Mom,

This PDay is no different from the rest. I am doing all that I can to make my messages home meaningful and still have enough time and patience to enjoy the day with my companion.

"President Ulrich, 

I am so thankful for the transition that has been made in my heart. My feelings were excellently reflected in the words " I’ve never been so discouraged. I’ve never been so full of hope. I feel I could go on forever. I think I’ve come to the end of my rope." Ode to a Mission 

Well these words resonate within me I have been very grateful for the love and support of leadership. In our exchanges this week I have noticed and learned many things. 

Exchange with Elder W and Cooper. We saw the Lord bless this work by its direction and haste. We met a former convert that Elder W had taught and I saw the brilliant joy it brought him to see her (Megan) strong in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and preparing herself to go and serve the Lord elsewhere in His vineyard.

We found many new friends NEAR THE CHURCH. The Council rings true that people need the Gospel everywhere but the most powerful place to find is near the chapel. We met a wonderful daughter of God ( Julie ) who was having difficulties with a family members health and was struggling to find God. We are giving her some space and praying for her loved ones, but will soon teach the Plan of Salvation!"

Our week was so filled with Joy and I loved every minute.

It has been pretty stressful but I have found a great peace as I have humbled myself in prayer and I have actually felt my burdens be lifted.

This work is real and I love being here.

Janae got all the time this week;)

The adventures never end!

 

June 5, 2017

I will have to update you next week but this is my new companion. His name is LUCKY P. and he is from Minila in the Philippines!He is just as Crazy as me and we are getting along very well but the first few days are hard to adjust. 

Elders Cooper and P are united! We have had some struggles trying to adjust but this has been a blessing to be together. I love most about Elder P is the passion he has for people. He used to be a sales manager and has some incredible people skills.

He loves athletics and seeks to be focused on inviting others to Christ. We are going to work on Memorizing D&C 4 and The Standard of Truth this transfer. We want to serve each other and be happy, this work is filled with Joy and we don't want to be hard on each other. 

President Ulrich! 

I have been sharing my thoughts this week in boldness that "There is no bad weather just negative attitudes". Very careful how I have been sharing that I promise. 

This week was full of change. It touched my heart in transfer Meeting as we sang Called to Serve and the spirit was so strong I truly sang glorious harmonies with angels. 

I have been so humbled to spend a year of the Lords precious time working along side you and your radiant companion. You both have been examples to me and I appreciate and feel your bounty of prayers for the Missionaries. 

The work has progressed in the Preston Area and my "Firsts" were very insightful. 

The most crucial thing I pondered this week was how our attitude affects the glory of the Lords work. I have been humbled many times and the works from a missionary power statement come to mind, " If you want to Go Fast go alone, if you want to GO FAR go together". Sometimes we can forget the changes in our lives don't only affect us but the changes can be drastic to others. 

The days have been long and I awaited the sacrament yesterday and there was so many distractions that I didn't feel the sanctification until the few members started bearing their testimonies. We had two friends at church and they had to leave early but I am so thankful that they came to observe AND worship.

It's a privilege to know most of those in the Preston District already but I look forward to obtaining a greater respect and friendship. I am trying with all that I can to change my heart and apply the invitation to repent with greater sincerity. I know there is still more I can do but I am still progressing to see the best in each of those we teach and these missionaries around me. 

Our preparation day activities were a blast! Elder P and I have had a change of heart.... we played basketball and volleyball today and really synchronized. We had a lot of fun and look forward to a very teaching packed week. 

I am so grateful for this transfer and I know there will be many ups and downs but I am starting to see my weaknesses blend with Elder P's strengths.  I am learning so very much from the Master.

I know that all things considered He heals and aids us in our sorrow but I think that just as Joseph Smith it must be our first priority to serve and learn from HIM. Desire and a broken heart and a contrite spirit! 

Momma Bear our flat in Preston is very nice! No you do not need to send cutlery I am just becoming a Filipino;)

Elder D sent me the funniest message I will have to forward it next week.

I love the progress you are making and the plans you have! The work is going so well and there truly is opposition in all things.

I love it here in Preston. I can't think of anything I need. I need to send this package home for all y'all... anything you want me to send?

Life update:

I found a flippin TURTLE!!!

