This week has been really great. I am sorry that I run out of things to say. I wish I could even remember the things about the place I am, let alone the activities that happen. Everything turns into a gloop when I sit down at the computer, and I wonder what I should share.
Anyway, it has been a great week. C***** is progressing towards baptism on the 23rd. She is so ready and so excited. She paid Tithing at church on Sunday, and then yesterday she had a huge happening in her business that will cause her to be able to work even better. I know that Heavenly Father blesses us when we do what is right. It really helps us be able to contribute more in His kingdom. C**** is doing very well and coming into the church gracefully. I have really enjoyed the studies this week, as I have learned how to better be able to answer people's questions and help myself more.
We are going to go through some tunnels that are in the city now, so I have to get going so they don't leave us. Please help us by praying for us and one of the people we have been working with. Her name is R****. She was baptized a couple of months ago, but has gone missing. We really can't find her and have been searching and calling everywhere.
I want you all to know how much God blesses us when we do what He asks and how much He loves us. Being a missionary is a unique opportunity to see what God can see at times and to pull ourselves into deeper discipleship. Next week, I will make sure to keep a better detailed account of my days so I can share in a more organized manner. I love you all!
Elder Davies
Current Mission Address
Mission Office Address
England Manchester Mission
Springwood, Ste G5
Booths Park, Knutsford, WA168QZ
ENGLAND
Connah's Quay
WALES
England Manchester Mission
Springwood, Ste G5
Booths Park, Knutsford, WA168QZ
ENGLAND
Current Physical Address
2 Golftyn DriveConnah's Quay
WALES
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
August 6, 2008
Hello from rainy Liverpool. Is everyone sure it is August? Maybe we could let England know somehow. I hope that whoever is praying for rain is really enjoying their answered prayers. Teasing aside, it has been quite humid and rainy, and then at other times quite humid and hot. It can change even faster than the weather in Utah. The clouds move so fast.
Today was transfers, another six weeks come and gone!!! By the end of this next transfer, I will roughly have 12 months left on my mission. Scary!! Elder Morrow and I have stayed in Liverpool together. Not many changes around the mission, and especially within our district. Only Elder Fullerton left, with Elder Wheat coming in. Transfers are a time when we are certain to see God's hand. I know that whatever happens, will always be for my good, if I let it. Heavenly Father wants me to learn things, and I will, if I follow Him. I guess these are things that are common to every situation in life, and I am probably just being prepared for the future. Whatever He wants!
I have been taking some more driving lessons this week, which continue to drain my bank account. I am doing well, but the test centre is so packed, I have to wait for six more weeks. Those are lessons that aren't needed. I think I will just stop taking them, and hopefully get some practice in some way.
We also did some service at the P******'s. They continue to be a great help and support to us, so we were happy to do some service at their home. They were getting updated food storage, which has really been pushed in England lately, along with 72-hour packs. I wonder what is going to happen in the next 6 months? Exciting!!!
Sacrament on Sunday was really great, besides the fact that none of our investigators came. I always love Church and especially Fast Sundays. Living outside of Utah helps us hear some great stories, especially conversion stories, from the pulpit. The gospel has to be a huge part of people's lives here for them to survive in the church. That can be why getting people baptized and committed for life can be difficult. I feel for the people of England.
On monday we were able to have a FHE with some members. Elder Morrow prepared a great Gospel Jeopardy game, and I felt like I was back in the days of Seminary. Good times!
On the Investigator front, things have seemed to slow down. Many people have been unavaliable or out of town. C***** is doing well, just trying to make that transition. She has been off cigarettes, or cigi's as they call them here, for a week. She has a fake one that she has to put to her mouth for the habit, but she is doing it. She will be a great support to the church. She has so much fire and determination. We hope to see her baptized in the next two or three weeks. We taught a former investigator named J**** yesterday. She has been taught for a long time, and was wondering what happened to the Elders. She is very old, and has had a hard time keeping the Word of Wisdom and grasping the gospel subjects. We were hoping to give her a couple of lessons to see if it was her time to start living the commandments. We started to explain why God would ask her to give those things up. Nothing was working. We then tried to give her a bigger perspective of it all. Elder Morrow handed her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet. She started reading, and just completely forgot about us. We watched her for quite a while, and she suddenly got very excited. She could only say 'Wow'. She was so excited. She said that it just made everything fit together for her. We hope that she was grasping it. She loved it and was so grateful and couldn't wait to see us again. We are going to go by on Friday, and we will see what kind of reaction we get.
In our ward is a wonderful family with three kids named the R******'s. The husband is from Ecuador and the wife from Spain. Their kids are adorable, and they have a brand new one, which I want to hold sooooo badly. It reminded me of the new little ones I will see one day.
Spiritual thought is from Ether 12:32-33. Why did Christ suffer and die for us? Why did he humble himself to an Earthly state from a Heavenly Throne? Why did he subject himself and suffer himself to the voice, opinions, and 'powers' of mortal kings and rulers? And allow Himself to be slain for all people, an infinite atonement to satisfy the demands of justice? We learn from Ether the answer. Such that he could prepare a place for us, even a house among the Mansions of the Father. For this he did all of that.
I love you all and rejoice in the reality of the gospel. Thank you for your constant love and support.
Elder Davies
Today was transfers, another six weeks come and gone!!! By the end of this next transfer, I will roughly have 12 months left on my mission. Scary!! Elder Morrow and I have stayed in Liverpool together. Not many changes around the mission, and especially within our district. Only Elder Fullerton left, with Elder Wheat coming in. Transfers are a time when we are certain to see God's hand. I know that whatever happens, will always be for my good, if I let it. Heavenly Father wants me to learn things, and I will, if I follow Him. I guess these are things that are common to every situation in life, and I am probably just being prepared for the future. Whatever He wants!
