SURPRISE Email for us today! Wednesday, November 12, 2014

We Got a fun surprise today!  I had just dropped Kylee off for school and had stopped at my Mother's like I usually do each day.  I checked my email over there for some reason and WOW... I was so surprised to see that Tyler had sent us an email at 3:48 AM!  I opened it quickly to make sure all was okay and found this:

Dear Mom and Dad,

You can share this with the family as well, I was just being lazy so I only sent it to you two. We had Zone Conference yesterday and President Pilkington told us to write our parents and tell them what we felt. (just to explain that I'm not being a dodgey missionary) ;) 

Well this won't be long. I know people say that things which are said are meant for them, but when I say this I mean it. What was said yesterday was meant for me. It was kind of a slap to the face really. Lately I have been a little stressed, and I started getting down on myself a bit, I was still working hard but I just kept thinking things were going wrong. I went to Zone Conference with kind of a bad attitude which I shouldn't have. Yesterday was the 100th year anniversary of the armistice of World War 1. Millions of people died during this time, young men especially. It was hard for them and hard for their families. I had the great opportunity to stand for 2 minutes in complete silence and give reverence to all those men who sacrificed their lives so you, and I, and everyone would have the freedom that we have today. Sister Pilkington was talking about this and she gave us this song that the soldiers would sing, it goes like this: "Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag, and smile, smile, smile, Just think of all the happy times we'll have, smile boys, that's the style. What's the use of worrying? It never was worthwhile. So, pack up your troubles in your old kit bag, and smile, smile, smile. That hit me hard because it made me think that I should't be so down. Like the song says what is the use of worrying? it never is worthwhile. It then got me thinking about the mission. A mission is going to be hard, this is going to be hard for me, it won't be easy and I don't know why I thought it would be easy, because in reality we are serving the Lord, we are doing as Christ did, and when you think about it, it was never easy for Him. This is something small that we can do. When things get hard, when we want to give up and stop trying, just remember to smile, remember that its not easy but because it's not easy we are standing shoulder to shoulder with the greatest person that ever lived. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with Christ. He has our back. Smile today, because tomorrow you may not have teeth! I learned so much more and wish I could explain more of my thoughts but for now this is all I will say. When things get hard keep going. My favorite quote is by Rocky Balboa which I'm sure I have shared with you multiple times, "life will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it, but it doesn't matter how hard you hit, what matters is how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward. That is how winning is done" 

I love you all so much and I hope that made sense. President just told us to email you our thoughts...so that really are my thoughts, all over the place. Remember to always move forward no matter what, we are representatives of Jesus Christ. We wear His name on our hearts and we must choose to follow Him. We are representatives of Jesus Christ, and we will not be shaken. God be with you. We are on our way. #10sof1000s. 

Love, Tyler 

It was a wonderful reminder for me today!

So thank you Tyler for your thoughts. I'm so glad your mission president felt like it would be a good thing to share your thoughts with your family.

I will remember to smile today....because I definitely DON'T want to be without teeth!!!!  

(LOVED that part!  Silly kid!!!)

 :D

Also, Yesterday we received a very sweet email from a lady Tyler and his former companion Elder Fergurson had the blessing of teaching and baptizing earlier in October.

Quite a "payday" for us as parents!

Good Evening

You don't know me and I hope you don't mind me intruding like this.

My name is Janine Taylor and I live in Leeds, UK.

I got your email address's from Elder Rife.

I just wanted to write to say what an amazing young man you have brought up, Elder Rife is indeed a credit to you both. I am very new to the Church, being introduced to it in May by some dear dear friends from Provo, Utah. I attended church with them from May until September when they flew home for the Winter. This meant I had to find my own branch of LDS. This is where I had the privilege of meeting your son along with his companion Elder Ferguson, (they made an awesome team). They became my Elders, looked after me, taught me and eventually baptised me.

I have a bond with both these guys that is inexplicable. The sharing and being involved with my baptism gives them a special place in my heart.

