This will be short. There was a transfer today. I stayed up in Colne/Nelson(Burnley North) and Elder Rawlings went to Blackpool. Elder Carter came to serve with me here. He is from Utah. He has been out for about a year, and he is very smart. I will try to send pictures.
I love the fruit of obedience. The Spirit heightens all of our faculties. It helps us to look outside of ourselves. We are able to have a greater impact on the lives of others. The Lord is able to direct is ALL things. There are so many inexpressible blessings that come. And with sin, the opposite is true. It all comes done to inviting the Spirit, or driving away the spirit.
We have focused on helping the investigators to progress, and some have not. We don't have many to start with, but a lady that we talked to on the street, but haven't taught yet, came to church on Sunday. She loved it! Her name is H****. She is originally from Zimbabwe. I love those people. We are supposed to teach her for the first time tomorrow, but she was also taught by Elders over a year ago.
We have not been having much success in people keeping their appointments. That is, of course, a focus for us - getting new investigators.
I love all of you, and wish that I had time to give a better e-mail.
This week has been very cold and snowy. The countryside is beautiful. I will send pictures, because I actually took some.
Love,
Elder Davies
A package should be on the way
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
Saturday, February 14, 2009
January 14, 2009
Please know how much I love you. The gospel truly makes us happy. There is nothing we have to wonder about. We can have the assurance that we have the Lord on our side. If we can exercise small amounts of faith, we will see miracles happen.
During the last couple of days I have felt really good. I have had many wonderful feelings that I wanted to share with you, but I can't remember all of them. It was all about the gospel and the magic of it all. The Church is so true! So even though I can't remember it all, just know how much I love you and am grateful for you.
On Monday of this week we saw some miracles. We have been trying to be more diligent in our finding efforts, and also being very bold in helping our investigators progress. On Monday we went on an exchange with the Zone Leaders, and we had a great day. We were able to schedule 11 appointments with people on the streets in just a few hours of talking to people on the street. I had a great time trying to get to know each person I talked to. With each one I got a good conversation from, I was able to get their name. I like it that way better. Instead of saying I got a 6 today or I got a 10 today, I was able to say, today I talked to . . . then I could list off their names. These are real people, with real problems, and God loves them as much as he loves us. We met some wonderful people, and I hope to tell you more about them when the lessons go through in the next 5 days. I know that more things like this can happen, if we just exercise a little more faith.
We have wonderful opportunities here. This ward is great, and the Stake is really focused on missionary work. Of course, we run into difficulties, especially when we need a man to attend a lesson with a single woman(which we teach a lot of), but it has been great. We have transfers next Wednesday, and Elder Rawlings is pretty certain that he is leaving. I think he knows things I don't. I really liked serving with him, but I also like meeting new missionaries and growing from their strengths. I really learned how to love people more from Elder Rawlings. He really loved our investigators.
Nothing has really changed with our investigators. We need to push them faster. Just trying to help them understand the gospel. Hopefully I will be able to update you better next week after we teach a lot of new people, and commit some people to BAPTISM. After all, that is why I am here!
I love you all. Please give each other a big hug from me. Look to help someone each day. Remind those little ones that I still live.
Elder Davies
During the last couple of days I have felt really good. I have had many wonderful feelings that I wanted to share with you, but I can't remember all of them. It was all about the gospel and the magic of it all. The Church is so true! So even though I can't remember it all, just know how much I love you and am grateful for you.
On Monday of this week we saw some miracles. We have been trying to be more diligent in our finding efforts, and also being very bold in helping our investigators progress. On Monday we went on an exchange with the Zone Leaders, and we had a great day. We were able to schedule 11 appointments with people on the streets in just a few hours of talking to people on the street. I had a great time trying to get to know each person I talked to. With each one I got a good conversation from, I was able to get their name. I like it that way better. Instead of saying I got a 6 today or I got a 10 today, I was able to say, today I talked to . . . then I could list off their names. These are real people, with real problems, and God loves them as much as he loves us. We met some wonderful people, and I hope to tell you more about them when the lessons go through in the next 5 days. I know that more things like this can happen, if we just exercise a little more faith.
