Missionary Report Mid December 2010

----------------------------------------- NULLIG HUNA GWITH -----------------------------------------

------------------------------------------ MERRY CHRISTMAS ------------------------------------------

NULLIG HUNA GWITH ---- Merry Christmas in IRISH --- the ancient Gaelic tongue. We wrote it as it sounds and if you are trying, you need to pronounce the last word with an " ugh " --- NULLIG = Christmas / HUNA = best wishes and GWITH = the verb, with you.

Our dear family and friends, we do indeed wish you all a lovely Christmas and of course we will be looking forward to hearing from our family on Christmas day. If the weather forecasts can be relied upon, the prediction is that we will be having a white Christmas in the beautiful green Emerald Isle. We have never been to Ireland at Christmas time since we left Erin's lovely shores and that has been over 40 years. Before that time we do not ever recall having a white Christmas, so this will be very unique for us. However today we had some business in Belfast's city centre and it was so mild that we had a bit of barnbrack at a sidewalk cafe near city hall -- we sat outside and enjoyed the festive spirit and a few free giveaways at the bakery.

We go carol singing, with our district tomorrow and have persuaded one of the less active sisters we are working with to bring her keyboard --- you see the branch needs an organist and slowly but surely we hope to get her active enough, so that the Branch President can extend a call. We look forward to going house to house bringing the true spirit of Christmas and also having some musical backing. We also have a little family from Romania we have been working with -- the 2 little children are so lovely -- they have so very little of material posessions and live in such humble circumstances -- the area they live in is rough and a few weeks ago a gang jumped him coming home from work and wanted him to purchase alcohol, he refused and they beat him. His young wife is so talented with her hands and we have had her make special Romanian hats for our grandchildren. -- we hope to brighten their day and have worked on a few ideas to accomplish this. We do love this part of the work.

We have attended so many events during this wonderful season and it has been fun associating with many dear friends -- a highlight was the Christmas devotional by the First Presidency and the Tabernacle choir. We have always loved that and found that it is the ideal way to begin the Christmas season. This Saturday we have an all Ireland missionary dinner and meetings in Dublins fair city and we will be with Sister McBrides family Christmas Eve -- a special midnight service ( Church of Ireland ) and then a Christmas day " feast " at Elder McBrides sisters home, in the cottage by the sea. It will, as always, be a traditional Irish feast with turkey fresh from their farm. It has been fun to be invited to a number of wards events, Sister McBride is so popular and I just tag along. Remember I was just a wee country boy and she sung in the Stranmillis quartet who accompanied and were trained by the Mormonaries, way back in the 60,s.

Just a few observations --- approx 40% of Irish Christmas cards have Robins on them. The Robin here is a tiny bird with a bright red breast -- it is said that is a symbol of Christs crucifixion and the blood he spilt. We were out walking a few days ago by the river and there were scores of them along the river side in the holly bushes. There are quite tame and will come right into your hands when you crumble up a little bread. A real Christmas sight and we got some good pics. The Robin in North America is much larger.

We spoke in Omagh last Sunday and fortunately no one threw petrol bombs at us !!! They are a great little branch with a great Branch President ( President Brophy ) who has a fast Irish wit. We had dinner at their home with all the family and the stories started. Of course, everyone started and they assumed, as most people do, that we are American -- so Elder McBride commenced making up a few of his own and was able to tag them along for quite some time, with a straight face of course until one of the sons said " Hey, where are you from ? " ----- to that son I finished it off with, " I never forget a face, but in you're case I'll make an exception " ---- the game was up and the craic was good ( craic = good natured Irish banter )

Went to visit one of our less actives in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Sister Law was going through brain surgery and it was my privilige to use my Priesthood to give her a blessing. It is a huge hospital and is situated between bitter protestant and Catholic communities. The doctors were telling us that it is the leading medical institution in the world for gunshot wounds !!!! -- not surprizing. Sister Law's surgery was so successful that she has already been released and we recognize the great power of God through his Holy Preisthood. I was asked by the President to interview a young man for baptism -- he had a very " colorful " background with paramilitary organizations, the travellors ( gypsies ) petty crime, serious crime, etc . It was a rather extensive interview and we have come to rely so very heavily on the great influence and power of the Holy Ghost. He is now ready and has a great desire to change and embrace God's commandments. It is wonderful to realize that we are indeed offspring of deity and the greatness of God's love for his children -- also the miracle of the atonement and how it can work in each of our lives. As we met the words kept repeating in my mind " though thy sins be as scarlet, they can be as white as snow " Yes, 7 times 70 is figurative and we know of a surety that our Saviour continues to love us and invites us constantly to " come follow me " We love him and know he lives.

Now for a wee bit o' humor --- there always has to be a wee bit to keep us all sane !!

We were meeting with a Bishopic here and you need to understand " football " here is a religion. I seen that the Bishop and one of his counsellors were wearing Liverpool ties and being a Man. U. fan ( their great rival ) since I toddled -- I could not resist a few juicy little comments -- pretending of course that as I am a " foreigner " that I just would not know -- so I said brethern, " I see that you support that wee prod amatuer club Linfield Football Club -- ( now those are fighting words and the Irish know about fighting ) So back they came with a few cute remarks and I must admit I was able as a " foreigner " to lead them along for some time, until ---- I mentioned my affection for Man. U ----- then the fun really started. Well, we did manage to leave on good terms as I invited them to follow a good team - so next will require a wee bit more creativity !!!!! Relief Society in our little branch were having a Christmas party a few nights ago and I had another meeting to attend in the building. I went in at the end ( really, to see if there was any refreshments left !! ) and we had one of our less actives attending. Sister McBride and I have been doing some service for her in preparing and wallpapering her living room. All the sisters were standing around when she said, " Elder McBride is coming over tomorrow to strip for me !!!! " Well, everyone stopped talking very quickly and laughing heartily ---- the poor sister turned a dozen shades of red as she realized what she had said, when she should have said " strip the old wallpaper " Well everyone, including Sister Gittons have that great Irish sense of humor and a good laugh was had by all --- but there were no refreshments left !!!!!!

We are loving this mission ---- it is really not ours, it is the Lords and we are on his errand. The work is varied and both full of challenges and joy. We testify of his love for all his children and his tender mercies extended to all. We love him with all our hearts. Jesus Christ is at the head of this church. We love the Christmas story and will indeed miss the warm feeling we had experienced with our family each Christmas eve and we met in family home evening and read from Luke --- that beautiful account of the Saviours birth that warms all our hearts. He did come to earth and showed the way, culminating in giving his precious life -- THAT WE MIGHT LIVE. We try hard to follow him and recognize that as hard as we might try we have to rely on his grace and love for us to become the advocate with our father. What a miracle this is to each of us. Each day we breathe it is a miracle. Thank you for your goodness and example.

May each of you have a wonderful Christmas. May you feel your Heavenly Fathers love and the presence of the Saviour close by. May you be moved by the Holy Ghost to greater heights and may your days be filled with joy. We love each of you very much and pray for you always,

Elder and Sister McBride

( Bill and Carol - Mom and Dad. )

Scotland / Ireland Mission

# 6 - 216 Saintfield Drive

Belfast BT8 7HQ

Northern Ireland

UK.

Missionary Report

Our dear Family and Friends,


We trust you are all well and happy. We are sure that you are enjoying all the events leading up to the wonderful season of Christmas. It is a real honor and privelege to be wearing our name tags that bear the name of Jesus Christ, especially at this time of year. To belong to Christs true church and bear testimony that he lives and revelation still flows from the Heavens in our time, through a Prophet of God is not only a sacred responsability but a real joy. Today the Irish fields are not their usual green --- rather, WHITE and ready to harvest -- yes literally, dear old Ireland that rarely sees snow has had a dusting of the white stuff -- it is kind of like a teaspoonful of icing sugar over a big green cake. It came in from bonnie Scotland where both both the mainland UK and Scotland have been severly hit with heavy snow that has crippled their meagre snow moving resources. It is still reasonably warm but the natives are complaining about the cold.


Our weeks are flying past and we very busy with a number of different assignments including a new one our President wishes us to assume --- that of renegotiating all the missionary apartment leases in Northern Ireland. I believe he has heard that I like to deal and have some experience in real estate. I think that could be enjoyable and could save the mission considerable sums of money. Now that the Irish bailout deal has been completed maybe we will have some success !!!


We are enjoying our work with a number of less actives and realizing some success -- we had 5 to church recently that have not been there for many years and it is a small branch we work in, so 5 really gets some notice. We were driving back into the city a few days ago and decided to take a route we had not taken since being here -- that of passing our home on the Shore Road, where Elder McBride lived when he first moved to Belfast at 19 years of age. We spent a few minutes recollecting some great memories when we met. May we just mention one -- before getting married we made decorative flower pots to pay for our reception, etc. We collected sea shells from the sea shore, washed, dried and cleaned them -- then used a light cement base to apply them to the pots - then varnised and sprinkled with a silver glitter -- we sold enough of those pots, to stores, direct, etc, to pay for all the wedding expenses and more. That was in 1968 and they were happy days working together and now we get to labor 24 hours per day, together -- just as well we love each other -- it is indeed amazing how Sister McBride has put up with this guy and his crazy ideas all these years !!! These are some of the side benefits of serving in the land of our birth.


