JANUARY LOOKS LIKE A PROMISING MONTH OF MIRACLES!

DECEMBER 29, 2014

Good morning

Well this week was so great, really was nice to talk to you all. Weird that soon I will be talking to you all face to face. Everyone sounds grown up like a lot so everyone needs to stop growing, until I get home. Well Christmas all we did was play Soccer and eat and call. I got to call a few people in Liberia, I got good news and some bad news. this Ebola hasn't been easy for the saints and their non member Friends especially those who are not member and are of the same family. Koffie and his daughters came to church on Sunday, also one of his Daughters Gifty, invited some friends and they came to church. So we were able to get 5 people to church. Its nice to be having people coming and feeling the Spirit, and as they continue to come small small they will become converted by the spirit as He works inside them. I am excited January looks like a very Promising month of Miracles. I wont lie Phone calls made me miss you all so very much, but it hasn't effected me to much I still know my purpose and am Focused on fulfilling it. Well I hope that elder Zulu and I can remain together one more transfer, I know it will be one he will never forget, I also will make it one to remember. I feel weird being old on mission, we went and played a football game this morning with some missionaries who just made it to 1 year on mission, was good to see their excitement and ambition in being "old missionaries" haha till I told them all where I stand, it was funny. well Sounds like Homecomings are happening like crazy, Thats cool Glad I still get to finish here and than upon my return ill do my own. not to much to tell really spoke it all out when I called home. Sounds like the Saints are really getting work done, as I think I explained, that my last branch is getting people baptized left and right, 5 people that Elder Pearmain and I were working with have been Baptized by the branch missionaries. Elder Backman hey that's my son, Gald to here that from Klynt Yardley, Small world for sure. I love you all Going to go buy some food for the week Ill talk to you next week, yeah mom I cant wait to talk to you too, just to sit down and talk will be nice. Love You all.

love Elder Erickson

Merry Christmas!

December 22, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Well I don't have to much to say this week, It was sweet and have got some really sweet people who are serious about becoming a Covenant Keeping people. Which latter Day saints are, we keep promises or covenants made with our Eternal Father, but that is all only possible cause our Loving Heavenly father Sent his Only Begotten son in the Flesh to come and atone for our sins. That WE may be able to become like him. is there any other Gift Like the Son of God, I know there isn't! Now I can gain Eternal life through His Eternal Sacrifice and be with my family forever..... Well I am grateful for this Christmas season, Here in Ghana they celebrate it more than they do in Liberia, but Still its Weird, Still I wake up expecting Snow, but there is none, just Sun, but its okay the Sun still  Reminds me of Christ, and Celestial Living. Well Koffie is well prepared for baptism, and his family we are all planning to be baptized in January. I am excited, most likely this will be my last converted family on mission, but I hope for all those that Christ has prepared for us. The District is ready for Christmas, and today we are having a zone Christmas Party should be cool, we will enjoy.  I have a lot of Eating to do this week.. I think I will get small fat this week, its sweet!!!!! well I don't want to talk to much just plan on a Skype in the morning from me and call small as well, I love you all and am excited to see and talk to you all. Love Elder Erickson....

This week was SWEET!

December 15, 2014

Morning 

So yeah mom I got my B day package, it was sweet and the pumpkin cookies were great, ate everything Saturday. Also got a Christmas package the one with the Elf on it that I am sure Dad drew. This week was SWEET!!!!! we had 5 investigators come to church, our hard work is paying off. Brother koffi that we are working with brought his family with him, they all want to become members of the Church so they all have been given a Baptismal Date in january. Sister Dianna missed coming to church, and feeling the spirit. So she came after Dropping her, I guess she must of recognized that what we were giving her is priceless and from GOD. So January I am looking at a  Last real Big HOORAH before coming home to you all. 

 Yes mom I will try to Skype with you that would be sweet so I need your address and i will try it if not I will call either way we will talk on Christmas. I wont Lie I feel older and its just not cool, now I know how you old people feel, Africa has taken a toll on my body and it isnt easy, my stomach will never be the same again!!!!!!! Bishop Tabi had FM for us on Sunday and also Sister Winifred fed us some sweet food that you swallow and dont chew. Really the Week flew by super fast and I dont remember a lot but I have been doing my best to keep up with things in my journal. I had something happen this week, I  put it in a letter for you all, just only for you and dad Ivy and Benton and Ethan and Kenzy. Alright I  took the Money that you have put on there off already to just have it and use it, I got lots of stuff, so you will enjoy muchO and I am happy that I get to bring things back for you guys, my reward however is my memories and Experiences that I have had here that what I will cherish. yeah I never got anything in liberia just a letter opener :) haha Glad to hear of everyone coming home makes me want to keep pushing so I can have a good relaxing plane ride home. Though I know that wont happen.  Well from your Quote mom: "You must become the rock, The river cannot wash away" For us all remember we have to first learn and practice the Doctrine of Jesus Christ and than we find our selves firm and immoveable. We need to learn and apply the basic principles of Faith and Repentance, Renewing our covenants, and Enduring to the End. While doing this we can find that we our built upon the Rock of Israel, who will not be shaken. This is the Lords work Family and friends, Continue to build Christlike attributes and Love the Lord, the blessings will be ours, now and in Eternity. Love you all, Elder Erickson

