I'M GETTING TRANSFERRED!

Hey Everyone!                                                         20 August 2012

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!!!

Elder Harter serving in the Tacoma, WA mission
Elder Richards knew him and his family
when he served in
Wakefield, Virginia, USA

GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA
Elder Richards' 6th area of Service
Just a little north/west of Richmond.

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!!

The Fog of War....and more interesting Thoughts!

More great Saints from Virginia!

We sure enjoyed the 4th this year!

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!

Christ Knocking
at OUR door

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.

Beautiful sunset over the Atlantic!

A little mission humor:

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!!  :-)

Elder Richards

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!

This is what the work is all about!
The Lord's children!

Some NEW Progress!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Great Family!

GOOD Friends!!!

How do you dry leather?
Yeah...it's hot and sweaty here!

This week has been GREAT! Our ward is now starting to get ward missionaries, and we're developing a ward mission plan. Our youth are asking us all the time to come out with us and teach, bike, tract and so on....!

Our ward is looking up and it's great that we're getting things ignited. It's been a struggle and it took some trials to get here but hopefully we will see some good things come out of this.

Lately my studies have highlighted the significance of Jesus Christ; how great He was/is and His influence in my life. The gospel, when applied brings nothing but GOOD things into our lives; because it's all TRUE principles.

I'm also trying to apply the doctrine found in the scriptures. That's how it is meant to work since Nephi did it in his time and how all the prophets did. I'm likening the scriptures to myself more and internalizing them with the hopes that I will get more out of them; thus giving me a better understanding of life and history also!

One of our investigators broke down to us and said he didn't want to revert back to anger and drugs. We gave him a list of things to help him have happiness! AND HE CAME TO CHURCH!!!!! bOO-YEAH!!!

We also met 2 new investigators who were very nice the first night we met. They gave us a nice drink at their home and we're meeting them tonight for a lesson!!

Lately my bike has been working great! I'll be getting a new cassette here soon that can hold up to the stress I put into it!!!!! (IT'S ALL GOOD!)

The BIKE Man.....He's the MAN!!!
He keeps us on the Road!

Another thing I've realized this week is that even in hard times, optimism is key to living and progressing in the gospel and in our mental health. The Gospel benefits every aspect of our lives all at the same time while applying one principle and then learning to do another. Living one principle helps us to live another and another and another and the only thing that limits us in our progression is in our understanding of the doctrine.

Here are some ways to better look at the scriptures when studying:

1. Doctrine - WHAT is the doctrine

2. Principle - WHY is it a principle

3. Application - HOW do we apply it?

4. Behavior - WHY and HOW does it change our behavior..

I hope that makes sense. Thanks for your e-mails family.

I LOVE you ALL!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter Day Saints

We're WATCHING you!!

Faith Without WORKS Is Dead!

As ALWAYS.......working on his bike (transportation)!
Exercising  FAITH that the bike will work!!

Just can't get away from Girls!! They are on my every
'footstep'  Haha!!

E. Richard's new companion E. Zagac (sp?)

I'm sorry that it is in here on it's side. I saved it to my photo program the correct way; but this is how it copied into his blog. Just wanted everyone to see the size difference in the 2 Elders!!!!  :-)

Hey Everyone!

This week my companion is going to Richmond for leadership training. I'll be with the Norfolk 2nd ward Elders for that time. There are always trips and events going on ever now and then. I think of Dad when he goes on a business trip and I marvel that I can deal with such changes these days. It's a great experience for me to go through and I welcome it....although it is scary at times. I look back and am thankful for what I experience.

Ferry Ride

Looks like he's a little WET!
Rain or Perspiration?? Both??

This last Saturday, I had my bike repaired and we traveled by ferry and light rail across Norfolk and Portsmouth. Again, I thought of Dad with his trips he takes all the time and also that we all must make these epic trips throughout our lives. It was great to look out over the Elizabeth River and see the naval ships getting worked on and the other ships traveling to and from locations.

