Aaron in Brazil

Aaron's Birthday

2007-09-11T08:44:00.000-05:00

Hey All! I am doing great.

Crazy to think there is only less than 4 months left. I am not Trunky at all!!!! I am scared to death. I have no idea what I will do. I feel the only thing I know a little bit of is missionary work.

My Birthday is on the 11th of September. I have already gotten a few post cards from Michelle Sosa and my mom. I can now legally buy a beer for myself, but that is out of the question. I can now enter into clubs and that is not an option for me. What is so good about being old? Nothing!I wish we could stay 20 forever. There is one good thing though. Marraige in the temple!!!!

My companion´s name is Elder Lee.. He is Tawainesse. He is teaching me Manderin. It is really cool and I am learning fast. He is from Cali.

Well I am going to get going
love you all!
Elder Tossey

Any one that wants to leave comments on here for Aaron for his birthday, I'll email them to him tomorrow. ~Laura

Pics

2007-09-05T17:17:00.000-05:00

"Pion zone leader"

2007-09-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

Hello all! How are you all doing? I am doing great!

I have been working hard. In the last 6 weeks I have been transferred 3 times. They gave me a nick name. I am "the pion zone leader".

Many miracles have happened. I am thankful to have been an eye witness of that. I am now in Pirituba. I arrived today. There is alot to do. I believe I will be here for a little while.

I will be home on the 3rd of January for those who are wanting to know. I am happy and I have grown daily. Stay strong friends and bretheren. Be the best you can be and choose the right.
1 Chr 16:11

Love you all,
Elder Tossey

Blogging again

2007-06-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hey All, Many of you have been crying because I have not been writting to the BLOG site so i though to keep you from flooding the world i would have to start writting to it again.

I can´t believe that so much time has passed by. It seems as a night dream. I am amazed that Jared will be going home in 2 months. I am scared to death! It will be really wierd coming home. I could just go AWOL here on the mission with this wonderful calling that I have been given from God to proclaim his gospel. I am not ready to leave yet that´s for sure. It is good that I still have 6 months to wear myself out!

I missed many of your letters. I know that all of you are busy so it´s ok i am not hurt. =) I know I haven´t been the greatest at writting either.

These are the last days. It is for sure. I have seen signs and wonders that have testified to me of that fact. Only the gospel can save the world from it´s own self destruction. It is a blessing to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. He will surely come again.

I love you all. Stay firm. Watch and pray with out ceasing. Keep all the commandments!
Love
Elder Tossey

Miracles

2007-06-27T09:16:00.000-05:00

Hello All,I am doing well!

I am happy and I am working hard. Miracles are being wrought by the Lord here and I am privledged to be here. I have seen people time and time again recieve answers that the Book of Mormon is truly a testement of Christ. I have been an eye-witness of God´s love. He has counseled me and guided me. He has comforted me with is arms of Mercy. The Holy Ghost is a true gift and he does speak.

I don´t know why people keep telling me that I will be coming home soon. I still have alot of time! I am a bit fearful of that phrase. I feel the only thing I know a little about is missionary work. I love it and encourage all to get involved in the charity work!

I love you all!
Elder Aaron J. I. Tossey

Transfers again!

2007-06-20T19:04:00.000-05:00

Hey All! How is life? I am doing great.

We had transfers today and I will be staying here in Paineiras for 6 more weeks, that will make 7 weeks. I am getting to train a new American Elder. He is a neat guy from Murray Utah. I am excited. We should have a good transfer.

I have been working hard and searching for the mysteries of God. The scriptures are full of Light and Truth. The word of God is infinite in quantity and in power. I have sought a stronger testimony of Christ and have found time and time again a quiet wisper to my heart of his truthfulness, He lives! He is not just in the air or in our hearts, his influence is. But he is a living being. He shall come again. If you have not seen many of the signs maybe you should look again.

The world is getting worse! I have seen people change there lives completely finding the truth that has been restored to the earth through living prophets and apostles of our days. It is truth. The Restoration of the gospel itself it is a sign of the second comming (Acts 3:21). He shall come again and the only thing we can do to be prepared is be obedient, repent and be baptized by the baptism of Christ to the recieveing of the Holy Ghost, then keep going!

I love our savior and I love each and every one of you. The Lord God loves you and has a personal plan for each one of you.

Love all
Elder Tossey

2007-03-27T18:50:00.000-06:00

Hello All! How´s life?
I am doin great! Brazil is just great as well. The work here is going strong and many people are hearing the missionary lessons. The Lord has shown miracles according to the little faith that we have to try to do all he says. I know that he wants to do Miracles. He has to wait though until we show forth faith! I love the Gospel, As Brother john a recent convert has said.´ I can just feel the Holy Ghost and for that I am happy and Thankful.`
Families can be together forever!I hope that all is well. Be sure to share what you know is true!
Love,
Elder Tossey

My mission has been a great success!

2007-02-01T18:08:00.000-06:00

Hey all! How is life? I know I have slacked way off on writing group letters, I will try to start up the habit again. Maybe Laura will put them on the blog spot page too. =)

My mission has been a great success. If I just look at the things the Lord has helped me learn it would be a great success. But the truth is that people are also coming unto Christ. I love missionary work.

I have heard that a few of my friends : Jonathan and Devin will be serving soon. Congrats! You made it now serve with all you got. Jonathan Brazil is the place (Somebody send Jonathan a copy of this letter).

Brazil is a great place and I can´t imagine returning yet. I have many great friendships here. Well I must get to work. I hope to get letters from you all.
Love you all!
Elder Tossey

Christmas

2007-01-03T11:52:00.000-06:00

Hello All!
How was Christmas?

I had a good one. The best part was being able to talk to my family. I love them dearly and miss them much!

We had a very good Christmas conference with all the missionaries this side of the mission. We watched Narnia and also President Bertaso talked to us about how to make good family traditions, especially during the holidays. It was a great conferece.

I did get 3 packages. One from Susan Phillips, one from Sherri Sullivan and one from Michelle Sosa. Thank you all so much for your support. I will be sure to share the candy with some little ones. I sure don´t need it all!

I am also thankful for the cards I got from Lonnie and Lu Yates, The Holland Family, The Albrights and the Bishopric. I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and that you will have a happy new year. But now there is more work to do. So I must go!

I love you all and am a lucky missionary to have all of you to support me with such great love!Scripture of the week.
Jacob 6:12
I love you all,
Elder Tossey

Transfers again!

2006-12-20T16:01:00.000-06:00

How is life? Brazil is doing great!

I have been transferred again. I am with Elder Broadhead. I have been sent to a area called Paineiras in a City outside of the Great Sao Paulo metropolitan area. It is a flat land. Very pretty with a good rural country side. It was very sad leaving Fransisco Morato, my last area, after being there for 5 months. I met alot of people and made alot of friendships. It was especially hard to see some cry and weep. I have to admit, a few tears did fall. I am happy to be here in the city of Sorocaba. It is a newer area and it is much calmer.

I am looking forward to calling home on Christmas day. We will have a Christmas Conference Friday. It is hard for me to believe that Christmas is next week. It was just Christmas yesterday. I am happy to be here and am having the time of my life. I have many responsibilities to fulfill and am growing daily. I am living in a house with 4 missionaries and we all work in the greater area of the same ward.

Miricles will happen here, I can feel it. I am very pleased with my mission as of yet. I only wish at times I could have done better. But I have no big regrets.This next year will fly by and soon will see you all. But while I am here I will do the will of the Lord.

I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas! I am thankful for all your letters and hope to recieve more from you. And to those who haven´t written me. I would like to here from you all!I love you all
Elder Tossey

Thanksgiving email

2006-11-29T08:40:00.000-06:00

Helllo all! I am doing great here in Brazil. No problems just success. The Lord has been blessing us tremendously!

I just got back from the temple. It was a good session. It was needed. I hadn´t got to go in 6 months. I feel bad for Elders in Missions that don´t have access to a temple. Thanksgiving is just here on the corner, so that means that everybody will be tasting good there. Here on the other hand is different because they don´t have Thanksgiving here. But we will be having a good lunch with somebody we are teaching.

I am having the time of my life. The miracles I have seen have strengthened my testimony. Diligence or steady and energetic effort in doings the Lords work has brought blessings into my life and to those that we have been teaching. The results that people have gotten from Moroni´s promise in the End of The Book of Mormon (to read, ponder, and pray about the Book of Mormon) is a true and active invite. I have seen one of the people we teach go from drugs to righteousness. It is amazing and brings joy into my life.

I know that God has a body of flesh and bones that is glorified, He answers prayers! I know that Christ the messiah, has paid for the sins of the world and that the calling that I have to teach his gospel is real. I have felt and seen the Spirit work through me to help the beloved children of Heavenly Father recieve the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It is amazing, hard work but well worth it! I wish all of you a happy turkey-day.
"Come bem"
Com amor e saudade,
Elder Tossey

~Sorry this is a week late... Laura

Fransisco Morato

2006-10-31T10:04:00.000-06:00

Hey all!
How are ya´ll!?
I am doing great! Having alot of success here in Fransisco Morato. I am tired but happy! I know a little bit better now how Big our area is! We had to go way out in the country to deliver a few gifts. I was amazed. My area is big enough to be a Stake. We should have 5-7 chapels here in the area. It will happen soon.

My companion is Elder Morris from Colorado Right now he is a great missionary. One of the best. We have been working hard together. He is a good obedient missionary. We were walking in the road the other day and then all the sudden we saw that one of our investigators was playing basketball. So we took off our ties for a little while and played basketball against them in our white shirts and dress pants. It was alot of fun! I haven´t lost all my skills!

I hope that all is going well where all of you are. Just remember if we didn´t have hard times we would know the good times, remember the difficulties we have are either a lack of faith or an opportunity to excercise faith.

Look and hope for the blessing that come from not just having faith but excercising it!
Love
Elder Tossey

Brasil is doing great!

2006-10-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

Hello All! How is the world? I hope it is well.

I got a letter from Kyle McWilliams. He said he got bored with college and now he has joined the Army and is wanting to be come a green Beret. GOODLUCK Kyle! I´ll write before too long.

