2nd Christmas as a missionary

This was a hard Christmas. Don't be alarmed tho I received some tender mercies for ssuuure. 

So start of with non Christmas stuff. In case you missed it, I moved. So it's been a little bit of a gong show. My comp has only been here 2 months and we had meetings and parties that we tried to sort out and wow it's difficult. 

So my new area is in the middle of nowhere. It's tough to describe. So take a peak at this map. 

Blue pin is my new flat!! Blue arrow is our chapel. The red pin on the far right is the stake center (where we have all mission meeting for the north.) green pin on the bottom is the Darlington Elders flat. (In our district)

So from our flat to the chapel is about 50 minutes on bus. The stake center is like 2 hours by bus. Darlington is 1 hour 30 min via bus. 

So Monday we were at the stake center for pday and the zone leaders were like oh ya you have to be in Leeds for 9 am tomorrow for a new leader meeting. So we had to shuffle our butts and cruise back to our flat.  We got our stuff then went to Darlington flat to sleep over. I then took a 2 hour train to Leeds yay!! Such an incredible meeting, so good!

So we finally made it back to Darlington, got our stuff and made it back to our flat at 9pm so it was a really long day. Really, really long. We knew we had a Christmas social with the mission on Thursday at our stake center so we were trying to sort out where to stay and when to travel...  well we had to sleep in Darlington to make it to the stake center for 8:30. Super awesome. So we left at 7 pm Wednesday to get to to Darlington took a snooze then to Billingham, the stake center, for Thursday! It was super good. Spent the day with Elder Walker!

Elder Walker from Calgary

After that party we set off and made it to Darlington but missed the last bus to bishop Auckland so we stayed over in Darlington again haha classic. Friday we made it back finally. Wow, long days. 

Saturday the zone leaders delivered the packages :)) I feel spoiled. Such a goodie this year! Sunday of course was Christmas Eve. Had a wonderful sacrament meeting. 

Now at this point I don't know any members. So I wasn't too excited for the holiday festivities. But a family made it all better. The Cox family and their extended family. We had a killer meal, it so good. And fun games! We really really enjoyed it. Now this shows you how small the world is. Their son, Brian Cox just got home from the Adriatic South mission.... his best friend from the mission is Chris Mero from back home!! Like legit. 

Ah yes Christmas Day we hung out with some lonely people at church and had a meal. I Skyped the fam. Finally met Will! He didn't say much. Ian has such a deep voice. Clair, well she's getting married so there's that. Brad hasn't changed. Toni you haven't either. It was exciting to hear Oly the wonder dog is getting a puppy friend!! Love the fam. Oh and I got to skype with Joe (or should I say Elder Pilling) for a little bit. Crazy he's a missionary haha! 

The weather is mild which I enjoy. 

Saturday evening we were able to light the world for a single mom named Kay. She didn't have food or anything so we hooked her up. Nice little moment. 

We are working with a few different people for baptism which is really exciting.  

So from here on idk what to say. 

It's been wild to say the least. 

All my pics from the last month are still on the camera, but here's one.

Package delivery from the zone leaders.  My comp is tieless :)

Love Elder Pilling 

Sent from the lad of lads

New Area - Bishop Auckland

I don't know where to start...

Monday night I said goodbye to my little German friend, Elder Uter and I also found out I was moving on Thursday. So it was a speedy week.

I lived with him for about 4 months it was great. I love him. 

I had about 3 days to say goodbye and to introduce the new elder to all the people we were teaching so it was crazy.

I need to talk a little about Tuesday. Probably the best lesson I've ever been at. I was in a trio still awaiting my new companion. So Elder Beadle and Elder Seno were with me and we went and taught Adam and Mary Jane. We took brother Hancock with us who was Mary Jane's bishop when she went to church. So it was a big lesson. They all knew I was leaving. Sad moment there. Anyways we carried right along. THE SPIRIT WAS SO STRONG. We all had comments flowing perfectly. Excellent questions and really powerful scriptures. It was one of those lessons where you can say this is why I'm on a mission.

Later that night at 11pm Elder Killpack finally arrived. Had a stellar sleepover then spent some time visiting the people who really changed me. Sister Page and Brother Ashworth. We also tried lighting the world with free hot chocolate but only 1 man took some. He had a giant sticker of the catholic pope's face on his back window. Needless to say he wasn't interested. He did enjoy the cup of cocoa though.

So ya I am super sad to be leaving Keighley. I have so so so many memories there. Lots of free ice cream, enjoyed my first English summer ☀️ , and I met a family that have changed my life...