Yesterday we visited with some great members we knew well from long ago --- they lived in an older area near central Belfast and only had an outside toilet - not the kind of facility you would want to take Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader and spend some time in the middle of winter !!! We had forgotten, our first home was exactly the same in York Park, Belfast, where my first reno work included making that WC fit as an extension to the home.


A short while ago we had celebrated American Thanksgiving in Dublin with all the other Senior Missions serving on the Emerald Isle. The meal was great and we enjoyed visiting Trinity College Dublin and seeing the Book of Kells. In the old library ( one of the greatest in the world ) we had prearranged to see an original copy of The Book of Mormon, housed there. It was very interesting being allowed to very carefully leaf over it. It was presented to the college in 1972 by a Robert Dougan ( obviously an Irishman or Irish decent ) I, frankly, was disappointed in the anti- church attachments put in the front of the book. I also noticed in small print on the introductory page, the date 1829 -- interesting date ? When leaving central Dublin we all took a bus back to the Dublin Stake centre. It was quite interesting to me that all 8 couples went to the top of the double decker and found someone to share the Gospel with -- I dont think the other passengers knew what hit them !!! -- our contact at the back of the bus had been to the fishmongers and apologised for the smell of his 2 fish, cod and haddock -- I asked in jest if he had 5 loaves also !!! That became a good lead into Christ's miracles and we enjoyed a very pleasant conversation. Most think we are American here, until they hear a few stains of this, that and everything coming through in my accent -- I tell them I am simply a mongrel --- but it is quite advantageous and opens a lot of discussions.


Last email we taught you a little Norn Iron -- here is some more just for fun : -
E is for eejit --- An idiot -- as in you're an eejit.
F is for faffin --- Messing around -- as in stop faffin around and do some work.
Gis for Gub -- your mouth -- as in I've got a sore gub or shut yer gub.
H is for Hoak -- Rummaging -- as in " that wee laddie hoaks through the bins ( garbage ) "


That's all for now - more next time. We have so many humorous things to share with you. Missionary work is serious work but in dear old Ireland you have many laughs as you go about your work --- it is excellent for the endorfines. There are also accounts of exceeding faith here among the saints and our journals reflect these wonderful experiences shared with us. We love these dear stalwarts and it surely builds our testimonies. Here is a thought for your consideration --- just think about it, everyone on this earth at one time or another in their existence, knew the plan -- when we discuss this with them we are bringing it to their remembrance -- may each of this be observant to opportunities given to us each day to share.


We are loving our experiences. Our Heavenly Father is so very kind to us, his tender mercies are extended to each of us in wonderous ways. He loves us and we are indeed his children. We love our Saviour and his supreme sacrifice. We teach mainly from " Another Testament of Jesus Christ " and we feel good everything time we leaf through these wonderful pages -- IT IS TRUE and we know it. The doctrines are plain and we feel so very blessed to have received these true principles and precepts in the very land that we serve 45 years later. We get to bear our testimonies often and at least several times a day. Our hearts are touched as we bear them and we feel they are penetrating others hearts.


We love each of you and we miss you, especially at this time of year. May God bless each of you in adundance and please be assured that we pray for you daily. We thank you for your prayers in our behalf.


Elder and Sister McBride


( Bill and Carol --- Mom and Dad. )

Missionary Report

To our lovely family and our dear, dear friends in the US may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and may you all enjoy your great turkey dinners. We will be in Dublin's fair city to enjoy our Irish turkey dinner with all the senior couples. We are also doing something interesting. We will be visiting that famous old university, Trinity College Dublin to see the Book of Kells, this is the original document translated in the 9th century by Irish monks, of the 4 Gospels. We had seen it before and it is fascinating --- we have also arranged to see an original copy of the Book of Mormon, housed in the old library and brought out with prior arrangement.

We understand that it is -30 degrees in Alberta and snowing, also snowing in Utah. Thought we might let you know that here in the sunny Emerald Isle -- it is beautiful this morning -- early, Elder McBride went for his power walk along the river in his Tshirt -- we know it is unfair to tell you this but any of you who may be our age and that is plenty nine, you could consider putting away your snow shovels ( the Irish do not know what snow shovels are ) and come serve and have some fun. It can be such a marvellous experience and you will not have to worry about the flurries, warming your car up in the morning, block heaters and scraping the ice off the windshields.

Pday this week we went through downtown Belfast -- it is looking very Christmassy. Sister McBride loved the Continental market place set up on the city hall grounds -- foods from all over Europe and also crafts for Christmas, etc. Many of the streets in the city have colorful lights and the city hall is spectacular dressed in lights with a huge Christmas tree and waterfall lights glittering under the dome. One thing is very noticable that made us very happy --- they do not seem to have to cater to the " political correct " and Merry Christmas displays are everywhere instead of the " happy holiday " ones that are becoming all too familiar in North America. In many of the smaller towns and villages christmas trees are erected in the town squares. There are a very large number of events being held, such as concerts, early 1900 carol singing at museums, folk parks,etc and ceremonies in each location for the turning on of the lights. We are very impressed with the effort put into remembering that Christ is the most important part of Christmas.

We are trying to be very creative in our missionary labors in holding cottage meetings, teaching family home evenings, birthday cards, hand delivered to members, teaching member/missionary stategy, teaching members how to find using their spere of influence, etc. A number of these ideas have been successful for us and this past Sunday we had 5 less actives to church. The cottage meetings are working well -- we show a short video and then teach from the scriptures, engaging them with questions and encouraging discussion. This latter part we do not prepare for and simply rely on the spirit. Mini miracles occur each time we hold these -- last night one of the sisters asked a question regarding baptism and John the Baptist -- it was no coincidence that was precisely the scripture that I had turned to minutes earlier and her answer came right from God's word. We hold these in homes and have the members invite less actives and non member friends. We prefer small gatherings where it can be very personal. Each time we testify we know the angels are rejoicing -- we love our Saviour so very much.

It is getting late and we have a very busy schedule tomorrow. We will share some more experiences in the next email.

We are so very thankful for each of you. You are all great latter day saints and we admire, respect and love each of you. God loves each of us so very much that he gave his only begotten son --- just for you and me . I love the pleading song with the words " Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling -- calling for you and for me " I learned it as a boy. We testify each day of him, that he lives and his church has indeed been reestablished upon the earth. He is at the head and we worship him. We love Heavenly Fathers tender mercies. We do have a living prophet, just as in times of old and he receives revelation directly from above for each of us. Yes, we are extremely grateful.

Sunday we speak at a fireside in Coleraine, where Elder McBride went to school and there will be several members attending from the little town where he joined the church and there were only two members then -- my sister and I. There are now about 80 active members in Coleraine, so we look forward to that visit after 45 years. Just some of the joys of going back to your native land to preach the Gospel. Sister McBride has enjoyed some rich experiences also with people she remembered from years gone by.

Until next time, stay healthy, be happy and remember life can be a " perfect brightness of hope.

Elder and Sister McBride

Scotland / Ireland Mission

Missionary Report

Our dear family and friends,

First things first and most important --- WE LOVE EACH OF YOU AND MISS YOU.

Another epistle from the Isle of Erin ( no it's not Patmos, much greener )

It has been a wonderful few weeks in the mission field. We baptized 4 new members in our little branch on Saturday evening and it was indeed great to play a little role in helping to prepare these good souls. We had the Stake YSA choir come and sing ( just a little side benefit of having worked with them for the first 5 months of our mission ) It was a spiritual feast and it had been such a long time since this little branch has seen a baptism. One of those baptized is from Portugal and spoke very little English. As I conducted the baptismal interview I had to have an interpreter with me and that was an interesting experience as this sister was less active, but I believed that would be a good experience for her also. As I explained to her, at the beginning, the great need for confidentiality, I felt the spirit whispering to her heart and it did indeed touch her very much as she explained her feelings to me afterward. Our God does indeed work in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. We love him with all our hearts and we love his tender mercies, extended continually.

We have finally seen and felt the rain and in great abundance. For the past 2 days it has come down in buckets, just a constant torrent -- we had forgotten how it can rain here and why it is always so very green. However, this morning it is back to a blue sky and it is PDAY and a welcome rest from a busy period. The fall is now in full swing but there are many leaves still on the trees --- we are reminded of President Hinckleys comment a number of years ago -- " I feel like the last leaf on the tree and the wind is blowing " How we all love and miss him, and his tremendous wit.

