Matt #54 Whosoever shall loose his life

Well I'm not sure what to say other then thank you all family and friends for the wonderful E-mails you have all sent. I feel bad by saying each week how happy I am to recieve your e-mails because I dont want you all to think that I'm being ungeniune each week as I thank you all. I truly am so gratefull for the time each of you sacrifice to send your testimonys and love. And each week is so special for us to read your letters. Each letter I read is a letter sent from my personal angels back home. If you only knew the love I feel each e-mail I read and the power it gives to Ben and I. Thank you so much. I love you all so very much.

Well I'm sure everyone is wondering what happened to me this past transfer... Well I finally left my dear area Campanário after 7 months... It was one of the hardest moments I've experinced on the Mission for awhile and saying goodbye to those I love was hard... Many people there changed my life and helped me in so many ways. I will especially miss my recent converts and the small but growing branch there... I love them all so much and they truly have a special place in my heart. As the day of transfer came nobody knew what would happen and to be honest I was a little nervous. After 7 months in one area you become a little used to your surroundings but the Lord knew it was time for a change. The day of transfers came and my new area is... Jardim Apurá in Alvaranga! The great news is that it looks like I will be staying in the São paulo Mission with President and Sister Tanner and my area is all farmland. (It reminds me of home in some places) I was very happy and excited. My new campanion is names Elder Borges and he is Brazilian. He only has 5 months on the Mission so he is still a little new to the Mission but hes amazing and very funny. He seemed really nervous at first and when I asked what was up or why he was so nervous he explained. "Your my first American Companion I've had on the Mission... do you think you could teach me English?" Haha Hes a great Missionary and I know there is a lot to be learned here in my new area and yes we have began learning english together... hes awesome! 

This past week in my new area was a normal week and a little stressfull. Its sometimes hard to build those new relationships with the members but I can already feel their love so I'm not to nervous. Yesterday was sunday which means it was my first day to really get to know the members. They are amazing and I had a very spiritual experince. I'm not sure if any of you remember but my final year in seminary I had the chance to help teach the Special needs seminary class. I remember that when I recieved the call my Father told me that everything happens for a reason and that the Lord had a reason for placing me in that class, he was only preparing me for the future. I wasnt sure why the Lord had me help with that wonderfull seminary class at the time but the experince was something so special and dear to my heart, this past week I had the chance to become best friends with a young man in my new ward named Morino. When he was a small child he was hit but a truck leaving him with some disabilitys but I've never met someone more in tune with the Spirit and with such a Big Heart. Yesterday he blessed the Sacrement with such a big smile on his face and I couldnt help but reflect back on to those pure Spirits in that seminary class my Senior year. It was such a small moment and the thought only lasted for a minute or two... But that was enough time for the Spirit to touch my heart and bring small tears of joy to my eyes. It was a moment I cant really explain but it was a small tender blessing that I would have missed if I hadnt been paying attention to the still small whisperings of the Holy Ghost. How many moments in our lifes do we get so caught up in the world that we miss the small and tender blessings. Mom your e-mail really touched my heart as it touched Bens as well... We do have so much wickedness in the world but as we learn to let ourselves go we will find ourselves in the Lord. For example by forgetting ourselves and reaching out to a young girl who needed a hug is a perfect example of a small act of forgetting onesleve but the biggest return in blessings, your the best Mom. Let the things of the world go and focus on the Lords work. Focus on the big plan of Happiness and live up to your potential... This week I became a little frustrated because I was trying so hard to feel the Spirit and teach by the Spirit but its was just hard this week to focus. I then came to realize that the reason I wasnt feeling the Spirit was because I was trying so hard to focus and find the Big blessings that in turn I was pushing him away by ignoring the small ones. Its when we have a smile on our face and allow the small blessings to bring us joy that we can truly feel peace in our Savior and his Love. I encourage everyone to look for small blessings in your day to day lifes and try not to focus on looking only for the big blessings, I promise that you will find so many little blessings that they will all add up to be a Million big ones! :)

I love you all with my Heart and Ben I miss you so much... Your all such examples to me and I hope that this e-mail answers someones prayers for all of your e-mails answered mine. I pray that as we ponder on the Scriptures this week and try to recongnize those small blessings that the Lord will feel you all with the Spirit of Love and that we may grow in testimony. I love you all with all my Heart... please never forget that Ben and I are always here for you all always. This is the true Church of Jesus Christ restored on the earth today and I do not have a doubt in my Heart. :) I love you all and pray for you all everyday. Take care and may God be with you till we meet again. 

