THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Hello everyone! :) This week has been another great week here in the California Riverside Mission. Thank you all so much for all the Birthday Wishes! It was a special day for sure. Here is how my week went! 

Last Monday night we had another lesson with YiHang Yuan. We taught him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is pretty great to be teaching. On Tuesday we found three potential investigators at UCR which was cool. :) We also had ZDM, where we received trainings from our Zone Leaders. We had several service opportunities this week. We participated in a

Feeding America project and sorted through a bunch of food. It was super fun!! We also cleaned a street. I love service.

For p-day we went on a cool hike to Mt. Roubidoux

We continue to teach Jay Yang. We are teaching small bits of the Plan. Most of the principles found in the Gospel are foreign the the Chinese culture so it is slow but steady.  We also had another lesson with Zhao Di Xiong and Tina! They are so awesome. We finished the Restoration and invited them to come to Church. We taught QiHua on Thursday evening. We met her a couple of weeks ago at UCR. We taught her about the Restoration and put her on date for baptism for April 26th! More about her later though. :(

Friday afternoon we picked up another investigator, Zhang Di Xiong. We taught him the first couple of points from the Restoration. It was awesome. He is a student at UCR, and has been to an LDS Church in Irvine before! That night, we also had an awesome English Class and Sister Crockett, a member from our ward, helped us at class. It is so great when members are able to help with missionary work. 

Saturday was my 19th birthday!!! Crazy. In the morning, we had our Weekly Blitz. I went out with Elder Fairbanks, one of our Zone Leaders. It was fun! We were able to get one referral for the missionaries in that area, so that was awesome! The afternoon was spent doing studies and Seeking With Faith...a normal missionary day. Overall, a pretty great birthday and one I wouldn't want to spend anywhere else doing anything else. :) Thank you again to everyone that made it so awesome! 

Thank you for the birthday presents. I am never going to need to grocery shop again.

Sunday I received the best birthday present. :) Zhao Di Xiong and Tina came to Church!!!!!!! We were so excited. They really seemed to enjoy it. It is so amazing when people you care about and love progress and take hold of the blessings that are theirs. It was another awesome day. This week has been amazing. I have really felt the love of my Savior as I labor in His vineyard. I love this work, and I love my mission. It is amazing. Love you all have a great week! 

D&C 11: 12-13

• Doctrine and Covenants

And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good —yea, to do justly , to walk humbly , to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind , which shall fill your soul with joy ; 

AMAZING

Hello everyone! This week has been so amazing. We picked up 5 new investigators this past week and 2 are on date for BAPTISM!!! I really have seen the Lord's hand in our area and in our work as we labor in His vineyard.  I love it out here. My mission brings me such joy and peace as does the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A mission is indescribably hard, but so rewarding and so amazing.

We had 2 lessons last Tuesday with YiHang Yuan and Sister Lin. Last Friday, YiHang Yuan came to our English Class and expressed much interest in learning about the Gospel. We taught him on Tuesday about the Restoration. Every time we teach about the fullness we have here on earth, I feel the spirit. We invited YiHang Yuan to pray and read from the Book of Mormon. He agreed and also wants to be baptized on April 9th! We have another lesson with him tonight. That afternoon we also had a lesson with Sister Lin. We taught her about the Restoration of the Gospel as well. Sister Lin is so awesome! She is willing to pray and read everyday and accepted a baptismal date for April 9th. We have another lesson with her tomorrow!

Wednesday was so cool. Elder Luthy (one of our Zone Leaders) and I were on exchanges. That afternoon I was able to  interview one of their candidates for baptism. Her name is Hannah Burns. She is awesome and will be baptized this coming Sunday. It was so special for me to be able to interview her and the Spirit was really strong as she shared her conversion to the Gospel with me. That night we also had another lesson with Jay Yang. It was kind of a struggle. He was struggling to understand the principles but he has a strong desire to learn and grow. We also had English Class and Jay Yang, Brother Zhao and his wife, Tina all came! It was so awesome. After class we had a lesson with Brother Zhao and Tina. We invited them to pray everyday. Prayer is so cool and so foreign to so many of God's children here on earth. He has given us a way to literally communicate with Him and to receive help and guidance. We have a lesson with Brother Zhao and Tina on Wednesday! Keep praying for these people. This is a big leap with their small seeds of faith.

