Loaves & Fishes

July 17, 2023

Good Morning!

This has been a beautiful week of learning the art to consecration. Striving to devote my talents to the work rather than allow them to be consumed upon the sacrificial altar will be a test for the rest of my life. But I know the gospel is worth every penny, every effort, even every fish.

The Richfield Zone theme for this transfer, of sorts, has been 'Loaves & Fishes'. As a Zone we are striving to become more consecrated, so we use the story of Jesus Christ feeding the 5,000 as a representation of what the Lord expects of us.

Matthew 14:15-21

15 ¶ And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

18 He said, Bring them hither to me.

19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

There was a need not being met. The multitude required food. The Savior knew He could provide. But the disciples were uncertain. Yet the commandment stood; "Bring (what you have) hither to me." When the disciples did this the multitude was filled and there was plenty left over. I know the Lord pours out blessings, even so much that there is not room enough to receive it! (Malachi 3:10 / 3 Nephi 24:10) Here are some of the miracles from my past week.

Our friend Boman was baptized! He's been eager for this day since we first began teaching him, I still remember how he gave our cup tower a hug! He couldn't stop glowing after his confirmation, I loved it. His family could feel the Spirit too, it was a beautiful service.

We ran into these three ladies from Turkmenistan. We discussed the Quran and the Book of Mormon, and even Jesus Christ. We may start teaching them soon! That would be exciting. We have also began meeting other potential new friends to teach. Things should pick up this week!

Our friend Kyean came to church again. He's been MIA for a couple weeks because his grandparents work a lot. But he came, loved it, and we're coming back again this week! I love working with him, he's such a sweet kid.

At church yesterday I ran into quite a few people I haven't seen in a bit! The first was Tayli Bosshardt, one of my many friends from Salina. It was good to see her again and know that she is doing well. I also had the chance to visit with one of my friends from Utah Tech campus, Brickley Douglas! She's a close friend to Shelley, who was baptized a week ago. We caught up on how everything's going, it was honestly super good to know that I'm not forgotten! I love the YSA 1st Stake in St. George.

Also, we got a call from our Ward Mission Leader, and our friend Niko now has a set plan for baptism! And another friend, Savannah, should be baptized soon. We haven't started teaching her yet, but she knows everything already and has been attending church very consistently. We will see how soon she can progress, hopefully very!

Ultimately, these are miracles and tender mercies from the Lord. They have touched my life and strengthened my confidence in Him. I know that my Redeemer lives, and I know that He is the source of all truth, knowledge, and peace. I am striving to consecrate my life unto Him. I heard this quote in General Conference recently.

Let us do our best, bring what we can, and, with faith, lay our imperfect offering at His feet.

- The Imperfect Harvest; A/2023 (Vern P. Stanfill)

The quote itself is fantastic, as our offering will always be imperfect, yet it is perfected by the Savior. Another thing I love about the quote is the title of the talk it was given in. "The Imperfect Harvest." Though my efforts themselves are flawed, my desires and faith are not. Jesus Christ completes and perfects everything I bring to Him.

Sometimes it's a struggle to give HIm my all. To trust Him with everything. I find myself pulling back at times, but I feel that is part of the process. The more I learn and love Jesus Christ, the more I know that He will work miracles and bring greater blessings than I even dare to seek.

You may recognize the following verse of scripture, though not in this same context!

Doctrine & Covenants 112:10

Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

The Lord has answered my prayers. God is watching over me, over my friends across Utah, and the wonderful city of Ephraim. His work moves forward, and nothing can stand in its way. How grateful, and humbled, I am to be a small part of such a marvelous purpose. I pray I never lose that desire to serve God and my neighbors!

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah 84790

Pictures:

1. Another sunset.

2. Another intriguing quote.

3. District Council picture!

4. The FSY kids here at Ephraim absolutely love us, almost too much!

5. Boman's baptism!

6. The post-baptism party!

7. Brickley and I!