May 4, 2015

Loved ones,

 

It's great to hear from you every week! It sure sounds like things have been busy for y'all lately, which is a very good thing. As far as Skyping on Mother's Day, I'm not sure where I will be yet. It'll probably be after Church though, like around 4 or 5. I'll text you the day before and let you know what time I'll be calling :)

I can't believe this is my 4th, and last, call home....my mission just keep going by faster and faster!

 

A DELIGHTFUL SABBATH:

Many wonderful events took place this last Sunday at Church!

1) Angelita got confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was given the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a wonderful blessing, and she was in tears afterwards with a huge smile on her face! She already has many friends in the ward and everyone loves her! She is such a genuinely good and kind person. She is studying her scriptures everyday and growing in knowledge of the gospel every day, it's so awesome to see!

It was amazing to watch her sitting there up there, as she was receiving her very first Priesthood blessing, becoming a member of the Church, and receiving the Holy Ghost. I reflected on all that took place to get her to that spot, and it was an overwhelming experience.

2) Gilbert Navarro got confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Elder Nebeker and I were privileged to be a part of the blessing while he got confirmed. It was a powerful experience. To be gathered with the Priesthood of God, surrounding the new member and bestowing upon him the Holy Ghost. The power was undeniable, and the Spirit was strong.

Gilbert Navarro is a faithful saint. He has a strong testimony of the restored gospel and of modern-day prophets. He will be a tremendous example to others. It was wonderful to be a part of his story.

3) David Boyd, our recent convert from two weeks ago, was sustained to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. To watch as he stood, with a smile as big as any I'd ever seen, and be recommended as one worthy to now hold the Priesthood of God was a very terrific feeling. He was given the Priesthood after Sacrament Meeting.

He is going to be such an incredible Priesthood man. He told me previously, that one of the reasons he had decided to be baptized, was so that he could be the man his wife deserves. Now, with worthily holding the Priesthood, he brings so much more power and protection into his home.

 

Two new members, and one new Priesthood holder.

The Sabbath is a delight (Isaiah 58:13).

 

 

BECOMING HUMBLE:

We have a wonderful investigator named Cody Simpson. It has been a truly incredible experience being able to teach him and see him progress. I'd like to a share just one example today: prayer.

Cody did not pray before we can into his life. He actually wasn't sure if he even believed in God. We had to teach him slowly, and simply because he was starting further behinh than many other investigators.

The first time we got him to pray, a few weeks ago, he said,

"God, God bless America, Amen"

That was his first attempt at a prayer, and it was a great starting point!

However as kept teaching him, and showing him the truth of the gospel. His faith really began to grow, and his prayers began to improve.

"Dear God, I thank the Elders for coming over, keep them safe. God bless America, Amen."

He was still just thanking us though, and not truly speaking with God. Well, recently he as been praying on his own. He prays before he goes to sleep at night. Also, he has been living the commandments of God, and recognizing the Spirit and the blessings that come. He gave up smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, which were both hard for him. As he has done so, his faith has really jumped up the next next level.

A few days ago, we had another lesson for him, as he said the closing prayer he said similar to,

"Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for my path to baptism, please help me along and prevent things getting in the way.

Please help to get my girlfriend on board, so she can come to Church with me.

(And then a powerfully humble, and sincere)

...and thank you, for everything.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Prayer is communication with our Father, and it is so rewarding to help His children realize how wonderful it is and begin to communicate with "my father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:17)

 

I love the Lord, and I love His children in Texas.

Love, Elder Giles