Mary Jane, Harley, me, Adam and Aubrey

There are many reasons why I am serving a mission. A major reason is the desire I have to help others. I am blessed with an amazing family. We have so much fun and have so many great blessings because of our membership in the church. So on a mission it is great to be able to build friendships but it's even better to see someone experience the blessings from heaven! (This family mean a great deal to me) I teared up when I said bye... 😭

Ok so I'm a bit further north now. I live in a place called bishop Auckland. The ward boundary is absolutely massive. The ward name is Newton Aycliffe. I don't know a lot yet but the ward is pretty busy I'd say 70-80 members which is a nice change. Finally some younger people which is so different. My district is a little different now. There are 2 wards and 2 pairs of missionaries in each ward. So there's another set of sisters in our area and a set of elders and sisters in Darlington ward. Bigger district!!! Our mission is pretty split in half so I don't know as many missionaries up here but there's plenty of time to get used to them.

Ahhh like so much to say but I don't want to bore you all. Christmas is next week!!! So crazy!

The work here is different but very exciting!! I'm quite uneasy with the move right before Christmas. But so excited as well. I was in Keighley for like 8 months... Ahhh all so crazy.

Harley is a beauty!

Also congrats to Clair Pilling. Soon to be Clair Evans.

Love,
Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

Snow and birthday wishes

Hey 👋🏼 

Some may know that my brother's mission is on fire! Like literally 🔥 burning. It's super sad to see and I know many people are affected. 

My mission is covered in snow. Hallelujah! I threw my first snowball in over a year last night. My hands instantly regretted it! Lol 

Short little story. So last night we had set up to go to the mission home fireside with some of our friends. They said they'd be home about 4:50. So we show up a little early and I got bored real quick. So with the extremely fluffy 2" of snow on the path I'd started to slide back and forth in my Sunday best shoes. Well it quickly became very slippery and awesome. I was sliding like 30 feet. Never had so much fun. Turns out our friends were like 30 min late. So we ended up waiting for ages. Got a little chilly. It's all good though I'm thoroughly enjoying the snow. 

Unfortunately Elder Uter has been really sick with a bad cold. It hit him pretty hard Wednesday after district meeting. We spent some time inside trying to recover. We did manage to get out and visit our friends which was a good break. A few highlights* not in order.

The mission home fireside!! Amongst the snow we managed to go to the fireside with Mary Jane and Adam! We were a little late but it was a good. Really enjoyed feeling the spirit and of course Christmas time is the best.! President Turvey even did a solo!! 

We watched a film called Jospeh Smith the Prophet of the Restoration. Once again with Mary Jane and Adam. I enjoyed it. Love that film. I like it because it really helps us see more of what Joseph Smith's life might have been like. To see how God qualified him in the troubles is pretty neat. Helps me when I face hard times to know God will help me. 

This is Michael. We all got matching ties. Pretty awesome. 

We had stake conference at a hotel event centre which was a bit different but an excellent learning opportunity. I love being able to take questions and see where God is answering them through the people around me. The main theme of the commerce was to help us and others experience the coming home feeling. One speaker spoke of 6 P's that will help us in our journey. 

Prayer- talk to our father in heaven 

Page- study the scriptures a page a day. It protects you. A force field 

Ponder- ponder on the things taught(listen)

Praise- compliment a person a day. 

Purity- let virtue garnish thy thoughts then be confident. Turn away from evil. 

Play- wholesome recreational activities. Spend time together! 

Often times I get a little bit overwhelmed with all the things going on. So many lessons and so many things to learn and so many people you can help. Then I always get reminded you can just do the small things. Prayer is the greatest thing to help us. God will communicate if we ask. He WILL help. I know sometimes I feel I can do it on my own or I may not need help. Well in reality we may be able to survive without God, but we cannot live. Life will be dull and lonely. God brings so much joy and happiness. Love beyond bounds, waiting for us. 

Anyways enough ranting. It snowed and I love it. 

Also my bday. Pretty awesome. So there's a family who we absolutely love. They had us over for a birthday meal and wow so yum! Even got me a cake 🎂.

Elder Pilling is 21!

The sister in my district pulled through with a gift..... I kept in for a couple days then gave it to Leon who has other fishies. It did crack me up when I saw it in the bag. 

We have transfers on Friday. Yep, so weird.  So I'll find out if I move tomorrow. Yes, I'm sorta really nervous.

Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

21 years old, well almost...

For some reason this winter hasn't been nearly as cold as last. My

toes have only been numb once so far. I know I have quite awhile till

spring but still I feel blessed 👏🏼

Some exciting things going on here in the England Leeds mission. But

also things I'm not excited for. Transfers are less than 2 weeks away.

It's a little funny this time. It's on Friday the 15th. So ya my time

with Elder Uter probably will end. It's been great though.

