Christmas and Carols - Monday, December 21, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

The snow looks amazing. That is one thing I do miss...the snow, except I don't like the cold. haha. Tanner good job for hitting under 30. Keep pushing yourself you will do great things!! I am sorry to hear about Sister Morrell. But that is the good thing about the Plan of Salvation. Knowing that we can live with our families forever. I can't imagine without it. I think it is really sad when we run into people who don't think that we can live with our families forever. It is terrible. But then when we are able to bear testimony it is amazing! How did the choir thing go? It looked good. Heavenly Father is definitely looking after us. Well just remember that satan is attacking the family. He wants us to fail. But we need to look him in the face and beat him up!!!! :) 

Well I am excited for Christmas. I am excited to speak to all of you on Christmas day. Yes it will be at 12 in America, 7 in England. Be there or be square!! :) I will try to keep it quick because I will probably just tell you the same things on Christmas!! haha. There are so many lights up this year, way more than last. Last year there were hardly any. It was really sad. But this year we have been handing out the Saviour is Born cards. They are great. People these days need to realize that Christmas isn't about shopping and trees and sweets. It is about Christ. Without him, we wouldn't be able to celebrate, there would be no meaning behind it. We had a mission Christmas party and President had us watch the film "its a Wonderful Life" First off it is like my favourite film but second, it really helped me see that Christmas is about giving back. So giving gifts to family and friends. But if you look further, it is about giving back to the Saviour. How can we do that this Christmas? What can we do to follow in His footsteps. 

Well James came to church. Haha, oh James. He is really funny. James loves it at church but gets bored and leaves. He is an interesting bloke. He is reading the Book of Mormon but says he hasn't got an answer yet. Next time we see him we will have to explain the influence of the Holy Ghost. I am hoping that James will make it to his date. 

We are also teaching a lady by the name Suzzanna. She is from the Congo and speaks very little English but she understands everything we are saying. Her family are members down in Manchester. She loves the Book of Mormon and loves church. She is working towards being baptised next weekend. There are few little bits and bobs that we need to teach but she is doing great and I know that she will make it. 

Dawn is doing absolutely amazing. She just takes everything so willingly. She keeps telling us that she just wants to find out. She had read and prayed. She said that she hasn't got an answer yet but knows that if God is there and wants her to know He will tell her. She understands as well that it might take time. She wasn't able to come to church this week because she was on holiday with her family. But she said she is coming next week. 

There are so many other good things happening. I love all the miracles that happen. Something that I have learned this week is patience. haha I have always had a hard time with it, and to be honest I still do. But as we are patient we see that things will not come in our time. Things only come in Heavenly Fathers time. But going along with patience is the faith that Heavenly Father will not leave us hanging. Remember that life is crazy!!! But we need to understand that we need to be patient. Only then will we see the miracles of God in our lives. 

I love you all and look forward to seeing you on Christmas. If you need anything let me know. 

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

This appeared in my memories today on fb from two years ago and you know How I LOVE pictures!  Well...

Tyler didn't send any this week so...I thought this one would be a good one to share! :)

For ALL of you out there anticipating that exciting call!  I know we are sure excited here at our home and can hardly wait!  

Enjoy everyone and Have a very Merry CHRISTmas!   

Crazy week! Monday, December 14, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

I am so glad to hear about Austin, it did make me cry! I am happy that he made this decision to come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I loved all the pictures as well. It was absolutely amazing. It took me back to a lot of memories that I have had with Austin. Also the new coach will do a great job. He impressed me on Meet the Mormons. I am sitting here freezing to death haha the door is open to the internet cafe!!! ahhhh CLOSE THE DOOR! Well Tanner you will soon beat my times for swimming!! You all  just seem like  you are doing amazing. I love hearing about your amazing days! 

As for my week. It has definitely been stressful but we have seen so many miracles it is great! We have been super busy as well. I now have loads of responsibilities. We luckily have a car now but the zone is huge and we have to travel all over. This past week we have had to travel so much taking missionaries places and going to help out in other areas but we have still seen so much success. Don't worry I am being careful while driving. I am serving with Elder Hultgren from Sweden, he was actually in my group as well. I live with Elder Barendse again (I served with him in Brid) And and Elder Davies from England. My new address is 9 Iris Court, 121 Abbey Street, Hull, HU9 1LE, England.  I love it here in Hull, it is cold but I love it. We are seeing so much success. 

We have done loads of finding mainly knocking on doors. It has been way fun. We found this great lady. It was awesome. So what happened... We knocked on her door and I can't even remember what we said but she started laughing and we just started talking. We talked a bit about what we believe and we also talked about why we are here. She then said we can come back and she will sit her family down and we will have a chat. YEAH!!!!! :) We are going back on Wednesday. I am really excited. 

