The Cummings Connection

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.