July 18, 2016 "para que trabajemos diligentemente con todo nuestro empeño en la viña"

Tortillas: 21

La obra del Señor siga avanzando aquí en Huehuetenango! This week were changes, but neither my companion nor I had changes, but we still had to make the tiring journey to Xela to help out. That day was very tiring, but we saw that God gave us the strength that we did not have! This week has been interesting with the fair here continuing, but we still found many things to do. It is interesting to see how many of the appointments that we set with people fall, but we still find new people and people to teach. That is a down side of the Guatemala people, they are not very puntual in time jaja! I am so grateful that every day we are lead to those that are in most help. Sadly, there are always many that are not read to receive the gospel and to receive the blessing in their lives, but I know that as we do all we can the Lord is please with our work, and truly every day we see that it is not our work, but his. 

Mejor Milagro:

A month ago we found a man who was positive, but was not ready to hear the message we bring. He lives in an area that we commonly pass by, and we see him much in the street. One day when we were on divisions, my companion decided to search for this man and ended up teaching him. This week we had an appointment with him, and to our surprise when we arrived he had read the entire pamphlet that we had left him, and he had many questions. As we answered, he understood very well the importance of what we brought, and had a complete change in heart about accepting us and coming to know of the truth of the restoration for himself. He was very willing to accept the commitments that we invite him, and we were surprised when he accepted the baptismal invitation as he received an answer by a specific date. I know that in many different ways, God prepares his children. Many times those we talk to are not ready to receive the Gospel, but that does not mean that they will never be ready. As we give follow up we can see how they are prepared in the future. 

Testimony Time:

This week I enjoyed reading the parable of the Olive Tree in Jacob 5, but one verse in especially that I like was verse 61, which says:

61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.

Since the beginning of time, the work and the glory of God is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. That is his biggest focus, that we have the chance to return to his presence and obtain our maximum potential. This is the focus of his work, and he is the person most focussed on seeing that it comes to pass. As we have seen, throughout all history the children of God have been rebelish and have not wanted to follow his councels, but he continues to love each and every one of us. I am so grateful for the amazing blessing to work together with him, with all of my might, to see the way of preparing his children to obtain this maximum felicidad. I know that he loves each and every one of us on this earth, and he knows us personally. Even if we are not remembering him, he is remembering us. Each day he sends blessings from the heavens, and most of them we do not even recognize. It is so key and so important that we come to know our Saviour Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father, because as it says John 17:3 that this is Eternal life to come to know them. As I have come to know Them in a personal way, I have come to trust in Their plan. I have come to see more clearly what They wish for me. It is so very important that we can study the Work of God, found especially in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon, to come to know our Heavenly Father and Saviour, and to see this marvelous work and wonder that has come forth. I testify that there is no greater objective than Eternal Life and that of know our Heavenly Father and Saviour, and as we do we will have our eyes opened to what a glorious life we live. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

-- 

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango
josephr@myldsmail.net

July 11, 2016 "aquel que está edificado sobre la roca, la recibe con gozo"

Tortillas: 17


¡Una semana con muchos desfiles! This week started the fair here in Huehuetenango, so it has been a bit crazy with lots of parades every day and not many people in their houses. 

They do it here where all of the schools and all of the grades participate in the parades. Maybe fun for parents, but not much for missionaires. This week we also went to Xela for a Consejo. It was great to see many of my old companions, and to learn much needed things from President Smith. 

The sad part is that this week there are changes, and many missionaries are going home...

 But, the good news is that I will get to stay with Elder Romero! That makes me very happy. We saw this week that even though many went to be in the parties, we were able to find many people to teach and serve, and bring to pass many good in the Lords work.


Mejor Milagro:


Right now we are teaching a man that is old. He actually met the first missionaries that arrived here to Huehue, and went to church a couple of times butt never was interested in know more let alone accept the gospel. In the small time we have been teaching him, the key to his progress is his reading in The Book of Mormon. He has read about 150 pages. This week as we went with him, we asked him how it has been going. He told us about the things that impacted him that he learned, but the most special was what he told us about how one day after he read, he prayed. As he prayed he said that he felt the presence of God very strongly, and that the spirit testified to him without a doubt that the Book is true! This lead to him also sacrificing to come to church for the first time, where he told us that once again he felt the spirit very strongly and enjoyed it very much. Throughout the whole meeting he was taking notes and probably wrote 5 pages of notes! I testify of the power of the Book of Mormon, and the key that it is to our conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This experience was a testimony to me that if we are simply willing to open the Book of Mormon and come to know for ourselves, God is there to answer.


