As I post Elder Richard's last "Missionary Post" it is with mixed emotions. This has been a WONDERFUL experience not only for our son but for our family! I will miss our special 'letter' on Mondays; but I shouldn't complain...I've had "Christmas" once a week for 2 years! I hope that I can share his letter with you and hopefully you can somehow see inside his heart and understand his feelings at this time! Thanks to EVERYONE who has shared this journey with us....You have added so much to it! ENJOY!
Hey Everyone!
As the last 2 years have gone by, I have often thought....What have I learned? Well, it's a hard question for me to ask...because I didn't want to come on a mission if I didn't know that God existed. I have learned that the mercies of the Lord are seen as the people I've taught DO what we invite them to do and the JOY that comes into their lives as a result of that has been amazing (for me to witness).
Another thing I've learned is that as people make big changes in their lives, they need support - and a LOT of it!
My mission has taught me how to really appreciate the gospel - as when a person calls late and asks you to run to the hospital and give them a blessing; or asks you to go to their home and bless their home for them. As I have served in these and other ways....seeing their faces light up or feel their sense of relief from the service you have given. Other times helping another missionary who struggles to serve a mission - and you've done all you can to keep them serving........and they keep serving!!! YEAH!
It's hard for me to look back and remember the times people really have looked me in the face, trusting in God, knowing that He will provide......and my prayers have been answered! As I have 'waxed bold' so to speak, that's when God heard my prayers. It's an awesome feeling when you know that He does hear you. When I've borne my whole soul to him I have felt his love wrap around me in my most lonesome and troubled times.
The gospel is some times hard to understand or explain; and best learned not by asking questions but by DOING; following one who believes and then watching the signs that follow after one is obedient. (Many times AFTER we 'live' the commandment) then we better understand why the Lord wanted us to obey. I've learned that LEARNING comes by DOING; not just by reading.
I hope to continue my mission and serve until the end and I hope to have the support I need to make these very difficult changes in my life. The gospel is REAL...not fake. Remember - it's something to be DONE not just heard.
Read Ether 12:6 "....ye receive no witness until AFTER the trial of your faith".
Jacob 4:6 ".....and having all these witnesses we obtain a HOPE, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea." (Added by Susan)
I LOVE you all; thanks for all your love. I'll see y'all tomorrow!!!!!!!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Another GREAT Week!
Sooooo Everyone! 10 December 2012
My ankle is slowly healing and we're getting along slowwwwwwww! When I got here in the area we didn't have any investigators; BUT now we have a really nice teaching pool. It's not a whole lot - but it's a great start. All the investigators are very promising.
I'm on exchanges with one of my zone leaders right now and it's nice to be in a vehicle for a change; although I still really like my bike. I'll be sending the bike home - hopefully before I go home. I've already got a bike lined up for me to borrow from a member.....so it's ALL GOOD! As far as funds go - I'll probably need @ $50.00 for traveling home; but I think I'm good; otherwise I'll let you know.
So for preparation day today we went to a gymnastics gym and played around! It was super fun! I loved running around and jumping all over the place - and yes - I'm good with my ankle. I took some time and rested a while. So in my OLD mission age - my back, head, arms and legs hurt....a lot! Hahaha!
Elder Orr and I have had a lot of great teaching opportunities this last week. In one day we were able to contact 5 referrals and receive 5 more referrals.....so now we have to contact ANOTHER 5 people! Haha! It was SWEET! So the little time I get to go out we do have GREAT SUCCESS. Staying inside is really getting on my nerves.
So we're working really hard and getting things done. Regarding the woman who set herself for baptism on the 19th - it probably isn't going to happen as planned and we're thinking about pushing it back farther. We're having trouble getting a hold of her. (Such is the life of a missionary!)
Lately my bike has been doing great! Everything is working fine. When I get home I'll have time to tune it up again - seeing as how all the wires are stretching because of the weather here - which BTW it's not super cold but also not very warm either.
This week we have a Mission Conference in VA-Beach (My LAST ONE!) and it's going to be great seeing a bunch of great Elders and Sisters from the mission once again and for the last time as a missionary. Sad day :-( but it's all good!
Today we were out eating at Chick-fa-Lay (sp?). After we prayed over our food one gentleman thanked us for being so young and shook our hands and then ordered us lemon-aids. It was humbling and right away I remembered Matt. 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY your Father which is in Heaven." and how important it is to live the gospel. Another scripture in Mosiah 4:10 "And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them."...the part at the end...see that ye do them...! It was wonderful! We were really humbled to see how grateful that man was for our example. (Not to boast) but it is humbling to see people come to us like that. I love it!
I hope everything is great! Thanks for all the awesome stuff y'all do for me. I love to hear all the fun random stuff that goes on back home.
I love you all. Enjoy your week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
My ankle is slowly healing and we're getting along slowwwwwwww! When I got here in the area we didn't have any investigators; BUT now we have a really nice teaching pool. It's not a whole lot - but it's a great start. All the investigators are very promising.
I'm on exchanges with one of my zone leaders right now and it's nice to be in a vehicle for a change; although I still really like my bike. I'll be sending the bike home - hopefully before I go home. I've already got a bike lined up for me to borrow from a member.....so it's ALL GOOD! As far as funds go - I'll probably need @ $50.00 for traveling home; but I think I'm good; otherwise I'll let you know.
So for preparation day today we went to a gymnastics gym and played around! It was super fun! I loved running around and jumping all over the place - and yes - I'm good with my ankle. I took some time and rested a while. So in my OLD mission age - my back, head, arms and legs hurt....a lot! Hahaha!
 |
| Hear no Evil, See no Evil, Speak no Evil! |
 |
| Boys will be Boys! |
 |
| Shooting some Hoops! (It would have been nice to have a picture of Elder Richards in there somewhere!) Haha! |
Elder Orr and I have had a lot of great teaching opportunities this last week. In one day we were able to contact 5 referrals and receive 5 more referrals.....so now we have to contact ANOTHER 5 people! Haha! It was SWEET! So the little time I get to go out we do have GREAT SUCCESS. Staying inside is really getting on my nerves.
So we're working really hard and getting things done. Regarding the woman who set herself for baptism on the 19th - it probably isn't going to happen as planned and we're thinking about pushing it back farther. We're having trouble getting a hold of her. (Such is the life of a missionary!)
Lately my bike has been doing great! Everything is working fine. When I get home I'll have time to tune it up again - seeing as how all the wires are stretching because of the weather here - which BTW it's not super cold but also not very warm either.
This week we have a Mission Conference in VA-Beach (My LAST ONE!) and it's going to be great seeing a bunch of great Elders and Sisters from the mission once again and for the last time as a missionary. Sad day :-( but it's all good!
Today we were out eating at Chick-fa-Lay (sp?). After we prayed over our food one gentleman thanked us for being so young and shook our hands and then ordered us lemon-aids. It was humbling and right away I remembered Matt. 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY your Father which is in Heaven." and how important it is to live the gospel. Another scripture in Mosiah 4:10 "And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them."...the part at the end...see that ye do them...! It was wonderful! We were really humbled to see how grateful that man was for our example. (Not to boast) but it is humbling to see people come to us like that. I love it!
I hope everything is great! Thanks for all the awesome stuff y'all do for me. I love to hear all the fun random stuff that goes on back home.
I love you all. Enjoy your week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Another Week!
Hey Everyone! 3 December 2012
This week has been really great and at times boring! GREAT because we have people to help teach the gospel to and BORING because I have had to stay in a lot because of my ankle. I'm scooting along and I'm trying to get through the hard stuff. I'm not wearing my navy boots. I left them in Glen Allen; but I do have a brace on every time we go out to work.
When I mentioned I bucked my bike, I meant that when I hit both the front and the rear breaks, my bike started to do a front flip. However, my front tire was on the ground and my back tire was up above my head. I ended up sitting on my bike and looking at the ground at the same time and I called it 'bucking' much like a cowboy....Hahaha! I use to do it for fun in Portsmouth on the grass and not so much on the concrete! :-(
The lady we're teaching is great! She wants to be baptized on December 19th but she has to be married first, since she's living with the opposite sex......so I won't be here (for the baptism) but it is an honor to teach someone the gospel.
Here in Newport News people love to learn more. They are more geared to learn about the gospel for some reason; than in my last areas....so the more we work the better. We've been going and trying to talk to past investigators but a lot of people will just approach us about the gospel. Missionary work is great when it's about helping the person wanting to learn more. I'm not here to get a million baptisms for numbers. As my companion and I just teach the lesson and mention baptism, they usually drive towards that on their own - such as the woman set for the 19th of December. She set that herself so...yeah...I love doing missionary work.
Since my accident, my companion is taking good care of me. He tells me how worried he is about me and it's really made me think about how safe I should be. Also, I've been thinking about how to strengthen my testimony. I try to do that by hearing testimonies given on fast Sunday and by reading my journal entries of past spiritual experiences I've had. I can't deny MY OWN WORDS AND THOUGHTS....and the Spirit comes as I remember why the gospel is preached. As the Savior said in Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." it is His purpose and I know why I'm doing it also. It's great! Anything I can do to drive towards that in life and keeping in mind the Lord's guide lines in the scriptures then its going to be alright. God just wants us to trust him.
Anyway.....I hope y'all have a great week. I LOVE you all. Thanks for your e-mails.
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
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| E. Richards in Newport News |
This week has been really great and at times boring! GREAT because we have people to help teach the gospel to and BORING because I have had to stay in a lot because of my ankle. I'm scooting along and I'm trying to get through the hard stuff. I'm not wearing my navy boots. I left them in Glen Allen; but I do have a brace on every time we go out to work.
