February 5, 2008

This is part of the first letter from the Mission field-

We went street contacting and tracting with no luck. It seems weird to me that people aren't members. Everyone we talked to just wasn't interested. It doesn't matter to me though because I know that I am in the Lord's hands and that he will take care of me. Tonight we are going to talk with a man that is getting baptized on the 16th, then we are going to teach another man the first lesson. I am really excited because I get to see two baptisms in my first transfer. I can't wait to see the work unfold in front of my eyes.

January 28 2008

Mom and Dad,

I know you just got a letter from me but in the wake of the event that happened last night I thought I would write everyone and let them know that I love you all.

Mom, I know that you are probably having the hardest time out of everyone. I want to let you know that the prophet Gordon B. Hinckley is in a better place and as you were finding out about his death he was hugging our Savior, Jesus Christ and rejoicing with his wife because they are together again. If you start to feel sad I want you to read Moroni 10:34 and act as if President Hinckley was saying it.

Last Sunday we were challenged to double our baptisms by Gordon B. Hinckley's son, Elder Richard G. Hinckley. I know that it was not a coincidence that this challenge was made at this time because it will help us reach our goal. It will show the people that we teach that our church is truly led by Christ not by Gordon B. Hinckley.

January 24, 2008

This is still while Kenny is in the MTC-The other day all the Elders from Samoa came and visited the Elders that are going to Samoa. They all started singing Lord, don't leave us, Savior don't leave us. It was amazing. I couldn't understand a word they were singing but it was awesome. After that one of the Elder's offered a prayer in Samoan and once again even though I couldn't understand him I knew what he was saying.

On Tuesday we had the opportunity to go to the TRC which is a place where we go to teach volunteers who pose as investigators. I was super nervous as we knocked on the door but as soon as I knocked I knew everything was going to be fine. The spirit took over from there. I didn't have to look at my notes at all. Scriptures are coming to my head that I really didn't plan using. It is crazy how the strong the spirit us here.

January 20, 2008

The day goes by really slow here. We sit in class for what seems like an eternity. We don't really learn discussions there are lessons in Preach my Gospel that we have to follow. It is pretty cool because we get to pick out what we teach. There are principles that we have to follow but we get to make the outline. The food is actually pretty good and hasn't made me sick. I have seen the Bakers a couple times and it is nice to see a familiar face. The Elders in my district are way spiritual and really knowledgeable about the gospel. We are always cracking jokes. If you really want you can send Elder Lock and I some Mountain Dew. We have been craving it like crazy. Let everyone know that I love them and I'm going to be just fine.

Elder Richmond

First Letter, January 16, 2008

"We had an orientation with all of the new missionaries and their were 404 from 16 different countries and after that one we had another with our district. My companion is a convert to the church of 2 1/2 years and he is from Fort Collins, CO. My companion, Elder Johnson was made District Leader so I will be the Senior Companion. I just want to tell you all that I love you and I will be just fine. I am in the Lords hands."

Elder Richmond

The Farewell Pictures