Entry Seventy: Unc Status

May 18, 2026

Entry Seventy: Unc Status

Well well well well well well well well well well well lookie what I have here! Another week has passed by, and I hope that it was a good week for you! There were certainly plenty of miracles in my life this week, and I hope you got to see a lot more.

I’ve been told by all the messenger notes of Sisters I came out with that I am 15 months into the mission, are therefore as my district says, I have obtained “Unc Status.” Aka the Sisters I go home with are just at the halfway mark of their mission. What a wild ride it has been so far and I am increasingly excited for what’s to come!

As for the week, we had essentially 2 zone conferences and an exchange, plus a whole bunch of other shenanigans, and to top it all off, over 1000 miles added to the car.

Zone conference was fantastic! I learned so much about what the priesthood is and how it relates to missionary work. And I also got to see all my favorite missionaries, so that’s a huge bonus 🥰

Zone conference pt 2 electric boogaloo is actually new missionary roundup, or in essence greenie zone conference. Since I am training, Elder McQuiston and I went out to Knox and had a whole day learning about finding people to teach. This was actually quite spectacular, even if I’m one of the oldest missionaries there and have had over a year’s experience of finding. There are always so many ways to find people where they are and connect them to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Straight magic!

Immediately after new missionary roundup, we had a zone leader exchange. For whatever reason, they decided for 3 weeks in Elder McQuiston, he would lead out the area, and I would practically take a vacation up in Kingsport…

It actually ended up going pretty good though. Despite poor Elder McQuiston being held high and dry by the exchange and having a trainwreck of events, we were able to remedy the situation when I got back and it ended up being one of our best days yet! I love this kid, he is so willing to work and we’re learning so much together.

As for my “vacation” it was actually the best! I got to drive a Toyota Rav4 again (literally one of my dream cars) and we just got to WORK. We found 6 people in those 24 hours and had some very powerful teaching moments. Hopefully the small amount of work I did up there will make lasting efforts in people’s lives. 🙏

No singular principle of the gospel has been on my mind lately, but I absolutely love the gospel message in full! It is in fact very true that Jesus Christ lived, died, and lived again, and that all other appendages to those central facts did happen. I know that it is in fact by grace through faith we find access to heavenly powers and can be saved through enduring to the end faithfully. In short, I do testify that Jesus Christ is the living Savior!

Nothing else in your life can replace that truth from your belief window and have the same results. There is no other way to gain this power he offers. No other way to gain lasting happiness or peace. No other way to find salvation from our sins and shortcomings. It is a truth that is indisputable, everlasting, and ever constant.

May I invite you all to consider your standing with your Savior. Take some time (the sacrament helps with this a lot) to reflect and make plans to deepen your connection. Jesus Christ simply invites us to abide in him (John 15:4) as the true vine. He is the source of everything good we seek, and in order to obtain it and abide in him we must be cleansed in His blood and follow his commands with exactness. It really is that simple!

Of these things I testify in the beloved name of him who is mighty to save, Jesus Christ, amen.

Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens. Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!

With reverence, love, and gratitude for you all,

-Elder Clayton

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