Soundview Starts

Dear Family,

Again, sorry about the short letter from last week! It was a crazy couple of days saying goodbye in Steilacoom and getting ready for the transfer here to Soundview.

Saying good-bye to one more family last week in Steilacoom

I must have done something right, because Heavenly Father has blessed me again with a great area. The Soundview ward is outstanding. We had 13 lessons with members present this week (that is very good). We would set up lessons here and there, then just call our ward mission leader, with the name and place, and he would get us a member there. And almost every time it was a different member. True, not all of these lessons went through, but when they didn't, we would bring that member with us to visit other potential investigators, and more missionary opportunities would open. Also funny, whenever we would try and get a member to come with us, if they ever said no, it was for reasons like, "Sorry I have a home teaching appointment," or "oh, well I'm actually on my way to the temple," or "Well I'm teaching an institute class right now, but if you really need me I could get a sub here!" or even, "Sorry I missed your call, elders, I was just doing some family history work so that I could seal my parents in the temple" 

I think I'm in Zion.

Also, we have members feeding us or the sisters every day of the week, and more members dropping off food at our apartment. The Soundview ward does also have its own set of sisters, Sister Baird and Sister Clayson. This is their 3rd transfer together. They are doing great here.  Our ward council is amazing and got 4 recent converts (all baptized this year) to go to the temple for baptisms on Friday. And they all received callings in the ward this Sunday.

Elder Webber next to his new Companion Elder Anderson

I'm serving with one of the most experienced missionary companions, and he is a machine when it comes to working hard. Except for the first few weeks of my mission, I don't think I've ever worked so hard. From 10:00 AM when we leave the apartment to 9:25 PM when we get home, it is go, go, go. I love it!! He is helping me to be more obedient too, and the blessings are apparent. He keeps me moving and thinking and planning every minute of the day. And we have a car. Elder Anderson taught me that as Zone Leaders, we are simply to do and say exactly what President Weaver would do and say, like the Nephite Apostles were for Christ (3 Nephi 19:8).

The area we live in is perfect. It includes part of University Place, on the water of the Puget Sound, and some very well-off and great members of the ward. It also has a middle class portion called Fir Crest, and parts of Tacoma, which is definitely lower class, and that makes the work very dynamic and the ward well-balanced. We live in this house that used to belong to a member family who built a new home above ours, and they sold the house to the mission. So we live with the two Assistants to the President, and the two Office Elders. It has 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen, fully stocked, and a few study rooms, and a living room. And big windows that open to a view of the Puget Sound. I get to study every morning with that as my view.

Puget Sound view out the window

Living room

Missionary Kitchen, 2 boxes of Lucky Charms, Top Ramen, Licorice

How did I get so blessed?

We sent out texts to 100+ people to invite them to church this week, about 15 of the invites were when we were with people, but we decided to try and contact all of the people on our phone we did not know. Of all of them, 10 committed to come to church, and one showed up. That was sort of disappointing, but we keep going. It has been an ongoing struggle on my mission to get people to come to church and to keep coming to church. The one who came to church we met this week, his name is Maike (Spanish for Mikey pretty much) and he moved here from Panama to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousins, who are all members. They invited us over to teach him! He already had come to church once and had been reading the Book of Mormon. He is 16 years old. He believes it is true and accepted the invitation to be baptized! His chosen date is on April 12th, we are teaching him the 3rd lesson tonight and he is so ready. He doesn't speak a lot of English, but their family wanted us to teach him instead of the Spanish missionaries. (Not sure why...) but his cousin is a return missionary from Texas and spoke Spanish there. His whole family speaks Spanish. So they helped translate our teaching to him in Spanish, but it works pretty well and the Spirit was there.

I love my mission more than I can say. All is well, All is well.

Love Elder Webber

Final Week in Steilacoom! Transfer, pics, Zone Leader assignment

Dear Family,

I don't have much time today and way too much to say.

I got my transfer call to go to the Soundview Ward in University Place, which is right next to Tacoma. Very close to Steilacoom, and very similar in the kind of area, the ward, being on the Puget Sound, having sisters in the ward. My new companion is Elder Anderson, who is a great missionary with lots of experience. I'm grateful I'll get to serve with him! But of course sad to leave Steilacoom.