We also are teaching this guy by the name of James. We taught him about the importance of Reading the Book of Mormon and praying and coming to church. He took it really well and then this past Sunday he came to church. He is a funny guy. He really likes church. He said everyone is so friendly and he feels something good about it. We are going to teach him again on Tuesday. He is scheduled for baptism for January 02, 2016. We are excited and he is excited to see if what we say is true. 

We are also teaching a lady by the name of Dawn. She was really really not for it when she was found but we went by. Well she surprised us. She said that she didn't believe but she spoke to her husband and found out that he believes in God. She was really surprised and decided that she would try and find out for herself. She told us that she will do anything that we ask, she just wants to know if God is there or not. We taught her about Joseph Smith, we then shared with your Alma 32. She really like the chapter and said it was perfect for her because she has a desire to believe. She said that it might take awhile for her but she really really wants to find out. We scheduled her to be baptised on January 09, 2016.

We are definitely seeing so much success...I am still stressed out! haha but I know that this is a great time for me to learn and grow. Sometimes Heavenly Father cuts us down so we can grow. (See the Mormon message, Gods Will) I know that Heavenly Father knows us personally and he knows what we need to become the best that we can be. Trust in Him.

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

I love you all and hope you are well. If you need anything let me know. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

The Zone

This is another one from "The Zone" picture...it is just a closer one of our boy!  

LOVE HIM and MISS HIM at this Wonderful and Magical time 

of year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

#christmasiscoming

#10daysanditisallover 

Transfers...again...goes by faster every day - Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and family, 

Transfers were this week again. It is so crazy how fast things are going. I really don't like how fast it is going. There is still so much that I can improve and so much to do and yet so little time. I have been serving with Elder Jeng now for 3 transfers. He is just absolutely amazing. He has a heart of gold. It has been great serving with him. Unfortunately he is going to a place called Huddersfield. It will be good for him, great ward and good area.  I have been asked to serve in Hull as a Zone Leader. To be honest I am really scared, because I don't think I am capable of it. But Please if you have any advice to help me, it would be appreciated. 

I love setting up the tree. Thanks for the pictures I really enjoy pictures. As far as the California shooting, people are hearing about it over here as well. Paris got bombed about a month ago as you know. There is still up roar from that. This past week I heard that down south someone was stabbed in a train station by a so called terrorist. That is all that has been happening. It is scary what is happening, but I agree with what you are saying to me. We are on fine lines but as we stay close to the Gospel and listen to the words of the Prophets we will be able to hold tight to the Iron Rod and not be lead astray. I am glad to hear BYU has won, but that is not good that they got into a bit of trouble with Emmery. I can't believe Coach Mendenhall is leaving!!! NOOOO!! Well that was definitely a miracle that happened to Kynsie. There are good people in the world. As far as Christmas is concerned, I guess we can skype the same time on Christmas, 12 in the US and 7 here. I will just Skype Kynsie's account again, hopefully it will work. Is that okay? I will also send my new address to you guys next week, for now send things to the mission office. It might be better to put the mission office address in the (ward) weekly newsletter. 

As for my week it has been super good. Elder Jeng and I have been doing loads of finding and starting at the beginning again. But we have had so many miracles as well. 

The first being on Monday. We decided to try by Deborah, I think I told you about her last week. Well she let us in and she had 3 house mates there as well. We started teaching them. We taught them about Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon. They had loads of questions. We told them that the way that they will find out if what we say is true is if they read, if they pray, if they come to church. They understood and are really interested in finding out. Specifically 2 people. Natasha and Jess. Both very atheist but very open and wanting to find more happiness. So we then invited them to be baptized on January 2, 2016. They accepted the date and are really willing to work towards it. We unfortunately haven't seen them, because they are "busy" University students, and now we are moving. But I know that the two new elders coming will do a great job. 

Later that week we went by a man by the name of Rob. He is so good. He is in his 60's and very very religious. He is so in tune with the spirit. It was cool because he would before we could invite him to do it, explain to us how he needs to read and pray and come to church and experiment with it. He said that if this church is the true church then Heavenly Father would tell him through the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:3-5) We taught him about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon as well and he said it all makes sense. It was such a good lesson. We are seeing him next week....well I guess the new Elders. He accepted a date to be baptized on January 2, 2016 as well. 

We also got in with a potential who we found like 2 months ago. We just had a feeling to go by. We had about 20 minutes before we had to go to another appointment. We knocked on her door, and she was in!!! YAY!! She has a little boy named Zion. Super cool name. Well we found out that she really wants to find out If God is there and would do anything for it. So we taught her about Joseph Smith and how he had similar questions and how he prayed and got an answer. We explained to her that she can pray as well and receive an answer. We asked her if she received an answer if she would be baptized. She said she would. So we scheduled her for January 2, 2016 as well. It has been a week full of miracles! It has been great. Now we are both onto new beginnings and new experiences. I will miss Leeds 1 but I am also excited to try new places and get to know new people. 