I am a Mum to a 16 year old boy and they remind me so much of him. I am perhaps a wee but mumsy and look out for them a little.

I hope you didn't mind me writing but I am so honoured to have met such a wonderful young man, I feel truly blessed. He is doing you guys proud over here and is an exemplary missionary, hard working, caring and so  funny.

We carved pumpkins for Halloween for the church trunk or treat, I shall send you a photo of Elder Rife's. we were so impressed, he has a hidden talent.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Kind regards


Janine Taylor

And Then....

to make the day even BETTER...

Kylee got the mail as she came home from school 

and.....

WE GOT LETTERS for the GIRLS!!!!

Fun Week!  Thanks Tyler... 

We Sure LOVE that boy!

( Hope you all don't mind me posting this pic of our missionary again...but I just LOVE that cute smile!!!!)

43 sleeps till Christmas...WHAT?!?!?!

Pillow...I mean Yellow...ah HELLO!!!

So England of course doesn't have Thanksgiving, so they are already getting ready for Christmas...WHAT! I walked into the store and there were Christmas things up and on the Christmas tree it said 43 sleeps till Christmas!!! Woah there calm down England, Christmas isn't for another 2 months! That was a surprise for me! 

This is probably going to be a short one this week! So I apologize in advance. 

Quite a few things happened this week that made the week really good! First off we were able to see way more people than last week. That is always good. 

Drew-I think I have told you about Drew and Robyn. They are atheist...when I say atheist, I mean HARD CORE atheist! They rely and only believe in science. Very nice people but annoying when it comes to intellectual things because it is just way over my head! We have been teaching them and finally Drew has opened up. He is willing and wants to know if what we say is true, so he showed up to church and told us that he had a lot of preconceptions of the church worked out. He has been reading the Book of Mormon and has been praying. He really is trying. I am confident that he will come around soon. He will receive an answer. 

Caroline and her family- We met Caroline in the pouring rain while knocking...I think I told you how we met them. Well we have been going by ever since and she just loves us, as well as her kids! We went over and had a family home evening with them ( there are pictures attached). We played minute to win it games and had a blast! We then started talking about families and being together forever and how it is the most important social unit that God has given us. We talked for about a half hour about families. At the end we scheduled them to be baptized on November 21st. They told us that they would pray about it to make sure that it is right. The kids want to be baptized, but Caroline is having a hard time believing that she has a loving Heavenly Father. We went over on Sunday as well and talked to them about Heavenly Father and Charlie (he is 8 and is reading the Book of Mormon) said that he believes it and is being 100% honest about it! I'm excited for them and hoping that they will make it! 

Well many other crazy miracles happened this week but I will leave it at that. "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do" 1 Nephi 4:6 I like this scripture a lot. There are many times that I don't know what to do, I don't know if it is the spirit guiding me or if it is just me or what. It can be hard for me to discern. I never know what to do, but then I came across this scripture and I thought man I am an idiot, it was kind of a slap to the face in a sense because we don't need to know, isn't that why we are here on earth? We chose to come and leave behind the knowledge we once had. We chose to walk by faith. I chose that and so why am I worrying. The Spirit will guide us, as long as we are worthy of it. We just have to be willing to take a leap of faith, willing to take reasonable risks, that is when the Lord will guide us, when we trust in Him that if we jump he will be there to catch us. So today and this week lets all rely on the Spirit. Keep in mind that we don't know everything, Keep in mind that as we learn from mistakes and we come unto Christ, we can be perfected in him. Remember this quote "paths are made not by waiting....but by walking on them" 

Until next week. God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. We all wear the name of Christ on our hearts, we represent Him. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife. 