When I mentioned I bucked my bike, I meant that when I hit both the front and the rear breaks, my bike started to do a front flip. However, my front tire was on the ground and my back tire was up above my head. I ended up sitting on my bike and looking at the ground at the same time and I called it 'bucking' much like a cowboy....Hahaha! I use to do it for fun in Portsmouth on the grass and not so much on the concrete! :-(
The lady we're teaching is great! She wants to be baptized on December 19th but she has to be married first, since she's living with the opposite sex......so I won't be here (for the baptism) but it is an honor to teach someone the gospel.
Here in Newport News people love to learn more. They are more geared to learn about the gospel for some reason; than in my last areas....so the more we work the better. We've been going and trying to talk to past investigators but a lot of people will just approach us about the gospel. Missionary work is great when it's about helping the person wanting to learn more. I'm not here to get a million baptisms for numbers. As my companion and I just teach the lesson and mention baptism, they usually drive towards that on their own - such as the woman set for the 19th of December. She set that herself so...yeah...I love doing missionary work.
Since my accident, my companion is taking good care of me. He tells me how worried he is about me and it's really made me think about how safe I should be. Also, I've been thinking about how to strengthen my testimony. I try to do that by hearing testimonies given on fast Sunday and by reading my journal entries of past spiritual experiences I've had. I can't deny MY OWN WORDS AND THOUGHTS....and the Spirit comes as I remember why the gospel is preached. As the Savior said in Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." it is His purpose and I know why I'm doing it also. It's great! Anything I can do to drive towards that in life and keeping in mind the Lord's guide lines in the scriptures then its going to be alright. God just wants us to trust him.
Anyway.....I hope y'all have a great week. I LOVE you all. Thanks for your e-mails.
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Monday, November 26, 2012
Another Week.....gone by...!
Hey Everyone! Monday, November 26, 2012
So this week has been exciting! I twisted my ankle (again!) and almost got hit again on the road. (He's actually trying to give his parents heart attacks!).....but the great thing was I 'bucked' my bike....(?) I was thinking about throwing my hand back like a cowboy but thought, that wouldn't be a great idea! Sooooooooo....................
Our week has been interesting. We've been teaching a lot of potential people; but no official lessons. I came in with no investigators but now, our efforts are paying off. Elder Orr and I work hard everyday to improve. We're working more this week to catch up on work that past missionaries have done also....so possibly we will have more to do next week - after we work like crazy this week to get things rolling more.
We had an investigator come to church with us this week.....and she loved it! She said she was thinking about baptism and improving her life. She even says that The Book of Mormon is the same but just with different people....which is true.
Our bikes are doing good. I'll be planning on sending my bike (home) about a week before I leave and just borrow a bike from a member...if I can.
Our branch doesn't have too much drama - as much as Wakefield - but it's awesome. I love all the leaders in our branch. Everyone just takes you in and loves you in our branch...it's great!
We also had a funeral this last week.....which was interesting.
It's pretty fun in our area. It's the downtown part of Newport News - but it's all good. We're also working with a youth on getting him to make right choices and serve a mission. He loves having us over and spending time with us; so we're going to have him come with us - if - he's not on house arrest this week.....but no worries!! I LOVE the people here....they're awesome!
So Elder Orr doesn't know of any one named 'Sam Orr' who served in Canada.....sorry..not related!
So the computer I'm on isn't liking my camera right now but I'll find someone who can transfer my pics to y'all - otherwise, I'll show you them when I get back.
Well, I LOVE you all and I hope y'all have an awesome week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
So this week has been exciting! I twisted my ankle (again!) and almost got hit again on the road. (He's actually trying to give his parents heart attacks!).....but the great thing was I 'bucked' my bike....(?) I was thinking about throwing my hand back like a cowboy but thought, that wouldn't be a great idea! Sooooooooo....................
Our week has been interesting. We've been teaching a lot of potential people; but no official lessons. I came in with no investigators but now, our efforts are paying off. Elder Orr and I work hard everyday to improve. We're working more this week to catch up on work that past missionaries have done also....so possibly we will have more to do next week - after we work like crazy this week to get things rolling more.
We had an investigator come to church with us this week.....and she loved it! She said she was thinking about baptism and improving her life. She even says that The Book of Mormon is the same but just with different people....which is true.
Our bikes are doing good. I'll be planning on sending my bike (home) about a week before I leave and just borrow a bike from a member...if I can.
Our branch doesn't have too much drama - as much as Wakefield - but it's awesome. I love all the leaders in our branch. Everyone just takes you in and loves you in our branch...it's great!
We also had a funeral this last week.....which was interesting.
It's pretty fun in our area. It's the downtown part of Newport News - but it's all good. We're also working with a youth on getting him to make right choices and serve a mission. He loves having us over and spending time with us; so we're going to have him come with us - if - he's not on house arrest this week.....but no worries!! I LOVE the people here....they're awesome!
So Elder Orr doesn't know of any one named 'Sam Orr' who served in Canada.....sorry..not related!
So the computer I'm on isn't liking my camera right now but I'll find someone who can transfer my pics to y'all - otherwise, I'll show you them when I get back.
Well, I LOVE you all and I hope y'all have an awesome week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Monday, November 19, 2012
Hello from the NEWS!
Hey Everyone! 19 November 2012
I'm safe here in Newport News with my companion Elder Orr. He's from Logan, UT and he's been out 16 months.
Our apartment is sweet! It's got all wood floors and is really old. We just got some things fixed on it today actually....Haha!
We don't have any investigators but we're teaching alot....which sounds wierd; but in 'Preach My Gospel' an investigator is someone who has had a lesson and accepted and kept another one...so we're working hard to find a ton! But...it's all good! We've (my companion and I) got a good mood about ourselves (we work great together!) and we're going to change how things are done here. I love how close knit the branch is and how much the people love the missionaries. People reach out more here which is really nice. At church yesterday we had a really nice homeless guy at Church looking for coffee; so we invited him to our Thanksgiving Dinner last night and sent him away with tons of food and a flashlight from one of the members. We're hoping to see him next Sunday!
When I got the (transfer) call, I thought of Elder Carter (former companion) and how much he loved it here and how highly he spoke of it here; and how much I dreamed of serving here. Now I get to finish here....it's great!
Elder Orr and I work really well together and we're both trying to be obedient. It's a nice change from my last transfer; here we actually plan and work really hard. I just love staying busy and when my companion also strives to work - it makes my day; knowing that I'll be really busy doing productive things.
I lost my camera in my last area but the other Elders found it and it's on it's way here. As soon as I get it, I'll take as many pics as I can. We get up every morning and exercise every day. Now we're going jogging every morning as soon as we get up. Yeah, my lungs are on fire but it get's easier as time goes on. Besides, I think biking as hard as I can will be much easier if my lungs can take it more.... Haha!
Our Branch President is awesome. He makes sure we're safe. Every time we go south in our area, we text him at a checkpoint so he knows where we are in case something happens.
So since I've served in Portsmouth and in Norfolk, I like to call this my own little Bermuda Tri-angle...Haha! and I do like the water and the air ships that rocket the sky every day. It's nice to be back in familiar areas...it's been a while.
So, I can't wait for the bike to be put together when I get home. We'll be putting both together at the same time. It's going to be fun! Aside from rain gear, I would say the light but durable stuff and a top peak rear fender and front fenders for the Diamond Back.
It's good to hear that everyone is in a fitness mode. I can't wait to do morning workouts with everyone when I get home.
BTW, everyone reminds me of my time I have left, but it's no big deal! I have a list of things I'm going to do when I get home and that lessens my worry of my time left. Plus we have a ton to get done, so I don't have too much time to think about it anyway. And the time I do have left - it's not enough to really bother me. It's all good, we're staying busy and that's the way - a huh - a huh - I like it! YEAH!
I can't wait to begin this work when I get home. Recently a sister missionary that just came out asked what I'm going to do when I get home. I handed her my missionary work list and she said "Your actually going to do this?" and I thought, isn't that what Christ asked me/us to do - to do this the rest of my life? To bless those whose arms hang hopelessly down and to lift those in need?! Gosh, if I just helped others for two years and came back and didn't incorporate that into my life then my mission would have been in vain..
James 1:23-27 states: 23."For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natual face in a glass: 24.For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25.But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26.If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27.Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
So, I will strive to make a difference. I hope that I can arise to be a new saint, a new person, someone who can bless others. I hope I can be the person God needs me to be. A simple list is all it takes, ideas and then planning to accomplish my goals....So I need everyone to help me do missionary work.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day - safe and sound, feeling loved and secure.
I love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. Below are 2 videos he sent......hope you ENJOY! They're great!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#expressions-of-love
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/feature-films?lang=eng#2012-00-0060-the-phone-call
I'm safe here in Newport News with my companion Elder Orr. He's from Logan, UT and he's been out 16 months.
Our apartment is sweet! It's got all wood floors and is really old. We just got some things fixed on it today actually....Haha!
We don't have any investigators but we're teaching alot....which sounds wierd; but in 'Preach My Gospel' an investigator is someone who has had a lesson and accepted and kept another one...so we're working hard to find a ton! But...it's all good! We've (my companion and I) got a good mood about ourselves (we work great together!) and we're going to change how things are done here. I love how close knit the branch is and how much the people love the missionaries. People reach out more here which is really nice. At church yesterday we had a really nice homeless guy at Church looking for coffee; so we invited him to our Thanksgiving Dinner last night and sent him away with tons of food and a flashlight from one of the members. We're hoping to see him next Sunday!
When I got the (transfer) call, I thought of Elder Carter (former companion) and how much he loved it here and how highly he spoke of it here; and how much I dreamed of serving here. Now I get to finish here....it's great!
Elder Orr and I work really well together and we're both trying to be obedient. It's a nice change from my last transfer; here we actually plan and work really hard. I just love staying busy and when my companion also strives to work - it makes my day; knowing that I'll be really busy doing productive things.