We played Vball and BBall in the Rain and We have weights in our flat and I am trying to gain some muscles ;)

May 29, 2017

This week has been an absolute adventure as the time has seemed to speed up. We will miss Elder C as he goes home to France and we will say goodbye to The Elder D and Sister L from the Wrekin District! FUN NEWS MOMMA: I have been called to serve in the Preston District and Elder B has been called to Serve in the Wrekin District as the DL! We crossed paths:) It's bittersweet but we both are excited to see the progress of the Lords work. 

This week we had the wonderful opportunity to play the Guitar for the Wrekin Ward! We had a meal after church with all the church members and Elder D and I played A Child's Prayer on the Guitar! If we are lucky we will record with the Morgan's and send it next week. 

The blessings of this area are so beautiful! I will miss the ward family and the many friends we have challenged to come unto Christ. 

Fun fact - there was a Born Again Christian Conference this weekend and we had a street Display in Telford town square and I met some less active or ex members. So sad to see someone feel like they have lost their faith in modern prophets. 

"President Ulrich,

The week has flown by and I cannot believe that another transfer has passed. 

I think the most important principle I learned this week is self reliance. The work goes forth in faith and if we are not all in we won't desire the success the Lord Requires. 

I learned something from our Ward Conference this last Sunday about total dedication and resilience. Usain Bolt recently announced his retirement from Athletics and when interviewed Responded to the Question "I don't like to lose" Surely the fastest man on earth has the confidence to win any race! However he clarified "MY HEART IS NO LONGER 100% and if I don't give it my all I will Fail/Lose" as I really thought about that I remembered the American Football Video about the Death Crawl. I have made a covenant to not quit on the Lord but also not to quit on my Lord and Savior. 

I had a discussion with an ex member recently and simply bore testimony of The Book of Mormon and the prophet Joseph Smith. I was opened to the reality of the Physical and Spiritual danger of not "Practicing your faith 100%". Very soon your spiritual muscles lose their refinement and passive faith takes over. 

If we are not 100% it is not too late. The Atonement has been paid but it requires our will. We cannot have a foot in Zion and Babylon. 

I love this work and I know the adventures ahead will bring blessings and all glory shall be to Heavenly Father. 

I felt sad I wasn't able to fulfill my commitment to the Lord recently but I realized there is a danger in approaching discouragement. It is okay to sorrow for the choices of our friends but to be discouraged is to submit ourselves to the devils power. 

I have become acquainted with the extremes of the Spirit Realms and I continue to learn. It's not a perfect world but we share the Greatest Gift! 

Wrekin B Elder D is excited to be joined by Elder B! It was such a joy to hear that be announced:) He will love the area and people. The Lord has prepared this work and this area has such a brilliant future.  All I can say is I love Elder D and The Families they are working with are so wonderful. 

We invited P H for Baptism JUNE 17th but he brought up his past. We can all be clean through Christ! 

KEY

People will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Love more worry less!"

I know that there is opposition in this work but anything worth Salvation is worth sacrifice! I really do testify of these things; I have experienced such discouragement but I realized that only feeds Satan's power. It is okay to be sad sometimes but never be discouraged. We know who's side we are on and who our captain is! I love you all!

Elder Cooper

13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

3 Nephi 5:13

May 22, 2017

Momma Goose,

Thank you so kindly for your email this week!

I love how it was centered on Humility and a little bit of desperation. What a glorious combination.

The Photos I attached are of our service project and the young man is T G a friend from the Wrekin ward.

We went to the park today with our District and Elder D let us use him camera so there are some fun photos. Our friends S and K M.... we love them so much and they are a miracle of faith and tracting. We ended up finding them a month ago and they have come back to church! The blessings of this gospel are so brilliant and we are grateful for the M Family~ they really have adopted us as their own.

My greatest love centers on you glorious sons and daughters of God!

The second family is The A's.  They treat us so well and they are an incredible blessing to have in our ward. At one time P was the Bishop in Italy and I have tried my Italian on him every now and then only to get a laugh ;)!

I love this work the Friends that I have made and the talents I have obtained ( Like eating with my hands... trust me its a talent) are never to be forgotten.

I Love that  Elder D and I are working hard with two families that are coming BACK to church and are working with two families who are interested in the church!

I try with all my might to never compare my efforts to anyone else whether in this mission or in any around the world.