I got a few other letters, from some of my friends. Thank you Michelle, Kadi and Lesty.

Brasil is doing great! I am doing great. I am happy as every. Time is flying by. My new companion is amazing. He is really obedient and is helping me out alot! =) We will see what happens with the work. It will be great! Just want all of you to know I love you! I will be sending more pictures home soon!
Love
Elder Tossey

Miracles do exist!

2006-09-27T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hello all. How are you? I know you are all Busy. But know that it is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ to work by the sweat of your brow. =)

We had transfers today! My companion Elder Rosa was transferred. We past alot of trials together . He was a great missionary and I learned a Ton. I was scared who I would get for my next companion. We arrived late at transfers and everybody was leaving the meeting when we arrived. Then Elder Morris, that I had already been friends with from my previos Zone, came to me and was like "Guess what?, we´re companions". He is a great guy and I have a feeling that the Work will really increase here in Fransisco Morato.

We wil baptise Juliana next week. She has had many doubts about weather to be baptised. But Last week we gave her a challenge to Pray again for an answer with real intent to follow the answer she gets. Then when she prayed and while she was reading about Joseph Smith she said she felt the Spirit Testify that he really was a prophet of God. Also that the experience of Joseph was a true experience. That he really did see God and Jesus Christ.

I know that God answers prayers as I have seen him answer the prayers of many and he has answered my own questions and request. He really lives. We really have a savior, Jesus Christ.
Know that I love you all.
Miracles do exist!
Elder Tossey

Busy, busy!!

2006-09-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

Hey ! How are you all!

I want all to know that I have another Nephew!!!!!!!!!! Another boy hahaha. Don´t worry men the boys may rule over the world soon through the Gray family! Julie had her baby 5:44 am on September 8th. What joy! =)

I am doing great here! Working hard. Many things have changed in the mission, many good changes. Transfers are next week. I am pretty sure one of us will we leaving this transfer. We are doing great here. We have some things to plan so it can be way better! I am blessed to be where I am at.
Well i don´t know what else to say with the little time I have. S
o fique shique!

Love,
Elder Tossey

Working in the vineyard of the Lord

2006-09-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

Hey all!
How are you all?I am doing great! Learing alot.

We had a conference on my B-day with an Apostle of God. WIth Elder Utchdorf. His testimony was amazing and it strengthend mine. I recieved great treasures of knowledge and wisdom and testimony on my B-day. Great day.

Thank all of you for your presents and cards and love that was sent to me. I couldn´t have better friends!

As I am out here working in the vineyard of the Lord. I have been extremely blessed in the past months. I see things I never would have seen and have esperienced many things as well. Good and bad, but in the end all are good, for me. I have been called to reflect on the night I recieved a testimony of my Savior and my Heavenly Father. How sweet were the answers to the many questions I had. The answers I recieved by the Holy Ghost broght me to where I am today, in the mission field helping others recieve the same answers. Many think it is a sacrifice to be here on the mission for 2 years of my life. But it is a honor and a privledge to try to give back just a little, but it never fails the Lord still blesses me, so as it is. The only impossible thing in the world, is to payback our loving Heavenly Father. Thankful I am, a testimony I am.
I love you all! Don´t forget to be greatful. (Mosiah 4)

Love
Elder Tossey

Happy Birthday Aaron!!!

2006-09-05T13:21:00.000-05:00

Aaron's birthday is next Monday so I thought it would be nice if everyone left him a comment under this post for his birthday. I'll email him the comments early next week so it will kind of be like card. Spread the word so there will be lots of comments on this post.

~Laura

Miracles

2006-09-05T13:19:00.000-05:00

Hello all.

How is it going. I hope you are still looking for the letters I send. And also at the great website my sister keeps up with.

I am doing great and living like a champ. Learning and growing and changing. The area of Fransisco Morato is doing well. We are working with a great many number of people. They are progressing and are happy. I am privledged to be here to see the miracles wrought by the hand of the Lord." If you are not seeing miracles you are blind because of your Faithlessness"

In Ether 12:18 teaches that we can´t see miracles until we excercise faith. Now is up to you to see the oppurtunities to excercise your faith and to do.

I love you all and wish you Happiness and your quest.Thank all of you for your support. How greatful I am you know not.

Love
Elder Tossey

Light vs. Darkness

2006-08-23T17:25:00.000-05:00

Hello all! How is life? I hope that all is well! I am doing great!

My companion and I are learning from each other and growing. We have planned a special meeting for the ward I am in right now. Like a little conference with a special speaker. It will be about the pioneers of the Church in the 1800. You know that there is always a special spirit when the topic is on Church History!

I recieved a few good letters. Thanks to all who sent them. I have been gaining testimony that the things of God are plain and simple. That he is not a God of confusion. So if God Speaks in plainess, how does Satan speak? Yep with mis-understanding.

Mis-understanding is running rampant. 99% of all fights, battles, arguments and wars are started because of misunderstanding. Many families are seperated because of mis-understanding. Where there is understanding there is light! Where there is light there is love, happiness, and our Savior Jesus Christ. If you will read in the Doctirne and Covenants you will learn that where there is light (or understanding) there is not darkness, because darkness does not comprehend the light. If you will read Genises you will see that light was created before the Sun and the moon. Interesting. If you will read in Moroni you will see that the light of Christ is given to every man that they might know Good from Evil or in other words truth and lies.

I have a testimony that the Lord Speaks to us not as he is but as we are that we might understand His will for us. He is just waiting for you to desire that relationship. Remember to not just listen but hear his councils. Seek not to council him. He knows what is best.

The work here in Brasil is rolling forth as has been prophesied in the Bible. The stone is rolling forth and people are comming unto the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are teaching a woman that has had a life full of sin and pain and hardships. She is preparing to be baptised and is recieving desire to change (or repent) by searching out truth through prayer and reading the Book of Mormon. She has found much strength and has said many times how much HAPPIER she is. Light Brings happiness and Changes lives. So be ye there for perfect as your Father in heaven. That requires change and a search for Greater light (or understanding)!

I am happy to be here serving the Lord! I have seen Miracles happen and I cannot deny them =) I

love you all!
LoveElder Tossey

Working hard!!

2006-08-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

How is everybody? I didn´t write a group letter last week because we were in a rush! But all is well!

We are working hard. I am soooooo tired! It is really hard to get up in the mornings. The hills are wearing me out! But I am becoming strong!

I am learning how to deal with complicated people! I am learning how to control my attitude in times of pressure. I am also learning many mysteries of God. Everyday in my scripture study I am learning more. Learning just how perfect the gospel of Jesus Christ is! I am loving every bit of it. Happy, happy, happy.

I do miss all of you alot and am keeping a good journal so I can tell you all about my experience here with the great people of Brasil! I am seeng many miracles. Especially in the hearts of the people. They are leaving the world and coming unto our Savior Jesus Christ. Estabilishing Zion is not easy but it is an amazing esperience!

I have recieved a few packages and cards and want to say thanks to those who are supporting me! If you knew what good examples many of you are to me in consitancy. I love you all and hope that you may find peace within your families and homes, in the midst of this cruel world!

Love,
Elder Tossey
Doctine and covenants 86

Having the time of my life!

2006-08-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

Hey all another short one! The days and weeks are flying by. I am having the time of my life learning and changing. I am so thankful for the Gospel in my life and the happiness I feel while doing this great work of the Lord. I know that our families can be together for ever. In fact it is a major part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are working with alot of people and have alot to do more than we can handle right now but we will go and do any how. I know that God lives and he answers prayers!
Love
Elder Tossey

Link to Sao Paulo Brazil's North Mission web page

2006-07-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

Here's the link to the Sao Paulo Brazil's North Mission web page where you can look up other missionaries that Aaron may be serving with or probably comes into contact with. I found this by googling Aaron's name. I thought I'd share this with everyone. ~Laura http://www.mission.net/brazil/sao-paulo/north/current.php

In a hurry

2006-07-27T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hell0, all!
How are you?
I am well and am in a hurry. We didn´t have a chance to write yesterday so we wrote our e-mails today. I hope that all is well with everyboy and I will give a update on next Wednesday!Love you all,
Elder Tossey

Video

2006-07-26T11:39:00.000-05:00

Aaron also sent some videos, here is the link to one:

Brazil landscape:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKQ7UgsEuHA

The other is too big for me to upload, but I will try to figure something out so everyone can see it.

More pictures!!

2006-07-26T07:31:00.000-05:00

Finally, we have pictures!!

2006-07-25T18:31:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from Aaron... I've picked a few of the better ones out but will try to post most of them over the next two weeks, so stay posted!!

New Area & Hope

2006-07-19T17:41:00.000-05:00

Hey, all! I am in my new area nice and snugg. The house is a good one and the area is really big and has many, many, many big hills. My companion is a southern Brazilian and is helping me and teaching me alot. We are a hard working dupla.

I have had many great experiencies already and we are helping many people. We have marked some good firm baptismal dates and are helping the people prepare for one of the most important dates in their life. I am so happy and excited to be here helping in the great work of the Lord.

I have been learning about the anchor of our faith which is hope. Hope is so very important and is how we begin to have faith. Ether 12:32 speaks about a more excellent hope and how we can have it. The Lord has prepared a place for the faithful for those who endure in rightousness. For those who keep the commandments of the Lord and live day for day trying to be better day for day. This more excelent hope will help us to overcome discouragement and trials and will help us to know the importance. If you read the scriptures and pray and understand the will or the word of the Lord your hope will be strengthened and you will be faithfull because you desire it and your heart is full of His Love.

I have learned that this has been something I have lacked, hope. Hope for a better world. Hope for those I love. Hope means to expect. And I Hope or expect that the Lord will fulfill his promises to the Faithful. I know he will.

I love you all and thank you for your support. I am trying to get caught up on my letter writing so have patience. It is a little difficult.
Love,
Elder Tossey

Transferring again!

2006-07-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a busy past view days!

