Baptisms...

Dear Family and Friends,

Opportunities are always around us to speak to others about the Savior and the Restored Gospel. Vicki has been back and forth to the laundry room today. I have to say I am very proud of her for her willingness to speak to others. She reported that a 36 y.o. lady from downstairs came up to do laundry while Vicki was working on ours. Vicki promptly took some choc. chip cookies and a pass-along card and gave them to her. They had a series of conversations from which Vicki learned that the lady is from Bulgaria. Apparently the US offers 15,000 green cards in a lottery every year. This lady put in for one 5 years ago and luckily got one. She now wants to become a US citizen. She learned to speak English by listening to songs and then translating them. Vicki says she speaks perfect English. When the lady came back to the laundry room she brought cheese cake in exchange for the cookies. We tried it for lunch. Vicki concluded that we probably traded up on the treats. Vicki asked if she'd like to learn about Jesus Christ coming to America. The lady responded that if she did, she would call Vicki. She said she grew up under Communism and has no knowledge of Jesus Christ, and no present desire to learn. I am not trying to protect this lady's name. She gave it to Vicki, but she says it was absolutely unpronounceable. So there's a little missionary effort for today . . . and the day is not yet over.

Sunday and Saturday were sweet days for the branch. On Saturday three baptisms took place, first since our arrival. On Sunday, their confirmations. One of them was hna. Cecilia Roman. Since we arrived in Kenosha, we have been accompanying the elders in their teaching appointments with Cecilia. On Sundays she usually has her grandchildren with her at church. They accompany her to meetings. We are their transportation most of the time. The granddaughter, Anahai is 9, and in my primary class. Angel, the extremely active grandson is 5, and in Vicki's class. Their mother Vanessa, we have met a few times and invited her to listen to the lessons. Her work schedule makes it almost impossible to meet with her. We encouraged hna. Cecilia to invite her family and friends to the baptism. When we picked up Cecilia on Saturday for the baptismal service, she had the grandchildren with her, but indicated that Vanessa and her other family that she invited had to work and would not be able to attend. She was obviously disappointed. We had taken the elders to the chapel at 11 AM to get the font filled and get things set up. Vicki and I had purchased a cake with congratulations and all three names on it in Spanish. Other branch members brought treats for afterwards. The second and third baptisms were hna. Dominga Morales, mother of hno. Emilio Aquino, who has been the elders quorum president. (On Sunday, hno. Aquino was sustained as the second counselor in the branch presidency.) Hna. Dominga is probably in her mid 70s I would guess. Her son German Aquino, hno. Emilio Aquino's younger brother, was the third baptism. German came from Mexico in January. He is probably in his mid 30s. The Sp. elders working in Racine taught Dominga and German. Elders who had previously taught hna. Cecilia, who now serve in Milwaukee (Wright & Kanahele), were given permission to come for the baptism. There was a lot of hugging and picture taking before the service got started. Actually it was delayed by about 20 minutes to allow for all this to happen and by the fact that the Sp. branch runs pretty much on "natural time," not on clock time. By then a goodly number had arrived for the service. Just as the WML got up to begin the service, Vanessa, hna. Cecilia's daughter came in. What a miracle! It was her first time to be inside the church. The baptizers were hno. Flores for Cecilia. The Flores family has been a wonderful fellowshipping family for her. Dominga was baptized by her son, hno. Aquino. German was baptized by Elder Cuevas, one of the Racine elders. It was a wonderful Spirit-filled occasion. There were at least two NMs present. I know they felt the Spirit. The talks given by branch members, and the special musical number by Elder Kanalele all added to the specialness of the service. Upon completion of the service, of course there was the celebrating with food and soda that is part of the experience. It was all very nice. The members made special efforts to greet Vanessa and welcome her. Hopefully she will open up to listen to the lessons. Hopefully also, she will allow Anahai to be baptized. She is ready now. She has her own scriptures, has been present for several of the lessons with her grandmother, and has attended church meetings many times. We will see if the divorced parents will give permission. Having Vanessa present was a big step towards that I think.

On Sunday, fast Sunday for us, because of last week's stake conference, the confirmation of hna. Cecilia and hna. Dominga took place. Hno. German had to work on Sunday, so hopefully next Sunday he will be confirmed. Cecilia was confirmed by hno. Flores. German was confirmed by hno. Aquino, and Dominga by her grandson, who is getting ready to turn in his mission papers. Very nice.

Looking back, things that can be improved including the missionaries taking time to make sure those performing he ordinances know how to do it properly. Also a dry-run with the investigators would be helpful. It was all new for all of them. The branch president was the coach to make sure things were done properly. Also, for whatever reason, the WML who conducted the baptismal service on Sat., was not invited to stand in the priesthood circle for the confirmations on Sun. Priesthood brethren are strengthened by having opportunities to use the priesthood. They need to be taught how to do it and included. Obviously that can improve.