I have been taking some more driving lessons this week, which continue to drain my bank account. I am doing well, but the test centre is so packed, I have to wait for six more weeks. Those are lessons that aren't needed. I think I will just stop taking them, and hopefully get some practice in some way.
We also did some service at the P******'s. They continue to be a great help and support to us, so we were happy to do some service at their home. They were getting updated food storage, which has really been pushed in England lately, along with 72-hour packs. I wonder what is going to happen in the next 6 months? Exciting!!!
Sacrament on Sunday was really great, besides the fact that none of our investigators came. I always love Church and especially Fast Sundays. Living outside of Utah helps us hear some great stories, especially conversion stories, from the pulpit. The gospel has to be a huge part of people's lives here for them to survive in the church. That can be why getting people baptized and committed for life can be difficult. I feel for the people of England.
On monday we were able to have a FHE with some members. Elder Morrow prepared a great Gospel Jeopardy game, and I felt like I was back in the days of Seminary. Good times!
On the Investigator front, things have seemed to slow down. Many people have been unavaliable or out of town. C***** is doing well, just trying to make that transition. She has been off cigarettes, or cigi's as they call them here, for a week. She has a fake one that she has to put to her mouth for the habit, but she is doing it. She will be a great support to the church. She has so much fire and determination. We hope to see her baptized in the next two or three weeks. We taught a former investigator named J**** yesterday. She has been taught for a long time, and was wondering what happened to the Elders. She is very old, and has had a hard time keeping the Word of Wisdom and grasping the gospel subjects. We were hoping to give her a couple of lessons to see if it was her time to start living the commandments. We started to explain why God would ask her to give those things up. Nothing was working. We then tried to give her a bigger perspective of it all. Elder Morrow handed her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet. She started reading, and just completely forgot about us. We watched her for quite a while, and she suddenly got very excited. She could only say 'Wow'. She was so excited. She said that it just made everything fit together for her. We hope that she was grasping it. She loved it and was so grateful and couldn't wait to see us again. We are going to go by on Friday, and we will see what kind of reaction we get.
In our ward is a wonderful family with three kids named the R******'s. The husband is from Ecuador and the wife from Spain. Their kids are adorable, and they have a brand new one, which I want to hold sooooo badly. It reminded me of the new little ones I will see one day.
Spiritual thought is from Ether 12:32-33. Why did Christ suffer and die for us? Why did he humble himself to an Earthly state from a Heavenly Throne? Why did he subject himself and suffer himself to the voice, opinions, and 'powers' of mortal kings and rulers? And allow Himself to be slain for all people, an infinite atonement to satisfy the demands of justice? We learn from Ether the answer. Such that he could prepare a place for us, even a house among the Mansions of the Father. For this he did all of that.
I love you all and rejoice in the reality of the gospel. Thank you for your constant love and support.
Elder Davies
July 30, 2008
What a wonderful week it has been. Especially full of great studies. Now don't ask me to remember all of them. You should be glad to know that Cheryl is donig very well. She cancelled many things on us this weekend and we were getting a bit worried. But we were at her house yesterday and she was very excited about the Law of Tithing. This is an elect woman. I know it! I just hope she does too.
One of my studies this week was on the History of the church in England. It is very powerful and the miracles that happened in this country to keep the church alive in America are a true testament to God's great work. It played a great role. Now, England seems to be struggling a little bit. We need to progress them faster.
N*** is leaving this Saturday to live with his brother in Australia for a month. His brother is a member, so N*** should be able to live all of the commandments while he is there. We will see if he can keep the things going when he gets back.
We got to go bowling today, and I was working really hard not to try to hard. Everyone knows how competitive I am, so I decided to mess around a bit. It was still a lot of fun!
We have found some new investigators which has been great. We will have to sift through some, but there are some promising ones.
I am very sorry this is so short, but I will leave you with something that I almost forgot about, and something you wish you wouldn't have missed. We had a ward talent show on Saturday. Of course, the Elders had to do something stupid. So the six of us in the ward got together and performed "Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton. You can only imagine!
Elder Davies
One of my studies this week was on the History of the church in England. It is very powerful and the miracles that happened in this country to keep the church alive in America are a true testament to God's great work. It played a great role. Now, England seems to be struggling a little bit. We need to progress them faster.
N*** is leaving this Saturday to live with his brother in Australia for a month. His brother is a member, so N*** should be able to live all of the commandments while he is there. We will see if he can keep the things going when he gets back.
We got to go bowling today, and I was working really hard not to try to hard. Everyone knows how competitive I am, so I decided to mess around a bit. It was still a lot of fun!
We have found some new investigators which has been great. We will have to sift through some, but there are some promising ones.
I am very sorry this is so short, but I will leave you with something that I almost forgot about, and something you wish you wouldn't have missed. We had a ward talent show on Saturday. Of course, the Elders had to do something stupid. So the six of us in the ward got together and performed "Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton. You can only imagine!
Elder Davies
July 23, 2008
Great to hear from many of you this week! Thank you for that. I hope this e-mail finds you to be enjoying life and the gospel. I love the words of the brethren and how much effort and time they put into our well being and keeping us on the gospel path. We may not have all of the answers, but we always know exactly where to find them.
We have had another great week in Liverpool. We had a Baptism on Saturday! C**** was baptized by her friend, P****, whom referred her to the missionaries. She has progressed rather quickly and overcome her fears of water. She has a testimony of the gospel, especially Joseph Smith and prayer. Member referrals are the greatest. While on the Recent Convert front, we have been trying to track down the new member that was baptized last transfer. She has been moving and switching phone numbers a lot, so it is hard to keep up with her. We dont think she is doing it to get away from the church, just trying to get into an area she isn't scared of. We have had a lot of help from a ward member here named S******* P*****. She has been fellowshipping with us a lot, and just provides a great anchor for new members and investigators. She really understands her role as a member of the church. I love it.
