Mission Blog #22


Friend:

A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection. Chris is a special friend of Tina's. When Tina found the Church and was baptized in 1974 in Liverpool, England, Chris became a fast friend; in sports (netball, track), and Young Women's program developing their moral foundation, and their future hopes and dreams.  They both performed in 'road-show' competitions, as well as in a large-scale production (10 shows) of "The Sound of Music", Chris being a Von Trapp family member, and Tina being a nun. Being pals all through those teen years was a great blessing for them.

During those youthful years, another friend was Sonny Donaldson, and after Sonny served a mission to Scotland he and Chris married and raised a wonderful family in Prestatyn, Wales. Tina went off to Canada in 1981 and our story began shortly after that. There were many years in between until we met up with the Donaldson's again, in 2002, on our family's version of 'European vacation'. We spent time with them in Liverpool and also in Wales. Our children got on so well together. We met them in Salt Lake City one summer, and we have been back to England several times in the last 10 years and we do our utmost to connect each time even if it's for a few hours. Sonny was an Area Seventy, then he and Chris were called to be Mission Leaders in the Scotland-Ireland Mission 2015-2018. They have always been examples of giving dedicated service and they remain a great inspiration to us. 

In October 2021 when pondering potentially serving a mission, we made a FaceTime call to them that eventually brought us to where we are today, missionaries in the Scotland-Ireland Mission. Their oldest daughter, Jennie, lives in Bangor, Northern Ireland and they asked if we'd be able to meet them when they came over from Wales to visit. Bangor is in County Down, about 1.5hrs drive from our flat in Dundalk, Republic of Ireland. We certainly miss our many great friends back home in Alberta but it has been great to re-connect with the Donaldson's.

A bonus to this trip up north was again being able to stop at Tina's family for a wonderful visit - and awesome fish 'n chips - thank you James, Lorraine, and Julie.

Chris & Sonny with their daughter Jennie and two of their grandchildren.

Eric, Sonny, Chris, Tina - northward to Scotland on the horizon.

Some brave people from a local sea swimming club about to make the plunge. When the Titanic left Belfast shipyard in 1912, it came up here through Belfast Lough and on to its tragic end.

Bangor Marina

The most favorite person in the Dundalk Branch this Sunday was Elder Schneider - he is a wonderful pianist, and the Branch has not really had an accomplished pianist/organist since we've been here these 4 months. The reactions were very positive and he is eager to continue providing service in this way.
We took Elder Morgan and Schneider to the church building during the week and gave them a tour, then listened as Elder Schneider practiced. 

Spiritual gifts are varied - musical talent such as what this young missionary displays, is definitely a gift. Music (the wholesome kind), can touch our hearts and teach us, sometimes reaching us in ways that the spoken word can't.

Our multi-zone, All Ireland Conference was Tuesday and it was a very good experience. All missionaries in the Dublin Zone were interviewed by the Mission President, including ourselves, and we received wonderful training throughout the day. The food prepared by the senior missionary couples was a hit again, especially Tina's caesar salad. 

This week we have listened/watched several uplifting talks/presentations:
'Remember How Merciful The Lord Hath Been' - Neal A. Maxwell, Quorum of the 12 Apostles, April 2004 General Conference
'I Must Be About My Father's Business' - Steven J. Lund, Young Men's President, BYU-Idaho Commencement July 26, 2021
'Lasting Discipleship' - Steven J. Lund, Young Men's President, October 2022 General Conference
'A Conversation on Leading Like The Savior and Building Capability' - David A. Bednar, Quorum of the 12 Apostles, 2021
'An Evening With A General Authority - David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles', 2020 with all Seminary & Institute Leaders and teachers.

The technology, churchofjesuschrist.org/libraries/gospel library, is absolutely amazing. We were at the home of a Romanian family of 9 children - kids speak English pretty well, but not mom and dad. In the gospel library app, we are able to go to the scriptures or any written talk or article, then select 'language' and then select 'Romanian' and ba-bing, you immediately are able to show it in their own native language. We had a rousing 2 hour discussion on a variety of gospel subjects covering The Great Apostacy, The Restoration, The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, The Restoration of the Priesthood, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Abraham, the 22 year old son was very keen on asking many questions and then interpreting for his parents. 

We continue to get to know the members of our little Branch - we feel we are a part of them; we feel their sorrows, their pains, their joys and their victories. Our Stake Conference is next weekend in Dublin and we are anxious to receive instructions from one of the Lord's servants, Elder Hans T Boom, General Authority Seventy.

Have a wonderful week, and remember to be kind, as our Savior is kind.

   Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray

Comments

  1. Music truly touches the heart and lifts our spirits. Having a good pianist makes such a difference. Glad you were able to see friends and family. Miss you! Grateful for your service!

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