March 28, 2017

Ahhhh you are all my world and I am so excited to be able to message you today. 

We(Elders D and Cooper) are on exchange with the Zone Leaders (Elders S /Portugal and A/Washington) so we have had a crazy day thus far. 

This last week was very focused on bringing others (especially D) unto Christ and we had such sacred experiences.

We have worked really hard and stayed close to D allowing us to maintain a brilliant relationship. In the course of his conversion I have learned more than him even what it's like to come to Christ and weep from joy. 

At D's Baptismal service Elder D and I ended up singing "Teach me to Walk in the Light and Love One Another" it was acapella and turned out very nice if we could say so. I really did feel the spirit and was so excited and humbled that he asked me to perform the ordinance.

It is nostalgia to many the feeling of entering the sacred waters of the baptismal font and looking at a son or daughter of god who is worthy and willing to be there. D just couldn't stop smiling and was so in tune with the spirit. 

27/3/17

D.A.H. has made such a commitment! All we asked him to do to live the Gospel he first pondered and then turned it over to the Lord. We offered a Priesthood Blessing on our very first lesson with him and he was already focused on baptism. The Lord works miracles! His mother at his baptism explained, "You have done in three weeks what I have tried to do for thirty years!" And we responded if we give our will to God, he will make our weaknesses become strengths. We will never forget after his confirmation he read the Book of Mormon and phoned us excitedly. He explained that the Majesty of the Scriptures had changed for him as the Holy Ghost had now magnified the truth in those sacred pages. His conversion came through the Book of Mormon and the motivation to set an example for his family. 

This gentleman really changed the way I am able to see missionary work and softened my heart because of frustration and much of it came through service. 

Elder D and I this week were helping many clean their houses and I got to the point where I was thinking " how can you live like this?" And the spirit spoke so powerfully through Elder D as he quoted Mosiah 2:17

I was in awe that I could have been selfish enough to assume my desires and the Lord only had to remind me that we are all serving Him. 

We ended up having a splendid meal and having a brilliant time! We invited D to invite his mother over for Mother's day and surprise her and we are waiting to hear back:) The work is progressing in Wrekin and we are still working hard! 

My highlights this last week would definitely be the mission tour where early missionaries taught and testified of Jesus Christ. I feel honored to walk the same shores of the Restoration and be a key to the work in this the Lord's work. There were so many sacred places where people such as Elder Hinckley and Elder Kimball bore witness of Jesus Christ and made their part in the Restoration possible. It was such a spiritual experience to sing hymns in Chatburn and Downham and Preston where the saints walked and rejoiced. I loved it and I ended up having everyone in the South zones sign my Hymn Book! It's getting pretty nice and full with people. I will send pictures of everything next week!

Key to thought: If Gordon B Hinckley would have given up would he have ever become known in church history? No, we find our greatest capacity for faith in our deepest trials. 

I love all of you with a powerful love. I can't imagine returning for I really do want to use every moment to teach the gospel. 

We are not on missions to fill time, I have experienced some of the most profound truths in this life. Not just learned them, pondered and experienced them. The mission is only successful with the Lord, alone we are nothing. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. Simple words never have expressed more powerfully that I Know My Redeemer Lives. He is my friend and I really love him. 

The time is at hand and I know that if we are prepared we shall not fear. 

Listen to the voice of true prophets and apostles. I am so excited for General Conference and I invite all of you to ponder and read Beware of Pride. This changed my mission and most definitely my life. God is our Loving Heavenly Father and He has not nor will ever change. We must be the ones to change. 

I am thankful for all the maternal influences in my life and I admire everyone who seeks truth. I am humbled to be born in this church and I know that Families can be together forever. And these things I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. 

Elder Cooper

"I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day." Alma 38:5

PS: I know it has been a while for many of you:) accept my apologies and please pray for the missionaries! There is such power in prayer.

Mama Bear 🐻 I have the most humble companion in the world! It's hard to notice what I was raised with and I just want to say thank you:) your sacrifice and courage to raise the Three Musketeers of JMCx2 and Lil ol Me definitely have helped me know how to work hard and testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

D Came to Church on Sunday and he was in all meetings. We had him meet the Bishop and we are now in the process of planning his baptism! Ahhhh I am so happy it's finally going to happen. I am still worried Satan will try and tempt him all week but we are seeing him tomorrow and he has so kindly offered to feed us tea! 

We have worked so hard with him and after 1 Month he will be baptized! 2 Weeks more of waiting for him and he has really been such an example to me of righteous desires. We invited him to study and prepare to teach us the lessons over again and he brought the most humble spirit to the lesson as he taught about the plan of salvation. He doesn't have full Companionship of the Holy Ghost but he HAS BEEN REFINED! Baptism is going to make him such a powerful father and example to his young daughter, Emily Rose:) 

We are proud of him and his commitment to God. 