Transferers came and I am again transfered. I am in my new area with my new companion who seems extremely awesome! I am doing great. I recieved 2 big packages today one from my loving sister who is my missionary physical therapist and also a I think one from the Yazies and Sister Phillips I haven't found a name on it yet! It has alot of good snacks inside. I also recieved my package from Michelle. Which was a GREAT treat! "It smelled familiar".

My companion and I are opening an area called Fransisco Morato. I am excited. But as I have experienced I know that it will be hard work! I don't know what the deal is with me and opening areas. I know that this will be a great moment of my life here in this area with this companion. I am really excited. I was really sad to be leaving the families we had been teaching and some of the families of the Church. . =) Back to the diligent work. I love my last companion but I am not a walker. I am a runner.

I loved the pictures of my sisters and brother in laws and especially of my silly nephews, thank you Julie!

The thought I have is a thought I have learned in my last area. Obedience is a pattern, and starts when you wake up. Disobedience is confusion. IF YOU feel YOUR LIFE IS Chaos Change repent and put things in order with obedience. Remember, don't forget or in other words don't fall in to apostasy. Remember that Knowledge plus diligence and obedience = blessings. While knowledge with out diligence and obedience = curse!. But it starts with pure testimony that we can recieve revelation through the Holy Ghost. I am sorry this letter is quick but I home only a little time.

Catie Phillips I am so glad that you went to EFY and felt The power of the love of God through the strong Spirit which was there. I know the feeling. THhnk you for going!
Love all of you bunches,
Elder Tossey

PS Will write next week.

Learning and Change

2006-07-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

How is it going, everyone? All is well here.

Learning as I change and changing as I learn. I am glad to hear so many good things from home =)

I recieved some good letters this week including one from my brother, Elder Jared Sullivan. What a champ. He has grown so much. I don´t have alot to say.

hmm

Oh, I have been a little sick this week, not alot. I think it was something I ate! Figure that.

Transfers are coming up. And that´s about it. I'm thankful for all the support I am getting from my friends and famil(ies). You should see the support I get. I have it all on paper!

I love you all and wish you the best. Remember "obedience is the first law in heaven". It is the way we show our love for our heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Besides they are ther for a good spiritual reason.If you keep the commandments I know you will be blessed. Remember that were are better today than yesterday and worst than tomorrow. Here a little there a little as the Book of Mormon says. Or as the Bible says. Line upon line and precept upon precept.

I love you all and am grateful!
ElderTossey

Learning and changing

2006-06-28T15:15:00.000-05:00

Oi! Tudo bom.As Opurtunidades que eu esto recebendo são mais precioso do que todos os ricos do mundo, porque eles são os ricos de experiencia, conhecimento e sabadoria; as benções do ceu!

Hello all! I am well, learning and changing according to the oppurtunities I have been given. Last week was a rough week, but I learned that last week is preparing me for a rougher week. I have recieved much strength to carry out the work of the Lord. I have recieved much support also from friends and family. I am thankful. You don´t realize how much the Lord carries of your burdens. He makes, as he says in the new testament, your burdens light. Last week I was left for only a few minutes with all my burdens and as I humbled myself in prayer they were lifted.

The experience I had last week was as many would call "Growing pains", but spiritually. I grew. I have recieved a few letters this week. A few people are asking about my Portuguese. To say the truth since I have arrived I have been truly blessed with what is know as the "Gift of Tongues"( gift to speak in another language). I have been able to speak well and be understood. And I can say know that I am fluent in the language, just have to expand my vocabulary. Many people are amazed at the fact that I could speak fluently after 4 months. I will say of myself that it was nothing more than a miracle from God. If you do His will you will be blessed to do more of His will. I am thankful for His blessing.

Other people have asked about some of the people we teach and help. We are bringing many to faith. Many are hearing and harkening. We are helping a women that lives 2 hrs walk from the chapel. She is receiving of understanding and is acting with faith. I rather not talk about the many people we are helping for reasons. But it is good enough to say that the people that are the elects of God hear his voice and they follow. They are given blessing enough to manifest their faith and become nearer to the Savior.

The Gospel is going forth as prophesied in Isaiah to every Nation. And the Book of Mormon is going forth with The Bible to convince every nation Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. AS WAS PROPHESIED.

I have much to do and wish all of you yhe best.

Love you all.
Elder Tossey

Exercise of Faith

2006-06-21T14:42:00.000-05:00

Hello all.
Things here in Amador Bueno are going. It is pretty tough for me right now. I am having another opportunity to exercise my faith. =)

I don´t have alot to say, except that I love all of you.

Here is my Spiritual thought."blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God"-Jesus Christ-Matthew

If you stay humble you can be taught by the Spirit, through word and deed or in other words the will of God and experience. What is humble? It is leaning not to your own understanding, and acknowledging the will of the Lord. If you only think you are doing the will of the Lord check again.

Love,
Elder Tossey

The World Cup

2006-06-16T08:04:00.000-05:00

All is well here in Brazil. The world cup started and it is a little crazy here with Brazilian pride, since they are the defenders of the cup. When I am walking the streets every now and then you hear somebody yell out "hey Aliman (german) speak english!". It is kind of funny and some times annoying.

All is well. We are teaching a great family right now. Edielson and Redina. They have 2 kids and are very excited about the gospel. I love the light that they have on their countenance as they are readily accepting the gospel. They are truly the elect we are looking for.

The past 2 weeks has been really tough between my new companion and I. We have many differences. He does not want to work diligently. He is tired and his mission is about up. I am trying to help him. It has been difficult. But we have talked and I think all will be better now. We will see. I have learned so much the past few weeks because of the situation. I have recieved many revelations about life and about the plan of Salvation. I am sure all of these things will one day help me have and guide a beautiful family! I am thankful for these trials and these oppurtunities to learn or in other words change!

I recieved a package from Kadi Bazemore. Finally. It was sent in the end of March and I got to open it finally today. Suprisingly, the cookies were still good! Thank you so much for the wonderful package. I will write soon. That goes for all those that write me.

Thought for this week. Hmmmm, I was reading in "Preach My Gospel" this week and I read a phrase that I like alot. It said that discouragement is a lack of faith. I thought about it then another quote from Elder Ballard Came to my mind( something like this) ´ The more we Know and become familiar with the Plan of Salvation that God has created for us, the easier it will be to be happy`. I thought alot about happiness then. Isn't it great when we have faith. When we are not discouraged, afraid, sad. We are happy when we have faith. My eyes have been opened alot this week to the plan of salvation and I find myself hoping for all things and happier as well. Many things that normally would bother me don´t. I would like to invite all of you to hold your head high and smile and think about the wonderful plan of ´happiness´ that the Lord has created. I hope that all of you will more fully recieve understanding of the Plan of salvation which has been give as REVELATION through the prophets of our dispensation. I love you, and more important God loves you.

I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is here on the earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that the Prophet Joseph was a prophet of God. I know that Gordon B. Hinckley is the prophet of God on the earth today. I know that if you will just open your minds and ponder upon this " marvelous light" that you to can become clean through the At-one-ment of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He lives !
Love all,
Elder Tossey

New Area

2006-06-09T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hey ALL!
How is life? How is the world? It is pretty bad isn´t it? I know.

My new area is great! It is not like the area of Chora Menino with only pavement. It is like Texas! With grass and trees and dirt paths and dust roads. I like it alot here. The members of the church make all the difference in this area. They are active in the work of our Lord, Gathering Israel for the secong coming of Jesus.

My new companion is well. I had the oppurtunity to sit under the voice of a man who knows how to speak according to the Spirit of the Lord. President Didier of the presidency of the qourum of the seventy gave us a visit. I was filled to the brim and humbled as I listened. I was called upon to direct a scripture as all the missionaries of the mission recited it. I was pretty nervous. I thought that was it once I sat down. But no. President Didier humbled me a little more. He called my companion and I to the pulpit to give a practice lesson. Then he took over the lesson rather quickly. Teaching us how to make our lessons short and simple. He was amazing and the influence of the Spirit was strong. I will tell you a few things that he taught. He used this Quote of Joseph Smith. "Knowledge is the power of God...yea, the power of God unto salvation"

So if that is the case then we need to learn right. Well what is learning?"Learning is Changing ...if we haven´t changed we haven´t learned."-----President Didier-Think about the next time you say "I know"! If there is one thing that my testimony has grown on, it is that I know nothing!

I would like to encourage all, tonight, to kneel down by your bed and pray fervently that the Lord Might speak " to your mind and to your heart" what you must do to change according to his will. I testify that ye will recieve an answer at that moment, the next day or the next year but you will recieve if you knock! Keep this in mind as well. "but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, kindness, faith, meekness and temperance. against such THERE IS NO LAW" (Galatians 5:22-23) There is no law against that feeling that you recieve. There is no law, no written paragraph, and no scripture.

I want that all of you receive personal revelation or in other words the light of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I love you all
Love
Elder Tossey

On the move!

2006-06-02T10:43:00.000-05:00

Hello all! All is well here in Brazil. I have been transferred. It was very hard to leave Chora Manino. There are many people there that I have grown to love! I had a few people including myself crying yesteday. Yesterday I recieved a reward of joy to my heart as I told people I was leaving. I realized how minute of a thing could change people. I noticed that the people we have taught and that I have come to love have changed.

And one of the people we have been teaching said, "What you have brought me is like a door. The more you open it the more light that comes in and gives me understanding and knowledge." I thought about that and it is a very true statement! We open the door to heaven through our prayers, studies and mainy through our repentance. As the D+c states the more purified from sin you are the more the light of our Savior can fill you.We must be clean and righteous to recieve that light. One thing I have realized here is how great instrument the Book of Mormon is. It truly brings people to believe and recieve stronger witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I have not yet arrived at my new house. I have had many troubles today carrying my bag of stuff! I broke the wheels on the bag they wore out after getting bent this morning. So I bought a cart and then I hit a pot hole on the way from the store and broke it and had to take it back to the guy that sold me it. All is well. My new area is Amado Bueno! It looks neat and I am happy to be here!

My new companion is cool he is a Brazilian and speaks no english. It will help me alot. He will go home next transfer. So I will have recieved 4 different companions in 4 different transfers which is not normal. I am happy and trusting as I try to leave Chora Menino (old area) and start here. I am trusting those people I love there will do well and will receive blessings and follow in faith.