The Lord is in Control

December 8, 2014

Morning O

The week went well. Emmanuel was Confirmed and he was very excited about it. The stake President came and split our ward, The spirit really was super strong in that meeting. I Know that the lord is in control of this work and I always get a reassuring feeling from the still small voice. Our area is sweet we have been finding many investigators, we found 13 new ones this week and are working with 32 investigators progressing towards Baptism, Hoping for a great turnout these last 12 weeks, I freak my self out when i say that... 12 WEEKS what that's to crazy, Also cant believe I will turn 21 this week, I  feel 21 haha. We had a great Experience out of many this week. Well let me share two. We met one guy named Ike from Ivory Coast, Big Body builder, he is really cool never herd about the Church. We talked with him with two of our Return missionaries and taught the Restoration to him,I would have to say that it was the Most powerful lesson I have had on mission, The spirit was perfect and I could see in Ike's Eyes that he felt something very good. He went to church at a different Ward building while visiting his ill mother.. We Also contacted one man in an area I have always felt prompted to go to since I came to this area. But never made time, Finally we got bounced a few times and I got the Prompting to go to this place. We walked up a hill and the first compound on our left, we walked up to the gate like Robots, like I was not in control, yet I was. We knocked on the door and a Man named Koffi answered the door, he welcomed us in, We taught him a profound and incredibly short lesson, with burst of the spirit flowing through us. At the End of the lesson Koffi asked where we Worship, we Told him that he said this is what I have been searching for, he told about the woman of Samaria at the well and how Christ told her that through him we can quench our spiritual thirst. He said how he has been searching and how all the pastors of churches have done him wrong. He said he would come to Church and see. On Sunday he came, I didn't even get a chance to invite him to church, he took the Initiative. This go to show that when we put trust in God and his ways he can Guide us to be Successful, In all things. I love this work and These Next 12 weeks will blow by so fast and i dont want it to, so really just going to keep doing what me and Elder Zulu are doing and Bring souls unto Christ. How great is our Calling.  Benton Good job in wrestling, Remember Mat Time is key to success, and leave everything on the mat this is your last year, you will want to remember that you gave your best. Well sounds like all is well at Home. Soon Ill be there to enjoy it with you, But also Pray that I will have the strength to endure to the End. I can always use help from the other Side. Thank you for the Birthday wishes. Yameshral- means God Bless you. ALL. Have a great week, Love Elder Erickson

First Baptism in Ghana, We Have A Release Date!

December 1, 2014

Good morning Family and Friends 

Wow this week was fantastic, Elder Zulu took the lead in everything in his training this week and did such a great Job. I told him he is good enough that he could train, I know he wants to kill me on my mission, oh that's a term used when old missionaries go home. I would also love to be with him for the next 3 months, it will be great and I will continue to learn and grow, But if not I will still Do my best, cause thats what the Lord Expects of me. Its not easy but its Worth it. So Big  news we had our First Baptism In Ghana :) Emmanuel was able to be baptized, it was so incredible, the feeling is so not easy to explain in words, but to Come from Liberia, than to start out new in a Different Mission,

than to work and find people in a new area. All the hard work, paid off, its so sweet. We Were able to also have a great week as a district, we achieved all our Goals, it was a great Achievement. Being a District Leader isn't the Easiest thing to do, while training, but Elder Zulus' training is almost over next week is his last. We also get Transfer news on Saturday, I feel like I am going to finish my mission here in Nwamase, they also split our ward, we are in the ward the other elders are in a Branch. But our area is going to get bigger and also more members will be around for us to use. After Emailing you we are going to a place called Golden Bean. It is a all you can eat 5 star hotel so should be sweet, to celebrate Thanksgiving the right way. Sounds like Temple Square went well, I am Jealous a lot..... But I will get my chance in 3 months. So President Holmes Gave me my release date:(March 3) so march 4th I'll see you all :), Oh its december now, I dont know where November went. Well 24 days till i call home, Oh I might skype you we will see, it takes Personal money to pay for phone calls home I just found that out. I am excited also got permission to call some converts on Liberia. I love you all so much and am happy you are getting to enjoy the snow...... Have a Great week Love     Elder Erickson 

