Lighthouse of the Lord

What a beautiful time of year in England!  It is Christmas and many here decorate and share all the beautiful traditions we have in the United States. We love this time of year as our hearts fill with gratitude for the birth and the Atonement of our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Though it is very dark and often windy and rainy, we are finding the coastline we are now near to be very beautiful.  We love the many light houses along the coastline here.  There is such great symbolism in the image of a lighthouse.  

Completed in 1898 and decommissioned in 1984, the St. Mary's light house is just two miles from where we live.  It is on a small island and is only accessible between tide changes:

President Thomas S. Monson used the term "The  Lighthouse of the Lord" in a 1990 conference address.  He said:

"I counsel you: Look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. It calls, "This way to safety; this way to home."

In the reference called "Guide to the Scriptures" we read about this Light:  "Divine energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things. It is the law by which all things are governed in heaven and on earth.  It also helps people understand gospel truths and helps to put them on the gospel path that leads to salvation". 

The coastline of England is dotted with light houses.  Before lighthouses mariners used fires on the beach to guide ships in the way they should go.  Then they found raising the fire on to a tower would improve the visibility, so placing the fire on a platform became a practice that led to the development of the lighthouse. In antiquity, the lighthouse functioned more as an entrance marker to ports than as a warning signal for reefs and promontories.  Eventually electric lights with special lens and mirrors were used to project a scanning beam of light out onto the sea to guide mariners to safety.  

At this Christmas time, let us look to Jesus Christ for light, truth and the life we need to complete our sojourns on earth.  Here are some of our favorite scriptures that describe our Saviour:

9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death. (Mosiah 16:9).

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 2:1).

5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2:5).

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12).

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness. (Alma 38:9)

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!  Let us sail joyfully into the new year with the Lighthouse of the Lord to guide us and with His wind in our sails. He lives! He loves us and provides the only path back to our Heavenly Father's presence!

We love each one of you!

Elder and Sister Betteridge

Have Miracles Ceased?, Christmas Tree in the Mail, Red Squirrels, Bears in Trauma, Band Together, Tinker Bell Appears, Hawaiian Football

Miracles Never Cease

As we ponder on this last week, we are utterly amazed and grateful at the preservation of one of our young missionaries, Elder Ryan Bartlett, from Lincoln, California.  He is one of our zone leaders and supervises, with his companion JT Sheridan, 18 missionaries in the Sunderland Stake / Zone.  On December 3rd he was beginning to feel feverish and like a cold / flu bug was coming on to him.  He followed normal protocols and took cold/flu medication.  He began to get much worse over the course of a couple of days and then when his fever reached 105, his companion Elder Sheridan took him to the A&E (Emergency Room). They gave him a couple antibiotics and sent him home.  Over the course of the next day his body began to have a severe reaction to the medication.  His skin and throat and other areas of his body became inflamed and blistered everywhere.  He was rushed to a London hospital five hours away where it was determined that he had Stevens Johnson Syndrome. 

(Elder Bartlett on left with his companion JT Sheridan)

 

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare condition arising from 'over-reaction' of the immune system to a trigger such as a mild infection or a medicine, leading to blistering and peeling of the skin and surfaces of the eyes, mouth and throat.

The hospital he was sent to was Chelsea & Westminster hospital in London. They just happened to be one of the world authorities on dealing with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. He was given additional medication and remained in the intensive care unit for several days.  

The word went out to the missionaries in the Leeds mission and the London mission as well as his home stake.  Everyone began to fast and pray for him. At one point President Clare, the Leeds mission president, sent out an alert to all the missionaries in the Leeds mission to get on theirs knees NOW and pray for Elder Bartlett. 

Normally the recovery from this disease is at least 30 days in the hospital with very close monitoring for another 30 days.  The Lord answered the prayers of these missions and his stake.  Elder Bartlett was released in just 6 days from the hospital.  The doctors were stunned, amazed and in awe of his rapid recovery.  