One of our investigators, named C*****, who she has been working a lot with is progressing very nicely. I think I have told you about her. She is still just trying to give up smoking. She has only smoked once this week, and is all our of cigarettes. She has to quit smoking by today if she wants to keep her baptismal date, which she does. She is so excited to be baptized, and I am amazed at her faith. She has already started to share the gospel with people around her. We really need her to stop smoking today, so please pray for her. That is C***** A*******.
We had a great experince this week with a new investigator. We had a media referral that was from months ago. We called and set up a time, he said to come by between 12 and 2. We got there about 12:30, but no one answered in his flat. Before we had left for the day, we looked at what PMG said to do with Media Referrals. One of the suggestions was to try by on the neighbors and stuff, because maybe that was why we had been led to that area. So, we did it. We rang all of the flats within the building that he lived. None of them answered . . . until the last one. A man came to the door looking very tired and not exactly excited to see us. We asked him if he knew the person we were looking for and he said he had never heard of him. We looked at the post in the flat, and it said a different name. So we started to talk to this man. Come to find out, he works a lot and we had just woken him up. He only has time to sleep during the afternoons. He is home between the hours of 11-3, which makes our scheduled appointment between the hours of 12-2 quite convenient. Heavenly Father even gave us a little bit of room for tardiness. Well, we asked this man if we could share a message with him for 10 minutes. He said that he had no belief in God or Jesus Christ, but that we could come in. We shared the Plan of Salvation with him, and he started to really consider the likelihood of a God. He gave us a return appointment for Sunday, but before we left he saw the Book of Mormon on the back of the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and asked about the Book. We told him a little bit about it, and he expressed an interest in it. We gave him one, and he was very grateful. We hope to have our appointment on Sunday and follow-up with him how everything went. Yay for Preach My Gospel. Sometimes we have fears of relying upon anything besides ourselves. The realm of the unknown. But with something from God, like PMG, it isn't the unknown. We can rely on it. It is there for that, which is great in a world of the unknown!
I am not quite sure what else to tell you. If there is anything specific, let me know, and I can answer questions in later e-mails.
Liverpool is great. There are 2 Marriot hotels here! I thought that was crazy. Also, the city is going through a lot of exciting times this year, because it is the European Capital of Culture for 2008.
I don't know a whole lot, and continue to feel that way the more I learn, but I do know this. God has Prophets on the world today, and His Authority rest with those men. Their purpose is to guide and direct our lives, often times on behalf of God. If anyone has questions, search the scriptures, both ancient and modern, and apply the principles in your life. You will understand and grow in Testimony and Faith. I know this. I love you all and fully appreciate all of the support and love I receive from you.
Thank you,
Elder Davies
We have had another great week in Liverpool. We had a Baptism on Saturday! C**** was baptized by her friend, P****, whom referred her to the missionaries. She has progressed rather quickly and overcome her fears of water. She has a testimony of the gospel, especially Joseph Smith and prayer. Member referrals are the greatest. While on the Recent Convert front, we have been trying to track down the new member that was baptized last transfer. She has been moving and switching phone numbers a lot, so it is hard to keep up with her. We dont think she is doing it to get away from the church, just trying to get into an area she isn't scared of. We have had a lot of help from a ward member here named S******* P*****. She has been fellowshipping with us a lot, and just provides a great anchor for new members and investigators. She really understands her role as a member of the church. I love it.
One of our investigators, named C*****, who she has been working a lot with is progressing very nicely. I think I have told you about her. She is still just trying to give up smoking. She has only smoked once this week, and is all our of cigarettes. She has to quit smoking by today if she wants to keep her baptismal date, which she does. She is so excited to be baptized, and I am amazed at her faith. She has already started to share the gospel with people around her. We really need her to stop smoking today, so please pray for her. That is C***** A*******.
We had a great experince this week with a new investigator. We had a media referral that was from months ago. We called and set up a time, he said to come by between 12 and 2. We got there about 12:30, but no one answered in his flat. Before we had left for the day, we looked at what PMG said to do with Media Referrals. One of the suggestions was to try by on the neighbors and stuff, because maybe that was why we had been led to that area. So, we did it. We rang all of the flats within the building that he lived. None of them answered . . . until the last one. A man came to the door looking very tired and not exactly excited to see us. We asked him if he knew the person we were looking for and he said he had never heard of him. We looked at the post in the flat, and it said a different name. So we started to talk to this man. Come to find out, he works a lot and we had just woken him up. He only has time to sleep during the afternoons. He is home between the hours of 11-3, which makes our scheduled appointment between the hours of 12-2 quite convenient. Heavenly Father even gave us a little bit of room for tardiness. Well, we asked this man if we could share a message with him for 10 minutes. He said that he had no belief in God or Jesus Christ, but that we could come in. We shared the Plan of Salvation with him, and he started to really consider the likelihood of a God. He gave us a return appointment for Sunday, but before we left he saw the Book of Mormon on the back of the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and asked about the Book. We told him a little bit about it, and he expressed an interest in it. We gave him one, and he was very grateful. We hope to have our appointment on Sunday and follow-up with him how everything went. Yay for Preach My Gospel. Sometimes we have fears of relying upon anything besides ourselves. The realm of the unknown. But with something from God, like PMG, it isn't the unknown. We can rely on it. It is there for that, which is great in a world of the unknown!
I am not quite sure what else to tell you. If there is anything specific, let me know, and I can answer questions in later e-mails.
