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."
Monday, July 25, 2011
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
Monday, July 4, 2011
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AMERICA !!!!!!!!!!
Hey Mom and Dad,
I hope things are going well in WA. Things are going GREAT in Lawrenceville. My new companion is Elder Zollinger; he's from Malta, Idaho and we're having a great time! We're going to teach an investigator tonight and we're going to be committing her to baptism. We also have a new investigator that we're going to give a church tour to on Wednesday and hopefully commit to baptism.
Our apartment was super dirty so we cleaned it as soon as we got there. I'll send the pictures in the next email.
I hope the ward is doing alright and that the members there are doing well.
Lately things are going well. I'm learning a lot from my new companion and making changes to best meet his needs and mine also. This area here is the most beautiful area I've ever been to yet and I really enjoy being able to drive a car for the first time.
It's really easy keeping our apartment/car clean and more organized so that we can keep things going in our work. It's different with being under our district and zone, but I'm trying to make sure they stay updated constantly, no matter what and I hope it works well.
My last companion is still my district leader and it's different communicating with him over the phone. I hope he still can keep up with his work and make changes to ensure that things go smoothly.
I hope you and Dad are doing well. I hope the genealogy is going well. BTW, I might be getting into it more when I get home. Genealogy works well as a tool out in the mission field. Dad, I hope you're doing great. Let me know how you are.
Let me know how the girls are doing. I still don't know Amy's address so I'm sending you my letter to her.
I love you all and I hope things are great! Enjoy your 4th of July!
Love, your son
E. Richards
June Transfers - 2011
I hope things are going well in WA. Things are going GREAT in Lawrenceville. My new companion is Elder Zollinger; he's from Malta, Idaho and we're having a great time! We're going to teach an investigator tonight and we're going to be committing her to baptism. We also have a new investigator that we're going to give a church tour to on Wednesday and hopefully commit to baptism.
Our apartment was super dirty so we cleaned it as soon as we got there. I'll send the pictures in the next email.
I hope the ward is doing alright and that the members there are doing well.
Lately things are going well. I'm learning a lot from my new companion and making changes to best meet his needs and mine also. This area here is the most beautiful area I've ever been to yet and I really enjoy being able to drive a car for the first time.
It's really easy keeping our apartment/car clean and more organized so that we can keep things going in our work. It's different with being under our district and zone, but I'm trying to make sure they stay updated constantly, no matter what and I hope it works well.
My last companion is still my district leader and it's different communicating with him over the phone. I hope he still can keep up with his work and make changes to ensure that things go smoothly.
I hope you and Dad are doing well. I hope the genealogy is going well. BTW, I might be getting into it more when I get home. Genealogy works well as a tool out in the mission field. Dad, I hope you're doing great. Let me know how you are.
Let me know how the girls are doing. I still don't know Amy's address so I'm sending you my letter to her.
I love you all and I hope things are great! Enjoy your 4th of July!
Love, your son
E. Richards
June Transfers - 2011
 |
| Meeting the new companion! |
 |
| Yes, it's me behind those shades! |
 |
| L to R: Elder Zollinger & Elder Richards |
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
News from the Mission
Hey Dad...
In regards to our Leadership Training we just had...we listened to the Mission President and the assistants and a few other missionaries and choice people in the mission. They spoke about how we can improve our abilities on how to do missionary work. They taught us how to listen and how to reflect back the conversation we have with the investigator so that we can make sure that we understood what they were saying.
It really helps us to learn to be leaders and better missionaries all around. It is a type of evaluation because during the roleplays you have a coach telling you what you did right and wrong, so it's all good and beneficial.
The scriptures that I gave you were ones that came from a Mormon Message video called "The Voice of the Spirit". Awesome message - thought you might really like that.
So how are the girls doing?
BTW I'm getting transferred to Lawrenceville, VA and I'll let you know what the address is by a member when I get there, if I can. Lawrenceville is the next area over to the left of Wakefield, so I'm still in the country. I'll be step-training (polishing & refining) a missionary that came in last transfer. I can't really spell his name - so I'll let you know soon. I hope to be able to perform this new responsibility right and love the times ahead.
Hey Mom...
This past week has been a bit exciting and rough at the same time. I'll tell you more in my letter home later.
I'm getting a little nervous because I'm getting transferred to Lawrenceville. I'm training a newer missionary and I'll be the Senior companion this time; so I really need your blessings and prayers because I'm super nervous about it.
