Hey Everyone! 14 Sep. 2011
Thanks for the emails! I'm really glad to hear from all of you!
This last week has been great! My companion and I started working a bit harder on things and were blessed with 6 new investigators in 1 hour!!! Praise the Lord!!! Yeah!
Right now I'm in Chester, Virginia with our zone leaders. We had a mission conference with the Area Seventy over the missionary department. It was great to hear about the new training programs for the new missionaries and for the seasoned ones too. It was GREAT that he (Area Seventy) took the time to meet us all personally.
In this past year, my experiences with different church leaders has been INCREDIBLE! FIRST with Elder Oaks, when he took the time to have a conversation with all of us and everyone got to meet him and talk with him. SECOND in the MTC our Branch President took the time to come into our meeting as a district and kneeling down, he put on an old blue apron and beginning on one end of the room he began to polish all of our shoes (It reminded me of the Savior as he washed the feet of his servants) - it was very EMOTIONAL. And THIRD, our meeting with Elder Evans of the Seventy, meeting with each of us, talking with us - asking where we were from and how we're doing. And last but NOT least, Pres. Perry, for listening first and then asking questions and meeting the needs of each of us missionaries!!!!! (Nick absolutely LOVES his mission president!!)
Those are all traits of true disciples of Christ - and the question I ask anyone who is reading this is...what traits do you have that are Christlike?...and how can you share those qualities with others to bless their lives and bring them closer to Christ?
Last night we met with our zone leader's bishop and listened to him give a lesson to his YSA (Young Single Adults) about how to really get a great experience reading The Book of Mormon; starting from Mormon and his perspective. It was very good! Some questions were: Why is The Book of Mormon in the order that it is in? Mostly chronological until the end, and why does he include more of Alma than any other prophet? Just some interesting things to think about.
It's really great to travel around Virginia and get many views of so many people's testimonies and how their testimony has affected their lives.
We've been doing great; but we're getting a bit nervous about transfer calls this coming Sunday, but it's all good, things will be alright!!!!
As far as different foods go....really the only thing that I have really enjoyed is.....EVERYTHING! I haven't had a HUGE variety of foods, but from what I've had - it's all really good---grits and collard greens....:-)
It's so good to hear from everyone and knowing that everyone is asking about me. Just know that as time goes on I am slowly converted more to the gospel through the scriptures and the guidance of the Spirit and through studying "Preach My Gospel".
Things are going well!
And SISTERS THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your emails! I'll try and get better at the whole letter writing thing on p-days! :-)
I love you all and I hope that today is the best day of your week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Showing posts with label Lawrenceville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lawrenceville. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Hey Everyone!
If anyone ever still reads this stuff (...don't mind the attitude...I'm really hungry and tired and have NO letters!)
So this week we've been just contacting all of our less actives and recent converts and working to do more service for members and investigators.
We did find a new investigator and he seems to be a methodist; he gave us a few clues by his belief in the trinity; so we're gearing up to work on that with him. We just found out that a member told a recent convert that they shouldn't listen to us because apparently what we say isn't always true....so that's frustrating and really annoying! Just a word of caution....if you tell someone else anything about the gospel, MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK and search the scriptures and the words of the prophets (even online) BEFORE telling anyone anything that you're not so sure about.
Now that that's out of the way - I'll just say this, that members are a GIANT help with missionary work and they are also a GINORMOUS road block to missionary work.....!
As to serving here in the "bible belt" its not really worthy of the nickname because sadly not very many people actually read the bible. The ones that say they do...seem to just be confused. In my area of service it's 85% illiterate for the population here. As we are trying to explain something in the bible they usually say something like "Oh yeah, I have heard of Paul, but who is Saul?"
Dealing with stress E. Zollinger and I sometimes try to scare each other and ....oh yes...we sing ALL THE TIME!...as bad as our singing is...it's really fun. We're going through a ton of changes as we're having to start over in our teaching pool.....
I'm really glad that I have Elder Zollinger as a companion because he just kills the stress really quick.....so we're helping each other out and having a great time!
Regarding the missionary that was called from here to the Washington Tacoma mission. I think he leaves for the his mission in November. His name is Elder Harder from Virginia!
Other than feeling stressed at times - I'm eating alright...but I could use a GIANT burger right about now!
Tell the missionaries in the ward and the branch I said hey..what's up!
I love you all (mom and dad and family). I hope to hear from you soon (and I mean like SISTERS start sending letters or postcards or something.....!)
Enjoy your week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
If anyone ever still reads this stuff (...don't mind the attitude...I'm really hungry and tired and have NO letters!)
