New Area, New Companion

This week I learned missions are actually fun. I LOVE my new comp.  He is

the funniest and we just have the best time haha.

Yes it was very hard to leave my Beverley family behind. I felt a bit

lost for the first few days here. I didn't know anyone and didn't know

where to go. The ward here is completely different. About the same

number of people, 60 ish active. But more young families which is so

new to me. The area is so different. You are either going up a hill or

going down hill, it is never flat here haha. No bikes in this area and I can

see why haha. If you look up Keighley on an elevation map you will

quickly find out they are steep. There are loads of Muslims around. I

think there are 3 mosques and a 4th being built or something crazy. The

over all average income here is much lower than Beverley. Loads of

chav estates hahaha. Makes missionary work interesting. Right now we

have a few investigators but looking to find some real solid ones.

Should be a interesting week.

My companion is from near Wollongong Australia! He turned 20 in Feb

and did 2 years Uni before coming out. He likes to work! Man we work

so hard and he's super diligent with all the people he's found and

names and interests. He knows so many names of people. He just got out

of training so still learning. We are both learning! Always learning

new things. I love being able to serve with a new outlook on the work.

We test out new ideas all the time.  Some are horrible but some are so

good.

My favourite part of the day is personal study time. Over the past few

weeks I have had some thought about the priesthood and our duty to

serve and how it directly applies to our work. My studies are mostly from 2

separate talks. One talks about Aaronic priesthood and how it is the

preparatory priesthood. I look back to the times when I was preparing

for the Melchizedek priesthood. I see the times when I was truly

preparing and the times when I was coasting or even braking my

progress. The things that helped me prepare:

Dedicating time and diligently visiting my home teaching families. How similar 

this is to serving a mission!  Also serving those members of the

ward who need help. Being kind and offering that service always.

Even seeking service outside young men's service is best. Learning and

growing as I served the other young men. Being a leader helping them

exercise their priesthood. One of the things I wish I had was more of an

opportunity to exercise my priesthood and to actively pursue ways to

use it. After all, we do not have the priesthood to benefit ourselves but

to benefit others.

I love the organization of the church. I know God has called Thomas S.

Monson to be a prophet.  Have a great week!

Love Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

Bitter Sweet Moment and a Move

I am moving... to a place called Keighley (keithley). It is about

twice the size of Beverley. My new companion is Elder Bailey from

Australia I believe! He has been out 2 transfers which is exciting! My

new area is hilly which I am really exciting for! I'm not sure much

else but sounds like a good area. Don't send letters or anything to

Needham Close anymore.

This week I had a bitter sweet moment. Thursday our investigator

Weightlifter Steven called and said his doctors don't want him meeting

with us and having that new stress of a big life change while he is

switching medication. He was very nice and said I am a good man and

will be successful. He thanked us for the visits and friendship we had.

At that moment I realized I had love for him. A deep love as well.

Which was really cool to experience.  It's unfortunate he is not being taught

anymore but I am grateful for the time I was able to teach him.

We found a girl named Beth this week. She is a single mom with an 18

month old. So good. She is searching for direction, love and a good

support system as she is in the new stage in her life. Excited for

Elder Charman to teach her and help her experience the love that can

be there through the Saviour.

This week I have been studying a book called Leadership by some church

member who teaches how to be a leader by follow Jesus Christ. It's so

good. Talked a lot about how what we think can really change how we

act. I have also been studying about the preparatory priesthood and

the way it can prepare us for our journeys in life. How through the

simple principles of work and love that are learned, set us up for the

life ahead where we can thrive as worthy priesthood holders of God.

The things I was able to learn as a priest have set values for me as a

church member but also has helped me become who I am. I love this

gospel. I know Jesus is the Christ. God answers prayer people! All he

asks of you is to pray. Humble yourself and ask for help. 

Last night we slept over in Hull for transfer night so I haven't

packed at all yet 😵 should be a long night.

Yep, it's a real car

Brandon wearing his Park City vest

Love you all

❤️❤️

Sent from the land of lads

Impressions

Hey everyone!

This week so warm, 20 degrees on Sunday! But supposed to be colder this coming week. 

I am doing good. Like really good. I love teaching weightlifter Steven. He came to all 3 hours of church. He is so willing to learn and read.  So dang good. It's exciting being able to ACTUALLY TEACH. He is so receptive. Last week till transfers!! So crazy!  Next week I will know if I stay or go! Crazy how fast time flies. 

This week I did loads of running. It's difficult fitting a longer distance run

into 30 min so we've had to run faster. Really cool views this week!!!

And of course some cool missionary work.

