April 23, 2016 "that all men must come unto him"

Tortillas: 6 (This is just getting sad haha!)

Another marvelous week in the work of the Lord. Every week we continue to see how the Lord needs and uses us as his instruments, and how he wants to help us so badly as we work to do our part. This week were the changes, which is always crazy. It was sad to see my trainer finish his mission, Elder Castillo. 

The changes here are done in the bus terminal, and usually the missionaries love to take some time to talk, but that leads to a massive group in the middle of the terminal. I was in charge of keeping things in order with the megaphone, but that did not really help. BUT it is all over with haha! The mission is progressively losing more missionaries and gaining less, so we also went to close a house this week in a place called San Mateo. It was an interesting experience, with an owner that was a big mad, but all came out well! 

Mejor Milagro:

My companion and I have taken the focus on families to as high as we can, and we have seen that the Lord has greatly blessed us. We decided that we would only contact families in the street, unless of course directed by the spirit. That lead this week to us meeting two men in the street (one of which was born in my first area), who were nice and gladly accepted that we visit their house. But, when we arrive for the appointment, they were not there. Fast forward about a week to this week, when we finished a lesson and the appointment for the next hour had fell, so we decided to go and look for these two men. When we knocked the door, someone else answered, but called to one of the men that we were here, and we were instructed to wait a moment. We began to talk and meet the man that opened the door, and soon were welcomed in. The man we met had apologized that he was not there the day we had come, but he was so grateful that we had come back. Before we started, we asked if they could invite everyone home to come and listen to what we have to share. It turns out that in the house they life in, none of them are blood family members, but all have either come to work in Xela or are orphens and were welcomed, in total being about 5, including a man that is mute. Though very different from the normal family situation, as we taught we came to realize that the Lord had prepared this family to receive the gospel. In the past some had already been to church, and were very interested in learning more. As we invited them to church, they gladly accepted to come this Sunday. They are very excited about what we have to offer, and I was able to feel a great love that the Lord has for them. 

Testimony Time:

As I continue to read the Book of Mormon, my testimony grows of the truth of this Book, especially what it teaches in 1 Nefi 13:40;

"And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved."

What an amazing blessing it is to have so many testimonies of Jesus Christ, including the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Neither is complete without the other, and as we learn of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the writings done by prophets from both Jerusalem and the American Continent, we can grown to understand that the Love of our Heavenly Father is not just showered up some of his children, but all. Through the sacred writings in the Book of Mormon, I have been able to come to know my Saviour in a more personal ways. I have come the feel the desire to follow completely his gospel and wordly desires to follow temptation are able to be taken from me. The Book of Mormon has passed but one translation, through the Prophet Joseph Smith and we can know more clearly many doctrines necesarry for our salvation. I can testify that as we study both the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other scritpures together, we can come to see the whole picture of his gospel. We can come to see more completely his love, and see what is our role in this great plan of salvation.

Truly, both testify that "all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved."

April 16, 2016 "el que con diligencia busca, hallará"

Tortillas: 5

Una semana más en el país de la eterna primavera! We had a great week as always! I did not get the chance to mention last week, but Saturday night we had a wedding of two people we have been teaching, which followed with their baptism! They are a small family named Familia Garcia. Their names are Humberto and Rocio with their little baby girl Lucero. 

We have been working a lot to help them, and I have grown to greatly love them. I have seen that with their is a love unexplicable for the people that we teach and all Guatemaltecos, but it is such a joyful experience to see them make the desicion to follow Christ through baptism, and to start the process. This week was building up for Ward conference tomorrow, which means a lot of activities! On thursday everyone went to the temple, which we did not get to go to, but yesterday there was an international food and culture activity! It was a great chance to invite investigators to meet members and get to know the Church. Also, today we went with the Childs, Elder Chavez and McLain, and Jaimes family to President and Sister Smiths house for a picnic/BBQ. It was a great time. 