Quick updates: Chris came to church after a great lesson Saturday with our Bishop there, he is getting his life back and loves everything he's seen in the church. We had a great lesson with Rebecca Wednesday and taught the Plan of Salvation, she is really feeling the truth. On Saturday I bore my testimony to her about the gospel and about families and told her about the night I was set apart and admitted I cried. I feel she is very close.

Sorry this week is so short

Love Elder Webber!

Saying goodbye to a convert family who had missionaries over a lot

Saying good bye to the Bishop, an investigator and newest convert

Saying goodbye to his District

Elder Webber and Elder Schaffner's last day after 13 weeks

What Tacoma-ites call a "beach"

Mt. Rainier view from Steilacoom

Preparation-Day, this time bowling with the whole zone of missionaries

Elder Webber's transfer to Soundview ward, Tacoma stake -maybe 2 miles?

Steilacoom: Another baptism, Cesar's missionary efforts, and a great Elma Fireside

Dear Family,

We had a fun week with lots of rain, a weirdly sunny day, and daylight savings! That means that there will be no more knocking doors in the dark! (until September comes again) It's funny, I remember when it started getting darker in the winter, I was complaining about it and wondering if I would ever see the sun again, but now it is weird knocking in the daylight, it's like everyone can see us... But I am grateful for the sun. I probably shouldn't say this, but the best kept secret in Washington is that it really doesn't rain that much. We'll have days of sunshine in between. And it doesn't rain hard, but it can rain for a long period of time.

In our mission we have weekly scriptures we memorize and weekly goals for key indicators. This week was "Books of Mormon placed", and this coming week is "lessons with members present." We have an ongoing mission goal of 500 "lessons with" in a week. And our mission goal for baptisms for the month of March is 100.

Baptismal Service with Sisters

Speaking of, we had another baptism this week in the Steilacoom ward, a man the sisters found named Tom. They were knocking doors one night and saw Tom out on his porch, smoking. He had quit smoking for 27 years and had just fallen back in the habit in the last month. Because he was outside, the sisters talked to him. God works in mysterious ways?? But he was looking for a church and upon reading the Book of Mormon, gained a testimony of its truth and was soon baptized. Elder Schaffner got to confirm him a member yesterday at church. The week before, we got to participate in one of his lessons, on the Word of Wisdom. After the lesson he asked us elders for a blessing to help him give up the smoking again. We provided the blessing, and he told us he hasn't had the urge since. How great to have the priesthood power in our lives.

Cesar, our other outstanding recent convert has been with us twice this week, and yesterday blessed the sacrament. On Wednesday we spent from 8:00 a.m. personal study (we did at the church) until 8:30 p.m. our last lesson of the day. And all day on his bike! (Remember though he is not afraid to ride bikes. He is super fit and was actually riding circles around us all day ha, ha). It rained all day and most of our lessons and visits fell through. On Saturday he met us at the church and we talked about how to administer the sacrament. He then asked if he could spend the rest of that day with us. Saturday was the rainiest day of the week. By 7:30 we were drenched. We had an appointment with Tiffany and Haopeng, who we hadn't seen in two weeks. They were home and we were able to teach and help them back to where they were when we left off. The best part of the lesson was when Haopeng came into the room, very interested in Cesar's conversion. He asked him what it was like to be baptized, how he felt before and after, and what his family thought. Cesar has difficulty opening up about his past and some personal thoughts, but he described an amazing conversion process that began years before we knocked on his door. He powerfully testified of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ and confirmed our words as missionaries. Cesar needs to go on a mission. He is an amazing example. Tiffany came to church yesterday!

We also had (finally!) Rebecca at church Sunday, with her 7 year old daughter. Elder Schaffner spoke, and they had a great experience. The Steilacoom ward did a great job greeting her, having someone sit with her, answering questions, and being friendly. That can make all the difference. Miracles happen during the 10 minutes before and after sacrament meeting.

