Happy New Year family!
The companionship of Elder Jolliffe and Elder Starr ended yesterday. I am here in Southport for another five weeks (one week less than normal because last transfer was a seven week transfer). Elder Jolliffe went to Rochdale and is with another missionary that came out the same time I did.
My new companion is from Tremonton, Utah. His name is Elder Ericksen. He is great and loves basketball as much as I do. He is playing at a JC in Wyoming when he goes home. He was on the state championship Bear River team when I was a junior. They went 23-1. He has been out only one transfer more than me. Our companionship is probably the youngest in the mission. We only have about 8 and a half months experience combined. However, we are excited and feel like that we can work miracles here in Southport.
I obviously enjoyed the phone call very much. It was wonderful to see and hear from you all. Time seems to never be long enough but being obedient is the most important thing. Those missionaries that Mom referred to that got sent home were a part of this mission. President did a training after it happened about how obedience is so important.
Speaking of obedience, I learned in my study of obedience this week was in PMG and the scripture reference of 2 Kings 5:10-14. I related myself to Naaman and asked myself how often are we like him. We are asked to do something and are expecting something greater to do. Do we question what we are to do because we think we know better or do we humble ourselves and do what we are asked? Naaman was humble enough to listen to his servants.
Like Naaman, sometimes we need that extra push to do what the Lord commands us. Whether it be church leaders, friends, or family, that push helps us see the true blessings of being obedient to what Heavenly Father asks of us. Thanks for your wonderful spiritual insights and kind words this week. I enjoyed the Spirit of your letters and the uplifting things that were talked about.
Who won the Lakers-Heat game? That thought just came to mind so you can share that with me when I email you again this Monday the 3rd. Something else that I need that I forgot to mention was family photos. When we go on exchanges, missionaries always show pictures of their families. I have none. So if you could send an album of photos of our family, including us with vacations, basketball, etc., that would be wonderful.
Here a some pictures from Christmas. The England jersey was a gift I bought myself for Christmas. Isn't beautiful?? I will send pictures of Elder Eriksen and myself on Monday. The family we spent Christmas with are the McMannus family. They are wonderful. Bro. McMannus is an amazing cook. He made the best onion soup I have ever had.
I love you all so much. These emails and our Skype call were so incredible. I know the Lord continues to bless me out here. Thank you for your continual prayers. I truly do feel them. Pray that Elder Erikesen and I will have success and we will see that success through investigators progressing towards baptism. It is great to hear from you and I will look forward to speaking with you again Monday!
Love,
Cameron
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Week 12: Manchester England: SouthPort
Happy Christmas from England!
I only have a little bit of time because the library is closing for
the weather, which I don’t understand because it has been a winter
wonderland for three days now.
It wasn't the funnest of weeks since the weather took a toll on the
work. But I hope and pray I can have diligence (this weeks Christlike attribute) through it all.
I related diligence to an athlete. We all have "bad games" every
once in a while. It is when we do all that we can that limits the
number of bad games we have. There might be days when we don’t say exactly the right things or have a few mess-ups. But as long as we are diligent in doing the Lord's work I know that we will have success in all that we do. Some good scriptures I found were D&C 75:2-5, 121:4, and Moroni 9:6. I also love the quote from Spencer W. Kimball on pg. 121 in PMG.
Call me at 7 pm England time so I can get your Skype address. And then we will figure it out from there. Sorry this is all rushed but I look forward to talking to you! Keep up the prayers!
Love,
Cameron
I only have a little bit of time because the library is closing for
the weather, which I don’t understand because it has been a winter
wonderland for three days now.
It wasn't the funnest of weeks since the weather took a toll on the
work. But I hope and pray I can have diligence (this weeks Christlike attribute) through it all.
I related diligence to an athlete. We all have "bad games" every
once in a while. It is when we do all that we can that limits the
number of bad games we have. There might be days when we don’t say exactly the right things or have a few mess-ups. But as long as we are diligent in doing the Lord's work I know that we will have success in all that we do. Some good scriptures I found were D&C 75:2-5, 121:4, and Moroni 9:6. I also love the quote from Spencer W. Kimball on pg. 121 in PMG.
Call me at 7 pm England time so I can get your Skype address. And then we will figure it out from there. Sorry this is all rushed but I look forward to talking to you! Keep up the prayers!
Love,
Cameron
Week 12: Manchester Mission: SouthPort
Hello Family,
We have the choice to have Skype now for Christmas. I'm sending this quick email to you right now so that you can respond with me your feelings and thoughts. I will be back on at 3:30 pm England time.
We have one hour to communicate with our families. If we use Skype, it will have to be at a member home and my companion will have to be able to see me. Which would make the conversation not private.
However, I would like to see you all. I don’t know if that will make me homesick because I would be able to or if I would regret not using Skype if I just call. Could you send me your Skype address? This was just okayed by the brethren of the church, so I am assuming that it will be available for mother's day and future as well.
Again let me know on your feedback and I will send you another email 4:30 or so.
Love you,
Cameron
Monday, December 13, 2010
Week 11: Manchester England: SouthPort
Family, Family, Family,
England is doing well and fine. I continue to adapt more and more to mission life everyday. I think I'm getting the hang of things now. It was a tough week as far as numbers go, but we will make the necessary plans to move on and be able to have more success. We both felt we worked hard but we just need to little things a bit better.
Things have are in the full Christmas swing here in England. It is
wonderful to see and feel it all around. I am really excited for
Christmas week. A lot of fun and exciting things going on! It wasn't too cold this week but it is supposed to be this week so we will see.
I'm glad you have had a fun week yourselves with Dad's talk, Christmas Carol, basketball, Colton's lip, etc. I hope you continue to have a wonderful Christmas Season. I think the Christmas Carol was my favorite tradition as well. Probably the one I miss the most.
In my study of humility this morning, I thought about the Savior and how He always showed it. He demonstrated humility before the world was. He did all that the Father asked. And after all He did, He gave all of the glory to our Father. It made me think of how we need to always heed the counsel who are over us and do what they ask.
I also loved in Alma 32:15-16 how those who are not compelled to be humble receive greater blessings than those that are. I remember when Bishop Fitzgerald said that the Lord will have a humble people. Whether we choose to be or we are compelled, in the end we will all have humility. I hope and pray that I can have the humility to continue to believe and receive knowledge through it.
I had the opportunity to give my first blessing this week. His name
is James Brown and he is a member. He still struggles with smoking and other things in his family life. He has a wife and two boys. Surprisingly, I wasn't that nervous. Everything seemed to flow so easy and peacefully through the blessing. I blessed him that he would go to the Lord in faithful prayer, scripture study that he would resist the temptations of the adversary. I also promised through faithful service that he would be a good example to his family and be able to fulfill his role as a husband and father. The Spirit was amazing. I'm so grateful for the power of the Priesthood and how it has affected my life and others. Miracles happen everyday because of it.
Lee is doing fine, just needs to understand the importance of the Word of Wisdom. We will be stressing tonight this evening with his lesson on Follow the Prophet. We are in contact with Jenny's family still but seems that it will have to be a lucky break to teach them before Christmas. Continue to pray for them.
We taught Anja this week and she is so amazing. She is in 3 Nephi
right now and has so many great questions from her scripture study. You can see she has a love for the scriptures. She is serving in Young Women's and sometimes doesn't know how she can help. I told her that she has stories and experiences that no one else has. Because she is a convert, she can reflect on life without the gospel and the blessing with it. I also expressed that she can teach them what it's like to be taught by the missionaries. I said that she could tell me what that’s like because I have no idea even though I am a missionary. She continues to see miracles in her life through faith and prayer. I love it when we teach her once a week the lessons again!
7 pm will work out fine. You can call me on Skype or from the
mobile/landline. If you want me to still get a calling card I can,
just let me know what you want me to do next week.
I haven’t seen any bidets here. I haven't honestly thought about them much, but now that you mentioned it I DO! You should get one for the new home. Continue to inform me about Colton and basketball. I will continue to pray that he gets more minutes. Keep working hard Colt! Does Kyle get a lot of playing time right now? It doesn't surprise me that he is doing well for a freshman so early right now.
I love you all and continue to pray for each of you. If there is
anything you would like me to pray for specifically please let me
know. Keep the faith and keep praying for me as well in the work.