Mejor Milagro:

One day we had planned a lesson, but the people were not there. So, we felt strongly to go with the people that we had planned as backup, some old investigators we have not found. As we arrived at the house, the man opened the door and told us to come right in. We sat down, and he immediately began to talk about the problems and challenges that they had been having. As he went, it turned from telling about his problems to thanking us for finally coming back. He apologized for not being there, but explained that they really needed us now to help them come unto Christ and change their lives. Hearing their hardnesses for me was a very humbling experience, and it really touched my heart as he explained in humility of the need for divine help. He is out of work, and they are completely out of money.  Their daughter is starving and having stomach problems because she does not have enough to eat. This family does not even have Q15 to buy basic need, but they recognize that they need to trust more in God, and they recognize the miracles and thank God for what they have! I imagine that God has such a great love for them, and I feel so blessed to be an instrument in his hands to be able to bless those of his children that really need him. Even though we are not able to give to their physical needs, I know that as we attend to their spiritual needs they will find a way to come out of this hard situation. 

Testimony time:

I have been greatly impacted by the example of Nefi, and his willingness to follow the spirit and sacrifice to come closer to God. As we read, we see the drast contrast of him from his brothers, Laman and Lemuel. As I have examined his example about receiving the word of God and instructions from his father, I was impacts by these verses In 1 Nefi 10:

17 I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto gall those who diligently seek him

 19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.

Nephi tells about how he was desirous to see, hear, and know. He testifys to us that as we seek diligently, by the power of the Holy Ghost the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto us. That is a promise from the Lord. What I have come to learn is that the Lord really wants to teach us. He wants us to grow, but it all depends on if we are wiling and desirous to learn and become better. All he asks of us is that we search, and we shall find. Any question that we have, he has answers. We can remember the young man Joseph Smith. It took much on his part to come to the point to ask God in faith, but once he did he was blessed with one of the greatest moments in history and a moment that has impacted the destiny of the eternity, and my life forever. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows each one of us personally, by name and even more than what we know about ourselves. As we come to him, we will discover more about the wonders of Life than we ever could alone. Of this I testify, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

--

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango
josephr@myldsmail.net

April 9,2016 "con todo su corazón"

Tortillas: 7

Qué tal mi familia amado! This was a great week with a lot to do, and very blessed in the Lords service! We took another trip to the Capital de Guatemala for my companions visa.

 This time we had about two hours free around the city, which we spent contacting and getting some food that does not exist in Xela! It was interesting to see how different the people are in different parts, but now I have worked in different missions haha!

 We were working a lot with our investigators this week, and one of the greatest blessings was being able to participate in helping one enter into the Waters of Baptism! Her name is Astrid, and the greatest blessing was that her son, Kenny, baptized her! He has been a member for about 2 years, and for about the last 3 months we have been teaching his mother. She has made great changes in her life, and has prepared well to make this covenant with God. 

Mejor Milagro:

About 3 months ago, we contacted a family in the street at about 9:00 that was very interesting in learning more about the gospel. We went to visit them in their home, but never found them! We tried a couple of times, but someone soon told us that they had moved. So, the time passed an we knew nothing about them until 2 weeks ago we saw them walking in the street. At the moment I saw them, their names came into my mind (The miracle is I remembered haha!) and we stopped them and began to talk. They still wanted to learn more, and so they showed us where their new house was. We were on divisions when my companion arrived for the first time to teach them, and all he said was they were nice but talked a lot haha! But, we went and visited them another time, and it was completely different. They were listening very attentively, and they received the message of the gospel with much excitement! We challenged them to prepare for baptism, and they excepted! The Lord always will find ways to change his children's hearts and help them to come unto him and find true happiness though his amazing gospel!

Testimony Time:

I have begun to study the Book of Mormon again, and a scripture taught me something that it had never taught me before, in 1 Nefi 1:5, which says, 

"Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people."

