Hello family!
Well I am still here in South Ribble but I have a new companion. Elder Le Cornu is from Austrailia. He has been out for a year and a half and the call him the grandpa of the mission because he is the oldest in age. He seems really good and I am excited to serve with him here.
President Bullock also sends his congrats for Colton:
Elder Starr, congratulations on the call of your brother to Brazil. We had 3 sons serve in Brazil and he will have a wonderful but very different experience from you. Please send my congratulations to your family.
You are doing great, keep up the good work. With love, President Bullock
Kim and Robert are both doing well. We taught both of them yesterday. Robert's only issues holding him back is some minor smoking of cigars and he needs a dog sitter to go anywhere. He has been keeping all of the commitments, and even applying the scriptures to his own life (which you don't get very much out of investigators), now we just need to get him to church. He says he has a great desire to be baptized and you can see it. He has a humble personality and is a very eager learner.
My testimony of teaching people and not lessons has increased as well this week. We had planned to teach a certain lesson during our exchange and the day before we were to teach Kim the lesson it didn't seem right. I then prayed on the matter and the thought came to teach on prayer. We had already taught that both to her personally, addressed it many times in lessons before, and it was also taught in our Gospel Principles class at church. On paper it didn't seem to make sense, but that is the direction I felt that it should go. I was impressed on what direction to take the lesson and the end result was her overcoming some of the apprehensive obstacles that were in her way. Yesterday, she then told us she wants to move her baptimsal date to June 11. I'm thankful for the counsel I recieved from the Lord on that occasion and for the blessings I now see from it. All we really need to teach is tithing now. Pray that she will be willing to accept and understand the law of tithing.
I was able to exchange with Elder Hughes from Stillwater, Oklahoma. We had a lot of fun together. Talked a little bit about football. The second and last day of our exchange, we had nothing planned but nine hours of finding. I have had quite a few days like that on my mission, but as you're diligent they fly by. That day full of nothing was really something after it was over. I was able to learn a lot from Elder Hughes and I am grateful for that.
In response to your comment, Mom.....Everyone seems to want to do whats easy and fun rather than what is right and meaningful. The small pleasures and vices don't will never endure. Living in the moment only lasts as long as the moment. We must continually build in order to become. Becoming endures and is everlasting.
Thanks for the letter Matt! It was good to hear from you. It's okay to start with a bang, I like it like that :) Thanks for your prayers, counsel, and example. You are completely right when it comes to obedience. Something I have learned and taken to heart is the more obedient we are, the less we have to sacrifice. Alma 57:21, always obey with exactness. Even though the Lakers were complete rubbish this year, its okay, because I wasn't there and I still love you uncle Mateos.
I love and continually pray specifically for each of you. I hope you enjoy this fresh start to summer and I look forward to hear from you on Monday!
Love,
Cameron
P.S. Big scriptures are amazing to study with! But I would not reccomend hogging them around all day. You can mail the Ensign to the office. I will send pictures on Monday. Do you have any to send from graduation?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Week 34-Manchester England-South Ribble/Leyland
Hello from raining Enlgand!
It has been wet pretty much for a week now and I am definitely ready for the sun to come back. The rain has been on and off most days but it is always threatning. But its the rain that makes England... England I guess.
My talk went well yesterday. As I mentioned last week, it was on "Coming unto Christ." I started out by asking two questions 1. "Why should we come unto Christ?" and 2. "How can I come unto Christ?" I mentioned how I'm asked when talking to people how can Christ help them. I then gave an experience of how at basketball practice we would run, run, and run to the point that when we got a water break, no amount to water could quench my thirst. I then went to John 4 and expounded on the story of the Woman of Samaria at Jacob's Well.
I like to let the scriptures do the teaching and told the congregation that Christ offers us "living water" in other words, the love of God (1 Nephi 11:25). Love is one of, if not, the most powerful feelings us as humans have. Heavenly Father's love is perfect and never ends. Because of His love, he provides not only peace and happiness not only in this life, but in the eternities. That is what Christ offers. No amount of worldly possessions, passions, and vices can quench that thirst we all want gone. Only Christ and His teachings can because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I then answered question two by using a quote in Preach My Gospel on pg. 116. How we come closer to Christ is through our faith in Him. The quote mentions strengthening our faith by diligent scripture study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the commandments and promptings the Holy Ghost gives us.
I went on to expound once we are doing these things we must become. The way we get closest to Christ is becoming as He and our Heavenly Father are (3 Nephi 27:27, Matt. 5:48). I used Helaman 3:35 to expound how we become once we have applied. We must purify and sanctify our lives yielding to our Father in Heaven's will. I then bore my testimony. This was pretty much all of it and Bishop Adam didn't want me to speak too long. I don't have the notes in front of me but I'm pretty sure this was what my notes said.
Kim came to church as well. She seemed to really enjoy it and had a smile on the whole time. The only thing she seems to be apprehensive about to this point is Joseph Smith. She believes all of the doctrine and I feel she has felt the Spirit confirm to her multiple times that he was a prophet. We are hoping to resolve that concern by watching the Joseph Smith movie shown in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building tonight. I have felt over the past week that she needs to see this film. Joseph's life alone is a testimony to me that he was a prophet of God. Her baptism date is June 4th. Pray that she recieves a spiritual witness and that she progresses to her baptismal date.
A miracle that came from using the Book of Mormon was from a new investigator named Rob. We spoke to Rob on the street earlier in the week and really focused on the Book of Mormon and how it related to him and his beliefs. We weren't able to set up an appointment but we left our details on a pass-along card. The next day, we felt good about a street to go tract and when we were heading home, we saw Rob again and he asked me if he could have a copy of the Book of Mormon. Through that conversation, we were able to see him a couple of days later. He is eager to learn more about the gospel. We are seeing him again tomorrow and I hope that all goes well there. He seeks for knowledge in all things. He is in his fifties and is a very nice man. Pray that we will be able to teach him and help him come to church.
Some compasses I noticed this week were the ward and its leaders, my mission leaders and mission president. I love how Elder Holland mentioned in that talk you just shared with me that faith is looking forward. That was put so dbrillantly and I learned a lot from what he mentioned. I meet people everday who dwell on the negatives of others around them or the condescending things they have heard and/or researched. They are not being Christlike as Elder Holland explains. Thank you for sharing that talk with me Big Fella. That is how those I mentioned above our compasses. They can recieve revelation for their callings through their faith. They continually look forward.
Thank you for the wonderful gifts you gave me for my birthday. I also forgot to mention last week to thank you also for the wonderful letter you sent me Mom. It touched my heart and I appreciated your words and your thoughts. Thanks for the effort put into that and I look forward to recieving the other letters as well when they arrive.
Wednesday we are having another Sports Day! I'm very excited to put my Kobe's back on and touch a ball again. My knee has been feeling quite well but I will make sure not overdue anything. Transfers are next Wednesday (June 1) so you will either hear from me on that day or the Thursday following.
I had that chocolate pudding at the Bishop's house in Birkenhead. It was probably my favortie dessert I have had thus far with a close second to apple crumbe and hot custard.
I want you all to know that I have seen your growth as well since I have been serving. Your testimonies have strengthened and you are all striving to become. I exhort that you continue to do so. I love you all very much and will hear from the emails you send next Tuesday.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. Thanks for sending the pictures of Colton's Prom. Looking good Spock, but you should have went with the Bond look. You would have looked even that much more brillant in your appearance :)
P.S.S. I would like to request if you would, a collection of all of your emails and mine throughout my mission. I would like to see all of those together when the time comes. Would that be okay?
It has been wet pretty much for a week now and I am definitely ready for the sun to come back. The rain has been on and off most days but it is always threatning. But its the rain that makes England... England I guess.
My talk went well yesterday. As I mentioned last week, it was on "Coming unto Christ." I started out by asking two questions 1. "Why should we come unto Christ?" and 2. "How can I come unto Christ?" I mentioned how I'm asked when talking to people how can Christ help them. I then gave an experience of how at basketball practice we would run, run, and run to the point that when we got a water break, no amount to water could quench my thirst. I then went to John 4 and expounded on the story of the Woman of Samaria at Jacob's Well.
I like to let the scriptures do the teaching and told the congregation that Christ offers us "living water" in other words, the love of God (1 Nephi 11:25). Love is one of, if not, the most powerful feelings us as humans have. Heavenly Father's love is perfect and never ends. Because of His love, he provides not only peace and happiness not only in this life, but in the eternities. That is what Christ offers. No amount of worldly possessions, passions, and vices can quench that thirst we all want gone. Only Christ and His teachings can because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I then answered question two by using a quote in Preach My Gospel on pg. 116. How we come closer to Christ is through our faith in Him. The quote mentions strengthening our faith by diligent scripture study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the commandments and promptings the Holy Ghost gives us.
I went on to expound once we are doing these things we must become. The way we get closest to Christ is becoming as He and our Heavenly Father are (3 Nephi 27:27, Matt. 5:48). I used Helaman 3:35 to expound how we become once we have applied. We must purify and sanctify our lives yielding to our Father in Heaven's will. I then bore my testimony. This was pretty much all of it and Bishop Adam didn't want me to speak too long. I don't have the notes in front of me but I'm pretty sure this was what my notes said.
Kim came to church as well. She seemed to really enjoy it and had a smile on the whole time. The only thing she seems to be apprehensive about to this point is Joseph Smith. She believes all of the doctrine and I feel she has felt the Spirit confirm to her multiple times that he was a prophet. We are hoping to resolve that concern by watching the Joseph Smith movie shown in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building tonight. I have felt over the past week that she needs to see this film. Joseph's life alone is a testimony to me that he was a prophet of God. Her baptism date is June 4th. Pray that she recieves a spiritual witness and that she progresses to her baptismal date.
A miracle that came from using the Book of Mormon was from a new investigator named Rob. We spoke to Rob on the street earlier in the week and really focused on the Book of Mormon and how it related to him and his beliefs. We weren't able to set up an appointment but we left our details on a pass-along card. The next day, we felt good about a street to go tract and when we were heading home, we saw Rob again and he asked me if he could have a copy of the Book of Mormon. Through that conversation, we were able to see him a couple of days later. He is eager to learn more about the gospel. We are seeing him again tomorrow and I hope that all goes well there. He seeks for knowledge in all things. He is in his fifties and is a very nice man. Pray that we will be able to teach him and help him come to church.
Some compasses I noticed this week were the ward and its leaders, my mission leaders and mission president. I love how Elder Holland mentioned in that talk you just shared with me that faith is looking forward. That was put so dbrillantly and I learned a lot from what he mentioned. I meet people everday who dwell on the negatives of others around them or the condescending things they have heard and/or researched. They are not being Christlike as Elder Holland explains. Thank you for sharing that talk with me Big Fella. That is how those I mentioned above our compasses. They can recieve revelation for their callings through their faith. They continually look forward.
Thank you for the wonderful gifts you gave me for my birthday. I also forgot to mention last week to thank you also for the wonderful letter you sent me Mom. It touched my heart and I appreciated your words and your thoughts. Thanks for the effort put into that and I look forward to recieving the other letters as well when they arrive.
Wednesday we are having another Sports Day! I'm very excited to put my Kobe's back on and touch a ball again. My knee has been feeling quite well but I will make sure not overdue anything. Transfers are next Wednesday (June 1) so you will either hear from me on that day or the Thursday following.
I had that chocolate pudding at the Bishop's house in Birkenhead. It was probably my favortie dessert I have had thus far with a close second to apple crumbe and hot custard.
I want you all to know that I have seen your growth as well since I have been serving. Your testimonies have strengthened and you are all striving to become. I exhort that you continue to do so. I love you all very much and will hear from the emails you send next Tuesday.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. Thanks for sending the pictures of Colton's Prom. Looking good Spock, but you should have went with the Bond look. You would have looked even that much more brillant in your appearance :)
P.S.S. I would like to request if you would, a collection of all of your emails and mine throughout my mission. I would like to see all of those together when the time comes. Would that be okay?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Week 33-Manchester England-South Ribble/Leyland
Hello Family!
Wow, exciting news! Brazil fits Spock. Looks like it is going to be exactly three years between the two of us. Good timing there. I too feel like Mom, that both calls were inspired and they go well with us. Two totally different cultures and countries. Are you going to start learning Portugese? I bet Tom loved the call.
I'm also glad to hear that Prom was good. I would have loved to drive a '67 Camaro! But the Denali was always one of my favorite vehicles anyways. It is a bit sad that it was a bunch of lasts for the two boys. It is amazing to see how fast time flys. I'm also glad to hear that the talk went well. Those were great things to focus on regarding the Doctrine and Covenants.
The training that was given by President Bullock that I mentioned last week was fantastic.
Here are the seven things he mentioned that the Holy Ghost does:
1. Comforter/Confidence/Peace
2. Teach You All Things
3. Show You What to Do
4. Guides to All Truth
5. Gives You Words to Say
6. Brings to Our Rememberance
7. Testifies of the Father and the Son
The scriptures he used were John 14:26,16:13, 2 Nephi 32:5, Helaman 5:18, D&C 42:17.
South Ribble was wet this week, but it was very enjoyable. We have seen good things happen from our investigator Kim this week. She has kept the commitments we have been leaving her and is starting to gain an understanding about the gospel. Now we just have to get her to church. She works on Sundays during church hours so we will really be stressing that this week. Monday, we took our bishop and his wife to fellowhip with us. The two of them were able to resolve minor concerns concerning the three kingdoms of glory without us stepping in at all. They also commited her to attend a relief society activity without even asking. Kim attended and enjoyed the activity. It was amazing to see the great love these members have for the investigator. What a blessing it is to have excellent fellowshipers in the ward. She has now been taught the first three lessons, the Word of Wisdom, and tonight we are teaching her the Law of Chastity.
Earlier this week, I was given the opportunity to speak in church this coming Sunday on "Coming unto Christ." I have been thinking recently about my approach to this oppurtnity and took the matter to church to recieve direction. It was amazing what the Spirit put into my mind and heart during sacrament meeting. It all seemed to come just flowing. I'm grateful for that experience and now have a stronger testimony of taking questions and to seek inspiration from church. I'll let you how that goes on next week.
Transfers are on June 1. I sent all of the pink ones home because the mission didn't find them conservative. So I just decided to send all of the pink ones home. I got Mom's letter on Tuesday after emails this last week and that was a complete suprise. I don't know how one managed to get here but the others didn't. I did get my glasses and they do fit and look well. I will email you a picture of them next week. I get my provisional license most likely in a couple of weeks. After I get that, I will then have to take the theory test before I can take driving lessons.
