Happy New Year!

Hey

I don't know what to write honestly. There is a lot of stuff going trough my head at the moment. I've just been sitting here for awhile trying to figure out something to write....

There seems to be a reoccurring theme that's been coming up in my studies. It started in sacrament with a talk titled the pitfalls of pride..... darn... here we go again! I swear I feel like the Nephites. So again I'm trying to work on my humility and patience. It just goes to show how imperfect we are. There needs to be a constant change and repentance. One day I'll learn. But that's only through my Savior Jesus Christ.

My time's up. I've been sitting here for awhile now. Sorry my email is kinda lame this week. Next week's letter should be much better. Just know that I am OK and I'm livin the dream.

He is Risen!

Elder Richards

Livin the Dream

Hey

I don't know what time I'm going to be calling on Christmas. We haven't set it up with a member yet. I will probably just call whenever. If you don't pick up then, oh well, I'll see you in May. I don't really care. No offense but I think emails every week are all I really need. I guess the phone calls are more for you.

We had a cool experience this week over Facebook. Now I didn't get on my facebook, a member got on for us. She has a friend in Wyoming who is interested in the Church. We got on her Facebook Chat and threw down the first lesson. It's amazing how we felt the Spirit while teaching over a long distance. It was really neat. We even committed him to baptism over Facebook. We got ahold of the missionaries over there and they went over and set him on Jan 31. Now how legit is that? If we can spread the Gospel over Facebook then anyone can. That was our highlight of last week. Things are kinda slow because all of our investigators are out of town for Christmas.

Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Love,
Elder Richards

I, Elder Richards, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was
taught somewhat in all the learning of my father, Bob Richards; and
having seen many afflictions in the course of my mission,
nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my
mission, yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the
mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in the
week.

And I know that the record which I make is true because I was there.

Ruben is still a stud. He was confirmed yesterday in Sacrament
meeting. he is now an official member of the true Church of God. It's
really awesome to see the change in his countenance. He has done a
complete 180. First he didn't want to keep commitments and now he is
baptized. Such Faith. You never know whats going to happen with some
people.

We also have another investigator named Micheal who is set for Jan
8th. He's been waiting for this for a long time. And now it is here
finally. I'm excited for him. His wife is already a member. They are
looking forward to the day when they can be sealed together as a
eternal family with their son Ryan.

Also this week our Stake put on a live nativity. It was legit. They
had live animals and authentic looking clothing. Even the baby who
played Jesus was a real baby. It really made me reflect and think.
Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, came into this world in
the most humblest of forms--a little baby in a manger. I mean it's
the Son of God, this is a BIG deal. Yet He came into this world like
everyone else, as an innocent baby.
Then it made me reflect on His ministry on the earth. He didn't go
around to everyone saying 'Hey look at me I'm Jesus Christ. I'm going
to be your Savior worship me." That was Lucifer's problem. Jesus
Christ was about His Fathers business. "Come unto me and I will lead
you to our Father in Heaven." "Not my will but thine be done."
A selfless act of love that none of us can comprehend. The Atonement
of Jesus Christ. He being perfect and Holy who never touched an
unclean thing, paid the price to make it possible for us to return to
our Father in Heaven.

He is Risen.

And now I make an end of my proceedings in the week. And now my
beloved brethren, let us go forth with a steadfastness in Christ. I
bid you Adieu, until we meet again before the judgement seat of Christ
(but hopefully I see you all before then.)

Elder Richards

Cowabunga!

Loved the Christmas Devotional. How can anyone who has heard the
Prophet speak not know that he truly is a Prophet? I've really grown
to love the First Presidency and I know they are Prophets, Seers and
Revelators.

Good things are happening here in the Cimarron ward. They are really
missionary minded. I think its because the members of the ward are
really old and retired. They have nothing better to do, so why not do
missionary work? There is so much joy that comes from doing missionary
work and bringing souls unto Christ.

We had a baptism yesterday. Ruben. He is a stud. It was really funny
because the day that I got into the ward we got a call from our Ward
Mission leader and he said that Ruben called him and asked to be
baptized ASAP. It was really cool. I was like Whaaat?!? Elder Wiscombe
said to get used to it because the Ward is legit.

Like I said Ruben is a stud. Apparently before I got there Ruben was
struggling with gaining a testimony. The missionaries committed him to
read the Book of Mormon and to pray. Then the next day he calls up
our WML and said that he had a heart-changing experience and knew it
was true. We went over to his place and finished up the lessons. He
knew that everything we were telling him was true.

The baptism went very smoothly. Great songs, great talks and
skadoosh! dunkage of Ruben by our WML. Now Let us Rejoice! Booyah!

He is Risen!

Love,

Elder Richards

Winner! Red Rock!

I found out what I wanted for Christmas. I want a electronic whoopee cushion and the "bop it" game. haha.

Whats this balderdash about me getting transferred on the 15th? Transfers aren't until the 28th. Anyway my address now is 9424 Quail Ridge Dr. Las Vegas NV 89134.

I will include Aunt Joyce in my fast.

And since Keith isn't coming home for Christmas, I will need his number so I can call him. And yes, I can do that.

This week was both good and bad. We were even more sick all week. I got my companion sick too, hehe. It was not on purpose but it's only fair. Companions need to be unified right? He was very grumpy though. hehe.

Thanksgiving was really cool. Really cool. Cold that is. We had the mission turkey bowl again. I was still recovering from being sick and I hurt my knee pretty good during practice so I only played a little bit. The field was wet because some one had the sprinklers running when we pulled up. It iced over so I was trippin all over myself. It was a lot of fun though. The Red Rock zone won the turkey bowl. yay.

I've learned to love this zone now. I'm grateful for this zone. The spirit of Thanksgiving taught me that. I won't lie, I was VERY upset when I heard I was getting transferred. I felt like I didn't belong in Red Rock right now. I felt like I did when i was transferred from Reno to Sparks. It just didn't feel right. But now I know that this is where the Lord needs me. I'm in the right place and I know that whatever happens to me, whether I finish here or I get transferred somewhere else... it's what the Lord wants for me. I'm very grateful for that knowledge. It's comforting to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are aware of me and are guiding me with the Holy Ghost. They know me by name and love me. and you.

I wanted to share something else that i came across in my studies. I
looked up prayer in the Bible Dictionary and it said that "many prayers remain unanswered because they are not of the mind of Christ. Some prayers spring from the selfishness of man's heart." It made me think and ponder " what would Christ pray for?" He would pray for all of us. We read in 3 nephi when Christ appears to the Nephite people and is about to leave them, the people are very sad. They didn't want Him to leave. He felt their love and he sets aside his divine agenda to tarry with them and bless their children. He prays with them and for them. It says that they could not write the words which he spake but that the multitude bore witness of it. The perfect prayer. whoa. That's legit. I'm striving for that perfection in all that I do. I'm doing my best and I'm coming along very, very slowly but I know that through Christ that I can achieve it someday.

I truly do love you all. Truly. I hope you all had a spectacular Thanksgiving. booyah.

love,
Elder Richards

This is the Christ!

OK so first thing. Don't send me any shirts or pants. A member here noticed my tight pants and shirts and went and bought me some new ones. The members here are really too nice.

My first week here has been kinda rough. I've been sick all week. I'm still recovering right now. It's been really cold out and my jacket doesn't fit me anymore. I have a sweater but I'm going to get a jacket
today.

I finished the Book of Mormon again and guess what... it's still true.
I followed the counsel of Moroni and asked God the Eternal Father in the Name of Christ if this book is true. And by the power of the Holy Ghost I received my answer. It is true. It truly is another Testament of Jesus Christ. And because the Book of Mormon is true, I know that Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is a prophet, and the work I'm doing here in Las Vegas is the work of the Lord. How great is my calling!

The area is doing quite well. We have a couple of baptisms coming up in the next couple of weeks. I'm lovin the area. I'm lovin my companion. and I'm lovin the bike haha. I'm pretty much livin the dream. He is risen!

Elder Richards

PS My companion's name is Elder Wiscombe by the way.

Not again

I'm getting transferred back on bike to the Red Rock Stake. I was really bummed at first when I found out. I thought for sure I was staying because Elder Johnson doesn't know the area quite well enough. But I'm sure he will do fine. I guess the Lord has other plans for me. I still could not fight back the tears. I feel like I'm leaving home.

This week I was reading in the new Ensign Conference issue. I read over my favorite talk by President Utchdorf on Pride. The whole time I was reading it I was imagining him speaking at the pulpit. He said that everyone deals with pride. Very few overcome it. Then I imagined President Utchdorf raising his hands in the double chop position like he usually does during his talks. He was talking straight to me in that German accent of his saying with a big smile of course "Elder Richards, you are prideful" .....aw crap, not again.

So I continued reading the talk and in Doctrine & Covenants 12:8 it says that "no one can assist in this great work except he be full of love." President Utchdorf said that if we are full of Charity we cannot have pride. That's when I started focusing my studies on Charity. I learned a great deal about charity. I remember that was the first thing I learned on the mission. The first thing my trainer taught me was to Love the people. That has stuck with me my whole mission. Love the people. I learned that without love we are nothing. If we don't truly love the people we teach then why should they want to change and come closer to Christ? We need to pray with full energy of heart for Charity. And something else that is important is to express it. That's a goal that I have made, to express Love for everyone. That doesn't mean I'm going to go up to complete strangers and give them hugs and tell them I love them. That works for some people I guess ;) but that's not my style. Being kind, extending service, just a warm smile can go a long way.