Other than that, the stress from the branch is really getting to me; all the drama and chaos is making me kind of glad that I'm moving on and I also feel that it's good that I'm moving so I don't get stale as a missionary. In this new position I'll be driving so I may need to get an eye exam.
I look forward to being settled into my new area soon because you know that moving is a big thing I have trouble with; but ITS ALL GOOD! Because I'm not moving too far, hopefully this move will go fast.
I hope to hear more about how the family is doing and how things are going. I LOVE you all and I'll be sending pics next time I can get my camera charged.
Your son
E. Richards
P.S. Sorry, but I didn't get the attachment last week that you sent.
If you could put my name into the temple that would be great. It would sure help a TON so that I can be great friends with my new companion and have charity for him.
I pray for y'all always!!
E. Richards
Nick is being transferred this week to a town called Lawrenceville, VA. He won't get to his new area until Thursday. Hopefully when he emails us on Monday (4th or 5th) or Tuesday he will have his new address for us. In the mean time, his email address never changes and/or you can always send things to him through the Mission Home address. I'll post his new mailing address as soon as I get it.
Susan :-)
In regards to our Leadership Training we just had...we listened to the Mission President and the assistants and a few other missionaries and choice people in the mission. They spoke about how we can improve our abilities on how to do missionary work. They taught us how to listen and how to reflect back the conversation we have with the investigator so that we can make sure that we understood what they were saying.
It really helps us to learn to be leaders and better missionaries all around. It is a type of evaluation because during the roleplays you have a coach telling you what you did right and wrong, so it's all good and beneficial.
The scriptures that I gave you were ones that came from a Mormon Message video called "The Voice of the Spirit". Awesome message - thought you might really like that.
So how are the girls doing?
BTW I'm getting transferred to Lawrenceville, VA and I'll let you know what the address is by a member when I get there, if I can. Lawrenceville is the next area over to the left of Wakefield, so I'm still in the country. I'll be step-training (polishing & refining) a missionary that came in last transfer. I can't really spell his name - so I'll let you know soon. I hope to be able to perform this new responsibility right and love the times ahead.
Hey Mom...
This past week has been a bit exciting and rough at the same time. I'll tell you more in my letter home later.
I'm getting a little nervous because I'm getting transferred to Lawrenceville. I'm training a newer missionary and I'll be the Senior companion this time; so I really need your blessings and prayers because I'm super nervous about it.
Other than that, the stress from the branch is really getting to me; all the drama and chaos is making me kind of glad that I'm moving on and I also feel that it's good that I'm moving so I don't get stale as a missionary. In this new position I'll be driving so I may need to get an eye exam.
I look forward to being settled into my new area soon because you know that moving is a big thing I have trouble with; but ITS ALL GOOD! Because I'm not moving too far, hopefully this move will go fast.
I hope to hear more about how the family is doing and how things are going. I LOVE you all and I'll be sending pics next time I can get my camera charged.
Your son
E. Richards
P.S. Sorry, but I didn't get the attachment last week that you sent.
If you could put my name into the temple that would be great. It would sure help a TON so that I can be great friends with my new companion and have charity for him.
I pray for y'all always!!
E. Richards
Nick is being transferred this week to a town called Lawrenceville, VA. He won't get to his new area until Thursday. Hopefully when he emails us on Monday (4th or 5th) or Tuesday he will have his new address for us. In the mean time, his email address never changes and/or you can always send things to him through the Mission Home address. I'll post his new mailing address as soon as I get it.
Susan :-)
Monday, June 20, 2011
News from the Mission
Hey family!
Now that things are back on track - things are going much smoother - except that transfers are right around the corner - Haha!
That's great to hear that Sis. Fine is just starting to leave for the field!
So I got the packages and thank you TONS for the stuff, HUGE LIFE SAVOR!
So recently we've set someone for baptism and he's set for the 7th of July - BUT he has to marry his fiance first and then he can get baptized. But it's AWESOME! To see him grow and realize the gospel is good. I hope that it continues to take root in him.
Recently Elder Carter and I have been teaching a family of 5. The mother and one of the daughters are atheist....but they seem REALLY open about the things we're teaching. They always give us hugs and sometimes nearly choke us - haha! - but it's all good! Seeing how other families live and the environment in their homes has made me appreciate the time that I lived at home w/o the influence of R-rated movies and other "worldly" things. I'm glad to have been sheltered.
Today we're going to the Richmond Zoo and taking lots of pics! So I'll send them next week or have a member do it for me. It's good to hear that everyone is doing well.
