googlearth.com that crosses the bay guarabara (the huge bay in rio) 4 times between Monday and Tuesday. It was fun haha Then on Tuesday something happened with my nose. I think it was a zit or an ingrown hair sorry for the details. But it got infected and turned into a mess. I will send photos another day. But, man was it bad. I talked with the mission doctor in Sao Paulo and I have been taking antibiotic. It has almost completely healed. Blessing.

Then this Sunday it was great. One of our best investigators was baptized. Irmão Luzia. An elderly woman who use to frequent the maranata church, (I guess this church sings lots of hymns) But ya, She is great. She such an example of scripture study. She has been religiously studying the bible, the Book of Mormon, and the gospel principles manual and now the liahoha we gave her. She just loves the church. Really she was such a blessing to find. She is an example that there are people that are truly elect and waiting. The field really is ready to be harvest. We knocked on her door. She accepted everything. Quit smoking and drinking coffee about 22 years ago due to her health (her doctor said she couldn´t consume these addicting susbstance any more) She was truly prepared. What a blessing. Her baptism was great. The president of the branch baptized her. Its great because she has already made some friendships.

Well as for transfers Im still her in piratininga, Niterói, rio de Janeiro!But it will be great. Just keep sending those missionties to the same address haha

Well I hope you all have a great week!! Im excited to talk to you all this Sunday!!!

Eu amo vocês!!

Elder Fischer

Mission to be Split

2009-04-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 12:12 PM

Calm. The internet sucks pra caramba!

Ahh. im sending you my week long e-mail now! :)
Oi tudo Bem?

This week flew by again!! On Tuesday we had our conference. It was great. I love conferences. There was a lot of great things said. One of things I want to speak about, is our impact in the lives of others. Presidente Pickett gave a talk about the father of the sister in law of Sister Pickett. He served in Brasil for three years. Serving and loving the people he did his best. But as his mission came to an end, he looked to his baptisms to look at his ´´success´´´. How many baptisms had he performed, 1. How could this be? Was he a good elder? As the years passed he received a notice. It was the son of the one man that he had baptized. Turned out that his family had grown in the gospel and his son became a setenna as he is today. Elder Aidukatis. So, did the missionary literally baptize a thousand of people like Amon? No, but the impact that he had was very significant that led to many baptisms. As a matter of fact, The brother of Elder Aidukatis is my Presidente of the Branch. Interesting how small the world is.

Also I have breaking news from the conference.

The president told everyone that our mission will not exisit anymore. . I know. So what will happen? Our mission will become Mission Vitoria. It will not include any cities of rio, except one city, Campos. I already served there. And our mission will include a part of Belo Horizante, other mission that is interiror that is undergoing changes. So our mission will shrink. But what about the missionaries like me in Rio? What will happen. Well, Presidente does not know. Its probable that we will all just go to Espirito Santo. But, there is a chance that we could just stay in the other mission. Interesting huh? I want to stay will President Pickett. But I will go where the Lord wants me to go. Serving the Lord is serving the Lord. Im so grateful for the opportunity to serve. I know that Jesus Christ is our savior and Redeemer. He lives. He is the light.

This transfer is coming to an end already. It ends 5 of the May. It's the shortest transfer in the year- 5 weeks.

The work is still going great. My companion and I have been blessed. We have one investigator who is special. She is an elderly lady. Her name is Luzia. She is just eating up the gospel. She quit smoking and drinking coffee about 20 +- years ago because of her health. She is progressing well. She loves the Church. Im really excitied for her. She says that she feels light when she leaves the church. When she reads The Book Of Mormon it is so clear.

Also I received my packages. All of them. Thank you so much it was so great. I can´t begin to describe how thankful I am. Also I received a card from Karina. Tell her thanks. I wrote her a card but I know it will take forever to get there. But can you tell her thanks and that the card is coming? Also, I burned all the pics. Its about 300. I think that it should be enough photos huh? I will mail it tomorrow.!

Well I hope you all have a great week!

2009-04-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 7:48 AM

Wow Sounds like things are heating up there in the U.S. I mean mom, your going to a protest. It sounds like there is going to be a revolutionary war!

But, here in Brazil things are chill.haha On Wednesday we went to Outback Stakehouse in Niteroi to celebrate my birthday and the birthday of one elder. It was good. The food was really good. I think it was made better than in the states haha.

Also this week, me and my companion have been attacking our area trying to find those people that are ready to hear the gospel. We have been blessed to say the least. We have some great investigators right now. Maria Madalena, she is a single mom who once knew the sisters. She has decided to make a change in her life. She has been taking the steps necessary to prepare for baptism. Praying, she will be baptized this Sunday. Also, we have another investigator. She is strong in the Catholic church. She loves her church. But the strange thing is she has accepted everything we have taught her. She stopped drinking coffee. She went to two of the conference sessions Saturday and Sunday. And she felt the spirit strongly. But, she still cant give up her catholic church. We have taught her many times that this is the true church that her church does not have authority. Last night especially was special. We taught her again for the 3rd time the list lesson to clarify that this is the true church. When I bore testimony i knew she was feeling the spirit. I could see it in her eyes. And I bore testimony that she was feeling the spirit and that when we are here, HE is here with us. And that we are representative of Jesus Christ. I know she has been continually touched. But as she says she is waiting for a response from her prayers. We challenged her to sacrifice a Sunday to attend our meeting instead of her mass. Praying and time will tell. Also we have been teaching this Elderly lady. Wow, she is great. She lives really really close to the church. She used to frequent a Church called Maranata. But, she said when she visited our church she felt something. When she left, she felt peace. She Said that when she prayed about these things she felt lighter. She is a great investigator.

But, this week went by fast again. Its amazing how fast things are going. Im sorry my e-mails are not very long. Really, I don´t have a lot of time. Im going to burn a cd today and send it to you of all of my pictures.

Well I hope you are all well. This week I was readying in Helaman. In chapter 5. What a great story. As it states in verse 12 of Chapter 5. We need to build our foundation upon Christ. He is our rock. And if men do this, they will not fall. Really we must ask ourselves, are our foundations constructed upon Him and His teachings? Are our works and desires enrooted in His doctrine and principles? Also in that same chapter I read something great. When Nephi and Lehi were in Prison. They were going to be slain. But because of the Lord, they were encircled with fire. A fire that did not burn them nor the walls of the Prison but showed the authority in which God has, and the authority of God that they possessed. Really we must ask our selves, do we have the faith to be courageous? Are we examples of Righteousness in which we can become instruments in the hands of the Lord? Could we be encircled by fire? Are we building a house that is established on His teachings and is spiritually encircled by fire?!

I love you all much. I think and pray for each one of you!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 8:31 AM

Oi tudo bem?

How are you all doin? My birthday was great. I was able to watch conference and a member (who is awesome), made a really good lunch for me. She cooked carne assado and she bought a really good cake! It was a cake made with bon bons!!Haha on the mission this is a party! It was really good. And she gave me a really cool shirt with Rio stuff on it. It was great! I want to send photos but this lan house is horrible. I can't send pics.

Also this conference was great. One talk I liked in particular was by David A. Bednar. It was a great talk on temples; it was inspirational. I like how really we can have the fire of the temple covenant; every member needs to remember this. Really the temple is the holiest place on the earth. We have the opportunity to feel more peace and happiness in our lives. We need to take advantage and remember the significance ofthe temple.

As for this area, the work is coming along. Really I have been blessed. Im excited about a couple investigators. Yesterday we found a senhora(old lady) who is awesome. Im excited because the gospel will change her life. She is so humble and kind; when we were teaching I could see the desire in her eyes. This is the power of the Holy ghost, this is the power of the gospel.

Well I hope you all have a great week!

Thanks for all of your cards and e-mails.