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Sorry no pictures :( 

This is for Austin:

Well to be honest my feelings are competing with each other right now. I am absolutely over joyed that you are taking this step to come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Like I have told you before you will recognize blessings from Heavenly Father to you. The other side of me is gutted because I am not able to see my best mate enter the waters of baptism and come out a new man. But know that I am there with you still. It is 9 pm right now and I am thinking about you. I am cheering for you. Austin I know I tell you this all the time but it just means so much to me. I know with out a doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ lives. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God and that he was called to restore the fullness of Jesus Christ's Church to the earth today. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is another testament of Jesus Christ and it is true. I have come to know this myself and now you have come to know it yourself. That is why you are making the decision to be baptized. You are making a wonderful promise to Heavenly Father and He is going to bless you. Always live faithfully, Heavenly Father will only bless you. You will find direction and comfort as you follow this path. You will see that Heavenly Father has a great Plan for you. Your journey has just begun, live it. I love you man. I am right next to you always. Ki Kaha Bruv (Ki kaha means stay strong, Bruv is an English saying, it means brother) #3musketeers.

Since Tyler didn't send any pictures ,,,

I'm going to share a few that were from our wonderful weekend! 

Austin Buckner has been a friend of Tyler's and several other boys that are currently out serving missions since elementary school at Grandview!

We had the wonderful opportunity to witness his baptism this past Saturday and confirmation today. Steve had been asked to give a talk about baptism where he was able to share some of the above message from Tyler.

What a choice blessing this was to be a part of. 

What a GREAT example of Member Missionary work!  

We are so HAPPY for you Austin and the choice you have made. 

Here we are as the parents of the boys out serving missions...with Austin

Some of the friends!  

Tyler has been blessed with a remarkable group of friends.  There are many others...young men and young women out serving our Father in Heaven in various parts of the world.

After Austin's baptism

Austin and Kendra 

After church today where he was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Love these Girls!  

I just HAD to add this fun one! 

Hope you won't hate me Gloria, Kelly and Adri !!!  :)

I didn't think they did Thanksgiving in England!! - Monday, November 30, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

I am glad to hear that the meeting with the coaches went well. It is always a great relief. That a boy Tanner doing your talk at the last minute and getting away with it!!! :) Haha Heavenly Father was definitely helping you out there! ;) But next time do it on time. It is better to be prepared a few days before than late. That is something that I have learned on the mission and something that you will learn. Planning is key to having success. Oh I absolutely loved picking out Christmas trees. I love the traditions that we always do around the Holidays. It sounds like you all just partied the whole week!! Knowing the Rife family, you probably did. ;) Elder Jeng did get your email and he really appreciated it, all though I did have to define a few of the big words that Dad used. Haha! 

I guess first off. We had a great Thanksgiving. England doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, obviously because it is an American Holiday. But the Senior Couples in the mission are just so kind that they put together a Thanksgiving dinner. Oh it was so good. I was remembering all the different traditions that we do, and just sitting around the table as a family. It was fantastic. I love Thanksgiving because it helps us realize all the things that we have that we need to be grateful for. The funny part about the whole event though, was there were only 12 Americans out of about 30 to 40 Missionaries. Haha! :) But it was good all the same. 

So it has been a weird week to be honest, because I feel like I haven't been in my area all week. On Tuesday I had to go to a meeting. Which was absolutely amazing. I learned more how I can help missionaries. How to be a better missionary myself and be a better leader. I learned so much and now I have been trying to implement all the things which were discussed. It is all working!! Haha it is like it is true!! Haha. That took up a big portion of the day. Then I headed over to a place called Keighley to go on exchange. It was great. I was there Wednesday to Thursday night. We saw so many miracles. One being we were able to get in and teach and schedule a guy by the name of Ben. It was such a powerful lesson. He had loads of questions and we were answering them all. The lesson was all over the place. Then Elder Rusjberg (I was on exchange with him) and I looked at each other and it is as if we were thinking the same thing. We both just stopped the lesson and took it straight to the Restoration. We told Ben that all of his questions would be answered. He sat and listened. The Spirit was strong. Wow what a lesson. I later found out that he came to church. It was so good. We also did loads of finding. I was able to apply the famous start stop & continue to my finding skills. I learned new ways to find, learned ways that work and things that I need to stop doing. We were able to find loads of people. I also learned that each area is different and we have to mold the way we find to the specific people. 