We have wonderful opportunities here. This ward is great, and the Stake is really focused on missionary work. Of course, we run into difficulties, especially when we need a man to attend a lesson with a single woman(which we teach a lot of), but it has been great. We have transfers next Wednesday, and Elder Rawlings is pretty certain that he is leaving. I think he knows things I don't. I really liked serving with him, but I also like meeting new missionaries and growing from their strengths. I really learned how to love people more from Elder Rawlings. He really loved our investigators.
Nothing has really changed with our investigators. We need to push them faster. Just trying to help them understand the gospel. Hopefully I will be able to update you better next week after we teach a lot of new people, and commit some people to BAPTISM. After all, that is why I am here!
I love you all. Please give each other a big hug from me. Look to help someone each day. Remind those little ones that I still live.
Elder Davies
January 7, 2009
Hello to All,
First off, I love you all. Thank you for being so good to me. Christmas was great. Maybe some of you don't know exactly what Santa brought me in his bright red bag(all with a matching scripture), so I will fill you in a bit:
Ear Muffs: Stylish and used FREQUENTLY
Beef Jerky: I can hardly describe my joy.
Shoes: they fit AND they look nice
Peanut M&M's: You cannot find these in England, though with all the chocolate, they aren't really missed. I do love them, though.
Scarf: Also used frequently
Jelly Belly's: Also another rare commodity in England, and greatly loved.
Ties: Brown and blue seem to be in fashion lately. Very nice!
Joseph Smith CD's: I love the Prophet Joseph!
... And much much more.
Thank you to all those who contributed
Another present received that many may have not seen was a book of pictures of the Liljenquist Family. This is a prize and treasure. I love it and view it often.
Of course the greatest present was to talk to each one of you!
It sounds like everyone and everything is still staying busy in Utah. I don't know how everyone keeps up with it all. You will have to let me know of all of the great movies that you saw when I get back.
During the holidays, we visited many people, and were able to spend more time at their house and do some things that we don't get to do during the rest of the year. That was fun for the time, but I don't know if I would really enjoy it often.
I haven't heard much from Elder Weidmann in Liverpool, but I saw him at Zone Conferences, and he looked great. He is a great missionary, so I am sure he is going just fine. Elder Rawlings and I continue to become better friends. We are pretty different, but have the most important similarities. We are both missionaries, and we both love the gospel. I don't see us staying together next transfer, usually just because Elder Rawlings moves around a lot, but I am not sure what is going to happen. Anything can happen.
Last P-day and this P-day we went to this amazing store where there are nice suits on sale. You get a really good sale if you can match up trousers with a jacket, but they do have some matches that are fairly cheap. They are really nice, and much cheaper than home. Today I bought some double cuffed shirts that I might send home. If they were white, I would use them, but they are quite a variety of colors. If I send them home, I imagine that they will be worn, but I couldn't really expect much different. I also bought two suits, that I will not be using on my mission. I will bring them home. Thank you Grandpa for Christmas money!
Funny story(kind of): Yesterday I left the iron on all day. No worries, nothing happened. But it is a scary thought.
Our investigators aren't progressing very quickly right now. We need to get some solid new ones, but the work has been slow. I would go into detail with each of them, but I have to go.
Quick spiritual thought: I was reading 2 Nephi 4, which is always a good chapter, and I was touched by a couple of verses. Nephi exclaims that he has been very blessed by the Lord, with great knowledge and many visions. He then wonders how he could then yield to sin, after having that great knowledge. I wonder that often, but I am comforted by Nephi's other scriptures. He knows his weaknesses, which are probably very small, and calls on the Lord to deliver him from temptations and the devil. I really like Nephi's humility and acknowledgement of his need to improve. I then love his dependance on the Lord. May we all pray like Nephi to overcome our individual weaknesses.
Thank you for loving me despite my weaknesses.
I love you and pray for you,
Elder Davies
First off, I love you all. Thank you for being so good to me. Christmas was great. Maybe some of you don't know exactly what Santa brought me in his bright red bag(all with a matching scripture), so I will fill you in a bit:
Ear Muffs: Stylish and used FREQUENTLY
Beef Jerky: I can hardly describe my joy.
Shoes: they fit AND they look nice
Peanut M&M's: You cannot find these in England, though with all the chocolate, they aren't really missed. I do love them, though.
Scarf: Also used frequently
Jelly Belly's: Also another rare commodity in England, and greatly loved.