I really enjoy talking to random people about their day and how they came to be here in the Norfolk area. It's great visiting and the conversation always comes back to what I am doing and why I'm here! :-)  So I figure I'm planting seeds and loving every minute of it! That particular day (Saturday) it rained on us all afternoon. The storm started in Portsmouth and followed us to Norfolk. As we took the ferry to Norfolk we stopped in the McArthur Mall to get some vitamins for my companion; and I've got to tell y'all - the sight of 2- soaked head-to-toe, treading water missionaries was a site to see! I'm sure that the custodians (at the mall) had fun using their mops that afternoon! After we left there we rode on the light rail where we shared the gospel with a young man looking to attend vet school in the near future. He was really nice and we enjoyed the conversation with him.

So my recent studies have been about FAITH. There seem to be 2 kinds of faith:

1. "Seeing is believing". EXAMPLE: The sun will rise tomorrow because it rises every day - or the plants grow and I will prepare for harvest. However, the other type of FAITH is found in Ether 12:6

"And now I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show the world that  faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until AFTER the trial of your faith."


2. Believing something will come from my ACTIONS. Waiting for it while I WORK, things that are hoped for but not seen 'yet' but from OUR WORK it happens. EXAMPLE: A homeless person wants to live in a house, have a job and continue to better themselves. They must first believe they can obtain those goals and secondly they must put their beliefs into ACTION. As they actively seek employment; get a job and work, those goals are still in the 'belief' stage (hoped for; but not seen) and as they continue to work, they are exercising their faith as they actively HOPE for the end result. As time passes and they continue to work towards their goals, the rewards begin to come and they realize it's because they have EXERCISED THEIR FAITH. They have received a WITNESS after the trial of their faith.


James 2:17-26 clarifies the understanding of faith even more. Also read Moroni 7:33. Moroni gives us the direction we need to follow in order to have more success with faith.

Thanks for the scriptures you sent - those were AWESOME! It's good to hear that everyone is living life. I hope that this email helped and also that y'all know that I LOVE YOU!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints


More photos:

What a  SWEET face for a family to see!

Ready for the Day!

His companion as a 'Babe in Swaddling Clothes'! Haha!

This Week....How I am finding Me!!

Hello Everyone!                                Monday,  July 16, 2012

Things are going well! This last transfer I received a NEW companion! :-)

My new companion is E. Zajac and he is from Sandy, Utah. He's been out for just over a year. I'm excited that we're both excited about working hard and putting things into action here -- together. We're still teaching  two investigators - one named Jeff and the other one Candi. Candi is still holding off on progressing -  so in the mean time we're going through the area book to see if we can find other potential contacts and former investigators who might need help and we're planning on going and visiting them this week.

So regarding my bike....my bike chain just got replaced and the grinding sound went down some - but it's still there....it's never ending!!!!! But it's ALL GOOD! :-)

That's COOL that Bro. Ottoboni is the new bishop! He's the MAN!!!! It's also crazy to hear that the building is going to look super different when I get home.

You mentioned Alma 15 in your last email Mom....funny thing is that I just finished reading it also; but saw some things from a different view than you. I love how that works with the scriptures and thank you for the great insight.

This week has been crazy and fun all around. We had to learn to rely on the Spirit  the other day. We had to determine if someone was accountable to be baptized. It was exciting because of the big decision we had to make. We realized that with an eternal perspective you really need to depend on the Spirit and be firmly anchored with God; otherwise you may not reach your goals.

One thing that I'm noticing is that a lot of people are prideful and they let that type of outlook determine their goals and those things that they seek after in life. We need to be strong - not only on the outside (physically) but also on the inside (spiritually). We need to be teachable. Just as Alma the Elder was when Abinadi came to call his people to repentance and also like Alma, the Younger with the life changing experience he was given. They both accepted the Gospel (the Savior) into their lives. As we do that, we realize that our Spirits need to come out and be allowed to grow and be strengthened. That happens when we turn ourselves over to God and allow Him to change us.