We are representatives of Jesus Christ. Christ loves everyone and so should we. Have I done any good in the world today? I'm out of time. Love the people and live the dream. I love you all.

Elder Richards

Now Let Us Rejoice, It's P Day

This week seemed really long. Its seems like months ago that Elder Kraft left. I'm doing well though. I really like my new companion Elder Johnson. Apparently i'ts only temporary so I'm kinda bummed about that.

First I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. They really helped me out a alot this week. This week I've been studying a lot about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and applying it to my life. There's a great story that I would like to share with you called "The Room."


The Room

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room.
There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with
small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list
titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which
stretched from floor to ceiling and right to left as far as the eye could
see, had very different headings.

As I walked up to the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, "People I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then, without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my
entire life. The actions of my every moment, big and small, were written in
a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, mixed
with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and
exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed". The titles ranged from common, everyday things to the not-so-common-"Books I Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have
Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I Have
Yelled At My Brothers and Sisters." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I
Have Done in Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes less than I had hoped.

The sheer volume of the life I had lived overwhelmed me. Could it be
possible that I had time in my 17 years to write each of these thousands or
millions of cards? But each card confirmed the truth. Each card was written
in my own handwriting. Each card was signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to the file marked "Lustful
Thoughts"; I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think such a moment had been recorded.

A feeling of humiliation and anger ran through my body. One thought
dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see
this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy, I yanked the file
out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But
as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could
not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only
to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly
helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the
wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

That was when I saw it. The file bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel
With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than 3 inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my
stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of
shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves
swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I
must lock it up and hide the key.

Then as I looked up through my tears, I saw Him enter the room. No, please
not Him. Not here. Anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to
open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response.
The few times I looked at His face I saw such sadness that it tore at my
heart. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did he have to
read every one?

Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me
with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped
my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked
over and put his arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He
didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of
the room, He took out a file, and, one by one began to sign His name over
mine on each card. "No!" I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say
was "No, no", as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these
cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written in blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the
cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the
next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my
side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood
up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There were still cards to be written.

As I have done my best to fill up that file titled " People I have shared the Gospel with" I have felt my Savior's love. I know that through His Atonement I can overcome anything and everything. The Atonement is for everyone. Everyone needs it and it is our responsibility to share it. Because I have been given much I too must give. He is Risen!

Love,
Elder Richards

Love

This past week has been particularly hard on me. My companion Elder Kraft is going home. I don't know all of the details. All I know is that there have been some problems at home. That really isn't any of my business though. I love Elder Kraft so much. This was really unexpected. I want you all to know that Elder Kraft is a great man. He is probably one of the most spiritual people I have ever met. He has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be returning back to the mission in 6 months and that is proof of his faithful testimony. He just needs to clear some things up back home so that he can serve the Lord with all of his heart, might, mind and strength. He will make a great missionary. he already is a great missionary. He has taught me so much. I am so grateful that I had a chance to serve with him, to be his trainer. But more importantly, to be his friend. I will miss him dearly.

Don't worry about me though. I will be fine. This is probably one of the hardest experiences that I will have to go through on my mission but I can depend on my Savior. I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives. He Lives!

Elder Richards

Agency

Funny thing about that toy you found. I think i buried it there. So you've found it! and Ive decided that I'm never coming home. I'm going to be one of the 3 Nephites of the mission. Sorry to disappoint Charmander.

We went to the Temple today. I don't know if I mentioned that to you or not. and I messed up. I completely forgot the Temple cards you sent me. Sorry. I feel kinda bad about it because those people will have to wait a little bit longer. I hope they will forgive me someday.

I got the package thank you.

The Temple was very inspirational of course. It's still amazing and I've learned a lot.

I've been learning a lot about Agency, the freedom to choose between good and evil. It's a subject that keeps coming back to the front of my mind. I think I finally understand the importance of it. I always understood what agency was and it's role in the great Plan of Salvation. But now it goes deeper than that. The ability to choose is such a sacred blessing to me. We have a loving Heavenly Father who has given it to us. That is why He could not choose Satan's plan. If we all were forced into Heaven then we wouldn't be as happy. When I choose the right, it brings the Spirit into me and I become happier. And I choose the right because I love God. That's the biggest thing I've learned this week. That there is a direct correlation between agency and happiness. When we choose the right we feel happy because we are following the example of the Savior. When we are disobedient, we lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost and thus become unhappy and miserable like Satan.

I hope and pray that I can continue on the straight and narrow path. We cannot afford to take detours wherein there may be no return. We must hold fast to the iron rod and exercise our great gift of agency. And I know that as we exercise our gift of agency for good, that we can receive an even greater gift which is eternal life, which gift is the greatest gift of God. Press forward saints with steadfast faith in Christ!

Elder Richards

Soylent Green is People!

Areas I have covered:
West Oquendo Ward in South Stake
Meadows 1st and 3rd in Meadows Stake
then to Reno stake Mount Rose and South meadows
then to Sparks Stake for only 6 weeks.
now I'm in Lone Mountain Stake, Providence, Valley Vista and Mountain Crest Wards

So South, Meadows and Lone Mountain Stakes are here in Vegas. I know some families here who have sons in the Ohio mission but I don't recognize Larsen.

and the triangle with our hands... think about it, I'm in the Lone Mountain zone. There really is a lone mountain here. It's this little mountain apart from the all the other ridiculous ginormous mountains that surround us. And of course I flash my cards. I'm known throughout the mission as the magician. I'll send some more pics today. That was our whole zone picture that we took right before transfers. That was awhile ago so I'll send a recent one.

So this week things have been picking up. We got another new investigator! Her name is Christina. She is 9 years old. Her parents have been putting off getting her baptized because her father wants to baptize her. He has some things he needs to take care of with the Bishop first, but in the meantime we have starting teaching her. We had a great first lesson with her. It amazes me how much these kids understand all of this--and accept it. We are teaching 3 investigators now. Jackie, Michaela and now Christina. They are all 9-10 years old and I'm amazed how much they are grasping all of this. Sometimes when we are teaching it looks like they tend to zone out. But when we ask them questions they give great answers. I've learned a lot from these wonderful children. The spirit of Christ shines forth from them.
We may have to push back Jackie's baptism because she may need some additional preparation. We need to make sure that she is fully ready to make this sacred covenant. We've planned a great FHE for them tonight that I'm really looking forward to.

Thank you for your support and prayers. I definitely need them. I love you.

Love
Elder Richards

P.S. 38 lol

HOLIDAY MAIL FOR ELDER RICHARDS

October 15, 2010

TO: Missionary Families
SUBJECT: Holiday Mail
With the holiday season at our doorstep, you may be planning to send mail and packages to your missionaries who are here in the field. If you will follow the suggestions offered, you will help us in the office immensely during this busy time of year. Also you will have the best assurance that your mailings will get to their desired destination in time.

a. Mail early. Plan to shop and ship in a timely manner.
b. Letters should continue to come to the mission office (address above). We faithfully forward the mail within 24 hours.
c. Packages (USPS, UPS, or FedEx) should be sent DIRECTLY to your missionary after Nov. 16th transfers but before December 15th. Ask your missionary to email you their addresses after November transfers. If you have not sent a package to arrive before December 15th, please email your Missionary asking where to send any packages.
d. Please pass this information along to your extended family and friends.
e. After January 1st, please resume sending all packages and mail to the mission office.
f. Direct any questions to the mission office.


We wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Sincerely,
Kathy Wright
Sister Kathy Wright
Nevada Las Vegas West Mission secretary

Do or Do Not, There is No Try

I got the Temple cards. Thank you. But we don't go to the Temple till later in the transfer.

I didn't write a letter on Monday because Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy came to the mission. He gave some very inspiring and powerful talks on a lot of things, mostly obedience, of course. It's the price we pay but I don't really thinks it's a price. Elder Pearson said that it is easier to be 100% obedient than it is to be 80% obedient. It was overall a great experience and really comforting too. He talked a lot about being an average missionary. He kept going back to that throughout his training. We should strive to be the extraordinary missionary and not the average missionary. He said that average people do not inherit the Celestial Kingdom. We need to be living the Celestial law to make it. Do or do not, there is no try. He said that a lot too. It was funny but it's true. We need to do our best, not try to do our best. A lot of things he said really struck me hard. I am recommitted to the work now and I am going to Do, not try.

Another great experience that happened to us: Remember the Cumorah cakes we made? We made one for a recent convert/part member family named the Williams. Something amazing happened with that simple act of kindness. Sister Williams had a friend who invited her and her family over for dinner. Sis Williams' friend has expressed some "anti" feelings toward the Church before, but she still is Sister Williams friend. Anyway, Sis Williams brought over the cake for desert. They cut the cake and found the note. Her friend was confused and Sis Williams explained that the missionaries made the cake for her family, but she didn't read the note we put in the cake. Well her friend wanted to see the note, but Sis Williams was a little hesitant about sharing it with her. But she let her read it. I don't remember what I wrote on the note but it really touched Sister Williams friend that night. Sis Williams said her friend got teary eyed and emotional about it. You never know what a little act of kindness will do for people. It also inspired Sister Williams as well. It was such an amazing story and I'm so glad we did it.

