The joys of missionary service

Here is an excerpt from one of Richard's latest letters. I thought you might like to get a glimpse of what it means to serve and how much he is enjoying it.


I love being a missionary, it's so good all around. I love how everyone looks to us for help and guidance, I've had the opportunity to give dozens of blessings, teach hundreds of lessons (averaging about 23 weekly, good for the states!), I've been able to learn a new language and understand totally different cultures than my own. It always gets better, and a year is sneaking up fast!

He would be the first to tell you that he does not boast of himself, but that all things come from the Lord. He feels the Lord's hand in his life on a daily basis and attributes whatever success he may have to Him.

A South Florida Baptism

This is Richard with his latest family ready for their baptism. Also included are his Bishop ( in white) and his companion. He is busy teaching and has another young lady getting ready to enter the waters of baptism. The members in his area are doing such a great job that he has no time to tract. Imagine that! He is in good spirits and is doing well. He has such a great love for the area and for the people. They love him too!!

Super Bowl Miami

Yes...that's right, Richard was able to see the Super Bowl at an investigator's house, I don't really know who he was cheering for, but I did get a comment in his letter about Peyton Mannings' arm. The Super Bowl was followed-up the next day by a trip to the Miami Zoo. ( In the hippo pic, that's Richard on the right.) I'm not real sure who's nest that is though. In case you think missionary work is all fun and games, he does have a couple of baptisms scheduled for this week.

Yet another day in paradise

Richard was able to go to Black Point for a little R&R. As you know, one of his hopes was to serve a mission in a warm, tropical climate. He reports that they are very busy teaching, have many people who are taking the lessons, and have no time for tracting. How would that be!!

A visitor to Florida!

So, Richards' former Young Men leader is on a "business trip" to the Miami area and guess who he got to see? Yeah, that's right! And he took Richard and his comp out for sushi. He reports that Richard is looking great and doing a great job and he has that missionary spirit about him. Duh!