Ties: Brown and blue seem to be in fashion lately. Very nice!
Joseph Smith CD's: I love the Prophet Joseph!
... And much much more.
Thank you to all those who contributed
Another present received that many may have not seen was a book of pictures of the Liljenquist Family. This is a prize and treasure. I love it and view it often.
Of course the greatest present was to talk to each one of you!
It sounds like everyone and everything is still staying busy in Utah. I don't know how everyone keeps up with it all. You will have to let me know of all of the great movies that you saw when I get back.
During the holidays, we visited many people, and were able to spend more time at their house and do some things that we don't get to do during the rest of the year. That was fun for the time, but I don't know if I would really enjoy it often.
I haven't heard much from Elder Weidmann in Liverpool, but I saw him at Zone Conferences, and he looked great. He is a great missionary, so I am sure he is going just fine. Elder Rawlings and I continue to become better friends. We are pretty different, but have the most important similarities. We are both missionaries, and we both love the gospel. I don't see us staying together next transfer, usually just because Elder Rawlings moves around a lot, but I am not sure what is going to happen. Anything can happen.
Last P-day and this P-day we went to this amazing store where there are nice suits on sale. You get a really good sale if you can match up trousers with a jacket, but they do have some matches that are fairly cheap. They are really nice, and much cheaper than home. Today I bought some double cuffed shirts that I might send home. If they were white, I would use them, but they are quite a variety of colors. If I send them home, I imagine that they will be worn, but I couldn't really expect much different. I also bought two suits, that I will not be using on my mission. I will bring them home. Thank you Grandpa for Christmas money!
Funny story(kind of): Yesterday I left the iron on all day. No worries, nothing happened. But it is a scary thought.
Our investigators aren't progressing very quickly right now. We need to get some solid new ones, but the work has been slow. I would go into detail with each of them, but I have to go.
Quick spiritual thought: I was reading 2 Nephi 4, which is always a good chapter, and I was touched by a couple of verses. Nephi exclaims that he has been very blessed by the Lord, with great knowledge and many visions. He then wonders how he could then yield to sin, after having that great knowledge. I wonder that often, but I am comforted by Nephi's other scriptures. He knows his weaknesses, which are probably very small, and calls on the Lord to deliver him from temptations and the devil. I really like Nephi's humility and acknowledgement of his need to improve. I then love his dependance on the Lord. May we all pray like Nephi to overcome our individual weaknesses.
Thank you for loving me despite my weaknesses.
I love you and pray for you,
Elder Davies
December 30, 2008
Happy Holidays! I am writing today(Tuesday) because the libraries are closed tomorrow, so that means a couple of things: Some of you have not written, not knowing that I was going to write a day early. Also, we are trying to write as quickly as is reasonable because it is not a preparation day. Sorry for any problems that causes. Blame the Lancashire libraries :).
First off, it was wonderful to speak to EACH of you. I am a lucky brother, son, grandson, uncle, and whatever else I am. I love the Christmas spirit our family carries. From what I hear you had a wonderful Christmas season with all of the regular festivities.
We didn't get to talk much, so I will tell you all about what I did for Christmas. First, on Christmas Eve we sang Carols in the Burnley Town Centre with six other Elders. That was one of my highlights, blaring out my testimony of the true meaning of Christmas. People get a little unfocused. Then we went to eat with the Moore's, a family in the ward. We were only there for a bit, and then had to shoot off to the Pickups'. This family has quite a nice house, and it reminded me of being back home with actual space to live and stretch. They fed us a wonderful meal, and we went back to the other Elders' flat and slept over. Christmas morning was the time we opened our presents, and boy was I opening presents for a long time. From around here we got some of the traditional things, like socks, scarves, chocolate, and more chocolate. I will probably be sending home some chocolate, which I am sure you will all love. I am sorry, but English chocolate beats American chocolate in every category. However, from home, I received a big Santa bag. I wrote down all of the presents I received, but I forgot that I was writing e-mails today, so I left it back at the flat. However, everything was wonderful!! The ties are very nice, the shoes are great, even the books that I will be reading when I come back. I enjoyed it all. I think if I had to pick out my two favorite gifts, I would say, 1)The letters and 2)The Liljenquist's book of pictures. Original!!