When I finally got back to Leeds Elder Jeng and I went straight to the streets of Leeds England. We were street contacting and knocking and it was freezing cold!! haha. Well...We decided to stop by a potential, who unfortunately wasn't in. We then stopped and tried figuring out what we should do. We looked at the street opposite of us and decided to knock it. We were doing good. We had loads of good conversations, but not too many were interested in what we had to say. Well the last door comes and the famous stereotypical story now comes. It had just stopped raining, but it was cold. We almost decided to stop. We knocked on the last door and Deborah answered. She was really confused of who we were and just started laughing. It made the situation so good. She said that she didn't think that we would actually do this in the rain. We just got talking a bit about what we believe and then when we asked if we could tell her more, she said she was busy now but that we could come on Monday. :) She told us that we are really persuasive. Well the Spirit is persuasive. We are going by hers tonight so hopefully she will be in!! 

IT was a week full of finding, but yet we saw so many miracles. I love being able to share the gospel with the people of England. Yeah we get rejections and get made fun of, but then beautiful miracles occur which I know come from Heavenly Father. His hand is in every aspect of our lives. We just have to open our eyes and see the small blessings which he gives us. I love you all. I hope you are doing well. For Austin's talk, I will think of some things, and email them to you next week, I know it is cutting it close but I want to think about it a bit first.

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife. 

Thanksgiving Dinner 2015 

 "The Senior Couples in the mission are just so kind that they put together a Thanksgiving dinner."

 The Food!!! :)

"Oh it was so good."

'This building is 2000 years old and it was an entrance to a zoo. Fun fact for the day. 

Just a little side note....

OHHHH my how I miss this boy of mine!  

There are just times when I read his emails and look at the pictures he sends and I just get this ache in my stomach and would just LOVE to give him a big ole hug!!!  :)

Today is December 1st!  Soooo just 25 days and I will be able to give him a virtual hug! 

Looking forward to skyping with him!  Love ya LOADS Tyler!  <3 xoxo <3

Perfection won't come by Wednesday afternoon - Monday, November 23, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

Goodness, what a week for you all. I am glad to hear BYU won. Kylee how did you get to ring the Victory bell? What a great thing you got to do. Is there anything I can do to help Kynsie? Kendra keep being awesome. I look forward to talking to you all. Are you going to go to Austins baptism? You all have had a wonderful week. Pretty hectic though! haha. 

This week has been freezing cold!!! Probably the coldest winter ever!! But Heavenly Father has definitely blessed Elder Jeng and I. It has been a miraculous week that is for sure, but all small miracles. 

First off, we had interviews with President Pilkington this week. I love interviews, they always lift me/us so high. For some reason I always get nervous but then when I am actually in front of President all is well. He is such a great man, definitely inspired. He talked to me about what stresses me out and how things have been going in general. I told him that I get stressed when I am not perfect, and it is hard not being perfect. Well he told me straight forward, "perfection won't come by a Wednesday afternoon" It is true. That is why we are here, to just learn and try. We will not be perfect, but we can try to be perfect. We came to earth to prepare and to become like God is, that doesn't mean we will be perfect now. Perfection is eternal. I have learned loads from President Pilkington, because of our talk I have been trying to not be as hard on myself...we all know that I am bad at that. You all keep telling me! :) haha now I am finally listening to it! 

We were knocking last week. It was pouring rain and very cold. Well we knocked on these girls door. They told us that they were sorta religious, they then told us that we could come another time. So I asked if we could go by on Wednesday. They said yes immediately. From that I just assumed that they would stand us up. Well we were late going to the appointment but because I assumed that they would stand us up it didn't bother me. Which it should have, I wasn't being as diligent as I should have. We went by and they were in. They said you guys were supposed to come earlier. Haha there is a slap to the face for me! They then asked if we could come by in about a half hour. So we did. There were three girls there. Ella, Kate, and Mikaila. They are all really open and really cool. We taught them the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the spirit was so strong. I really enjoyed the lesson. I know that they felt something. They then were asking loads of questions. We invited them to find out for themselves and to read the Book of Mormon and then pray about it. They said they would do it, that they really wanted to test it out. We then invited them to be baptized on the 11th of December. They accepted the date very willingly. They want to get involved with the YSA and come to church. It was so good to have a lesson like that. I know that if they Read and Pray with real intent they will receive an answer! 

Jack and Alex haven't been able to see us because they are so busy but we popped by for just a little bit and they said that they have been reading and that they are still very interested in it. We are going to teach them again this week. 

We spent a good amount of this week knocking and street contacting. It was really good to get back to the basics of missionary work. Sometimes I find it hard to talk to people, even though I love it. But some how Heavenly Father always makes it possible for me to approach somebody and talk to them. The end result is so amazing. Being able to bear testimony. We have done a lot of that lately. It has been really good. We have found so many new people this week, now we just need to go by and teach them. I really love missionary work. It is wonderful, it is hard, but wonderful. I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

I know that perfection doesn't come by Wednesday, I know that Heavenly Father does bless us so much as we are obedient and faithful to him. Use the atonement of Jesus Christ, through him we can become more of the person he wants us to be. I love you all and hope you know that I know that this church is true! 