So this week we've been just contacting all of our less actives and recent converts and working to do more service for members and investigators.
We did find a new investigator and he seems to be a methodist; he gave us a few clues by his belief in the trinity; so we're gearing up to work on that with him. We just found out that a member told a recent convert that they shouldn't listen to us because apparently what we say isn't always true....so that's frustrating and really annoying! Just a word of caution....if you tell someone else anything about the gospel, MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK and search the scriptures and the words of the prophets (even online) BEFORE telling anyone anything that you're not so sure about.
Now that that's out of the way - I'll just say this, that members are a GIANT help with missionary work and they are also a GINORMOUS road block to missionary work.....!
As to serving here in the "bible belt" its not really worthy of the nickname because sadly not very many people actually read the bible. The ones that say they do...seem to just be confused. In my area of service it's 85% illiterate for the population here. As we are trying to explain something in the bible they usually say something like "Oh yeah, I have heard of Paul, but who is Saul?"
Dealing with stress E. Zollinger and I sometimes try to scare each other and ....oh yes...we sing ALL THE TIME!...as bad as our singing is...it's really fun. We're going through a ton of changes as we're having to start over in our teaching pool.....
I'm really glad that I have Elder Zollinger as a companion because he just kills the stress really quick.....so we're helping each other out and having a great time!
Regarding the missionary that was called from here to the Washington Tacoma mission. I think he leaves for the his mission in November. His name is Elder Harder from Virginia!
Other than feeling stressed at times - I'm eating alright...but I could use a GIANT burger right about now!
Tell the missionaries in the ward and the branch I said hey..what's up!
I love you all (mom and dad and family). I hope to hear from you soon (and I mean like SISTERS start sending letters or postcards or something.....!)
Enjoy your week!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
29 August 2011 - After the Storms!
Hey Everyone!
Things are going well. We just now got the power back on here in Lawrenceville - but we'll see if it's back on in our apartment later.
So....the earthquake hit us. Took a few trees down and shook the hairs on the back of my neck! haha! it was fun! (Yeah - right!)
As to the hurricane - It hit Lawrenceville's infrastructure hard and some things will need to be rebuilt - but we're doing alright. We (my companion and I) got kind of rebuked a bit by our zone leaders because we were out working yesterday (on the Sabbath) helping branch members with fallen trees in their yards and with power-lines down. We lost a ton of communication with our leadership, but our branch members have been checking up on us. We finally received communication again and everything is good. I repented for skipping my study and am trying to humble myself.
(The members out in the mission field sure appreciate the help the Elders are to them! Don and I have spoken with a number of them in Virginia and it's wonderful to hear of the service our missionaries give to the people in the areas they serve in.)
So yeah, we're alright. We did lose our baptismal dates with our investigators though. We had to tell them to repent and stop drinking. It's so sad that when someone doesn't repent they can't feel the love of Christ and they don't know what to do - and then believe that religion isn't worth anything....so we're back at square 1 haha!....but IT'S ALL GOOD!
Elder Zollinger and I are doing good...living in the apartment with candles is great and reading through the Old Testament was great too!
Sorry I don't have much to say at the moment but we're doing great! We've been driving each other nuts in the apartment and just trying to make sure that all our members are fine.
I hope everyone is ok. Mom thanks for the scriptures and Dad - thanks for the awesome facts and NOPE I'm not ever going to get used to this rain! haha!
Girls - be sure to write me (I'm going through mail drought - c'mon!!) Love y'all.
Friends and 5th branch president! I hope y'all are ok. I hope things are going great and that TONS of singles are getting married. (C'mon guys - President Monson already said it this last conference!)
Your Son,
Your missionary and Friend!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Things are going well. We just now got the power back on here in Lawrenceville - but we'll see if it's back on in our apartment later.
So....the earthquake hit us. Took a few trees down and shook the hairs on the back of my neck! haha! it was fun! (Yeah - right!)
As to the hurricane - It hit Lawrenceville's infrastructure hard and some things will need to be rebuilt - but we're doing alright. We (my companion and I) got kind of rebuked a bit by our zone leaders because we were out working yesterday (on the Sabbath) helping branch members with fallen trees in their yards and with power-lines down. We lost a ton of communication with our leadership, but our branch members have been checking up on us. We finally received communication again and everything is good. I repented for skipping my study and am trying to humble myself.
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| Lucky it didn't hit their house! |
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| We LOVE giving service! |
(The members out in the mission field sure appreciate the help the Elders are to them! Don and I have spoken with a number of them in Virginia and it's wonderful to hear of the service our missionaries give to the people in the areas they serve in.)
