Hey y'all,

This week was a pretty great week! Things are really progressing with Jarrod Gant. He is praying, and working towards the Baptismal date of November 15th. So please keep in your prayers. We went over on Thursday and had a full lesson on Repentance. We helped him to understand why it's important to Repent daily. We also helped him to recognize that he is already Repenting. By attending church, praying and reading the scriptures. Since he doesn't have a background of doing these things. We went back on Saturday and had a full lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He seemed to understand everything pretty clearly. Yesterday in Gospel Principles we talked about Fasting. He asked if he could skip 3 or 4 meals since going without 2 would be easy for him. He said he wants to do a true fast. So we explained how he can fast from other things along with going without food.

Other than seeing Jarrod we weren't able to see our top investigators. Due to sickness, and busy schedules. I am praying that we are able to get back into contact with them this week. But on the Brightside a lot of people talked to us, and we were able to teach a lot of lessons.

My new companion is Sister Goodwine from St. George, UT. We are working on Unity. It seems to be coming along slowly but surely...

We had a really neat experience this week. On Friday an impression came to me to go to a subdivision called Country Meadows. So we headed there, and I parked the car. Before we got out of the car we prayed, and then I asked Sister Goodwine which way we should go. So she pointed to the right and we headed that way. I then felt strongly prompted to turn right, and knock a certain door. Which was a little strange since you could see straight through the glass screen door. This is where we met Kevin. At first it seemed as though he was just going to bash us. But he was really friendly, and had lots of questions. He has had many interactions with Mormons, and said that it is the religion he most agrees with. He mentioned that he loves temple square and really enjoyed his visit there. I am looking forward to teaching him more. This experience was a testimony builder to me of how the spirit will guide us. As we heed spiritual promptings we will see success.

I really enjoyed my reading of Alma 26 this morning. This chapter seems to get me through the challenges of being a missionary. I love how the sons of Mosiah and Alma the younger never gave up during difficult times. Of course, they were about to turn back as it says in verse 27. But they stuck to it, and saw much success. They did all they could do by preaching and teaching wherever they went. (vs. 29) It helps me to understand that my duty is to declare Repentance the best that I can. God will do the rest.
 
My prayer is each of us come to realize how the Spirit works with us. I know that as we do we will find joy, and happiness in this life.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Love, Sister W. Williams

For the month of November our mission is going for the goal of 100 Baptisms, and 100 Reactivations. In order to achieve this goal we are making sacrifices. Such as ending P-day at 2 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. That means that I will not be able to write anyone back in the month of November. So please keep writing, and just know that I won't reply back for awhile...

Hey y'all, 

This week was another great week of Miracles. This area is truly exploding right now, and it is very exciting to be a part of it. Our visit with Jared Gant on Monday night was incredible. It went better than I would have ever expected. We followed up on his reading of Alma 18. He said that he couldn't remember what we invited him to read so he had read Alma 17 instead. We gave him the Restoration lesson, and his comprehension was amazing. During the lesson he said, "So the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's restored church?" It was incredible to me how he made this connection on his own. Between Monday and Wednesday he had read the first 5 chapters of 1 Nephi. He was sick on Wednesday so we were unable to see him for our appointment that morning. I am looking forward to seeing him this week, and continuing to help him progress in this gospel. 

We were able to see Rosie and Kee this week. It wasn't the best lesson we have ever had....it started off terrible. But we were able to save it luckily....I am not really sure what exactly happened. Kee during the lesson asked us if you can get out of Spiritual Death. We explained that it's by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, praying, scripture study, and church attendance that one is saved by this death. At the end of the lesson we found out that the reason that she asked us this. Was because she feels like she hasn't been getting an answer if the Book of Mormon is true. She said that she has been praying and reading but doesn't feel like God has answered. She felt that the reason for "no answer" was that she was in Spiritual Death. I responded by asking her how she feels when she prays and reads. She responded by saying that she feels "good". I then turned to Galatians 5:22-23 and went through the fruits of the spirit. I am praying that this week she was able to recognize the spirit as she prayed and read.

Sister Holm came to church yesterday, and loved it. She told Sister Shields- the member that took her to and from church that she wants to start coming regularly. It was so great to have Sister Holm at church. Since the sister missionaries here have been working with her for about 9 months. Also, since she has been inactive for years. She said that she really enjoyed Relief Society. Last night as we visited with her you could see the spirit illuminating from her. It was neat to see how church truly lifted her spirit, and allowed the Light of Christ to illuminate from her more fully. 

I was really struck in my studies by Alma 5:7. The key phrase in this verse to me is, "...their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word;..." I just love this phrase!! To me it means that as we study the scriptures our souls will be filled with light. We will be delivered from our darkest hours, and we will find great happiness as we go through this life. 

I loved how in Specialized Training this week we talked about letting others see how happy we are. As we have been blessed with this gospel of good news. Really helping others to see the joy that comes from living, and having this gospel in our lives. My goal for this week is to bear this good news with enthusiasm, and happiness. So that others will WANT this in their lives.

My prayer is that all of us share this gospel of good news with happiness of heart. That we share the Book of Mormon with all those that we Love. Since we understand the spiritual power, and protection that can come into ones life from studying God's word.

I KNOW that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Consistent study of it has brought more happiness in my life than I could have ever imagined was possible. It is only through reading it everyday though that my testimony has been strengthened. I know that great happiness awaits all of God's children. Who study the Book of Mormon on a daily basis. 