Early morning run with Elder Rex

Countryside views on our run

So we had exchanges this week which, as always, was a Party! Elder Rex

is from Orem and loves to run and hike. He's done all the big

mountains in Utah so quite fit so we went running. 4 miles into the countryside, so beautiful!  We enjoyed spending time together but didn't find too many people who were interested, although we did meet some interesting people.

I also had exchange with Elder Berndt who is from Seattle!!! We met a Romanian guy who is sooo cool. We set a date for baptism and he is really excited to be converted! His name is Emanuel. It was the biggest miracle. Elder Berndt was inspired that we do our finding on Washington street. This is where Emanuel lives! Man it's very hard to explain how cool it is to be able to follow the spirit!

I have been studying a talk... by Quinton L Cook, "Foundations of Faith". It has really brought deep thought and I will share a few parts that have left an impression on me. He shared the bible story Luke 8. Of when the women had a issue of blood and with her faith she knew she could be healed. As she touched his robes she was instantly healed. From this story I understand that we need to have such faith.

A quote from the talk: "Personal prayers and supplications to a loving Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ can bring blessings into our lives beyond our ability to comprehend. The foundations of faith, the kind of faith that this woman demonstrated, should be the great desire of our hearts."

I love those simple things Elder Cook has challenged us to do. And the powerful promises that come. "Pondering the scriptures regularly--rather than reading them occasionally......life-changing enhancement of our faith".

Over the past week I have read end of Alma and all of Helaman. The strength and faith of Samuel has uplifted me. Seeing how he put all his trust in the lord and to have been untouched by the wickedness just shows how powerful Heavenly Father really is. He will keep us safe if we follow Jesus Christ.

I love you all and all the support! I do love the emails from each of you. I am especially busy today.  I was hired to cook pancakes for the zone.   6 cups of flour later...I made dozens haha.

Love Elder Pilling
Sent from the land of lads

Ever so Sweet

Hiya 

Things are sunny ☀️ warm and full of love! It was interesting watching general conference with the time zone change. So Saturday we watched the morning session at 5-7pm. Then Sunday we watched priesthood at 10-11:30 then Saturday afternoon 1-3pm then Sunday morning session 5-7pm. So I have yet to watch the afternoon Sunday session. We watched them as a broadcast at the stake centre. Hardly anyone Saturday. Even fewer Sunday. It was mostly missionaries haha. My mind is a blur full of all these quotes I like and the things I need to work on.  I will only share a few insights I received. More next week after I have some time to review. 

A few of my favourites. 

From Mark a Bragg 

In a darkening world the light of the church will be brighter and brighter until the final day. 

I love this one because I have seen a hastening in the work especially missionary work but also in the push to be better people! As a theme for this conference I have seen Jesus Christ but also an emphasis on love, charity, and kindness. It's a way to get us to be better people. 

Russell M. Nelson was sharing about the Saviour.

The Saviour warned us of the adversary's power and deception. Heavenly Father loved the world so he sent his son Jesus Christ. Whom gave his life for us....all so we could live with Heavenly Father again and have access to Godly power. This Godly power is what we need to overcome the trials and tests of our faith.

  

Today is 17C and sunny.  I'm loving it! 

We have got a new friend scheduled for baptism! His name is Steven. Because we teach 3 different Stevens now his nickname is.... Steven weightlifter Steven. Hahah it's fun! So I've known Steven for a few months now.  We see him on the streets quite a bit.  He originally met sisters here and they taught a little with him but his mom didn't want him to be baptized (he's 39)! But I followed a prompting to visit him on Friday and he let us in and we were able to share what baptism will do for him in his life.  We taught how through the atonement he will be able to quit smoking, be healthier and happier! He loved it and is so excited! His baptismal date is for May the 6th. It's his birthday on the 7th so I'd say it's a pretty sweet birthday gift! The gift of the Holy Ghost! More on him next week as we get to know him! 

I have such a strong testimony of the priesthood. Recently I have been able to come to the realization of the miracles I have had in my life through the power of the priesthood. I am grateful to be worthy to be a tool in the hands of God to serve his people! I must say the joy you get from inviting others to the gospel is ever so sweet. It can change lives! 

Love Elder Pilling 

Sent from the land of lads

Cherish family and friends

Hey everyone,

Unreal week weather wise. It was sunny sunny ☀️ I think low teens and man was it nice. No jacket, just hangin out. It's amazing how the sunshine can completely change the people's receptiveness to the gospel. They all of a sudden don't become "too busy" they have loads of time to chat haha. We met some really cool people this week and had some fun times.  We had exchange with the elders from Hull on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday evening we traveled to Hull so we could make the coach at 6:30 the next morning for our zone conference!!! 