May Heavenly Father continue to bless us in all that we do.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. I miss you too Lauren :) by the way the charger doesn’t fit my toothbrush sorry :(
England is doing well and fine. I continue to adapt more and more to mission life everyday. I think I'm getting the hang of things now. It was a tough week as far as numbers go, but we will make the necessary plans to move on and be able to have more success. We both felt we worked hard but we just need to little things a bit better.
Things have are in the full Christmas swing here in England. It is
wonderful to see and feel it all around. I am really excited for
Christmas week. A lot of fun and exciting things going on! It wasn't too cold this week but it is supposed to be this week so we will see.
I'm glad you have had a fun week yourselves with Dad's talk, Christmas Carol, basketball, Colton's lip, etc. I hope you continue to have a wonderful Christmas Season. I think the Christmas Carol was my favorite tradition as well. Probably the one I miss the most.
In my study of humility this morning, I thought about the Savior and how He always showed it. He demonstrated humility before the world was. He did all that the Father asked. And after all He did, He gave all of the glory to our Father. It made me think of how we need to always heed the counsel who are over us and do what they ask.
I also loved in Alma 32:15-16 how those who are not compelled to be humble receive greater blessings than those that are. I remember when Bishop Fitzgerald said that the Lord will have a humble people. Whether we choose to be or we are compelled, in the end we will all have humility. I hope and pray that I can have the humility to continue to believe and receive knowledge through it.
I had the opportunity to give my first blessing this week. His name
is James Brown and he is a member. He still struggles with smoking and other things in his family life. He has a wife and two boys. Surprisingly, I wasn't that nervous. Everything seemed to flow so easy and peacefully through the blessing. I blessed him that he would go to the Lord in faithful prayer, scripture study that he would resist the temptations of the adversary. I also promised through faithful service that he would be a good example to his family and be able to fulfill his role as a husband and father. The Spirit was amazing. I'm so grateful for the power of the Priesthood and how it has affected my life and others. Miracles happen everyday because of it.
Lee is doing fine, just needs to understand the importance of the Word of Wisdom. We will be stressing tonight this evening with his lesson on Follow the Prophet. We are in contact with Jenny's family still but seems that it will have to be a lucky break to teach them before Christmas. Continue to pray for them.
We taught Anja this week and she is so amazing. She is in 3 Nephi
right now and has so many great questions from her scripture study. You can see she has a love for the scriptures. She is serving in Young Women's and sometimes doesn't know how she can help. I told her that she has stories and experiences that no one else has. Because she is a convert, she can reflect on life without the gospel and the blessing with it. I also expressed that she can teach them what it's like to be taught by the missionaries. I said that she could tell me what that’s like because I have no idea even though I am a missionary. She continues to see miracles in her life through faith and prayer. I love it when we teach her once a week the lessons again!
7 pm will work out fine. You can call me on Skype or from the
mobile/landline. If you want me to still get a calling card I can,
just let me know what you want me to do next week.
I haven’t seen any bidets here. I haven't honestly thought about them much, but now that you mentioned it I DO! You should get one for the new home. Continue to inform me about Colton and basketball. I will continue to pray that he gets more minutes. Keep working hard Colt! Does Kyle get a lot of playing time right now? It doesn't surprise me that he is doing well for a freshman so early right now.
I love you all and continue to pray for each of you. If there is
anything you would like me to pray for specifically please let me
know. Keep the faith and keep praying for me as well in the work.
May Heavenly Father continue to bless us in all that we do.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. I miss you too Lauren :) by the way the charger doesn’t fit my toothbrush sorry :(
Monday, December 6, 2010
Week 10: Manchester England: Southport
Happy December Family!
Things in Southport are amazing as usual! We went to the Mission Home Fireside with an investigator named Lee. He enjoyed it and the spirit was wonderful! Sis. Bullock makes the best snickerdoodle cookies by the way.
It has still been cold but has never reached the cold like that
evening. I have been keeping warm. My wimpy hands get cold but I manage. To be honest, I haven't put the thermals on yet! I always forget, but I will wear them this week and tell you how they are. A more pairs of thermal garments would be lovely.
Thanks for all your wonderful insights on the Becoming Like Him. One thing I learned in knowledge this past week was that we all are given the knowledge because we have the light of Christ. When we act correctly and acknowledge that light, that's when Heavenly Father is able to bring things to our remembrance through the Holy Ghost (Helaman 14:30, John 14:26).
This morning in my patience study, I read in Mosiah 24. In verse 15, I loved how it said that they were "cheerful" in their patience to all of the Lord's will. The thought came to my mind was how cheerful we are in the midst of adversity truly shows our level of faith and patience.
I also love what it says with patience in PMG. "When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully."
Jenny's family was again unavailable. It is frustrating to see how
wonderful and lovely the family is and not be able to see them. The gospel changes lives. It would incredible to see how it would change theirs. Jenny is taking extra shifts and is very lacked on time. I fasted that we would be able to teach them and that they would progress.
I hope that you are sending packages to the "mission office" and not "mission home." I assume you are. It's the Booths Park, Knutsford address.
Thanks for your love, support, and prayers. I continue to see the
effect they have on me. Sounds like things are crazy as usual this
Christmas season. Especially with the dogs!
I will call on Christmas in the evening here either 6,7, or 8. Which
one is best for you? I will have a calling card that I can purchase
so no worries. But, I will clarify to make sure.
Love you,
Cameron
Things in Southport are amazing as usual! We went to the Mission Home Fireside with an investigator named Lee. He enjoyed it and the spirit was wonderful! Sis. Bullock makes the best snickerdoodle cookies by the way.
It has still been cold but has never reached the cold like that
evening. I have been keeping warm. My wimpy hands get cold but I manage. To be honest, I haven't put the thermals on yet! I always forget, but I will wear them this week and tell you how they are. A more pairs of thermal garments would be lovely.
Thanks for all your wonderful insights on the Becoming Like Him. One thing I learned in knowledge this past week was that we all are given the knowledge because we have the light of Christ. When we act correctly and acknowledge that light, that's when Heavenly Father is able to bring things to our remembrance through the Holy Ghost (Helaman 14:30, John 14:26).
This morning in my patience study, I read in Mosiah 24. In verse 15, I loved how it said that they were "cheerful" in their patience to all of the Lord's will. The thought came to my mind was how cheerful we are in the midst of adversity truly shows our level of faith and patience.
I also love what it says with patience in PMG. "When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully."
Jenny's family was again unavailable. It is frustrating to see how
wonderful and lovely the family is and not be able to see them. The gospel changes lives. It would incredible to see how it would change theirs. Jenny is taking extra shifts and is very lacked on time. I fasted that we would be able to teach them and that they would progress.
I hope that you are sending packages to the "mission office" and not "mission home." I assume you are. It's the Booths Park, Knutsford address.
Thanks for your love, support, and prayers. I continue to see the
effect they have on me. Sounds like things are crazy as usual this
Christmas season. Especially with the dogs!
I will call on Christmas in the evening here either 6,7, or 8. Which
one is best for you? I will have a calling card that I can purchase
so no worries. But, I will clarify to make sure.
Love you,
Cameron
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week 9: Manchester England: Southport
Hello Family!
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving! As you know, I got to play sports
all day on mine. Yes we did have Costco pizza and it was wonderful.
Its the best pizza I have had since I have been here. Sports Day was
a blast! I played american football. I had my Texas pullover on
outisde in the freezing cold. President Bullock was QB most of the
time but I was a prime reciever. I felt like I was Jordan Shipley and
President was Colt McCoy throwing ball after ball to me :)
I was able to play basketball but it was kind of lame. There was too
many people and too many of them didnt know what they were doing but
it was good to do a little ball after it had been so long. We also
played volleyball. I am not in good cardio shape but I was in a lot
better shape than most of the Elders. Probably because I am newer.
Yes, that was only half of the mission in that photo.
Thank you all for the wonderful Thanksgiving letters! I actually
didnt get it until the 23rd but I was able to catch up. I enjoyed all
of them and had a good laugh at a few. It was good to them this week.
Jenny and her family has been frustrating but still promising. She
works all the time. We have dropped by to teach them twice but
neither appointment has been good. We do have planned to see them on
Tuesday which will be great! Jenny was very apologetic and says that
Tuesday will work. Continue to pray for them. I hope that all goes
well.