Testimony Time:


I have been meditating much about the world that we are in and the many false doctrines that exist. I know that the Book of Mormon is the key to us being able to see clearly the lies of the devil. I enjoy very much what Nefi taught in 2 Nefi 28:28



28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.


At this moment we must make the desicion, are we going to follow the truth or the lie? If we have chosen to follow the truth, we must do the search to find out for ourselves what is the truth. The center of all truth lies in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which at one point was lost when Jesus Christ and his apostles were killed, but has been restored to the earth through a modern day Prophet, Joseph Smith. We must all come to a security of the truth of the restoration, and the Book of Mormon is the key to know. But, as Nefi advises, we must watch out and make sure that our foundation is centered in the rock, o sea Jesus Christ. If he is our center, not anything else such as money, worldly sins or desires, possesions, ambitions, or even a religion in itself, we can come to know of the truth because as the truth is presented to us we will recognize it by the power of the Holy Spirit. But, if our foundated in something else, when the truth comes, fear will enter into our hearts that we will lose our foundation, that which is not in Jesus Christ. I testfy that Christ came down from his thrown above as the great Jehova to show us a perfect life and to atone for our sins. I testify that he tought his gospel, but sadly that gospel was not able to continue in it fullness. I testify that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is the true church of Jesus Christ himself directed by him. The Book of Mormon is true, and as we read it every single day we will be protected from the lies of Satan that are so common in our world. God loves each and every one of us and wants us to return to his presence, as families. In the Sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

--

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango
josephr@myldsmail.net

July 4, 2016 "escuchan las palabras de los profetas y no los destruyen"

Tortillas: 12 (¡Twev!)

Una semana con menos lluvia y mas sol, que bendición! Well, there was much more sun and less rain, but right now the rain is coming down very hard! This week has been amazing as we have begun to work in areas that have not really been reached by other missionaries. Not that they are super far, just a bit hidden, and thanks to some planning we have begun to work there and find many new people to teach! But, this has lead to quite a bit of walking, but it is great to return home every night so very tired. This week we also had the chance to do divisions twice, once I was with Elder Hatch and the other I was with Elder Moreno. It is great to work with and learn from great missionaries. 

Mejor Milagro:


One day we decided to try a short cut that supposodly would bring us to a part of our area faster. Basically, it took us through the middle of the jungle, and we got lost.

 But, as we were lost we ended up arriving to the back yard of a house. They were crushing up corn to feed the chickens, a mother and her daughter, so we offered to help. We had met the daughter a while earlier because we had actually knocked their door, but the family did not accept us. We did this simple act of service (Which was surprisingly tiring) and were able to get to know them and gain their trust. They were very happy for our help, because we were able to do quickly what would have taken them a long time. We had to leave for an appointment, but we asked if we could stop by later that night to share a message with the entire family, and they accepted! As we arrived that night we met the son of the woman and her other daughter. She has 2 other sons who are in United States, and her ex husband who also went about 11 years ago. This has been very hard for her and her family, and has basically disintegrated their entire family. We did not know where we were going, but the Lord knew exactly, and he lead us to this family who in any other way would not have accepted us. As we were able to share but a bit of our message, they are very receptive and want to learn for themselves how this can bless them. I know that God knows each and every one of us personally and all of our challenges.


Testimony Time:


In the Book of Mormon, we read of many of the consequences of those that are not willing to follow the commandments of God. What I like about this scriptures, is it talks about the blessings for the righteous that follow Gods chosen servants, found in 2 Nefi 28:8


8 But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.


What a glorious blessing that our God has always and will always communicate to us through his chosen servants, the prophets. That is one of the most amazing things that I can share with people every day, is that God has not stopped to reveal his word, but continues to guide us in our modern world through modern day Prophets. Many do not believe, truthfully most and not willing to believe, but I testify to all that we can know of the truth of this for our selves thanks to the fruit that God brought to light through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon: Another testament of Jesus Christ. I testify that it is the word of God, that he revealed anciently to the habitants of America. I testify that through these chosen servants, we can "look forward unto Christ with steadfastness" and we can know exactly what God wishes for us in our days. It saddens me so much that so many people are not willing to know of this for themselves, because what an amazing blessing it is for us as individuals and as families. I testify that Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God, and no matter what amount of persecution I could receive I testify. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, called to restore the Church of Jesus Christ, the same that he established when he was on this earth. Through that restoration, we have all of the knowledge necessary for our salvation and to be able to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father, and as families.


I invite all to come to know for themselves, and of this I testify in every moment, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


--

Elder Richardson
Misión Guatemala Quetzaltenango
josephr@myldsmail.net

Celebrating the 4th of July!

Elder Worthen is a great addition to the mission, he takes great care of the missionaries housing.

Friend we met on the streets, he makes life pretty fun when we see him!