January 23, 2016 "powerful effect upon the minds of the people"

Tortillas: 0 :(

Well, how can I explain this week in one word? Amazing! The second word? Tired. There was a lot to do with changes, and volcanic eruptions spitting ash all over and cancelling flights of missionaries going home. One of my companions, Elder Maynes, had changes, and we miss him a ton. One of the highlights of the week was a worldwide missionary broadcast from Salt Lake. They focus on that we teach repentance, making sure that all understand its importance, and that we help those come to the church that have obtain a testimony and are willing to change their lives. It was wonderful, and the spirit that is accompanied by listening to the apostles is always amazing! Other than that, I am feeling grate, and very grateful to feel the Love of God as I serve his children. 

Mejor Milagro:

We have seen many time how valuble the hand of the Lord is in our work. I feel so greatful to know that in this work, I am not along, but he is helping us to do what he wants as we do our part. Many times we see that he places the people in our path exactly in the moment that we need them, and then we are able to bless their lives. I remember an instance this week when as we were about ready to finish our day and return home, a family walked past. I felt the need to talk to them, but I was hesitant because of the hour and here people are usually afraid to talk at night because that is when assaults happen. But, I followed the prompting, and when we talked to them we found out that the woman was the daughter of an investigator that had just told us that we could not come back because of family conflicts. We met her and her husband and we are going to visit them tomorrow. Another time we felt we needed to visit a member family. First blessing, when we arrived they were just cutting cake for someones birthday, and they gave us some! The second is that we met a man there that is one of their boyfriends, and has been feeling great desires to investigate the church. We set an appointment for a family home evening with them all, and they are going to invite other family member to learn about the message of the restored gospel. Also, we have begun to work with a part member family, who the Bishop refereed us to because of dream he had. We arrived in the moment when they needed the gospel the most. I love the Lord so much, and I feel so blessed to serve him in HIS work.

Testimony Time:

A scripture I found in Alma 31 this week really impacted me. It says,

 5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

I have seen time after time the power and effect that the word of God has. In my life, and in the Life of others, the word of God has a strength beyond explanation to lead us to become the people that God wants us to become. It leads us in his paths, which are the paths of eternal happiness. We live in a world of violence and confusion, and the greatest tool against the evils of the devil is the wonderful word of God. It is so important that we can "feast upon the words of Christ" daily, because "the words of Christ will tell you all things which ye shall do". There is on reason to allow this confusion to darken our perspective. We can use the scriptures, modern and ancient, to realize what in our lives we need to change. We can try the virtue of the word of God as we apply it in our lives and wait to see the promises of the Lord come. I see it day after day, and it is what takes me to know without a doubt of the truthfulness that in our days God has called a prophet. He appeared to the young Joseph Smith, to restore the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. Because of this knowledge, I have come to know my Saviour more, and make him a center in my life, and a rock upon which I can build each day. I testify of his power, and the power of the word of God to change the minds of men to be in line with that of Gods. My invitation to all is to feast upon the word each day, and to see the great blessings that come. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

January 17, 2016 "Poneos a trabajar"

Tortillas: 6

This was a great week, but very busy and crazy. Next week we will be having changes, and always the times leading up have a lot to get done because of missionaries going home, coming, and changing areas. We found out that Elder Maynes will be a dad (training), and we will miss him with us. I have known him since the airport, and we are really close, so that will stink not having him with us. But, that wont be the end of our trio, because President told me today that we will be receiving another companion for a couple of weeks. Also, I received a testimony of being careful to eat clean food, as we have had two elders from a far away area with us, one of which has parasites. He has not been enjoying it... I just pray that all will go well this next week, and I know that the Lord will help us so that all the changes go smoothly!

Mejor Milagro:

One day we found ourselves with open time, so we began to contact. As we were standing at a door, a small family passed by, and with the distinct impression to talk to them I stepped into the street and offered them a pamphlet. The contact went very well, and to our suprise when we offered to share the restored gospel with them, they offered that we came by their house later that night. When we arrived, they accepted us very warmly. We shared ead by the spirit, and their interest was caught in learning more. When we invited them to discover the truth for themselves and follow God with what he answers by being baptised, the husband began to tell us about an experience that morning. A complete stranger out of no where mentioned to him that he needed to open his heart more to God and he needed to follow him. This lead him to be willing to listen to us when we offered just a few hours later. I am so grateful that God is preparing his chosen children for us to find them and show them His way.

Testimony Time:

I have been enjoying my study of the example of the Brother of Jared, in the Book of Ether. Especially this one in Ether 2:

 16 And the Lord said: Go to work and build, after the manner of barges which ye have hitherto built. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they were light upon the water, even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water.

What do we do to be able to complete what the Lord wants us to? What do we do to obtain our potential? What do we do to receive his blessings? The answer is simple. We work. When we have problems infront us? Work. When we feel sad? Work! There is no greater blessing than the opportunity to act for ourselves, and go to work, especially for he that is the greatest, the Lord! But, it is not just work mindlessly, as we learn from this scripture, they worked in the manner that they Lord instructed. If we are not working how the Lord wants, our work is in vain. We can also see that the results of their work in the Lords way are marvelous results of boats that would not have been possible, without the Lords help. 