I do think of the Liahona as the compass. I love the scripture in 1 Nephi 16:28 (if I'm not mistaken) how it mentions that the Liahona works according to the faith and direction. If we have faith and diligence in all that we do. I will do my best to identify compasses and follow-up with you on them next week.
I love you all and am excited to be in the service at the same time with Colton. All hail the lands of England and Brazil!
Love,
Cameron
Wow, exciting news! Brazil fits Spock. Looks like it is going to be exactly three years between the two of us. Good timing there. I too feel like Mom, that both calls were inspired and they go well with us. Two totally different cultures and countries. Are you going to start learning Portugese? I bet Tom loved the call.
I'm also glad to hear that Prom was good. I would have loved to drive a '67 Camaro! But the Denali was always one of my favorite vehicles anyways. It is a bit sad that it was a bunch of lasts for the two boys. It is amazing to see how fast time flys. I'm also glad to hear that the talk went well. Those were great things to focus on regarding the Doctrine and Covenants.
The training that was given by President Bullock that I mentioned last week was fantastic.
Here are the seven things he mentioned that the Holy Ghost does:
1. Comforter/Confidence/Peace
2. Teach You All Things
3. Show You What to Do
4. Guides to All Truth
5. Gives You Words to Say
6. Brings to Our Rememberance
7. Testifies of the Father and the Son
The scriptures he used were John 14:26,16:13, 2 Nephi 32:5, Helaman 5:18, D&C 42:17.
South Ribble was wet this week, but it was very enjoyable. We have seen good things happen from our investigator Kim this week. She has kept the commitments we have been leaving her and is starting to gain an understanding about the gospel. Now we just have to get her to church. She works on Sundays during church hours so we will really be stressing that this week. Monday, we took our bishop and his wife to fellowhip with us. The two of them were able to resolve minor concerns concerning the three kingdoms of glory without us stepping in at all. They also commited her to attend a relief society activity without even asking. Kim attended and enjoyed the activity. It was amazing to see the great love these members have for the investigator. What a blessing it is to have excellent fellowshipers in the ward. She has now been taught the first three lessons, the Word of Wisdom, and tonight we are teaching her the Law of Chastity.
Earlier this week, I was given the opportunity to speak in church this coming Sunday on "Coming unto Christ." I have been thinking recently about my approach to this oppurtnity and took the matter to church to recieve direction. It was amazing what the Spirit put into my mind and heart during sacrament meeting. It all seemed to come just flowing. I'm grateful for that experience and now have a stronger testimony of taking questions and to seek inspiration from church. I'll let you how that goes on next week.
Transfers are on June 1. I sent all of the pink ones home because the mission didn't find them conservative. So I just decided to send all of the pink ones home. I got Mom's letter on Tuesday after emails this last week and that was a complete suprise. I don't know how one managed to get here but the others didn't. I did get my glasses and they do fit and look well. I will email you a picture of them next week. I get my provisional license most likely in a couple of weeks. After I get that, I will then have to take the theory test before I can take driving lessons.
I do think of the Liahona as the compass. I love the scripture in 1 Nephi 16:28 (if I'm not mistaken) how it mentions that the Liahona works according to the faith and direction. If we have faith and diligence in all that we do. I will do my best to identify compasses and follow-up with you on them next week.
I love you all and am excited to be in the service at the same time with Colton. All hail the lands of England and Brazil!
Love,
Cameron
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Week 32-Manchester England-South Ribble/Leyland
Dear Family,
Just as you, I enjoyed our Skype conversation as well. It was good to hear from all of you and see your wonderful faces (including Ebony, too bad you couldn't lift up Kobe, maybe next time)! I didn't mean to seem so serious. Ha maybe the Joker can put a smile on my face :)
We had a Mission Conference yesterday with Elder Packer of the Seventy (Sis. Bullock's brother/Pres. Packer's son). He talked a lot about recognizing the Spirit and things relative to missionary work. President Bullock also gave a training on the Holy Ghost and the roles and blessings that come from it's influence. I'm telling you, President Bullock, is something else. I still express enough how much he has taught me and meant to me on my mission. I'll give you some notes on what he talked about on Monday.
We taught the investigator I mentioned on Skype named Kim. She has studied with the Jehovah's Witnesses in the past and has some concerns with a couple of points of our doctrine. Her daughter is a less-active. Our fellowshipers have also been extending commintments and help try to resolve her concerns. You can see the difference in the lesson as members help teach and testify. You can also see the difference in Kim as well. What a blessing! She is attending a Relief Society social tonight and possibly church on Sunday. We will be seeing her tomorrow and Friday as well. Pray she recieves an answer to her prayers concerning the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.
This morning, I was reading in Mormon 3. The Lord had commanded Mormon not to share the gospel until this point in the book. He then starts to declare according to the Lord's counsel, but then he recoginzes that his preaching "was in vain" due to the peoples wickedness and abominations. It made me think about the times where I felt strongly impressed to act on a certain prompting and either little or nothing come out of it, but I know the Lord gives us those impressions for various reasons. As I have followed them, the Spirit confirms to me that what I did was right.
I had such an experience yesterday with a man named Simon. We walked past him on the way to an appointment while he was in his car with his two young children. As we walked past, I immediately started feeling like I needed to go back and talk to him, to the point it seemed to be eating at me. So I turned around and talked to him outside of his car about families. It was a really good conversation, but he didn't set up the appointment, I gave him our phone number and referred him to mormon.org. After the conversation, I felt so much better about and felt the Spirit confirm.
I looked at what the mission uses to send things for our address and it reads:
6 The Tiger
Leyland
LANCS
PR25 1XA
England
I didn't recieve the package yesterday at the Mission Conference because they didn't give out any mail. I will get it next Thursday at Specialized Trainings. I don't know if you could send the letters to the mission office if they would get there on time for next Thursday but do whatever you think is best.
In regards to finances again, I have been spending a fortune and I apologize. Today I'll have to spend £55 to get my learner's permit. Just that part of the liscence has to come out of personal funds. I will also have to spend another £105 when my glasses come in. I feel like complete rubbish for the increbile amount of money spent, but if it is possible to make sure that I have enough money to cover both of those expenses in my account. If it isn't, just let me know and I can talk to President about the situation.
I wrote Duncan and Zach both two weeks ago so hopefully I hear from them soon. I had Duncan's MTC address from a few weeks ago.
I'm very excited about Colton's call next week and can't wait to read it on Monday. I've been thinking about it often for this past week. Wherever it is, it will be awesome. I'm still sticking with the verde, blanco, y rojo de Mexico! Can't wait! I love you all!
Love,
Cameron
Just as you, I enjoyed our Skype conversation as well. It was good to hear from all of you and see your wonderful faces (including Ebony, too bad you couldn't lift up Kobe, maybe next time)! I didn't mean to seem so serious. Ha maybe the Joker can put a smile on my face :)
We had a Mission Conference yesterday with Elder Packer of the Seventy (Sis. Bullock's brother/Pres. Packer's son). He talked a lot about recognizing the Spirit and things relative to missionary work. President Bullock also gave a training on the Holy Ghost and the roles and blessings that come from it's influence. I'm telling you, President Bullock, is something else. I still express enough how much he has taught me and meant to me on my mission. I'll give you some notes on what he talked about on Monday.
We taught the investigator I mentioned on Skype named Kim. She has studied with the Jehovah's Witnesses in the past and has some concerns with a couple of points of our doctrine. Her daughter is a less-active. Our fellowshipers have also been extending commintments and help try to resolve her concerns. You can see the difference in the lesson as members help teach and testify. You can also see the difference in Kim as well. What a blessing! She is attending a Relief Society social tonight and possibly church on Sunday. We will be seeing her tomorrow and Friday as well. Pray she recieves an answer to her prayers concerning the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.
This morning, I was reading in Mormon 3. The Lord had commanded Mormon not to share the gospel until this point in the book. He then starts to declare according to the Lord's counsel, but then he recoginzes that his preaching "was in vain" due to the peoples wickedness and abominations. It made me think about the times where I felt strongly impressed to act on a certain prompting and either little or nothing come out of it, but I know the Lord gives us those impressions for various reasons. As I have followed them, the Spirit confirms to me that what I did was right.
I had such an experience yesterday with a man named Simon. We walked past him on the way to an appointment while he was in his car with his two young children. As we walked past, I immediately started feeling like I needed to go back and talk to him, to the point it seemed to be eating at me. So I turned around and talked to him outside of his car about families. It was a really good conversation, but he didn't set up the appointment, I gave him our phone number and referred him to mormon.org. After the conversation, I felt so much better about and felt the Spirit confirm.
I looked at what the mission uses to send things for our address and it reads:
6 The Tiger
Leyland
LANCS
PR25 1XA
England
I didn't recieve the package yesterday at the Mission Conference because they didn't give out any mail. I will get it next Thursday at Specialized Trainings. I don't know if you could send the letters to the mission office if they would get there on time for next Thursday but do whatever you think is best.
In regards to finances again, I have been spending a fortune and I apologize. Today I'll have to spend £55 to get my learner's permit. Just that part of the liscence has to come out of personal funds. I will also have to spend another £105 when my glasses come in. I feel like complete rubbish for the increbile amount of money spent, but if it is possible to make sure that I have enough money to cover both of those expenses in my account. If it isn't, just let me know and I can talk to President about the situation.
I wrote Duncan and Zach both two weeks ago so hopefully I hear from them soon. I had Duncan's MTC address from a few weeks ago.
I'm very excited about Colton's call next week and can't wait to read it on Monday. I've been thinking about it often for this past week. Wherever it is, it will be awesome. I'm still sticking with the verde, blanco, y rojo de Mexico! Can't wait! I love you all!
Love,
Cameron
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Week 31-Manchester England-South Ribble/Leyland
Hi family!
I'll mention first mention the Royal Wedding of William and Catherine. We got a call saying that we were allowed to watch it for two hours. I was excited to watch some British History on my mission, especially in regards that William is likely to be the king in the future. We watched it at a members house from the point where all of the royalty was arriving, to when the Royal Couple arrived at Buckingham Palace. Yesterday, I went looking for a tea towel and have not found anything of the sort. I will continue to look.
My birthday was great as well. I had tea with some members named the Rojas (from Spain) and we had some great food there. I was also able to have some chocolate-peanut butter cheesecake. I bought myself a couple of football jerseys as well. One is Liverpool and the other is an England long sleeve top to have my name and #35 on the back of the jersey. We also ate a very good chinese buffet yesterday in Preston.
Something that has been on my mind was something the Assistants wrote in last week's newsletter to the mission. The reminder of being exactly obedient with the daily schedule really caused me to adjust and make sure that I am doing my very best to be on time for the Lord. I know that He will pour out His blessings as we strive to have our knees right on time, all of the time. Obedience is what sets us free and I'm reengergized to do my part to recieve the blessings that come from it.
I haven't been in contact with Andrew lately so he seems to have been another one hit wonder. We have had a couple of those this past week. But I as strive to be urgent and as sacred as possible I know that the Lord will bless us those who are prepared to teach.
I know I'm not where I want to be yet, when all is said and done, but I do know that our Heavenly Father's plan is about progression. We all have areas where we need to improve and its about taking those weaknesses and making them strenghts (Ether 12:27). Unless we are progressing to become like our Heavenly Father, we are digressing. Unless we set goals and do our best to achieve them, we won't achieve what we want to become. We will be living below our privelages as Pres. Uchtdorf would say. We need to do all we can to become "sacred" individuals. President Bullock's counsel and love has absolutey changed my mission and life.
Exciting stuff for Lauren and Dad. I hope you each look forward to your new experiences you have in your new opportunities. Also exciting for Colton as well. He will do great! I wish I got to speak at any graduation back in the day.
I look forward to Skyping you at 3:30 England time :) I don't know if it will be able to be as private as it was last time because I was in a conservetory with doors shut but my companion could still see me. I don't think it will be as ideal this time around.
I love you all! Happy Birthday Lauren! I will be sending a letter next Tuesday for your birthday!
Love,
Cameron
P.S. Today I went to the Optometrist and I'm getting glasses. Unfortunately, glasses are incredibley expensive here, to get a pair of Oakley's was like £200. I paid £75 today for the down payment on my appointment, perscription, and nike glasses. I still owe about £105. Again Im sorry for the ridiculous amount of money I had to spend. It was so cheapest place I could find. So if I could get £105 in my account, that would be great. Pictures to come next week
I'll mention first mention the Royal Wedding of William and Catherine. We got a call saying that we were allowed to watch it for two hours. I was excited to watch some British History on my mission, especially in regards that William is likely to be the king in the future. We watched it at a members house from the point where all of the royalty was arriving, to when the Royal Couple arrived at Buckingham Palace. Yesterday, I went looking for a tea towel and have not found anything of the sort. I will continue to look.
My birthday was great as well. I had tea with some members named the Rojas (from Spain) and we had some great food there. I was also able to have some chocolate-peanut butter cheesecake. I bought myself a couple of football jerseys as well. One is Liverpool and the other is an England long sleeve top to have my name and #35 on the back of the jersey. We also ate a very good chinese buffet yesterday in Preston.
Something that has been on my mind was something the Assistants wrote in last week's newsletter to the mission. The reminder of being exactly obedient with the daily schedule really caused me to adjust and make sure that I am doing my very best to be on time for the Lord. I know that He will pour out His blessings as we strive to have our knees right on time, all of the time. Obedience is what sets us free and I'm reengergized to do my part to recieve the blessings that come from it.
I haven't been in contact with Andrew lately so he seems to have been another one hit wonder. We have had a couple of those this past week. But I as strive to be urgent and as sacred as possible I know that the Lord will bless us those who are prepared to teach.
I know I'm not where I want to be yet, when all is said and done, but I do know that our Heavenly Father's plan is about progression. We all have areas where we need to improve and its about taking those weaknesses and making them strenghts (Ether 12:27). Unless we are progressing to become like our Heavenly Father, we are digressing. Unless we set goals and do our best to achieve them, we won't achieve what we want to become. We will be living below our privelages as Pres. Uchtdorf would say. We need to do all we can to become "sacred" individuals. President Bullock's counsel and love has absolutey changed my mission and life.
Exciting stuff for Lauren and Dad. I hope you each look forward to your new experiences you have in your new opportunities. Also exciting for Colton as well. He will do great! I wish I got to speak at any graduation back in the day.
