An Email from a Bishop

Hey, My name is Bishop Rod HInck from the Richfield 8th Ward and I just wanted to say "thanks" to each of you for the fine sons you have sent to our area. I had been feeling like we needed the missionaries to speak, however, I had not met these two so I was unsure. Long story short, by "coincidence" (HA!! yea right!!!) they ended up in our ward yesterday. They both bore strong, sincere, and powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. It was awesome to hear my own family tell me WHO they liked better. Since the vote was split pretty evenly I could tell the Spirit did the teaching from both their powerful witnesses. I turned to my councilors and the end and said, "My kid could make the game winning shot, field goal, or whatever to win the National, State, or World Championship and it would never compare to if they could do THAT (referring to their ability to teach and testify). I also had been praying for a Spiritual experience for my wife. She's not struggling with anything in particular, I just feel that as a Bishop I get more opportunities to see the Lord at work (at least in variety and situations). I just wanted her to have an experience like I was having. Another "coincidence" later, she ends up at a home helping your sons teach the gospel. Now, she is a GREAT Mom who stays plenty busy with a million things, but some time just opened up that day. What an experience she had. She's a real quiet lady who couldn't say enough about what she experienced!! Again a tribute to the spirit and power that your sons have. As a Bishop I've had some experiences with missionaries here in our area and all have not been positive. I do not write letters or e-mails; but what I felt yesterday deserved this one. If I could hear my son bear that testimony with that much conviction and power, I would feel like the most blessed man on earth knowing that at least at one point in their life, no matter what the trials or challenges they faced, there was a FIRM and SOLID anchor to the gospel. You should feel equally as proud and blessed. God Bless your sons, other children, and families for your sons blessing mine. With all my heart - "THANK-YOU!" Rod Hinck