So yeah, we're alright. We did lose our baptismal dates with our investigators though. We had to tell them to repent and stop drinking. It's so sad that when someone doesn't repent they can't feel the love of Christ and they don't know what to do - and then believe that religion isn't worth anything....so we're back at square 1 haha!....but IT'S ALL GOOD!
Elder Zollinger and I are doing good...living in the apartment with candles is great and reading through the Old Testament was great too!
Sorry I don't have much to say at the moment but we're doing great! We've been driving each other nuts in the apartment and just trying to make sure that all our members are fine.
I hope everyone is ok. Mom thanks for the scriptures and Dad - thanks for the awesome facts and NOPE I'm not ever going to get used to this rain! haha!
Girls - be sure to write me (I'm going through mail drought - c'mon!!) Love y'all.
Friends and 5th branch president! I hope y'all are ok. I hope things are going great and that TONS of singles are getting married. (C'mon guys - President Monson already said it this last conference!)
Your Son,
Your missionary and Friend!
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
ANOTHER AWESOME WEEK IN THE SOUTH...OUT YONDER!
22 August 2011
Hey Everyone!! How are things going? How is Church?and how is all the goodness???
Things here are going really well! We're looking to baptise possibly 3 people this week! We had a car fast (?) the other day and we ended up teaching a bunch of great lessons and getting in contact with some former investigators.
It's been really hot and really humid here. I never thought I would have to wipe off with a towel so much in one day here in the South. We've got a ton of people asking us what kinds of southern food we haven't heard of yet...haha!...so we're catching up on the food here!
Hey Everyone!! How are things going? How is Church?and how is all the goodness???
Things here are going really well! We're looking to baptise possibly 3 people this week! We had a car fast (?) the other day and we ended up teaching a bunch of great lessons and getting in contact with some former investigators.
It's been really hot and really humid here. I never thought I would have to wipe off with a towel so much in one day here in the South. We've got a ton of people asking us what kinds of southern food we haven't heard of yet...haha!...so we're catching up on the food here!
This is what I'm talking about!! Yeah!
Elder Zollinger and I are doing really well. We just had a lesson the other day with some folks and they seem interested in our message and want to learn more. We're getting geared up to teach them more and answer all of their questions. We might be put on the spot with a preacher that is in their bible study group soon. If we do go, we'll be in the middle of a bunch of people asking us questions. It will be interesting to see what will happen - seeing as how we have the Book of Mormon. We'll definitely have to have them read
John 14:12...."Verily, Verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."
Matthew 3
3 Nephi 27:18-21..18."And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words. 19.And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. 20. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. 21. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;"
So....wish us luck. We'll see what they think. Hope we can go and talk with them about the gospel.
We recently had a preacher express his sorrow for us. He said that we should read the KJV of the Bible and that our works are nothing - because they don't save us. Basically, when we visit with people we have to try and correct them on their own doctrine. They like to pick and choose and we keep busy giving them references to their questions from the KJV of the Bible...so it's very interesting...
The other day we encountered someone who proceeded to tell me what they think we believe! It was tough to get my word across. I tried to correct him on our beliefs and referred him to mormon.org and then I bore my testimony. It was hard for me....because I was trembling and the love I have for the scriptures. I feel frustration when I'm bearing testimony to others who will not ever listen and yet have not ever lived the gospel or have ever read The Book of Mormon.
Doing the work in Virginia!!
Well, let me know how things are going. I hope the Singles' branch is going well and that the 4th Ward is going well also. Tell everyone I said "Hey WHATS UP!" haha!
Love y'all
Elder Richards
Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints!
15 August 2011 Hello Family!
Hey Everyone!
Thanks for the email's and pics! That was awesome to see that y'all went to see the Zollingers! Haha! Something that my companion and I cooked up. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I wanted to tell you that a young man by the name of Jason Harder just got called to the Washington Tacoma mission. I thought that you should also know that his family was in my last area. Jason is super stoked to be a missionary!
Remember if you see him that your son E. Richards went on exchanges with him and visited with his family often....just fyi!
Other great times here in the mission.....we're now doing genealogy for people and using FamilySearch to help people with the past....so I won't be too far behind you mom! Haha! It's something our mission is doing that's new but very effective in getting new people to teach.
Dad - I'm stoked that you are remembering more from your mission. You SHOULD WRITE THOSE MEMORIES DOWN. That way we have more in common, and the more I can tell you when I get home - I'll also be asking you more of your experiences on your mission.....so be sure to write them down. I hope that you're doing great! and that work is going well.
