Pure Progression

Good Morning! 

This has been a very busy week. Elder Dearing and I have been on top of everything; referrals, people on-date, contacts we need to make, consistent lessons, and assisting in our friends' progression. I've learned a lot from Elder Dearing, but I try to learn from every companion I get. I'm grateful God gives me people who help me to grow. We had interviews this past week, I enjoyed talking personally with President Staples. The more I interact with him, the more I see his sincerity and devotion to the gospel. It's certainly motivating. 

We've been knocking on a series of apartments in our area, which has turned into a fairly productive activity. We have begun teaching one individual there, and met a few other interesting people. I feel my door approaches have improved, and I'm grateful for this chance to share that wisdom with my companion. With this skill we are realizing the opportunities that exist in those apartments. We'll see what they turn into! 

We also went on exchanges on Tuesday, Elder Robinson and I worked together in Salina. He fell off a ladder during service, but he's okay! That's a miracle right there. There were also goats at the family's property, they were the friendly kind of goats. And I saw chickens, but no photos of them, sorry. 

I have had a number of significant conversations with people this past week. There are some missionary skills that we strive to develop, one of which is asking questions. I particularly enjoy questions, and have become quite good at it, so much that I was granted an opportunity to stretch myself on Sunday afternoon. 

We dropped by a gentleman who is less-active, and he let us into his home. Through careful questions and discernment We helped give him some added perspectives on topics such as baptism, and subjects like faith and character foundations. In this experience I didn't seek to solve his problems, but rather offer another perspective. The Spirit was in the home throughout the conversation, I pray we left him behind, to help prompt that gentleman towards the answers that he needs. 

The other missionary skill I've strengthened is listening. I enjoy listening to people, yet it has taken time for me to be good at expressing that attention. I'm attentive in lessons, and do my best to help those we teach know that they can reach out. One individual and I had a solid conversation on some things that had come up in their life. They are struggling with some personal issues I can't relate here, but Christ took a moment to help me understand how to comfort them, listen to their situation, and offer what advice and relatable experiences I had. Those are humbling experiences. 

Also, during our District Council, we listened to a few of the conference hymns from last conference! Now Let Us Rejoice, Let Us All Press On, and Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy were on the program for the day. The second two songs were opportunities to listen, reflect, and record spiritual promptings. With all this time to reflect and think during the week, I have found questions that I will pose to you. 

How do we find mercy in our life? 

How do you purify your life? 

Elder Quentin L. Cook was the second to last speaker in the October 2022 General Conference. He shared a wonderful talk titled "Be True to God and His Work". I admire this talk, and have found answers to both these questions therein. 

For the first question, Elder Cook references Alma 42:29; 

"And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance." 

Through this scripture, we understand something very basic, yet critical to the entire gospel foundation of Christ's church: Because of the Savior's Atonement, healing is available to all.

Second, Elder Cook quotes President Russell M. Nelson (the prophet!) by saying the following: "Repentance is not an event, it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind," he taught. "Daily repentance is the pathway to purity, and purity brings power."

I feel these answers highlight the simplest and clearest principles we can apply in our lives. In an effort to have a more pure life, and recognize the mercy we can obtain through Jesus Christ and His Atonement, I know that these steps will change one's life, and that with Christ at the center of your life, you will witness miracles.

- Elder Williams

Pictures: 

1. Elder Robinson died.

2. I found new best friends.

3. One of the goats let me hold her.

4. My companion made me wear this.

5. Noticed a bunch of smoke in the sky and saw the field on fire.

6. This is my favorite cat.

7. Another Utah sunset.