I look forward to Skyping you at 3:30 England time :) I don't know if it will be able to be as private as it was last time because I was in a conservetory with doors shut but my companion could still see me. I don't think it will be as ideal this time around.
I love you all! Happy Birthday Lauren! I will be sending a letter next Tuesday for your birthday!
Love,
Cameron
P.S. Today I went to the Optometrist and I'm getting glasses. Unfortunately, glasses are incredibley expensive here, to get a pair of Oakley's was like £200. I paid £75 today for the down payment on my appointment, perscription, and nike glasses. I still owe about £105. Again Im sorry for the ridiculous amount of money I had to spend. It was so cheapest place I could find. So if I could get £105 in my account, that would be great. Pictures to come next week
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Week 30-Manchester England-South Ribble/Leyland
Dear Family,
I'm glad to hear that you had a good Easter back home and that life is still going well. My Easter sad to say was really nothing special. We didn't have a meal at a member's home or anything! But I still enjoyed myslef and quite frankly, forgot it was Easter once church was over. At church, I got to meet the ward. They are very good and have some great families.
We were able to see a miracle as well on Easter. We were riding around speaking to people while trying by some referrals we had. I stopped a man named Andrew and we started talking. He had really good questions and I asked him if we could teach him right then and he invited us over to his house. The lesson went well and he accepted our commitments. Hopefully we will teach him for our appointment tomorrow. You have a lot of one hit wonders as a missionary.
Yesterday, we went to the temple and took about 40 minutes to get up there. My legs were on fire after and I was sweating quite well by the time we got there. But one of the best parts was while I was locking my bike up at the MTC, some missionaries from the MTC were walking back down from exercise. One of them looked at me and said "Cameron?!" It was Kelly Cloward! He lives in the Collinsworth's ward and was hillarious in high school. He is going to the Birmingham Mission. We only talked for a second because our session was about to start, but he said I had a serious accent going on. His companion didn't believe I was American at first. I can't event tell I have one, but maybe you all can on Mother's Day!
Speaking of which, it is actually going to be 8:30 am your time. We did the math wrong in our heads and I couldn't tell because I figured it out right after I was done. That is still be subject to change because the members we are doing it at have a son in the London South Mission and they are guessing he will most likely Skype in the evening. But I will give you the final blow on Monday.
I don't know how I feel about turning 20. Ha I never thought that this day would actually come and I really don't want to be old already, but I guess that is what happens, life goes on. Where did all of the time go? Don't worry about the birthday stuff, I'm not upset about it all. It will get here when it gets here. Thanks for the effort, time and money you have put in. I'm sure I'll enjoy it :)
In regards to my driving license, I think I'm going to need to see an optometrist. My eyes probably aren't good enough to be able to read a license plate to 60-65 feet away. So it will also take some cash to make sure that all gets sorted. I will probably set up an appointment in the next couple of weeks. I don't know whether to do glasses or contacts though...
President Bullock wrote me this:
Elder Starr, I know that your time in Moreton was short but there is always a reason for every move. South Ribble is a great place and you will be a strong support to Elder Cole. I am very pleased with your progress as a missionary. I feel that you are ready to be a senior companion but unfortunately we just don’t have the spots available with the low turnover in the mission. But that will change in the next few transfers so start preparing yourself for that to happen. Keep up the good work.
I definitely felt ready to be senior comp after this past transfer so I was a little discouraged at first, but now I understand why. Elder Cole has six months left and will have been in South Ribble for six months after this transfer is over. We are very different but he has a good personality. Hopefully our companionship can continue to be strengthened.
I love and miss you all. I'm looking forward to speaking to you all on Mother's Day! I will pray Colton gets his call before then, but if not, that's just the way the ball bounced. May Heavenly Father continue to bless our family as we strive to keep the sacred covenants we have made both at baptism and at the temple.
Love,
Cameron
Family,
I forgot that next Monday is a bank holiday as well, so you wont here from me until Tuesday again. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Starr
D&C 68:4
I'm glad to hear that you had a good Easter back home and that life is still going well. My Easter sad to say was really nothing special. We didn't have a meal at a member's home or anything! But I still enjoyed myslef and quite frankly, forgot it was Easter once church was over. At church, I got to meet the ward. They are very good and have some great families.
We were able to see a miracle as well on Easter. We were riding around speaking to people while trying by some referrals we had. I stopped a man named Andrew and we started talking. He had really good questions and I asked him if we could teach him right then and he invited us over to his house. The lesson went well and he accepted our commitments. Hopefully we will teach him for our appointment tomorrow. You have a lot of one hit wonders as a missionary.
Yesterday, we went to the temple and took about 40 minutes to get up there. My legs were on fire after and I was sweating quite well by the time we got there. But one of the best parts was while I was locking my bike up at the MTC, some missionaries from the MTC were walking back down from exercise. One of them looked at me and said "Cameron?!" It was Kelly Cloward! He lives in the Collinsworth's ward and was hillarious in high school. He is going to the Birmingham Mission. We only talked for a second because our session was about to start, but he said I had a serious accent going on. His companion didn't believe I was American at first. I can't event tell I have one, but maybe you all can on Mother's Day!
Speaking of which, it is actually going to be 8:30 am your time. We did the math wrong in our heads and I couldn't tell because I figured it out right after I was done. That is still be subject to change because the members we are doing it at have a son in the London South Mission and they are guessing he will most likely Skype in the evening. But I will give you the final blow on Monday.
I don't know how I feel about turning 20. Ha I never thought that this day would actually come and I really don't want to be old already, but I guess that is what happens, life goes on. Where did all of the time go? Don't worry about the birthday stuff, I'm not upset about it all. It will get here when it gets here. Thanks for the effort, time and money you have put in. I'm sure I'll enjoy it :)
In regards to my driving license, I think I'm going to need to see an optometrist. My eyes probably aren't good enough to be able to read a license plate to 60-65 feet away. So it will also take some cash to make sure that all gets sorted. I will probably set up an appointment in the next couple of weeks. I don't know whether to do glasses or contacts though...
President Bullock wrote me this:
Elder Starr, I know that your time in Moreton was short but there is always a reason for every move. South Ribble is a great place and you will be a strong support to Elder Cole. I am very pleased with your progress as a missionary. I feel that you are ready to be a senior companion but unfortunately we just don’t have the spots available with the low turnover in the mission. But that will change in the next few transfers so start preparing yourself for that to happen. Keep up the good work.
I definitely felt ready to be senior comp after this past transfer so I was a little discouraged at first, but now I understand why. Elder Cole has six months left and will have been in South Ribble for six months after this transfer is over. We are very different but he has a good personality. Hopefully our companionship can continue to be strengthened.
I love and miss you all. I'm looking forward to speaking to you all on Mother's Day! I will pray Colton gets his call before then, but if not, that's just the way the ball bounced. May Heavenly Father continue to bless our family as we strive to keep the sacred covenants we have made both at baptism and at the temple.
Love,
Cameron
Family,
I forgot that next Monday is a bank holiday as well, so you wont here from me until Tuesday again. I love you all!
Love,
Elder Starr
D&C 68:4
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Week 29-Manchester England-South Ribble/Leyland
Dear Family,
I am no longer in Birkenhead which was no suprise at all. It was sad to leave there since my time was so short and I loved being working in a trio. Elders Ashcraft, Herrin, and I had a lot of fun together. It is now only those two in Birkenhead. Charlotte is still doing well. Now she just has to be taught and live the commandments. We weren't able to see Steve at all last week because of family matters throughout the whole week. I was able to see him the day before I left and hopefully all will work out.
But, that is enough sad news. The good news is that I am serving in a place called South Ribble/Leyland. It is between Preston and Chorley and the River Ribble is where a lot of the first converts in England were baptized. I am now serving with Elder Cole who is from Ohio. We do use bikes in this area so that will be a new experience. It's been ages since I have done any leg work besides running after people and my legs were already getting tired only about 10 min on a bike to here. Ha I'm so out of shape I hate it. But the bike will be a big help.
I also got a call two days ago from one of the Assistants. He said that President wants me to get started on obtaining a UK driver's license, which is quite the process here. So at some point, I'm going be learning how to drive a manual and on the other side of the road. Exciting and nervous since I haven't done either before.
My new address is:
66 Leyland Lane
6 The Tiger
Leyland, LANCS
PR25 1XA
The weather in England has been amazing! It has been so nice and sunny and perfect to do missionary work. Perfect for Easter as well. Speaking of holidays, Mother's Day is coming up soon and I will be able to do it on Skype again so I will need your Skype address again. The not so good news is that it will most likely have to be at 6:30 in the morning for you due to a broken family situation for Elder Cole and a fireside we are attending that evening. That is the most likely situation and I apologize for that.
Keep working towards the mission Colton and make sure you are doing all that you can to stay away from the influence of evil. Remember this: "Satan don't kick no dead dogs." He doesn't care about the ones that are already bad because he doesn't have to do anything to influence them. He only wants the good ones. You're definitely a dog that is alive and well and he knows that. Do all you can to come closer to the Lord.
Exciting stuff for Paker! Tell them I send my love and congrats. People already getting married sounds so silly. It makes me feel so old and I don't want to turn twenty in a week and a half, but all good things must come to an end (except the gospel).
I got Zach's letter a little over a week ago and I was laughing throughout the whole thing. That letter made my night and I enjoyed it a lot. I'll probably write him back most likely on Monday. You won't get an email on Monday due to the bank holiday.
The pictures I have are the trio, Elder Jolliffe and the other missionary he trained, and Elder Darrow. Elder Darrow was a Zone Leader in Liverpool who meant a lot to me and taught me some great things on our two day exchange in Southport. He goes home today back to Arizona where he was a national championship wrestler. He had a scholarship to wrestle at Stanford and turned it down to go on a mission. I didn't hear about any of that until Elder Ashcraft told me. We talked about wrestiling on our exchange but he never mentioned any of that. Shows his humility.
I love and wish you all a happy Easter! Go England!
Love,
Cameron
I am no longer in Birkenhead which was no suprise at all. It was sad to leave there since my time was so short and I loved being working in a trio. Elders Ashcraft, Herrin, and I had a lot of fun together. It is now only those two in Birkenhead. Charlotte is still doing well. Now she just has to be taught and live the commandments. We weren't able to see Steve at all last week because of family matters throughout the whole week. I was able to see him the day before I left and hopefully all will work out.
But, that is enough sad news. The good news is that I am serving in a place called South Ribble/Leyland. It is between Preston and Chorley and the River Ribble is where a lot of the first converts in England were baptized. I am now serving with Elder Cole who is from Ohio. We do use bikes in this area so that will be a new experience. It's been ages since I have done any leg work besides running after people and my legs were already getting tired only about 10 min on a bike to here. Ha I'm so out of shape I hate it. But the bike will be a big help.
I also got a call two days ago from one of the Assistants. He said that President wants me to get started on obtaining a UK driver's license, which is quite the process here. So at some point, I'm going be learning how to drive a manual and on the other side of the road. Exciting and nervous since I haven't done either before.
My new address is:
66 Leyland Lane
6 The Tiger
Leyland, LANCS
PR25 1XA
The weather in England has been amazing! It has been so nice and sunny and perfect to do missionary work. Perfect for Easter as well. Speaking of holidays, Mother's Day is coming up soon and I will be able to do it on Skype again so I will need your Skype address again. The not so good news is that it will most likely have to be at 6:30 in the morning for you due to a broken family situation for Elder Cole and a fireside we are attending that evening. That is the most likely situation and I apologize for that.
Keep working towards the mission Colton and make sure you are doing all that you can to stay away from the influence of evil. Remember this: "Satan don't kick no dead dogs." He doesn't care about the ones that are already bad because he doesn't have to do anything to influence them. He only wants the good ones. You're definitely a dog that is alive and well and he knows that. Do all you can to come closer to the Lord.
Exciting stuff for Paker! Tell them I send my love and congrats. People already getting married sounds so silly. It makes me feel so old and I don't want to turn twenty in a week and a half, but all good things must come to an end (except the gospel).
I got Zach's letter a little over a week ago and I was laughing throughout the whole thing. That letter made my night and I enjoyed it a lot. I'll probably write him back most likely on Monday. You won't get an email on Monday due to the bank holiday.
The pictures I have are the trio, Elder Jolliffe and the other missionary he trained, and Elder Darrow. Elder Darrow was a Zone Leader in Liverpool who meant a lot to me and taught me some great things on our two day exchange in Southport. He goes home today back to Arizona where he was a national championship wrestler. He had a scholarship to wrestle at Stanford and turned it down to go on a mission. I didn't hear about any of that until Elder Ashcraft told me. We talked about wrestiling on our exchange but he never mentioned any of that. Shows his humility.
I love and wish you all a happy Easter! Go England!
Love,
Cameron
Monday, April 11, 2011
Week 28-Manchester England-Birkenhead
Hello Starr Fam!
I have a lot to say in a short amount of time. It has been an amazing week in the Birkenhead! We had two investigators at church this week and they both loved it. We have been extremely urgent in every aspect of the work and have seen the blessings from the Lord.
But first, my results from my MRI are in. I was told that no major damage was done. To this point, I have bruising underneath and around my knee cap and some fiber damage around the ligaments which is the reason it is still a bit swollen. With regular, basic exercieses that the physio therapist gave me today, the knee should fully recover in a short time period. I'm glad I didn't tear my cruican ligament or whatever its called because it would have required surgery and 3-6 months of rehab.
First with our investigator named Steve. We were out street contacting in the morning on a main road in Birkenhead. There wasn't a lot of people around me at this particular moment and there was a block of terrace housing next to me. The thought came to knock on a few of the doors. The first three I knocked on all rejected, but the fourth is was Steve. I started talking to him about prophets and thought it would be marvelous to have one right now. We continued on for about ten minutes in conversation on the how he has been going to numerous churches for the past two or three years and hasn't really found one that he has felt good at. He invited me to come in right then and there but it wasn't good at that point and time for us and he had to leave fairly quickly so we set up an appointment.
To keep a long story short, we taught him five times last week and he has progressed flawlessly. He has accepted and kept every commitment we have left him including law of chastity and word of wisdom. He is about 58 years old and is divorced from his wife who committed adultery. When I taught him the Plan of Salvation on an exchange, he thought since we were children of God, it would make sense that we could over time progress and become like him. I didn't say anything to lead into his comment and I nearly fell on the floor after he said that. No one believes in that except us! He also said that Jesus Christ's sacrifice is like an "everlasting covenant." He has been an aboslute joy to teach. He loves the Book of Mormon to death. Pray for him and that he will continue to progress.
