Growing Into the Gift

October 23, 2023

Good Morning!

I have enjoyed a magnificent Southern Utah Fall week. The leaves are turning and the mountains almost have snow. I really enjoy this time of year and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve in an area where the leaves actually change colors. That's a tender mercy I continue to appreciate.

The work is really picking up! I'm super excited for the progress we've seen. We taught 20 lessons with our non-member friends this past week! And two of our friends, Eli and Austin, are now preparing for baptism in November. On top of all that, 9 of our friends came to church with us! It's felt very successful recently, and I'm very thankful for the Lord's hand in all of this. The biggest difference in my life is that I'm now 21 years old.

I had a good birthday celebration on Wednesday. We had lunch with some of our YSA friends, and also taught the Returned Missionary Seminar. It was an interesting role for us, especially as current missionaries, but it went rather well. We focused on the topics of "Love, Share, & Invite". I'm not always the biggest fan of these discussions, but I've realized more and more that this isn't some new way of living. It's just a way of life we already do.

We found a lot of people who don't want to be taught this week. I'm not sure how else to put that, because they listened to a message and scheduled a return appointment, but are varying on their levels of receptivity. Some we are more persistent with than others, but all need a covenant connection with their Father in Heaven. We also held a car fast this past Friday. Elder Cammack and I may have cheated a little; we pretty much remained at the Institute / on campus all day. There are some moments where we utilized the members more. This was a good learning experience for us as we strive to improve in our use of the Lord's resources!

Elder Neil L. Andersen came to SUU and held a devotional with all the Young Single Adults. It was interesting how he spent most of the time highlighting what the prophet and his counselors have taught us, most particularly about the need for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Here's a quote he discussed quite a bit, shared by President Nelson.

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

It's been over 5 years since this prophetic statement was declared. As a missionary I've recognized even more how the Holy Ghost has blessed my life, and the importance of heeding his promptings. It's the little things that matter most. There's a phrase I've developed, from inspiration of the Spirit, back when I was serving in La Verkin. I've shared it during personal moments with other individuals, but never publicly.

"The mountain moves one pebble at a time."

While the little things we don't do can cause our spiritual foundation to crumble, so too can the little things we accomplish each day move the mountains in our lives. Essential to this miracle of faith is our connection to the Holy Ghost. When we choose to do the little things that allow his influence in our life, we are blessed. When we choose to ignore his subtle whispers, we fall short and begin to crumble.

For those of you who are concerned about your spiritual foundation, rely on your testimony. No matter how simple it is, a focus on what you do know will strengthen your resolve and faith in Christ. If we strive to live our life focusing on our flaws and forgetting the One who can make us whole again, we will never be enough. Faith in Christ is more powerful than every mountain, every flaw, and every weakness you have.

The presence of the Holy Ghost is an assurance of God's approval for our decisions, and an assurance towards our growing faith in Jesus Christ. When we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, often I imagine receiving that ability all at once and learning to use it from there, at full throttle. But in closer reality, we receive the constant presence of the Holy Ghost, which we more fully embrace and master throughout a lifetime. Elder Andersen shared the following in his devotional:

"You grow into the Gift of the Holy Ghost."

I've seen this in how I perform missionary work. I also recognize this truth in how I serve and love others. My capabilities to support and strengthen my friends increases when I heed his promptings. Ultimately, all that I have become is a result of the Holy Ghost turning me back to the sanctifying, redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Without the first I would never have found the second. And if I'd never found Christ, I could not have become who I've grown into, today.

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah, 84790

Pictures:

1. Birthday lunch!

2. Birthday smoothies?

3. Returned Missionary Seminar!

4. Birthday selfie.

5. The funniest birthday gift.

6. Elder Collier; perhaps the final photo?

7. Autumn on campus.