A Thankful Week

November 24, 2014

Hey family and Friends

We have had a very tedious week, None the less we were able to get some great things done in the Lords Vineyard. Elder Zulu is having a great time on his mission.  He knows its not easy but even though its not easy we are having fun and are happy, plus we get along with each other so well. So when we do something that offends each other we are quick to let each other know and than since we have a loving companionship we swallow our pride and humble our selves and improve the quality of our companionship. Well Emmanuel wasn't able to be baptized, reason being, we had Stake conference and the whole week all of our leaders were busy. But we set next week as a good time for Him, he agreed with it, also there will be another Baptism from another companionship in the Ward the same day so much support will be there. Wow my first Stake Conf on my mission it was different than what I thought it would be, but still the same principles of organization. It was sweet to see a special broadcast for the African countries, they talked about EBOLA and that they are now asking for everyone to fast on the 7th for those who are affected by this virus. So that made me happy to see that we our now seeking an unstoppable force, the priesthood power of GOD. We met one woman this week her name is Doris, she is so sweet, We were talking about knowing Jesus Christ church, She told us that when we passed her she had a distinct feeling that we are from Christs Church and that she should trust all that we say, She really felt the spirit when we greeted her and introduced our selves. We extended a Baptismal date and she excepted gratefully. Sister Winifred is doing awesome, she wanted to come to Stake conference but she is part of the police force here in Kumasi and they had a meeting almost the whole day. Nice shot Benton, sweet man. I will be obliged to partake of your steaks when I get home!!! I received a Christmas letter From The Kirkhams, that was very nice made me very happy.   I will be sending a letter home to you all here soon, in hopes that it will get home before Christmas. Well this week is a thankful week. I have much to be thankful for: a Loving Mother and Father, without the spiritual guidance and direction I received, if not for them and the Examples that were placed in my life, I wouldn't be here serving as a Missionary for the Lord Church. I am thankful for Clean water!!!!! I am very thankful for my Heavenly Father who loves me, and His Son Jesus Christ, I have much more and the list can go on. But look in your own life and at your own Miracles that have happened in your lives and Pray to Heavenly Father and thank him for His Love, Also help some one else to be thankful in their lives.  Help and serve those around you, Magnify your callings, and maybe speak a little nicer to some people in our lives. I love you all have great week.

Love Elder Erickson

I have grown in abundance this week!

March 17, 2014

Hey family and friends

 This week was great, but Emmanuel did not baptize, there was funeral and it made it an impossible thing.. but this Saturday we are planning to have it, hope it works out.. The week was good, really hot, and yeah I lost a lot of weight just in sweating haha. Elder Zulu is doing well, he acts and teaches like a pro. He is always looking for the chance to improve and become better, and it makes me do the same, he is a great example to me :) and really I have grown in a great abundance this week. All of our investigators are doing well and progressing, Dianna is coming to a slow movement but we have been doing our best to get her to come back. Glad to hear that it has snowed, that makes me happy. Tell the Gleaves hello for me. well this letter is short :) sorry Ill write a bigger one next week :) love you all, Elder Erickson

What A Difficult Week!

November 10, 2014

Hello Family and Friends

What a Difficult week!!!!!!!!!!!

We worked hard this week but saw little results, still we pushed our selves, Finding and searching, but weren't able to find to many people.  It makes it small hard to keep going out each and everyday, when you can't see to many great and marvelous things.  I will say that we prayed to see more miracles in our area.  We visited with Emmanuel, He is ready for baptism this coming Sunday so I can't say that we didn't see anything too big this week, we did.  It has gotten us excited for this new week. To help save a Soul in the Kingdom of God is a Privileged and and Honor and a Blessing.  I have been so blessed in these almost to be 2 years, to see many Miracles and to be a Instrument in the Hands of the Savior Him self. I know That the people I have helped to come to more of  love and understanding of their Savior are going to be blessed and if they endure faithfully shall receive a Reward of Eternal life. We played basketball this afternoon, was great, also we played Soccer in the morning, so we have been exercising all day... Now we are enjoying the Cafe and emailing you people that make Mondays so important. Glad to hear of Benton's Friend that you are inviting unto Christ. Help him to have that mighty Change of heart and Miracles will happen, that will mostly fall on the shoulders of Benton. Always lead by Example Benton, never know who is looking, Be faithful to the Lord and He tells us he is bound when we do what he says, but when we Disobey we have no reward in the Kingdom of God. Well I love you all so very much and thank you for your prayers, they help me to keep pushing through the Adversities of Mission especially at this very end where the Enemy of Gods great work is always pushing against you and those we Teach. Love you Ethan and Kenzy.. Love Elder Erickson

Only 3 More Fast Sundays!!

November 3, 2014

Evening everyone.

 This week has been a great one, I really enjoyed working along side with my companion. He is growing each and every week. We had one Woman come to church this week, We have been working with her for 4 weeks now, and Finally we have helped her to Come to church, Sister Winifred is sweet, she knows that we are servants of the Lord. We were able to help her to recognize the Holy Ghost, and once she did, We promised her the same feeling if she would come to church. and she did, She loved it and Is planing on next week attendance as well, Emmanuel came to church, he is doing great, Thank you for the Prayers, He is ready for baptism but we are waiting to fine tune him on the 16th of November... He is so excited. and so am I, First baptism in Ghana and I am glad that i can now see the quality of my trainer in my life, in how i am, in consecrating my self to the Lord and his work and soon we will Reap what we have sown. I am doing great, I have been working on how I Start teaching, well the way that I Introduce what I am Teaching. It has been great, also have been focusing on Helping our Investigators to know the true meaning of Sacrament. We have a new Elder in our Apartment, his name is Elder Ward from Rexburg, Idaho.. he is sweet.. well I am ready for another week to come and then to watch it go by very quickly, thats the hard Part but its also happy to, cause soon I will be coming home, but not to soon and I try not to think about it :)....... Our area is doing great we have found some great new investigators, and almost died from the sun, jk it wasnt that bad but it was hot and I know I got a Shade darker from it.. Thats it for this week love you all, sorry I am going to get a little more picky on what I share, at the end of this nxt 4 months so dont get mad. I love you all Love Elder Erickson   