Thursday was a great day up on UCR Campus. While we were walking back finishing up our Seeking with Faith time, we met a guy, Andy Zhang. We walked him into the Institute building on campus and showed him around. We also shared a lesson with him. He is now one of our investigators! Super awesome. We scheduled to meet with him yesterday but we weren't able to get a hold of him. We will keep trying. It was a super cool experience.

Friday night we had a GREAT lesson with Jay Yang before English class. We finished teaching him about the Restoration and used visual examples to help him understand. Elder Beal and I taught Jay Yang because we had another exchange that day. Jay Yang and Tina both came to English class on Friday and it was super fun. 

We had our "Weekly Blitz." Elder Match, Elder Olsen (both ASL Elders) and I all went out. We talked to a lot of people, and were able to find a referral for the Office Elders. 

This week has been amazing. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed us everyday with miracles and will continue to bless us. Never forget that the hardest times can be the greatest times for our growth. I love this work. Love you all have a great week! 

Elder Willes

ARE YOU PRAYING EVERYDAY?

*MOM NOTE: It’s Elder Willes’ birthday this month (actually this coming Saturday, March 18th). It’s a great month to write him a letter if you have a minute. I know he would LOVE it and so would his mama. Thank you for loving and supporting Nate.

"We invited him to pray everyday an he agreed! Prayer is a powerful gift the Lord has given us. 

Are you praying everyday? If not, maybe you can take the same challenge..."

"BORROWED" from Elder Nelson's Blog

Hello everyone! :) This week has been another good week here in Downtown Riverside. We have seen quite a bit of success this week and are so excited to continue to work hard and to help people Come Unto Christ. Here is an update of my week!!

Last Monday, we said goodbye to Elder Zeng. :( It was sad to see him go. He was an awesome missionary!!!

Tuesday we had a lesson with Brother Han!! It was an awesome lesson but he actually texted us last night saying he doesn't want to hear our message anymore. It was sad. We taught him about the Restoration and will continue to pray for him that he will accept the Gospel one day! That afternoon I also had  a trainer meeting which was for all of the new trainers this transfer. It was awesome. I am really excited to train this transfer. :) It will be super fun!!! 

My district is awesome! I love all of them. There are 8 of us total. The zone leaders, the office elders, the mission Spanish elders, and Elder Nelson and I, the Chinese elders. On Wednesday I had a DLC meeting in the morning with the zone leaders and the district leaders. I then gave my first DDM training! I trained on recognizing and relying on the Holy Ghost. It went awesome and the Spirit was strong. After the morning meetings Elder Nelson and I went walking and finding at UCR. We met Jay Yang and also Lin Jie Mei. (More on these two in a little bit.) No one showed up for English Class in the evening which was a bummer. 

Elder Nelson and I are determined to teach. We talk to EVERYONE. Thursday, on campus, was pretty good and was filled with a lot of Seeking With Faith. We have met a lot of people recently and it has been awesome!

On Friday morning I had the district leader meeting with all of the district leaders in the mission. That was special and I learned a lot. I got to see Elder Ly (from the Jurupa Zone). I love that dude! That night we also had three people at English Class! Boom! Jay Yang came, Brother Yuan, and also Tina. Brother Yuan is really interested in hearing about the Gospel, which is amazing. That night we also had a lesson with Jay! We invited him to pray everyday and he agreed! Prayer is a powerful gift the Lord has given us. Are you praying everyday? If not, maybe you can take the same challenge that Jay did. He is awesome. Please pray for him!!