We were not able to see the P Family this week as they were very busy with helping friends move and also being amazing! They had a couple of birthdays in the family and we missed them:) 

As far as we know they are still studying the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it is actually the word of God. I am so impressed with the resources the church has! It really is an incredible era to live in. 

Hahaha the sugar fast went pretty fast. We began to rationalize that gifts of sweets were completely accepted ahaha. You are such a brilliant example of faith and diligence mama! How can I be more like you? 

I am so happy to hear that all gifts and presents got there in time:) 

Thank you for adding scriptures and using the wisdom and inspiration of God. 

I am so thankful for all the loving support and prayers everyone sends the way of missionaries. 

The Gospel has changed my life and I have found continued conversion even though we all may have questions! 

I am so happy everyone I love dearly is doing well and is SAFE. 

Sunday was a funny story. Haha...so we went and dedicated the sisters Flat Saturday night and I ended up temporarily borrowing Pancake mix from the sisters as a joke. The lesson in Gospel Principles this week was on HONESTY. Rebuked by the Spirit haha. We ended up making the Sisters breakfast today and all is sorted. It was just a highlight of my week. 

This transfer is going to be a lot of fun and Elder a D and I are getting on so well. 

Love you so Much Fam and Friends:) 

I will send pictures to dad and you can add them . 

Mother's Day here is next week but it will be better to Skype in May. Hope that works out for you!

Mother's Day is going to be incredible in May;)

Can't wait! 

" President! 

Our Week has been very successful! First of all, D H, our friend who is going to be baptized this Saturday CAME TO CHURCH! So great to have him meet bishop and meet more members. The ward is really going to get involved, That is our Plan!

Having a new transfer on the go things have begun slow for some of the Wrekin District. Difficulties with adjusting to companions and also trying to learn our relationship with God is difficult in a number of days however ALL things are Possible with the Lord.

One of the greatest blessings of study this week was on the attribute of HOPE.

We can have a hope for extraordinary things but it is only when we act that they become Extraordinary Moments of Faith. Faith is Action! Work Work Work. Elder D and I have been working hard in these past couple days and are very thankful to see perspective in how we can be efficient and also productive with the Lord's time!

With your invitation alone last night to tract near the Chapel we found 4 New investigators and are very humbled by the council you have given. Learning Opportunities, that is Life and especially a MISSION! I am here to learn and LIVE.

Elder D and I are really learning the power of Prayer. We are accepting the invitation to pray after rejection and making the work fun. I have taken a great deal of time to learn to de-stress and find ways to keep our companionship motivated. 

I am thankful for Optimism and Charity. I have one of the most charitable companions and I am thankful every day for the service we get to offer to each other. I have learned that regardless of culture or language the spirit of Love and unity is Universal in Christ. 

It's brilliant to build a testimony and knowledge of Joseph Smith and declare Authority of the True Church in love and boldness. Seeking to never be overbearing. We had a really powerful discussion with a woman who had a vision of Jesus Christ and so we taught her about Joseph Smith and she revolted saying God doesn't work through prophets. I am sad most days that people will not let us or God help them. 

The Standard of Truth is still declared and we have made it a companionship goal to memorize JSH 10-20! Thank you for the challenge. We look forward to our interviews this week and want to share our love with you."

March 13, 2017

So wonderful to hear from you this week Family and Friends!

Quick updates:

Elder Cooper will be staying in the Wrekin Area! My new Companion is from the Philippines and we served in the MTC together!

We have seen many miracles in the past week and mostly trying with all my might to help our friend D H to enter the waters of Baptism!

The work in our area is doing well and we are trying to teach many families! I will return and focus more in the coming weeks but for now we just stay busy with appointments. 

Today my heart is just softened at all the acts of love I have seen in my life and the focus on Charity for others! I have such a deep respect for those that are sacrificing far greater than I to live with religious freedom or even practice their beliefs:)

The Members in the Wrekin Ward are taking great care of us and we are staying busy. The ward is struggling with retention as the common theme in the gospel around the world. I love being a missionary as I have changed and I can't believe the time passing by.

This is incredibly quick as we have transfers tomorrow and I must make sure the district is in order.

Ship Shape and Bristol fashion ;)

I love you all very much and I look forward to another blessed week seeing growth and love!

"President Ulrich 

There is ACTUAL SUNSHINE IN THE SKY! So refreshing to have spring and summer become a reality and see the change in the hearts of Heavenly Father's children. Especially myself:) I have seen so many of my flaws and I really did focus on the sacrament through the week and the Testimony Meeting was overpowering with the spirit. I love the gospel truths that I personally have studied and craved to know. I believe and testify it comes from humility and desire that truths are revealed and hearts are softened. 

Wrekin B and Telford A Trio: Elders C, Cooper and D. This last week we focused deeply on teaching D H! He has made such a change in his life and really desires to be clean of his wrong doings to others and himself. The Atonement really is such a fundamental process and event as we invite others to make ever lasting change. 

