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.
Sent from my iPad
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.
Sent from my iPad
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