Com amor,
Elder Fischer

2009-03-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 9:23 AM

Querido Famìlia,

This transfer flew bye. Wednesday we have transfers. I will be getting a new companion. My companion is finishing his mission. Crazy. Im a little worried because im still getting use to my area.

It sounds like everything is going well. And mom, it sounds like those classes were great for you (and dad haha). Keep that book on writing!!

This week has been a little crazy. We had a division this week. I went to Niteroi. It went good. Its cool because I got to see that famous meuseum on the beach. The bus we took drove past it haha. I want to go there. Actually today we were all suppose to play soccer (our zone and another zone) in a stadium in Rio today and then go visist that world famous stadium in Rio after. But, nobody prewarned the president, so it was cancelled. Lamme.. But o well. General conference is arriving. I'm really excitied. I hope i get to watch it in english. We will see. This time i don´t think so..

Well i hope you are all doing great. We need to remember to trust in the Lord. I read a scripture really good in Alma 38:5. It writes how we will receive help in our trials but we need to remember to trust in the Lord. Yesterday when i was doing the divison we ate lunch at this eldery couple´s house. It was interesting becuase all of their three daughters married Americans and live in the U.S. But, what was interesting was what happened to one of their daughters. She had been married to her husband for 15 years. Then one day when they were at a lake, a doctor that was visiting the same lake noticed a spot on the husbands back. A large black spot. He advised him to go seek medical help. Turned out he had cancer. After trying to fight it off and his wife was carefully assisting him in every need, he passed away. Now she is a single mom with I think 4 kids. She works very hard tyring her best wokring as a house cleaner. Struggling to get by and taking a educational course she is trying to arrise above her situation. The church has signifcantly helped her in her situtaion. From this story I think to my self- each of us have trials. We don´t know when we will pass away and for this reason we need to be prepared. -Spirtually, physcially, and financially. The prepared need not fear. The Lord will lighten our burdens. He extends his hand to the repented

Well I hope you all have a great week!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2009-03-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 7:20 AM

Querido família
Boa Tarde de Brasil

Wow! This week hás already past. Time is going by fast. Only two more weeks of this transfer! Its intersesting. I was happy when I recived the letters from missionties. Thanks!! It was great to see fotos and hear from you guys. I was so happy when I heard Ryan Hung is accepting the discussions. I have given him as a reference many times already to the missionaries and he has accepted; It will move his life and help him understand where his mother is! Thanks for the update Also, the talk that you sent from John Groberg was phenomenal. It was something I needed to hear and read. It really was inspired and had great principles we can use in our lifes. Especially what he said about faith and confidence and how he told about the miracles by Jesus Christ. What a great talk. Thank you!

This week good. The conference was great. Presidente Didier came to our conference and his wife and his mother-in law. I don´t know if you remember but they visited when I was in the ctm. What what testimonies they have especially his wife and mother-in law. She told how the missionaries came to their house and taught them and they felt something different. The missionaries helped her father realize the blessings that come from quiting smoking as her father was resting in the hospital waiting to die. He had been in a german prison and was badly treated. The doctors said he wouldn´t live long. But the missionaries came and gave them hope. He quit smoking and they gave him a blessing that he would not die but live in peace; the family was baptized and he did not die and lived 30 more years. That was the power of God. It was a great conference.

This week I read something interesting in the book of Alma. I have already read this story many times, but as I reread this story I felt something different. The power of sacrifice the power of obedience and the blessings that come when we give all including our lives to the Lord. This story is in Alma 23-24. This is when the laminates had been converted ( 7 lands actually ) to the gospel because of Aaron Himni, omini and others. They took upon the name anti-nephi-lehis. They swore to never kill again and they buried their weapons in the earth. But the laminates were coming against them to kill them. But what did they do? They realized the covenant they entered and decided to die for the Lord. They went out to meet the laminates, sat on the ground and prayed to the Lord, calling upon Him. Yet, the laminates came upon them and slaughtered them. What faith the anti-nephi-lehis had. They showed power and, these valiant souls entered into the Kingdom of God. They were obedient, they were righteous, they endured, and they offered their lives to the Lord. I think of things we sacrifice to the Lord. But do we give all we can to the Lord and submit to His counsel. Would we follow the Gospel unto Death? This story is a great example of the Faith that one needs, and how we as members need to follow the Lord with out doubt.

Also I read in Alm 26:37 about how God is ´´mindful´´ of everyone. We are His children. He knows our trials. He loves us. And knows what is Best. At times i think, how can i get through the trials in my life. Or when will one trial end. But, we need to remember that God knows all, He knows when we can´t handle our burdens. He does lend a Hand.

I don´t have much time , but I would just like to thank each one of you for all that you do. You have strengthened me in ways unimaginable. I hope you all have a great week!

Love,
Elder Fischer

2009-03-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 7:24 AM

Querido Familia

Another week as gone bye. It seems like things are really taking a dive in the economy. That's depressing.

But look at the bright side. If the economy really takes a dive you can move here and you will 2 ½ times doublé your money!! Keep it in mind. We can live in niteroi. Its totally amercanized. haha. O and i have not recived anything here. I hope it was the right address.

R: Olivia Lopes N: 22 AP 303
Arsenal
São Gonçalo, RJ24400-000

This week hás been pretty normal. I'm still trying to get to know my área. Im worried because my companion will leave after this transfer and I will be stuck in my area. Its stressful.

But on the brightside, on Friday we will have conference with Presidente Dider. He is the area president. He is very smart- he speaks I think more than 5 languages. Its going to be a great experience. Im excited.

Remember the power of prayer. We must remember to offer thanks in all thinks we have and pray in all our works. We are His children. He truly listens. Hes listening when we offer a prayer. He communicates with us through the Holy Ghost.

I just want to thank you all for everything you have all done in my life. I feel extremely blessed for the loved that I have felt from all of you. Truly family is a special thing. It gives hope to our life, and strengths us during our hard times. I love each one of you. Keep strong and I pray that the Lord may bless each and everyone of you in your trials. That he may bless you for the difference you have all made in my life.

Eu presto meu testemunho que eu sei que Jesus Cristo vive. Ele nos ama e é nosso salvador. Jesus Cristo sofreu por nossos pecados e nossos aflições. Ele realmente, conhece cada um de nos. Ele é nosso irmão mais velho, Ele é nosso redentor. Por meio dele, nos podemos ganhar salvação. Eu sei que esta Igreja, é a Igreja Dele. Apertado e estreito é o caminho dele, mas este caminho é o único caminho nos ganhamos vida eterna. Eu já tive experiências com o Espírito Santo. Eu tenho sentido o poder do Espírito Santo e eu não posso negar estas experiências com o Espírito Santo. Eu deixo este testemunho em nome de Jesus Cristo, Amém.

TRANSLATION: Quick I my testify that I know that Jesus Christ lives. It loves in them and is our rescuer. Jesus Christ suffered for our sins and our afflictions. It really, knows each one of in. It is our older brother, It is our redentor. By means of it, in them we can gain salvation. I know that this Church, is the Church Of it. Pressed and narrow it is the way of it, but this way is the only way in them gains life perpetual. I already had experiences with the Espirito Santo. I have felt the power of the Espirito Santo and I cannot deny these experiences with the Espirito Santo. I leave this I testify on behalf of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thank you all for your prayers. They have made the difference on the mission. Please continue to pray for me.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

I HAVE A TESTIMONY

2009-03-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer Sent: Wed 3/04/09 10:22 AM

Querido Familia,
Boa TARDE de BRASIL!!

This week went by super fast. Its been interesting getting to know my area. To inform you all our mission has been going through some changes and has been having some trouble. So. President asked all to answer why we are here? I thought you all may enjoy.

Querido Presidente Why am I here as a missionary?