Liverpool is great. There are 2 Marriot hotels here! I thought that was crazy. Also, the city is going through a lot of exciting times this year, because it is the European Capital of Culture for 2008.
I don't know a whole lot, and continue to feel that way the more I learn, but I do know this. God has Prophets on the world today, and His Authority rest with those men. Their purpose is to guide and direct our lives, often times on behalf of God. If anyone has questions, search the scriptures, both ancient and modern, and apply the principles in your life. You will understand and grow in Testimony and Faith. I know this. I love you all and fully appreciate all of the support and love I receive from you.
Thank you,
Elder Davies
July 16, 2008
I am doing very good this week. Liverpool has some beautiful sights and I saw one last night. We were heading home on a bus from a place pretty far away, so we were able to have some time to look around. The moon was out and it was huge! The sky had some great color to it and it was wonderful to see it all. It wasn't as noticeable in the city, though. Liverpool has some attractions that our family would love. One of them being the Empire Theatre. I can't remember if I told you last week, but the Wiz is going to play there soon. Right now it is . . . Cabaret. Needless to say, President turned down my petition to attend on P-day! They also have a new Barry Manilow musical coming out called "Can't Smile Without You". Sounds good.
While sitting in lessons this week I noticed something very apparent. Mom should teach in the MTC about an atmosphere in a lesson. Our mother is very, very good at just making everyone feel great. And then her testimony of the gospel would be the clincher. A great Mission President and Mission Mom our Dad and Mum would make. They could even switch roles some days while Mom prepared the lesson and Dad cooked! A great vision!
Zone Conference was wonderful. I know I am going to like the Bullocks. Sister Bullock is just wonderful and reminds me a lot of you, Mom. I can just feel her love for the people around her. They brought a lot of love from the Twelve and the First Presidency, who they spent a lot of time with. The Brethren put a lot of effort into missionary work. And they are very positive about the future of Britain. He was a CEO of three financial companies. Born in Boise and raised in Colorado. Sister Bullock was born in American Fork and grew up in Salt Lake City of course! They both love Gardening and helping out in the community. They have 5 kids(4 boys and 1 girl). Three of their boys have been to the Brazil mission. One of the boys is going on his mission soon at will be at BYU this Fall. Look out for him Tay! Their daughter is 16 and came with them. She seems to have a great attitude about it, but we haven't met her yet. The future of this mission looks very positive!
How blessed we are to have a prophet on the Earth today to lead and guide us through basically any question. And to have such a power in the Book of Mormon. I love it. I am so grateful for the example that all of you are to me of a dedicated and loving Latter-Day Saint.
Sorry that this is a bit shorter. I love you all.
Elder Davies
While sitting in lessons this week I noticed something very apparent. Mom should teach in the MTC about an atmosphere in a lesson. Our mother is very, very good at just making everyone feel great. And then her testimony of the gospel would be the clincher. A great Mission President and Mission Mom our Dad and Mum would make. They could even switch roles some days while Mom prepared the lesson and Dad cooked! A great vision!
Zone Conference was wonderful. I know I am going to like the Bullocks. Sister Bullock is just wonderful and reminds me a lot of you, Mom. I can just feel her love for the people around her. They brought a lot of love from the Twelve and the First Presidency, who they spent a lot of time with. The Brethren put a lot of effort into missionary work. And they are very positive about the future of Britain. He was a CEO of three financial companies. Born in Boise and raised in Colorado. Sister Bullock was born in American Fork and grew up in Salt Lake City of course! They both love Gardening and helping out in the community. They have 5 kids(4 boys and 1 girl). Three of their boys have been to the Brazil mission. One of the boys is going on his mission soon at will be at BYU this Fall. Look out for him Tay! Their daughter is 16 and came with them. She seems to have a great attitude about it, but we haven't met her yet. The future of this mission looks very positive!
How blessed we are to have a prophet on the Earth today to lead and guide us through basically any question. And to have such a power in the Book of Mormon. I love it. I am so grateful for the example that all of you are to me of a dedicated and loving Latter-Day Saint.
Sorry that this is a bit shorter. I love you all.
Elder Davies
July 9, 2008
According to our investigator K*******, congratulations to us beating the Aliens on July 4th. She honestlly didn't know that it was against Britain, but that could be some persuasion from adults around her not wanting to admit that they lost. Who knows? We celebrated it by being invited over the the P*****'s. They are a mother and a daughter who love missionaries and help us out so much. They are so great and rooted in the gospel. There are a lot of people who help us out a lot and I know that God loves and blesses them. Another one of those families is P**** and K*******. P**** was recently re-baptized (long story) and K******* is his neice whom he lives with along with his sister (K********'s mom). K******** is to be baptized soon, but we are still working on softening the mom's heart. They feed us whenever we are over to teach a lesson and they are a great help to us. P**** has a friend named C***** who has been investigating for the last couple of months. I can't remember if I had told you about her yet. We committed her for baptism for July 19th and overviewed the commandments and everything yesterday and everything is a go. We are excited for this and she really is a great lady who has found her faith in Christ again. She is in her 50's and P****'s friend. She loves the gospel and is dedicated to it!
On Sunday we got to have tea at the Ward Mission Leader's home. His name is Brother B***. His family is great. His wife is blind, and he takes such good care of her. He loves the missionary work and is very excited about getting things going. AND he makes some amazing food. Roast Dinner!! Man, that has got to be the first thing we have when I get back! Speaking of, if you come get me, we need to go to Liverpool. It is the coolest city, especially for a family like ours. you can't spend days in it like NYC, but I like the tourist part of it. The people seem to be really nice too.
