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..?