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