Boco Maha

October 27, 2014

Boco Maha

This week has been Very boco. Boco means Good in Twi and Maha is afternoon. I am not really focused on learning the Twi, I have just picked it up a long the way and can have small conversations with people. Well Elder Zulu is progressing, we just finished 6 weeks of 12 in training and hope we enjoy and have fun these next 6 weeks. I dont know how long we will be together, I am sure that he will kill me or be my companion till the end. Transfer news came I am staying the same, I would just plan on me staying here till the end of my mission. I am still the district leader and its not bad, just makes me tired. Training and Being a DL and at 20 months on mission wow, not easy, but I keep pushin my self to accomplish our goals. Wanted to say happy Birthday to Benton last Monday but I decided to do it Today...Happy Birthday Benton, I promise the snow will be there by the end of November.. Mom I haven't gotten the package yet, I but I am sure it will be here in a small time. Last district meeting went well, I have every one get really involved so they can learn and become their very best. We didnt have any one come to Church on Sunday, was small frustrating, But we were fed an amazing FM to make up for it.   It was very nice it, was Rice balls in  Ground nut soup, with chicken, dont worry when I get home ill make some, its not to bad, taste great. Everyone is doing well, both Emanuel's and Diannah we have been working hard with our members to help them to Feel the Spirit of Christ more in their Lives... One Goal I had was to teach from the Book of Mormon in all the lessons we have and now I only teach from the Book of Mormon, its the best and its powerful.   It touches the human soul better than any other Book, Because it answers all the Questions we have, that especially deal with Eternal life. Not a Whole lot to really talk about but I am feeling healthy.  Oh I met one Missionary from Hurricane Elder Neilson, and of course he is a hunter, and the fisrt thing he asks is do I hunt, thus began a great Friendship... Well we played football today, after emailing today we are going to go sleep and take it easy..... Love you all.. Elder Erickson

Really Quite Chill!

October 20, 2014

Hello everyone

This week was good, really quite Chill. Elder Zulu is doing great, he is already becoming a master teacher, He is looking really good and he is really impressive in the way he handles his teaching. We are getting along well together. We are teaching a great guy that called us from off the street, His name is Obert he has really been prepared by the lord to accept our message.  He has attended so many churches, except ours and cool thing is he hasn't been baptized in a church, cause he hasn't felt that any of them are right, but the spirit Told him to call us over for the reason of, we are the ONLY True Church on the Earth and we have God on our side, also the Spirit. so most people is they are humble will come to know by the power of the Holy Ghost. Emmanuel came to church again we gave him a white Shirt and tie and wow he looks like a priesthood holder, except he doesn't have the Priesthood and hasn't baptized, but he has completely stopped from drinking Alcohol and is living the Word of Wisdom, we only have small to teach him till he has been taught everything before baptism, November 16th is the date set, so we hope and pray. Dianna didn't come to church, her pastor of her church came and forced her to his church to pay tithe, but she was saying that she still wants to become a member, even though the Enemies of the Church are trying to keep her from coming. Sweet Glad to see that dad could get an Elk and Benton is able to show people where to go and how to kill.   I'm Glad, save some meat for me, like only 4 months left, so not long I think you can keep some steaks in there for me. Today for P day we are in Town, Kumasi I should say, we are buying and getting some things, thats about it for us today. Glad the Kirkhams Homecoming talk went well, I do miss them very much, but President Holmes and Sister Holmes are wonderful too so I cant complain. I love you all and hope you have a great Week.

Love Elder Erickson 

We Attended President and Sister Kirkhams Homecoming,  So grateful for their leadership and love they have shown Elder Erickson while he served with him.

I know the Church is True!