I received some good letters from Felicia, Lesty and the Albrights and Devin and Darla also Michelle, I recieved a package from Sister Phillips and a package from the Sosa´s family with my favorite watermelon sour patch kids. Sister Phillips sent me alot of candy and pop tarts and fruit roll-ups. It was awsome all the Elders were saying Wow! when I opened the box. I also recieved an amazing letter from my mom! I will write back soon to those that have written. Love love love. That alone is enought to save

Love,
Elder Tossey
I love you all and hope the best!

Brazilian BBQ

2006-05-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

Hey all! How is life in the USA? good. Things here in Brasil, or Sao Paulo shall I say, are better than last week but still pretty rough.

We had Zone conference last week and the President of the mission taught alot about revelation. It was very Interesting. We all need to recieve light or revelation. We can all recieve and we can all be partaking of the light. Which can be added upon and added upon. So I don´t want to ever hear anybody say that they know it all or I don´t want any body to think that you can´t learn more. Especially in the Gospel point of view.

I can´t write much. My missionary buddies are waiting on me. We are going to eat Brazilian BBQ which is great!. I am excited. I want all of you to know I love you and I want everybody to write me by (e-mail For Family) Or by (mail for others) to tell me what the have had revealed unto to them in scripture study and in prayer this week.

We have transfers next week so I might get transfered this next week. We will seeMore from Brasil. Later.
Love,
Elder Tossey

A time of chaos

2006-05-18T13:43:00.000-05:00

oi Tudo mundo (everybody!)

I typed a big long letter and the computer closed on me so, I will have to make it all short!

I got to talk to my family this week! It was great to talk to them. They are still busy busy. The Phillips family and the orphans sound great as well!

Brasil right now is kind of crazy! The gangsters and drug lords are going around killing people. They have been driving by the police stations and fire stations and killing police officers and firemen. They have also been blowing up banks and buses with Molotav coctails. It is so crazy. Policemen have been rolling around in big packs waving their guns in peoples faces. It is chaos. So far (last time I heard ) 60 police officers and 40 civilians are dead. 81 buses have been blown up. I got to go to the center of Sao Paulo on a division and it was chaos there with so many cops all around and shootings going on. It is Chaos. I changed my contact to a message of peace and told people that it would bless their familys in this time of conflict. It is a mazing the spiritual peace you can feel in a time of such calamity!

The Last days are here with wars and rumors of wars. Weird weather in divers places. And also the sign of the prophet. We have a prophet to day to lead and guide and to gather in the sheep. Surely it won´t be long now. The lord is gathering israel with his Prophet. (see luke 13:33-35) . Help your neighbors, family and friends to stay firm help the fultime missionaries find and help the people repent and be baptised. There is a great article in the april ensign about "becoming a disciple of Christ" it is absolutely amazing to me. I would suggest that all read it. And if you don´t know what the magazine is., ask your friendly neighbor Latter-day saint.

Well time to run and find the elect. Peace from my heart to all those that read!Find your own peace in SINCERE ERNEST PRAYER and DILIGENT DAILY STUDY as well.

Love,
Elder Tossey

Plans

2006-05-10T16:42:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody!
Brazil is still here! It is amazing the weeks are just flying by! Too fast! I am so not wanting it to go by this fast. I am learning too much and I don´t want to leave here yet! We treated our selves to Brazilian BBQ today. It was very good! I am fool. I think I ate to much again. My, I am not sure if I am loosing or gaining wait here. I will tell you next week!

Yay! I get to talk to my family this Sunday. I am excited and thinking about what to say. I feel like a stranger because I am so far away. It is a weird feeling. I realized today that I miss the country. I just love the country. The lake, the creeks, the trees and the grass. I can´t tell you when the last time I saw a field of grass. I think that is as far as home sickness goes!

I am so excited to be here still. I am trying to change and grow closer to the lord. I am trying to find ways to be wiser and more diligent. The mission is like a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs just like life.

I talked with one of our investigators Yesterday named Luiza. She knows the church is true and she knows and wants to be baptised. "But honestly", she says," she is not prepared." She knows she has things she needs to put in order. I talked to her about goals and planning. As a missionary I have to try to make plans weekly and monthly. I also have yearly and even farther future plans. We all need to make plans. a plan that is successfuly executed brings happiness. I want everybody to make goals; make weekly, monthly and yearly goals. You can´t just wonder around doing everything under the sun. You have to find a straight path. Find the will of the God, the Father, and apply his will in your plan. Therefore you will surely have success so long as you pray and do acording to your faith and knowledge. You better believe when you make a plan that Satan will be there to destroy it! So what will you do?

Thought: Trials and problems are oppurtunities to excercise your faith!

Love,
Elder Tossey

Chora Menino, scripture studies, packages/letters

2006-05-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hey all!
How are you all doing? I am well. Looking forward to talking with the family on the 14th. =) It will be great! I recieved some mail and a package but I haven´t gotten by the office to see who they are from. I will go there on Monday!

My new companion and I are well. He is alot different then I . We get along ok. But we have some things we need to work out. I miss my trainer alot. Chora Menino (Crying baby) is well.

My scripture studys are well. There just isn´t enough time. 1 hour of personal study in the mornings isn´t enough. But wow, I do recieve alot of the truth during that time. I know that if everybody will make time for 15 minutes of scripture study a day, they will find more light in the ever darkening world. I PROMISE THIS!!!!

It's still pretty hot here in Sao Paulo but it is a little cooler. Learning alot about love and patience still. Trying to apply this love attribute is hard. I know...but I love the feelings I get from my efforts. The success is more sweet too! The Lord Loves us and he is gathering his sheep. Jesus said that" everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of God, but only he that does the will of the father." (I think Matt 7:29) How is this will given to us? Throught his prophets!AMos 3:7 -"surely the lord God will do notheing but revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets" Jesus also said. Jerusalem, Jerusalem ye wicked and perverse people how many times have I tried to gather this people. How does the Lord gather his people many times when he has only visited the earth once? He does this through revelation. Given to his prophets. I testify God is the same yesterday today and forever! He sent His Son to us who was rejected. He also calls his prophets for us, who also are rejected. We all have the same oppurtunity to listen to the prophet of our day. He is 96 years old and he loves us and he guides us. Do as Jesus said and give ear to His words which are spoken through a prophet as they were in the past. If you give ear to a good seed it will grow in your heart and will bring a "mighty change" , if it is bad it will not grow bringing that "mighty change". Don´t just hear but hearken, and do! The Prophets says every person in the church needs a calling, a friend and nourishing with the Good word of God. Excercise your faith as if you were trying to win the olympics!

I love you all and am thankful for your letters, love and support. I am sorry I can´t write all of you as much as I would like but there is enough time after the mission! =)

Now, I go to do "the will of my Father which is in Heaven!"!

Love, Elder Tossey
Don´t cast a stone ,but LOVE, and block the stones! =)

A New Companion, Investigators, The Gospel

2006-04-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

hello all!

How are things? I recieved 2 e-mails this week. wow....I guess not alot is going on! Anyhow....I do have a new companion. I have learned somethings about humility due to this. He doesn´t speak portuguese very well ao I am a little scared to let him correct me. But he has the right desires. He is just a different kind of guy. We have been working good together.

We marked 4 baptisms on Monday. The Lord put us in the paths of some really good people. And he did it very wierdly. But it is cool to see his hand. I had interviews again with the president. I am so glad to have him as a mission president. He is really smart. And he has helped me alot. He also has a way to make people feel really humble. =)

Danilo one of our investigators is progressing well. He has found a great interest in the scriptures and he is very excited. He has recieved a testimony of the divinity of The Book of Mormon. He is excited for baptism. Chora Menino...the area I am in ...is good. Hard but almost ready for harvest.

Well Mother's day is coming up! I hope everybody, moms and dads and sisters are ready for my call. Let me know what you all want to do. Call each other and chat it up! I want to be able to talk to Mom and Dad, laura and Julie, at least.

Anyhow! I don´t know what else to say. Many people are lost in the world today. I feel very sad for those people that reject the gospel. I remember how lost I once was. I was reading Alma 17 and 2 Corinthians 4. It talks about how satin blinds the wicked with a veil of darkness and/or unbelief.

There are many religions in these days. But you know that is nothing different. When Christ was here there were still other religions besides the Church of Jesus Christ. For example the pharisees who believed many things contrary to the real beliefs and who made strict laws to fight against the sinners. Who also threatened to take away agency by trying to make the people choose the right with bad consequences. Another one is the Saducess who didn´t believe in the ressurection. There may be many religions out there today. But Like I said before. There is only one gospel that can help you return to live in the presence of God! Christ is the mediator , he made the sacrifice for all those who will have faith, repent, enter the waters of baptism , recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end. It is not about religion it is about the Gospel of Christ. What is the Gospel of Christ? Is there more than one? How do we follow? The gospel of Christ is about changing from our natural ways, Our "natural man" and becoming a "saint" or a "follower". There is only one way to do this. It is by the Gospel that jesus Christ has set for by Prophets and Apostles who have sacred callings and recieve revelations to guide us. People like Adam, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, and many others. The men of God talk face to face with God. They guide the Lords people with revelation. Something that is a Needed.We follow by searching out the truth. We follow through repentance. Don´t think you don´t need to repent everyday. You are a sinner. Everyman is a sinner! Enter the waters of Baptism and be named a follower, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Recieve the confirmation of the Holy Ghost, that purifies you and sanctifies you. Then go to church every week and renew your baptismal convenants with the sacrement. Which every person needs, even the prophet and apostles.

I love you all. I care about you all. I know the world is difficult, If we didn´t have trials how would we prove our loyalty to the only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ? Know that God Loves you! Know that He knows you. Know that he wants you to return to him. Know that there is only one way to do this. Know that you need to search out the truth.

I bear you my witness, with the calling I have, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is on the Earth. The same Gospel that has been preached by all the Holy Prophets since the world was created! I Bear witness that He, Jesus Christ Lives! I bear witness that he loves you! Find the way. Find the truth and preserve in the truth all the days that you have...the days that we have to prepare are short...He is coming soon.