Tommy reunites with Elder Green and members from Raymond

Also yesterday was the Elma (not Elmo, dad) fireside. I was so excited to go, hoping to see someone from Raymond there. We had our practice run at 4:00, then went into classrooms to wait until it started. Being one of the choristers, I sat not on the stand, but in the second row of the pews. On the third row was the whole Angelovich family, who housed me and fed me and cared for me for almost 5 months of my mission. Elder Green was in the choir and we were all happy. I was surprised how I remembered all 6 of the children's names. I love that family. The fireside was amazing, very spiritual and I even was asked by Sister Weaver to bear my testimony on the Savior Jesus Christ. In the audience was another family from Raymond, the Hamiltons, and 3 converts who were baptized after I left Raymond. Machel, her son AJ, and Machel's friend Kelsi were all at the fireside. Now my joy was overfilling. These three people were brought to us while I was serving in Raymond, and I did not know they would later join the Church of Jesus Christ, and meet me 5 months later to thank me. I cannot adequately put into words how happy I was. The joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not only the deepest, most pure joy we can experience, it is also renewed and refreshed and multiplied over time and through the eternities. Pleasure and worldly joy are a moment and fleeting, but the joy in Christ lasts forever and gets better.

Local creek running toward the Puget Sound

I love being a missionary, I love the Wa-Tac, I love the people I serve, and I love my Savior Jesus Christ more than I can say. I know for myself that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the whole world. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the only source for happiness in this life and Eternal Life in the world to come. Without Him I am nothing and with Him, I can become like our Heavenly Father and live with Them and with you, my family, forever. His invitation is to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

All my love to my Webber family.
Elder Webber

Scripture is: 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 ("Ye (converts and family) are [my] glory and joy").

Steilacoom: Zone Conference and Cesar gets the Priesthood

Dear Family,

I am so so happy to hear how things are going at home, that the Spirit is at home. "Only the home can compare [to the temple] in sacredness." I know that as you gather together and read from the scriptures and pray every day (or as best you can!) you will forever be blessed and have your testimonies strengthened and conversion deeper and our family will be together forever, as promised by our Heavenly Father. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for your righteous example which has helped all 5 of us kids. I wouldn't be here in Steilacoom, Washington without it.

This week was fast, it is weird being out this long, because time seems to be accelerating and I don't like it! I love my mission so much. There are so many experiences that I can only begin to share. I'm grateful for my journal for sure!

Last night we four missionaries (elders and sisters) were invited to the "Bishop's Youth Discussion" which is the Bishop's Fireside. The topic was missionary work and all 4 of us (as well as Brother Yukon, the missionary who just came home a few weeks ago) shared 1-2 stories from our missions. I thought about it all that day and was amazed at how many stories and miracles I have had so far! How can the Lord be so gracious? He loves us!

Also at church, Cesar received the Aaronic Priesthood! He is amazing. So very excited to serve. He met with the sisters on Saturday who were going to share a Book of Mormon story, the "Iron Rod" which was part of his confirmation blessing. The night before, Cesar had a dream. He told us he dreamed he was in a large field and in the middle there was a large tree, with fruit on it. He said when he tried the fruit it was indescribably good, and all he could feel was that he wanted other people to try it. He said it might have been like an orange. When the sisters told him about 1 Nephi 8 he was amazed and so were we! What a miraculous couple weeks this guy has had. After Elder's Quorum he came up and asked if he could go with us this week to see what missionary work is like. He's probably going to go with us tomorrow, like all day!

The sisters have another baptism this Saturday! An older man named Tom. He is giving up smoking and very excited about the Book of Mormon and the church.

Steilacoom Sunset

Unfortunately, Rebecca didn't come to church, even though she had made a solid commitment. We had a good church tour with her this week, where she said she was really thinking about joining the church. We'll hope she keeps progressing. We couldn't make contact with Haopeng or Tiffany this week. Still working on them too. I wonder what the Lord's plan is.

