Sunday, December 27, 2015

Angels We have Heard on High Dec. 21,2015









Angels we Have Heard on High
Robert Richardson <rrichardson@myldsmail.net>  Dec 21 at 10:43 AM
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MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL YALL!!!
This week was really good. We were really busy helping the Catholic Church wrap presents again. It was really fun. But really tiring. We were able to attend the branch christmas party. That was really fun. We also went caroling as a district and the Ottinellis came with us. That was really fun

We were able to see Micheal and Alejandra. It was a really good lesson. We arrived late so we were just planning on sharing a scripture but we were there talking with them for quite a while. It was a great opportunity to develop friendships with them.

We were able to help a less active family with translation at the hospital. We also were able to help a member of the branch out also. We also did our normal visit as well.

I can't believe it is already Christmas. I love the new mormon message by the church here.
http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-first-christmas-spirit

May each of us find time this Chrismas season to reflect upon the birth, life, and mission of our Savior Jesus Christ. I encourage yall to read Helaman 14:1-8, 3 Nephi 1 1-21 and of course Luke 2 May yall  have a very merry Christmas and a joyous season. I look forward to spending Christmas with yall next year!!!!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!!
Elder Richardson

The First Noel Dec. 17, 2015

Buenos Dias All Yall!!!!
This last week was really fun. Last P-day we went to tour the Louisiana State Capitol. It is 460 ft tall. I am going to admit, when I first stepped on to the observation deck I felt like a baby because it was kinda scary. It  was so weird being high. It has been a long time since I have been really high. HAHA. It was really cool. We were given a tour of the area where Huey P Long was assassinated.

We also went to Alejandra and Michael's, the people that came to church last week. She also invited another less active friend and her non member husband. It was an amazing lesson. Alejanadra bore a strong testimony of the restoration of the gospel to her husband and her friend's husband. We have a return appointment with them on Wednesday. They didn't come to church though!!! AAAA!!!!

One lady that we do service for who is very rich took us to PF Changs. That was the first time I went there. I had to use a special menu because of my allergy. :D It was really good.

We also saw Hector and Giselda and showed them the new video on Mormon.org.

We also got a phone call from the Catholic church that they had a huge donation of presents and that they needed help wrapping them. A couple of us Missionaries went and we wrapped gifts for them. We also helped put up their christmas tree for the shelter. After the catholic church took us out to eat at a really nice restaurant. It was really fun.

We have been helping President Ottinelli clean up the roster and we have seen a couple of miracles finding less actives and others doing it.

Thank yall so much!!! All Yall are da best!!!!! Stay safe Yall!!!! Make good choices yall!!!! Have a blessed week YALL!!!!

Elder Richardson

Hark the Herald Angel Sings Dec. 7, 2015














Hark The Herald Angel Sings
Robert Richardson <rrichardson@myldsmail.net>  Dec 7 at 11:11 AM
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Buenos Dias All Yall!!!!

So this week was really awesome. We were able to do a lot of Christmas service. We got to wrap Christmas presents and prepare them for the homeless shelter. That was really fun.

We also were following up with a member that has been struggling and we met his roommate who just lost his mom. He asked if we could talk with him. We were able to share the plan of Salvation with him. It was really awesome.

We also ate at the Office couples apartment. They are really nice. We were able to play games with them which was really fun.

Saturday was awesome. It was branch temple night. It again was a lot more easier in Spanish. Let me tell you. That is the best language study is doing the Endowment in spanish. Or should I say La Investidura en espanol.

Sunday was awesome. We were at church and this couple walked in. They looked really familiar but I couldn't go talk to them yet because it was my turn to play for sacrament meeting. After I went to talk to them and they ended up being a couple me and Elder Tuttle tracted into clear back in September. She is a member and he isn't . We got an appointment with them tonight so I am supper pumped about that. Lets just say I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the lord. We finally have had an investigator attend church here!!!!!!!! We were also able to watch the first presidency Christmas devotional.

So my spiritual thought is on the 2 new videos the church has put out that the church has asked us missionaries to share and members of the church found on Christmas.mormon.org

I love the story of the good tidings from angel brought to the shepherds. Out of all the people in the World who could have such a wonderful manifestation. I am so grateful for the gift of a savior that was provided. I learned that more yesterday in temple how everything points toward Jesus Christ.  I miss all yall so much. Especially during the holiday season!!!! The church is true. A savior was born. The gospel message is sweet. It is the only thing that will bring peace and happiness to this world. And will bring salvation and Exaltation to those that accept it.
Elder Richardson





So fresh and so clean.

Far Far Away on Judea's Plains Nov, 30th

BUENOS DIAS ALL YALL!!!!

This week was a little slower but we still saw amazing miracles!!! The other day we were following up with one of our investigators, Irberto. He wasn't home but his room mate, Benmerito, was home. We taught him the restoration and two days later taught him about the book of mormon. We also contacted a man named Alejandro. We were able to teach him the restoration and he told us about his mormon friends in Hondorus and how happy they were.

We have also seen miracles with our investigators Hector y Giselda. They have started to slowly progress. We finally figured out why he doesn't read. He has a very difficult time reading and we told him about the app he was really happy. He started playing it so it could read it to him.

We also we able to see Juan and Carla and reviewed the restoration with them. They told us they gained an understanding of the importance of the book of mormon.

We had an awesome thanksgiving at the mission home. It was really neat! We were also helping out with the angel tree at the mall.... on friday.... i just got tired from the crowds there... HAHA

My spiritual thought comes from

Another great soul in the history of the Church is Scottish convert John Menzies Macfarlane. He joined the Church with his widowed mother and brother, and the three of them journeyed to Salt Lake in 1852. He was 18 years old. Over the years, he became a surveyor, builder, even a district judge, but it was his music that distinguished him. He organized his first choir in Cedar City and took his ensemble around southern Utah. After a performance in St. George, Elder Erastus Snow, an Apostle and leader of the colony, encouraged him to move to the southern Utah community and bring his family and music with him. Times had been very hard in 1869, and Elder Snow asked Brother Macfarlane to stage a Christmas program that would lift the people’s spirits. Brother Macfarlane wanted a new and engaging musical piece for the event. No matter how hard he tried to compose, nothing came. He prayed for inspiration and prayed again. Then, one night, he woke his wife and exclaimed, “I have the words for a song, and I think I have the music too!” He hurried to the keyboard of their small parlor organ and played the tune, writing it down while his wife held before him the flickering light of a bit of flannel floating in a bowl of grease. The words and music flowed forth: Far, far away on Judea’s plains, Shepherds of old heard the joyous strains: Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest; Peace on earth, goodwill to men; Peace on earth, goodwill to men!  Brother Macfarlane had never been to Judea to see that the plains were more like rocky hillsides, but the inspired message of his music poured from his soul as a witness of the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem of Judea, a beginning that would change the world forever.  I bear my witness that our Eternal Father lives. His plan of happiness profoundly  blesses the lives of each of His children in all generations. I know that His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the babe born in Bethlehem, is the Savior and Redeemer of the world and that dear President Thomas S. Monson is His prophet on the earth today. These words of praise speak truth in my ears: “Glory to God in the highest; peace on earth, good will to men.”

Yall are awesome!!! Stay good. MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!!!
Elder Richardson

So fresh and so clean.

Come ye Thankful People

BUENOS DIAS ALL YALL!!!!

So I will be staying in the BR for another transfer but Elder Tuttle is getting transfer. Estoy muy Triste...... I am pretty sure I know who is my new companion and he is one of my really good friends in the mission so I am really excited.


This week was really awesome and was full of miracles. We continued to do some tracting in a neighborhood. We found a couple of people who we shared the message of the restoration to. One was a man named Irberto when after we shared the restoration. After he asked if we could share a prayer with him. We later scheduled a return appointment with him.

We did an awesome service project at the Mall of Louisiana with an angel tree project. It was really fun. We will be doing service again this friday... black friday..... HAHA! That will be fun!!!!!

We had a really amazing experience sunday night. We had a follow up appointment with a guy we contacted and taught the restoration lesson named Hector. We went to his place and he had invited his whole family and a bunch of neighbors to here the message of the restoration. There were 10 people in that lesson listening to us about the restoration. It was a very powerful moment. During the lesson we had a prompting to ask them who is Jesus Christ to them and they all gave powerful answers. They all loved the message of the restoration and accepted a return appointment for the Book of Mormon. After Hector asked his wife to give the closing prayer and the spirit was really strong while giving the prayer. It was one of the most amazing moments of the mission.

So yall can probably guess what the spiritual thought is on.... GRATITUDE!!!! President Monson gave an amazing talk called the Divine Gift of Gratitude. In it he gave a quote by President Joseph F. Smith  “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love over powers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” He continued: “Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!"

Continuing President Monson said, Do material possessions make us happy and grateful?Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted.

I share with you an account of one family which was able to find blessings in the midst of serious challenges.This is an account I read many years ago and have kept because of the message it conveys. It was written by Gordon Green and appeared in an American magazine over 50 years ago.