I lost my camera in my last area but the other Elders found it and it's on it's way here. As soon as I get it, I'll take as many pics as I can. We get up every morning and exercise every day. Now we're going jogging every morning as soon as we get up. Yeah, my lungs are on fire but it get's easier as time goes on. Besides, I think biking as hard as I can will be much easier if my lungs can take it more.... Haha!
Our Branch President is awesome. He makes sure we're safe. Every time we go south in our area, we text him at a checkpoint so he knows where we are in case something happens.
So since I've served in Portsmouth and in Norfolk, I like to call this my own little Bermuda Tri-angle...Haha! and I do like the water and the air ships that rocket the sky every day. It's nice to be back in familiar areas...it's been a while.
So, I can't wait for the bike to be put together when I get home. We'll be putting both together at the same time. It's going to be fun! Aside from rain gear, I would say the light but durable stuff and a top peak rear fender and front fenders for the Diamond Back.
It's good to hear that everyone is in a fitness mode. I can't wait to do morning workouts with everyone when I get home.
BTW, everyone reminds me of my time I have left, but it's no big deal! I have a list of things I'm going to do when I get home and that lessens my worry of my time left. Plus we have a ton to get done, so I don't have too much time to think about it anyway. And the time I do have left - it's not enough to really bother me. It's all good, we're staying busy and that's the way - a huh - a huh - I like it! YEAH!
I can't wait to begin this work when I get home. Recently a sister missionary that just came out asked what I'm going to do when I get home. I handed her my missionary work list and she said "Your actually going to do this?" and I thought, isn't that what Christ asked me/us to do - to do this the rest of my life? To bless those whose arms hang hopelessly down and to lift those in need?! Gosh, if I just helped others for two years and came back and didn't incorporate that into my life then my mission would have been in vain..
James 1:23-27 states: 23."For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natual face in a glass: 24.For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25.But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26.If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27.Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
So, I will strive to make a difference. I hope that I can arise to be a new saint, a new person, someone who can bless others. I hope I can be the person God needs me to be. A simple list is all it takes, ideas and then planning to accomplish my goals....So I need everyone to help me do missionary work.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day - safe and sound, feeling loved and secure.
I love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. Below are 2 videos he sent......hope you ENJOY! They're great!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#expressions-of-love
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/feature-films?lang=eng#2012-00-0060-the-phone-call
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
His LAST Transfer!
Hello Everyone! 13 November 2012
Transfer calls came this last weekend. My companion is staying here in Glen Allen and I'm getting moved to Newport News, 3rd Branch. It is the smallest biking area in the Virginia Richmond Mission. I'll be with an Elder Orr, of whom I know since I was in Portsmouth. This last and final transfer is about 4 weeks long and I'm going to try to make it my best!
My new area is all in the ghetto, so pray for me that I'll be safe and protected. I'll need it and also pray that my (beloved) bike doesn't get stolen.
Since that call, things have been getting better. We're getting ready for my departure and I'm hoping it's a quick one. (Like ripping off that band-aid!) I just want to get it over with.
Heather, the lady who called you the other day is a potential investigator. She didn't have a Book of Mormon and I didn't have a spare copy to give away, so I just gave her my small military set. Hopefully, she'll read it!
Dad - when the bike arrives, it doesn't have the chain and the front break doesn't work. I'll fix that when I get home. I am excited to ride with you when I get home though...and I hope you are feeling better today from your cold. Bundle up and sleep lots! It's all Good!
Today on the way to the library, it's pouring down rain, so right now I'm a little wet, but it's all good! I'll dry out soon.
It's been exciting to hear about the new software the church is using for family search and I can't wait to get into all the genealogy stuff when I get home. Last week we went to our ward genealogy center and helped a few people out with the computers. I also got a nice lesson on how hard it is to get research done.
My finances are doing ok and so is my bike right now. Also, I want to make sure that I'll be running on the ground as soon as I get home. I was wondering if y'all scheduled a time with the stake president for my release yet.
Things are going good right now. We'll be checking in with Vince and Kay tonight and see how things are going. Since our last lesson, they were more involved, so that was great!
Well, that's all I can think of for now.
I love you all and thanks for your expression of love. It makes me emotional everytime I read about your love for me and for others.
Tell everyone I said 'hi' and "It's all good."
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S.
Elder Richards also sent a link to the following video for me and his 3 sisters! What a great son and brother! He's the best!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#daughters-of-god
Enjoy!
Transfer calls came this last weekend. My companion is staying here in Glen Allen and I'm getting moved to Newport News, 3rd Branch. It is the smallest biking area in the Virginia Richmond Mission. I'll be with an Elder Orr, of whom I know since I was in Portsmouth. This last and final transfer is about 4 weeks long and I'm going to try to make it my best!
My new area is all in the ghetto, so pray for me that I'll be safe and protected. I'll need it and also pray that my (beloved) bike doesn't get stolen.
Since that call, things have been getting better. We're getting ready for my departure and I'm hoping it's a quick one. (Like ripping off that band-aid!) I just want to get it over with.
Heather, the lady who called you the other day is a potential investigator. She didn't have a Book of Mormon and I didn't have a spare copy to give away, so I just gave her my small military set. Hopefully, she'll read it!
Dad - when the bike arrives, it doesn't have the chain and the front break doesn't work. I'll fix that when I get home. I am excited to ride with you when I get home though...and I hope you are feeling better today from your cold. Bundle up and sleep lots! It's all Good!
Today on the way to the library, it's pouring down rain, so right now I'm a little wet, but it's all good! I'll dry out soon.
It's been exciting to hear about the new software the church is using for family search and I can't wait to get into all the genealogy stuff when I get home. Last week we went to our ward genealogy center and helped a few people out with the computers. I also got a nice lesson on how hard it is to get research done.
My finances are doing ok and so is my bike right now. Also, I want to make sure that I'll be running on the ground as soon as I get home. I was wondering if y'all scheduled a time with the stake president for my release yet.
Things are going good right now. We'll be checking in with Vince and Kay tonight and see how things are going. Since our last lesson, they were more involved, so that was great!
Well, that's all I can think of for now.
I love you all and thanks for your expression of love. It makes me emotional everytime I read about your love for me and for others.
Tell everyone I said 'hi' and "It's all good."
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S.
Elder Richards also sent a link to the following video for me and his 3 sisters! What a great son and brother! He's the best!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#daughters-of-god
Enjoy!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Happy Birthday Dad!....The past week!!
Hi Family! 5 November 2012
This past week has been full of things we are doing!!! The person who is set for baptism is Pam. She's really stoked to be learning more and recently she was rushed to the hospital. We went and gave her a blessing and she said "I just love that Light and Tingle I feel". She came out the next day and is feeling much better.
We had another non-member come to church yesterday and our Gospel Principles class was FULL TO THE BRIM! It was also nice to get to see everyone at church too. One of our investigators has been looking for something better in her life. She's come to the right place. She lives next to some members just a street away and they are really involved in her progress.
This week we're teaching Pam tomorrow and we're also teaching Vince and Kay! They called us last week and (asked to see more of the blessings of the gospel brought into their lives); so we're looking forward to (sharing more with them).
Last night we ate at a non-members house. The couple are Catholic and are ROMNEY supporters!!!! They have seen us ride past their house often and invited us in last night! We enjoyed meeting with them and hearing all sorts of great stories. It was great to know that there are always people that support us in our efforts and who care for us also.
Recently, my bike has been doing well. I'm getting ready this Wednesday to ship the 'Diamond Back' bike to you there in Washington. I'll let you know when it's going to get there....!
Today our beds are going to be thrown out and we're getting air beds giving the bedbugs NO PLACE TO HIDE!! We're going to be getting some (diatanatious earth ??) to sprinkle around our room to kill the remaining bedbugs.
Transfer calls are also this weekend and then transfers will be next Thursday. I don't know if I'll be staying or going; but I hope to be staying. But...if I get moved then it's all good! :-)
Well I'm going to finish for now.
I LOVE you all and thank you for all the pics and the replys!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
This past week has been full of things we are doing!!! The person who is set for baptism is Pam. She's really stoked to be learning more and recently she was rushed to the hospital. We went and gave her a blessing and she said "I just love that Light and Tingle I feel". She came out the next day and is feeling much better.
We had another non-member come to church yesterday and our Gospel Principles class was FULL TO THE BRIM! It was also nice to get to see everyone at church too. One of our investigators has been looking for something better in her life. She's come to the right place. She lives next to some members just a street away and they are really involved in her progress.
This week we're teaching Pam tomorrow and we're also teaching Vince and Kay! They called us last week and (asked to see more of the blessings of the gospel brought into their lives); so we're looking forward to (sharing more with them).
Last night we ate at a non-members house. The couple are Catholic and are ROMNEY supporters!!!! They have seen us ride past their house often and invited us in last night! We enjoyed meeting with them and hearing all sorts of great stories. It was great to know that there are always people that support us in our efforts and who care for us also.
Recently, my bike has been doing well. I'm getting ready this Wednesday to ship the 'Diamond Back' bike to you there in Washington. I'll let you know when it's going to get there....!
Today our beds are going to be thrown out and we're getting air beds giving the bedbugs NO PLACE TO HIDE!! We're going to be getting some (diatanatious earth ??) to sprinkle around our room to kill the remaining bedbugs.
Transfer calls are also this weekend and then transfers will be next Thursday. I don't know if I'll be staying or going; but I hope to be staying. But...if I get moved then it's all good! :-)
Well I'm going to finish for now.
I LOVE you all and thank you for all the pics and the replys!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Happy Halloween!
Hey Everyone! 30 October 2012
So this last week was rough! We're struggling with issues as missionaries but we've recovered. Hopefully, we're going to have a great rest of the transfer.
In the past 9 days we've had some good success. We have an investigator set for baptism on November 24th and she's reading every church book she can find. She's read The Book of Mormon several times and is half way through it again! We'll be going back to teach her tomorrow and we're going to be teaching 2 investigators tonight and a 3rd with his family.