Dear Mom, Dad, Grandma, Katelin, Nick, Kynsie, Kendra, Tanner, Kylee, Kinley, Mila, and Maddie, and anybody else that may be joining our family in the near future...cough cough ????? cough, sorry I had something caught in my throat, 

Well first off before I forget, I need you to go to missionary.lds.org and sign into my account and put my social security number in. It is probably bad that I forgot my social security number, but whatever! I am in the Leeds 5th branch. I think London is like 2 hours away from Leeds....I don't really know! Um I can't remember if I told you this already but friends can email me! It sounds like you all had a crazy week and very productive. Tanner how are you doing in swim? Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday dear Mila, Happy Birthday to you!!! :) You probably will be getting a birthday card pretty soon!! ;) Just out of pure curiosity...I need the dirty details about blank?  who is he? whats going on? I'm probably weeks behind on the gossip! What do you all want for Christmas, I need to get it off soon!? How is everything going? Sorry my emails haven't been too long the past couple of weeks! I will try to add more! How are Matt and Austin? and everyone else? How are you guys doing? I love you guys and miss you!! P.S. Janine is going to be emailing you soon. She asked for your email...I hope that is okay!  Well I love you all and will be sending letters! They are all random but, letters will come! If you need anything let me know, I will do absolutely anything for you all! :) Love you. God be with you. We are on our way. We wear the name of Christ on our hearts! #10sof1000s. I hope all is well. 

Love, Ty-dye

P.S. that is me and my cup o' Joe (aka Hot Chocolate) it was freezing that day but I was just wearing a scarf and gloves! :)

Playing Minute to Win It games for FHE

& 

having a blast!  :)

Sounds like this is a new found friend of Tyler's!  

 "my cup o' Joe"

Happy Halloween - November 3, 2014

Good Morning, 

Sounds like everyone has been having a very eventful week. I hope Halloween was AWESOME! Wanna know something weird...well i'm gonna tell you anyway! Nobody really celebrates Halloween over here. There was nobody out, we got one knock on our door for trick or treaters! Which in a way was good because we forgot to buy sweets, so when they knocked I was frantically trying to find something that wasn't open or healthy! We ended up giving the little kid a half melted lindor chocolate that was sent in the mail from Elder Ferguson's family that he left at the flat. But all in all it was a Happy Halloween. 

Not much has gone on this week. It has actually been very slow. The slowest week that I have every had. We did quite a bit of service and saw maybe 3 people. Many people flogged us or couldn't talk at the time. I felt useless like I was just wandering around being a waster! But hopefully this week goes a little better. 

My new companion is Elder White, he has been out for a little over a year. He is from Roosevelt Utah. That's all. He is pretty cool, but I don't think anything will beat Elder Ferguson. 

Alright well I carved a pumpkin on Halloween. That was fun. There really isn't much that happened this week. But I will think of something. 

Ok so one night we went to see a lady and her family but she flogged and I had no idea what to do. We decided to walk towards a potentials house and I was just hoping that someone would be in. We were walking and I said hello to a man. He said hello back and we kept walking. I then was thinking to myself that I know that guy. I have seen him somewhere before. So I turned to Elder White and said lets go back. So we went back and I said I knew him from somewhere. He said his name was Mark and he is a less active. We have seen each other on the bus. We then talked for about an hour and in the end he said "I'm glad you had the guts to come back and talk because I really wasn't having a good day, and now I feel better" We found out where he lived and we are going to go by and see him this week. That was probably the highlight of the week. 

I really like that quote "an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming." This week has been crazy and stressful, honestly I didn't  know what I was doing all week and I was just hoping for the best. I was thinking why is this happening, why are people flogging us, why do I feel so useless. But from what that quote says, hard things will happen, this life is going to drag you down and it will be hard, but as you learn and grow from the weaknesses and trials that you face you will be able to fly great distances, further than you might imagine. It also reminds me of the quote by Rocky Balboa; "life will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it, but it is not about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward, that is how winning is done." We are supposed to endure to the end, but we aren't enduring if we aren't going through difficult things, if we aren't experiencing anything that will try our faith and righteousness. Enduring to the end is when life throws temptation, trials, afflictions, and we are able to keep moving forward, we are always having faith in Jesus Christ, always repenting, always renewing our baptismal covenants, always being worthy of the Holy Ghost. That is enduring to the end. When you have tried your hardest, but you still go a little further than possible. When at that point that you feel like giving up, you then turn and rely on Jesus Christ our Savior, our Redeemer. No matter how hard things get you will never be alone, nor forgotten, because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will always be there. 3 Nephi 22:7-8 "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." He will always be there. 

