The Power of the Priesthood

Hello to all!
I am low on time (only get an hour to read all the letters, write my mission president, and email out to people), but I want all of you to know that life is great here as a missionary. We are working hard and seeing the fruits of our labors slowly but surely. We have a baptism this week for Marilda, who is the sister of Miriam who got baptized about 1 month ago. She is progressing well, and because of the support and example of her sister and brother in law, she has gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and wants to follow the answer she received. It has been a great example to me of the power of the Book of Mormon, the Spirit is felt so strong as it is read. Read in it daily! You'll see the difference in your life, like I have seen in my own one.
We had District Conference this last Sunday, and we worked really hard all week aiming everything towards getting people there. Sunday morning comes along, and we saw miracle after miracle. Alex, the recent convert, turned down and opportunity of a lifetime to go to another city and compete in a big dance competition to go, and while there was interviewed and found worthy to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood! He also received his mission papers, and is excited for all the big changes he is making in his life. A few months back, he was, for lack of better words, a lost teenager, engulfed in major problems and temptations. Now, he is taking big steps towards being a future endowed member and missionary for the true church of God! The gospel works miracles, never lose faith in the converting power of the gospel! Many members that I have never even seen showed up, and we had a big turn out of investigators. It was a great week/day.
Also there, President and Hermana Madariaga came, along with Elder and Hermana Giovanni (Area 70). They talked a lot about the power of the priesthood, and their gratefulness for it being restored in these last days.  I was able to give a priesthood blessing this week to a child of a sick member, and I felt the Spirit so strongly. I love this church, this gospel, and the opportunity to not only live in the world during a time when the priesthood is on earth, but to be a member that church and holder of that very priesthood. Just like the song says, "I stand all amazed". We are a blessed people, so lets use those blessings to serve others, and magnify our priesthood. Love you guys, keep us in your prayers!
Until next week,
Elder Babcock