So it's a bit busy now....IT'S ALL GOOD!...and hopefully we are getting somewhere with all of our other investigators. The hurricane isn't as bad this year as it was for me last year. Our power is still on and our area hasn't been hit seriously. We do, however, have a TON of leaves all over the place.
As far as the bike goes...I've talked to my zone leaders today and they're going to take the bike to the office next Wednesday. I'll be calling them alot to make sure they don't forget. Hahaha!
I hope your eye will be doing good mom. It'll be nice to see you after 2 years. Everybody looks a little different than when I left. Right now Elder Jensen is riding a different bike in downtown Richmond, which is in our district. He just had a b-day yesterday and he seems to be doing well! (He's an Elder that was with E. Richards in the MTC and also they were companions together earlier this last year. It is his bike that is being sent to us for Don!) Of course, the Richmond Branch is a bike area and I'm sure he's freezing like me also. Hahahaha! He does go home the same day I do; but he has to take a placement test early so he may go home 2 weeks early to do that and to get ready for school.
It's been super cold today on bike and my jaw at the joint gets painfully cold.....but it's all good! I'll have to get something to cover that up while I'm riding. As the weather get's colder we seem to be more and more covered up on our bikes and eventually we look like Ninjas once our mouths are covered with our scarves! Hahaha! Sometimes we surprise the drivers and some of the people that are out and about....:-) I'll have to take some pictures of us when we are covered up. I did get some good biking winter gloves yesterday, as the senior missionaries gave us a ride and they work GREAT! (Have to LOVE the Senior missionaries!) My hands are very happy! Just imagine the cold weather back home and try biking in it, as long as the roads aren't frozen....but...really....don't try it! My mobility on bike with everything on is very limited! Hahahaha! It's all good!
I hope everything is going well and that everyone is safe. I hope that Uncle Bill is doing well. I haven't heard from him yet...but I
hope to.
It's sooo good to hear about our ward back home - fellowshipping all the new converts. That's how it's suppose to be. That lifts me up hearing about all the success going on.
I hope the whole family is doing well and here's my scripture to y'all:
http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/jesus-declares-i-am-the-light-of-the-world-the-truth-shall-make-you-free?lang=eng
http://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation/our-eternal-life/video?lang=eng
I LOVE you all! Take good care!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. Here are a couple more videos....Enjoy!
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&start=13&end=24#2012-01-001-power-of-god
http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/testing-revelation?lang=eng
http://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation/our-eternal-life/video?lang=eng
So this last week was rough! We're struggling with issues as missionaries but we've recovered. Hopefully, we're going to have a great rest of the transfer.
In the past 9 days we've had some good success. We have an investigator set for baptism on November 24th and she's reading every church book she can find. She's read The Book of Mormon several times and is half way through it again! We'll be going back to teach her tomorrow and we're going to be teaching 2 investigators tonight and a 3rd with his family.
So it's a bit busy now....IT'S ALL GOOD!...and hopefully we are getting somewhere with all of our other investigators. The hurricane isn't as bad this year as it was for me last year. Our power is still on and our area hasn't been hit seriously. We do, however, have a TON of leaves all over the place.
As far as the bike goes...I've talked to my zone leaders today and they're going to take the bike to the office next Wednesday. I'll be calling them alot to make sure they don't forget. Hahaha!
I hope your eye will be doing good mom. It'll be nice to see you after 2 years. Everybody looks a little different than when I left. Right now Elder Jensen is riding a different bike in downtown Richmond, which is in our district. He just had a b-day yesterday and he seems to be doing well! (He's an Elder that was with E. Richards in the MTC and also they were companions together earlier this last year. It is his bike that is being sent to us for Don!) Of course, the Richmond Branch is a bike area and I'm sure he's freezing like me also. Hahahaha! He does go home the same day I do; but he has to take a placement test early so he may go home 2 weeks early to do that and to get ready for school.
It's been super cold today on bike and my jaw at the joint gets painfully cold.....but it's all good! I'll have to get something to cover that up while I'm riding. As the weather get's colder we seem to be more and more covered up on our bikes and eventually we look like Ninjas once our mouths are covered with our scarves! Hahaha! Sometimes we surprise the drivers and some of the people that are out and about....:-) I'll have to take some pictures of us when we are covered up. I did get some good biking winter gloves yesterday, as the senior missionaries gave us a ride and they work GREAT! (Have to LOVE the Senior missionaries!) My hands are very happy! Just imagine the cold weather back home and try biking in it, as long as the roads aren't frozen....but...really....don't try it! My mobility on bike with everything on is very limited! Hahahaha! It's all good!
I hope everything is going well and that everyone is safe. I hope that Uncle Bill is doing well. I haven't heard from him yet...but I
hope to.
It's sooo good to hear about our ward back home - fellowshipping all the new converts. That's how it's suppose to be. That lifts me up hearing about all the success going on.
I hope the whole family is doing well and here's my scripture to y'all:
http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/jesus-declares-i-am-the-light-of-the-world-the-truth-shall-make-you-free?lang=eng
http://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation/our-eternal-life/video?lang=eng
I LOVE you all! Take good care!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. Here are a couple more videos....Enjoy!
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&start=13&end=24#2012-01-001-power-of-god
http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/testing-revelation?lang=eng
http://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation/our-eternal-life/video?lang=eng
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Another Good Week!
Hey Everyone! 22 Oct. 2012
So our week has gone very well......with it's ups and downs.....rough but good. We had interviews, so it was nice to speak to President Perry. He's one person I have on my list of people who has and will always shape my life forever. Since interviews....things have gotten better.
Lately, our mission is piloting a new program called 'Walk and Talk.' Other missions have found much success with it and here we're going to be trying it. It's on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. All car and bike missionaries walk around parts of their areas and talk to everyone they see.
Also we have been briefed on the progress of the church.
* The term 'Mormon' is searched more than pornography on google
* Colleges are scrambling to find students
* One week after the General Conference address, 10,000 perspective missionaries met with their Bishops to start their missions.
*14 million members in the church. The church now has the infrastructure to get to 50 million overnight.
* The age for missionaries has decreased.
The Lord is hastening his work and this dispensation is the time to show the Lord "Yea Lord, I do LOVE Thee".
Thanks for all the support that y'all have given me. Your right! My mission is the planning for the rest of my life. This morning I studied Preach My Gospel, chapter 4 and at the end of the chapter there are some quotes by Presidents of the Church about missionary work. The great thing is that it doesn't mention anything about full time service. Instead it's a service for the rest of our lives. Once we are baptized we are devoted to the work. We are the Lord's disciples from the beginning to the end. I'm ready to serve in the mission of life and I can't wait to serve with everything I've got.
So I've made a list of all the things to do when I get back. I've been keeping that list since Norfolk. Any ideas y'all can give me would be GREAT! Just write it down as it comes. I keep my list in my front pocket with me everywhere I go and as ideas come I write them down. Elder Scott has given some wonderful talks about revelation in recent General Conferences.
So I hope all is well. Things here are going well. We're working hard with those new ideas. In regards to how things are going with me and my companion....we're doing alright. We love to talk openly with each other and the added input is great! It's nice.
I hope everything is going great for y'all this week and I really bope everything is going well with your eye Mom.
I love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
So our week has gone very well......with it's ups and downs.....rough but good. We had interviews, so it was nice to speak to President Perry. He's one person I have on my list of people who has and will always shape my life forever. Since interviews....things have gotten better.
Lately, our mission is piloting a new program called 'Walk and Talk.' Other missions have found much success with it and here we're going to be trying it. It's on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. All car and bike missionaries walk around parts of their areas and talk to everyone they see.
Also we have been briefed on the progress of the church.
* The term 'Mormon' is searched more than pornography on google
* Colleges are scrambling to find students
* One week after the General Conference address, 10,000 perspective missionaries met with their Bishops to start their missions.
*14 million members in the church. The church now has the infrastructure to get to 50 million overnight.
* The age for missionaries has decreased.
The Lord is hastening his work and this dispensation is the time to show the Lord "Yea Lord, I do LOVE Thee".
Thanks for all the support that y'all have given me. Your right! My mission is the planning for the rest of my life. This morning I studied Preach My Gospel, chapter 4 and at the end of the chapter there are some quotes by Presidents of the Church about missionary work. The great thing is that it doesn't mention anything about full time service. Instead it's a service for the rest of our lives. Once we are baptized we are devoted to the work. We are the Lord's disciples from the beginning to the end. I'm ready to serve in the mission of life and I can't wait to serve with everything I've got.
So I've made a list of all the things to do when I get back. I've been keeping that list since Norfolk. Any ideas y'all can give me would be GREAT! Just write it down as it comes. I keep my list in my front pocket with me everywhere I go and as ideas come I write them down. Elder Scott has given some wonderful talks about revelation in recent General Conferences.
So I hope all is well. Things here are going well. We're working hard with those new ideas. In regards to how things are going with me and my companion....we're doing alright. We love to talk openly with each other and the added input is great! It's nice.
I hope everything is going great for y'all this week and I really bope everything is going well with your eye Mom.
I love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Thursday, October 18, 2012
A New Week....A New Day!
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| THE MAN! |
 |
| Nick's Companion |
Thanks Mom and Dad for your e-mails! I really needed them today..(More on that in a sec).
So it's GREAT hearing that Alex Mallory is serving a mission! You know, I was just thinking about him yesterday and the conversations we used to have in the car when I gave him rides to places. I was hoping that he would serve a mission. That's Awesome!
That's great to hear that it finally started raining in Washington. From what you said Mom, I can just see Dad jumping around and clicking his heels in the air. Like a Welshman. Haha. Thanks for the thought.
It's also good to hear that the Family History class is getting more populated lately. I hope to immerse myself in helping y'all when I get back.
