WEEK 101/104: Charity

This week we had to do a deep clean and we spent a solid 5 hours cleaning the flat. It was brutal. Our flat wasn't even that dirty. It just is sparkling now.

Also this week, we got to do some service. That was really fun.  We spent a few hours helping people sort out their front gardens. And can't send this email without giving England a shout out! They won their world cup match 6-1 and are looking good going to their upcoming match with Belgium.

This week at church we had ward conference and they taught us about charity. The point was made in our lesson that charity is more a state of being rather than what you do. When you have charity, you have become more like Christ. It is your character. It is something that shows itself in how we think and act. And it comes through earnest prayer in behalf of others. It comes through consistently choosing to give our attention to others especially when we have needs of our own. That is something we all need to develop. I think if we try our best this week to recognise when we are thinking of ourselves and choose to help someone around us who could use a boost, we will all move more toward becoming charitable and making the world better.

Love you all,

Elder Pace 

WEEK 100: Peak District

We went to the peak district which is a huge area of hiking basically. It has some nice views. We went as a district and got some good pictures so I can send those in. It has taken me an entire year of being in the Sheffield Zone for me to get there.

This week was zone conference and it was good. We had fun and got to see a bunch of the lads. I learned a lot but the biggest thing was about repentance. We talked of ways that we can repent ourselves. 

To repent essentially means to change ourselves with the help of Christ to become more like Him. It is a rewarding process. As we talked about how we can repent and change ourselves through sincere and earnest personal prayer and consistent effort, it made me realize how much that can mean in our lives. Sometimes we feel stuck in a corner. Sometimes we feel like we just aren't moving forward. Other times we may not think that we have the strength to make new better habits. But through it all Christ patiently waits until we are ready to turn to Him. He is perfect at changing people. He never fails. He always opens doors and fills lives with hope. No matter what our life is like or who we are, we can all repent. We simply recognize something that should change to bring us closer to Christ and allow our remorse to lead us to ask for forgiveness. We also ask for strength to never go back. I know each of us can feel greater hope and become a better person this week as we willingly choose to repent.

Love you all,

Elder Pace 

Side note from his letter to me:

Yes We do have Fathers Day here. It's the same day as well. It was a nice service on Sunday except that Fahad brought his dog which we had to manage out in the foyer! That was a bit of excitement.

WEEK 99: Another New Companion

Pictures:  a FHE with a family in the ward; saying good-bye to Elder Pearse; a lad called Elliot (he keeps saying "called" instead of "named" so that must be an English way?)


Even though I just got with Elder Pearse a few weeks ago, we had transfers this week and he has left. (Pictured with Elder Pearse) My new companion is also English. This one is from London and he is called Elder Omoruyi. He is about 6’4” and I look tiny next to him!

This week was full of miracles to be completely honest! Fahad came to church again and loved it! He is excited to work towards baptism and he has recognized that God truly exists and that God hears and answers his prayers. He cracks me up and we love spending time with him. 

We found another guy this week called Danny. Danny just wants to make a change in his life and he is ready to receive the gospel! He has loved reading from the Book of Mormon. This week I realized just how large of an impact the Book of Mormon makes in my own life. As I read from it, I come to know Christ more and more, I feel peace, I feel strengthened, I find peace and answers to my questions. I have more of a desire to be kind to those around me. It truly testifies of Christ and invites us to become like He is. It is a book of God.

I love so many of the people in this ward. English people are so kind and funny. I love getting to know them and serving them!

Love you all,
Elder Pace

Tyson said this is his last transfer.  They had a meeting about how to use their mission to spring into their next phase of life.  He said it was fun to see everyone but sad that it is at this point of his mission.  He said the two years has gone by way too fast.  

WEEK 96/98: God Does Not Force

Tyson returns in 6 weeks not 8 so somewhere along the way I messed up on my numbering system!  So, this letter is now WEEK 98/104!:)

This week we had an exchange with Elder Tuita and Elder Campbell. They are so much fun and we had some good times together! Fahad went through a rollercoaster of telling us that he had gotten an answer that this church is true and then two days later told us he had lost his faith in God completely. He still is trying to find out and he had a great experience at church.

I also had a great experience at church. This week going into church I was feeling just a bit down and I really tried to prepare for the sacrament. I spent some time reflecting on my week and what I was doing and what I could change. We met a lady who shared with us her belief in Christ and how much He meant to her. It was very powerful and helped me to want a deeper connection with him and a deeper sense of conviction to follow Him. I'm grateful for her beliefs and her willingness to share because it helped me feel greater peace at church the next day. 

As I sought for more, God was able to work with that. It was a very powerful moment for me. I know that God works in us when He knows we are ready. He will let us come to Him rather than force himself into our lives. I'm grateful because then I appreciate it more. I would invite you all to spend some time this week thinking about your relationship with Christ and how He has helped our could help in your life. Go to church with that in mind and I know your experience will be much more meaningful and fulfilling.

Love you all,

Elder Pace 

WEEK 95: Hearing from Elder Pace!

This week was a bit slower but still good. We went on exchange with the zone leaders and it was quite fun.

This week I got to receive a missionary letter from Elder Pace in Ghana! That was super cool and I can't wait to hear about his adventures. 

I've been rereading the Book of Mormon from the beginning and it has been amazing how much it applies to what I am concerned about. I have learned so much from Lehi and how he finds comfort through prayer and about how our Faith in God allows us to see miracles. I think that so many of us limit ourselves. God wants to bless us and sometimes we can't find it in ourselves to trust that He can provide. God is still involved in our lives.

Love you all,

Elder Pace