The Greatest Gift of All

This week, I want to focus on our Saviour, Jesus Christ and his great Atoning gift.

I want to share a story that I heard in a talk from Elder Bednar:

"In a recent stake conference, the tender mercies of the Lord were evident in the touching testimony of a young wife and mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq in December of 2003. This stalwart sister recounted how, after being notified of her husband's death, she received his Christmas card and message. In the midst of the abrupt reality of a dramatically altered life came to this good sister a timely and tender reminder that indeed families can be together forever. With permission I quote from that Christmas card:
"To the best family in the world! Have a great time together and remember the true meaning of Christmas! The Lord has made it possible for us to be together forever. So even when we are apart, we will still be together as a family.
"God bless and keep y'all safe and grant this Christmas to be our gift of love from us to Him above!!!
"All my love, Daddy and your loving husband!"
"Clearly, the husband's reference to being apart in his Christmas greeting referred to the separation caused by his military assignment. But to this sister, as a voice from the dust from a departed eternal companion and father, came a most needed spiritual reassurance and witness. As I indicated earlier, the Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord's timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings." ("The Tender Mercies of the Lord," April 2005 General Conference Address.)

Although his letter was written about being far apart, this faithful woman knew that it was the answer to her prayer! I mean, how great is it to know that we can be with our families not just in this life but in the life to come? How great is it to have the Lord's House where we can help those who have a long waited there turn to see their families? How great for children to not have to fear eternity without a father or mother? As members of the Church, we are given these eternal truth! I love the Gospel, and I love how great it has been to come to know that families literally can be together forever!

It seems so hard for our minds to comprehend, because here on earth everything has an end: days have ends, weeks have ends, lives have ends, movies and plays have endings . . . but I know that our life does not just end! Have you really looked at yourself and wondered how amazing the human body is? How blood flows, how we heal, how we can adapt to change and grow, how our minds work?

At this Easter season, I think of those last days of our Saviour, who had everyone reject and turn on Him! The guards took him and plaited the crown of thorns on his head. They bowed down mockingly and told Him to prophesy. They blindfolded Him and smote Him and yelled "Prophesy if thou art the Son of God!" But He held his tongue. He was scourged, and He endured it. Smitten and afflicted, and He took it willingly. He could have called a legion of angels to save Him, but He allowed it. Why?

He literally carried the cross a mile for each and every one of us. He did all for us--He lived and died for you and for me! As I have studied His great life, I wonder how much do we have to do to actually know the Atonement has worked in our lives? Think about that! Do you care about family? Do you love your children? Do you qualify to enter into our Saviour's presence and stand before Him? Are you doing all you can to build up the kingdom?

I love this Gospel. I can't imagine what it must have been like for our Saviour to suffer, but I testify to you all that I know His power is real! He has engraven us upon His hands, literally, and with His stripes we are healed. He loves each of us, and we are nothing without Him. I love what 1 Corinthians 13 (I think) says about charity. You can have the power to move mountains, faith to walk on water, the ministering of angels . . . but if you have not charity, you are nothing. We must have the PURE LOVE OF CHRIST. Show it day to day in our families, and do all we can to have peace and joy happiness in life day today! I love the great and merciful plan God gave to us, which we all accepted before we came to earth--the greatest gift of all is to return to our Father's presence and have Eternal Life.

I love and pray for you all.
Love,
ELDER ELI JACOB COON

PS- Next Thursday is "Moves Day," so do not expect an e-mail. I will find out either Tuesday or Wednesday where I will go, so I'll let you know, okay? Love ya, ~ELDER COON

Me and Hanks

Me and Turnbow

Chloe, our investigator that (we hope) will get baptised soon

Elder Cook, me, and Sister Piazza

Our MTC batch!

The Book of Mormon

Well, as I thought about a topic to write on this week, I have felt stronger than ever about the Book of Mormon. What a wonderful book that we have available to us! I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon--it truly has had an impact and played a huge role in my life. Let me just tell you a little bit about what I have come to know.

I know that the Book of Mormon came forth the way Joseph Smith said it came forth, and I know that! I have read many books in my life, and I know that a lot of you family members have read many amazing books in your life that have helped you learn and grow. But no matter what book I read, I have learned just a couple of things out of them. But the Book of Mormon is the only book that came forth through an ANGEL of God! It was translated by the gift and power of God. I am not saying this to talk down to anyone, but to help you understand what this means as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

As we all know, we have been given the Word of God within this book.I know that God hold us accountable for what we do with this book. President Monson recently warned against "getting caught up "in the thick of thin things," and we do not take time for what matters most.

I encourage you all to pick up the Book of Mormon and read it. Pray about how to receive revelation from its pages. You can use it as a guideline for our times! Read in Helaman about what was happening to the people before the Saviour came, and see how it relates exactly to today. It might shock you, but will help you realize the great truth that we have. If we study and learn from the testimony of ancient prophets, we will see the blessings that will pour out upon us.