He said as he laid there in his hospital bed, his whole body began to tingle and he recognized this as the prayers of many on his behalf being answered.  He felt the healing power of prayer, faith and Priesthood blessings and bore an amazing testimony that miracles have not ceased.  He was indeed miraculously healed.  He still has signs of the disease around his mouth but he is back doing missionary work and we are eternally grateful for his recovery and testify that miracles have not ceased in God's great work.

Moroni Chapter 7:27-37 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?… Behold I say unto you, Nay…And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me...And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?...Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought…

Elder Bartlett a week after he was released from the hospital:

The Family Christmas Tree

We received a wonderful package from our children and grandchildren.  One of the items in the package said, "Open Now".  It was a family Christmas tree with ornaments made by our children and grandchildren.  As we eat our meals we can glance up at the tree and see the signed ornaments of our wonderful grandchildren.  Thank you family for making our flat bright with your love and decorations!

What are Red Squirrel Babies Called ?

Not far from our new flat is a sort of Red Squirrel nature reserve.  Baby red squirrels are called kittens.  We haven't seen on of these critters yet, but they sure are cute from the pictures we saw at the reserve.

Trauma Teddies

Sue Arkley, a sister in our ward, (also the one that Scott Edgley found as a missionary here over 40 years ago) has developed the craft to make a specific knitted teddy bear design.  They have become known as "Trauma Teddies" and are gifted to the hospitals here in the area.  Sister Betteridge and Elder Betteridge, along with our sister missionaries, Sisters Barnard and Moss, are certified Trauma Teddy assembly specialists.  We spent an afternoon preparing these adorable little creatures to give lots of love to those who need a little hug.

Ashington Colliery Brass Band

When the performance venue for the Ashington Colliery Brass Band fell through, the leader's Chiropractor Brook Pauna, and Ashington Branch President came to the rescue and invited the band to perform at the Ashington LDS Chapel.  It was an amazing performance and included many Christmas songs as well as Tina Turner's Proud Mary.  The Coronet players were world class. 

One of the numbers they performed was the theme song of the Newcastle United football (soccer) team and is broadcast at every Newcastle match.  It was written by a local artist. Here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOTBR-AU82s

Peter Pan Panto

Local Pantomimes are a popular form of entertainment here in England.  (Definition in the dictionary:  A British theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas).  One of our young adults, Rachel Potts, was one of the 'lost boys' in this production. 

Festival Hosts

We were asked to be the official hosts of the Sunderland Stake Festival of Nativities.  

It was wonderful to see all the many different nativities.  We really liked the Brugge lace nativity, hand maid and beautiful!

Hawaiian Football

Every transfer cycle (6 weeks), the elders and sisters in our zone get together for a Stake P-day.  They have fun and usually play games.  This last Monday we held this stake p-day and played Hawaiian football.  And of course, if you play Hawaiian football, then you have to have Hawaiian Haystacks for  lunch.

View from our New Flat Bedroom Window

The Sunsets in England at this time of year are stunning!

67-Mile Apostle, Aphrodite, Young Brigham, Mountains & Hills Disappear, The Beginning of the End

Patrick Kearon Ordained an Apostle

We are so pleased to learn of Elder Kearon's call to the Holy Apostleship.  He is from Carlisle, England just 67 miles from where we now live.  We enjoyed his visit to the Tacoma Stake not long ago and had a wonderful interaction with him.  He is very personable and easy to talk to -- we love his ability to teach the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  (He also has a great English accent). 

As we researched his talks, we found an inspiring message to the young adults at Ensign College in Salt  Lake City on Aug 27, 2020. 

https://www.ensign.edu/elder-patrick-kearon

 "If we think of the poles on the earth, the North Pole and the South Pole, we think of them as freezing and largely desolate places…for most of us, it wouldn't be where we’d choose to go. The poles are inhospitable to the vast majority of us. During their winters, they have no light at all, and during their summers, there's no night or time for rest, and the climate remains pretty wretched. Let's move away from our poles and come together and make peace.