So first off. I mentioned I wasn't well last week. Well doc said I've

got a swollen lymph node. Yea so it's kinda hit and miss some days

totally normal others feel pretty horrible. Hoping it will go away in

the next week or two.

Back to the good stuff. So there's lots of little neat things that

happen every week. But I always forget about them.

We had a really cool lesson with Adam and Mary Jane. Our bishop tagged

along this time which was neat. We taught them the plan of salvation

and helped them see how God can bless us in all we do. The best part

of this lesson was that Adam already knew most of it because he had

been reading up on it in the pamphlets we gave him. He knew the

degrees of glory and all the steps we need. He even knew what a

covenant was!!! My favourite part of this all was when we walked in on

Saturday evening and Harley their 5 year old came running up to me and

gave me a big huge and said goodnight best friend. Turns out he stayed

up and waited for us to say goodnight ☺️it's got me feeling all gooey.

Haha

We did a little Christmas chalk art in Keighley town centre. Basically

our district gets together to ask loads of people what makes Christmas

so good. So varied responses. But we did find a few people which was

nice. Some good times. Except we froze, my feet were numb!! Then we 
snagged some chicken burgers 🍔

It has a hash brown stacked on there!! So yummy.
I only had one.  The other two had 2 each! At 2.50
each, it's a steal with a drink and chips.

Bye guys! 

Have a blessed week!

Elder Pilling,

Sent from the land of lads

The Holy Ghost is the teacher

It got cold this week!

I have no pictures...I'll snap a few today and attach below.

Every missionary always dreams and hopes to baptise a family or at

least someone who will do great things in the church. Well I think I

found the family. Adam and Mary Jane are doing pretty good. He is the

fastest learner. We leave him with stuff to read and he will read it

all again and again then do his own research on gospel library

about that topic and watch videos. It shocks us. We were teaching him

about prophets and he asked if we have prophets and apostles now. Yes

his name is Thomas S. Monson. Adam says, "Oh I watched a video with him

speaking about the Book of. Mormon" (WHAT!!!!!) like who does that. He's

very funny and will throw in comments like oh I better start saving my

money so I can pay tithing! (We haven't taught him that he Just

learned it on his own)

Listen up. Often members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day

Saints are so used to the Holy Ghost it's hard for us to notice it.

Well I was in the same boat. Especially in missionary work- you teach

dozens of people who are curious but don't come to church or read.

Just like chatting. Then someone like Adam comes along. It's like wow

the Holy Ghost is really there with him teaching him. God has been

preparing Adam and his family for the gospel for years.

I talk about a lot of different things in my emails. 99% of the time I

talk about what I have learned or something that has helped me. In

reality I'm still Cale. Just an almost 21 year old. I don't know

everything. I'm not perfect. I am learning so much every single day. I

have ups and I have downs. I have learned how the gospel works in my

life. And it is great. A really big focus in our mission is teaching

what the gospel has done. I've spent so much time looking at my life.

Looking at experiences. All I can say is without our Saviour Jesus

Christ I would not have made it. I am who I am because of Jesus

Christ. His teachings have shaped me and pushed me. My values, my

goals, my desires all are based on the knowledge I have of God's plan

for us.

Alma 34:32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to

meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to

perform their labors.

We all make mistakes but it is ok. God loves us. He knows we aren't

perfect. He knows we are learning. Just keep trying and it'll all work

out.

I am a little not well at the moment. I've got a funky lump on my neck

so ya dealing with that this week. Pray for me 😃🙏🏼 (don't freak out

pls I'm still breathing fine) IM OK

Also it snowed here ! I've never been so happy to be cold.

So my companion missed about 6 inches of
the sausage, but this is the German sausage.

Well best wishes. December next week which is crazy. Love you all. Send me an email or letter. I'D LOVE IT.

Byee

Elder Pilling 

Sent from the land of lads

P.S.  It's Cale's birthday on December 5th.  Send him a quick email if you feel so inclined.

Trust and Confidence in Christ

So ya this week kinda wasn't that awesome. But still awesome ya know?! No snow yet... there's probably a greater chance that we will see more snow next winter than this one. 

Firstly, meet Mary Jane and Adam. The kids were running the halls so no pic of them yet. 

Yep some matching ties cause why not (a member also has the same one).

This week we had a new transfer so it was crazy seeing all the members and their reaction that I was staying. It's been 7 months now. 

So Thursday a member had us over for a meal then we went on a home teaching split thingy. It was successful. Also busy and cold. 

There's a lovely member in our ward who is from New York and she invited us to her Thanksgiving celebration. It was good except the Buffett we went to was out of turkey lol. Kinda a fail. 

