ALL PRESENT BLESSING
August 14 & 21, 2018
So, things are a little crazy. We had gone to the Temple a couple weeks ago, and that threw off things. And between that and the fact that I write very slowly, we got a bit behind. The other thing that happened that is throwing things off is that I normally keep notes on my phone to keep track of what happened over the week (Because I'm still trying to get better at writing in my journal), but then this morning our devices started freaking out. A couple minutes later, most of the devices had all of their apps deleted. We're all in a little bit of confusion, but it will all work out! Elder Ford and I were able to get our schedule down before everything disappeared, but now we're without a map or our directory for a bit, so I'm thinking this will be a new adventure!
Something CRAZY that happened was that we were at an after baptism party for one of the kids in our ward, and I ran into Krystal! If that name doesn't sound familiar, don't worry! It still doesn't. But, it turns out that we live in China at the same time, and even went to the same Youth Conference! That was a little weird, especially since I don't recognize her but she recognized me, and because of the fact that I still don't know why she was there, but it was really cool! I also was able to reach out to another friend from China, and they responded, so they must still be alive. That was cool!
On Saturday, we got a notification for a media referral (Someone who had requested a free copy of the Bible or the Book of Mormon), and so we went to go deliver that, and met Manuel! Manuel is this sweet old man, and he was going to be sitting at home a lot for reasons, and decided to actually read the Bible, so he requested one online! We went over, and he asked if we believed in apostles. We smiled, and told him yes, and that God loves us so much that he has called Apostles and Prophets to lead and guide His Church today! We were able to go back last night and teach him a little bit more about the Restoration of the same Church Jesus Christ established!
Also, John's Baptism is this Weekend! He will be baptized Saturday the 25th, and we are doing everything we can to make it happen! Neither Elder Ford or I have taken part in planning a baptism before, so we are planning and replanning and probably overplanning to make sure everything is in place for him! It sounds stressful, but we're actually super excited for him!
John really loves Jesus Christ, and he loves things that remind him of Him. One of those things is a heavy Christian Rock band called Stryper. He LOVES this band! I think he's legitimately mentioned them everytime we've met him for a lesson, and keeps reminding us to look them up after our mission. So after a lesson, we wanted John to have some input on who would speak or what hymns we would sing at his Baptism, and so we ask him.
"I want Honestly by Stryper to be played at my Baptism!" We had to explain that it was a sacred meeting, so we didn't want to play rock songs. But that was such a John answer! He is so much fun!
Another adventure with John, our Bishop had asked us to help John start his Family History work, and so Elder Ford and I, the least qualified Family History Consultants, sat down with little to no information and John. We clicked a lot of buttons, and then, through a miracle, we found John's Grandma! And from there, his family tree exploded! We got a ton of his family going all the way back to 1605! It was super cool!
Something I learned from my Personal Studies was in 1 Nephi 17:30. It says, "And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and against the true and living God."
I specifically honed in on that first part, that said that they were led by a cloud at day and were given light at night. I find it interesting that the Lord didn't expect the children of Israel to always be moving. Sometimes, it was night time, and the people needed to rest. But no matter what time it was or the circumstances of their travels, they always benefited from the presence of the Lord in their lives whether it be guidance while in hard times of trial and travel, or the comfort and support came from the light surrounding them.
I've seen that different people have different needs at different points in their life. Some have felt their way of life was in jeopardy, other feeling a bit of anxiety. Some people feel pretty good, and like they don't need much in the way of help right now. No matter what, however, they have become happier, grown, or in some other way benefited as their faith in their Lord Jesus Christ has been strengthened. Every one. And I know that no matter what are needs or concerns maybe, the Savior and His teachings, the Gospel, will help us!
That's it for this (these) week(s)!
Elder Richardson
1) Myself, Elder Ford (On my left), and two other Elders we live with!
Benjamin Richardson
California Redlands Mission
Feb 28, 2018 - March 3, 2020
NOTE FROM DAD:
Interested in knowing if John got baptized on Saturday?!?
Alex had his farewell yesterday. Setting apart tonight and then off on his way tomorrow morning!
We keep praying for you!
Love,
Dad
NOTE FROM BENJAMIN:
That's awesome! And John was baptized! It was a super good service, and he was confirmed yesterday! He's doing pretty well, but he's still working on getting a job, so prayers for him for a little bit would be good, if possible!
Things are good, but today was busy! I probably won't get a mass email out, unfortunately, but I'll catch up again!
I love you, Dad!
Elder Richardson
P.S. So, do we have missionaries in our ward? Have you been feeding them or anything? Are they cool? Idk, I've been curious what they're like...
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