Ben #53 Keep the Commandments

Another week gone by. I cannot believe this time is flying by so fast. Everyone told me "the mission will past by your eyes," but I didnt believe it would pass by this fast. Im loving every moment and just as Matt and Mom shared with me today its the little blessings in our everyday lives that matter. If we truely opened our eyes and looked with spiritual eyes rather than our natural eyes we would in fact see the hand of God working in our lives. I was touched by the story you shared mom of the little girl, it brought tears to my eyes. I truely believe and testify that if we change our attitude and look for the everyday blessings in our lives we will begin to see with spiritual eyes and, as Alma put it, "A change will begin within our hearts." (Alma 5) I know it and so testify of its power. Dad It was awesome to hear that you talked with Elder Clay. I miss and love him so much and together He and I had some very powerful experiences. Let him know I love him and am so grateful for all he did for me. I also want my friends who sent emails today to know how much I love you all and how much your emails meant to me. Everyweek Matt and I share with you all the significance of your emails and the power they bring. Thank you from the depths of my heart and know how grateful I am unto my God for blessing me with such an amazing family and friendships. I love you all so much. Well Im guessing you all are wondering about transfers, right? haha This will be a transfer that I will never forget, it was quite the crazy experience for me.

 

 Last p-day after emailing I went around in my area of Botucatu saying my goodbyes as I returned home that night I became very sick where I was vomitting and many other things about every 10 minutes. At about 2 in the morning the Zone leaders called President Perrotti. President told them to take me to o ponto de socorro ( Thier version of Community Care). Our investigator that calls me her son Irmã Deda haha came to our house and took me to the Ponto de Socorro (She said the reason I was sick was because I was so sad I was leaving her haha :) she is an amazing women whom I love) I spent the rest of the night there in the Ponto. I wont go into details but it wasnt alot of fun. (I have never been a fan of hospitals and this place was skecthy haha) At around 6 in the morning I returned home, showered and prepared to go to transfers. I asked the Elders to give me a blessing and I testify of the powers of Priesthood blessings, I know the priesthood of God is in fact connected to the powers of Heaven. I was able to receive strength and make the journey to transfers without anymore problems. I found out as I arrived at the bus station that I will be training again this transfer. It is a new missionary from Chille named Elder Cossio who is really spiritual and excited about the work. Also a big suprise to me is that I will be returning to... RIO CLARO! haha Im so excited and cannot believe the tender mercies and blessings the Lord is giving me. He blessed me so much this last week I cannot even describe to you all. I know my savior Jesus Chirst lives and will in fact lift us in our time of needs. It will be a transfer I will never forget.

 

Things are going amazing here in Rio Claro and Im so excited to be here. I love the members here so much and I was so thrilled to see them again. There was alot of crying as I saw the members again and the investigators that I had the chance to Baptize. It was truely a blessing unto me. As I was going through the week I thought alot about all these experiences I have recently had. As I mentioned to you all 2 months ago President Perrotti told me that in Botucatu I would learn some vaulable lessons and gain some precious attributes that I would use throughout my life. My time in Botucatu was difficult but I felt as I put my trust in my Savior and His infinate Atonement that my relationship with my Heavenly Father grew in so many ways. I have a sure testimony of this Gospel and its divinity. At times we are all faced with challenges and difficulties. We read in the scriptures that we are here to be tryed and proven in all things (Abraham 3:25) but in these times what will we do? Will we become discouraged and angry and leave the Pavillion? Or will we allow the Will of the Lord to happen and to continue on with faith that everything will be for our experience as the Prophet Joseph Smith was taught in Liberty Jail? I was taught this vauleable lesson in Botucatu as the Lord provided many oppurtunities to exercie my agency and choose what path I was going to walk. Family friends I to testify in the name of our savior that if we just continue to pray, read the scriptures and keep the commandments we will be able to overcome any obstacle or difficulty that comes our way. In my reading of the Book of Mormon I was taken back by a verse I read in (Jarom 1:9) that reads "... the word of the Lord was verified, saying that: inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land."  If we do all this things and contiune to endure to the end in all things never lossing our faith in our savior Jesus Chirst we shall be forever blessed in all things "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ^ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are ^bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out ^cfaithful to the end they are received into ^dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41) This is my testimony to you all this day. Hold out until the end. Stay firm and keep the commandments of God... and please trust in Him with all your heart. I cannot write or describe to you all my emotions and feelings in this very moment or the powerful lessons I have expereinced in these last few months...  but this one thing I can truely testifiy of is it is indeed an never- ending happiness. The Lord is verified or in other words bound when we keep the commandments "for God cannot lie..." (Enos 1:6)

 

