May 20

Goddag Elder Williams,

 

Carson Gifford is going to Denmark on his mission. A few other people got their calls...Jason Twitchel to Reno, Nevada, another to Boise, Idaho...and I don't remember what others the girls said. It's pretty exciting to see all of the missionary work happening.

Well, I've been listening to a book about marriage relationships written by an evangelical preacher and I've learned a lot about Paul and his writings in the New Testament. This has helped me understand the meaning behind his message and I've gained a lot of respect for him. I thought he was a misogynist, but I've realized that I'm seeing him through 21st century feminist thinking. I'm not a feminist, but I know that the philosophy of feminism is ubiquitous in our society, so it has colored my thinking. I'm grateful for the clarity I've gained from listening to this book.

How are you doing? Do you have a new companion? Tell us about the people you are teaching. I think about them a lot and pray that the spirit will touch their heart.

I love you and wish you well.

Mom

 

 

 

Dear Mom,

It is wonderful to hear about all the missionaries going out. I know the hastening is happening. We have great missionaries and future missionaries, and that's part of the reason that the Lord is hastening His work. I realized more clearly yesterday in a meeting with the leaders of the Napa Stake (the stake I'm in) that another huge reason that the Lord is hasting His work is also because of the members. They have such a great capacity and potential to do missionary work. They are placed where they are, when they are for a reason. The stage is set for them to help their brothers and sisters receive us. This work will be so much more effective and wonderful when the members awake to this reality.

I'm doing very well. I'm with Elder Bliss. I think I told you that I served with him for a week in San Rafael before I went to McKinleyville. We are getting along well, and the members like us.

We have a baptism on Saturday for Mia and Alyia, who are 9 and 10. Their family is less active, so they didn't get baptized when they were eight. I'm really excited to have their family all be members.

We are teaching a girl named Shayna. She came with us to church last Sunday, and on Saturday she came with us to a baptism for another ward. She really felt the Spirit, and we have high hopes for her. She has some things that she will have to overcome before she can be baptized, but we have high hopes for her. We know she can make it if she calls on the Lord, which she has been. It has been wonderful to see this girl, who had no knowledge of God, begin to grow her testimony of a Living God.

Thank you for praying for my people. It means a lot to me. Could you also pray that the members will be able to catch the spirit of missionary work?

I love you Mom, and I'm grateful for all that you do for me.

Love,

Elder Williams