We were able to teach Elesha about prophets and priesthood authority this week. Sharing about what a prophet does and how he has blessed my life really brought a new found love for the prophets and apostles. They dedicate all the time and energy to do God's will. They wake up every morning to help build the kingdom of God in all that they do. Often times we overlook the work it takes to keep the church operating smoothly.  With around 16 million members all over the world, that's a lot of records and tithing to all keep track of. They do such a good job as they work to fulfil their duty and calling. I'm especially excited for general conference this weekend.! Except the time zone change so that sucks we won't be able to watch all of them live... 

President Monson slaying the browns!

Thursday at zone conference a senior couple serving as self reliance missionaries for all of England and Ireland came and spoke about the many programs the church has to help those people become self reliant. It's incredible. Elder and sister Dudley from Magrath!! Elder Walker and I talked to them after the meeting and I got a big warm southern Alberta hug from Elder Dudley! So cool. Side note my great grandma Pilling was Sister Dudley's seminary teacher in Picture Butte haha. Small world.

Zone conference was focused on showing love and care for the people you meet. Sharing a message which they will be interested in and want a return appointment. They really helped us train to be able to get the phone number and return appointment and have them be excited for an appointment. 

Man my favourite day this week was Sunday.  Sacrament meeting was pretty good. It was sorta a surprise because yesterday was Mother's Day haha. So all the talks were on mothers. Made me think how great my mom is! She puts others first in all she does. I love it. I can see how her influence on me as a child has made me better.  She is kind, loving and caring. Mom I love you! I especially love your testimony and your dedication to your calling. I see your love for our Saviour runs deep and is ingrained in all that you do. By following in the Saviour's example you have uplifted and encouraged me!

Also, Sunday I met a cyclist! He's a big deal haha. He runs a local race team who won the race series here in Yorkshire last season. Here's a pic just to show a little.  His name is David.

He works for Pactimo based in Colorado. He is also manager for the team and this last season he and his mates started a wheel company.  He makes the rims and the hubs are also made in Yorkshire! (shown in the picture). He is best mates with the cyclist I met a few months ago named Gary. So that's why they both ride the ti frames hand built in Beverley! I asked the classic question, "Do you use Strava?" haha He said of course you kind of have to when you work In the industry. Such a homie.  He said he has 14 bikes so maybe he will take me out on a ride..:) 

This week I have been studying the Holy Ghost and how we must tune in to the promptings much like we would tune a bike. There are many different things that must all be in working order for us to clearly hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost. So I have been working on my prayers and obedience, keeping my thoughts focused on the work and focused on our Saviour. As we direct our thoughts to the Saviour, we are promised to be uplifted by him and promised to have strength to move forward.  From a talk given by Boyd K. Packer he gives us a few things that will help us be worthy to feel of the spirit. " The requirement of faith, humility, and obedience to qualify him for the visitation of the Spirit."

Family, friends, and maybe even random viewers of my blog, I want to testify of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth has once again been restored to the earth in preparation of the second coming. God has given us gifts which are presented to us through the spirit which help us in our eternal salvation. I know Heavenly Father's love for us is unmeasurable and greater than all love.  He answers prayers, he answers the requests for strength we ask for through his son Jesus Christ. The atonement is what makes us better people and it is what, in the end, will get us back to our father in heaven. I would like all to know that living the gospel isn't easy. I know I have struggled as many others have. But it is through our Saviour and Redeemer we are perfected and made better. I love this work and I do love my Father in Heaven. 

Hope you all enjoy your time together as family and friends. Cherish those memories! They are the best ones. 

With love,

Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

Sunshine, oooh ya

England can actually be nice!!!

The weather this week has been soo nice. 13 Celsius and sunnnaay. Tue

Wed and Thurs I was just wearing my white shirts all day enjoying the

sunshine! People notice missionaries way more when it's two young guys

with white shirts haha. We had a lot of fun this week posh knocking...

which is pretty much knocking on really nice houses, like they have

private gates, intercoms, the whole shebang. We met a lady from Vancouver

who has lived here for years. We had a cool chat about Banff and

stuff! We also met a really nice Jehovah's Witness named Elly. We asked each

other questions for like 45 mins hahah I have learned so much.

This week we were able to meet with all of the people we are teaching!

We had super good lessons with Elesha and also with Roger! My favourite

line from Roger during the lesson was, "I feel very enlightened and uplifted".

It was so good to be able to really testify and share the truths of the gospel.

