Hey y'all,

I hope that everyone has had an amazing week. It's been a little rough here but it's all good! :)

We had a huge miracle occur this week! We have started teaching Kimberly Jordy the lessons. She is 11 years old, and was Baptized at age 8. But her Baptism and Confirmation were never recorded. So she is needing to be Baptized again so what's recorded on earth may be recorded in heaven. We started by teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sister Sommers taught her an easy way to remember the steps of Repentance. Using the A,B,C's. A is for Admit you have wronged. B is for Be sorry. C is for Confess to God or church leader if needed. D is for Don't do it again. Kimberly and her 7 year old brother; Isaac. Love these simple ABC's of Repentance. Kimberly is very excited to be baptized on February 15th!

Bruno is doing good. He won't be getting Baptized in February though. There are certain things that need to happen in order for him to be able to move out. These things are going to take at least a couple of weeks of time. On Tuesday we committed him to several things, and we focused on getting him to say a firm YES! That way he showed Heavenly Father that he is all in, and truly wants to change. It took several "Will You's?" to get a YES. But we eventually got him to make this "binding committment."

Yesterday while trying to contact a Less-Active. We met a lady named Robin Brazil. I asked her "what she looks for in a church?" She said that it needs to be family focused. So Sister Sommers and I explained about the Temple, and how her family can be together forever. Her exact words were "I dig it". She has a desire to come to church this Sunday. We have an appointment with her on Tuesday afternoon. I am looking forward to teaching her more about how her family can be together forever!

Sister Sommers, and I have struggled this week. We are trying our hardest to build up this branch. We are trying to find new people to teach, and are having no success. We are knocking doors, and are doing our best to talk with everyone. Some people seem interested, but drop us on our next visit. I guess God is just testing our diligence right now. We have decided now along with our Branch President to focus on the members. So we can build a firm foundation since there are only a couple of "firm in the faith" members.

We received the Best Phone Call Ever on Wednesday. Sister Ragsdale called, and asked for our help on Friday. So of course we said, Yes! She then went on to say that she wants to get with us. So we can set up a time for us to come, and visit the family. She told us that she feels their family really needs a missionary visit right now. I was all smiles from that time on. On Friday after we helped Sister Ragsdale she said that she really needs our help. She wants us to come every week, and help her out spiritually. She came to Sacrament yesterday, and we set up an appointment for Wednesday afternoon. I am so excited that we have this opportunity to help her out, and strengthen her Faith. From this experience I learned Humility. She recognizes that she can't do it on her own, and she has seeked for help.

I learned a lot from my reading of 2 Corinthians. I was touched by 2 Corinthians 4:16. I learned from this verse that although our physical bodies fall apart, and start failing us during this earth life. That we will be ok because we can ALWAYS strengthen our spiritual selves. We may be frail on the outward appearance. But we can be strong "inwardly". We will have trials, and heartaches. But as we endure, and keep moving forward we will be alright. My goal this week is to maintain an eternal perspective. By increasing my Faith, and fully trusting in the Lord. Especially in his timing.

I love y'all, and appreciate all your support.

Love,

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all,

I hope that everyone has had a great week this past week!

Since we had the car this week we were finally able to try some people that I have been wanting to see. People that I felt I might be able to touch from the first time I was here. Connie & Hal were two that I was real eager to see. However, a neighbor of their's told us that they are in Puerto Rico for 5 months. We were able to see Sister Ragsdale though. She was active a year ago, and has slipped into inactivity. I shared Alma 7:11 with her, and Sister Sommers testified that we are never too far to come back to Christ. Sister Ragsdale thanked Sister Sommers for her thought, and said that she really needed to hear it.My prayer is that we will be able to reactive Sister Ragsdale, and the rest of her family.

While trying to contact a less-active; Brother Thieme we found his wife; Nita who is not a member. She told us that she took the discussions years ago, and almost got baptized. We left her with a Plan of Salvation pamphlet, invited her to the church open house that was on Friday, and set up a return appointment for this evening. Unfortunately, as we reminded her about the open house she said she wasn't coming, and she cancelled our appointment for tonight. We tried to reschedule for Tuesday or Wednesday, but she said she would let us know when "she has time to meet with us." It broke my heart to hear this because she is so prepared to hear the gospel. Since she told us that she wants to build her Faith in Christ. The problem is that she is letting the fear of not being ready to come to church get in the way of just learning more. I pray her heart softens, and allows us to come over to teach her.

Bruno is doing well, and is preparing for Baptism on February 14th. He is working on living the Word of Wisdom. We are trying to help him understand the importance of living the law of Chastity right now. He was unable to attend church yesterday. Due to not being able to get a ride since a lot of branch members were sick yesterday.Please pray for Bruno-that he will be able to do what is necessary in order to live ALL of the commandments.