In my "Becoming Like Him" study this morning, I really enjoyed
learning how important knowledge really is in the gospel. I think of
the Savior and how He had a perfect knowledge of things and how we
should always strive for knowledge.
We must gain spiritual knowledge and apply it to our own lives. When
it is applied, we should use our knowledge in our examples to
everyone. Jesus used His knowledge in His teachings by showing us the
perfect example. In Luke 1:77, it says one of the Savior's purpose's
was to help us recieve a knowledge of salvation. I hope that I can be
a good example of what I have learned and be able share that with
others as a servant of the Lord. Thanks for your wonderful input on
virtue. I learned a lot from what you said :)
With regards to the shipping questions, yes they we will get the
packages on the 23rd if the mission office gets them before then. We
get mail every training/zone conference that we have that is sent to
the mission office. That is no problem to sent an envelope with the
charger to the flat. It should be okay.
I have some pics attached that are from a few weeks ago. That was
first experience of English fish and chips that I brought home. They
were incredible WITH the malted vinegar. The way the are made,
battered, and fried is much better than the U.S. I think my pallet
has changed for most English food. We also made that apple crumbe and
had custard one evening when we had to be in early on Guy Fawkes
night. It was divine as well.
I forgot to tell you that last transfer, Elder Jolliffe and I led the
mission as a single companionship for QGC's (Quality Gospel
Conversations).
I heard that Miami Heat lost their first game
to Boston! That was probably a while ago but I was very happy to hear
that from another missionary.
I'd like to mention that it is so
freezing here and last night tracting for 2.5 hours it was around -8
degrees celcius. If you could tell me what that is in farenheit that
would be great. We will be calling for Christmas I'm pretty sure and
we will have an hour to talk. I will ask about Skype but it seems
very unlikely.
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving! As you know, I got to play sports
all day on mine. Yes we did have Costco pizza and it was wonderful.
Its the best pizza I have had since I have been here. Sports Day was
a blast! I played american football. I had my Texas pullover on
outisde in the freezing cold. President Bullock was QB most of the
time but I was a prime reciever. I felt like I was Jordan Shipley and
President was Colt McCoy throwing ball after ball to me :)
I was able to play basketball but it was kind of lame. There was too
many people and too many of them didnt know what they were doing but
it was good to do a little ball after it had been so long. We also
played volleyball. I am not in good cardio shape but I was in a lot
better shape than most of the Elders. Probably because I am newer.
Yes, that was only half of the mission in that photo.
Thank you all for the wonderful Thanksgiving letters! I actually
didnt get it until the 23rd but I was able to catch up. I enjoyed all
of them and had a good laugh at a few. It was good to them this week.
Jenny and her family has been frustrating but still promising. She
works all the time. We have dropped by to teach them twice but
neither appointment has been good. We do have planned to see them on
Tuesday which will be great! Jenny was very apologetic and says that
Tuesday will work. Continue to pray for them. I hope that all goes
well.
In my "Becoming Like Him" study this morning, I really enjoyed
learning how important knowledge really is in the gospel. I think of
the Savior and how He had a perfect knowledge of things and how we
should always strive for knowledge.
We must gain spiritual knowledge and apply it to our own lives. When
it is applied, we should use our knowledge in our examples to
everyone. Jesus used His knowledge in His teachings by showing us the
perfect example. In Luke 1:77, it says one of the Savior's purpose's
was to help us recieve a knowledge of salvation. I hope that I can be
a good example of what I have learned and be able share that with
others as a servant of the Lord. Thanks for your wonderful input on
virtue. I learned a lot from what you said :)
With regards to the shipping questions, yes they we will get the
packages on the 23rd if the mission office gets them before then. We
get mail every training/zone conference that we have that is sent to
the mission office. That is no problem to sent an envelope with the
charger to the flat. It should be okay.
I have some pics attached that are from a few weeks ago. That was
first experience of English fish and chips that I brought home. They
were incredible WITH the malted vinegar. The way the are made,
battered, and fried is much better than the U.S. I think my pallet
has changed for most English food. We also made that apple crumbe and
had custard one evening when we had to be in early on Guy Fawkes
night. It was divine as well.
I forgot to tell you that last transfer, Elder Jolliffe and I led the
mission as a single companionship for QGC's (Quality Gospel
Conversations).
I heard that Miami Heat lost their first game
to Boston! That was probably a while ago but I was very happy to hear
that from another missionary.
I'd like to mention that it is so
freezing here and last night tracting for 2.5 hours it was around -8
degrees celcius. If you could tell me what that is in farenheit that
would be great. We will be calling for Christmas I'm pretty sure and
we will have an hour to talk. I will ask about Skype but it seems
very unlikely.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week 8: Manchester Mission: Southport
Hello from Southport!
It has been another great week here in Southport. We had a miracle this week in finding a family and teaching them. But I’ll give some background first.
During Weekly Planning a couple weeks back, Elder Jolliffe and I were looking at what areas we wanted to street contact and tract. I was looking at the map and nothing was coming. I just picked out a street called “Cypress Road.” We went tracting on it that week one evening and had no success. But we kept it in our plans for the next week and decided to try again some other time.
The other time came on Monday night. The night before, I mentioned in Nightly Planning to go back since it had been a while. We were on our way to tract and were speaking with everyone along the way as usual. There was a woman across the street with her two children. from where I was so I went to go speak with her. She wasn’t initially interested and said she was catholic. She also is from Liverpool (fyi the Liverpool accent is hilarious, you have to hear it). But, we continued in conversation and she asked if I was American. She then told me that her family was hoping to move to Louisiana in a year so that her son could get a soccer scholarship for school. We had some more small talk and we brought it back to the gospel. She then became interested and set up an appointment.
We taught her and her family the next day. She has SEVEN children! She was very interested and then mentioned to us that her and her son talked about that coming across us was fate. She wanted to strengthen her faith and she felt that meeting an American was an absolute blessing. We then shared what I have talked about planning. The Spirit truly does prepare others to receive the gospel. Being persistent and sticking to plans is so important. Miracles happen everyday. You just have to look for them and do what you are supposed to. Her name is Jenny. We also have two other investigators that are African. One is named Luke, and the other is called Precious. They both need to gain a spiritual witness of the gospel. I hope and pray all goes well with them.
My study of virtue this morning was amazing. In Preach My Gospel it says, “What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.”
With this quote in mind, I was thinking how this is applicable with the Savior. I then thought of the instance of when Jesus had been fasting and Satan came to tempt Him. Christ was alone and Satan, being the evil one he is, knew this was one of the best opportunities had to tempt Christ.
James E. Talmage notes in Jesus the Christ that if Jesus would have performed the miracles to prove to Satan that He was the Son of God, doubt would have been in the Savior’s mind. He also would have been thinking selfishly, but as we know, Christ was triumphant. He was obedient to His fast to the Father and defeated the cunning one. Virtue was most definitely in the Savior’s thoughts. Virtue was never ceasing.
A normal day goes like this:
6:30 am: Get up and pray
630-800: Exercise, shower, breakfast, get ready.
8 am: Personal Study
9 am: Companionship Study
10am: Out the door to find and teach
12: Lunch
1pm: Out the door to find and teach.
5: Tea (dinner)
6: Out the door to find and teach.
9: Nightly planning for the next day.
10:30: Pray and Sleep
It’s pretty easy to not have time as you can see.
I don’t know what happened with Colton’s letter. I wrote him one the week before Lindsey’s and sent it to the old house address. But I will write a new one today. Tell Layne thanks for the wonderful email and kind words. I cant write to him unless I have his home address though. The house looks good. Tell Colton congrats on the basketball team! The Lord answers prayers. I know he does because he has said yes to too many of my prayers.
I love you all and pray daily for you as you have for me. May the Lord bless you in all you do! Continue your study on Becomig Like Him!
Love,
Elder Starr
It has been another great week here in Southport. We had a miracle this week in finding a family and teaching them. But I’ll give some background first.
During Weekly Planning a couple weeks back, Elder Jolliffe and I were looking at what areas we wanted to street contact and tract. I was looking at the map and nothing was coming. I just picked out a street called “Cypress Road.” We went tracting on it that week one evening and had no success. But we kept it in our plans for the next week and decided to try again some other time.
