5.4.09

Who would have thought that Cody would serve where mom and dad started their married life together. Cody can ask dad for references. Too funny. Hey, when I AM going to get to read Cody´s letters.

Things are starting to move around here in Imperatriz. Starting to get the help of members . Which is the key to missionary Work. The members helped the investigators that were at church yesterday. It was wonderful.

My comp and I doing together. We are very similar. Shy. But in the end it all works out. i AM better getting the members to help and He better at talking to people on the street. Its great to be his comp because we arrived on the mission the same time and we leave the mission the same time. But Will we the leave from the same mission. QUEM Sabe?( Who knows?) The new Will form in 2 months and the area presidency hasn't Said anything to the Pres Hoggan about the new mission. Any way whatever happens I´ll be ready and willing.

Tomorrow we are making the trip to São Luis for conf with pres hoggan. So i´ll get to see Elder Clark...YES!! I Can not Wait.

I hope you enjoyed the photos that i sent. And i AM super excited to talk with you guys Sunday afternoon. Wait for my phone call Saturday about the time. And don't forget the phone call. I hope Landon Will speak to me. Which reminds of na experience this last week. We were teaching a family. There was a little girl of one year and 8 months. I was amazed that she could speak to me so clearly. And i could stop think about Landon and Quinn.

Com Amor

Elder R. Spencer

4.27.09

Hey family,

Last Monday you will not believe what I did for an investigator. It was Monday and we went to go check up on an investigator that didn't go to church Sunday. It was a about 8 o´clock so she was already sleeping. So we knocked at the door but nobody answered. But there was music on. So i looked at Elder Dos Santos and told what what Bishop Dellenbach suggested for me to do a Christmas. That is go to all the widows in the Ward and sing for them. Then we both said “well April a time to start” so we sung today my soul has Light. She finally opened up the door and gave a mad face but towards the end we saw her face light up. It was awesome.

This last week as well it rained like crazy. here in Imperatriz, is all flat so when in rains it turns into a lake. In front o four house there was just a river flowing.

Love you all,
Elder Spencer

4.20.09

Oi family,

I went to belém this week to renew my visa and to get a new comp.Elder Dos Santos from campinas, São Paulo. We have the same time in the mission. One year and two months. He´s cool and extremely smart. So I am looking forward to learning a lot with him. I am always looking forward to improving my Portuguese as my English goes down the drain. Its a good thing right.

Thanks for the picture I like it. Actually it was awesome.

I am short on time this week but next week i´ll be sure to write more.

Love,
Elder Spencer

4.13.09

Family,

This past week was the end of the transfer. We challenged the missionaries in the zone to find 1 family ,30 men, and 30 people in total as new investigators. And to our surprise they all achieved that goal. So our zone of 5 companionship's found in total 9 families. 77 men and 161 new people in this week alone. It was great, I Just hope it got everyone into the missionary spirit, and will keep them there. an awesome experience happened because of the goal that we set. As we were worried and in a rush to find new people, we talked to a few people that are really golden investigators. One man named Ribamar. As we taught him the first lesson about the restoration of the gospel we invited him to be baptized. During the invite it looked like was going to say, “but i have been baptized already and don't need to be baptize into your church.” But that's not what He Said. Instead He Said” let me first read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and GO to church and then we´ll see IF i AM ready.” It was the Best lesson that i taught all week. I loved it.AS i Said that it was the end of the transfer and my good friend Elder Clark is leaving Imperatriz and leaving me behind. I really enjoyed the time that i was with Elder Clark. He is going to São Luis later to night. As for my new companion I´ll know Thursday morning.This next transfer Will be great. I feel it.I hope every one enjoyed their Easter weekend. I sure enjoyed mine.
With Love,
Elder R. Spencer

4.6.09

Family,

Conference was awesome. I hope you all watched all the sessions and learned for the Prophet of God. I enjoyed it. The talk that help me the most was Elder Pearson´s in regards of Faith and Not Doubt the Power of God. Surprisingly that was one of the few that i listen to in Portuguese and the one that was the most powerful to me.

I am going to make it a goal in my life to always put Conference first in my life. To always watch it as it is happening. Things that were taught are all things that we need to put into practice now. I can't believe that people would put that the Voices of the prophet and apostles on the back burner in the place of other things. Like I said the teachings are for us to put into practice now. Once again in my life i can say that we are guide by Prophets, seers and revelators.

The work is going forth. Slow but going. I am loving it.