Pondering this question, many ideas come to mind. First I would like to tell you that I am hear because I know that this Church is the Church of Jesus Chirst. As members we have the duty to preach the gospel to all mankind. Being a missionary fulfills part of this promise. Second I am here because I know that the Lord has called me to serve. He has preordained me to serve this mission, Rio De Janeiro Norte. The Lord has called me and I must remember that this calling is really a calling from God. As D&C 64:34 writes, a missionary must be willing to serve;. I know that this is the key. As you spoke in the last conference. Our attidude is what makes the difference. Because when we have a desire we will follow the spirit. And this is the key. It is the only way to truly find the elects. Those that are waiting to receive the message that will bring the truth to their ears and let them see that once again the heavens have open, will be found only through following the spirit. I am here because I want to follow the Lord. At times I wonder what I am doing here in this country, but I remind my self that this is what the Lord wants. This experience is what the Lord wants. I have the choice and agency whether to use this time wisely or not, this is the Lord´s time. President, I know that Jesus Christ lives, He is our savior and redeemer. This is His Church, and I am a missionary and representative of His Church—The Only true church on the earth. This privellege is sacred. I bear my testimony that I am here because I know this Church is true, that this is what the Lord wants, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. ..:)

Anyways, this week went by really fast. My disease is gone. It’s a blessing. Thanks for your prayers. And I now have 8 months on the mission !!! I can´t believe it. Im scared I feel like I should knwo more. Things are going pretty good. This past week we had a baptism. It was a great experience to see somebody change their life. He had once lived a different life. Very different, but decided to change- realized he could be forgiven of his sins.

Also, I would like to thank you Mom and Dad for you testimony. The spriti was very strong when I was reading them. What a blessing it was. Thank you. Truly the gospel is real;. There isn´t words to explain the feeling that comes from following the truth and the feelings from the spirit; Its interesting because as I'm in another country==there are different things- the gospel and the holy ghost that confirms these truths are the same. Truly we are blessed. At times it is easy to forget the importance of this Church. But let's remember that there exists one church; And that there is opposition in all things. The Church of Christ, and the Church of the adversary. Thank you all for all that you do. I love hearing whats going on!

Love Elder Fischer
Eu amo vocês!!

2009-02-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 11:06 AM

Querido Familia

First of the computers here shut down when i was writing my e-mail. So i lost a lot of time.

Heres the scoop. Those pictures you saw are not my area. Today im in that area you saw in the picutres for p-day. But i live 30 mintues from this place (niteroi) and i work in an area that remains 40 minutes from my house. Its a little bit annoying. But all is well. My area has lots of rich people. And its hard to teach. But has some poor areas too. Kinda weird. WE will see. The church is a house. Its a branch. Time will tell! Hope for the best!! Carnaval was normal we returned to our house at 7 oclock. Nothing to exciting happened, I saw a band and some weird people in costumes diferente.

My address is Rua: Olivia Lopes N:22 Ap 303 Arsenal- São Gonçalo, RJ24400-000

Thanks for all that you do. Really i feel blessed to have had the experiences i´ve had with all of you. Its interesting what you wrote in the last e-mail about that you wrote about the economia and stuff. But, we need to remeber that things need to get worse before the second coming. Its not a shock but evidence of what will happen. We must stand strong and remeber to keep fighting the battle. We need to put on the armor of God. I found some great scriptures this week about trials in our lives. D and C 121:7, 122:7, and 112:10. Truly the Lord will comfort us in our trials. He anwsers our prayers. He loves us and will not abandon us. We need to remember to follow the promtings of the Holy Ghost and keep the commandments. This allows revelation to enter in our lives. Remeber that we our truly childeren of a Heavenly Father. Let us follow the lord and not be like those that ignored Abindai´s preachings. We have the truth, lets hold to the rod.

I love you all very much! Don´t have a lot of time o and about my present if u can send Jesus The Christ. And The yellow gel call ´´Glued´´ you can by at safeway, ITs only 6 dollars and last for 7 months ! Please :)

Tchau! Eu amo vocês!!!! Elder Fischer

p.s. Pray for my saude (health) i have a virus called mouth hand and foot disease. IT will go away in a couple of dayd. Buts the sores in my mouth are a little painful. Don´t worry just pray Talked with an american doctor thats a member on the phone all is well:) Pray for help with the language. Thanks for your prayers!

Love you all much

2009-02-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 8:02 AM

Querida Familia,

Boa Tarde de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, BRASIL!!!

I was transfered.!!!! Im in niterói, RJ. Its about 1 hour out of RIO. I don´t know what my area is like.

It was great to see everyone in the bus station in RIO. I have just heard that there is tons of rich people and beachs. Haha. Sadly, this is not a good thing, because its hard to spread the word with this type of class. Im actually in a branch not a ward.

I´m excited to see what will happen!! My companion is brazilian and if from the northern part of Brazil. This will be his last transfer on the mission. I hoping it will be good. Im a little scared because I will have to learn the area really fast. But, im really exicted because an elder from my group (was in the ctm with me) is living in my apartment. He is way cool. He lives close to niki in South Jordan I think. Im really exicted to be here in Niteroi. I have heard lots of really great things about. And, Elder Gann, my trainer is in the other zone really close. When we will have conference I will meet up with him.

Well it sounds like Seattle is getting a little tiresome. Im sorry. But, like you said, ponder about what the Lord wants. At times its hard when we want so badly to do something. Especially when its for a good purpose. But like the talk that was given in a general conference, there is good and there is better and the best. Really, the best is the Lords way. We must search, ponder and pray to seek after his way. I have been pondering a lot about the mission. It really has gone by fast. It has had its ups and downs. It's the good times and it's the bad times. But, seeing the gospel work in the lives of His children is what makes the difference and makes the mission an experience of a life time.

Yesterday I said good bye to a couple that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have written many times about them (angelica and Rodrigo). They truly are amazing people. When I arrived their two daughters had been baptized. And as I was in Campos I had the privilege to watch them grow more in the gospel become married and had the honor to help them enter in the sacred covenant of baptism. It was a cry fest as I left their house last night. I will never forget them. Truly, when you guys come to brazil I want so badly to pass by Campos. It would be easy since we could pass through campos on our way to Bouzios or Cabo Frio. Angelica, my mother in brazil J Really wants to know you mom.

I feel so grateful for the opportunities I have had on the mission. But feel so grateful for the family that I have. Truly, your support is a driving force that gives me the strength to get through the days of rejection, language difficult and companion differences. I love each and every one of you. I know that God loves each and everyone of us. I feel blessed to have been shown the way and if I remain faithful, we can live together forever.

Mom I didn´t recive a package during transfers. But o well. Thanks for sending it at least. That sounds great about Tori´s friend´s dad. I will definitely keep that in mind. And yes her name is Samanatha. I remember looking at her fotos shes been to the taje mahal in India!! What a life style. Keep me updated on this connection J; Well I wish you the best and continue to pray for you! Love you much

p.s. i saw a cruise ship in the rio bay..i thought of our cruise :)

Elder Fischer J

2009-02-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 11:09 AMF

Boa Tarde de Campos, Brasil! Como vocês estão?! Another week hás flown bye!! Nothing too excited last week, but this week hás been crazy.

Monday I had a division with another ward ´´Quissamã´´ The division was for two days! I remained in my área and my companion was a new braizilian missionary! It was a great time to work with him. This week we have a meta to speak with or do 700 conversas or more!!! Its going to be crazy. To help accomplish this we have been doing ´´BEHAGS´´ (Big Hairy Adacious Goals) like standing up on the bus and speaking with everyone. Its been crazy. Its amazing how much more people are open to religion than the united states. I truly feel blessed to be here where people accept religion.