The other time came on Monday night. The night before, I mentioned in Nightly Planning to go back since it had been a while. We were on our way to tract and were speaking with everyone along the way as usual. There was a woman across the street with her two children. from where I was so I went to go speak with her. She wasn’t initially interested and said she was catholic. She also is from Liverpool (fyi the Liverpool accent is hilarious, you have to hear it). But, we continued in conversation and she asked if I was American. She then told me that her family was hoping to move to Louisiana in a year so that her son could get a soccer scholarship for school. We had some more small talk and we brought it back to the gospel. She then became interested and set up an appointment.
We taught her and her family the next day. She has SEVEN children! She was very interested and then mentioned to us that her and her son talked about that coming across us was fate. She wanted to strengthen her faith and she felt that meeting an American was an absolute blessing. We then shared what I have talked about planning. The Spirit truly does prepare others to receive the gospel. Being persistent and sticking to plans is so important. Miracles happen everyday. You just have to look for them and do what you are supposed to. Her name is Jenny. We also have two other investigators that are African. One is named Luke, and the other is called Precious. They both need to gain a spiritual witness of the gospel. I hope and pray all goes well with them.
My study of virtue this morning was amazing. In Preach My Gospel it says, “What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.”
With this quote in mind, I was thinking how this is applicable with the Savior. I then thought of the instance of when Jesus had been fasting and Satan came to tempt Him. Christ was alone and Satan, being the evil one he is, knew this was one of the best opportunities had to tempt Christ.
James E. Talmage notes in Jesus the Christ that if Jesus would have performed the miracles to prove to Satan that He was the Son of God, doubt would have been in the Savior’s mind. He also would have been thinking selfishly, but as we know, Christ was triumphant. He was obedient to His fast to the Father and defeated the cunning one. Virtue was most definitely in the Savior’s thoughts. Virtue was never ceasing.
A normal day goes like this:
6:30 am: Get up and pray
630-800: Exercise, shower, breakfast, get ready.
8 am: Personal Study
9 am: Companionship Study
10am: Out the door to find and teach
12: Lunch
1pm: Out the door to find and teach.
5: Tea (dinner)
6: Out the door to find and teach.
9: Nightly planning for the next day.
10:30: Pray and Sleep
It’s pretty easy to not have time as you can see.
I don’t know what happened with Colton’s letter. I wrote him one the week before Lindsey’s and sent it to the old house address. But I will write a new one today. Tell Layne thanks for the wonderful email and kind words. I cant write to him unless I have his home address though. The house looks good. Tell Colton congrats on the basketball team! The Lord answers prayers. I know he does because he has said yes to too many of my prayers.
I love you all and pray daily for you as you have for me. May the Lord bless you in all you do! Continue your study on Becomig Like Him!
Love,
Elder Starr
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week 7: Manchester Mission: Southport
Hello from the 2nd greatest country in the world!
We have worked hard this past week! We have Zonce Conference on
Thursday so I'm quite excited for that. It should be another great
week in England!
We saw success in and miracles in the work this week. However, we are
still strugling to have investigators to progress. In Alma 37:6-7, we
learn that the "small and simple things" make the "great things"
happen. Elder Jolliffe and I have both recognized that if we strive
to become better at the little things with follow-up, daily contact,
etc., we will see even greater miracles occur.
Presdient Bullock sent me an email this Saturday:
Elder Starr, I keep hearing good things about you so well done on
getting off to a good start on your mission. You are no longer the
youngest missionary in the mission so you are now capable of doing
more, taking on more responsibilities and being a greater strength to
your companion. But it is still a time of learning and growing. Keep
up the good work.
With love, President Bullock
I hope and pray that I have that capability to take on more
responsibilty and see greater blessings from it.
Yesterday was Rememberence Sunday. It's Englands day for honoring
their military forces. We sang "God Save the Queen" in Sacrament
Meeting. It was a bit awkawrd for me surrounded by all of the English
but the Spirit was wonderful in the meeting. It made me think about
all of those who defend freedom and how we should always thank and
remeber what they do.
This week for "Becoming Like Him" is Charity and Love. This is one of
my favorite topics (considering it was the theme of my Farewell Talk).
So I am excited to share my insights with you next week. Thanks for
your study and insights you shared with me as well. I learn from
them. I hope that my tounge is loosed so I can speak with the tounge
of angels and others can recognize the Light of Christ in my
countenance.
I love you all and pray that you. May the Lord continue to bless our
family as we are obedient to his commandments and follow his teachings.
I continue to be happy and feel of your prayers while I am here. Keep
on the "armor of light"wherever you may be (Its in Romans but Im not sure
exactly where). Love and think about you all daily.
Love,
Elder Starr
P.S. The toothbrush charger needs a transformer that goes into the
wall to lower the voltage so it doesnt burn up.
We have worked hard this past week! We have Zonce Conference on
Thursday so I'm quite excited for that. It should be another great
week in England!
We saw success in and miracles in the work this week. However, we are
still strugling to have investigators to progress. In Alma 37:6-7, we
learn that the "small and simple things" make the "great things"
happen. Elder Jolliffe and I have both recognized that if we strive
to become better at the little things with follow-up, daily contact,
etc., we will see even greater miracles occur.
Presdient Bullock sent me an email this Saturday:
Elder Starr, I keep hearing good things about you so well done on
getting off to a good start on your mission. You are no longer the
youngest missionary in the mission so you are now capable of doing
more, taking on more responsibilities and being a greater strength to
your companion. But it is still a time of learning and growing. Keep
up the good work.
With love, President Bullock
I hope and pray that I have that capability to take on more
responsibilty and see greater blessings from it.
Yesterday was Rememberence Sunday. It's Englands day for honoring
their military forces. We sang "God Save the Queen" in Sacrament
Meeting. It was a bit awkawrd for me surrounded by all of the English
but the Spirit was wonderful in the meeting. It made me think about
all of those who defend freedom and how we should always thank and
remeber what they do.
This week for "Becoming Like Him" is Charity and Love. This is one of
my favorite topics (considering it was the theme of my Farewell Talk).
So I am excited to share my insights with you next week. Thanks for
your study and insights you shared with me as well. I learn from
them. I hope that my tounge is loosed so I can speak with the tounge
of angels and others can recognize the Light of Christ in my
countenance.
I love you all and pray that you. May the Lord continue to bless our
family as we are obedient to his commandments and follow his teachings.
I continue to be happy and feel of your prayers while I am here. Keep
on the "armor of light"wherever you may be (Its in Romans but Im not sure
exactly where). Love and think about you all daily.
Love,
Elder Starr
P.S. The toothbrush charger needs a transformer that goes into the
wall to lower the voltage so it doesnt burn up.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Week 6: Manchester Mission: Southport
Hello from Southport!
Sorry that my email is late. I hope you got my letter letting you
know what was going on. We had transfers this week and so we don't
have a p-day on the Monday of. Elder Jollife and I are both staying
in Southport. This is will be his fourth transfer here which means he
will have been here for a bit over six months! I dont know if I could
be in one area for six months....
I'm glad to here that everyone is settling into things....even Kobe!
Ha I just laughed thinking about it. I love that dumb, wonderful dog
I continue to pray all the time for each of you and specifically Colton
with basketball. I will continue to pray even more specifically for
that as well.
We have a lot of new investigators, but the trouble is always trying
to get them to progress. Pray that we have progressing investigators.
The Lord has continued to bless us through our faithfulness and
diligence. But it has been an uplifting and wonderful week. We also
went to the temple today since it was p-day today. I love going to
the temple. I feel like I'm at home. What a wonderful and reassuring
Spirit I feel everytime I am there.
I went to my first "chippy" (fish and chip shop) on Friday! It was so
amazing and delicious! I think malted vinegar is the only way to eat
them. You are going to have to have them at some point. Apparently,
we got them at the best chippy in Southport as well called the Swan.
President Bullock is the or one of the most inspired men I have ever
met. He has given us study topics on the Christlike Attributes in My
Gospel. We are studying each topic, once a week, until the end of the
year. Last week was faith and this week I am continuing my study on
hope. What incredible insights I have had. President has asked us to
challenge our families to do the same. So I ask our family to do the
"Becoming Like Him" study with me. You will need to combine faith and
hope for this week, but I will give you the complete schedule on
Monday. I promise that you will come to love and learn more about our
Savior through this as well as "become more like Him." Share your
thoughts and impressions with me on what you learn as well through the
scriptures, books, etc.
