So this last week hasn't gone all that well! :-( We tried to BLITZ the Glen Allen area and unfortunately....no success. Currently we only have 2 investigators and one of them is not progressing. We also had a 'Munch and Mingle' this week and no non-members showed up. There were only about 12 people that came out of the dozens that we invited.....so missionary work here is better than in any other area that I've served in...but struggling in it's own ways. (I'm guessing that the ward is working well with the Elders...just hard to find interested people!)
The one thing that gets me the most - the thing I have seen in all of the areas I've served in - is that the members don't share the gospel or fellowship. Those 2 things are required for our own Personal Salvation as stated in Ezekiel 3:17-21.
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.........."
We should do as Captain Moroni did with the Title of Liberty....living our beliefs in ALL we do and say and it will catch the notice of others and they will ask about the Gospel. It's difficult trying to tell the members to 'wear their religion' better and put themselves out there to be in a position to answer other's questions about our beliefs. I feel strongly also about how we home teach and visit teach our members......SORRY...I'm just trying to voice my frustrations......but it's all good because I know what's right and that answers to my prayers will come! 2 Chronicles 7:14....
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
(Powerful counsel that is needed for each of us and our country!)
We're working on seeing ALL our potentials and former contacts and also finishing the assignments given us by the ward council. Hopefully we'll find more people to teach. PLEASE PRAY that people will come to us as we work...those with real intent!
I stumbled upon these great videos from Elder Bednar - they were a great reminder and subject for study for me. They are in a 3-part series...so look through all of them. They're very good!
http://mormonchannel.org/mormonmessages?v=1737858982001
ENJOY!
I LOVE you ALL. Thank you for your support. These things are REAL; because people can and do change for the better! :-)
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Hey Elder Richards! It's your cousin Emily. I loved reading your post. One idea you may suggest that can help with improving member missionary work, is to suggest that every member treat their neighbors (on both the left and right side) like they VT or HT them. They don't necessarily need to teach them a religious lesson, and sometimes it's good to suggest they don't mention religion, but only show them true Christ-like love. People will notice their powerful example and will not feel preasured to join the church, but will grow more curious as love is extended to them. Good luck! Keep up the good work.
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