Sunday was the greatest. Ward conference. Adam and Mary Jane came! Church is hard with a 2 year old.... but still good. After, our ward mission leader invited us over for a meal with Adam and his family. It reminded me of Sundays at home! So yummy. Good conversation. Just some quality times. 

So a quick quote,

 "Trust and confidence in Christ and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace lead to hope, through His Atonement, in the Resurrection and eternal life" David A Bednar 

I have gained a simple powerful testimony of our saviour. I have seen his love. I love this gospel. 

I really struggle testifying in words on here haha 

Elder Pilling 

Sent from the land of lads

Magical week 🌈🌈

Well we had quite an awesome week. Like, best week on the mission probably.

I'm not going to do it in order or anything. Just as it comes to my mind.

All week we had a finding challenge with York zone. Pretty much

different parts of missionary work is worth different points so

whichever zone gets the most points win. Well our zone lost by 2,700.

Pretty bad huh.

But anyways, Thursday was our exciting day because it was the day

we were going to teach Mary Jane AND Adam!! So we had a yummy roast

chicken dinner then for the rest of the time he asked questions about

everything pretty much. Word of wisdom, priesthood, Sunday schedule. We

didn't have any time to have a structured lesson haha. But man he is so

cool. He is beginning his own painting business at the moment so he

travels around painting stuff. And wallpaper. Yep they still use it

over here.

Tuesday wasn't the greatest. All our appointments cancelled. It kinda

wasn't fun.

Saturday also not good. But pretty!  Here's a pic.

Wednesday was a blast, our last district meeting of the transfer. Then we had an exchange.  We also did a finding thingy in Keighley town center.  Basically all that happens is we draw the plan of happiness with chalk then stop people and talk about it. It went well and we had fun. Little cold. Got some pictures for the finding challenge. 

Sunday was SO GOOD. So Adam and Mary Jane and the kids came! They showed up early and all. We just loved it. It was Remembrance Sunday which was nice. The ward members were perfect in fellowshipping Adam and the family. A family invited them over for a Sunday meal next week!! Good idea. After church we did some finding. Leon introduced us to his manager at work, Lisa. She is so very nice. She sat down for a quick 5 min. We shared Moroni's promise and just in those 2 verses he felt the spirit and felt a truth coming from the Book of Mormon.  We set up a return lesson at Leon's for that day after her work. Then we taught her. We sang her Come All Ye Faithful.  The spirit was just perfect, we nailed it. Ah some things she said were like... I feel a sense of pure truth from the Book of Mormon or it seems like it's more of a real religion.  It make sense. 

I would like to testify by saying "there is truth in the Book" the Book of Mormon has more converting power than we all believe. Peace, happiness, and knowledge can be found when we study it diligently. 

Oh ya, we had transfers. And I'll be sticking around in Keighley for another transfer. Yep it'll my 6th transfer. So I've been in Keighley since the middle of April. Next transfers are December 19 I think. Yep and Elder Uter is staying too! We are so very excited!

MOM STAY TUNED FOR PICTURES TO ADD TO THIS ;) 

This is my favorite district leader, Elder Clanton.  He returns to Arizona tomorrow :/. 

He's so great! Featuring Wieners of Waterton shirt and Peru pans haha

Love yaa!

Elder Pilling 

Sent from the land of lads

Super Awesome Week

So this week was an absolute blast. Started off with Halloween. We

were on exchange with our district leader. So something really cool. I

have been out the longest in our district so I have really learned

from the new people. Everyone is still very excited about the

missionary efforts. But also we have a really tough district as far as

our finding numbers so it can get discouraging. We have really worked

hard to help each other be HAPPY and let me tell ya we love serving

with each other. And we will be having a district reunion in Banff in

about 2 years. Haha so good.

So exchange was great. Because of Halloween we had to be in the flat

at 6 unless we had permission for a ward party. Well we had a ward

party on exchange. Trunk or treat with about 10 cars. Pretty good.

Not much Wednesday.

Thursday we spent most of the day at interviews and training with the

assistants. First in my interview I told president Turvey I wanted to

get to know him better. So he said Sister Turvey and I will come

teaching with you. Tell me about your area. I told him about our

favourite family, the Williams, who has a mom who hasn't been in awhile

and a husband who has been 1 time. So we made plans for the next day

to go out for a meal and then teach them. Super wow awesome! I learned

a lot about President Turvey. And Sister Turvey. We then taught Mary

Jane. Tried to teach her husband. Here's the story...

So we get there at 8 hoping all the kids were in bed asleep only to

find Harley the 5 year old boy awake! He loved the attention but

proved it to be difficult to teach anything. After his dad Adam took

him to bed we had a chat with Mary Jane. It was on the edge of awesome

and not awesome. So ya kinda mutual. We kinda left it in her court to

take some steps of faith. (Don't want to share too many details). But

ya so that ended our Friday.