From faith, I have written in my study journal "A little faith and
work can give you a witness from the Holy Ghost. Miracles occur. I
have seen miracles occur from this priciple in my own life (2 Nephi
26:13)."
Another insight from faith is from 1 Nephi 16:28. In that scripture,
the Holy Ghost is our Liahona. Through our faith and diligence, the
Spirit will "point" us in the right direction. Strenghten our faith
by doing those "small and simple things (Alma 37:6)"
In my study of hope, I read a wonderful passsage that spoke a lot to
me in Moroni 7:40-48. Through these verses, I noticed some Christlike
attributes that lead to others. The best way to put it was through an
equation: Humility---> Hope---> Faith---> Charity.
What I have in my study journal is, "We cannot only have one of
Christ's attributes. We must have all of them in order to become our
best selves. Each attribute leads to another."
A new electric toothbrus charger would be nice for Christmas since the
high voltage here fried it. Sorry about that. Other than that I have
no idea. I hope its not too much trouble if I think of something that
it would be okay to send another package. But other than that I
really can't think of anything.
I love you all and hope all will continue to go well for you in Idaho
Falls. Keep up all the wonderful details in your emails and letters!
I love them! May Heavenly Father continue to bless our family in all
that we do is my prayer. Thank you for all the wonderful support you
have given me here and throughout all my life. What a wonderful
blessing it was to be raised in such an amazing family.
Love,
Elder Starr
Sorry that my email is late. I hope you got my letter letting you
know what was going on. We had transfers this week and so we don't
have a p-day on the Monday of. Elder Jollife and I are both staying
in Southport. This is will be his fourth transfer here which means he
will have been here for a bit over six months! I dont know if I could
be in one area for six months....
I'm glad to here that everyone is settling into things....even Kobe!
Ha I just laughed thinking about it. I love that dumb, wonderful dog
I continue to pray all the time for each of you and specifically Colton
with basketball. I will continue to pray even more specifically for
that as well.
We have a lot of new investigators, but the trouble is always trying
to get them to progress. Pray that we have progressing investigators.
The Lord has continued to bless us through our faithfulness and
diligence. But it has been an uplifting and wonderful week. We also
went to the temple today since it was p-day today. I love going to
the temple. I feel like I'm at home. What a wonderful and reassuring
Spirit I feel everytime I am there.
I went to my first "chippy" (fish and chip shop) on Friday! It was so
amazing and delicious! I think malted vinegar is the only way to eat
them. You are going to have to have them at some point. Apparently,
we got them at the best chippy in Southport as well called the Swan.
President Bullock is the or one of the most inspired men I have ever
met. He has given us study topics on the Christlike Attributes in My
Gospel. We are studying each topic, once a week, until the end of the
year. Last week was faith and this week I am continuing my study on
hope. What incredible insights I have had. President has asked us to
challenge our families to do the same. So I ask our family to do the
"Becoming Like Him" study with me. You will need to combine faith and
hope for this week, but I will give you the complete schedule on
Monday. I promise that you will come to love and learn more about our
Savior through this as well as "become more like Him." Share your
thoughts and impressions with me on what you learn as well through the
scriptures, books, etc.
From faith, I have written in my study journal "A little faith and
work can give you a witness from the Holy Ghost. Miracles occur. I
have seen miracles occur from this priciple in my own life (2 Nephi
26:13)."
Another insight from faith is from 1 Nephi 16:28. In that scripture,
the Holy Ghost is our Liahona. Through our faith and diligence, the
Spirit will "point" us in the right direction. Strenghten our faith
by doing those "small and simple things (Alma 37:6)"
In my study of hope, I read a wonderful passsage that spoke a lot to
me in Moroni 7:40-48. Through these verses, I noticed some Christlike
attributes that lead to others. The best way to put it was through an
equation: Humility---> Hope---> Faith---> Charity.
What I have in my study journal is, "We cannot only have one of
Christ's attributes. We must have all of them in order to become our
best selves. Each attribute leads to another."
A new electric toothbrus charger would be nice for Christmas since the
high voltage here fried it. Sorry about that. Other than that I have
no idea. I hope its not too much trouble if I think of something that
it would be okay to send another package. But other than that I
really can't think of anything.
I love you all and hope all will continue to go well for you in Idaho
Falls. Keep up all the wonderful details in your emails and letters!
I love them! May Heavenly Father continue to bless our family in all
that we do is my prayer. Thank you for all the wonderful support you
have given me here and throughout all my life. What a wonderful
blessing it was to be raised in such an amazing family.
Love,
Elder Starr
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Letter & Challenge from President Bullock
Dear Parents,
At the end of last year, we studied the attributes of Christ together as a mission and realized wonderful blessings individually and collectively. It changed the lives of many missionaries and their families who participated. I was inspired by the letters of our missionaries who felt the spirit and put forth the effort to truly make these attributes part of who they are. We were also overwhelmed by the number of families of our missionaries who made this a personal and family focus leading up to Christmas.
We are going to do the same this year. Over 60% of our missionaries have come to the mission since last November so this will be new to them and their families. For those who were part of this last year, it will not only be a wonderful opportunity to renew what they have already done but perhaps even take this process to a higher level. Attached is a flyer “Becoming Like Him” that we have given to each of our missionaries.
We would like to invite you to participate as a family. We have asked your son/daughter to included in their weekly email or letter home, the things they learned, progress they made and spiritual impressions they had about the attribute for that week. For those of you who choose to participate, we would recommend that you do that same back to your son/daughter. As with last year, we are confident that this will be a positive and life-changing experience for those who take part.
The mission is doing well and we are being abundantly blessed. We are grateful to you the families and for your strength and support to your missionary, it means everything to them. We love our missionaries and feel it a blessing and honor to be serving with them. Their obedience, faithfulness and diligence is an example and inspiration to all of us.
"SEE BELOW"
Warm regards,
President Bullock
England Manchester Mission
England Manchester Mission
Becoming Like Him
Striving to become more like Christ as we draw near to Christmas
Focus
“The Lord has also called you to His work, and He invites you to follow Him. The invitation to follow Christ is an invitation to follow His example and to become like Him. Some chapters in Preach My Gospel focus on what you need to do as a missionary – how to study, how to manage time wisely. Just as vital as what you do, however, is who you are.” (Preach My Gospel, pg. 115)
Objective
During the nine weeks leading up to Christmas and year-end, we will work together as a mission to become more like Christ. Each week we will work on one of the Christlike Attributes as outlined in Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel. We also invite you to engage your family in this study and ask them to do the same. At Christmas we will celebrate the process of becoming more like Christ.
Method
The following list of activities may be of help as you focus on becoming more like Christ:
Read about the attribute in Preach My Gospel Study the scripture references in Preach My Gospel that go with the attribute Study other scriptures from the Topical Guide on the attribute Look for examples and stories of the attribute in the life of Christ Record your thoughts, feelings and impressions in your study journal Every morning, ask the Lord to help you better develop that attribute in your life that day Discuss and plan to live the attribute as a companionship Every morning, individually and collectively commit to live the attribute Talk about the attribute in your teaching and meetings Discuss the attribute throughout the day with your companion Every evening, report to the Lord on your progress Write about your experiences and what you have learned in your personal journal Ask your family to live the attribute and write about it to you each week.
Schedule
We will study each attribute for one week, from one P-Day to the next. Thus, you will be writing your family and the President about what you have learned. Please follow the schedule below:
2010 - Week of: Attribute
Nov 1 – Nov 7 Faith in Jesus Christ
Nov 8 – Nov 14 Hope
Nov 15 – Nov 21 Charity and Love
Nov 22 – Nov 28 Virtue
Nov 29 – Dec 5 Knowledge
Dec 6 – Dec 12 Patience
Dec 13 – Dec 19 Humility
Dec 20 – Dec 26 Diligence
Dec 27 – Jan 2 Obedience
“…what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” 3 Nephi 27:27
At the end of last year, we studied the attributes of Christ together as a mission and realized wonderful blessings individually and collectively. It changed the lives of many missionaries and their families who participated. I was inspired by the letters of our missionaries who felt the spirit and put forth the effort to truly make these attributes part of who they are. We were also overwhelmed by the number of families of our missionaries who made this a personal and family focus leading up to Christmas.