Then today we had a zone activity. It was great. We went to one of the bishops house and had a Churrasco ´´bbq´´ and played futebol (soccer). It was great. He hás a big house with a court. It was a great time.

It sounds like you guys had a great time. I hoped you did J I want to see pictures. Im anxious to see what will happen this transfer. If i will stay or go to another área. It would be great to visit another área, but what the Lord wants will happen. Also we had a family night at the house of one of our recent converts. Angélica; I hope you all remeber he she was married and baptized on the same day. Anyways its been great to see her grasp the gospel and help us teach two o four other recent converts and investigators. For example she gave the message for family night on the baiscs of the church. She did this to help our investigators understand the church´s culture. Really its hard to explain the growth i have seen in her. Shes my mom in brazil and her husband in my pai J Its going to be hard to see them go. They call me their child haha.

I recieved a letter from Bryan this week. It sure is interesting to see what the mission does for a young man. He truly hás grown so much and hás had some very spritual expereiences;. What a blessing. I feel so blessed to be on the mission and help find those that are waiting to hear the gospel. Truly there are ´´elects´´ waiting to hear the gospel. There is a missionary that arrived this transfer that hás been a memeber for only 1 year and a half i think. He really is na example of missionary work. He told how when he left for the mission two people were baptized in his family. Hes in his first transfer still!! What a great blessing for him.
I know that this work is real and as we come closer to the Lord we are able to have spirtual experiences-anyone! I encourage you all this week to set a goal to come closer to the Lord. As you study your scriptures everyday, pray, fast, and go to the temple you will begin to see the hand of the Lord in your lives. I hope you are all doing great! Im so grateful for everyone one of you!! Let me know whats new?!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES

2009-02-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:39 AM

Querida Familia! Boa TARDE!!!

Man it sounds like everyone is going to Florida...without me.. :( sad. But, o well. Send pictures at least!

This week has been crazy! I can´t even beleive it. I recieved all of the mission ties!! Wow! The house looks amazing. It looks like a whole other house. geeeezzee.. The floors look amazing. Great job!

But, about the work. Things are going great. I had conference yesterday in Macaé. Its always great to take a break from the normal routine. I had a great talk with my mission president. He really is inspired and was called of God.

I also received the letter you sent from Bryan. What a great experience he had. Experiences like this truly make the mission. But i think its interesting what i learned yesterday in conference. Bascially it was said that we are able to receive miraculous signs and wonders to help us realize that truly God lives and the work of Him exists. But, the only thing that will truly convert you is a testimony. There was the example with Korior. He wanted a sign, and was punished with being mute. He then wrote in the ground that he believed and wanted to be turned back. But, Alma replied that if he were to do that, he was continue to preach against the church. Can you beleive that? It really stresses the importance of a testimony. 3 three things we need to have a testimony are 1 that Jesus Chirst lives, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that through him The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true Chruch on the face of the planet. But how do we gain a testimony?

We need to seek after the truth through prayer and fasting with faith, that through this process we will receive an awnser through the Holy Ghost. This testimony or evidence makes our testimony. Yes, we can a testimony about other things like the Book of Mormon or becuase of experiences, but these three things need to be the basis of our Testimony. That when we know that these things are true, we will be strong and have a firm foundation. I too, know that Jesus Christ lives, He loves each and everyone of us. He saved mankind through His atonement and offers eternal life to each one of us if we are obedient and become clean of our sins. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He literally saw God the Father, and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. That through the direction of Heavenly Father and His Son, Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ. That today, we have the same power and authority on the earth that parted the Red Sea, the same authority of God that allowed Peter to walk on Water, and the preistood to heal the sick and the afflicted. The Chruch of Jesus Chirst is on the earth, and all of its princples, docterines, ordinances - the Authority is here; We have the truth. The power to be sealed together for all eternity is on the earth in the house of Lord, called Temples. I know these things are true becuase the Holy Ghost has tesified to me. I have not recieved an Angelic vist, but have received the still small voice of the Holy Ghost.And through out my life I have had promptings and whisperings of the spirit that have strengthend my testimony. Especially on the mission. I know that this is real, we have been privleged, and that with this privilegde we are held responsible.The Holy Ghost is real, I have felt its power and can testify with all my heart that God loves each and everyone of us, and wants us to recieve this gift of the Holy Ghost. I bear my testimony in the name of our Redeemer, Salvador and King of Zion, Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all very much.. Have fun in the sun!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

Mom, Thanks for the letters!! I would not send any more mission ties to this address. But to the rio office. Thanks for all that you do! You deserve a break so enjoy it!! Im a little sad, but get some sun for me!! :) Love you much!!

What's Up Dog?

2009-01-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11:24 AM

Querida Família! BOA TARDE!!!!

It sounds like the U.S. this winter hás been hit with a cold spell! Im glad to say its the opposite here! Haha its cookin´ here in Brazil! At times the heat gets to me (we don´t have AC,--but no one does except in the church and the bank! Haha) But, really the sun is great!! Sounds like the inaugration was a huge event! Its great that we made history! Lets hope the future will be prosperous for all!

This week was crazy.

We have been preparing some great investigators for batism. Im so happy for these two.. Its a mom named Alexandra, and her daughter Sará. They are very special. Really meeting them and sharing the gospel with them hás been a great blessing and wonderful oppertnuity. They have made friends with the couple that got married and baptized during the begining of this month. Wow. The gospel is real!

O i also recived a bunch of missionties from you all! Thanks !! Its funny because they come in bunches. I got one before you guys (mom and dad) went to colorado and when you were there. The mail system is delayed. The pictures. Well, i think they are wayyy backlogged or something because i recived two pictures.. One of the deck and the kitchen. Looks great! J Im sad to say good bye to that house! I have such great memories. Im so glad to have you all. Really, i feel blessed to have the family I do. Getting letters from you all truly makes my day. I feel so blessed that we can truly live together forever!

This coming week (Tuesday, the 3rd )we have conference in Macaé. Transfers are the 18th of February. Im excited to see what will happen. O i found out that my last companion is with Elder Maier in Fonseca-niteroi! (a city outside of Rio) Que legal!! (how cool!)..

O and Still im learning the language to awnser your question. It really is a difficult thing. But, i know that through the Lord anything is possible. I have already felt His blessings and the help He hás blessed me with. But please, pray for me!

Well i hope you all have a great week! Remeber that when times look gloomy things will turn out right in the end. Have hope, have faith. Remeber the talk given by Utcdorf in conference. `´Esperança!! Continue to do what is right, for the righetous shall not fear. We are all truly blessed to have the truth and the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That we know that The Chruch of Jesus Christ was restored. That we know we have a prophet on the earth today just like Adam, Moses, or Noah. We have the truth. We need to be the beacon of light for others. We need to be steadfeast, faithful, and virtous. We need to be na example becuase as members, we represent His Church. Mom, i liked the quote you sent about our days that The Church hás never been so organized and strong on the earth before, but also the adversary and his army too, have never been so strong. WE are the Army. We need to wear are ARMOR!! I wish you all the best! . Have a great week!

Vai com PAZ e ESPERANÇA!!
Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2009-01-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Wed 1/21/09 6:42 AM

Querido Familia, Como Vocês Estão?!

Sounds like everyone is working and keeping busy. Thats crazy news about the house market. I never would have guessed that you will rent the house for 1 year. Does that mean that your going to live alone for 1 year? I haven´t received the missiontie. I think there having problems. I haven´t recived pictures from them in ages! You might want to send them a note. But, i did recive the recipie missiontie. haha. I can´t really cook any of those things here in brazil. They don´t have yellow cake mix, lots of peanut butter, or powdered sugar..or i heard they do but you have to buy it at a specialty store or something. Crazyness.!