After opening presents, we went to the Leeds' for Dinner, and that is where I called you from. Then we went to H**** R**'s. He is an older less active man, but he is starting to come back. I love H****. After that, we went to the Hewitsons, and played some games with them. On Boxing Day we got to watch Narnia with some Investigators. That was really cool. We were also allowed to play the Wii at a members home. All of these things were sanctioned!!! Missionaries have it so easy.
Well, this week was quite different with some of the breaks, and the upcoming one will be also with New Years, but everything will be back to normal after that. We got to see the new Joseph Movie at the Zone Conference. That was my second time seeing it and I loved it. I have a great love for the gospel. I love the Prophets, past and present. I love my Saviour, and the wonderful changes He makes in people's lives. I love all of you. Please pray for these people, and the missionary efforts around the world. Sorry this is shorter than usual. I have never been a great writer, but hopefully this did something in helping you see how spoiled missionaries are at Christmas time.
Love from England,
Elder Davies
First off, it was wonderful to speak to EACH of you. I am a lucky brother, son, grandson, uncle, and whatever else I am. I love the Christmas spirit our family carries. From what I hear you had a wonderful Christmas season with all of the regular festivities.
We didn't get to talk much, so I will tell you all about what I did for Christmas. First, on Christmas Eve we sang Carols in the Burnley Town Centre with six other Elders. That was one of my highlights, blaring out my testimony of the true meaning of Christmas. People get a little unfocused. Then we went to eat with the Moore's, a family in the ward. We were only there for a bit, and then had to shoot off to the Pickups'. This family has quite a nice house, and it reminded me of being back home with actual space to live and stretch. They fed us a wonderful meal, and we went back to the other Elders' flat and slept over. Christmas morning was the time we opened our presents, and boy was I opening presents for a long time. From around here we got some of the traditional things, like socks, scarves, chocolate, and more chocolate. I will probably be sending home some chocolate, which I am sure you will all love. I am sorry, but English chocolate beats American chocolate in every category. However, from home, I received a big Santa bag. I wrote down all of the presents I received, but I forgot that I was writing e-mails today, so I left it back at the flat. However, everything was wonderful!! The ties are very nice, the shoes are great, even the books that I will be reading when I come back. I enjoyed it all. I think if I had to pick out my two favorite gifts, I would say, 1)The letters and 2)The Liljenquist's book of pictures. Original!!
After opening presents, we went to the Leeds' for Dinner, and that is where I called you from. Then we went to H**** R**'s. He is an older less active man, but he is starting to come back. I love H****. After that, we went to the Hewitsons, and played some games with them. On Boxing Day we got to watch Narnia with some Investigators. That was really cool. We were also allowed to play the Wii at a members home. All of these things were sanctioned!!! Missionaries have it so easy.
Well, this week was quite different with some of the breaks, and the upcoming one will be also with New Years, but everything will be back to normal after that. We got to see the new Joseph Movie at the Zone Conference. That was my second time seeing it and I loved it. I have a great love for the gospel. I love the Prophets, past and present. I love my Saviour, and the wonderful changes He makes in people's lives. I love all of you. Please pray for these people, and the missionary efforts around the world. Sorry this is shorter than usual. I have never been a great writer, but hopefully this did something in helping you see how spoiled missionaries are at Christmas time.
Love from England,
Elder Davies
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 11, 2008
I was transferred from Liverpool yesterday to the Burnley ward. That is why I am writing today. Burnley is in Lancashire, which is just North of Greater Manchester. It is in the Chorley stake, which is the same stake as the Temple. That is very nice. This area is very different from other areas. More rural, and very beautiful and hilly. I am serving with Elder Rawlings. He is from Idaho. He is a great guy and they have some good things going on up here in Burnley. He is from Idaho, and has been out on his mission for about 5 months.
My head is a bit of a whirlwind right now with the transfer. I basically traveled all of yesterday. There never seems to be enough time for everything. The mission doctor has been telling us to take time to actually relax, and also to eat well. This takes careful planning, and usually more time . . . more time than we have.
We said goodbye to everyone on Tuesday and Monday. No one really cried, which is good because I don't like to watch people cry. We were also able to see C*****, who gave me like 5 Christmas presents. She is great. I look forward to being able to go back to Liverpool. I feel like a new missionary again in Burnley, with a couple of missionary skills. The mission is great, and we just have to keep on running. Preparation really is key, and I am so proud of Taylor and his preparation. What an inspiring example.
