Kol Tuv

Chag Kasher Elder Williams,
 

Wishing you a happy and kosher holiday for Passover. We'll drink a toast to your health and wish you joy in gathering the tribes of Israel. The Jews have their "Zionist" movement, and I think we should emulate their zeal for Zion.

"The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcast of Israel. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Tzion." (Psalms 147:2,12)

 

 

I have a yearning for Zion where peace and joy abound. Sometimes I feel world-weary and tired of all the evil that surrounds us in life. I find myself asking the same question over and over of, "Why can't people just be nice?" I feel bad for all the suffering that goes on in the world. In my little and seemingly insignificant way, I try to alleviate the suffering by making quilts. It is hardly anything, but I hope that one of my quilts can warm and comfort someone who is aching in mind, body, and spirit. I hope you can bring solace to the souls of whom you are teaching. I hope they will accept the gospel and be filled with the light of Christ.

 

 

How is the work going? We continually pray for the blessing of the spirit to be with you and those you teach.

I love you and am grateful for the work you are doing.

Kol Tuv - be well,

Mom

 

 

 

Hey Mom,

I love what you said about gathering Israel. The Book of Mormon is the way that we do it. I'm feeling that zeal for building Zion.

It is wonderful that you feel that zeal. It is so bitter sweet, isn't it? We know how things should be, then we see how much the world needs to improve. I've felt similar feelings to you. There is so much to do, and we are so limited. I want to let you know though, Mom, that you are blessing so many people. Your example of selfless service truly blesses me. I know God is so happy with you.

The work has been challenging. Sometimes it has been hard, because when things go bad I blame myself a lot. Either I don't have enough faith, I need to be humbled, etc . Satan tries hard to get me to lose hope and faith every day. It is a wearing battle, but I'm learning more and more what it means to have unshaken faith. I'm learning more about who I'm having faith in, the Lord and Savior of the Universe. When I remember Him, and that I need to rely on Him and not myself, then things go so much better. I act more like Him, and people's responses are different.

A while back I told you about a lady named Carrie. We finally were able to see her again and set a new baptismal date for the 20th of April. I don't know if I will be here, but I'm happy that she made that commitment.

Also, we set a date with an investigator we picked up yesterday. His name is Juan, and he speaks only a bit of English We used a Spanish Pamphlet and El Libro De Mormon to communicate spiritual truths. His date is for April 13th.

I'm learning that my faith and my self worth can't be tied to the obvious outward signs of success. My success is primarily measured by my motivations and desires. I feel like I've worked so hard without seeing some of the fruits that I would have liked. I'm really glad that I've not let myself slack, though. I feel duty bound, and I'm grateful for it.

Anyways, I will most likely be going to a different area next Tuesday. I'll keep you posted.

 

I truly do enjoy my part in the gathering of Israel. Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to learn from people from the Missionary Department. I felt such a fire and excitement. We live in the time of the hastening. We are being given tools and gifts from the Lord to accomplish His work that the world has never before see.

 

Elder Cook, an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Callister of the Presidency of the First Quorum of 70, and Elder Trythol, an area 70 spoke to us on Saturday. It was such a wonderful experience to learn from them. They talked about how the hastening of the work is happening now because we are here. I know I'm here because God wants me to be here. I know He has a purpose for all of us. He is in the details of our lives.

The work is going so well. We set two baptismal dates down in the Miranda Branch. I love that place so much.

I love those protein shakes, they have been a good breakfast after we exercise in the morning.

There were some temporal matters I wanted to write about too... Oh yeah. I love the scripture journal you got me. I've been using the little pad that came with it a lot, and I'm almost out of paper. Could you send me a refill?

Love,

Elder Williams