Tuesday - June 3, 2014

Today at the VC was a slow but an amazing day. We had a couple of experiences that are very cool. There is a Sister Kryran that has been serving in our Mission. She has come to the VC with several investigators. What I didn't know is that her Sister who is 18 months younger was also serving a Mission in the London Mission. They came out together and were MTC companions. They have only seen each other a couple of times in the past 18 months. Once to do a Temple session together, and at a fireside for a few minutes at the Hyde Park Chapel last year. So today they were given permission to meet and go home together. The London Mission Sister came early to do a Temple session with her sister and missed going on the same session. So she waited around to see her. I was able to get pics of them when they saw each other for the first time in almost a year. It was very touching. Tears were shed from all who witnessed this. They are now on their way home to Armenia. Their mother is a member but not their dad. Their mother said that when the girls get home they are going to the Helsinki Temple with her for her first time in the Temple. They are very excited.
That is experience one. Experience two happened a little while later after our shift was ending.
The morning was slow. We had only 6 visitors. While the other Sister's were on a chat, I was helping them locate the Mission President and the correct mission for one of their Skype investigators. The Sisters did a Skype with him a couple of days ago and we told him we would try to find members that are in his area of Russia to help him, and be closer, so he would have some support. A couple of weeks ago I had done a Skype lesson with Sister Phermsin and him as well. His name is Vadislav. He is from Usinsk, Russia. He came on as a chat with the Sister Missionaries. They have been doing Skype teaching with him for several weeks. now. The closes branch is about 300 miles from him. The Mission home is over 700 miles away. He is a golden contact. He has such a thirst for the gospel it is amazing. If he could, he would Skype with them daily. Well, I finally found out which Mission in Russia (Moscow) and who the Mission President was and was preparing to find the Mission home phone number. Then I would see if we could get permission to call the Mission and let them know who he is and if they could send the Missionaries or help us out some way. I had lots of these at Cove Fort so I knew how to do it. Well I had been thinking and praying that someone would be able to help us contact him. Just as our shift was ending a lady and her son came into the Centre. We asked her where she was from? Russia. I asked which mission in Russia? Moscow. I told her she was an answer to my prayers. Then the story gets better. She works for the Church and is the Secretary for all the area Missions in Russia. She even works for the Mission President I was going to call. She told me to e-mail her the information and she would personally make sure that Vadislav would be contacted. She assured me she had all the resources to do so. She is actually here to pick up her son that is serving in the London South Mission. This just gave me "Spirit Sparkles" Heavenly Father is truly involved in all of our lives. I just know that he knows Vadislav and wants him to be a part of this great work. I hope we hear the final outcome. I love serving and know Heavenly Father sent that sweet sister to us today.
I'll post pics later as they are on the VC camera.

May 18th

 

Sunday

 

Today the Aaronic priesthood young men spoke in sacrament to commemorate the aaronic priesthood restoration. I'm so impressed with the calibre of young men in this ward. They will make excellent missionaries. 

Tonight we had a fireside. President martin of the mission presidency spoke on the last eight days of the savior's life.He used video clips and scriptures. It was excellent.

We had several investigators there. One of them is Rex Holeman, who is being taught by the sisters. They have gotten me involved in his teaching a few times. It's been great teaching the gospel to investigators again. Another investigator is Chris. I went with the office elders to teach him. The elders met him on the street. He attended church services today and the fireside tonight. Some of the investigators we helped teach at the VC have ben baptized recently, and it's great to see how happy they are, and the change that has come over them.

A young man named Ronan came off the street. He has been wandering for about two years looking for a true religion. Some of the Temple workers found and brought him in to the VC. The Sisters taught him today and he wants to be baptized in two weeks. Apparently he found the thing he was looking for. The sisters are excited. The work really really is moving ahead as people are guided to us. one of our recent baptisms, Chris Is excited because his mom came to the fireside tonight, and wants to be baptized also 

    

Monday May 19

 

Today we took the train to London for P Day. After arriving in London, we caught the tube to the Museum of Natural History. We spent most of the day there looking at the exhibits. The building was magnificent, but the exhibits, although nice would be like the DI of Museum exhibits compared to what you would find in the US. We then caught a bus to the shopping area where Lynda tried to find clothing and shoes. For some reason she was unsuccessful in finding what she wanted, but it wasn't for the lack of trying. We then took the tube the wrong way trying to get to Victoria station, but corrected that after a couple of stops. Some very nice Britts laughing helped us get sorted out, and going the right way. It was a fun day in London. The food and atmosphere was absolutely marvelous. I'm continually impressed with how friendly everyone is here in England.