A week ago the branch held a little social and they called it " Cowboy Night " -- of course being from Calgary, they had us perform. It never ceases to amaze us how missionaries are expected to be able to perform, regardless of the function. So we had a campfire and the 2 young Elders, Sister McBride and I sat on the hay bales and belted out " Home, home on the Range " -- Red River Valley and a number of other fun songs. They had a guy play the banjo and then a sister led the line dancing. At least they had a laugh at Elder McBrides line dancing antics.

Are we having fun yet !!!!!!!!

A short time ago the clocks changed --- with no TV, radio or other forms of communication we had missed the change and arrived at church 1 1/2 hours early -- we were so surprized that no one was at church as we opened the building, etc !!!!! Then a young couple arrived with their children. They are Romanian. There are a lot of eastern European here and Belfast has become quite cosmopolitan, as has Dublin.

We had a fun time getting to know them and hearing their conversion story. The told us about the time change but they come from a neighboring town and had to catch trains at a certain time. We admire their devotion.

Coming along the motorway a few days ago -- the back of a passing lorry ( truck ) --- " HORSE WAGON " ----- and in small print at the bottom " and the odd donkey " --- just a wee bit o Oirish wit.

In the previous email we explained that there are 4 languages spoken here -- English, Gaelic, Ullan and Norn Iron -- the first 2 you know, the latter ( Ullan ) is the Ulster/ Scots dialect which Elder McBride can speak and understand -- Lastly Norn Iron -- now let us teach you a little bit o this dialect : -

ACH --- usually at the start of a sentence as in --- ach go on wi ye -- or ach , ye no

BOUT YE ---- a greeting, how are you -- bout ye big laddie, let's go fer a swall --( lets get a drink together )

CATCH YERSEL ON --- meaning get a hold of yourself or wise up

CRAIC --- fun, have a good time --- as in " the craics mighty, the guiness is in ( usually beer has something to do with it !!! )

DEAD ON --- decent, good, alright -- as in " I like Elder McBride, he's dead on " ( just thought I would add my name for fun. )

There are lots more if you have an interest.

Elder Ockeys email -- I enjoyed the comments on the RASTIFARIAN --- we get simliar things happening here with a lot of strange viewpoints on life, religion and culture. We feel sometimes that certain individuals swallowed the Blarney Stone rather than just kissed it. We wonder when they are going to come up for breath. " Listening " is a word that we have become very familiar with and on occasion we have been told " that we are quiet " --- Imagine that " Elder McBride quiet !!!!! " -- possibly sweet, kind, compassionate Sister McBride.

We spoke at a Stake Single Adults fireside last evening -- Sister McBride spoke on " good cheer " and I addressed " the love of God for his children and miracles in our lives " No one threw any petrol bombs at us -- just kidding -- A sister was in the congregation who was the wife of Sister McBrides first Branch President, some 46 years ago and two brethern who were the sons of a couple who sang at our wedding reception in 1969. I was telling them this afterwards and the song was " If I were the only girl in the world and you were the only boy " What wonderful experiences we are enjoying here with the saints. Some of these stalwarts have since passed on but we get to lives these great experiences thtough their spouses or children and grandchildren on occasion.

In speaking to them we wanted to give them a message of hope and we had earnestly prayed that we might touch someones heart. God always answers prayers as an older man we did not know explaned to us afterwards that he had been experiencing turmoil in his life and had met with his Bishop that very day -- he felt that what he heard had help rise him to the plateau that his Bishop spoke of.

God loves you all very much, with him nothing is impossible. Miracles do happen today and they happen to each of us, almost on a daily basis. Please read MATTHEW 17 : 20 AND 21. We love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he is the master, the SON of GOD , he lives, we know it and this is his church. We love our prophet and the constant flow of revelation that comes through him. It is all true and we are so very thankful to have received this message, so many years ago in this land, from faithful missionaries. We bless their names.

Keep the faith, we love each of you and may God bless you abundantly,

Elder and Sister McBride.

( Mom and Dad to our lovely children and Bill and Carol

Missionary Report Oct. 30th- Part 2

Our dear Family and Friends,

Sorry we had to run away -- here is part 2 of what we started earlier. We were reporting on some of our experiences. As follows are a few more in random order. Some comical, some sad and some spiritual : -

We were speaking with some good friends who had recently been forced to close their thriving little greengrocery business. There are many small communities that historically thrive within large European cities. Where we reside, for example, not far from the city centre, there are numerous businesses that form a small town within a town and there may be 20 of these within a 2 mile radius. We had noticed that in each of these inner city communities they are many stores simply shuttered up for good. Our friends tell us that the paramilitary when the troubles ended simply turned to collecting protection monies illegally from each store owner. Our friends were forced to pay over 8000 thousand dollars per year, just to open their doors for business or face the consequences of being burned or bombed out. They and many others simply close shop and walk away.

We have also noticed a large difference in society over 40 years. While it is wonderful that the majority of the fighting has stopped -- that warfare has changed the people to some degree. Prior to 1970 the Irish were great church goers - it appeared that most went to a church of some sort ---- now a very large part of the population do not believe in God, let alone attend a church. Alcohol , tobacco and other drug use is widespread and we are finding as missionaries that many of the less actives are having great difficulty, especially with alcohol. It is so accessible with pubs everywhere -- one little village of 500 people, for example, boasts no fewer than 21 pubs. We, sadly, are working with some that say they love the church but cannot leave the bottle. It is such a terrible and terrifying disease. The governments answer appears to be, keep taxing the purchase cost. We are also seeing many young single mothers with very young infants and no husbands. As marriage has not been promoted by the government but large sums of money in terms of benefits are given to these young women, including free housing, day care, free food, baby needs, etc. This is another scourge in society and unfortunately too many of the less active young women in the church are in this category. Candidly, these are some of the challenges we have been working through, however there are also many stalwarts in the church here that are indeed the salt of the earth. One such sister is one of our branch missionaries. Maxine is over 80 years young and would think nothing of walking several miles to attend church. She is always the first to volunteer to help someone needy and knows everyone intimately, in the branch. She is a tremendous source of information to us and a fantastic example of all that is good.

We visited with a less active sister -- Lily and her sister Maddy ( the latter so rightly named as she is indeed a nutter, in Irish that means a little off the rocker ) Maddy will openly tell you that during the troubles she would go out and throw rocks at the police. They thought she was insane and picked her up, taking her to the local asylum. There she would have a " holiday " for a few days and would be sent home with a great and free benefit package that would last for another 6 months or until the next riot she could get involved in. Yes, a true story right from Maddy's lips. We could do nothing but laugh !!! -- only in Ireland. We have many of these tales to tell.

We went to find some lost sheep a few days ago - what a journey. The older couple had built a lovely home at the top of the mountain. What magnificent scenery as we drove on an extremely narrow road fit only for one very small car as it wound up the mountain side. The wife had serious challenges with health, both physical and emotional. In the course of our visit she had confided in us that she was suicidal and had attempted to take her life and would not fail next time. Her husband, a quiet man, but loved the church and his wife was trying to find some positive hope for his companion. We met for some time and were calling inwardly for divine help -- it came, as it almost always does. In the course of our communication she had mentioned one granddaughter that had been helpful to her. Although she had lost all hope for living, we went to work with this one thread and the scriptures that were unfolded before our eyes. We thank God each day for this great gift that has been given to all members of Christ's church, that of the Holy Ghost. We believe that she has grasped the concept that the entire sum of existence may be the magic of being needed by just one person. But in her case she has at least two -- her husband and her granddaughter. They want us to visit again and we intend to build on this and on the love of the Savior of the world and the miracle of the atonement.

May we finish with a funny story -- in visiting today with a family in Ballymena -- Doreen took us out for dinner. She has the greatest sense of humor with her Irish / Scots brogue -- Sister McBride had difficulty understanding it but I loved every minute of it. When she did not understand I would interpret. Doreen was using words that I have not heard for almost 50 years. She told this story of visiting America to see the missionary who taught her the Gospel. She was a dyed in the world loyalist and she insisted that her friends meet her at SLC airport, waving the Union Jacks. What she did not know is they had bought a bunch of TRICOLORS ( that is the flag of the Republic ) and the loyalists do NOT like that flag. Well they sewed them together and made a bedspead to cover her bed with them. So she ripped them off and the air was blue -- but they couldn't understand her in any case -- so as she says, " no harm done ' Then one time she fell out with her branch Pres. and asked him if he had ever seem the devil !!!! He said " absolutely not and was annoyed " Then she said " well I,m looking at him " Now how is that for some of the people we are working with --- it is never a dull moment, we can assure you.

We love the Saviour of the world. This is the church of Jesus Christ. God lives and we love his tender mercies. We love each of you and trust that you are all well and healthy. Keep the faith and continue to draw upon the powers of Heaven.

Elder and Sister McBride.

Scotland / Ireland Mission

Missionary Report Oct. 30th

Dear Family and friends,

It has been another beautiful day in the mission field in dear old Ireland. We have noticed with amusement regarding Elder Ockey's emails and the flooding in the Bahamas. I am pleased to say to all the couples " Come to the beautiful Emerald Isle " --- where it NEVER rains !!!!

