A Marvelous Work - 4 Feb 2018

Good Morning Everyone, 

It has been a great time out in Rabi.  The work has been moving and the reality of the potential transfer is setting in.   Weather has been very hot and extra humid with all the rain we've been getting.  Falling asleep at night is a challenge, but when you work as hard as the Rabi Elder its bound to happen quickly. 

A couple days ago I was able to finish the book " A Marvelous Work, and A Wonder" by LeGrand Richards.  An amazing book and I think it should be something all missionaries and devout members should read.  It really helps you understand our Gospel and the true divinity of it.  I finished feeling like my testimony of Joseph Smith had been strengthened.  It is a Great book.  Have just started "Jesus The Christ: by James Talmege and it seems like a great book as well.  Started to really enjoy reading, finally, and it has been paying off in terms of scriptural knowledge. 

This past week we have been trying to really focus on those investigators we have who want to be baptized but just aren't taking the steps they need to be.  Its important to show love for these people (easier to do for some than others.) We're not here to win debates.  We're here because we want to share what we have with them.  As I have studied and grown to love what I teach more, the way I go about my teaching has changed.  Very excited to try to go out with the Missionaries back home and see how others go about it.  

We had  a re-baptism this past Sunday.  Unfortunately as we were helping one of our members prepare to go to the Temple we found out that her baptismal records had been lost.  Not too common, but Rabi would be the place to be if you want to lose records.  So after a long search we got the go-ahead to baptize and confirm her again so we could help her get to the Temple soon.  She bore her Testimony afterwards and told of the sacrifices she has made to prepare herself financially and spiritually for the Temple.  Seeing how much this all meant to her was a nice reassurance that I am in the right place.  

Had some great food as always.  Went to our Unit Presidents for lunch the other day and had some freshly caught octopus, sea snails, and eel.  It was amazing.  It had me wanting to go catch some seafood myself. The next night at around 9 PM when it was low tide I went out with my machete and searched.  Came back 15 minutes with an eel and was content with my catch.  Cooked it up, and it was delicious.  Some of the experiences I have had in Rabi are ones I will never have the chance of doing again.  It has been a blessing serving there.

Transfer calls are in 2 weeks and my companion, Elder Tony will be finishing his mission and returning to Kiribati.  So I really don't know what will happen but the possibility of Rabi for 9 months is in the air.   We will see.  

Have a great week,

Love,

Elder Richardson

The Rabi guest house.  $25 Fijian a night and it is NICE.  Will be staying here upon my return

A little sneak peak of our flat.  Its been a blessing being able to live here. ​

Totiera and his Family.  He is our boat driver. 

Brother Tingaia our 1st Counselor, his wife lived in England for 9 months.  They're some of my favorites in Rabi.

Brother Beniati our 2nd Counselor.  Wife is an amazing cook. 

Our Branch President and his family grandchildren and all.  He is the one wearing the Broncos Jersey, I don't think he knows any better.  Redskins Jersey has been requested