Dear Family!
 
Miracles are happening! I've been reflecting lately that if I would have known what I know now at the beginning of my mission how many more people would I have been able to help and baptize and re-activate! It's kind of crazy but I know that's how it is for every missionary and really every person through life. We're all on our own journey learning and progressing as we go. There are some things I want to tell you about this last week.
 
Last Monday night as I was praying for our investigators I got the impression that Ellen needed to be invited to be baptized this weekend. We had a lesson with her on Tuesday and we put her on date for baptism for this Sunday. It all happened super quick and she felt it was fast too but she accepted. Yesterday she was baptized!! She asked me to baptize her and it was so awesome to see her joy and be a part of that. Hongye and Nubia were both there as well and felt the Spirit. We had lessons with them last week that were very powerful. Before the lessons Elder Smith and I prayed together for a date to put them on for their baptisms, came to an agreement and then role-played the invitation and now they're both on date to be baptized! It's incredible to be able to teach someone and tell them that we prayed about it and God told us a date they could be ready for if they did their part. Right now Hongye's goal is December 8th and Nubia's goal is December 11th. Nubia is concerned about her Mom because she is very Catholic and she's afraid what she will do. During the lesson while we were discussing a date she got very emotional when we read Alma 32:16. It's a bold scripture that talks about baptism and not being stubborn. During our conversation we were prompted to offer her a Priesthood Blessing and she accepted. After the blessing she said she felt so calm and happy and she wanted to work toward December 11th as a goal. I am so amazed at how God works. His hand is in every aspect of our lives.
 
There is a young lady in the student ward who I felt we needed to call and ask for a referral for a couple of days. The night before Ellen was baptized we called her and asked her if there was anyone she knew that she could bring to the baptism. She immediately said there was someone that she could ask but didn't know if he would come. He came! His name is Royal, he's from the Middle East somewhere and grew up Hindu but "became Christian" in 2007. He had a great experience at the baptism and we were able to answer a lot of questions that he had and explain what the Book of Mormon really is. He said he doesn't feel ready to become too religious right now but he's one step closer! He downloaded the church app on his phone so he now has access to all the scriptures and conference talks, plus it opened a doorway for Lauren (the girl that invited him) to talk with him about the gospel.
 
Thanksgiving was alright… but I look forward to some real pie - lol! Nobody makes it as good as we do - haha. We had a super fun Turkey Bowl in the morning and were even able to play some ultimate, that was definitely the highlight! Mom, you were wondering about Christmas… really the most helpful thing I could use would be money, I know that sounds kind of lame but it would be most helpful. I would use the money to finish getting my Christmas gifts and sending the package(s) home. I could use the money to buy new garments and possibly a new pair of shoes in the next few months, these still hold up alright but they're showing more and more signs of wear and tear. I'm trying to budget as smart as I can (the ticket this month didn't do me any favors). Your mission definitely teaches you how to budget.
 
I sure love you all! Thank you all for being the good hearted people you are. I hope you all know I'm doing my best and I'm happy. Have a blessed week!
 
Love you,
Elder W. Marks

Dear Mom and Dad,
 
Well, we haven't been able to email today until late because p-day is actually Thanksgiving, but President still wanted us to email our families today. That was nice to be able to talk for a bit last week. I'm excited to be able to call home at Christmas and talk a bit more :)
 
We still need to set Ellen with an actual date for baptism. We've talked a lot about it and she has pretty much said she wants to and plans on it but she really wants to finish all of the lessons before she commits to a date. She has to take a bus ride to get to the church to meet us for the lessons and something kind of cool happened today. She thought we had a lesson but we actually didn't (we do tomorrow) and on the way to the church she got talking with this guy and he's going to come to church with her on Sunday! She's already a better missionary than the majority of the members - haha!
 
I can't remember if I've told you about a couple of the other progressing investigators. Smokey and Nubia… Smokey is in the family ward, he's in his mid-40's, and was referred to us by a good friend and bishop, in California. He met with Elder Bradley and his previous companion, Elder Rubalcava, before I came into the area and they taught him once and he came to church once and then fell off the face of the earth. Elder Smith and I got a call from his friend in California saying he had another good talk with him and he's back in Golden and wants to start investigating again. We are on exchanges tomorrow with the Assistants and Elder Smith will be teaching Smokey with Elder Scheopfle.
 
Nubia is in the student ward and also was a member referral. We've been teaching her for a couple weeks. We've taught her the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation. She's come to church twice and is progressing quickly. She prayed out loud in front of other people for the very first time in her life in our lesson last Saturday! It was so cool :)
 
For Thanksgiving we have 5 set dinner lessons all with less active members. So yeah, that'll be a long day with way too much food. We've already informed them that we have multiple other dinners so we probably won't be eating much at each place. That is good to hear that everyone has got a place to be for Thanksgiving:) I'll be thinking of everyone.
 
Mom, you talked a bit in your email about perspective. That's something I love about the holidays, they're a nice time to refocus a bit on what actually matters. We have so much to be thankful for!
 