God be with you. We are on our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we all wear the name of Christ on our hearts. 

Pictures:

My new car...I wish

Pirate Pumpkin

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Dear Family, 

OUCH!!! I'm sorry to hear about Tanners toe! that looks like it hurts, as well as Dad's tooth. Have you figured anything out to make them better? How is Grandma doing? I have been thinking about her. Halloween looked fun. You all have amazing costumes! Guess what I dressed up as? come on guess.....A MISSIONARY!!! What was that missionary thinking?  Don't worry I am well behaved. All because I was taught well by all you. I hope you are all doing awesome!! I would love some letters! ;) ;) but you really don't have to send them. Speaking of letters, i'm sorry I wasn't able to send any last week. I ran out of time. But i'm making sure to get some off to you this week. I hope you can forgive me for that. For the email thing. Anyone can email me. I did get Matt, Austin, Isaac, and Kelly's letters! :) it made me very happy. I'm glad they still visit you even though i'm gone. As far as Christmas. I don't need anything, except if you would like you can send a couple of Old Spice Aqua reef deodorant sticks. They don't sell deodorant sticks over here! But other than that I'm happy with letters! What would you guys like for Christmas? I love you all and I love getting your emails and letters! Janine may becoming to Utah during general conference and she is going to come visit you! You will love her! Have a fantastic week. Until next time. God be with you! On our way. We bear the name of Christ on our hearts. #10sof1000s. Love you all

Love, Ty-dye

"My new car....I wish!"  

Tyler has always thought cool cars were the in thing!  :)

Tyler's Pirate Pumpkin

Happy Halloween from England

Ups and downs...its all a big roller coaster.

Hello Love, 

Alrighty then this week what have I done...its been kind of a blur honestly! We have done so much and so many things have happened. To start of the week. Last preparation day Elder Ferguson and I went to Trinity (its a mall) and we got some jumpers (sweaters) the other thing we were looking for was a small side bag that could just carry scriptures. This is because our bags are so bulky and they get heavy...but all we need is our scriptures most of the time. So we check every single shop possible that may have a small side bag. For about 2 hours we looked around. Either the shops didn't have any or they were way way way out of our budget. So we decided to check one last place and then we were done. Walked right in and on the back wall there were bags we were looking for, for very cheap. Well you could say it was inspiration from the Lord. Okay maybe not but we were very happy we found them. 

All week we stopped by peoples houses and shared messages with them. Lots of people flogged us, you know how the mission life is...up and down, good days, not so good of days. But we were meeting with this African guy named Sadge. We ran into him on the street and just asked him how his day was...well he told us how his day was. We talked to him for literally 20 minutes on the path. He has had so many problems within the past couple of months and he said he was praying to God for help. So confidently we told him that we were the answer to his prayer and had a message for him. We have seen him 3 times already. The first day we just kind of tried getting to know him and let him vent to us (he wouldn't stop talking so we couldn't say much..haha) The next time we talked about faith and he already has an insane amount of faith. The next time he started talking about repentance...we were going to talk about something else, but of coarse that was the direction we were going. We talked a little about repentance and he said he has already started repenting and has felt forgiveness. He says he prays every night and is reading the Book of Mormon. Well I had the feeling we needed to schedule him for baptism. So I said Sadge you have so much faith and he agreed (very humble ;) haha) You know about repentance...will you be baptized by proper priesthood authority from God? He said, I want to follow Jesus Christ...I will do anything God asks me. At that point we set a date for November 14. But then I was about to ask him to pray about it, so he can receive an answer, if this is the right step, and before I could say anything he said I will be baptized if God tells me. So I will read and pray about it. 