Our few days as a trio exchange were a powerful indicator of where we all can improve. I found it comforting in retrospect that you offered a prayer of patience and charity to be with me as a leader. It was definitely needed and learned these past few days. 

The exchange with the zone leaders was a nice refreshing time where I saw many things within me become lifted. I realized that if your vessel doesn't have fuel you need to become recharged. I lacked any breaks in my missionary work where I could breathe and find peace. Ice cream was a very good break these past couple days. 

However with a new transfer I am attempting a sugar fast:) Wish me luck. 

Respect is EARNED and it is through service that we really understand someone better. 

I love this District with my heart and I am reaching out to those that are new to the Wrekin District Family. 

This transfer is going to be a great continuation of the Lord's work! 

I cannot believe I have been on my mission NINE months already. I am losing track of time as I lose myself in the work but I still lack the proper organization of basic missionary work. This schedule has taught me many things and I definitely need to learn prioritizing! I will repent and improve as Elder D and I rejoice in the blessed land of Wrekin:) 

Teaching in a trio was very different to what I expected. It really does take focus and love to be led by the spirit. Many times there was frustration and awkward pauses but eventually we gained a trust and love to serve in unity. 

I absolutely needed the Harvester message on Resilience this week and I am doing my best to "really try" that is what is required, our best. I am thankful for these opportunities to see my faults in an eternal perspective and know how I can refine myself each week. The closer we get to success the more Satan is pushing us and our friends away. Because of this physical struggle with the adversary our friend D has been exhausted! He missed our appointments and we ended up following up with him to give him a Priesthood blessing. He missed Church on Sunday and we talked with the Bishop in Wrekin. Out of the best interest he feels we need to move the baptism for another weekend and have it be with more members present. I completely respect the Bishop's decision however the adversary is a very real factor in the salvation of Heavenly Father's children. It would have been best to have him at church on Sunday but because of his health and weakness it was not possible for him to travel. We would love to know better how this situation can be held and I personally will contact you today to talk about it:) 

D H was completely fine with moving the baptismal date to the March 18th! 

He is very devoted to becoming a member of the church and it broke his heart to hear about postponing the baptism. I don't want to postpone it again. 

-Very excited about his hair cut to look a brand new gentleman and his baptism to make his soul clean! We will be seeing him tonight:) 

Baptismal date moved to the 18th of March and Bishop wants it moved one more week 25th of March.

A and S P 

-experiences about spiritual world led to a perfect conversation about The Plan of Salvation and the need for sacred covenants. We will be seeing them tonight and throughout the week to help them see the blessings for families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church is really faltering in the Wrekin area and we are trying our best to unite the members, leaders and missionaries. Small and simple things lead to great miracles."

March 6, 2017

This week has actually been pretty exciting and I am going to have to send you many pictures next week of our friend, D H!

D we met on Sunday 26th of February and he is going to be baptized on The 11th of March which is this coming Saturday. We are so impressed with how prepared he truly is for the gospel.

He is a father in his 40's and has experienced far more than any of Heavenly Father's children should have to. We have worked so hard to help him gain a greater understanding of the Restored Priesthood Power and to be a eternal family. However, he was actually completely accepting of everything we taught:) 

The trials we go through truly do refine us and I am grateful for the mercy and forgiveness of a loving father. 

I received a brilliant email from many loved ones and I just wanted to express my love for family. 

There is no greater force than LOVE and as there is opposites in all things, Hate. There is a very real battle on the Earth both physically and spiritually. 

As we listened in a recent U.K. Broadcast I noted that there was a constant reminder to stay up to date on modern revelation! This is a process to which drives this beloved church. Revelation in all forms is from our Heavenly Father and I pondered this week how do we truly receive revelation. It seems to be a refinement of mortality to learn this powerful gift. As all blessings this God given ability is magnified as we WORK! So this week as you strive to gain a closer relationship with Deity know He wants that same relationship MORE as many of His children have rejected Him and some of His beloved have even used His name with Hate and Greed. 

"17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven." 3 Nephi 14:17-20

Look continually for that which is BEST AND GOOD and be the light in the dark. 

Heavenly Father has given you the light of His son, Use it! 

That which we have been given if we neglect it God may take it away. 

I love you all so dearly and look forward to hearing from you all soon;) 

Update. I have now become a trio and Elder C left is from Spain and Elder D is Filipino! I was in the MTC with Elder D;)

Can't wait...Baptism Saturday and a lot of work to do!

I really do long to be near the temple. It's the kingdom I long to be in! Deep: can you imagine what Celestial Glory will be like?

I am thankful for your counsel and love. I always feel like a stripling warrior coming to you to be healed;) 

Your warrior and Son, 

Elder Cooper

"I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day." Alma 38:5