Hatred and disdain have become very powerful in society. We have a role as a Church, as a community of believers, to change that and become peacemakers. With that in mind, I want you to know, realize, and acknowledge that we're led by optimists. President Nelson can walk into a room and lighten the atmosphere. His calm loving nature, kind questions to those present, and sweet responses to any question extended to him can change the climate of a room or any gathering. He has this ability to change or create the mood in vast congregations to congregations of millions, all while avoiding the poles, and creating a warm inviting climate for you and for me. I'm so grateful for that."

Sister Kearon also spoke, as lovers of math Elder and Sister Betteridge really liked her message:

"...let’s have a little math lesson. I love math, with its logic and precision and predictability, but we’ll keep it simple, because simple math is all I can do these days! We’re going to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. 

Add a holy place and hear Him! Subtract anything that offends the Spirit...Multiply our blessings by drawing near to the Lord through repentance and obedience...Divide ourselves from contention, pride, selfishness, prejudice, and racism...Apply the inverse and let God prevail!"

Aphrodite Mullin is Baptized

One of our institute students from Ashington Branch was baptized this last week, Aphrodite Mullin.  It was such a special occasion.  She had attended a baptism with her sister a year or so ago and felt something special, she knew that truth had entered her heart and she wanted to learn more and began to attend institute over the last year.  She is such a great leader and example to her institute friends.  We love her and the sweet spirit she brings to institute class.  

Brigham Lamont Betteridge Baptized

We joyed in the baptism of our grandson Brigham and were able to observe his baptism via Zoom from across the Atlantic Ocean.  He has committed to follow Jesus Christ by entering the waters of Baptism.   We are so proud of him and his wonderful parents, Justin and Radene Betteridge.  

Mountains and Hills Disappear

At this time of year as we ponder on the great gift that the Son of God is to us, we are reminded of His kindness, peace and mercy that fill our hearts with love for Him and those around us. 

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10 

The Beginning of the End

We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Savior on this mission.  There has been some difficulties, fatigue enough, and moments of sacrifice but they are tiny compared to the rich blessings we have received  and witnessed.  Having passed the 12 month mark in our service, we are now looking at the final 6 months of our mission.   We also have just moved from Newcastle to Seaton Delaval and have been assigned to serve in a new ward, the North Shields ward.  As well, we are now in a new missionary district, the Alnwick District.  We recognize that this is a time of change and a new beginning for us.  

We love new beginnings, a time to commit to run the final leg of the race with dedication, enthusiasm and new goals.  As we looked around us we found the opportunity to run/walk along the north sea trail that goes from Seaton Sluice to Blyth.  On this path we gain glimpses of the vast North Sea with its powerful waves that remind us of our beloved Savior and Creator, who has created this beautiful spot and opportunity for us to grow in new ways through serving others.  One of Elder Betteridge's most favorite lines is "Today is the first day of the rest of our life."  We hope to make each day count and serve with hearts full of love for Heavenly Father, His Son, and our beloved brothers and sisters all around us.  

Uniting Families, BENtiful, Jolly Large Elf, Christmas @ Clares, Harwood, No Flag? - Try a Tree

Uniting Families for Eternity

As we shared the message of "Uniting Families for Eternity" this last week, three words jumped out at us Empowerment, Unite and Build.  As we go to the temple to perform these sacred ordinances for our ancestors we receive a blessing of Empowerment as we renew our own temple covenants whilst performing the ordinances for them.  We receive a gift of power to make it through this life of temptations and stress to find the joy and ability to overcome our own personal difficulties.  The Kirkland temple dedicatory prayer included the following (Doctrine and Covenants 109:22): 

And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy ^aname may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine ^bangels have charge over them; 

As we perform these ordinances for our ancestors, we are helping Heavenly Father to Unite His family, which brings Him great joy and is answered with blessings upon our heads.  We become as President Gordon B. Hinckley said, like 'saviors' to them. 

“Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done in their behalf by those on earth.” 

In the temple work we perform we Build our own Eternal Family. We become one family united for eternity and hence why it is so important to seek to find our ancestors so that we can perform the uniting temple ordinances for them that we all might be made perfect (complete).  As recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, we read: 

"And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect."