Saturday morning we had our weekly blitz. I went out with Elder Heward, one of the office elders in my District. We talked to a lot of people, and were able to get one referral!! We also spent a super short period of the afternoon Seeking With Faith up at campus but we couldn't stay because there was a concert going on.

I know the Lord is aware of the Chinese people here in Riverside and He is helping to prepare someone now. We've just got to find them. On Sunday we went through our area book and called just about everyone in there. I am excited to continue to work hard and help Heavenly Father's prepared children Come Unto Christ so that they can find everlasting peace and joy. Love you all have a great week! 

Elder Willes

JESUS LOVES YOU

Hello everyone! :) This week has been pretty good and I am feeling more and more confident that our area is going to start to progress very soon. We are making good changes so that we can help our area and find people to teach about the Savior. I have been called as a district leader and will also be finishing Elder Nelson's training. So, first there were 3 and now there are two. It's the first time on my mission that I've had a traditional companionship of 2 elders. I'm looking forward to working hard with Elder Nelson.

Elder Nelson and I with the unplanned matching

We spent Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on campus seeking. We had exchanges on Wednesday with the office elders and Elder Gosset and I spent a full day at UCR contacting students. The highlight was Thursday when we met two awesome people at UCR. We met Jamie, who is from Taiwan. She had a lot of interest when we contacted her but we haven't been able to get a hold of her to schedule an appointment. We also met Han Di Xiong. We have an appointment scheduled with him for tomorrow morning. Please pray for both of them! We have been talking to a lot of people on campus and we have faith that we will find those who are prepared here. 

On Friday we had another exchange with our zone leaders. All three of us (Elder Willes, Elder Nelson and Elder Zeng) went to our zone leaders area. Elder Nelson and I went out and worked with Elder Hagler while Elder Zeng went and worked with Elder Luthy. It was a fun day of seeking with faith, contacting potential investigators, and trying to visit less-actives! 

Our zone

On Saturday we had our weekly blitz. It's my first blitz since arriving in this area. I've missed them. It was awesome! Elder Zeng, Elder Nelson and I were able to find 2 referrals to give to the missionaries serving in that area. It was great! 

Sunday was awesome. Sundays, on the mission, are so great. I have really gained a new perspective of the Sabbath Day. I am so grateful for it. The Sabbath Day is special, and intended to be different; a day set apart so we can partake of the sacrament, and renew sacred covenants. It is a day that strengthens you and makes you stronger. We also tried to visit a referral Yu Wei, who the University Heights elders found this last week. She didn't answer though. :( Pray for her as well please.

On Monday Elder Zeng goes home. I have learned a lot from him. I know it was not easy for him to serve a mission, and yet he did. I am thankful to know him and to have served with him. Elder Hao Tain Zeng is from Chengu, China and joined the church in Hong Kong when he was 13. 

The Li family from my last area were sealed in the temple this last week. I love them.

Work hard at home. I'm working hard here. I feel like over these next couple of weeks we will begin to see a lot of success. I am excited! I love this work, and I am so eternally thankful for this opportunity to serve. Love you all have a great week!

Elder Willes 

STAY TUNED

"FEAST on the words of Christ. Don't snack, don't diet, 

but FEAST on the words of Christ - just like it's Thanksgiving Day."

Ni hao! This week has been pretty awesome. We have found a lot more success this past week and we even taught 2 lessons. Slowly but surely this area is about to blow up with so many MIRACLES. Stay tuned! :) Here is my week!

Elder Willes with his companions Elder Zeng and Elder Nelson and missionaries that served previously in the
California, Riverside Mission - including Dexter Murray, a friend from Bountiful.

On Tuesday we had an exchange. Elder Nelson and I worked with Elder Sanchez, a Spanish Elder, in our area. We spent most of the day Seeking With Faith at UCR. It was super fun and we talked with a lot of cool people!! 