Gordon tells how he grew up on a farm in Canada,where he and his siblings had to hurry home from school while the other children played ball and went swimming. Their father, however, had the capacity to help them understand that their work amounted to something. This was especially true after harvest time when the family celebrated Thanksgiving, for on that day their father gave them a great gift. He took an inventory of everything they had.

On Thanksgiving morning he would take them to the cellar with its barrels of apples, bins of beets, carrots packed in sand, and mountains of sacked potatoes as well as peas, corn, string beans, jellies, strawberries,and other preserves which filled their shelves. He had the children count everything carefully. Then they went out to the barn and figured how many tons of hay there were and how many bushels of grain in the granary.They counted the cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and geese. Their father said he wanted to see how they stood, but they knew he really wanted them to realize on that feast day how richly God had blessed them and had smiled upon all their hours of work. Finally, when they sat down to the feast their mother had prepared,the blessings were something they felt.

Gordon indicated, however, that the Thanksgiving he remembered most thankfully was the year they seemed to have nothing for which to be grateful.

The year started off well: they had leftover hay, lots of seed, four litters of pigs, and their father had a little money set aside so that someday he could afford to buy a hay loader—a wonderful machine most farmers just dreamed of owning. It was also the year that electricity came to their town—although not to them because they couldn’t afford it.

One night when Gordon’s mother was doing her big wash, his father stepped in and took his turn over the washboard and asked his wife to rest and do her knitting. He said, “You spend more time doing the wash than sleeping. Do you think we should break down and get electricity?” Although elated at the prospect, she shed a tear or two as she thought of the hay loader that wouldn’t be bought.

So the electrical line went up their lane that year.Although it was nothing fancy, they acquired a washing machine that worked all day by itself and brilliant lightbulbs that dangled from each ceiling. There were no more lamps to fill with oil, no more wicks to cut, no more sooty chimneys to wash. The lamps went

Sunday, November 22, 2015

For the Beauty of the Earth!! November 16, 2015

Buenos Dias All YALL!!!

So this week was awesome. We saw some amazing miracles. We did a lot of finding and tracting. We tract in a trailer park on Gardere. We were able to teach a couple of people the restoration but sadly they didn't want us to come back; however, we saw the lord provide us with miracles as we contacted some people. We contacted a guy named Amos. We were able to teach him the restoration. He said he wanted to learn more about the book of Mormon so we set up a return appointment with him. We also taught Hector about the Restoration also. It was really awesome because he had questions about why there are so many translations of the bible while we talked about the apostasy. It was so perfect to be able to share the experience of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He was so thrilled to learn about he Book of Mormon especially that it was kept in its purity. We also scheduled a follow up appointment with him to discuss more of the Book of Mormon.

We also had a couple of follow-up appointments with our new investigators from last week. We visited with Noel and Luis and shared the Book of Mormon Lesson. They really enjoyed it. When they read the introduction they had a lot of questions about the tower of Babel. When we read Moroni's promise they shared experiences when they had felt the Holy Ghost. We testified to them that they would feel that same feeling while reading the book of mormon. We also had a follow-up appointment with Raphael. He had a lot of questions on the Priesthood and how Joseph Smith used it while he was prophet. It gave us the opportunity to talk about Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon.

We also had a lesson with out progressing Investigators Juan and Carla. We discussed a little bit about the Plan of Salvation. They had questions on families especially about if homosexual marriages were allowed in the church. We told them No and they agreed and it gave us the perfect opportunity to talk about the Proclamation to the World. We didn't have copies with us but we told them we would bring pamphlets with us next time. They were really excited to receive a copy of the Proclamation.

We did this crazy service project for Veterans day and the African American Museum. We helped them with a remembrance thing for African American Veterans. We did this march with them under the Interstate of all places. I am not going to lie. I was biting my lip to not laugh. Lets just say that one of the speakers said and I quote "Freedom is when you are the son of an immigrant and have a mother of a different race and are elected the first african american president..." 😕..... WOW!!!!!!! In the museum there was a huge Obama shrine..... OH MY!!!!

We got to help out at a food bank which was fun. We also taught English class.  Do we notice the little things in Life? One of my favorite hymns is "For the Beauty of The Earth." As with Borghild. Do we reconize the beautiful things in this world, or do we take them for granted, May we continue to give thanks to God for the little things in Life. For this beautiful world. For the trees, the flowers, the sunrise. Do we have a lot to be grateful for.

One of my favorite talks of President Monson is Finding Joy in the Journey and The Divine Gift of Gratitude. One of my favorite stories in Finding Joy in the Journey is the story of Borghild Dahl. She was born in Minnesota in 1890 of Norwegian parents and from her early years suffered severely impaired vision. She had a tremendous desire to participate in everyday life despite her handicap and,through sheer determination, succeeded in nearly everything she undertook. Against the advice of educators, who felt her handicap was too great, she attended college, receiving her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota. She later studied at Columbia University and the University of Oslo. She eventually became the principal of eight schools in western Minnesota and North Dakota.
She wrote the following in one of the 17 books she authored: “I had ony one eye, and it was so covered with dense scars that I had to do all my seeing throughone small opening in the left of the eye. I could see abook only by holding it up close to my face and bystraining my one eye as hard as I could to the left.” 7

Miraculously, in 1943—when she was over 50 years old—a revolutionary procedure was developed which finally restored to her much of the sight she had been without for so long. A new and exciting world opened up before her. She took great pleasure in the small things most of us take for granted, such as watching a bird in flight, noticing the light reflected in the bubbles of her dishwater, or observing the phases of the moon each night. She closed one of her books with these words: “Dear … Father in heaven, I thank Thee. I thank Thee.” 8

Borghild Dahl, both before and after her sight was restored, was filled with gratitude for her blessings.

In 1982, two years before she died, at the age of 92 her last book was published. Its title: Happy All My Life. Her attitude of thankfulness enabled her to appreciate her blessings and to live a full and rich life despite her challenges.

In 1 Thessalonians in the New Testament, chapter 5,verse 18, we are told by the Apostle Paul, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God.”

Do we notice the little things in Life? One of my favorite hymns is "For the Beauty of The Earth." As with Borghild. Do we reconize the beautiful things in this world, or do we take them for granted, May we continue to give thanks to God for the little things in Life. For this beautiful world. For the trees, the flowers, the sunrise. Don't we have a lot to be grateful for?

I love you and miss yall. I will still be emailing next monday because they moved transfers to Tuesday because of Thanksgiving. Love yall so much stay safe make good choices!!!!

Elder Richardson

Prayer of Thanksgiving!!

HEY ALL YALL

This last week we saw many miracles in finding. We contacted a referral from the English missionaries for a guy named Frank. We taught him the restoration and he told us that he felt warm and that he knew the message was from God. Is was really neat to feel the spirit in that lesson. We were able to find a bunch of families and couples. One of the couples we contacted was Ricardo and Noel. We taught them the Restoration. They asked us to come back this Saturday. They became really interested when we told them that part of the restoration was the doctrine that families can be together forever. We were also teaching two brothers named William and Luis. We taught them the Restoration also and they were engaged in reading the pamphlet along with us. They also had questions why there are so many churches. They were also wondering why there are no more prophets today. They were very excited in learning about the restoration.

We also had a really cool miracle with some guys named Daniel and Samuel. Daniel already knew about the church and Samuel knew a little bit about it. They told us they did not like the idea of the Book of Mormon. It almost started to get to the point where they were bible bashing. Then we got bear our testimonies about the Book of Mormon and how it is evidence of the restoration and that we can the church is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet by reading the Book or Mormon. They were stunned. They thought the Book of Mormon was suppose to replace the Bible but they didn't realize that it was through the Book of Mormon we could gain a knowledge that the Church is true. They wanted us to come back and they also asked for a book of Mormon!

We also got to go to Branch Temple night. It was so much easier to go through in Spanish this time. I didn't think I was going to die this time. HAHA! It was easier to understand. Plus it was my favorite film where all of the comets are hitting the earth. It was really cool to see it in spanish. Plus it was SO AWESOME!!!! The first room has a mural in it!!!!! It was really awesome mural!!!! It had the Louisiana swamp look. There was an aligator, a deer, rabbits, ducks, pelicans, and other birds. It was really neat!!!! The Celestial Room had new furniture. It was awesome. I definitely needed that temple trip HAHA.

We also got a new Branch Mission Leader! He actually was the last Temple President, President Huerta. He is really cool. He told us that he is going to try and get President Hansen's permission for us to perform Initiatorys in Spanish. He thinks it would really help us with our spanish! THAT WOULD BE SO AWESOME!!!!!! I am excited to have him as our branch mission leader.

So my Spiritual Thought is on.... Guess..... GRATITUDE!!!!!! AGAIN!!!! In the Scriptures we read continually about giving thanks to to Lord. Having a Prayer of Thanksgiving.  For example. Alma 37: 37

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day

May we continually prayer with Thanksgiving in our thoughts and continually thank our Heavenly Father For the blessings which we have receive. May continue to live with an attitude of Gratitude daily!

I love yall so much!!! YALL THE BEST!!!!!
Elder Richardson


Because I have been given much November 2, 2015

HEY ALL YALL!!!
So this week has been awesome! We were able to do some contacting and taught the restoration. We are making new progress with some of our new investigators Juan and Carla. Hopefully next week they will come to church. Last night we read the first chapter of the Book of Mormon with them.

