Hacer muchas cosas de su propia voluntad

Estimados,

Hello again. This week really flew by, it is hard to believe that it is Saturday again! It was a pretty good week with highs and lows, but I guess that is how most every week in the mission is.

On Wednesday we watched a worldwide broadcast for all of the missionaries, and it was really great. They talked a lot about the doctrine of Christ: faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. That is what we have to do in our lives, over and over. Sometimes in life we complicate things, when it really does not have to be so complicated. Have faith, correct yourself, and keep moving forward with guidance from God.

In the broadcast they also made a big announcement of a change in the missionary schedule. Instead of our time being so strictly structured, they is now a lot more freedom to choose when and where we do the things we need to. Honestly it doesnt affect us too much in the office, because we already pretty much make our own schedule to get everything done. 

But I really like the change. Something I have always liked about being in the office is that it is more like real life. Not that I dont want "mission life," but I want to be prepared for real life when I am not a missionary. In the real world things are so structured and we have to choose to do the right things by our own free will. 

Tuesday was a great day where we really lived that principle well (ironically, before the broadcast and schedule change). Usually we study a little in the morning, then go to the office, then out to do normal missionary work at night. On Tuesday morning we went to the extranjeria to do six visas. After that we went home to study, and then went out at noon to visit a new investigator! From there we went to lunch, then back to the office, then out to help a member move his car, then to do some errands downtown and in the office. After that we went and taught an awesome lesson to a less active member, and then finished the day. I felt really good all day because we werent doing anything just because we had to. We were agents and used our time how we wanted to, but more importantly how the Lord wanted us to.

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. - D&C 58:26-28

This week we also found two new investigators from old investigators in the area book. They are great. It is funny when you return to your own old investigators because you have been in the same area for so long. Awkward. Hopefully we can find more investigators next week too!

Have a great week!!

Elder Richards