The Jones LDS Mission to the UK: So busy, so many great people!

We continue to have long days from 8:00 a.m. in the morning to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. each night, then off to visit home teaching families, mutual or errands needed for the next day. We cannot tell whether we are adding more projects each day or lacking in competence as our "To Do" list is ever expanding.

The week of the 12th of May brought preparation for the Multi-Stake Directors training in Solihull where these wonderful, faithful leaders were trained to become spokespersons for the church in their areas. Role-playing an interview with a video crew, each of these six directors answered questions about the church as we gave tips on how to stay on the three key messages of the church: We are followers of the Lord, Jesus Christ, We support strong families and We are our brother's keepers as we bring value to communities.

It's amazing to have a front-row seat on all the initiatives of the church and the commitment of its members. These marvelous individuals drove up to three hours to participate in a 7 hour training on a Saturday... perhaps the most beautiful day of the year here in England! All have been leaders in the church in Britain as Stake Presidents, Bishops, Stake Relief Society Presidents, etc.

One interesting side-note is of Craig Marshall, the Northeast Director, who is the home teacher for a family I taught and baptized in Teesside. He was going to visit Sister Brownbridge on Thursday, so I called my companion of 44 years ago, now Dr. Richard Jolley, to add his message to mine for Craig to give to the Brownbridge family. After catching up, he mirrored my feelings when he said, "Tell them that there hasn't been a week in the last 40 + years where I haven't thought about and prayed for them." Isn't it incredible that each one of us who have served a mission feel a bond with the country and the people with whom we had the blessing of serving so many years ago.

Sunday brought a tender sacrament meeting where the Stake President spoke to the hearts of three investigators we have grown to love. President Daniel Griffiths, a former missionary under Terry and Melody Clegg, was inspired as these sweet sisters could not help feeling the Holy Ghost bearing witness to the restored truths.

Because it was a beautiful day, we travelled to the Gadfield Elm Chapel and the Benbow farm where Wilford Woodruff converted nearly all of the United Brethren congregation in 1840. Gadfield Elm was the first chapel in the church and through a miraculous story has been restored and given to the church. President Hinckley dedicated it in 2004 and the church also maintains the Benbow Pond where many of the United Brethren were baptized.

Gadfield Elm is in a beautiful and remote setting where the United Brethren gave this little chapel to the church once they heard the gospel preached by the Quorum of the Twelve in England. Brigham Young preached here as did Heber C. Kimball and Wilford Woodruff. In 1841 there were more than 1000 converts in Herefordshire and the Twelve held a conference in this chapel that can seat only about 100.

Purchased as a derelict building in an auction, the Lord preserved this landmark through a series of miracles!

Dan at the plaque and bench at Benbow Farm where John Benbow and nearly 600 United Brethren were baptized in 1840.

Joyce crossing the fence at Benbow Pond.

We were given birthday cake by a sister from Wales (Kate, Gavin and little Isaac) whose family was celebrating her birthday. What a delightful day!

More extremely long days, but a few interesting events occurred this week as we participated in transfers... 100 energized, enthusiastic missionaries hugging, back-slapping and cheering for one another at the same location.