Elder Spencer

3.30.09

hey family,
the tranfer is coming quickly to an end. only two more weeks. I beleive that iwill stay here in Imperatriz(a.k.a. the best place on the face of the planet) until july when the mission will be created. it would be cool to say that i help a brand new mission open up in brazil. but we´ll see what will happen in a few months. i cant believe that it is april already. time flies.This last week i went on a spilt in the land of Açai( Açailandia) an hour bus ride from Imperatriz. I dont think that i have ran up hills as steep as the ones there in the land of Açai. the rolling hills are awesome. i took pictures, so not worry.
today we are going Fishing the Tocatins River. Yes!!!! my first time fishing on the mission and in the country that they call BRasil.
LOve you all
congratultions on the progress you guys are making in life.
Reading assigiment 1 Nephi 17. How can you be a better Missionary? Think about it
Elder Spencer

3.23.09

Family,
Tudo Bem.
This last week we traveled to São Luis, again, for a Conference with President Hoggan. I cant believe President is going home here in the end of June and the mission will be divided and a new mission president top of that. Just be recap on where I am and who I am with. I am still in Imperatriz of the state of Maranhão. My companion is Elder Clarke from Twin Falls. I love it here. Last night we crossed the river to teach a family in the state of tocantins. The family that we taught was extremely humble and willing to listen to the Message of the Restored Gospel OF Jesus Christ. They were amazed at he fact the power of God is here on the earth to today. That same power that was given to the Apostles of Christ when Christ was here. That God called a prophet to lead and guide us through a world of torment and pain that we live in today. That the Church has twelve apostles and a prophet that have the god given power to baptize in the name of Christ for the remission of sins. To fulfill the teachings of the Savior. I am grateful for the opportunity and humble to serve the Lord here in Brasil. I know that the Church is in fact guided prophets and apostles and that no other church on the face of the earth has the power that was given the boy prophet Joseph Smith.
Elder Spencer
Loving the Mission

3.16.2009

Hey family,

This past week I went back to belém for the transfer meeting and conselho with presdient hoggan. It was great and I learned a alot. I am not a big fan of 9 hour bus rides at night but I enjoyed seening other elderes at the transfer meeting. This week we are going to são luis for another conference with president Hoggan beacuse his doesnt make the trip out to imperatriz for zone conference here. That justs mean that i will on another bus for 9 hours at nightime again this week. :( but the bright side is that i will have the chance to learn alot of cool stuff with president again this week.This last week we found a man named Roberto that is progressing, but didnt make out to chuch yesterday beacuse his wife was sick. he is super humble and wants to learn. I am exicted to help him out.

I read a scripture in mattew the other day that i like a lot. One that I am sure that most of you know by heart. Mat. 6:21.scripture of power.I hear that cody gave a talk in church yesterday. Are you ready, cody? You are going to love it. What´s the area are in your mission?

Love you all,
Elder Spencer
The mission address in Imperatriz
Caixa Postal 141
Imperatriz, MA65900
Brasil

ITs the PO box the mission has here so missionaries can get mail here rather than waiting for the leaders to bring it back from belem.

3.8.09

Well another fun day in the cyber. I enjoyed the letters that you sent me. For the package, Peanut butter and beef jerky. They don’t have those things here.

This last was a hectic week, we ran around trying to saves the lives of missionaries and not trying to save the lives of people. The mission. The blessings did come. Elder Clark and I went on a visit to any a city that is one hour and a half away from the Imperatriz. The drive to get there was some of the most beautiful scenery that I have seen in my life. I took a video. IT was all green and wide open spaces. The majority of it was cattle and farming land. I loved it .and I loved it. Did I mention that I loved it. The best thing that I saw in my life. I love it. If Cody wants to start up a cattle ranch he should start it up here. I love it. Did I say that, I love it, yet.

Like I said that his week was rough with the elders in our zone but at the end of the week on Saturday we walk to a members work to get his money for our lunch. He gives us money because he lives on the other of the river, so we can’t eat at his house. Anyway we showed up and he said jump in the car, we are going to eat lunch together today. He took us to a rodizio grill that was wonderful. A lot better than eating on our own.

This past week was a week of growth. I hope everyone is doing great back home and enjoying life. I haven’t hear a lot of what is happening back home. It makes me worried at times.

Love you all,
Elder Spencer

I just love that drive.
Good luck Cody on the mission.

