Area Leadership Message

United Kingdom and Ireland

principle and To Know and to Understand divine law of By Elder José A. Teixeira, Europe Area President our Heavenly ave you ever been con- Joseph Smith is the prophet of Father. That fronted with the question, God who was called to restore knowledge H “How do I strengthen my the gospel; that The Church of can come testimony?” or heard the admoni- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by reading, tion in a Church classroom, “You is the Saviour’s true Church on pondering need to nourish your testimony the earth; and that the Church and praying to remain strong”? is led by a living prophet today. about the Obtaining a testimony and With this foundation, a testi- principle of keeping it as a living witness of mony grows to include all the tithing or by what we know to be true is of principles of the gospel. hearing some- vital importance for our spiritual The Guide to the Scriptures one teach growth during this journey in defines knowledge as “under- about tithing mortality. Therefore, we need to standing and comprehension, and receiving understand what a testimony is, especially of truth as taught or a confirmation how we obtain one, and what confirmed by the Spirit.” 2 When of its truthfulness from the Elder José A. things we need to do to nourish we say we know something to Holy Ghost. But if I never Teixeira and strengthen it. be true in the gospel, we are pay tithing after having that Let’s begin by seeking a really saying we have felt that it witness, how much can I say deeper understanding of what is true. We cannot know some- that I truly understand what a testimony is. Elder Dallin H. thing to be true without feeling tithing is? Oaks of the Quorum of the in our hearts it is true! A testimony of a law or Twelve Apostles said, “A tes- The Guide to the Scriptures principle of the gospel is a timony of the gospel is a per- also tells us that understanding declaration both of knowledge sonal witness borne to our souls means “to gain a knowledge of, revealed to us by the Holy by the Holy Ghost that certain or to perceive the meaning of Ghost and an understanding facts of eternal significance are some truth, including its appli- that we gain of that knowledge true and that we know them to cation to life.” 3 To understand by constantly living that law or be true.” 1 or comprehend those things we principle. The foundation of a testi- have felt to be true, we must One of the greatest ways we mony is the knowledge that live them and put them into can cultivate and strengthen Heavenly Father lives and practice in our lives. Only then our testimonies is to attend the loves His children; that Jesus will our knowledge be full and temple. The temple is for us, as Christ lives, that He is the Son complete. members of The Church of Jesus of God, and that He carried For example, I can know Christ of Latter-day Saints, a sym- out the infinite Atonement; that that the law of tithing is a true bol of our faith and testimony.

October 2012 U1 There is no better way to in- strengthen our testimonies. strengthen our testimonies and fill crease both our knowledge and We have been blessed with our lives with joy and peace. ◼ our understanding of the gospel many temples in our . Let than to attend the temple. The us make the temple a symbol Notes 1. Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony,” Ensign, things we must do to qualify to of our devotion by attending as May 2008, 26. 2. Guide to the Scriptures, “Knowledge,” enter the house of the Lord and often as we can. As we do so scriptures.lds.org (under Study Helps). the things we learn once we we will continue to gain knowl- 3. Guide to the Scriptures, “Understanding,” scriptures.lds.org are there continually feed and edge and understanding that will (under Study Helps).

Local News

president, and Area Seventy in the Europe West Europe Area Presidency Area from 1997–2005. In his most recent assign- ast spring a new Area Presidency for Europe ment he was serving as the Second Counsellor in was announced. On August 1, 2012, Elder the Europe Area Presidency. L José A. Teixeira began his service as Area Elder Teixeira was born in Vila Real, Portugal, President, with Elder Patrick Kearon as First on 24 February 1961. He married Maria Filomena Counsellor and Elder Kent F. Richards as Second Lopes Teles Grilo in June 1984. They are the par- Counsellor. These brethren bring diverse back- ents of three children. grounds and a wealth of experience to their new assignments. Elder Patrick Kearon Elder Patrick Kearon was sustained a member Elder José Teixeira of the First Quorum of the Seventy on 3 April Elder José Teixeira was sustained a member of 2010. At the time of his call, he had been serving the First Quorum of the Seventy on 5 April 2008. as a member of the Third Quorum of the Seventy At the time of his call, he was presiding over the in the Europe Area. Brazil São Paulo South Mission. Elder Kearon was educated in the Middle Elder Teixeira’s professional training was in East and the United Kingdom. He has lived and business, he having received a degree in account- worked in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and ing and business management. Before his calling the United States in various industries, including to full-time Church service, he was an international health care, food, automotive and transport. He controller for the Church with responsibility for also ran his own communications consultancy. Europe and Africa. In this capacity he managed Civic and community involvement has included the Europe/Africa processing centre in Solihull, service on the boards of charities, a school, an England, and supervised the controllers in the enterprise agency and a college. Europe East, Europe Central, Europe West, Africa After joining the Church on Christmas Eve, Southeast, and Africa West areas. 1987, Elder Kearon served in numerous Church Previous Church callings include full-time mis- callings, including assistant ward clerk, Young Men sionary in the Portugal Lisbon Mission, elders quo- president, bishop’s counsellor, branch president, rum president, high priests group leader, bishop’s stake president, and Area Seventy from 2005–2010. counsellor, high councillor, district president, stake As a , Elder Kearon has served

