Greenhouse of Growth

Good Morning!

Can I just state how excited I am for the work that's moving forward in Salina? This has been an amazing month for our area, especially compared to the last couple months here. When I arrived the history of progression and friends being taught was fairly stalled. Now, it has increased dramatically! We found 7 friends in the month of August, and a good number of members who have stepped back from the church, but have a desire to learn more and meet with us! Miracles abound at every corner, it's been a true blessing to witness God's hand in the lives of those who live here. 

We met a member of the area Seventy yesterday morning, Elder Jeffrey Singer, during a brief meeting for all the current and future missionaries in the Stake (basically anyone who already had their call). He shared a significant amount of counsel with us, some of which I'll include in this email. The first principle to keep in mind is this; Utah is the bedrock of missions everywhere. 

What this means is that Utah is a growing place for a significant portion of full-time missionaries. They live here, experience the gospel here, and serve everywhere in the world! Many missions rely on missionaries from Utah to keep their ranks sustained and fortify the areas they serve in. 

With this in mind, I've come to truly appreciate the members who desire to return to full activity in the church, with the temple covenants and family sealing as their desire. In my eyes, these members will produce the next generations of missionaries from their homes. Therefore, anything I can do to strengthen them and nurture their home environment is a huge success. We are working with two such couples, and two others with a non-member wife. The Spirit has already blessed these homes. Here's a miracle involving one such home. 

We were visiting homes we knew had potential, but didn't have a plan. Elder Stucki and I planned for 5ish minutes how best to approach the doors. We settled on a simple plan; to ask how they've seen God's love in their life over the past week. 

The first door we approach, a man opens up. His name is Clint, and his first question is "What can I do for you?" 

We state our question; "We wanted to ask you how you've seen God's love in your life this past week!"

Clint responds immediately, "Hunting." Then a pause, "Would you boys like to come in?"

That's the miracle! We planned, we were diligent, and executed that plan in faith. And God executed miracles! We had a very fulfilling conversation with Clint and his wife, who has a different Christian background. God directed me to the third paragraph of the Introduction for the Book of Mormon, which I read, and sparked a brief discussion of their familiarity towards our beliefs. Neither remembered much, and both were very willing to have us in their home for a dinner when their schedule opens just a bit. 

This is why we seek and expect miracles. This is why I'm a missionary. And this is a prime example of the potential here in the bedrock of the missionary world. 

Elder Jeffrey Singer stated three points that help you retain your missionary experience after you fulfill your service. Number one is 'Turn to the Lord First.' The events above witness precisely why it's important to turn to the Lord first in our life, before anyone else. Parents, friends, and wise individuals are all useful, but when we turn to the Lord first, he can direct us exactly where we need to be. 

Second is to 'learn to help others receive the Spirit.' I have another story for this. We've had a family in our teaching pool that has been fairly difficult to meet with. The father, Juan, was the main interest and hadn't even been taught anything in a couple months! But through consistent service, care, and presence in his life, we held a very solid restoration discussion with his entire family! The Spirit was very present, and they almost came to church yesterday! They'll reach the covenant path eventually, I know that. 

Third and most important; 'Go to the temple as often as possible.' I have seen this principle in action through the desires of our returning member families. They truly desire the temple to be a centerpiece in their home life. They still have steps to learn, and a ways to go, but that desire is so present. The Butcher's and the Udy's have amazing potential, and will be a wonderful addition to the bedrock of the church as they progress along the covenant path.

Most importantly, all these lessons and miracles help me realize the truth of another point Elder Jeffrey Singer highlighted: Missions are greenhouses of growth. They are a place to deepen, not widen, your roots in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A place to fortify and strengthen your gospel roots to the point where you are unshaken in your faith. Missionaries are removed from the world and placed in a space of growth and learning, before reentering the world with their newfound strength.

Witnessing God's hand in my life every day is deepening my roots in this greenhouse I'm in. Through meaningful study and obedience my faith has grown, conversion deepened, and I've witnessed miracles on a daily basis. I will grow to the point that when I am transplanted back to the world, I'll have the strength sufficient for the trials I will face. 

Here's to another miracle filled week! Look for the miracles in your life, continue to deepen your conversion, and read the Book of Mormon. Because it'll bring you closer to God than any other book. 

If you don't believe me, try it out yourself. You'll never know until you sincerely try. 

- Elder Williams

Pictures: 

1-4. Beautiful scenery!

5. The District Council picture.