Elder Kraft and I came up with another idea that we will be putting in effect starting November 1st. We prayed about it and we are going to stop the dinner calendar. We feel strongly that it will help the area. I love the members and I am so grateful for all that they do but I don't need any more food. I need people to teach. Sometimes members tend to think that by feeding the missionaries they are doing missionary work. But again we need people to teach not food. We are kind of desperate. We have run into opposition with this plan but we have talked it over with our Bishops and Ward Mission Leaders and they have agreed to support us in our decision. We are not punishing the members and leaving them out to dry. We are going to visit them in their homes and teach them the first discussion then ask for referrals. We don't dislike any of our members, we love them, but we want them to realize the gravity of our situation. We need people to teach.

I hope and pray that everything goes well. I love you.

Elder Richards

Sick with it

I got the shirts. They are nice. I'm going to burn the nasty gray ones. I didn't get the cards yet.
The house looks good. I miss that tree a little bit though.

Here is my favorite quote [from General Conference] by Elder Arnold. "You stupid Cow!" that was by far the funniest line I have ever heard over the pulpit at General Conference.

My favorite talk was about Pride by President Utchdorf. Man, it was legit. I also liked the talk about the Right, Responsibility and Results of Choice by President Monson. It got me pondering. I loved all of the talks though. They all made me ponder.

Jackie is doing well and still progressing towards her baptismal date. We may have to push the date for her baptism back a week because of some building conflicts. I'm not too worried about it. Like you said, there is no reason to worry about something before it happens.

We also have a new investigator McKayla. She is the niece of our Ward Mission Leader. She is 9 years old and VERY smart. It's mind boggling how much she understands and accepts. There is an interesting background on McKayla and how she was introduced into the Church. Her father is in Florida right now for school. Our Ward Mission Leader called him one day and asked him if it was alright if he brought his daughter to Church with him. He was strongly against it. But then a week later he called our Ward Mission Leader again and told him it was ok. McKaylas father had run into some missionaries in Florida. He started taking the lessons and he was baptized in 3 weeks. He has been reading the Book of Mormon every night and he is encouraging his daughter to go now. It's so amazing how the Lord prepares his children to hear the Gospel.

We got transfer calls. Elder Kraft and I are both staying for another 6 weeks. I'm pretty excited about this upcoming transfer. The BoM challenge went pretty well. Rice's zone passed out more but our ratio is better. we had about 7 BoMs per missionary. They had about 2 per missionary. Oh well. it was a great experience for Elder Kraft and I. We didn't win but that's not what matters. It's about the people who received the Book of Mormon. The Church is true.

Elder Richards

I'm Hungry

Hey thanks for sending the shirts. I haven't gotten them yet.
We should be going to the Temple in a couple of weeks. So you can send the cards.
That is a bummer for Dad. Yikes. I'm actually going to go into the dentist sometime this week. My crown is loose again. Don't worry, a member who is a dentist is going to take care of it. It's still balderdash tho.

So the Book of Mormon challenge went pretty well. We were able to pass out about 30 Books of Mormon this week. It was hard though because we have been sick this week. It might be allergies but I don't think it was. My whole district has been sick. Something has been going around. We drove to Mt. Charleston this week to do some tracting. That was a bad idea. We got there and meh. We were so sick but we went anyway. We didn't drive all the way up there for nothing. We talked to Walt, our only investigator up there, but he was busy and couldn't meet with us. balderdash. But that didn't stop us. We said a prayer and went forth. I am all tracted out. We have a lot of people to follow up with. This coming week should be pretty good.
Now for the highlight the week. Jacklyn Monje had committed to baptism on Oct 16. We've grown really close with the Monje's. They are awesome. We baked them a Cumorah cake a couple of weeks ago and they loved it. A Cumorah cake is when you bake a cake and cut a hole in the middle of it. Then you make a box out of chocolate bars and put a note in it. Then you put icing all over the cake to hide the hidden message and when they cut the cake they find a surprise. Cool huh? It was Elder Kraft's idea. legit. too legit. too legit to quit.

We've been seeing a change in this area. Yesterday during our 9 hours of Church, I remember just sitting there thinking " I love this Gospel. I love being a missionary. I love my companion. I love this area. I love the people. I love my God." I was so peaceful and I felt my Saviors love. This area has taught me many great things. The work is starting to pick up and I'm excited. I am so blessed. I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives.

Love
Elder Richards

Call in the BOM Squad. Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Yes, there is a Elder Kempton in my district. He is cool. Just write him. He's lonely.... so am I lol.

Preach My Gospel is a great missionary resource. A lot of people think its just for the full time missionaries, but i'ts not. There should be a PMG in 'every member's home. I'm glad you're studying from it.

"A Book of Mormon in every home" that is our district motto for this transfer. Here is what happened. There is a missionary named Elder Rice. He was my ZL until he got transferred to Reno North. Anyway, he is a stud and a very hard worker. He would hold a BOM in his hand wherever he went. He committed us all to do the same. So our area isn't doing so well. Destiny's parents won't let us see her and our other investigators are not progressing. Then it hit me. We need to flood the area. We need to call in the BOM Squad and flood the area with the Book of Mormon. So I called up our ZL's and told them to bring us a whole box of BOMs. A box contains 40 BOM's. Then i called Elder Rice in the Reno North Zone and challenged him. I threw down the gauntlet. I told him that our little district of 4 missionaries will pass out more BOMs in a week than his entire zone of 20 missionaries. He accepted of course and we got to work.

So this week has been all tracting, focusing on the Book of Mormon. We keep a Book of Mormon in hand. You never know when you'll need it. If I faint in the middle of the street because of the heat, I will still have a Book of Mormon in hand (don't worry I drink a lot of water so that I won't faint). There needs to be a Book of Mormon in every home. We've seen success. I know that the Lord has blessed us because of our faith and diligence. I know that if we keep it up and flood the area, that the work will take off. I may not be around to see it but I'm confident that the work will go forth boldly, nobley and independent in this area. But just like Ammon of old, "I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast in my God, for in his strength I can do all things.... for which I will praise His name forever." Alma 26:11-12

Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Let us all press on.

Love
Elder Richards

I need new white shirts. Mine are nasty.

Funny I was reading your email and I thought it said that Aunt Joyce's leg got amputated.

I would prefer letters because I only get an hour on the computer and by the time I read them all I would be out of time. balderdash.

I really don't like pride. I've been reading the BOM and the pride cycle is so evident from our point of view. It's so ridiculous. Sometimes I just want to yell at the Nephites. But I understand why they don't see it. It was a gradual change over a period of time. They wouldn't notice it. Then they get to the point where the Lord needed to humble them. I kinda imagine it this way. The Lord has this big computer screen and he's looking over all of us on the earth. And we have these pride meters. When the pride meter gets too high, Heavenly Father pushes a big red button labeled "HUMBLE". I imagine him saying " Elder Richards you're getting kinda prideful down there, how about I just... BEEP. BOOM! There it is, I get humbled. I'm on my knees begging for forgiveness (NOTICE: this is not doctrine.)

Looking back I've seen how much I've changed since I started out. My goodness it's a big leap. And it flew past me. I didn't really notice it. Now I look back and seen how I've changed. I've been doing that a lot lately. Just reflecting back on what I've learned. All the good experiences, and all the not so good experiences. It's just so awesome how the Lord molds us and shapes us into the people that we are now. Everything He does is for our good. Making us stronger people, children, and saints as we sojourn here in this mortal existence. I would not trade all the experiences I've had for anything. Count your blessings.. name them one by one.

He is Risen.

Elder Richards

No time

I don't have much time. I just wanted to say that I know that Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. He loves each and every one of you. I KNOW IT. and I love you all too. You all hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Gotta go fight the good fight now.

He is Risen!

Destiny is Back!!!!

Happy Birthday Jeff.

Oh, man, I am wiped out. We've been working hard this week. Lots and lots of tracting. It's been a good experience for him. and me. His name is Elder Kraft. He is from Spokane, Washington. He has 4 siblings and he is the only member in his family. He joined the church when he was 15 years old and has been active ever since. He is a hard worker and he's excited about it. We have done a lot of walking this transfer because we are running low on miles. I kinda feel bad because Elder Kraft has some leg problems so he has to walk with a cane sometimes. He doesn't need it all the time. I don't know whats wrong with it exactly. I like to use it to our advantage by telling people to give us referrals so that he spends more time teaching instead of limping around tracting. It actually works pretty well. I think I'm gonna get a cane too.

We've had some great tracting experiences. We've handed out a lot of copies of the Book of Mormon. I'm pretty excited about following up with some of these people. There is a lot of potential in this area. I love it.

Yesterday was a 5th Sunday so I asked the Bishop of Mountain Crest Ward if we could teach a lesson about missionary work during the last hour. It was great. The spirit was strong, the Ward got to know us better, members were crying and they loved it. They came up to us afterwards to give us some referrals, so we asked them to invite the person and then give us the name. They said they would do that and we are going to follow up with them later. That's how the L. Tom Perry Program is supposed to work. The members invite and we teach. We don't need names to visit, we need people to teach. It goes over much smoother if someone they trust invites them. There is more success.