I imagine that Lehi was going about, doing normal things in life, but always faithful in his prayers. He continued with diligence to pray to the Lord, not just at 1 time during the day but I imagine that he was in constant communication with the Lord. As he prayed, he prayed with all of his heart. Sometimes we take prayer very casually, but how often do we pray with "all of our heart"? Really, the act of doing it is not easy. The act of constantly praying is not easy either, but that is the level that the Lord wants us to get to. I have grown in my relationship with God hugely in fact because of when I put effort into praying. I work so that my prayers are not just a script of thanks and a grocery list of things that I need, but that it is a conversation where I talk with him and listen so that he talks with me. There are many times that we are tired and the we don't with to exhert the force needed for a prayer with all of our hearts, but we can learn form Lehi that the great experiences with getting to know the Lord, come closer to him, and being changed by him comes as we prayer with all of our hearts. I can testify that as we each work to make our prayers more personal, more meaningful, and more heartful with true intention, that is when we can see that great changes in our lives and the changes in the world. What a great blessing it is, to have direct communication with the great and almighty creator and most powerful being in the universe! Even greater is that promise that whatever thing we as the father in the name of Christ will be answered! We truly are blessing to be children of a celestial King, and to have the potential to become like him. He will teach us, guide us, and even correct us, of which we can be grateful. Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

--

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango
josephr@myldsmail.net

P-Day fun!  My life is wonderful!!

Today for P day we went to a place called Olintepeque to get stuff for the wedding we will have later today (I will write about that next week!). 

April 6, 2016 "Por tanto, muchos son llamados, pero pocos son escogidos"

Tortillas: 5

Well, this was a crazy busy week, but always amazing! We had lots of work to do, including a surprise trip the City of Guatemala for the passport of my companion, Elder Silva. Sadly that ate up a lot of time, but we had the chance to get to meet many people in the area office which was great. The definite highlight was an amazing General Conference, the twice a year opportunity to hear the will of the Lord through his chosen servants. In between sessions we were transporting some sick elders that we had staying with us over the weekend, so on Saturday we only had the chance for one appointment. Sunday was amazing to have the people we are teaching come and feel the spirit and receive answers to their prayers. All in all, I feel grateful for the blessing to serve the Lord and search for his chosen children. Even with short time in our area, we had the chance to find some new families this week. As Elder Eyering expressed, there is great joy in finding those families and helping them come unto Christ and be purified in him.

Mejor Milagro:

One day as we were walking to an appointment, a dog walked up with us and began to play. It was funny because he was a dog that lived close by, but whenever we would pass he would always be so mad, but as he was free he was suprisingly nice. As we walked, he kept playing, and we passed some people talking in their doorway, he ran up to play with them. They began to laugh, and we stroke up a conversation with them about how weird it was that the dog was so nice. Well, this conversation lead to who we were, what was our purpose here, and eventually to the gospel. When we offered to share with their family our message and bless their lives, they surprisings accepted very joyfully, but that we returned another day. We returned, and 2 of the people, husband and wife, accepted us very joyfully. The husband quickly began to express how much they needed God. In the past they had been closer to him, but since they had moved to the area they have seperated completely from him and were seeing the consequences. In the past other religions have tryed to visit them, but they felt no desire, but they day we met them in the street they felt the desire to hear us and to come closer to God through what we have to offer. I am so grateful for the different ways that God puts for us to find those most in need. He loves and knows each of us personally, and in one way or another wants to invite us back to his warm arms.

Testimony Time:

Multiple times in the talks of those that spoke in General Conference, there was a pattern of the use of the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46, which can mostly be summed up by verse 40:

"Hence many are called, but few are chosen"

It is very obvious that the Lord is preparing his chosen, and he wants us to be prepared for the future to come. As Elder Cook said, we live in dangerous times, but also in one of the greatest and most blessed time periods. The Lord is advancing his work at a great pace, and he has called us to follow him and prepare all to enter into his presence. Satan wants just the opposite for us, so he is working to do all at his reach to make the children of God fall away. As it reads in these verses, those that are not chosen are not because they have put their eyes in the things of this world. We must always remember to have our eye of faith toward the fruit of the tree of Life. As Elder Wadell taught, we must not only partake once of this fruit but be constantly participating daily and in every moment that we can to be prepared for whatever opportunity the Lord provides. The counsel we received from our Prophet was simple, remember who we are in a world of confusion, be worthy in every moment to act, and dont let the world keep us away from Gods presence. I testify of the Love of our Heavenly Father and Saviour Jesus Christ. What a glorious thing to know their will and what we must do in order to always follow Him. The path is worth it, and every step is a joyful one. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