I think that Family history work is just one activity of many to give us hope and to eventually help us see who we really are, our true identity. So I can't wait to learn more. Plus, I've been making a list of things to get involved in - in different areas of life, to stay productive. Family History is one of them.
Mom: I hope you have someone driving you to the eye doctor. It reminds me of when I went to the doctor with Josh Brazil to get his lasik eye surgery. I watched intently at the monitor as the process was taking place. On the car ride home he fell asleep like a light bulb. Haha! So I just turned the radio down and drove smoothly so he could get his rest. So in other words....Be safe Mom. I love you! :-)
Well dad: on your birthday...I hope you enjoy the little things in life.I'm sure as you remember on your mission. Here on my b-day things are busy to say the least but it's nice to stop and think about the things I'm grateful for. Like a nice bed and a good pillow to rest my head, a good book to read (approved missionary literature) :-), food and a working bike. Bur most importantly Family! Good news from home and people to share my thoughts with. No matter the distance and the way to communicate.
I hope you enjoy your birthday Dad. I will celebrate with you, plus I'll mark my calendar as that also being the day you escorted me through the Temple.....And I will ALWAYS remember that! I love you dad! Thanks for being good to us kids and to mom! :-)
I'll get the bike here as soon as I can, and a box and get all the measurements to you soon!!!
Tell Steve Fine I said "hello" and am expecting to have a good visit with him. He's awesome! I'm grateful he put up with my lazy personality at the time haha!
You know Mom the scripture you sent is similar to the study I had today and I included it in my notes. On how to better myself as an individual. I like how often we find ourselves studying the same things at the same time..
I hope to vote this year. But now I'm registered to vote in Virginia. My residency was cancelled in Washington....but I got on the ball and I'm hoping to vote really soon! :-)
So this last week wasn't very productive at all. In fact the opposite of success. However, the good that came out of it was we did talk to some wonderful women who were asking about Mitt Romney and what he believed. As you can imagine we only spoke about religion. Haha!
All of our investigators aren't progressing or we don't hear from them. Some just want us to 'hang out'; but I'm not having it! I didn't just come out here to "hang out"! So we're working on improving things here and trying to get things going. PLUS on the bright side, our ward members are asking for supplies to share the gospel and our exchange calendar is full for October. AND we're getting fed! Haha!
So in other words....it's ALL GOOD! I remember what the Savior told Peter, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." And now he does that even for all of us!
Family: I love you all and look to your happiness and love and support. I hope to hear all the good news that comes this week to all of you and all the fun adventures you're all having.
P.S. Dad...I'm saving my e-mails after my mission so I can remember all the references you made to yours...:-)
 |
| Another Beautiful sky from Virginia! |
Love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
New Update!
Hey Family, 9 October 2012
Thanks for the recent news. Yeah, the hills in Glen Allen are really large and very gradual as you make your way towards Richmond. If your driving on Monument Ave. one of the hills we go down is on a road called "Glenside Dr." It's near where Glenside meets Forest Ave.
This week has been interesting. It's been really slow with investigators - almost none. As it has started getting cold - I realized that I forgot my gloves and earmuffs in Norfolk; so I got some gloves at the store but I'm still looking for something to cover my ears.
Conference was EPIC! I loved all the talks given in Conference. As I've gotten older I have gone from 'falling asleep' to 'looking at the screen and taking notes as fast as I can'. Haha!
The talk from Elder Holland was 90% the same from when he addressed us in the MTC. One missionary made the comment that he started us with the talk and now was finishing it with his Conference talk. Haha! I loved that talk! It's one of my favorites! How he reminds us that those who have served missions need to know the importance of staying active in the church and remaining true to our covenants when we have already started our journey to follow the Savior. I LOVED the line that says "DID YOU LOVE ME" picturing in my mind standing at the judgement bar and God saying that to me! When we were in the MTC Elder Holland said.....in my own words...quote "DO YOU LOVE HIM?"......once you follow him you can never go back...not to your old life. Since then I have always remembered that. That has always been with me and I hope and have planned to stay true to it.
As far as this week is going, it's still slow but we're working on it. Hopefully, we can get more people this week. I hope we can find those who are seeking the truth or those who want to improve their life.
My bike is doing good. Everything seems to be working well and my jacket, as with everything is holding up okay. I might need some new slacks when I get back.....but it's all good! I don't have any holes in them yet.
Here are pictures of the bike I'm sending to dad:
I hope y'all have a great week.
I love y'all.
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
 |
| Elders in Glen Allen, VA |
This week has been interesting. It's been really slow with investigators - almost none. As it has started getting cold - I realized that I forgot my gloves and earmuffs in Norfolk; so I got some gloves at the store but I'm still looking for something to cover my ears.
Conference was EPIC! I loved all the talks given in Conference. As I've gotten older I have gone from 'falling asleep' to 'looking at the screen and taking notes as fast as I can'. Haha!
The talk from Elder Holland was 90% the same from when he addressed us in the MTC. One missionary made the comment that he started us with the talk and now was finishing it with his Conference talk. Haha! I loved that talk! It's one of my favorites! How he reminds us that those who have served missions need to know the importance of staying active in the church and remaining true to our covenants when we have already started our journey to follow the Savior. I LOVED the line that says "DID YOU LOVE ME" picturing in my mind standing at the judgement bar and God saying that to me! When we were in the MTC Elder Holland said.....in my own words...quote "DO YOU LOVE HIM?"......once you follow him you can never go back...not to your old life. Since then I have always remembered that. That has always been with me and I hope and have planned to stay true to it.
As far as this week is going, it's still slow but we're working on it. Hopefully, we can get more people this week. I hope we can find those who are seeking the truth or those who want to improve their life.
 |
| Loaded up! |
My bike is doing good. Everything seems to be working well and my jacket, as with everything is holding up okay. I might need some new slacks when I get back.....but it's all good! I don't have any holes in them yet.
Here are pictures of the bike I'm sending to dad:
I love y'all.
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Monday, October 1, 2012
Another Week!
Hey Family!
Thanks for the emails this week! I really enjoyed seeing Amy, Amanda and Laura...you all look way different. And Aidon and Owen are growing up more ha-ha!
I have really enjoyed serving in the Glen Allen ward. Our missionary program is getting much better and we're able to go out with the Elder's weekly. It's a nice change since my last area.
I can't believe Amy is 21 yrs. old. That's crazy! You're still my little sister though. Ha-ha!
I hope that Sis. Brasher is doing better! Remember how wiped out I was when I came out of the temple? The Spirit took it right out of me and left me with a nice headache. Ha-ha! But I hope she's doing well!
My companion and I are working great together. One thing that has worked is we talk about our thoughts and feelings towards a problem and that usually fixes everything and sets the tone for our work...and then everything works out...so we are doing well now. It's always been my goal to learn to work with my companions my whole mission. I've learned some great social skills from it. BTW my companion has been out 20 months.
Hearing how Jim is 32 years old and getting his bachelor's degree changes everything for me. Thanks for mentioning it. Sometime I'll have to get in touch with him and see how things are going. For a long time, I've always felt like the odd ball out about the whole age thing. Ha-ha...even all my companions tease me on how I look like I need to shave by noon ha-ha. But I love it! I've really learned to just shake off the humor Ha-ha.
Lately I've been learning to shake off the hard things and ignore life's hard things. So pray that I'll be able to work on that. I hope y'all enjoy Jim's wedding! Tell his family I said 'hey'! And be safe driving.
I got the package you sent mom and the peppermint leaked. I could smell the package a little but not a whole lot came out. I tested it on a 'live' specimen (bedbug) and it didn't work. It just curled up into a ball and just sat there. LOL! But it does smell nice though. Thanks. We'll keep using it to make our place smell nice.
Elder Jensen's trail bike is the one he would like to get rid of. I told him that dad was looking for one and he offered. The post office said they can't ship anything over 70 lbs. and I think it's right at the limit....but I would try UPS or FED EX and see their rates. I'll weigh it today and tell y'all next week how much they are together....and I'll try to reduce some weight from the frame once it's ready.
I'll be writing Josh too this week..I hope. We'll see how things go. I hope he's doing better and that the home teachers go and see him soon. Thanks for being missionaries......you guys are awesome!
Well that's it for me; everything is doing well here. I'm staying for another transfer, so I may finish here. I love y'all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Thanks for the emails this week! I really enjoyed seeing Amy, Amanda and Laura...you all look way different. And Aidon and Owen are growing up more ha-ha!
I have really enjoyed serving in the Glen Allen ward. Our missionary program is getting much better and we're able to go out with the Elder's weekly. It's a nice change since my last area.
I can't believe Amy is 21 yrs. old. That's crazy! You're still my little sister though. Ha-ha!
I hope that Sis. Brasher is doing better! Remember how wiped out I was when I came out of the temple? The Spirit took it right out of me and left me with a nice headache. Ha-ha! But I hope she's doing well!
My companion and I are working great together. One thing that has worked is we talk about our thoughts and feelings towards a problem and that usually fixes everything and sets the tone for our work...and then everything works out...so we are doing well now. It's always been my goal to learn to work with my companions my whole mission. I've learned some great social skills from it. BTW my companion has been out 20 months.
Hearing how Jim is 32 years old and getting his bachelor's degree changes everything for me. Thanks for mentioning it. Sometime I'll have to get in touch with him and see how things are going. For a long time, I've always felt like the odd ball out about the whole age thing. Ha-ha...even all my companions tease me on how I look like I need to shave by noon ha-ha. But I love it! I've really learned to just shake off the humor Ha-ha.
Lately I've been learning to shake off the hard things and ignore life's hard things. So pray that I'll be able to work on that. I hope y'all enjoy Jim's wedding! Tell his family I said 'hey'! And be safe driving.