Saturday was a cool day. We visited some people did the usual. Then

Bon fire night, which is celebrating a guy named Guy Fawks who tried

to blow up parliament in 1605 with 36 barrels of gun powder. He was

unsuccessful so now everyone in England burns stuff and has fireworks.

So a little ward gathering with pork pies and mushy peas, not my

favourite. Because of health and safety we couldn't have our own fire

or fireworks at church. But we stood next to the neighbours which was

plenty big and had some proper good fireworks. Wow. I've

got vids I'll send in a separate email.

Sunday morning we were a little down. Fast Sunday and no one we

invited was coming to church but whatever. Then Mary Jane ran through

the doors at 9:57 (starts at 10) she said it was last minute but I

felt I needed to be here! My heart almost exploded with love! The Holy

Ghost is real guys!

It gets better though. Sunday evening we had duck which was cool. And

met with a cool member from Saint Helena (Tiny island).

Monday morning Adam (Mary Jane's husband) adds me on Facebook and

sends me a message asking if we wanted to go over for a meal so we

can get to know him. He also asked if we would be able to share more

about the gospel and about church with him!! He's never been taught

before. It gets even better. He asked Mary Jane how long church was

and told her he wanted to attend the whole thing on Sunday! Ah we were

all speechless including Mary Jane.

Greatest pday of my mission today. We are getting a pic with the fam on

Thursday so stay tuned for my favourite family in England !!!

Ya so that's awesome.

Elder Clanton, my former district leader, (I've been in the same zone as

him for 10 months of my mission) well he goes home next week so this

was his last pday. We went bowling. Then went to the institute

building. It was great. Sad to say bye! He lives in AZ so Toni and Brad

definately go visit him! Please. He's my favourite.

Elder Clanton from AZ

So ya loved this week. Legendary stuff.

JOE YOU ENTER THE FIELD TODAY!

Exciting things everywhere.

It was chilly about 1 Celsius this morning. Put on a scarf and gloves.

Brrrr. Got dark at 5 that sucks.

Byeeeee

Elder Peeling

Fresh Air

So I'll try and be productive with the message and time I have to

share my adventures.

It's definitely fall here. Chilly air, clear skies (sorta, not really), and

pretty colours.  I can deal with the green all winter! 😎

We went to the sister's area in our district for a little b'day celebration

and a coolio finding activity. Turns out the people in Skipton, which

is like 5 miles from Keighley are very different. Very little love

from the people. It's quite a "cute" little village. We continued to

ask people what makes them happy and we loved it.

So this week we had an awesome meeting with Elder Foster, a General

Authority 70. He really helped us as a mission see how we can plan,

prepare, and execute our plans. We need to have visions. He gave us

awesome ideas to help members in their missionary work.

So this week I stumbled upon a little scripture passage in Alma. About

a women named Abish. She was converted to the Lord but didn't tell

anyone. A little while later when the people fell to the earth

because of unbelief she ran door to door sharing the things she knew

because she wanted to save them. Is this not the case for us? We know

the good the gospel can bring. We know how it will help us. We know

Jesus Christ lifts burdens. Alma 19:16-17.

Ponder, pray, and do something haha. Let's #lighttheworld

I am great guys. We carved pumpkins today and the picture will come

next week sorry.

The other Elder Pilling, I  love you pal.

Byeeee guys!

Elder C. Pilling

No pics either :/ quick selfie

Sent from the land of the lads

Rain, Referrals, and Lessons

Kinda a fun week. Don't remember all the details but I'll do my best.

I was assigned to be the last speaker in sacrament meeting so I had 5 days write a talk about families and "The Family a Proclamation to the World". The time flew by! I learned that the quickest way to make a missionary homesick is to assign him to give a 20 minute talk on families.... I'm so funny!  That was my big joke. I got the oldies laughing.

So the weather has not been awesome lately. Very large hurricane type storms over Ireland and the coastline so we got a lot of wind and water.   Here's a nice pic:

Shortly after we took this pic, Elder Uter broke his girly umbrella ahah !

We had a really cool opportunity on Wednesday.  After our district meeting, we got some chalk and drew out the plan of salvation as a district. All the circles were not so round but I think people understood. We asked everyone what makes you happy? This was interesting because there's a lot of people that aren't happy!! I felt bad for each one of them and wished they would take some time to listen, but most just ignored us.

We met 2 really cool people who did have good potential. Buuut we haven't seen them since Wednesday so maybe not so good haha. But one nice gentleman said, "I'd like to get my baptism redone. I feel like it just wasn't right". He currently attends Christ Harvest Church. (I've never heard of it either) so that's cool.

