Elder Outpatient

Well, most of you probably heard I have been in the hospital (for surgery on a lump I've had on my arm). I can't type fast, I only have one arm, so this e-mail will be short! But I do want to thank all of you who prayed and have been praying for the missionaries. It has helped so much and will continue to help.

We had a huge conference with President Jose A. Teixeira of the Seventy. It was all about how to teach instead of ever having to find, and it was amazing. The work shall go forth!

The Lord has blessed us, even though I have been down and out. We are having two baptisms this week and I'm excited about that: one on the ninth and one on the tenth. Alan from Texas and Fiona from Hong Kong. Also, I taught four people while at the hospital, and gave out four pass-along cards. People really opened up--it was an amazing experience and I'm glad I had this opportunity. My doctor said I'm a healthy boy and that I did not need pain medication because my body is recovering so fast. I know that it's because the night before the surgery, President Shamo gave me a blessing and said I would receive a miracle.

The Lord is present here. I love you all! I'll write more next Monday. 'Bye everyone!

Our MTC batch

Son, Great-Grandpa, Dad, Grandpa
(the chain of trainers and trainees!)

Before the surgery . . . "It's not a tuma!"

Bye-bye, lumpy-lumpkins

They have amazing food at these private hospitals, I tell you what.

Visitors!

Crazy Stories of the Week: Episode 3: Short and Sweet

Alan (the man we teach) rides a massive bike . . . he is 6'7" and it looks hilarious! Drunk guys on the tube laughed at my name, and when they got off the tube one of them fell on his face . . . whoopsy, haha! Fiona can't speak English at all, but she can understand me when I speak--she says she can only understand me because I explain things differently.

Keep a Journal!

Well. this last week has truly seen loads of miracles and blessings from Heaven coming down upon our good ol' tri! I am loving training the temple President's grandson--he is a star and has such a strong Spirit.

One thing we worked on this week was finding. That truly is a hard thing to do, but we had loads of success--we picked up a whopping 14 people! Not numbers, people to teach. It was so great!The work here in England is going forth, and the power of God is with us and I love that feeling.

I want all of you to know how much I love and pray for you all. I wish I could give all my insights, feelings, revelations, experiences and everything to you all . . . that is why I keep a journal. A journal is such a vital part of all that we do as missionaries, and it truly does help us with everyday things. Write down your dealings with the Lord, and seriously see the difference it makes. All this week I have been reading stories that Wilford Woodruff recorded from his life. Satan was after him for so long and sought to destroy him. Though his life was threatened multiple times, his reply to any challenge was always "we went on our way rejoicing." No matter what he faced (broken legs, ankles, chest, ribs, everything crushed under a water wheel, poisoned by a mad dog, struck with disease), he was saved. Satan tried to take his life because he knew that almost all of the record keeping for the Church was done through this one man!

I want you all to strive to keep a journal so that you and your kids can all reap the benefits. I love you all and I hope that all is going well. Things back home seem like they are continuing forward which is good to hear. Really, I love you all and am praying for you all every night. I want so much for all of us to understand and continue to study the Gospel. We should have great happiness because of the eternal truths restored to us. We should always be like President Woodruff and go on our way rejoicing. He told of one experience where, as a missionary, he and his companion were walking through a marsh and he got a lame leg. He had to stop--he could walk no more. His companion left him and he had to stay in an alligator-infested swamp all alone! He prayed the Lord would give him strength, and he made it out because he was willing to have the faith to be healed. He met that companion several years later and all he said was, "I prayed the Lord would guide him." President Woodruff prayed for the man who left him--talk about an amazing man.

Well, I hope this letter finds you all in good faith and it puts smiles on some lovely faces that I miss so so much. I love this work, and I miss you all. Continue to be diligent in writing and praying!

I love you all. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Me and Elder Fagg enjoying the rainy London weather

A poster that hangs in our flat, reminding us Who we represent

The whole district at a steak and chips barbecue

Time for a haircut!

Crazy Stories of the Week: Episode 2: Change is Always Possible

Well, let me tell you some sweet and crazy stories.

We were at the flat, and we received a letter from a man who wanted to know about the Church. He said that he had a huge drinking problem and needs strength to overcome this. Well, I called him up and he had a strong Southern drawl--he was from Texas (where my best friend Elder Kunde is). We set up a time to see him for Saturday. Come Thursday, we found out he had blacked out and was taken to the hospital, so we called and said we were coming to see him right when he got back. We got to his flat and had an amazing spiritual teach. I cannot even describe things that were said, and promises made, and the Spirit doing all the work! He has not had a drink for 5 days now, and for a hardcore alcoholic that is very good. We are setting up a program of exercise, study, and cleaning to help him. He came to church on Sunday all by himself--we did not have to go get him, which was an amazing thing. He is going to change. I have felt the Spirit manifest it, and he will be a great leader--I know he will!

