Week 33: W week
Monday, April 29, 2024
Que tal yall!
Wow what an amazing week!
Monday
Had a great p-day. Threw some dimes with Elder evans. Got a pizza and played some volleyball which was fun. Then I went on a mini evening exchange with Elder evans which was awesome. Love that man
Tuesday
Started the day with an early lesson with Jonathan! He is progressing really well and reading the book of mormon every day. He is on date to be baptized on may 18th and very determined to meet that goal! After the lesson we went to Sierra blanca! Always a great day when we go to sierra blanca. Most people there have very humble circumstances and it really makes me realize how truly blessed I am to not only be in the gospel of jesus christ but also to be able to serve a mission and have really good living conditions. The allens took us out to eat like always. Some really good Mexican food.
Wednesday
We did some more service for our homie Simon who is in the Montana Vista area. (Spanish) he's a dawg. Did some Manuel labor and he took us to Popeyes after.
Friday
A powerful district council with Elder Evans. He's such a beast and i love apartment sharing with my homie. Hes on of my best dawgs and its so fun to constantly chop it up with him.
Saturday
Saturday was very awesome. We started a day with a 4 mile run with saul. (BTW we worked out with saul every day this week besides Sunday)
Elder Magnusson and I then went tracting in the morning and found a cool guy to teach.
Then we got changed and off to Luis's baptism! Took some fire pics and Elder Mecham and Elder Mecham drove down from Hatch New Mexico for it! It was so awesome to have them there! Elder Mecham and I were teaching Luis for our whole time together. We got super tight with him and worked hard to bring him unto Christ. He's gone through so much these last 6 months. And it's such a blessing to have been able to teach him the gospel and how it can truly bless his life. He has truly seen it and experienced it.
It was a very beautiful program. Brother Zuniga gave the talk on baptism and did an amazing job. He talked about how a year and a half ago, he met luis for the first time randomly. They started talking about religion. And then it grew into a conversation. Luis said "i wish God would just send an angel to tell me what's true." Brother Zuniga started talking to him about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they developed a close friendship. And then about 7 months ago, he slowly introduced him to the missionaries. He continued being his friend and sharing the gospel and coming with us on lessons.
At the end, Brother Zuniga said that the missionaries were the Angels that came to bring him the truth. And to bring him to christ. Let's just say the spirit was very strong and tears were shed. I know that Brother Zuniga was one of those angels for him too. God put Brother Zuniga in Luis's path. Brother Zuniga is an amazing man. Such an incredible example of Christ.
Then Luis Rivera was baptized by the power and authority of God. Entering into a covenant relationship with Heavenly father.
This was one of the happiest days of my mission. I love Luis so much. I know that I got reassigned to the New Mexico Albuquerque mission for many reasons. One of them was to help Luis come unto Jesus Christ.
After, me and Elder Magnusson went to McDonald's with Elder Mecham and Elder Mecham. Got to chop it up with them before they went back to Hatch. Love you boys so much!
Sunday
Luis was confirmed a member of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Such a powerful experience. The spirit was very strong.
That night we got a text from one of our friends named Judith, saying that she wanted to be baptized!!! This was so exciting. We have been praying for her and for miracles and this was one of them. We are hoping that she and Jonathan can get baptized on the same day, on May 18th. So we are going to be working hard to get her ready for that day!
We also had a really awesome miracle with someone we've been teaching over Facebook. She said that she want to be baptized the correct way by the power and authority from God and so we put her on date to be baptized on June 1st! She lives in Santa fe New Mexico so we passed her off to the elders up there. So excited for her!
God is mindful of his children. He is in control. We are merely tools in his hands. When we can turn to him, he can use use to bless others in his kingdom. When we are willing, he can use us. But we have to be willing. So let God know! Pray and ask for opportunities to share the gospel. God will give you them. Testify of the joy the gospel brings you. People will see how happy you are and how much joy it brings you. Testify of Christ. Never give up an opportunity to testify of him. I promise you will find even more joy sharing with others the peace and happiness the gospel brings you.
I love yall! Have a great week and send me an email!!
Love
Élder Richards