Now the highlight of the week. DESTINY IS BACK! let me back up. We met Destiny (Elder Sellers and I) on my first day here in the area. She had a copy of the Restoration DVD and had been watching it every night. She loves that movie. It makes her cry almost every time. Anyway, we had a great lesson with her my first day in the area. We gave her a Book of Mormon and invited her to read. She was excited and wanted to learn more. Then when we tried to make a return appointment she says "I'm going to Mexico for a month on vacation." So a month later we went back to see her. Her mom answered the door and said she will be gone for another month. grrr... okay. So we come back in a month and guess what... she will be gone for another month. So after 3 months of vacationing she has finally returned. We had a great lesson with her. Elder Kraft connected with her very well. I'm excited for her. She wasn't able to make it to church this week but will come next week.

The church is true. This gospel is for everyone. Some are not ready for it, but there are always more seeds to be sown. Be the example and make it happen.

Elder Richards

Transfers

I'm glad you got the name back. I wasn't upset about it. I knew that it would turn out ok. I'm sorry she felt that way.
Sis Caniff did the cookies perfect. They were amazing.
Sister Dean wrote me a letter and wants you to update my blog so she can send it to Chris.
I sent a letter to Aunt Joyce. I want to send one to Aunt Janet. I've been meaning to for awhile now. So if you could get her address to me asap I would really like to write her a letter.
Poor Elder Woestman. I pray that he gets better and hope that never happens to me.

We got our transfer calls. Elder Sellers is going to Reno. I'll miss him a lot. He is the man. I will be staying here in Lone Mountain (Zone of Liberty) and I will be training again.

I'm excited about this upcoming transfer. We gave talks in the Valley Vista ward yesterday. It was a really cool experience. We talked on Personal Revelation as it relates to the Restoration. We were pretty aggresive with them. I was practically begging them for referals. I felt afterwards that I may had been to bold with them but we got a referral! It was cool. Elder Sellers is bummed though because he leaves tomorrow so he won't be able to meet them. I look forward to it. We got some other referrals as well. We are still in the process of trying to contact them.

Well, that's all I really have... today we are going to say goodbye to a lot of people. Elder Sellers has been here for his entire mission (6 months) so the list is long lol. Elder Sellers is the man. I'll miss him. He will do a lot of good in Reno (because he is the man). He will be serving in the Lakeside, Skyline and Truckee River wards in case you were wondering.

Peace out ya'll. Keep the faith.

Elder Richards

Challenge

ummm thanks for the paragraph. I don't really have anything new to write about soo...... I love you.

come with me... and youll see... in a world of pure imagination.

if you want to veiw paradise.. simply look around and view it. anything you want to..... do it.

want to change the world.... theres nothing... to it.

Ask yourself something. When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone?
If things go wrong in missionary work, you can only say 4 words. "What can I do?" or "What can I change?" You cannot change the agency of others you can only change yourself. So do it and make it happen. Pray to find someone who is prepared to hear the Gospel. And when that person comes around please follow the promptings of the Spirit and DO IT. Keep a Book of Mormon or a pass along card with you at all times. Make it happen and when you have that missionary experience email me the story. I want to hear from everyone. Will you do it?

Love
Elder Richards

High on Lone Mountain Top!

Sounds like things are going good over there. 100 degrees? Pshaw. Thats like everyday here haha. Actually, it's been a pretty mild summer and I have a car so I am NOT complaining.

It's was a really rough week last week but we made it. This week should be much better. We started out this week by hiking to the top of Lone Mountain on Monday morning. We had a devotional up there with the whole zone. We started off by singing "High on Lone Mountain Top". Then all the DL's gave trainings on various subjects. We had a testimony meeting and ended the morning by facing Vegas and singing "Behold a Royal Army" at the top of our lungs. We planned this out because our zone is doing very well this month. We have a lot of people set with baptismal dates (not me :( I'm trying!). We wanted to help the Zone be more unified. The Lone Mountain zone is pretty small so we are pretty close to one another. But we wanted to make this a turning point for the missionaries and "make it happen" our motto for the month. We want to see all the people we have set with dates to go down. We are all praying for it. This month should be very successful. We just gotta fight the good fight, finish the course, keep the faith and make it happen!

The Temple today was uh-mazing of course. I went in with a question and I came out with my answer. haha I love it. It was a neat experience. I was kinda troubled while going through the seesion today. Just thinking about different things, reflecting back on stuff. Then while I was in the Celestial room pondering the question I had, I looked over on the table and saw the Book of Mormon. I saw that it was bookmarked somewhere in the middle of it. Then I felt the strong prompting to look at the book marked page and got my answer. It was amazing. My troubles and stress just melted away. Just the right scripture i needed to read. Just for me. It was the right place at the right time. Coincidence? I think not! I know not.

I know that Heavenly Father answered my prayers and he will answer yours. Just be patient and look. He knows you and Loves you. I know that Christ lives. With Him anything is possible. Make it happen.

Elder Richards

Dancing for rain

Hey thanks for the pictures. They were pretty funny. Keith looks like a stick figure. Everyone looks pretty much the same. Utah is lame though. Vegas rocks. And how come the Reds are doing so well this year while I'm gone? I keep hearing about them. People tell me about them when they find out where I'm from. I miss going to the ball park. If I go back to Reno, I will have to get permission to go to the ball park up there.

Funny story. We went to see one of our eternigators, the Lindleys. We've been seeing them for awhile now. They've gotten used to me now. It's always weird for people when they switch missionaries. Anyway she asked me out of nowhere If i was a trouble maker in school. I had to laugh. She is a substitute teacher so she deals alot with it. She said that I looked like a trouble maker. What would make her say that? :) I explained to her that the real trouble maker was my brother, Scott. She laughed then and said that all of the trouble makers are either named Scott or Micheal. haha now that I think back on it, that is so true.

So this week we went to Mt. Charleston. It was legit. 20 degrees cooler and green! yaya. We pretty much tracted the whole mountain up there. We passed out a lot of Book of Mormons and we found a new investigator up there, Walt. When we first met him he didn't seem too excited. But when we told him about the Book of Mormon he perked up. The missionaries before us tracted into this guy and gave him a Book of Mormon so we were following up on him. He actually read it a little bit he said. We went in and taught him the first lesson. We were able to apply the things we learned from the extreme leadership meeting last week. It really did help. The Spirit was very powerful and I can't wait to get back up there and teach him again.

Another experience at Mt. Charleston. We were walking up a hill. Then I heard some guy pouring concrete and chopping wood. I wanted to go talk to him but at the same time I didn't want to interupt him in his work. I stood there for a little bit trying to decide what to do. Then I said to myself "what would Paul do?" he would go and talk to him and teach him about Christ. Then I thought "what would Christ do?" I rememberd Christ when he was on the earth told those fishermen who were busy "come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Then I knew what I had to do. I went and shared my testimony with the man. His name was Andy and we had a nice conversation about the Gospel. He wasn't interested but I'm glad that I talked to him. I would have regretted it if I didn't talk to him.

It is our job to go teach and testify to EVERYONE. Even if they aren't prepared to hear the message right now... you have planted the seed and they will remember you. We are all fishers of men. let us go forth and testify of the truth. Christ lives. He is risen.

Love
Elder Richards

Glad you liked my last email. It took me awhile. I had a lot of things to say. it was really cool.
Yeah, the meeting at Cafe Rio was funny. No, I'm not distracted. It was funny because when I got there I saw a short blond girl and a guy and I thought "oh crap, he brought my sister?". But it wasn't them. Then I thought "it would be funny if Lisa was in town and he brought her". And he did. haha. How am I supposed to react to that? Whatever. I just wanted the free food hahaha. It was nice though. She kept calling me "the unspeakable name". That's weird. It's been a long time since I've heard... "the unspeakable name". I want to know how you reacted to it though. haha.
The Temple trip is coming up on Aug 11th. I still have the other names so it's all good. If you want to send more, that's cool too. That reminds me, how did Lisa like the Vegas Temple? It's pretty legit right?

This week was very long. All of the leaders in the mission had to go to a leadership training. It was an 8 hour long meeting 3 days in a row. I was so wiped out. It was awesome but it was long. It was like having 3 zone conferences 3 days in a row. It was pretty intense. It's a new Preach My Gospel program they are starting. They call it the simplified curriculum. It really focuses on the people. Teach people not lessons. It focuses on the commitments we extend to people. It's about the role of the Book of Mormon in conversion, the role of the Spirit in conversion and revelation. It was a lot of info to soak in so I'm still trying to grasp it all. It wiped me out though. The Spirit was very strong and just wow. I'm glad it's over though. Elder Sellers was as wiped out as me. He was ghetto training my grandson because Elder Marsh, my son, had to go to the training too. Elder Sellers is so sick of going on splits because we had to do it every week last transfer because the other companionship in the district wasnt doing so well. Things are going alot better though.

Well, that's pretty much my whole week. Mon- Pday, Tue- District meeting, Wed- Leadership training, Thur- Leadership training, Fri- Leadership training, Sat- lots of tracting because everyone is out of town. Sun- 3 Sacrament meetings. So lots of meetings. And I felt the Spirit touch me in every one of them. The church is true.

Elder Richards

How great is our calling!

Hello Everyone

"Behold I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare His word among His people, that they might have everlasting life." - 3 Nephi 5:13

I had a very amazing and spiritually packed week. I learned so much. First I want to tell you all about my epic personal studies this week.

