Trust in God
Good Morning!
It is a miracle! We have begun teaching 4 new friends. I love missionary work so much; sometimes it feels like nothing is happening and then everything clicks in just a couple days.
One friend is an adult, he's been taught a bit in the past but hasn't progressed a ton because he works a lot, and it's always out of town. He now has more time, so we will see what we can do!
We've begun teaching a mother and her daughter. Both have attended church quite frequently in Manti, and are interested in learning more about the gospel. They're going through a lot, it is very true that the Lord prepares the broken hearted, and those with contrite spirits, to accept His message.
Lastly, we've been meeting with a kid who's parents actually aren't part of the church. He's 8 years old, and is a little shy, but he has a bearded dragon for a pet so that's a perfect representation of who he is. He has a lot of questions, so I'm excited to see where this goes!
Also, our friend Niko was baptized! Things finally worked out, and through some wonderful member support everything fell into place. It was fantastic to see him grow in energy for his baptism. I was asked to give a brief talk on the Holy Ghost. I promised Niko that his life would change with the Holy Ghost as a constant companion for him. I also promised that his natural, Christlike tendencies would only be enhanced. I daresay that promise applies to all who have received the Holy Ghost. God wants us to improve in our abilities to emulate the Savior.
I was listening to a man's testimony when he dropped the following phrase: "If I admit defeat, what's left? In recovery, that's the first step." I really believe this. Sometimes inspiration strikes me, and I piece together a few phrases that teach a gospel point clearly, or someone else states such a phrase and I record it. A lot of that happened this past week as I pondered on the Savior.
A returned missionary shared the following in his homecoming talk: "Conversion requires action. A testimony is simply knowledge. It's not until you act upon that knowledge that you become converted."
I love this reminder. In our struggles, our imperfections, and our weaknesses, we need to recognize how much we rely upon the Lord for everything. When this happens, we can begin to grow. This principle is applicable to our conversion. You can stay content with a testimony. You can get by. But eventually, tragedies, trials, and tribulations occur. Then we are tested on if we will truly follow what we believe.
I know that having a conversion, to act in accordance with one's belief, is necessary for everyone to gain while in their mortal journey. Not just a conversion to the newest trends, but a conversion to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Without that, what else can you possibly have?
We had our Zone Conference this week and the departing missionaries shared their testimonies. The following is a brief snippet of another concise phrase, shared by Elder Baltzer:
"Because of Jesus Christ, we are saved from who we didn't want to be, and lifted up to achieve what we never dreamt we could become."
I know this is true. Keep dreaming. Keep hoping. Keep the faith. But above all, trust in God. He is the one who makes everything possible. It is amazing to be a witness to the miracles God is pouring out upon Ephraim. I am reminded time and time again that this is His work, not mine. And without Him, I wouldn't get anything done. I will be forever grateful for my Father in Heaven, and His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Elder Williams
Pictures:
1. I definitely like chickens so I thought this was funny.
2. Elder Goodlad and I on another exchange.
3. Sunset North of Ephraim.
4. Elder Tollestrup is going home soon.
5. All the programs!
6. Niko's baptism!
7. New profile picture?
8. Another hike in Maple Canyon. This is Elder Glunt.
9. Zone Conference!
10. Lunch at Zone Conference.
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