I got the package you sent mom and the peppermint leaked. I could smell the package a little but not a whole lot came out. I tested it on a 'live' specimen (bedbug) and it didn't work. It just curled up into a ball and just sat there. LOL! But it does smell nice though. Thanks. We'll keep using it to make our place smell nice.
Elder Jensen's trail bike is the one he would like to get rid of. I told him that dad was looking for one and he offered. The post office said they can't ship anything over 70 lbs. and I think it's right at the limit....but I would try UPS or FED EX and see their rates. I'll weigh it today and tell y'all next week how much they are together....and I'll try to reduce some weight from the frame once it's ready.
I'll be writing Josh too this week..I hope. We'll see how things go. I hope he's doing better and that the home teachers go and see him soon. Thanks for being missionaries......you guys are awesome!
Well that's it for me; everything is doing well here. I'm staying for another transfer, so I may finish here. I love y'all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
More news from Glen Allen, Virginia
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| Great New Motto! |
This last week has been REALLY busy! We've been contacting a lot of people and getting a lot of things done! It's been good and somewhat frustrating!
I'm feeling like my companion doesn't have a huge desire to serve....but it's all good...because if I have to drive this band wagon...then I will! It's gonna be a tough ride, one that I hope will be worth it.
I don't understand. Recently I've been worried about the lack of baptisms I've seen for myself versus the abundant amount companions have had and yet they lack the desire to do the work. Those have been my thoughts lately.....but I do have a desire to improve and become better as a teacher. I've noticed that in most areas of my mission - it's tough to improve when my companion doesn't seem to have a desire.
...but I MUST remember that I can build a foundation and convert my companion and those serving around me and in the church. I may not see many baptisms on my mission but a successful missionary, from the Church's standpoint isn't judged by the baptisms; but their personal commitment to the work and since I've started my mission, that's what it's been for me.
This week we're planning to contact 10+ scheduled appointments with people, and hopefully set some for baptism. We also have some possible service opportunities...which I really enjoy doing! I'm also getting my notes organized and have been working hard to have a desire to return back to my journal and read what I have written. It's hard for me to do that - but I know the times I have, have been testimony building moments for me...because what I wrote down was worth it.
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| FUN AT THE FAIR! |
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| He WON....again! |
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| Who????....Us???? |
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| Great Missionaries! |
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| Army of God! |
I love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. Thanks for your emails - they really help me out. Tell all the COUSINS I said hey! Helaman 10:7
P.S.S. Evidently, one of E. Richards' past companions has a bike he doesn't want...so he's giving it to E. Richards to send home for his dad. It's a Diamond Back Trail Mountain Bike and he says it's a SMOOTH ride as he has ridden it a few times. It's a bike which is worth $800.00 that he is giving us for free! I think we are going to be a 'riding' family! He needs to also get together with Bro. Jeff Klumker...I hear he's a 'biking' man!
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| TRANSPORTATION! |
Friday, September 21, 2012
Another Great Week!
Hey Family! 17 September 2012
This last week has gone really well. We were able to get a less-active member back to Church. We've also been able to excel in our goals and key indicators.
Lately we've been praying that those that are ready would approach us and that we would be able to teach them. Sure enough we had a gentleman give us a referral for someone who wanted to be taught. We saw this person the other day and he told us that he would like to be baptized so we're meeting back with him soon to sum-up the lessons and continue with his progress.
Things are going well in my studies. I keep a journal of comfort/encouraging scriptures that I write in each day. It's hard to go back and read it though! Haha! It's strange to me but I have felt that I need to do so.
I have a bunch of really good entries that I've put in lately. One such account is of a memory in Lawrenceville, VA with Elder Zollinger.
"During the aftermath of the Hurricane in 2011 after we were done giving support in Lawrenceville, we traveled the next day to Emporia, VA. We were worried about the "King" family and were coming to assist them. We found that Bro. King had extra generators and fuel and had been traveling all day lending all he had to assist those around him. He and his sons had also taken with them a chainsaw working all day the day before and the day we arrived. He related an experience to me of the recent disaster and the blessings he had received."
"He came to me and said 'I fueled up my truck and got to work. Working all day yesterday and most of today, helping everyone with their generators and helping the city workers and since I started I have never had to fuel up since then.' I looked at his fuel gauge and it was hovering at half. That truck eats fuel like it is a buffet. As we worked that afternoon and into the early evening I never saw that fuel gauge move at all. I had ridden in that truck several times. Bro. King said to me later that night 'I believe it's God helping me so I can help everyone else'. I told him 'the Lord provides to those that serve him, the Lord can do anything."
That was just one account in my journal that I've written in it with all my scriptures and quotes. It has helped greatly. As I was reading it for the first time I felt a soft comfort throughout the whole time that I studied.
This last week has gotten irritating with all the bedbugs we have. We keep finding them in our apartment, in our beds, bathroom and on the walls. They're not everywhere but just here and there. We're having an exterminator come today to spray the apartment for the 4th time....but things are still good!
The Lord is amazing! I know that God really hears and answers my prayers. He helps me all the time as long as I heed his precepts. Those precepts are actions that I need to act on, and the thing is, that I have nothing to lose if I act on them to see the blessings. What holds us back is the thought and time we spend thinking that it won't amount to anything; however, the counsel is true - by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.
I LOVE you all and I hope y'alls week is going well.
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
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| Elders in Glen Allen, Virginia |
This last week has gone really well. We were able to get a less-active member back to Church. We've also been able to excel in our goals and key indicators.
Lately we've been praying that those that are ready would approach us and that we would be able to teach them. Sure enough we had a gentleman give us a referral for someone who wanted to be taught. We saw this person the other day and he told us that he would like to be baptized so we're meeting back with him soon to sum-up the lessons and continue with his progress.
Things are going well in my studies. I keep a journal of comfort/encouraging scriptures that I write in each day. It's hard to go back and read it though! Haha! It's strange to me but I have felt that I need to do so.
I have a bunch of really good entries that I've put in lately. One such account is of a memory in Lawrenceville, VA with Elder Zollinger.
"During the aftermath of the Hurricane in 2011 after we were done giving support in Lawrenceville, we traveled the next day to Emporia, VA. We were worried about the "King" family and were coming to assist them. We found that Bro. King had extra generators and fuel and had been traveling all day lending all he had to assist those around him. He and his sons had also taken with them a chainsaw working all day the day before and the day we arrived. He related an experience to me of the recent disaster and the blessings he had received."
"He came to me and said 'I fueled up my truck and got to work. Working all day yesterday and most of today, helping everyone with their generators and helping the city workers and since I started I have never had to fuel up since then.' I looked at his fuel gauge and it was hovering at half. That truck eats fuel like it is a buffet. As we worked that afternoon and into the early evening I never saw that fuel gauge move at all. I had ridden in that truck several times. Bro. King said to me later that night 'I believe it's God helping me so I can help everyone else'. I told him 'the Lord provides to those that serve him, the Lord can do anything."
That was just one account in my journal that I've written in it with all my scriptures and quotes. It has helped greatly. As I was reading it for the first time I felt a soft comfort throughout the whole time that I studied.
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| The "infamous" bedbugs!!!!! YUCK! |
This last week has gotten irritating with all the bedbugs we have. We keep finding them in our apartment, in our beds, bathroom and on the walls. They're not everywhere but just here and there. We're having an exterminator come today to spray the apartment for the 4th time....but things are still good!
The Lord is amazing! I know that God really hears and answers my prayers. He helps me all the time as long as I heed his precepts. Those precepts are actions that I need to act on, and the thing is, that I have nothing to lose if I act on them to see the blessings. What holds us back is the thought and time we spend thinking that it won't amount to anything; however, the counsel is true - by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.
I LOVE you all and I hope y'alls week is going well.
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Monday, September 10, 2012
Pray that People will come......with Real Intent!
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
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
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Hello Family!
Hey Everyone!
Things here in Glen Allen are going great! We're having some success and we're slowly getting somewhere with the work. When I came here we really didn't have any investigators other than Vince and Kay and they are doing great!
We have been tracting lately around our appointments and have had great success. I think tracting is good the way we use it today compared to how it use to be. Sometimes if we feel inspired to see someone and go there and nobody is home - it's because the Lord knows there is someone there for us to meet other than our original appointment - or an experience that is meant to help us grow....so I like it! We just recently found a Cambodian man last week that said he'd read The Book of Mormon - so after emailing we're going to deliver a Book of Mormon to him in Cambodian, that way he will understand it better.
As far as bikes go...I have been helping my new companion repair his. It's a bit rusted so hopefully we'll get some spare parts here soon to get his ride running smoother. Mom, it's great to hear that your biking! I hope your crash wasn't too bad. My companion, the other day crashed on a wet road and got scraped up a little and I slid also, but caught myself for the 1st time...Haha! but it's all good!
So lately, I'm putting all of the notes and notebooks I have into my study journal....to save space. It's nice to save space and be done with all the papers flying around my luggage. I hope to be sending a few more things home soon...(letters, mission newsletters, etc..) (As long as he keeps the bedbugs there in Virginia I'm fine with that - if not we're prepared with bedbug juice here!)
Also, I'm really stoked to vote this year! If you could, I would love to get things started with the voting so I can give my 2 cents. I'm also creating a list of things to work on when I get home - that way I won't have any chill time to sit on my butt doing nothing. If there are any job opportunities available be sure to tell them when I get home. I would LOVE to start working.
Anyway, lately I've also been working on role plays with my companion and with keeping our place clean...since the bedbugs have been everywhere. So we're slowly working on it!!
Right now I'm in Chapter 2 of "Preach My Gospel" brushing up on my study skills. To make sure I get things organized when I go back and refer to my notes and journal in the future. Other than that things are going great!
Sorry I don't have any pics this week. We're still getting things organized and finished with our apartment and with the area....but I will send pics soon.
I LOVE y'all!