October 13, 2014

Good afternoon everyone

Elder Zulu is growing fast, I let him take the lead in teaching, planning, and leading in the area.  I saw that he really understands well his purpose under the Heavens as a missionary. He did a great job and it helped him to learn more and become better as a missionary.  I have truly been blessed to have a choice companion such as Elder Zulu, I really have had it easy in training a pre- trained missionary. This week was great we had a lot of things pop up in our proselyting time but we were still able to get some work done. Diannah came to church on Sunday, she is progressing much, we are hoping for the 26th to be her bap date. Emmanuel was sick, so he didn't make it, though he was very sad that he was too sick to come. We met another Emmanuel, he has been through a big challenge, he had a big company, than out of nowhere it crashed.  He believes he hasn't been paying tithes, also he had no idea why he was in Nwamase, he lives so far away at the northern region of Ghana, but he doesn't know why he has come here, he is living with his sister, who has been here for 5 years. We told him he is here to receive the restored Gospel. He has been going through some mentally hard things, and he recognized the Holy ghost, he said every time we come and sit with him, he is at peace, and his mind isn't going everywhere, but that is is at peace and he understands all we say to him. He is very excited about our message, in particular he loves the Plan of Salvation, its the most unique, but also one of the most perfect plans that he has seen to gain Eternal life. He wants to go Celestial, he always says this when we pass by his small shop on the road. We had a zone Activity today, we grilled Chicken and played football, it was very enjoyable, Elder Verdonie is an Elder who was supposed to go to Liberia but came here, he is a great guy, and looks like he has adjusted well to Ghana. The week went well, keeping a good pace and trying to always push my self for the very small time that I have left, its too soon and I wish it would go a little slower, I know you dont want it to, but I love mission too much It wouldnt be bad to go at it for another year. I cant comprehend really, life with out the people I get to serve each and every day. Glad to hear that Ethan and Kenzey are coming back that will be good, goes to show that its important to follow gods plans for us, rather than our own understanding.  Circumstances are always better and happier when following the Still Small Voice.  I am happy for them. I still want to go to OK and see what its like. I am glad Benton was able to kill some meat, thats sweet :). Well the rest of the day I think we will be sleeping and yeah that sounds too good.  We have zone meeting tomorrow, should be good. I love you all have a great week and I know this Church is true, its the ONLY ONE, Ephesians 5:4 Love Elder Erickson

Elder Erickson and Elder Zulu

The week has flown by!

October 6, 2014

Good evening family and Friends

 This week has flown by so fast, we had a great Zone conference, we talked a lot about the spirit, and also working to improve our Goals.   We worked our tails off this week and we accomplished our goals, and nothing in missionary work is more joyful than seeing the fruits of the hard work that you put forth.  Elder Zulu is learning quickly, he has learned more than my other sons in a short period of time, I guess that come from Training almost my whole mission.  I love his testimony and the way that he teaches.  We work together really well and its nice and makes working to achieve our goals and teaching people just a little easier.  Sister Diannah didn't come to church we don't know why but we will find out this week, she is progressing and has professed her faith in the Prophet Joseph Smith as a true prophet on Saturday.  We also have been working with one man named Emmanuel, he is a miracle, just like Steven Quaeson at Dow Community in LIB.  Emmanuel was having an alcohol problem, and other things that we have helped him over come through the atonement of Christ and our message.   He came to church on Sunday, and now he does not look like the same man we saw him as last month.   It's sweet to teach people and to see their lives change, its another witness to me that this Gospel is true, and if I had not served a mission, I know
I would regret it.  This spiritual knowledge and understanding I receive is priceless and this is the only place to receive it, on a mission.  Being a District Leader is FUN :), haha I try to make it fun, its just helping me to be stead fast in this work and to be responsible. Well I love this Work and I love Christ, and this is the Best Work that any man or woman will do, and I love you all, and miss you, God Bless you with a awesome week.         

Love Elder Erickson

A Difficult Week, Things are Progressing in Liberia

September 29, 2014

FUFU,  He says it tastes Great!

Good morning

This week was a lil difficult, we had a hard time finding people to sit down and listen to our message, Even though it will be the most important message that they will ever here. Elder Zulu is having his birthday today, we had pancakes for breakfast and for dinner we will think of something. The work is good though it is work and its hard, as my companion is figuring out :), I am sure its small humbling, I know it was for me. President Kirkham sent a letter about the Saints in Liberia and how they are doing> I want to thank all those who have sacrifice one way or another for those saints in Sierra Leone and Liberia, my heart goes out unto thee. Things sound great, the branches and leaders are stepping up and be more mature and doing what is required, Kakata Branch I heard is doing great and wondrous things with over 300 people at church on Sunday. The branch missionaries that alll of us have been taking out with us and training are now doing the missionary work and the work is progressing people are still being baptized and the church is still prospering, from this I Know God watches over his own......... We met a great woman this week, he name is sister winifred she has been prepared by the lord for our message, never has heard of the church and knows small about Christ, so we were so happy to testify of Christ and of his Gospel, We will be teaching her much this week, we pray that more will happen with her, sister Dianna is also progressing and making her way towards baptism on the 19 of this month. All is going good, we are doing what we have been called to do and its FUN!!! I LOVE it with all my heart, the sweat and the heat and whatever there is to try and persuade us not to do these things I love it, it makes the learning all so much more sweeter and finding those who are prepared by God, I'm like a child at a Ice cream shop. I love you all, Glad that all is going great at home, I try not to think too much of home, but it comes a little more now, but I am here to serve a 24 month mission so I will :) Love Elder Erickson.
>
> Logan said that if any one is sending packages to send the padded envelopes only. No boxes! 