Sister Sommers, and I are working really well together. We are focusing on strengthening the members. So the branch may have a firm foundation. A firm foundation will allow the branch to grow. Allowing inactives, and non members to come into the fold of God. We want to strengthen the members so that they come every week. Not just once or twice a month, and call it good.

We had a really neat experience with Stephanie Wells on Friday. She told us that she can tell that the Spirit was present when they were actively taking the missionary lessons. She said that ever since Sister haven't come over the Spirit is gone. She can feel an emptiness in her life. She said that they aren't as close as a family, and they fight more. Her 9 year old son; Charlie is really the driving force for them getting back into church. He really wants to be baptized. So she is going to discuss things with her husband. So that Charlie can progress in his spirituality.

Through reading the book of Acts. I have come to understand more about the Apostle paul. There are several times where Paul should have been killed. But God still had more work for him to do. So he spared his life again, and again. This was a witness to me that we truly don't leave mortality until our earthly purposes has been fulfilled. I was especially touched by Acts 23:11. Which states that the "Lord stood by him." I know that they Savior stands by each, and everyone of us at all times. We need to recognize him, and ask for his help, and guidance. My goal for this week is to recognize the Lord more in my daily life.

May we all recognize the tender mercies of the Lord. That are bestowed upon us daily.

Love y'all,

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all, 

It's been quite an interesting week. Full of lots of ups, and downs. I have been a little depressed since I have heard that several of my recent converts have fallen away in one sense or another. I have tried not to let it get me down. But sometimes I just get plain sad about it. I just have to keep thinking that I saw them change, and I can't do anything about their agency...Since I was last in Danville just over a year ago. There have been a lot of changes here. The branch had around 60 in attendance during sacrament, and I saw around 40 yesterday. The sad thing was that I didn't even know quite a few of them. We have 13 recent converts we are in charge of here, and some of them are missing. We have no idea where they live now. These aspects of the branch have been a little overwhelming to take in. I fasted and prayed to know what my focus needs to be here in Danville. There are several individuals that I want to focus in. I look forward to getting the car tomorrow so that we can go see these people.  

We had a really neat HTBT lesson with Marsha Ballinger, and her two children on saturday. Here son Jasper is 10, and her daughter; Lyddia is 8 years old. It was neat to hear Jasper say that he has a desire to be Baptized! Marsha told us that she is looking for peace in her life. She also feels a whole inside of her. Sister Sommers, and I testified that this gospel is what she needs. It's what can change her, and her families life. The spirit was strong during our lesson. I just wish she allowed us to come more than just on Saturdays....

Sister Sommers and I are doing great! We work really well together, and have had no problems with teaching in Unity. It's been nice to have a good transition to this area, and companionship. She is teaching me to have fun while we do the work.

Yesterday, we had a very unique experience at church. A man named Tim just randomly showed up for church services. President Hall told him after sacrament that we had two other meetings. I was shocked that Tim was so willing to stay for all 3 hours. We gave him a Book of Mormon, and Restoration pamphlet. He said that he is busy during the week. So we got his number, and we gave him a pass-along card with our number. I am praying that he gets ahold of us, and allows us to start teaching him. He participated in gospel principles, and seemed to enjoy church. 

I have been enjoying my reading of the New Testament. I am currently in the book of Acts. I was touched this morning by Stephen's conversion to the gospel. He died by the casting of stones. I loved how as he gave up the ghost. He prayed to Heavenly Father saying that the people didn't know what they were doing. This made me ponder about Christs experience on Calvary's cross. I am grateful for the example of Jesus Christ and Stephen in Charity, and Mercy. They truly loved those who despised them. My prayer is that I can become "really, really, good at forgiving" just like them. Also, that I can have Charity in my heart always.

I love y'all,

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all, 

It's back to Arkansas I go....it's pretty bitter-sweet. I am sad that I will be missing Deejay and Michael's baptisms. I also will greatly miss the Senatobia Ward. I have grown to absolutely LOVE the people here. But I am excited to see what Heavenly Father has in store for me!

For the most part this week was a pretty amazing week. Lots of really great things happened. First off, Deejay is excited, and rapidly progressing for his baptism this Saturday. I was shocked when he made several comments in Gospel Principles class yesterday. It shocked me since he is a very shy person. It's neat to see how much the gospel is truly changing his life. He said that he has been working on the Word of Wisdom for the past week, and has had one slip up. Yesterday at church he told us no more slip ups! Things with Michael Carter are really coming along. He really feasts upon everything that we teach him. He prayed, and picked January 31st for his Baptism date! He is actively reading the Book of Mormon. The next step is trying to get him to pray out loud in our lessons with him. 