I was reading in Alma 20. King Lamoni had just been converted to the Lord through Ammon's hard work. After all of this, Ammon was called to go free Aaron and his brethren from prison in Middioni. He told the king this and Lamoni insited to come with him to help his brethren. Along the way they ran into King Lamonis father. Long story short, King Lamoni's father was not happy and tried to kill his own son. But Ammon would not allow that to happen. He loved King Lamoni and he protected him. King Lamoni's father was beaten back by Ammon and Ammon spared his life. King Lamoni's Father recognized the love and it troubled him. I'll talk more about him later.
s\So Ammon and King Lamoni carried on and found Aaron in prison. In Alma 20:28-30 it said that they had suffered many afflictions-- hunger, thirst, fatigue. They said that their skin was worn, bound with strong cords. Then in Alma 21 it tells the story about what Aaron and his brethen went through after the sons of Mosiah all separated to serve the Lord. It said that Aaron was chosen to go preach to a more hard-hearted people. The Lamanites drove them out of their cities. They felt discouraged but the Lord comforted them. So they went to other cities round about and only a few believed their words( Alma 21:12). Then they were cast into prison.
Sometimes I feel the way Aaron did. I may not have been thrown into prison or beatened physically but i have gone through many trials since I have been out on my mission. Something my brother, Kevin, said to me before I left that always stuck with my mind was " the next 2 years will be the best, but also the worst" a mission is not easy. It was never meant to be easy. I have felt the extremes of both ends of the scale. I've felt the joy that comes to my heart when I see someone change their ways and come unto Christ. And I have felt the deep despair that comes when the people harden their hearts and push Christ away. It's so sad because these people don't know what they are missing.
Back to Aaron. So after they were released, Aaron was prompted to go see King Lamoni's father. The King was troubled about what Ammon had done. He saw the great love Ammon had for his son and his great example. The king wondered why? Aaron saw this as an oppurtunity to teach the King. Now he knew why he was prompted to come to the King. The King was converted. he felt the Spirit and knew that the things Aaron and his bretren were teaching were true. The king acted on those feelings and the powerful Spirit of conversion fell upon him.
After all of the trials and afflictions they went through, the Lord blessed them and they found success. And becasue the King was converted, that opened the door for many others to hear the pleasing words of God. The Lord blessed them because of their patience and long suffering. Ee too can find success through mighty prayer. Keeping a good attitude about it is another trait we must have. Remember YOU are a disciple of Christ. Christ never complained, why should we? What I'm getting at here is that sometimes we run into people whose hearts are hardened. But that doesn't mean that they are doomed. There is always a way back. Just be the example.

Next I would like to talk about how being an example can have a big impact on somebody's life. I mentioned the example that Ammon set forth for the King. I also want to talk about a man named Brother Facione. I watched a movie called "Mafia to Mormon" which is about this man Bro Facione and his conversion to the Church.
Mario Facione used to work for the Mafia. He started during a very young age in his life. His dad wasn't the best example. He was actually the one who got him started in the business. His Dad told him at a very young age that if you go down this road that there is no drinking, no girls, and no friends. He said that when you drink, you talk, you go to jail. You chase after girls, you boast about yourself, you go to jail. You have friends, you show off, you go to jail. He lives these rules. The mafia was all that he knew. Then when missionaries came around and he talked with them he was over time converted. Something that he always went back to was the example the missionaries set for him, the one missionary in particular. He said he was so professional and answered all the questions he had. It blew him away-- mind boggling he said. Anyway he left the mafia, went to the Temple and now has a great loving family.
Watching that movie made me realise how truly blessed I am for the family that I have. I was taught to not drink because its damages my body. I was taught to not chase after girls because it could end up with me doing something that I would regret. I was taught to make good friends with high standards. Bro Facione was taught all these things so that he wouldn't go to jail. I'm sure his Dad did love him and didn't want him to go to jail. but my parents taught me this because they loved me and cared about my future. They taught me these things so that I would live a happier life NOT so that I could keep on breaking the law and get away with it. That's the difference. Bro Facione did these things so that he wouldn't get caught breaking the law. I did these things so that I could be happier. Wickedness never was happiness. I'm sure Bro Facione thought he was happy but he truly wasn't. He said that he was always worried that someone would find him. He could never sleep at night. He would hang pots and pans on the doors to alert him if someone came after him. How can you be happy if you are constantly watching your back?

Again, I want to tell you all that I am blessed for the example of my parents. My parents would have to sometimes drag me to Church. I didn't really like it back then but now I am so grateful that they did. My Dad is a great man who strives faithfully to fulfill his Priesthood responsibilities. I remember when we had to go home teaching. I didn't like it. I would always try to get out of it. Sometimes it worked. But my Dad knew the importance of home teaching and he would find someone else to go with him. I remember growing up and I went to my parents room to ask them something and I found my Dad kneeling in prayer. I would quietly close the door and let him finish. I didn't pray everyday growing up but my Dad's example helped me to get into the habit of it.
My Mom is another great example. She is filled with the Spirit of Elijah. She is the family history genius, she works so hard because she knows that there are people waiting for their work to be done.
Things that my parents did back then, I never really realized how important they were. now I know.

There are so many more things I want to share with you all. I learned so much in this past week. It was amazing. We are all disciples of the Living Christ. We have all been called to do this great sacred work. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. I know it to be true. I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and support. Till we meet again.

love
Elder Richards

Elder Richards the bunny slayer

Tell Beth that she has no idea what the meaning of apostasy is. I'M not apostate. But man, remember what they say about sin city, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Enough said.

So funny story. Remember how Dad would always have problems in the garden with squirrels? And remember how he would run out screaming and scare them off and they would just come back later? Then he said he should get a airsoft gun and take them out. Well Dad, BB's are the only way to do it. The members we live with had a bunny running around eating their garden. It's funny because they blame us that their garden is being destroyed because we should be blessing it every time we walk by it. It never occurred to them that this is Vegas where the average temperature in the summer is like 105 degrees. And there are like a million bunnies running around. I swear I almost hit at least 2 bunnies every day with the car. But nooooooo, we are the ones screwing it up. Balderdash. So I took action. They gave me a BB gun. It wasn't a carbine action red rider but it did well enough. There wasn't a compass in the stock, but I managed on my own sense of direction.

So there I was crouching... waiting... watching. I see him enter the battlefield. It looks at me and I look right back at it. It sits still hoping that I won't see it in the brown desert background. But it is already too late for the bunny. I give the rifle 10 pumps and took aim. I aim the green dot right between its eyes holding the rifle steady, breathing slowly. The bunny ears perk up sensing danger. The sweat on my brow drips onto the rifle. The hot air was blowing across my face. The bunny lunges! BOOM! I hit it! But I only wounded it. It sat there for a little bit breathing slowly. Then in a wild frenzy it started doing back flips in place. I load another BB and take aim again. BOOM! No more back flips, just twitching helpless on the ground. One more BB and I put it out of its misery. It all happened so fast. It took mere seconds but it felt like hours... victory. We didn't even have to use the holy hand grenade.

We buried Roger the Rabbit in the middle of the desert near some bike jumps. Then we jumped our bikes in honor of Roger Rabbit. May he rest in peace.....

Transfer calls were Saturday and Elder Sellers and I are both staying! yay. We were excited about that. We had an amazing lesson with a eternigator named Darren Nakosone. His wife is a member but he is not. Everything went so well. We taught him the Restoration of the Gospel. This was the first time I was able to teach him but he has had a lot of missionaries in the last 2 years. It went really really well. The Spirit was so strong. Darren is so close. In the middle of the lesson I was prompted by the Spirit. I knew exactly what he needed to do to receive the powerful witness of the Spirit. He is really shy so he never prays in front of people, even with his family. I KNEW at that moment that the moment he prays out loud with his family, the Spirit would overcome him and he will know that this Church is true. Then he would follow the example of his Savior and be baptized. Now the amazing part about this lesson is that as soon as I was about to invite him to pray with us, my wonderful companion made the same invitation. I knew that he had the same prompting at the same exact time that I did. Like I said, Darren was so close but he just couldn't do it. Not yet anyway. We talked about the prompting that we had during the lesson. So we are going to really focus on him this coming transfer.

Thank you for your prayers and support. Have fun in Utah.

Elder Richards

Happy 4th of July to you too!

We met the new Mission President. President Black is really cool actually. He hasn't said we need to part our hair yet so that's a good sign. He's got a sense of humor. I still don't know much about him. But I support him in the changes that probably will take place. I know that he is inspired of the Lord.

We had a pretty sick 4th of July. And yes, people do grill outside in Vegas. They just wait for the sun to go down a little bit so that the temperature gets a little below 100; then they grill. And then they jump in the pool haha. Oh, by the way, Elder Sellers says that its grilling not BBQ. It's so funny because when the members say they are going to BBQ for us, he gets there and is disappointed. Apparently its BBQ when it's pulled pork but if it's anything else like hamburgers or hot dogs, it's grilling. Elder Sellers is so funny. Anyway, like I said, 4th of July is sick with it here. We drove to the top of our area and we saw the whole valley being lit up with fire works. I got some pics but it just isn't the same as being there. I'm telling you. Las Vegas knows how to celebrate Independence Day.

Everyone here has prison walls around their yards. The downside is that it's hard to keep grass growing because it's so freaking hot. And the yards are usually really small. But hey if you want privacy, Vegas is the perfect place to go. It's hard for little kids to get over those prison walls.

