Upping the Antey with Member Missionaries

 Hola!

Stopped by a lovely family this week who shared their beautiful conversion story — both to the Lord and to each other.  

They expressed that the missionaries in their area haven’t really pushed them to become the member missionaries they know they can be. They told us, “We NEED an assignment and want to be more involved.” We were thrilled to hear that, and we’ll definitely be putting them to work soon :)  

This week, Día de los Muertos was combined with the local farmers market, and I finally got to buy an El Salvador jersey from a little tienda and wear it downtown. There was a beautiful section where you could write a note to someone who has passed on, it was such a touching opportunity to think about Lucas Hirchi during my "Lucas Month." I continue to miss him deeply. I also want to give a special shoutout to his mother, who has so graciously allowed me to take part in remembering him in this way.  

My mission isn’t like most...I’m often asked to reach out to members who feel forgotten and to fellowship those who are lost. This wasn’t always something I felt confident in, but through experiences with companions and trainees, I’ve learned how to better find The One.

Lucas was especially gifted at this. During Lucas Month, I’ve felt his influence helping me recognize those who need to be seen. It’s reminded me of the Savior’s words:

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine… and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”

— Luke 15:4

I’m learning that seeing people is one of the holiest parts of this work.

Love you all — choose good, eternal friends. Have a wonderful week!  

Sincerely, Elder Lucas Witte

AYO New Translated Beings Just Dropped

 Had another beautiful week, (aka) it was fairly rough but the trials fire is refining for sure...

I had the chance to reread some talks recently, and the chills I got reading Elder Holland again were so fire. My testimony has grown so much through those still, small voices and confirmations. It's becoming reasonably undeniable, and it's invited me to keep digging, searching for more light and knowledge, and trying to understand things more deeply.

I found this wacky, unfoldable book that folds out like 15 FEET—it had an insanely detailed church and scripture timeline. I saw it in a church building (don’t worry, it’s not officially Church-made, so it’s not like it’s stealing from the Church). Anyway, it talked about Melchizedek in JST Genesis 14… but that’s kind of beside the point.

This week was hard. It felt MAD LONG. I felt pretty alone and had to pray a lot about some college stuff. But yesterday—probably the hardest day—I rolled up on this little statue of Jesus that so wonderfully reminded me of Lucas Hirschi. (And this is my Lucas Month) We would talk about school and the future a lot in our classes my senior year. It was as if he was telling me to "chill." May he rest in peace. I'm glad I’ll get to see him again someday... 

I know Jesus saves and his grace is free, he puts people in the right place (even in your mind) for a reason...

Sincerely, 

Elder Lucas Witte

Da Jesus (RIP and Miss you Lucas!)

W book

Mormonism book WWWWW

Does every one normally tear up like that???

 Wow, what a week—Supa Mega Fire!

We watched General Conference in a few different places: at the church (casting on the TV), at President Pulsipher’s house (gunning!), and with some members. The Spirit was so strong. So many powerful testimonies were shared, every time someone teared up, not gonna lie, I did too. The Spirit really confirmed to me the truth of their callings and the reality of their experiences.

We also had Spanish Zone Conference this week, and we just so happened to read right where I am in my personal study of the Doctrine and Covenants. This verse hit deep:

D&C 117:13

"Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord."

I testify that as you continue to sacrifice for the Lord giving everything up that only “profits” temporarily—you will be blessed. I’ve seen it over and over on my mission. I want to keep living a consecrated life after the mission, too.

Oh, and of course, I wanted to mention that it’s my Lucas Month. Sacrificing and remembering him has been emotional and yes, sometimes sad, but also so enriching. I know he’s here, walking every step with me. I have been given so many Soccer Jerseys on my mission and every time I wear one, I think of him. 

Love you all!

Sincerely, 

Elder Lucas Witte

New Couch installed (Lucas H is here)

Me and my new snorlax fr (next week il dropped a pic)

Back to court?? (Nah almost had to but its just for our housing coordinator)

You can learn by metaphor OR 2x4

 This week was a huge win. After some eye-opening moments with the 2x4 learnings from previous weeks, walking the trainee through our WVM processes really exposed how much we’d been slacking...both to ourselves and to the third comp and trainer. That was the wake-up call we needed.

We locked back in, got focused, and the results showed. The week flew by, and while the numbers aren’t everything, they basically doubled across the board. A real masterclass, especially timely with the Peru reassignment coming up.