Elder Singleton and Elder Webber

I have also had a lot of personal growth this week. At Zone Conference Thursday President Weaver did a training on the Book of Mormon and another on prayer. Two things I had been wanting to improve. Two things that are very important for all of us! I was impressed several times about the heart. That I need to open my heart in more sincere prayer and open my heart through the Book of Mormon. Open my heart to really love the people here and love the work. Love my companion, my ward, and my family. The Holy Ghost works through our feelings in our heart. The Lord looks and cares about our heart, and will judge us for our desires therein. I am trying to do that more. One thing I am trying now is writing a prayer journal where I write my prayer in ink and answers to prayers/impressions in pencil, so I can better recognize the Lord's voice. I know He is with us always.

Elder Schaffner and Elder Webber

Love Elder Webber

Scriptures: John 10:16 (read this morning) and Alma 9:9-11 (we should remember the blessings the Lord has given us throughout our life, and remember His matchless power and mercy)

Steilacoom: Ask, and It Shall Be Given You

To my family:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! Wow you're 50 years old! That is great! Yesterday and Saturday I was thinking what you might be doing and thinking Happy Birthday thoughts towards California :) Good job Matthew on BYU-I!!!  Good luck Charlotte, Claire and Matthew in the Roadshow this weekend and have fun!

We had an interesting week. It's funny how every week when I sit down to type an e-mail I only remember the good things or what I learned from the hard things. Most of this week we had appointments fall through, and many with members ready to come with us, which makes it more disappointing. But for many of these lessons that fell through, it is interesting to see what God will lead us to do instead. Usually it is better than what we had planned. More evidence this is God's work, not mine.

Drought here in CA, floods there in WA

On Tuesday, Elder Schaffner and I went to teach Cesar about the priesthood and missionary work. He is so amazing, he just takes it all and loves it. You can see in him, that he is starting to realize just how important and big this is. How life-changing and miraculous that The Church of Christ is on the earth in its fullness and with it the sacred priesthood authority to perform saving ordinances, and even ordinances of exaltation. He told us he would study this (his hand resting on his new Preach My Gospel) every night until he understands it. Funny enough yesterday was his dad's birthday so he couldn't make it to church but he will hopefully receive the Aaronic priesthood this Sunday.

We had an exchange Friday with Elder Oliphant, the missionary who served in Steilacoom the three months before I got here. We realized together we had about 7 months of Steilacoom missionary history! It was so fun, we biked around Steilacoom and met so many people, and got in touch with 3 former investigators, met 4 more people from the church group, we met with Jay and Justine (where we taught all 10 the first three lessons) and also taught Haopeng and Tiffany. They are having some complications with visa-marriage things, that I don't understand. They have a friend who is helping them, though. It might be this Saturday, if we can work that out!

Also we met with Rebecca and she committed to church this Sunday! We are having a church tour Wednesday morning which should really help!

We meet with the Sisters that are serving in our ward once a week to discuss the work and help each other with ideas for our investigators and coordinate member involvement and so on. This week we all four had been thinking about referrals and how to best get our wonderful members to not only come with us to lessons (which they do amazingly) but to invite their friends to meet with us. We brainstormed and all decided to fast and pray for member missionary work to hasten. The Lord doesn't always answer prayers immediately, but sometimes He does. Sometimes it as simple as: "Ask and it shall be given you." Heavenly Father loves us and the purpose of prayer is to align the will of the child with the will of the Father. To secure for ourselves, and others, blessings He is already ready and willing and wanting to give. Where I'm going with this is that yesterday we had our Ward Conference. Our Bishop and Stake President spoke on "Hastening the Work"! It was very spiritual and powerful. During our third hour all the members 12 and up got together to share what promptings we had during our sacrament meeting. We had an hour of open discussion, from the members, on how they can better do missionary work. Prayer works. They all came up with a few steps to hasten the work in the Steilacoom ward. The biggest focus was "invite, invite, invite." The missionaries do the teaching, the members do the inviting. What a special privilege to serve in this wonderful ward. So many of these sweet Saints do so much. And we do all we can to help them!

To each of you: invite! invite! invite!

Much Love,
Elder Webber

Scriptures on prayer: Matthew 7:7 and 3 Nephi 18:18-21 and D&C 50:29-30

Steilacoom baptism! Cesar

Family,

We had another busy and wonderful (and wet) week!