We are also teaching a Chinese lady from Hong Kong (where my parents both served their missions). Her name is Fiona Wang, and she is so cool. She is about 38 and has a 15-year-old son. She is setting a baptism date for October 10th. The hard thing is that she speaks very little English, but somehow we manage to help her understand and relate simple stories (like a seed and a light switch for faith and action). She came to a baptism and loved it, and said she wants to be pure and clean. She wants to change and I am excited to see that change. These are two amazing people with hugely different backgrounds--but with the Lord, all is possible.

Love, Elder Coon

PS- Please send me Travis Empey's address when he leaves for his mission.

I'm a Trainer!

After I e-mailed you all last week, I received a call from the President. I thought he was going to ask about my arm, so I was not at all worried. Then he said, "Look, Elder Coon, I have something to tell you--we have an Elder who has had problems getting his visa to go to the states. We want him to start his mission here in London, and I want you to train him." WOW. I was shocked. He then continued, "He has never been to the MTC and he is brand-new. So, we hope you're up for it, and best of luck, hope all goes well."

So, I am training Elder Fagg, and he is a star! Really, I love this kid. He is amazing and very spiritual and I continue to learn from him. He is the temple president's grandson, and President Shamo said he really wanted him to serve with me, because he heard I can teach and have the Spirit while having fun. I feel so honoured and privileged to do so. So now we are in a sweet TRI: me, Elder Cook, and Elder Fagg. It's been an exciting change, I tell you what!

This week we have had loads of success together. We have picked up three new baptismal dates for the 10th of October, and we had a baptism last Friday! The baptism was our investigator Juanita. She is the one whose husband left her and took the kids, but she has been so strong and is trying her best to follow the Saviour.


I am so grateful to be serving here. I felt the Spirit so strongly as we went down into the water for her baptism. She was in tears, and obviously filled with happiness. She said she felt like she was on fire, but not burning just super warm. I was about to lose it emotionally. For the first time on my mission, I realize the huge (not little, but HUGE) impact that the Spirit has. teaching y the Spirit plays such a key role in all we do. It is not what I do . . . it is what we (me and the Spirit) do together that can cause conversion. I know that if I continue to live righteously that I will have the Spirit with me!

Family, I love you all and I love my mission. Continue to help the missionaries in the wards you are in. You are a vital part of missionary work--you make all the difference to help the work go forth among all the nations to every kindred and tongue! I want to bear my solemn testimony that I know Jesus is the Christ. He is the foundation of the church, with his apostles and his prophets! We have the truth! Why should we back away and not help others know what we know? We need to stay strong as families and as friends, so at that great day when Christ comes again we can proudly stand before our Maker, and say, "We made it!"

I know the Saviour lives. I know the Gospel blesses families and strengthens them. Always be worthy of that Spirit that God has given you! I leave my testimony again that Christ lives and loves each of us! In the name of my Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

I love you all!
ELDER COON

Me and my first trainee

Our sweet threesome

Playing football on P-Day

Our living quarters

Crazy Stories of the Week: Episode 1: Preaching the Gospel to EVERY creature

Here is something new I will do: tell you some of our crazy stories of the week.

So, this week we went to a lady's house to teach her, and she pulled out a scripture (Mark 16:15) and asked a question. She had a bird she named Harry, a pigeon, and she wanted to know how she could teach the bird. We then continued to talk and she says "Can we baptise Harry so he can be with me in Heaven?" Well, that was a funny thing, and I tried so hard to keep a straight face, because she was so serious. Here is a picture of the lady and Harry the pigeon.

Later, me and Elder Fagg and Elder Cook got on the bus, and this man comes and sits by us. He then asks, "Are you American?" He was obviously drunk. We said 'yes,' and then he says, "Well, I have six family members (holding up 4 fingers) and eight of them live in America." I lost it, and was laughing so hard I could not help it. It was Elder Fagg's first day out, and he tried to stay serious, but then the guy asked us, "Do you like war pictures? Because the art gallery is open 5 to 10." He was holding up 2 and 3 on his fingers. Haha, I continued to laugh. When we had to go, Elder Fagg said, "I bet he will wave at us." We looked up on the top of the double-decker bus, and sure enough he is yelling at us, "BYE YOU GUYS!" and everyone on the bus was laughing.

Elder Cook, Elder Fagg, and Elder Coon

Snowboarding Idaho Boy

Well, today has been a good P-day. Haha--since the moves, I have had 5 of my companions from the MTC come into the area, so I get to see them all today! I'm so happy that I finally get to see them, and play some footie together.

England . . . wow! It could not be better. It's starting to get kind of chilly over here in England, but I'll be all right because I'm a SNOWBOARDING IDAHO BOY! Nothing can phase that, haha. It sounds like things are going good for family and friends, which is always a blessing to hear while I am out here serving the Lord. The work is going really good. I'm happy and staying positive. Keep writing me and keep me updated. I love letters and pictures with the letters--they make my day!

Some good things happened this week, for sure. We picked up some new investigators and had five of them come to church on Sunday--altogether a really good day! I fasted for some very important things--I love Fast Sunday. The whole testimony meeting was on missionary work!