I've learned recently that I need to accept my life, myself, my weaknesses AND my strengths. By doing that I can then move forward improving myself (with the Lord's help) and become the man He wants me to become. We must all learn to build the outer AND inner man! We will all get to the point - after this life - where we will achieve our goals; but what we do in THIS life determines our reward in the next...."this life is a time for men to prepare to meet God...." (Alma 12:24)

I am learning to accept me and I am loving this journey!

I LOVE you all and I hope that everyone enjoys their week. THANKS for the e-mails!

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints

E. Zajac -left and E. Richards - far right.

The other night Don and I were sitting at our dining room table and Don received an e-mail over his phone. As he glanced at it (he EXCITEDLY exclaimed...It's from Virginia! - this picture showed up and the person wrote...."We had your son and his companion over for dinner tonight.....he is a WONDERFUL missionary!"

Our day had been trying and I was kind of 'down' at that moment........but I immediately began to cry tears of joy - especially to see how happy he is!

Enjoy!

P.S. Aren't those children absolutely DARLING!!!  :-)

Transfer Calls!!!!

SURPRISE!!!....I'm staying in Norfolk, VA....Hahahaha!!! It's all good! My companion E. Carlson is being moved to Goochland- just west of Richmond.

I'm going to be serving with E. Zajak (I think that's how you spell his name). He lived here before when I first got here - with all the chaos that was going on before. He's coming back to serve with me in the Norfolk 1st Ward....so he will have served in both areas in Norfolk.

This last week we've been staying in until we have an appointment. We're updating our area map and making some new changes. Now that it's getting into the 80's we're going out more. We've had tons of heat advisories lately....but it's all good.

I gave a ride to some little kids of one of our members and ran all over the yard like crazy! That night we taught someone struggling with addiction recovery and in trusting in God. The lesson went well and we're going to be checking in with them from time to time. Also, the amount of sweat I've had in the past five days has been crazy! Hahahahaha!

We've also been able to meet more with our less-active members and others during the hottest part of the day - to see how they are doing. Our members are AWESOME! People here have such a different understanding of the gospel then others do....I mean when it comes to action. One of our members is under house arrest due to complicated reasons but as we were visiting him - he is reading his scriptures, Preach My Gospel and also a biography of Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He is still strong in the faith; wanting to come to church - but unable to at this time.

We were also trying to make some fun out of our hot day by riding on the slanted surface under the road because of the breeze and the shade there and it being funnnnnn!  Hahaha!

Our investigators are a bit quiet but we're getting places with them and we're going to start setting them for baptism for this month..so I'll let y'all know how that's going.

Yesterday (Monday) I didn't check my e-mail. Sorry...We were out fishing at the Ocean View fishing pier and we were trying to catch some grub. It was nice out but super windy and I didn't really get to catch any crabs either.. :/ but it's all good and it was really fun!

Things have been going good. I'm looking forward to this Thursday when I see my new companion and we get moving! I'm stoked to get baptisms - hopefully this month and more in our ward this year. I've officially been here for 6 months and this next transfer will be 7 1/2 and I'm hoping to be here for a while still. It's hard and grueling work to be here in the city with a tough area, but it's WORTH the reward....that's what I live for. It feels good to see the fruits of my labors (if only in a small way).

My bike is hopefully going in today for repairs...if not..I'll try these next couple of days...it's all good and I can still ride it.

Also, we're experiencing some thunder and possibly some rain today so that means I'm gettin soaked! WOOHOO!

In my studying I JUST realized that James and John were the brothers of Jesus...in the bible dictionary. I LOVE to read the definitions of the apostles and the epistles of them. That's what I've been studying lately.

Well, I LOVE you all! I hope y'alls week is going well.

Elder Richards

Virginia Richmond Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints