In the Service of the Lord

August 22, 2022

Good Morning!

The work goes on! We found two new friends, both of which have so much potential! We've learned more about them, and one is on track for baptism when she's ready, and the other will likely be a much longer process. He's still figuring out where his desires are, and why he wants to look into the gospel of Jesus Christ. But my two friends from La Verkin got baptized last Saturday! They were too far away for me to attend the baptism, but I have photos and that's just as good! We've worked a lot of the initial potential we've found, so now we're going to search for more. I'm still seeking and expecting miracles!

Speaking of miracles, I had a very intriguing study on miracles. Alma chapter 19 has a lot of examples concerning faith, and when you compare that to Moroni chapter 7, where it discusses the prerequisites to receiving miracles, it makes so much sense. That was an amazing study session! I left that hour with a greater desire to recognize miracles, which was the case! There are so many blessings in our lives that are just waiting to unfold, but it takes our faith and willingness to act that brings them to fruition.

Speaking of miracles, I'm actually not as bad at basketball as I used to be! I'm tall, but effective, and though I still can't shoot worth anything, I have improved. We hold a basketball night every Wednesday, and a large number of the people who attend aren't members, so it's well worth our time! This just means I've had to adjust to a sport I never really appreciated.

One thing I've been apprehensive about is bike riding. It's not a problem, and slacks are more comfortable than dresses (so I assume) for this particular mode of transport, but a car is just so easy. But we spent a single evening in Redmond, where I live, so we took the bikes out! We knocked on a lot of doors, and it was super cool how many people we recognized and interacted with by being more available.

Honestly, the people in Salina are amazing. There truly is an added measure of charity you can be granted as a missionary, if you seek it. I've spent a lot of time seeking it, and it's finally working out! I love the people here, and I've empathized and understood many aspects of their lives, individually. That level of love and concern was only possible through the love Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father, has for us. I've been granted a slightly greater portion of that love, and the capacity to share it with others. Some of the best miracles are the ones where I can be a comfort, or support, to another in their time of need.

I have reached a few conclusions throughout my missionary service. I understand that in order for my mission to be successful, it needs to change me. But it'll only do that as I serve others. If I try and focus on myself, then I'm not focusing outward like Jesus would. However, this gift of myself can't be given half-way. I need to give my ALL to Jesus Christ, and only then will I witness lasting changes in my life. It's a sobering thought to ponder. I feel that this endeavor of mine, to give myself to my Savior, will feel slow at first, but one day it might click. That might happen on the mission. Or this could be a lifetime endeavor. Either way, with this as my goal, I can find peace for the rest of my life, no matter what happens.

This next week will be exciting, but so is every day in the service of the Lord. The days have felt like weeks, but the week feels like it barely started. Time moves funny as a missionary, but I'll enjoy it till I'm gone! I'm so grateful to be called to the Utah St. George Mission, I wouldn't choose to go anywhere else.

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 360

85 N 150 E

Redmond, UT 84652

Pictures:

1-4, 6-7. Some of the best sunsets from this past week. Utah never gets old!

5. The District, again.

8. Here's my repentance for not attaching Chance's baptismal photo in last week's email.

9. The Perkins family! (And friends I think.)

10. Jenahsea and Chevy!

11. I found this bird . . .