Something that just came to mind was something that Uncle Dan said to me before I left, "I didn't believe in what I sold"....which is sad. In my last night in the MTC, Elder Holland spoke to us about the purpose of "Preach My Gospel". "It is to first convert the missionary and then to teach beyond their own conversion". I can't look at the gospel as something to sell, because it's FREE! and we can achieve anything we want. We must all be backed up to the wall of faith and it is there that we must make our stand - to rise above the rest or fall into darkness and confusion.
So with that said, I'm super greatful that I have the family that I have - that we all have a goal in mind and are firm in sticking to it.
Thank you Mom and Dad for your examples and righteousness. I'm greatful for the discipline that I had over the years and all of the good times and hard times that have led me to be on a mission.
I love you all and I hope all is going well.
Love your son and Missionary,
E. Richards :-)
Thanks for the email's and pics! That was awesome to see that y'all went to see the Zollingers! Haha! Something that my companion and I cooked up. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I wanted to tell you that a young man by the name of Jason Harder just got called to the Washington Tacoma mission. I thought that you should also know that his family was in my last area. Jason is super stoked to be a missionary!
Remember if you see him that your son E. Richards went on exchanges with him and visited with his family often....just fyi!
Other great times here in the mission.....we're now doing genealogy for people and using FamilySearch to help people with the past....so I won't be too far behind you mom! Haha! It's something our mission is doing that's new but very effective in getting new people to teach.
Dad - I'm stoked that you are remembering more from your mission. You SHOULD WRITE THOSE MEMORIES DOWN. That way we have more in common, and the more I can tell you when I get home - I'll also be asking you more of your experiences on your mission.....so be sure to write them down. I hope that you're doing great! and that work is going well.
Something that just came to mind was something that Uncle Dan said to me before I left, "I didn't believe in what I sold"....which is sad. In my last night in the MTC, Elder Holland spoke to us about the purpose of "Preach My Gospel". "It is to first convert the missionary and then to teach beyond their own conversion". I can't look at the gospel as something to sell, because it's FREE! and we can achieve anything we want. We must all be backed up to the wall of faith and it is there that we must make our stand - to rise above the rest or fall into darkness and confusion.
So with that said, I'm super greatful that I have the family that I have - that we all have a goal in mind and are firm in sticking to it.
Thank you Mom and Dad for your examples and righteousness. I'm greatful for the discipline that I had over the years and all of the good times and hard times that have led me to be on a mission.
I love you all and I hope all is going well.
Love your son and Missionary,
E. Richards :-)
Going fishing on P-DAY!
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| Companion study w/ E. Zollinger |
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| And here we are in living color! |
Monday, August 8, 2011
TRANSFERS - 8 Aug. 2011
HEY- I was really glad to hear from y'all. I hope your travels are going to be fun Dad. I, too enjoy talking about life and the gospel with you both!
WELL....I'm staying in Lawrenceville and so is E. Zollinger. We are UBER stoked about staying. We're going to be getting some boys on missions, some people baptized, some less-actives active and we're also going on a NEW DIET - whoo! hoo! I'll be sending you the medical stuff with some of my mission stuff (I'm trying to downsize)!
Haha! now the good stuff!
So today, after emails, we're going fishing at a members' house in South Hill. We're working with trying to get more people active. We have someone who has been smoking for a while and from my understanding, true conversion is actually mastering the act in our daily lives. We need to be ACTING on our revelation and doing these things.
Heavenly Father is sending us some 'sweet goodness' but if we don't ACT on those things then He get's all bummed out and then tries again in a different way. By acting on the inspiration we get from Him we are showing Him that we hear His promptings and are trying to do His will.
This last week we've been correcting doctrinal questions we get a lot of (such as questions about angels and little children) and trying to stay more focused on things pertaining to the law of chastity and other teachings. We sure seem to get a lot of questions that don't even relate to the principles of the gospel too!
I'm really glad to hear things are going well. I love y'all and hope to hear from y'all soon! Thanks for being proud of me. It really means alot!
I'm glad your both my parents; it means a lot to me too!
Love you! Your son,
E. Richards
WELL....I'm staying in Lawrenceville and so is E. Zollinger. We are UBER stoked about staying. We're going to be getting some boys on missions, some people baptized, some less-actives active and we're also going on a NEW DIET - whoo! hoo! I'll be sending you the medical stuff with some of my mission stuff (I'm trying to downsize)!
Haha! now the good stuff!
So today, after emails, we're going fishing at a members' house in South Hill. We're working with trying to get more people active. We have someone who has been smoking for a while and from my understanding, true conversion is actually mastering the act in our daily lives. We need to be ACTING on our revelation and doing these things.