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

I don't quite have the faith to move mountains.....but I am getting there! :)

"Enjoying a GIANT Hot dog with Elder Cope on Exchange and a member we were helping at the hospital!"

Not sure what he is doing here.  Perhaps this will have to be a question we ask him when he returns

OR 

You could caption it and we could have a little fun with it!!! :)

Have a wonderful week all and enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving!

We sure are thankful for you ALL!

Miracles are in the air

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

I have heard about the bombings in France, there was also a few shootings that happened. They are estimating about 180 people have been killed, but don't know how many have been injured. It is scary what is happening in the world today, loads of chaos. That is why we must do all we can to stay close to Christ and the gospel. It will keep us afloat. The bombings haven't affected England that much as of yet, the south of England has been affected a bit, but I am sure they are keeping a close eye on what is happening. President Pilkington, I'm sure has a plan to keep us safe, and Heavenly Father will keep us safe. As for Austin, he did tell me. I am so happy for him. He told me that it is going to happen. I am overjoyed and sad at the same time. Overjoyed because my best friend is coming closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but sad because I won't be there to see it. I know he is making the right decision! There is a bug that is going around over here as well, Elder Jeng had it and now I have it, so we are in this together Tanner and Kylee. Haha. I am doing fine though, just a small head cold. Well if there is anything that I can do for Nick let me know. Tell him I love him!! :) 

Well the week has been long because of the disease that has Elder Jeng and I have both caught. Our finding hasn't been as effective, we have tried talking to people but had to stay in for a few hours because of our illnesses. This week will be so good though I know it. Although there was a little bump in the road...well maybe not a bump but a brick wall haha, we still had so many miracles. 

Last week we found a lad named Jack, from knocking. We went by on Monday night and he let us in, his mate Alex was there as well. Jack is very Atheist. He said that he doesn't believe in Heavenly Father at all but would be up to hear us out. Alex is Agnostic, he told us that he has been searching his whole life for God but he just feels like he is in this fog, and he doesn't know where to go. Well they are awesome that is for sure! They are both willing to test it out. We taught them about who Heavenly Father is and that he loves us, we then taught them about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We explained to them that reading the Book of Mormon and praying is the way to find out if Heavenly Father is there. They said they would do it, we then invited them, if they found out it was true for themselves, to be baptized by the proper priesthood authority. They accepted our invitation and then we scheduled them for the 4th of December. We haven't been able to see them since because they are very busy Uni students but they are very interested and I know that if they put in the effort they will find out if what we are saying true and they will be baptized.

Another miracle was obviously Zone Conference. It was definitely the best. I love going. I always am so inspired to do better afterward. 

Mavis, oh Mavis....haha I don't even know. She believes that the church is true and that the Book of Mormon is true and everything. She just doesn't want to come to church or be baptized. Unfortunately she won't make the 28th of November, but we are going to re-schedule her. The last time we saw her we almost got her to commit to church, we are slowly resolving her concerns and she is now coming to the point when she will either have to make the right decision or not. She is a really funny lady, love her to death! Haha. 

I think one of the greatest miracles I saw this week was a pretty big one. Some people may say it is just coincidence but I know that it was an answer to our prayers. So the sister missionaries in the ward were having a baptism. We had 3 investigators confirmed to come to the baptism but 2 of them cancelled with us. Do you remember Georgia? Well she was supposed to come as well. 1 hour before the baptism she rang us and said she couldn't come. It was pouring rain and I being not as diligent as I should have been thought to myself I am not going to walk in the rain all night, Elder Jeng and I are both sick, I am not doing it. So we were talking to her over the phone and realized the reason why she didn't want to come was because she was nervous. She said she needed to think about it. She told us she would ring us back. So I started praying, and begging Heavenly Father that Georgia would be able to come, so she could feel the spirit and have a desire to be baptized herself and so we could get out of the rain. After about 20 minutes she rang us back and said she was coming. I was so happy I started cheering over the phone. It was great. The spirit was so strong at the baptism and I know that she felt something. I know that Heavenly Father does answer prayers and I was so thankful for it that day. 

We also taught Nana. He is so cool. Still very spiritually smart and knows the bible very well. We had a really good lesson with him about the Plan of Salvation, he said it all makes sense and he understands it but he just doesn't believe it yet. We told him to pray about it. He said he would and then we tried to schedule him for baptism, he still doesn't understand why but said if found out he would, he just doesn't want to put a date on it yet. The picture is of us at Hansen's house with Nana making Fofo, a Ghanaian meal, it is actually harder to stir than it looks. We are going to eat it this week. 

I love you guys and hope you are doing well. I want you all to know that Heavenly Father really does answer prayers because He cares about us. It sometimes isn't as fast as we want it, or the way we want it but he does answer it. Just be patient. 

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES.

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

"At Hansen's house with Nana making Fofo, a Ghanaian meal.

