Lots of Cello Music

 I'll start by saying I am writing my own email again this week. 

Wales has continued to be lovely. I can understand the Welsh accent much better now.

My companion, Elder Hanson, is a performance-class cellist. President Gallacher is a big advocate for using music to share the gospel so Elder Hanson has a rented cello he plays at appointments and in sacrament meeting. We have seen some major miracles from his playing. Members who haven't come since COVID will show up at church to hear him play. Most of our teaching appointments start with a hymn and it brings the Spirit so strong.

On top of teaching lessons we have spent so much time looking for people to start teaching. The success hasn't been great but not from lack of trying.

I want to tell you a little bit about Graham. He is a member who feeds all four of us missionaries, a recent concert, and a friend we are teaching, every week! He lives with his dog, Holly. Every Sunday he comes to church at 9:00 and welcomes everyone. He likes to walk alot and has given out dozens of copies of the Book of Mormon. He is an incredible example of what it means to be Christlike. He is preparing to go to the temple for the first time and we are so close to getting there. If you could include him in your fast this week it would be really appreciated.

The friend who comes to those dinners with us is Josh. He was about to be baptized a few months ago but his mom said no. He lost hope but kept meeting with us and now that he is about to turn 18 he really wants to get baptised. He actually knows the ward better than I do. He comes to church each week in shorts and a t-shirt because if his mom finds out where he is going she wouldn't be happy. We are trying to figure out how we can help with that situation and improve the relationship there. Please fast for him as well.

Pic #1 - giant dragon inside of a shopping mall in Merthyr

Pic #2 - preparing to play the cello in sacrament meeting

Pic #3 - another dragon but drawn on a chalkboard in the church

Last Move?

 Hey everyone,

It's Elder Killian again. Figured it was time I wrote my own emails again, Joseph Smith was onto something though by dictating to people, it is nice...

I have driven through Wales many time one filming trips and to train zones. On one such trip I had the impression I would never have a chance to actually serve in Wales. I kind of came to terms with that, which wasn't hard since I have loved my mission regardless of where I am. I am pleased to report that impression was not correct though as I am currently living in the heart of Merthyr Tydfil.

It is a small town (by English standards, not Idaho ones) of about 80,000. It does have a small town feel to it though.

When we go out street-contacting, we only really have one place called Cyfarthfa Park. We walk around a lake in the shadow of Cyfarthfa Castle. It was built by a rich tyrant who was hated by the whole town because he controlled everything. Apparently anyone with red hair here is likely one of his (many) descendants.

It took me a couple weeks to get use to the English accent, the Welsh one is much more thick. Some of the nice older members I spoke with at church were totally unitelligible. Elder Hanson tells me they were speaking English but I have my doubts.

I feel as though this area and my companion have both really helped me start listening to the Spirit more. Elder Hanson is one of the most spiritually sensitive people I know. He is a big example for me. I recall one moment sitting on a park bench next to a stranger who we were chatting with. We shared the first vision account with him right there next to the castle and I felt the power that comes with what we believe. It was a good week.

Thanks for reading,

Elder Killian

Pic #1 - on a beach in Swansea

Pic #2 - service at a really amazing Welsh families house

Pic #3 - teaching the Plan of Salvation on the fly

The Big Change of going to Wales

 

( Note from Elder Killian's FAVORITE Aunt 😂.  If you want to understand what Elder Killian is talking about regarding how much more challenging the English in Wales is to understand.  Check out youtube video of someone speaking the language.)

My Last Area?

 

Hey everyone,

It's Elder Killian again. Figured it was time I wrote my own emails again, Joseph Smith was onto something though by dictating to people, it is nice...

I have driven through Wales many time one filming trips and to train zones. On one such trip I had the impression I would never have a chance to actually serve in Wales. I kind of came to terms with that, which wasn't hard since I have loved my mission regardless of where I am. I am pleased to report that impression was not correct though as I am currently living in the heart of Merthyr Tydfil.

It is a small town (by English standards, not Idaho ones) of about 80,000. It does have a small town feel to it though.

When we go out street-contacting, we only really have one place called Cyfarthfa Park. We walk around a lake in the shadow of Cyfarthfa Castle. It was built by a rich tyrant who was hated by the whole town because he controlled everything. Apparently anyone with red hair here is likely one of his (many) descendants.

It took me a couple weeks to get use to the English accent, the Welsh one is much more thick. Some of the nice older members I spoke with at church were totally unitelligible. Elder Hanson tells me they were speaking English but I have my doubts.

I feel as though this area and my companion have both really helped me start listening to the Spirit more. Elder Hanson is one of the most spiritually sensitive people I know. He is a big example for me. I recall one moment sitting on a park bench next to a stranger who we were chatting with. We shared the first vision account with him right there next to the castle and I felt the power that comes with what we believe. It was a good week.

Thanks for reading,

Elder Killian

Pic #1 - on a beach in Swansea

Pic #2 - service at a really amazing Welsh families house

Pic #3 - teaching the Plan of Salvation on the fly

Elder Killian is Alive, he's okay Just Driving again....

 Hello it's me again, you already know.. Elder Redford but don't worry! This is the last time because my companion Elder Killian as most of you know him as Desmond, is leaving me to be a Zone Leader in Merthyr. I wish you all the best of luck! I'll miss emailing you all. His next comp probably won't be as nice as I am so he probably won't write his emails  

Okay! This week we've been grinding hard in exchanges and together, we found seven potentials. Elder Redford gave out a book of Mormon and four pamphlets while Elder Killian got two peoples phone numbers by his testimony and power of unity with Elder Mallonee. This week he learned a lot from his old pal Elder Hill and how to street contact by making connections, then he also learned from Elder Mallonee on some verses he can use when people feel the spirit. We also are gonna finish our social media video so we can send it to the bishop of our ward and get it prepared to post on our Facebook's so people will feel welcomed to our ward and church! 

Okay, that's all I can really remember. He promises to start emailing again.. I hope he does..  

- Elder Redford OUT! 

1: Exchanges 

2: Social Media Video ( I Elder Redford included ) 

3: Tesco Meal deal! ( I Elder Redford will never have another one ) 

I'm Alive!!

 Elder Killian is driving so I, his worthy and faithful trainee Elder Redford is typing out this beautiful and majestic email for him. 

This week was eventful yet slow, we had several people slam the door in our face but we also had many miracles. We met someone on our way out of the apartment to head to the church. This man stopped us and asked if we were mormons, well first thing that came to my mind ( I Elder Redford ) was "Great, a basher" well.. We ended up getting a lesson planned out because he's lived in Utah for about five years, so he's seen our foot place and respects it. We hope to get him converted eventually! We also had a friend ask how she can get the lessons and be baptized so that was pretty cool. That's the sum of this week, sorry he couldn't say it himself but he's doing great and loves you all.

Written by: Elder Redford 

Enforced by: Elder Killian 

1st Photo: Polly Joke Beach 

2nd Photo: Plymouth Boy Band 

3rd Photo: Polly Joke View 

A Letter from the Mission President!!

 This is letter arrived to Elder Killian's mom and dad.  As the Aunt it was NO surprise to our family that the Lord has given Desmond a talent for leading but this opportunity helps to magnify what the Lord needs him to learn and grow from.