(Please don´t change a word)I feel the Spirit working in my life, I love this work and I want all of you to know that Repentance is the way which means Change! Don´t give up, have faith and fear not.I wish you the best and I am praying for you all.

Love
Elder Tossey

"If it was easy, would it be worth it? "

A New Companion, Elder Meade

2006-04-19T14:26:00.000-05:00

Hey all, this is Elder Tossey!

This week has been a weird one so far. I just went through my first transfer. I lost my dad of the mission, Elder Bolzan, my trainer. He is a great missionary! He went to the office to be executive secretary. He was really nervous because he will have to speak alot of English when calling Salt Lake. I miss him. I learned so much from him.

I am with Elder Meade now. He is a good missionary. He just had knee surgury and this is his first area since. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen. I am still in Chora Menino. Since I am the only one that knows where everything is and knows everyone I kind of have to take lead. That will be weird!

Our investigators are progressing. It is amazing to see people change! I am excited to see what other miracles will happen. Luiza told us yesterday that she never opens the door for anybody to come into her house, but she did that time because of the feelings she had felt. She said now her life is alot more happy. We taught a young man too. He recieved an answer about the message of the restored gospel now he is really excited to progress. I have learned so much in just one transfer. I am so thankful for these things I am learning.

I got some letters from the seminary class in Pittsburg. Thank you all for your support. Remember, knowledge is power. And knowledge of the truth is humbling! I will write you all soon, hopefully today! I got letters from Michelle and others today! Thanks for the support and love! I still haven´t recieved Kadi Bazemores package she sent. I am sure I will. Hopefully soon.

All is well here anyhow! I am doing well. Getting in the groove of all things. Portuguese is well. I can´t wait till I am fluent, but I will wait! I have studied more of the life of the Savior. It is amazing the power the Atonement has on us. Today alot of people fight over religion and alot of people only want the money. That is alot of the case here in Brazil too, but it is not about religion it is about following the Savior. If you love me keep my commandments he says. Well the fight shouldn´t be over religion but should be putting full force against Satan. Religion should not be the case but searching for the true path, the true way, the true doctrine , searching for those covenants that He will have you take. But do not mistake my words. For there is only one gospel and one way to follow. We all must find that gospel and build our rock there on the rock that does not move, but is steady and unchanging. That Rock is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the way is the restored and true gospel of Jesus Christ!
I love you all.
Preseverar ate o fim!
Love,
Elder Tossey

General Conference

2006-04-12T13:25:00.000-05:00

hello all!
What is up in The USA and Australia? Brasil is as crazy as ever! One of the Elders that lives with us got hit by a car yesterday. The car was like really far from them and it honked its horn and swerved toward them and sped up too! We have alot of incidents like that. We have to be very careful.

We had Zone conference this week on Friday. I recieved my sisters package and a bunch of letters! Thank you all for your support. I will do my best to write all of you back...but be patient the only day I can write is Wednesdays and I don´t have alot of time even then! Thank you so much Laura for the jumprope and the goods! Sister Pearson liked her jump rope as well! She said thanks! I don´t know how you want me to pay you back though... =) Just let me know.

We went shopping again today! It was great! We went to this place that sells in bulk and I bought about 55r$ in food. It was good. I also ate at this amazing bar-b-q place that like brings meat around on a plate and serves it to you as you want it. It was like all you could eat steak. I will probably die of cholesterol tomorrow! Lol. I ate alot! I really miss steak.

Juliana and Belmiro are going to marry so we are helping them plan and we will baptise them soon after! They are really good! We hope to strengthen them alot before that time! To make sure they have a testimony of the restored truth! We are still working with Luiza.

Wow. General Conference was amazing huh! I loved it! Oh how I love our prophet! He truly is a prophet of God! He speaks to every nation! I have been studying so much about love. Love is amazing isn´t it. Love is what made Christ our savior. Love is why our heavenly father created the plan of salvation! Love is that substance that never perishes. It is more important for us to have charity than any other quality. Blessed be the Name of Our loving heavenly Father!

I recieveid male from:
Devin
Wesley
Susan 3
The Hollands
Felicia
Laura
Michelle and her Grandparents 2 each
I think that is it.

Thank all of you so much for your support and love!I hope to write more next week.
Love all of you so much
Love,
Elder tossey

Called to serve Him Heavenly King of Glory

2006-04-05T14:42:00.000-05:00

Hello All

How is life? Life is rolling here. The mission is great. The people are great as well. At times when I am really tired and worn out I just think of the cause. The purpose of me being here! I am here to serve. Christ said something to this fact "he who trys to save his life will loose it but he who looses his life for my name sake shall find it". The purpose of this life is to find Eternal Life!

There is only one way, one gospel, one Lord, one truth(see also ephesians 4:5). We should all serve and try to increase the faith of Christ in our fellow neighbors. This is what the scripture means in Mark lose your life in the service of others. You can´t have Eternal Life with our Charity! Love Love Love! That is all there is to it!

A hymn comes to my mind when I am tired!
"called to serve him heavenly king of glory
chosen heirs to witness for his name
far and wide we tell the Fathers story
far and wide his love proclaimon
ward ever onward as we glory in his name
forward pressing forward as a triumph song we sing
God, our strenth will be pressed forward
ever called to serve our King"
called to know the richness of his blessing
sons and daughters children of a king
glad our hearts his holy name confessing
praises unto him we bring
onward ever onward as we glory in his name
forward pressing forward as a triumph song we sing
God, our strenth will be pressed forward
ever called to serve our King!"

I want you all to know I love you and I am thankful for your support!
Love you and Will write more next week, hopefully!
LoveElderTossey_

P.S. A Pastell is like a tortilla fried, not really but kind of...it has cinamon and also can be filled with and kind of food. There are to kinds here ones for meals and ones for deserts.

Miracles

2006-03-29T15:57:00.000-06:00

Hello. How is everybody? I hope good! This last week has been good. I am working hard. The language gets better and better everyweek. No worries there.

I will tell you a little bit about the area. It is very hilly. Up hill both ways. None of the pavement is smooth. Actually I rolled my weak ankle the other day so I am limping around. But it feels better today. The area has some good resturants . I particularly like this place that has what is called a x-tudo (shees tudo). It is like a hamburger with egg, salada, tomate, and like 3 different meats. Reminds me a little bit of Texas. It is very good. The people are awsome! Very nice unless you talk about the gospel. =) No normally they listen to the message.

We are working hard here and the people as a whole are coming around. The Lord blesses us no matter what happens as long as we work hard. It´s cool because Sunday we had a investigator come that we didn´t even know and she wanted to get baptised. It´s really cool because President said if you work hard, conversion just happens in weird ways. We are still teaching Luiza. She is planning on going to conference with us. We commited her to the 15th of April to be baptised. We also commited a women named Juliana for baptism. Juliana is very smart when it comes to the scriptures. At first she was very prideful, but we asked her to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and she finally did it. We had a lesson with her on Monday and she was very receptive and humble and she told us she had recieved an answer. Another miracle is that the ward members in our ward have been bringing more investigators than we have. They are really excited about missionary work. Which is wierd because this ward is not known as an outgoing ward.

President told my companion that he sent both of us here because we can work a miracle. The whole time my companion was telling me that I was thinking he doesn´t even know me. Then I thought but he is called of God and He knows me. I have been totally worn out. Tired, hungry just worn out. But today was a good preperation day I got to even take a little nap. And I bought 72 R$ worth the food which is about 35 $ american. We bought alot of food today. I am so happy!

Well my Dad went to Australia! I am very happy for him! What a good Dad! Smart as an ox and almost as smart! Mom is thinking about moving to San Diego. I think that would be Great! All is well here. I have a feeling it will only get better. The hard part came and went! Now is the harvest! I have been reading the Saviors ministry in the Bible. It is amazing the things he says when you really look at it. His teaching are amazing! Of Course they are right! Hah that´s what I thought till I started reading them! Totally amazing! I know that this is his church. Because HIS WORDS say so. HE has called a prophet in our day, Joseph Smith, who has seen Face to face as the prophets of old. WE have a prophet today who leads and guides the church of Jesus Christ, by the will of Jeus Christ. If you don´t believe me Conference is this Sunday. Go and see for yourself!

Oh also if you are going to send packages or letters here I need you to do something wierd. You have to put PRESIDENT BARTASO and the mission office address Rua DR. Batista pereira 165, 05517-080 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. Then put as the return adress my name, Elder Tossey and your address.
Ok any questions just ask!
Well got Work to do.
Love
Elder Tossey

Rejection with a good message

2006-03-22T17:37:00.000-06:00

Oi!!!!Como Vai, para o povo do U.S.A Todos coisas este bom aqui!

Wow what a week. I don´t think I have ever been so rejected, but never have I felt so much peace. Kadi Bazemore sent me a great quote that I got today in the mail. I know that life is hard and from all of your letters I know that life is wearing on you. Here is the quote "I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerating force against religious bigotry, priest craft, lawyer craft, doctor craf , lying editors suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs , blasphermers, licentious and currupt men and women -- all hell knocking off corner here and corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty, who will give me dominion over all and every one of them, when their refuge of lies shall fail, and their hiding place shall be destoyed, while these smooth polished stones with which I come in contact become marred" (Joseph Smith)

Also You can read 1 Pet 1:7 . While we are in the life we have things we have to do. One reason we are here is so we can gain experience. You can have knowledge 2 ways. From your own experience or from someone elses experience. We can have faith on something as much as we want but as soon as we excercise our faith in that thing and plant the seed and look to see what grows we can come closer to having that perfect knowledge. God is a god because he Has perfect Knowledge in Many Many things. All trials are only oppurtunities! I want all of you the next time you face adversity to say,"ok, this is an oppurtunity to increase my faith now what do I Do." Then seek revelation. It could be instant it could be a long wait. But faith. Evidence of things not seen. Hope for things not seen. Have any of you found any of the 5 levels of faith yet? I see that Kadi has. Keep it personal and make others seek as well. Those are treasures of knowledge to be sought after personally!