We are going to do the same this year. Over 60% of our missionaries have come to the mission since last November so this will be new to them and their families. For those who were part of this last year, it will not only be a wonderful opportunity to renew what they have already done but perhaps even take this process to a higher level. Attached is a flyer “Becoming Like Him” that we have given to each of our missionaries.
We would like to invite you to participate as a family. We have asked your son/daughter to included in their weekly email or letter home, the things they learned, progress they made and spiritual impressions they had about the attribute for that week. For those of you who choose to participate, we would recommend that you do that same back to your son/daughter. As with last year, we are confident that this will be a positive and life-changing experience for those who take part.
The mission is doing well and we are being abundantly blessed. We are grateful to you the families and for your strength and support to your missionary, it means everything to them. We love our missionaries and feel it a blessing and honor to be serving with them. Their obedience, faithfulness and diligence is an example and inspiration to all of us.
"SEE BELOW"
Warm regards,
President Bullock
England Manchester Mission
England Manchester Mission
Becoming Like Him
Striving to become more like Christ as we draw near to Christmas
Focus
“The Lord has also called you to His work, and He invites you to follow Him. The invitation to follow Christ is an invitation to follow His example and to become like Him. Some chapters in Preach My Gospel focus on what you need to do as a missionary – how to study, how to manage time wisely. Just as vital as what you do, however, is who you are.” (Preach My Gospel, pg. 115)
Objective
During the nine weeks leading up to Christmas and year-end, we will work together as a mission to become more like Christ. Each week we will work on one of the Christlike Attributes as outlined in Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel. We also invite you to engage your family in this study and ask them to do the same. At Christmas we will celebrate the process of becoming more like Christ.
Method
The following list of activities may be of help as you focus on becoming more like Christ:
Read about the attribute in Preach My Gospel Study the scripture references in Preach My Gospel that go with the attribute Study other scriptures from the Topical Guide on the attribute Look for examples and stories of the attribute in the life of Christ Record your thoughts, feelings and impressions in your study journal Every morning, ask the Lord to help you better develop that attribute in your life that day Discuss and plan to live the attribute as a companionship Every morning, individually and collectively commit to live the attribute Talk about the attribute in your teaching and meetings Discuss the attribute throughout the day with your companion Every evening, report to the Lord on your progress Write about your experiences and what you have learned in your personal journal Ask your family to live the attribute and write about it to you each week.
Schedule
We will study each attribute for one week, from one P-Day to the next. Thus, you will be writing your family and the President about what you have learned. Please follow the schedule below:
2010 - Week of: Attribute
Nov 1 – Nov 7 Faith in Jesus Christ
Nov 8 – Nov 14 Hope
Nov 15 – Nov 21 Charity and Love
Nov 22 – Nov 28 Virtue
Nov 29 – Dec 5 Knowledge
Dec 6 – Dec 12 Patience
Dec 13 – Dec 19 Humility
Dec 20 – Dec 26 Diligence
Dec 27 – Jan 2 Obedience
“…what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” 3 Nephi 27:27
Monday, November 1, 2010
Week 5: Manchester Mission: Southport
Hiyah from England!
Hope you all had a good Halloween! Its not as big here as it is in the U.S. Some English don't like it at all in fact. But, it continues to grow each year my companion tells me.
Hopefully your burdens and stresses have been lessened from the whole moving process as you continue to progress towards the finish line. I hope that the ward is good and that you will be able to enjoy yourselves in Idaho Falls.
The school situation sounds a bit surprising. However, the more I think about it, the more Maple Mountain was almost a place of joy for me. Standards I feel were high among most of the students and it was happy place to be. You all know how much I loved high school. Right you are that I was blessed so abundantly with friends and relationships with others. I continue to ask myself the question why Heavenly Father did bless me with success in the social aspect of life. I may never know all the answers, but my gratitude is beyond measure for it.
To Colton, Lindsey, and Lauren:
This situation is new for you. I don't know how you feel right now and what is going on in your mind about life, school, friends, etc. I do know however, that there is someone who does. He is your Savior and big brother. Turn to him in all you do. I know His arms are always wide open for you. Seek him diligently in all you do. I know that He lives and loves you. Put your trust in Him with your burdens and griefs and you will find peace.
I learned two wonderful teachings of the gospel in my personal study this week. The first was in 2 Nephi 30:2. It mentions that Heavenly Father makes no promises unless we repent and believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. It made me think about the covenants I have made especially previous to my mission. He has shown my so much love in all I do. How grateful I am for Him and His Son.
The second was in Moroni 7:19. It says to search diligently in the light of Christ and hold on to every good thing. All good things come from our Heavenly Father. What came to mind as I read this was that I should do three things. (1) Take in the good things, (2) make them last, and (3) don't forget them. I feel I need to do a better at letting what I feel or have sink into my Spirit and learn everything I can from it.
May the Lord continue to bless you in all you do. I continue to pray for each of you daily as I know you do for me. We are trying to still build a solid teaching pool. A lot of our investigators lately have been one-hit-wonders. Continue to pray that we can find solid, prepared investigators to accept the gospel. We have worked our tails off, and I know the Lord will provide as we continue to do so. It has been a solid week of finding and oh how I am growing to love it more each day. Thank you for the wonderful details and insight you share. I feel the Spirit as I read them. Thanks for the email Lonni! I hope the Lord blesses y'all as well! I love you all!
Love,
Elder Cameron Starr
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week 4: Manchester Mission: SouthPort
Hello Family!!
What an amazing week it was! The Lord has blessed me so early in my
mission with a baptism. I don't feel deserving of such a wonderful
experience, but I am truly grateful for the great event and spiritual
learning I gained out of it.
First, I had the oppurtunity of working with Elder Moses early this
week in Crosby. Exchanges are great. I love having the oppurtunity
to learn about how other missionaries approach the Lord's work,
spiritual insights they have, and be able to gain a good relationship
with them. Elder Moses is a fine example of this oppurtunity. I
really enjoyed working with him.
Now, the baptism. Elder Jolliffe is very unselfish. Anja had no
cares on who did what for the baptism. Even though he was with her
through the whole conversion process, he extended the invitation for
me to baptize her. I really wanted him to since he was a part of the
whole conversion, but he insisted I do. The only things I missed he
said was finding her, and one lesson. He also expressed deep care
that I do it and wouldn't feel bad if he didn't. What a great example
he is to me and I'm glad he did so.
The baptisimal service was an absolute joy. The Spirit touched my
heart in so many different ways that evening. The talks given were a
big part of this, including Elder Jolliffe's. Baptizing was a whole
new world. She was so ready. You could see the light in her eyes as
she came out of the water and the true joy that the she felt.
I didn't realize howmuch I could learn through the Spirit in this way.
It was one of themost incredible experiences of spiritual learning I
have ever had.
The Lord has truly blessed me in so many circumstances thus far. I am
so grateful for the love He has shown me throughout my life.
We sang "I Know That My Redemer Lives" at the end of the service.
That song had never touched my heart so much as it did in the moment
we sang it. It was a reconfirmation to me that I know that my Master,
King, and Savior live. Even Jesus Christ. I also know that he will
always love me. I hope that He has felt my love for Him.
On Sunday, a member of the bishopric asked Elder Jollife and I if we
could speak in sacrament meeting five minutes before church started.
Luckily, Sacrament Meeting is at the end of church here. I spoke on
the Restoration. I never have felt the Spirit prick my heart the way
it did while sharing Joseph's First Vision experience in his own words
as it did then.
After chuch, we talked with Anja about her confirmation and how she
felt. We also asked why she decided to get baptized and why she let
us teach her. She answered by expressing how she found everyone to be
so happy and how she wanted that same happiness. She said during
lessons (her favorite part of the whole experience) she could see the
light in our eyes. And through that light she found truth in what we
shared with her. Even though sometimes it was hard for me to see and
feel if I was teaching by the Spirit, it is amazing to know that I
was. To see her progress and have that change of heart was such a
remarkable experience.
It is starting to get cold here. I pulled out my awesome overcoat for
the first time yesterday night. I didnt use the inner piece and
luckily I was quite warm. You can sense that winter is going to be
quite cold. We have had winds recently that have made their way down
from the artic. It goes right through you. You're lovely Idaho
weather doesn't suprise me one bit.