We also taught a recent convert/less active's girlfriend named Charlotte after church on Sunday. The recent convert is young and is in a wheelchair. They are both a bit rough around the edges. She has never been to church before or heard of it. She was raised a Jehovah's Witness but left it at 14. We shared the Restoration lesson with her and after we shared the first vision, she described her feelings as "speechless" and "happy." It was one of the most powerful Restoration lessons I have taught so far on my mission. She accepted a commitment to baptism as well as Steve and did so without hesitation We are seeing her tonight. Pray for her as well.
The Royal Wedding is building some hype but some aren't really that happy because it is taking a day away from businesses. It's going to be fun to see that atmosphere of the whole thing and I'll do my best to get one of those tea towels.
Sad that Butler lost but no doubt Brad Stevens will get his ring in the very near future. I also may need a couple of more short sleeve shirts since the weather is getting quite warm. It has been very nice the past few days. I will have pictures for you next Wednesday of Thursday since it is transfers next week.
I will do my best to be more creative with asking for referrals. I ask everyone I meet if they no anyone in specific we could teach with things like a new child, death in the family, recently moved in, religious, etc. So I have been doing my best to my knowledge. We have taught the Family Mission Paln (which is a referral program) to most of the ward. The less-active and inactive is a good idea. I will work on that.
Thanks for the email bro. It was good to hear from you and see how you are doing! Keep up the good work!
My shirt size is 15/35 (french cuff preferably :) ) Ha random side note. Sis Bullock did a presentation on ironing shirts at interviews which I cant believe some missionaries do not no how to do. She used Presidents shirt.
I love you all so much. Thaks for your continued support! Tara!
Love,
Cameroni
I have a lot to say in a short amount of time. It has been an amazing week in the Birkenhead! We had two investigators at church this week and they both loved it. We have been extremely urgent in every aspect of the work and have seen the blessings from the Lord.
But first, my results from my MRI are in. I was told that no major damage was done. To this point, I have bruising underneath and around my knee cap and some fiber damage around the ligaments which is the reason it is still a bit swollen. With regular, basic exercieses that the physio therapist gave me today, the knee should fully recover in a short time period. I'm glad I didn't tear my cruican ligament or whatever its called because it would have required surgery and 3-6 months of rehab.
First with our investigator named Steve. We were out street contacting in the morning on a main road in Birkenhead. There wasn't a lot of people around me at this particular moment and there was a block of terrace housing next to me. The thought came to knock on a few of the doors. The first three I knocked on all rejected, but the fourth is was Steve. I started talking to him about prophets and thought it would be marvelous to have one right now. We continued on for about ten minutes in conversation on the how he has been going to numerous churches for the past two or three years and hasn't really found one that he has felt good at. He invited me to come in right then and there but it wasn't good at that point and time for us and he had to leave fairly quickly so we set up an appointment.
To keep a long story short, we taught him five times last week and he has progressed flawlessly. He has accepted and kept every commitment we have left him including law of chastity and word of wisdom. He is about 58 years old and is divorced from his wife who committed adultery. When I taught him the Plan of Salvation on an exchange, he thought since we were children of God, it would make sense that we could over time progress and become like him. I didn't say anything to lead into his comment and I nearly fell on the floor after he said that. No one believes in that except us! He also said that Jesus Christ's sacrifice is like an "everlasting covenant." He has been an aboslute joy to teach. He loves the Book of Mormon to death. Pray for him and that he will continue to progress.
We also taught a recent convert/less active's girlfriend named Charlotte after church on Sunday. The recent convert is young and is in a wheelchair. They are both a bit rough around the edges. She has never been to church before or heard of it. She was raised a Jehovah's Witness but left it at 14. We shared the Restoration lesson with her and after we shared the first vision, she described her feelings as "speechless" and "happy." It was one of the most powerful Restoration lessons I have taught so far on my mission. She accepted a commitment to baptism as well as Steve and did so without hesitation We are seeing her tonight. Pray for her as well.
The Royal Wedding is building some hype but some aren't really that happy because it is taking a day away from businesses. It's going to be fun to see that atmosphere of the whole thing and I'll do my best to get one of those tea towels.
Sad that Butler lost but no doubt Brad Stevens will get his ring in the very near future. I also may need a couple of more short sleeve shirts since the weather is getting quite warm. It has been very nice the past few days. I will have pictures for you next Wednesday of Thursday since it is transfers next week.
I will do my best to be more creative with asking for referrals. I ask everyone I meet if they no anyone in specific we could teach with things like a new child, death in the family, recently moved in, religious, etc. So I have been doing my best to my knowledge. We have taught the Family Mission Paln (which is a referral program) to most of the ward. The less-active and inactive is a good idea. I will work on that.
Thanks for the email bro. It was good to hear from you and see how you are doing! Keep up the good work!
My shirt size is 15/35 (french cuff preferably :) ) Ha random side note. Sis Bullock did a presentation on ironing shirts at interviews which I cant believe some missionaries do not no how to do. She used Presidents shirt.
I love you all so much. Thaks for your continued support! Tara!
Love,
Cameroni
Monday, April 4, 2011
Week 27-Manchester England-Birkenhead
Dear Family,
It has been a week of a spiritual feast both with interview and trainings as well as General Conference. It has been a good week. Being in a three-some is still a learning process. My MRI went well on Friday morning. It was very quick and easy, only about twenty minutes. The knee has been about the same for a few weeks now. Pain fluxuates at different levels from time to time but nothing too serious. I have a return appointment for my MRI results on the 18th of April. I might find out before than but no later than the following date.
First, I had my interview with President Bullock this past Wednesday. It was great. He said he continued to hear good things about me and that he feels I will be a leader in the mission. He also said that I would be leaving after this transfer (April 20) unless the Lord says otherwise. He emailed me the following letter this week:
Elder Starr,
I am pleased with your progress and feel that you are making good strides on your mission. You will have the unique opportunity to help Elder Ashcraft train Elder Herrin until the end of the transfer so there is much for you the learn in that process. Keep up the good work and let’s work on getting your knee fixed. Keep us informed on how the MRI goes.
General Conference was a spritual feast. I absolutely loved it! There is nothing quite like Conference as a missionary. President asked us take to take questions with us to Conference and promised they would be answered. I prayerfuly selected two questions and kept them in mind throughout. We were able to watch every session except Sunday Afternoon (it wouldnt be broadcasted until 9 pm), it was the same last time as well. Both of the questions I took were answered in the same talk by Elder Bednar. The Spirit witnessed to me of the truthfulness. It was a sacred experience. I am so grateful for the Lord's continued answers to prayers and for the wonderful guidance the prophets and apostles give us.
Teaching has been lacking lately. We can get some lessons on the spot but nothing consistent. Have still not been able to get in contact with Billy. We have called everyday and have tried by his home a few times as well. We have taken the idea on board of having members starting to ring him and his contact details have been given out to the members so that is in the process. With that in mind, my Spirit is high and I'm doing fine. We are a forever finding mission, but we don't want to be finding forever. We have been working very hard speaking to everyone, everywhere and our finidng number have been enormous. The Lord will bless us as we continue to be diligent.
I did get the chilli a couple weeks ago and had frito pie last night. It was great but not fantastic. I don't think it will ever be fantastic until you make it again mama because you make it with love :) Birhtday wishes may be a wide-collared cuff link shirt, maybe something texas with pictures and old spice deodorant. They dont have old spice stick in England. But again those are just wishes and they don't have to be granted. Old Spice for sure though. I think that is almost a need ha
I love you all. I love the gospel. I love how our prophets and apostles teach it so simply and profound. That is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. It is pure religion and love. God's love continues to manifest His love to us in so many ways. I love the covenants that each of us have made with our Heavenly Father and the promised blessings in them. Thanks again for your wonder emails you send and the great detail you talk about back home. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Love,
Cameron
It has been a week of a spiritual feast both with interview and trainings as well as General Conference. It has been a good week. Being in a three-some is still a learning process. My MRI went well on Friday morning. It was very quick and easy, only about twenty minutes. The knee has been about the same for a few weeks now. Pain fluxuates at different levels from time to time but nothing too serious. I have a return appointment for my MRI results on the 18th of April. I might find out before than but no later than the following date.
First, I had my interview with President Bullock this past Wednesday. It was great. He said he continued to hear good things about me and that he feels I will be a leader in the mission. He also said that I would be leaving after this transfer (April 20) unless the Lord says otherwise. He emailed me the following letter this week:
Elder Starr,
I am pleased with your progress and feel that you are making good strides on your mission. You will have the unique opportunity to help Elder Ashcraft train Elder Herrin until the end of the transfer so there is much for you the learn in that process. Keep up the good work and let’s work on getting your knee fixed. Keep us informed on how the MRI goes.
General Conference was a spritual feast. I absolutely loved it! There is nothing quite like Conference as a missionary. President asked us take to take questions with us to Conference and promised they would be answered. I prayerfuly selected two questions and kept them in mind throughout. We were able to watch every session except Sunday Afternoon (it wouldnt be broadcasted until 9 pm), it was the same last time as well. Both of the questions I took were answered in the same talk by Elder Bednar. The Spirit witnessed to me of the truthfulness. It was a sacred experience. I am so grateful for the Lord's continued answers to prayers and for the wonderful guidance the prophets and apostles give us.
Teaching has been lacking lately. We can get some lessons on the spot but nothing consistent. Have still not been able to get in contact with Billy. We have called everyday and have tried by his home a few times as well. We have taken the idea on board of having members starting to ring him and his contact details have been given out to the members so that is in the process. With that in mind, my Spirit is high and I'm doing fine. We are a forever finding mission, but we don't want to be finding forever. We have been working very hard speaking to everyone, everywhere and our finidng number have been enormous. The Lord will bless us as we continue to be diligent.
I did get the chilli a couple weeks ago and had frito pie last night. It was great but not fantastic. I don't think it will ever be fantastic until you make it again mama because you make it with love :) Birhtday wishes may be a wide-collared cuff link shirt, maybe something texas with pictures and old spice deodorant. They dont have old spice stick in England. But again those are just wishes and they don't have to be granted. Old Spice for sure though. I think that is almost a need ha
I love you all. I love the gospel. I love how our prophets and apostles teach it so simply and profound. That is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. It is pure religion and love. God's love continues to manifest His love to us in so many ways. I love the covenants that each of us have made with our Heavenly Father and the promised blessings in them. Thanks again for your wonder emails you send and the great detail you talk about back home. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Love,
Cameron
Monday, March 28, 2011
Week 26-Manchester England-Birkenhead
Hello Family!
It has been a week full of events. I'll begin with the news is that I have a new companion. I am still with Elder Ashcraft, but he is training a new missionary name Elder Herrin from Sandy (went to Jordan High School). So I am in a three-some. It is different but I like it. When we find people, I'm flying solo. I just go run and speak to everyone on my own while the other two are together. When we tract, I'm across the street on my own as well. Three is a bit intimidating and not really effective at a door. I'm enjoying it thus far. Elder Herrin came in on Friday night from Provo and was there for four weeks due to visa issues.
Billy wasn't able to be taught last week. We couldn't get a hold of him for six days because he was in Ireland taking care of his mom since her partner died and he didn't make us aware. We were able to get in touch with him Friday and Sunday via phone. We should be seeing him this week. The way of trying to have members contact him will be in the process soon.
Wednesday we had Zone Conference and President gave a presentation on the Apostasy. It was absolute incredible. It has always made sense to me how we are the only one with authority from Heavenly Father but it was also pointed all to me that from an average Joe perspective, only us or the Catholics are right. If the Catholics are right, we are wrong and so is very other Christian church since they are all breakoffs, if we are right, then the Catholics have no authority claim from Peter and there was a need for a Restoration. President went into great detail about the line of authority the Catholics have to claim and there is no way they do. There was so much detail that it would be impossible to cover but it is amazing the evidence Heavenly Father provides for His true Church.
Also had quite the experience Thursday. We were waiting for a bus to get home for dinner and the bus didn't come until a half hour later than it should have. In the mean time, Elder Ashcraft and I were speaking to people while we waited by the bus stop. I went across the street and stopped this man who was a Born Again Christian Preacher. He started to lay into me with Anti-Mormon rubbish. I told him he doesn't understand the gospel of Christ. He said that baptism wasn't essential to salvation and that to be born of the water means simply to be born of life. We went into a bible bash and he couldn't answer my questions. I asked him why Jesus Christ was baptized. He couldn't answer. I told him that He was baptized to "fulfill all rightousness". Would we not want to follow His example as close as we could and "fulfill all rightousness"? He avoided the question with more anti-mormon rubbish. I would have brought up 1 Cor. 15:29 and asked him if Paul was a liar. If baptism wasnt essential, why would they do baptisms for the dead is a question I would have asked him. I told him that I wasn't going to have conversation anymore because it wasn't going anywhere.
While I was still waiting at the bus stop. He went to pick up garlic bread and walk over to me. He said he was apologizing but again he went and tried to twist scriptures to make Josph Smith not be a prophet. I told him that he was ridiculous. I bore testimony that God has answered my prayers through the Holy Ghost about the Restoration. He asked me what I felt. I told him the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. He didn't say anything. I asked him to read the Book of Mormon and pray to ask God to know if it is true. He wasn't willing to and left. What a silly and lost child of God.
I'm glad to hear Duncan's farewell went good. He has a great spirit and personality, but Ukraine will be anything but easy. I love him and wish him the best. I'm glad Colton had fun at Winger's with the gang, those are great times. I'd love to hear from Colton as well :)
Mapleton sounds like fun and the rest of Utah. I send my love to all you see. Some more vitamins would be good on my birhday. Maybe a Batman action figure I could role play to for companionship study as well ha. I don't know how much money I have on my card so if you could look at that that would be fantastic.
I love you all. Keep praying for Billy and I will keep praying for all of you as well. The knee is really about the same. Im just excited for the MRI
Love Cameron
It has been a week full of events. I'll begin with the news is that I have a new companion. I am still with Elder Ashcraft, but he is training a new missionary name Elder Herrin from Sandy (went to Jordan High School). So I am in a three-some. It is different but I like it. When we find people, I'm flying solo. I just go run and speak to everyone on my own while the other two are together. When we tract, I'm across the street on my own as well. Three is a bit intimidating and not really effective at a door. I'm enjoying it thus far. Elder Herrin came in on Friday night from Provo and was there for four weeks due to visa issues.