-- 

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango
josephr@myldsmail.net

March 26, 2016 "si éstos escuchan su voz" #Aleluya

Tortillas: 9

Semana Santa is wonderful in Guatemala. In the USA we celebrate mainly Easter Sunday, but here it is all week! The biggest days are Thursday to Sunday. I have enjoyed some of the traditions here which include:

1. Reenactments of the final days of the life of Christ. The funny part is how they dress up as Jews and romans and fight!

2. Alfombras, carpet things made in the street to significate the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem

3. Pan de Yema. Egg yolk bread that EVERYONE gives us, but it tastes amazing.

4. Prosessions; the best descriptions is they are parades remembering Christs life.

What I have enjoyed most is how much everyone is focussed on Christ, on his sacrifice for us, and his triumph over death that conquered the grave for all man kind! It truly is a reason to shout ALELUYA!

Mejor Milagro:

We are teaching a man that has found his life in a hole because of substance abuse and all around bad choice. We have been working with him to help him to change, but there have been a couple of times that we have shown up to his house to teach him and he has been drunk. Much of his change began when one day he was at a friends house, drinking, and the missionaries (others in a different part of Guatemala) showed up. His friends had rejected the missionaries and told them that they were happy with the life that they were living, but as the missionaries left he realized that in no way was he happy with the life he had. This experience opened his heart and made him realize how much he needed to change and how much he needed God. We were suprised this week when we showed up, and he had completely shave his huge beard that he had! As we began to talk and teach, he was very different in the way that he received our message from in the past. He was paying much attention and was very calm. At the end of the lesson, we asked him how he was doing with the plan to conquistar his addiction was going, and he told us that he had not drunk for a week! We had talked to him about being baptised in the past, but he was very unfaithful to the idea that he could change, but to our surprise when we asked him when he felt he could be prepared for baptism, he surprisingly told us that he needed one more month of preparation, and he set his own date to prepare for baptism. I testify of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to change all of us. From this experience, the scripture in Isaiah 53:5 comes to mind, that says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." As we celebrate the resurection of our Lord, we can also remember that we can be healed, because of him. We can find peace and change our lives. I am a testament of that, because time after time I have seen it in the lives of others, and daily in my own life. 

Testimony time:

This week I decided to study what the the pass over mean. This lead me to 2 Nefi 9, and I was left impacted on these verses:

21 And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.

 22 And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day.

 23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

I marvel at the wonder of what He has done for me. I marvel at his love and patience for all of us, and that he is so constantly calling us, guiding us, teaching us, and showing us the way to happiness. Because of him, all will live again and will live through him. What peace that is to know that death has no sting and that we will one day get to see those loved ones again. As we follow him, choosing to do what he has commanded and taking our cruz and following him. What great joy it brings me to have this knowledge, and that is why I am doing what I do, so that more and more people can find that peace that they need in their lives. I testify that He live. He knows each and every one of us personally, and we can put trust in His power to change us and make us better. The gospel of Jesus Christ is joyfull, and only though him can we find that eternal happiness. In his Sacred and holy name, Amen.

Enjoy an amazing video for this pass over!

https://www.mormon.org/easter/hallelujah

-- 

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango

 Sports P day. We originally wanted to play tennis, but someone had stollen all of the balls so we just played soccer.

We had to take a trip to a part of the mission called Totonicapan.

 These are pictures of the city, and we were surprised that they had reenactments  of the Semana Santa there also, with more fights (fake with fake swords haha!) between the Jews and Romans.