QUOTE: "Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God at His disposition and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts."
Enjoy this newest message....spread the word of God!!!!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#sharing-your-beliefs
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Things here in Glen Allen are going great! We're having some success and we're slowly getting somewhere with the work. When I came here we really didn't have any investigators other than Vince and Kay and they are doing great!
We have been tracting lately around our appointments and have had great success. I think tracting is good the way we use it today compared to how it use to be. Sometimes if we feel inspired to see someone and go there and nobody is home - it's because the Lord knows there is someone there for us to meet other than our original appointment - or an experience that is meant to help us grow....so I like it! We just recently found a Cambodian man last week that said he'd read The Book of Mormon - so after emailing we're going to deliver a Book of Mormon to him in Cambodian, that way he will understand it better.
As far as bikes go...I have been helping my new companion repair his. It's a bit rusted so hopefully we'll get some spare parts here soon to get his ride running smoother. Mom, it's great to hear that your biking! I hope your crash wasn't too bad. My companion, the other day crashed on a wet road and got scraped up a little and I slid also, but caught myself for the 1st time...Haha! but it's all good!
So lately, I'm putting all of the notes and notebooks I have into my study journal....to save space. It's nice to save space and be done with all the papers flying around my luggage. I hope to be sending a few more things home soon...(letters, mission newsletters, etc..) (As long as he keeps the bedbugs there in Virginia I'm fine with that - if not we're prepared with bedbug juice here!)
Also, I'm really stoked to vote this year! If you could, I would love to get things started with the voting so I can give my 2 cents. I'm also creating a list of things to work on when I get home - that way I won't have any chill time to sit on my butt doing nothing. If there are any job opportunities available be sure to tell them when I get home. I would LOVE to start working.
Anyway, lately I've also been working on role plays with my companion and with keeping our place clean...since the bedbugs have been everywhere. So we're slowly working on it!!
Right now I'm in Chapter 2 of "Preach My Gospel" brushing up on my study skills. To make sure I get things organized when I go back and refer to my notes and journal in the future. Other than that things are going great!
Sorry I don't have any pics this week. We're still getting things organized and finished with our apartment and with the area....but I will send pics soon.
I LOVE y'all!
QUOTE: "Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God at His disposition and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts."
Enjoy this newest message....spread the word of God!!!!
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#sharing-your-beliefs
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Monday, August 27, 2012
Glen Allen
Hey Everybody! 27 August 2012
I'm in a real nice small apartment. It's tiny, haha! I feel like I can reach to the stove from my bed! It's all good!
As I came in (to this area) we don't have any investigators; but two potential baptisms! So we're getting to work and hopefully getting things done.
My bed is super comfy and I pass out almost as soon as my head hits the pillow.
I am really impressed with our ward. It's between the sizes of Norfolk (small) and Portsmouth (large). Our ward mission leader is the man! We're planning some new finding activities for our ward on a monthly basis for us to help find new people.
Also, I'm right next to downtown Richmond; our zone leaders and the other missionaries in our District live downtown so we'll usually go there every now and then. It's really nice to see a nice big city. It's much bigger than Norfolk and much taller buildings.
So my area has tons of hills and what I mean by tons is an understatement. I'm using 1-4 gears a lot as opposed to the usual 2-6 gears! Haha! Today I cleaned my chain and gears and got ready for my new area. Things are running very nicely and quiet too. As far as my bike goes...it's working fine!
It's good to hear that Owen and Aidon are doing great! Good to hear they are on bikes. Haha! I hope to ride with them when I return home. Hopefully, I'll be able to ship my bike after my mission.
Lately I've been reading "Jesus the Christ" and it's been really interesting the similarities between Christ's time and ours. Of course, it's a pattern today that we're in. With war and political parties and with different religions. The chapter I just finished was about the "The Meridian of Time" and I'll be continuing on from there. Mainly this chapter just explained the time and place that Christ was in just before his birth and during his ministry.
Also, my companion's name is Elder Herron. He's from Utah and he's the man! There is stress too but not the kind I've had in the past 7 months....but it's all good!
I love my mission and I am stoked to hopefully finish here in Glen Allen.
Love y'all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Dat Saints
I'm in a real nice small apartment. It's tiny, haha! I feel like I can reach to the stove from my bed! It's all good!
As I came in (to this area) we don't have any investigators; but two potential baptisms! So we're getting to work and hopefully getting things done.
My bed is super comfy and I pass out almost as soon as my head hits the pillow.
I am really impressed with our ward. It's between the sizes of Norfolk (small) and Portsmouth (large). Our ward mission leader is the man! We're planning some new finding activities for our ward on a monthly basis for us to help find new people.
Also, I'm right next to downtown Richmond; our zone leaders and the other missionaries in our District live downtown so we'll usually go there every now and then. It's really nice to see a nice big city. It's much bigger than Norfolk and much taller buildings.
So my area has tons of hills and what I mean by tons is an understatement. I'm using 1-4 gears a lot as opposed to the usual 2-6 gears! Haha! Today I cleaned my chain and gears and got ready for my new area. Things are running very nicely and quiet too. As far as my bike goes...it's working fine!
It's good to hear that Owen and Aidon are doing great! Good to hear they are on bikes. Haha! I hope to ride with them when I return home. Hopefully, I'll be able to ship my bike after my mission.
Lately I've been reading "Jesus the Christ" and it's been really interesting the similarities between Christ's time and ours. Of course, it's a pattern today that we're in. With war and political parties and with different religions. The chapter I just finished was about the "The Meridian of Time" and I'll be continuing on from there. Mainly this chapter just explained the time and place that Christ was in just before his birth and during his ministry.
Also, my companion's name is Elder Herron. He's from Utah and he's the man! There is stress too but not the kind I've had in the past 7 months....but it's all good!
I love my mission and I am stoked to hopefully finish here in Glen Allen.
Love y'all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Dat Saints
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I'M GETTING TRANSFERRED!
I'm getting transferred to........a far off land named Glen Allen. It's north of Richmond in a VERY hilly bike area...it's in the suburbs. I'm not sure if I'll be in that area through my last transfer - but it's going to be AWESOME! (SEE MAP BELOW!)
This week....we taught a sweet lesson with a woman on her porch. She didn't want us to come by later; but once we both bore our testimonies and sang a hymn on her porch, she invited us back for this coming week. It was great to see the change in her countenance once we testified and sang "I Am A Child of God".........plus her dog loved having a nice back scratch. Haha!
We also had a great time talking to a bunch of people that want us to come back this week. It's great to see how the gospel changes people. Hearing the testimonies of other people and their experiences helps to lift me up....also when they are lifted up in their hard times.
It is only in our service and action that people can see us and feel our light!
This week we're also getting things going with our investigators and helping them in their reading of The Book of Mormon; we're hoping they will progress.
The missionary that will step-in for me served as the Assistant to the Mission President. The President always releases his Assistants when they have only one more transfer. He (the Elder) is an AWESOME missionary; one that I think Norfolk really needs.
Meanwhile, I'm going to get packing this week, getting things cinched up and ready for my move.
From what I hear, Glen Allen is a very rich area and has TONS of hills! It also has the smallest missionary apartment in the Virginia Richmond Mission so I'll be a bit cramped; but IT'S ALL GOOD!! :-)
Something great I learned this week ties into the principles of Charity and Love found in "Preach My Gospel". If you ever have a difficult time communicating with others...ask them this question: "How do you show charity and concern for me?" and then ask "How can I show charity and love for you?" This is a good way to understand how to solve problems and fix issues with another person. It works great to ask those questions to others around you, i.e. investigators, friends, family, relatives or acquaintances It has a deep application but it makes sense. People will know that we are the Disciples of Christ when we have love one to another.
If I work that way with my motives then people will see a vast change for good in my character and behavior. The Savior explains it a bunch more in John Chapter 14 about love and action/behavior. I see it as a psychology lesson/observation that the Savior points out.
Anyway, I'm STOKED to be moving. I've been here forever and I'll be scratching my head as to how to pack all over again......BUT IT'S ALL GOOD!
I love you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. Thanks for the email.....I am STOKED to hear that you found Elder Harter. He's the man! That is so cool that you were able to see him. I love seeing your faces and him together...Haha...it seems like yesterday that I was chasing chickens at their house...Haha!
I love you guys! Thanks for all you two do!!!
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| Elder Harter serving in the Tacoma, WA mission Elder Richards knew him and his family when he served in Wakefield, Virginia, USA |
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| GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA Elder Richards' 6th area of Service Just a little north/west of Richmond. |
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
An EXCITING week!
A week of great ALARM and great EXCITEMENT!
So this past week has been verrrrrrrry interesting! We had interviews with our Mission President. Our rides for Zone Conference got confused and we ALMOST didn't have one; so we planned out a route to bike to Virginia Beach from Norfolk; BUT we got a ride at the last second! Haha!
We got lost on the city bus transit system and ended up leaving our area. So as we were waiting for a bus we taught some people along the way clear over in the Virginia Beach zone! After we had waited for a while for the bus - as it was pulling up - we saw that it had a FULL bike rack - soooooo we decided to catch the bus at the light rail station. It was a 2-3 mile bike ride and we ended up arriving there at the same time that the bus got there. The bus driver had this really puzzled look on his face....like 'haven't I seen you guys before'! Hahahahaha! We were sweating BULLETS that day.....it was great!.....but alas! No luck with that bus either, so we just rode home. I also got my bike fixed a bit!
Our investigator is progressing.....and his girlfriend is somewhat interested.
I almost got KILLED by a car on Thursday....so if any of you ever had the thought to pray for my safety that day.......THANK YOU! I did have a few scrapes here and there but I'm OK....It's all good!
(Don wrote him: Did you fall? Did you get hurt by the bus? Did the driver stop to see if you were okay?????)
