December 29, 2014
RE: Letter 4 of 3
Dear Riley:
It was so good to hear your voice on Christmas, though the time on the phone seemed considerably shorter than 30 minutes. You sound great and seem happily engaged in the work. The interchange lifted our spirits and was the highlight of our day. Your mother was a woman obsessed, with intensity and anxiety over the possibility of missing the call from her missionary. For her, it was a soothing balm which made everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
I can't believe how time flies. Only a few more weeks until you are Thailand bound. We pray daily that you will be blessed with the gift of tongues, and that you will be well prepared as a powerful instrument in the hands of your Heavenly Father to move this great work forward. It appears the work in Thailand is just exploding. What an exciting time to be serving in this capacity. It wasn't long ago that the conversion rate was 1.4 converts per two missionaries, per two years. Now, if I understand correctly, the average is two converts, per month, per two missionaries. You are undoubtedly going to benefit from seeds of faith planted years ago by faithful missionaries who may have felt their efforts were relatively ineffective. Never underestimate the power of discipleship under the influence of the Spirit, fortified by exact obedience.
You may be wondering about the Christmas Comments from Sacrament meeting that your mother sent last week. She wanted you to have them and JP had requested them from me. Christmas day was nice, but not quite the break I had anticipated. I'm beginning to understand why Christ would occasionally leave the masses to go into the wilderness and be alone with His thoughts and His Heavenly Father. I'm feeling I need some wilderness time, right after I put out this latest fire...maybe.
Our Company dinner was held up at the Sundance Tree Room which I think is arguably the best food in the area. It was amazing! Good company, excellent service, exquisite food, and Robert Redford, though I passed right by him and didn't realize. H was quite moved by the whole experience and raved over it for several days. We enjoy the environment working together, and miss our Riley, who was a part of the work culture for a season. It would have been nice to have you with us for the occasion.
Yesterday was a good day. You may have heard through other sources that uncle J was called into a new Bishopric as a second counselor. We were able to attend the sustaining meeting, High Priest ordination, and setting apart. I find it interesting that now at my business we have three employees comprised of a Bishop, a second counselor, and a High councilor. J is a righteous and sensitive man who will serve with distinction in this calling. I look forward to the discussions we will undoubtedly have as we share our experiences from serving in our stewardships.
Well, it's a little past eight and I need to get moving. Just wanted to get this out to you and express my love and tell you how well pleased I am with your desire and worthiness to serve. You have already brought abundant blessings into our lives and we recognize God's hand and willingness to carry his missionaries and their families. Keep your chin up! There is no greater work on earth, and no greater source of happiness.
Love,
Dad
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