The story of the "Spirit Kid"

Guten Tag

Hey!

I had a super-awesome week. But first, I didn't send out the ticket stuff yet. I forgot. Sorry. I'll do it tomorrow. I won't forget.

The IPod. All that stuff is ok. There can be singing, you know, just appropriate singing. Beethoven and Hans Zimmer and all that is good. The Church music is good, too. Stuff that drives away the Spirit is the only stuff that isn't allowed.

I'm glad Jeff and Ellen had a good time. Who was Ellen's COW [crush of the week]? That story about Ben was scary. Whoa. I'm glad he's gonna be ok and Kristen, too--that little terrorist. haha.

So now, my awesome week. I have 3 great stories to tell. A funny one, a kinda bummer one and an awesome Spiritual one.

Wednesday was President interviews. The interviews are held at the Stake Center, which is at the other end of the area--like 5 miles away. We had to bike there. So we left the Toblers with plenty of time to get there but then right before we get to highway 215 to cross it (it's really tiring biking over that everyday because it's like a hill), we realized we forgot our President's letters at home. So we had to bike back fast and get them. By the time we did that we were running really late. So we had to bike fast to the Stake Center.
Well, the thing about riding in Vegas is that the wind blows crazy hard. But today the wind was blowing VERY hard against us. geez. Plus, it was 116 that day and we have to wear our suit jackets to the interview. We had to bike really fast because the wind was blowing against us and we were late. Well during that time I was sipping on my camel bak but I wasn't getting enough.
So when we finally got there about 7 mins late, we went in and we started stumbling around like drunk men. I was all lightheaded and was about to pass out. Then President McCracken came over shook my hand and pulled me into a hug. I almost puked on him. I was so close. I was dripping in sweat and just totally dehydrated. Then he looked at me and was like "Whoa sit down and get some water." oh man. I drained my camel bak and sat down and felt much better.
Elder Scott was like "Man, you almost puked on the President. That would have gone down in history. Everyone would know your name". haha. wow.

Another funny thing, I have Elder Scott convinced that I have Tourette's Syndrome. I haven't been cussing or anything. He was wondering why I was taking that medication. I told him it was for my Tourette's and that if I don't take it, I go crazy. He didn't believe me. Well, after we went out Bro Tobler got the name of my medication and went on the computer and printed an article off about Tourette's Syndrome. He copy and pasted it and added the name of my prescription into the article. hahahaha. So now Elder Scott is 100% convinced that I have it. I'm not telling him till he gets transferred. haha. But even then he probably still wouldn't believe that I DON'T have it. hahaha.

Next is the story of the "Spirit Kid", that's what I call him.
Elder Scott and I went to the drugstore down the street to get stuff. He ran and I biked along side him. He is a fitness freak that has to run everyday. Anyway, after we were done and we were walking out of the store, a blond-haired kid about 14 years old held the door open for us to leave. I thought "nice guy". Then I felt the Spirit prompting me just only slightly. Well, Elder Scott started running so I let it go. Then about halfway home, the same kid zoomed past us on his bike. Then the Spirit hit me strong. I wanted to talk to him and get to know him. I wanted to be his friend. I felt the Spirit telling me. I loved him even though I didn't know him. Well, Elder Scott kept running so i just watched what street the "Spirit Kid" went down. I regretted that I didn't talk to him. The next day I told my companion that we needed to tract that street, so we did. No luck. bummer.
I regret not listening to the Spirit at that moment. I knew that I needed to. But I'm praying that I can find him again. I'm confident that the Lord will provide. I have faith that I will meet the "Spirit Kid" again.

Next comes the Spiritual story.
Our investigator, Peter, is doing so well. He loves us and is excited to learn more. He fasted for 24 hrs so that he could receive an answer to know that what we are teaching is true. wow. It's just amazing the faith that he has. We fasted with him and I'm sure he will receive an answer.
So yesterday we taught the 3rd lesson and set him with a baptismal goal for August 22. He said that he wants to be sure,though, before he completely commits to it. I'm confident that he will receive that answer before we meet with him next time.
So after the lesson we went to a Missionary Fireside. It was fantastic. It was just what he needed. And, it was life changing for me. The spirit was so strong. President McCracken spoke and his counselors on faith, hope and charity. The musical numbers in between were incredible. 3 Samoan guys did this like barbershop trio thing with I Am a Child of God. Then a violin solo. oh wow.
Then some recent converts went up and bore their testimonies. It was awesome because some of the stuff they talked about was stuff that Peter is going through, the same struggles he had before he started investigating the Church. It was amazing and powerful.