(His reply: Uhhhh just my arm and shin got scraped up. My head is intact; the driver of the car came within a foot of hitting me before they stopped. They got out and said 'I just felt that I needed to stop." I said in a delighted way "Thanks...I'm REALLY glad you did." I will say, at the time I was more worried about my sock that got torn up big time than I was with myself. Haha!)
My companion even said "You handled that way better than I would have. I would be crying right now." Haha! It's all good! No Worries...It's all good! My companion gave me a blessing in the park nearby. Just please pray that I remain focused on what I'm doing and protected as I ride PLEASE.
Don then wrote:
"Remember you are wearing the armor of God. Please be careful. I'm glad you are OK and that you got a blessing. WE pray for you EVERY day plus about 13 million + members!"
Elder Richards responded to his dad: Thanks, I LOVE you Dad! Your the man! Be safe while you're gone too.
*********************
(I sure hope Don and I can get through this mission without having heart attacks!)
More news:
So Norfolk might be changed a bit this next week. There might be some changes made to the areas of Norfolk 1st & 2nd Wards. All of us missionaries here have either served here for 6 months or more (E. Richards has now been there for 7 1/2 months) and the other two Elders are here for their 2nd time on their missions. Chances are I might be transferred, but who knows. We'll find out this next Sunday.
My studies this week have been sweet! I'm learning to put trust in the Lord and relying on Him to make the changes that I can't make. Also learning about how I can apply that trust in my life,
In working with people..what I'll usually do is ask a person about what problems they may be having in life....then I'll ask..."what is usually associated with that behavior?"....i.e. drugs, crime, crummy environment, etc...(these are the major things mentioned) Asking these things usually helps to reveal to us what they need to know about to make better choices in their lives. In return we try to teach them about repentance and show them how that can help their lives be better. We will also talk about how to have hope, faith and Charity and helping them to see how those qualities will ultimately help them in their lives to be happier. So I'm learning how to ask more inspired questions with our investigators and it's WORKING!! Yeah!! This really helps us to narrow things down for understanding them and if they are going to want to continue with us teaching them or not.
BTW if you were watching the media about Gov. Romney in Norfolk and if you happened to see 2 confused missionaries in white shirts and ties riding in the streets...THAT WAS US....HAHAH! We had no idea what was going on. We were on our way to get my bike fixed in Portsmouth and we had no idea that they were coming to Norfolk.....HAHA....Plus we were lost...so it's all good!
Anyway...that's been my week so far. It's been crazy and really fun all at the same time. I hope everyone enjoys their week.....this week!
I LOVE you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of you who pray for our missionary and all the other missionaries from our ward. It helps a TON!!
So this past week has been verrrrrrrry interesting! We had interviews with our Mission President. Our rides for Zone Conference got confused and we ALMOST didn't have one; so we planned out a route to bike to Virginia Beach from Norfolk; BUT we got a ride at the last second! Haha!
We got lost on the city bus transit system and ended up leaving our area. So as we were waiting for a bus we taught some people along the way clear over in the Virginia Beach zone! After we had waited for a while for the bus - as it was pulling up - we saw that it had a FULL bike rack - soooooo we decided to catch the bus at the light rail station. It was a 2-3 mile bike ride and we ended up arriving there at the same time that the bus got there. The bus driver had this really puzzled look on his face....like 'haven't I seen you guys before'! Hahahahaha! We were sweating BULLETS that day.....it was great!.....but alas! No luck with that bus either, so we just rode home. I also got my bike fixed a bit!
Our investigator is progressing.....and his girlfriend is somewhat interested.
I almost got KILLED by a car on Thursday....so if any of you ever had the thought to pray for my safety that day.......THANK YOU! I did have a few scrapes here and there but I'm OK....It's all good!
(Don wrote him: Did you fall? Did you get hurt by the bus? Did the driver stop to see if you were okay?????)
(His reply: Uhhhh just my arm and shin got scraped up. My head is intact; the driver of the car came within a foot of hitting me before they stopped. They got out and said 'I just felt that I needed to stop." I said in a delighted way "Thanks...I'm REALLY glad you did." I will say, at the time I was more worried about my sock that got torn up big time than I was with myself. Haha!)
My companion even said "You handled that way better than I would have. I would be crying right now." Haha! It's all good! No Worries...It's all good! My companion gave me a blessing in the park nearby. Just please pray that I remain focused on what I'm doing and protected as I ride PLEASE.
Don then wrote:
"Remember you are wearing the armor of God. Please be careful. I'm glad you are OK and that you got a blessing. WE pray for you EVERY day plus about 13 million + members!"
Elder Richards responded to his dad: Thanks, I LOVE you Dad! Your the man! Be safe while you're gone too.
*********************
(I sure hope Don and I can get through this mission without having heart attacks!)
More news:
So Norfolk might be changed a bit this next week. There might be some changes made to the areas of Norfolk 1st & 2nd Wards. All of us missionaries here have either served here for 6 months or more (E. Richards has now been there for 7 1/2 months) and the other two Elders are here for their 2nd time on their missions. Chances are I might be transferred, but who knows. We'll find out this next Sunday.
My studies this week have been sweet! I'm learning to put trust in the Lord and relying on Him to make the changes that I can't make. Also learning about how I can apply that trust in my life,
In working with people..what I'll usually do is ask a person about what problems they may be having in life....then I'll ask..."what is usually associated with that behavior?"....i.e. drugs, crime, crummy environment, etc...(these are the major things mentioned) Asking these things usually helps to reveal to us what they need to know about to make better choices in their lives. In return we try to teach them about repentance and show them how that can help their lives be better. We will also talk about how to have hope, faith and Charity and helping them to see how those qualities will ultimately help them in their lives to be happier. So I'm learning how to ask more inspired questions with our investigators and it's WORKING!! Yeah!! This really helps us to narrow things down for understanding them and if they are going to want to continue with us teaching them or not.
BTW if you were watching the media about Gov. Romney in Norfolk and if you happened to see 2 confused missionaries in white shirts and ties riding in the streets...THAT WAS US....HAHAH! We had no idea what was going on. We were on our way to get my bike fixed in Portsmouth and we had no idea that they were coming to Norfolk.....HAHA....Plus we were lost...so it's all good!
Anyway...that's been my week so far. It's been crazy and really fun all at the same time. I hope everyone enjoys their week.....this week!
I LOVE you all!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
P.S. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of you who pray for our missionary and all the other missionaries from our ward. It helps a TON!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Fog of War....and more interesting Thoughts!
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| More great Saints from Virginia! |
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| We sure enjoyed the 4th this year! |
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| My new, BIG companion! He's the Man! |
This week has been crazy! 6 August 2012
We were teaching an investigator in their apartment when someone else in the room randomly woke up and wanted a lesson also! So we were nice and busy teaching 2 lessons at the same time and then as we were leaving...we continued to have a great discussion and thennnnnnnnnn........my companion's tire POPPED! The hole was next to the valve (which was an interesting fix) but it worked! Stem flats are tough but you feel like you can do anything - if it works! Haha!
We also had our young men come with us on exchanges and we blitzed the area! It works if both YM can ride well on bike...but it's all good! We accomplished our goals! :-)
Yesterday (Sunday) was also crazy! We had a random investigator come to church (who we didn't know) and we went to all the classes exorting the youth to pass out the new QR code pass-along cards. (I'm anxious to follow up next week)!
(While Elder Richards was writing his email to us this is what happened!) So the woman that just came to church yesterday just TEXTED us and we're having an appointment this week! YEAH! so uhhhh...just thought I'd share!!!!!!!! :-)
One of the testimonies given yesterday was by a soldier who talked about "the fog of war"; how the fog hampers the soldier fighting in battle.....keeping them from accomplishing their objectives. It includes things like: war cries, shrapnel, explosions, bullet fire and so on. He went on to say that the Church is in a "fog of war" state. Things that distract us from accomplishing our objectives - things like: profanity, disrespect to women, drugs, pornography, addictions and so on.... I really enjoyed that analogy and I believe it makes sense. What in my "fog of war" is keeping me from achieving my objectives and obtaining victory? Interesting thought! I also remember though that I am a supernal being. I've been put here for a reason and I need to understand what that is:
THE PLAN OF SALVATION!
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| Christ Knocking at OUR door |
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| Woman at the Well |
So today I was studying about repentance and how critical it is every day of our lives. I thought of when the Savior was speaking to the woman at the well and also how Heavenly Father wants us to "seek" after him. I was also studying in the ARP manual, step 3 and compared it with 'the woman at the well' and went on to step 4 - of how to apply that in my life. Along with these thoughts came to my mind the scripture in Revelation 3:20:
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
ANOTHER THOUGHT from the scriptures:
In Matt.5:17-48 Here the Lord is showing the people how to let go of the Law of Moses and their 'hard hearts' and learn to live by a different law. Also, the story of Alma and Amulek as they were in dungeons and treated so badly - because of the hardness of the hearts of the people. In Alma 8:31 it reads
"And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power UNTIL they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth His power in them."
REMEMBER AND FORGET NOT! I just need to remain confident that God is with me and act at the right moment and then things will change. People will be converted as they witness God's power.
My studies have been amazing and I'm really trying to internalize the scriptures for me.
BTW Mom, the cd's work great! I've really enjoyed listening to the talks on them.....THANKS!
I LOVE y'all and I hope everyone's week goes well. Thank you for all y'all do.
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| Beautiful sunset over the Atlantic! |
A little mission humor:
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| Now that I have it all taken apart.....where do all the pieces go...... Tell the young men preparing for their missions to take a Bike 101 repair class! It will come in handy!! :-) |
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
http://mormonchannel.org/mormon-messages-for-youth?v=1756076503001
http://mormonchannel.org/
HOPE YOU ENJOY THESE VIDEOS! They're AWESOME!
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| This is what the work is all about! The Lord's children! |
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