I think since we have been here you could count on one hand the real rainy days -- however that is most unusual but we like to think the luck o' the Oirish is working for us !!!! We have reached the 6 month mark in the mission and with lots of experiences - some very interesting and some really quiet incredible, as we will explain later. We received our first transfer to the town of Antrim, still in the North - or as the loyalists like to say -- the prod side of the island !! Antrim is a very small branch and we have the charge of trying to build it up. The kids at the YSA centre held a farewell party for us and it was sad as we had developed a strong rapport with them and they with us. They gave us some gifts which made it all the more difficult, but hopefully we accomplished what we set out to do and that was to bless their lives. We also had the opportunity to reactivate several and that became a real blessing to us.

Elder McBride got his first ticket ------ ah, caught you --- it was not for speeding, although I must admit to driving , maybe a wee bit speedy on some of the fun narrow twisty roads. It was a parking ticket and I talked my way out of it anyhow by the reverse procedure that I use at home. Here, Elder McBride is a Canadian and that works very well, just like being an Irishman in Calgary, plus I am just a poor missionary !!

We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving in Dublins fair city. We had 9 senior missionary couples there with 2 couples being Canadian ( Elder and Sister Hancock from Raymond and ourselves ) Also Elder Card is from Cardston. We had turkey with all the trimmings, pumpkin pie, etc -- the younger of us played basketball , etc --- it was a great day and we shared lots of Alberta stories with all our great American couples. They will have an opportunity to do likewise as we will get together again on US thanksgiving.

We spoke in Coleraine last week -- Elder McBrides old stomping grounds -- where he went to grammar school, seen movies such as the Beatles - HELP and " Its a mad mad mad world " --- and it still is. I told a story from the dedicatory service of the lovely little chapel when I was visiting there a number of years ago and some of the members remembered that. One sister came up to Sister McBride and told her she went to Primary school with me in Ballymoney. I asked her if I was the menace who pulled her hair !! That was indeed a trip down memory lane and we felt very much at home with the members there.

Yes, with the extended travelling and into little towns where nothing runs in blocks, nor Belfast for that matter, we finally spurlged on a SAT/NAV ( thats GPS ) and it is bailing us out of a lot of extra driving and with petrol at about 3 - 4 times what it is in Calgary -- that can be considerable. Now its fun to land at the very door with the input of merely a postal code. Only problem is that the girl has an English accent --- fortunately it can be changed to a lovely Dublin one !!!!

We have decided to stay in our flat ( apt. ) in Belfast -- our landlord likes us and will extend it do us on a monthly basis instead of long term. There may be some other changes that will require that type of flexibility and the commute is not too long. In addition we have been able to get another senior couple into the same complex as they will be in a nearby building and area. There are only 2 senior couples in the North, so that will be very good as we can help each other better this way.

We attended a Halloween party in Elder McBrides sisters ward. She makes a crazy witch in supertitious Ireland. It becomes a lot of fun when we can get a small break away from the work and we are very thankful for that. They are allowed fireworks here in Northern Ireland again after 40 years of a complete ban because of the civil strife. We still see traces of that period everywhere we go and there are still pockets of resistance with riots breaking out from time to time. We usually know where to go and where to stay out of, especially at nighttime.

We are experiencing some rich spiritual experiences with wonderful members in this little branch and also some " very different " ones. Let us tell you a few that you might find incredible -- but true.

The records of the branch are in pathetic shape ( that is our first item of business to get those cleared up ) Two priesthood brethren went home teaching to a home where no one had hometaught ( obviously ) for a very long time. They knocked at the door and asked for the sister by name. Now you need to understand that in Ireland they have these things called " wakes " -- that is when someone passes away the body is often kept in the parlour - front room - in the coffin and many people come to pay respects, a bit of a party and have a wee nip o' old Bushmills whisky.

Now ---- the sister had passed away and no one in the church knew it, so the 2 brethern were ushered into the parlour, offered a wee drink --- to their great surprise seen the sister --- however they could not share their message with her !!!!!! Only in Ireland !!

Sorry --- have another commitment to take care of ---- will finish this shortly,

Love you all and we love the Gospel,

Elder and Sister McBride.

Missionary Report Oct. 15th

Our dear friends and family,

It is the end of a lovely autumn day in the beautiful Emerald Isle. We managed to get a few minutes to go for a walk along the lovely Lagan -- for those who wish to view the scenery go to www.laganvalley.co.uk --- the leaves are just changing here now and a few are starting to fall. Because we came in early May we have now been able to witness 3 beautiful seasons. There are beds of soft leaves as we stroll through the leafy glen. Also stating to fall are the chestnuts and it is reminding Elder McBride of his boyhood days when the wee laddies played chessers or conkers. It was always a wee lads dream to become the conker champion -- anyone interested, I will tell you in the next email. Yes, can you believe it, we are out almost 6 months and we have received our first transfer. Usually senior couples get moved about every 6 months if they are on an 18 month mission -- a little longer if a 2 year mission -- most of the couples here are 18 months.

We will be in the small struggling branch of Antrim and we are sure we will have a host of things to do such as getting the records a little more accurate to begin with ---- we made a number of visits yesterday and among the first 5 visited -- a sister had passed away a number of months ago --- welcome to the mission field where many strange happenings occur !!! Antrim takes in a large area but struggles with a lot of inactivity and some internal conflicts -- yes, that's the Irish, they just love to fight -- it would definitly not be Ireland if everything was peaceful and calm !! We will also be taking in another area so things will be interesting and creative in trying to serve several different areas. We will keep you posted on our new exciting venture. The very interesting part of this is that it takes in the little town where Elder McBride was born and raised --- so directly back to the roots -- wonder if they will remember the snotty nosed, cheeky wean, frae the Rodding Foot, when hae wis running roon the toon !!!! Ah, it's the ancient ULLAN language -- an it's all comin beck tome -- dae ye ken !!!!

On our last PDAY we took my sister down to the old homeland -- we were on the graveyard shift -- that is we were seaching graveyards for our family history -- one of the perks of coming back to your homeland on a mission. Now this is typically the Isle of Erin -- it was a great day but suddenly a big black cloud comes out of nowhere and it just bucked right over us - nowhere else. Now, Ireland is the only place in the world where it rains sideways !! -- yes, we have a brolly over us and our head and upper is dry but the rain comes at us from the side and you're lower half gets soaked -- only in Ireland !! However, we hit the jackpot and got a lot of info and ---- the cloud just took off again leaving the day lovely again !!!

General Conf. was last week and because of time change between the US and Ireland --- most sessions are covered in one day -- Sunday. We watched 14 hours of conference in one day and it was great listening to the Prophets -- yes, the church is true all over the world. We finished at 11.00pm and went home very tired but happy.

Sister McBrides father passed away on Friday 24th Sept -- he had been in a coma for approx. 2 weeks prior. It was sad for her and challenging. She has been a great help to her older sister and it is wonderful helps the knowledge of the Gospel answers many questions and is such a strength at times such as this. We are so very thankful for you, our wonderful children in your phone calls and writing to your mother. It was a great source of comfort.

We had several visitors over the past few weeks and they were all great. We got to go to along the coast on several PDAYS. First was Knut and we laughed a lot -- it was good to see Saurkrout - as Edna says. Then it was Dan and Linda's turn and they got to visit not only the coast, but attend church with us and a feast at my sisters on Islandmagee -- also around the sights of Belfast city. Last was Shawn MacDonald and what a surprize -- we had just returned home after 9.30pm and a very long days work when our intercom rang -- " PIZZA delivery !!! " -- Sister McBride answered -- no we did not order pizza ( I said -- take it as we had not eaten all day !!! ) Then he said " PIZZA for missionaries " in an Eastern Indian accent !! --- we thought it was some of our crazy YSA kids so we let them into the building. Then he stood at our door with Jerrot and I opened the door -- what a shock !!!! He did not tell us he was coming. ---- well there is lots more -- I think they enjoyed there day here and the bridge -- and the Flash in the Pan chippie. They stayed overnight --- so the past month has been a lot of fun ---- anymore want to come !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do need to go to bed soon as it is way past missionary hours and we have a busy schedule tomorrow ( or later today now ) Just a few more items. We were invited to a YSA party tonight to say goodbye -- to us. That was difficult as we have grown so close to many of them and they found it difficult also. We not only grew close to the active but also have been blessed with activating a number of those less active, who were there tonight. Our first priority was to bless the lives of the YSA and we believe we have done that. We did not want to leave them, but we are in the mission field however and our president is a very spiritual leader and needs us to work in another part of Lords vineyard. They bought us this lovely little Beleek China Irish cottage, which we will treasure as long as we live. We are invited back to challenge the ping pong and fooseball champions and also for them to enjoy Sister McBrides home baking, especially the sponge buns with icing and pastille topping.