Wednesday was a pretty long day and most of the day we spent at the hospital. Elder Nelson was in the hospital because they thought he had appendicitis. He doesn't and is doing well and we are grateful that everything turned out okay for him. That evening I went out and worked with the University Heights Elders. We stopped by and saw a few of their potential investigators, and even found this way cool guy, Steve. He randomly asked us to share a scripture with him, so I shared Matthew 19:26. ["But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."] Steve loved it! We got his contact information, and the University Height Elders are teaching him again later today :) We also went by and visited the Armstrongs - an awesome family in our ward. I also had a soda for the first time on my mission!!

WE TAUGHT A  COUPLE OF LESSONS! We are beginning to see a few small miracles as we taught Fred, a UCR student, who has some interest in listening to our message about Jesus Christ on Thursday. We actually taught him in English, because English is his first language. We taught him about the Restoration of the Gospel. He liked it, but doesn't really see a need for religion in his life. Please pray for him! Also, on Saturday we had another lesson with Mike, who is another student at UCR. He has a man-bun! Makes me miss the good old long hair ;) Mike's family has a Christian background and he has a twin brother! This lesson was in Chinese. We taught him also about the Plan of Salvation. It was great! Mike gave an awesome prayer at the end of the lesson. We think we will have another lesson with him on Saturday. He is another who could use all of your prayers.

We again did service this week and cleaned up the softball field for the ward game this Saturday. We also had multi-zones training and I learned a lot. I want to become a better servant of Jesus Christ. At the end of the meeting, we had a big testimony meeting and Elder Zeng gave his final testimony and Elder Nelson gave his first. Super cool! 

You might recognize him from a few movies including a personal favorite, "Church Ball"

Something awesome that I learned this past week was from President Mullen. During multi-zones he talked about the Doctrine of Christ, and how in 2 Nephi 31:20 it encourages each one of us to FEAST on the words of Christ. Don't snack, don't diet, but FEAST on the words of Christ - just like it's Thanksgiving Day. Love you all and have a great week! 

Elder Willes

SUNNY CALIFORNIA

"This week has been better, and I know that things are going to start to pick up in our area. 

I know that if we RELY on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that is how we are going to find success. 

This is THEIR work, and OUR JOB is to SPREAD THIS PERFECT MESSAGE, for all to hear."

Ni Hao!! Sorry the caption to this email is the lamest thing ever, but the weather here today in California is amazing, so I thought I would let you all know. It's been a real rainy, wet and cold winter here and I'm focusing on small blessings and a bright sunny day is one. :) This week has been pretty good. Things are looking up here in the UCR area and I am super DETERMINED to find, teach and BAPTIZE and get things picked up in this area!  I know that will happen as we show Heavenly Father our work and faith. 

The glass are from a Valentines Day package from Kenzie

Elder Nelson's mom, Sister Nelson, sent us some awesome ties!

On Thursday, after going to the Temple, we had a Weekly Correlation Meeting. We discussed the work in our area and how we can improve. It was awesome! We have an awesome Ward Mission Leader. His name is Brother Haren. He has tons of energy for the work and helps us a lot. 

Friday we spent quite a bit of time hitting the good old streets of campus at UCR. :) We talk to a ton of people, but the level of interest in the Gospel tends to be pretty low, which is why we are doing our best to push English Class, which will help us to open up new opportunities in the work. We had a really cool tender mercy though. Towards the end of our seeking with faith time (contacting), we had one more English Class card to give out, before we were all out for the day. We decided to stop, and in the middle of campus, in the middle of all those college students milling around, we stopped and said a prayer. On our way back, we were able to find two Chinese people, and gave them our last English Class card that we had. Cool little story :) Heavenly Father answers prayers!!! We also were supposed to have "class that evening, but no one showed up. :( We are working on getting some better materials to pass out on campus.

Right outside our apartment. Lots of homeless live in the deserted lot.