Living conditions are very good. I'll send you pictures soon. I dont
know how the compare to BYU housing really though. I have yet to have
fish and chips. We are having them next week though. So I am really
excited about that!
P-Days we email, go shopping at ASDA (which is owned by Walmart), do
laundry, and write letters. We can only write letters on P-day. Last
week however, we went to Liverpool and played basketball as a zone.
It felt good to put that ball in my hands again. I played very well
suprisingly.
Thank you for the wonderful words and advice. I have felt the Spirit
as I have read them. I love and pray for all you. May the Lord continue
to bless each of us in all we do. God bless.
Love,
Cameron
What an amazing week it was! The Lord has blessed me so early in my
mission with a baptism. I don't feel deserving of such a wonderful
experience, but I am truly grateful for the great event and spiritual
learning I gained out of it.
First, I had the oppurtunity of working with Elder Moses early this
week in Crosby. Exchanges are great. I love having the oppurtunity
to learn about how other missionaries approach the Lord's work,
spiritual insights they have, and be able to gain a good relationship
with them. Elder Moses is a fine example of this oppurtunity. I
really enjoyed working with him.
Now, the baptism. Elder Jolliffe is very unselfish. Anja had no
cares on who did what for the baptism. Even though he was with her
through the whole conversion process, he extended the invitation for
me to baptize her. I really wanted him to since he was a part of the
whole conversion, but he insisted I do. The only things I missed he
said was finding her, and one lesson. He also expressed deep care
that I do it and wouldn't feel bad if he didn't. What a great example
he is to me and I'm glad he did so.
The baptisimal service was an absolute joy. The Spirit touched my
heart in so many different ways that evening. The talks given were a
big part of this, including Elder Jolliffe's. Baptizing was a whole
new world. She was so ready. You could see the light in her eyes as
she came out of the water and the true joy that the she felt.
I didn't realize howmuch I could learn through the Spirit in this way.
It was one of themost incredible experiences of spiritual learning I
have ever had.
The Lord has truly blessed me in so many circumstances thus far. I am
so grateful for the love He has shown me throughout my life.
We sang "I Know That My Redemer Lives" at the end of the service.
That song had never touched my heart so much as it did in the moment
we sang it. It was a reconfirmation to me that I know that my Master,
King, and Savior live. Even Jesus Christ. I also know that he will
always love me. I hope that He has felt my love for Him.
On Sunday, a member of the bishopric asked Elder Jollife and I if we
could speak in sacrament meeting five minutes before church started.
Luckily, Sacrament Meeting is at the end of church here. I spoke on
the Restoration. I never have felt the Spirit prick my heart the way
it did while sharing Joseph's First Vision experience in his own words
as it did then.
After chuch, we talked with Anja about her confirmation and how she
felt. We also asked why she decided to get baptized and why she let
us teach her. She answered by expressing how she found everyone to be
so happy and how she wanted that same happiness. She said during
lessons (her favorite part of the whole experience) she could see the
light in our eyes. And through that light she found truth in what we
shared with her. Even though sometimes it was hard for me to see and
feel if I was teaching by the Spirit, it is amazing to know that I
was. To see her progress and have that change of heart was such a
remarkable experience.
It is starting to get cold here. I pulled out my awesome overcoat for
the first time yesterday night. I didnt use the inner piece and
luckily I was quite warm. You can sense that winter is going to be
quite cold. We have had winds recently that have made their way down
from the artic. It goes right through you. You're lovely Idaho
weather doesn't suprise me one bit.
Living conditions are very good. I'll send you pictures soon. I dont
know how the compare to BYU housing really though. I have yet to have
fish and chips. We are having them next week though. So I am really
excited about that!
P-Days we email, go shopping at ASDA (which is owned by Walmart), do
laundry, and write letters. We can only write letters on P-day. Last
week however, we went to Liverpool and played basketball as a zone.
It felt good to put that ball in my hands again. I played very well
suprisingly.
Thank you for the wonderful words and advice. I have felt the Spirit
as I have read them. I love and pray for all you. May the Lord continue
to bless each of us in all we do. God bless.
Love,
Cameron
Monday, October 11, 2010
Week 3: Manchester Mission: SouthPort
Hello Family!
What a week of miracles it has been here in the mission field. The Lord continues to bless me as I serve out here. There have been times where I feel Satan work on me a bit, but through obedience, the Lord always sends him packing. If I could give one word of advice in the gospel that has blessed me, it would be just do what the Lord says. The smallest commandments make the biggest impact. We all know "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."
Anja is progressing so amazing. She has been so good at keeping commitments and living the commandments. She had an issue with tea, but as of last Wednesday, she hasn't had a sip. Her baptism date is set to the 23 of October. We are so excited for that! She has came to every appointment, church meeting, Mission Home Fireside, and even General Conference. What a great investigator! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
We had the oppurunity to go on exchanges with the Assistants this past Thursday and Friday. Previous to our exchange on Thursday, we had a Multizone Training. President Bullock gave a wonderful presentation on the Dead Sea Scrolls and how they bear factual truth to the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. It was so brillant! I will try to get a copy of the presentation and send one home. However, facts don't last. Our true testimony comes from within through the Holy Ghost. Facts can only be building blocks, but our foundation must be from the Spirit.
I had the privellage of working with Elder Lunt on the exchange. I was very nervous considering my first exchange was with an Assistant, it had only been a week, and I was the first new missionary to work with them. The experience was absolutely incredible! We did so much finding. We have what we call Quality Gospel Conversations (QGC's). Usually, I am able to get around 8-10 a day and 16-20 with my companion. With Elder Lunt, we were able to have 33 combined! We ran after everyone in our vicinity! The Lord truly does bless you when you work your hardest. It was the funnest day of the mission by far! I hope and pray I can continue to have that same motiviation and Spirit about me as I work. Elder Lunt taught me so much and gave great feedback on what I was doing well and some things I could improve on.
Elder Jolliffe and I are having a wonderful time. We love being together and being opened with each other and how we feel in certain circumstances. Our realationship continues to grow. We are praying for a new pool of investigators at the moment so that we can find others like Anja to teach and baptize. As long as we work hard, I dont see how we cant.
I got your letter Mom. The fourth hour part was great and very spiritual as I read it. Something that came to mind that really hit home and brought tears to my eyes relating to it was a quote from The Dark Knight. Harvey Dent is at the press conference and is telling the people that they don't neet to know who Batman is. The people continue to murmur and blame Batman for all lthe wrong things they feel he has done while forgetting what good he has brought. Harvey Dent says "The night is darkest just before the dawn, but I promise you the dawn is coming." Sometimes we feel we are in our darkest moment not knowing when the dawn will come. Like Harvey Dent, I know in so many instances in my life, especially prior to my mission, that the dawn does come.
I feel this topic is something that relates to our families situation right now. Moving is shocking news, but in my heart I also feel that it is right. There was immediate peace as I read your letters concerning the matters. Obedience, as I said before, is number one. I hope and pray that all goes well in your preparations.
I love you all. I continue to pray that the Lord blesses each one of you individually. Thank you for your continued support. Good luck in the moving process.
Love,
Elder Starr
P.S. Colton, I love you. I am happy to hear Maple Mountain won a football game! Tell Devo congrats for me! Continue to live like you should and be obedient. Know that I care about you and all you do. Tell everyone congrats on their mission status! Also, if its not too much trouble, change my address back to the Mission Office Address for lack of confusion. I will also write you a personal letter. Tell me the address on where I should send it next week.
P.S.S. I have recieved letters from Amberly, Wesli, Bre, Mom, and Colton. Like to hear from some guy friends now and then. Haha!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Week 2: Manchester Mission: Southport
Dear Family!
What a great start to the mission it has been! There has been tough times where in some moments I feel home sickness and get a little discouraged and tired, but the joy definitely outweighs the discouragement.
We have four investigators that we are teaching right now. Only one (who is now Anja, pronounced Anya, instead of Anna) is progressing however. The reason being for that is for the others to keep commitments. Hopefully circumstances change and they will have a desire to keep those commitments through our prayers and the Spirit they have felt.
Southport is more of a city area. It is by the coast, but you can't really see it unless you drive on an uphill part towards it or go walk forever on the sandy beach. I have only seen the ocean once since I have been here. Liverpool is a fantastic place to see. The buildings and statues they have there are amazing! I absolutely love looking at the city when we travel there.