Heavenly Father is sending us some 'sweet goodness' but if we don't ACT on those things then He get's all bummed out and then tries again in a different way. By acting on the inspiration we get from Him we are showing Him that we hear His promptings and are trying to do His will.
This last week we've been correcting doctrinal questions we get a lot of (such as questions about angels and little children) and trying to stay more focused on things pertaining to the law of chastity and other teachings. We sure seem to get a lot of questions that don't even relate to the principles of the gospel too!
I'm really glad to hear things are going well. I love y'all and hope to hear from y'all soon! Thanks for being proud of me. It really means alot!
I'm glad your both my parents; it means a lot to me too!
Love you! Your son,
E. Richards
Thursday, August 4, 2011
August 4, 2011
Just a note to let everyone know that there are new pictures to see! Hope you all enjoy them!
Susan
Susan
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
More News from our Missionary!
Hi Fam! 1 August 2011
To answer your questions about my area.....it's full of history and TONS of old southern food and people. Usually we get a North Carolina twang in the accent too...ha! ha!...so I try to take my time with understanding them. People sometimes make fun of my western accent and how I usually don't say my "T's" in the middle of a word!!
Lately we've been meeting with some investigators who have a Book of Mormon, but they always ask about 'who are the Lamonites?'.....so we tell them that they have to READ the book to find out! Ha! Ha! We've also been running into people who like to try and justify some of the 'commandments' like "Thou Shalt Not Kill' and things like that. Sometimes I get heated in the discussions with them and get all prideful and then I have to remember that I'm a Servant of the Lord. I then say a prayer to myself to invite the Spirit back and then the discussion goes much better.
My personal studies of the Book of Mormon this past week and my understanding on how to read it - through Mormon's eyes and in the order that he placed the records has been AWESOME! I have enjoyed his "Mormon" comments on his writings and observations of the records.
Lately I've been struggling with hope and confidence in the gospel and in life altogether. My stress level is accelerating faster than the space shuttle lately. We took a stress management test lately and come to find out I'm in the "orange" zone just before red....which is not good! Pres. Perry is going to be helping me out with those things. Of course, there are always temptations to deal with too. President Perry is helping me with that too. He's a blessing to me everyday and so is my companion!
Some things I'm trying to do to have less stress is to memorize scriptures! I do have one request: could you send me a TON of pages of inspirational quotes from religious and non-religious sources to help me feel of more worth, have more hope, courage and strength?! That would be great!
In other news it's been all good! I know that I've been meaning to write the girls but I can't find the time on Mondays to do it; today we're having a tri-zone b-ball tournament so I'll be away from the pen and notepad for most of the day....Sorry! I will remember though, to send my original "call" letter to put up in the church building.
Today I was reading in Alma 38 where Alma is counseling his son and he really tells him what he thinks of his actions and is very bold with him. It reminded me of the counsel y'all have given me over the years; but I'm grateful that you did. At all times we don't need to put any sugar on it; just be straight forward with counsel. The Lord did that (to save time) and it worked then and still works today. So again, thanks for your counseling with me and showing me by example.
I love y'all and pray that all is well with the family!
E. Richards
P.S. Me AND E. Zollinger pray for all of you and hope that all is well. He is a good missionary and I'm also getting nervous about transfers this week. Please pray for me and my future companion!
Love y'all!
To answer your questions about my area.....it's full of history and TONS of old southern food and people. Usually we get a North Carolina twang in the accent too...ha! ha!...so I try to take my time with understanding them. People sometimes make fun of my western accent and how I usually don't say my "T's" in the middle of a word!!
Lately we've been meeting with some investigators who have a Book of Mormon, but they always ask about 'who are the Lamonites?'.....so we tell them that they have to READ the book to find out! Ha! Ha! We've also been running into people who like to try and justify some of the 'commandments' like "Thou Shalt Not Kill' and things like that. Sometimes I get heated in the discussions with them and get all prideful and then I have to remember that I'm a Servant of the Lord. I then say a prayer to myself to invite the Spirit back and then the discussion goes much better.
My personal studies of the Book of Mormon this past week and my understanding on how to read it - through Mormon's eyes and in the order that he placed the records has been AWESOME! I have enjoyed his "Mormon" comments on his writings and observations of the records.
Lately I've been struggling with hope and confidence in the gospel and in life altogether. My stress level is accelerating faster than the space shuttle lately. We took a stress management test lately and come to find out I'm in the "orange" zone just before red....which is not good! Pres. Perry is going to be helping me out with those things. Of course, there are always temptations to deal with too. President Perry is helping me with that too. He's a blessing to me everyday and so is my companion!