We have had some wonderful missionary experience in our new area already and will explain in more detail in another email. It is indeed an exciting experience to constantly testify of the reality of the restoration and especially of the Saviour of the world. We are very blessed when we bear testimony as it is recorded in Heaven for the angels to look upon. Please remember that the angels rejoice over each of us as we declare what we know to be true. ( please refer to Doctrine and Covenants 62 v 3 ) We love the work we are involved in, it is true. We try hard to love these people and try to see them as God's children regardless of their challenges in life and their lack of following God's commandments. Jesus lives and this is his church -- that we know of a surety. We feel the great influence of the Holy Ghost in all ours dealings with Heavenly Fathers children and we are so very grateful to feel his presence nearby always.

We love you all and miss you. We pray always for you and thank you for your faithful prayers in our behalf.

Elder and Sister McBride.

Scotland / Ireland Mission.

Missionary Report

Dear family and Friends,

We love you all very much and want you to know that we have a great love for the Gospel and Christs true church.

We have been negligent in getting an email off sooner. It seems every day in the mission field is so very packed with a myriad of interesting things and if you leave it as we have on this occasion it just keeps building. We will touch on a few of these over the past 3 weeks.

1. had a very wonderful all Ireland conference in Dublin with Elder Koprischke of the Seventy and President of the Europe Area Presidency. It lasted a full 6 hours with only one 10 min break in between. You might think how on earth could we sit for that long and keep interest. Well we all did and it was fascinating. We were taught a new method of teaching that is being taught to all missionaries throughout the world presently and it embodies the use of the Holy Ghost in all our teaching and very effective ways to committ to baptism in the first lesson, no matter how short that lesson may be. We were also taught some fascinating ways to answer all of lifes challenges using the scriptures and how to believe and engage the vision ( some of my very favorite topics ) At the end it was indeed hard to believe that 6 hours had transpired and also need to tell you that we did not eat during that conference --- but there were a lot of starving young men who went straight to a Burger King at the conclusion. These new methods still engage PMG and more fully than ever before. If you are not already doing so may we suggest you study and ponder PMG in all your meetings, both church and family -- using it constantly with the scriptures.

2. The world pipe band championships were held here in Belfast and we took our first date night since we have been on our mission - 4 months now - and went to a ceile' --- a fantastic Irish concert in the Europa Hotel in downtown Belfast City. The Europa Hotel has the distinction of the most bombed hotel in the world -- 27 times and it still stands tall !! Fortunately for us, it was not bombed that night !! A CEILE' is a traditional Irish music and dance and this night they played with the Ullean pipes, fiddles, bongos, bohranes, bagpipes, flutes, etc -- it started one hour late ( Irish time ) but it was a super night and the toes were tapping. We sat beside one of the champion pipe players and of course the subject of missionaries ( accidentally came up ) and we got to discuss the church among our table -- so opportunties come from many angles.

3. Coming back through Ireland from one of our distant travels -- passed thru the little village of Eden and noticed a wee cul de sac with the name -- guess what ? ---- yes, THE GARDEN OF EDEN --- lots of foliage around each small home and flowers in full bloom --- catchy is'nt it ?

4. Climbed to the top of the cavehill away above Belfast Castle with a group of YSA --- one of the young woman with us has her boyfriend leaving on a mission soon to Ventura, Calif --- she has been considering going too for sometime -- think we have solidified her thinking -- much of our work is in mentoring these wonderful young people and we have been very blessed to have been able to establish a good rapport with all of them. We are just their 2nd moms and dads in many occasions and somtimes their moms and dads as their parents are not members of the church. At the top of the Cavehill is a magnificent view right over Belfast and out to the ocean with a look at bonnie Scotland on a clear day.

5. We do flat inspections across Northern Ireland and teach nutrition at the same time -- it is amazing what these Elders eat for breakfast sometimes - we are trying to change that and Sister McBride can be tough on cleanliness but we do give them advance warning so they do not have much excuse. It's hard to believe but the zone leaders can be the worst offenders -- a recent visit to them yielded a pot of boiling water on their stove, with a can of ? in it as they were trying to make a special dessert. They forgot about it and the can blew up spreading its contents all over the kitchen - what a mess !!!! We went to do one in Derry ( originally Londonderry ) note London removed - too much like English rule !! -- now called FREE DERRY after the end of the troubles. We travelled with another senior missionary couple as we had to deliver a letter to a missionary who was being sent home -- there are challenging days in the mission field also and this was not a pleasant experience.
Later that day we were able to walk Derry's walls --- early that morning before we arrived a 200lb bomb exploded at a police station quite close to where we were going -- that was a nice welcome to Derry for us -- for the other couple who are from the US it caused some concern but we have seen it all before. However for the most part it is quite peaceful now, just a few little rumblings now and again, serves to keep us all awake !!
Derrys walls - a fortification of the city of Derry going back to a battle in 1655. The apprentice boys of Derry keeping out the forces of King James, a catholic, who was ousted off the throne of England.

6. We reveived our first mail today and we were thrilled with fabulous paintings from our grandchildren - Karens children -- they now brighten the walls of our flat and we love them -- they lift our spirits every day.

7. Finally trained in Europe YSA --- Trainers from the area office in Germany came and spent the day with us. We had all the guidlines previously and were very familar with them. So the training helped answer a number of questions, address some challenges we had identified and produced a lot of good ideas that we could try in our centre. This is definitely very different missionary work and is extremely varied.

8. Just thought we might tell you a member owns a bakery here not far from us and the missionaries get free baked goods --- Irish pastry is hard to beat and especially when it is free it can taste absolutely fantastic - even heavenly -- we cannot go there very often or we would become blimps and when we do we put a few extra miles on the power walk next morning.

9. We spoke in Dundalk -- bandit country - in the Republic of Ireland last Sunday - we had a grand day with the members there - just a little branch where there are about 70 members and the branch president is Elder McDowel - a missionary couple we have a great relationship with. The couples in the mission field almost always have a great time together and eternal bonds are built. We stayed with this couple overnight and attended a concert and dance showcasing Brian Matthews sister who is a wonderful singer in a show band. We had such a great time with his family. Now bandit country - what is that. Well Dundalk is on the border and during the troubles, where it was almost civil war, the IRA would come into the north, bomb buildings, committ atrocities, terrorize and all sorts of evil things ( just like the Gadianton robbers ) then slip back over the border again to a safe haven. All of that ended with the peace process.

10. Thirty missionaries left last week and only 7 came in so many areas have been closed but this will be good for the local members. Among those leaving was Elder Copithorne to bonnie Scotland. He has grown a lot and gave an exceptional talk in my sisters ward last Sunday. We seen him off at the ferry and he will probably complete his mission in Scotland. He has gone to the Glasgow area.

11. Some closing experiences. We went to visit some less active YSA this week. Thomas had been involved in 2 serious accidents that almost claimed his life twice. He had not been to church for a very long time. We had a wonderful visit with him and the spirit very strong as we invited him to come unto Christ. We taught him a lesson on the nature of God and committed him. He received it warmly and shook our hands " on the deal " to attend church. He kept his committment and we will meet each week as we teach him the Gospel all over again. He is 22 and we think we can begin soon talking to him about missionary service. We know it will be a process and so we start right away. We told him we could not greet him at his ward last Sunday as we were speaking at another but got another committment from him to attend this Sunday when we can be there - we want to keep the pattern. What a great young man and he is going to make it. He has a strong family and his dad is so very pleased.

I knew a man when I lived in Ballymoney over 45 years ago. He was a television personality and had joined the church in a neighboring town. We had heard he had moved to Belfast just recently and were out in that neighborhood and were prompted by the spirit to make an effort to find him and visit. We did and he answered to door to a very great surprize. He was moving that very day and we may not have found him again -- it is truly amazing how the spirit works - such myterious ways his wonders to perform. We had a great talk -- he kept saying " You look so American " -- don't know where that came from but what we do know, we were directed to his door that day and time, for a few minutes later he would have been gone. We now have his new address, contact number, etc and ---- he did tell us to wants to change his life, he is ready to do that and wants us to visit and teach -- we love this work, can it get better !!!
Well --- we think it can, if you think that is possible --- we will share another story with you next email that might just top that.

It is a very special privilege to serve. We love our Saviour, he lives, we know he lives. He is the only begotten of the father, the Son of God. He gave his life that we might live in that eternal world of peace and joy forever. The church bears his name and it is true. We know it. A prophet stands at it's head, he talks with God --- what a great message this is -- that a prophet speaks with God -- TODAY -- in our time. We know Presidsent Monson is that Prophet. May God bless each of you abundantly. We love each of you, our friends and our dear family we love you so very dearly - parents could not be blessed with better children. Thank you all for the examples you set.

Elder and Sister McBride.

Elder and Sister McBride are Famous!

See original article here.