Things with Jarrod aren't going too great. Since his Baptism in November he has come to church only 2 or 3 times. He keeps trying to avoid us, and when we teach he ignores us. So we are trying to get the ward to try to help him. It has been sad for Sister Goodwine, and I to see how spiritually destructive he is right now. We are praying that he has a change of heart. Please keep him in your prayers!  

On Friday we had quite the experience with Patricia Carter, and her 8 year old daughter; Taylor. We went over to talk about Baptism with Taylor. Since Patricia mentioned to us that Taylor has expressed a desire to get Baptized over the past several weeks. Michael and Patricia think that it would be neat for her to also be Baptized on the 31st. So Sister Goodwine began the lesson by telling Taylor that we wanted to talk about Baptism. Taylors reaction was unexpected to all of us. Her eyes went wide, and she told her mom that she never said that. We ended up teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we left the lesson having Taylor say that she does not want to be Baptized. Patricia told us that they were going to talk it over. We are just hoping that Taylor was having a rough day. .. 

I went on exchanges with Sister Winn this week, and received some inspiration in regards to Christ-like attributes. She mentioned how she, and Sister Anderson are studying a new attribute each week. I decided that this was a great idea. So for the next 6 weeks I am going to be working on Christ-like attributes. So I can keep progressing, and becoming better and better each day. This week I am focusing on my lowest scoring attribute; Patience. I love how in Preach My Gospel it says that Patience is "the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious". This is the exact thing I need to work on. I can't seem to "endure" without become anxious or frustrated. So this week I am focusing on patience, and am really trying to acquire it. 

May we all strive to be more patient. Whether it be with ourselves, or others. As we are patient I know that we will be a happier people. The Lord's timing is the BEST timing. 

Love y'all! 

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all, 

What an amazing year 2014 was!! I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve the Lord as one of his official representatives for all of 2014. Our mission ended the year with 659 baptisms. I am so grateful that we were able to bring so many souls to Christ. Their lives, and the lives of their posterity and ancestors will be blessed for this decision they have made.

DJ and Rea were married on December 30th! That was a HUGE miracles in itself. The reason why is that on the morning of the 30th. We received a text from Rea saying that the wedding was off. When we got this I just had a prayer in my heart that everything would work itself out. A couple hours later we received another text saying the wedding was back on. Upon this news we immediately said a prayer in gratitude to Heavenly Father. DJ is doing well, and is committed to obeying the laws of Tithing, and Fasting. We also saw Rea in a separate lesson. I was thrilled when she told us that through prayer she has decided to fully live the W.O.W. :) Michael Carter is doing very well, and is praying about baptism on January 24th or the 31st. We had a great lesson on the Plan of Salvation with him on Saturday evening. He asked questions about the 3 kingdoms of glory, and we were able to show Bible verses to explain it to him. He stayed for Gospel Doctrine yesterday which was a huge step. Since he hasn't stayed past sacrament meeting the past few months he has been attending church. He is attending Gospel Doctrine rather than Gospel principles as he has a desire to learn more about the Bible instead of the church.

Yesterday was filled with miracles at church. First off, Jarrod Gant came which was very exciting. Since he hasn't been to church very much since his Baptism. Also, Brother Larry Wilson's testimony thrilled me. I couldn't stop smiling as he shared with the congregation that he is ready to be active in the church again. He said that he has a great desire to get Temple worthy again. As he has two brothers, and parents that need their temple work done. After sacrament meeting I talked to him, and he said that he is committed to coming back. As he has attended church the past 3 weeks. I am so grateful that this gospel is a gospel of change. That it is never too late to come back.

I am really enjoying studying the New Testament. A very simple, but profound verse stuck out to me this time as I read Matthew. Matthew 14:18 reads, "He said, Bring them hither to me." In this verse Christ is being made reference of. I love how this verse states exactly what the Lord's commission is to each, and everyone of us. He wants us to reach out, and bring all of God's children to him. We may do this through sharing the gospel, and serving others. As we bring others to Christ we will be brought to Christ as well. My goal this week is to focus on all the ways that I can bring God's children to him.

My prayer is that 2015 is an even better year than 2014 for us all. May we become closer to Christ, and become more like Him. May we continue with our resolutions, and not give up on them if at "first we don't succeed." The Lord will help us as we have righteous desires. With God nothing is impossible. May we observe, and serve this week. As we serve God's children we will be "feeding his sheep." I know that the Book of Mormon, and the Bible are the words of God. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ restored church. I know that Heavenly Father hears, and answers everyone of our prayers.