One thing that is interesting this week is that our mission president got rid of contacting as a key indicator. He changed it to service hours. He was really into contacting and would talk about it all the time. It is really interesting about a new effort the church is doing that i have not talked to yall about. The church recently released a website called Justserve.org It is away for the church to provide volunteers for other organizations and churches. It is away to build bridges to elminate false ideas about each other on both sides. We had an instruction on it a couple of weeks ago and there was a survey about churches and the "public" opinion of them. Mormons rated fairly well but the thing that people said about Mormons especially those in Utah is that Mormons are very seclusive, meaning we tend to only be around each other. The church is wanting members to build bridges with other faiths and organizations. It has been interesting seeing this start up. It will be interesting getting this stated up. We have looked at a couple of service projects.


On saturday we were hit with a big storm. It was cloudy and we knew a storm was coming. We were walking around contacting in this neighborhood. And it got dark and green really quick. It was really creepy. And then did it pour. We even had our umbrellas ready and we were still soaked. The area we were in flooded really quick so we hurried and got in the car and went to a walmart to take shelter. We still heard the rain and thunder in walmart. We were did not want to leave until it slowed down a little. Well everyone in Baton Rouge except us got a text to stay in because we were under a Tornado warning. Well we ended up not getting the lock down text haha.

Well I my spiritual thought today is on one of my favortie poems written by Grace Noll Crowell called "Because of Thy Great Bounty" In 1985 her amazing poem was transformed into a hymn called Because I have been given much.
Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live;
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
My roof’s safe shelter overhead,
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord,
I’ll share thy love again, according to thy word.
I shall give love to those in need;
I’ll show that love by word and deed:
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.


It is so easy for us to forget the blessings the Lord has given us. May we use this wonderful month of November to reflect on the blessings the Lord has given us. May we also not only live with the attitude of gratitude, but may we live with a heart of giving as we live the new emphasized fourth fold mission of the church in helping the needy and poor. I am so grateful for my Family and this gospel. I have received an abundance of blessings from these two. May we share the love the Lord has given us with others. Thus shall our thanks be thanks.

LOVE YALL!!!! MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!!!!

ELDER RICHARDSON

Truth reflects upon our senses






















Truth Reflects Upon Our Senses
Robert Richardson <rrichardson@myldsmail.net>  Oct 26 at 9:47 AM
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Message body
HEY HEY HEY ALL YALL!!!!

So This week was awesome! Very Wet and Raining though! We saw amazing miracles during our finding this week. We tracted into a couple of familes that were interested in learning more about the gospel. There was a crazy miracle that happened where we took a member with us to our most progressing investigator, Leo, to an appointment we had with him. When we got there he wasn't home but his neighbor who we had already tracted into opened his door. He ended up inviting us in and the member was able to answer difficult questions which would be hard to explain in spanish. He also bore his testimony how he was like them, a catholic, had questions about life, and didn't want to change. Then he asked. When are you going to come back? It is so true that god puts you into situations where you are needed when you dont expect it. We also contacted a guy named Luis who was interested in the book of mormon we were holding. We shared the restoration with him then asked if we could return. He said he would talk to us at our church on Sunday. Well of course he didn't come so we follow up with him and he told us because of the rain he didn't go. So we decided to do the Book Of Mormon lesson. He loved it and asked us to come back on Wednesday. We have been having amazing experiences as we have been diligent in finding and doing the work of the lord. We have seen Miracles!

So yall probably saw the Pictures but it was so awesome!! I GOT TO GO TO AN LSU FOOTBALL GAME IN TIGER STADIUM!!!! Which is acutally one of the largest football stadiums in the US. LSU sisters hooked us up with free tickets in the lower bowl!!!! They played against western Kentucky! IT WAS SO AWESOME!!! They of course won. We weren't able to stay for the whole game so we could make it back home in time for our curfew. IT WAS CRAZY!!!! Very loud. AND SO MUCH RAIN!!!!! But SO FUN!!!!!! I am so glad I went!!! Definitely want to do it again!!!! It was a little difficult without having the yellow line the computer does for the first down but it was awesome!!!!


So for my spiritual thought comes from one of my favorite hymns Truth Reflects Upon Our senses. So I took the challenge from the talk "What Lack i Yet" and also an instruction that President Hansen gave on Repentance and asked what lack I yet. I got the answer to think more postively about others. So what I have been doing is reading a hymn every time I think judgmental or criticize someone called Truth Reflects Upon Our Senses It says

1. Truth reflects upon our senses;
Gospel light reveals to some.
If there still should be offenses,
Woe to them by whom they come!
Judge not, that ye be not judged,
Was the counsel Jesus gave;
Measure given, large or grudged,
Just the same you must receive.
2. Jesus said, "Be meek and lowly,"
For 'tis high to be a judge;
If I would be pure and holy,
I must love without a grudge.
It requires a constant labor
All his precepts to obey.
If I truly love my neighbor,
I am in the narrow way.
3. Once I said unto another,
"In thine eye there is a mote;
If thou art a friend, a brother,
Hold, and let me pull it out."
But I could not see it fairly,
For my sight was very dim.
When I came to search more clearly,
In mine eye there was a beam.
(Chorus)
Blessed Savior, thou wilt guide us,
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In thy praise forevermore.

May we Be people that look for the good in others as we go about our days. May we continue to have the mindset that we are all brothers and sisters of our loving Heavenly Father. May we see people as the Savior sees them. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that allows us to change to become better. I know the church is true!

I miss all yall! Be safe!!! And Make GOOD CHOICES!!!!!!

Elder Richardson

Lord accept our true Devotion October 19, 2015

HEY ALL YALL!!!!
So this week fairly good. We again did a lot of tracting and contacting... We saw some crazy things in the ghetto like always. HAHA. We contacted a bunch of people. Some of which were families who wanted us to come back. So this week we had a lot of finding miracles. We have contacted a lot of families and taught them the restoration. One of these families, William and Rosia, we taught them the restoration and testified how families can be together forever. They really enjoyed it and were very excited when we offered we will come back with a Book of Mormon. We also have been having luck with some of the younger adult hispanics. One of these was Omar, we contacted him while walking through a neighborhood and taught him the restoration. We also saw Hector and Giselda. We Finally got Giselda to pray!!! It took a lot of convincing from Hector. We also found a member that will come to us with to our most progressing investigator Leo. He reads the book of mormon, and wants to come to church, but I think he is a little nervous because he doesn't know anyone. We are so happy we have a member with us going on Wednesday and we think that would help him attend church.

It has been so amazing seeing the miracles in this area when we first opened it to where it is now. I am so grateful for the help the Lord has given us as we have seen these tender mercies of how receptive the people are to our message.

So my quick spiritual thought comes from the book of James where it says

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

May we show our faith in Christ by the way we live our lives. As we follow the savior may we show are Christian belief through the way we live our lives. I know that as we follow the example of the savior we will increase our faith in him!

Love yall so much!!! Stay safe!!!!

Elder RIchardson

True to the faith October 13, 2015

HEY ALL YALL!!!!

So I will be staying in Baton Rouge for another six weeks. I'm glad that I will be staying another six weeks but I think I will definitely be ready to be transferred in six weeks because the work is kinda slow here.

This week we were able to see are usual investigators. We have been trying to get them to progress more in the Book of Mormon. It is so hard when people do not take the gospel seriously.... We were able to see Leo, jose, Hector y Giselda, and Mercedes. We also did a lot of walking around to contact people. We got a couple of return appointments but nothing to crazy.

We were able to help with the Bishop Store house on saturday. It was really fun being able to help with that.

So my spritual thought comes from a preisthood talk from President Gordon B. Hinckley entitled Four Bs For Boys.

President Hinckley enphasised the importance of being smart, fair, clean, and be true. He then gave this story.

I should like to tell you of three eighteen-year-old boys. In 1856 more than a thousand of our people, some of them perhaps your forebears, found themselves in serious trouble while crossing the plains to this valley. Because of a series of unfortunate circumstances, they were late in getting started. They ran into snow and bitter cold in the highlands of Wyoming. Their situation was desperate, with deaths occurring every day.

President Young learned of their condition as the October general conference was about to begin. He immediately called for teams, wagons, drivers, and supplies to leave to rescue the bereft Saints. When the first rescue team reached the Martin Company, there were too few wagons to carry the suffering people. The rescuers had to insist that the carts keep moving.

When they reached the Sweetwater River on November 3, chunks of ice were floating in the freezing water. After all these people had been through, and in their weakened condition, that river seemed impossible to cross. It looked like stepping into death itself to move into the freezing stream. Men who once had been strong sat on the frozen ground and wept, as did the women and children. Many simply could not face that ordeal.

And now I quote from the record: “Three eighteen-year-old boys belonging to the relief party came to the rescue, and to the astonishment of all who saw, carried nearly every member of the ill-fated handcart company across the snowbound stream. The strain was so terrible, and the exposure so great, that in later years all the boys died from the effects of it. When President Brigham Young heard of this heroic act, he wept like a child, and later declared publicly, ‘that act alone will ensure C. Allen Huntington, George W. Grant, and David P. Kimball an everlasting salvation in the Celestial Kingdom of God, worlds without end.’” (Solomon F. Kimball, Improvement Era, Feb. 1914, p. 288.)