Well as far as this week goes. I Have had Many OPPURTUNITIES. this Area is really hard. Many rejections. We have 3 families that are waiting for a response from the Spirit for the truth. Wow. I have experienced alot here in this area. My companion and I sometimes get sad and we lift each other. Most of the time it is him lifting me. But this week I had a chance to lift him. He always tells me what a good missionary I am. I tell him no he is a good missionary. He was feeling a little down and discouraged and beginning to lose hope. I was like "uh oh" so we stopped and talked. We have worked so hard and we feel like sometimes it is our fault that the people aren´t accepting. We always have to remember that we are here only to love and give the people a chance. All around me everywhere, have their agency to choose. Even Christ was rejected, (by his own people) meaning that Christ himself could preach a powerful message of the restauration of the church and they would still reject.

Today we went to the temple and I learned alot of things. Also today we went to the mission office near the temple. and my companion talked to the President. And when my companion told me the things he said I felt so much better. He said that the President said that he knows we are working hard. Even though the numbers are low he knows we are working hard. Our mission President is a great guy. HE IS INCREDIBLY INTELIGENT AND DEFINELTY RECIEVES DEVINE REVELATION. He then said something to the fact that this work is not about numbers (numbers are only to measure) but this work is about love and life. I wish I could share all I have learned in my deepest of hours here on a mission. All of you who are preparing to serve a mission, know that it is not easy. And that I was not prepared for what came. We are teaching the gospel from 630am-930pm (sometimes later). This work is that important. It is the work of Christ. Moses 1:39- "this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Immortality is taken care of but we must do our part for eternal life. It is not easy but worth it. I have work to do!
Love
ElderTossey

A hard week

2006-03-15T16:12:00.000-06:00

Hey All!
Things are great here! I am totally worn out. This week has been extremely hard. Since we are opening this area we have been working over time because there was nothing to start with as far as refferals and investigators. We are now teaching some lovely families. I am very excited to see what happens here. I don´t know why they chose me to come here to open the area for my first area...you would think they would send somebody that had experience.

My companion and I are like twins in the gospel. He is an amazing guy. I am lucky to have him. As far as living well it could be better. We sacrifice meal time alot to teach or contact. But we bought alot of food today so maybe it won´t be so bad this week. He is just a little guy and doesn´t need much. lol. I am loving this work. I have already learned so much and am striving to work, work, work.

I only have one thought this week because of time ( we have to go teach a family right now) Here is the thought. " He only ask that we spend a little time with him in gethsemane." Jesus Christ is the center point. He is our light. Walk in obedience strait to the light. It is not easy. You will suffer, you will cry! But in the end will be your prize. Eternal life is not easy but it is worth it!

Love,
Elder Tossey

First Day in the Field!!!

2006-03-08T16:46:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody. How are you? All is well here! I have had the longest day! I don´t mind. It´s great and all is well. I am with my new companion. We have great responsibility in the area because we are opening this area. It´s amazing! Obviously neither one of us knows much about this area! lol. He is Brazilian. He is also a convert to the church. He has such a strong testmony. We have so much in common. He speaks very good Portuguese! I can tell we wil have no problems getting along.

I also met our Mission President. ALL the greenies went to the very nice house and ate lunch yesterday! It was so good. Best of all, though, our president of the mission is so, so, so, so smart. Wow. He showed us how God is infinite and eternal compared with our purpose as missionaries. It was amazing! I don´t have alot of time! There is alot of work required in opening an area. We have a meeting tonight with the Ward Mission Leader. Great is the work of the Lord! I will give all I have to the work. Giving my life if nessecary!

I hope everybody is well. I am not sure about Mother's day right now. When is Mother's day? They don´t have that here in Brazil. Lol, silly question but I really don´t know! I am greatful for this work and His glory. I wish all the best and hope all may find peace in the scriptures, in prayer and in the thought of OUR Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Love you all!
LoveElder Tossey

P.S. I did recieve 17 letters today at the MTC. Cool HUH? Anyways I did get your letters Lesty Lou. I want to thank everybody for there support and prayers. Pray for those future missionaries. The prophet says we need more!

Aaron goes to the field on Tuesday!!

2006-03-06T11:12:00.001-06:00

Hello all.
Oi! Tudo bem!? Tudo bem aqui.
Well, weeks are like days. I am going to be going to the field on Tuesday. I hope all of you haven´t sent me any mail in the past few days. If you have then it will eventually get to me. But start sending them to the mission home, NOT THE MTC (CTM). All is well here. The language is coming slowly. It will be boosted as soon as I get in the field, I know it will. I can´t wait to go. Today was my last time to go to the temple for a while. Wow. What an experience. So, I will miss going to the temple every week!

I guess I will tell more what it is like here. Somebody asked about the food. And how much I get to eat. Everymeal at the MTC (ctm) is a buffet, all you can eat. So that´s good! But most of the time it is very bland! But all is well. There are some good foods too. The fruit is 90% all good. Lots of meats and greens and fruits. We really take advantage of Wednesdays, we always go and eat out. I always get a pastel. I love them! Yum yum! THE BEST! I am going to learn how to make them.

Oh, the Package I recieved from Sister Phillips last week of 2 packs of double stuffed oreos was shared with the district. They loved them. They were gone in .2 seconds flat! I saved one package for me though. I plan on sharing them with my companion in the mission field. Earn some quick points! This week to Elders that I have grown close to left. The are going to Portalegre South mission. One guy in my district (Elder Sorenson) and I are going to room together at BYU Provo, or BYU , Hawaii. Elder Sorenson and I are like brothers! Lol The 2 Elders (Elder Adams and Elder Rivers) that left this week are planning on rooming with us also! Elder Rivers can sing so good. He is my role model. Lol.

Well I haven´t got any mail this week, not your fault though. In Brazil this is carnival week. Meaning in latin Carne- flesh and val- party. It is a crazy and abominal week. But, being in the bubble of the CTM we don´t see any of it. Which is good! Lol. But everything closes down for a week! Last Friday we went proselyting, it was very good. We switched companions this time and Elder Sorenson and I got together to go teach. He is a very outgoing missionary. We work great together. (numbers are not really what we count, but you have to measure success some how) We contacted 34 people and I think about 10 of them were good contacts. I got the oppurtunity to talk to a lady with a baby. I told her that she could be sealed to her family and be together forever! She was so happy to know that, then we told her of the message of the restoration of Christ´s true church. I had an amazing feeling sweep over me. And then I felt Joy. We also made a good contact with a girl coming from school (of about 18 years). She seemed very interested in the Book of Mormon. Part of the time we were in the Chinese district and we were speaking portuguese and nobody understood us. We thought it was our bad Portuguese till we figured out that we were in the chineese district. It was a good day. This coming weekend is mission conference . I will be singing in the choir and also in a small group of Elders for a special number. The song is going to be Lead Kindly Light, it is a beautiful arrangment.

Well Laura, I wish you were here sis. My back has like locked up twice. It was wierd and it hurt pretty bad. I didn´t know what happened. But all is well. It goes away quickly.

The responsibility of District Leader is going well. I have been able to bring the Spirit in to our meetings by sincerly asking questions. This week our meeting went well and the Spirit was great. I like involving the other Missionaries. It always brings a strong Spirit. So I will ask all of you the same question and I want you to write it down and share it with somebody. When do you feel the Saviors love the most? I would like you to add a scripture with this, one that really touches your heart about the Savior, Jesus Christ. You have to share it though.

I have been learning to play piano, or if you want to say practicing. It is coming slow, but maybe I will be able to play one hymn one day. I really love the work. I feel so much Joy and I feel the Spirit bear witness to me frequently of the importance of this work. To make these things known unto the inhabitants of the world. I am only a small part in this work. I am 1 man with an army of 55,000 missionaries. All of you future missionaries hang in there. President Hinckley said they would open 6 more missions if the just had the missionaries. The work is getting bigger. There is still alot of work to do. This week we have learned alot about faith. It seems to be the topic. I want to challenge all of you to study the Book of Mormon and find the 5 levels of faith. When you find them you will know what you need to do next. I won´t tell you what they are, but it is left to you to desire the knowledge. I wish the best for all of you! And God Bless all of you that support me! I love you all. I can´t wait to get my weekley pastel. I might get 2 this week!
Love,
Elder Tossey

What type of missionary do you want to be?

2006-02-22T16:54:00.000-06:00

Hello all!
Como vai?
I recieved 2 packages this week. I was totallly excited to open them. I got some good old American junk food! Thank you Sosa Family, and also Phillips family. I just got the package from you sister Phillips I am totally siked I love Oreos and my district will too! I really enjoyed all the stuff I recieved in my other packag too!

Anyways this week was good! I learned so much. We set some good district goals on Sunday. We had a good meeting. We decided to make class more spiritual and this week it has payed off. Class has been amazing. Like last night, we had a meeting and we are supposed to discuss the devotional that we go to every Tuesday. Well we discussed the devotional and then I asked everybody in the distict what kind of missionary they wanted to be. I started it off and I said that I want to be like the missionaries that carried the Spirit to me and brought me to the gospel. Then I said I wanted to be a missionary of great power. That started it off very good. Then the District said what kind of missionary they wanted to be. And all of them had great thoughts and the Spirit was there. I then shared a scripture from Alma 32:27 telling them how to make that desire real. Many of the district members told me thank you for leading a good meeting. I told them that I didn´t do it. That they did it. I just let the Spirit work then I thanked them. We have such a good district. All of them are very influencial people. We have a very close district. I am doing ok at the distict leader spot. I am pretty scatter brained though. It is a big responsibilty, but I recieve joy from serving my fellow Missionaries.

My Brazillian roomates left again...wow time flys. I only have 2 weeks. I would not send me any mail after about the 27th. Just to be safe. In 2 weeks I go to the missionary field . Exciting huh? So all of you just use the address on the card I gave out. Thank you all for all the letters you send. Everytime I get one I brag! Lol I brag about how all the people back home love me! Thank you so much! Also this week I recieve a letters from Michelle, Momma Phillips and little Catie beth, Kadi Bazemore , and a long one from Felicia Hicks. Than all of you so much. Keep it going. I promise I will write back. I hope ya´ll get them faster than you have been!