Each morning, I enjoy taking an early morning walk down a country lane behind our flat. Each day as the sun comes up with the mist on the meadows, the fresh morning air makes me come to life. I take my camera along in  case I could get some good shots. The Rabbits, birds, foxes, pheasants, deer other wildlife are all around, but with all the hedges and cover I seldom see them long enough for a shot.

 

Friday May 23

 

Yesterday was our 43rd anniversary. We made plans to go go dinner at the Duke's Head Pub, which was recommended by Emma Neal, after our shift at the VC. Things were really slow at the VC hardly any visitors. I took a few pictures around the temple grounds for our Face Book page, but only a few members came by. I'll be glad when we get back on the afternoon shift when there is more action. Tomorrow will be busy again since Saturdays are always busy. At about 5:30, we went to the Duke's Head for dinner and ordered Ribeye stakes. Dinner was excellent.

 

 

            Saturday May 24

 

Last night, we had a Young Adult Fireside, held at the VC. We had a capacity crowd in the theater of about eighty people. Our Firesides are so good and word is getting out, therefore our attendance is also growing. We have more folding chairs coming, and getting equipment of our own to broadcast in other rooms. Last night we had several speakers from the mission. some returned missionaries and some serving. They spoke on how their choice to serve a mission has changed their lives. We also had excellent vocal talent and instrumental renditions. Several Investigators were invited as well as Young Adults from around the area. All of those who spoke were excellent, but Elder Steven Patton really stood out. He is an assistant to the President.He has quite a story. He grew up in Wales in large city tenements, where there were gangs and thugs everywhere, He learned to fight and survive on the streets. He apparently became quite well known on the streets. He said that he began to feel strange promptings to seek after religion, although he cared or knew nothing about it. He went to a priest to talk about it and started attending church. One day he met the missionaries who taught him the gospel. He studied and read the Book of Mormon. He joined the Church, and soon left on a mission. He indicated that he has been on his mission longer than he had been a member of the church before he started serving. He is older than most missionaries, but a great leader and teacher. He will go far in the Church and his life i'm sure. He had an investigator, David along with his thirteen year old son there last night. David is getting baptized in two weeks. Elder Patton and his companion Elder Kopieska Just met him on the street a few weeks ago and brought him to the VC where we taught him. They were excited to get a Book of Mormon for Sam, his son and information for the mother. They are divorced, but after last night Sam wants his mom to know what they have found. I visited with Elder Patton, and learned that he goes home next week. I encouraged him to write his story. He promised me he would, but just hasn't had time yet. He said he just touched the surface tonight, but there is much to tell. I told David and Sam to come by the VC when ever they had questions or wanted to talk. 



Eder Patton

Capacity Crowd of Young Adults (about 80)

Sis. Miranda Stewart, a VC Missionary

Mark Lippart, a recently returned missionary, Sang and Spoke

Elder Kopieska , an AP

A great event, especially for those preparing for missions and investigators

I have heard this Elder play the Cello a Couple of times, and he is excellent.

              

 



 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

The Visitors' Centre Missionaries

Keion's mother had been having some challenges with him lately, so I took him over for a while. He's a great kid who is just bored out of his mind. He found out I was a science teacher......we became best buds exploring space on my I-Pad.

On the way home from our shift, we stopped off to watch a cricket match in progress just on the road home, about a half mile from the Temple. These matches are social events, taking up to six hours.

May 1, 2014 - Thursday.