I don't really know what to tell you about the last week. Liverpool seems to have gone like . . . that! We have a Zone Conference next week at the Temple, which I am more than excited for.
My favorite scripture of the week is from I Corinthians, I think it is Chapter 12. It is when Paul glories in his weaknesses, because it allows him to apply the atonement of Christ. That is how I am feeling right now, very weak and humbled. These times are good for us, and I am sure that I will see some great growth from it.
I am sorry that this is so short. I love you all, and look forward to giving you a better e-mail next week.
Elder Davies
My head is a bit of a whirlwind right now with the transfer. I basically traveled all of yesterday. There never seems to be enough time for everything. The mission doctor has been telling us to take time to actually relax, and also to eat well. This takes careful planning, and usually more time . . . more time than we have.
We said goodbye to everyone on Tuesday and Monday. No one really cried, which is good because I don't like to watch people cry. We were also able to see C*****, who gave me like 5 Christmas presents. She is great. I look forward to being able to go back to Liverpool. I feel like a new missionary again in Burnley, with a couple of missionary skills. The mission is great, and we just have to keep on running. Preparation really is key, and I am so proud of Taylor and his preparation. What an inspiring example.
I don't really know what to tell you about the last week. Liverpool seems to have gone like . . . that! We have a Zone Conference next week at the Temple, which I am more than excited for.
My favorite scripture of the week is from I Corinthians, I think it is Chapter 12. It is when Paul glories in his weaknesses, because it allows him to apply the atonement of Christ. That is how I am feeling right now, very weak and humbled. These times are good for us, and I am sure that I will see some great growth from it.
I am sorry that this is so short. I love you all, and look forward to giving you a better e-mail next week.
Elder Davies
November 26, 2008
What a fast week it has been. I have been on exchanges with elders in the district for two of the days this week. There are so many things in missionary work that you do not think would be there before you come out. A lot of responsibilities that come with leadership. They are necessary, but not usually traditional of missionary work. Also with a lot of the rules that protect us, we put a lot of effort into finding males to come teaching with us. How great would it be if the work wasn't so hindered by the problems of the world?!
The time has gone very fast these last couple of transfers. I have heard that it just gets faster from this point on. I hope I am fulfilling everything Heavenly Father needs of me. I imagine that I will probably be leaving this upcoming transfer, but there are never things you are certain of at transfer time. Either way, I will be happy. I have loved Liverpool and the people here, but I also enjoy the opportunities that come with going to new areas. It is definitely an area we will have to visit.
With the new focus of finding we have been able to get more new investigators. That is very important for the mission. Some of them are not progressing as much, so when they get there, I can give you more information. A family from Eritea, or something like that in East Africa, have started to investigate, and also a young British family that have had some difficulties in their life. They are searching for answers and we hope to provide those answers.
We were talking about the Pride Cycle with F******* last night. She is doing well by the way. We were talking about the things that can help us to avoid this cycle. Consistent reading of the Book of Mormon is key. That is why it is for our day. This Pride Cycle is so prevalent in our day, and the Book of Mormon teaches it so well. That is one reason why I know it was inspired, because Mormon saw our day and was able to provide the information to help us cope with today.
I hope that all of us can be mindful of those people who are making difficult decisions and transitions in their lives. It is so easy for us to return to what is comfortable, though it may be wrong. Jesus warns us of the state of someone who returns to past problems after overcoming them in Luke 11:24-26. If we can help these people find rest and nourishment in their 'new' lives, it will help them endure to a far better place. Preach My Gospel has a chapter that shares the importance of the ward in helping retention and reactivation. It is chapter 13. A most poignant part of this chapter is a story of a recent convert on page 214. This is more mission related, but it can relate to many transitioning times in life, as evident in Luke 11. I challenge each of us to be mindful of those around us. To seek to be a help to every cause which surrounds us.
I love you all and thank you all for the wonderful influence you have on my life. Sorry that my e-mail aren't filled more with stories. I find it so difficult to remember specific things. It worries me, because people are always talking about memories I had with them, but usually I forget. It doesn't mean I don't love them. Oh, here is one. We ate at Sister H*******'s with the B*****'s, and she made amazing Arabic food. She should be coming back to church. Pray for her.