Billy wasn't able to be taught last week. We couldn't get a hold of him for six days because he was in Ireland taking care of his mom since her partner died and he didn't make us aware. We were able to get in touch with him Friday and Sunday via phone. We should be seeing him this week. The way of trying to have members contact him will be in the process soon.
Wednesday we had Zone Conference and President gave a presentation on the Apostasy. It was absolute incredible. It has always made sense to me how we are the only one with authority from Heavenly Father but it was also pointed all to me that from an average Joe perspective, only us or the Catholics are right. If the Catholics are right, we are wrong and so is very other Christian church since they are all breakoffs, if we are right, then the Catholics have no authority claim from Peter and there was a need for a Restoration. President went into great detail about the line of authority the Catholics have to claim and there is no way they do. There was so much detail that it would be impossible to cover but it is amazing the evidence Heavenly Father provides for His true Church.
Also had quite the experience Thursday. We were waiting for a bus to get home for dinner and the bus didn't come until a half hour later than it should have. In the mean time, Elder Ashcraft and I were speaking to people while we waited by the bus stop. I went across the street and stopped this man who was a Born Again Christian Preacher. He started to lay into me with Anti-Mormon rubbish. I told him he doesn't understand the gospel of Christ. He said that baptism wasn't essential to salvation and that to be born of the water means simply to be born of life. We went into a bible bash and he couldn't answer my questions. I asked him why Jesus Christ was baptized. He couldn't answer. I told him that He was baptized to "fulfill all rightousness". Would we not want to follow His example as close as we could and "fulfill all rightousness"? He avoided the question with more anti-mormon rubbish. I would have brought up 1 Cor. 15:29 and asked him if Paul was a liar. If baptism wasnt essential, why would they do baptisms for the dead is a question I would have asked him. I told him that I wasn't going to have conversation anymore because it wasn't going anywhere.
While I was still waiting at the bus stop. He went to pick up garlic bread and walk over to me. He said he was apologizing but again he went and tried to twist scriptures to make Josph Smith not be a prophet. I told him that he was ridiculous. I bore testimony that God has answered my prayers through the Holy Ghost about the Restoration. He asked me what I felt. I told him the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. He didn't say anything. I asked him to read the Book of Mormon and pray to ask God to know if it is true. He wasn't willing to and left. What a silly and lost child of God.
I'm glad to hear Duncan's farewell went good. He has a great spirit and personality, but Ukraine will be anything but easy. I love him and wish him the best. I'm glad Colton had fun at Winger's with the gang, those are great times. I'd love to hear from Colton as well :)
Mapleton sounds like fun and the rest of Utah. I send my love to all you see. Some more vitamins would be good on my birhday. Maybe a Batman action figure I could role play to for companionship study as well ha. I don't know how much money I have on my card so if you could look at that that would be fantastic.
I love you all. Keep praying for Billy and I will keep praying for all of you as well. The knee is really about the same. Im just excited for the MRI
Love Cameron
Monday, March 21, 2011
Week 25-Manchester England-Birkenhead
Hi Family!
Another great week in Birkenhead. Busy as usual and more missionary experience to put under my belt. With regards to the knee, I have an MRI scheduled on April 1. I talked to President and he said he will see what he can do. He says it will be hard to get anything worth the time and effort before the first and since the medical advisor for the UK was released a few weeks ago that makes it a little bit tougher as well. But he is aware and he is working on it.
Tell Bro. Maughn I went to Ellesmere Port on Friday. No one was in at the Mallets address so I dont know if they are still there, but I did meet Paul Harrington. I told him that Elder Maughn was wanting to get in contact with him so I gave him the email address. He was a friendly man and said he would send pictures of his family to Bro. Maughn. He said, "Sorry. Im not going to let you in because I'm probably not going back to church" I didn't want to push it or ask why to inflict the communication process in any way. It is sad to see what anti-Mormon literature does to people. They don't focus on the good and happiness the gospel brings. Instead, they center on negatives on others and doubts and expect perfection from everyone. I've heard a lot of people try and bring up that rubbish to me and none of them are good reasons. If something is good, hold onto it and take it in. Don't cast it out because of others unbelief.
We taught a man named Fred yesterday from Ghana. He is a member referral and Fred is a co-worker with the member, Les Roberts. The lesson on the Restoration went well. He has had a lot taught to him by the member already and just needs to let it all sink in. He has been praying about the Book of Mormon but hasn't appllied Moroni's Promise to the T yet. He is hesitant and needs to go forward asking with "faith unwavering (James1:6). We expressed that to him and mentioned that is the only way he will recieve his answer.
Billy has unfotrunately been sick. He had a bad cold over the weekend so his date has been pushed back until after General Conference. Pray that we stay in contact with him, teach him regulary, and that he continues to progress.
I was reading this morning in Alma 57 and studying how the sons of Helaman "obeyed with exactness." Obedience was an obvious trait these young men had as the followed the counsel of their leaders and the Lord. Obedience often shows our level of humility and faith. When we are humbly and faithfully obeying, we are showing that the desires of our hearts are pure.
Thanks for the update on Duncan, Zach, and Brent. I loved that conversation Zach had with Colton. It made me laugh out loud. I wrote Zach a letter on Wednesday so he should be expecting one soon. I miss all of those boys. It still amazes me that they still think about me and include me in everything when I am 5000 miles away. It was great to see the temple picture too. I love those boys. Tell Duncan I send my love and miss him, that he will do fantastic on his farewell, and look forward to hearing all about it. Tell me how Brent and Zach are and what you all talk about while you are there.
I love you and continue to pray for you. My heart is full as I see the blessings of the Lord continue to flow upon our family as "the dews from heaven." Keep up on those mission papers little bro and continue to prepare to serve the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He is the great Almighty. He is the Savior for you, me, and everyone you will ever see.
Love,
Cameron
Another great week in Birkenhead. Busy as usual and more missionary experience to put under my belt. With regards to the knee, I have an MRI scheduled on April 1. I talked to President and he said he will see what he can do. He says it will be hard to get anything worth the time and effort before the first and since the medical advisor for the UK was released a few weeks ago that makes it a little bit tougher as well. But he is aware and he is working on it.
Tell Bro. Maughn I went to Ellesmere Port on Friday. No one was in at the Mallets address so I dont know if they are still there, but I did meet Paul Harrington. I told him that Elder Maughn was wanting to get in contact with him so I gave him the email address. He was a friendly man and said he would send pictures of his family to Bro. Maughn. He said, "Sorry. Im not going to let you in because I'm probably not going back to church" I didn't want to push it or ask why to inflict the communication process in any way. It is sad to see what anti-Mormon literature does to people. They don't focus on the good and happiness the gospel brings. Instead, they center on negatives on others and doubts and expect perfection from everyone. I've heard a lot of people try and bring up that rubbish to me and none of them are good reasons. If something is good, hold onto it and take it in. Don't cast it out because of others unbelief.
We taught a man named Fred yesterday from Ghana. He is a member referral and Fred is a co-worker with the member, Les Roberts. The lesson on the Restoration went well. He has had a lot taught to him by the member already and just needs to let it all sink in. He has been praying about the Book of Mormon but hasn't appllied Moroni's Promise to the T yet. He is hesitant and needs to go forward asking with "faith unwavering (James1:6). We expressed that to him and mentioned that is the only way he will recieve his answer.
Billy has unfotrunately been sick. He had a bad cold over the weekend so his date has been pushed back until after General Conference. Pray that we stay in contact with him, teach him regulary, and that he continues to progress.
I was reading this morning in Alma 57 and studying how the sons of Helaman "obeyed with exactness." Obedience was an obvious trait these young men had as the followed the counsel of their leaders and the Lord. Obedience often shows our level of humility and faith. When we are humbly and faithfully obeying, we are showing that the desires of our hearts are pure.
Thanks for the update on Duncan, Zach, and Brent. I loved that conversation Zach had with Colton. It made me laugh out loud. I wrote Zach a letter on Wednesday so he should be expecting one soon. I miss all of those boys. It still amazes me that they still think about me and include me in everything when I am 5000 miles away. It was great to see the temple picture too. I love those boys. Tell Duncan I send my love and miss him, that he will do fantastic on his farewell, and look forward to hearing all about it. Tell me how Brent and Zach are and what you all talk about while you are there.
I love you and continue to pray for you. My heart is full as I see the blessings of the Lord continue to flow upon our family as "the dews from heaven." Keep up on those mission papers little bro and continue to prepare to serve the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He is the great Almighty. He is the Savior for you, me, and everyone you will ever see.
Love,
Cameron
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Week 24-Manchester England-Birkenhead
Dear Family,
I hope all is going brilliant back home and that you continue to see success in all that you do. Sorry that I forgot to mention that we had transfers this week so you wouldn't be hearing from me until Wednesday. But Elder Aschraft and I will be in Birkenhead together for another five weeks. I'm really excited about being with him again. We have a lot of fun and connect with the ward very well. The ward I would say loves us. Everyone at church always wants to talk to us.
Went to the hospital last Monday and still no diagnosis. I have called to set up an appointment to get an MRI and they still haven't managed to confirm one for lack of "sent information." I should have one in the next couple of weeks but I will not find out the the results until the 18 of April. It has been quite frustrating to say the least to deal with this. I won't have a physiotherapy apppointment until the 11 of April. My knee is about the same. I can go most of the day with minimal pain but occasionaly it will hurt for a short time period. I can mangae to run and do a lot of walking but it is sore (not hurting) at the end of days. Still definitely not completely healthy still. The doctor's best guess is it is a partially torn ligament. I would best guess that is it but I am no knee expert and Im not sure which ligament it is. The health care is simply not effective is the problem. This has just gone on for way too long. I will give Presidnet a call tonight about it.
Billy (our investigator with a baptismal date on the 26 of March) is such a miracle to me because he was found and taught on the spot at a bus stop. We only taught him for 15 minutes since we had an appointment. I would have never guessed that he would be as prepared as he was considering the circumstances of our quick lesson. He as accepted and understood all of the doctrine and commitments. We asked him to give up tea on Sunday and he applied it head on immediately. He has came to church both weeks and has absolutley loved his experience there. The ward is doing a fantastic job at befriending him and wanting to include him in everything. I have a testimony of beginning our finding time with prayer and consecrating our finding time to the Lord. It truly brings forth miracles continually.
I did recieve Loretta's parcel. Tell her thank you and that I appreciate it.
Thanks for your wonderful emails. I loved your insights and all that you shared with me. I love hearing your spirtual experiences and seeing the impact it has on you. I'm glad my love for sports rubbed off Mom. It was meant to :) it is a fantastic attribute to have. Sorry this email wasn't very detailed and that I went on about my knee. But I'm really excited about Billy. Continue to pray that he follows our counsel and that we will continue to see him and help progress. Thank you all for your prayers in my behalf!
Love,
Cameron
I hope all is going brilliant back home and that you continue to see success in all that you do. Sorry that I forgot to mention that we had transfers this week so you wouldn't be hearing from me until Wednesday. But Elder Aschraft and I will be in Birkenhead together for another five weeks. I'm really excited about being with him again. We have a lot of fun and connect with the ward very well. The ward I would say loves us. Everyone at church always wants to talk to us.
Went to the hospital last Monday and still no diagnosis. I have called to set up an appointment to get an MRI and they still haven't managed to confirm one for lack of "sent information." I should have one in the next couple of weeks but I will not find out the the results until the 18 of April. It has been quite frustrating to say the least to deal with this. I won't have a physiotherapy apppointment until the 11 of April. My knee is about the same. I can go most of the day with minimal pain but occasionaly it will hurt for a short time period. I can mangae to run and do a lot of walking but it is sore (not hurting) at the end of days. Still definitely not completely healthy still. The doctor's best guess is it is a partially torn ligament. I would best guess that is it but I am no knee expert and Im not sure which ligament it is. The health care is simply not effective is the problem. This has just gone on for way too long. I will give Presidnet a call tonight about it.
Billy (our investigator with a baptismal date on the 26 of March) is such a miracle to me because he was found and taught on the spot at a bus stop. We only taught him for 15 minutes since we had an appointment. I would have never guessed that he would be as prepared as he was considering the circumstances of our quick lesson. He as accepted and understood all of the doctrine and commitments. We asked him to give up tea on Sunday and he applied it head on immediately. He has came to church both weeks and has absolutley loved his experience there. The ward is doing a fantastic job at befriending him and wanting to include him in everything. I have a testimony of beginning our finding time with prayer and consecrating our finding time to the Lord. It truly brings forth miracles continually.
I did recieve Loretta's parcel. Tell her thank you and that I appreciate it.
Thanks for your wonderful emails. I loved your insights and all that you shared with me. I love hearing your spirtual experiences and seeing the impact it has on you. I'm glad my love for sports rubbed off Mom. It was meant to :) it is a fantastic attribute to have. Sorry this email wasn't very detailed and that I went on about my knee. But I'm really excited about Billy. Continue to pray that he follows our counsel and that we will continue to see him and help progress. Thank you all for your prayers in my behalf!
Love,
Cameron
Monday, March 7, 2011
Week 23: Manchester England-Birkenhead
Hiyah family!
I think it has been a bit warmer here in the Wirral than it has been in IF. It has been sunny a couple of days and has been really gloomy others. Just the way England is I guess. I love serving here in Birkenhead. It is a great place and I hope I am here for a while.
It was Elder Ashcraft's birthday on Sunday so on Saturday we celebrated by some subway and having cake and ice cream the next day. It was good to do something American again. It has been a while.
My knee has been about the same. Some days it is fantastic and it can be really tight others. It is stronger and I have been able to do more with it. The swelling hasn't gone done a whole lot so back to the hospital today to see what happens next. Thank you all for your continued fasting and prayers.
We had a miracle on Sunday with a man named Billy. We taught him a week ago on the spot at a bus stop on a cold Sunday evening. He recognized the Spirit and accepted all of our commitment invitations. Before we found him, Elder Ashcraft and I consecrated a half hour to finding since that was all the time we had that day. Through our finding we ran into Billy. Our follow-up appointment fell through however, but he called us ahead of time to make us aware. He mentioned he was still planning on church.
As a part of my fast, I prayed that he would be able to come to church as he mentioned. You get a lot of people who say they will come that you teach and you do all that you can to get them there and they still don't. My prayers were answered. He walked from his home and asked for directions from a man who offered him a lift to church. He loved the experience and the members and is looking forward to church next week. Fasting brings forth miracles.
