September 27, 2016 FAITH VS. DOUBT

       Studying in the beginning of the book of mormon when Nephi and his family are traveling in the desert, but his father the prophet receives revelation that Nephi and his brothers need to go back to get something they had left behind that was not in the hands of King Laban. His brothers when they heard this complained, but they ended up going along. When they got to the city walls, they played some rock, paper scissors to see which one of them will go to the king and get what they needed. Laman, Nephi's brother got chosen. 

       He went and asked for their things and King Laban tried to kill him but he was able to escape. Laman, when he got to his brothers, told them the story. They all became discouraged because they weren't able to get what they were asked to by God. They were about to pack up and go back to their father, but... Nephi , being the stud he is, stops them and says " As the Lord liveth and as we live, we will not go--- until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us. Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord."

How many of us are like Nephi's brothers.. When given instructions of commandments we murmur, we get annoyed, we get angry, or we think its too hard? Sometimes we might end up doing it anyways, but when we come across some unplanned trials of faith, or temptation, we pack up our bags and go back to where we came from. We give up, Because it's "too hard" or it's "not cool" or we have other plans.

How many of us are like Nephi. When given instructions or commandments we recognize that it is from the Lord, and that "the Lord giveth no commandments save he shall prepare a way." and even when the trial of faith comes and those around us have given up and are starting to go back, we like Nephi say, No "I will not go until i have done what the Lord has asked, i will stay faithful until it is finished."

It's not like we are required to do such hard things as these. I mean, for example, keeping the law of Chastity, the Word of Wisdom, tithing, the sabbath, these can be hard at times, believe me. But if we show faith like Nephi then these things we have a hard time with, these weaknesses we have, will become strong. (ether 12:27)

Each day we should ask ourselves if we are doing all we can or if we are just going up and going back to where we started each time a new trial comes.

Everything this week went super well 

Here in MOZ its SUPER HOT, really humid. it's like as soon as you get done showering, you don't dry off.. what a blessing. 

Baptisms went well this weekend! should have a couple more in these next couple weeks!

Quote of the week was for Maria when she was bearing her testimony... 

"eu sei que Joseph smith e um curandeiro verdadeiro"

Translation

"i know that joseph smith is a true witch doctor"

Well.. no.

Have a great week

1. my big fat Mozambican wedding

September 20, 2016 GOLDEN FAM

Lately we have been working with this family, Marcos and Celina. 

we found them about a month ago when their son was standing outside on their porch, we asked if his parents were home, he said no but that we could come by later that night and they would be. 

We came back and his parents were still at work, so we just left an invitation for church. 

The 17 year old showed up at church and at the end told us to come to his house that next week to visit his family. When we came that next time we were still unable to sit with his parents that whole week. but still he came to church that next week too. 

Finally giving it another try we went to visit his home, and we were able to sit with his whole family, teaching them the restoration. Though they said that they belonged to another church they felt that the message was true! They gladly accepted to pray about the message and showed up to church. 

Sinse then they have been coming to church every week and are now getting their documents in order because they realized that their `marriage` isn´t really a marriage because they aren´t legally married and that they are not living the law of chastity.

They have a desire to change, to quit doing what they have been, in order to live the commandments and do what the lord wants them to be doing. 

I love this family and I have no doubt that they have been prepared by God!

I am grateful for them and for my own family and for the example my parents and brothers show me still of being great people!

Elder Fuchs

September 12, 2016 TRANSFER #10

new transfer starting up! im gonna stay in the same area.. again. but i love this area so its all good! 

Also ill be with elder Allsop again, so im happy about that too! i get to help him finish his training!

Everything went super well this week! sorry i don't have much time.

love you! have a decent week.

September 5, 2016 CAN WE HELP YOU?

funny story. i'll save it for the end.

so studying this week in the new testament Matthew 10:37-39 (READ DEEZ)

these scriptures just confirm the Lords "call to serve" for every worthy, able young man.

Some people might find excuses of "family things" that need attending to, or similar things, but these are not reasons not to serve a mission. as we read here God is first above all else.

That means family, friends, girlfriends, jobs, schools, and anything else you can think of. There is no excuse good enough not to serve God. there are many ways to serve God. A mission is just one of these many ways. but that being said many people think that it is an option for the Young men of the church (which i guess technically you always have an option) BUT.. if you want to be following the commandments, well then you really only have one option. Because the other option means going against what you believe.

If you are blessed to have the Restored Gospel is your life, who are you not to share it?

Service shouldn't start or end with our missions, but i think one of the coolest things a mission does is that it opens your mind to the many ways that we can serve, that we for sure never saw before!

Funny Story:

 At a lesson, this guy Tomas said that we would have to come back another day because he was getting ready for school and about to take a bath.. 

Well...Elder Allsop is still learning the language, and all he got out of what Tomas said was something about "no time." "water" and he remembered that we had helped people in the past get water out of the wells and take it back to their homes. so , being the nice guy he is, he decided to offer a helping hand. thinking he was going to do some good ol' service, but without knowing he asked if he could help the man take a bath... it was a good experience i think. 

Have a Great week! 

Happy late birthday to my Brother and his Wife Debbie!

Elder Fuchs

Pics: 

1. made some bomb , rice and beans with cove

2. a tchopela, expensive little taxis that sometimes we have to take

3. "You like the Gospel don't you squidward?"