Hope y'all have had a great week!
This past week was a little rough for me. The area seems to be struggling a little right now. We got dropped by several investigators. We also received news that several of our investigators will be moving. Spiritual Harvesting isn't working too well right now. So we are really focusing on member referrals. Despite all this though, we had several really good things happen this week. First off, Shane Ross was ordained a Priest yesterday! Jenny's Baptism is now moved to March 29th because Shane has family flying in from Utah to support Jenny. They both have their eyes set on going to the Salt Lake City temple a year from her Baptism. I love the excitement they have for progressing in this gospel. Jenny finished the Book of Mormon this past week (read it in 3 weeks- we couldn't believe it!) Shane is reading daily. I love working with this family. Since they have helped me to see how important it is to work together as a family to progress in this gospel.
Yesterday, Sharon and Ray Adams finally came to church. We have been inviting and inviting, week after week. Finally they came yesterday. They only came for third hour. But at least it was something! Sharon and Ray are really starting to progress. However, they will be moving soon. Ray received his Baptism & Confirmation certificate yesterday. Which he was ecstatic to receive. He is slowly coming back. It's neat to see how he is truly becoming converted to the gospel. Slowly, but surely. They both are helping each other to quit smoking. Sharon is reading the Book of Mormon, and we have been focusing on helping to resolve her concerns. What's neat to see is that as Ray progresses, Sharon does as well. Just shows the power of the family to me.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing great! We are praying for guidance constantly, and as a result are being led by the Lord consistently. Sister Mackliet reminds me to be patient which helps a lot. Her optimism definitely helps with this work.
On Wednesday I had a strong prompting to have the Elders teach Sharon and Ray. We had taught them on Monday, and no matter what we said. We couldn't resolve her concern of Joseph Smith practicing polygamy. I prayed and prayed that I might know how to help Sharon. As a result of my prayers, God let me know that the Elders would be able to help her. So they went and were able to clarify things for her. What's remarkable is that God not only answered my prayer, but he answered Sharon's as well. Sharon had been praying that the Elders would come and clarify things for her. This experience just reassured me how Heavenly Father truly does know each and everyone of us personally. He knows what we need, and will help us if we just ask for his help and guidance.
This week I learned a lot from studying 3 Nephi 18 & 19 along with Enos. I learned the power of prayer. I also learned that our prayers are answered according to our Faith. This week I have really tried to put that into practice. I had gotten into the habit of just praying to be praying. I knew I needed guidance from God. But I wasn't necessarily Believing whole heartedly that God would help. I was a "doubting Thomas". So I have really strived to Believe that God will help, and really communicate with him how I am feeling. I have also started to pray for specific things. Through this I have felt my Faith build.
My prayer is that everyone of us can truly understand the power of prayer. That we will be more sincere when we pray. That we will truly understand who we are talking to. I know that the Lord will bless us as we come to him believing in him.
Love y'all!
Sister W. Williams
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
The area here is going good and bad. We seem to be struggling with finding solid New Investigators. So this week we are working on "ITM-ing". The neat thing is that the Part Member families we are working with are really progressing. In fact, the Ross family is really becoming converted to this gospel. Shane should be getting ordained a Priest next Sunday. So Jenny will be Baptized on March 22nd. What's really neat is that we prayed about her Baptism date on February 21, and this was the date revealed to us that she, and Shane would be ready by. Just a manifestation to me that God is aware of each of us individually. They are both really excited for the 22nd being the Baptism date. The spirit is really present in their home, and I would contribute it to their dedication to reading the Book of Mormon. They are both reading it, and you can tell that the spirit resides in their hearts.
Jackie got Confirmed yesterday, and it couldn't have come at a better time. She has received quite the anti from a coworker at work. I knew if she could just receive the Holy Ghost she would be better able to cope with it. Since she says it is really driving her up the wall. What's really neat is that she is already sharing her testimony with those she has contact with. A less-active in the ward got her hair-cut from her this past week. She heard Jackie's testimony, and Sister Adams told her father that she has never experienced that feeling before. It's amazing to see how she already is being a member missionary.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing really great. I am learning to really focus on asking inspired questions from her. She is really good at asking inspired question after inspired question. Which really helps the investigators to progress.