Some things I'm trying to do to have less stress is to memorize scriptures! I do have one request: could you send me a TON of pages of inspirational quotes from religious and non-religious sources to help me feel of more worth, have more hope, courage and strength?! That would be great!
In other news it's been all good! I know that I've been meaning to write the girls but I can't find the time on Mondays to do it; today we're having a tri-zone b-ball tournament so I'll be away from the pen and notepad for most of the day....Sorry! I will remember though, to send my original "call" letter to put up in the church building.
Today I was reading in Alma 38 where Alma is counseling his son and he really tells him what he thinks of his actions and is very bold with him. It reminded me of the counsel y'all have given me over the years; but I'm grateful that you did. At all times we don't need to put any sugar on it; just be straight forward with counsel. The Lord did that (to save time) and it worked then and still works today. So again, thanks for your counseling with me and showing me by example.
I love y'all and pray that all is well with the family!
E. Richards
P.S. Me AND E. Zollinger pray for all of you and hope that all is well. He is a good missionary and I'm also getting nervous about transfers this week. Please pray for me and my future companion!
Love y'all!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for the emails! It's good to hear that more missionaries are departing for this awesome journey!
Things here are still going well. Because of the new church policy I can't give too much info. on the people in this area.
We just invited a long-time inactive member of 15 years to take a tour of the church and they were really stoked to come and enjoy the spirit. They had one big question about how prayers are answered and we told them that they are answered more abundantly by being an answer to someone else's prayer - quoted by the 1st Presidency.
Last night we were teaching a family of 5 in The Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 11 and also talked about the temple and mormon.org. Once they saw the pictures of the temple they asked where and how do they get to go inside. I answered that they have to first be baptized. We almost got their commitment to be baptized. It's really frustrating because they are so close and still haven't chosen to make the commitment.
Things are going okay. I'm still trying to get my companion to speak more in lessons. I told him how I feel about companionship unity and how important it is and that I just can't lead all by myself in lessons. I feel that if he had talked more and lead last night that we would have gotten 5 baptism dates set. I'll keep trying. I think what I'll do is when I'm done speaking in a lesson I'll just wait till he says something and let him go from there. We are enjoying the time we have together and all the fun we're having.
The apartment is still as boring as always, I stay in 1 hour a day to ice my ankle and treat it, which is really boring! I'm hoping to find a solution soon. I am really begging to do some service here - so I'm just hoping something awesome will happen soon!
The work is AWESOME and we're loving it! We joke around and try to keep the stress to a minimum!
So anyway, I love y'all and I hope to hear from you soon.
Elder Richards
3 Nephi 26:9-12
9"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
10"And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
11Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.
12Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been commanded me of the Lord. And now I, Mormon, make an end of my sayings, and proceed to write the things which have been commanded me."
Things here are still going well. Because of the new church policy I can't give too much info. on the people in this area.
We just invited a long-time inactive member of 15 years to take a tour of the church and they were really stoked to come and enjoy the spirit. They had one big question about how prayers are answered and we told them that they are answered more abundantly by being an answer to someone else's prayer - quoted by the 1st Presidency.
Last night we were teaching a family of 5 in The Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 11 and also talked about the temple and mormon.org. Once they saw the pictures of the temple they asked where and how do they get to go inside. I answered that they have to first be baptized. We almost got their commitment to be baptized. It's really frustrating because they are so close and still haven't chosen to make the commitment.
Things are going okay. I'm still trying to get my companion to speak more in lessons. I told him how I feel about companionship unity and how important it is and that I just can't lead all by myself in lessons. I feel that if he had talked more and lead last night that we would have gotten 5 baptism dates set. I'll keep trying. I think what I'll do is when I'm done speaking in a lesson I'll just wait till he says something and let him go from there. We are enjoying the time we have together and all the fun we're having.
The apartment is still as boring as always, I stay in 1 hour a day to ice my ankle and treat it, which is really boring! I'm hoping to find a solution soon. I am really begging to do some service here - so I'm just hoping something awesome will happen soon!
The work is AWESOME and we're loving it! We joke around and try to keep the stress to a minimum!
So anyway, I love y'all and I hope to hear from you soon.
Elder Richards
3 Nephi 26:9-12
9"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
10"And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
11Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.
12Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been commanded me of the Lord. And now I, Mormon, make an end of my sayings, and proceed to write the things which have been commanded me."
Hello from the South!
Hey Everyone! July 18, 2011
I thought I'd let you know that I'm well and my heart is still beating - haha! Actually, Lawrenceville is an awesome place. My companion E. Zollinger is awesome. He's this really big guy - went to state I think for wrestling and coached it too. He was also a major football player getting a scholorship to college. He's awesome. He loves the people and has an innocent attitude about him which is really nice seeing as how I've been trying to return to that mindset and to be more humble lately.