We have really been praying and hoping that we could have solid lessons

and we did! Unfortunately sometimes the wind doesn't blow in the

right direction, but this week was so good.

We have a busy few weeks planned with big zone conferences and

interviews and meetings! I'm excited to be able to learn and grow.

The past few days we have been able to engage in quite the gospel

conversations with members. I would like to share a few things we 

discussed. We talked about fear. So without fear, we would trust God with all

things and it would be so easy. As we face anything in our lives, if we look past
the fear, we would be able to handle any problems. So today I challenge you to
fear not and put your trust in God!

Also we discussed "trying hard". I thought and thought and thought

about this. What does it mean to try hard? I immediately attached 
this to the talk called "His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox.

Now you can break down trying hard to different levels, but I'm

referring to the trying hard as trying your best, all out, leave it

all on the table. Giving it your all. Coming from a cycling background,

racing has been my life. In a race you pace yourself so when the race

is over you have used all your energy and given it your best. So with

the gospel it comes a little differently. You are not pacing yourself,

you are giving it your best all the time because with God you can do

all things. You know I can't really have a deep doctrinal discussion

via email ha. But give it some thought and you will see how it

effects you.

I know my Redeemer lives and loves me. I know that we are never on the

easy path in life. It IS difficult and challenging and often times you will
find yourself questioning all you believe. But if you fear not and trust in 

the Lord, you can get through those difficult times.

That's all for now.  Thanks for your support!

Elder Pilling

Sent from the land of lads

Sister Taylor and her new boyfriend

There is power behind the knowing

It's been a quick 6 weeks with Elder Charman. We have loved the time in Beverley getting to know each other and doing loads of missionary work. I will really miss this place. But I won't have to say bye just yet, staying another transfer.  Yay! I love Beverley, especially spring time! 

This week has been so fun. It was sunny Monday ,Tuesday, Wednesday and cloudy Thursday, Friday but still warm! Like just my rain jacket all day! Let me tell ya, the English people completely change when the sun is out. We met so many nice people that we actually could talk to! Had a blast this week. We had exchange Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.  It was supppppper fun. I spent my time with Elder Rex from Orem, Utah. He has a big family like 10 I think. He is the most positive, energetic, loving person ever. Straight outta high school and tryiiiing his best, it's so good. I always get a boost when I'm around him. We met a guy named Sean. He ordered a Book of Mormon online and has read about half of it! I had already given him a Mormon.org card a few months ago so it was nice to see that I can have an affect on people's lives. We are meeting him this week. In our recent zone conference, a major focus has been on working with members to share how the gospel can truly change lives. It has been super fun meeting with members and helping them see how easy it can be sharing the good. 

Meet a few members of the Beverley ward!

Clive and Joy Blakeston with Elder Rex

Both in their late 80's and are converts to the church. Baptized in the 1950's, they are the oldest members of the Beverley ward and have spent much of their time in the beautiful landscape of Scotland and England. They both have developed a love for the outdoors. They are avid hikers and cyclist and we get along so good. Just last year they took their last picture of them riding their tandem together! He is still very active with his hiking. Loves to walk miles and miles everyday. He is going in for a valve replacement end of march. Then he will be back attacking the wolds. 

Meet sister Boswell (again) 

Sister Boswell served a proselyting mission in 2007 in the England Leeds mission. Having accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and baptized at just 13 she knows the gospel back to front. We rarely ever teach her anything, she teaches us! Up until a few months ago she was attending the temple 4 days a week doing temple work. Such an example for me to follow. She applies every part of the gospel of Jesus Christ in her life. She strives her hardest to follow the example set by Jesus Christ. 

I completed my specialized service for Adrian who is Elesha's son. He really messed up his bike. I had to do it on a low budget as well. I'll give you guys a run down; it had a destroyed rear derailleur and bent chain, had wobbling wheels and the brakes rubbed.  Oh and it didn't shift. 

I'm not magic so we had to buy a rear derailleur. But I did shorten the chain (had to take out the bent links) and true the wheels. Only took 1.5 hours. He is happy and I had a blast working on it. 

Adrian's bike is fixed!

Alright back to missionary work. This week we spent some quality time teaching our investigator Elesha. My favourite part of being a missionary is getting to share my growing testimony. The power behind the KNOWING is incredible. Future missionaries, don't be worried if you aren't sure. You will find out what you know very quickly. There's method behind the madness; the study time, the companion, the white handbook. They are all tools you are given to be better. They all build your testimony and give you the power to testify. 

I love you all! I love this gospel and God's plan for us! 

Hope you all have a warmer week. Spring is soon!

Love Elder Pilling 

Sent from the land of lads