Hi y'all!
I hope this week has been a great one for y'all. It sure has been a wonderful one for me in Pocahontas this week. First of all.....
Heather got Baptized!! This week we had somewhat of a surprise Baptism. We had been teaching Heather ever since I first got to Pocahontas. But we thought that her Baptism was going to be this week. We went to Heather's on Tuesday to do a review of everything we had taught her. During which, the family announced that their uncle was going to be in town this past weekend so he could Baptize Heather. We then had a pretty busy week with that. We got her an interview on Wednesday, and she entered into the Baptismal covenant yesterday. She was able to be Baptized and Confirmed due to circumstances of her uncle leaving town today. It was great to see the smile, and excitement on her face as she went through these ordinances. I am so grateful I was able to teach Heather. Since it is truly through "becoming as a little-child" that we all need to come unto Christ.

On top of the busy-ness of getting everything ready for the Baptism. Our area really had a successful week this week. We taught a lot of lessons, and found 12 New Investigators. We have been praying a lot, and are seeing miracles because of turning every thought to the Lord. We are seeing a lot of growth with Sharon Adams. She is faithfully and sincerely reading the Book of Mormon which was quite the struggle before. She also is praying with real intent wanting to know that the Book of Mormon is true. Along, with knowing that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet, and to restore Christ's true church. It is amazing to see how much her countenance has changed as she has applied these truths into her life. I can see the light of Christ growing within her. With each and every visit we have with her.

Sister Mackliet and I are doing great, and are LOVING the work. We work well together, and are really helping each other to grow. I am learning a lot from her. I am learning that I need to find joy in the little things. Joy in what seems to be "the little successes that we have". Which end up being "BIG" in the big picture.

We had a remarkable experience this week. Our Branch President, President Hallman had told us quite a few weeks ago. That a lady named Jennifer, and her daughter wanted the missionaries to come see them again. He didn't have an address and I searched and searched for weeks trying to find an address for them. I wasn't sure if they were less-active or non-members. Then this week while we were spiritually harvesting we knocked on a door, and a lady named Jennifer answered. We said that we offer prayers. Unfortunately they were busy but they did say that we could come back. Then the next day or that night President Hallman asked if we had seen Jennifer. I said we didn't know her address. He told us her address, and low and behold it was her! We had found Jennifer THROUGH God. It was a testament to me that God knows what he is doing. With his timing everything will work out. We were able to see them this week, and I shared my experience with them. Jennifer said that she felt loved. I know that they have been prepared because the Lord truly lead us to them.

This week in studies I focused on Moroni 7 & 10. I enjoyed being able to focus on the words grace, and hope as I read. Many things stood out to me as I read. In Moroni 7 I learned that Faith and Hope work hand-in-hand. You cannot have one without the other. I also learned that Hope in the atonement means that we TRUST that Christ suffered for us, and that he can forgive us. This causes us to ACT (in Faith) knowing that as we Repent we will be Forgiven. I learned that Grace is the principle of God allowing his "imperfect" children to preach his word, and direct his church. From studying Moroni 10 I learned that Grace leads to perfection, and sanctification. With this knowledge I acquired from these studies I am going to focus this week on truly trusting in God. Knowing that he truly knows everything I am going through. Knowing that he will walk with me hand-in-hand if I allow him to.
I pray that everyone of us will look to God in every thought, word, and deed. I know that as we seek him more in our life he will bless us. He is so willing to help us but he can't force himself upon us. May we ask for his help, and he will guide us.
Love y'all!
Sister Whitney Jo Williams