Mark you, these boys were eighteen years of age at the time. Great was their heroism, sacred the sacrifice they made of health and eventually of life itself to save the lives of those they helped.

They are part of the heritage that lies behind you. Be true, be true to that great inheritance.

True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.


I know that as we do our best  by living the commandments we will be true to the faith of those who have blazed the trail for us having this gospel. May we live the gospel to the fullness of our ability as we stand true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I miss yall!!!! Hope yall have an amazing and safe week!!!! MAKE GOOD CHOICES!!!!

Elder Richardson

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Hijos del Senor, venid

HEY ALL YALL!!!!

So This week we continued to do some tracting. We had a couple of followup appointments that we checked up on. Most of them bailed on us but that is ok. We tracted into a lady named Mercedes who was interested and told us she had already taken the lessons but that she wanted us to come by. She was really nice. We invited our investigators to conference and had rides set up for some of them but they all bailed..... Oh well..... We also visted a couple of less actives that we have found also. We were sharing with EVERYBODY Amos 3:7 and how there are prophets on the earth today. We were trying to get people to come to conference but it

So this Week was awesome. I loved having the opportunity to listen to our prophets and apostles!!! We were able to watch the first session at the mission home and sister hansen gave us lunch. While at the mission home the elders did a guess to see who would become the three new apostles. Well if you wouldn't believe it I wrote down Ronald A Rasband, Gary E Stevenson and Tad R Callister. I WAS SO CLOSE!!!!!!!! I didn't really know who Renlund was. I'm not going to lie. I was really proud of myself for getting two right. I was talking to one of my former companions on the phone, Elder Passey, to share our guess. He was set that Ronald A Rasband would not be it. Well guess who I got a phone call from after the sustaining... HAHA!!!!

I loved the talks from Conference!!!! I loved Dieter F Uchtdorfs talk about how the gospel works for all of us. I also loved Elder Lawrence's also. It made me think where I lack at.... I also loved Niel F Marriots about how everything will work out. I loved the story she shared about when her daughter died about how she could still believe in that motto, but shared how through God's plan of happiness everything will work out.  In the second session I loved Robert D Hales to the youth and young adults, It made me think what are my priorities should be when I get home. I also loved Jeffery R Hollands on mothers. That helped me reflect on the amazing things my mom has done for me. And she has had to put up with a lot from me. HAHA. I loved Dallin H Oaks on being streanthend by the atonement of Christ. I TOTALLY AGREED with Elder Bradley D Fosters comment how the world is trying to replace the identity of our children! I am just sooo grateful for this gospel and the prophets!!!!

I really enjoyed President Monson's Priesthood session talk. It was really simple and direct to keep the commandments. It really saddened me to see him struggle in the Sunday morning session though at the end of his talk. Though age may be catching up to him, his is still God's prophet on the earth today. He gave an amazing talk though on being an example and emulating the Savior. I especially enjoyed the testimonies of the three new apostles. Henry B Eyring gave an amazing talk on having the holy ghost as our companion.

I loved listening to the amazing conference precedings. I enjoyed the spirit that we all felt listening to this amazing general conference.

I miss yall so much!!! Thank you so much for all yalls thoughts and prayers!!!!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!!!
ELDER RICHARDSON

Spiritual thought

This was one of my favorite talks last conference by Gerald Causse of the Presiding Bishopric entitled Is it still wonderful to You. May we never take the blessings, truths, and knowledge that we do have for granted. i am so grateful for the gospel and for the blessings that I receive from it each day!!!! May we always cherrish and share those things that we have received from the gospel of Jesus Christ!!! I miss you all!!!! THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!!



My wife and I had the great joy of rearing our five children near the magnificent city of Paris. During those years we wanted to offer them rich opportunities to discover the marvelous things of this world. Each summer, our family took long trips to visit the most significant monuments, historic sites, and natural wonders of Europe. Finally, after spending 22 years in the Paris area, we were getting ready to move. I still remember the day when my children came to me and said, “Dad, it’s absolutely shameful! We’ve lived here all our lives, and we have never been to the Eiffel Tower!”

There are so many wonders in this world. However, sometimes when we have them constantly before our eyes, we take them for granted. We look, but we don’t really see; we hear, but we don’t really listen.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus said to His disciples:

“Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

“For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”1

I have often wondered what it would have been like to live at the time of our Savior. Can you imagine sitting at His feet? feeling His embrace? witnessing as He ministered to others? And yet so many who met Him failed to recognize—to “see”—that the very Son of God was living among them.

We too are privileged to live in an exceptional time. The prophets of old saw the work of the Restoration as “a marvelous work … , yea, a marvelous work and a wonder.”2 In no previous dispensation have so many missionaries been called, so many nations been opened for the gospel message, and so many temples been built throughout the world.

For us, as Latter-day Saints, wonders also occur in our individual lives. They include our own personal conversion, the answers we receive to our prayers, and the tender blessings God showers upon us daily.

To marvel at the wonders of the gospel is a sign of faith. It is to recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives and in everything around us. Our amazement also produces spiritual strength. It gives us the energy to remain anchored in our faith and to engage ourselves in the work of salvation.

But let us beware. Our ability to marvel is fragile. Over the long term, such things as casual commandment keeping, apathy, or even weariness may set in and make us insensitive to even the most remarkable signs and miracles of the gospel.

The Book of Mormon describes a period, very similar to our own, that preceded the coming of the Messiah to the Americas. Suddenly the signs of His birth appeared in the heavens. The people were so stricken with astonishment that they humbled themselves, and nearly all were converted. However, only a short four years later, “the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, … and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen.”3

My brothers and sisters, is the gospel still wonderful to you? Can you yet see, hear, feel, and marvel? Or have your spiritual sensors gone into standby mode? Whatever your personal situation, I invite you to do three things.

First, never tire of discovering or rediscovering the truths of the gospel. The writer Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”4 Do you remember the first time you read a verse of scripture and felt as if the Lord was speaking to you personally? Can you recall the first time you felt the sweet influence of the Holy Ghost come over you, perhaps before you even realized it was the Holy Ghost? Weren’t these sacred, special moments?

We should hunger and thirst every day after spiritual knowledge. This personal practice is founded on study, meditation, and prayer. Sometimes we might be tempted to think, “I don’t need to study the scriptures today; I’ve read them all before” or “I don’t need to go to church today; there’s nothing new there.”

But the gospel is a fountain of knowledge that never runs dry. There is always something new to learn and feel each Sunday, in every meeting, and in every verse of scripture. In faith we hold to the promise that if we “seek, … [we] shall find.”5

Second, anchor your faith in the plain and simple truths of the gospel. Our amazement should be rooted in the core principles of our faith, in the purity of our covenants and ordinances, and in our most simple acts of worship.

A sister missionary told the story of three men she met during a district conference in Africa. They came from an isolated village far away in the bush where the Church had not yet been organized but where there were 15 faithful members and almost 20 investigators. For over two weeks these men had walked on foot, traveling more than 300 miles (480 km) over paths rendered muddy by the rainy season, so they could attend the conference and bring the tithes from the members of their group. They planned to stay for an entire week so they could enjoy the privilege of partaking of the sacrament the following Sunday and then hoped to set out on the return trip carrying boxes filled with copies of the Book of Mormon on their heads to give to the people of their village.

The missionary testified how touched she was by the sense of wonder these brethren displayed and by their wholehearted sacrifices to obtain things that for her had always been readily available.

She wondered: “If I got up one Sunday morning in Arizona and found that my car wasn’t working, would I walk to my church only a few blocks away from home? Or would I just stay home because it was too far or because it was raining?”6 These are good questions for all of us to consider.

Finally, I invite you to seek and cherish the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Most wonders of the gospel cannot be perceived by our natural senses. They are the things that the “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, … the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”7

When we have the Spirit with us, our spiritual senses are sharpened and our memory is kindled so we cannot forget the miracles and signs we have witnessed. That may be why, knowing Jesus was about to leave them, His Nephite disciples prayed fervently “for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.”8

Although they had seen the Savior with their own eyes and had touched His wounds with their own hands, they knew that their testimonies might dwindle without being constantly renewed by the power of the Spirit of God. My brothers and sisters, never do anything to risk the loss of this precious and marvelous gift—the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Seek it through fervent prayer and righteous living.

I testify that the work in which we are engaged is “a marvelous work and a wonder.” As we follow Jesus Christ, God bears witness to us “with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.”9 On this special day, I bear witness that the wonders and marvels of the gospel are anchored in the greatest of all of God’s gifts—the Savior’s Atonement. This is the perfect gift of love that the Father and the Son, united in purpose, have offered to each one of us. With you, “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. … Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”10

That we may always have eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that perceive the wonders of this marvelous gospel is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Dios manda a profetas

HEY ALL YALL!!!!
So this week was very busy and very exhausting! We were helping a hispanic catholic congregation put up booths for a fair they were going to have. It was a job that took a couple of days and was very exhausting.

