Great Conference

Mom and the gang,

Hey just to start, Mom, you can get rid of Abby's cage. It would be great if you could donate it to someone in the ward or anyone else, even little Evan. But do whatever you need to. Thanks for asking.
Yeah holy cow, what a weekend! I watched the Sunday morning session in Spanish which proved a little harder than I expected, but I'm listening to Elder Holland's talk in English as I'm typing this. What a powerful message. And what a powerful man. I left every session feeling new resolves to be a better disciple and Christian, more converted, more loving, more like the Savior. So many spiritual promptings and shouts to give a little more, to be a little better, to serve with more love. I feel like I always say this, but I want to be less selfish and more eager to reach out to others. I believe that we will become more faithful disciples through our selfless service to others than by any other means. I hope each of you have time to evaluate the words you heard and felt and set goals to make changes in your life.
And the new missionary age just made history. I'm all for it. The number of missionaries in the world will skyrocket! A bishop in Chandler got a text immediately afterward from a girl in his ward saying, "Ok Bishop, let's put my papers in." And my companion's friend from home is already decided that she's going to serve. Things like that probably happened all around the world. Jessi, I'm not sure what your thoughts are, but a mission will ensure that the right things happen in your life. You will love it, and will grow tremendously. You have time to consider more fully your options but the most important thing is that you are worthy and ready for whatever the Lord tells you to do. We serve because we want to do His will.
This week was a little rough but we saw a bit more progress with our investigators. It's so hard to get them to come to church. We fasted as a zone this weekend and now have some really good potential investigators that we're teaching this week. Things are moving along with more direction and faith. We had some fun interactions last night. The first one you guys are probably tired of hearing but it was a hoot. We were talking to a young couple on the street and after chatting a bit we told them that we usually just teach in Spanish, and I asked if they speak Spanish. When they sad yes, I started up in Spanish and the girl said, "Are you from Mexico?!" In my mind I was thinking, "We're standing right underneath a street light. How can she not see I'm white?" But just for fun I told her I was, and she jumped back while saying, "Whoa I would have never guessed it!" It was so funny! We told her the truth though afterward, no worries. Later on last night as we started teaching one of our investigators outside his apartment, a man walked up to my companion and me and said, "Are you guys Mormon?" I was thinking in Spanish so I said Si. Then he started up, "I speak English! And I gotta question for you guys! God is infallible! You think God forgot to call a 13th apostle? Why did you guys make that book?" He kept shouting at us and I could smell the alcohol so I told him so. "You think I've been drinking? It doesn't matter what you think! God is infallible!" It was a bit scary but I figured our investigator had our back if anything happened. And luckily one of his friends called for him so he walked away. Such a shame though what alcohol will do to people. He said a bit more that made it clear he wasn't thinking. Did I tell you guys that last week we taught a former member of the MS-13 gang? He is completely covered with tattoos, even a couple markings on his eyelids. But he had a come-to-God experience in prison so he's a fairly nice guy. I know Heavenly Father is watching over us at all times, just as the apostles testified yesterday. I know that true joy is found in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that we may each feel and become closer to the Savior as we apply His teachings in our lives. I love you all! Enjoy your week and happy Columbus Day!

Elder Joshua Gathro