I love my district. We were all full on crying we were laughing so hard at district meeting. Some very good times.

Our bishop bought us lunch after a funny little referral. So Friday morning we got an email from Mormon.org with a referral. 🙏🏼 so blessed. We planned to pop over to see him Saturday morning. It's on the very edge of our area so we had a super pretty bus ride. We got out there and knocked on this guy's door. Daniel answered and just started apologising. We were a little confused. But it turns out his work colleagues are all doing pranks. And Mormon.org was utilised when they learned his address. So he asked for a picture and off we went (he lived in the middle of nowhere).  After, while waiting for the bus, our bishop picked us up and drove us to the other side of the area to get food and to our next appointment. Such a nice guy.

I've mentioned before a guy named Carl. He is a legend. I think he's in his 50's but looks 35. And acts 35 too.  He's our best friend. Hasn't been to church in awhile but it's chill we still love him!!

Mary-Jane came to church!!! Yeppers it was awesome. So on Thursday we took our ward mission leader and taught an awesome lesson and went over all the things she is nervous about and the feelings she will feel once again! Super good. Also she asked me loads of questions about Canada because she wants to move there haha. England isn't her fav. To see someone find happiness where they don't expect it is so great! Church can bring joy! Invite your friends!

This church is great and every single day I get to experience why it's great! Have a great day peeps.

Elder Cale Pilling
Sent from the land of the lads

It is the only way!

Hey Guuys,

First off there was or is a hurricane off the west coast of Britain. THAT'S GOOD NEWS!  It's been so warm lately it is awesome. Still haven't busted out the gloves yet.. we did get soaking wet twice this week though haha. My bad.... 

I know tomorrow is a special day for the newest Elder Pilling.... but I'm also an Elder Pilling so listen up because it's been a good week. 

Just kidding. Jospeh Peter Pilling. I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU. I think it's quite awesome we get to serve at the same time! I'm sure you've gotten all sorts of advice but one thing to remember:  Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

The mission is a time of growth and change within ourselves. We must be a soft clay and let change happen! Don't look back, just make goals- lots and lots of goals. And trust the lord. "You will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord." 

Some crazy things. Some really good things. Some of the best times. 

First a unique member fed us.... well we got pilchard in tomato sauce and potatoes and peas. I know I am a fisherman and all but pilchard not my fav!. 

We also had zone conference and that was different because we got new phones.  Yes it's a full blown smart phone with data and all. The newest galaxy a5. Boy is it weird having a touch screen phone. It's so nice having normal volume when you call someone haha. To carry on about Zone conference we had a visit from the lead public affairs missionaries in the U.K. Elder and Sister Partridge instructed us on how to best use Facebook and what their goal is. Basically to sum it all up they want The Church of Jesus Christ to go viral on Facebook. We are seeing some really crazy good success with some videos reaching 17,000 views I think is the best one. 

I NEED YOUR HELP. I can be involved with you all on Facebook. We need to make sure everyone in the world can feel the spirit through a video or quote. So repost or share or direct message any of my posts or any spiritually uplifting posts you see. Just one click and hundreds of people will be able to see it. You never know who may need to see it. I'll be posting my Mormon.org profile soon as well as a little I'm a missionary video! 

Moving right along. Went to the Toby Carvery with my favourite lads!

The Swiss gentleman on the left is 93 and he takes us out every other week! Brother Ashworth on the right is currently getting a new knee! Like right now! So they are the best. 

We finally found some new people to teach, an older catholic lady who is so lovely. And a young girl, 17 ish who doesn't know what she believes in.... both are excited to learn more. I don't know much about them so more next week.. 

We did have a little miracle this week. It was pouring rain and we were searching for a house but I couldn't remember the number... so we knocked on a door and an elderly lady answered and said come in. As most old people do, her fire was on and it was toasty warm!! Blessings from God. She was born in 1923..... so gettin on haha. She was so lovely and we chatted and stuff then once it stopped raining. she swiftly asked us to leave haha wasn't too interested in the gospel. 

Sunday my OH my. All of Europe, so 39 countries were able to tune into a broadcast from Elder Ballard and some other general authorities. By far the best fireside I've ever been to. In an effort to keep the special experience sacred, I will only share one thing he taught us.  He taught us about miracles and how the miracles are for members and their missionary work. Here are a couple of quotes I liked. 
"There are miracles that are to be performed."  

"Where do miracles start? They start on our knees."

