Answers Come 4x4

Good Morning!

We just finished the best week of the transfer! Not only has it rained every evening without fail, but Taiji, our logical, smart friend was baptized on Saturday! He's amazing, and despite some little inconveniences (A leaky font, faulty AC, and scattered record information) God prevailed and he entered the covenant path! It was on his knees because of the leaky font, but still a very memorable experience. We also found six new people to teach this week, one is a family of four and super interesting, the others have been a long time in the making. Lastly, we put two of my favorite people in this area on date! I've loved working with the Perkins family, we found them our first week into the area and they became my passion project. Jenahsea and Chevy are both preparing for baptism, that'll happen in the month of August.

Oh yeah, and I'm getting transfered again!

My new area will be in Salina, and my new companion will be Elder Stucki. He's tall, and good at pickleball, so I'm sure I'll learn something from him! I am excited, even though it's a tad rough to leave the people I've grown to love in La Verkin. 

Elder Koyle, my very first companion, handed me a card during Zone Conferende this week, discussing "My Missionary Commission". He and I, during our Zone Conference last December, were talking with Elder Hurley. Now, Elder Hurley was a very wonderful missionary, and when he was serving, he recited this commission to us during our lunch break. That moment really hit hard, and was a testament to me that God truly knew about, and loved, me. I'll attach a photo of the card below. 

This transfer we sent home a legend in this mission, at least to me. Elder Garland was a fantastic missionary who exemplified God's love. During last years Zone - wide Christmas party, he helped reassure and welcome me into the missionary games and activities. Then, at Zone Conference this past Wednesday, we met again! He left a powerful witness in his departing testimony about the importance of understanding God's love for yourself, and bringing that same love to others. 

In my desires to better understand the term 'love' and how it applies to me, I've drawn on these Elders wonderful example to pattern the rest of my missionary service off of. Elder Bailey can be quoted to say "picture your friends in white". This is to say, that we shouldn't judge the potential an individual has, and should treat everyone like sons and daughters of God; with the love He has for them. 

During my time here in La Verkin, I've experienced God's love for the Perkins family. I have high respect for Janna, the mother, and all she has done to bring the Spirit to her children and give them opportunities to grow in the gospel. Jenahsea and Chevy are the most prepared for baptism, but I know that the older siblings will see the younger ones example and desire the level of light, and love, they will exemplify! I've felt a small level of care for them compared to how much God feels, but I know that is a situation where I've felt genuine care, or love, for another, in the way Christ loves us. 

Ultimately, it is important to remember one critical statement:

Everything we experience on the mission is a gift from God.

I've come to recognize this from all the areas I've been in. Each has taught me what I needed to learn to continue my missionary growth, to better fulfill my missionary commission. 

Since I started my mission back in November, I've served in three areas over three transfers. Now transfer number four is here, along with a new area. 

Regardless of the reasons for the constant changes, I'll have served in four areas in four transfers. I've also found four witnesses of God's love in my life, that I've shared above. I feel blessed to interact with so many wonderful Elders throughout my missionary experience, and I'm excited to learn from more to come!

Companions come 2x2, but maybe it takes a little more witnesses for God to break into my head to help me recognize something I've known forever, yet always doubted. 

Maybe this time it'll stick!

- Elder Williams

Pictures:
1. Elder Bailey and his posterity!
2. A rainbow over Toquerville!
3. A double rainbow!
4. Some cliffs outside Virgin.
5. The last District photo at Zion.
6. Taiji before his baptism!








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