Mornings have been difficult lately because of my back. I don't know what the deal is lately, if it's some change in the weather or what but it hasn't been too much fun. It's difficult in the mornings but the discomfort has been lingering most of the day as of recently.
 
We had a great Zone Conference! I was able to give my training on OYM'ing (opening your mouth) and the Spirit took it somewhere completely different than I had thought but I feel it went well. I ended up talking more about how Satan's goal is to put fear into our hearts so we don't open our mouth. I feel like the "sweet boldness" technique is the only way to go, and I think that helped the missionaries out a lot.
 
You've continued to be in my prayers, specifically Dad. For your health and speedy recovery. That's good to hear that things are getting a bit better. Something you said in your email was interesting to me, that times of blessing and success can bring challenges. I've felt something the past few days for some reason and I don't exactly know what it is. I feel indebted to the Lord and that I want to work harder. He has blessed this area so much lately and I feel like I can't do enough to repay him… because I can't! Sometimes ya just don't feel good enough! I know the Lord is qualifying me for my call as a missionary and as a Zone Leader but I feel a constant need to become better. I don't know… it's definitely a balance obviously… you gotta always be making efforts to improve and progress (otherwise damning ourselves) but we also need to recognize how far we've come and what the Lord is making us to become.
 
I'll definitely be thinking of you all during Thanksgiving. I love you. I plead with the Lord for your spiritual well being and that things will be taken care of physically. I'm so happy and grateful for the knowledge and the potential we have.
 
Your Missionary,
Elder W. Marks
 
 
P.S. I've given up soda completely for the past month and a half or so and I've loved it! You should too, it's about one of the worst things we can put into our bodies. Love you all!

Jeff had his 4-wheeler accident this week, so William's letters to Jeff and I were short. Here is a bit of what he wrote to Jeff:

My Dear Father,
 
Dad, I am so grateful that you are alright. I know you are dealing with a ton of physical pain and turmoil right now but you just hang in there. I send my faith your way. My gratitude turns to God that you weren't hurt even worse... I called President Maynes and explained the situation to him and asked if I could call and he was sad to hear about the accident and encouraged me to call. I'll call you tonight.
 
May God bless you for your goodness, faith, and righteous desires Dad, my heart is very tender right now as I think of you. I'm proud of you for being a man of God. Christ knows how to succor you right now with the physical pains you are going through. ... I love you Dad.
 
Forever your Son,
Elder William Marks
 
William called home that night, and it was good to be able to talk with him and reassure him that Jeff was going to be o.k.

William's letter to Erika held more about how his week went:


Erika!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I'm so proud of you Sis, I don't even know where to start! You're doing so well with your faith, your schooling, you are taking care of yourself, and you're just awesome! You'll always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being who you are.
 
Still nothing from Joseph IV., we called him last week and he told us he was busy and to call him on Tuesday night to try and set something up… we'll see!
 
I've been doing really great! I've felt so much influence from the Holy Ghost lately, more than ever before. I'm so grateful to be worthy to have his guidance. Yeah, I'm still a Zone Leader, and I love it! There is so much to do but I love being busy! And being able to help other missionaries in a special way.
 
Still too early for a baptismal date with Ellen but we taught her about the last half of the Plan of Salvation last week (where we go after we die and what determines that) and she LOVED IT! I can't remember if I've told you this in the past or not but she reminds me a lot of you. Her hair is a lot shorter but other than that she kinda looks like you, she carries herself almost the same, she is very kind and genuine… so for me, it's a lot of fun to teach her! It's like a non-member version of you - LOL! (obviously not exactly the same but still :o)
 
Hongye is doing great! She is starting to realize that God is really there! Two times ago that we met with her I felt prompted to promise her that if she read Enos and then got on her knees and asked God if He was there that she would feel His love for her. We had a lesson with her yesterday and she said she did re-read it (she had read it in the past with Joe, her fellowshipper and thought it was neat but didn't really feel much). When she read it on her own, and in English this time, she indeed felt God's love. It was incredible to see the light in her eyes as she described what she felt! Stuff like that makes my mission so worth it!
 
Way to go with the medals! [Acadeca competition: 3 gold, 1 silver] I can't believe you beat Tim Redford - hahaha! That's so awesome! That's my Sister!
 
Oh, totally laughed out loud with the Brian Regan quote...SUPER FUNNY! Alright Erika, I've got to go. I love you so much and miss you. Keep being awesome:)
 
Your Brother,
Elder W. Marks

P.S.-   "Blasting Zone? Shouldn't that read 'road closed?" Remember, last time we lost Billy!?!

My Dear Mother, 
Thank you for the portion of that talk by Elder Bednar. The principles taught there speak true to me. That is something that I don't think a whole lot of people understand in the church… let alone in the world!
 
Hongye is a girl, we had another good lesson with her and found some more concerns she has. She feels peace when she prays and reads the scriptures but we're still trying to help her identify that those feelings are of the Holy Ghost, and that God really is real.
 
The circumstances weren't right to put Ellen on date last week but we did have a great lesson. We taught her the first half of the Plan of Salvation and Elder Smith and I both felt prompted to read Alma 7:14-16 with her and it was powerful. She has some questions about baptism that we are going to address as we teach part 2 of the Plan of Salvation, and if the Spirit prompts we are going to put her on date for baptism.
 