We had a good week. We taught 12 lessons this week. It started out kinda rough but then it really picked up. On Wednesday when we had a great lesson with the Ogdens, a less active family. I was feeling kinda down for some reason but then we watched the Prophet of the Restoration with the Ogdens. Three things happened. 1. the Spirit was so strong that all of my depression was completely extinguished. 2. My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith grew exponentially. 3. My desire for the work shot up tremendously. I felt like I did when I first came out. I felt the strong greenie fire fill me up and I was pumped. Then we had a great week :)

I know that this Church is true. I have seen the gospel bless so many lives. I didn't convince anyone. They had to find out for themselves. Just like the rest of us. If you would like to know for yourself that the restored Gospel is true, you don't have to go far. It's the distance from your knees to the floor.

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Elder Eichards

really? spaghetti again?

AHHHHH!
Please no more spaghetti. If I get spaghetti one more time this week, I will... probably not do anything. I'll just suck it up and eat it anyway. But I keep getting sick afterwards so I might have to tell them beforehand not to make spaghetti. The reason we get it all the time is because it's cheap, easy and you can make a lot of it. Then they make us eat it all because "I don't want any left overs. You're Elders not Sisters, eat more! eat eat EAT!" ahhhhhhhhhh. So remember before you feed the Elders, ask them first "what do you NOT want?" not spaghetti!

So the Elder that Lisa saw is Elder Gregson. He just right now came up and told me that he met Lisa. haha He told me just when I just read your email.

So this week was kinda slow. A lot of our investigators are out of town (of course, it's hot). So a lot of visits and tracting. But we still managed to pull off 10 lessons this week. And we worked hard for those. I made it a goal to get at least 10 lessons each week this transfer.

President McCracken leaves today. :( It's a real bummer but I'm looking forward to meeting President Black. I made it a goal to support him because this is his first time as a Mission President. I really love President McCracken. I will miss him a lot. A lot of missionaries are afraid of the transition but I'm confident that President Black will be just as cool. Still though... President McCracken fought Satan on top of the Luxor and the Stratoshpere. haha.

love ya
Elder Richards

What?

What? Colin's baptized? When did he turn 8? What is goin on? Oh well. Congrats Colin!

I want you all to know that i have one of the coolest and most pure hearted companions ever.
We went out tracting and no one answered their doors. Typical. But we did hear a lot of dogs scratching on the doors. After tracting Elder Sellers looked over at me and said "I wish we could teach the animals. They would listen to us" How true is that? We run into people day after day who just reject us becasue their hearts are hard and they don't really know who we are. If they would just humble themselves and listen for even a brief moment and try to hear the still small voice, then they would KNOW. But the natural man kicks in and they are unable to recieve the message that we share. The natural man is an enemy to God. I try hard each and every day to be humble and to love the people. Even those who reject us. I know that one day they will know the truth. Everyone will know that Jesus is the Christ one day. And those who do not humble themselves will get their reward. But again, I must not condem these people. They may not be ready now but later they may be prepared to hear the Restored Gospel. I love this Gospel I know that it is true. He is Risen!

Elder Richards

Crazy Holly

Whoa, that's crazy what happened to Joyce. I think I will write her a letter. I'll just send it to you and you can take it over to her.

Our week was pretty crazy. Lots of stuff going on. The weather has been amazing the past couple of days. We are trying to get this area going again. It's kinda hard. All of our investigators just didn't seem to be home this week. But we did see other people.

We got a referral from HQ last week. Her name is Holly. She's 17 and she's crazy. She lives at the foot of Mt. Charleston and she won't stop calling me. Oh my goodness she drives me crazy sometimes. But other times we have nice spiritual conversations. It's so weird that we cover that area. Mt. Charleston is a 40 min drive from where we are. But it's still in the Valley Vista Ward. It's so weird because we went to see her once and she kept bashing with us. She kept telling us that "ya guys aren't Christian, ya Mormons." We tried explaining to her so many times that Mormons are Christians but " I read this article on Wikipedia and they say you aren't Christians." Kill me now.

Elder Sellers and I cover the ward that Cameron Steele is in. Apparently Cameron is a famous singer... I don't know much about him actually. We ran into him at Cafe Rio and he invited us over sometime this week. So that's cool I guess.

I was able to see a lot of old friends in my previous areas. That was way awesome. It felt like home. I was able to see the Toblers and the Malones. Chelsey Young, Kim Farichild and Courtney Garcia. I even ran into Ruby at a CVS. Ruby was a girl who lived in our apartment complex when I was with Elder Touchin. Her and her friends would play racquetball with us sometimes and would ask us questions about the Church. It was nice to see her again. All of these wonderful people that I haven't seen in over 10 months. It was great to finally see them after so long of a time. I love them all and like I said, it felt like home.

The Church is still true. I love ya.
Elder Richards

I Love Vegas

Hello (hello) hello (hello) we welcome you today!

The area is doing well. We had a baptism. Gabriel Gallegos was baptized. He's 9. I didn't really get to know him well before he was baptized but I got to plan his whole baptism. It was kinda stressful. The missionary I was following just kinda left everything for me to do. So trying to get people's signatures and planning everything was really stressful for me and my companion, Elder Sellers. But we managed to figure it all out and it was a really nice baptism.

Yesterday we had 8 hours of church. Wow that is a long time to be in church. I loved it though.

This area is so legit. I love it. I want to stay here for awhile if President will let me. I love the members here. For example, the Andrews. They have a tradition that anybody who eats in their home for the first time has to sing a song. Any song they want. hahaha. So I sang them Phantom of the Opera, both parts. It totally blew them away. They weren't expecting that. haha. Good times.

Anyway the work is going well. Thank you for your prayers and loving support.

Elder Richards

I'm Home--In Vegas!

Hey
Well I'm here in Las Vegas again. Just in time for summer, yay. I wasn't able to email yesterday because I was on a bus riding down to Vegas. When I saw the strip I felt at home. Yes, I know that is weird. I'm serving in the Lone Mountain Zone with Elder Sellers. He's a funny guy. He's from Georgia and he is a cartoonist. I don't know much about him though. He's been out for 3 months so I'm polishing him. and..... I get a car! yay. Vegas in the summer with a car won't be so bad right?... hmmm let me think about this.... 100 degrees in a small enclosed vehicle with your companion and very crappy AC...... can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!

That's all I really have to say. The Church is still true.

Elder Richards

Street Signs

More Bold Sauce

I got Ellen's letter. I remember Elder Copeland. I went out with him a couple of times. I thought he would be home by now. Weird. Tell him I said hi.

We had a wonderful Zone Conference this week. Our last one with President McCracken. He is leaving on June 20th. I was so sad when i found that out. I'm going to miss President and Sister McCracken so much. I love them. I'm sure our new mission President Black will be good though. Anyway we learned about Bold Sauce. Being more Bold when teaching and testifying. Bold sauce is a liquid made of 3 main ingredients : Faith, Desire for the work, and Croutons. yesiree. Bold sauce is guaranteed to make you more Bold.

Well that is pretty much it actually. I know my email is kinda boring but hey, the Church is still true. Love ya,

Elder Richards

PS It's transfer calls on Saturday. I have a feeling I'm getting transferred back down to Vegas for the summer again. yay for me.... crap

balder DASH!

Hey

I got the memory card, thanks. I can't remember if I sent one of the older ones though that I still have with me. I may have been saving it for when I got the new one back so I'll send that one too.

We had a pretty rough week this week. Lots of things just not going well. Our baptism cancelled at the last minute. Madison's mom wont let her be baptized now all the sudden. Elder Fish kept getting bloody noses throughout the day. I got 2 flat tires in one day. A lot of lessons cancelled on us. Our other investigator, Ted, is super depressed and won't commit to the stop smoking program. Just one thing after another. BUT I still know that my Heavenly Father and my Savior love me. I could literally feel the Savior's arms around me comforting me through these trials that I face. It may have been a hard week but it was also one of the best weeks. I learned a lot. I wouldn't trade this week for anything. Things will be much better next. NO unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing!

I love ya

Elder Richards

Knights of Cydonia

Hallo

It was good talking to you guys. Elder Fish wants to see recent recent photos. So send some on the email. Here's my week.

It was a good week. We got into a couple of bashes. Those things are a waste of time. Elder Fish used to like to bash but it's stupid. It's like wrestling with a pig. You both get muddy but the pig likes it. I don't waste my time with them. I just share my testimony and invite them to pray and read the Book of Mormon. I've done my job. I've invited them to come unto Christ and fufilled my purpose. I'm not going to waste my time with them. I could be using that time for those people who are prepared to hear the message. So dont bash! It's stupid.

I was so tired all week. But we went out anyway like we are supposed to. We tracted into a guy named Greg. When we first started talking to him he wasn't interested. Then we offered service. He said no and we went our way. Then as we finished up the last door and were about to leave, he called us back from the end of the street. He has been having problems with his back and he needs to paint his fence. So we will be helping him with that in a couple of weeks. I look forward to meeting with him again. Thank the Lord for bad backs.

Madison Frank is going to be baptized on May 15. yay!

love

Elder Richards

It's all downhill from here

Hey
I'll be calling on Sunday at about 4 here. So that's 7 pm there. I hope that's ok. Congats Dad. Be careful or you could be the next Bishop.