Our Preston England Temple:

 

A Trip to the Temple with Ben Lowerson

This has been an incredible week as we worked to help prepare Ben Lowerson to go to the Preston Temple to receive his Endowment.  Ben joined the church 1 year ago as an 18 year old and has embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ with every fiber of his being.  He is the youngest and only member in his family--  he has wonderful supportive parents.  He is preparing now to serve a mission.  We have been teaching him in institute for the last year.   The day before he left for Utah to visit friends there he served in the temple all day.  Here is a text message he sent us:

"It was amazing! Once you guys left after my endowment,  Elders Ferrell, Palmer and I went to get lunch, visited the bookstore and saw Beth, then we went back to the temple and did sealings at 2.  They were really good, I loved doing them but my thighs were shaking half way through lol, for like 10 minutes after I finished my knees were wobbling around the temple lol. We then went and did initatories which was fun. We then asked the temple president if we could go to the baptistery and he let us, we went down and an MTC district or two was there, ferrell and palmer helped as witnesses and stuff in the baptistery, and I did all the confirmations for all the mtc missionaries which I had a blast doing, then a lady came with 60 names! Ferrell and palmer took turns baptising, and I did 15 of the 45 male confirmations, and sat as proxy for another 22. We then went to the Celestial room for like an hour and abit, it was such an incredible experience. We then finished the day by getting some Belgian chocolate milk 🥛."

Here is Ben's facebook post after his special day:  "Today I went to the Preston Temple for my endowment! I’m so grateful that I was able to go with some of my closest friends. It was such a beautiful experience and I can’t wait to return to the temple! I have been a member now for 13 months and have been excited to receive my endowment for some time and it was definitely well worth the wait! I feel so blessed."

Santa Delights Young and Old (Alex Miller)

Alex Miller is 37 years old (striped shirt) and lives in an assisted care facility.  He was born 12 weeks early and suffered many issues as a result as he fought for his life as an infant. He has suffered from Cerebral Palsy all his life.   His parents (Brother Miller on right) sought for the faith, prayers and fasting of everyone they knew in the stake when Alex was born.  It was a miracle he survived.  As he grew up his parents taught him of the miracle of his life.  He has faithfully attended church all his life and received all the recognition that any other youth would receive in the church.  He graduated from Seminary and Institute.  Every chance he gets he shares his testimony of the Love of God for him and the miracle of his life.  What an example for us.  He is funny and joyful in his circumstances and was so overjoyed to receive a visit from Santa.  Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it!

Visit to President David Clare and Sister Jayne Clare's Home

This last week we had a senior missionary gathering at President and Sister Clare's home.  It is always a treat to visit them because of the beautiful decorating and warm and welcoming atmosphere they create.  

Harwood House

Before we visited the mission home for a senior missionary Christmas gathering, we visited the Harwood House.  Harewood House is an 18th century stately country home, approximately eight miles north of Leeds city centre. One of the Treasure Houses of England (a collection of the foremost stately homes in England), this historic Georgian property also features extensive gardens, a serene lake, an impressive bird garden, and a small animal farm. Designed by York architect John Carr and interior designer Robert Adam, the Grade I-listed building was built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, a wealthy West Indian plantation owner. England’s greatest gardener, Capability Brown, designed its famous 1,000-acre gardens.  Harwood house was a favorite filming location for the Downton Abbey film in 2018 and two seasons of ITV's Victoria.

No Flag to Fly ? - Try a Tree

In this beautiful time of year of Christmas trees and decorations we noticed an interesting sight.  A whole town of people had stuffed Christmas trees in their flag pole holders on the sides of the buildings.  Try it next year on your home ! 

Tree of Life

Sometimes we get a glimpse of a scene or a feeling in our life, that reminds of us of the Tree of Life.  Two experiences this week gave us this feeling.  A tree in the distance, ever so small but mighty in its setting and perspective.  This and hearing Alex Miller share his testimony of the Love of God warmed our hearts beyond measure.  Truly the greatest joy we can experience in this life is to partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life, to feel the Love of God.  It is real and delicious!