We traveled to Liverpool for conference these past two days. Conference was absolutely inspiring and better than I have ever remembered it being. We watched the Saturday morning session on Saturday evening at 5 p.m. We then traveled home and went back the next day to Priesthood at 10 a.m., watched the Saturday afternoon session at 1 p.m., and then watched the Sunday morning session at 5 p.m. The only session we didn't get to see was the Sunday afternoon session which was sad to leave.
My favorite talk was President Monson's in the Sunday morning session. I had such a strong spiritual prompting that I could see in his countenance of his love for me and the church as he stood in silence at the pulpit those first few moments. During my mission thus far, I don't think there has been a day thus far where I didn't feel a powerful spiritual feeling and had not shed a tear during the feelings the Spirit gave me. How great this work truly is.
It has only rained really good one day thus far and that was yesterday in Liverpool. It wasn't the funnest thing to do while trying to find and teach people in between Conference sessions. That was also the coldest. I don't know what the temperature has been, but it has been quite cool on some days, and some days have been like today which are really nice and sunny.
President and Sister Bullock are absolutely brilliant servants of the Lord. They both have a great amount of love for the missionaries. Meeting with President Bullock was an absolute pleasure and you can see the love and seriousness he has for this work. Sister Bullock made us enchiladas that were very tasty (almost as good as yours Mom).
Almost all of our finding efforts are through walking and street contacting. We usually try to find people on trains as well when we get the chance to travel. I got the first street contacting appointment of my own on Saturday. His name is Tony, he looks to be in his mid-twenties and is black. I had a prompting to go talk to him while Elder Jolliffe was on the phone. We are teaching him this evening. I am very excited for that. I hope and pray all goes well.
I have relied so much on the Lord while being out here, especially through prayer. There are set times where I pray at bare minimum 10 times a day. I have felt the Spirit so strongly while being out here.
Thank you for your emails and all of the support, advice, and love you have showed me with thus far. Not a day goes by where I don't feel of your love for me. I hope the same is for you. I hope Heavenly Father continues to bless our family and I both temporally, but more importantly, spiritually while I am out here. I love and pray for you all.
Elder Cameron Starrr
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Update from Mom & Dad - October 3, 2010
Hello All!
Last week we received a post from Cameron sent through the "Royal Mail"! He had mentioned in one of his emails that they had gone street contacting "Right in the middle of Manchester"/Piccadilly. Cameron forwarded some copies of his journal relating his experiences of that day. He was taken in by all the sites and sounds of a new country. The architecture, the new English Language, etc. He called the buildings "Brilliant"", which is a popular English term he has picked-up rather quickly.
His companion started the contacting immediately after arriving at the Chorley Railway Station. They did not experience any success there. The next person they encountered was a middle eastern man named Sam. Cameron asked if he could share a message with him and he agreed. Cameron asked if he had any particular religious affiliation to which he answered that he was a Muslim. Cameron said that statement scared him a little, and he was lost for a moment on what to say. He testified about Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon. Sam listened to his message, and Sam accepted a Book of Mormon. He hopes the missionaries who receive his referral card will experience success with Sam.
After getting off the train in Manchester their success was little. They ended up in a park. Again little success, Cameron saw a man and his daughter playing by a fountain. The prodding of the spirit kept working on Cameron to see this man and daughter. "There was something about the countenance of this man". "I could see it in his eyes". As they were about to leave the park Cameron told his companion to follow him. He introduced them and as missionaries Of the Lord. The man spoke with an African accent, and they learned that the man and his daughter were from Cameroon. He is a Christian and seemed eager to hear their message. Cameron bore his testimony of Jesus Christ and His living gospel. He wanted to know more. Due to the short time remaining for Cameron and his companion. Ferdinand and his three year old daughter accepted the invitation to have missionaries visit and teach them the gospel.
Thank you all for your support of Cameron. He feels your love and prayers. Karin & I thank you for your positive influence and roles in his choice to serve the Lord.
God Bless you All!
The Starr's
Last week we received a post from Cameron sent through the "Royal Mail"! He had mentioned in one of his emails that they had gone street contacting "Right in the middle of Manchester"/Piccadilly. Cameron forwarded some copies of his journal relating his experiences of that day. He was taken in by all the sites and sounds of a new country. The architecture, the new English Language, etc. He called the buildings "Brilliant"", which is a popular English term he has picked-up rather quickly.
His companion started the contacting immediately after arriving at the Chorley Railway Station. They did not experience any success there. The next person they encountered was a middle eastern man named Sam. Cameron asked if he could share a message with him and he agreed. Cameron asked if he had any particular religious affiliation to which he answered that he was a Muslim. Cameron said that statement scared him a little, and he was lost for a moment on what to say. He testified about Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon. Sam listened to his message, and Sam accepted a Book of Mormon. He hopes the missionaries who receive his referral card will experience success with Sam.
After getting off the train in Manchester their success was little. They ended up in a park. Again little success, Cameron saw a man and his daughter playing by a fountain. The prodding of the spirit kept working on Cameron to see this man and daughter. "There was something about the countenance of this man". "I could see it in his eyes". As they were about to leave the park Cameron told his companion to follow him. He introduced them and as missionaries Of the Lord. The man spoke with an African accent, and they learned that the man and his daughter were from Cameroon. He is a Christian and seemed eager to hear their message. Cameron bore his testimony of Jesus Christ and His living gospel. He wanted to know more. Due to the short time remaining for Cameron and his companion. Ferdinand and his three year old daughter accepted the invitation to have missionaries visit and teach them the gospel.
Thank you all for your support of Cameron. He feels your love and prayers. Karin & I thank you for your positive influence and roles in his choice to serve the Lord.
God Bless you All!
 |
| Preston MTC Missionaries there w/ Elder Starr |
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Week1: 1st Mission Field Letter -Southport- from Elder Starr: September 30, 2010
Hello Family!
It has been an incredible and very busy couple of days and the second day hasn't even ended yet! Elder Jolliffe is fantastic and we have excited times ahead of us. I will try to solve the scripture problem by the way. My flat address is
4 The Academy
20 Manchester Rd.
Southport, Mersyd,
PR9 9HG
England
United Kingdom
My P-Day is on Monday but I was allowed to right home as soon as possible following transfers. Elder Jolliffe is from England and is so awesome. He has a great desire to be exactly obedient and do the work of the Lord. We are serving in area called Southport which is outside of Liverpool. We are a part of the Liverpool stake. After transfer meeting, we went to flat leaving from the Liverpool station to Southport. After walking a long ways with luggage to the flat, we finally arrived, dropped off my bags and went street contacting. We didn't have much success but we followed that with an amazing teaching experience.
Her name is Anna and we met with her at a member's home. She is from Estonia and speaks Russian. Her english is good but she has a hard time understanding sometimes what we say with words like "Atonement" and "Restoration" We showed her "The Restoration" DVD in Russian. We each testified to here of the truthfullness in her study of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the gospel. She believes that it is all true. She committed to baptism shorlty thereafter! We are really excited but have a few more things to teach her. She is scheduled for Oct. 16. What an amazing first day it was!
We did a little shopping today and got myself a library card so I can go on the internet for email. Following that we did our weekly planning, had lunch, and some more weekly planning (which takes a long time). After this email, we will be doing some more street contacting, tea (dinner), tracting, and a lesson with another investigator. His name is Terry and has been taught all of the lessons and just need to come up with a baptisimal date that he is committed to and go over some little things. He also has a desire to be baptized and we are excited about that. So hopefully two for this month. Excited for General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. I'll miss being there with all of you though.
Keep me up to date with basketball with Colton. Really excited to hear about that situation. I have been praying that he and the team will have a successful year and that if it be the Lord's will Colton can have an oppurtunity to play after high school with a scholarship offer. I don't have a left foot baby hook In Soccer) yet. In fact, my left foot is terrible. Some of the lingo I dont understand but most I do and am starting to get used to using those words everyday. I have been working on not using slang (not bad words slang) and have done a good job of it thus far as it is one of the mission rules.
I pray for you everyday and love you all! May Heavenly Father bless you in all you do. Thanks for sending all of those things to the mission!
Love,
Elder Starr/King Cam/Son/Brother
P.S. I got Tom and Lonni's letter and all of the kids as well. I'm pretty sure their letter sat at the mission home for a while until I got into the field.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)