Now we are faced with the next step for each of these new converts. The missionaries are all about baptizing them. The members need to be all about keeping those who get baptized. The missionaries will be involved with re-teaching the lessons for a time, then they should be on to teaching more investigators. Of course there are no branch missionaries to help with the transition, that is none except Vicki and me. So we will need to help the branch in the retaining process. The steps are the same for everybody. Get them to find some family names, and get them to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. Vicki and I can do that with each of them. But if we do not involve members in the process, what will happen when we go home? The same thing that has happened before we came. We want to be strengtheners, not enablers. We've had some experience with both. There is still much more work to do.

On Thursday we spent a good part of time having a medical procedure done. It was called a TEE (trans-esophageal echocardiogram). Something I've not had before, helpfully not again either, not that it was painful or anything like that. I'm just ready to be done with all the medical stuff. It is all really associated with the changing of doctors that our move here has necessitated. I think it is really good in the long run. A new set of eyes, a new brain processing the info, is not all bad. Because the new family dr. heard a heart murmur he referred me to the cardiologist. He ordered an echocardiogram to study the heart valves. Not being satisfied with the echocardiogram, he wanted a TEE to get a better, more defining look at my valves. In the end he was satisfied that there was nothing wrong that turning back time some 40 years would not fix for me. In all people as they age, changes take place in their temporal bodies. The valves which were at one time very thin and delicate have thickened some over time. They are still able to do their job adequately. I will not be able to use heart valve trouble as an excuse for not pressing on. I'm glad for that. We are not done with the medical visits yet. A colonoscopy has been scheduled for April fools day. It is just to follow up on the colon surgery from last year getting ready to serve our mission. I think the medical community sees us older people as profit centers to be worked to the extent that we can be worked. Nevertheless, we are grateful for good medical care. It is truly a blessing.

Something has been rattling in the back of the Pilot for the past couple of weeks. I finally checked it out and found that the bolts were coming out on the door latch. Trying to tighten them myself, I found that I'd have to get inside the plastic trim. I gave up and took the car over to a nearby body shop. The estimator checked it out and said they could fix it while I waited. He said he would estimate it for 1/2 hour work time, which would be about $30. I gave the okay to do it and he invited me into the waiting room. I picked up the Kenosha News and quickly glanced it over. I was just about to reach for the current issue of Sports Illustrated, and was looking forward to it, when the estimator came into the waiting room holding the keys out to me. He said it was ready to go. I was shocked and a little disappointed that my reading time was cut short. I reached for my wallet and he shook his head saying there was not charge. What a nice guy. What a nice place to do business. Hopefully we will not need (car) body work while we are here, but if we should, you know where we will take it. They know something about treating people right there. Actually we have found that people generally are like that here in the Midwest. They are friendly and quick to help. We are glad to be serving here.

Tomorrow will be our DTM (district training mtg.) We will get to recite some of the memorized things: the March scripture (D&C 123:12), our Missionary Purpose, the Standard of Truth . . . . It is good for me to memorize good things. I often find myself reciting things to myself in the quiet time before I drop off to sleep. Sometimes I drop off in the middle of something. Hope that's okay. The first part of the Standard of Truth says, "The standard of truth has been established . . ." I often think about what that should mean to me. The word "standard" has several definitions. One that I like is: "something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality." When I think of the true "standard of truth" being established by the restoration of the gospel, I then know that I have a true point of reference, real truth, for measuring all things against. That standard of truth does not change. What a powerful tool to have at my disposal. I am so very thankful to have that "standard of truth" to bless my life and protect me from the many imitations and perversions that exist. What an amazing thing to have the "standard of truth" regarding Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and His wonderful plan to bring His children back to him. I have no excuse for sitting on the sidelines and wondering what might be true or not true. I can know what is true! All I have to do is follow it faithfully. That's my testimony to each who reads this.

Love to each of you!

Charles & Vicki

Chicago Temple Trip

Saturday March 2, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Some of you may have noticed that there has been no letter for the past three weeks.  Others of you haven't noticed, and that's okay.  Just by way of explanation, I have been battling a sinus infection/cough, etc., and have not felt like writing letters.  For that I apologize, and resolve to repent and be a good boy again.  In other words, I am feeling much better and will get back into writing regularly. 

Sickness brings an appreciation for good medical care.  The move from Mesa to WI has, of course, necessitated a change in our insurance coverage and establishing new health care provider relationships.  We have been blessed to find a good primary care doctor.  Because of my recent past medical history the primary care doctor has asked me to also establish new relationships with certain specialists here.  That has also turned out well.  We feel good about the healthcare available to us here in Kenosha.  We expect to live on now, until we die. 