Matthew 13:45–46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

One of the shortest parables Jesus shared but it really touched me. The kingdom of God is like a precious pearl. And the merchant, once he recognizes its worth, gives up everything else to obtain it. That is me.

On my mission, I’ve definitely come to truly love the Lord and the Church. I know now more than ever that this is the one true Church, with the most joyous and “intimate yet infinite” gospel, just like our God is. After my mission is over, I hope I never lose the desire I have now to chase after knowledge, truth, and light.

Right now, it feels easy because I’m willing to sacrifice sin for it. But I pray that both you and I will always remember: no worldly thing is worth more than eternal life. Nothing is worth more than that pearl.

Also, RIP president nelson!  Best talk in my opinion: Let God Prevail  if you haven't read it, read it.  It will change your life.

Sincerely, 

Elder Lucas Witte

My first trainee's trainee! 😁😁😁😁

#branch lunch (we are missing 3 missionaries from the congregation in this picture)

Sister Pulsipher and I got matching shirts (I'm did it I win drip!!😂)

Some call me radical, others an extremist

Another week — challenging, yet full of purpose.

We continue to reach out in new ways, finding connections between what we offer and what people truly need. Through it all, we keep praying, trusting that God is still working, still bringing about miracles, just as He always has.

We just got the call that we’re picking up a new trainee tomorrow, and I’m ecstatic.

One of my absolute favorite things is adapting Spanish instruction to each trainee’s level of understanding and tailoring it in ways that truly serve them. It’s such a joy to make it work for them, not just AT them. Honestly, I end up learning so much myself every time.

In many ways, this kind of mindful, personalized care feels like a Christlike attribute — one I deeply want to progress more.

Eyes to see the bigger picture (while I may have used that when debating political ideology or working to finish tasks at any worksite) seems to be a skill the Lord had, King Benjamin said:

"you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand" (Mosiah 2:9)

Do you have eyes to see? Is that something you strive for? Prophetic and patriarchal vision is always 10/10 and is something that I invite you to heed, (if you have more advice, let me know FR)

Love you.
Sincerely,
Elder Lucas Witte

Companion and I decided we are also going to be College football politicians often and brainwash our trainee

RIP Simon, I guess. Rest in Treats?

Prophecy is literally eyes to see (teach me how por favor)

A visit with an Apostle of our Lord and Canelo Alvarez

 I learned 2 things this week from Elder Renlund (yes, the Apostle of our Lord) who came to visit this week and one of them is NOT locked in on missionary work so I'll share the other...

Under certain circumstances (if you allow it,) spirit and revelation can come at a designated time. During companionship study, we talk about our friends and what we can teach them as missionaries, because that time is set apart for receiving revelation about their needs. For those who know me, you’ll understand — I can’t even choose a tie the night before. Every morning, once the shirt, pants, and belt are on, then the revelation comes. Only at that moment can I know which tie to wear from my slightly oversized collection. Fat or skinny? Bold color or neutral? Fun socks or classic? Length, pattern, coordination — all of it must be considered in that sacred moment of decision.  My sisters will joke that "its not that deep."

As you separate your day into revelation blocks, you’ll stay more focused, avoid being double-minded, and perform better in everything you do. Are you just looking for ways to multitask and squeeze more into your day — or are you making time for the Lord to guide you in every action, every day? When you give God space to speak, He’ll help you see more clearly, act more intentionally, and find peace in the pace He sets for you.  

Love you! 

Sincerely,

Elder Lucas Witte

Insert tienda or pinata pun caption

Recent convert from a previous area I saw this week at a fiesta! (We watched the canelo fight😪)

9 missionaries in a little branch covering all of Vancouver... try to vote where we want to eat for the week.

Noche de fútbol 

Rediscovered my favorite emoji

Another mad spiritual week where I am still in my mission and learning a lot. I am able to see and participate in the fruits of my labors come forth, not when I am present, but literally weeks later.

This last week we had a Spanish Zone Conference, and what we have done the last few times is have a Native Spanish Speaker (usually a convert) come and talk about their conversion, retention etc. In my last area, I worked with a fellow named Leo who was baptized right after I left. He came to the Zone Conference and I genuinely yelled his name, and we hugged for a solid minute or two because we had grown that close. We took a picture together and when I asked if I could use it in a post to help others come find the joy he has found he said no.