Family and Friends I know these things are true. Every week I feel myself becoming a little closer to my Heavenly Father in HIs work as I put my whole heart and trust in Him. I love being a missionary and the blessing it is to feel the Holy Spirit in so much power and force to the penetrating of my very heart. I know without a doubt this Gospel is true and can in fact purify us in every aspect of our lives. Any trial, difficulty, or weakness can be overcome through our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, if we will do our part and endure to the end by keeping His commandments and be "Example of the Believers." (1st Timothy 4:12)  always. I love you all so much and apoligize for the lack of spirituality in this email but Im so happy and feel such a joy in this great work. As Ammon once said to his brothers, "Now if this is ^aboasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a^bbranch of the tree of Israel, and has been ^clost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us,^dwanderers in a strange land." (Alma 26: 36) This also is my testimony to you all and my love. I am so blessed by my Lord and His goodness unto me and I give him praise for this wonderful mission. I hope you can all feel the spirit and the joy that comes from being a missionary. Im so excited for this transfer and know it will be an amazing experience. I pray that this week you may all see the tender mercies and love God has for you as you continue to keep HIs commandments and endure to the end, remembering all His promises unto you if ye will but do what He asks I so pray.. I love you all and may God be with you until we meet again.

 

Ama Élder Benjamin B. Doggett 

Matt #53

Thank you all for the wonderful e-mails you have sent... My heart (As always) has been touched by your sweet Spirit and love for my Brother and I. I'm glad to here everyone is safe back home. This past week was a little crazy for us as well and I was very worried especially when I heard of the Bombs going off in Boston. As a matter of fact I was at the Brazilian Policia re-newing my visa to stay in Brazil when we all got the news. They had a big T.V. screen in the huge police station that showed everything going down in Boston and my thoughts first turned to my dear sister Alyssa and Eli. I wont lie I was a little scarred and so were the other Americans I was with as they re showed the bombs going off on the television. As I was sitting there thinking of the horrible things going on in Boston and the many experinces I've had as a Missionary my mind reflected on the Scriptures. This past week I had the Sacred experince to finish reading the Book of Mormon in Português and as I was reading the final chapters I couldnt help but tear up. Those last chapters are sometimes hard to read, especially when we read of the final wars and destruction of the Jaredites and of course the many terrible things the Lamanites had done with their Prisoners. Chapter 9 of Moroni is a hard one to read. Verse 8-14 is one that always brings many emotions to me of saddness for the great wickedness of the people. I'm sorry to say my family and friends but we are in the last days... We are close to the end. In Mormon 8: 26-33 we learn what the last days will be like and we are definetly in them. The news was very hard to hear when I saw pictures of the destruction those two young men caused, they hurt the lifes of many innocent people and they will stand at judgement for what they've done. When I heard of this story I only thought of the Gadiaton Robbers and the Secret Combinations they accomplished to ruin the lifes of others. Are Nation today is not much diffrent from the Nations and stories we read about in the Scriptures... But I dont want us to focus on the bad within our world because just like in the Scriptures we read of good people and good Members of the Church who radiate the Light of Christ and are willing to help. As we were finishing are time at the Police Station everyone there was quiet... You could almost feel the tension as people were getting their paper worked finished by the Police officers. It was an intersting moment and thats when my amazing brothers words flashed through my mind. "I noticed my name tag and the name of our Savior Jesus Christ." We read in D&C 4:5 we must have our eyes fixed on our Lord and Savior and then will we be filled with his love and charity... we will be filled with his light. Then in D&C 50: 24-27 We read of our Saviors light. (I recommend everyone reads these Scriptures before reading on in my e-mail and then ponder on those words as well) We as members of the church have a responsibility to share this light with others... As we study the Scriptures and Ponder on the words written within those sacred Books. Our own light will begin to grow and we will feel more peace in our life and more willingness to help those around us. We will be more willing to share our light and testimony with those who truly need it. This is our purpose is to help others come to understand the light through the Darkness. We live in dark times that is for sure, but I know we each have the light of Christ that we can share with those in need. As I was finishing up my visa imformation they needed to take my fingerprints and a photo. We were in a large room with a lot of people from all over the world getting there Visas cleared with the police and taking their photos and fingerprints as well. May I remind you we all had just heard the news of the Boston Attack and nobody was smiling and everyone looked serious. I'm sorry but for those who know me I can be a little crazy. Or in Bens own words a "Goof Ball" and when I was asked to sit and take the picture I was all smiles! Our lifes are difficult and I wasnt smiling because of the pain others were feeling back home in Boston. I wasnt smiling because two men decided to use their agency against ohters. I was smiling because I knew that everything would be ok in the end. I was smiling because I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and he loves us so much. I was smiling because I know that when we are doing our part with our eyes fixed on the glory of God or in other words on the big picture, we will naturally smile and also feel peace and joy within our Hearts. The lady who was then taking my picture explained that we couldnt smile in the photo. Well what generally happens when someone tells you you cant smile? It only makes it harder not to! :) We ended up taking 6 photos because I couldnt stop smiling and by the end of the time the lady who was taking my picture was laughing and so was everyone there. They actually started trying to make me smile by photo 4 by saying funny comments or pulling funny faces. When it ended and I finally took a serious photo and I stood up and noticed that everyone there had a smile on there faces and the tension was gone. Thats how the Gospel works... We will only find Joy and peace in the Gospel when we do are best and help those around us. I like to think of this little experince as a Sacred time the Lord gave me to share a little of my Light with those in need. I pray that this coming week each of us will do our best to find a moment to help someone in need and to share our light. Thats the best way we can personally grow is when we are helping others. I know I still have a long way to go before I'm where I need to be, as a matter of fact I have a lot of weaknesses, but personally I think recongnizing our weaknesses can be our greatest strength. I know this Gospel is true and I know that when we follow the Saviors exemple we will only find peace. I love you all so much and I'm glad to know everyone is safe back home. It makes me sad to here of all the darkness we have in the world today but lets do our best this week to share our smiles and help bring more light into this world. I love you all so much and I pray for each of you everyday. I still havent gotten transfers yet so I dont know what will happen to me. I do know that I will be leaving for sure. I have 7 months here in Campanário which has made things hard to say goodbye but I will do excatly what the savior askes of me. I love this Gospel so much and I love each and everyone of you so much. Take care and know I am doing great! Love Elder Matthew Doggett   