But, anyways my week passed bye once again fast. It has really warmed up here. Reallly warmed up. I don´t know how hot it is, but in our house in the shade its about 80 degrees with humidity. Outside..thats another story. But, i actually prefer the beating sun rather than the pouring rain and flooded streets hahaha.. i remeber one day we were wading through the streets and the water was about 6 inches above my ankels HAHAHAH.. good times. Truly the mission brings some of the most interesting expereinces. I would not trade it for anything. Well, on to more. We have been teaching some great investigators. Im just praying they will continue to go to Church and continue to progress with the committments ( read, pray).. Its amazing to an investigator truly see that The same church of Jesus Christ ancienlty is upon the earth today. That really, the authority and the Power of God is upon the earth. That in these days we have a prophet, like Moses, Noe, and Abraham. This past Sunday i had the oppertnuity to watch the fireside by Thomas S. Monson. What an inspiring person and prophet of God. I couldn´t understand everything he said in Portguese, but knew what he was saying was the true. The spirit was there. I especially enjoyed the story about the Missionary in Germany. Trully everything happens for a reason.

Talking about Germany, its funny because here in brazil, tons of people think im German. ahaha It makes me laugh.

O And on Monday we had a Zone Conference. We were informed that instead of doing contacts on the street and each missionary having a goal. We will now do ´´conversations´´ together as a companionship and have one goal. Its different. But, whats amazing is that really our mission president recevies revelation. And that really all of the changes he has made on the mission are for a reason. This truly is the work of the Lord.

Well another week is starting. I hope you all will have a great week and remember that no matter how busy we are we need to make time to read the scriptures. Even if its just a couple versus. WE need to get a ´´reboot´´ of spritual fuel and put on the armor of God. I Love you all very much! Keep me updated!! Send pictures!!! well maybe not thorugh missionties becuase i havent recived any if forever from them ahha:)

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

Eu sei que Jesus Cristo vive. Realmente, Ele é nosso Salvador, Redentor, e Irmão mais velho. Ele ama cada um de nos e eu sei que através dele nós podemos ser limpos de nossos pecados e sobrepujar qualquer problema nós temos em nossas vidas. Eu sei que revelação pessoal é real. Todo Mundo pode receber. Mas, Nós precisamos buscar e orar e realmente nós vamos achar. Como Jose Smith, Quando nós temos perguntas em nossas vidas, nós precisamos perguntar Deus! Até Mais e Com Amor!!! Bom Trabalho esta semana!!!!""!

2009-01-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 6:09 AM

Querido Família,

This week hás gone bye fast. This week i got to know my new companion. Hes from the South of Brazil (seems like a large amount of missionaries in my mission live there). Hes a hard worker. Im glad, becuase we will be able to do some good!

Here it hás started to warm up. I can´t believe how hot it gets here. But, im enjoying the sun and slowly turning into an indian. Haha (don´t worry mom im using suncreen)

This past week we have been teaching this amazing lady. The first time we taught her it was great. And the second and third time really showed how great she is and hás been waiting for the gospel. Im so exicted for her. Shes a single mom with 2 kids. One lives with her. She such a great lady. I hope all will go well this Sunday. Rodrigo and Angélica the recent converts are going to help her come to church. I hope all góes well. I want the best for this lady. Its amazing how much i have come to love the brazilian people. That when one of our brothers or sisters is interested and is sincerly seeking for the truth, i feel such a strong desire that they will continue to search and follow the gospel. What a great blessing it is, to witness Heavenly Father´s childeren accpeting the gospel of His beloved Son.

There wasn´t that much new this week. It was pretty basic. Just helping my new companion get use to the área. Next transfer, I will most likely be transfered. Its interesting becuase Presidente Pickett said that missionaries will be staying in áreas now for about 6 months. Crazy! Ahh..i wonder where my next área will be.

Well, it sounds like your getting everything planed out for moving. What a great new adventure. Though, i will miss our house L That just means your going to have to find another great one J Keep me updated with photos!! I recived a Christmas letter from the Briggs family. What great suprise it was. They are really my other family. It was great to hear from them!

O and mom to anwser your question what Pai means. Pai means father. Your trainer is known as your father on the mission. Haha. Well, i hope you all have a great week. It sounds like everyone is keeping busy. Keep me updated! Love you all much and hope your all staying on course to achieve those new goals you all set for this new year J !! Keep reading the scriptures. Really, reading the scriptures will start your day off right and you will come to feel the peace and happiness of the Holy Ghost.

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

Querido Família

2009-01-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:17 AMT

Querido Família, Esta semana foi ótima!

There was so much that happened!

To start off, New years was really lame though. We had to return to our house one hour early. And we did nothing. I went to bed before midnight. haha. It was to say the least. Boring. And the days around it were really slow. Almost everyone went to the beach. The roads were deserted!

But, then the week became great. Two of our investigators, Rodrigo and Angelica were married and baptized. This made the whole family members! It was such a great experience; The spirit was strong. Im so grateful for experiences like this. It was a blessing to see the gospel actually becoming a family´s desire.On sunday they bore their testimonies. ITs expereinces like this that truly make the mission. Experiences like this make me love the brazilian people even more. Truly we are all Heavenly Father´s Childeren. We all need the truth and we all must try to spread the truth. Mom, it sounds like you had a great experience with this. Its things like this that will unluck the shut harts of the unbelieving. I hope all goes well with that man and his family.

Then we had transfers today! My companion got transfered. It was kinda sad to see him go. He is my ´´Pai.´´ But, he lives close to Aaron at CSU. My new companion is a BRAZILIAN!! Im really excited. He trained Elder Kilpatrick. I think though next transfer i will be transfered. There was a lot of missionaries transfered too! It will be good to meet other new people in our zone.

Well this week was a great one. I hope you are all doing well and have set some goals for this year. I know that as we set goals to grow in the gospel and put forth the effort to complete them, we can truly achive them throught the Lord. Our Heavenly Father loves us, and thats what this life is all about. A time to grow and gain more knowledge; What a better way than to set goals. I know this year will be full of all kinds of events. Mom and dad will move, Casch will have his first birthday! Its going to be great. Thank you all for all that you have done for me, I love you all very much! Continue to pray for me please!! :)

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

p.s. Niki,I got ur present! Thanks so much. Its a great frame and photo. Gifts like this are priceless! Thanks!! Love you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 5:01 AM

Querida Familia, Bom Dia de Brasil!

Tudo bem? Eu espero que sim!

This week was crazy. There was so much that happened. I still can't believe that its already new years. First off, it was great talking to all of you. It went by so fast. L But, I loved every minute. Thanks for all being there. It was great. How was Christmas for you all? It sounded like plans took a bit of a change. Haha.After Christmas, the week flew bye. Its funny because our chapel does not have electricity something happened with the power. And we had a baptism. But, luckily it was early enough to avoid any problems. It was a great experience because I got to confirm Julia (the girl that was baptized), the first time. To say the least it was an experience I will not forget. That the power of the priesthood is real. That we have the truth, and that as members we truly are fighting a daily battle against evil. Here on the mission I have had some great experiences that testify that truly as there is truth and good, there is the adversary.Have any plans for new years? We have to return home an hour early because of the parties. Haha. Tomorrow will be our p-day. I'm really excited though for this week because we have been blessed to help two of our investigators become married and baptized this weekend. It's a great privilege because they are a special family. Their daughters are already baptized. This couple truly is a blessing. And I know Angelica, the mother, will be a great member. I spoke of her testimony she bore a couple weeks ago. What a great example for our investigators.Well as you know, transfers are next week (7 de Janeiro). I´m almost 100% sure that I will stay. My companion has 1 more transfer than me here. And we both have lots of time in Campos. But, what ever is to be will be. Also, I received the letters from our ward Christmas Party. I feel so grateful. Getting mail is something that is well, amazing. It makes my day. It makes me feel that someone took a little time out of their day to remember me. Thank you to everyone that wrote me! You will never know the impact you have from sending a letter to a missionary. Let the Lord bless you all for helping one missionary feel more loved and remember the ward that he comes from. Thank you, thank you!Well family, I hope you all have a great week. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect on this past year and make a new years resolution. Set a goal to make a difference. To become closer to our Savior, to grow your understanding of the Gospel, to go to the temple more frequently and feel the peace that will come. I pray and hope all will work out for all of you. This year will be full of events and I wish you all the best!