Well, we almost missed Jackie's confirmation. We weren't aware that it was daylight savings until Saturday morning. We visited Sister Stevens, and she told us to set our clocks forward. Good thing she told us or we would have missed the confirmation. We decided that that visit was inspired partly so that we were informed of the time change...
This week in studies we went through ways that we can help the members with missionary work. We decided that this week we are going to focus on specific challenges. Such as inviting members to invite a friend to church, or to give a Book of Mormon away. We are also going to put a time frame on it. I know that as we give the members specific goals it will help the work to explode out here.
Jackie got Confirmed yesterday, and it couldn't have come at a better time. She has received quite the anti from a coworker at work. I knew if she could just receive the Holy Ghost she would be better able to cope with it. Since she says it is really driving her up the wall. What's really neat is that she is already sharing her testimony with those she has contact with. A less-active in the ward got her hair-cut from her this past week. She heard Jackie's testimony, and Sister Adams told her father that she has never experienced that feeling before. It's amazing to see how she already is being a member missionary.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing really great. I am learning to really focus on asking inspired questions from her. She is really good at asking inspired question after inspired question. Which really helps the investigators to progress.
Well, we almost missed Jackie's confirmation. We weren't aware that it was daylight savings until Saturday morning. We visited Sister Stevens, and she told us to set our clocks forward. Good thing she told us or we would have missed the confirmation. We decided that that visit was inspired partly so that we were informed of the time change...
This week in studies we went through ways that we can help the members with missionary work. We decided that this week we are going to focus on specific challenges. Such as inviting members to invite a friend to church, or to give a Book of Mormon away. We are also going to put a time frame on it. I know that as we give the members specific goals it will help the work to explode out here.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Hi y'all!
Hope y'all had a great week this past week. It sure has been a great week here!
We have a lot of things happening here in Pocahontas. Our investigators are really starting to progress. In fact, we had a lot of exciting things happen this week. First off, Jackie got Baptized!!! Unfortunately, she wasn't able to get confirmed this past week since church got cancelled yesterday. Being able to watch her enter into the waters of Baptism was a reminder to me of why I am on my mission. It's not about the numbers. It's about God's children making a covenant with God. What was incredible to me was that I didn't think "I have a Baptism today." The whole day I was thinking, "Jackie is getting Baptized!" I am so glad I am able to see it this way because that is the way Baptisms should be seen. It's not about me. It's all about God, and the Holy Ghost helping all of God's children return back to him. What an amazing opportunity it is to be a part of this great work!
Secondly, we experienced a huge miracle. Ray; a 23 year old who got Baptized this past summer and since has been really anti started reading the Book of Mormon. It is through his starting of reading the Book of Mormon that he has come to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It's like night and day with him. So anti, and now is working towards getting a patriarchal blessing. He is also supporting and working alongside his mom who we are teaching; Sharon with quitting smoking. It's been amazing to see how powerful the Book of Mormon really is through this experience.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing really great. She is an amazing missionary, and really desires to serve the Lord the best way that she can. We work well together, and always make sure that we back each others testimonies up.
We had an interesting experience this week....we found out that our investigator; Peggy is actually a member of the church. How could this happen? She has some memory loss. We found out that she was a member because while looking through the branch list we came across the name of Peggy Webb. We asked her information that could match her to the Peggy Webb on the list. Low and behold, it was her. We had to ask many questions to help her remember being taught by missionaries. She still was back and forth on the fact that she was Baptized.
This week in studies I have been studying Matthew. While studying I am writing down all of the questions that the Savior asked. What's been amazing to me is that the way that the Savior taught was through inspired questions. He had those he taught teach themselves through questions. From these studies I am really going to focus on "looking to heaven" for questions in lessons this week.
