Gamma Joba Elder Williams,
Remember that greeting? :)
I would like to share a little excerpt from President Benson's talk on pride:
"Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of “my will and not thine be done.” "
Wow! That really struck me, especially the part about enmity. Pride is something to beware of and to avoid.
These past few autumn days have been absolutely beautiful. It is like, "a day left over from Eden." I have been washing windows, cleaning up the garden, and just trying to soak in the sunshine. I love it.
We prayed and fasted for you yesterday. I hope that through our faith and yours, you will be able to bring people into the fold of Jesus Christ.
How is your new companionship? I hope you grow to love and appreciate the people of San Rafael.
God be with you until we meet again, son.
I love you,
Mom
Gamma Joba Momma,
I love that talk. Pride is of the devil, contention is of the devil. It is really the same thing, in so many ways.
I was spiritually charged and excited to work after Zion's Camp at Camp Liahona. Camp Liahona is a church owned camp up in the Redwoods north of Santa Rosa. I loved it so much. We did service, and we had some workshops, which were powerful, and I was able to record things that I want to implement and improve on. It lasted for 3 days. I got some sweet pictures, and I'm finally sending my SD card home.
So, it turns out that I'm not in San Rafael anymore. I'm in McKinleyville, which is hours and hours north. I have a new companion, Elder Penman. Elder Penman's companion went home for back surgery, so I was asked to fill the hole. It is such a blessing. It was sad to leave San Rafael because I was beginning to love the people there, but I absolutely love it here in McKinleyville.
Sunday was such a wonderful day. Not only was I able to renew my covenants with the Lord, but Elder Penman and I were able to gain the trust of the ward. We bore our testimonies and taught Elders Quorum. I love the members here so much. They are so willing and charitable to investigators. It will be an absolute joy to work with them. Next Sunday will be another chance for Elder Penman and I to gain the trust of the ward, because we are giving talks.
There is one investigator in particular here in McKinleyville that I am so excited for. His name is Erik, and he is going to turn 18 this month. His father will kick him out of the house if he is baptized, but Erik doesn't let that stop him. He dresses in normal clothes Sunday morning when he leaves his house, then once he arrives at church (early, I might add), he changes into a shirt and tie. He even brought one of his friends yesterday! We were able to communicate with him by text and learn more about his friend. During the conversation, he testified strongly. He has so much faith in spite of opposition.
I'm so grateful for his strength and perseverance.
I feel on fire out here. I love my mission so much, Mom. Thank you for
helping me get out here.
Love,
Elder Williams
Wow! That really struck me, especially the part about enmity. Pride is something to beware of and to avoid.
These past few autumn days have been absolutely beautiful. It is like, "a day left over from Eden." I have been washing windows, cleaning up the garden, and just trying to soak in the sunshine. I love it.
We prayed and fasted for you yesterday. I hope that through our faith and yours, you will be able to bring people into the fold of Jesus Christ.
How is your new companionship? I hope you grow to love and appreciate the people of San Rafael.
God be with you until we meet again, son.
I love you,
Mom
Gamma Joba Momma,
I love that talk. Pride is of the devil, contention is of the devil. It is really the same thing, in so many ways.
I was spiritually charged and excited to work after Zion's Camp at Camp Liahona. Camp Liahona is a church owned camp up in the Redwoods north of Santa Rosa. I loved it so much. We did service, and we had some workshops, which were powerful, and I was able to record things that I want to implement and improve on. It lasted for 3 days. I got some sweet pictures, and I'm finally sending my SD card home.
So, it turns out that I'm not in San Rafael anymore. I'm in McKinleyville, which is hours and hours north. I have a new companion, Elder Penman. Elder Penman's companion went home for back surgery, so I was asked to fill the hole. It is such a blessing. It was sad to leave San Rafael because I was beginning to love the people there, but I absolutely love it here in McKinleyville.
Sunday was such a wonderful day. Not only was I able to renew my covenants with the Lord, but Elder Penman and I were able to gain the trust of the ward. We bore our testimonies and taught Elders Quorum. I love the members here so much. They are so willing and charitable to investigators. It will be an absolute joy to work with them. Next Sunday will be another chance for Elder Penman and I to gain the trust of the ward, because we are giving talks.
There is one investigator in particular here in McKinleyville that I am so excited for. His name is Erik, and he is going to turn 18 this month. His father will kick him out of the house if he is baptized, but Erik doesn't let that stop him. He dresses in normal clothes Sunday morning when he leaves his house, then once he arrives at church (early, I might add), he changes into a shirt and tie. He even brought one of his friends yesterday! We were able to communicate with him by text and learn more about his friend. During the conversation, he testified strongly. He has so much faith in spite of opposition.
I'm so grateful for his strength and perseverance.
I feel on fire out here. I love my mission so much, Mom. Thank you for
helping me get out here.
Love,
Elder Williams
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