In my study this morning, I started again at the beginning of PMG and was able to again realize the simple principle of gaining wisdom. 1 Study 2. Apply 3. Evaluate. By these three steps is how we are to gain wisdom in any practice, concept, or action. I love what the Spirit teaches through our studies! (PMG pg. vii)
I was also reading in Alma 44 this morning. These war chapters are some of my favorites in the Book of Mormon. Notice at the very beginning, Captain Moroni wants to make peace and the first thing he mentions is his gratitude and testimony for Heavenly Father and the success they had. Zerahemnah reacts with pride by making excuses to why the lost and wants to put salt in the wound by continuing to fight. We all know what happens to the Lamanites.
I thought about how Moroni testifies to all about all that Heavenly Father has done for the Nephites. He mentions those blessings that come and righteous desires they are fighting for unlike the Lamanites. Moroni put the Lord first.
I'm glad to hear Colton has a great last game. I absolutely love the photos as well. The one with the Bob Marley on the floor was fantastic. Nice work #35 :) It is sad to hear though that it is at an end. Something I still find hard to believe sometimes. I hope the Lord provides an opportunity for you in the future.
I didn't even recognize Duncan initially. What a blessing it is to see those photos of him entering the House of the Lord. If I could, I would go to the temple every week. I love it there. I look forward to hearing from you about his farewell talk. Tell Dunc I love him, miss him, and congrats from England. Ukraine won't know what hit him :)
I love you all and am so grateful for you. Thanks for your continued detailed letters. I hope and pray you continue to see success in all each of you do. The Lord has blessed so abundantly as a family. I can see the effects since the day I left on my mission. May he continue to do so as we strive to obtain his word and submit ourselves in humble prayer.
Love,
Cameron
I think it has been a bit warmer here in the Wirral than it has been in IF. It has been sunny a couple of days and has been really gloomy others. Just the way England is I guess. I love serving here in Birkenhead. It is a great place and I hope I am here for a while.
It was Elder Ashcraft's birthday on Sunday so on Saturday we celebrated by some subway and having cake and ice cream the next day. It was good to do something American again. It has been a while.
My knee has been about the same. Some days it is fantastic and it can be really tight others. It is stronger and I have been able to do more with it. The swelling hasn't gone done a whole lot so back to the hospital today to see what happens next. Thank you all for your continued fasting and prayers.
We had a miracle on Sunday with a man named Billy. We taught him a week ago on the spot at a bus stop on a cold Sunday evening. He recognized the Spirit and accepted all of our commitment invitations. Before we found him, Elder Ashcraft and I consecrated a half hour to finding since that was all the time we had that day. Through our finding we ran into Billy. Our follow-up appointment fell through however, but he called us ahead of time to make us aware. He mentioned he was still planning on church.
As a part of my fast, I prayed that he would be able to come to church as he mentioned. You get a lot of people who say they will come that you teach and you do all that you can to get them there and they still don't. My prayers were answered. He walked from his home and asked for directions from a man who offered him a lift to church. He loved the experience and the members and is looking forward to church next week. Fasting brings forth miracles.
In my study this morning, I started again at the beginning of PMG and was able to again realize the simple principle of gaining wisdom. 1 Study 2. Apply 3. Evaluate. By these three steps is how we are to gain wisdom in any practice, concept, or action. I love what the Spirit teaches through our studies! (PMG pg. vii)
I was also reading in Alma 44 this morning. These war chapters are some of my favorites in the Book of Mormon. Notice at the very beginning, Captain Moroni wants to make peace and the first thing he mentions is his gratitude and testimony for Heavenly Father and the success they had. Zerahemnah reacts with pride by making excuses to why the lost and wants to put salt in the wound by continuing to fight. We all know what happens to the Lamanites.
I thought about how Moroni testifies to all about all that Heavenly Father has done for the Nephites. He mentions those blessings that come and righteous desires they are fighting for unlike the Lamanites. Moroni put the Lord first.
I'm glad to hear Colton has a great last game. I absolutely love the photos as well. The one with the Bob Marley on the floor was fantastic. Nice work #35 :) It is sad to hear though that it is at an end. Something I still find hard to believe sometimes. I hope the Lord provides an opportunity for you in the future.
I didn't even recognize Duncan initially. What a blessing it is to see those photos of him entering the House of the Lord. If I could, I would go to the temple every week. I love it there. I look forward to hearing from you about his farewell talk. Tell Dunc I love him, miss him, and congrats from England. Ukraine won't know what hit him :)
I love you all and am so grateful for you. Thanks for your continued detailed letters. I hope and pray you continue to see success in all each of you do. The Lord has blessed so abundantly as a family. I can see the effects since the day I left on my mission. May he continue to do so as we strive to obtain his word and submit ourselves in humble prayer.
Love,
Cameron
Monday, February 28, 2011
Week 22: Manchester England-Birkenhead
Dear Fam,
It has been a great week here in Birkenhead. We have had six new investigators this week and we have taught 11 investigator lessons. That is the highest I have taught on my mission thus far in a week to investigators. With the investigators we have, we feel great about three of them. Allan is from Scotland and was bus contacted. He has a great desire to put his old life away through baptism. He is 29 years old.
The second is Kyle. He is from here and recently got back from Afghanistan in October after serving in the military and is probably in his early twenties. He was the second door I have been able to go into the home from tracting in my mission. The other one was in Southport that wanted to try and prove us wrong but that is another story.
Last is Naomi from Ghana. We have planned to see her on Thursday after we were
finally able to get in contact with her. She was in an awkward place to get to in Wallasey. Pray that we will be able to see these particular three on a consistant basis and that we will be able to help them get to church.
Exciting to hear that IF is going to state! I will pray that they will perform to their best and that Colton will play a lot. I'm glad to hear that Colton is embarrassed over his recent success in many aspects of life. It shows his humility. Definitely a quality you do not want to lose.
Thank you for your prayers and fasts. They were answered in the way we like :) My knee is still swollen. It still hurts occasionally but definitely not as much. The doctor didn't tell me anything I didn't know already last week. He said it is still hard to tell since it is still swollen. I go in next week again and if it is still as swollen as it has been I will have an MRI. Should be a fun experience. President Bullock is aware of my knee situation and told me to be careful and keep him updated.
I forgot to mention that our new mission president has been called. It was a suprsie because he is English and lives in the mission boundaries (which doesn't happen often) in Ashton. President Preston is his name and everyone has told me he is an incredible man and will do a fantastic job. I don't look forward to the Bullock's leaving because they mean the world to me but I'm glad to hear we are in good hands. He will take over on June 30.
We didn't go to Ellesmere Port last week but we most likely will in two weeks time. Ellesmere Port was in Chester ward a few years ago but was added to Moreton/Birkenhead ward. Basically, our ward is the whole Wirral. More fritos would be lovely and maybe a few more skittles, swedish fish, and sour patch watermelon. Thank you so much those were so delicious. I miss American fruit candy. But I don't need anything else.
The gospel is true and those who don't have it are lost and generally ignorant. I meet atheists everyday and they have no idea what they miss out on no matter how much you try to show evidence. They aren't willing to read from the Book of Mormon and therefore are very ignorant and we tell them that. We are so blessed to have the one and only true gospel of Jesus Christ. I love you all and look forward to hearing you soon!
Love,
Cameron
It has been a great week here in Birkenhead. We have had six new investigators this week and we have taught 11 investigator lessons. That is the highest I have taught on my mission thus far in a week to investigators. With the investigators we have, we feel great about three of them. Allan is from Scotland and was bus contacted. He has a great desire to put his old life away through baptism. He is 29 years old.
The second is Kyle. He is from here and recently got back from Afghanistan in October after serving in the military and is probably in his early twenties. He was the second door I have been able to go into the home from tracting in my mission. The other one was in Southport that wanted to try and prove us wrong but that is another story.
Last is Naomi from Ghana. We have planned to see her on Thursday after we were
finally able to get in contact with her. She was in an awkward place to get to in Wallasey. Pray that we will be able to see these particular three on a consistant basis and that we will be able to help them get to church.
Exciting to hear that IF is going to state! I will pray that they will perform to their best and that Colton will play a lot. I'm glad to hear that Colton is embarrassed over his recent success in many aspects of life. It shows his humility. Definitely a quality you do not want to lose.
Thank you for your prayers and fasts. They were answered in the way we like :) My knee is still swollen. It still hurts occasionally but definitely not as much. The doctor didn't tell me anything I didn't know already last week. He said it is still hard to tell since it is still swollen. I go in next week again and if it is still as swollen as it has been I will have an MRI. Should be a fun experience. President Bullock is aware of my knee situation and told me to be careful and keep him updated.
I forgot to mention that our new mission president has been called. It was a suprsie because he is English and lives in the mission boundaries (which doesn't happen often) in Ashton. President Preston is his name and everyone has told me he is an incredible man and will do a fantastic job. I don't look forward to the Bullock's leaving because they mean the world to me but I'm glad to hear we are in good hands. He will take over on June 30.
We didn't go to Ellesmere Port last week but we most likely will in two weeks time. Ellesmere Port was in Chester ward a few years ago but was added to Moreton/Birkenhead ward. Basically, our ward is the whole Wirral. More fritos would be lovely and maybe a few more skittles, swedish fish, and sour patch watermelon. Thank you so much those were so delicious. I miss American fruit candy. But I don't need anything else.
The gospel is true and those who don't have it are lost and generally ignorant. I meet atheists everyday and they have no idea what they miss out on no matter how much you try to show evidence. They aren't willing to read from the Book of Mormon and therefore are very ignorant and we tell them that. We are so blessed to have the one and only true gospel of Jesus Christ. I love you all and look forward to hearing you soon!
Love,
Cameron
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week 21: Manchester Mission-Birkenhead
Hello Family!
It has been another busy week, but unfortunately less teaching. My head is still high and everything is still okay :) I have gotten used to the idea that England is a harder place to serve than others but as we continue to work hard the Lord will bless us with those who are ready to recieve the gospel. This area has so much potential it makes me go crazy over the fact we haven't found anyone really solid yet. We will definitely be finding those who are though.
My knee doing a bit better. I wear a neoprene support everyday and it is becoming more flexible. It is still a bit swollen but is has gone down over time. I still experience pain on both sides of the knee cap but not near as bad as it was at the beginning. It is more of a sore kind of pain. It "pops" around the knee a few times a day when I am walking. It is getting stronger and I have ran a short distance about twice to talk to people which I havent been able to do. It definitely is still weak and not fully healthy. Elder Ashcraft gave me a blessing the night it happened.
Another reason socialized health care is ridiculous is that I was suppossed to have physio twice before my appointment today. They said they would contact me either by phone or by mail but neither happened during this two week period. Hopefully the doctor can have a better idea what the diagnosis truly is today. President is not aware of my knee but he will be informed this Wednesday since I will see him at Specialized Trainings in Chester.
Wedenesday evening, we will also be having an exchange with the Assistants. We have three (which is not common but President felt inspired to) this transfer. Elder Ashcraft will be working in a threesome and I will be with Elder Cowley. It is odd that we are exchanging because Assistants usually only exchange with new missionaries and zone leaders, but I am excited anyway because they are such incredible missionaries. I hope that all goes well with that.
As a mission, we have been doing a study on the Doctrine and Covenants and marking every scripture that 1) refers to missionary work in any way and 2) focuses on teaching, especially teaching by the Spirit. It has been an absolute eye opener to see how much it talks about missionary work! It truly is the missionaries guidebook.
We should be going on splits with ward members to Ellesmere Port to work with less-actives so I will do my best to get in contact with those people Tuesday night Bro. Maughn. Ellesmere Port is awkward because or buss/train passes don't go that far and it is at the bottom of our area so we would have to pay extra to get down there. I will do my best to find a good time to go there in the coming weeks.
I will continue to pray for Colton and his teams success. That would be awesome to play in the state tournament! If I wasn't doing the Lord's work I would make sure the coach has some strategy to his game. Brut ball is the worst kind of ball to play because it is so easy to beat.
I apologize again for not bringing the pictures I will bring them next week! Thank you all so much for the wonderful package and homemade cards! It made my week to read them! May the Lord continue to bless us all with success!
Love,
Cameron
It has been another busy week, but unfortunately less teaching. My head is still high and everything is still okay :) I have gotten used to the idea that England is a harder place to serve than others but as we continue to work hard the Lord will bless us with those who are ready to recieve the gospel. This area has so much potential it makes me go crazy over the fact we haven't found anyone really solid yet. We will definitely be finding those who are though.
My knee doing a bit better. I wear a neoprene support everyday and it is becoming more flexible. It is still a bit swollen but is has gone down over time. I still experience pain on both sides of the knee cap but not near as bad as it was at the beginning. It is more of a sore kind of pain. It "pops" around the knee a few times a day when I am walking. It is getting stronger and I have ran a short distance about twice to talk to people which I havent been able to do. It definitely is still weak and not fully healthy. Elder Ashcraft gave me a blessing the night it happened.
Another reason socialized health care is ridiculous is that I was suppossed to have physio twice before my appointment today. They said they would contact me either by phone or by mail but neither happened during this two week period. Hopefully the doctor can have a better idea what the diagnosis truly is today. President is not aware of my knee but he will be informed this Wednesday since I will see him at Specialized Trainings in Chester.
Wedenesday evening, we will also be having an exchange with the Assistants. We have three (which is not common but President felt inspired to) this transfer. Elder Ashcraft will be working in a threesome and I will be with Elder Cowley. It is odd that we are exchanging because Assistants usually only exchange with new missionaries and zone leaders, but I am excited anyway because they are such incredible missionaries. I hope that all goes well with that.
As a mission, we have been doing a study on the Doctrine and Covenants and marking every scripture that 1) refers to missionary work in any way and 2) focuses on teaching, especially teaching by the Spirit. It has been an absolute eye opener to see how much it talks about missionary work! It truly is the missionaries guidebook.
We should be going on splits with ward members to Ellesmere Port to work with less-actives so I will do my best to get in contact with those people Tuesday night Bro. Maughn. Ellesmere Port is awkward because or buss/train passes don't go that far and it is at the bottom of our area so we would have to pay extra to get down there. I will do my best to find a good time to go there in the coming weeks.
I will continue to pray for Colton and his teams success. That would be awesome to play in the state tournament! If I wasn't doing the Lord's work I would make sure the coach has some strategy to his game. Brut ball is the worst kind of ball to play because it is so easy to beat.
I apologize again for not bringing the pictures I will bring them next week! Thank you all so much for the wonderful package and homemade cards! It made my week to read them! May the Lord continue to bless us all with success!
Love,
Cameron
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week 20: Manchester England:Birkenhead
Happy V-Day fam!