I know that the Holy Ghost can direct us, protect us, and comfort us. I know that this gospel is a gospel of change. That we can become more Christ-like as we repent, and accept is atonement. I know that Families can be Together Forever through the sealing power available in God's Holy Temple. I know that God has a plan for us, and that through him we may do all things. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today, and as we apply the prophets counsel we will achieve salvation. 

I would ask you all. What have you come to know?

Love y'all!

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all,

I hope everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS. I sure had a good time here. We had a very busy couple of days, and were able to make contact with quite a few Less-Actives.

Things are going pretty great here in Senatobia. DJ and Rea are getting married tomorrow. I am so excited for them!! I love how the gospel is truly changing their family. The spirit is in their home. Whereas before it wasn't really present. They both are making their lives right with God. I love seeing the transformation in their appearance as they become more Christ-like. We are just praying that DJ is able to get work off this Sunday. We were pretty disappointed when Sister Hodges didn't show up to church yesterday. On Tuesday she made multiple references to us of coming at 9. I am praying that we can get to her deep concern. I know how much she needs church. I really want her to make the first, and hardest move. To just come, and walk in the church building. I know that when she does this she will get back to weekly attendance in no time.

On Saturday we had a neat experience with a recent convert; Ramona Breazele. After visiting Brother Wolfe with her she took us out to dinner. What we didn't know is that she was going to use her Christmas money on us for the dinner. As she got to the counter to pay the cashier said that it had already been paid. Ramona, and us were confused. Ramona kept handing the cash over when finally the waiter mentioned that the people behind us had paid the bill. Now, what had happened is that a member, and her non-member husband paid the bill. It was a great example to me of how I can do random acts of service.

Today in studies I received a lot of revelation on how I can be more Christ-like. I studied a talk titled "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" by President Uchtdorf. This was a great talk for me to read since one of my New Years resolutions is to become "really, really, good at forgiving." This talk allowed me to see how I can stick to, and accomplish this resolution. Two things that really stuck out to me in this talk were that "we must not cast stones". Also, "the moment we judge someone else, we condemn ourselves..." (Quote from the Apostle Paul). I liked these quotes because it made me realize that I need to only focus on the positives and strengths of others. I need to forgive others of everything so that I can be made spotless. My goal this week is to only focus on the positive.

My invitation to everyone is make New Years Resolutions that you can keep. Set spiritual goals that will allow you to become more like Christ. May we forget and forgive so that we can obtain mercy, and forgiveness ourselves. I know the Savior lives, and loves us. He is the reason for the season.

Love, 

Sister W. Williams

MERRY CHRISTMAS y'all,

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year enjoyed with family, and friends. Also, that you are able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas; Christ's birth. 

This week has been a great week!!! Full of lots of exciting things. First off, DJ AND REA CAME TO CHURCH!! DJ was nervous, and ended up leaving right before priesthood which made us sad. But he did participate in reading during the Sunday school lesson. We were really shocked and happy about that. Since it took a couple of lessons for him to just read with us there. He really enjoyed church, and is very excited for his Baptism on January 17th! :) Also, DJ and Rea have made plans with Bishop Chisholm to be married on December 31st. It's exciting to see the rapid progress they are making. I know that Heavenly Father is proud. Jarrod Gant is doing really well. He is loving his job, and is doing great with the Word of Wisdom. He is regularly studying the B.O.M personally, and they are reading as a family as well. He did great at friendshiping DJ yesterday. As he invited DJ to go to Priesthood with him. What's neat is that Jarrod is recognizing the Holy Ghost more and more in his life. He feels as though every Priesthood lesson is directed directly at him. As he shared this with us it was a testimony to me of how important the gift of the Holy Ghost is in our lives. 

Robin Wilson who is a recent convert is doing remarkable! She told us this week that she feels inclined to finally share her testimony next fast Sunday. Since her family received a much needed "Secret Santa" this Christmas. She also mentioned that she had an incredible missionary experience this week. She corrected anti that her friend Heather had heard about the church. She also invited her to try church sometime. I loved seeing the excitement, and joy that came to Robin from her sharing the gospel. 

I feel like I need to share this quote from Bishop Gary E. Stevenson. Since two of my friends sent me it this week. Bishop Stevenson says, "This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again." This really speaks to my heart because this is how I need to be living everyday of my life. This quote tells us how we can live a CHARITABLE life. So my goal this week is to work on all these things. To truly see others as Christ sees them. 

My invitation to everyone is to pray, and seek to know what gift you can give Christ this year. I know that as y'all do. Christmas will have a stronger meaning, and you will feel yourself becoming more "perfected in Christ." 

Love y'all and Merry Christmas, 

Sister W. Williams