We started the day by having a training meeting. I love them. They are always so good. We discussed  2 Nephi: 31. I always learn from those. I am so green in the gospel I feel. I love to hear the comments and what the scriptures mean.  The Centre was busier than yesterday. We had a big group come in from Stains Stake near Croydon. There were a couple of older sisters that were new converts - one only 4 weeks. They were there for the 1st time doing Baptisms. It was fun to visit with them and share in their excitement. A young man came in and asked if he could listen to the Christus. I could tell he had a weight on his shoulders. After he listen he just sat there, like - somebody help me. So I asked if he wanted to talk. He said no- then said yes. We listened to his concern. He came home early from his Mission in Armenia. He had been to the MTC for 3 months and 1 month into his Mission he said he felt like he was a hypocrite, for preaching repentance when he himself needed to take care of something. So he talked to his Mission President and was sent home. He has been meeting with his Bishop and Stake President and now needed to make a decision to stay home and get married or to go back on his Mission. He thought he may want to finish his mission but was confused when his Stake Pres. suggested that he should maybe get married. He thinks that three years is a long time to wait to start his new life. It would be at least 1 year before he could return to the Mission field and then 20 months on his Mission. I told him that it was between Him and The Lord. But whatever decision he made he should make it and then let The Lord fill in the gaps. He was confused also because he just broke up with his girlfriend. So he was not sure how that would work out. She needed space. We encouraged him to fast and pray about it. It was very hard to watch him go through this anguish. I could understand his situation personally. It was interesting, his Bishop came early for the Stain's baptism for some interviews, and they didn't show up. So he was able to counsel this young man. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of each of us and knows our needs personally. It was a very spiritual moment. We went through a session in the Temple today. I love this new movie. It really puts Heavenly Fathers plan into focus and easier to understand. I learn so much as I watch and can feel the emotions that the actors show.
John came again for his lesson tonight. He is still planning on being baptized. He told us about how he told his Mother he was getting baptized. She was disappointed at first but now gives him her blessing. She told him that when he was dedicated - kind of like baptized in their church- But they don't believe in infant baptism, anyway that he would be a great leader and example and many people would follow him in the Church. His mom said that has never been said in a dedication before or since. So she was a little disappointed that he wouldn't be a great leader in their Church. We told him it may have been something that needed to be said about him in This Church - He said I can't tell my mom that right now though. We laughed about it. It will be interesting to see what The Lord has in store for him.. We taught him the principle of Tithing and Fast offerings and fasting. He accepted it very well. It was another amazing night. I learn so much from the Sisters during these teaching sessions. The Lord sure has prepared them well.

May 2, 2014 - Friday

Today started out as a slow day. But whenever I get my scriptures out it seems like we get very busy. The Sisters needed to go get some dinner and there was a teaching appointment coming to the Centre. The appointment was late coming because of several accidents on the Highways.  MIke and I were asked if we would teach this sweet 65 year old sister. She had been a hairdresser and had retired. She had married later in life and had lost her husband after she had cared for him for almost 2 years following a series of strokes. She did not understand the Book of Mormon, and restoration. We started out by helping her understand the Temple and that she could possibly be sealed to her husband. She was quite touched. Then she asked how the Book of Mormon was really translated and came about. So Mike took her aside and taught her about Joseph Smith and the restoration. We then let her listen to Elder Christopherson's Testimony which takes place in the Sacred Grove. She gave me a big hug and thanked us for helping her. The Sister Missionaries that brought her needed to get back so we had to cut the teach short. She was very touched and even cried. Just as they were leaving she asked the Sisters if they could have a prayer. So they stood just outside the Centre and had a prayer. It was very touching. The Sisters tell us if an investigator cries that is the ultimate tour. So I guess we did alright.
There was a group from Reading that came to do Baptism. They brought 2 investigators with them. Sister Berati and I taught Josh and Sam. Sam was a 15 year old member and his friend Joshua was sort of interested. The other investigator was Carsign. He was a investigator that has been learning for almost 2 years now. The man who introduced him said he was a dry land Mormon. Sister Stewart and Maddocks taught him with the help of Elder Pinegar and Elder Cummings.
Now back to Josh and Sam. We talked to them a lot about the restoration and baptisms for the dead. Josh had a few questions about how the Church was brought back. So we explained the Apostasy. It was very fun for me because it was like teaching a History lesson so to speak. I then had Sam tell Josh why he believed the Church was true. He said he had been a member his whole life. That he learned the gospel in Primary and now he loves the association he has with the youth. He likes the activities. He never really expressed a testimony. So I explained to them how Joseph Smith also questioned. That they both needed to find out for themselves if the Church was true. To gain a testimony for themselves. Not just rely on their parents. I find that this is true almost everywhere of members who have grown up in the Church, me included, We all have to become converted and gain that testimony for ourselves. It was a very fun teach. We also talked about school and History. It told them about teaching about Tax Dollars. They said " Didn't you guys dump all the tea in the Harbor" I said yes. They said why would you do that. So I told them how I taught my students. They said ... Boy I wish we could learn History like that. Ours is so boring. I guess I still can teach. HaHa...
Elder and Sister Pinegar's daughter is here from Washington DC for a few days. It was so nice to meet her. We had a lady from Atlanta Georgia that wanted to get a Japaneese BOM so we waited for her.
It turned out to be a pretty busy day after all.

