Temple Sealings and Play Places

Not the most locked in week 

(This is like the cutest couple of all time)

Anyways, It is true that most temples have a small soundproof playplace and I got to go play with barn animals with a non biológical kid of a couple in our branch that got sealed on Saturday! Angel and Roxanne are the best! And I had the most humbling experience with them.

We were going to witness their live sealing, but because one of their sons was born before they even met (and they hadn’t obtained permission), he couldn’t be sealed with his family until he’s 18. He seemed really put out, and honestly, we were too when we found out we’d basically be babysitting him instead, since he had to be accompanied by an adult. Two scriptures touched my heart, and one of them really helped this kid who looked so sad...I felt so bad for him. While we were waiting in the baptistry to do baptisms instead, we read:

Doctrine and Covenants 121 67-69

Although there is deep doctrine in here President Nelson used this to explain that no temple blessing would be withheld from those who are willing (ok maybe the context was a little different but it helped him and we had to be BOLD okay?)

Matthew 16:25

Have you ever watched a movie and based your personality around a character? Thats me but with this verse... the spirit was so strong testifying of what I've seen this principle do in my mission

Love you all! 

Sincerely,

Elder Lucas Witte

A Venezuelan couple from van east came! It was so good to see them again!

We also set up for the wedding, I think it ended up great. Years of ward party set up came in clutch. Thanks Mom for always being the one they ask. Haha.

W district, 1 of a kind for sure

Yes!

 We did have a good lesson with our friend Eduardo from Tamaulipas, he was found by sole missionaries in a nearby area at a tienda and he lives not far from our church building. He is an infinite source of questions. And these aren't the normal "how do I get saved" type questions, he wanted to know the deep doctrine of repentance and explaining Grace to him didn't sit too well with him so we kept reading scriptures with him until he could grasp the idea of efficiency and faith, which honestly go hand in hand.

I used to be the type of person who judged quickly and filled in the rest later. While I’m still far from perfect, my ability to love and understand others has grown so much during my mission. I’ve had the privilege of serving among people I’ve truly grown to love, and I’ve learned what it means to love “one by one” through being “one on one” with others. It makes me deeply grateful for the Savior, who does the same for me.

Since the passing of my friend, Lucas Hirschi, in late spring of this year, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on our unique friendship. We were in different grades and different friend groups, but that’s what made our bond so special. I’ll never forget the one class we shared together (AP U.S. Government) (shoutout to Mrs. Tolliver) and all the jokes, smiles, and light Lucas brought into the room. His kindness and joy were Christlike, and they continue to inspire me to live with that same spirit every day. It’s been such a blessing to have a month to truly dedicate to remembering and honoring the life of such a good man.I also want to thank and congratulate his mother for the incredible strength and composure she has shown during this hard time and letting so many of us "out in the field" honor him and serve alongside him. 

Lucas, I love and miss you deeply. It was an absolute pleasure having you in my life.

Have a good week,

Sincerely,

Elder Lucas Witte

Happy Little Trees with Happy Lil' Jesus

Locked the trainee out of the car😭

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)