Today is Eric's 21st birthday. We are excited for him, and wish we could be there to celebrate with him. At least the packages we sent him arrived safely. We sent him a new camera to replace the one that was stolen, along with a few other little things. It's a little difficult to choose birthday presents for a missionary, because there are very few things they need and the ones they do need are boring (another new tie?). He was excited about the new camera, and said he plans to take more pictures and be more careful with his camera for the rest of his mission. We look forward to receiving his pictures, and sharing his mission with him in that way.
Eric said this past week was another good one. They continue to find new people to teach, several of whom came to church with them on Sunday. On Saturday night, they had 20 people who told them they were coming to church the next day. Only 10 of them actually came, as two families and a couple of individuals didn't make it. One of the families was Sonya and her children. Sonya appears to be doing much better, and seems happier and more excited about church. Her son was sick Sunday morning, so the family stayed home.
Nikki is still planning to be baptized this coming Saturday. She is excited about it, but also wishes there were more Chinese people coming to church with her. Several Chinese people have attended church over the last few weeks, but it is difficult for them because they don't speak English. Also, many of the students are gone on vacation right now, before the beginning of the new college semester on October 1.
Eric also mentioned Rita Maputu, an African woman whose husband and children are members of the church. She apparently came to England after the rest of her family, and wasn't baptized when they were. She is excited to be taught the gospel, and has committed to baptism on September 26.
Some of the other missionaries in Leeds have been teaching a Chinese woman, but struggling with the language barrier. Elders Hansen and Kacher went over and taught her this week and had a very good experience. She is very receptive to their message and accepting of Jesus Christ. Eric is excited to continue teaching her, but a little apprehensive about the language barrier at church.
We asked Eric about the differences between Leeds and Sheffield. Leeds is bigger, has more people, and is a bit more lively. Sheffield has more of a small town feel. Because they have a car, they never take public transportation like they did in Sheffield. This allows them to get from place to place quicker and saves them a lot of time. Eric likes that a lot. There are 4 wards and 2 branches (smaller church units) in Leeds, with a considerable number of church members. The ward in which Eric is serving has a number of university students in it. Apparently, many church members from around the UK come to Leeds to attend university. There is even an LDS Institute of Religion, where university students can meet and attend weekday religious classes. According to the church's website, there are 234 students enrolled in institute classes, the largest number of any institute in England, even more than London. Eric said they are hoping to make better use of this resource. Overall, he said Leeds is busy, fast-paced and exciting. He really enjoys serving there.
Well, that's about all we got today. They were getting ready to go to their meeting with Elder David Bednar. Eric was excited about that too. Hopefully, we'll get an account of that meeting along with more good news next week.
Eric said this past week was another good one. They continue to find new people to teach, several of whom came to church with them on Sunday. On Saturday night, they had 20 people who told them they were coming to church the next day. Only 10 of them actually came, as two families and a couple of individuals didn't make it. One of the families was Sonya and her children. Sonya appears to be doing much better, and seems happier and more excited about church. Her son was sick Sunday morning, so the family stayed home.
Nikki is still planning to be baptized this coming Saturday. She is excited about it, but also wishes there were more Chinese people coming to church with her. Several Chinese people have attended church over the last few weeks, but it is difficult for them because they don't speak English. Also, many of the students are gone on vacation right now, before the beginning of the new college semester on October 1.
Eric also mentioned Rita Maputu, an African woman whose husband and children are members of the church. She apparently came to England after the rest of her family, and wasn't baptized when they were. She is excited to be taught the gospel, and has committed to baptism on September 26.
Some of the other missionaries in Leeds have been teaching a Chinese woman, but struggling with the language barrier. Elders Hansen and Kacher went over and taught her this week and had a very good experience. She is very receptive to their message and accepting of Jesus Christ. Eric is excited to continue teaching her, but a little apprehensive about the language barrier at church.
We asked Eric about the differences between Leeds and Sheffield. Leeds is bigger, has more people, and is a bit more lively. Sheffield has more of a small town feel. Because they have a car, they never take public transportation like they did in Sheffield. This allows them to get from place to place quicker and saves them a lot of time. Eric likes that a lot. There are 4 wards and 2 branches (smaller church units) in Leeds, with a considerable number of church members. The ward in which Eric is serving has a number of university students in it. Apparently, many church members from around the UK come to Leeds to attend university. There is even an LDS Institute of Religion, where university students can meet and attend weekday religious classes. According to the church's website, there are 234 students enrolled in institute classes, the largest number of any institute in England, even more than London. Eric said they are hoping to make better use of this resource. Overall, he said Leeds is busy, fast-paced and exciting. He really enjoys serving there.
Well, that's about all we got today. They were getting ready to go to their meeting with Elder David Bednar. Eric was excited about that too. Hopefully, we'll get an account of that meeting along with more good news next week.
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