I wanted to share a simple poem from a mission UNKNOWN.

Ode  to  A Mission 

A mission  is  a  strange  experience.  It  is  a  trial  and  a  test.   

A mission  throws  you  at  the  worst,  yet  teaches  you  the  best.   

I’ve  never been  so  happy.    I’ve  never been  so  depressed. 

I’ve  never felt  so  forsaken.   I’ve  never been  so  blessed. 

I’ve  never been  so  confused.    Things  have  never been  so clear.   

I’ve  never felt  my  Heavenly  Father so  distant.  He’s  never been  so  near.   

I’ve  never been  so  discouraged.  I’ve  never been  so  full  of hope. 

I  feel  I  could  go  on  forever.   I  think  I’ve  come  to  the  end  of my  rope. 

I’ve  never had  it  quite  so  easy.   I’ve  never  had  it  so  tough. 

Things  have  never been  so  smooth.   Things  have  never been  so  rough. 

I’ve  never traveled  more  valleys.   I’ve  never  ascended  so many  peaks.   

I’ve  never met  so  many  nice  people.   I’ve  never met  so  many freaks. 

I’ve  never had  so  many  ups.   I’ve  never had  so  many  downs. 

I’ve  never worn  so  many  smiles.  I’ve  never worn  so  many frowns. 

I’ve  never been  so  lonely.   I’ve  never had  so  many  friends.   

Boy,  I  hope  this  is  over  soon.   Wow—I hope  this  never ends

This couldn't explain my feelings more perfectly.

I love the Lord and He is the Master of this work.

Till next time,

Elder Cooperdo

May 15, 2017

Loved talking to all of you so much!!!!

Our District got together today and played some games and sang and we would love to send you our video!

I loved the spirit as we all spoke and testified of Christ and His Gospel, I know it is true.

President Ulrich,

I wish I could sing my weekly letter to you.

You truly are my friend and I am thankful for your powerful and sincere testimony of both The Book of Mormon and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have spent many hours singing the Hymns in my life and I have gained a sincere love for A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief as it explains as we serve others, we serve Christ. Not only serve Him but we shall see through the disguise and identify him as our Brother, Medic and Friend. I await many future service opportunities where the Savior can love his kin through humble and faithful vessels of truth.

I have learned some very powerful lessons this past week.

As Angels attended the stake conference I felt their overwhelming presence. I loved the conference and received much counsel.

My favorite power statement I heard from the Spirit was, "Fog has NO POWER if we are led by the light of Faith".

To expound since my faith has been lacking I have tried many things to build confidence and pray for love whilst I struggle. 

I will admit many times I have felt lost and broken but Elder Doria and I have drawn together:) We have been on this really extreme roller coaster and are studying "Beware of Pride" in order to change our hearts. 

The highlight of the Preparation Day was singing hymns and playing some sports with the Wrekin District.

We really are united and centered on our purpose!"

May 8, 2017

We went as a district to hike the Wrekin! 

You know what that means 😂

Skype: evening maybe around 7 or 8 pm my time. So after Church for you! 

I GOT THE PACKAGE

Thank all those who love and bless missionaries. 

Momma bear I can't express my love to you in words anymore. 

I will serve as the Stripling Warriors and leave all I can on this precious English soil. 

I love the work and I want to just take my heart and testimony and give it to people but that wouldn't be very comfortable and really messy. 

All gore aside I love the work and I love you all very much. 

"President Hinckley asked, “Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?” 

"It’s true, isn’t it? Then what else matters?

This example showed such powerful trust and faith in Jesus Christ. I seek to develop a greater trust slowly and surely. Make the needed changes to become a better vessel. 

Just yesterday I focused my 24 hour fast on cleansing my inner vessel and something caught my heart during the Mission Fireside. The words of our living prophet regarding the sacred word of God in the Book of Mormon, "As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive Heaven’s help in our lives."

This will become a greater focus in the coming year and eternity to refine my character and build a feasting relationship with The Book Of Mormon. I feel when I study it is far too often focused on me and I will focus the needs of my friends from now on. 

We are so privileged to be in this blessed land. I feel a greater need to rely on the Lord and His gospel. 

"We do not strive for conversion to the Church but to Christ and HIS GOSPEL" -D Todd Christofferson said it best. 