Yesterday was a remarkable day for us.  We have not been able to attend the temple since leaving home.  The temple was such a vital part of our lives before.  To not be able to attend for this long has indeed been painful.  Well, with our MP's permission and blessing, we went to the beautiful Chicago Temple yesterday.  What a wonderful day it was for us.  The 50 mile trip south on I-94 and on to I-294 to Glenview, a north Chicago suburb, was a bit of an experience in and of itself.  On our way out to WI we passed through IL and first experienced the Illinois Tollway.  Somehow, I had forgotten about them.  Be assured the Tollway is alive and well!  As we seldom carry any cash with us here, using our debit card for most every expense, we set off for the temple unprepared for the tolls.  We were not long on the freeway before the "Welcome to Illinois" sign appeared.  Shortly thereafter came the sign that advised us we were on a toll highway, and to prepare to stop and pay our toll.  I was about to panic.  There was no escape off the freeway, nothing to do but head on into the toll both and suffer the consequences.  Well, it turned out to not be as bad as expected.  The kind lady filled out a missed toll slip for us to go on line and make our payment there.  They give you 7 days to do so, and then they come after you I suppose.  We took care of that detail this morning, thankfully.  On the way home we were better prepared.   The toll each way was $2.80.  In fairness I must report that the toll highway was in excellent condition.  I suppose the funds to maintain the roadways are more available for toll highways.  In Chicago it is possible some of the funds go other directions I suppose.

The temple was absolutely wonderful.  It was one of the early small temples, built in 1985.  In 1989 it was enlarged and renovated.  Architecturally it looks very much like the Boise Temple.  We arrived at mid-afternoon, and there were almost no other patrons present.  We were royally welcomed.  One other couple was in the session we attended.  We were also able to participate in some sealings and some initiatory ordinances.  I cannot explain to others how much I love the temple, and being in the temple. The Holy Spirit always manifests Himself to me powerfully therein.  I feel Heavenly Father's great love for me whenever I am there.  The temple makes it possible for all Heavenly Father's children, who will prepare themselves as He requires, to attend and receive the wonderful blessings, the covenants and ordinances, that will allow each one to enter back into His and the Savior's holy presence.  Without what He freely gives us there, we cannot return to dwell with Him in the hereafter.  He forces no one to come, but He is constantly reaching out to us, hoping that we will choose to come to Him.  When we go to the temple we symbolically re-enter His presence.  I believe the experiences we have in the temple are intended to help us remember who we really are, and what it will really be like when we are prepared to return to Him.   They strengthen us and give us great hope and assurance for the future.  They sustain us in all that we face each day.

The temple does not rent the needed white clothing.  Missionaries do not generally take their temple clothes with them.  However, the temple is kindly prepared to provide the needed white clothing for missionaries.  For that we were very grateful.  Interestingly there is a Distribution Center attached to the temple.  It only handles the needed special clothing associated with the temple for the members in the area.  They can purchase whatever they need there.  It does not have any of the printed materials available however.  We learned as a side note that Deseret Book used to have a store nearby the temple.  It has been closed down in recent months however.  It is always interesting to see who you meet when you go to the temple.  President Coy Miskin, a counselor in the presidency, greeted us.  He and Sister Miskin are originally from Idaho Falls.  I asked if he had any Mesa relations.  He said he did.  I asked about Thayne Miskin.  Thayne is a first cousin to Pres. Miskin.   I have known Thayne for many years.  He was over Mesa Schools finances for many years when I was teaching in Mesa.  As we were preparing to leave the temple, a brother came to us and asked if we might know of an Elder Skinner who had served a mission in France in 1960, when this brother was serving there.  Well, it just happens that Uncle Halver's (Dad's brother) son Roger served in France at that time.  Anyway, the brother gave me his name and a little about himself to pass along to Roger.  Morgan called this morning to share Roger's phone and e-mail contact info.  It is a joy to have little connections happen when we are out and about in the world. 

This week Vicki received the materials to teach basic music skills, leading and keyboard, in the branch.  We met with the branch president and briefly explained the program.  We gave him a copy of an Ensign article about what it can do for a branch.  We now need to await his approval to move forward with it.  The program is meant to teach members he basic skills, and to also teach them how to teach others what they have learned.  That way the skills can theoretically be perpetuated in the branches. 

Next Saturday we have three baptisms scheduled in the branch.  One is the sister we have been accompanying the elders in teaching.  The other two are from Racine and are being taught by the Sp-elders who serve there.  Both cities are part of our branch.  Anyway, it will be wonderful to have these new people in the branch as members.  It is good to feel well enough again to be accompanying the elders in their teaching. 

Our little family in Elkhorn that is preparing to go to the temple are progressing well.  We had a wonderful lesson with them this week.  The Spirit is working upon them.  They will be ready when their date comes.  We assigned them to have a preliminary interview with the branch president this week if possible to see where they stand with their worthiness.  Tithing is always the most difficult commandment people struggle with.  If they only knew.  What a blessing to pay our tithing!

This weekend is stake conference.  We will receive the Sunday session by satellite from the stake center in Milwaukee.  Three units will be meeting together tomorrow in our building.  We will need to get there early with our elders and investigator and her grandchildren to have good seats.  Oh, I didn't report that with the last transfers, our elders were put on bikes.  We are their transportation much more than before.

Winter storm Rocky dropped a foot of moist, heavy snow on us this past week.  I noticed that all the snow plow drivers are happily fulfilling the measure of their creation.  This is the heaviest snow of the winter so far.  We are warm and comfortable and happy to be serving in WI. 

May you each be blessed in your labors and responsibilities.  May you feel Heavenly Father's love for you.  Blessings on you, each one!

Love,

Elder & Sister Skinner