My prayer is that we all focus on the power of the Book of Mormon in our lives. By reading it in our families and individually. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is the converter. It has been witnessed to me over and over here in the mission field. If you desire happiness, and a close relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ you must read the Book of Mormon.
Love y'all!
Sister W. Williams
Hope y'all had a great week this past week. It sure has been a great week here!
We have a lot of things happening here in Pocahontas. Our investigators are really starting to progress. In fact, we had a lot of exciting things happen this week. First off, Jackie got Baptized!!! Unfortunately, she wasn't able to get confirmed this past week since church got cancelled yesterday. Being able to watch her enter into the waters of Baptism was a reminder to me of why I am on my mission. It's not about the numbers. It's about God's children making a covenant with God. What was incredible to me was that I didn't think "I have a Baptism today." The whole day I was thinking, "Jackie is getting Baptized!" I am so glad I am able to see it this way because that is the way Baptisms should be seen. It's not about me. It's all about God, and the Holy Ghost helping all of God's children return back to him. What an amazing opportunity it is to be a part of this great work!
Secondly, we experienced a huge miracle. Ray; a 23 year old who got Baptized this past summer and since has been really anti started reading the Book of Mormon. It is through his starting of reading the Book of Mormon that he has come to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It's like night and day with him. So anti, and now is working towards getting a patriarchal blessing. He is also supporting and working alongside his mom who we are teaching; Sharon with quitting smoking. It's been amazing to see how powerful the Book of Mormon really is through this experience.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing really great. She is an amazing missionary, and really desires to serve the Lord the best way that she can. We work well together, and always make sure that we back each others testimonies up.
We had an interesting experience this week....we found out that our investigator; Peggy is actually a member of the church. How could this happen? She has some memory loss. We found out that she was a member because while looking through the branch list we came across the name of Peggy Webb. We asked her information that could match her to the Peggy Webb on the list. Low and behold, it was her. We had to ask many questions to help her remember being taught by missionaries. She still was back and forth on the fact that she was Baptized.
This week in studies I have been studying Matthew. While studying I am writing down all of the questions that the Savior asked. What's been amazing to me is that the way that the Savior taught was through inspired questions. He had those he taught teach themselves through questions. From these studies I am really going to focus on "looking to heaven" for questions in lessons this week.
My prayer is that we all focus on the power of the Book of Mormon in our lives. By reading it in our families and individually. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is the converter. It has been witnessed to me over and over here in the mission field. If you desire happiness, and a close relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ you must read the Book of Mormon.
Love y'all!
Sister W. Williams
Monday, February 24, 2014
Hey y'all!
Hope y'all have had a great week. It has been a pretty good one here for me!
Things are going really great here. We have a lot of good things happening. Jackie is doing really great, and has invited quite a few family members and friends to her Baptism this Saturday. It's great to see her continued excitement towards Baptism. I have really enjoyed being able to work with her. Since she was so prepared to hear the gospel. Not only has she learned from us but I have really learned from her. I have learned how important Faith is. Her Faith is remarkably strong, and as a result she has had no problem accepting the gospel. Every aspect we have taught she has been willing to do and commit to. I am so excited to see her come up out of the water Saturday. Since I know it will be life-changing for her. She truly wants to follow Christ, and be a better Christian. There is no better way she could be doing that then entering that gate this week!
We have been a part of something pretty remarkable here. We are working with the Ross family. Shane has been less-active for some time, and Jenny is a non-member. Yesterday they stayed for all three church meetings, and really enjoyed it. Previously they have only been coming to sacrament. So it was great having them stay for all of church. Jenny is really feasting upon the Book of Mormon. It's been less than a month and she is already in Alma. Yesterday, she told us how every night when Shane comes home she shares her insights to what she has read. Now, they are going to be reading it together. It's amazing to see how through Jenny's conversion her husband is being strengthened as well. It's neat to see the power of the Book of Mormon in action, and how one person really can make a BIG difference.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing great. We really back each other up which really helps with getting investigators to progress. I am learning from her everyday. She has a great Faith and Optimism. Which has really helped me because I struggle in those areas. She is great at testifying, and you can really feel of her love for Christ as she states what she knows to be true.