3.2.09

Hey,
It was another great week here on the mission. My testimony about everything that is related to the gospel grows everyday, without fail. I Love it here. I know that through my struggles that i have on the mission and in my life are for my benfit and Will shape me into the person that hevenly father needs and wants me to be. I AM grateful and humblied to be called by a prophet of god to serve as a servant and representive of chirst in the city of imperatriz.
The other Day my compnaion and i were walking and two men that were not from the city stopped us on the Road. They asked Who we were and and why were here. As we told them about the gospel and about the propehts and others leaders of the church, their eyes were filled with amazment to know that there is a prophet on the earth that has recevied the Power of god the teach and to realize baptism for the remission of sin. Unfortuanltey we are not able to teach them becuase they live in a town that is too far for us to travel. I Love being a missionary. The Best thing that has happeni n my life.
Even over running.
Elder Spencer

Mission Changes!

Hi,

This is from my missionary in Belem today (his pday).
It may be news to those of you with missionaries serving in Belem or Fortaleza.

"There have been some major changes going on. It is such an exciting time! Be sure to save your Church News's. Not only are we getting a new mission president, but in July our mission is splitting! The state of Maranhão in our mission (Imperatriz, São Luis, etc.) will go with part of the Fortaleza mission to create the new Brazil Teresina Mission. As many as 30 missionaries from Belém will be sent to the new mission when it opens in July. The northeast region of Brazil is growing really fast, and has the highest baptizing missions in the Brazil area. It is really great to see the growth of the Church here. Our new mission president is Presidente Campos. He is from Teresina, ironically, and is currently in the Fortaleza mission presidency. He has four kids, his oldest son serving a mission in Japan. I know that it is going to be very different from President Hoggan, but I know that he is who the Lord has chosen and that our mission will only benefit from it."

Exciting!!!
Shelli Tolman,
Meridian Idaho MM to Elder Tyler Tolman, Belem 11/07 - 11/09

2.23.08

Well this last week I did alot of traveling. The whole zone took back to back bus rides at night for a zone conference with president Hoggan in São Luis. I have not became a big fan of bus rides that are for 10 hours along. The conference was good and I got to see Elder Sears again and Elder Wadsen. Elder Wasdsen came to Imperatriz to go a split with us. It was cool walking around with my first companion in the mission, and this time I was the senoir compianion beacause we were working in my area( I am a Big Boy Now). It bought back memories of my days in Telegrafo. This last week pass by super fast. Saturday we had the marraige and baptism of Beto and Sonia. Remeber the early days of the church, when missionaries were in England. The people that were batized in engalnd were asked to Pack up and move to salt lake city. Those people must of had a lot of faith to make that kind of move across the ocean, then across the USA to be close to a prohet of God and other leaders of the church. To revice the blesssings of recieving counsel for the church leaders, that recieve counsel from Heavenly Father. Well Beto and Sonia are those kind of people that would make that move. They have so much faith and desire to do what is right and follow the counsel of the prophet. I was blessed with oporunity to help them be baptized, married and eventullay sealed in the House of the Lord.

Until next week

Elder Spencer

Spencer 001 Elder Ferrato and I in the Rain

SPencer 002 Elder Clark and I At the marriage of Allyson and Mayara.

2.16.09

Family,
Its was a good week.i had a a lot of fun this week.I flew a kite, the coolest thing in the world. And i had a foot race with my companion to see Who could place a pass along in a pay phone first. I lost, i was on the outside and Elder Clarke,who plays football so his pure force, strength and size overpowered me. Good times.The week was tough teaching wise. we had some good quality lessons, but not a lot. This last week i felt that i improved in my ability to talk to people. My Companion is helping me out with the language and i AM grateful for it. My troubles in the language are letting me know how much of a prideful person i have been for my whole life.This upcoming week we will have conferência with the president in Saint Luis. Its the capital of the state and its on the other side of the state by the ocean. So we are going to take a bus all night long and spend the next day at conference and get another bus and return back to impertriz that same night. The next day I will GO on splits with Elder Wasden, my first companion in the mission. So i am pumped up about this next week. I get to see a whole bunch of people that i have not seen in awhile and i get to see Saint Luis, a place that i have wanted to serve in, since i arrived in the mission. I hope that it will be my last área because its the coldest place in the mission with the ocean breeze which will help me get used to the cold weather . but that time is way in the front.
I Love you all and hope that you Will have a good week.
Elder Spencer

2.9.09

Family,
Well, it’s been a long week. I love the new area, it awesome but stinking hot here. The people are awesome and a lot different than the people in Belem. They are more like the American people. Everything here is a very nice and up to date. My new companion Elder Clark is from the cold state of Idaho. He is really tall and funny always has something to say. So it makes teaching lessons really fun and enjoyable because they aren’t memorized every time and the same. Always teaching by the spirit, the way the gospel should be taught. He is like my trainer at the half way point of the mission. He is my third companion that has more time on the mission that I do. I have a lot to learn from him.
Hey Cody are you reading the scriptures everyday in preparation for the mission? Take advantage of the time that you have to prepare before the mission because you will not have a whole lot of time to study in depth. Go on splits with the elders in the ward. Do everything that you can to get ready. I Believe that Jason Clarke is coming home from his mission ask him for some insights, before you leave. More important is that you read the scriptures and get the foundation before instead of trying to build it on the mission.
Elder Spencer