I love the Book of Mormon! I want to share story of about a man who one day fell asleep, and when he awoke his body woke up and his eyes did not. He did not know what caused his blindness, and the doctors were somewhat skeptical and said it may last for a few days. Well, days went to weeks, and weeks went to months, and he realized he was permanently blind. He raised his kids in the Gospel, and he had a wonderful family, but now he was seriously considering taking his own life so he would not have to deal with the strain of being blind. Something happened, though. Each day he felt these little hands on his legs his arms and hugging him and his children said, "Daddy, we love you and we would not want any other Daddy!" He welled up in tears and decided to make the most of what he could. He went to the University of Utah and he studied law. He passed with perfect scores and excelled above all the others. His family grew, but it was sad sometimes, and he said, "I never got to say my newborn's face." (The week he went blind, he had a baby girl born into the family). What a challenge! What a trial he had to face! What made the difference?

He knew and understood what the Gospel taught--he knew he would see again, because of the teachings about the resurrection! There are so many people with struggles, challenges and difficulties far beyond what you and I can imagine. But we have the Truth, and we have a duty to share the Gospel of peace with others. I know that if we do not, then we will be held accountable.

God is a fair and just God. I just wonder what it would be like if I had to stand before him and tell Him or explain why I did not learn of Him, or why I did not go save people and help others feel the joy of the Gospel. Remember, we will have a "bright recollection of all our guilt." I want to be able to go up and give my Saviour a hug and hear Him tell me, "Well done, thou faithful servant."

But for right now, I want to be as Samuel and say "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." We all need to step it up, and we all need to try harder. I'm certainly not perfect, nor will I ever be! I understand the world is hard. My dad once said "Son, there is always somebody better then you, but always remember there is always always someone worse off then you." Which means we can achieve so much more as we help others and forget about ourselves. We need to quit wanting and give instead--that is the whole reason you and I are on this earth.

I know this Church is true! I know we have a living prophet. I testify to you that the Book of Mormon is the word of God! It did come forth the way Joseph Smith said it came forth. I earnestly plead for all of you to really listen as the prophets speak in General Conference . . . see how to apply their teachings! I am so grateful for my Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement. I can say I know with all my soul that the cleansing power of the Atonement is real, and that we can be saved through the mercy of our Lord! Don't go into Conference saying "They teach the same principles over and over," instead, ask "Why do they teach the same principles over and over?" It's because WE are not doing or acting on what they are telling us--otherwise we would probably get different subjects.

I love you all and I plead with the Lord to bless all your lives and your families! Lean on the Book of Mormon, remember it is an anchor to your testimonies. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

With President Shamo

Seeing Miracles Every Day

Well, let me tell you a little about this past week:

We did not have a district meeting, we had a Zone Training Day on Saturday and it was amazing! There was a great spiritual aspect, and I felt like it brought so much learning and growth to me. We then had an amazing day at Stake Conference where Elder Erich W. Kopischke of the Seventy spoke and we had a new stake president called.

I had been focusing this week on making prayers more meaningful--trying to really get into prayer and to use the language such as "Thee, Thy, Thou,"and as I have, I have felt my love for the area increased. In our companionship, we focused on trying to strengthen each other, to make our work more effective and to really try all we can to make a difference. What it came down to was prayer. Sometimes we are too caught up to really notice things, and that's why I love the saying "Consider the lilies of the field." We get too caught up with life and we do not realize the things around us that are of so much more importance!

Elder Barker and I learn so much from each other day by day. We continue to learn and to grow--not only our testimonies, but also faith and courage and obedience!

I am sure we can all do better at concentrating on our prayers and on what matters most. Ask the Lord to help you see a miracle each day, and then record that miracle. I testify that amazing things will happen! Can you imagine what would happen if you wrote down a lot of your own spiritual feelings, and your daily miracles? You could use these records to help yourself and others.

A few years ago, I was not going to come on a mission. I was scared and unsure about whether I could do it or not. What helped me was my Dad's and my Mom's missionary journals. I found them in the library downstairs, and I read them. I saw pictures, I received insights, I gained knowledge. I noticed the complete love they had for the Lord, and I thought "Why can't I have that?" It's because I wasn't doing all that I had been taught. I did not read and pray, I did not record the miracles that happen each day in a journal. I was selfish, and I worried more about the world than I did about my God. What led to my conversion was to question everything and to read the Book of Mormon! I prayed and asked God, "Is this all real?" (Yes, I really did question . . . sad to say) I got little notes from my Mom with talks & quotes and these all helped.

I decided to receive my patriarchal blessing, and I prayed earnestly to know if these things were true! I saw members of my family falling, and a light gone from their eyes . . . I needed to know if it was true or if I was wasting my time.

Answers were received and I gained truth--a sure truth. I prayed and I acted, and the key part, I feel, was when I prayed "Father, please show me what path Thou wouldst have me take." I did not ask Him to show me a sign, or to do something, I asked, "Father, if it be Thy will, please show me the truth--guide me and direct me."