This week we had a really great first lesson with Lynda. She is currently living with a less-active member. She loves the fact that we invite her to pray to know that the Book of Mormon is true herself. She also understood the great apostasy more than anyone I have taught. She asked what happens to those people who didn't hear the gospel during that period of time. We made mention to the Spirit World, and she said that it made a lot of sense. It's neat to see her understanding of the Restoration and link it to other aspects of the gospel.
I learned a lot from reading Mosiah 1-5 this week. The thing that really stuck out to me was being a Representative of Jesus Christ in all things. These chapters talk about service, repentance, and obedience. I believe that all three can be summed up as simply following Christ. Christ served all those around him, he gave up his will to God, and he was obedient with exactness. As we represent Christ we will be doing all these things. How will I apply this? Everyday I am going to pray for the ability to be a true Representative of Christ. Really think about him during the day, and think of ways that I can better represent him.
I pray that we all can be better Representatives of Christ. May we each find a way each day that we can better ourselves. Love y'all!!
Sister W. Williams
Hope y'all have had a great week. It has been a pretty good one here for me!
Things are going really great here. We have a lot of good things happening. Jackie is doing really great, and has invited quite a few family members and friends to her Baptism this Saturday. It's great to see her continued excitement towards Baptism. I have really enjoyed being able to work with her. Since she was so prepared to hear the gospel. Not only has she learned from us but I have really learned from her. I have learned how important Faith is. Her Faith is remarkably strong, and as a result she has had no problem accepting the gospel. Every aspect we have taught she has been willing to do and commit to. I am so excited to see her come up out of the water Saturday. Since I know it will be life-changing for her. She truly wants to follow Christ, and be a better Christian. There is no better way she could be doing that then entering that gate this week!
We have been a part of something pretty remarkable here. We are working with the Ross family. Shane has been less-active for some time, and Jenny is a non-member. Yesterday they stayed for all three church meetings, and really enjoyed it. Previously they have only been coming to sacrament. So it was great having them stay for all of church. Jenny is really feasting upon the Book of Mormon. It's been less than a month and she is already in Alma. Yesterday, she told us how every night when Shane comes home she shares her insights to what she has read. Now, they are going to be reading it together. It's amazing to see how through Jenny's conversion her husband is being strengthened as well. It's neat to see the power of the Book of Mormon in action, and how one person really can make a BIG difference.
Sister Mackliet and I are doing great. We really back each other up which really helps with getting investigators to progress. I am learning from her everyday. She has a great Faith and Optimism. Which has really helped me because I struggle in those areas. She is great at testifying, and you can really feel of her love for Christ as she states what she knows to be true.
This week we had a really great first lesson with Lynda. She is currently living with a less-active member. She loves the fact that we invite her to pray to know that the Book of Mormon is true herself. She also understood the great apostasy more than anyone I have taught. She asked what happens to those people who didn't hear the gospel during that period of time. We made mention to the Spirit World, and she said that it made a lot of sense. It's neat to see her understanding of the Restoration and link it to other aspects of the gospel.
I learned a lot from reading Mosiah 1-5 this week. The thing that really stuck out to me was being a Representative of Jesus Christ in all things. These chapters talk about service, repentance, and obedience. I believe that all three can be summed up as simply following Christ. Christ served all those around him, he gave up his will to God, and he was obedient with exactness. As we represent Christ we will be doing all these things. How will I apply this? Everyday I am going to pray for the ability to be a true Representative of Christ. Really think about him during the day, and think of ways that I can better represent him.
I pray that we all can be better Representatives of Christ. May we each find a way each day that we can better ourselves. Love y'all!!
Sister W. Williams
Monday, February 17, 2014
Hi y'all!!