2.2.09

Hey ,
I got to my new área, and yes we get to use email and the rest of the luxuires that you people have back at home. I am in a different state, called Marahão. I am in the city of impertriz. There is only one zone here and i am in the middle of the city so i am close to all the stores and internet places. There is not a place in the mission that is out in the middle of no where, so not be worry. Transfers were Wednesday in belém and the next day we had meetings to attend. On Thursday night we left at 9 o´clock at night at the bus station and went by bus for the whole night until we arrived in Impertriz at 6 in the mornoning. Impertriz is one of the hottest places in the mission. So far i have helped in 3 baptisms and one marriage. Sweet. It was the coolest thing in my life even though i wasnt one of the missionarties that did the teaching it good to the work going onward. I am going to have a wonderful time here , I can feel it. Here in the zone there is a closed ward so we go to the church building three times a week to teach the friends and family of members. So we are helping another couple get married rigth now so by the end of the transfer we should have another marriage and baptism.
Well congrations cody for the mission call. You are going to love it. When do you report to the mtc, and who is your mission president and where are the pictures of you opening up your packet.

Love
Elder Spencer

Enjoy the week everyone one

By the way my new caompian is Elder Clark from twin falls. He is a huge guy. He hás been in the mission 4 more transfers than i have.

1.26.09

get a dictionary in portugues and english to help you read this one

Minha Família
Como estais? Eu estou bem. Estou vivo. O líder da obra missionária quer dizer oi para minha família então fala oi. Aqui é o Edson. Esta semana nós tivemos um batismo da Fernanda. Ainda o pai dela não quer ler o Livro de Mórmon e ir à Igreja.Triste:(. Más estamos trabalhando com ele e um dia Edson vai conseguir e cair nas águas de batismo com ele. Um dia maravilhoso será. Eu sei que ele conseguira. O batismo da Fernanda foi legal tinha muita gente lá para dar apoio. Elder Ferrato fez o primeiro batismo da missão dele. Parabéns. Estou feliz por eles. Eu liguei ao presidente da missão e ele falou que vou para uma outra área. Eu não sei onde más vamos ver onde O Senhor me - manda esta semana. Eu sou grato pela oportunidade para servir a missão por O Senhor. Testifico que esta Igreja é verdadeira e que é a obra do Senhor vai para frente e adiante. Eu sei que Cristo é nosso Salvador e Redentor. Eu sei que José Smith foi chamado para ser um profeta de Deus. O Livro de Mórmon é verdadeiro.Em nome de Jesus Cristo.
Ámem.
Amo vocês.
Elder SpencerDesfrute

i wrote in all portugues to practice my portugue on microsoft word. sometimes i need to do the same thing with english. i hope everyone enjoyed the letter and was able to understand it. we had the baptism of ferenda and elder ferrato had his first baptism. i am leaving my area. to where i have no idea yet.
Love you
Elder spencer

Photos part8

Photos part7

1.19.09

Hows its going family? I AM exicted to hear where Cody Will be serving. I AM bumbed that i cant be there when He opens up the package. Send pictures and cool comments.We are entering the rainy season here in Belém. And people are starting to pull out the sweaters because its a cool 80 degrees. I Love it at night when there isn't any rain, but just a small breeze. Its reminds of a Summer night back home.We didn't have a baptism last Saturday it fell through but the this upcoming Saturday we Will have two. the work is progressing. These days the success is little but we are pushing along with what we have. I really Love the area that i am because it is really quite and not the big city. The people are warm and open. but i feel that my time here is coming to an end.
Love Elder R Spencer
PS thank you grandma, Brother and Sister Smith and Lisa for the packages they were awesome.
Those of you are going to wash dc, have fun:)

From Bud Spencer

The church divides the earth in to missions
The missions divide the mission in to zones and districts
Elder R. Spencer is in the Marituba Zone
He resides in the City of Ananindeua (in the Metropolitan Region of Belem)
His area is a barrio called Laranjeira (orange tree) in a nieborhood called Icui, in the second most populated city In the state of Para, Ananindeua (1 degree 21 minutes 57 second south and 48 degrees 22 minutes 19 seconds west) northeast of Belem
He lives on the same street as the Bishop, but he does not know the name of the street