May 3, 2014 - Saturday

We knew that today would be a very busy day. The sun was shinning, the birds singing. A little chilly but a beautiful day. The people came in droves. I took lots of pictures for a video I am going to do. Now the Sisters call me Sister Pauperize. We had three teaching appointments plus a Ward came with 15 or so Primary Children for a visit to the Temple. The Centre was filled to capacity. Everyone wanted to watch a Movie. So the Theatre was booked most of the day.. at least on our shift. Sister Stewart and Maddocks had an investigator that 2 couples brought. Sister Phermsin and Jacob had a Chinese lady to teach. Sister Berati and I were given a man in a wheelchair to teach. He came with Elders Gunnell from Cache Valley, and Elder Etumba . His name was Adrian. He had quite the story. He had been abused as a child. Up to age 4 his father had broken both arms, both legs, and had some brain trauma. This abuse had continued from age 7 - about 15 once again. Then about 5 years ago he was diagnoised with MS, distonia, and Cerebral Palsy. He was hurting quite badly and when he needed to get a pillow to sit on it took all his energy just to get up with help. We thought he may even pass out. He was totally spent when he got back into the chair. We waited a few minutes for him to recover then continued. He was quite bitter, and frustrated. He had grown up as a Catholic, left that church, and went away from all religion for awhile. Then when he got sick he tried Witchcraft for awhile to try to heal himself. That didn't work so he joined the Methodist church and now is currently baptized a Baptist. The Missionaries met him on the Train and he wanted to know more. We were to teach him that Heavenly Father loved him and knew what he was going through. He wanted to just complain and tell us how much he was being abused by his bad neighbors. They have done damage to his flat and are trying everything to get him to move out. He won't because the hospital and government have helped make his flat so he can get around with his wheelchair. We tried being very positive with him. After we got him to listen to the Christus, I asked him what he learned from that. He said I need to love my neighbor. Then he went into again about his bad neighbors and their abuse. He said I just can't take it any more. They want me to kill myself so they don't have to be my neighbor anymore. It was very sad. I asked the Elders if they had ever suggested giving him a blessing? They hadn't so we mentioned it. I was a little worried how to state it so he didn't think it was like Witchcraft. The Elders had explained about the authority and he was ok with it. That he needed to have faith and he said he did. Elder Gunnell did the anointing and Elder Eutumba gave him one of the most beautiful blessings I have ever heard. It was as if Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were in the room with us. He told Adrian of the love they had for him. They told him that they were aware of his pain and suffering, of his problems and trials. Then Elder E said that Adrian would walk again. I know that this blessing was from Heavenly Father. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Adrian just broke down and sobbed. The Spirit was very strong. When we finished we took him back for Pictures that we do with all investigators and Elders or Sisters. He asked if he could stand for the picture. Unlike the first time, he had more strength, and it was still hard but did not tire him out. He was smiling and so happy. His whole countenance changed. They watched the movie "He is Risen" and listened to some of the Presidency testimonies. When he finally left he said. Sister I want you to know that when we were by the Christus and you were standing by me when I first came in. I felt a very warm feeling all through my body. Thank you for being there. It was an amazing experience. I'm so grateful that Sister Berati asked me to be her companion. She had a very special spirit about her. She got down on his level and I know he felt her testimony as well. The rest of the day was just as great. A little girl became my friend and I was able to take her picture by the Temple and e-mail it to her. She kept coming back into the Centre just to be by me and finally she gave me a hug and left. She was so shy, it was a fun spirit to spirit moment. She just glowed inside and out.
After we finish at the Centre we took a walk around the Temple grounds they are so beautiful with the bluebells, and other flowers and trees leafing out or in bloom. Then we headed home. As we went down the road , there was a cricket match being played. There is a Cricket field near where we live on West Park Road so we turned around and went over to watch it. Peter, the dad of one of the players, and a Cricket player himself, and his Father in law also a former Cricket Player (age 94) were there watching. They explained the game to us. They showed us a cricket paddle (willow stick) and the ball they use. There was one that had been left over the winter and was of no use so they gave it to us as a souvenir. It was fun to watch for a few minutes. The matches last about 5 hours. One team gets up and tries to make as many runs as they can until all 11 batters have gotten out. Then they all have Tea and cakes together. They are the expensive tea and cakes and sandwiches. Then the other team gets to bat. Sometimes they take water or juice breaks between overs. It is a very social and true English sport. The Visiting team had made 84 points. So the Lingfield team was trying to beat that score. We watched for about an hour and they had made 45 points at that time. They can score by hitting the ball outside the boundaries for 4 to 6 runs or by the two hitters running and changing places while the ball is being fielded, There was still at least another hour to play. So we left before Mike's head got sunburned.They will sometimes make up to 300 + runs per side. I kind of enjoyed it. When we got home Grant, Emma, and Sarah were outside. We told them we had been watching Cricket. They said, that is theee most boring game ever..... I made Popycock Popcorn and shared it with them. They both wanted the recipe. I guess it was a hit.  It was an awesome day.

