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....