We had a great week with seven new investigators! That is the most I have had in a week on my mission thus far. The unfortunate part is that four of them committed to church and none of them came. So pray that Naomi, Vicky & Kyle, and Linda will have a desire to come to church and that we will continue to teach them. Naomi is from Accra, Ghana which was exciting to find out! She said that when I visit Ghana that I will love it.
My knee has progressed a little better but is not normal. I had fluid drained last week and the doc said "Wow, they usually don't have this much" referring to the fluid. He said also that it is most likely damaged cartlidge or, less likely, a partial tear in the ligament. It has became more flexible as time has came but I still experience pain. Less pain, but it is still there. I probably have been too hard on it this week just because I don't want to be idle and slow the work, but I will take better care this week for sure. It is still swollen a bit so hopefully that will eventually go away. I have a physio appointment next week at the hospital.
Yesterday during our tea break, I was reading through my patriarchal blessing and was touched by the Spirit with truth and impressions. Things stuck out like they never have before. It lead to the fact that my goals that I have set for this year will play a big factor in my contributions as a missionary. The connection was so clear and amazing. I am now more motivated to better apply my goals so I can received those promised blessings from the Lord.
I will get those packages on Wednesday at Zone Conference. I will do my best to save the Fritos :) The new one is the one that broke. I wouldn't recommend one with the 360 degree turning. It doesn't do anything and the wheels are tiny and have no strength. A new one would be a fantastic idea.
I loved all of the photos you sent. You all look a little bit different which was weird to see. Maybe it is just the long time I haven't seen you. I will send you photos next week. Keep your photos coming as well. I love seeing all of y'all.
It touched me to see 35 on the back of Colton's jersey. I don't know if that was for me, an increased love for Kevin Durant, or it is just better than any other number. But, I was happy to see it. Thanks Colt :) I know Whitney is pretty and that is not going to change. Read your scriptures daily and pray multiple times. Listen to Mom and Dad and stay focused. She is pretty though, nice work :)
Thanks for all the lovely info you shared. It really put it into perspective how blessed we are to be in the situation we are in. Mosiah 2:41 doesn't lie. You are all of my valentines this V-Day and I love you all! May Heavenly Father continue to bless us in all that we do! Keep shooting the ball, especially at the free throw line, and you will find your shot!
Love,
Cameron
We had a great week with seven new investigators! That is the most I have had in a week on my mission thus far. The unfortunate part is that four of them committed to church and none of them came. So pray that Naomi, Vicky & Kyle, and Linda will have a desire to come to church and that we will continue to teach them. Naomi is from Accra, Ghana which was exciting to find out! She said that when I visit Ghana that I will love it.
My knee has progressed a little better but is not normal. I had fluid drained last week and the doc said "Wow, they usually don't have this much" referring to the fluid. He said also that it is most likely damaged cartlidge or, less likely, a partial tear in the ligament. It has became more flexible as time has came but I still experience pain. Less pain, but it is still there. I probably have been too hard on it this week just because I don't want to be idle and slow the work, but I will take better care this week for sure. It is still swollen a bit so hopefully that will eventually go away. I have a physio appointment next week at the hospital.
Yesterday during our tea break, I was reading through my patriarchal blessing and was touched by the Spirit with truth and impressions. Things stuck out like they never have before. It lead to the fact that my goals that I have set for this year will play a big factor in my contributions as a missionary. The connection was so clear and amazing. I am now more motivated to better apply my goals so I can received those promised blessings from the Lord.
I will get those packages on Wednesday at Zone Conference. I will do my best to save the Fritos :) The new one is the one that broke. I wouldn't recommend one with the 360 degree turning. It doesn't do anything and the wheels are tiny and have no strength. A new one would be a fantastic idea.
I loved all of the photos you sent. You all look a little bit different which was weird to see. Maybe it is just the long time I haven't seen you. I will send you photos next week. Keep your photos coming as well. I love seeing all of y'all.
It touched me to see 35 on the back of Colton's jersey. I don't know if that was for me, an increased love for Kevin Durant, or it is just better than any other number. But, I was happy to see it. Thanks Colt :) I know Whitney is pretty and that is not going to change. Read your scriptures daily and pray multiple times. Listen to Mom and Dad and stay focused. She is pretty though, nice work :)
Thanks for all the lovely info you shared. It really put it into perspective how blessed we are to be in the situation we are in. Mosiah 2:41 doesn't lie. You are all of my valentines this V-Day and I love you all! May Heavenly Father continue to bless us in all that we do! Keep shooting the ball, especially at the free throw line, and you will find your shot!
Love,
Cameron
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week 19: Manchester England-Birkenhead
Hello Family!
The cripple is doing fine and well. I did it at the train station in Birkenhead. I was carrying my luggage bag (the wheels broke first transfer) and tried to squeeze past a man who was in the way. Somehow my weight shifted my knee and then I fell to the ground. It hurt initially, but I was able to manage home. We tracted that evening as I had a cane that was too small for me to use and the pain became worse as the night went on. I managed to finish out the evening and went to bed.
The next day was hilarious. I could barely walk and I probably looked so ridiculous. I called Sis. Bullock and she told me to go to the nearest hospital so I did after emailing you last week.
I am a living witness that socialized health care is a joke. We went to the emergency room and we were there for a total of four and half hours. What happens is you check in at the desk and you sit in the waiting room until they call your name. They called my name after waiting for about an hour, went in and told them what happened and put me back in the waiting room. Waited for about another hour and then sat in one of the cubicle waiting things to get x-rays. Waited for x-rays for another hour and finally had them done. Then I waited in the cubicle thing for another hour when the finally gave me a knee brace, crutches that are too small for me, and some pain meds. It was completely hillarious and ridiculous. If I was bleeding profusley, I would have died.
Our cashier told us at our shopping place that he injured himself of a wakeboard and the board cut his leg open. He went to the ER and sat there for three hours while he applied pressure on his leg and the janitor would come mop up his blood every once in a while that was on the floor. I was laughing so hard when he told that story. I have an appointment today and my knee has been starting to feel better as I have been using the crutches and the brace. I will know a diagnosis today.
But my knee hasn't hindered the work, other than making me slower. I am off the crutches today and am just wearing the brace. Saturday we had a lot of rain and because of that we tracted most of the day. We were soaked to the bone by the end of the day. I am surprised my crutches didn't rust. We were not let in any doors but we manage to stop two different people in the street who became new investigators while tracting. One came in the late afternoon and let us into his home. His name is Dan and is really excited about developing a stronger faith in Christ. He has completely turned his life around from what it once was. He is very excited and we are teaching him tomorrow.
The other came in the last couple hours in the evening teaching him in the pouring rain. His name was Pete and we are seeing him tomorrow as well. We are a little worried that he is possibly gay because of his painted fingernails he had. Hopefully all goes well there, but he was very interested in having a belief in his life. It ceases to amaze me how the Lord blesses us. Even though it is in His time, he always does. The blessings are so rewarding after the trial of our faith.
Something in the scriptures I learned was in Ezekial 33 on accountability. It discusses how there is a watchmen chosen and is to sound the trump when trouble comes. The people have the choice to listen or not, if they don't the blood will be upon their heads. Those who do will be prepared. I related us as missionaries to the watchmen. We are to sound the trump to everyone possible. It is our calling to make sure everyone hears God's message. If we don't, we will be held responsible for not fulfilling our duty. Sharing the gospel with everyone possible is so essential in this work.
I love Elder Ashcraft! He is so funny and we get along so well. Birkenhead has a big area boundary as well so there are a lot of different places to go and a lot of people. It goes as far south as Ellesmere Port and as far north of the top of the tiny penisula. Something Southport didn't really have. The flat is a bit nicer than Southport and the bed is so much better. At the end of my Southport era I thought my back was going to break if I slept on it too much longer.
That is quite the call Kyle received. He will be fantastic if he uses his great personality and works hard. I would have never guessed he would have gotten called there though. When does he leave?
I am keeping my title of liberty and am really excited about the chili. You are fine to send it to the flat. We will make it work. I still have Dad's charger as well and if I ever remember I will send it off one of these weeks.
I love you all and am so grateful for your wonderful emails. Thanks for sharing that Glen Rawson story as well Dad. Members are so essential in missionary work. I actually used some of those scriptures in my farewell talk. Also tell me about Ghana and how great it was! I am looking forward to that as well as the pictures for basketball and the dance.
Love ya all!
Cameron
The cripple is doing fine and well. I did it at the train station in Birkenhead. I was carrying my luggage bag (the wheels broke first transfer) and tried to squeeze past a man who was in the way. Somehow my weight shifted my knee and then I fell to the ground. It hurt initially, but I was able to manage home. We tracted that evening as I had a cane that was too small for me to use and the pain became worse as the night went on. I managed to finish out the evening and went to bed.
The next day was hilarious. I could barely walk and I probably looked so ridiculous. I called Sis. Bullock and she told me to go to the nearest hospital so I did after emailing you last week.
I am a living witness that socialized health care is a joke. We went to the emergency room and we were there for a total of four and half hours. What happens is you check in at the desk and you sit in the waiting room until they call your name. They called my name after waiting for about an hour, went in and told them what happened and put me back in the waiting room. Waited for about another hour and then sat in one of the cubicle waiting things to get x-rays. Waited for x-rays for another hour and finally had them done. Then I waited in the cubicle thing for another hour when the finally gave me a knee brace, crutches that are too small for me, and some pain meds. It was completely hillarious and ridiculous. If I was bleeding profusley, I would have died.
Our cashier told us at our shopping place that he injured himself of a wakeboard and the board cut his leg open. He went to the ER and sat there for three hours while he applied pressure on his leg and the janitor would come mop up his blood every once in a while that was on the floor. I was laughing so hard when he told that story. I have an appointment today and my knee has been starting to feel better as I have been using the crutches and the brace. I will know a diagnosis today.
But my knee hasn't hindered the work, other than making me slower. I am off the crutches today and am just wearing the brace. Saturday we had a lot of rain and because of that we tracted most of the day. We were soaked to the bone by the end of the day. I am surprised my crutches didn't rust. We were not let in any doors but we manage to stop two different people in the street who became new investigators while tracting. One came in the late afternoon and let us into his home. His name is Dan and is really excited about developing a stronger faith in Christ. He has completely turned his life around from what it once was. He is very excited and we are teaching him tomorrow.
The other came in the last couple hours in the evening teaching him in the pouring rain. His name was Pete and we are seeing him tomorrow as well. We are a little worried that he is possibly gay because of his painted fingernails he had. Hopefully all goes well there, but he was very interested in having a belief in his life. It ceases to amaze me how the Lord blesses us. Even though it is in His time, he always does. The blessings are so rewarding after the trial of our faith.
Something in the scriptures I learned was in Ezekial 33 on accountability. It discusses how there is a watchmen chosen and is to sound the trump when trouble comes. The people have the choice to listen or not, if they don't the blood will be upon their heads. Those who do will be prepared. I related us as missionaries to the watchmen. We are to sound the trump to everyone possible. It is our calling to make sure everyone hears God's message. If we don't, we will be held responsible for not fulfilling our duty. Sharing the gospel with everyone possible is so essential in this work.
I love Elder Ashcraft! He is so funny and we get along so well. Birkenhead has a big area boundary as well so there are a lot of different places to go and a lot of people. It goes as far south as Ellesmere Port and as far north of the top of the tiny penisula. Something Southport didn't really have. The flat is a bit nicer than Southport and the bed is so much better. At the end of my Southport era I thought my back was going to break if I slept on it too much longer.
That is quite the call Kyle received. He will be fantastic if he uses his great personality and works hard. I would have never guessed he would have gotten called there though. When does he leave?
I am keeping my title of liberty and am really excited about the chili. You are fine to send it to the flat. We will make it work. I still have Dad's charger as well and if I ever remember I will send it off one of these weeks.
I love you all and am so grateful for your wonderful emails. Thanks for sharing that Glen Rawson story as well Dad. Members are so essential in missionary work. I actually used some of those scriptures in my farewell talk. Also tell me about Ghana and how great it was! I am looking forward to that as well as the pictures for basketball and the dance.
Love ya all!
Cameron
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Week 18-Manchester England: Birkenhead
Hello Family from Moreton/Birkenhead!
I was transferred to a new area yesterday and I am excited. I am serving with Elder Ashcraft from SLC. He went to Olympus High School and he is absolutely hilarious and fantastic!
Leaving Southport was full of mixed emotions. I love the ward there and was able to develop great relationships, but going to the same places all of the time was getting a bit old. Anja was upset when she found out I was leaving. She really loved Elder Jolliffe and I. I left her with a spiritual thought and a handshake goodbye. What an incredible person she has become.
I had the wonderful experience of getting slapped in the face about a week ago. We were doing finding and I ran across the street to talk to this man probably late 50's early 60's. I said "We are sharing a message....,"
"Not today!" he interrupted.
I was going to ask him for a referral and said "Well...."
"Not today means not today!" Than he slapped me in the face with his and took off walking as fast as he could. I told him to have a nice day.
It was so hilarious how people are sometimes. One man on Sunday just blew up on us telling Elder Ericksen and I that we weren't Christian (which we get occasionally) and that we need to know the Bible and forgot about the Book of Mormon. We told him to leave but he kept following us and kept wanting to bash.
We aren't suppose to bash, but I felt it was the only way to get out of the situation. Elder Ericksen was struggling with answering his questions. I then came in and asked him questions about the bible. The one that shut him up was where Paul refers to a "third heaven" He said there was only one heaven and I frankly, blew him away. He could not answer any scriptures I told him and why they were in the bible and not included in his doctrine. After the references I gave him, I told him to have a nice day and that he should study his bible a little more. He said I was an idiot (nice comeback) and left. He wasted about 30 min of our time.
We each bore testimony as we spoke to him but his heart was so incredibly hard it had no effect. He was so set in his Baptist ways he couldn't feel anything. It also has been amazing that I read about Alma and Amulek while all this went on. I definitely have nothing to complain about compared to them.
Sounds like you had a fantastic week as a family. Exciting stuff with basketball game and the dance. Atta boy Colt :) I honestly don't think that customs checks the packages often at all (at least the packages I have seen), but maybe I am just saying that so I can get some of that awesome chili. If you're ever feeling rich you can send it.
I have been writing in my journal yes but it is only happening probably twice a week. So i need to make time to write more. The main thing I would do differently is know the scripture masteries and read all of PMG. I would also recommend teaching the lessons to the family using what it says (without the manual) and using the scriptures in teaching. Also apply the teaching skills chapter with that. He will be way ahead with everyone if he knows the doctrine in the lessons and knows how to teach it.