My mtc teacher made this quote into a nice picture.  It is from Massimo de Feo of the Seventy

For the last year I haven't missed a day without readying the Book of Mormon. I can testify that it is a special witness of Christ.  You can not read it without coming closer to the Saviour. The teachings, the messages, the stories, they all grow our faith in the Savior. Read it, ponder it, and pray. It is the only way. 

I love you all! And love this gospel!

Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

Conference thoughts

So last Monday I was busy and I couldn't think so I forgot a few things. Some very important things. 

First we went to the temple!!! It was such a special experience, to be able to feel of the spirit of Elijah and help those beyond the veil! I was lucky enough to take 6 family names to do baptisms for. And because of the circumstances, Elder Uter was able to baptise me for those people! Then..... I baptised him for some people! Super awesome. And of course Leon was there with us and experienced it all. He had such a good time! I love temples and am so grateful we can attend and feel such a lovely spirit!

Now this week lots happened. Not in any particular order. 

So if you think back like 4 months we met a lady named Carole who just recently moved back from New Zealand! (Super thick accent) We haven't seen her in a long time but she texted and asked if we were able to come cut her grass as she hasn't been feeling too well lately. So Friday we popped over and cut the forest of a lawn! For England it's a really big garden(yard). So it took about 2 hours with the little electric mower which I did surprisingly well considering the length of the grass. 

She was so grateful and it just felt good to help someone in need. 

 

Buzz Lawn Care UK...this was about half of it.

We also had a little volleyball game with a member and her friend. Leon isn't the greatest at volleyball so he resorted to score keeping! That was pretty fun!

Oh man... I just remembered on Saturday we sorta noticed how the main heating wasn't working but we didn't really care because we were running around exercising. So Sunday morning comes around we are the first there and we turn the heat on..... 20 min later still not hot. 45 min later still nothing. Then sacrament starts and there's no heat! We froze!!! I had a dripping nose the entire time. My hands were so chilly.  But after Sunday school ended the heat finally was fixed and we had more warmth! 

Sometimes we get to experience some really great things out here. And this week 2 people made that possible. So we were visiting our non member friend George and he said, "Having you come around and visit is the highlight of the week for me." I was filled with so much love for him!!! It's hard to imagine you could have such an impact on someone's life until you experience it... 

The next cool experience was Leon's uncle. We popped around to grab a drink and he said, "Even though I don't stay and listen to the lessons and I don't say much I am really grateful you guys come around. As you help Leon you help me. Leon is much nicer to me and I can thank you for that!"  

Some greatness. I love the mission....and I am even beginning to love the hard times. It's strange but those hard times is what really boosts my growth!! 

Now general conference.... it was so awesome. I loved many of the talks I'll attach a few quotes in here from my favs. 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the priesthood session was really great. Speaking of spiritual healing and the light of Christ. It really hit me how the gospel can make all the difference in someone's life.  I've seen people stray away and lose this light of Christ but all it takes is the smallest little spark or ember for a fire to reignite. 

"There is a power, a strong influence, that emanates from the Savior. ... Because this power enlightens, uplifts, and illuminates our lives." Dieter F Uchtdorf. 

The light that comes from our saviour Jesus Christ is bright enough to fill the darkest of spaces. This light can be found in excess in the Book of Mormon. The reason why there's such a unique power in the Book of Mormon is because of the testimony of Jesus Christ it contains. I stand with the prophet and say read the Book of Mormon daily. Feast on the words of Christ! Don't just nibble!!! 

I know it's a week behind but I'm sure you all can catch up! Read the Book of Mormon with me! 6 pages a day study the same thing I do and we can learn together. 

Stanley G. Ellis 

A couple scriptures and quotes he shared I think fit into what I have learned. 

"May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong." 

President Thomas S. Monson 

The harder right will strengthen us and build us up. Makes us better. I have been to the tough parts the difficult moments and I agree it is very hard. I often don't feel comfortable in the challenges. When we have that "larger eternal perspective" which Elder W. Craig Zwick spoke of we can see the eternal blessings and the hope for a better day! 

D&C 122:7 All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." 

"No sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive blessings." Thomas S. Monson 

May I leave you with my testimony that "God is at the helm".  He leads us and guides us. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. If we study and ponder it's teaching I know our relationship with God will grow. We will learn more of Jesus Christ and his atonement. I love the warmth and comfort that Jesus Christ can bring in those dark times.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

So mates here's a few pictures. 

I know it's a rubbish picture..... Swiss people  should stick to making cheese.....

Elder Uter and a doughnut

Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of the lads

Staying in Keighley

I'll get right to the point. I'm staying with Elder Uter in Keighley

for another 6 weeks. So I just finished 6 months here and I love it!

