March 30,2015 email ¡Gracias a que Él vive!

The baptism of Stephanie!  We are so happy!

 Alejandro got to baptize Stephanie!

 This is a day of celebration!

Tortillas: 35



Here in Guatemala for the Semana Santa (Holy Week) everyone goes on vacations, so this week was filled with many great lesson, but also many people we will not see for another week... Not a great help for the work. Sadly, Ruben does not really have the desire to change. He does not want to see what there really is to offer in coming to church and would rather wash away his sorrows with alcohol. We decided that we are going to leave him for a week or so so that he can hopefully realize the need for change. Really, it saddens me more than anything. I want so badly for him to realize the relief that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ in his life and the amazing power of the atonement! Our biggest challenge really is getting people to truly listen to the message that we have to offer. We have many moments where people invite us in, we share a wonderful message, we ask if we can return a certain day and time and they accept, but when we return we can never find them. It is a challenge, but I know that the Lord can work miracles and do whatever is necesary to bring his children back to him. Our responsibility is to offer and work as hard as we can so that they have the opportunity to listen, but other than that we must respect their free agency. We do have some that are listening and it is amazing to see the light that comes into their lives. Ones name is Ruben (Different ruben haha!) who recently his wife passes away, but his friends were loving enough to invite him to their house and invite us to teach him about the gospel.


Mejor Milagro:


One morning we went to go and search for an investigator that we had shared a message with in the street. We could not find him, so we decided to knock some doors. This was when we found Rosa. She is a young mother of 3 young children, all below the age of 5. Her "Husband" (they are not married) has a problems with Alcohol, is abusive, and does not have the desire to help her in raising their children other than by giving her money. It is really sad because she tells us about how she left an abusive father only to go to another abusive man. So far we have shared one lesson with her, and it is so amazing to see the happiness that comes when we speak of the blessings of a Christlike life. She has many questions about where to find the truth and where she must go to really follow Christ. She wants so badly to come to Church, but sadly right now her husband is not allowing her. This will be our challenge, but I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has given us the opportunity to bless her life and teach her about the happiness that can come and that they have the opportunity to be a family forever! I know that with time we will be able to touch the heart of her husband and bless their lives.


Testimony Time:


The title to the email translates to "Thanks that He lives!" which is the title for the initiative this easter, which in english actually is, "Because he lives" to help everyone understand the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives. We as missionaries have been given the oportunity to share this video with everyone that we come on contact with, and what a beautfil video to help us remember the purpose of Christ in our lives.


I would invite you before reading any further to watch this wonderful video!


http://www.mormon.org/easter



One of the messages in the video is that He is everywhere. When we call on him, he is always here to aid us. He sacrificed his life, and because he died and resurrected we have the oppotunity to receive peace in this life. Just as the video invites, I have taken the challenge and every day I am finding him as I pray to him, as I read his words, and as I to what he wants me to do. I know without a doubt that He lives! He loves us and wants us to be happy! He has provided us with a perfect example of what we must do to return to our Heavenly Fathers presence and become like him! I have come to gain my person witness and everyday I strenghthen it as I search for his blessings are every day I am "trying to be like Jesus". He is the light of my life. He is my savior, my example, and my best friend. He gives me strength to push forward everyday and become who he wants. These things I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Love you all! Also, I invite everyone to a very special event this easter, the opportunity to hear a living Prophet of God! And the best part, you can watch it through the internet! Saturday at 10, 12 and Sunday at the same time!


lds.org


Have an amazing Semana Santa!


Elder Richardson

making ceviches with the Hermanas and Hermano Marvin! Ceviche is like a soup made of all kinds of sea creatures, lemon juice, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and of course CHILE! It is suuuupper rico (Delicous)!!"