Week One-Hundred and Four:  One Door Closes [July 22, 2019]

Hi Everyone! 

We had a pretty eventful week! We were able to teach Bryan at the beginning of this week! It's been nice that we've been able to catch him a lot more! We read 2 Nephi 31 with him and then discussed faith, repentance and baptism. We also taught Sebastian about coming to church, reading the scriptures, and praying.

We got to take a young man with us to a lesson we were having with a member. The only thing was that he doesn’t have a car, so he had to walk. We ended up walking with him and got to know him along the way. The lesson was good and we taught prayer. After that we went and saw Dizi and taught her the restoration. It's pretty sad that we'll only have one more lesson with her!

My last zone conference was this week! It was really good! I got to see some previous companions there which was fun! I also gave my departing testimony after lunch. It was the most nervous I have been to stand at the pulpit for a long time! To finish off, Sister Nakken and President Nakken talked about how we need to use the scriptures more when we teach instead of mostly using stories, analogies, and object lessons. Near the beginning of next transfer the mission will also be reading the Book of Mormon in 5 days! President Nakken finished off by bearing his testimony about the Book of Mormon.

On Friday I had my departing interview with President Nakken! It was different from what I was expecting, but still really good! Mostly we talked about what my goals were in my first year back and he then gave me some advice on how to stay well balanced in life, saying that most of life’s stress comes from not being very well balanced. He also said that the sacrament would be a good time to re-evaluate where I’m at in staying well balanced and what I need to work on. He also said I would be lucky if I could get in an hour of personal study, but listening to the scriptures would be a good option and to take advantage of Sunday when doing scripture study. When leaving I asked President if it would be alright if we checked to see if we’re related and he said yes. Turns out he’s my 4th cousin once removed! That’s pretty close! Also Sister Nakken is my 8th cousin once removed. I got to talk to Sister Nakken a bit as well. The best part of that conversation was when she told me some funny stories about the general authorities that came for the mission tours!

In the evening we saw David! Most of the time it was just talking and seeing how he’s been. We’re now friends on Facebook! We talked a little bit about prayer, church, and the word of wisdom (which he’s living now!).  

Saturday and Sunday not a whole lot interesting happened. It's pretty weird still that this part of my life is coming to a close, but the future is looking bright! I also want to share a quote from Elder Uchtdorf that I read in my departing testimony during zone conference. It says:

"As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.

" Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now—I was never forgotten.

" And I know something else…I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart—neither are you!

"You are not forgotten… 

" … Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.

"Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

" He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name 

"God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.

" The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow."

That's all for me this time! Have a wonderful week!

Elder Jason Riches