I'm sorry for not writing any hand written letters lately. I've got a lot of stuff on my hands. Apparently E. Zollinger's trainer didn't do all he could so I'm having to work with more on my plate. Actually, I'm just trying to get him to talk and have his own set of opinions - so I understand where he's coming from.
I'm trying to give him the chance to make his own choices and I'm going to be on the side to help correct and supervise. It's all because of all of you (my whole family), some good parents who have that rock solid faith and sisters who have incredible work ethics. I have been lacking as to the work ethic part of life so I've been really looking towards you sisters for your awesome examples. Y'all are awesome! Any advice and correction would be great from any of you. I LOVE YOU ALL!
My callings in the single's branch also helped me learn to manage and administrate in my surroundings and how to work with people. That's also really something that has helped me open up since I used to deal with depression and anxiety. Being on my mission with all of those experiences has helped me learn to cope without any meds.
As far as where I'm at now, things are going well. This last Sunday, we were suppose to have Elder Bednar speak at our branch but he got called to do some official business in my first area of Midlothian. We've also been helping members recently with cleaning out their house, so it's been an adventure.
Lately, I took my companion to the Projects of our area and he was truly terrified! I kept a cool attitude and told him I was there for him and that we would be fine. Yeah, it's a sketchy place sometimes but there are usually the best conversations in the Projects amongst those that are truly humbled. Not to mention I got a hug from a little kid for giving him a "Jesus card" and plus we've got a lot of potential in the Projects with some who are reading the Book of Mormon and who also have computers I'll fix for nothing! So I'm putting the skills to use that I can at the moment and I'm also training my 'step-boy' how to understand ethnics (sp????) so it's a blast!
Our branch is really great too! It's small but feels more like home because it has that same architecture as the rest of the Church - so it's sweet! All of the active members are great! They give us food when we need it and always love to hear from us.
We do tend to stand out here a bit. We're the only white "Jesus boys" in town and where we reside. So it's fun and interesting at the same time - especially when I wink at some people and they get this weird look on their face.....but it's all good......because we've got the tags on and carry all sorts of religious stuff! haha!
Recently, we chased down an investigator and gave him a church tour and he loved it! He wants to get baptized really soon and "change his life" so things are going really well. We hope to have some baptisms here really soon.
I'm so glad to hear that everyone is doing so well and that Amanda (yes you!) are doing great! I hope to get some personal letters out to everyone soon - but I have a ton on my plate for now but I will try to get to it.
I hope to hear from everyone soon and just FYI memorizing scripture really helps with taking up space instead of bad thoughts and helps my mood. Deuteronomy 31:6 is really good for support!
I love you all and remember...I LOOK TO ALL OF YOU and my Savior.
E. Richards
I thought I'd let you know that I'm well and my heart is still beating - haha! Actually, Lawrenceville is an awesome place. My companion E. Zollinger is awesome. He's this really big guy - went to state I think for wrestling and coached it too. He was also a major football player getting a scholorship to college. He's awesome. He loves the people and has an innocent attitude about him which is really nice seeing as how I've been trying to return to that mindset and to be more humble lately.
I'm sorry for not writing any hand written letters lately. I've got a lot of stuff on my hands. Apparently E. Zollinger's trainer didn't do all he could so I'm having to work with more on my plate. Actually, I'm just trying to get him to talk and have his own set of opinions - so I understand where he's coming from.
I'm trying to give him the chance to make his own choices and I'm going to be on the side to help correct and supervise. It's all because of all of you (my whole family), some good parents who have that rock solid faith and sisters who have incredible work ethics. I have been lacking as to the work ethic part of life so I've been really looking towards you sisters for your awesome examples. Y'all are awesome! Any advice and correction would be great from any of you. I LOVE YOU ALL!
My callings in the single's branch also helped me learn to manage and administrate in my surroundings and how to work with people. That's also really something that has helped me open up since I used to deal with depression and anxiety. Being on my mission with all of those experiences has helped me learn to cope without any meds.
As far as where I'm at now, things are going well. This last Sunday, we were suppose to have Elder Bednar speak at our branch but he got called to do some official business in my first area of Midlothian. We've also been helping members recently with cleaning out their house, so it's been an adventure.
Lately, I took my companion to the Projects of our area and he was truly terrified! I kept a cool attitude and told him I was there for him and that we would be fine. Yeah, it's a sketchy place sometimes but there are usually the best conversations in the Projects amongst those that are truly humbled. Not to mention I got a hug from a little kid for giving him a "Jesus card" and plus we've got a lot of potential in the Projects with some who are reading the Book of Mormon and who also have computers I'll fix for nothing! So I'm putting the skills to use that I can at the moment and I'm also training my 'step-boy' how to understand ethnics (sp????) so it's a blast!