Oh man Sadge is so perfect. He is a real nice guy as well. We invited him to church but sadly for some reason he wasn't able to make it. But i'm still very hopeful. 

So there was an up...now here is the down. 

An issue was brought to our attention by our relief society president. A member has a crush on Elder Ferguson...we don't even know the whole story. So we decided to call President Pilkington about it and sadly but it was the right thing to do, President decided to Emergency Transfer Elder Ferguson, for his protection and for this young girls protection. He was gone the next morning. I have a temporary Companion, Elder Sim, he is such an amazing missionary, but he will only be with me for a few days until they sort another companion out. It was hard for Elder Ferguson to leave because we had so many good things in the making. But it definitely was the right decision before things got out of hand. I'm a little nervous because although I am still being trained I have to take over the area! I'm very nervous. Elder Ferguson was such an amazing, dedicated missionary and I learned so much from him. I know that I will keep growing and learning from these experiences.

As you can see this week has had ups and downs, really its been a crazy roller coaster. But something that I have kept in mind this whole time is that Heavenly Father knows what he is doing. He has a plan for each one of us and His plan for us is what molds us into the person we were sent here to be. Trust in the Lord and rely on Him in everything you do and say. He knows what you need and will help you and carry you the whole way. Elder Ferguson told me he had been praying for a challenge and he said he got it. President Pilkington sent him to an area that hasn't baptized or had any success of any kind for 2 years. But he had a good feeling that Elder Ferguson will do great things. So there proves that everything happens for a reason. We don't see the full picture but Heavenly Father does. He is the artist and knows what colors to choose and where to put those colors! 

Well I hope your week has been just amazing! God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. Remember we all wear the name of Christ on our hearts. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Dear Mummzy and Pops, 

Thank you for the emails. It makes me happy when I get them! :) Is Nick doing alright? Is there anything I can do for him? I won't say much because I basically explained everything already. Oh man you have no idea how much I love you guys. That is awesome that Landon got his call to hong kong. Say congrats from me and tell Brother Ledgingham Hello back! Is there anything I can do for you all? I'm doing well! Thank you so much for the Spiritual Dissertation. It will help me alot. It is so crazy how you sent it to her on October 27th and I got it on October 27th. Well I love you all and miss you. But know I'm always praying for you and I'm out here for a reason! :) I love you. 

Love, Ty-dye

Elder Ferguson and Tyler  

Don't know much about this picture!

He didn't say anything about it...

but he sure looks happy!  :)

Miracles do happen! Monday, October 20, 2014

Hello my friends, 

Well let me tell ya...this week has been very long and slow. We started out Tuesday and Wednesday with meetings that took up almost the whole day. So as you can imagine we didn't get much done in proselyting. The rest of the week we got flogged quite a bit. But all is well, it happens. Thursday, we tried every single person that we have taught, are teaching, and could potentially teach. Nobody was in, or they said they were busy. We decided to go back to the flat and have tea (dinner). Well it was about 8 o clock and we didn't have time to go anywhere but around where we lived. So we decided to stop by a potentials house. We got out the map and went out in the dark, cold, and rain. We got lost and had no idea where this guy lived. We were in a little neighborhood. We stood there for a bit and Elder Fergurson turned to me and said "We are here for a reason" I then looked at him and said what? He again said "We are here for a reason, pick a door Elder Rife" I was thinking pick a door...there are so many doors and I don't know which one to pick. Well I stood there scanning these houses. My eyes past a house with a blue door but I kept going, I then looked back at the door and I had a feeling that we needed to knock that door. Now remember it was 8 o'clock at night...pouring rain...dark....and NO ONE wanted people coming around, especially people with a message about Jesus Christ. We knocked the door and a lady answered. Before we could say anything she said I know you guys. Elder Fergurson and I looked at each other surprised and we said back to her, "you have". This lady and her family had friends that were Mormons and they said we have been to church with them multiple times. We then inquired more about the knowledge they had. She said her daughter really wants to be a Mormon. And she said that if she were to be any religion it was Mormon, but she just can't stop drinking. We told her that we could help her. We haven't been able to get in touch with them since Thursday but we are very hopeful that everything will work out. Miracles happen everyday. And let me tell you...this was a miracle (mostly because we got out of the rain) ;) just kidding...but really! 