Ben #52 Aquired Attributes

Well what a crazy week indeed. I heard all about the things going on in Boston this week and my thoughts were instantly turned to my beautiful sister Alyssa and soon to be brother in law Eli. As I sat there pondering and doing a little worrying I instantly felt a power of peace wash over me. As a missionary you know with certainty your loved ones are taken care of as the Lord promised this to us in the scriptures. I knew with a sureity my loved ones were safe, for as we read in Enos 1: 6 "That God cannot lie." and it was a promised He made unto "any who would leave their families for a a short time would know that their loved ones would be taken care of." I knew His promises unto me would be fullfilled. Im happy though to hear all is well. Im so grateful for living prophets and their counsel unto us in these the Latter Days. Im so grateful for the Scriptures and there key to our eternal happiness in this life. My good friend Elder Sommer once said "That the amzing thing about the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures is that we can know the End to the Beggining." What a powerful statement Elder Sommer. Im so grateful for after we receive all these wonderful counsels and tools for our spiritual understanding we can still pray to our loving Father in Heaven and seek His counsel and help. As Richard G. Scott said "Imagine the all powerful all knowing and all loving God of the universe with all the powers of a God and creater... is concerned with US... with our needs.... and wants to hear from US mesmo." This is my tesimony unto all of you that these are in fact the last days, but with obedience and listening to the Holy Prophets, daily scripture study, and prayer we can overcome the choas in this world. Family and friends I love you all so much and give thanks as my wonderful brother Matt said for your wonderful and inspired emails. You all mean so much to us and as Josh Groben sang "You are loved" and I know you all love Matt and I. (Thank you matt for that song, very inspiring to me.)

 

As for the past week It was great but... I recieved a shocking phone call. Im still in the middle of training my companion Elder Riquerme as training for new missionaries takes about 12 weeks. Yesterday as I was making our teaching records I recieved a phone call from the zone leaders telling me I was transfered. It is very unusual for this kind of thing to happen ecspecially now when the work is progressing so fast here in Botucatu and have so many families close to baptism. As I packed my things in my suitcase I went to my room and said a prayer of gratitude for this time here in Botucatu. My President told me the 2nd week I arrived here, when we had an interview, that I would aquire life long attributes here in this specific area that not only would carry me through my mission but life as well. Last night as I was saying my prayer I was overcome with the pure love of a father in Heaven. As I felt the spirit testify and show unto me every attribute and lesson taught to me. I know my potentional and the power one has in God. No one can tell you who you can become or what you can do... the only person that can do that is yourself. Have faith in God and trust in Him with all your heart and become like unto a child (Matthew 18: 1-6) Be humble, meek, submissive, and teachable... I promise in the name of Jesus Christ You can do anything! As long as you tell yourself you can. I know now my potential now and ever growing relationship with my father in Heaven. He has loved me enough to give me the trials I faced here in Botucatu to change my nature and begin to look with glorified eyes rather then natural eyes. I know God lives and is my Father. I know that Chirst is my savior and reddemeer and has a resurected and glorified body as unto the Father. He suffered and overcame death for us all so someday we too could be like unto him. In 1820 that same Chirst appeared, with His Father, unto a humble 14 year old boy whom He could trust and restored His keys of His everlasting Gospel. We are part of this great Church the ONLY true church of Chirst with all His Principle, doctines, Ordinaces, and covenats to have eternal life. Lets honor this privlege to be part of this church and stand for our beliefs in all places and in all things and "let our light so shine for all to see." (Matthew 5: 16)

 