Have a great week! 
Love y'all!

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all!
 
This week was a stark contrast from last week. I feel that my whole mission is very bipolar week to week...anyway...

The area here really exploded this past week. We are beginning to work with a lot of part member families. On Wednesday, we received a text from Bishop Chisolm. It said that Jared Gant would come to church if we delivered church clothes to him. So on Thursday we went to deliver the clothes. We committed him to church, and reading Alma 18. During the visit he mentioned that he has only been to church a total of a dozen times in his life, and has no background of the Bible. He is very open, and receptive to learning. He said that his motive in learning more is his family. I am excited to go to the Gant home tonight and teach him about the Restoration. His wife is super excited about him being receptive to the gospel at this time.
 
This week we visited Patricia Carter. She has been recently coming back to church. Even though it is every other week since that's when her mom is home on the weekends. When I asked her what their families motive is for coming back to church. She mentioned that it is for the blessings that will come. She said that they have been through a lot lately, and figured going back to church would help. By the end of the visit we had a return appointment for this Wednesday. We are going back when Michael; her non-member husband is off of work. We are excited to be able to help him to understand more about the Book Of Mormon. Since he has recently started to read it. 
 
Yesterday, we met the Mask family. During the past few weeks I have felt strongly prompted to go to a specific area here. But we haven't been able to get there because of limited miles. We finally had plans to be out that way yesterday. So we Spiritual Harvested that area yesterday afternoon. As we began walking into the neighborhood. A house immediately stuck out to both Sister Tu'ifua, and I. We knocked, and were immediately welcomed into the home. As we talked, LouRay mentioned how she has visited many churches but has never felt comfortable. She even convinced her husband Wayne to come visit our church "soon". What was neat about this experience. Is that Wayne knows a lot of the members in our congregation. Also, even though LouRay says she is "Baptist" and probably won't change. She said that she may change her mind. What's neat to me is that LouRay is definitely seeking the gospel even though she doesn't know it right now.
 
Also, yesterday Sister Cummings came up to Sister Tu'ifua, and asked that we start teaching her daughter. :)
 
This week I was given more understanding regarding 2 Nephi 27:4-5. We teach a lot about the Apostasy. But no one seems to understand very clearly about WHY it happened. In fact, quite a few people get angry at God. Since they can't understand why he would leave his children in darkness. But verse 5 clearly points out hat the reason is because of "iniquity". That is what we as missionaries always share with those we teach. But I could never really find the doctrine behind it...so now I do! Hopefully as I share this scripture now people will understand.
 
My prayer is that as we all continue to diligently study the scriptures. I know that as a result. New understanding will be given to us.
 
Love y'all!!
 
Sister Whitney Jo Williams

Hey y'all!

I hope everyone was able to enjoy General Conference this past weekend. I sure did. I learned a lot, and am excited to be able to apply the principles I learned into my life. 

This week was pretty rough. We had to drop all 3 of our Baptismal dates because we weren't able to see Rosie, Kee, or Tammie. Also, we weren't able to get in with any of our previously progressing investigators. It's sad because we haven't been able to see Sister Holley for the past two weeks. She was progressing quite well, and we were working on really helping her to understand the Book of Mormon. I am praying that we are able to get in with her this week...But we can only do as much as she allows us to do. Also, we were unable to see Rosie and Kee due to Rosie's mom being in the hospital. This was rough since our Restoration lesson two weeks ago was very powerful, and we are now going to have to push back their Baptismal dates. 

On the Brightside we were able to find Betty Ritchie, and get her started with reading the Book of Mormon. Betty was found by Sister Hathaway doing her Visiting Teaching. Sister Hathaway called us on Monday, and informed us that Betty; (the mother of the sister she visits) is interested in learning more about the gospel. So Monday night we drove to the Vincent's house, and introduced the B.O.M. to Betty. We had a great lesson with her even though it was difficult to communicate. Betty is very hard of hearing and has to read lips. Luckily, she can read Sister Tu'ifua pretty good! :) Me on the other hand...she can't read no matter how hard I try...;) 

I absolutely loved General Conference this weekend. I experienced a very powerful, spiritual experience yesterday, during the Sunday Afternoon session. I went into this Conference with 3 questions specifically written down on an index card. By the last Conference session 2 out of the 3 questions had been answered. So I went into the Sunday Afternoon Session with a prayer in my heart, and faith knowing that God would answer. The question that I had written down was "How can I come to fulfill my patriarchal blessing." Not only was this question answered, but it was answered boldly and clearly. The answer came from the talk by Elder Carlos A. Godoy he said that we all must ask ourselves the following question. "Am I LIVING the way that allows me to fulfill my patriarchal blessing?" I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows the desires of our hearts. He is willing to answer us if we just ask. 

Most of my learning from this past week occurred during General Conference. I was struck by the talk that Elder Richard G. Scott gave. I loved how he spoke of 4 tools that need to become habits in our lives. He spoke of Prayer, Scripture Study, Weekly Family Home Evening, and Attending the Temple. He said that as these 4 tools become habits "Satan's attacks will increase, but our Spiritual protection will as well." I absolutely love this principle. These are simple habits that will keep us on the path to Eternal Life. 

My prayer is that we all take what we learned from this Conference and apply it. That we truly strive to be better Disciples of Christ. As we heed the prophets and apostles words we will not fail. We will continue on the path that leads to the "tree of life."

Love y'all!

Sister W. Williams