We were able to see some of our investigators. We saw Jose and his family. We shared Alma 32 about faith and how it is like a seed. We also liken it to acting on our faith and how reading the book of mormon and attending church. We also shared it with another investigator named Leo. Both of them did not attend church. Oh the joys of being a missionary. :D

We shared a the plan of salvation with a family we tracted into. There was a strong feeling when we shared with them how families can be together forever. Hopefully they were able to feel that too. It was nice because we didn't tract as much as we have been. Sunday night we sat on the apartment porch watching the blood moon. That was cool!!!

Yesterday we had to take down the booths so it took a while. After the Baton Rouge Missionaries did a nerf gun/lightsaber war. President Hansen came and joined also. It was really fun. It was neat to see President not in his President mode. HAHA.

I am so excited for this weekend for General Conference!!! I will just include my spiritual thoughts in this email now haha. But how blessed are we to have a prophet of the living God on Earth!!! Like the days of Abraham, Moses, Noah, God has doesn't cease to be God, but still reveals his word to his chosen servants! "Surely The Lord God Will Do Nothing but Revealeth his secrets to his servants the Prophets." Amos 3:7. This one is very excited to receive three new Apostles!!! May we listen real intently to as we hear the will of the lord for His church and kingdom here on the earth!!!!

Miss yall so much!!!! Yall have an amazing week!!!!! #makegoodchoices #LBRM #churchistrue
Elder Richardson

Senor, yo te seguire'

HEY EVERYBODY!!!!


So this week was awesome. Tuesday we had specialize training. It was kinda an interesting one. There were a bunch of counselors there talking about depression and anxiety. I am not going to lie. I seriously felt like laughing. They made us do like this deep breathing thing and this relaxation tips....  Then we had this  lady talk to us about cleaning our apartments and that the smell of bleach invites the spirit 😕.... HAHA!!! It was an interesting meeting....

We again this week did a lot and a lot of tracting.... I am not going to lie. But I am starting to get tracted out.... HAHA!!! We tract from two until we go home around 8:30. A lot of the people that tell us we can come back don't actually think we come back... The average number of lessons before we 2 a week. and we are getting around 20.

We do have a couple of investigators who are progressing. One of them is named Jose and Naomi. We contacted them last week. He has been reading the Book of Mormon. Hopefully he may attend church. We were also to share the Plan of Salvation.

We also had a miracle last week. We got a phone call from a less active family named Miguel and Maura Murillo. They told us they have not seen missionaries in over a year and had not been to church in a while. We went by and they were really nice. We shared Helaman 5:12 and talked about how the Book of Mormon helps us to build our foundation on Christ. AND THEY ATTENDED CHURCH ALSO!!!!

We are seeing amazing miracles here everybody!!! Stay SAFE!!!! MAKE GOOD CHOICES EVERYBODY!!!! 😇 THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!! We are engaged in a Marvelous Work and a Wonder as Isaiah prophesied!!!!
Elder Richardson

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Bandera De Sion

So adjusting to Baton Rouge has been interesting. Going through the area book the average number of lessons 2. I have usually gotten over 10..... So it will probably be a little more difficult. The unit I am assigned to is the Baton Rouge 5th Spanish Branch. The Branch meets in the Stake Center next to the temple... btw the temple is in my area.... :) The spanish Branch is really small and doesn't even meet in the chapel. We meet in the English relief society room. All of our work is spanish... So it is frustrating that our work doesn't start until the evening. BUT WE HAVE A CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So on thursday we went to the library on google earth to profile south Baton Rouge to find hispanic areas. It felt awful but it had to be done because we were left with nothing.

After profiling the areas we have been doing a lot of finding, contacting, and tracting in these neighborhoods.... We actually have gotten a lot of lessons just by walking up to people and teaching them the restoration. .... Hopefully we find people who want us to legitly come back.... A lot of them do but when you come back they don't answer. They definitely dont want to be rude to your face.... Oh well. It has been good for my trainee to help him learn how to tract. It definetly has helped me with my spanish because we are solo spanish. We have been able to meet with the Branch President, President Otinelli and he gave us a list of people to go see. He was really nice.

So a miracle happened on Saturday for the Spanish people. We were able to participate in the first ever Spanish endowment session for the Baton Rouge temple. The spanish people used to have to wear head phones that would translate into spanish or would have to just view in English but the temple will have a spanish session the first Saturday of each month at 1 o'clock. I was so nervous to do it but it went really well It was also interesting to get a new perspective. I learned a lot definitely how different words would translate back into english. It was easy to understand the session but the last part.....  But I made it just find!!! It was really awesome to do it in Spanish. But I do like it in English a lot more!!! It is a lot easier for me.


Elder Richardson

Truth Reflects Upon our Senses

So Yesterday We got the call for transfers that I was staying.... However, At 9:30 we received a call from the assistants that I was transferring. Then a minute later President called and asked me to train and open up a new area 😨..... Apparently another elder was supposed to but president didn't want him to do it at the last minute.... I am so nervous right now....... 💩 I hope I will be able to find my way around..... AAAA I am freaking out right now.... I so hope I will have a car... I do not want to bike. I am a strong independent man who needs no bike in his life!!!  WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!!!! I heard rumors that it would probably be in LaPlace or Opelousus...

Anyway..... I will make sure to email yall my new address tomorrow....

This week was really good.... I wanted to stay!!! But oh well I guess the lord has a different plan...... We did a ton and a ton and ton of tracting.... We knocked over 200 doors and guess how many let us in? ZERO!!!! I felt bad because I could really tell my companion was tracted out... So was I.... There were a couple people we visited that moved.... Oh Well... it was fun though.... We visited Raphael And Virginia. We shared the story about the widow that Elijah asked for food from when she had very little and that after she had food. They enjoyed it. They both came to church. They will get baptized someday they just need to develop more faith. We also visited a couple of less active referals.  We also helped set up for a ward Lua. It was really cool and neat. We also helped out at the old folks home and did a bible study with them.

 I hope this transition goes well. I need all of the prayers right now!!!!!

Love Elder Richardson

Sunday, August 23, 2015

The rain helping the temps.... That is the funniest thing I heard. The rain makes it worst here. It just feels like you are in a bathroom with the shower on as hot as it can go...... Transfers is the 2nd... The dad of Zach is in Bangladesh selling a factory, a mansion, and a village.... So now is the perfect time to teach the family So this week was awesome!!! We were able to get haircuts last monday. It felt so much better in the heat. On Tuesday we were able to see a couple of less active referrals. WE GOT A TON OF THEM FROM THE MEMBERS!!!! One family came to church too!!!! We also saw Anthony. He still wont progress but it is always amazing to see him.

We were finally able to go to Abbevile on Wednesday. It is like New Orleans out in the middle of no where. We were locating people on the ward roster and we were able to see our Hispanics also. There was one part where we thought we were going to get jumped. We pulled over at this one address and this guy that looked like he was high on drugs went like into this crouch position then he went behind a bush so we were pretending to read a pamphlet while we were still looking at this guy then this kid came up to our car and asked us if we were cops and we said no then the guy came over and asked if we were cops and we said no. So I'm sure he was doing something illegal. There were a bunch of sketchy people down there. But it was a fun small town... It reminded me a lot of New Orleans. It was amazing though that we got to go down there and finally see people. We also did some tracting there but most people were too busy doing illegal stuff.....

On Thursday we saw some Less Actives and we also did some tracting... No success still. Oh Well.. Friday we also tried to locate some more people on the roster that we couldn't find. But that gave us the opportunity to talk to more people.

Saturday we saw the  cajun member that the Bishop asked us to visit often. He was still talking to us about is court stuff and how the government is trying to take away our guns..... It was really funny. We also saw other less actives.

Sunday we did a lot of Tracting. . Then we spent dinner with the Awbry family. They are amazing!!! Sister Awbry reminds me of you mom. And then that night we did call ins.

Today we went to Avery Island where Tabasco is made. I was really fun!!! I really enjoyed it. We got to try the different flavors they have. Chipolte Raspberry is really interesting. THEY ALSO HAD TABASCO SODA!!! IT WAS ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD!!! The chili was also really good. The jungle Gardens were probably the best!!! We saw Alligators!!!! It was really cool. It was like being in a movie... It was very mystical. We had so much fun.

I love you so much mom!!!! Make good choices!!! We are working hard and doing our best here. Me and my companion are having a lot of fun! It is going awesome down here in the south!!! Have an awesome week mom!!!!
So this week was really good. We had pretty good week. We got to see Anthony and teach him a little bit about faith and repentance. That went awesome. We tried to get him to meet us at the church so we could do a tour of the church but he didn't want to commit to meeting us there... oh well.

We also helped some people moved out of the ward. That was fun in the heat.... We also tracted into someone and taught them the restoration lesson. It went really good.

We also got to see Zach and his mom, sister, and brother. We showed them Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration. Zach really enjoyed it and the restoration made a lot more sense to him on film. His mom had a lot of questions. She wants to read the book of mormon. We gave her a copy of the book of mormon. Zach's brother is also reading the book of mormon. I so hope that his family will accept the gospel. They are so wonderful to us and are very good people. We are going to have a plan of salvation lesson at the Awbrys home this week hopefully.