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Today was a beautiful, busy Saturday. Two bus loads of Temple visitors came bright and early. They were excited to be at the temple.

 

 

 

 

April 29, 2014 - Tuesday
We have the late shift this week, so the morning is ours to do with whatever. Today we just relaxed until about 10:30 then went for a walk. We walked into the woods on the other side of the field from where we live. We saw several Holly trees. They are beautiful. I can't wait to see them this winter when I hope they will have the holly berries. I didn't know it takes them 6 years to bear holly berries. The bluebells were like a carpet under the trees. It was so beautiful. The Anderson's rode the Bluebell Express train and were disappointed, they hardly saw any bluebells and wished they had come with us instead. So we will see if we do that excursion or not. We picked up my letter from the Lingfield Surgery so I can now make my appointment with a Rheumatologist. I'm not looking forward to that. I have enjoyed not having to go to Dr's for awhile.
When we got to the Centre it was quiet. The afternoon went by quite quickly. It seems like whenever I get my scriptures out to do some marking people come into the Centre. Sister Jacob and Sister Phermsin had a teaching appointment and needed me to sit in on it. John, the investigator we were with yesterday was the appointment. He is the young man, who is the coach for the Bridgestock's grandsons football (soccer) team. He has been watching these young men and has had respect for this family for years. He was impressed that they wouldn't play games on Sunday and other things, like how they conducted themselves in games etc. Well he asked if he could come to Church and learn more about it. So the Missionaries have been teaching them for the past 6 weeks. We met him when we first got here. He is a very nice young man and we have seen how much he has changed. Today he wanted to hear the Plan of Salvation lesson again, he still had some questions about the Three degrees of glory. The Sisters are amazing, they really know how to explain things simply but with conviction so he understood. They just found out that even though he hasn't had the Word of Wisdom lesson or about tithing, chastity etc. He is already changing and is living it. He quit drinking and smoking several weeks ago. Shae, Bridgestocks MTC boy that just left spent many hours with him also explaining things to him. Well today after Sister P, told about her conversion it got real quiet. I turned to John and asked how he was feeling and if he had any questions or comments. He said yes. I can't stand it any longer. I want to be Baptized. I know it's true. I have prayed about it and I know the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, and I can't quit smiling. I know it is what I need to do. He told us about some health issues he had. He had a hole in his left lung. Occasionally some air would sneak through and cause his lung to collapse. He could still survive with his right lung but it would not be as comfortable or good as if he had both. Well the Doctors went in and he said glued his lung to his rib cage and fixed the holes so it won't ever collapse. He feels good now all the time. He said that not having the Gospel was like having a hole in his lung. He could live but he would not have the happiness and full life without it. Now he said my hole I was missing in life is being filled. He chose May 17th to be baptized. He had to wait until his boss came off holiday, because he wants to be at his baptism. His boss is not a member, and has really given John a hard time. But yesterday he asked him if he had made a decision about baptism and he said yes I am going to get baptized. Then when he asked if he could come it really took John back. He said you want to come, I thought you didn't like the Mormons' He said I don't not like them I just wanted you to be sure. He also has a friend that is Islam that asked if he could say something at John's baptism. He wanted to say how much he has seen John change in his countenance in the past 6 weeks. That should be an amazing baptism, I hope we are able to attend. He was just beaming. All of us are very excited for him. This was a very good day. We have been spiritually fed. Can I say again - I'm loving this Mission.  I know I am where I need to be at this time in my life.