 

 

I am willing to climb up any mountain he asks me to go over

September 22, 2014

Hello Family and Friends 

My new comapnion is Elder ZULU from South africa he is a Convert since 2012 and he is a great friend to me, I am learning much from him, but I know he is learning much from me.  I am doing my best, I still find out in one way or another that I am adjusting to missionary work here in Kumasi, small stressed out but other than that all is well.  Dianah went back to her church on sunday but I hope from her expieriance at The true Chruch she will gain a new Perspective, she has great support and is progressing she is starting to become converted.   We gave her the Book of Mormon to start reading and she got really excited like she had found gold. Otis is ill and in the Hostpital, we are waiting for him to get out than we will work towards conversion. We had a great p-Day and played football with our ward today, wow that was fun I also wrestled another missionary, felt great, I really miss that sport.

 Elder Zulu is doing great, he grows each day and improves his opportunity to become a master teacher of the Gospel.   I  hope when I go he will be able to become a Greater missionary than my self that is my goal and I look forward to helping him in this great work. We are doing well Teaching together and wow he has got a Strong Testimony. Glad to hear that the week has gone well with out too many bumps, I am sorry for Liberia, its not easy and its very hard, I pray that things will get resolved.   I cant talk to much about that country it brings up to many emotions.   I love you guys and thank you for the Prayers.   Yeah Life is good dont worry to much,  love my mission and all the hard things God throws at me.   I am willing to climb up and over any mountain he asks me to go over. Love you all,Elder Erickson

Training again!

September 15, 2014

Family and Friends

Great week! we had fun teaching, really got super tired this week don't know why, life might be catching up to me.   So transfer news has come, came on Friday morning, president called us, Elder Poulson is leaving to a new area and training.   I will be staying and will be training my 5th greeenie on mission, crazy I have only been here one transfer and I am already training, really crazy to me. My son is Elder Zulu from South Africa, he sounds cool, I will receive him on Wednesday. We had a great FM at our bishops last night, for them to say good bye to those leaving our ward. We had two investigators make it to Church, one is great,  sister Dianna, she is getting a lot of help from one of our members, she is progressing in big ways, planing on her baptism in October. So our area, we could take a taxi, but its easier to just walk, I like doing that more instead.  Taxis are nice here, roomy and respectful. I know an Elder Olsen will be in our Apartment from Logan Utah, Elder Sesay is training him, I am still the District leader:) yay..  Should be good.   Sad to hear that no one was able to kill anything, well I know that there is many elk on the mountain so I know it will be easier to do. Not a whole lot to write about this week, just been teaching and contacting, found out that the sun gets hot here in Ghana hahaha, getting darker each day. well that all I got for you guys this week, miss you guys a lot and hope all goes well next week. Can you guys send me updates on Ebola in Liberia, I am 50% in Ghana and 50% in Liberia right now, have no clue what is going on would love some insights. Love you, Love Elder Erickson

This week was GREAT!

September 8, 2014

Good morning my family and Friends 

This week was great!!!!! we worked hard and accomplished our goals, we set them small high, but we worked and pushed our selves.   God bless those who set their sights on their Goals and are obedient unto his command. We had several miracles, I will only share one.   I went on Exchange with the Zone leaders was too good, I went with Elder Johnson on Saturday.  One of the best learning Experiences I have had on my mission and also one of the most jam packed exchanges I have Gone on.  We walked past one compound contemplating on contacting it, but decided to go to the next appointment, we had only walked  40 meters when deep despair over fell me.  I felt like I had done something terribly wrong, something told both of us to go knock on that Gate, we did, we were allowed inside the compound, led too a couch on a porch.   An elderly man came out with a Book of Mormon in his hands, he said that he has been wanting to get in contact with the missionaries, he had studied years back, and stopped the studies due to family problems. He had been praying that God would direct the missionaries back to continue to teach him, he missed the happy feeling that he had when he earlier in life had taken studies. He was excited to see us and excited to set a time and day to come teach him the Gospel and Doctrine of the Church. I know if we had not knocked on that door Brother Otis prayer would be answered later not sooner how the lord would of preferred it.  I know that the spirit is important in our lives a mild and still voice quiet to the ears but just loud enough to hear him in our hearts, I know by following his guidance, we can receive greater blessings and witness many miracles in our lives. Mom All is well, I have finally adjusted to Ghana, I would love Twi/english Dictionary to learn more, and yeah didn't get those black pants, you could probably send one or two more packages and bday and Christmas but no more than that. Thanks for your efforts mom. Sorry the men of the home cant hit a deer let alone the broad side of a barn. Sweets and jerky, for a package,  anything else is great to. Sister Darkowah is going to be gone for this whole month so yeah but its alright we still have got great investigators, and thay are progressing to baptism. Thats it for me Love you guys 

Love Elder Erickson.

This week was really good!!!! And Pics!!!!

September 1, 2014

Hello Family and Friends

Leaving Caldwell new Georgia, Overcommer, my moto this last 6 months on mission, gave me great strength.

This week was really good!!!!!