I feel like prayer is so automatic sometimes. We sit down to eat and bless the food, and we say a rote prayer. Are we really thankful for the food we have? That others go without? Or when we are called upon to say a prayer--are we battling in our minds "Oh man, why do I have to say the prayer?" Maybe we're not really understanding that we can connect to Heaven instantly . . . not randomly, or delayed but immediately!

Prayers of faith are answered immediately or within a few days. God does answer our prayers. Lately I have been thinking a lot about my conversion, and why did it take so much time? Why did I not know until I was close to being nineteen? It's because He says "Ask, knock, seek." We are the ones who have to take the first step . . . He is right at the door. Do it, and see the blessings happen!

My conversion was not an easy one--I had struggles, but it was worth it. I testify to you that I now KNOW there is a God. I know that my FATHER in HEAVEN loves me, and that prayers are answered by the faith of those who pray! We all need to look at our lives in a wider view and enjoy God's creations. We will bless not only our own lives, but we become like our Saviour and be better able to bless others.

Remember to write down a miracle each day, and if you are having a hard day you can look back on these and they will lift you up. I promise you that if you do this, a new light will come into your eyes and you will see in a more eternal and spiritual aspect than in a lame, mediocre, worldly aspect. I promise that God does and will answer prayers, and He loves His children. I now know that this Church is true, and that we can all receive personal revelation by doing the things mentioned above. I testify that God lives.

I love you all, and say these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

LOVE,

ELDER COON

PS- we spent our P-Day with the district at Bournemouth on the beach--it was a great way to get recharged for the week!

Sure Knowledge of the Truth

Well, let me tell you a little about this week, we had some amazing things happen. Aaron and James Stewart were baptised on Saturday the 27th---James by myself, and Aaron by Elder Barker. Then Sunday, we switched and I confirmed Aaron and Elder Barker confirmed James. What an amazing spiritual experience! I am so happy for the great blessings I have received while working in this tabernacle of clay. Because I have allowed myself to yield to temptation, I know how important it is to rely on the Spirit of the Lord more now than ever. I am so happy these two wonderful young men made this choice---it will not only bless their family, but it will bless their entire lives immensely! They both can prepare now to receive the priesthood, which is the power which made everything on this earth. I know that the windows of heaven will open for this family.

I can't even describe the feeling that we had---it was so amazing! Their mum was so happy for her boys that tears welled up in her eyes. The Spirit was definitely present. Another miracle was that when we looked on the back row at their baptism, we saw two faces smiling--it was Elder Roberts and Elder Christensen (the AP's). They came down to see the baptism and they said they felt prompted to. Afterwards, they drove back to the temple where they came from---a four-hour round trip. I can't describe what a wonderful day it was. I know angels were round about and the Messenger of Truth descended upon all.

I love this family deeply, and I will continue to for all my life. These converts are not just baptisms to me---they are literal children of our Father in Heaven! How great to know that they can now prepare for missions and serve (like me and Josh Kunde and Travis Empey---all of my great brothers) and spread the Gospel to all those who really do not know why we are here.

I just want to re-emphasize how short our time is. As you have probably heard about the earthquakes in Haiti and then Chile--with a magnitude 8.8! Number 7 on the world's largest earthquakes! Why, some might ask. Because the Lord is preparing His children on the earth and warning us of his Wonderful Coming! We need to work in the vineyard, as we learn about in Jacob 5. The Master of the Vineyard, God, is gathering his servants to have a final gathering to bring together all the tribes---we must do all we can and help those in need!

I have been studying Christ-like attributes lately, and I have loads of marked scriptures. I feel the Spirit strongly as I do what the scriptures say: follow mission standards, and look to my Father in Heaven. Remember, Christ suffered for all of us---not just a few---and we can all have a sure knowledge of truth as we are obedient.

Christ was born just like all of us, which I think we sometimes forget. He was a child as well! But He led a perfect life, and the veil was made thin for Him---He obtained His knowledge by being obedient!

I really do love you all. I am so grateful for the blessings which have been showered upon us as we work here in this wonderful part of the Lord's vineyard! There are many who are lost out here in England: we see churches turned into pubs; marriages are not really even heard of--just people with partners; there are people who do not care about themselves, drinking and giving away the pure self to the influence of the adversary. How great it is to see in Alma 5 how the people change when they obtain knowledge. And again in Alma 24:18-19: the Anti-Nephi-Lehites who come to know their God and bury there weapons of war. They change, and they would not fight against their brothers!

That change will come to you and I as we all study the Saviour's life---especially as we study His sacrifice and His Atonement. Look to Him, study and learn, and grow close to Him!

I pray that all of you know how grateful I am to serve the people of England, and how grateful I am for my testimony of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can obtain knowledge of the truth every day! I am especially grateful for a loving family, who supports and loves me from back home. Thank you all!

I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Maria with her boys: Aaron, James, and Jack

A truly amazing day!