Elder Davies
The time has gone very fast these last couple of transfers. I have heard that it just gets faster from this point on. I hope I am fulfilling everything Heavenly Father needs of me. I imagine that I will probably be leaving this upcoming transfer, but there are never things you are certain of at transfer time. Either way, I will be happy. I have loved Liverpool and the people here, but I also enjoy the opportunities that come with going to new areas. It is definitely an area we will have to visit.
With the new focus of finding we have been able to get more new investigators. That is very important for the mission. Some of them are not progressing as much, so when they get there, I can give you more information. A family from Eritea, or something like that in East Africa, have started to investigate, and also a young British family that have had some difficulties in their life. They are searching for answers and we hope to provide those answers.
We were talking about the Pride Cycle with F******* last night. She is doing well by the way. We were talking about the things that can help us to avoid this cycle. Consistent reading of the Book of Mormon is key. That is why it is for our day. This Pride Cycle is so prevalent in our day, and the Book of Mormon teaches it so well. That is one reason why I know it was inspired, because Mormon saw our day and was able to provide the information to help us cope with today.
I hope that all of us can be mindful of those people who are making difficult decisions and transitions in their lives. It is so easy for us to return to what is comfortable, though it may be wrong. Jesus warns us of the state of someone who returns to past problems after overcoming them in Luke 11:24-26. If we can help these people find rest and nourishment in their 'new' lives, it will help them endure to a far better place. Preach My Gospel has a chapter that shares the importance of the ward in helping retention and reactivation. It is chapter 13. A most poignant part of this chapter is a story of a recent convert on page 214. This is more mission related, but it can relate to many transitioning times in life, as evident in Luke 11. I challenge each of us to be mindful of those around us. To seek to be a help to every cause which surrounds us.
I love you all and thank you all for the wonderful influence you have on my life. Sorry that my e-mail aren't filled more with stories. I find it so difficult to remember specific things. It worries me, because people are always talking about memories I had with them, but usually I forget. It doesn't mean I don't love them. Oh, here is one. We ate at Sister H*******'s with the B*****'s, and she made amazing Arabic food. She should be coming back to church. Pray for her.
Elder Davies
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 19, 2008
It has been another great week in Liverpool. The highlight of the week was the Baptism of J******* on Saturday. I was so stressed. J******* was a hard investigator with a lot of needs most of the time, so the relief that I felt when she went completely under the first time, and it actually went through, was a great moment. I was elated. I spent a couple of extra minutes in the font rejoicing! She had some cool experiences. She was completely calm and saw a light above her head while she was going under, though her eyes were closed. She said she felt different, and I was letting her know yesterday how special those experiences were. Those are miracles.
Another great miracle we had was that F****** expressed a desire to move her baptism closer. She is now dated for December 13. This is the Saturday after transfers, so I hope that I will be able to come back to watch, if I leave.
K******** might be going away to work in Coventry for a couple of weeks, so we may not see him for a while, and I may not see him again at all. He is so funny, and has an incredible personality. I will miss that man, but we definitely try to keep in touch with him.
Great things are happening in the mission. President Bullock has instituted some great things to help us broaden our vision and touch the lives of more people. It is too easy to become content with our current influence. Zone Conference last week was a real booster for the mission, and everyone is excited to get themselves more involved in the work. This man will continue to do great things, and I will be sad to leave him. He told us on Thursday, and I believe it and see it, that 'This is the day when the England Manchester Mission changed.'
Everything is going great between Elder Weidmann and myself. He is an incredible missionary and a great friend. Though we have our moments(he is very patient with me), we will be lifelong friends. I love the work and the people we get to meet. Yesterday a member named M***** B***** came out fellowshipping with us. He is from Wyoming and played for them at the University. He was one of their stars and had prospects of going into the NBA, but he had a knee injury his senior season. Throughout college he had moved away from church, but his injury helped pull him out of the fast lane and help him focus on what is right. He started going back to church and served a mission at the age of 23. he served in Hamburg, Germany. He is now in England playing for a team in Liverpool. He didn't get into the NBA, but he still gets to play and now he is back in the church, a returned missionary, a great guy, and married to a beautiful wife. Cool guy!
