Love From The Dominican Republic 2

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010

Love From The Dominican Republic 2

This is what I received today from Elder Williams, mission president in the Dominican Republic.

August 9, 2010

Dear Brother and Sister Williams:

Your son, Elder Blake Williams, continues to progress and is becoming an effective missionary. He has demonstrated dedication, obedience, and love for his companions and the people here in the Dominican Republic. He is respected by his peers and by me.

Now the Lord has called your son to be a District Leader. In this position, he will have responsibility for several other missionaries. He will also conduct interviews to determine if baptismal candidates are prepared to make sacred covenants with their Father in Heaven. In my opinion, this is the responsibility we place on these young men that is mostly beyond their natural abilities; they must come to know the hearts of those they interview. These interviews can only be done well if the interviewer seeks and receives help from the Lord. This responsibility will stretch your son in a good way. Please continue to pray that he will fulfill his responsibilities and expand his abilities.

We truly feel a great love for your son. We pray for the Lord's blessings upon you for all you have done, and are now doing, to help him be an effective servant.

Sincerely,
Miguel Lee
Mission President

Oh, my heart. This was music to our ears; if you knew Blake before he left you, you know he struggled with the decision to serve a mission. Eric and I just wanted him to be happy, and this was a decision he needed to make. He surprised us and turned his papers in two years later; when all of his friends were coming home, he was leaving. I was shocked and humbled while knowing this was his decision. 

He's a mama's boy and knowing just six weeks before he left, I was diagnosed with cancer weighed heavy on his mind. He questioned whether he should go or not, and I told him the Lord would help him more than I could during the next two years. Blake then asked me not to send him any pictures of myself bald. He told me that since he knew serving a mission would be demanding, he didn't want any distractions. Blake told me that night he would turn it all over to God, and I promised him I wouldn't send any pictures of me, and I haven't. I told Blake that many blessings would come to our family and to him for making this decision. 

President Greer came to our home the night before Blake left and blessed him with comfort. He told him if he was obedient while serving the Lord, his mom would be here when he got home. This letter from his mission president means more to us than most would think. It shows me that we all can do hard things.