It's because his parents don't know. (Don't tell them) back in a tiny town in Guatemala they are pastors and he knows what is right but worried about them stopping him. When it came his time to present, I urged him to bare his testimony and his story of conversion. He shared sweet truths that I have come to know in my lifetime, even on the Mission, that the Book of Mormon is the word of god and truly protects us daily, that Jesus is our Savior and most of all that Missionary Work is the most profound work out there. Without it-he would still be lonely and lost, and has lifetime friends in us missionaries and the members out in Camas. 

That's all today, I teared up extremely but was able to laugh it off shortly after when he shared that when courting a girl it's the "chico's" obligation to "buy" her for 2-5 cows. Tips for the future.

Love you all, this was the best week ever...

Sincerely,

Elder Lucas Witte

The elders in The Spanish Zone Conference in The Washington Vancouver Mission

Christmas Pday..?

Profound Cartography Lesson

Ok, for those of you who know me even at a pretty surface level you probably know that I have a surface level interest and knowledge in just about everything I see, and a vocabulary to back it up.


The number one focus in MY LIFE right now is doing things PROFOUNDLY.

Jesus got to know everyone around him and really ministered to the one. According to the spirit, we are to do the same with friends and family. In my efforts to get to know people better and to build their relationships I have found that there is a common Spanish word for kin that I like: "pareja." Pareja also means bird and means any sort of intergender relationship from best friend to temple sealed couple. Cool right? Helping people understand that Jesus Christ helps them profoundly grow closer to each other has been such a blessing because now we don't have to find as much, just teach.😅

My profound study of the scriptures has also helped me grow closer with my companion. Together we mapped out Mosiah 26 to Alma 28 (the missions and conversions of Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah) it has been AWFUL, so confusing, and often times FRUSTRATING, but upon finishing mapping it out like professional cartographers we grew much closer as a companionship, so naturally we wanted to be doc heads and we are on pace to finish revelations by next week (i'll keep you updated)

Love you all! Sorry the emails have been longer, but these have been such good transformational weeks!

Sincerely,
Elder Lucas Witte




Mom this us you don't even know🤣



Crashed yet another birthday party... This one was a 70s theme?
Can you believe I like the green goo now?



Got to go to the temple and do some Salvadoran sealings, 4 generations back for this one family!!! (Extra good geography and voseo practice😂) Add that to my list of different countries/dialects I encounter in the very exotic Washington Vancouver Mission.





Won cleanest car, I know mom, so proud right?

"Change" Ft. Elder Aiono and Elder Witte

We had interviews. It was fire and of course, I pushed for more leeway with the spanish learning tools we have available to us. My companion was doing great too, we are working so hard here!

I had a very special moment this last week, a truly inspired moment. A previous trainee of mine is ward sharing and we spent 10 minutes remembering old moments when we were together, it took a lot of faith and trust when I was told to not back down when it comes to my internal sense of obedience, and although he apologized for much of the confliction that he caused, one of top things that I have learned, is to be more loving. It is not easy for me, but I am a work in progress.

Jesus Christ expects SO MUCH out of us, and I've been studying lately how his perfect love and sacrifice JUSTIFY his high, perfect expectations of us. He knows of our potential and I have had a glimpse of that with this trainee, but without showing the high love. I was extremely at fault too, it was so tender talking with him and I'm so excited to see the changes he has made and the changes that I have made. We watched videos and I remembered how frustrated or angry I once was. But now I don't even see the point in why I was so hard headed or strong willed, I am learning this transfer to meet people where they are. I am so grateful for the mission, and the impossibly better person it is helping me become.

Sincerely,
Elder Lucas Witte

Of course, tomfoolery happened this week. I'm still a teenager.

TEQUEÑOS: essentially cornmeal homemade mozzarella sticks, we got taught to make them and I CHEFFED (yes all the cheesy goodness... (I just KNOW my sisters are rolling over this one))






AREPAS: Ok I was on a roll and am in my baking arch on the mission so ofc I had to make (essentially corn meal english muffins? Idk how to describe them but they are SO FIRE) this one is uncooked but LOOK AT THAT CONE TOP SHAPE SO FIRE!!!



I may have won the BIGGEST Bible I've ever seen in a Bible bash (we shared a scripture and bro said that's a dumb book try this, and he let us keep it...)