Jun 26, 2010 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ireland will this year celebrate the 170th anniversary of the arrival of its first officially-assigned missionary. This makes the recent visit of Wendel Walton all the more poignant, as he is a direct descendant of William Black, who accompanied James McGuffie and the Apostle John Taylor on that first missionary endeavour in 1840.

Wendel Walton, a great-great-grandson of William Black, addressed local Latter-day Saints, who gathered at the Holywood Road church in Belfast, in gratitude for those early missionaries who sacrificed their time and means to share the message of the Restored
Gospel in their land.

Brother Walton is researching the William Black family and revealed some of his little-known findings. His notable ancestor was born in 1784 at 10 Castle St, Lisburn, Co. Down, and, at just 5’4” tall, he joined the army at age 16. After 21 yrs’ service, Corporal Black left the army and manufactured hosiery until the industrial revolution made home production untenable.

In 1837, William moved to Manchester, which was almost 10% Irish-born. He and his wife Jane Johnston and their four children arrived at a significant time, for Heber C Kimball and six others arrived at Liverpool on 20th July 1837, bringing the news of The Restoration to Britain.

William and Jane where converted to the gospel after meeting Elder William Clayton at a place called “Harris Cellar”. At a conference held in Manchester on the 7th July 1840 William was officially called as a missionary to Ireland and left Liverpool on the 27th July with Elder John Taylor, arriving in Warrenpoint at the head of Carlingford Lough the following day.

Elder Black and his family later immigrated to Illinois and were there in 1844 when Joseph Smith was martyred. William’s family was among the last to leave Nauvoo before embarking on the trek to the Salt Lake Basin; Jane served as a midwife on the way.
They lived in Manti and finally settled in Rockville in the St George area where William died age 89 in 1873 & Jane in 1889, 17 yrs his junior. They now have over 10,000 descendants.

Brother and Sister Walton are pictured here with Elder and Sister McBride who also left Ireland for America in the early seventies and returned this year as full-time missionaries.

Missionary Report

Dear Family and friends,

We love you all and trust you are all well, happy and enjoying summer wherever you are. It has indeed been beautiful and warm here in tropical Ireland. Another 9 or 10 days has flown past and here are a few things that we have been involved in as we fulfill this wonderful missionary service.

1. As we continue this search and rescue mission of some 500 young single adults spread throughout Northern Ireland, we are reminded of a quote we read many years ago --- " Our object is not in counting the sheep but rather in feeding them " We are enjoying identfying and finding these lost sheep, one by one, and inviting them to come unto Christ. While our work for the most part will not be in baptizing but rather in teaching the wonderful lessons found in PMG. We are finding more and more that we are teaching the fundamentals of the Gospel of Jesus Christ just as we would a new contact. The only difference might be that they had previously been baptized. We will share some stories later.

2. We have mentioned previously regarding CS LEWIS being born in good old Belfast City. We had a few hours on a Pday to take some of the missionaries on a fact finding tour around his home, school, church, etc and they also have a large file in the library that we accidently found out about, that is very interesting.

3. YSA activity last Friday --- FOOTBALL the real football, that is -- Man U style ( they play here this week !! -- can't go unfortunately ) Well, the guys thought that this old man was going to be a push over --- that is until Elder McBride scored 2 quick goals - so then they put 2 markers on him but old age and treachery won out again. Is,nt this great missionary work !!!!!!

4. Trinity College Dublin -- the old library -- did you know they have an original printing of the Book of Mormon - you need to request it in advance. When this library was build it was thought that it could contain every classic that was EVER published -- so much for advance thinking, maybe the leprechauns did not have their thinking caps on that day !! Remember the future is always ahead of us !!

5. We speak in different wards almost every Sunday -- there are 11 units in Northern Ireland. Our messages are directed at YSA but are prepared for every ear. Sis McBride gave a powerful message this past Sunday and we always pray that we might penetrate at least one heart. We noticed an individual leaving the meeting at the end of her talk and he approached her afterwards in tears -- it appears that her message to come unto Christ touched him deeply and the particular story she related was tailor made for his life at that time. Miracles happen in the Mission field.

6. Monday last was Elder McBrides nephews wedding and it just happened on Pday -- however we would have gone to it in any case -- it is indeed a rare occasion that one could attend a nephews wedding while serving a mission. Also we were asked to give some prayers and there were a lot of non members there, so our dear badges gave us lots of opportunity to tell others why we wore them and what we do. The wedding was a lovely affair and was held in Ballygally Castle -- yes it is an old castle and complete with a haunted room. The castle sits right beside the ocean and it was a very warm day. In fact as we got into the evening it even felt like we were in Hawaii as we strolled along the beach front. The castle grounds were magnificent with a quaint river running through and green green foliage with palm trees. The perfect end to a perfect day .

7. As part of our daily exercise, we get to walk about 4 miles a day. It can be very rushed some days, but we try to get it done. Even when we wear casual clothes, which is uncommon, we wear our badges. We try to share a smile or start a conversation with many. An older gentleman resting, noticed my BYU shirt. He said whats " Cougars " ( a great lead in ) We sat down and taught The Restoration and got a committment to visit him in his home. It's not difficult to use our dominant thought pattern and that happens to be Share the Gospel. We just love these experiences.

8. We visited this week with several less active YSA. One particular visit was out of town. She was a beautiful young lady, again extremely talented, as we find many of our young adults in Ireland. She had won many awards in horse jumping, her younger brother was the all Ireland table tennis champion. They lived in a 300 year old farmhouse up overlooking the ocean - a magnificent view over to bonnie Scotland and the Isle of Man. We enjoyed a wonderful visit and taught " The Nature of God ' from PMG - even her less active father joined us and invited us to return for dinner with the family. Returning back to Belfast we could clearly see evidence of how the Holy Ghost works through each of us. We love this work, we love the Saviour of the world, we marvel each day at another day to live on this beautiful earth that Heavenly Father in his perfect knowledge created for us. The good news of the gospel and the doctrines and principles enrich our lives. We are so happy to be alive and have membership in Christ's true church. His kingdom rolls forth and to be even just a small part of it all is a miracle and we love it.

May God bless each of you -- we think and pray for you always and would love to hear from you from time to time,

Elder and Sister McBride

Ireland / Scotland Mission.

Missionary Report

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope you are all well -- we are just coming near the completion of the holiday and marching period in dear old Ireland. It has been an eventful time in Belfast and the mission.

1. BIG NEWS -- at the top of the news hour . A baby boy born to Stephen and Tonya and we will not see him until NOV 2011. They are both healthy mom and boy, his name is Benjamin Stephen -- that is # 13 for us and we are so very happy for Stephen and Tonya. Missions are fabulous --- but you do miss out on a few special things at home.

2. The Glorious 12th July -- The missionaries - Elders and Sisters - were in lock up of almost 2 days. There were a few riots but confined to certain areas in Belfast. We were allowed to travel, especially as we are considered locals and we chose to go along the coast with Elder McBrides family and had a great day. We were caught up in one of the parades in a small town and had a spendid view of the lambeg drummers. These are huge drums used in warfare years ago ( Irish warfare of course ) -- they beat them in 2,s or 3,s and they make a lot of noise especially when in a battle coming over the hill made the enemy think there were considerably more protestant troops than Catholic ones. We could tell you more, but we have missionary work to do also !!!

3. On the 11th night before the 12th -- that is where the troubles begin - that is why the missionaries are confined. There are huge bonfires built all over Northern Ireland -- some are 40ft tall and they place tricolors on top before lighting the bonfire. The tricolor is the republican flag representing fianianism -- look the word up, its all part of Irish history. I seen one fire with hugh boards surrounding the bonfire, all painted in green, white and gold, the' finian " flag. Yes, passions come to the fore at this time of year throughout the north and somtimes when driving you can see the results of unrest the night before. Sister Copithorne, no need to worry about your son, he is in a safe area and we see him regularly. Now why the bonfires ? They have been built for centuries -- they were started in about 1690 and they were on fire all over the north to herald the arrival of Prince William of Orange - a protestant loyalist who was brought in to fight King James - he had retreated from the throne of England and came to Ireland for refuge -- he was a Catholic and believe it or not it was the pope of Rome who with his Swiss Guard outed hime from the throne ( the prods ignore that part of history !! ) William defeated James at The Battle of The Boyne in 1690 and took the throne of England -- thereafter the Orange Order was formed and that is where the 12th July is a big celebration --- That is it in a nutshell and maybe they are all nuts !!!!

4. Missionary teaching experience -- a number to tell you but will share one only. We were teaching in a home and the lady's brother in law came in ---- he was Church of God ( a fundamental Pentecostal group very strong here ) They do not like our church and we thought -- well lets have some fun with it. You see we can get off with a little being locals you know !!!! In part of the discussion he told us his son was a pastor and in another one of their churches in Ballymoney ( well that just happened to be Elder McBrides hometown ) they had ordained a woman pastor. I asked him how he felt about that and he really disagreed. Now here is the fun part what he did not know is my father when I was a boy was church of God and not only did I know the original founders but I remembered much of their dogma. Now we do not have time to tell you the whole story but it was very interesting and it was a pleasant meeting , with an invitation to visit with him again. We do get a few opportunities like this when we are not working with the YSA. and the past 2 weeks many of them have been gone.