It is actually harder to stir than it looks!"

Surprise!!! Zone Conference - Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family,

Surprise!!! President Pilkington asked us to write to our families about the things we learned at Zone Conference yesterday. To be quite honest my thoughts are all jumbled and I don't even know if any of it will make sense but I hope you get my drift! 

Every single time it seems I learn something great from Zone Conference. I again have to say, I loved it. Everything which was said seemed to be directly for me. I was able to understand how to improve specifically as a missionary, as a district leader, and as a person. I learned the importance of the heart and where it should be. I know that there are multiple points and principles that were talked about that I will never forget. 

One of those principles was what was spoken about by Sister Pilkington. My whole life I have tried to control my tongue, and, huh well that is something I struggle with quite a bit. Recently I have seen a bit of progression as far as not speaking about others wrongly or behind their backs. But this time I think what I got out of it was to think about what you are going to say before you actually say it. I loved the quote that Sister Pilkington stated about Thumper; "If you can't say nothin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." That statement is true. It is something that Mum has said to me all the time. It has been drilled into me and yet I have still had a hard time controlling what I say. Well recently I found another quote, it is an old Chinese proverb which states "Let your speech be better than silence, or be silent" That too is a very hard thing. I have made some goals as far as my language, in how I address people and how I respond to people. The number one goal that I made was first to think before I say. It is going to be tough but I know that I will be able to do it, with the Lords help of course. 

I have been praying loads for guidance on how I can become a better missionary. I haven't been able to figure it out until yesterday. I realized that during companionship studies we were spending a lot of time going over what we studied and what we are going to do in the day, but we didn't spend much time practice teaching for lessons or for approaches. The past couple of weeks we have been practice teaching and we have seen loads of miracles. Because we have been preparing, the Lord has been preparing others for the message that we have to share. I learned that we must first seek diligently, and then the Lord's mysteries will be unfolded. We will be able to have the spirit with us and we will be given in the very hour the things which we need to say. Practice doesn't make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect. I need to start practicing more. Just because I have been on the mission for sometime now, doesn't mean I am the greatest or will continue to be the greatest, but if I practice, practice, practice, and practice some more, then I can come close to becoming a great missionary. That is what I have been lacking. I made some goals to go back to the essentials of Preach My Gospel. Study the lessons, and then practice them over and over again. That is how I will grow. That is how my Testimony will grow and that is how I will be able to help others testimonies grow. 

The most fundamental and major thing which I learned though would probably be where the heart is. I thought I had my heart in the right place, which I think part of it was, but I also think that part of it wasn't. I have been so focused on how I can grow I have been blinded and couldn't see how I could help others grow. That is what this gospel is all about, helping others come unto Christ, whether it be non-members, less actives, members, or even your companion. I need to be more charitable, look  at how I can help everyone around me. I need to lose myself in the work. I think I am still figuring out how I can put my heart in the right place and I haven't quite set some goals but I know that I need my heart in the right place and only then will miracles happen, will I see the hand of God in the wonderful work that we are doing. I know that the mission is hard and that it will continue to be hard but that is what all of life is about, enduring through the troubles and not complaining about it. there was so much that was meant for me at Zone Conference and from it I have learned so much and understand that I only have a few short months left and that they will fly by in no time. The question that has been on my mind, well a few questions, is what am I doing now to help others come unto Christ? Where is my heart? How can I become more of the missionary that God has placed me here to be? How can I use the short time I have to be effective? I guess those are some questions that I will be focusing and I will see where the path takes me from here.

I know that none of this made sense, but yeah! I hope you know that I am doing well. I love you all and hope you are all doing well. Please know that you are all in my prayers! Continue to stand tall and never deviate. This gospel is true and it will only bless our lives. Hard times will come but as long as we are faithful and righteous we are promised that we will never be alone. Hold tight to the rod and do not let go, it will  lead us individually and as a family to the wonderful fruits of eternal life! Dad I am so grateful for your example, you have always taught me how to be a good young man, you have instilled in me principles which I will never forget. Mum I am thankful for how loving you have always been, you have shown me what true Christ-like love is, you never care about yourself, you are always serving others. Grandma, you too have shown love to everyone but yourself, you have shown me how to work hard and the rewards which come from it. Katelin, I am so thankful for your kindness and service, for your smile. Always trying to help out and make everyone happy. Nick, you treat my sister like a Queen, you know what it means to be compassionate, even with the things that you are going through. Kynsie, you have no idea what you have done for me, your testimony strengthens mine and your example of obedience is phenomenal. Kendra, you always like to have fun, you also care for every ones well being. That is a quality that I wish I had. Tanner, you are my best friend, but more importantly you are my brother. You have always stood next to me and been there for me as brothers do. You have been a great example to me. Keep going, keep trying, you know what is right. Kylee your beautiful smile and desire to make others happy is something that not many people have, but you make peoples day brighter when you walk in the room. Kinley and Mila, you are the most beautiful nieces I know. Energetic and loving. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I hope that I can gain the talents which you all posses and one day be able to be like you all. I love you. Thank you for being an example to me. You all have influenced my life and have shaped my life. I love you all. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

PS. Happy Birthday Mila, you are growing up  too fast. 