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about the relationship between loving God and keeping His commandments:

“When we love the Lord, obedience ceases to be a burden. Obedience becomes a delight”

President I have really tried to focus on the specific question: What is your motivation?

There is a higher power than obedience and it is Faith. 

Jacob 4

President my main focus this week was centered on Faith and looking for opportunities to stretch and grow.  

Wrekin B

Elders Cooper and D. 

Exchanges with Elders T and A helped us realize our need to change our motivations. I felt that we were working hard for all the wrong desires and the day of Repentance proved to be a day of conversion. Elder D and I have been getting on so much better since we have both been using the atonement. 

This has been a great wake up call to us as we have been comparing each other a lot lately and I have made a goal to have this devilish character purged from me. 

I am changing so much and I have a great trust in following the Keys. I really do strive to sustain and magnify your counsel and I am thankful for your sacrifice. Thank you for being here. 









Mission Fireside In Manchester and saw Z H from Bolton

Can't wait for next week. 

The gifts were so nice! 

Elder Cooper

13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

3 Nephi 5:13

May 1, 2017

I really do apologize I can't write others .... 

but here is what I wrote home! 

Being blessed to go to the temple was wonderful! 

So powerful to receive answers to prayers and see you! 

I actually had a special moment where I remember me and you in the celestial room and I got to feel so close to you being there today. 

As we drove we sang our hearts out and my voice is mostly gone;) not sorry. It was worth it. 

I saw both Elder A and K today at the temple!! We were inside so we didn't get a picture but it was special:) 

After Temple we went to McDonald's with P and A M ... I don't regret it but it was too much fast food! Haha! I love the friends I have made and glad they keep me smiling. 

As I drove both ways I have no time. 

We got permission to write President but also mommas! 

President Ulrich, 

Surely life was changed today with traveling too, and the sacred experiences in, the temple. In the most simple way of expressing my thoughts I realized many deeper truths to my Blessings from Heavenly Father. Having personal revelation is a priceless gift and I seek to understand more through the spirit this week. I will commit to study PMG Ch4 and live the Christlike attribute of faith this week. 

Faith to find! 

We are working really hard and the majority of our investigators are struggling with the word of wisdom and I am really struggling to connect with them and their struggles. I am acquainted with the Godly sorrow of sin however I really have felt the redeeming love of Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ. 

Temple focus number one: We have the divine power to cast off evil and invite light. 

Temple focus number two: Our earthly and Heavenly families depend upon sacred covenants found only within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

As Soon as we see a glimpse of success, there is a real opposition where there wasn't before. 

We learned yesterday that a former investigator whom we had seen for some time only STARTED having issues with the Word of Wisdom when we first mentioned it in a lesson. Since he has stopped meeting with us, that desire to break the word of wisdom is gone and he is clean from any of it. Which led me to think why is our natural state prone to rebellion? I would love to ponder this for a couple days and study upon it. 

Since the majority of our day was travel I must make this short. 

Telford A Elders B and S traveled to the temple with us today and loved it! 

They are setting a foundation for the work in Telford and WANT to have a greater desire for the work. They still get along wonderfully.

They are both so gifted when it comes to the spirit and they teach very powerfully. I have been present to feel the spirit as they teach:) 

We have had some really positive street displays as a result of our District getting on well and people being prepared. 

***Wrekin B SIX FRIENDS CAME TO CHURCH!!!!! ***

We saw a miracle through the powers of Children's Hymns. Quick story. Our recent converts daughter, ER invited her friend to church after we sang many fun songs and developed a great relationship. E is on her way to being baptized and all we are waiting on is her father to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. 

The work is going forth and we are fasting and praying for answers to questions about the word of wisdom and also doing all we can to help our friend S to come to church. Atonement and Repentance.

I love you so dearly President and Sister Ulrich. 

Elder Cooper

My greatest desire is for this work. 

We were asked to ponder three questions this weekend in preparation for our Multi Zone meeting tomorrow and they are: 

1. Where are your desires? 

2. What is your motivation? 

3. How Dedicated are you to Heavenly Fathers work? 

Many things to consider... for those at home instead of Heavenly Father's work you could say-> Following Heavenly Father's Plan?

I am trying to give Telford Heaven I promise ;) 

Elder Cooper

13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

3 Nephi 5:13