Email of August 2, 2010

I hope you get back safely and everything goes well.  In my world things are going well and we have had more success.  We are steadily increasing our teaching pool and futures pool.  The Lord has people prepared everywhere one goes, that is for sure.  Some of the other investigators are beginning to dry out but we are trying to keep moving.  Probably the most spiritual experience this last week was last night.  We went to dedicate the home of an excommunicated member of the ward who we have been working with and the Spirit was strong.  We began talking about a lot of things and we helped him with a few things.  While talking I began to think about all of my experiences especially during the mission and I learned some important things.  I´ve learned a lot about people and how to help them, and a lot about the gospel.  I was thinking about everything and could see how my faith has changed.  There have been times where I have felt an absolute confidence in the Lord and have been able to work miracles that way.  I have seen how my testimony has grown.  I wouldn´t say that its gotten strong during the mission, just more active.  Yes it is stronger, but I didn´t gain my testimony here.  I´ve also learned more fully the principle of obedience and how it works.  I want to share a quote that my mission President just gave to me.  It´s from President Hinckley about the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
1. Faith is the power.
2. Obedience is the price.
3. Love is the motive.
4. The Spirit is the key.
5. Christ is the reason.
I like the quote and it explains very good principles.
As for another cool experience, my companion is from Woodscross Utah, right next to North Salt Lake.  We went to a less-active families house and began talking with them, and the sister got a call from her sister that also lives in Salt Lake, North Salt Lake to be exact.  They started talking a bit and began talking about her nephew that has been on a mission for about a year now.  Turns out that they went to the same high school and graduated together.  They know each other and everything.  Small world, no?  Well, I love you all and pray that you are all happy and safe.

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Elder David Skiles