My Scriptural thought this week comes from Preach My Gospel - Latter-Day Scripture for a Latter-Day Work. That last part was my personal edition. I hope that your PMG study is going well. This week's thought is from the first chapter, "My Purpose". On Page 2 it reads, "As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase. You will feel, as Lehi did, the 'great . . . importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth' (2 Nephi 2:8)." On Page 12 of the same chapter President Hunter expounds on the great connection between the Atonement and Missionary Work.
"Surely taking the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people is the single greatest responsibility we have in mortality . . . We have been privileged to be born in these last days, as opposed to some earlier dispensation, to help take the gospel to all the earth"
"What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of others . . . A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others."
Because the Atonement is universal and can be felt by all, so is missionary work. It is universal and the fire and desire should be felt by all. The Atonement, in essence, is Missionary work. It is helping our Heavenly Father's children (our brothers and sisters) to make their way back to him. In the scriptures, this kind of work describes participants as 'saviors on mount Zion'. Though nothing we could ever do could ever match up to the Savior, because without Him there would be no need for this work, being involved in His work helps us become more like Him, which is what the Atonement is all about, becoming more like the Savior. So another way to access the blessings of the Atonement is to engage in missionary work.
I know the blessings and change that come from such a marvelous work, and I bear testimony that it is true. I love you all very much. May we all pray for the opportunities to become more like the Savior by lifting where we stand in this great work is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Davies
Another great miracle we had was that F****** expressed a desire to move her baptism closer. She is now dated for December 13. This is the Saturday after transfers, so I hope that I will be able to come back to watch, if I leave.
K******** might be going away to work in Coventry for a couple of weeks, so we may not see him for a while, and I may not see him again at all. He is so funny, and has an incredible personality. I will miss that man, but we definitely try to keep in touch with him.
Great things are happening in the mission. President Bullock has instituted some great things to help us broaden our vision and touch the lives of more people. It is too easy to become content with our current influence. Zone Conference last week was a real booster for the mission, and everyone is excited to get themselves more involved in the work. This man will continue to do great things, and I will be sad to leave him. He told us on Thursday, and I believe it and see it, that 'This is the day when the England Manchester Mission changed.'
Everything is going great between Elder Weidmann and myself. He is an incredible missionary and a great friend. Though we have our moments(he is very patient with me), we will be lifelong friends. I love the work and the people we get to meet. Yesterday a member named M***** B***** came out fellowshipping with us. He is from Wyoming and played for them at the University. He was one of their stars and had prospects of going into the NBA, but he had a knee injury his senior season. Throughout college he had moved away from church, but his injury helped pull him out of the fast lane and help him focus on what is right. He started going back to church and served a mission at the age of 23. he served in Hamburg, Germany. He is now in England playing for a team in Liverpool. He didn't get into the NBA, but he still gets to play and now he is back in the church, a returned missionary, a great guy, and married to a beautiful wife. Cool guy!
My Scriptural thought this week comes from Preach My Gospel - Latter-Day Scripture for a Latter-Day Work. That last part was my personal edition. I hope that your PMG study is going well. This week's thought is from the first chapter, "My Purpose". On Page 2 it reads, "As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase. You will feel, as Lehi did, the 'great . . . importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth' (2 Nephi 2:8)." On Page 12 of the same chapter President Hunter expounds on the great connection between the Atonement and Missionary Work.
"Surely taking the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people is the single greatest responsibility we have in mortality . . . We have been privileged to be born in these last days, as opposed to some earlier dispensation, to help take the gospel to all the earth"
"What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of others . . . A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others."
Because the Atonement is universal and can be felt by all, so is missionary work. It is universal and the fire and desire should be felt by all. The Atonement, in essence, is Missionary work. It is helping our Heavenly Father's children (our brothers and sisters) to make their way back to him. In the scriptures, this kind of work describes participants as 'saviors on mount Zion'. Though nothing we could ever do could ever match up to the Savior, because without Him there would be no need for this work, being involved in His work helps us become more like Him, which is what the Atonement is all about, becoming more like the Savior. So another way to access the blessings of the Atonement is to engage in missionary work.
I know the blessings and change that come from such a marvelous work, and I bear testimony that it is true. I love you all very much. May we all pray for the opportunities to become more like the Savior by lifting where we stand in this great work is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Davies
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