We also had another meeting in Baton Rouge.... AAAA So many meetings!!!! It was fairly good. I also went on exchanges with the zone leaders. That was interesting.... But i am glad I serve in Lafayette. Baton Rouge is really sketchy....


HEY EVERYBODY!!!!!

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Matthew 11: 28-30

 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Taking on the yoke of Christ is the easiest way we can bear our burdens. The more we live up to our covenants. The more easier life will be. It may be hard living the commandments such as the Word of Wisdom, loving others, paying tithing, being charitable, living the law of Chasity, attending church weekly, having a current temple recommend, etc but they provide us with peace. comfort, and protect us. May we do our best to live up to the covenants we have made to follow the savior at Baptism and in the temple of our God. I know this gospel is true. I know that obedience is hard but it brings us joy and happiness. I love yall so much!!! Thank you for your support and love!!!!
Elder Richardson

Monday, August 3, 2015

 I am so glad we are on the new month. The entire mission did so bad on miles and allotment. We had a ton of zone meetings so a lot of eating out and driving.... BUT IT is a new month!!!

So this week we had a good week. We helped a new family moved into the ward. Probably the most easiest move I have helped with on my mission. HAHA! We also helped a member put cinder blocks around her gardens so they would be protected during hurricanes. While doing that we were able to talk to her neighbor about the church.

We were able to see our investigator Anthony. Hopefully he will come to church!!! He says he wants to but he keeps backing out!!!!

We were able to see a bunch of less actives that we were unable to see with bikes, We are going to go through the roster to find all the Hispanic less actives. We couldn't go to far because when it was our turn to use the car it was already over on miles..... We will be able to some finding in those areas like Abbeville that are really far away. We did do a lot of tracting but no luck.... Everybody says they are Catholic!!!!!..... It is so much easier using the members.

We were able to see a Hispanic less active family named the Sosas. They were really nice. They fed us really good tostatas and tacos. I miss the Hispanic food. Speaking of food I made red beans and rice!!! And They were actually good!!!

For district meeting I instructed on Elder Joseph B Wirthlins talk titled come what may and love it. It is one of my favorite talks. Call ins were also really good. Not too much drama... but they were a little disappointed with interviews. One sister was crying over the phone because president said something that was a little offensive... That was interesting listening to that over the phone... He is nice but he is not very good with words though.... My interview was pretty good. Although it was kind of awkward because I had to bring up a situation where an elder in the district smells really bad and I mean really bad that the members have complained.....  The best part of interviews was getting to talk to Sister Hansen. She is amazing!!! All of the missionaries talked with her after.

Church was really good yesterday. I bore my testimony.... My companion's bishop was visiting his son who is actually in Lafayette so that was cool for my companion to see him. After church we did tracting.

Love Elder Richardson

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Families Can Be Together Forever 7/27/2015

Well thats interesting you had a phone call from President!!! Ya we are ok. We actually drove in front of that theater two days before.

So transfers happened and I got a companion named Elder Quist. He is from Boise Idaho. He has been a really fun companion to have. We also were put into a car share!!!! Finally we are able to use the car!!!! It will be so much better than biking everyday!!! AND WE CAN FINALLY GO TO ABBEVILLE!!!

So last week we were able to see a couple of people eventhough it was busy with transfers. We saw a less active named Bobby Smith. He has been going through some hard times. He later took us out to eat which was really nice. We also saw an older widow named sister philips. We talked to her on her porch and she gave us po-boys.

We got back really late from transfers so we were not able to do much on that day. On thrusday we saw two less actives. Krista and sister dunbar. Then we went and saw out investigator Anthony after coordination. Hopefully he will come to the church. We fill the spirit so strong every time we visit with him.

Before district meeting on Friday we received a call from Brother Caviarros. I had never met him while here because he has been offshore in Africa but he picked us up that morning and we had breakfast with him and his wife. His wife isn't a member so hopefully we can teach her.

District meeting was fun. It wasn't too bad having to conduct it. Later that evening we helped the Wuertonberg family with a YSA activity.

Saturday was awesome. My companion in his last area had someone he taught that was going through the temple for the first time so we got permission and went to the temple. The Wuertonbergs were already planning on going to the temple so that was a miracle we had to go there. When we got there we arrived 2 hours early before the 11 o clock session. The sisters and the Wuertonbergs wanted to go take pictures around the temple. We decided to go put our stuff in the waiting area but just as we were walking in a temple worker ran up to us and asked us they needed some help with priesthood and they didn't have much because there was a big ward going through for baptism and a session was going on at the time. They had a couple that was getting sealed and they only had a grandpa with them and they needed witnesses. We hurried and got changed in our white clothing and they asked me to be a witness for the sealing!!!! I was really nervous I didn't know what to look for if it was like a baptism witness where you have to make sure they go under. I got to sit next to the sealer as he did the ceremony! IT WAS SO COOL!!! I had never witnessed a sealing in my life. It was so simple yet it was so powerful!!!! After, they brought their two little children to be sealed. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I had ever had. Then after I got to sign my name on their sealing certificate. It was really awesome!!! Then after we got to do the session. It was a really neat session. I also saw Sister Ortega and the Stancliffe family from the WestBank!!! That was so awesome!!!!! Brother Stancliffe came up to me in the Celestial Room. I was able to teach him how to do family history back in the west bank. He came up to me and told me that He is now the branch family history teacher and that people come every week to his house to learn family history. He also told me that he has found over 200 names!!!! I am not going to lie. It made me feel really good. :)

After the temple we got to see Barry. That was really cool because we told him we went to the temple earlier and the lesson turned into about the temple. He said he wanted to go through someday. We told him he could if he got active. He said he really wants to. After we went contacting. Not much success there.

At Church we had two investigators come. IT was awesome because they were hispanics. Brother Caviaros wife and a person from Abbeville. After we got to go to the Shermers then after I did Call ins.


Elder Richardson

Sunday, July 19, 2015

July 13, 2015 Spiritual thought

HEY HEY HEY EVERYBODY!!!!
So my Spiritual thought today is based off of our lesson we gave in Elders Quorum yesterday on the Temple.

We were able to go to the temple to help the youth with Baptisms and it was so amazing to see so many youth bring their own family names to the temple.

In the Teaching Of The Presidents of the Church for Ezra Taft Benson he talked about the importance of the covenants that we make in the temples. I am so grateful for President's Hinckley's goal to have 100 temples  in the world. Without it we would not have the Baton Rouge Temple!!! I love the opportunity we have to worship the lord in his holy house.

I know that this church is true!!! I love the gospel of Jesus Christ!!! I love yall!!!! Keep going to the temple!!! Or live a life to be able to attend the temple!!!!

Here are videos more about the temple!!!!!
LOVE YALL!!!
Elder Richardson

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-01-1460-sacred-temple-clothing?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.au/article/mormon-temples--video-

O Ye Mountains High

So this week was still another slow week. A lot of people are out of town still. We did a lot of service. We were able to see our investigator Anthony twice. He complains about his church all the time and wants to come to ours and really likes what we teach him but just like with everyone in the south... They still don't keep commitments.

We were able to help an older lady in the ward with her garden. That was fun. After she bought us food from chipotles. We also had zone conference. Salt lake now wants us to do the restoration lesson in 4 minutes. I really liked how they do it. We also learned that we are the only missionaries in the entire zone of over 30 missionaries who dont have a car!!!! I will admit. When I learned that I was not happy because we have one of the biggest areas in the mission.....

We also helped out at a combined mutual missionary activity. We helped the youth come up with a list of less actives to help deactivate and Also a list of friends they can invite. It was really good but it was hard to keep them entertain. We also had to help the youth on Saturday with baptisms for the dead at the temple. Of a ward with four hundred people they were only able to have 2 priesthood holders come. None of the young mens leaders were there. So they had to have us 4 elders assigned here to assist with the youth because at the BR temple you have to provide priesthood and the young woman leaders have to do the laundry. I am glad that I got to go but it is sad to see the lack of leadership in this huge ward. Elder Passey and I were witnesses. The baptistry changing room only has two stalls!!! It is really really small.

That night we also helped out at a YSA barbecue. It was so hot at the grill outside in proselytes. It has been so hot!!! I am ready for cool weather haha!!! We were able to see a couple of less actives. Last week also.

Sunday morning the elders quorum president asked us to give the elders quorum lesson. It was on chapter 13 in the Ezra Taft Benson book about temples. We winged the lesson but I think we did awesome.... Hopefully...... :D

Today as a district we went to Olive Garden for soup and salad for my year mark!!! HERE I COME JUNE 23rd 2016!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I miss you all!!
Elder Richardson

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Spirtual thought June 30, 2015

HEY EVERYBODY!!!!
So I decided to do my spiritual thought this week on the hymn praise to the man with the anniversary of the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
W.W Phelps wrote many of the prominent hymns for the church. The Spirit of God, Now Let Us Rejoice, Redeemer Of Israel,

During the Missouri conflict W.W Phelps was angry with some of the counseling the prophet had given him including hate jealously and trials occurring during the Missouri conflict in Far West led him to betray the Prophet and wrote an affidavit of treason on the prophet. The prophet suffered 9 painful months in a cold damp jail in the middle of winter for false charges while many of the saints were driven out of the state or exterminated. Many saints lost their lives and many were beaten and driven from their homes. Later they would settle in Nauvoo and the prophet would be released from jail.