This week was cool. Got to go to the Temple. That's always good. It's just so relaxing. I be chillin in the hood feeling the Spirit. Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot! Well, yeah it can. But right now I feel good.

Man, Elder Fish is whipping me into shape big time--taking me up hills and we have been teaching alot of lessons. Our stats look really good. I know that the Lord has blessed us with His Spirit. The Holy Ghost is the real teacher. I'm just an insturment. The mouthpeice. I'm like a trumpet. sometimes I feel like I don't deserve it. The mantle that missionaries hold is so great. The Lord is trusting us with his children. That is why we need to constantly repent. To empty the spit valve on our trumpet or the spirit cannot be as strong. It can't make the note that will let these people know the truth. We need the Spirit!

The Church is true. Christ Lives! Hurrah for Israel!

Elder Richards

Tell Beth happy birthday for me.

I'm mailing that package pretty soon. Just hold onto it for me.

I had the flu all week. Balderdash. It rained and snowed and our area is full of hills and mountains. But that didn't stop us. We went out and taught a lot of lessons last week. I was still kinda miserable because of the flu. But I got a blessing and some meds and a slurpee and now I'm all better.

This area is actually a very good area to tract. It's very surprising. I've never had a whole lot of success with tracting but here it's all good. We tracted into a lady named Eddy. We taught her the whole first lesson. It was awesome. That had never happened to me. It was cool.

Funny. I'm rooming with Elder Uland. I knew him before the mission. He was in my group at EFY. Small world.
Another funny. I'm now in the same Ward that my super greenie is in.

Sorry I don't have a lot to write this week. But I've got great news. Mary and Micah (in my last area) have a baptismal date for May 29th! yay I'll still be here in the area to see them get baptized. Sweeet. The Church is true.

love ya
Elder Richards

Fish heads, fish heads, rollie, pollie fish heads

Hey, sorry I didn't get to email yesterday and I'm kinda pressed for time now.

Anyway the Church is true again, I am no longer the District Leader. I got transfered to Sparks, NV. I'm only about 10 mins away from my last area. But now I'm on bike in one of the hardest bike areas in the Mission. It's brutal. We have alot of hills and mountains in this area. But at least it's starting to warm up and I'm not in Vegas for the summer on bike. Remember that funny line I told you that Reno is so close to hell you can see Sparks. Well now I'm in Sparks so I'm even closer to hell haha.

Before I left we were able to have the baptism for Jim Farley. That guy is so legit. He had his member friend from Sparks come down to baptize him. They are like super old and the guy performing the baptism messed up a couple of times so we had to dunk Jim 3 times haha. He thinks we planned it. I love that guy. I'm not too far away though so he said he will visit me sometime. Sister McCombs wasnt able to be baptized because she is having a tough time with the pregnancy.

Mary and Micah are doing good. They accepted to be baptized. They don't have a date yet but I hope I stay here long enough to come to the baptism. Mary reminds me of a female Chris Farley she acts and looks like him. she is so cool. I miss them already.

The Wanlasses made a great dinner for me. My favorite actually. I saw them bring it out and I knew exactly what they did. I knew that they called my Mom and asked what my favorite meal was for my going away supper. It was gooood. The funny thing though is that yesterday here in Sparks I had the same thing! It was such a blessing. yum

Those were really great dinners but guess what dinner I had with the Spanish Missionaries a couple days ago. We didn't have a dinner scheduled so the Span Ams let us come to theirs. Well we got there and the member put a steaming soup in front of us. It looked good and we were spooning around and all the sudden a fish head popped up. It was, no lie, the size of my fist. We had fish head soup. Not just fish soup. No that would be too normal. They gave us fish HEAD soup. It was looking at me with its crazy eye. It's jaw was still flapping. This thing looked like a Piranha. It had teeth and everything. When it first came up, I thought it was still alive. That is the craziest dinner I have had on the mission so far. I'm never eating with the Span Ams ever again.
Oh and right after that we went to Ju Jitsu class and practiced Nage Te (throwing Techniques)for 2 hours what a night.

Well, the Church is still true, despite what the members feed us. haha. love ya

Elder Richards
By the way my companion's name is Elder Fish. Coincidence? I think not!

Everyone here hates the chili

Hey,

Thanks for the Easter package. Everyone here hates the chili. They say it's like soup. I dont care, I like it.

The work is starting to pick up. We have four investigators with baptismal dates. Jim Farley and Elisha McCombs should be going down this Saturday. Then we have Mary and Micah who have accepted to be baptized but haven't picked out a date yet. That saturday is also transfer calls. So if you dont hear from me next week it's because I got transfered and I won't be able to email you until late that night. That's if I go to Vegas. I don't know if I'm leaving for sure though. The Ward is bummed because Elder Marsh and I are doing well together. Mount Rose and South Meadows have had a lot of bad missionaries in the past, missionaries that don't want to do anything. I will be very sad if I leave because I really want to see Mary and Micah get baptized. She is so funny. She is like a female Chris Farley. I will miss her a lot.

We had Zone Conference last week. It was a really good one. The AP's gave a training about spiritual wounds that can distract from the work. It helped my comp a lot. He got john'd last week. It was funny because he had a watch that said i love G. B. on the band. Well last sunday we were wrestling and the band broke. Then i was like "Dude! your gonna get john'd tomorrow!" and he did haha.

I had a dream the night before Zone Conference about something President McCracken talked about in his training. So I dreamed about a huge wall and I was trying to look over it to see the sunset but I couldnt because I'm short. So I needed a leg up by the Holy Ghost. So he gave me a leg up and I saw the horizon. Then President gave a training about a similar thing. He did an activity where he had a chalkboard and the Elder couldn't see over it. He needed to get on a chair to see over it. Anyway it was sick with it.
Thank you for your prayers. You can send the temple cards if you want.
Elder Richards

Reno weather is ridiculous

Hey

It snowed this moring, now it's raining and the sun is shining brighter then ever. This place is ridiculous. haha I love it though.
Yes I want the rest of the conversion story.
I might still be able to go to the Temple, i'll let you know.
Sorry about the April Fools call. If it makes you feel any better, Bro Wanlass got me back big time. I almost flipped out. I love that guy though. Don't be mad at him, it was all my idea.

We finally set Jim Farley with a baptismal date for April 17. That guy has progressed so well its amazing. We finished all the lessons with him and he's really anxious to be baptized. He told us that Elder Marsh and I were the perfect missionaries for him. He really didn't like Elder Smith and said that he didn't look forward to lessons with him. But he loves us and he wants to be baptized before I get transferred because he wants us both to be there for it. Sister McCombs should be getting baptized that day too. But we are a little worried about her. We haven't been able to see her in a little while because she is pregnant and tired. I don't know what's going to happen with her. Hopefully she will go down on April 17 also.

So General Conference was amazing. I really loved Priesthood session. The talk on patience by Elder Utchdorf was just what I needed to hear.
Funny story: during General Conference Saturday session a guy started cuddling with my companion. His name is Ramen (yes like the noodles). He's got some mental disabilities. Anyway he sat down next to Elder Marsh, then by the 3rd talk he had his arms wrapped around his arm and fell asleep. He stayed like that the whole rest of the conference. Then after he woke up, Ramen started hugging all the missionaries for like 5 mins each. I love that guy.
funnier story: On Sunday during General cCnference, Ramen came in and sat next to me this time. Then he had his arms wrapped around my arm. haha. I think Ramen wanted to know which of the 2 of us were better cuddlers. I think I won because he kept trying to stroke my hair and he ate all my candy.

Oh and we didn't get to go to Tahoe today becasuse it's snowing like crazy down there.

I hope you all had a happy Easter.
Christ lives and He loves us. He is Risen!

Elder Richards

My companion is a genius

Hey

Sorry I wasn't able to email last week. I was just about to then some stuff came up and I had to run.

First
What is Ben's Missionary email? and let me know where Chris is going.

Mom, you didn't miss Temple day. It is only once every 3 months. It's next transfer around mid April. I will give you the heads up. I may be getting transfered before then so I might not be able to go to the Temple anyway. There's a good chance that I will get transfered. Relax, I will let you know. relaaaaaxxxx. :)

Funny story about Luke, Jeff and Brian. Geez those idiots. Everyone knows your supposed to check for an alarm system before you break into a place. Gosh. I thought I told them that before. And why are they going to court? Ridunkulous.

I might be sending some stuff home because I dont feel like carrying it around with me. So if you get a package, just put it with my other stuff in the attic. I have a member in our ward who works for FedEx so he can get me a discount. Don't worry about it.

We went hiking today. It was sick with it. Next p-day we are totally going to Lake Tahoe. I'll send some pics home. Which reminds me, could you send me the third card and I'll send you my other one please?

I got a new bed. It's awesome. No more sleeping on the floor. yay

We weren't able to do the baptism this week. Sister McCombs still wants to be baptized but she had to change the date to mid April. She is doing well though. I dont know if I told you but she is pregnant. Funny story. I wrote President McCraken and told him that one of our investigators is pregnant and asked him if we should still baptize her because of the baby. I wrote about Moroni 8, how baby baptisms are an abomination in sight of the Lord. I told him that I really wanted Sister McCombs to be baptized but that I didn't want to condem myself in the process by baptizing the baby too. I look forward to his response in our President interviews Haha.