Another miracle happened. We are teaching this Hungarian named Yonash. He doesn't speak very good English. We went by his house and decided to invite and schedule him for baptism. We didn't know how we would do it but that was what we were going to do. We started teaching him. We turned to 2 Nephi 31 with him, it talks a lot about baptism. I started teaching him and discussing with him the ordinance and Elder Fergurson said he was praying that Yonash would understand. In the end we did schedule him and he said he understood everything and told us he would quit smoking and start coming to church. We left and both of us had a really good feeling that he understood everything. Miracles happen my friends...miracles happen. 

Although we didn't have much going on, we did have a few things that boosted our confidence and we are very hopeful that all will work out with this family and with Yonash. It is so crazy how the Lord works. As we are strictly obedient to everything we are asked to do, Heavenly Father blesses us with so many things that we can hardly comprehend. We just have to trust in the Lord. This months Ensign President Henry B. Eyring talks about Praying in Faith. In it he states that we must be in line with the Fathers will. It is so true. We need to stay in tune with Him and His will, with faith we pray for guidance and direction. With Faith we trust that He will provide a way for us, even if we don't understand it and even if it is not what we want. Trust in Him. Have faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. As we do this, as we strive towards it and put 100% faith and trust in Him, when the time comes and Jesus Christ returns, "He will have no problem recognizing us" He will accept us with open arms and say you did well. 

Trust in Him. God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. We all wear the Name of Christ on our hearts. I hope all is well in Provo, Utah. And hey...always remember I like letters! Just saying! ;) I apologize I don't have any pictures this week. 

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Dear Mom, Dad, and Family, 

Thank you for answering those questions. That is really interesting! I will have more questions coming! :) That is so awesome that you got the job dad...but too bad you probably won't be coming over to England. It is also good, because when I get back...I can go on business trips with you! ;) We can visit England....of course it would be strictly business...no play whatsoever. It is so amazing how the spirit works. I'm still working really hard to know how I myself feel the spirit, but I have been able to recognize it more often. How is everyone? It sounds like you are all doing really well. How is  Provo High football doing? That is too bad that BYU isn't doing so hot. Hopefully things will pick up, and maybe BYU basketball will do better. I have heard of Meet the Mormons and everything that I have heard has all been good. President Pilkington actually said we will most likely be able to watch it...so i'm pretty excited! How did Jacobs talk go? How are Matt and Austin...and all my friends? do you see them often? Everything is going so good here. I really do love it. I'm trying so hard to learn as much as I can. I know I can't be a perfect missionary but I want to try my hardest. :) Well send me letters!!!! By the way I forwarded a message about Christmas stuff...I didn't really read it...haha! Hopefully we will be able to skype...I know that's a long time away..but it will come quick for me. People are already setting up  Christmas stuff here! I love you all and hope all is well at the Rife residence! God be with you. On our way. #10sof1000s. We wear the name of Christ. 

Love, Ty-dye. 

P.S. I took out £80 for sweaters and emergencies. I didn't buy sweaters last time...even though I said I did.

Well....Since Tyler didn't send any pictures...

I'm going to add a few of my own!  :)

This past weekend our family had the opportunity to attend a missionary farewell for one of Tyler's good friends.  Jacob Lesa was taken to the airport by his family this morning (10/23/14) to report to the Mexico MTC and he will be serving in the California Long Beach Mission.