This weekend we worked with something the Public affairs department of the church has been doing. It is called family history on the road. Elder and Sister Hull go all around the UK and bring a huge database of names with them. We volunteered to help and saw some missionary opportunites out of it. They had a really good turnout in Liverpool and I heard that there were so much opposition, but they really turned to the Lord and he made it all work out. They really did all they could, but Heavenly Father worked things that we couldn't even touch. It was amazing! I love miracles and the faith that people in the church have.
We have a Zone Conference tomorrow and I get to meet the new President for the first time. I really don't know him at all, but the Assistants tell me that he likes to work closely with his missionaries, which President Jacobsen didn't do as much. I am excited to meet him and see how things go. Our Conference is in Chorley, so we get to go up to the temple again, which is always a joy. We are so blessed to have one in our mission!
We just had an amazing lesson with an investigator named C*****. She was being taught by the Elders in Crosby (the area just above ours), but she was moved to us because thier ward is struggling and our ward is great. I have always served in strong wards, except Birkenhead, which wasn't long. Speaking of Birkenhead, when we are on hills, I can see over the mersey to my old grounds. Back to the story . . . She is so amazing! Our ward has latched onto her and she will need it. She came to church and knew this was something she needed to do. She gained a witness in front of my eyes about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. We dated her for the 19th, but Satan has thrown some opposition, so we might have to move her to the 2nd of August. With it being so quick, we needed to teach her the commandments as the second lesson. I was a little hesitant to do so, because we usually teach the foundation first, but she was great. She likes to move quick. She wanted baptism as soon as possible and she is going to commit to live the commandments. She sets her mind to something and does it. She owns her own business at 24 years old and is a very impressive person. She wants to put everything she has into this. She has to give up almost everything on the list of WoW, though not anything too bad. Also, she lives with her boyfriend, which she says in no problem, she doesn't see it going anywhere anyway. We just rattled off commandments and she was WRITING THEM DOWN and the scriptures we used. She knows it will be hard, but man does this woman have faith! A gift of the spirit. When she found that the Restoration is true, I asked her what she thought she should do next now that she knows. I was expecting Baptism or something like that, but she went further. She said "Share it". She also noticed how people in the church can take this for granted. She is so genuine! I hope this all works out for her. Pray for C*****!
I am learning some more things about the Atonement. Many people just think it is to wipe away sins. But church members understand it to mean that we have help though trials, sicknesses, temptations, etc. It is the power behind miracles. I am sure that it goes even deeper, but I have seen another side that I am beginning to understand a little more. It has lifting power. I have always believed in God and Christ and the power of the Atonement to cleanse me and help me through trials, but it is for the times when we are trying to improve also. People can lose faith in themselves sometimes, but still profess to have faith in God and Christ. This cannot be, for if you have faith in Them and what They do, you understand that they have not destined you to fail, and They can lift you up to a new level. It is the power to change. For example as a missionary we feel the power of the atonement, as we try to improve ourselves. It is not of our own power. We put our faith in God and we can suddenly do things we were not able to do, I guess this ties into Ether 12:27. And it is the backbone of the plan. God did not just provide his Son for us to be clean, but for the ultimate goal, for us to be perfect! One can be clean without being perfect. The Atonement helps us eliminate the weight holding us down from protection one little piece at a time, and then we still rely upon the Grace of Christ. Something I learned about the Atonement. I know it is in the scriptures somewhere, but I will have to research that better.
We have been doing service at a place called Habitat for Humanity. We work on building houses for poor people. The work is slow and some volunteers aren't very serious, but it is fun to get into the building business again. Elder Morrow is a hard and fast worker, so we get some good stuff done!
I realize that I haven't told you much about the area, just that it is cool and good. I have trouble wrapping my mind around those things which I notice, but don't really tell you. Our area is huge and six of us serve throughout it, which is unusual. We don't have set areas between the six elders of the ward. So we go into the city a lot, and also take 90 minute bus rides to the outskirts. It sounds like a long time, but would probably only take 15 minutes in a car.
That is probably about it for this week. I have felt the divinity of the work, and grow to love the gospel more and more. I love you all and appreciate your help. Please pray for us.
Elder Davies
On Sunday we got to have tea at the Ward Mission Leader's home. His name is Brother B***. His family is great. His wife is blind, and he takes such good care of her. He loves the missionary work and is very excited about getting things going. AND he makes some amazing food. Roast Dinner!! Man, that has got to be the first thing we have when I get back! Speaking of, if you come get me, we need to go to Liverpool. It is the coolest city, especially for a family like ours. you can't spend days in it like NYC, but I like the tourist part of it. The people seem to be really nice too.
This weekend we worked with something the Public affairs department of the church has been doing. It is called family history on the road. Elder and Sister Hull go all around the UK and bring a huge database of names with them. We volunteered to help and saw some missionary opportunites out of it. They had a really good turnout in Liverpool and I heard that there were so much opposition, but they really turned to the Lord and he made it all work out. They really did all they could, but Heavenly Father worked things that we couldn't even touch. It was amazing! I love miracles and the faith that people in the church have.
We have a Zone Conference tomorrow and I get to meet the new President for the first time. I really don't know him at all, but the Assistants tell me that he likes to work closely with his missionaries, which President Jacobsen didn't do as much. I am excited to meet him and see how things go. Our Conference is in Chorley, so we get to go up to the temple again, which is always a joy. We are so blessed to have one in our mission!