I have loved every moment of being a missionary. I try as hard as I can to be worthy of His blessings and serve the kind of mission my Mom and Dad think im serving. I know this Gospel is true... I know it. As I testify every week to you all I have no doubts. I have made mistakes in my life others bigger than some but I know that Christ's Atonement will carry us. That we can feel His peace, and overcome our weaknesses. Im just a simple guy, who lived a simple life in Rexburg, who got... simple grades in school haha :) but has been able to become something of a extrodinary guy through the power and love of God as His instrument and now he can see the potential he truely has now :) I will miss Botucatu and meu filho aqui Élder Riquerme. But I know whatever the Lord has in store for me will be for my growth and that in Him all is possible. Brasil is amazing, this world is amazing. Yes we live in scary times for I have seen and been in some scary situations here on the mission, but i know God is with us that we shall see His glorious smile some day as we bow at His feet is my testimony and sure conviction unto you all. Know that im doing well and Brasil is great. While things are getting hot there things are begining to cool down here. I woke up the other day shivering and when I went outside it was 78 degrees... yeah its getting colder here haha! :) Im eating the usual beans and rice but we did get to have pizza frita the other night! Which was... different haha I will send a pictures this email of it. Know you are all in my prayer and I love you all so much. Thank you once more for all the wonderful emails, and though I cant personally respond I read and cherish everyone sent. Love you all and God be with you till we meet again.

 

Braços e com Amor

Élder Benjamin B. Doggett

 

p.s. Pictures of the Pizza Frita!     

Matt #52 Don't give up... Don't feel forgotten

I had the chance to have such a sweet Spirit touch my Heart as I read you amazing tesimonys and e-mails... Everyone remember how much Ben and I really love you all. Please never feel forgotten and alone. Never feel like Ben and I dont remember you all because we do, Everyone who reads this e-mail know that you have a special place in my heart and thats all that matters. Actually sometimes I wish I could be like the Holy Ghost and just speak with everyone that I love at once, but it doesnt work that way and our time on the Computers are limited... Just dont feel forgotten. We love you all so much. This past week has been one of the most incredible weeks ever. I've been trying my best to focus on what Optimism and joy truly are, and this past week I really felt this Joy and peace as I Read, Reflected, Prayed, and Applied what I learned into the Missionary work of each day. One thing I realized about the Mission is that we will all have the same experinces out here in the field... Somedays are just plain tough and sometimes we get a little discouraged but I think are attitude determines the outcome of each of these situations. Sadly I have seem some Missionarys here in my Mission who just give up through the difficult times and its sad... but we need to remember that we cant give up. In the end everything will work out for the best!

I read a talk by T. Jeffery Wilks from BYU this past week where he talked about how we could have a more positive attitude or Optimism in the Gospel and in our lifes and he gave Five steps that are perfect. Step 1. "Righteousness does not mean Perfection" I think you all remember when I first got here in the Mission most of my e-mails where more focused on me not having Baptisms or struggling with Portuguese and wanting to be the BEST in the field. Well yesterday at church I never felt so much peace in my life. I stood and bore my Testimony and I remember saying "One thing I have learned is that we dont need to speak fluently or beautifully to feel the Spirit in our lifes... we only need to do our best and the Spirit of Love from our Savior will feel our lives" or in other words, we dont need to be Perfect in Portuguese to build relationships and share our testimonys. As long as we do are best and are Rightous (Obeident) the Lord will bless us. Step 2. "You've got to keep going" Life gets hard sometimes and sadly we all will fall down once in awhile... but the key is to get back up and keep going. Do you all realize how many lessons I've walked away from thinking "Wow I could have done so much better with that one!" or "Woah I totally think I just taught false doctrine on that subject concering where Kolab is." Hahah Sometimes things dont go as we planned but that doesnt mean we can give up! We must keep going no matter what! Sometimes the test in not about overcoming the trial or hardship but weather we will get back up and keep going even during the hardtimes. Step 3 "Keep your focus on Heavenly Father" We must look into are Fathers eyes and see, we must hear his voice and follow. We must immerse ourselves in Scripture study and converse with our Father in Prayer. I think D&C 4:5 sums this idea up pretty good. Remember always to have your eyes fixed on the glory of God. Step 4. "Heavenly Fathers approval matters most" This is most likly the hardest one for me to accept. Maybe its because I'm a Blue on the personality scale so I base everything emotionally, but I think we all need to remember this one. On the start of my Mission and even now I generally have problems with comparing myself to others. Even with e-mails! Sometimes I will read my incredible Brothers E-mail and think "Man hes way more Spiritual then me...) and even though we all know this statment is true (I love you Ben) :) we shouldnt compare ourselves to others. The only approval we should seek is the approval from our Heavenly Father. Remember we all have a purpose here and our Lord loves us so much. T. Jeffery Wilks said the following on the subject. "When we allow our decisons to be influenced by the approval of others, we put ourselves at the mercy of fickle mobs, ever-changing fashions, and the devils whirlwinds. If instead we seek our Heavenly Fathers approval ONLY. We build our foundation upon his rock that will never be moved." Step 5 "Look for and remember the Joys in our lifes" The joys in my life are all of you... Whenever I have a tough day I will always pull out my photos and laugh and remember the joys of life. Remember to always laugh and smile. This is one of the best ways to feel joy in this life. I always love telling stories and laughing and I'm afraid once I return home at the end of these two years everyone will get sick of hearing my voice because I wont stop talking haha. But I love this Gospel I love the Joy that comes from heaing others laugh. Our time here in our lifes is a time we need to enjoy.Yesterday during church I felt so much love and peace there... I know this church is true with all my heart. Actually yesterday was really fun because my Companion and I had the chance to teach Primary. It was great! We learned about Joseph Smith and what happened when the Angel Moroni appeared to Joseph. We explained about the Gold Plates and then we had the kids help me (I was Joseph during this time because we acted everything out) Find the Golden Plates so we could translate them! We went on a little scavenger hunt through the classroom which was a little crazy but fun. Afterwards I bore my testimony to these little child. As I sat there with them memories of when I was teaching Primary before the Mission flooded into my mind and I felt so much joy... The Spirit is strong with little children. If your struggling in the church I challenge you to sit in on a Primary lesson and afterwards you wont have a doubt about this Gospel.