We had an amazing week this week. We saw many miracles. We also have a lot of good things happening here in Pocahontas. First off, things with Jackie are really taking off. She is working towards her Baptism date of March 1st, and is really excited for it. We had an incredible lesson with her on Friday. We watched the Restoration DVD with her, and it really solidified things for her. At the end of the lesson she said Yes! with solid conviction to the following: If she believed the Book of Mormon to be true, if she believed Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. It's amazing to see how prepared Jackie is to hear and accept the gospel. The amazing thing was that she asked us why it's hard for people to believe in the Book of Mormon. Also, why people find it so hard to believe in what Joseph Smith did because she said that it "just makes sense" to her.
We also are seeing a lot of improvement with Sharon Adams. We are getting her to read the Book of Mormon on her own which has been a struggle from the beginning. In fact, when we went to see her Saturday we had kind of a doozy. We asked her how her reading went, and she acted as though she didn't want to read anymore. She was bothered by 1 Nephi 4 because she couldn't understand why the Lord would command Nephi to kill Laban. We read 1 Nephi 5 which overcame her concerns with it. In response she said, "I guess I should have just kept reading". I was glad that the Lord directed me in knowing how I could overcome her concern. So that she could feel comfortable with reading the Book of Mormon again. We then had her pray about the Baptism dates of March 15 or 29th. Afterwards, she said she could work towards the 29th.
So needless to say, the hard work has just begun. I am so glad I have this opportunity to be a part of this great work!
Sister Mackliet and I are really enjoying the work here. We have a lot of good things happening, and we are continuing to work hard. We teach in unity, and are really involving the members. As a result we are seeing lots of miracles happen. Sister Mackliet is great at sharing personal experiences, and really emulates the spirit. I love being able to serve with her.
We had a really unique experience at church yesterday. 3 individuals just walked into sacrament meeting and sat through the whole meeting . Afterward we went and introduced ourselves. In response they asked if we could share the core of our beliefs with them. So we spent all of 2nd and 3rd hour going over the Articles of Faith/ Plan of Salvation. Not only did it help them, but it helped Jackie as well. What's crazy is that they were supposed to be going to a completely different event, and ended up at our church. The Lord truly lead them to the church. They were mainly doing it for a college course- but none knew about our faith. One of the three seemed liked a genuine seeker. We are hoping she comes back, and calls us to learn more. (I still can't believe this actually happened...;))
This week in studies I have continued to study the Book of Mormon. I have noticed this time around that I am really fascinated with the stories. Things are really sticking out to me, and I am really trying to apply them to my life. I know that the Book of Mormon is powerful, and that as I continue to feast upon its words I will be strengthened and uplifted by it.
I would challenge y'all to really feast upon the word's of Christ. To not just go through the motions of reading. But really apply the scriptures in your lives. I know that as you do the Lord will bless you, and you will gain the knowledge that you seek.
Love y'all!!
Sister W. Williams
We had an amazing week this week. We saw many miracles. We also have a lot of good things happening here in Pocahontas. First off, things with Jackie are really taking off. She is working towards her Baptism date of March 1st, and is really excited for it. We had an incredible lesson with her on Friday. We watched the Restoration DVD with her, and it really solidified things for her. At the end of the lesson she said Yes! with solid conviction to the following: If she believed the Book of Mormon to be true, if she believed Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. It's amazing to see how prepared Jackie is to hear and accept the gospel. The amazing thing was that she asked us why it's hard for people to believe in the Book of Mormon. Also, why people find it so hard to believe in what Joseph Smith did because she said that it "just makes sense" to her.
We also are seeing a lot of improvement with Sharon Adams. We are getting her to read the Book of Mormon on her own which has been a struggle from the beginning. In fact, when we went to see her Saturday we had kind of a doozy. We asked her how her reading went, and she acted as though she didn't want to read anymore. She was bothered by 1 Nephi 4 because she couldn't understand why the Lord would command Nephi to kill Laban. We read 1 Nephi 5 which overcame her concerns with it. In response she said, "I guess I should have just kept reading". I was glad that the Lord directed me in knowing how I could overcome her concern. So that she could feel comfortable with reading the Book of Mormon again. We then had her pray about the Baptism dates of March 15 or 29th. Afterwards, she said she could work towards the 29th.