We are starting to really get in the swing of things here in the Ghana Kumasi Mission. We had 3 investigators come to church, really made us feel good, and that really we are doing a good job in bring others to Christ in our area. Gives us more of a drive to push our selves more and more, and than to keep pushing for more miracles. We are getting used to teaching till 9:00pm. Its a great blessing that I have been given to teach more and longer and to help as many people as possible. Received a Email from Brother Kirkham, Our beloved mission President is now released. Elder Poulson and I are getting along well, we are pushing our selves more each day, after our week we are really looking to push it to the limits. We are teaching in better unity and also we are teaching the people here better, most people here can speak English, but they can also speak TWI. Ghana is too sweet Robbie Gurr can agree with that one. I love their rainy season though, cool and cloudy, with no rain haha, in Liberia it would be down pouring with water. I am excited for Dry season as well, I hear that it gets hot, we will see. They love to eat here in Ghana, mostly swallowing food, Like Eba, or Fufu, and Rice ball, with a ground nut soup, and others. We have been getting to know the members in the Ward more, our bishop is a return missionary as well as almost every leader in our Ward. We are living with 6 Elders two African Elders and Elder Johnson and Elder Kinghorn, Johnson is from Parowan,UT and Kinghorn is from England. Oh yeah so I have met with Elder Koopmans who is from Enterprise, I actually have met him before at home in high school Sports. Great guy, seems like he is adjusting to his area well. I will keep my eyes open for those new missionaries, Where are they coming from? I have gone on Exchanges this week with Two Elders in my District this Week, Elder Sesay who is from Sierra Leone, and Elder Okwoulisa from Nigeria, the Exchanges went well. I have learned much on how to teach People here in Ghana, and applying it to my own Teaching. Its crazy to think about all the things that have happened, I think about LIBERIA every day, The faces of those Beautiful Children of God, who are now in the path of a Virus. But I know God will Bless them if they are Obedient to God command. I look at how the work just continues, I am a District Leader, I am continuously leading and trying to be more like Christ. I never thought I would find my self in this position again, Gods got a great Sense of Humor, but i know he is just very serious in his work, and he will do all he can to accomplish it. Well We are working with one Guy named Koffie, big man, Lives with his mother and sister, he came to church on sunday, he is really excited and wants to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its great that God has heard our prayers and is granting unto us our Desires, I know we have been putting forth the Effort. Well Its good to hear about everything going on at home, Hope some one Knows how to even shoot a bow, Maybe Dad and Benton need to take some lessons from Nephi, He sure did accomplish much. Ethan and Kenzy I love you guys, I would write another Email but I don't get to much time at all. But I am always thinking of you guys. Another week gone and another one coming, Thank you all for your prayers. Have a great week. Love Elder Erickson 

 

 

Last two pics taken in Caldwell New Georgia,  The Berretts Picked us up to take us to the Mission Home.

Arriving at the Mission Home in Liberia

                                                          At Momma ZayZays

Adjusting to a New Life and New Mission

August 25, 2014

Hello family and Friends

 

Sorry last week, the computers were really acting up, so we found a better place, thank goodness!!!!!

 

These last couple weeks have been difficult, adjusting to a new life and a new mission, there are lots of ups and downs in life and really feel like I have been getting mostly the downs. There is however one great Principle that I have learned from all this big deal, that has happened. I have been exerting the most power and trust in the Lord more at this time in my life than I have ever done. When we Put our trust in GOD, who is REAL! He will Strengthen us, shape us, mold us and change us. He will be our guides in the Wilderness, or in the Mountains of Life we are asked to hike over. Its been a huge mountain for all of us in one way or another, but with the Power of God we have seen Miracles. I am adjusting well to my area, I love the Ward where the Lord has trusted me to be. They are great in Working with us and helping us to teach with Power and Authority. The spirit is so strong at this time in my life, 18 months takes a toll on missionaries, but for one reason or another i

 

I find that I am Being spiritually powered to do what the Lord has commanded every able and worthy male  to do at this time in our lives.  Mission is the purest of Blessings, I miss Liberia Terribly,  But my missing them will not do anything for them.   I am continuing to work hard and live worthy of their Trust in me as a Representative of The Only Begotten of the Father.  We have members come with us to translate what the other people say its quite unique, I am learning the TWI more and more, its not my focus, but its somehow attaches itself to me, and I find my self talking to others in TWI.   Elder Poulson is doing great, we get along great, we are pushing each other.  I feel that Elder Poulson has pushed me more than I have him.  Kumasi is similar to Liberia, its just like 20 years past Liberia in Development. But still not the same... yeah its different to work till 9:00, I am still getting used to I am always urging to be home at 7:00 but we are making progress small small, its crazy to teach at night haha I have to get used to that one.  