U2 Ensign as an Assistant Executive Director of the Committee Report: “As we retain our convert bap- Priesthood Department and the Media tisms, save our youth, and continue to reactivate Services Department. the less-active, we will be able to double the active Elder Kearon was born in Carlisle, membership of the Europe Area within ten years.” Cumberland, England, on 18 July 1961. The current Area Presidency is committed to con- He married Jennifer Carole Hulme in tinuing this effort that began three years ago, with 1991. They are the parents of four chil- the goal to reach the stated objective by 2020. dren, one of whom is deceased. Wonderful things are happening in the Europe Area as members strengthen themselves and their Elder Kent F. Richards families, seek to rescue those who are lost, and Elder Kent F. Richards was sustained invite their family members and friends to attend Elder José Teixeira a member of the Second Quorum of the sacrament meeting. The rising generation is growing Seventy on 4 April 2009. Prior to his as- in faith and testimony as they attend daily seminary signment to the Europe Area, he served and institute classes, participate in Special Multistake as the Second Counsellor in the Chile Youth Conferences and activities for young sin- Area Presidency. gle adults, and apply in their lives the principles In 1969, Elder Richards received a outlined in For the Strength of Youth and Duty to bachelor of science degree and in 1972 a God. The number of young people being called medical degree, both from the University as full-time missionaries is increasing each year. of Utah. He worked as a surgeon and was Temple attendance is on the rise, as is the number chairman of the department of surgery at of convert baptisms. LDS Hospital in , Utah. He The members of this Area Presidency love the also served as senior vice president for Lord, and they love the members of the Church Elder Patrick Kearon four years at Intermountain Health Care in Europe. They know the Lord can work mira- and was a member of their board and cles here as the Saints show their love for Him executive committee. Elder Richards was by following His prophet and chosen leaders, also a clinical professor of surgery at the increasing their personal faith and testimony, and University of Utah. dedicating themselves to reaching out to others in Elder Richards has served in many a spirit of invitation and love. This is a great time Church callings, including full-time mission- to be a member of the Church in Europe! ◼ ary in the Southern Mexican Mission, elders quorum president, bishop, Scoutmaster, Historic Channel high councillor, stake president, and presi- dent of the Texas San Antonio Mission. Island Conference Elder Richards was born in Salt Lake Elder Kent F. Richards City, Utah, on 25 February 1946. He mar- Strengthens Saints ried Marsha Gurr in August 1968. They By Jayne Kyprianou are the parents of eight children. n 18 September 2011, during the twice- yearly stake presidency visit to St Helier Exciting Times in Europe O on the island of Jersey, John Crew, In 2009 the Europe Area Presidency, of which Poole England Stake president, explained that Elder Teixeira was a part, stated in the Area he had been having some thoughts about a

