emails of January 19, 2009

The work of the Lord is marvelous indeed, and I understand why the Davis's will only let in missionaries they like. Missionaries have an extremely powerful influence in the spirit of a home. Those that understand this try to leave a powerful spirit of love and conviction in the Savior. Others really just go through the motions of teaching and inviting the Spirit so then it isn't as strong. They can see and feel the difference, and only trust those that really care.

Also thank you for working with the recent converts in our ward and bringing them to church. Here the members are lax in this and are even scared of missionaries merely preaching in public sometimes. We are not allowed to do public speaches anymore because members were not comfortable with it. The missionaries there will appreciate what you have done so much. It brings them joy to see a member that truly understands their responsibility to the work of the Lord.

The Church is not a passive Church by any means. The primary responsibility of the Priesthood is to preach the gospel and effect saving ordinances, in other words missionary work. The purpose of the Quorum of the Twelve is to be special witnesses of Christ and head the work. The Church is here to bring men unto Christ and repentence to be clean and worthy to return into the prensence of our Father in Heaven. Without missionary work we are missing part of our purpose and we are not one with the Father and Christ, for truly Their work and glory is the immortality and eternal life of man. By no other means than missionary work can this be brought about.

Thank for what you are doing. And thank you for you kindness, patience and active faith in me that I can serve a mission and set a foundation for my life. You have been a great example to me and I use knowledge from your example daily to teach. I love you and hope everything is going well. You are always in my prayers as my family and I truly have the hope to dwell with each and every one of you in the Kingdom of our Eternal Father. Remember men are that they might have joy, be happy. The work of the Lord is a joyous and happy work.

Well things did change a little. Yesterday we were able to bring a member along with us and we actually got in to houses to teach lessons this time. I think this next transfer here will have many baptisms.

But still many people are going on vacations and the majority do not want to listen. We lost the family that we started to teach, they are on a vacation for at least two weeks so I'm not sure what will happen. We lost all of our progessing investigators this week with them. We couldn't meet with one and the other didn't attend Sacrament Meeting yesterday.

And as for the economy, well I really don't think it is going to get any better very soon, but the Lord will always provide. I saw yesterday and this morning video clips of President Obama, the world watches every move the U.S. makes.

Anyway, I know that you will be taken care of and that many blessings have already come from my service in the mission field. I thank you for your support and love for me. I am learning so much here and everything.

There is one thing I should say more. I twisted my ankle hard twice this past week and now it is swollen and painful. I probably tore a tendon so I can't be walking as much as before. It isn't serious as of now but I'm taking the necessary precautions to help it. Still when I am working hard and focused in the work it doesn't bother me and I really can focus when I need to.

--
Elder David Skiles