We have found more success by far in the student ward. The younger people who are still trying to decide what they believe are much more teachable. It is also a lot of fun to be teaching people our own age! We are also working in the family ward but they haven't brought people to church or worked with us a whole lot so it's been a lot harder. I don't think it's an issue of the members willingness to do missionary work, I think that many people make it WAY harder than it needs to be. I feel like a lot of people are afraid to bring up topics of the gospel for one reason or another with the people around them. With thousands of more missionaries coming into the missionary force it will require much more member involvement to see the work progress at the desired rate. I will never stop being a missionary.
 
I loved the Bill and Teds big adventure reference - haha! Excellent things are happening, one miracle at a time! I love you Mom, thank you so much for everything.
 
Love,
Elder W. Marks

Alma 7:14-16
14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

16 And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.

Dear Dad, 
Thank you Dad for your love and support, I so appreciate your insights and encouragement. I felt the Spirit as I read your email and I am so happy and privileged to have you as my father. This last week with Elder Smith has been a great one! God is blessing us with so many miracles, and I am excited to be a part of it. Last week we taught 10 member present lessons, had 3 people at church, found 2 new investigators, and taught a total of 24 lessons. I feel like God has taught me how to make an area succeed as a missionary. I've learned how to excite a ward about missionary work, and involve the members. I love it! I'm learning how to follow the promptings of the Spirit with faith and without hesitation. I feel like there is a long way I want to go to become better, but when I look at where I've come in the last year my heart is full of gratitude towards God, you and Mom, and all my family and support that have gotten me where I am today.
 
I admire the way you choose to live your life. I don't care about mistakes that have been made on both our parts in the past, all we have to work with is the present and the future. I really mean that. Thank you for raising me to think on my own and stand on my own two feet. I'm learning how to think about things deeply and analyze with my mind, and then turn to the Holy Ghost and decide what I believe according to the feelings in my heart and the conclusions in my mind.
 
We've been sent here to BECOME more like our loving Father in Heaven. I have pondered lately how indescribable and glorious it will be to go back to God. I feel like deep down I really miss being in His presence, but I'm not eager to leave this life. Throughout all the eternities of our existence, the time we have on earth to learn to walk by faith is such an incredible opportunity! I love being here:) When I try to picture how incredible it will be to see every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ at Judgement day, I stand in awe. There are so many people I have worked with on my mission in the past year who have blindly rejected the joyful message we carry, and I pray for them. I know that everyone will have a fair opportunity to accept the Gospel that Christ established. It is such a phenomenal plan! There is a reason it is referred to in scripture as "The plan of Happiness" or "The plan of Redemption."
 
I would love to go hunting with you and Garrett! I remember having an opportunity to go when I was young and didn't take it, but I would love to do that. :) Enjoy the ice fishing this winter! ;)
 
I am excited/anxious to see what happens in the election as well. I feel like the worst thing that could happen would be to have Obummer re-elected. We'll see!
 
How exciting! Thank you for keeping me posted with the Bag O'Blocks efforts, I hope you know that that specifically has been in my prayers often. Just keep obeying the basic principles outlined in the Gospel and working hard, God will provide the blessings necessary. (Mosiah 2:41, D&C 82:10, D&C 1:37-38)
 
Give my love to the whole fam! I miss you all so much:) Let's stay strong with our goals, we can do it!
 
 
With Faith, Your Son,
Elder William Marks

Mosiah 2: 41
And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

D&C 82:10
I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

D&C 1:37-38
Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own coice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.



My Dear Mother,
 
Thank you for the portion of that talk by Elder Bednar. The principles taught there speak true to me. That is something that I don't think a whole lot of people understand in the church… let alone in the world!
 
Hongye is a girl, we had another good lesson with her and found some more concerns she has. She feels peace when she prays and reads the scriptures but we're still trying to help her identify that those feelings are of the Holy Ghost, and that God really is real.
 
The circumstances weren't right to put Ellen on date last week but we did have a great lesson. We taught her the first half of the Plan of Salvation and Elder Smith and I both felt prompted to read Alma 7:14-16 with her and it was powerful. She has some questions about baptism that we are going to address as we teach part 2 of the Plan of Salvation, and if the Spirit prompts we are going to put her on date for baptism.
 
We have found more success by far in the student ward. The younger people who are still trying to decide what they believe are much more teachable. It is also a lot of fun to be teaching people our own age! We are also working in the family ward but they haven't brought people to church or worked with us a whole lot so it's been a lot harder. I don't think it's an issue of the members willingness to do missionary work, I think that many people make it WAY harder than it needs to be. I feel like a lot of people are afraid to bring up topics of the gospel for one reason or another with the people around them. With thousands of more missionaries coming into the missionary force it will require much more member involvement to see the work progress at the desired rate. I will never stop being a missionary.
 
I loved the Bill and Teds big adventure reference - haha! Excellent things are happening, one miracle at a time! I love you Mom, thank you so much for everything.
 
Love,
Elder W. Marks