New convert says, "It's better than anything else you've ever felt."

This week we had more non members than members in church. excluding children under 8 there were 4 members and 5 non members. 4 came for the first time ever and 1 the second time. it made for in interesting testimony meeting. we shared our testimonies and 1 of the recent converts shared his testimony then I got up and shared another testimony briefly and finished the meeting.

The recent convert's name is Brother Avalos. He's about 40 years old and works in a brick yard. He was baptized a few months ago and has a powerful testimony. He shared with his friend the gospel and invited her to church saying that it is one of the best things you will ever see. the peace you can feel inside and the calm. It's better than anything else you've ever felt.

In church he shared his testimony by sharing his experience of his conversion. he was sitting outside and the missionaries passed by in front of his house. He said to God if those are your sons send them back here. They turned around and went to his house and asked if they could come in. He said sure. a few days later they gave him the book of mormon and he started to read it. He said he felt changes in his life. One day he told the 'brothers' (missionaries) that he wanted to stop smoking so they said a prayer for him and he didn't touch another cigarette since that day.

He is a great example of faith and is super excited. he has a vision. he says Brothers, this church needs to be full. We are excited for him and he is sharing the gospel with everyone he can. pray for him that he can get the aaronic priesthood as well.

We are now teaching his friend Maria and a girl named Rocio who is the niece of one of the members here. She lives in a farming village outside the city but came to visit her aunt for a few days and says she is planning on coming more often. she came to church and the activities every time she could. we are excited for her and hope she will be able to keep attending when she can from her house about 70 kilometers away.

we are also teaching a man named Ramon. We found him raking outside his house and we asked him for help to show us the house of a man nicknamed goat. He helped us out and then invited us in to share with him first. We were able to explain the restoration outside his 6 by 6 mud house and then invite him to read the book of mormon come to church and pray. he was very willing and showed up to church the next day. We are very excited for him too.

This gospel is very true and can touch the life of anyone. that includes mine and yours. I have felt that Christ is looking over us and I know that he can help to touch our hearts when we most need it.

A story in the Book of mormon has been on my mind Moroni lifted a title of liberty on a pole that said 'In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children' As the Nephites fought for those causes they were upheld by the Lord and were able to win their battles. Jesus is the Lord of hosts and the God of our fathers. He can help us fight our daily battles.

I invite you all to look more for him in your lives and I know that as you do you will find more peace and joy.

Elder Dallin Skouson