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.
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