Monday the 26th We went to Seven Sisters in Birling Gap on the English Channel.

We had a picnic and enjoyed a beautiful day with some of the Visitor Center Missionaries. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place.

A Busy Week

Mike

A Couple of days ago some of the temple missionaries and us took a trip Cambridge and toured the town. That is an interesting place I thought it was only one university, but it consists of more than thirty. Each with their own buildings and chapels. We also took a Punt tour, which is a boat with a young man on the back pushing with a pole. We got to see the sights from the Canal. It was awesome. Friday we went with some missionaries to Brighton on the shores of the English Chanel, we walked by the beach on our way to the Royal Theater where we watched the stage production of seven brides for seven brothers. They did a super job. As if we hadn't seen enough, your mom wanted to go to London yesterday, Saturday, so we caught the train into London, Then took a Double Decker, open topped tour buss all around London and saw everything, including Big Ben. We then hopped of and caught a bout tour of the Thames River where we saw more sights. The weather was good and we had a great time. We were glad to get home and rest. Today, Sunday 13th, we went to church in East Grinstead, where we heard Shay Kelley's missionary farewell talk....he lives here with Bridgestocks in their mini MTC. Then they had a luncheon for all of his friends to bid him farewell. It was a beautiful day. I sat outside with David Bridgestock just talking and getting sunburned , and watching the kids play. The missionaries from the temple grounds housing stopped and picked us up for a fireside in Crowley . Where Elder Herbertson and his wife talked. He is a member of the third quorum of seventy. Church leader had invited the mayor and a member of parliament and their wives to attend. Following the fireside, I was visiting with the Mission Pres. and his wife and introducing Lynda to the president's wife when the mayor and member of parliament came out of the chapel. The next thing I knew Lynda was visiting with the mayor's wife like they were best friends. That's just Lynda. We have tomorrow off also so who knows what we will do.

 

 

 

Tonight we just got back from a fireside with Elder Clifford T. Herbertson of the 3rd Quorum of the 70.  What a wonderful man, and an inspiration. His talk was on a "Perfect Brightness of Hope"  I loved his thoughts about how Hope is what keeps us going.  Hope is the peace and happiness we strive for, to live with Christ again.  Hope helps us to know we can be with our family again.  Hope also helps us overcome the challenges in life we have.  He encouraged us to leave a legacy of Hope for our families.  To remember the Atonement is there for us all no matter what our circumstances.  With Faith , Hope and Charity we can achieve anything. With Hope and Christ as our master, He can touch our lives and others around us.

After the Fireside I hadn't met our Mission Presidents Wife so we made our way over to her.  While we were visiting, the dignitaries from England that were there came by.  I was able to greet and shake hands with the Mayor of Crawley, who was all decked out in his official metal of authority and office and his wife the Mayorius. I also met a Lord and Lady of the county.  There was also a member of Parliament in attendance at the meeting.  One of the Elders visited with him and he gave him his e-mail to arrange a visit for the Senior Missionaries to go on a tour of Parliament in the House of Lords and Commons in Westminster Abbey. The Mayors wife apologized for not shaking my hand right away and then engaged me in a very interesting conversation about their "football" (soccer) leagues in England -That I should go watch the Women's league and perhaps root for Liverpool.  I told her about my granddaughters that played soccer and she was pleased that I had asked about their sport.  I can now say that I have hob nobbed with some royalty in England. What a fun night :)

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