"He Took the Lead of Their Journey"

Good Morning!

This was a powerful week to end off the year 2023. Elder Dickey and I saw a lot of success, and had a lot of fun. Today keeps flying on me, I think the day will be over before I realize it. I'll start today's email with the best part of the week: Kaylen's baptism! She was super prepared, and it was a wonderful experience to see this day happen. She's officially a covenant keeper! Her love for the Book of Mormon and sincere testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith is inspiring. I'm grateful for her example, and to have done her confirmation. 

We did exchanges with Elder Hansen and Elder Mitchell, respectively. Fun story for the exchange with Elder Hansen; we actually set 5 of our teaching friends on-plan for baptism! These friends are Steven, Annabelle, Candice, Natalie, and Nathan. I've watched these kids grow their preparedness for the gospel, and they're ready to move forward. It will take a lot of work to help them progress, but January should be fairly exciting! Elder Dickey and I also set a different kid on-plan for baptism, his name is Ruger. It should be an exciting month coming up!

To start off the New Year right, we gathered as a mission on a Zoom call and read the Book of Mormon in a half hour. Well, we read our two or three pages for a half hour. We were given literal pages cut from a real copy of the Book of Mormon, and highlighted the doctrine of Christ, invitations found, and blessings extended. I attached one of my pages below, which held an insight I haven't before caught. 

The verse reads in part; 
Mosiah 10:13
". . . because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord - therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness."

I love the concept that the Lord took the lead of Nephi's journey in the wilderness. It made me ponder on my own journeys in life, especially with the next steps just a few months out. It reminded me that if I'm faithful and trust in the Lord, He will take the lead of my journey. I'm a little surprised I'd never noticed this before, but President Staples had mentioned we have our pages of scripture for a reason. I know this insight was one reason for me to study those last night. 

Overall, the work moves forward! We continue to find new friends and help them progress. Elder Dickey and I work together well, and sometimes we get a third companion for a little bit, in a literal sense. (See picture #5 for more details.)

I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year! Keep your focus on Christ and everything else in your life will work out the way it needs to. Have faith in the plan. 

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:
881 South River Road
St. George, UT 84790

Pictures:
1. Elder Young; I respect him a lot.
2. If you know, then I guess you've already figured it out.
3. Deer!
4. We found an Indian food truck. It's really good.
5. That moment the prettiest stray cat starts tracting homes with you . . .
6. This was one of the pages I read last night!
7. Kaylen's Baptism!









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