Conference was some serious spiritual uplifting. The time difference

means we watched 3 session on Sunday, 1 Saturday and still have Sunday

afternoon to go! It's pretty crazy to think that last year this time I

was at conference! Time is flying, but it's great.

I don't have much to say this week and I don't have

my conference notes so I can't share some insights either....

One really awesome thing happened. In Keighley I have been able to make friends with a

member who hasn't really attended church for 7 years. She had a

difficult time when she was 15 ish and then soon left and didn't come

back. Over the last 6 months I have been blessed to be able to create

a friendship with her. In our first real lesson with her we were

talking about faith and how we can compare it to a seed. At the start

she would just say I lost my faith....I lost it a long time ago. Then

as the Holy Ghost entered into the lesson she was able to

recognise something that has been happening a lot lately. She has had

promptings to visit the chapel and we gave her a tour. She said, "I've

been feeling a nigley feeling that's pushing me back towards church."

After we helped her make this connection it was the best lesson. She

is so ready to come back. And wants the true blessings. It's very hard

to explain now. But you all need to know that this church is true. God

does not leave us alone in our trials. He blesses and loves us and is

there to bring us back into the fold.

I have so much love for this gospel. Later today we are going to teach a

couple of guys in Persian! Well it's going to be crazy!

Love you peeps.

Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

Fall isn't very yellow here yet....

Weeks are Flying!

So I have no idea what to say. Ya pretty good week I must say. Decently warm fall weather and not too wet. Unfortunately nothing super exciting happened. We haven't had an investigator at church for a long while and it's really taking its toll. We need some new faces to visit! 

We had some good visits with members where they have noticed how the missionary work is really picking up and people who they never guessed would come back to church have asked if they could come or a non member friend will ask about their beliefs. We are in the beginning stages of a true hastening. 

So since not a lot happened this week, you guys all get some more of my spiritual study input! Or whatever you want to call it! 

So I gave a little talk on Sunday. Classic- asking the missionary 5 minutes before sacrament meeting starts... so I was drawn towards the sacrament and the atonement of Jesus Christ (probably because I was thinking of what to say during the sacrament).

First off a quote from President Packer.  He said: “The Atonement leaves no tracks, no traces. What it fixes is fixed. … It just heals, and what it heals stays healed.”

What a special gift to have from our beloved Saviour Jesus Christ. Often quoted at Christmas or Easter "because of him"  fits perfectly into the thoughts. Because of him we can look to the future with a certain hope and peace. Knowing that we will be able to live with our Loving Heavenly Father for all time and eternity because of him is so comforting! 

Now it's difficult to express what Jesus Christ went through while speaking let alone an email but I will give it a shot. 

A scripture from Mosiah helps us understand what Jesus Christ would eventually go through to complete the atonement. 

Mosiah chapter 3 verse 7 says, And lo, he shall suffer temptations , and pain of body, hunger , thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer , except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

He suffered all pains and afflictions of every kind for us so we can make our mistakes right. He paid the price only he could pay. We no longer are held hostage by our sins. We can now, through repentance and the sacrament, be forgiven... I am beyond grateful for this blessing. 

The sacrament should be a focus for us during the meeting we attend at church. Jesus Christ didn't do all that he did so we can sing a song during priesthood opening exercises. But he did do it all so we can be forgiven for our sins. So let's take a peek into what we can do to prepare for the time we have to partake of the sacrament. 

Elder Jay E. Jensen gave a great talk called "Arms of Safety" in October 2008. Talking about the atonement of Jesus Christ and how it connects to the sacrament. About the sacrament he has said,

"By coming humbly and fully repentant to sacrament meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms again and again." 

There's a lot of fire power in a short sentence there. I will try to break it down. Coming humbly to partake of the sacrament is recognizing that as to our strength we are weak. But through the saviour we can be made strong. How does being fully repentant help us be prepared for sacrament? I believe at the moment of fully repentant we are ready to feel the cleansing power of the atonement. We have done our part in the repentance process and the rest is up to the saviour. Worthily. Well if we intend on receiving any sort of blessing we should be worthy. So if we want the blessings of the sacrament let's be worthy. "We may feel those arms again and again." Those arms are the loving arms of the Saviour. He will love and and support us and build us up so we can fight back with more strength! 

I know Jesus is the Christ. Our Saviour and Redeemer. He literally saved our spirits and our bodies. Such an impressing act of love. He has once again called a prophet to guide his church. Don't think he is here to handle the structure of the church. He is the only man on earth who has authority to use all of the priesthood keys. He is a seer and revelator. He loves us and guides us with love. Take the time to carefully listen to his council. It is full on revelation from God for us. Now. 

I send my love to all my family and friends! 

Elder Pilling 

Sorry no pictures :) 

  

Sent from the land of lads