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2008

6:58 am

Querido Família,

Primeiramente FELIZ NATAL!!!

Merry Christmas to all. I received your e-mail mom. Im sorry that your plans did not work out for Christmas. This year is a bit strange, you and dad at home, Im in brazil, and well..Where are Nicole and Aaron? Well where ever we are, I know we can feel the spirit of Christmas. The true Spirit-The Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to be on a mission. My understanding of the gospel and truth that it brings to my ears is indescribable. I feel so blessed for the sacrifice our Savior and the opportunity to celebrate His birth. ´That He came into the world to complete the will of His Father, our Father.This past conference (Friday 19/12/2008) was great. One of the highlights of the conferences was Sister Picketts talk. She talked about the Savior´s birth and how we can become closer and learn more about him by reading the Book of Mormon everyday, for 30 minutes. So that's our new goal. I know that this goal was inspired to. I have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, and the safety from satan it can bring to us everyday. It truly is our Armor of God. I encourage you all to try to set this goal for yourselves as well. Reset that goal at the start of this new year to Read the Book of Mormon, ´´cover to cover´´ as President Gordon B. Hinckley once set. I know that blessings will come from doing this. The spirit will be more present and our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be come ´´opened´´. Also in the conference we were able to watch ´´The Chronciles of Narnia´´. This film is great, and has wonderful symbolism. I encourage you all to watch it!! J The sacrifice of Alsan, truly represents our Savior, and that He truly gave His life, for us. Well im excited for tonight and tomorrow. We are having a Tchurrasco (BBQ) at the missionary ward liders house. It should be really good. And tomorrow we are going to have a BBQ with one of our investigators. The Rangel Family. This family is amazing. The parents will be married and baptized on the 3 of January. It really is a blessing to see a family grasp onto the gospel and realize that there is life after death. That there is no end to the ´´Light of Christ´´. I feel especially grateful for the plan of our Heavenly Father. That we can really live together after this life. Me and my companion watched ´´Charly´´. Hate to admit it but...That movie sure will get you to cry.. haha This is a great movie about Eternal Marriage. I am excited for that day, when I can take a daughter of God to His House The temple, and be sealed for all time and eternity. What a blessing. I enjoyed reading about Del Parson´s life ( a painter for the Church) (thanks mom for the bio!!) and how he too has realized the blessing of an eternal marriage as his first wife was killed tragically in a car accident. His life story is great. READ it! Well, I hope this letter finds you all doing great and enjoying this special time of year. I especially want to thank you all for all that you have done for me. I feel so blessed to have the family that I do. WE are different and enjoy different things, but we are united. That's what I love. And we have eternity to live together! Can´t wait to talk tomorrow! I will call first and then leave the number for you to call! So buy a phone card!!

Love you all! -Elder Fischer

p.s I attached a picture of our Christmas tree. It was given to me as a present from a member in Campos. Haha And i got my package! Thanks so much..im exicted to open it tommorrow!

Tis the Season To Be Jolly

2008-12-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer [mailto:jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 7:26 AM

Querida Família,
BOA TARDE!

It sounds like you are all doing well, and a little bit cold. J Here, its still raining...raining.....it seems like summer here is a normal day in Seattle. I hope I will get to see some more sunshine in this next week. But, other than the weather some great things happened this week.

Saturday, me, my companion, and the other two elders sand in the other wards Christmas party. It was good. We sang The First Noel. The party in our ward is this Friday. Im excited! They always have tons of food.

And on Sunday, I gave my first talk in church in BRAZIL!!! The Lord truly blessed me. I talked on Humility. It was a great experience. Also on Sunday, I was able to watch the First Presidency Rebroadcast in our Chapel in ENGLISH!! What a blessing. Every time I hear the first presidency talk or any of the apostles or general authorities I just feel so great. A feeling of peace and love. It also feels a little like im home during conference J What great messages were given. Wow. Especially the talk by Henry B. Erying about Bishop Sellers. What a great example of being Christ-like. I truly feel so blessed to live in this dispensation and have the restored gospel upon the Earth. To have the priesthood on the earth, and to have the opportunity where ever you are in the world to enter in a chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and be taught the same lessons and material as everyone else on that Sunday. It just brings the reality that The Church of Jesus Christ, is that-The Church of Christ. I feel so blessed that we have a living prophet. My companion this past week told a story about one of the paintings of our Savior. This photo was painted by Del Parson and is a portrait shot of the Savior with His red robe. The story behind this is that Del Parson, was my companions mother's old art teacher in college. And he told her that when he painted this picture of the Savior, he presented it to the twelve and the prophet. As he did, the prophet at the time (he doesn´t know which..) said that this picture looks more like the Savior than any other picture we have, but He has green eyes. Isn´t that amazing. The painting has green eyes ..im guessing Del changed it. But, this story helps us remember that really, prophets talk with the Savior face to face as it is stated in Exodus 33:11 ´´ E falava ao Senhor a Moises face a face como qualquer fala com amigo..´´ (I hope this is right..i had help). That the Savior is leading and guiding this church. What a blessing we have to live in this dispensation. What great knowledge we have. What an opportunity we have to share with others what we know.

Well, this week to come should be pretty eventful. This Friday we have conference in Macaé. O and I will be calling around 6 or7 p.m. here in brasil at a member's house. So, im guessing I should call your cell? O I got your Christmas Card today. The message you wrote in the middle was great. I really enjoyed it.

I wish you all a great week! Remember our purpose in this live, and the importance of faith, hope, charity, and love.

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer

2008-12-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer [mailto:jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:21 AM

Too Early Querido Família, Boa Tarde de Brasil!! Está semana foi rápida de novo!!!

Eu estou muito feliz por que nos temos um batismo esta semana.

This week went by fast. There was not two many highlights this week. It was kinda sad though because one of our investigators cancelled his baptism because he had to go to Cabo Frio to visit his grandpa who was sick. But, im hoping he will still be baptized this month. J But that Sunday, we had a great fast and testimony meeting. One of our investigator bore her testimony. It was so great. The spirit was so strong. Its awesome because her and her husband will be married 3 of January and baptized later on the same day!! She really is a great person. Her aunt was baptized in may with her husband. They are going to be great leaders in the church. It is really great to see someone grasp the gospel and realize the truth-and really follow its teachings. Its like watching a child grow.. haha.. I can´t even imagine how our Heavenly Father feels. J

Also, the weather took a different turn. It stopped raining and warmeedddd up!!! It has been really sunny lately. O and this past Wednesday we played soccer. It was really fun. The stake center has a court. We played with one of our investigators and his cousin, and some kids from the wards. It was fun. Its amazing to see how good some people here can dribble the soccer ball.

Well, im excited for this week because we the Lord has blessed my companion and I with a baptism. Arnold, and his son will be baptized this Friday. He has been investigating the church for 3 years. It's a blessing to help him. Hes a great guy. His oldest son Lucas, 11, was already baptized. His kids are really cool. The Lord truly has blessed me and my companion. Well, that's my week. I hope you are all doing well. I received pictures!! Its great to see everyone. Especially the photo from last Thanksgiving...Brings back the memories. O mom, I received my lenses. Thank you so much. !!! Até semana que vem!