5. We are presently working in the centre with a number of ideas --- a talent showcase of all the very talented YSA we have. -- university work, street boarding with an invite to the centre, special fast meetings once per month in the centre, we are trying to get SP approval, etc, etc.

6. We are corganizing a temple trip in Oct to Preston England and we get to go also -- that will be great.

7. A Pday past we went to Ladt Dixon Rose Festival -- it is a very large park in Belfast with thousands of the most beautiful roses you have ever seen -- many simply grow wild here. The day we visited there was a harpist playing Irish music in the gazebo beside one of the huge rose beds --- we sat down and absorbed !!!!! We thought literally we had died and gone to heaven.

8. We speak in wards for the next 4 weeks or so and also some firesides. No one has thrown rotten eggs or rocks so far ----- tis the luck o the Orish !!!!

9. Part of our work on a regular basis involves mentoring the young Elders and Sisters as the mission Pres. is now in bonnie Scotland. It is fun being mom and dad to these wonderful young men and woman. We feel so privileged to serve with them. We took one whose birthday it was, and his companion on the open top buses -- that was even an experience for us seeing all the sectarian murals in the loyalist and nationalist ares of Belfast -- very fascinating stuff and they loved it. The birthday boy goes home soon and we got him a nice pictorial Irish book to take home. What treasured relationships are formed in the mission field.

10. Ask me next time to share with you --- where in Ireland, yes Ireland !!! -- where there is an original copy of The Book of Mormon -- interesting stuff !!!!

We love you all --- This is the work of the Lord, The gospel has indeed been restored. We do have a living Prophet who still receives revelation. What a privilege it is to be a missionary and wear the name tag, it gets lots of stares. We love studying the scripures together, it is one of the great parts of each day. Stay true to the faith always.

Elder and Sister McBride

219 Saintfield Road -- flat 6

Belfast

BT8 7HQ

Northern Ireland.

Mom's Girlhood Community

Missionary Report 2

Dear Family members,

We hope you are all well and happy. Today was PDAY and Mom and I did something different. In all these years we have never taken a tour of Belfast city hall -- we have been in there, but never took a tour and it is very interesting as you get into rooms that are closed off to the public. Mom used to walk on the walls outside and play on the grass as a little girl -- ask her about that ?

We got into the great hall, the political chambers and it is very interesting how all the parties based on their religous leanings sit in all the different sections --- eg -- the Nationlists sit off to the left side, those Catholics who support an all Ireland --- everything is based on Religion -- only in Ireland you might say. Mom got to sit on the Mayors chair --- he would be called the " YOUR WORSHIP, THE RIGHT HONORABLE, LORD MAYOR ( so and so )

Now think about that !!!!!!!

1. WORSHIP a politician --- me, never -----

2. HONORABLE ---- by definition --- the highest form of the science of double crossing !!

3. LORD -- there can only be one Lord and that certainly is not a politician.

In any case mom enjoyed her time in the chair.

We also seen all the Belfast missionaries in downtown Belfast --- as my letter said -- many are in the big move on Wednesday.

We hope you enjoy our missionary report and Mitzi if you would be kind enough to keep a folder or binder of these, that would be very much appreciated as we only have a laptop. We did not hear back from some of you if you received our last one just over a week ago ---- now who have we not heard from ( could be a boy named GL ------- ? )

The weather is still fantastic here -- a great start to our mission.

Hope you are all enjoying a great July 4th weekend -- the missionaries celebrated at the conference but I had to complain that no mention was made of Canada Day !!!!!!!

We look forward to hearing the news this week of a new grandchild and are praying for Stephen and Tonya.

We love you all very much,

Mom and Dad.

Missionary Report

Our dear family and friends,

We trust and pray that each of you are well and happy. We miss you all, but do not have much time to even think here. These young single adults keep us hopping. We are quickly gaining their hearts and they certainly have ours. It seems each have remarkable stories to tell and they are teachable, moldable and lovable. The young woman easily get attached to Sister McBride and let's face it --- who would'nt. Our days finish very late while at the centre, rarely do we get home before midnight -- it's ok for YSA as they seem to sleep in later in the morning, same as all over the world -- but the difference is we start early also. Nevertheless we are loving it and Heavenly Father blesses abundantly. Here are some of the things we have been involved in : -

( no particular order - just random happenings both for you and our journal.

It is presently the MARCHING season and signs of it are very evident especially in protestant areas. The big celebration is on the 12th July and already there have been a few ugly incidents with rioters and law enforcement. We were returning a few nights ago from an appointment and just happened to turn the corner into an bad area between the 2 parties - for a few minutes we ended up in the middle of rock and bottle throwing - so it was the matter of putting the foot to the floor and hoping for the best -- we had 2 elders in the car and they were enjoying themselves !!! We have not forgotten those years.

We have been given the task of flat ( apartment ) inspections as we travel Northern Ireland and try to make it fun, but get the task done also. For Bishop and Sis. Copithorne -- you will be happy to know that you good son passed. They did a very good job and we enjoyed talking with them. We usually give them a little treat when they have done particularly well. Elder Covey is in our area -- that is Seans son and Dr. Stephen Covey's grandson. When we joined the church here many years ago Stephen was the Irish Mission President -- it has been fun getting to know Elder Covey -- is'nt it a very small world in the church. I told Elder Covey I would give him a pass if he would get his dad and grandad to come over and speak with our YSA !!!!

We are beginning to realize the tremendous benefit and potential of our name tags --- they sure get attention and can open many a conversation. Also when we have some spare hours we are trying to visit some of the old stalwarts in the church here and it has been wonderful getting to know them again. One such dear sister had lost her husband not long ago. He had been the Bishop of the Cavehill Ward, the one we were members of when we lived here over 40 years ago. Someone said of her husband " a smile from Ronnie is like a hug from God " -- is'nt that beautiful and it was also lovely hearing their conversion story and leaving a message of hope. We visit different wards and branches each Sunday, speaking in church and holding firesides for YSA. -- we try to visit several less actives as we visit those units and involve the active YSA when doing so. That is the most effective way. A few days ago we visited one of our beautiful young woman who had recently lost her husband of just a few months, in Afganistan. Her grandfather who we knew very well thought our visit could only do her good. It was a difficult challenge but we trust the Holy Ghost carried our message deep into her heart. We are indeed having unique experiences every day and could share much more. but ----- missionary work is beckoning,

We had our historic mission conference on Saturday. The mission is now officially the Scotland/ Ireland Mission. Our new President and his wife are wonderful spiritual people and we had a tremendous day together. He tells us the Scotland mission has been a teaching mission supported very well by the members and the Irish mission has been a tracting mission getting most of the new members by street meetings in larger cities and at the door. It will be an interesting combination and many of our Elders and Sisters are going to Bonnie Scotland and theres are on their way here.

For any of you golf fans ---- just wanted to remind you that Graham McDowell from Portrush, Northern Ireland, won the US OPEN. Yes, he plays on the same course that Elder McBride used to sneak on early on a Saturday morning and get about 3 or 4 holes, before being chased off the course. Such were my wonderful boyhood days by the sea !!!!! When on the subject of sports -- THE WORLD CUP and ENGLAND LOSING -- yes it made the Irish fans happy !!! One of our young YSA football fans said it best --- " I support Northern Ireland and anyone who is playing England " Elder McBride cannot comment any further as he is a missionary !!

Our good friend in our Mission Presidency, Pres. Lowry has now been released with the change over in Presidencies. Raymond and us go a long way back with his conversion to the church being about the same time as ours. He is a wonderful individual and a great stalwart in Ireland. He and Irene were called by President Uctdorf to be the London Temple President and Matron and will leave Ireland in November for 3 years. Any of you going to London, please say hello to him.

Elder and Sister McBride are to have their pictures in the ENSIGN in the next few months. Brother Walton and his wife visited Ireland and held a special fireside. He is the great great grandson of the very first Irish convert and missionary to return here with Pres.Taylor. Someone in public affairs thought it would be a good idea to have our pictures taken with the Waltons for the ENSIGN as it would appear that we are the first senior missionary couple to return as missionaries to Ireland, after having been born here. It might be noted that we may also be the last as the 2 missions have now been consolidated. So my face did not break the camera and it would appear they got their pic !!!