Funny stories about rain: so yesterday it was pouring pretty bad, and we were out knocking doors of course, and on our way to make a visit we passed this road that has a dip, it's the one I sent a picture of a few weeks ago, with the cars trying to drive through. It was so dark we didn't see it until we were in it, and slowing down quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't keep peddling because I didn't want to get my shoes wet. Instead, I planted both feel in the deepest part possible, which went up to about half my shin, totally soaking my socks and shoes ha, ha, ha. I just started laughing. Missions are fun.

The miracle this week is this young man named Cesar. If anyone was prepared to receive the gospel, it is Cesar. I told you of how quickly he was able to recognize the Spirit testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, the Prophet. He accepted everything else just as easily! We got to participate in one of the lessons last week, on tithing. When the sisters asked "Will you live the law of tithing, and donate 10% of your income to God's Church?" his response was "can I pay more than 10%?" We almost didn't know how to respond. We mention fast offerings and the some of the other many ways to give service in the Church. But mostly all we ask is a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," the sacrifice of our sins.

Cesar's Baptismal Service

On Saturday we had his baptismal service, and Philip, one of the prospective elders got to baptize him. Cesar was excited and nervous. When he and Philip went down into the water, Elder Schaffner and I got to be the two witnesses for the baptism (to make sure it is done properly). Philip said the prayer, immersed Cesar and when he came up out of the water, there was an indescribable change that came over him. As his sins were literally washed away, the Holy Ghost had a perfect temple to enter into, and he stood for a moment in awe. All he could do was cry and embrace Philip. It was so powerful! While he changed, Elder Schaffner shared a "missionary message" and taught the Restoration. When Cesar came out, he shared his testimony. He struggled to speak because of his emotions. The Spirit was so strong and almost tangible in the room. He managed to get out the words, "I've never felt like this before." When we feel the Spirit stronger than we ever have before, there are no words for it.

On Sunday he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (he asked Elder Schaffner to do it :) ) and that was spiritual too. Right after, we went to sit by him as the sacrament was blessed and passed. During the passing of the bread he leaned over and asked, "Elder Webber, can I do that too?" This guy is so humble and has such a strong desire to do what is right, what is best. We are going over today to talk about the priesthood. He was interviewed after church on Sunday so he could receive the priesthood this Sunday. Talk about the fast track! President Weaver says, "When they're ready, they're ready!"

Two more updates: before the baptism Saturday we saw Chris again (the one that had all the struggles). I think he is the modern day Job. Things have sort of gotten worse and he is learning humility. He told us each Sunday he wants to come to church and to join the church! He just can't get himself out of this pit. We sent him the talk by Elder Holland about depression, which he told us he thinks he has now. Needs a lot of help, but this should be the time to make the best decision of his eternity!

We met with Haopeng and Tiffany Friday (with the return missionary in our ward I told you about). THEY GOT THEIR MARRIAGE LICENSE!!! That is the other major miracle this week! So Tiffany is just waiting on a wedding dress she ordered, and the plan is March 1st for the marriage and baptism. The not so great news is that Haopeng is even more unsure about baptism. He has been so busy with school that he hasn't read any of the Book of Mormon. When we asked what we could do to help Tiffany prepare, she whispered and pointed to Haopeng (who was in the other room) "help him!" We're hoping that even if it's only Tiffany's baptism first, Haopeng will see the change in her and understand the importance of this gospel. He will come eventually.

This Sunday is another fireside in Lacey. Maybe at the end of "Called to Serve" I will lead them into "Happy Birthday" just for you dad :)

Love Elder Webber

Close-up before Church

Scriptures: D&C 84:20 and Alma 32:16 (they apply to this week!)

Snow in Steilacoom!

Family:

We had a busy week and a great week and I have so much to tell you!

I loved the story of the statewide fast for rain and then having rain that night! how blessed we are to live once again in a day of miracles!

Also I'm so happy to hear Katie Eckhardt is going on a mission!!! That is super exciting and will forever bless her family :) Good job Katie!