Two Years later W.W Phelps experienced a change of heart and suffered much heartache from his actions he wrote a letter to the prophet stating his desire for readmission into the church and forgiveness.

The prophet replied “It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior—the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us, However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord And having been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God’s dear children, and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ.
“Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal.

“Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously resolved, that W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship. “‘Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last.’”

When W.W Phelps and Joseph Smith met again the prophet embraced him. While many of the saints suffered much and lost many loved ones due to the action of W.W Phelps, all offered the right arm of fellowship.

When the prophet was martyed W.W Phelps wrote a Eulogy for the prophet which is now known as the hymn Praise To The Man.

PRAISE TO THE MAN WHO COMMUNED WITH JEHOVAH! JESUS ANOINTED THAT PROPHET AND SEER! BLESSED TO OPEN THE LAST DISPENSATION KINGS SHALL EXTOL HIM AND NATIONS REVERE

HAIL! TO THE PROPHET ASCENDED TO HEAVEN TRAITORS AND TYRANTS! NOW FIGHT HIM IN VAIN MINGLING WITH GODS HE CAN PLAN FOR HIS BRETHREN DEATH CANNOT CONQUER THE HERO AGAIN!!!!!

“I knew Joseph Smith better than any other man, and I can testify that I have not known any man better than him! I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained"- Brigham Young

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Someone asked me once. What would your life be without the prophet Joseph Smith? My life would be in a dark place and not as happy without the teachings, principles, and gospel that the Prophet Joseph Smith Restored. I know he was the prophet of the restoration!!!





Praise to the Man June 30,2015

Sorry about not emailing yesterday. We were helping a member in the ward move and it ended up taking all day. I am still tired from it.

Last week Zach got baptized!!!! It was so awesome! His family came to the baptism. I had the awesome privilege to be able to confer the Aaronic Priesthood and ordain him to the office of a teacher!!! I was a little nervous because I had never done that before. We give blessings every week but I had never done that before. It was so cool to be able to do that!!! His mom sister and brother came which was really cool. They seem really interested and it seems like they want to learn more.

It was also a sad week too. One of the people we visit, Patrick, did pass away. We were sad but it was in a way a blessing because he had been suffering.

We also had to instruct in Zone Conference last week. It was fun but we were glad it was over with.

We also saw Joseph Smith prophet of the restoration with Jessica and Jordon. They really liked the movie. She will be moving back to utah at the end of July, and he will be moving back in August. We were sad but they are excited to be more active in Utah.

We also had to do a long exchange with the other elders. One of the elders had a surgery and couldn't go out and they were not getting a long so basically I had to stay in for 3 days. It was nice to relax at first but I went crazy at the end of the exchange. I don't like to do nothing... Thankfully at the end they got the car back so they could do things instead of kill each other.

It was awesome to see someone in the West Bank that I taught be baptized, Sister Fresh. It feels awesome to know that she was able to get baptized.

Have a fun awesome week!!!!
Elder Richardson


July 6,2015 Spiritual thought

HEY EVERYBODY!!!!
With the death of Boyd K Packer I wanted to share one of his most famous addresses in 1976 called spiritual crocodiles. Here is the link to the video.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-1480-spiritual-crocodiles?lang=eng

President Packer was one who often warned us of the dangers of the world and to avoid the worldy influence. The Commandments provide us peace and safety! What may seem like a restricting fence is a wall protecting us from the evil, heartache, and danger. The commandments provide us peace and give us joy and happiness. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a shield from the world. One of my favorite scriptures in the book of mormon explains this perfectly

Mosiah 2:41
 41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

I love you all!!! The church is true!!! I know that Jesus is our savior and our redeemer. May we build our lives on his rock and his gospel!!!

America the Beautiful

So this week was a little slow with the holiday but we were able to do a lot still. On Wednesday we were able to see Jose and Carmen and teach them. We were also able to see Mary and her husband. They are really interested but it is so hard to bring hispanics to church.

On Thursday we were able to see a couple of less actives. After we were able to see the Malleys. (The independent Mormons) He knows a lot about the Book of Mormon and really likes our church but I have no idea how to bring conversion there were you already believe in the Book of Mormon but believe Joseph Smith went too far.... It is really confusing. We feel that inviting them to church will really help them.

Later that night we were able to visit Zachs mom, brother, and sister. They are really nice and are really open to the gospel. They cooked us dinner and were really friendly. We gave Zach a priesthood line of authority. He really liked that and thought it was really cool. The family is so wonderful and are prepared to receive the gospel. They have been coming to church every week which has been awesome.

One Friday we tried contacting but it was really hot and there was nobody at any of the parks we biked to. Later that evening we visited Jessica and Jordon with some other members. We taught them a little bit about the temple and had them commit to go to the temple in a year. They are really exciting and are both progressing more. We are really sad because she will be moving back to Lehi in two weeks

After we were able to go to fireworks on the 3rd that started at 9. Some members took us. We were not allowed to go at fireworks if they were at 10. It was alright, not as good as the fireworks back home. For the district did our own lunch at the church. We did a cajun favorite by making hotdogs and wrapping them in hamburger meat and bacon. It was really good. We then went over to a barbeque that some members invited us to. They had hamburgers and ribs there. After we went to the church and played volley ball as a district. It was really fun.

Sunday we were able to see Steve Hall,  We were able to give his son a blessing.
We were able to have a lesson with Zach at a members home. We were hoping his family could be there because we were going to re teach the restoration. They were unable to come but we will be able to teach them another time.

 I love you and miss you!!!
Elder Richardson

Sunday, June 28, 2015

So this week was really awesome! We had our baptism!!! It was a really neat service. She was really happy! Elder Passey and I spoke at the baptism. Jordon was able to be a witness, which was awesome. It was kinda crazy getting everything set up right as church ended. It was an awesome day to have a baptism. After we were able to go to the Awbrys for fathers day. It was really fun there.

One cool fact!!! I COME HOME IN A YEAR!!!!! JUNE 23, 2016!!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I am excited for that!!!!

Our week started our really crazy. One of our less actives, Patrick, that we visit who is unable to come to church because of his health was in very poor condition so we were visiting him a lot; he probably will pass away really soon.

One of the missionaries this week had a surgery and the other got ET, so we were able to have the car for 4 days. It was so nice. We were actually able to do some shopping!!! I finally had food to eat!  It was so nice we were able to visit some hispanic people that we are unable to visit because they live so far away! But we had to give it up on Saturday... :( I hope they will give us a car I felt so much better being in a car.

We also had both Zachs and Jessica's interviews. Both went well. Zach is still scheduled for this saturday for his baptism.

We also visited the cajun member who really loves his guns. It was a funny visit again. He told us he is computer illiterate and wants us to help him use the computer and make an LDS singles account ! We told him he should ask the ward on help for that one.

I love you and miss you so much!
Love Elder Richardson

Monday, June 15, 2015

Before Thee Lord, I Bow My Head 6/15/2015

So this week was a little slow. The weather has been really bad and it is really hard to go out when there is a down pour. But we were able to see our people still. We have been planning both of our baptisms coming up.

During the weekend we had stake conference in Baton Rouge. Elder Carlson of the second quorum of the seventy came. They talked a lot about Sabbath day observance and how we can bring the spirit more into our meetings. He talked a lot about the 3 hour block and being attentive. During the Saturday evening session he did some question and answers which was really cool. One thing that was asked about was the age of the prophet. He talked about how President Monson is still as active and funny as he always been. He talked about an experience when he was taking the elevator down from the Church administration building down to the parking garage and it stopped on the first presidency level. He was at first concerned it was one of the councilors but realized it was fairly late so it probably was one of their secretaries. When it opened it was President Monson. And when he saw it was Elder Carlson he started whistling the air force song tune because he was in the air force. He talked about how president Monson has been feeling the effects of age more but that he is still very active and hasn't slowed down. He said we shouldn't be worried about his age and when the Lord wants him needed some where else the lord will take him.

The Sunday session focused a lot on our priorities especially making church more of a priority than sports. After the conference we had a lesson with Zach next to the temple. We talked about the temple and different blessings that come after baptism. He told us he has never been to a place where he has felt the the spirit so strong. It was really neat.

We also were able to see Jessica. We were helping her plan her baptism. She is really excited to be baptized on Sunday!!! We are so excited!!!!!

We have some interesting new investigators. We were coming out of an old folks home visiting a less active. We passed an older couple outside and they asked us to sit down and talk about the Book of Mormon with them. To make a long story short they told us they used to be members of the Church of Christ (temple Lot) Church which is a break off. They now call them Book of Mormon Independents. They believe in the book of Mormon but they think Joseph Smith went too far. It was really weird. i have never met a break off from our church. He likes the LDS Church but doesn't like the other small break offs. He was saying they our Church will own the land where the Community of Christ temple is and the temple lot the break off he was a part of. It was really interesting. He wants us to come by when we are visiting the person who is less active in the rehabilitation center and read the Book of Mormon with him.