 

I hope everyone knows how much I love each and everyone of you... This time on the mission is great. I love it so much. Remember that our attitudes in this life determine everything. I challenge everyone today to be a little more positive. To look for the good in each day not the negative and most importantly dont be sad. A few days back I was feeling a little down and I asked the other elders for alittle advice. One Elder named Elder Clingman suggested that I listen to the song "You are Loved" By Josh Groban and then look at a photo of the Savior and imagine he is singing it to me. I know this idea sounds a little strange but I also want to challenge everyone to take a moment today to listen to this song and stare at a picture of Ben and I and the Savior and imagine that we are singing this song to you... I promise that you will all have a smile and will have the sure feeling that your loved and not forgotten. :) I know this church is true and I'm so happy to be a Missionary. I'm not perfected but I know that we are all doing the best we can and the only thing that should be important to us is that we know that our Heavenly Father is pleased with our efforts. Thank you all so much for your love and support and I cant wait to see what the future holds for all of us. Keep going strong, dont give up, and remember your all loved! Love Elder Matthew Ryan Doggett   

Ben #51 Plan of Happiness

My heart is once more full this week as I read everyone of your letters. I had many from my dear friends and from many of my family members. Dad, first of forgive me for not getting that email off to you... I really have no words to describe how that happened nor will I try too haha thank you for your patience with me and for your love. Also that Elder Rogan Clay that wrote that on facebook, haha was my trainer send my love to him Dad on Facebook haha when you get a chance. Anyway as I read everyones emails today I felt such a serenity overcome me. I love you all so much and thank you for your emails. It means so much of to me. Hearing of everyones lives back home and the roads that everyone is taking. Im so grateful for the Gospel in my life. The other day as I was walking in the street with my companion a man called me over as he was crying. I could tell from his eyes he had been involved with some type of drug. As I made my way over to him he explained how crazy his life is and how much he needs to change. He began to explain to me his life story and how at a young age (16) he began to use drugs and become involved with pornography and eventually other things. As I listened to his story and saw the sadness develope in his face and the captivity he was under I couldnt help but say a silent pray of gratitude for my savior Jesus Christ, for the chance I had to be born into His church with parents who honor their Temple convenets and taught His principles within our home. My testimony and message to you all this day is how blessed we truely are to be members of The Church of Jesus of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The commandments will not bring captivity to us but freedom. As I saw this man sitting on the side of the road my heart was torn, but I realized in that moment how blessed I am to have this wonderful Gospel in my life. I want everyone of you to truely realize this blessing we have. We have everything at our hands to have an eternal happinness without end as King Benjamin taught us. (Mosiah 2: 41) I know this church is true... I have no doubts.