 In this life we have many great waters to cross, as did the family of Jared. They did not know what to do, so they asked the Lord, and he instructed them of what to do. The Lord always asks for some kind of action on our part. We are never going to obtain anything, unless we work for it. As long as we have His company, we can have the assurance that what we are doing is according to his will. I have seen great blessing in the mission field simply because I have promised to the Lord that I will work with all that I have, in the way that he wants. I continue to work, and I see every day how the Lord does his part, which really is the hardest. He opens the gates, the pathways. We must trust in him in all we do, and not in ourselves. If our trust is in ourselves, we will find that it is much more difficult to complete what we need to. I know and testify of the comand, "By the sweat of they brow, ye shall the reap fruit of the Land." Our God loves us so much as to give us the great opportunity to work and enjoy from the benefits of our work, and I love him so much for it. I testify of the marvelous principle of work, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

-- 

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango

 We had interviews this morning with president and it was great, and so far we have just been chilling in the office with the assistants playing monopoly. For the changes, this week will be CRAZY, so we are resting a bit. I love these guys!

January 9, 2015 "in a state of happiness which hath no end"

Tortillas: 12 (WOOO! IT WAS A GOOD WEEK!)

Buenos diiiaaaassss. That is how the nans in Xela saludar. This was a wonderful week with lots of work, as always! Lots of work also means lots of tired haha, but I love it. We continue to be in a trio, which always spices up the life a bit. Really, I feel very happy with the blessed life that God has given me. This was a fairly normal week.

Mejor Milagro:

Really, this was an amazing week to see the tender mercies of the Lord. A couple of weeks ago we went to the house of an investigator family for a visit. When we arrived, a man answered the door that was completely drunk. We tried to see if there was anyone else there for the visit, but they were out of town, so we put an appointment to return with the family another day, through the drunk man. We really did not expect them to be home, but when we came next for the appointment, we were surprised to find them home. We began to teach about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, to be able to explain the authority because one of the ladies wanted a blessing because she felt sick. Mid way through, the man that was drunk entered the house because he had come home from work, but not drunk. He sat down without interrupting and began to listen. Eventually, he began to make comments, which were a little bit contentious, and basically was him trying to reject our teaching. Instead of letting him reject us, I felt the spirit prompt me to ask him very bluntly "Brother, do you want to be clean?" This changed everything. No longer was he contentious or rejecting us, but he wanted to know more and he was accepting. We soon had to finish and go, but the difference of his attitude from the beginning to the end was so different. We even invited him to investigate and if he came to know it was true, be baptised, and he accepted. We left in a pamphlet to read, and by the time we returned, he had read it. I feel so grateful for the blessing of being guided by God in this his work and to speak in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Testimony Time: 

As I continued to study Mormon, I found an amazing chapter of Mormon 7. One of my favorite verses say,

 7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.

What I have seen is that an eternal perspective is an amazing thing. The ability to know that this life is but a part of forever changes everything. It changes how we act and what is our attitude at every day. Jesus Christ is at the center of a happy eternity. It is because of him we can enjoy the blessings of dwelling in the presence of God as families! Is there anything better? What he asks us is simple, but not easy. Follow his example, be as he was, and help others to do the same. We are all in different places in the path, and we all know what we must change. I sing praises to my God for his glory and power. I love my Saviour with all of my heart, and cannot be thankful enough for what he has given me. I am also grateful for the Holy Spirit that is my guide on this journey of life, the most faithful companion of them all. I love you all so much, and wish for all to enjoy of the blessing of a state of happiness without end, and happiness that is available now. Don't ever forget your potential, and He will always be there to help us obtain it if we follow his call to come unto him. This I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Jonathan one of my best friends from Santa Ana!  His sister just returned from her mission, he is getting ready to turn his papers in!!

Elder Maynes is a magician!  Haha, we have so much fun!!!

  Parque Central

  Parque Central

  Parque Central

All of these pictures are from one of the most famous touristy parts in Xela called,  Parque Central. We had a great day exploring, and coming in contact with some great people.

January 2, 2016 "persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent"

Tortillas:6


Un año más ya ha pasado! Happy New Year to everyone! This we were in bed and asleep by 10:30, but the crazy fireworks of Guatemala at 12:00 woke up and we knew exactly when it was the new year! The Guatemalan tradition for New Years is get drunk and sleep a lot, so that streets were very dead. But that was a blessing as we had to take a 4 hour car trip on New Years Day to go and retrieve my new companion, Elder Silva from Peru! We will be in a trio for the time being. Other than that, it was calm with some great visit, some more paches, caliente ( A hot fruit drink that is common here that is tasty), and stronger relationships with all.