We just had an amazing lesson with an investigator named C*****. She was being taught by the Elders in Crosby (the area just above ours), but she was moved to us because thier ward is struggling and our ward is great. I have always served in strong wards, except Birkenhead, which wasn't long. Speaking of Birkenhead, when we are on hills, I can see over the mersey to my old grounds. Back to the story . . . She is so amazing! Our ward has latched onto her and she will need it. She came to church and knew this was something she needed to do. She gained a witness in front of my eyes about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. We dated her for the 19th, but Satan has thrown some opposition, so we might have to move her to the 2nd of August. With it being so quick, we needed to teach her the commandments as the second lesson. I was a little hesitant to do so, because we usually teach the foundation first, but she was great. She likes to move quick. She wanted baptism as soon as possible and she is going to commit to live the commandments. She sets her mind to something and does it. She owns her own business at 24 years old and is a very impressive person. She wants to put everything she has into this. She has to give up almost everything on the list of WoW, though not anything too bad. Also, she lives with her boyfriend, which she says in no problem, she doesn't see it going anywhere anyway. We just rattled off commandments and she was WRITING THEM DOWN and the scriptures we used. She knows it will be hard, but man does this woman have faith! A gift of the spirit. When she found that the Restoration is true, I asked her what she thought she should do next now that she knows. I was expecting Baptism or something like that, but she went further. She said "Share it". She also noticed how people in the church can take this for granted. She is so genuine! I hope this all works out for her. Pray for C*****!
I am learning some more things about the Atonement. Many people just think it is to wipe away sins. But church members understand it to mean that we have help though trials, sicknesses, temptations, etc. It is the power behind miracles. I am sure that it goes even deeper, but I have seen another side that I am beginning to understand a little more. It has lifting power. I have always believed in God and Christ and the power of the Atonement to cleanse me and help me through trials, but it is for the times when we are trying to improve also. People can lose faith in themselves sometimes, but still profess to have faith in God and Christ. This cannot be, for if you have faith in Them and what They do, you understand that they have not destined you to fail, and They can lift you up to a new level. It is the power to change. For example as a missionary we feel the power of the atonement, as we try to improve ourselves. It is not of our own power. We put our faith in God and we can suddenly do things we were not able to do, I guess this ties into Ether 12:27. And it is the backbone of the plan. God did not just provide his Son for us to be clean, but for the ultimate goal, for us to be perfect! One can be clean without being perfect. The Atonement helps us eliminate the weight holding us down from protection one little piece at a time, and then we still rely upon the Grace of Christ. Something I learned about the Atonement. I know it is in the scriptures somewhere, but I will have to research that better.
We have been doing service at a place called Habitat for Humanity. We work on building houses for poor people. The work is slow and some volunteers aren't very serious, but it is fun to get into the building business again. Elder Morrow is a hard and fast worker, so we get some good stuff done!
I realize that I haven't told you much about the area, just that it is cool and good. I have trouble wrapping my mind around those things which I notice, but don't really tell you. Our area is huge and six of us serve throughout it, which is unusual. We don't have set areas between the six elders of the ward. So we go into the city a lot, and also take 90 minute bus rides to the outskirts. It sounds like a long time, but would probably only take 15 minutes in a car.
That is probably about it for this week. I have felt the divinity of the work, and grow to love the gospel more and more. I love you all and appreciate your help. Please pray for us.
Elder Davies
July 2, 2008
It was great to hear from some of you today. It has been a very interesting week getting used to a new companion, a new area, and just getting familiar with everything.
Elder Morrow and I have been finding some unity in our companionship, and are trying our best. It has taken some time to find some sort of progress, but I am seeing it happen. Missionaries all have different outlooks on the work. This area is really great. There is so much potential. The ward is pretty spread out, and we are the ones who get to travel all over the place. We are really working on getting the ward missionary oriented. I have to write another e-mail later. I love you all!
Elder Davies
Elder Morrow and I have been finding some unity in our companionship, and are trying our best. It has taken some time to find some sort of progress, but I am seeing it happen. Missionaries all have different outlooks on the work. This area is really great. There is so much potential. The ward is pretty spread out, and we are the ones who get to travel all over the place. We are really working on getting the ward missionary oriented. I have to write another e-mail later. I love you all!
Elder Davies
June 25, 2008
It is always great to hear how things are doing back home. One big CONGRATS to Dan and the family for the really great job that I am sure was done to get everything set up for the election. What a great opportunity to be a force for good in this world! It sounds like he had a lot of support, which doesn't surprise me, because that is how we do things, right?
We had a really good week. We did give C***** a baptismal date last week for the 12th of July and he was really happy to agree. Throughout the week we noticed that he was definitely ready to have it moved up, so it has been changed to the 5th of July. We are really excited for it! He came with us to eat at President's house last night. It was great to eat there, and the Jacobsens are always very nice. It will be sad to see them go, because they are so great, but we are excited for a new President, who arrives on Tuesday. The ward is having a farewell party for him on Friday and he is speaking in church on Sunday. I would have loved to be there, but unfortunately I have had a change of scenery today. It is going to be really great here, I can tell. And if I want it to be, then it will be, because attitude is seperate from what happens to us. I have a couple of hints for you to where my new home is. I can't seem to say out of the city areas. I keep on moving from one area to another then back and then back again. European City of culture for 2008. Michael Owen plays on the prestigious team in this place. The Beatles started their stint here. Albert Docks. The river Mersey. If no one has guessed yet, then it is hopeless. I am serving in the heart of Liverpool. I have felt pretty good about the ward, the new area, the new investigators. My new companion is Elder Morrow from Idaho. He seems to be a more athletic type guy, and I look forward to a lot of good work with him. This will be a great opportunity for me to grow. This city is crazy. I would say even crazier than Manchester. I am not going to recap my week as much, because I am looking forward to Liverpool, but I had some great friends in Manchester South. C*****, Brother T****, the whole ward. They were great!