New Area, New Companion - Like Alma

Well, our area was closed but then I left and opened a new area where Elders haven't been for almost 2 years, so naturally we went straight to all the bros that the hermanas that have not taught or visited because they were solo at home or didn't understand. Oh yeah, and that's a plus because my companion is fluent in Spanish so we can help SOOO many more people!!! This is going to bring up my Spanish even more than it already is and that is exciting. (for me)


Elder Maile-Stites is from Tonga/Samoa but lived in Las Vegas and his Spanish is SO good! It's been such a pleasure to finally be with a companion that's older than me (in mission time, I'm still mad young in for real time)


I have been reading about Alma Younger this week and realized he followed the spirit SO MUCH as to where to go and where not to go. We have to do the same here because it is the land of the apartment complexes and we have tried hard to return to those places that accept us and our message and... ahem* leave the places that don't. (deep doctrine, iykyk (jk))


Word to the Wise: Do the same in your life! Cut unnecessary places, people, and things out of your life and focus on those with which you will be accepted into God's arms! Love you all goodbye!


Sincerely,
Elder Lucas Witte




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Trainee in our apt got to talk in front of the whole mission!!! He's so great (mom not all those soda cans are mine, promise)



Yalibeth got baptized!!! a year and a half ago she was found, there are like 20 missionaries that taught her, she is AWESOME!!! Glad to be a part of her story.
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Dang it, you've got me tearing up.

 The top thing I've learned on my mission is to look for deeper needs and problems in people's lives, whether that is being patient and picking apart subtle jabs instead of verbally fighting back, or just point blank trauma dumping to you. Usually, I'm not a fan of either of those but this transfer I had to grow my empathy, patience and humility to better understand my companion and help our companionship. This was a challenge for me and through Jesus Christ I have been so changed for the better and been able to heal and help others.

My mission has meant everything to me and I will do whatever it takes to protect this opportunity that I have been given to learn and grow. It has been the biggest, fattest, greatest spiritual experience of my entire life (so far). My testimony is at an all time high in conjunction with my thorough understanding of the gospel, restoration, and plan that God has for each and every one of us. I was sent HERE to help people, and will not stop until they make me. 

Well, unfortunately this transfer we just got the call and my companion and I are both leaving... As per usual we will have 24 hours to pack then we will get on the transfer van and head out to somewhere new that we are needed. Peace out Camas.

Sincerely,

Elder Lucas Witte

Leo was found right as I got to this area, and got baptized yesterday... how perfect his conversion is is insane, his confirmations was SO POWERFUL

W Recent Convert (as per usual)

 The Spanish zone conference was excellent. I have made it my goal to really grow close with the youth/young/prospective elders in this beautiful branch we've got here in Camas Washington, and one of my best friends came to Zone Conference by invitation and in one of the breakout rooms you could interview him about his experience on being baptized and retained. It was so epic and SO spiritual as he testified to us about prayer. What I got out of it is to pray more WITH not just FOR your friends, families, spouses etc. It will grow you so close to Heavenly Father.

I was able to go on exchanges the exact same day that the other companionship had a temple tour! So we drove down with one of my favorite members from when I was in that area and we listened to some INSANE music, from "Despacito" to "gangnam style."  It was HILARIOUS. I hope the best for those elders in the near future.

Have a great week and pray more.

Sincerely,

Elder Lucas Witte

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Portland BBQ that took FOREVER to make but was so delicious (do not tell the assistants)

W temple trip with these folks!!!! The temple Hermana was from el salvador too!!!

Candelaria is gonna get baptized!!! (Before she goes back to Argentina hopefully)​

The field is white and ready to harvest.

​Our new sun block blanket (our poor neighbors)

365 Down, 368 to Go...

 Howdy y'all we got another week that has unfortunately flown by: here are the highlights:

CAMAS DAYS was hype, the local stake had a tent and we went like 5 times to contact in public: we went tent to tent and low key got bashed but then I always hit them with, "hey we bruthas out here," and then to disarm we asked how much the Jesus shirts cost? And eventually we got the brotha in christ discount (20$ off a 20$ shirt) (pictured below)

We had a zone exchange where we all exchange with everyone in the zone, for instance, I got put with Elder Averett from the complete opposite side of the zone and different districts, to whitewash (for the day) into the Spanish Hermanas area, kind of confusing but we found SO MANY PEOPLE. It was pretty great.

Zone exchange + Jesus shirt I won after Bashing (don't bash y'all you usually don't win a shirt)

Jaime got baptized!!! (WWWwwWWww) She is great. We have been working with her for 3 months and watching her progress from a fairly musty house to glowing at her baptism was so cool to watch.  She is such a neat lady.

Curious George Camas Days

Camas days parade

Ducky at camas days

Elder Averett and I zone exchange

Have a good Week,

Read Alma 7:14 - It has been on my mind.

Sincerely, 

Elder Lucas Witte