October 2012 U3 special conference. Instead of the Saints from the president, while afternoon activities were held Channel Islands ( Jersey & Guernsey) attending for the youth and Primary-age children. stake conference via a satellite link or, in the case Jayne Kyprianou said, “I knew back in of Guernsey, watching a recording of it, stake September when President Crew first men- conference would come to the island of Jersey tioned a Channel Island Conference that it was in the format of a Channel Island Conference for going to be something special, and it has been both islands. all that and so much more. Being able to spend Over the next few months President Crew and time with the Primary leaders from both islands his counsellors worked with Bishop Key (St Helier and have them share their thoughts and feelings Ward) and President Lingad (Guernsey Branch) regarding the service they give, and then to be to put together a plan to forward to the Area with the children and to see young Joseph be- Presidency. ing embraced by new-found friends was a real Approval was given, and the Channel Island joy. There is just no doubt that this conference Conference was no longer a dream but a real- was inspired.” ity. On the morning of Saturday, 10 March 2012, The theme of the whole conference was members and visiting leaders arrived for the start Matthew 25:40: “Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch of this wonderful historic event. as ye have done it unto one of the least of these A few of the visiting leaders arrived early in the my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” morning. On the way to the chapel they visited Throughout the conference, old friendships one of the island’s lighthouses. Mike Winkworth, were reborn, new friendships were made second counsellor in the Poole stake presidency, and the unity of the Channel Islands was later stated, “Our visit to the lighthouse before strengthened. the conference was in its way symbolic of the President Crew said, “The prompting to hold trip, in that members of the stake had travelled a conference for the Saints on the islands of many miles and were drawn together, united by Guernsey and Jersey was inspired of the Lord. the light of the gospel which keeps us all out of All who attended were greatly blessed, edified danger.” He also said that having visited Jersey and uplifted by the words of love, instruction and Guernsey many times before, he understands and counsel shared over the conference week- that the Saints of the islands can feel isolated, but end. There was a real sense of purpose, unity that the weekend gave a real sense of unity and and harmony as members joined together with togetherness. stake leaders. The success of the conference At the chapel there was a very warm wel- weekend was a cause for celebration, and the come from the Saints already gathered, includ- stake presidency is looking to repeat the confer- ing four-year-old Joseph, who makes up the ence format again.” whole of Primary on Guernsey. Young Joseph Bishop Key commented, “It was amazing was looking forward to spending time with the to be part of such an historic event. There was children from Jersey and being part of a “real” a time before the emigrations in the 19th cen- Primary for a day. tury when hundreds, if not thousands, were Auxiliary training was held for Relief Society, members on our islands. The conference has Young Women and Primary leaders. helped to bond us all together and remind us Training was given by the stake presidency of the strength we have in this stake and in the and by C. Raymond Lowry, London Temple gospel.” ◼

U4 Ensign behalf of Princess Anne. Inspiring Members Nominated When Doris donated her to Carry Olympic Torch torch to the local council, Councillor Ron Sands, cabinet By Debbie Twigger member with responsibility for avid Graydon, Doris and develop is the best reward. tourism, commented: “It is fan- Collins and Karl Green Learning that they value my tastic news that Doris has very D were all given the honour input and feel strongly enough kindly offered her torch to the of carrying the Olympic Torch on to fill in a nomination is really council to retain on behalf of the 70-day journey around Great humbling.” the entire community.” Britain for their inspiring contri-

butions to the local community. raydon G David Graydon, Gateshead nthony

Ward, Sunderland England A h by Stake, was nominated to be a p torch-bearer by the young peo- ple he works with as a youth Photogra worker for Gateshead Youth Council. David was chosen for the difference he makes in the community where he helps young people get involved in activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. David carried the torch on 15 June, day 28 of the relay, in the streets of Newcastle-upon- Doris Collins, Lancaster Karl Green, Lancaster Ward, David Graydon Tyne, in northeast England, Ward, Preston Stake, carried the was nominated to be a torch- carried the cheered on by crowds waving torch through Lancaster and bearer for the Paralympics as a Olympic the Union Flag and packing the Morecambe on 22 June. The member of a five-person team Torch through Newcastle. city centre streets, which were 72-year-old grandmother spends running a mile on the 24-hour closed for the procession. The her spare time raising money for journey from Stoke Mandeville Olympic Torch was passed to charity in a variety of ways. to the Olympic Stadium for the David by England international Recently Doris was pre- opening ceremony in London footballer, Jack Charlton, who sented with the National on 29 August. He was nomi- played in the winning World Women’s Service Medal in nated for his work in disability Cup team of 1966. David com- recognition of her outstanding arts and has made significant mented, “Being nominated to service to the local community contributions to the Church, carry the Olympic Torch by the for her charitable fundraising the Dukes Shattering Images young people I work with was a achievements. This award was Theatre Company, and to the great honour. I love my job, and presented by a member of the International Aid Charity shop seeing the young people grow Marie Curie Organisation on in Morecambe. ◼