Like I said before,that fireside was a turning point for me. My testimony has grown so much because of it. I know that this Church is true, that God lives, that He loves us. He sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to atone for the sins of the world. I am so grateful for his selfless act of love. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel, and for the scriptures. I love reading the scriptures. I learn so much everyday. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to share that knowledge with the people of Las Vegas. I love the people. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith is a prophet and he restored the fullness of the Gospel here on earth, that he restored the Priesthood; the authority to act in God's name. I know it is true with all of my heart.

Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support. I love you all.

Love,
Elder Richards

I'm soo pumped

This letter was sent to Beth this week as she wrote instead of me. Elder Richards put the subject line of "England is lame. Vegas is much better."

Yo,

Thanks for the sisterly wisdom. It really helps. Especially now.

I found the flight stuff. I'll send it to her today or tomorrow. The flight number is DL1192. Could you guys put some Beethoven and some John Williams on the Ipod? I have been wanting to listen to some classical music for awhile now. I can only take so much of Mo Tab. thanks.

We got a investigator! I'm soo pumped. I might have told you this before but I'm excited. We have a lesson with him tonight. I hope and pray that it goes well. We are gonna try and set him with a baptismal date too. I told you that I would have a baptism before Harry Potter comes out. :P

I know that if he truly prays to know if the things we teach are true that he will recieve an answer. We have been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon this transfer. We have been challenged by the ZL's to make that a focus of our teaching--or one of the focuses.

Thats pretty much it. My emails are getting more and more lame now. Sorry. Stay cool.

love
Elder Richards

We have an investigator! Booyah

Hey!
OK first thing. That letter is from my English teacher Ms. Miller. Senior year we wrote letters to ourselves. I knew it was coming soon. I should have told you it would. Thanks for sending it to me.

My tooth feels fine now. But my teeth are weird. I think it's just gone into remission. That's what that tooth does. It hurts really bad for like a week. Then goes away just as quickly as it came. I'm fine, don't worry. I think the amoxicilon (cant spell) worked. It's all good now.

I did send that stuff in for my plaque. The scripture is Matt 28: 19-20.

I'm fine those bike wrecks weren't really like huge bike wrecks. But i have to bleach my shirts now.

Tell Ellen to suck it up haha. I'm tired all the time. It's 107 degrees outside.

OK so what is the problem with the Ipod?

Jeff is going to love EFY. I can't believe I'm saying this but he is a stud. lol. Beware of pride, though. Just because all the girls are gonna be over you doesn't mean you are better than anyone. haha.

I heard Micheal Jackson died. And the Oxyclean guy (he had a cool beard) and one of Charlies Angels. Isn't that weird that well known people usually die around the same time? Like Gordon B Hinckley and the Greek Priest (or something). Weird.

I also heard Robert Pattinson got hit by a taxi in NY while trying to run away from fans. hahahaha. Sorry but it proves he isn't a real vampire. He has spray on abs in the new movie. I saw in a magazine while chillin at the dentist's. haha.

The ceiling fan in our room broke. The good news is that I won't hit my face on it when I wake up anymore. Bad news... it's sooo hot I can barely sleep at night.

Sorry, I keep forgetting to get the flight ticket. I know it's in my suitcase somewhere. But I keep forgetting because we have been busy recently. We have a investigator! He is solid too. Booyah. Finally after much prayer fasting and searching, Heavenly Father provides us with a precious soul to teach. I'm not gonna lie. I was at my breaking point. I was feeling a little discouraged. I knew that this was going to be hard. But I also knew that if we had faith in the Lord that he would bless us for our dedication and efforts.

We have been working with a part member family. Jason and Brittney. Jason says that he would go to church if his wife would. He wants to but he doesn't want too go without her. He is gonna help us try to get her to Church and feel the spirit.

Howey (the huge Samoan) is doing really well. His bro Mark is still going to Church and now we are going to work with his other bro, Star and get him active. We can do it. As long as we have faith and trust in the Lord.

That's it for this week. We are still looking for more people. Just a lot of tracting and praying. Thank you for your prayers.

Love,
Elder Richards