Can One Person Make a Difference? - 2/12/18

The final P-day!

Great friends.
Anziani Osmond, Ridd, Huntsman, and Anderl

Hometown buds: Anziani Huntsman & Ridd

Zone Conference
Photo Credit: pickerdsitalyromemission.blogspot

Hey Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

This week was splendid. We had a great zone conference and the part that stuck out to me the most was about the importance of the Restoration. Since that day, we have taught the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ about 15 times. It’s been awesome. 

I also had my final interview with President Pickerd. It was great. He truly is a great man and has been doing a wonderful job in being a mentor for me personally. I hope to carry with me much of the advice and lessons taught to me throughout my life. 

We saw some cool miracles, and I wanted to share one in specific. It goes to show that being in tune with the Spirit makes you a tool in hands of the Lord. Last week we took a bit of time to look at some old records and try and find less-actives. This time we enlisted the help of Facebook. As we found some members that used to be here, we contacted them through Facebook. MC was a man we contacted. In fact, his record was the first one I pulled because I remembered it from before, when we couldn’t find his address. We simply asked him if he was still in the area and if we could pass him. 

MC was the only one to respond. He said that later in the week we could meet and he still lived here. On Saturday morning we excitedly headed to his house. We met and introduced ourselves. Then MC explained a miracle. He had just arrived 2 days earlier from Ecuador, where he was living for the last 4 years. He was debating on coming back to Perugia, but was not wanting to, especially because he was afraid of flying. So last week, his sister told him to start praying so he could see what the Lord wanted him to do. The next day, he received a message from us. He could not believe it. So he told us he would be here, and came straight to Italy. I know God leads us on the path of life where we are needed most or where we need to be most for our growth and happiness. 

All this brings me to my last spiritual thought. Recently, I have been reflecting. I can’t believe this is my last week as a missionary. I can’t believe the joy and growth and relationships that have been had. They will last forever. But the thing on my mind is - can one person really make a difference in the world? 

Stupid question! Of course! Look at the list from the top of my head: Jesus Christ, Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Adam, the list goes on. But I guess the better question is if “I” can make a difference in the world. At this important part of my life, I have learned that "Yes, I can," but the most important difference is not to change THE world. It is to change SOMEONE’S world. To change their experience in this life to be more joyful and happy. To ensure that they look to the future and don’t just see hardships, trials, and death, but they see the joy of family, life, and progression. Jesus Christ changes us one by one. We can do his work by loving one another individually and personally. Jesus does not change the world alone. 

“Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.” 3 Nephi 5:13

I love you all. Thanks so much for the prayers, love, and support you have given me during these two years. I am overwhelmed by all of it.

Love,

Anziano Ridd

PS - Massive Happy Birthday to my dad who gets younger looking every year! Love you, Dad!