I am so excited for this next week with Baptisms!!! It is going to be awesome!!!

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely. ... He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” ― Dieter F. Uchtdorf


Love Elder Richardson

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Now let us rejoice? 6/9/2015

So I get to stay in Lafayette with Elder Passey for one more transfer. We were really happy that we were able to stay here. I am glad we will be able to witness our baptisms coming up. We are so excited!!!

Last Week we were able to some of our hispanic investigators... But getting them to come to church is a different story.... It is hard to get hispanics to keep commitments.....

We had an awesome experience on Sunday. It was one of the most spiritual sacrament meetings ever. The Whole congregation felt it. The awesome part was when we saw Zach go up!!!! My companion and I looked at each other in shock!!! He gave a powerful testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the change he has had in his life!!! He talked about how he has never felt so happy in his life. He shared his testimony of prayer and how he came to know that the church was true!!!! HE IS SO READY!!!

After was had a lesson with him about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He basically taught the lesson. It is so easy when investigators actually read the pamphlet!!! We have another lesson with him on Wednesday at a members house.

We also had a lesson with Jessica on Tithing, and the law of chastity. We are all done with the pamphlets now with her!!!! It went well too because she is also reading the pamphlets too!!! We have a lot of fun with that family.

We also had an interesting experience last week. We met with a active but spiritual needs member. He is extremely full blast cajun. His home looked like a war zone. He had confederate flags everywhere!!! He entire home was filled with guns. He talking about how the government is evil and that the south will invade washington!!! HAHA he even showed us his hidden gun compartments in the roof and floor to hide his guns from the government!!! It was so hard not to laugh. He was showing us his guns. He showed us one military gun with a red laser. He told us when he has that prepared to when he hears someone he has it to shine in his back yard and it also has 16 reasons why they should get out! HAHA!!! It was really funny!

This week was slower but it was still awesome. We had to move the baptismal dates because we are unexpectedly having stake conference!!!! AAAAAA!!! stake conference is hindering the work of Salvation!!!! So we moved Jessica's baptism to the 21st and Zach's is the 27th. We are so excited but we are praying that we wont be transferred next week.

It has been a miracle to see the progression in both Zach and Jessica. Both of them are prepared to receive the gospel! We were teaching Jessica and her husband yesterday about the word of wisdom, and they told us that they have never felt the spirit more in their lives since they have been having us over.

We were also with Zach yesterday teaching him the plan of salvation. He has a strong testimony of the gospel. He is so excited to be baptized.

Last week we were put on lockdown a lot because of the heavy rains. It would be really nice to get a car. I hope we will get one next transfer...

I has been really hot here. AND HUMID!!! I miss the Dryness in Utah. It has been really fun having investigators who actually progress!!! I am so excited for their baptisms!!!

I miss you and love you so much!!! Have an amazing week!!!

Friday, May 29, 2015

Hark all Ye Nations/Lafayette

So this week was so exciting!!!! It was probably one of the most exciting weeks in the mission!!! We got a baptismal date with Jessica!!!! June 14!!!! It is barely in the next transfer so I hope they will keep us here!!!! I will be so sad!!! We were able to teach her and her husband Jordan the Plan of Salvation on Thursday, and then yesterday we taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is so excited to be baptized!!! Her husband Jordan is a member but the lesson have been a good review for them. They both love to hunt so it is cool to have that in common. She has been reading the book of Mormon and reading the pamphlets!!! She knows so much!!!

We met with Zach's family last week also. We have been teaching him at a member's house that have been fellow shipping him. We met with his mom and his dad. His dad is a Muslim from Bangladesh India. He practices it still but he must not be hard core Muslim because he married a Christian. We had dinner with them and shared Helamen 10:5 and building your foundation on Christ. We were a little nervous because we didn't know if we would offend his dad, but his dad said we taught a principle in the  Koran. So that was good that we taught something that was on common ground. His mom told us that they would be at church on Sunday. Zach and his mom and sister came to church on Sunday. After we went to the Aubreys and had dinner with them and a lesson. His mom loved church and really appreciated that during sacrament they acknowledge people who served in the military and asked them to stand. She was able to stand because she served as a Chaplin in the military. We heard in Relief Society that she gave really awesome comments. During the visit at the Aubrey's with Zach and his family his mom told us that she was looking for a new church and would love to learn more about our church. After dinner Zach came to us and told us that he wants to discuss a baptismal date and his mom said she has loved seeing the change in Zach, and she fully supports him being baptized!!! Zach is an amazing person. We went with him to Teachers Quorum. I was so impressed with the answers he gave in teachers quorum. The lesson was about prayer and he talked about how he received answers to his prayer to know if the church was true. He is already in Alma!!! WOW!!! I just hope and pray that I am not transferred. Just this one transfer I have seen so many miracles that have come from serving here. Is there anything the Lord can't do? He will open the gates!!!!

We also visited Raphael and Virgina. They were unable to attend church this week because of work. The ward has been doing really well to fellowship them though. Even though they only speak spanish many members who speak spanish fellow ship them.

We were able to visit Carmen and Juan. She wants to go to church but he is a little hesitant. Carmen's sister Mary and her husband want to go but were out of town for memorial day. We taught them more about the Book of Mormon.

We were unable to find a ride down to Abbeville to see our spanish investigators that live down there. We have an appointment this friday to do Family Home Evening with a hispanic family who invites there friends to listen to the gospel. One of the less actives they invite came to church which was awesome.

The Lord is working miracles here in Lafayette!!! There is a lot more work here then there was in New Orleans. The people here are more prepared to hear the gospel. I have loved my first transfer here in Lafayette.

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

 There have been so many miracles here. I am so grateful to be a member of this church! I am grateful to see and witness so many miracles!!! I love this gospel!



Love Elder Richardson

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Lafayette, La

Things are going really well here in Lafayette. On monday after pday we had Etouffee. It was really good. We had interviews last week with our president. They went really well.


We also got to visit with Zach and we will be going over to his families house this week. Hopefully they will also want to learn more about the gospel. He came to church. He is continuing reading the book of Mormon and still wants to be baptized.

We also met with Carmen and Jose and taught them the plan of Salvation. They really enjoyed it. They said they wanted to get to the Celestial Kingdom but they couldn't come to church.

We had a wonderful miracle that happened. We were invited to a dinner appointment with a family. During the dinner they gave us a referral of a lady named Jessica who is married to a less active but who has becoming more active. They have been coming to church and everybody has thought that she has been a member. She lived in Utah since she was a freshman and loved the church. She has wanted to be baptized but didn't know how to. They invited her over and she was so excited to finally know what she had to do to be baptized!!! We were able to teach her the restoration and told us that every time she went to church she felt the spirit so strong. She told us she has been to many churches and she has only felt peace at the LDS church. She told us she knew the devil could not produce those feelings of peace. We extended the invitation of baptism. She accepted. She told us she wants to be sealed to her husband and children. We will go over on Wednesday to discuss a date and talk to her husband because she wanted her husband to baptize her. He may not be worthy so that may slow things down, but we are so excited to help a family become eternal! She will definitely be baptized!!! She is so golden!!!!

I can see the lord's hand here in Lafayette preparing people here to receive the gospel. I know that miracles happen and that the lord is preparing the elect to hear the gospel.

Come let us Anew/ transferred to Lafayette, LA April 18th 2015

Anyway I am sure yall want to know where I am at. I am in Lafayette. It is extremely different than New Orleans!!! It is so much nicer here!!! It is like Utah. I don't feel threatened every time I go out. There are not many black people either. I feel like the majority again!!! HOORAY!!! Elder Passey is my new companion. He is so much better than my last companion. My last companion was the worst ever. But I need to be nice. I served around Elder Passey in the West Bank and he is a really fun companion.

The Ward here is huge!!! I have been so used to branches. Priesthood meeting here is the size of the English branch. The sacrament congregation goes halfway into the gym. They pack you in like sardines in there. There are a little more people in the summer because ADT sends a bunch of salesmen here, but there are a ton of members in Lafayette. There is also quite a bit of Spanish here to.  We did have a spanish investigator at church named Raphael. If we have spanish investigators who come we do have people that can translate through headphones, but most usually know how to speak english or they choose not the translation.

We have a couple other investigators that usually come to church but they were unable to. We were able to see Raphael and his wife. They have been taught for a long time now. We talked about the fruits of the spirit with them. We also saw a guy named Larry who was completely drunk. I guess he is always drunk when the missionaries go over. So I don't know how much he will progress. We saw an old man named Patrick who is in a rest home. We saw another family Carmen and Jose. We taught them a little bit of the plan of Salvation.

A lot of the people that we usually see were not able to see us so I still have a long ways until I learn the area.

The members here are awesome. The first day I was here and older couple took us out to Longhorn steak house and got us Ribeyes!!!! I had not had steak in  like forever!!! I was so happy. Some members had us over for ribs on saturday and yesterday the ADT gang had their group steak bar-b-que that they invited us to. After, the bishop had us over for Cobler. This is cajun country so there is a lot of food!

Today for p-day we made hot dogs wrapped in hamburger and bacon. They were really good. Now we will be playing volley-ball.