The gospel is great, and it can be difficult for people to understand that, when the light of Christ has diminished within so many people, but I have gained a greater appreciation for it. It is the best thing to live by to make us happy. Better than anything. I will certainly come back with a different attitude towards things of the gospel, but I still have a lot to learn and a lot to do while I am here. Please pray for us and keep on pushing on in the gospel. I hope all is going well back home. Sounds like all of the kids are growing up and the adults are staying busy. I love you all. Let me know of anything I can do.
Elder Davies
We had a really good week. We did give C***** a baptismal date last week for the 12th of July and he was really happy to agree. Throughout the week we noticed that he was definitely ready to have it moved up, so it has been changed to the 5th of July. We are really excited for it! He came with us to eat at President's house last night. It was great to eat there, and the Jacobsens are always very nice. It will be sad to see them go, because they are so great, but we are excited for a new President, who arrives on Tuesday. The ward is having a farewell party for him on Friday and he is speaking in church on Sunday. I would have loved to be there, but unfortunately I have had a change of scenery today. It is going to be really great here, I can tell. And if I want it to be, then it will be, because attitude is seperate from what happens to us. I have a couple of hints for you to where my new home is. I can't seem to say out of the city areas. I keep on moving from one area to another then back and then back again. European City of culture for 2008. Michael Owen plays on the prestigious team in this place. The Beatles started their stint here. Albert Docks. The river Mersey. If no one has guessed yet, then it is hopeless. I am serving in the heart of Liverpool. I have felt pretty good about the ward, the new area, the new investigators. My new companion is Elder Morrow from Idaho. He seems to be a more athletic type guy, and I look forward to a lot of good work with him. This will be a great opportunity for me to grow. This city is crazy. I would say even crazier than Manchester. I am not going to recap my week as much, because I am looking forward to Liverpool, but I had some great friends in Manchester South. C*****, Brother T****, the whole ward. They were great!
The gospel is great, and it can be difficult for people to understand that, when the light of Christ has diminished within so many people, but I have gained a greater appreciation for it. It is the best thing to live by to make us happy. Better than anything. I will certainly come back with a different attitude towards things of the gospel, but I still have a lot to learn and a lot to do while I am here. Please pray for us and keep on pushing on in the gospel. I hope all is going well back home. Sounds like all of the kids are growing up and the adults are staying busy. I love you all. Let me know of anything I can do.
Elder Davies
June 18, 2008
It has been another great week at Manchester South. C***** got work off on Sundays now, so he should be baptized in the next two or three weeks!!! Finally! This guy is going to be a great addition to this ward and to the church. He told us last time that he has decided on his own that it would be a good idea to stop drinking caffeine altogether, although his favorite drink was lucozade, a caffeinated sports drink. he also told us that he wants to be in every Saturday night by midnight to keep the Sabbath Day Holy. He really keeps the Spirit of the law. We have had to leave B***** and S**** alone for a while, because they just keep avoiding us. We don't want to force them to listen, so we just have to leave them. That is the way it has been with many people. We just get to the point where we have to find those who are going to keep commitments and have a real desire . . . a patience-requiring process.
I have been trying to send a package out that contains a cd with my first three transfers full of photos, though the last three haven't been captured as well. Also in it are many letters which will end up just being very, very late. But I love you all!
I am taking my driving test today, and it has been raining all day. That will make me drive slower, and then maybe the test will not be full of so many different obstacles. It has drained any money that I have/had, but it will be nice to get that weight off my chest.
We had a really great District Meeting yesterday focused on choosing to be happy, which is something that I am glad was decided on, because I needed it the most. The district is full of great and happy guys, and I was trying to teach them about it. I prepared too much as I usually do, but we had a great time. We did a role play of six different situations we usually find ourselves in every day and showed how we could do it with a positive and happy attitude or with a negative attitude. We laughed really hard, but I forgot to bring my camera to capture it all.
We also made a cake(in honor of Dad's birthday) and wrote each other some cards. My purpose was just to help them have a fun time, and feel the love from the District. We really do have the choice to be happy or not, which is something that mom has been telling us for years, and some of us never seem to understand. I really like two scriptures about the point: 2 Nephi 2:26-27 and D&C 123:17. There were more, like Helaman 5:12. Many times we let our happiness be affected and decided by outside circumstances that change. We cannot do that, because then our level of happiness will change, like basing my happiness off of how many people will listen to me each day. But if we base our happiness on a sure foundation, something that never moves, then we can be consistently happy. That is Christ (Helaman 5:12) and he will lead us across the gulf of misery(or sadness).
We had another week full of really great stuff, but one of the highlights was a new investigator named M****** who said that he felt so good after our meeting last time. That right there makes the effort so worth it. Recognizing the spirit is the most important thing, because WE CANNOT CONVINCE PEOPLE. I am trying to learn that more and more. Only the Spirit will have that influence. I just simply don't have that capability.
I love all of you, and thank you for your prayers and concerns. I hope to have a positive influence on you, like the one you have had on me.
Thank you,
Elder Davies
I have been trying to send a package out that contains a cd with my first three transfers full of photos, though the last three haven't been captured as well. Also in it are many letters which will end up just being very, very late. But I love you all!
I am taking my driving test today, and it has been raining all day. That will make me drive slower, and then maybe the test will not be full of so many different obstacles. It has drained any money that I have/had, but it will be nice to get that weight off my chest.
We had a really great District Meeting yesterday focused on choosing to be happy, which is something that I am glad was decided on, because I needed it the most. The district is full of great and happy guys, and I was trying to teach them about it. I prepared too much as I usually do, but we had a great time. We did a role play of six different situations we usually find ourselves in every day and showed how we could do it with a positive and happy attitude or with a negative attitude. We laughed really hard, but I forgot to bring my camera to capture it all.