Speaking of missionaries, last night we had the second fireside, this time in Tacoma. We invited Rebecca, but she couldn't make it. The sisters are teaching a 19 year old named Cesar, and he did come! Cesar is so cool. Elder Schaffner and I actually knocked on his door late December, he said he was interested, we gave him a Book of Mormon, but then we could never reach him. About 10 days ago, the Sisters were knocking when Cesar passed on the street and they talked with him, and set up an appointment. They have been teaching him at a members home, and once he read and prayed about the Book of Mormon, he said he knew it was true and he wanted to be a part of it! He is getting baptized this Saturday. He couldn't find a ride to the fireside so guess what? He just biked there! From Steilacoom! that's like an hour bike ride. He later told the sisters that no matter what, rain or snow, he will do anything for the Church of Jesus Christ. Wow. These people are out there, prepared for the restored gospel. Truly the work is hastening.

Saturday night we had a snow "storm" in Washington and church Sunday was cancelled! I was pretty stunned, I had never even heard of church being cancelled. They made the decision Saturday night and our bishop called us around 10:20 right before bed! We stayed in our apartment until the ok, then went out and cleared some snow off a car of a member we knew was physically less able. We also built a little missionary snowman and threw snowballs at each other during tracting ha, ha.

One funny story from last week that I forgot to mention. So in the past month there have been about 14 robberies in Steilacoom. Very unusual because it is a nice, quiet neighborhood. Apparently the robbers have been people, especially women, dressed as missionaries. They go door to door and see who's not home, then break in! So we've had some funny responses from people when we go around, as actual missionaries, and knock on doors. Some people have been scared. Last Friday, we were knocking in a nicer neighborhood and it was very dark. There are few streetlights. Many of the homes had no one there. After we finished a big cul-de-sac, we kept going down the street when we saw a big search light from around a hedge, lighting up the hill. We both knew there was a police car and we both knew why. We kept going and walked straight to the police car. He got out and asked if we had been in the neighborhood knocking doors, we smiled and said yes, we're missionaries! he smiled too and got on the phone with a lady, the one who had called him. He asked slowly what the "robbers" looked like and was smiling at us and laughing! He told her, "Ma'm, I'm sorry, but they are in fact Mormons." We both were trying hard to hold in the laughter. He told us to carry on and have a great night, and drove off. We then finished our tracting.

Also this week, we had another church tour with George, and showed him all the paintings in our building, and explained them. He loves learning about the Restoration and he seems to understand it in his mind. We are working on having him understand it in his heart as well. We need both to be truly converted to the gospel.

Missionaries serving in the Lakewood Zone

Rebecca has been doing better, and her husband came home today, which is all around good. She loves our visits. We had dinner with a member family last night, we taught them the Restoration, and invited them to be a fellowship family for her. We will soon schedule a time for all of us to meet so we can actually start the lessons.

Haopeng and Tiffany have not yet got a marriage license! They are always so busy with school. We are working a lot with Haopeng. He struggles more with faith. Tiffany is very ready and told us once they can get married, she will get baptized.

Elder Webber and Elder Schaffner

Recently in our ward a missionary returned home. He finished his two year mission in Texas, Spanish speaking. On Wednesday he was at the church to be released. We were there at the same time with George's church tour. We talked to him for a moment before he went in. He still had his name tag on and was really friendly. We continued our church tour and when we had finished, he had finished his meeting with the stake president at the same time. We walked up to where he was, by the bishops office and he was standing, head hanging, looking at his two name tags that he was holding in his hand. Tears were in his eyes and we instantly knew that he had just been released. It was a powerful scene to see, a faithful missionary finally having to take off his tag. All at once I felt a deep gratitude that my full-time mission is going still. I held on to my tag tighter. I am so grateful every day for the privilege to serve the Lord full-time. To be able to walk out of the apartment and be at work, preaching and testifying of the Restoration.

Transfer meeting was Tuesday (feels like a long time ago!) and it was great. Nothing changed, area or companion, so it's always a little easier. I also heard that Raymond had two more baptisms: AJ, Machel's son, and Machel's friend Kelsey. Both of them we found while we served there! I love those updates. I also heard Dennis is still going to the temple and saving all his family! The work is hastening!

Love Elder Webber

Scripture: D&C 50:17-20

Elder Webber's Apartment