AMY - don't you like the east coast?....the time change and all?....it's Awesome...woohoo!
Well I've got to go, sorry my email is kind of dorkish. I don't have that much time left....but I love y'all.
E. Richards
p.s. hey mom..
2 Ne. 32:8-9 D&C 109:21 and Moroni 6:8 Love y'all!
Now that things are back on track - things are going much smoother - except that transfers are right around the corner - Haha!
That's great to hear that Sis. Fine is just starting to leave for the field!
So I got the packages and thank you TONS for the stuff, HUGE LIFE SAVOR!
So recently we've set someone for baptism and he's set for the 7th of July - BUT he has to marry his fiance first and then he can get baptized. But it's AWESOME! To see him grow and realize the gospel is good. I hope that it continues to take root in him.
Recently Elder Carter and I have been teaching a family of 5. The mother and one of the daughters are atheist....but they seem REALLY open about the things we're teaching. They always give us hugs and sometimes nearly choke us - haha! - but it's all good! Seeing how other families live and the environment in their homes has made me appreciate the time that I lived at home w/o the influence of R-rated movies and other "worldly" things. I'm glad to have been sheltered.
Today we're going to the Richmond Zoo and taking lots of pics! So I'll send them next week or have a member do it for me. It's good to hear that everyone is doing well.
AMY - don't you like the east coast?....the time change and all?....it's Awesome...woohoo!
Well I've got to go, sorry my email is kind of dorkish. I don't have that much time left....but I love y'all.
E. Richards
p.s. hey mom..
2 Ne. 32:8-9 D&C 109:21 and Moroni 6:8 Love y'all!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
May 31, 2011
Hey Dad!
Sorry that I couldn't e-mail yesterday. It was a holiday, so back to the good stuff. It's good to email you and use a computer!
These past few days have been great, awesome, weird, sad and EPIC...and also humbling.
On Monday (yesterday) we spent the day doing service moving pavers in 89+ degree weather in Newport News. It was nice to see this area in Virginia. All day of just constant sweat and agony, haha! (hard work) and it was fun! Doing service and enjoying working with our member mission leader Bro. Gruber.
Today we went to the hospital and gave a blessing to a member and spent a few hours with them to help give comfort. It's interesting to go through life having people completely depend on you and thank you for everything or even just for being there for them and I'm not even married! It's crazy.....but well worth the journey!
How's your week been? Anything exciting happen recently? It's good to hear from you and know that your ok.
Lately I spoke with President Perry about donating blood and he gave me the green light to do so - as I'm O- .....so it's all good. The next hurdle I have to conquer is making sure Elder Carter doesn't pass out while I give blood.
The mission is going well; we're really stoked to have a zone meeting this Friday.
Recently we're having to go and work back from the bottom up to be able to find people; this area is so different so we mainly work by doing service - it's been fun!
I hope to send Cory and Laura some pictures soon. I got a letter from Cory this week and it really made my day! He's like the brother I never had. :-) Well, I hope you enjoy these pictures and I hope your week is going well.
I love you!
E. Richards
Sorry that I couldn't e-mail yesterday. It was a holiday, so back to the good stuff. It's good to email you and use a computer!
These past few days have been great, awesome, weird, sad and EPIC...and also humbling.
On Monday (yesterday) we spent the day doing service moving pavers in 89+ degree weather in Newport News. It was nice to see this area in Virginia. All day of just constant sweat and agony, haha! (hard work) and it was fun! Doing service and enjoying working with our member mission leader Bro. Gruber.
Today we went to the hospital and gave a blessing to a member and spent a few hours with them to help give comfort. It's interesting to go through life having people completely depend on you and thank you for everything or even just for being there for them and I'm not even married! It's crazy.....but well worth the journey!
How's your week been? Anything exciting happen recently? It's good to hear from you and know that your ok.
Lately I spoke with President Perry about donating blood and he gave me the green light to do so - as I'm O- .....so it's all good. The next hurdle I have to conquer is making sure Elder Carter doesn't pass out while I give blood.
The mission is going well; we're really stoked to have a zone meeting this Friday.
Recently we're having to go and work back from the bottom up to be able to find people; this area is so different so we mainly work by doing service - it's been fun!
I hope to send Cory and Laura some pictures soon. I got a letter from Cory this week and it really made my day! He's like the brother I never had. :-) Well, I hope you enjoy these pictures and I hope your week is going well.
I love you!
E. Richards
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