Look Forward with an Eye of Faith

September 04, 2023

Good Morning!

One of the Elders in the District, Elder Harris, was leaving for Denmark on Thursday. So we did an impromptu focused exchange for an evening! It was a good opportunity to better understand him, and draw on his wisdom. Together we taught a lot of the recent converts in the YSA Stake, ran into a few people who really didn't care about the church anymore, and taught one lady who got chills as we shared a brief message on the Book of Mormon! She's Hispanic, but isn't talking to us now so it'll figure itself out. She has what she needs to progress.

On Thursday I attended Zone Conference. Fun fact; Elder Cammack and I had the cleanest car so now we have a $15 Subway gift card. We weren't expecting it, but it worked. I saw many friends I've come to love, and a few who will be home soon. Most notably is Elder Gibson, my third ever companion in the mission. I've come to love him a lot, I'll be sad to see him go. But Zone Conference left me with a very specific impression. I've been praying that we can help two of our friends be baptized in the month of September, and there wasn't a lot of opportunities on the horizon. However, the Spirit confirmed to me that my faith would be confirmed that evening.

We spent our evening in Kanarraville. On the way down we got a call from the Cedar West Stake Sisters. A self-referral had ben mis-assigned to their area, was in the YSA 2nd Stake, and has been studying the church for months and wants to be baptized! Her name is Morgan and we set her on-plan for September 23rd the next day.

On the way back the Cedar West Sisters gave us another call! This time they had someone who'd just flown in from Russia. She's been taught for a long time in Nevada, but due to legal reasons couldn't be baptized. She is now able to and is more open to that idea! We are teaching her the gospel now, her name is Valeriya (pronounced Valerie). She is praying about a date for baptism.

It wasn't until the next day that I realized this miracle. God had sent us two golden referrals in the space of 5 hours. One is getting baptized in September for sure. God is a God of miracles, and this wasn't even the end of it!

We extended another baptismal invitation to Alex. We met him last week and have taught him 3 or 4 times now. He asked us how he can experience a change of heart and a release of his guilt and sins. We testified of baptism and he is praying about it. We did just get a text earlier today that he doesn't feel quite ready and doesn't want to meet anymore. This is the struggle with agency, people can choose to withhold themselves from opportunities to accept the gospel. I have faith that Alex will progress, but it may not be while I'm around to see it.

However, one of our 9 year old friends, James, is excited to be baptized! He will be baptized in mid-October, the Saturday after my birthday. It's so far out specifically because of the hunting season . . . I'm not sure how I feel about the hunting season now! However, the extra time will be good for James, so I'm not too concerned.

Finally, God is not through with his miracles. We attended sacrament meeting in 4 separate locations this week. In each one miracles happened and progress was made, but here's the best parts. We met one potential friend from Africa, his name is "Success". He asked where he can attend church, and we will be meeting with him on Tuesday. Hopefully we can see how he is willing to progress. Second, a college student named Luke visited the next ward we were at with his roommates. At the end of the service he requested a Book of Mormon from us! He's met with missionaries in California and is very willing to accept the gospel. We meet with him tonight.

I have a testimony that God answers prayers, and He is hastening His work. Every day I've experienced miracles. As I strive to remain faithful and obedient in all things, He continues to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings, even so there is not room enough to receive it! The Lord will do the same in your life. Keep your spirits high and "look forward with an eye of faith" to see the salvation of God. He will rescue you in every circumstance and help you become more than you ever felt you could have been.

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah 84790

Pictures:

1. Elder Gibson and I!

2. Elder Gibson and many of his companions.

3. Elder Tremelling

4. The Kolobs; these are the ridges hiding super well in the mountains South of Cedar City.

5. So I saw a chicken, and I just couldn't help myself.

6. The Kolobs part 2.

7. Elder Harris and myself!