I went to the Sao Paulo temple again today. I can´t get over the joy of doing service for those on the other side of the veil. What a great experience. We should all give more respect to the Temple of our God! My companion and I are doing well. Our friendship keeps growing and we keep learning and progressing. It´s exactly how it is supposed to be. I wouldn´t choose any other companion! So diligence is paying off and I feel great joy from serving our God. The purpose is a great one. This is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man Moses 1:39. Jesus came and he died for our sins. Because of his sacrifice all men will be immortal, but if we shall follow him we won´t just be immortal but we will live with our Heavenly Father again. We will all stand before God one day to be judged according to the works of our faith. I love this work and I want to help all recieve the Gospel of Jesus Christ for that is our joy. I am forever grateful for the Savior Jesus Christ our Messiah! Now continue to fill yourselfs with power, faith, and knowledge. Excercise your faith so that one day you might obtain a perfect knowledge in that thing which you excercised your faith. If you only knew how important knowledge of the truth is! ( Alma 32:21,26 to the end.) Also (Alma 34) I love you all! Till we meet again at the feet of Jesus or in this life.
Love
Elder Tossey

Info on how Aaron lives

2006-02-20T18:15:00.000-06:00

This is a portion of an email Aaron sent me when I asked him some questions about his life in Brazil....

Well life here at the MTC is great. It is really busy and the food is good. I haven´t had to pay any taxes on the 1 package I recieved. I live in a room with six other missionaries. When I get to the field I will be in an apartment. I will not drive, nor do I want to! It is crazy out there you, should see the chaos! My 2 years started the day I left home. but...it´ll will probably be a little less than 2 years since my visa only last 2 years. I do need a new jump rope though if i could get you to send me 2 pretty good jumpromes with the bearings you know? I would like 2 because a sister missionary in my district wants one. I broke mine it was a cheapy.

oi, como vai?

2006-02-15T15:32:00.000-06:00

hello all!
How is life in the US of A? Brazil is doing great! The rock cut out of the mountain is rolling forth. I am doing well too! Rice and beens are normal. I am happy with the food. I think I might have gained a little weight. A kilogram or so, lol.

Last week we went out to proselyte to the Brazilian people. It was good to be able to use the language in actual engagement. Around the MTC it is hard to get the full gyst of the language because of the 350 people here about 200 of them are Americans the rest are Brazilians, anyhow alot of English is being spoken too. Anyways while proselyting on one of the busiest streets in São Paulo we walked up to 6 guys and started talking to them. Then we taught them our message and we bore testimony to them of the restored gospel. They all seemed very interested and they all had gleams in there eyes. They smiled alot. I felt that was a good solid contact. We (me and my companion) had good success that day.

I have 3 weeks left at the MTC then that kind of thing will be everyday. Right now it is just face first into the books and the scriptures. It is so easy to spend money here. It is kind of decieving because you feel you are spending more than you really are becase the American dollar is worth 2 Raeis. So I am not doing so bad. When I get to the field it will be better. I bought some good scripture covers with my name and mission on them I am excited to go pick them up. I also broke my jump rope ( it was cheap) so I asked Laura to get me a new one =)! It´s good having a great sister! 2 great ones at that! I am excited about Julie being pregnant again. MORE babies! BABIES (with my twang)!

I have been recieveing quiet a few letters which really makes my day when I do recieve them! I have sent about 30 letters out since I have been here. But unfortunately I know some of you still haven´t recieved any of them! I am sorry. The snail mail service is slower then being dead! Good news...I was made District Leader on Sunday. The old district leader was promoted to assistant to the president and I was selected as the new district leader. Which means more meetings and more responsibility.

My companion and I have set good goals and are doing well. He recieved a package for V-day. A bunch of candy. I need a new watch by the way. Mine stops everynow and then. Maybe somebody could by me a nice looking but cheep silver watch. One that goes with a black suit really well. Like an Armitron watch. Well anyways, I better get back to the work. I have alot of studying to do! Thank all of you for your support! I am so thankful for your love and your letters and your support!

Scriptures of the week are for those of you who are studying
Hebrews 11 and Alma 32.

I love all of you so much.
Love
Elder Tossey

P.S. who is forwarding these e-mails to my friends just wondering. Like Felicia, Michelle ? I am just wondering....they wanted to recieve these e-mails (Sister Phillips can you do it if you are not already?)

Sao Paulo Temple & pastels

2006-02-08T11:54:00.000-06:00

Hello all!
Elder Tossey is doing well. I just got done eating lunch. I ate a burger out side of the MTC it was ok, but it wasn´t like those Leesburgers. HMMM. I am home sick now. Just kidding. I miss all of you so much, but I wouldn´t give this up for life it self.

I have been learning so much here. I have been learning alot of what life is about. I am also learning Portuguese. This Friday we go to prosylyte again. I am excited. I know I will do better. It is such good practice to get out side the MTC and actually talk only Portuguese. It is really hard to do that in the MTC ( to speak only Portuguese). I just got back from the Sao Paulo Temple this morning. It was so beautiful. I put it on the top 3 temples. The Spirit was very strong there. I enjoyed the peace I felt there!

In a little while here we are supposed to try a really good food. It is called a pastels. They have all kinds of flavors from what I hear. Things here at the MTC on the other hand are relatively the same. If ya´ll want to know something specific you should ask me. I am sorry if you have asked me something and I have not answered it. It seems that I am totally out of it when I get in here to write.

Well Here is my thought for the week. It´s about life.

Why are we here? We were all sent to this earth to gain bodies and to gain experience. Knowledge is the key, but along with knowledge is faith. Faith can be in many different things but as I have said before faith is only perfect when centered on Christ. How can we strengthen our faith?...through diligence. In the scriptures it says many times you must excercise your faith. Meaning you must act upon what you know. God gives us many oppurtunities to act on our faith. These oppurtunities are called trials. Our MTC president one day was in his office and a guy came in and said you want you first problem as president of the MTC. The MTC president said yes! Problems are oppurtunities. In 1PET 1:6 it says that the trial of your faith becomes more valuable than of gold or silver or any manner of precious items. My dad always says no good deed goes un-punished. Now you know why. The more we do good the easier you think it would be but that is not how it works. It is only easy if you are doing something wrong! It is building virtue, character, and most of all faith when you choose the right. Building things is not easy. Neither is weight lifting, till you get used to the weight then you must add more weight! More trials, more burdens, more oppurtunities to choose who you will serve (Joshua 24:16). I love this saying " we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience". That also brings up the point... are we to let our bodys act on our spirits or our spirits on our bodys? Definately Spirits are supposed to act on bodies. That is where righteousness is made. That is also the war we are fighting today. It is a spiritual war. Addictions and bad,evil things only put your spirit under bondage to the evil of satan's power. I know that there is a Messiah, Jesus Christ. I also know that there is a devil and he wants nothing more than to make you unclean and unfit to return to Heavenly Father. I

hope that all of you will exercise your faith in Christ by following the commandments and by doing as it says in HEBREWS 11 ( for all to read). I love you all. I hope to see you when I come back with more faith in Jesus the Christ.
Love you all
Elder Tossey

P.S. My companion and I are doing very well. We are working on the Christ like attribute of diligence this week. You know to gain more faith you must make goals. And unless your goal is written on paper it is only a dream. The book "preach my Gospel" is a great book for help on these Christ like attributes and how to achieve goals.

Addresses

2006-02-06T15:32:00.000-06:00

Here's Aaron's addresses... I wanted to post them in case someone has lost their copies or never got them.

Brazil MTC
Elder Aaron Tossey
Rua Padre Antonio D'Angelo 121
Casa Verde
CEP 02516-040 Sao Paulo SP
Brazil

Documents only!!!!!
Elder Aaron J.I. Tossey
Brazil Sao Paulo North Mission
PO Box 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150

There is one other one that I forgot to bring to work, but these are the ones for now.

One Month Down

2006-02-01T15:50:00.000-06:00

Hello ALL!

Another week has flown by! It is hard to believe I have been here a month. I am learning tonz! The language is coming well. I get a little discouraged at times. But that is just because I am impatient. But if I was satisfied would I work very hard? =)

We went out last week and got to proselyte. I felt very good on the return trip. One time I went up to this man and his friend and I told him my spill about how the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored (in portugues) and I told him that we have a prophet now that talks to God just like in days of old. Then he said ´I am Catholic´. So I pulled out a card and I said "well this message is for you" and I told him about the Book of Mormon and that it came from the ancient Americas. He got very interested and he was very excited about being able to call the number. My companion and I had the same success with a poor old blind man. But he was very excited about the message also. I felt we had great success for it being my first time. I feel good about being able to speak that much portuguese in only three weeks (at that time). It was very exciting.

A few of you want to know what the culture is like. Well, it is pretty different. Alot of people have nothing. When we went proselyting many of the people had no home. It is quiet sad. The roads are quiet crazy here in Sao Paulo. Everybody drives little hatchback cars that are about 300 pounds. They are all very curtious with their driving and there are motorcycles every where. As for the food...it is good. A lot of rice and beans and different meats. The fruit is super. All the people I have met are super nice and they always look at you and greet you. Alot of them want to know why we are here...and they are interested in the message of the restored gospel. The coutry side is beautiful. We get to see a little of it when we go to the Campinas temple once a week.

Last Sunday I got to talk in sacrament. I talked about the sacrament and what the purpose of it is and related it to the Atonement. Then, my district had to seek a special number. Then, that night I sang in the choir at the fireside and then at the end of the fireside I sang with a special little goup with about 12 ppl and we sang "Eu sei que vive meu o senhor" or "I know my redemmer lives". It was really good.

My companion and I are doing good. No problems this week. We do really good together on the lessons. I don´t think I would trade him for anybody. Well last Thursday I recieved 8 letters. It was great! They finally all came to me. At one time! I have recieved 3 more since then. Thanks everybody! I´ll write back soon. Also this week my brazileiro roomates left =( ....I really liked them alot! One of them gave me a cool key chain. Well I am sending like 8 letters out today! I sent alot last week too.