Sunday we were able to visit with several of Tyler's friends which was so much fun and of course I had to get a few pictures! :)

Tyler had many fun times with these kids over the years and as a parent I'm so thankful for this wonderful group of future missionaries! 

The girls were looking at Zac Jarman's and Tyler's missionary pictures in the display case so I asked if I could take a pic! 

Kelly and a few others missed out on getting in on the first pic so we had to get another!!!  :)

Austin Buckner, Jacob Lesa and Matthew Boyle

(Matt has his call and will be leaving to serve in Mexico on January 7, 2015)

Slowly but Surely - October 13, 2014

Ya alright,

ANOTHER ONE DUNKED!!! :) Janine Taylor was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week. Like I have said multiple times...she really and truly has been prepared for this moment in her life. Although she knew it was right, there were a few times that she almost gave up. Satan was trying so hard to make her fail, he knew that she was doing something good and he wanted her to fail and to be miserable. She told us 3 days before her baptism that she woke up and everything was going wrong and she was confused about if she was making the right decision. She said almost all morning she was contemplating giving up and changing her mind. She then said I remembered something you told me...."how satan will try all he can to drag me down because I'm doing something right, how it will be hard, and I may want to give up, but all I have to do is keep pushing forward. I remembered Jesus Christ and what he has done. I feel so much better right now." She started crying and the spirit was so strong with her bearing her testimony. Janine is such a good lady. She really knows that Christ's Gospel is true and that it has been restored to the earth. She is already doing missionary work with her son.....outstanding right! She was given to us on a silver platter!!

Well Janine's baptism took up a lot of time during the week. We have seen quite a few members. We saw two old guys by the names of David and Roger. They are brothers and converts in the Church. Their conversion story is pretty cool. So David and Roger are twins.  When they were babies their mom didn't want David for some reason so they took him to a mental institution or something. When Roger was older he found out and he spent all of his time and all of his effort looking for David. They found each other and became Jehovah Witnesses. They were very high in authority in the church, very successful as well. But they were told something by one of the main guys in the church that they did not agree with at all so they left everything...family, friends, lifestyles everything. And they went to search for the true church...well of course we know what happens next. They are funny guys. They have never left each others sight either! They are crazy! haha

I have been very lucky for the first part of the mission. Now things are starting to slow down...we are having to find a lot. I'm not that good at it but I can see that is coming...slowly but surely...it is coming. I decided I'm going to by some tennis balls or something to juggle for a contacting approach!! :) so If you have any other Ideas I am more than happy and very open to hearing them and trying them out! Please pray for Sol...he needs something to happen for him to gain a desire to quit smoking. Elder Fergurson and I are very hopeful with weeks to come. We are working hard and putting in every effort we have. I'm very excited for weeks to come! This will be great!

Our flat is actually very small....it really looks big, but is very small! My companion and I are getting along great! We both are doing well and he is awesome. Thank you for sending birthday cards to him...I think it will make his day. I see the assistants quite often because they are near my area...I haven't gone on exchange with them but they always come to our district meetings! They are so cool and so loving! Truly amazing missionaries and such good examples! I don't see President Pilkington very often...he is always traveling but I have seen him probably 3 times. My area is pretty big. We cover places called Beeston, Morley, Middleton, Belle Isle, Hunslet, and Holbeck, It takes about 1 1/2 hours to get from Morley to Hunslet by bus.  But we try and spend the day in a certain are so we can get the most out of it. I was sick but I'm all better now. I have a coat and everything! I'm doing very well. It has been an eye opener though, having to do things on my own and not having the help from mom or the family. I'm learning and growing so much everyday. It has been such a good experience.

3 Nephi 13:33 "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." We don't need to worry about what will happen in life and how we will do it. We don't need to worry about the world. As we follow Jesus Christ, as we seek to be righteous and seek the Kingdom of God, blessings will come. Like Elder Holland said...they may not be now, or in a year, or until the next life, but they will come. As we seek wholesome things and follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ...strive to be like him, we will be blessed with an abundance of blessings and miracles in our lives.