We also made a cake(in honor of Dad's birthday) and wrote each other some cards. My purpose was just to help them have a fun time, and feel the love from the District. We really do have the choice to be happy or not, which is something that mom has been telling us for years, and some of us never seem to understand. I really like two scriptures about the point: 2 Nephi 2:26-27 and D&C 123:17. There were more, like Helaman 5:12. Many times we let our happiness be affected and decided by outside circumstances that change. We cannot do that, because then our level of happiness will change, like basing my happiness off of how many people will listen to me each day. But if we base our happiness on a sure foundation, something that never moves, then we can be consistently happy. That is Christ (Helaman 5:12) and he will lead us across the gulf of misery(or sadness).
We had another week full of really great stuff, but one of the highlights was a new investigator named M****** who said that he felt so good after our meeting last time. That right there makes the effort so worth it. Recognizing the spirit is the most important thing, because WE CANNOT CONVINCE PEOPLE. I am trying to learn that more and more. Only the Spirit will have that influence. I just simply don't have that capability.
I love all of you, and thank you for your prayers and concerns. I hope to have a positive influence on you, like the one you have had on me.
Thank you,
Elder Davies
June 11, 2008
I hope this goes through. I will not be able to give you a comprehensive feeling for the last few weeks, but I will try my best. First off, I want to say Thank You to all of you and the wonderful example that you provide for me. The mission plays a very important role in my life, and really helps me to set my sights and what I want to become in the future. Second off, I am doing great. Do not worry about me. Physically, I am tired of course, but it is great! Emotionally, I am tired of course, but it is great! Spiritually, I am fed! and want more!! By the way, I guess there are some really great discourses about Joseph Smith given by Truman G. Madsen. I hope to be in a car area soon, considering I should be getting my license a week from now, and they sure would be great!!!
Elder McIntosh and I are getting along great, with the normal bumps and bruises that come with living with someone for 24 hours a day. I hope that I am not too difficult. We all do little things that we don't even mean to do. That work is going along. We are still working with many of the same people, and picking up new doesn't happen often. One of the reasons for that is because we don't have much time to find new people. We really have to get better at time management to increase our ability to find people. We have been meeting with members often, and that is one reason why we don't have much time. We are helping them to do the basics, but I didn't really do the basics before my mission, so I wonder how fruitful it is. We will need to go on to really focus on making them better member missionaries. Missionary work is much more effective through members, but it is hard to enthuse them. We have had some really wonderful experiences with the members in the last couple of weeks. I love watching the spirit enter their life even more, and He will be the only way they will be enthused. C***** is looking to get work off on Sundays, and has something in the works. He says he will put in his notice in a couple of weeks if nothing works out. He has so much potential and I really pray that everything will go the way he wants, because he needs it.
S**** and B***** are friends of Brother T****. They have both been falling off the radar, becuase we were too forward with them. Talking about authority and the only true church. We have been focusing more on Christ whenever we get to see them, but they have kind of pulled away. S**** knows that he needs to do what is right and that would be to follow us, but he realizes that it is up to him. We can't do much more than we have done. He says that if he doesn't have everything figured out by Sunday, that he will do whatever we tell him to do, but we will see about that. B***** is in London now, so we are waiting with her. We picked up this great guy named M******. Him coming into the gospel and staying would be a miracle, but he really understands the Great Apostasy and has somewhat of a desire.
The weather has been very nice lately. But it switches every couple of weeks. A couple of times I have felt sunburnt!!! Yes!!
Happy Fathers Day to Dad and the Grandpas!! We do have the best!
Our new mission president will be here for about 2 weeks and he is great. He has never really held a high calling, but I am sure that he is ready for the fire.
I am trying to get a package off today, but if I do not, please don't hate me.
I love all of you. Obedience is happiness.
Elder Davies
Elder McIntosh and I are getting along great, with the normal bumps and bruises that come with living with someone for 24 hours a day. I hope that I am not too difficult. We all do little things that we don't even mean to do. That work is going along. We are still working with many of the same people, and picking up new doesn't happen often. One of the reasons for that is because we don't have much time to find new people. We really have to get better at time management to increase our ability to find people. We have been meeting with members often, and that is one reason why we don't have much time. We are helping them to do the basics, but I didn't really do the basics before my mission, so I wonder how fruitful it is. We will need to go on to really focus on making them better member missionaries. Missionary work is much more effective through members, but it is hard to enthuse them. We have had some really wonderful experiences with the members in the last couple of weeks. I love watching the spirit enter their life even more, and He will be the only way they will be enthused. C***** is looking to get work off on Sundays, and has something in the works. He says he will put in his notice in a couple of weeks if nothing works out. He has so much potential and I really pray that everything will go the way he wants, because he needs it.
S**** and B***** are friends of Brother T****. They have both been falling off the radar, becuase we were too forward with them. Talking about authority and the only true church. We have been focusing more on Christ whenever we get to see them, but they have kind of pulled away. S**** knows that he needs to do what is right and that would be to follow us, but he realizes that it is up to him. We can't do much more than we have done. He says that if he doesn't have everything figured out by Sunday, that he will do whatever we tell him to do, but we will see about that. B***** is in London now, so we are waiting with her. We picked up this great guy named M******. Him coming into the gospel and staying would be a miracle, but he really understands the Great Apostasy and has somewhat of a desire.
The weather has been very nice lately. But it switches every couple of weeks. A couple of times I have felt sunburnt!!! Yes!!
Happy Fathers Day to Dad and the Grandpas!! We do have the best!
Our new mission president will be here for about 2 weeks and he is great. He has never really held a high calling, but I am sure that he is ready for the fire.
I am trying to get a package off today, but if I do not, please don't hate me.
I love all of you. Obedience is happiness.
Elder Davies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)