Elder Willes and Elder Phister wearing their matching sweaters from Ross

Getting the apartment cleaned up

Saturday we spent a lot of time walking around the UCR Campus. Since it was Saturday and the weekend, there weren't a ton of people out on the streets. We didn't really find anyone to talk to that afternoon. That night, we did our weekly planning session and came up with a lot of great ideas that can help our area. I know as we continue to show our faith, we will be able to see miracles. 

Sunday was pretty awesome. We had some really great talks given in Sacrament Meeting about the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is so important, and we constantly need to seek forgiveness, or give it to others. Anyways, super cool. I could feel the spirit. Sunday afternoon, we had a lesson scheduled with William, who we taught the Restoration to in our car a couple of weeks ago. We were super excited, but he ended up not showing up. It was a bummer. That is okay though!! We just keep seeking. We are doing all that we know to do and I know we will find those that are prepared :)

This week has been better, and I know that things are going to start to pick up in our area. I know that if we RELY on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that is how we are going to find success. This is THEIR work, and OUR JOB is to SPREAD THIS PERFECT MESSAGE, for all to hear. Love you all have a great week!

Elder Willes

NEVER TAKE THE TEMPLE FOR GRANTED

"The Redlands Temple is small, but so beautiful. I am so thankful for the House of the Lord, 

where we can go worship and become closer to the Lord. Never take the Temple for granted. It's amazing! 

I am so thankful for this opportunity I have to represent my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

I love Him. I know He loves me. I know He is constantly aware of His missionaries."

Elder Zeng, Elder Willes and Elder Nelson

Hello everyone! This week has been another good week here in the California Riverside Mission. Today, (Thursday 2/9/17), was our p-day and we were able to go to the temple. It was the first time I have been able to go since being out here in the field. It was so amazing. I don't think I have ever felt the Spirit so strong. When I walked into the Celestial room, it just felt like everything was okay, and that my Heavenly Father loves me and is proud of me. I knew that Heavenly Father is certainly watching out for me and the Chinese people here. I am going to work my hardest to continue planting those seeds of faith!!!!!!! This is a tough area but we will continue to work hard and be obedient so that MIRACLES will come. 

This week we had an exchange with the Office Elders. Elder Heyward came into our area and Elder Zeng went to their area. Elder Nelson was sick for most of the day, but he was feeling good enough to come to English class on Wednesday night. The best thing is, we had people at English class too! Elder Zeng and Elder Nelson met Jack on campus and he brought 3 friends! Sadly, they all go back to China in about a week. It was a little miracle to have people come. Awesome.

Exchanges with Elder Heyward - Elder Nelson and Elder Willes

English Class

We spent most of Thursday, Friday, Monday and Wednesday on the campus seeking Chinese who are prepared so we can teach the Gospel. Lots of walking, walking, and more walking. We have met a lot of awesome Chinese people and are doing our best to find the elect and prepared. 

I am grateful for the training we continue to receive on family history. This work is so sacred and I really have gained an appreciation for it since I have been on my mission. So powerful.

On Saturday we had a really awesome service project with both our zone (Mt. Roubidoux Zone) and the Riverside Zone. We cleaned a lot of garbage off the streets of downtown Riverside. It was super fun! I love giving service. Service is another principle I have gained so much gratitude for on my mission. 

We continue to pray, fast and discuss how we can improve the work in our area. We are working hard. On Tuesday we had our ZDM meetings, where once a transfer, our zone gets together, and receives training from our ZLs. It was awesome. A lot of training about the Doctrine of Christ, specifically repentance. It was super cool! 

Sunday was awesome. This past week was Fast Sunday, so I got another opportunity to bear my testimony during Sacrament Meeting. It was a great day, and I love ANY opportunity that I have to share my testimony about the Gospel. 

The Redlands Temple is small, but so beautiful. I am so thankful for the House of the Lord, where we can go worship and become closer to the Lord. Never take the Temple for granted. It's amazing! We also went to Cafe Rio after :) Super amazing. 

I am so thankful for this opportunity I have to represent my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love Him. I know He loves me. I know He is constantly aware of His missionaries. Love you all have a great week!

Elder Willes