God be with you. On our Way. #10'sof1000's. Hope all is well, be safe and take care. We all wear the name of Christ on our hearts.

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Dear Mom and Dad,

This won't be long but I want to thank you for the pictures and for everything you do for me! I always look forward to hearing from you all. It sounds like an eventful week! Don't worry I wasn't too sick and I'm taking care of myself! I won't send the pants home! I will give them to the mission office or something! I love you all and hope you are all doing well and being safe. :)

Love, Tyler

Its raining, Its pouring - October 6, 2014

Hello Everyone, 

Lets see where to start....I guess with its starting to get cold here as well. It rains a ton in winter. Its actually raining today, but its the first day it has rained while we have been working. I'm staying nice and warm in my 12 layers though..okay its my suit, sweater and coat but still...layers! 

Janine-Last Sunday Janine left the chapel and she looked like something was wrong but she said she was fine. We later learned that there were somethings that bothered her. Someone said something in a talk that made her feel guilty and like she wasn't good enough. We had a lesson with her and sorted everything out. She said she wasn't going to come back to church. Luckily the spirit was able to have her concerns resolved. She is strong again and still planning on being baptized this Friday. She is such an amazing person. She acts like a mom to Elder Fergurson and I...always asks us if we are eating right and staying well. Its really funny. She is awesome. She really knows that this gospel of Jesus Christ is true and I know that she has been prepared to receive it for a long time. It was just like a light switch being flicked on. The Lord truly prepares people from the beginning to receive Him but it is our job to accept Him. She came to General Conference with us for 2 sessions and watched it on her own the others. She loved it and already loves Jeffery R. Holland...but who doesn't!

Macy-She is staying strong. She came to General Conference with us. We were told that she talks about us at her school and we are what everyone talks about. When people tease about us she always stands up for us and she says to her friends "they are my brothers, don't talk about them like that." Looks like my family is growing. 

Sol-We are still working hard on Sol. He told us that all he has to do is quit smoking and swearing and he will be called brother, he then said I want to be baptized after December when i'm less stressed. What he doesn't know is we are going to change it to be sooner...shhhh don't tell him.  Sol is a lad. He is so amazing. He acts like he is tough but he is such a softy. 

Drew & Robyn-We taught them and invited them to be baptized. We haven't set a date yet and they are still looking for a strong confirmation. Please pray for them. 

Lena-We invited and scheduled her to be baptized on October 24. She is really scared of water, we promised her that as she read the Book of Mormon she would know that she needs to be baptized and that she will overcome her fear. She reads the Book of Mormon every night...she said it took the place of her bible on her night stand. She loves it and said that she has never slept better in her life. 

Well thats about it...we got flogged a bunch. Please keep praying for all of these people. 

3 Nephi 18:24 "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up-that which ye have seen me do." We are representatives of Jesus Christ and we have a responsibility to be an example to those around us. People look at us and watch us closely...never let anything distract you or make you less than what the Lord wants us to be and wants us to do. We are His disciples and we need to hold our light up and let it shine so all men may see it....that light which we hold is Jesus Christ, for He is the light and life of the world. 

Heavenly Father has provided us with prophets and apostles to guide us and direct us. They spoke to us Saturday and Sunday. They revealed truths from God the Father for you and me. Ponder there words...study them...they will guide us and direct us. When you have pondered their words ask God in the name of Jesus Christ if their words are true and like Moroni promises, if you have real intent and a sincere desire, Heavenly Father will answer you through the Holy Ghost. You will receive a witness and you will gain a better knowledge. 

I love you all! Keep doing good work! God be with you. We are on our way. #10'sof1000's

Love, Elder Tyler Rife

Macy's Baptism 

September 2014

Elder Fergurson baptized her and Tyler was able to confirm her a member of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.