The Sparks NV Stake did a little mini-mission in Reno. It was only for a day but i felt like I was training all over again, geez. It was cool though. I had a great experience serving with Elder Seth Ross. We went tracting and this old lady answered the door. She looked terrible. She was on oxygen and everything. We asked her if there was anything we could do for her and she said "cure my cancer" then shut the door on us. Balderdash. But then a couple more doors down I felt prompted to go back. So I followed the prompting, of course, and we knocked again.
When she opened, I boldly told her that we were sent from God and that if she had Faith in Jesus Christ she could be healed of her cancer. She was a taken aback and was a little nicer to us. She said that she prays and does believe in God. We gave her a pass along card and told her to go to the website. It was a cool experience.

Elder Farnsworth and I had a combined District meeting last week. It was sick with it.{editors note: "sick with it" means something good} The subject was on asking. We went to this member's house/castle--we called it the land of Asck. The crown jewels went missing and the missionaries had to ask suspects different questions to find where they are and who did it. It was cool. The house was huge. We weren't allowed to go inside it but we were allowed to go in the Hobbit Hole in the backyard. No joke, these members have a legit Hobbit Hole replica from Lord of the Rings. It was sick {there is that "sick" word again} I will send the pics later.

I have a favor to ask of you. Robin Eleen is going through a really rough time. She hasnt been to Church in 2 weeks and she hasn't been returning calls. We coincidently (yeah right) ran into her on Sunday while making a visit. She didnt give me any details about what was going on, but she did say that she would come to General Conference next week. She needs your prayers please.

Thank you for everything. I love ya. Sorry my email is so long

Elder Richards

PS the reason for the subject title is because Elder Marsh kicked open our front door and broke it. It was kinda cool though. Like Hollywood. We had a member glue it up and pinned it for us so it's all good. I was worried that we would have to get a new door. Bro Carruth saved my companion.

Livin the dream

Hey

I don't have a lot of time. Busy day. Have to go give another blessing soon. P day always seems like the busiest day of the week. I know. Ridiculous, right?

The missionary work is starting to pick up a little bit. The wards are a lot more open to giving us referrals. That's a relief. They are finally starting to trust us. They've had some bad experiences with other missionaries in the past. We've had to work hard to get that trust back.
We were able to set Sister McCombs with a baptismal date for March 27. It's a really exciting time now for us. This will be Elder Marsh's first baptism. He's very excited and he should be. Some people are very fearful of baptism even though they know it is true. They are afraid of change. I understand though. Change is never easy. But I commend Sister McCombs for her decision. She knows it is the right thing to do.

Sorry to hear about the cat. And Jeff getting his temps haha. And thank Kevin and Heather for the package. It was really nice.

Smile, He is Risen!

Elder Richards

Bugs don't have politics

Hey hey hey

Elder Marsh and I are both staying here in Reno. I'm excited about that. It's sad though, some of the Elders that I have met and bonded with are leaving this transfer. I met them when I was a day out and now they are leaving. Weird. It's been real though.

We aren't going to the Temple until next transfer. I will let you know. Don't worry about it. Thanks for the birthday package. And thank Lisa and her roommates for the birthday card. It was very nice of them. A little weird but nice haha.

So things are going good. This transfer flew by. Hopefully this next transfer won't be that quick. This week we gave a lot of blessings to members who are sick in the hospital and people wanting comfort. We even gave a blessing to a non-member which was a great experience. She started crying but she didn't know why. I know why. The Spirit does that to you sometimes. We testified of this and planted that seed. She doesn't live in our area unfortunatly. But we told her to contact the other missionaries in her area.

We have been working with some of those investigators that kinda dropped off the face of the earth. We found them and started teaching them again. One of those lost souls is Susan. She called us a couple weeks ago and said that she didn't want us to come back. We waited a little while and felt that we should stop by. She was very happy to see us. It was like she had forgotten what she had said. Shes not all there but she is the sweetest lady ever and very knowledgeable. She catches on quick and I'm sure that sooner or later we will be able to set her with a baptismal date. She's progressing really well now. All the sudden she has gotten really excited and she has been coming to activities in the Ward and she wants to come to Church now. We have had trouble with her in the past about coming to Church but now she is pumped and ready to go. I think during the time she didn't have us over she realized that something was missing, that she didn't feel the same anymore. She has definitely felt the Spirit and I'm excited about her progress.

Funny Quote

Funny quote : Reno is so close to hell that you can see Sparks! (Sparks is a city in NV on the border of Reno by the way)

question: is Ben in the MTC yet?

Yo

Living the dream here in Reno. Funny story. We only get a certain amount of miles every month. So it was the end of the month and we were almost out of miles. I called Elder Elsworth (the driving coordinator) and asked him if we could get a couple more miles for the month. Well, he said no. So we had to break out the bikes for a couple of days. And coincidentally, it was the windiest day of the transfer, no joke. It was ridiculous. I was loving it. It was wicked hard but so worth it. We had to bike to the bottom of our area to visit Frank. It was a really good visit. He loves to tell us stories. This time he told us how he was the fastest kid in school because he was always running from bullies. He is black so the white kids always tried to pick on him. But they could never catch him. One time his mom told him to take a stand. He punched the kid in the face and he ran home crying. Frank felt good and that's when he decided to become a boxer. And he was very good too. He always has a good story to tell. We don't say much, which was a good thing because we were so tired. The wind just would not stop blowing us back. Elder Marsh struggled with it becasue it was his first time on a bike in the mission. He borrowed a really crappy bike, too, so he couldnt pedal well. He was miserable. haha It reminded me of my first day on bike. Good times. And we didnt go over miles this month!

I went to the chiropracter this week and he realigned my back and neck for me. It was my first time and it was pretty amazing. Bro Nightengale said I should have been in there awhile ago. Everything was cracking like crazy. It's because of turning my head too much (deaf ear) and my bed. He is trying to find someone with a good bed because mine is trash from all the missionary usage.

We had a great lesson with the McCombs ( a part member family). We should be setting Sis McComb with a baptismal date pretty soon. yay!

That was my week.
transfers are coming up this weekend. I will probably stay here to finish training Elder Marsh. yay! love ya.

Elder Richards

We all know what's up and you can't mess with the best! It's the Elder of Las Vegas West!

Hey

This transfer is flying by. It's crazy fast. We had a great week this week. They have announced the new Mission President, President Black from Utah. He will get here sometime in July. I will definitely miss President McCracken--he is the man.
We had Zone Conference this week and we had a visit from Elder Spencer Jones from the Quorum of the Seventy. It was kinda funny because he kept talking about marriage and stuff. He talked about being Sealed and how the Elders need to treat their wives with respect or they may not want them in the afterlife. Then after this huge explanation on that, he tells us not to teach what we have just learned to investigators. We teach the milk not the meat. It was kinda weird but I really enjoyed it.
A couple nights ago we had a great fireside. It was by FAIR (Foundation of Apologetic Information and Research). They talked about main anti-mormon issues that people try to get us on and how to defend it. It was really good. I only got to see half of it though because of the SNOW. Lots and lots of snow. It was way cool. Well cold. During the fireside the snow came down hard so we had to shovel the sidewalks for people. It was pretty sick. haha I had to follow a couple missionaries home because they are from Florida and don't know how to drive in the snow.
Thanks for everything. The Church is true. It's as simple as that. No matter how hard people try to deny it, they cannot shake my faith. The work will go on boldly until it has filled the earth.

Elder Richards

Bold Sauce

Yo
I gave my first talk yesterday in South Meadows Ward. The Bishop called us as we were getting into bed on Saturday night to tell us we were giving talks in the morning. I wasn't nervous at all. I was afraid that Elder Marsh would flip out about it but he kept his cool. He did great. First he talked about Faith in Jesus Christ. We had some investigators attending so I did my talk on Baptism. I looked at those nonmembers and I told them that they needed to be baptized. Well, I didn't say it exactly like that but I was straight to the point. Baptism is an essential ordinance. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God." There is no other way to make it back to our Heavenly Father except by following our Savior's example and be baptized. We all need to be baptized. Period.

Anyway things are going really well with my new companion. Elder Marsh is the man. He is a great companion. He is pumped and ready to go. This has really helped me to get over my experience with Elder Smith. I'm blessed.

The Church is true. Period.

Elder Richards

I ate an octupus at a Chinese place (really, I did)

Hey

I've got the Temple cards. Don't worry about it. We go to the Temple next week.

This transfer I will be training. I don't know who he is yet. He has to drive up here tomorrow. I'm really happy. In case you were wondering, Elder Smith wasn't the best companion for me. He's kinda like Crumly except he didn't want to do anything. I was really depressed all transfer, but no longer. I feel on top of the world. I am finally free. Elder Smith is gone. Now I can get to work with my new companion.


Robin was baptized on Saturday. She is awesome. She has taught me more than I could ever teach her. She is such a great example. It blew me away when she gave up coffee that easily. She has so much faith that it seemed nothing to her. What really amazed me is her health. He had really messed up her leg snowboarding when we first met her. The doctor said that she may have torn something and her knee would never be the same until the resurrection (I added that last part). She was in a lot of pain. We gave her a blessing and and by the time of her baptism she was almost completely better. She isn't wearing the brace anymore. She walking normal now. She had no problems during the baptism itself. It's amazing what Heavenly Father is capable of. What a blessing it is to have the truth restored.

Thanks for prayers and support. They really helped me out. Especially this transfer. He is Risen! It makes sense.

Elder Richards