Thank You

Hey family,
Thank you Dad for sending me your story. I don't think I would have appreciated it as much had I heard the entire story before my mission. It's very interesting to me that the real motivator and witness is the Holy Spirit. He's the One who helps us realize the truth, and then gives us the courage to act on what we know and feel. I heard a story from a man a week ago who said that after years of being married to a member, he had zero interest in the Church, even still as he was walking into his son's baptismal service a year ago. He had been invited to learn and his wife had talked his ear off about the Church, but he had no desire to make a change. And then as he watched his son get baptized, he felt the Spirit so strongly that it all changed. Suddenly he was a lot more open and interested. Now he is a member of the church as well. And it all changed with a feeling from the Spirit. 
Well this week we had a lot of lessons but no one significantly progressing. One of our investigators seemed to be getting closer to baptism but didn't come to church yesterday. And another couple (the one who gave really spiritual prayers in our first visits, who loves the difference that the Gospel has been making in their lives) just  had an adjustment to their work schedule that kept them from coming yesterday. And then this morning the wife called us to say that her husband was picked up this morning by Immigration. It was devastating news but we know that the Lord is in charge. We feel a bit that things are at a stand-still, but we're willing to make sacrifices to bring about the greater blessings that God has in store. We talked a lot about it yesterday, identified some things we can change, and we feel that there are great things soon to come. The couple who just got baptized a week ago has 37 people who live in Chandler that they want us to visit and invite to General Conference or church or to receive the missionary discussions. That's a ton of people! We're excited to get to work and watch God's hand among His children.
I'm really excited for General Conference. Last night at dinner the whole conversation was about how amazing it is to receive revelation while we watch and ponder about the things the prophets share with us. Just like Mom told me in her email, answers come as we listen and learn. I hope that each of you are able to give some time to listen to the Lord's servants. I know that God is always mindful of us and is diligently helping us to become better as we strive to help others become better. I don't have a ton of stories from this week but I know that prayer is a source of spiritual strength and direction. Trust the Lord. Have a great week. I love you all!
Elder Joshua Gathro