Com amor,
Elder Fiscer

RULES

2008-12-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer (jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net)
Sent: Wed 12/03/08 6:04 AM

Oh, about the movies.. My mission president said that the white handbook are our rules and for everything else follow the spirit...so its kinda weird.. like it doesn´t say anything about which movies in the white hand book from what i know. But i would be scared watching mild hollywood videos haha.. but every mission is different. I truly feel that i was called here for a reason. Becuase the mission president changed the rules when i got her to when a person is going to be batpized they have to wait 3 days if they had a problem with smoking or drinking..now its a week.. i would not feel comfortable batptizing someone with just 3 days.. The idea was that its their faith that will sustain them..but i defintly like the new rule with our new preseidnet.. to wait a week..ah.. what a blessing im here with pres. pickett.! Hes amazing. i love him and his wife soo much. Sister pickett is hilarious. i love talking with her. No wonder beth and her husband got along with them. ahah Have a great week!

Love your son for ever,
Elder fischer

2008-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer (jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net)
Sent: Wed 12/03/08 5:50 AM

Caro Família, Boa Tarde de Brasil!!!

Esta semana foi rápida de novo. Todos as semana passam muito rápida. Isso é uma benção!Então, Minha semana inclui:

On Saturday my companion nad i had a batism. I truly feel blessed. To give some background information. She is 9 years old, and her parents have been afastado (inactive). Her mom is still inactive, but her dad has been going to church ever since I arrived here in Campos. So, he wanted to have his daughter be baptized. It was a great experience, because the spirit was so strong at the baptism. Which was great because the mother was there. She seemed happy. It was funny though because I had been teaching the English class at the church for a few weeks and had been teaching her. And so she wanted me to baptize her. It was a great honor. The lord has truly blessed me. But, it was funny because the first time I said the baptism I stopped in the middle and totally forgot what to say..haha but then I just started from the beginning and it was fine. Haha  It was a great experience.

Then the next event. That Sunday, we had a combined meeting in the first hour (our sacrament meeting is at the end) and the bishop spoke. He is an amazing man. He is a great family. But hes only 26! But, he is very very spiritual. He spoke on something I thought was really interesting. He spoke on the Second coming. And stated that we need to prepare for the second coming because, really, its soon. He said we need to be ready to do the law of consecration. I find this very interesting because recently there has been a lot said about how we really need to preprare. General conference! I truly think that we are approaching the end of this dispensation. We are approaching the day when our savior and redeemder will come and rein with glory and power. Just look at the natural disasters that are hitting our earth. Here in the south of brazil. Tons of people recently died to flooding. We have a newspaper in our house and it looks like Katrina hit the place. Ironic cause its called..Santa Cantarina…. Really though.. we need to prepare.

Well I hope all of you had a great thanksgiving and week. I think about and pray for all of you everyday. I feel so blessed to have all in my life. Keep sending the letters! And I can´t wait to hear from you all at Christmas!!

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer
p.s. please pray that I will continue to receive help with the language. Thanks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer [mailto:jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net]

Sent: Thu 11/27/2008 6:06 AM

Oi Familia, Feliz Dia de Ação de Graças!!!

Another week hás flown bye!! Well heres the highlights. First off, I am to remain in Campos, RJ! Im so excited becuase me and my companion have been working with some great people and i want to continue to help them. What a blessing it is. My companion is to remain with me as well. But, an elder in our casa was transfered. WE got a new Elder-Hes brazilian! He seems way cool. Hes from São Paulo, and was a body builder. Well onto the next highlight.

A walmart opened up!! I never thought i would be so happy. Haha.. It is so nice. We went there yesterday (26/11/2008). It is almost a slice of América. Haha.

The next highlight of the week is the raaaaain. It hás been pouring like crazy!! I will attach a foto o four street. In fact, right now our street is flooded. Its the most it hás ever been. And i guess in the south of Brazil, Santa Cantarina. They had huge flooding problems. Many have been killed. It really is a manifestation that we are living in the last days. The next event- There was a chemical spill in our water system in Campos. Haha.. So for 10 days we are out of water. Taking a shower this morning sure was interesting haha.. I feel so grateful for so many things. The mission really hás helped me to realize the many blessings that i have been given in my life.

Especially all you. I feel so grateful to have you all as my family. And i feel even more happy that we have the oppertunty to live together for ever. What a blessing. We have eternity to be together. It reminds me of the Scripture i found this morning as i was pondering this. Moisah 2:41. (look it up) Those that keep the commandments truly are blessed. And if we endure we can recive the best gift of all-Eternal life. What a blessing. Another thing i was thinking of since today is thanksgiving.. ? haha.. (i miss you all) ..Is feasting..but no on food but on the scriptures. It reminds me of the talk that Presidente Richardson gave about feasting on the scriptures. We need to remember to ´´feast upon the scriptures´´ and truly we will be edified and filled with the spirit of God. (Look at 2 nefi 32:3!) Especially today. We are in a battle, and we need to put on our armor .. The Armor of God.

Well i hope all is going well and i wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. What a great time to remember all of the blessings the Lord hás given us. Beucase we truly are nothing without our dear Heavenly Father.

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

Come What May and Love It‏

2008-12-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer (jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net)
Sent: Wed 11/19/08 8:17 AM

Oi Família Esta semana foi rápida de novo.

This week went by so fast. I can’t believe that there is a transfer next week. I have a feeling that i will stay. I only have 2 transfers here, and my companion and twice that. Im almost positive that i will stay. But, who knows? O so dont send any missionties untill you recieve me e-mail next week, in case i do get transferred. O and i heard about BECCA getting married. That is crazy. But, good for her. Have you heard about Talmage’s call yet? Please e-mail me as soon as you do.

Sounds like the same old at the house. That’s exciting though that your getting your dream come true. Your really going to move!!  I look forward to pictures of the house.

Things here have been going fast. We have a baptism that is scheduled next week. Its another girl that is over the age of 8 and hás not been baptized that’s in our ward. It should be really great. The primary is suppose to sing. I´m hoping one o four investigators will get baptized next week or this week tôo. So on Monday i got this strong impression that i should tell you this. One time when we having a division i was with last transfer he told me Hes really cool. His girlfriend is a member. Basically she that she would marry him unless he’s a member. Pretty cool. Hes just been hard to get a hold of with his work schedule. He góes out on oil rigs.

Oh, one really cool thing happened this week. I got to do a division with the other dupla in our house and got to teach one of their investigators that is gettign baptized this week. Her story is neat. She said that she hás been searching all the churchs and hás never liked any of them. She said that she liked logic and bascially they didn´t make sense. She had even studdied the Koran.! She is very intelligent She was never baptized in any of them. And shes like thats the thing, your church makes sense. It hás logic. What a cool person.

Well thats pretty much it for this week. Nothing to exciting. Praying for my investigatos and continuing to search for others. I feel blessed to take part in this work and help God´s childeren become acuqatined with the true- that The Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth today. What a blessing. I just want to thank you all for all that you have all done in my family. ( Dia de ação das graças)Thanksgiving is next week and i thought that i would just throw that out there. Seriously, families are such a blessing in our lives, and i feel so lucky to have the family i do. Thanks for all of your support (prayers, letters, ect). It really means a lot.

Have a great week!

Com amor,
Elder Fischer

FIRST BAPTISM!

2008-12-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer jonathan.j.fischer

Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:45 AM

Oi Família, Boa TARDE!!

Eu so muito gratos por vocês!!

Realmente, vocês são meu luz.

Well this week was crazy. HERES the breakdown Saturday we had a baptism!! It was great. But the thing is...the parents are memebers and the daughter had not been baptised yet and she was almost 10. So, it became ours.. haha. I feel like i did nothing to help her be baptized. Haha.. Kinda strange for my first baptism. But, nontheless, it was great to see another one of God´s childeren enter into the sacred covenant of Baptism.