Tyler didn't send a picture with this "surprise email" and I had been going through Katelin's blog looking for some pictures for something I was doing.  I ran across the post Katelin had written right after Tyler had gone through the temple for the first time before his mission. I LOVED her post and all the pictures that we had taken to help us remember that special night.  

I decided to share this picture with this "surprise email" post!  

As I have lately looked back on some of his pictures from earlier in his mission I have noticed how much he has changed. He looks older and more mature.  (At least sometimes more mature! :) )

He is really growing...not only physically but spiritually as well.

We all have surely been blessed by his missionary experience and I'm so thankful to be apart of it!

Obedience really brings blessings - Monday, November 9, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

I am so happy that I know that my sisters are not dead!! It would be nice to hear from them cough cough Kendra, Katelin cough!!! ;) Just kidding I know you are busy. Grandma I love you and I hope you know I worry and pray for you every day and night! If there is anything I can do for you let me know. As far as the new stance that the church has stated about the baptism of children with gay parents. I just heard it from you for the first time. We haven't had any retaliation because of it yet, but I am sure it will come. The thing I always think about is obedience when it comes to controversial subjects. Although it is not too controversial, because Heavenly Father has commanded that marriage be between a man and a woman, therefore children should be raised by these commandments and understand that Heavenly Father only bestows blessings in abundance to those who obey. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whenever people bring up the churches stance, well I guess it is Gods stance, on Gay and Lesbians, I just like to show them 2 articles, the first being the Family: A Proclamation to the World, and a recent article that the First Presidency and the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles wrote. I find that it is very hard to help people understand this because people don't understand that Heavenly Father loves each of us, and Heavenly Father will only bless us as we keep His commandments. Sorry that was very long and probably doesn't make any sense. Well Tanner you are following my footsteps huh!! Haha. Keep working hard at swim. I wish I did better. Your camping trip sounds like a blast as well. Looks like your week has been good. Mum, another thing you could maybe send with the deodorant is some acne cream I will attach a picture of it but an Elder let me try some of His and it works really well. I think he said he got it from Target. 

The week has been a roller coaster! It started out so slow and long, I didn't think I was going to make it. Haha. But later in the week I decided to kneel and pray. I basically moaned to Heavenly Father asking why nothing was happening. Well I then realized that the reason was because I wasn't relying on Him. I wasn't relying on the Spirit. Let me tell ya....DON'T DO WHAT I DID. You need to rely on Heavenly Father in everything you do. Elder Jeng and I tried to rely on Heavenly Father more and when we did that we found the week picked up and the past couple of days have been really good. I have been amazed at the miracles that have been happening. 

First off, I have been struggling with talking to people and then transitioning to the Gospel, which I haven't struggled with for a long time. But then both Elder Jeng and I were able to talk to so many people on a human level and then transition very easily to the gospel. It was so simple. We found quite a few people who are very interested. One being this girl who was wearing a top that said San Francisco on it. So I asked her if she has been to America. She said yes....well turns out she was in Salt Lake City as well!! I asked her what she felt and she said she felt different, but a good different. It is as if the church is true and she really did feel the spirit! Haha (I was being sarcastic as I said that by the way, if you didn't catch on). We got talking about the Holy Ghost and how she could have those feelings of peace and comfort all the time. Well we are going to see her this week. 

We contacted Georgia, and the lesson went really well. She said that she felt as though she was progressing, but then when we stopped seeing her she just went down hill. We told her that we would start teaching her again and that the Gospel will bless her life. Unfortunately she said she didn't want to set a date yet, but next time we see her we are going to set up a baptismal date. She is really busy and was going to come to church but then got sick! :( But no matter, she will come next week. 

Mavis is so awesome. She is just so straight forward. Haha. So I am straight forward with her, and she loves it! Haha. We get along really well. She said that she believes the Book of Mormon and everything. We asked her the baptismal interview questions and she believes everything. She just doesn't want to come to church. We found out that she never has been to church. It is weird because almost every English person has been to church at least once. We think she is just scared. So we asked her to pray about it, and asked her to pray with her husband George. They both committed to it and she said that she might come to church!!! :) yeah!!! 

We still haven't been able to see Sam. He is always busy, but he set up an appointment with us for Friday, so we will see. 

