Mission Blog #64

 All-Scotland Zone Conference in Edinburgh

Every 'transfer' period (about 6 weeks) in the Mission, includes a Zone Conference. In Scotland, there are North and South Zones. Occasionally there is a combined or All-Scotland (and All-Ireland) Zone Conference. That usually happens when we are being visited by a General Authority of the Church. 

The day began with us leaving at 6:45am and picking up our District Leader and companion in Pollock at 7:05am then driving the fun rush hour through Glasgow, then Edinburgh and arriving at 9:10am. Our group photo was at 9:30am. From the cultural hall (gymnasium) we moved into the chapel and the Conference began. The Stake Centre venue for the conference is adjacent to the Mission Home on Spylaws Road where President & Sister McCrudden take up residence for their 3 year term. It also hosts visitors like Elder and Sister Whiting, or new or departing missionaries as they enter or leave the mission field. 

At this conference, Elder Scott D. Whiting, 1st Counselor in the Europe North Area Presidency presided. Elder Whiting had each missionary stand and give their name and where they're from as the meeting began. We heard Elder Olson (above) introduce himself as from 'Okotoks, Alberta, Canada'. That peeked our interest as we hadn't met him and we didn't know we had another Albertan serving here. We also heard Sister Olsen from Fort McMurray, Alberta who we already knew, introduce herself.

Elder Whiting had an engaging style in his speaking and training. Good humor, and interesting insights and anecdotes. From our meeting start at about 9:45am until 12noon, Elder Whiting kept us interested and involved. 

One of the favorite parts for the hungry missionaries, is lunch. Partly prepared by the McCruddens' cook, as well as each of the Senior missionary couples or sisters. Sister missionaries get first dibs through the line followed by the Elders.

Elder Davison in the foreground has been in the mission just a couple of months, and is from Kentucky. He told us a story awhile back at District Council, of when he met the prophet, Russell M. Nelson. Elder Davison was visiting his grandpa (Tad R Callister) in Utah. His grandpa (a former Sunday School general President of the Church and general authority seventy), was ill at the time. The doorbell rang and Elder Davison went to answer the door. President Nelson was standing there with a meal he and his wife Wendy had prepared and brought over. A bit shocked and at a loss for words, he eventually invited the prophet in and they had a nice visit. Pretty amazing.

Tad Callister's book, The Infinite Atonement, is one that will be read and quoted by many for years to come.

Back into the gymnasium to do the clean-up. There are always things for the missionaries to take back with them to their flats - this time it was new wi-fi router SIM cards, and windshield de-icer spray for any who have a car. 

Left over food is taken back to the mission home where there are always missionaries to feed.

Celebrating With Friends

It was absolutely bucketing down with rain, but we still made the 45 minute drive out to Helensburg to meet the Sylvesters for a celebratory meal. They each had a birthday in the last few days. The restaurant they'd picked ended up closed for the evening, so Cindy stopped two young men out on the sidewalk and asked them for a referral to a good restaurant. They said that the best Asian restaurant in town was The Mandarin, which turned out great.  We can definitely see ourselves returning.

More celebrating the following day when Elder Sylvester (Rod), passed his UK driver license examination. He is the first senior missionary we know who passed the test on his first try. We Canadians, however, don't need to take any test since we are an approved participant country in the license exchange program. In both Ireland and the UK, Canadians can simply drive for 12 months using their Canadian license, and then apply to the Ireland or UK motor vehicle office and for a fee, can exchange it for the local Ireland or UK license. The new local license would be issued with the same expiry date as the original license. Then once returned home, the UK or Ireland license can be exchanged back at the motor vehicle registry office in Canada.

Looking out our tall living room windows towards the town centre, Tina spotted someone not having a very good day. The fire department was on scene quickly and within an hour we didn't see any further billows of smoke. We pray that no one was hurt and that property damage can be quickly repaired.

Two of our special friends in the Paisley Ward, Geena and Sarah, took us out for a festive meal. Sarah is a huge LFC (Liverpool Football Club) fan, so I wore my LFC tie gifted to me by bro-in-law James. And it's red so it has a festive look as well. Geena is a caregiver to blind and deaf folks, and is a great pal to Sarah. who is awaiting the new kitchen that she'll be receiving in the New Year.

New Friends in Paisley Stake

We were invited to attend a baptism today in Irvine Ward, at 12:30pm so we left a bit early from Paisley Ward and dashed in the rain out to Irvine (a 30 minute drive). We hadn't been there previously and were led astray by the SAT/NAV system once we got to the 'destination' - we then got straightened out by a taxi driver who kindly pointed us the right way. We missed a wee bit of the first talk about 'baptism', but did get to witness the actual baptism. Photo to the left is after we left the chapel and went to the baptistry just prior to Nicole's baptism. We had a terrific visit with her afterwards.

The four women (other than Tina) constitute the Relief Society Presidency (and Secretary) of the Paisley Stake. The two men are George and George - one is 87 years old, the other 71, and they are in the Stake High Council, and husbands to two of the women. These are true disciples of our Saviour; dedicated, consecrated, nurturing and charitable. We're so glad we have met them and have been able to build these friendships. As they all are from different Wards in the Stake, they chose to attend the baptism, then have their working session - with ourselves as invited guests (free labor)...

After the baptism the Stake Relief Society provided our group with a great soup and sandwich lunch, before putting us to work. They had prepared a laminated spiritual thought, then we included a signed Christmas card, and a hand-made tree ornament in an envelope for each of the Relief Society women (18+ yrs old) in the Stake. 

During lunch we were asked about ourselves and our family, where our home is, etc. We also shared the story of how we met and then married.

We asked about how we could help them in our capacity as full-time Member and Leader Support Missionaries which was very helpful to us. We had so much fun with these wonderful new friends. We spoke about love and unity in service to others - and that we notice that among their Presidency. 

These stake leaders are great examples of how unity can produce miracles. We agreed that when you are unified in the cause of the Lord's work, the work is easier, your commitment increases, and those you serve feel your sincerity more - they can see your unity in how you act toward each other and they want to have that in their own lives. The work is not easy, but it's easier when you love and enjoy those you're serving with.

All the best for a great week, as you make preparations to host family and friends, and make this a memorable and truly meaningful Christmas.

God bless,

Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray

Member & Leader Support Missionaries

Scotland-Ireland Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

www.churchofjesuschrist.org