We had six sisters from BYU (or girls, I guess) come to study abroad. They are in our ward, so that means I do not have to teach the lessons in the investigator class anymore (which I have done almost my entire mission . . . but it was fun). I hope they like the girls, though. They have such funny accents to me now--American girl accents sound whiny, I can admit, haha! But, hey, it's all good.

Funny story: we had to take some DVDs back that a member borrowed from our recent convert. I stuck them under my bag on the bus. When we got to our stop, I picked up the bag and rushed off the bus. We got to the door, and I realized I did not have the DVDs--I left them on the bus! We ran for about a mile--I felt so sick and ready to throw up, but we caught the bus. Well, we went up, and guess what? The DVDs were gone. The same guy who had been sitting behind us had such a guilty look on his face, and we asked where the DVDs were and he said, "I did not see anything." Neither of us knew what to do--whether to stop the bus or what. Well, they checked the cameras later after the guy got off, and sure enough--he had taken them. So, that was lame and made me super mad. But, oh well. We have a member in the ward who can get all the same movies back for cheap, cause he knows a place to get them. So all will be good.

Everyone should take into account Fast Sunday and the importance of it. Utilize this day and really make it special. Fast for other people--because of the sacrifice we make for them they can be healed and cleansed. It is close to Christ's sacrifice for us, if we really think about who and what we are fasting for the night before. Pour out your heart and soul to the Lord, and remember the importance of Christ's sacrifice for all of us. He has literally walked in all of our shoes. We should help others and repent, so that we in turn do not add to Christ's suffering for us. I know that with much prayer and fasting, miracles are wrought. I know this because I have seen it in my life and while I have been on my mission.

I love my Father in Heaven, and I know He watches over me day and night. I pray that all of you will stay out of harm's way and live happy lives, full of service to the Lord. That's why we are here! Be that "member missionary" as best you can. Help the missionaries in their efforts spread forth the kingdom of God to all his children! I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

This was a drug bust that happened right outside our apartment. This kid sold drugs to and undercover cop and then like 15 cops appereaed out of nowhere. Sweet.

Juanita and me and Elder Cook

On Juanita's roof

Here's a picture of the rooftops you can walk out on all over London. Chim-chim-cheroo.

Make good decisions NOW

Hello! How is everyone?

Well, it was moves week and yes, I'm stayin' in BRIXTON! I am very happy--it will probably be my last moves here--the next moves in in two months, so I will have spent 6 months here! We will see what President Shamo has up his sleeve, though--haha!

Loads of things have happened. We were supposed to have a baptism which just got postponed for two weeks because of complications, but it's still going to happen, so that is a very good thing.

We met a 15-year-old kid who was staying with a member, because his mom was in the hospital. It was a very sensitive subject about family when we were teaching him. Well, we continued to talk with him (and we were painting together as well, so we had time to get to know about his life and upbringing). Well, the next day we received a call that his mom had passed away, and he had nowhere to go and nowhere to stay. His Dad was abusive, and his mom was gone, so it was a rough thing. We went to see him and asked to give him a blessing, but he said "No," and was just mad and super sad at the same time. I can imagine he was going through hell. Well, I asked, "Look, can I talk to you for a moment?" So we went in the other room. I told him to tell me what was on his mind, and he did! We talked for a good thirty minutes and the Spirit opened my mouth, and finally he agreed to a blessing. I offered the blessing and the Spirit was so strong. You could tell his mom was with us (or someone)--it felt so amazing! Things were said, and he wants to be taught the Gospel and he said he knows his mom wants him to find the truth, so he is willing to learn! We got a call from the person in the ward he was staying with, and she said he has had a smile on his face ever since we came, and has felt so much happier and more talkative! I know the Lord used us as a very important tool in this young man's life. I just hope it all works out and that he will accept the Gospel, and to live the standards and grow to be a fine missionary himself.

Things are great. Myself and Elder Cook are happy serving together and we love that we get to serve another moves together. I have my surgery soon--I find out tomorrow what day for sure, so that will all be good.

I want you all to know how much I love and care about you all. I hope and pray for all of you and I'm so glad to hear how your families are, and how my family and how my friends are. Keep me updated and let me know what's going on in your lives.

My testimony has grown so much about this life and the reason we are here. I can tell you that we need to make good decisions now and not procrastinate! I know this Gospel is the truth, and that we can all be in our Father's kingdom in heaven. God has made it possible for all of his children to return. Have faith, trust in the Lord, and read the scriptures--it should be the book you pick up the most and have read more than any of your favorite books, more then your TV shows, more then anything you do. Make a reminder to read above your bed or on the bathroom doors! Try your best and I promise the Lord will bless you in abundance. The windows of Heaven are open to those who want to partake. I love you all, and this is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

The Brixton District

Elders Judd, Wheat, Cook, & Coon

Just woke up

I got SOAKED

My sweet jersey for 6 quid

Letter & Picture from Brigham