Well so many other miracles happened. I think I realized that the thing that has been holding me back is that I haven't been relying on Heavenly Father and I have been searching for the great big miracles, when I haven't been noticing the small miracles that are right in front of me. It is something that we all sometimes fall into. We are always looking for the great things, the big blessings, and then we forget about the "plain and precious truths". We need to focus on the plain and precious truths, those are the important things. If we have received an answer that the Book of Mormon is true and that the gospel is true than we should trust Heavenly Father. He knows what we need, and he knows what will bring us eternal happiness. We need to always go back to the plain and precious truths, these truths are what will bring us the great blessings, and eternal happiness. I love you all and hope you are all well. Please let me know if you need anything. 

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Elder Jeng and Elder Rife "knocking"

Tyler also added the note that Bernard came knocking with them!

I can't remember who Bernard is...he must be the one who is taking this picture.

Perhaps he is a member???  I'll have to ask Tyler to remind me about him.  

"We are starting to teach a Ghanaian named Nana (the guy in the colorful shirt).

Hansen is a member.  They cooked Ghanaian food for us and then they started eating the bones...I was like "WHAT"???  Apparently it is very healthy for you....so we all did it.  It actually wasn't too bad!"

Tyler's  mother still isn't too sure about this!!! I would have said, "YUCK!"  I don't think I could've done this!!!  :)

"This is Ella...

The girl who was wearing a San Francisco Sweatshirt that they "found"

Come to find out she had been to Salt Lake City as well!!!

They are going to meet with her later this week.  

Hope Tyler will have more to tell us about her soon!  :)

.

Foggy Foggy Days - Monday, November 2, 2015

Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family, 

I did write Mrs. Drake, I am sending the letter today. Also Daylight savings happened last week for us. It gets dark at like 4 now and doesn't get light until about 7:30ish. Very short time, and yet we have so much to do. As far as Christmas....again I am going to say Deodorant, but other than that nothing!! :) Nick, I will keep you in my prayers. Watch the John Tanner story, made by the church it is great. But is there anything I can do to help you? I am really sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Kylee I am glad you are liking school and your new teacher!! You are going to do so many good things!!! Tanner my main man, what classes are you taking? What are you doing in school and in life? Do you like being a Junior in High School? Keep working hard. How is everyone else in the Family? How is Grandma doing? 

My week has been good. It has been a very long and tiring week though. Every morning there has been something that wakes us up, whether it be people yelling at each other outside to house alarms to drunk people!! Crazy people!! haha. Even though we have been tired there has been loads of things that have happened, miracles have happened. 

First we got in contact with a few former investigators. The first being Maria, she is from Slovakia. She is interesting because she is so quiet but she really is intent on finding out if all of what we say is true. From what she has told us she has been reading the Book of Mormon and Praying. We told her that we would continue to come and teach her, and we scheduled her for baptism on the 28th of November. We have only seen her once so far. 

The next miracle of the week. Elder Jeng and I prayed to be guided to some people who are prepared to receive the wonderful message of the Restoration. Well we couldn't stop thinking about a recent convert named George, I was thinking, why does he keep popping into my head he has already accepted the Gospel. Then we came across his teaching record in the area book. Well turns out his wife Mavis was being taught at one point but never accepted it. So we went by their house and we started talking to them, getting to know them and then Mavis said she likes being straight forward with people. So in response I said Mavis I am going to be straight forward with you. We want to teach you! She looked at us and just said okay. She said she is never going to be "converted" but she reads the Book of Mormon and Prays and I know that she will receive an answer and will enter into the Waters of Baptism on the 28th of November as well. 

We got in contact with another former investigator named Georgia. We haven't been able to teach her yet but she said that her life has gone off the rails and would love to meet with us again. So we are seeing her on Wednesday. We will see what happens with her. 

Unfortunately we haven't been able to see Sam since Monday but he is still really interested. He is just so busy ALL the time. Sam is still scheduled for baptism for the 28th of November as well. Hopefully I will be able to update you on his progress next week. He is super cool!

We met another person this week from Botswana Africa. Her name is Amantle, but she goes by Amy. It was interesting because she kind of came to us. She knows Talia and saw the change in Talia and wants it as well. She wants to come to church and she wants to know if Heavenly Father is there and if what we say is true. She is very open to the Spirit and can feel it in her life.We taught Amy and we scheduled her for the 28th of November as well. She is really interested in the church and in finding an answer to all of her questions. I know that as she takes small steps to come to Christ, she will find the Gospel to be true, because of the feelings she has already had. 

There is so much still going on in the wonderful work we are doing. Talia is still doing good. Like I have told you in the past I have been trying to improve myself. Thank you for the advice, I am going to take it and see where I can get. I love you all. I know that this work that we do is true. I am so thankful for the Atonement, it really does make up for everything. Jesus Christ lives and Joseph Smith is a Prophet. Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet today. I believe it and I am coming to know it. 

God be with you till we meet again. On our way. #10sof1000s. HE LIVES. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Elder Jeng and Elder Rife with George and Mavis