 

With this on our minds that we belong to the church of Chirst where we can have an eternal happiness we need to think of how this is all possible and thats through the great Plan of Salvation which includes our savior Jesus Christs infinate atonement. This past week this very tpoic was on my mind and also I had many emails today talking about the difficulties in this life but how through the Atomement of Christ we can all be made whole... I know this is true. We had the chance to teach a wonderful family the Plan of Salvation last week. As missionaries in the morning we often do practices with our companions to prepare to teach our investigators. Living in a house with the Zone leaders is a blessing because we can all practice together and take the role as an investigator, this particular moment was my turn to be the investigator. When I take the role of an investigator I like to really become the investigator and put myself in their shoes. As I sat there listening to this Great Plan that our loving Father in Heaven has prepared for us, trying to really be the investigator, Elder Albernaz said something to me that touched my heart and brought so much peace. He pointed to the photo that read "Celestial Kingdom" and said "Here is the place you can be with your family and loved ones forever..." He said just this... but I was overcome by the spirit and I began to cry. As I know all my family relationships and relationships with my friends will last forever if I keep the commandments and do all I can to endure to the end... I too can have this, which I truely believe is a happiness without end. I can have this and so can all of us if we do all we can to live worthily.

 

I was touched by this simple statement that "we can be a family forever" a principle that is so basic within our church but not fully understood to the power it holds as we hear it so often. I pray in this moment I may share my feelings with you all in a way that the spirit will direct as I share a tender moment in my life when this phrase changed my life. Two years ago on April 19th I lost my dear friend, Cody Simmons. This past week as I have taught The Plan of Salvation to many families Cody and his wonderful family havent been able to leave my mind. I love them with all my heart and want them to know and all of you that I so testify that Jesus The Christ overcame death and our loving Father in Heaven prepared this great Plan to one day live with our loved ones again... I believe it, I know it, and I will do everything I can to recieve this priceless blessing and gift from God. I hope and pray that you too all can feel the power in these words this week "WE CAN BE A FAMILY FOREVER" as you ponder this out in your hearts and pray unto God for a greater understanding. I want the Simmons to know how much I love them and how much this Gospel and knowledge has changed my life. I want them to know my thoughts and prayers are with them at this time as im miles away but my heart is with right there with them. I love you all so much.

 

This week was a powerful one for me as I felt my testimony grow and my understanding of our Saviors infinate Atonement applied in my life. I know this is all true... I know it. As I mentioned we taught a wonderful family this truth last week and they all plan to be Baptized and start they journey to have an eternal family. I am so grateful for you all and for this Gospel in my life. Im grateful for the Mission is has wrought within my very being in helping me to shape the reat of my life and my life and purpose has become so much clearer. I pray you may all feel my spirit and love for you all. I give my utmost gratitude and thanks for the emails and letters I have recieved from you all and hope you know how much it has blessed my life. You all are my angels bearing me up to bring this glad message of... an eternal Happiness. :) I love you all once more and pray you have an amazing and blessed week. Know Im alive and well here in Brasil and couldnt be happier to be a servant and representative of my beloved Savior... What a true honor.

 

God be with you all till we meet again.

 

Ama Élder Benjamin B. Doggett        

Matt #51 Testify

Well everyone what a great General confrence huh? I had the great chance to watch it live with all of you back home but I wont lie... During General Confrence is when I feel the most homesickness in the Mission feild but I realized that many of my dear memories of my family were during confrence, and that explains why! Anyway I just love Confrence... The Spirit we can feel as we feast on the words from the living Prophets and feel their love as they testify and share examples only to strengthen our faith is something thats priceless to us as latter saints. There were many talks that touched my heart and answered many of the questions I needed help with, I especially loved the Preisthood Session and the connection I felt with my own Father as we watched the words of the Prophets together in Spirit but it diffrent locations. I'm not sure how to describe it but I just felt like I was with all of you during this sacred time it was great! The last session on Sunday I also had the chance to watch in Portuguese as I sat with some recent converts who were hearing the Prophet for the first time... I wish you could have seen what I saw family and friends as several recent converts just feasted on the words of the living Prophet with all their energy. I guess when I was back home Confrence became such a normal routine that I really missed the importance of what was happening when they were speaking... but as Thomas S. Monson closed yesterdays Confrence the room that I was sitting in full of faithfull latter day Saints, Investigators, and recent converts grew to a hush and all eyes were on the big screen. As President Monson said his wonderful closing remarks many emotions of joy and gratitude raced through my heart and as I turned and looked at my wonderful Converts I knew they were feeling the same emotions. Family and Friends I testify to you all that I know that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God and he does love each and everyone of us so much. Sometimes we become so relaxed with confrence that we may miss the true meaning of what is happening. Remember we are recieving revelation from a Prophet of God... Thats pretty awesome huh? I loved everything about Confrence! 