Our branch is really great too! It's small but feels more like home because it has that same architecture as the rest of the Church - so it's sweet! All of the active members are great! They give us food when we need it and always love to hear from us.
We do tend to stand out here a bit. We're the only white "Jesus boys" in town and where we reside. So it's fun and interesting at the same time - especially when I wink at some people and they get this weird look on their face.....but it's all good......because we've got the tags on and carry all sorts of religious stuff! haha!
Recently, we chased down an investigator and gave him a church tour and he loved it! He wants to get baptized really soon and "change his life" so things are going really well. We hope to have some baptisms here really soon.
I'm so glad to hear that everyone is doing so well and that Amanda (yes you!) are doing great! I hope to get some personal letters out to everyone soon - but I have a ton on my plate for now but I will try to get to it.
I hope to hear from everyone soon and just FYI memorizing scripture really helps with taking up space instead of bad thoughts and helps my mood. Deuteronomy 31:6 is really good for support!
I love you all and remember...I LOOK TO ALL OF YOU and my Savior.
E. Richards
July 11, 2011
Well hello!
It's so nice to hear that you all enjoyed your 4th of July! That's so much fun to see all the awesome fireworks. We just stayed in and talked all evening - yay for the 4th! I sure miss your cooked food on the grill Dad. I sure hope we do that when I get home.
So Lawrenceville is AWESOME! I'm still learning the area and the system the missionaries used. I can't give any specifics due to the church's new rules on information on the internet, but before we came into this area the numbers were pretty much rock bottom and now we're hitting some really good areas and finding people with high potential for baptism.
Also, I've redone our areabook so that it's more organized and it's easier to use. This area is really opening up in opportunities and we're getting ready for something big.
The AP's called out of the blue and asked how we were doing and said that President Perry is really pleased with our efforts. He gave us 50 extra miles for the month; which is AWESOME! It really helps us out and makes getting around much easier in our huge area.
The more prayers for us to have opportunities and to be more unified and to be excited for the work, the better things are; so thanks for all the good prayers - they really help a ton.
Lately, I've been trying to get E. Zollinger to talk more and pass out items from the church, but he's not used to it. I'm trying to work on him to UP his confidence and help him know that I'm not perfect either. The other day we gave a blessing and I messed up on the oil part and tried again. I hope that his confidence opens up more and that things get better; because this week will be AWESOME! We're going to teach WAY MORE people this week!
Thanks for being a great example to me Mom and Dad, for being there when I needed you and for helping me along the way. I'm very grateful that I have all of you as my family - you two and all the girls....for being great examples of faith and love and diligent hard work. So thank you for being AWESOME!
Hope you enjoy these pictures!
I love you all and can't wait to hear from you soon!
Your son,
E. Richards
It's so nice to hear that you all enjoyed your 4th of July! That's so much fun to see all the awesome fireworks. We just stayed in and talked all evening - yay for the 4th! I sure miss your cooked food on the grill Dad. I sure hope we do that when I get home.
So Lawrenceville is AWESOME! I'm still learning the area and the system the missionaries used. I can't give any specifics due to the church's new rules on information on the internet, but before we came into this area the numbers were pretty much rock bottom and now we're hitting some really good areas and finding people with high potential for baptism.
Also, I've redone our areabook so that it's more organized and it's easier to use. This area is really opening up in opportunities and we're getting ready for something big.
The AP's called out of the blue and asked how we were doing and said that President Perry is really pleased with our efforts. He gave us 50 extra miles for the month; which is AWESOME! It really helps us out and makes getting around much easier in our huge area.
The more prayers for us to have opportunities and to be more unified and to be excited for the work, the better things are; so thanks for all the good prayers - they really help a ton.
Lately, I've been trying to get E. Zollinger to talk more and pass out items from the church, but he's not used to it. I'm trying to work on him to UP his confidence and help him know that I'm not perfect either. The other day we gave a blessing and I messed up on the oil part and tried again. I hope that his confidence opens up more and that things get better; because this week will be AWESOME! We're going to teach WAY MORE people this week!
Thanks for being a great example to me Mom and Dad, for being there when I needed you and for helping me along the way. I'm very grateful that I have all of you as my family - you two and all the girls....for being great examples of faith and love and diligent hard work. So thank you for being AWESOME!
Hope you enjoy these pictures!
I love you all and can't wait to hear from you soon!
Your son,
E. Richards
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