 

We had a great Experience, In our area we have been walking past this really huge green home big gate and fence around it, Rich people :), anyways we have always had a desire to contact it  but haven't until Thursday, I walked across to the black gate into a bunch of Dogs, they didn't do anything, I thought my companion was with me, until I looked across the road and he was still standing there, I guess I was dog bait haha. The Dogs did nothing, but I knocked on the gate and within 20 secs and older woman answered the door. Her name is Sister Darkowa, she allowed small time for me to explain, our purpose, she loved the idea of us coming and teaching her about the Gospel of Christ and how it has been Restored, but she was leaving and asked us to come the next afternoon.  So we did just that. Friday afternoon we came to her home, she let us in, we sat in a nice gazebo, she brought us bottled water.  We than introduced to her the most pure and simple Messages that we have to offer, the Restoration, Mid way through, she talked about how she has all these nice cars, money, the home, but that she has been missing Peace in her heart for 27 years. We assured her that our message can bring that peace if she will listen to her heart, she has been praying to the LORD to help her to get this peace and to bring her heart and home happiness, We shared the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith.   Her whole countenance changed when we talked of the Holy and sacred experience of the Young boy Joseph, when he saw our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ.  The spirit was so strong and powerful, but yet so still and peaceful.  Sister Darkowa, said you have answered my prayer, I have found the peace that I have been so long searching for.   She said that she would love to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, she was leaving to Boston USA on Sunday and wouldn't have time to meet or come visit, but on the 3 of Sept she said she will come and meet with us and see where we worship and to learn more. Turns out that she is one of the Richest Kings wive to live in Ghana, Powerful experience.  This shows to me, no matter who you are or where you are if you live worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost and follow its Promptings God will Guide your life Successfully. 

 

So grateful for the lord and the blessing we have been receiving, the People we have been meeting and the Challenges that are and may seem too hard but with trust in the Lord all things are possible. I know God loves his Children I have a strong testimony in his love and mercy towards all men. I hope you all have great week.

 

 I love you all,God Speed Love Elder Erickson

Oh yeah I am a District Leader now idk if I told you guys lol,  Lots of stress, haven't murmured never will, but really uncertain in what the Lord is Preparing me for. 

 

love you all.

No email!

August 18, 2014

Didnt receive an email today.  We are assuming Ghana Power is similar to Liberian power,  Highly Unpredictable!

A New Adventure Begins!

Where one door closes another opens

A few images before leaving Liberia!

Gathering at the Mission Home

President Kirkham and Elder Erickson

                                                       

Catching up on Rest in Brussells, Belgium

President and Sister Kirkham

Belgium Waffels

Airport Bathroom Selfie

Finally Arrived in Ghana

August 11, 2014

Akwaaba family and friends ​ This week has been such a trying time for all the Liberian Missionaries, I know all of us together have built a Foundation of Testimonies that will strengthen all of Liberia in the future. All of our hard work, the pains, the sweat, blood, and tears will all help Liberia grow in the Future. The Church,  I know will Grow more in the Future as the Liberians go through this trying time. Please Pray for the Liberian People and the Faithful Members of the Church in Liberia. I am Serving in the Ghana Kumasi mission, I am in the Nwamasi ward.  Sunday was great, have met a lot of the members and are taking them with us to see and find people in our area, which is new and big.   Walking isn't to hard, its big for the Ghana mission but our area really isn't to bad. Still its difficult, the Native language spoken here is TWI, or TREE we are learning as much as we can to better help our selves in this great and marvelous work. The past week went by fast thank goodness haha,  I have learned much this week, lessons that I needed to learn and only way I would learn them was to be here now.  I am excited for the new mission and serving here in Ghana Kumasi, We are getting lots of help from the Members and I think we are adjusting well.   Its crazy we proselyte till 9:00 haha that one really throws me off. but small small we are adjusting and becoming better. well time is up for me, I Love you all and am Grateful for the Prayers that have been sent our way. I pray God will Bless you all Exceedingly, 

Love Elder Erickson



A few Pictures from the Mission Home in Ghana!

Elder Ericksons First glass of milk in 17 months

Sister Holmes Fixed them Hamburgers

Ghana Kumasi Mission Home

Last Liberian Sunset

Those Left Behind

August 6, 2014

We received our phone call from Elder Erickson this morning.  He sounded so good! We consider the phone call a gift from our Heavenly Father from the last week of not knowing.  He has had quite the adventure the last few days.  On Wednesday of last week they were told to stay inside their apartments.  They couldn't answer the door or phone.  On Friday they were told that they were all going to be reassigned new missions.  They went to leave the country on Saturday and were denied their flight so had to return to their apartments and told to wait.  Sunday they got the call,  they flew from Liberia to Brussells waited four hours, hopped on a flight to London waited 2 hours then flew into Ghana.

He spend the night in Accra Ghana on the temple grounds.  He said he took a real shower for the first time in a year and a half. It was the best 15 minute ever!  Early this morning he arrived at his new mission,  The GHANA KUMASI  Mission.  He is ready to get to work after a week of @#** as he described it. He is so saddened to leave behind the people of Liberia.  He has grown to love them so much.  He is so saddened to leave his fellow brothers whom served with him.  May we all continue to keep the countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone in our prayers so that the Missionaries may soon return and continue the work these wonderful young men have started.


As of today Elder Erickson has been called to three different missions,  Sierra Leone, Freetown   Liberia, Monrovia    and   Ghana, Kumasi  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers in Elder Ericksons behalf.    I thought I'd share a few pictures of the land and people he left behind.