So needless to say, the hard work has just begun. I am so glad I have this opportunity to be a part of this great work!
Sister Mackliet and I are really enjoying the work here. We have a lot of good things happening, and we are continuing to work hard. We teach in unity, and are really involving the members. As a result we are seeing lots of miracles happen. Sister Mackliet is great at sharing personal experiences, and really emulates the spirit. I love being able to serve with her.
We had a really unique experience at church yesterday. 3 individuals just walked into sacrament meeting and sat through the whole meeting . Afterward we went and introduced ourselves. In response they asked if we could share the core of our beliefs with them. So we spent all of 2nd and 3rd hour going over the Articles of Faith/ Plan of Salvation. Not only did it help them, but it helped Jackie as well. What's crazy is that they were supposed to be going to a completely different event, and ended up at our church. The Lord truly lead them to the church. They were mainly doing it for a college course- but none knew about our faith. One of the three seemed liked a genuine seeker. We are hoping she comes back, and calls us to learn more. (I still can't believe this actually happened...;))
This week in studies I have continued to study the Book of Mormon. I have noticed this time around that I am really fascinated with the stories. Things are really sticking out to me, and I am really trying to apply them to my life. I know that the Book of Mormon is powerful, and that as I continue to feast upon its words I will be strengthened and uplifted by it.
I would challenge y'all to really feast upon the word's of Christ. To not just go through the motions of reading. But really apply the scriptures in your lives. I know that as you do the Lord will bless you, and you will gain the knowledge that you seek.
Love y'all!!
Sister W. Williams
Monday, February 10, 2014
I hope you have had a great week. I sure have! This week has been full of adventure and miracles...
This week we came into contact with Kayla. Sister Mackliet felt prompted to see Kelly who is one of our investigators. So we go to Kelly's house, and her sister Stephanie tells us that Kelly has gotten herself into some trouble. But Stephanie invited us right into the house (for the first time). That is when we met her friend Kayla. At that first contact Kayla recognized that God sent us to Stephanie's that night for her. Kayla is a very sweet spirit. She has a strong desire to be Baptized, and to follow Christ. We have had two lessons with her so far, and the spirit has been strong in each one. She is working on the Baptism date of March 15th.
Sister Mackliet and I are really enjoying the work here in Pocahontas. We have a lot of good things happening here. I continue to learn from her everyday. She has a very strong spirit about her. Her testimony is strong and very sincere. What's neat is that those who hear her testimony can really feel the spirit. Since she shares it with such power and conviction. It's great being her companion!
We had quite the experience this week. Sister Land has found us an investigator, and is really taking on the role of being a member missionary. She invited her friend Jackie to church on Sunday, and to stay the night Saturday evening. So she had us come over for dinner. She also had us teach the first discussion using the cup-demo, and introduce the Book of Mormon. Things went really well. The whole time we were talking, Jackie's eyes were fixed on us. I could tell she was listening intently. We then got a phone call last night from Sister Land saying that she is going to set up some times to do a couple of lessons this week. What was really neat is to see Sister Land's excitement as she is doing missionary work!
Yesterday was also exciting because Sister Lowtharp came to church yesterday! She is a less-active who I have been working on getting to church since I first came to Pocahontas. When she came walking in my heart rejoiced, and my jaw dropped. She came into the investigators class with us, and was really involved in the lesson. I am so glad God helped her to get back to church.
This week I studied Mosiah 11-18 focusing on Abinadi, and his missionary work. I found that Abinadi was very bold, and direct. He wasn't afraid of what men thought. He knew his purpose and never strayed from it. Even though he didn't see the fruit of his labor he was very successful. He converted Alma who brought many into the body of Christ. I learned that the importance of being bold is that there is power behind your words. Also, that even though I may not see the fruit of my labor immediately or at all. That I shouldn't get down on myself. That I need to remember that as a Representative of Jesus Christ I am changing the lives of all those I come into contact with.