Miracles, Memories, and Maybe Meals

Good Morning!

This has been a really good week. I have an excellent way to describe how busy we've been. The following is a very common quote from the other YSA Elders in our District:

"Elder Williams, the standards say you can't skip your dinner hour!"

I then reply, "But there's way too much to do!"

I share this so you get a glimpse on just how exactly obedient I am . . . and how busy life is right now! I probably don't eat much until 9:30pm, unless it's a snack the members or Institute gives us. I'm trying to apply for school, for a Summer job (both within Preparation hours), do effective and diligent missionary work, refine Elder Cammack some more, and not get lost in the process. I'll just share some key events from the week. 

We set Eldean's baptismal date for October 28th. In the Utah St. George Mission we have a standard that our friends are to come to church 3 times before their baptism. Eldean has now attended twice. She's looking really solid! We are super excited for her progress. That's a straight miracle from God. 

We discussed baptism with our friend, Julian. He's not ready to accept a date right now, but wants to pray about it. He's very sincere in his desire to learn, and be prepared for the commitments we extend. I absolutely love his desire to follow God's will, but also make the decision himself. The lesson was kind of long . . . we were probably home before 10pm. I think. Honestly I can't remember.

We found a group of four friends on campus who want to learn. So we had the biggest lesson I've ever had in the YSA, with ten people present! Here's the catch: two are from Spain and another is from Mexico. So the Spanish Sisters will teach them. On top of that, not a single one even lives in our missionary boundaries. So score! For the other Elders. Don't you love finding on campus? You never know what you'll get. 

Some Sisters in our District got sick with Covid of all things. They couldn't attend our District Council, or their friends' baptism, or church. So that was exciting. We kept in contact though and delivered homemade soup. Elder Cammack aspires to the role of 'Chef' in the companionship. He has a ways to go, but he's doing really well! Sister Coleman & Sister Marsden thought the soup was excellent, so that's what matters. They also paid us in gatorade. I think it's a fair deal. 

This week, we learned a lot about being where the Lord needs us, rather than where we want. We helped quite a few members struggling with their faith, simply by talking to who the Spirit needed us to. I'll remember these experiences for the rest of my life. I feel that even though I didn't get what I wanted (30 friends ready to be baptized) the Lord knows the desires of my heart and taught me some good lessons on humility, and His timing. I thought I learned everything I needed to back in January '22 - May '22. But I guess not. 

Remember how the Sisters paid us in Gatorade for some soup? The Lord 'paid' us in 4 miraculous referrals for our diligence this past week. One's someone's boyfriend, another is a member's two foreign friends, and a third is from Korea. We will see how each of those plays out this week! I'm super excited to press forward with the work. 

I'll close with a quote that came to me during our lesson with Julian this last week. 

"Repentance is a daily opportunity to experience God's love and receive more joy." 
- The Spirit

I know this is true. I also know that it's only possible because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us. His Atonement has enabled us to overcome the natural man, and become Saints (Mosiah 3:19). I know that my own shortcomings can be overcome through His power. And I know He will support every one of you who chooses to rely on Him. Never forget that God loves you. 

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address (Birthday on October 18th!) 
881 South River Road
St. George, Utah, 84790

Pictures:
1. District Council!
2. The surprise moment.
3. Elder Dearing surprised us as he did exchanges!
4. A whiteboard in the Institute filled with quotes from General Conference!
5. Justin! He's the one second from the right. The rest are amazing fellowshippers.







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