The mission hás been such a growing expereince. The next event that happened this week was...my visit to the Hospital.. haha..But, don´t worry it was not bad.Monday night, i was feeling to good. I came home that night and felt more hot than normal.. haha I took my tempture and realized that i had a fever. It suddenly was rising so one of the members of the ward took us to the hospital. My fever hit 102.5 F! haha. But everyting turned out fine. They gave me a shot. The next day i rested. And then i have been pretty good. My ear is being treated with a higher dose of amoxicillian. 875mg every 12 hours. It will be fine. Seriously, i thank you all for your prayers. I know that i have been blessed significantly. Thank you J

The next event was yesterday! We went to Macaé for conferencia. It was great. Its always great to meet up with everyone and talk with President. He is na amazing man. And sister Pickett also. They are so great. It was a great week. But im really excited for this coming week, becuase we have a lot of investigators to work with. The Lord hás truly blessed us with these new investigators. I pray that this rush of new work will continue. Thanks for all of your prayers,

Love you all much

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

Sejam Bem Vindos ao Rio!‏

2008-12-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer (jonathan.j.fischer@myldsmail.net)
Sent: Wed 11/05/08 9:52 AM

Oi Família Boa Tarde!! Esta semana foi muito rápido!!

That was great to volleyemails back and forth mom! Wow the power of internet. This week went by so fast and so many things happened!! And OBAMA WON?!Wow...but onto other things.. thats awesome to hear about Gás prices dropping. And about the guns?? I think i might have you buy me a gun tôo. What kind did you guys buy??Whats interesting is that it seems like the U.S. is going to turn into Brazil.. Its against the law to have guns here haha. Well onto this week:

Well on Thursay we went to the Posto De saúde (free health care station) and i witnessed a grime future of Health Care if the U.S. decided to adopt this plan. WE went there and it was crazy packed. And after trying to figure out what to do.. They told us we could only come by on Mondays and Wednesdays and we would have to arrive at 6:00a.m. and wait until 8 and then they would call us during the day to come back. What a mess. Luckily we finally got a hold of assitants for a list of doutors that take our health plano n the mission. Man i was so glad to get that list. After going to the second place (the first place was already closed for the day 3:30 ..Brazil is like that haha) i received medical care. ..The place was clean and the doctor was really nice. But my ear still hurts and it hás almost been a week.. Pray please

Then on Monday we got a call from the assistants...and we were told me needed to go to RIO !!! YAAY.. my companion needed to get his visa renewed (they do this every year). It was a blast!! I love RIO. IT its one of the most beautiful cities. Wow..You saw the pictures that i sent you from the Presidents apartment. And if you stay in the right áreas..its amazing.. The assistants and those that work in the office, have the rich áreas....minha nossa..haha Actually the office also hás a view of the Statue of the Redeemer and Pão de Açúcar (sugar loaf). O´, and also about the office. One of the finanicial assisants or secrataries was a professional soccer player!!How awesome is that. He put his famous career on hold to serve a mission. He is way cool. O and the best part about that visit to RIO was going to the Rodízio (which is na all you can eat pizzaria..hmmm..) it was so good. And then we headed back home on Tuesday. IT was great to take a break from the same routine and see more of the State. Transfers are coming up—26/11/2008..the day before thanks giving. Kinda lame..o and about your questiono regarding Halloween. They do nothing here..lame..day of the dead is méxico..IT was just another day here haha.. kinda sad.. And today...WE got to go bowling!! It was zone activity. It was way fun. This week hás been a nice break haha. Ill show you pictures. IT was actually really nice. Well i hope you all have a great week and keep me updated on this new president!! And with all the guns flying off the racks. IT sounds like kaoss. Haha I have attached a couple of pictures!!

Love you all much!

Elder Fischer

BRAZILAN WEDDING

2008-12-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer

Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 7:43 AM

Oi Família ! Boa TARDe!! Another week hás flown bye! This week was really packed. Here is the rundown for the week. This past Friday we had a wedding and batism at the chapel!! It was great. It was the other district batism, but they wanted to use our chapel becuase it is so nice!! It was way cool becuase right after they were married, the husband got baptised. And then they partied. This guy was way cool tôo.He use to be a judge for about 40 years in Curitiba and so there were people from all over Brazil that came. Now he is a professor at the college here and teaches the course for those that going to be come judges. He is really excited about the gospel. In fact, he hás already planned is date to go to the temple!! And he is planning on serving a mission with his wife. He said that he hás visted all over the world with all types of cultures, but hás never before found these eternal truths- The true gospel Princples of Jesus Christ. What na amazing conversion. My companion felt like he had been taught when he conducted the batismal interview. The next event this week was the heat!! It got up 95 degrees!! Wow, and its only primavera (spring)!! Im going to die when verão (summer) comes around. Speaking of winter-the stores here have already put out Christmas decorations. Haha Its so funny. Thats pretty much it for this week. But today, im going to the doctor!! Haha I think i have na ear invection and i have something wrong with my throat. But, it will all work out. It should be na interesting exeperience. Here they have these clinics that are free and everyone can go to.. Ill have to let you know how it góes since-the way it sounds like the elections are going in America, thats what everyone will be doing! Haha .. jk Well i hope all is going well. And Remeber that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a blessing in our lives. That having this blessing is something we need to share. We are living in the last days ´´Úlitmos Dias´´ and NOW is the time to share the gospel and bring salvation to others. Christ hás already come once- the time of trying is past, IT IS THE TIME TO DO! The Second coming is not far off. I wish you all the Best. Remember that solence comes to those that read and ESTUDAR (study) the scriptures. Its brings tranquility into our lives. They help guide us-they are our Liahona !

Com Amor,

Elder Fischer

oi!‏

2008-12-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

From: Elder Jonathan Fischer Wednesday, October 29, 2008 7:43 AM

Oi Família ! Boa TARDe!!

Another week hás flown bye! This week was really packed. Here is the rundown for the week. This past Friday we had a wedding and batism at the chapel!! It was great. It was the other district batism, but they wanted to use our chapel becuase it is so nice!! It was way cool becuase right after they were married, the husband got baptised. And then they partied. This guy was way cool tôo.He use to be a judge for about 40 years in Curitiba and so there were people from all over Brazil that came. Now he is a professor at the college here and teaches the course for those that going to be come judges. He is really excited about the gospel. In fact, he hás already planned is date to go to the temple!! And he is planning on serving a mission with his wife. He said that he hás visted all over the world with all types of cultures, but hás never before found these eternal truths- The true gospel Princples of Jesus Christ. What na amazing conversion. My companion felt like he had been taught when he conducted the batismal interview. The next event this week was the heat!! It got up 95 degrees!! Wow, and its only primavera (spring)!! Im going to die when verão (summer) comes around. Speaking of winter-the stores here have already put out Christmas decorations. Haha Its so funny. Thats pretty much it for this week. But today, im going to the doctor!! Haha I think i have na ear invection and i have something wrong with my throat. But, it will all work out. It should be na interesting exeperience. Here they have these clinics that are free and everyone can go to.. Ill have to let you know how it góes since-the way it sounds like the elections are going in America, thats what everyone will be doing! Haha .. jk Well i hope all is going well. And Remeber that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a blessing in our lives. That having this blessing is something we need to share. We are living in the last days ´´Úlitmos Dias´´ and NOW is the time to share the gospel and bring salvation to others. Christ hás already come once- the time of trying is past, IT IS THE TIME TO DO! The Second coming is not far off. I wish you all the Best. Remember that solence comes to those that read and ESTUDAR (study) the scriptures. Its brings tranquility into our lives. They help guide us-they are our Liahona !

Com Amor,
Elder Fischer