We love our work. It is certainly very different than we imagined but indeed very rewarding as we recognize that we are working with tomorrow and that these young single adults are the future of the church here. What a responsibilty we have as we invite those to come unto Christ. During the mission conference held Saturday last we needed to attend a special fast with the YSA in the centre. We dashed from the conf. to the centre, had lunch with them as we started the fast and then back quickly to Holywood Road. We all fasted for a specific part of missionary work -- that of illuminating the souls of those who had drifted, with the light of the everlasting word. As Elder McBride shared some thoughts with them and read the great words of ALMA 5. it filled our souls with gratitude that we have the light of the everlasting Gospel, that we are on the pathway and that our Redeemer, Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price in giving his precious life that we might be saved. This mighty change can be in all of our hearts as we listen, love and apply. We are so very blessed that it happened in ours and this wonderful message of the restoration was given to us by wonderful dedicated missionaries. To a llwho read this please know that we love our Saviour, this church bears his name, he is risen and sits with the father directing the affairs of his kingdom though a prophet, Pres. Thomas S. Monson. We love it with all our hearts and feel so very priviliged.

May God bless each of you and hold you in the palm of his hand.

Elder and Sister McBride.

Scotland / Ireland Mission.

Journal Update

Our dear family and friends,

We love you all very much and recognize you have been very patient in waiting for another email. We hope to do this now on a regular basis and it will serve to keep you informed as to our progress and also a journal update for us and our dear lovely family who we miss very much and of course our dear friends also. We are finally getting into some sort of routine but nothing about this mission is routine. Let us explain a little and you will see. As mentioned in an earlier email when we left the MTC ( seems like a very long time ago ) The volcanic ash was causing havoc all over the UK and Ireland -- our flight was one of the only ones taking off - now that's the luck o' the oirish !! We arrived in Dublins fair city and were greeted by the President and his good wife, went to the mission office, met the staff, got oriented, had lunch and received our first assignment. That's where everything went sideways !! You see the President indicated to us in an earlier email while we were in Calgary that we would probably be in some small town like Tralee or Galway in the Republic and would proclaim the gospel and Elder McBride would probably be the branch president with Sister McBride working in RS, etc. Well that idea changed very fast -- on the morning of our arrival he received a prompting and the inspiration to take us to Belfast City to coordinate the affairs of the YSA Centre. We would have no certain area and would instead cover all of Northern Ireland attending all of the wards and branches and also have the responsability for almost 500 young single adults, including a host of other activities and of course institute. WHAT A SURPRIZE and going right into the centre of Belfast City where so many of the old stalwart members of the church knew us as newly weds, etc. We ae now working with many of their grandchildren and We can tell you it is indeed a wonderful treat. Sister McBride is establishing a fabulous rapport with many of these young woman and is being a tremendous help to them in many ways. We will explain some of our activities later and I think I could easily convince many of you that are our age to come on a mission and receive the blessings we enjoying.

Making our way out of Dublin before we even got on the motorway, Pres. Creer sprung his 2nd surprize on us " We have just one little snag ---- we have nowhere for you to live !!! " --- welcome to the mission field ( in this case, I think the Irish fields are green and ready to harvest ) Fortunately Elder McBride has a dear lovely sister outside Belfast and so we made a quick phone call and of course she was delighted to have us. Now, Elder McBride's sister lives in a 200 year old cottage near the ocean and I can tell getting our suitcases up to a small upper loft room with stairs that are only 18 inches wide is a story all in itself. We were ablt to stay there until we found a lovely apartment near the centre.

The Pres. and his wife, got the Elders to bring a car, he left us at the centre, gave us some instruction, a set of guidelines for the Europe area YSA centres, the keys to the building and said, " God bless " We said our goodbyes, and then looked at each other saying " NOW WHAT !! " --- welcome to the mission field. We started that morning at 4.30 am and were finally crawling into bed at Elder McBrides sister's at 2.00am the next day -- welcome to the mission field. The weather in Ireland has been incredible since we arrived -- everyday we can truly sing, " There is sunshine in my soul today " It has only rained one day in 6 weeks and that was only the famous Irish mist. While at Zetta's we could start early each day, before studies, with a walk along the promenade by the beautiful ocean, to the lighthouse -- Elder McBride would climb the 166 steps to the top and also another 6 or so steep inclines and would recommend it for a great start to a day of service. The gentle waves lapping into shore, the green slopes running down to the sea, and the birds singing merrily are a real tonic ---- no wonder the great Irish writer, George Bernard Shaw said " Ireland sir, for good or evil is like no other place on earth " Zetta really spoiled her missionaries, as she has always done and we are indebted to her, but it was challenging as we had to go to the centre each day and it was a good hours drive and through Belfast City traffic often. So we found a very nice apartment near the centre as we had been requested to do. We are only a few minutes from the city centre, very close to the YSA centre ( the only one in all of Europe as a free standing building owned by the church ) and of course nearby are several colleges and Queens University -- where a number of our YSA go to school. From each window of our apartment we look out into luscious green foliage, it is like living in a park and yet it is very close to downtown. Hope we are painting a picture for you of how green Ireland really is. Our days are filled with a myriad of differring responsibilities, including challenges. This certainly is so unlike the mission we had a vision of ---- BUT WE ARE LOVING IT. Also an interesting little note that one might call a coincidence but really it is one of those mini miracles that Pres. Monson speaks of : - as a young man of 19 Elder McBride worked on the building of this structure -- then it was an inner city chapel, only the 2nd in Northern Ireland.

I installed the cedar slats that formed the feature wall in the chapel that remains there to this very day -- there were other parts I labored on and each has a story. Elder McBride had the opportunity to speak with a large group of YSA in this centre recently and they seemed to be very interested those stories. It never seems to amaze us how our Heavenly Father knows everything, every little detail of our individual lives from the very beginning and orchestrates those happenings in our lives.

Here are some of the activities we are involved with. It would make you head spin and it does ours, sometimes : -

Institute -- summer presently, but we have approx 45 attending and come September that will swell to approx. 70.

Servive work -- we took the entire group to Belfast City Cemetary -- ( that's in the dead cebtre of Belfast -- only joking !! ) It was fascinating -- remind us to tell you the stories. Very famous names such as CS LEWIS family are buried there -- also the infamous such as IRA and PROVO terrorists. Our Y SA loved it --- we have vests for them with LDS all over them and MORMON HELPING HANDS that bring recognition to the church.

We are working toward a YSA ward and presently have special block Sunday meetings from time in the centre that take a lot of preparing for and then a number of meetings during the week including our work with the YSA PRESIDENCY.

We travel and speak in different wards each Sunday, meet with YSA and also go with young adults on Search and rescue -- the less active and the great missionary work that we take to that age group including the universities. Do you think we are busy !! We have 2 full time Elders assigned to the centre and we train them in the use of the centre and in working with YSA -- there is much more.

We have some famous members in our YSA. If you have not heard of the name JASON SMYTH --- you soon will. Jason is a great young man with a slight vision impairment. He won the gold medals in 100m and 200m in the Bejing PARA Olympics in 2008. He has been in the Ensign and is constantly being written up in papers all over Europe. He trains in the winter with the US OLYMPIC team and then comes home to Ireland in the summer, running in many big events throughout Europe. The media call him the USIAN BOLT of the para olympics. Jason is presently preparing for the OLYMPICS IN LONDON 2012 and if he stays injury free he will the first ever competitor to run in both the OLYMPICS and the Para Olympics in the same year. He just broke the Irish track and field record last week -- the record was his own. He is a fantastic young man and extremely humble. Elder McBride asked him where his gold medals are ---- he said, " ah, my mom keeps them somewhere " Look out for his name , he will be a famous Mormon and we have him in our YSA.

The young people we work with are extremely gifted -- for such a small island to have all of this talent -- we have a concert pianist, kids that can make a guitar sing, a clarinet musician in the Belfast orchestra, professional footballers, etc. We are now working on a concert to showcase all their talents -- we will put it on at the centre and invite the whole stake. We need Kristy Jenkins here urgently !!!

Next email we need to tell you about our historic mission conference in Dublin --- the mission will change on the 1st of July to the Scotland / Ireland Mission and we have another Mission conference held in Belfast on the 3rd July which we will inform you of. At the conference in Dublin, it happened to fall on our 41st wedding anniversary and all the missionaries sang to us and gave us a nice IRISH chocolate bar.

Our days are long but filled with great things. We love these young people dearly. They have accepted us with open arms and we are building lasting relationships as we invite them to come unto Christ, get involved with us in this great missionary service and in mentoring them to become productive in community service and a host of other things in their lives. They do great work and it is wonderful to watch. We love the Gospel with all our hearts. We are alive in Christ and we love him and testify that he lives, he is the only begotten of the father, the Son Of God, our redeemer. We love our work, although challenging at times and are witnessing the great blessings coming to fruition that Pres. Spackman pronouned upon our heads at our setting apart.

May the sun shine warm upon yer face, the rains fall soft upon yer fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hands,

Please feel free to send this on to all our other friends that may not be listed above. Our laptop is not bringing up all our friends addresses. We will try to solve that.

Elder and Sister McBride.

PS ---- We will forward our new mission address as soon as we know it --- it will be Edinburgh Scotland ----- ( yes, bonnie wee Scotland --- oh ye''ll tak the hi road and a'll tak the low road, but a'll be in Scotland afore ye )