Mejor Milagro:


One day, my companion and I were leaving our house when we felt the need to make sure that we had consecrated oil. I always have mine on me, but when I check it was not there. So, we grabbed a vial, but it was empty. We could not find oil, so we thought about leaving once again without it, but still had the feeling that we needed it. So, we eventually found oil in some time and we were finally off. The first place we went to was a members house. When we walked in, the first thing they said was, "Elders, it is so great that you came now. I am feeling horribly sick and need a blessing." We were then able to give a blessing, which was sent by God and a testimony to each of us of the love of God for his children, and the fact that we are simply instruments in his hands. This was New Years Eve, and they were excited for the family festivites until this last minute sickness came on. But, by the time we left the house, they were feeling better and very grateful that they would be able to enjoy the special celebration with their whole family!


Testimony time:


This week I read this amazing scripture in my reading about what each of us must do, in Mormon 3:22:


22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.


I chose to share this scripture because of the New Year and the wonderful gift of repentance. In our modern society it is almost as if it is a bad or scary word, but really it is something amazing and beautiful! It is the opportunity to change ourselves and become more in line with perfection and God's will. Through repentance we can become clean and pure and receive forgiveness for mistakes we have made. As we think about this New Year and make goals, we must thing about what more do we have to do to become like God. We can go before the Lord and as him "What do I fault?" and though the spirit he will make know what to change. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the process of following him and always will require continued faith and repentance. As we share this glorious process with others and persuade all the ends of the earth to repent, we are completing with what God wants for us. We are furthering his work, our immortality and the opportunity for eternal like. So, my invitation to all is to repent. As the Lord what things you need to change this year, make a plan to do it, promise him that you will do all you can, then give the rest to him and he will carry us hire than we could ever go ourselves. I know that this is true. I know that through Jesus Christ and his atonement we can enjoy of these blessings of becoming one day perfected, and we can have the strength to do better. I love him so much and what he has done for me and feel profound gratitude. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Love you all so much! 

Elder Maynes family sent a mix to make blueberry muffins, they were so good!!!!

December 27, 2015 email "el que fue preparado desde la fundación del mundo"

Tortillas: 5


Feliz navidad, y ya va a pasar el año 2015! The year and month have gone by so fast! We had a great Christmas week this last week. Christmas in Guatemala is characterized by lots of Paches (Like tamales mexicanos, but made of rice or potatoes), lots of fireworks (I mean, A LOT. There were not many dogs in the street!), and people drinking alot. What we chose to do was take the time to show the members our appreciation by singing Christmas hymns to them, and some service with giving those in need a small gift of some Rice Crispy Treats.

One of the things that I really enjoy is that the Guatemalan people truly rejoice at the birth of Jesus Christ through their celebrations. Last year I saw it more as just a party, but this year I realized that it really is just a celebration to rejoice that Christ was born! The celebrate more Christmas Eve up unitl 12 which significates Christs Birth, and the day of Christmas is pretty dead! On the 25th we just talked to the family (Which was awesome!), 

had Christmas dinner with President, and visited some wonderful member families. It was calm and wonderful!

Mejor Milagro:


So, twas two nights before Christmas, and the Elders were out. We were in the doorway of some members, and two people walked by and greeted, as normal to Guatemala, but they said "Buenos Noches Elderes" indicating they knew us. We were in the middle of a conversation with the member, so I did not get the chance to talk to them. Once we finished talking, we were back up the street when the same people quickly walked past. In that moment, I remember that they has greeted, and I felt the impression to talk to them. So, we began to walk behind them because they had gotten far. Once we caught up to them, I asked if they knew the missionaries, and we began to talk. It turns out that the man was from Coban and his family was members. They had just moved here a couple of weeks ago, and where they lived before they were receiving the missionaries. We continued talking, and it was obvious that they knew quite a bit about the Church, so we offered if we could visit them some time. Right then, they invited us to come to their house. They fed us some food, and we had the opportunity to share the Christmas video "Ha nacido un Salvador". We talked about the blessing of this gospel, and they showed great interest and need in being able to learn more and come closer to Christ. I am grateful that in many ways God helps us find those that need him.


Testimony Time:

This week our mission president shared with us a scripture in Ether 3:14. It says:

14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.


When we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, it is not complete unless we also remember his purpose, chosen before the foundation of the world, to be our saviour. He was chosen to come and show us the perfect life to live, and to atone for our sins so that if we follow him and love him, we can become clean and become like our Heavenly Father. There is nothing greater in this world than to apply the doctrine of his gospel in our lives! He wants us to find peace and happiness, whatever happens. I feel so grateful for the love the our father has for us to send his son, and the love of our Saviour to suffer for us. I love them so much. I know and testify that he lives. I testify that his true gospel has been restored to this earth to learn his exact teachings through modern day prophets! Of this I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

People here put pine needles everywhere for Christmas and it smells so good!

 Panorama Guatemala is so beautiful! The name perfectly describes it!

 Baptism of Pedro December 26, 2015 what a special gift to give to the Savior!  He was baptized by a member friend.

December 27, 2015 Zone Christmas party! We ate Pupusas  and played soccer and had a fun gift exchange!