My address is:
47 Downing Close
Prenton
Wirral CH43 5XQ
England
If you could update it on facebook that would be great.
Thank you all for the wonderful family you always have been, are, and continue to be. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you on Monday! I will also take a look at those tea towels.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. My knee is quite injured so I am going to a walk in clinic to get it looked at. I sprained it pretty well yesterday and I am using a cane that is too small for me. It hurts quite bad and I am moving so slow. So if you could keep my knee in your prayers that would be great!
I was transferred to a new area yesterday and I am excited. I am serving with Elder Ashcraft from SLC. He went to Olympus High School and he is absolutely hilarious and fantastic!
Leaving Southport was full of mixed emotions. I love the ward there and was able to develop great relationships, but going to the same places all of the time was getting a bit old. Anja was upset when she found out I was leaving. She really loved Elder Jolliffe and I. I left her with a spiritual thought and a handshake goodbye. What an incredible person she has become.
I had the wonderful experience of getting slapped in the face about a week ago. We were doing finding and I ran across the street to talk to this man probably late 50's early 60's. I said "We are sharing a message....,"
"Not today!" he interrupted.
I was going to ask him for a referral and said "Well...."
"Not today means not today!" Than he slapped me in the face with his and took off walking as fast as he could. I told him to have a nice day.
It was so hilarious how people are sometimes. One man on Sunday just blew up on us telling Elder Ericksen and I that we weren't Christian (which we get occasionally) and that we need to know the Bible and forgot about the Book of Mormon. We told him to leave but he kept following us and kept wanting to bash.
We aren't suppose to bash, but I felt it was the only way to get out of the situation. Elder Ericksen was struggling with answering his questions. I then came in and asked him questions about the bible. The one that shut him up was where Paul refers to a "third heaven" He said there was only one heaven and I frankly, blew him away. He could not answer any scriptures I told him and why they were in the bible and not included in his doctrine. After the references I gave him, I told him to have a nice day and that he should study his bible a little more. He said I was an idiot (nice comeback) and left. He wasted about 30 min of our time.
We each bore testimony as we spoke to him but his heart was so incredibly hard it had no effect. He was so set in his Baptist ways he couldn't feel anything. It also has been amazing that I read about Alma and Amulek while all this went on. I definitely have nothing to complain about compared to them.
Sounds like you had a fantastic week as a family. Exciting stuff with basketball game and the dance. Atta boy Colt :) I honestly don't think that customs checks the packages often at all (at least the packages I have seen), but maybe I am just saying that so I can get some of that awesome chili. If you're ever feeling rich you can send it.
I have been writing in my journal yes but it is only happening probably twice a week. So i need to make time to write more. The main thing I would do differently is know the scripture masteries and read all of PMG. I would also recommend teaching the lessons to the family using what it says (without the manual) and using the scriptures in teaching. Also apply the teaching skills chapter with that. He will be way ahead with everyone if he knows the doctrine in the lessons and knows how to teach it.
My address is:
47 Downing Close
Prenton
Wirral CH43 5XQ
England
If you could update it on facebook that would be great.
Thank you all for the wonderful family you always have been, are, and continue to be. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you on Monday! I will also take a look at those tea towels.
Love,
Cameron
P.S. My knee is quite injured so I am going to a walk in clinic to get it looked at. I sprained it pretty well yesterday and I am using a cane that is too small for me. It hurts quite bad and I am moving so slow. So if you could keep my knee in your prayers that would be great!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Week 17:Manchester England-Southport
Mi Familia,
It has been another good week here in Southport. It was really nice weather early in the week and then it became freezing at the end. Those afternoons and evenings can be really long and tough in the cold. I have thought about my motivation and how much it has increased since coming on a mission. Without the Spirit, my set-appart calling, and the power of prayer, I don't think there is anyway I could make it through some days. I have noticed that because of the Spirit I have been able to push through everyday. The Lord is truly with us in this work.
A great experience I had this past week was having dinner with a active member and her less active husband. They are so lovely and some of the most wonderful people I have met on my mission. Their names are Sister Gill and Brother Eddie Hughes. Elder Ericksen and I were deciding on what to share with them. We thought a conference talk would be good. We pulled out the Ensign and I said we should do one on faith. We selected the talk "Faith-the choice is yours."
The day we were to go, we both forgot to review it. Elder Ericksen questioned if we should bring it and I told him boldly that is the message we needed to bring. I don't know why but it was. We then read it together and the Spirit was building up in me as we did. I felt impressed to share with them how I recieved my testimony of the gospel. I shared when I was 14 at EFY, my leader asked us to pray that evening if we hadn't already to know that the gospel was true. I took the challenge and did just that. I remember this so vividly, getting on my knees and asked Heavenly Father if the Book of Mormon was true, if Joseph Smith was a prophet, and if Jesus was the Christ. When I closed my prayer that night 5 and half years ago, I immediately was overwhelmed by the Spirit.
As I shared that with them, I again was overwhelmed with that same Spirit. Tears filled and my eyes and I recieved again that same answer. What an incredible experience it was. I needed that moment. I needed that talk that evening. That is why I needed to share it with them.
I also had thew oppurtunity to have an interview with President this week. I love that man. Unfortuantely, interviews should only be 10 minutes so it is very short. We discussed goals I had for this year and he thought they were good. He also mentioned with me in that interview that he has heard great things about me from leaders in the mission. He said that I had a great work ethic and that my talents and abilities would be used in great ways in the future of this mission.
My title said "ye are the light of the world" in the middle of it. One corner says "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is Liverpool Football Club's motto. I love it because it reminds me that the Savior is always walking with us and we are never alone. Another corner says "I KnowThat My Redeemer Lives" because that is my favorite hymn. Another says "Love the People and they will love back" got that from you Mom. I cant remember what the other one says but I will let you know next week.
Paul kept every commitment we left him... except coming to church yesterday. We are seeing him tonight to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and on Wednesday the Word of Wisdom. Pray that he will have an increase of faith, and a desire to attend church and live the Word of Wisdom.
I am keeping all my letters so no worries. Also transfers are next week. So you wont hear from me until Wednesday or Thursday. I'm anxious to find out if I will be here another 6 weeks (which would be a total of six months in Southport if I am here one more) or if I will leave. I think I know the whole area of Southport better than I knew Mapleton back home and that I have been everywhere here. If you put me anywhere in Southport, I'm pretty sure I could tell you what you were by and how far it is from our flat. Another transfer might be a bit of a struggle.
Thank you very much for your letters and the details you put in them about life back home. It is always great to hear how things are. Thank you for your constant prayers. If there is anything you would like me to pray for let me know.
Love your son,
Cameron
It has been another good week here in Southport. It was really nice weather early in the week and then it became freezing at the end. Those afternoons and evenings can be really long and tough in the cold. I have thought about my motivation and how much it has increased since coming on a mission. Without the Spirit, my set-appart calling, and the power of prayer, I don't think there is anyway I could make it through some days. I have noticed that because of the Spirit I have been able to push through everyday. The Lord is truly with us in this work.
A great experience I had this past week was having dinner with a active member and her less active husband. They are so lovely and some of the most wonderful people I have met on my mission. Their names are Sister Gill and Brother Eddie Hughes. Elder Ericksen and I were deciding on what to share with them. We thought a conference talk would be good. We pulled out the Ensign and I said we should do one on faith. We selected the talk "Faith-the choice is yours."
The day we were to go, we both forgot to review it. Elder Ericksen questioned if we should bring it and I told him boldly that is the message we needed to bring. I don't know why but it was. We then read it together and the Spirit was building up in me as we did. I felt impressed to share with them how I recieved my testimony of the gospel. I shared when I was 14 at EFY, my leader asked us to pray that evening if we hadn't already to know that the gospel was true. I took the challenge and did just that. I remember this so vividly, getting on my knees and asked Heavenly Father if the Book of Mormon was true, if Joseph Smith was a prophet, and if Jesus was the Christ. When I closed my prayer that night 5 and half years ago, I immediately was overwhelmed by the Spirit.
As I shared that with them, I again was overwhelmed with that same Spirit. Tears filled and my eyes and I recieved again that same answer. What an incredible experience it was. I needed that moment. I needed that talk that evening. That is why I needed to share it with them.
I also had thew oppurtunity to have an interview with President this week. I love that man. Unfortuantely, interviews should only be 10 minutes so it is very short. We discussed goals I had for this year and he thought they were good. He also mentioned with me in that interview that he has heard great things about me from leaders in the mission. He said that I had a great work ethic and that my talents and abilities would be used in great ways in the future of this mission.
My title said "ye are the light of the world" in the middle of it. One corner says "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is Liverpool Football Club's motto. I love it because it reminds me that the Savior is always walking with us and we are never alone. Another corner says "I KnowThat My Redeemer Lives" because that is my favorite hymn. Another says "Love the People and they will love back" got that from you Mom. I cant remember what the other one says but I will let you know next week.
Paul kept every commitment we left him... except coming to church yesterday. We are seeing him tonight to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and on Wednesday the Word of Wisdom. Pray that he will have an increase of faith, and a desire to attend church and live the Word of Wisdom.
I am keeping all my letters so no worries. Also transfers are next week. So you wont hear from me until Wednesday or Thursday. I'm anxious to find out if I will be here another 6 weeks (which would be a total of six months in Southport if I am here one more) or if I will leave. I think I know the whole area of Southport better than I knew Mapleton back home and that I have been everywhere here. If you put me anywhere in Southport, I'm pretty sure I could tell you what you were by and how far it is from our flat. Another transfer might be a bit of a struggle.
Thank you very much for your letters and the details you put in them about life back home. It is always great to hear how things are. Thank you for your constant prayers. If there is anything you would like me to pray for let me know.
Love your son,
Cameron
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 16:Manchester England-Southport
Hello Family!
It has been a week full of patience and we saw the blessings come at the end. England is starting to get warmer. The snow has been gone for a few weeks and it has not rained that much. I'll share with you what we do when we go find people. Presidents favorite line in Preach My Gospel is "Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach." (Chapter 9, "Finding People")
Every night at nine o'clock, we account for our day and make plans for the next. The most productive kind of finding there is is street contacting. We pick streets that stick out to us and we make plans to be in those areas for a certain amount of time. When we have teaching appointments, in case they fall through (which they do a lot) we always have a back-up plan. In street contacting, we usually do that in the morning between 10-12 and in the afternoon from 1-5. We speak to everyone possible in those areas using a tool president has give us called power statements. I'll send you a copy of those in the future.
In the evenings, it is most productive to go and tract. There are not that many people around in the night time because it is cold. We will speak to all the people on the buses and wherever we are tracting in that particular area.
This week was full of all of the above. But Sunday, the Lord blessed us. We were able to receive a member refferal and teach him in his home (the live in the same complex). He was able to accept baptism and we will be teaching him hopefully 3-4 times a week. His name is Paul. The refferal came from Chris Zajac (pronounced like science except with a z. I don't know how that works but he is English). The Spirit was great in the lesson and he took it in very well. He seems to be the second most solid investigator I have had since Anja so pray for him.
The Portugese men fell through unfortunately. They weren't in on the planned time and we tried by again yesterday but one was drinking and the other was out. We will try again another time at some point.
You are absolutely right Dad with the game plan. That analogy has brought even more attention to me now. I went on an exchange with my District Leader, Elder Moses, and he gave some great suggestions on planning and calling former investigators as well as potential investigators. We will also be having a training this Thursday on the new member refferal program which will be great as well.
Sundays are like any other day. You go to church the whole time, eat dinner with a family, and then you go out to do work whether it be street contacting or tracting. This time of year, tracting is definitely the most productive thing on a Sunday.
Thank you for the wonderful insights you shared as well. I always love reading your emails. Thanks for the wonderful letter you sent as well Mom. I got it on Friday and it was a good boost :) I will do my best to apply what you have mentioned to me this week. Give Conner a hug and kiss for me and tell him happy bday for me! Give Kobe and Ebony a hug too (Dad gives Kobe the hug haha)! I love you all!
Love,
Cameron
P.S. I dont think I need anything at the moment. If something comes to mind, I will let you know next week.
It has been a week full of patience and we saw the blessings come at the end. England is starting to get warmer. The snow has been gone for a few weeks and it has not rained that much. I'll share with you what we do when we go find people. Presidents favorite line in Preach My Gospel is "Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach." (Chapter 9, "Finding People")
Every night at nine o'clock, we account for our day and make plans for the next. The most productive kind of finding there is is street contacting. We pick streets that stick out to us and we make plans to be in those areas for a certain amount of time. When we have teaching appointments, in case they fall through (which they do a lot) we always have a back-up plan. In street contacting, we usually do that in the morning between 10-12 and in the afternoon from 1-5. We speak to everyone possible in those areas using a tool president has give us called power statements. I'll send you a copy of those in the future.
In the evenings, it is most productive to go and tract. There are not that many people around in the night time because it is cold. We will speak to all the people on the buses and wherever we are tracting in that particular area.
This week was full of all of the above. But Sunday, the Lord blessed us. We were able to receive a member refferal and teach him in his home (the live in the same complex). He was able to accept baptism and we will be teaching him hopefully 3-4 times a week. His name is Paul. The refferal came from Chris Zajac (pronounced like science except with a z. I don't know how that works but he is English). The Spirit was great in the lesson and he took it in very well. He seems to be the second most solid investigator I have had since Anja so pray for him.
The Portugese men fell through unfortunately. They weren't in on the planned time and we tried by again yesterday but one was drinking and the other was out. We will try again another time at some point.
You are absolutely right Dad with the game plan. That analogy has brought even more attention to me now. I went on an exchange with my District Leader, Elder Moses, and he gave some great suggestions on planning and calling former investigators as well as potential investigators. We will also be having a training this Thursday on the new member refferal program which will be great as well.
Sundays are like any other day. You go to church the whole time, eat dinner with a family, and then you go out to do work whether it be street contacting or tracting. This time of year, tracting is definitely the most productive thing on a Sunday.
Thank you for the wonderful insights you shared as well. I always love reading your emails. Thanks for the wonderful letter you sent as well Mom. I got it on Friday and it was a good boost :) I will do my best to apply what you have mentioned to me this week. Give Conner a hug and kiss for me and tell him happy bday for me! Give Kobe and Ebony a hug too (Dad gives Kobe the hug haha)! I love you all!
Love,
Cameron
P.S. I dont think I need anything at the moment. If something comes to mind, I will let you know next week.
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