Guten Tag

Guten Tag Elder Williams,

 

I taught the Mia Maids a lesson on the Plan of Salvation. What a wonderful vision we have of the meaning of life. This blueprint for life gives us the answers to the deep questions of humanity. I'm grateful for the overview of the plan, but also I'm grateful to know that there is an individual plan for me. I have a unique mission to fulfill as does every person on earth. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the staggering number of people in the world and weighed down with all the problems that need to be faced. However, I'm comforted by the scripture that says they that are with us are more than they with them. Who do you think "they" are? To me it means the heavenly hosts of angels and ancestors who are on the Lord's side.

 

The plan of salvation also gives us such an ideal to strive for. To be like God and live in eternal glory is a possibility to infinite to imagine. I have a student in one of my classes who has made it known that he is of a different faith. He has mentioned that believing that we can be like God is the ultimate in hubris. (my words, not his---but you get the drift) Anyways, I think it's the ultimate in expectations. Wow... to think God believes we can become like him.... what an awesome prospect. What an ideal to strive for. What a noble pursuit. Of course it is all because of Jesus Christ, his grace and mercy, which is our only hope to meet these great and wonderful possibilities.

 

We must be converted to this hope. I believe that conversion is a continuous process which requires discipline. It's the daily devotion that brings about the spirit of the Holy Ghost. This helps us ward off doubts and negative feelings.

 

How are your investigators doing? We pray for you and your companion and your people.

Love,

Mom

 

 

 

 

Dear Mom,

Oops. I took out the SD card of the tin and took some more pictures. Sorry. I'll send it home in the next few weeks.

Thanks for the Valentine's Day package. That made me pretty happy.

I love the Plan of Salvation. Whenever I am struggling with doubts or fears, all I have to do is remember the Plan. It's perfect. It's God's Plan. It was restored through Joseph Smith. I like your idea about "they".

Existence wouldn't be worth it if we couldn't become like our Father. Suffering would be pointless. It is that final destiny of all who triumph that makes every trial and every tear worth the joy we will have when we are Home.

I'm learning about diligence this week. It is easy to go out and talk to people now. It is easy for me to be obedient. What I must always strive for is putting my faith in the Lord. What I must always remember is that the people I talk to everyday are my brothers and sisters. When I have faith, blessings flow. It is a natural result. God wants to bless us so much. We can only please Him if we trust Him and patiently wait on Him. One of my new favorite verses is Hebrews 11:6. I invite you to ponder it.

Our people are doing well. We picked up a couple of investigators up as a result of us working closer with the members of the ward. Their names are Elizabeth and Brian. I've come to appreciate the grandeur of our message more. We are building Zion, and the only way we can do this is by being of one heart and one mind. There should be no line that divides the missionaries and the members. We are engaged in the same work. Building Zion. Bringing Heaven to earth. Preparing the way of the Lord. I had an opportunity to give a talk in the Miranda Branch on Sunday, and I spoke on that. There is no greater, no better, no more important time than now. I'm so blessed to be a part of this work at this time.

I've got a new calling. In addition to training, I'm now a District Leader. I'll be teaching in a meeting with other missionaries every week. There is another companionship in my district. I'm grateful for this chance to learn about ministering more. There is going to be a new missionary in my district. 26 new missionaries arrived in the field yesterday. There are more on the way. I'm so blessed to be out here at this time.

Love,

Elder Williams