February 20, 2018

Elder Smith and I have been focusing our efforts on finding. We have been working really hard to find the people that are prepared to hear the message of the Restoration. And it hasn't been the easiest task. We set good inspired goals and specific plans on how we were going to find more brothers and sisters to teach. We prayed fervently and frequently with faith in hopes to be able to bring more souls closer to Jesus Christ. As we prayed often, and worked diligently we didn't find much fruit in our labors.

As I was in my engaged in my studies one morning I came across D&C 121-123. This is when Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail. While our dear Prophet was suffering through cruel, awful conditions he wrote the rest of the saints. And what he says in 123:17 amazes me. He writes, "Therefore, dearly beloved  brethren, let us CHEERFULLY do all things that lie in our power;" 

As Elder Smith and I were getting a little discouraged, we were getting frustrated because we were trying so hard, and not much was coming from it. We had the faith and the work ethic, why was nothing happening?? Then I learned something of great value, There are two things that faith can not change. 1. Another's Free Agency and 2. God's Will. As hard as it is to accept sometimes, its the truth. So we need to do all that we can do, control what we can control, and do it CHEERFULLY. "then we may stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (123:17) 

- Elder Richards 

February 12, 2018

Everything is going pretty good. We just started to teach a man named Don Mosby and he was sentenced to life in prison, but got out after 25 years. He came to church with us yesterday, and he is just searching for God. He is a stud!

I Met a 19X world champion arm wrestler. His names is Steve Phipps, look him up on google. But he is a member and is in the Dash Point ward. We went on exchanges Friday, so I was able to meet with him and talked for a while. Turns out he wrestled for Ricks College and he actually wrestled at the same Iowa Nationals that I wrestled at. So that was pretty cool. He also helped train Sylvester Stallone for the movie "Over the Top" Brother Phipps is a stud!

February 6, 2018

 Elder Smith and I started off the week by attending a bible study that one of our investigators invited us to. He said it would be just a "little meeting." We walked into the house and were greeted by 15+ smiling Russians. Apparently our investigator told all his friends that he invited some "Mormon Boys" over. So we spent the whole time answering their questions which was great! They are some of the nicest people that I have met. And they sent us home with a plate full of Russian pastries. We will try to set up a Book of Mormon study with them next time (;

Jayden Peterson got baptized on Feb. 3 and he was confirmed Feb.4. It was such a special day to finally see him get baptized. The spirit was so strong, and testified to me the Fullness of the Gospel. It was such a neat experience.

The Temple was amazing, like always. It was neat sitting in the Temple with 80 other missionaries. It was very peaceful and uplifting. And the Seattle Temple is beautiful. 

The Gospel is True!

 Jayden's baptism

 Elder Richards & Elder Smith

Seattle Washington Temple