Examples can be very powerful. The gospel changes people!

This week we did divisions and I got put with a very new Elder. He has 3
weeks in the mission and had a very different view of the mission than I
did for sure. The first thing he does in companionship study is start
telling me how much he missed the MTC, I was thinking, yeah the food was
pretty good, but then he starts going off about how he liked one of the
sisters and was pretty sure she liked him. I am not sure why he tried to
bring that drama on the mission but I talked to the district leader who
talked with his trainer and him and they are working it out. One of his
friends from home who was here in this mission went home early for some
inappropriate things he was doing. His leaders told him about what happened
to his friend and he is now looking to improve a lot.

We were able to share a great lesson with some members in our area who are
going to church occasionally. We shared the story of Lehonti in Alma and
how he came down off the mountain, traded his relative safety for the
power of controlling an army and then was betrayed by the very man that
proposed the plot. We told the family no one wants to be Lehonti.  Keep all
the commandments even the slightest disobedience is taking you down
off the mountain a little. They understood quite well and now no one
wants to be a Lehonti.

We also have explained about how Oscar had stopped reading the Book of
Mormon for a few weeks and then fell back into drugs. They got the
picture very clearly and were able to apply it to their own life.

Examples when applied to us can be very powerful. If we are willing to
learn from the mistakes and successes of others we can avoid a lot of
time lost and possible painful experiences.

We are also really excited for Anselmo, one of our investigators. He
has been able to avoid hanging out with his friends that make him
drink for 3 weeks now, and is looking to get married and baptized. We
have been working with him and his wife for about 2 months now and
have seen some great changes in every part of their life---In their
relationship, their parenting, their overall happiness and their
dedication to the Lord. The gospel changes people! It's been great to
see their progress.

Sorry there are no pictures this week. 

Love,
Elder Dallin Skouson

Editor's note a few weeks ago we received this note from Elder Skouson's companion.  
Skousons, 

Your son is a great missionary. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and serve at his side. He has a great desire to serve the Lord, strives to have the spirit, and works hard. He is definitely one of a kind.

Elder Whiting

Yes, that made his mom very happy!!