One talk that really touched my heart was during the Priesthood session when Our Prophet spoke of the impotance to follow four basic principles to have success. 1. Search the Scriptures. 2. Plan your life with purpose. 3.Teach the truth of the Gospel and Testify. 4.Love the Lord. I would like to focus on the the third point entitled "Testify." During his incredible talk the President Monson mentioned a story of young Missionarys who were teaching a man but the man didnt show much intrest in the message they had to share and as they were living the house the man said "You cant honestly believe that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God." At that final statement the door was shut and the two Missionarys were left only on the front porch. As they were walking away from the house the younger Missionary turned to the Experinced Missionary and said "Elder, he told us we couldnt honestly believe Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and we did even tell why we know and believe he his! We have to go back." After this statement the younger Missionary returned to the house and knocked on the door... when the man answered this young and inexperinced Missionary testified of the Prophet Joseph Smith and how he knew he was a man called by God. Because of this young Missionarys faith and desire to preach the Gospel and Testify of truth is man now a member of the Church was changed. I had some what of a similar experince just one day before I heard this talk from President Monson... As my wonderful companion and I were finding news to teach we remembered a young women we had taught a few days previously so we made the decison to pass by her house and teach the Book of Mormon. When we showed up to her house she was home but so was her mother and when her mother saw us a smile crossed her face, she seemed very happy to see us! My companin and I looked at each other with big smiles and we were excited to begin teaching because her Mother looked so excited to be there... but when we saw her daughter she had a frown on her face and she wouldnt look us in the eye and then I noticed her mother had a really big scary smile on her face and then I saw it... Her Bible was on her lap wide open and I knew that we had just entered what we as Misisonarys call a "BIBLE BASH LESSON".... the first thing that crossed my mind was "No Elder we shouldnt be here or do this" but it was to late... Round 1 had started and the Scriptures against us began flowing from her mouth. We as Missionarys are not encouraged to be involved with Bible Bashes as they build walls of contention and hate, it blocks the Spirit and allows for no Spiritual progression on both sides of the fight. When all is said and done both sides lose and nothing is accomplished. Only feelings of angry are left behind but it already had started and we are told as Missionarys that when it starts to accept whatever she says and get out of there as soon as possible. Well she talked and attacked us for 45 Minutes and my companion and I didnt say a word. We only agreed with what she said and when she asked a question about doctrine we would respond and testify and then allow her to countinue her attack... It was hard to have her attack are believes and I could tell my companions patience was running thin and so was mine... She could see it and she looked happy and satisfied almost like she won some great victory. To end her final bash she picked up the Book of Mormon and held it up in the air and said or more like shouted to the Heavens "I dont agree with this Bible of your religion and I dont agree of you worship of this man named Joseph Smith!" She then handed me the Sacred Book with a smudge look of accomplishment on her face. As I took the Book of Mormon in my hands I just stared at the front cover and the most over whealming peace came over me... I looked up at this women who was standing in the middle of her living room and with tears of joys in the rims of my eyes and with a smile on my face I said "I have a question for you ma'm... How can you not agree with or not accept something you dont know? I said with a smile and joy "We would like to invite you to hear our message and come to understand why this Book is special and why we show deep love and appreciation for our dear Prophet Joseph Smith. You must understand that we dont worship Jospeh. Look at the cover of the Book of Mormon or look at our nametags. We worship the true God and his Son Jesus Christ. We know these things are true and you can to if you only read and pray of these things." After I said these words my companion also testified and she looked scarred as two young boys were sitting in her living room, who she just attacked for the past hour smiling and bearing testimony of the things she just said werent true! She then said to us "Your both just young boys that are un-experinced in the things of God and the world. Dont worry some day you'll understand what Im saying." We then smiled and told her together "Sorry we may be inexperinced boys but we did recieve an answer from our Heavenly Father these things are true and we cant deny that." She then walked out of the room and said "Your welcome to countinue to speak with my family about your religion but I wont participate any more or listen to what you say about this church." She then walked out with a very confused and angry look on her face. We then looked at her Daughter and she had a puzzeled look on her face. She than said "I dont know what you believe or what this Book is but when you were talking I really felt something... Something diffrent." Can you both please explain what makes you diffrent from all the other realigions. We gladly told her yes and countinued to feel a wonderful Spirit there as we testified of the truthfullness of this Gospel.

Family and Friends I want to bear testimony to you all that I know these things are true... I know many have a hard time excepting the Gospel but we need to remember that its something so simple. Something so special. Something that will change your life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints truly is Gods church restored on the earth today and when you follow its teaches you will become a new person in Chirst. I love this Gospel and the Experince I am having. I love this work and the amazing people of Brazil. They have touched and blessed my life just like all of you have and I hope that I can repay them and all of you back by working as hard as I can this coming year. Ben I hope you know that I love you so much. I think of and pray for you each day of my time on the Mission. Sometimes I imagine what it will be like once we are all back together but the only thing I think of is a love and Joy that is undescribable. I love the Gospel and I love my Savior. I know my Savior lives and hes always here for us and I hope I can give him my all here in the next year. I also know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God and he saw God the Father and his living and beloved Son Jesus Christ. I love you all so much and I hope you all make this coming week a great week. Love Elder Matthew Ryan Doggett