This week I have learned alot about faith and what faith is. Faith is a hope for things not seen. We all can have faith in different things but the only perfect faith is in Jesus Christ. We can do many wonderful miracles with faith but the most important miracle we can perform with our faith is repentance. That is the whole reason that Christ Came and Atoned for us. We must be forever Grateful. Also faith increases when we act on it. When we don´t we lose faith. Faith is like a muscle you have to work it out. Faith leads to action. So all of you act and pray and thank God for all you have. Ask him for forgiveness and do your BEST to forsake what you did wrong, don´t do it again. Then find out his will for you! And do it. His will for all of us is the same. The ultimate goal is to have eternal life. Don´t waist this life, this life is the time for you to prepare to meet God. It is a probationary state. If we increase our faith by acting we can all have Eternal life with our Heavenlty Father. But you must fullfill all righteousness through the Savior I love you all and wish the best for you.
Love,
Elder Tossey

2006-01-26T17:14:00.000-06:00

Aaron in lego form as a missionary.

Lessons on Problem Solving & a New MTC President

2006-01-25T10:51:00.000-06:00

Hello all!! All is well this week. I learned a good lesson on problem solving. We had a lesson on it. It was very good. If you have a problem you need to get to the root of it. Then, you need to make a plan and you need to JUST DO IT! The the fourth step is that you need to check yourself continually.

I want everybody to know That I am so thankful for your support and all that you have done for me, it really does mean alot. One of my Brazilian companions made me a keychain out of clay and a stick. It looks like a missionary and it is really neat. I have pictures of it and I will probably send pictures home in about 3 weeks.

I got a Package! Yay! Go Longhorns. Thank you Steve and Susan. Everybody here is jealous now.

My companion and I are doing well.

The language is coming well. Friday we get to go pass out pass along cards and I have to speak Portuguese to commit them to get a Book of Mormon. Last night I practice and while others are using notebooks and reading their lessons I just let my lesson come off the top of my head and I did great! I was so excited. It is only by obedience that I have been able to learn this quickly. It is crazy! I am truly blessed! I am very excited about Friday as well. Oh and I passed out a pass along card today at the grocery store. We met a Brazilian that spoke great English and we commited her. =)

We have a new MTC President, I miss the old one but this one is sufficient, really he has a great Testimony of Jesus Christ, it was unreal! After our devotional last night, my district and I were having a chat and we were talking about the devotional. And Elder Grunig said, relating to what the speaker had said, I wish I knew more of the Doctrine of the church. I wish I was like Elder Tossey who you can ask where a scripture is and he can tell you almost instantly. It made me feel good. But I know that I am but an instrument in His hands. I would be nothing with out Him (Ether 12:27).

I have been singing in the Choir. Sunday, I am singing infront of ALL the missionaries. I am singing with 3 others. We are singing ´I know my redeemer lives´ in Poruguese. I have really been inspired to sing more. And I love it. I want to develop this gift. Plus you get extra blessings from participating in such activities!

Tell Carolyn that i am sorry about my spelling. The keyboards are a little different here and also I have Portugues on my mind continually!

I want to share something. I would like all of you to read 3 Nephi 27:19-21, and also Moroni 7. Look for the savior in those scriptures.`The atonement of Jesus Christ is central to every aspect of the gospel, everything else is just an appendage` -Joseph Smith-` we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience´.

I would like to invite all you to come unto Christ through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immerson, recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. This is the Doctrine of Christ, if you are on the stage of enduring to the end then you must start all over and go throught those ordinances by helping a fellow spiritual being recieve the same. This is Eternal Life. If you are still searching for truth start with faith and pray. Ask for repentance and become baptised. I declare that Christ;s True Church has been reestablished on the Earth with 12 apostles and a Prophet who speaks to God and therefore I know Miracles have not ceased. For I know that a Miracle worketh within me, and the same can happen within you. Read, ponder, Ask and knock, Seek and find! I want all to know that I love you but more importantly I want you to know that Christ Loves you! And that his Father and Our Father loves you and he want you to return to him. I say these things in the name of The savior as his representative.
I love you all
Elder Tossey

Mom and Dad I sent you some letters today! You should get them in about a week.
I have sent:
mom
dad
jared
Sherri sullivan
the phillips

Another email from Aaron!

2006-01-18T12:52:00.000-06:00

Hello all!
Life in Brazil is great. It has been about 44 degrees celcius all week. really hot! I have been busy busy. But it's great i love being busy! I really do! My companion and I had it out one day this week he was being very inconsiderate and selfish. And he thinks I am like his rush puppy. You know me I am always layed back ( not that I was late any where or breaking any rules.) Really in the end it is just 2 way different people trying to get along. He is a great guy and he is here to serve so anyways we are getting along better. I filled up all my time with studying the gospel and the language and he was kinda of mad at me because of that. So i guess I need to slack of a little. I don't know. Anyways we never let that get in the way of us for long we always talk about our disputes. Any how like I said things are busy. All we do is sit in class most of the day and learn, learn, learn. But really it´s not to bad. I really enjoy it. This is deffinetly the place for me! I really enjoy that hour outside playing basquete and volley ball though. The food is really good here except it is always the same. Rice and beans, Beans and rice. I am still waiting on some cookies from the first person who feels the spiritual prompting that a brother is in need! But i am fed well.

There is one problem I won´t get to write ya´ll as much as I want to because ya´ll sent me so many e-mails and I had to read them all. I can only check my e-mail once a week and I only have 45 minutes so hmmm. More mail...less e-mail! lol (I am not yelling, I am just joshing. I have got 2 letters from Michelle and one form Devin. I haven´t recieved any others. DearElder.com is a really good way to get me the letters quick.

I want to thank everybody for there support. and for there letters. Tell the Sullivans too. Tell them I will write more letters as well and on my list for next week are the Sullivans and a few others. I am going to try to write the people that i am not supposed to write on e-mail by letter so that I can be a obedient missionary.

On to spiritual matters. I am feeling the spirit everyday. It testifies to me of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon Which testifies to me of Joseph Smith and Joseph testifies to me that Jesus Christ Lives! that his Father and our Heavenly Father Live! They are seperate beings. And the plan was from the beginning that we should have a savior and Jesus was the only one that could do it and he did it! He did it! I feel my saviors love as I testify to you of these truths. The restoration of the Church of Christ has come, we have a Prophet to lead and guide us. Today I got to go to the Campinas Temple and I was so joyful to enter the House of the Lord. The spirit dwells there and families can be sealed together FOREVER in these sacred buildings. This is what the restoration of the Church has done. It has given us those priesthood keys that are here to bind on earth so that it can be bound in heaven. I give to all of you a few scriptures to read Alma 34 ,3 Nefi 11 read these and ye shell now that The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ It really does. Pray Always my brothers and sisters of the gospel. Pray for the truth. I love all of you so much. do this---- 2 nephi 32:29
Love always!
Elder Tossey

I have sent letters to the following:
Michelle *1
Kadi Bazemore*1
Falicia *2

I promise I will do better. I haven't had a whole lot of time! Just have patience! It´s a virtue. And thank you so much Michelle and Devin for your support and your letters!GOOOOOOO! TEXAS! yay! ask mike where my quarter by quarter is!????

Aaron's first p-day

2006-01-11T13:46:00.000-06:00

Hey there sister. How are you? Today is my first p-day (preparation day). I got to go to Campinas temple today. It was beautiful. Brazil is great, the people are so much more gracious than people in America (no offense) they just are. I can´t wait to get out of the MTC and start working with them. This week has beeen so busy and I am a little tired because I woke up at 5 to do my laundry today. I have been learning the language pretty good. I am able to carry a conversasion kinda, but I have been here a week so I am not fluent yet =). Give me a couple more weeks. I figured out in the first week that the more obedient I am to the rules and guidelines the better I am at the language. I have always heard it, but I believe it now. It takes alot as a representative of Christ to keep that special spirit with you. And the more obedient you are, the stronger the spirit. I was in the lunch room one day when I just started talking to some of the Brazilians. And words I did´t even know where coming out. The language is coming quickly. I say in 3 months I´ll be pretty fluent. I was also in class one day and we were talking about the gospel, about the restoration of the church and now alot of people look at me as a scriptorian. I thought that was neat, but i just told them that they could be the same way if they studied the scriptures and be obedient. It´s one thing to be able to talk about the scriptures it´s another to be able to have the Spirit testify to what you are saying. Anyways I am doing good I have everything I need. I love you. Thank you for your letter too. Tell everybody I love them too.
Love,
Aaron

Forgot to put Aaron's email on here so ya'll can send him messges. I'm not sure who he can write and who he can't but here it is... ELDERTOSSEY@myldsmail.net
~Laura

Aaron leaving on a jet plane... well a prop plane

2006-01-07T11:42:00.000-06:00

Aaron getting on the plane. He tried to turn around so we could get a pic but there were too many people behind him and my timing was off.

Sorry about the red eyes in the one pic. Susan Phillips and Michelle have some other pics with them in it. ~Laura

A letter from Aaron

2006-01-06T08:24:00.000-06:00

Hey all,
How are ya'll? I am well. Eu got here yesterday and Eu am muito bem. Eu am learning the language muito bem. You can write me using the "Dear Elder.com". Eu hope you are doing bem. They told me to talk and all with the palavras. I know you are getting maybe what Eu am saying. If you have any questions about the "Dear Elder.com" ask Michelle. Eu think Eu can only use it for the next two months. Ate Logo!
Love,
Aaron Tossey

Michelle if you check this you can write a comment and let us know how to use the "Dear Elder.com". -Laura

The Beginning

2006-01-02T12:34:00.000-06:00

I'm Laura. I will be posting pictures and letters of Aaron and his adventures in Brazil. Aaron will be sending me letters to post on here to keep all of his friends posted on how he's doing. Ya'll can comment if you want but Aaron won't be able to see it or respond. I'll try to keep him updated on comments letting him know who's checking his blog. Any other info can be emailed to me by clicking on Aaron's profile and his email will come directly to me. It may be a few weeks before postings begin because of the mail and all. Happy blogging!