October 2012 U5 Members Serve as Volunteers at Olympic Games By Debbie Twigger ames-Makers” are the 70000 together with a unified purpose.” Olympic Park in Stratford, East “ volunteers of the Olympic Richard Davies was a team leader London. He said, “It is something I Gand Paralympic Games, on the Time Trial cycling events and will never forget doing.” so-called by Lord Sebastian Coe, a marshal on the road races. He is Adrian Evans was one of the first Chair of the London 2012 Organising a British Cycling Club Coach, has people to see the Olympic athletes, Committee who commented that, worked on the Tour of Britain, and coaches and officials as they arrived “Volunteers can make or break the was a member of the safety team on at Heathrow Airport. He assisted Games”. Le Tour de France a few years ago athletes and officials on arrivals and Members of the Church are among when the start of the race was in departures. the original 240000 who initially London. Shauna Hichens was part of the applied over two years ago to be part Jan Davidson, Wembley Ward, a team at the multiagency communica- of the “Greatest Show on Earth” in keen former athlete, worked with tions centre for Eton Dorney, where London and around the UK. the print distribution team at the the rowing and canoe sprint events Volunteers were used in many Volleyball Tournament at Earls Court, were held. roles; most gave up at least 10 days, one of venues within London. She A number of members worked as worked up to 11-hour shifts, often at said at the time of her service, “I am volunteer helpers at the Paralympic their own expense, and attended a blessed to be amongst a fabulous Games. minimum of three training days. group of people that make up our Laura Parker worked on the Events Debbie Twigger said, “I was given team, and the spirit of camaraderie Services team at the EXCEL building on a role as Team Leader within Events has been amazing. The atmosphere London’s Docklands. Services, which is the public face of in the stadium is electric, and fans Timothy Kay helped people find the games and deals with the spec- of all the nations taking part bring their way to the North Greenwich tators, including scanning tickets, the place alive. You cannot buy this arena for the O2 arena for the wheel- manning information points, provid- once-in-a-lifetime experience; it has chair basketball. ing mobility services, etc., at Horse been worth every ounce of sacrifice, Pat Orme worked on the Guards Parade in the centre of London and the memories of it will stay with Technology team. for the beach volleyball. I am also at me long into the future.” Louise Hadfield helped in the Paralympics for the road cycling. Elliot Blakemore helped with Weymouth for the sailing events. Receiving this opportunity has been security. Tony Twigger was a wayfinder at a dream come true and definitely one Wendy Milner worked at Old the Excel building, guiding spectators on my wish list to tick off. There was Trafford, Manchester United’s ground. to the different events. a brilliant atmosphere in London with Emma Hart helped at Wimbledon Nathaniel Chell made the time to happy spectators who were very com- for the tennis events. serve despite his busy schedule as plimentary and appreciative of all the Nicholas Walker had a role as an bishop of Stevenage Ward, volunteers and the roles they played. ambassador on the south coast of St Albans Stake. ◼ I have been very impressed with the England. “I am the smile that wel- Editor’s note: For more detail on this organisation of the whole Olympic comed the world to Weymouth and story and to read other stories from the experience, and there has been a Portland for the sailing events,” he said. Church around the UK & Ireland go to real feeling of everyone working Robert Wharf worked at the www.lds.org.uk

U6 Ensign Church History in the United Kingdom and Ireland

My Little Corner of Wales By Margaret Bartley ales is a small country with its own government, language and culture. WMy name is Margaret Bartley, neé Jones, and I became the fourth local member of the Church in Rhyl, North Wales. I was present in 1961 when James A. Cullimore (1906–86) came to establish a branch of the Church here—which is now a ward—and this was a memorable day for us all. Later we purchased a large house called Maes Captain Dan Jones John and Samuel Bennion Gwilym to meet in. Fourteen years on, we were able to build our own chapel on the same site. In in North Wales. Captain Dan Jones was born time we opened a family history centre, in which in Halkyn and could speak, read and write in I love to serve, helping both members and other Welsh. In June 1844, Joseph and Hyrum Smith patrons search their ancestry. I am fortunate in were arrested and imprisoned in Carthage Jail. that I live close to our County Archives where my With Willard Richards and John Taylor, Jones was own family’s records are held—it is a real treasure chosen to accompany the Smiths to jail to offer trove of family history—and frequently travel to the support and protection. The night before Joseph National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth where and Hyrum were killed, Joseph Smith asked Jones our Welsh nation’s records are kept. I have learned if he was afraid to die. Jones replied, “Has that so much about my ancestors’ lives and background Dan Jones time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause, I from whom I inherited a deep religious faith. Awakens do not think that death would have many terrors.” Over the years I have also learned about Wales, © Clark The prophet replied with what many have identi- some of the historical background of the Church Kelley Price fied as his “last prophecy”: “You will yet see Wales and fulfil the mission appointed you before you die” (History of the Church, 6:601). ictures p During his first mission in 1845 Dan Jones stayed for a while in North Wales, where he printed a booklet in Welsh similar to the Voice of hurch history hurch history C Warning, before moving down to South Wales. Jones was asked to preside over the missionary efforts in Wales. At this time, there were just over 200 Latter-day Saints in Wales. Under Jones’s lead- ership, between 1845 and 1848 the missionaries in Wales baptized approximately 3600 persons. When Jones left Wales, there were 72 branches hs taken from a collection of local and hs taken

p of the Church and 4645 Latter-day Saints. In 1846, Jones began to publish a Welsh

Photogra language periodical for the Church entitled

October 2012 U7 Prophwyd y Jubili (Prophet of the Jubilee). It was the first Mormon periodical to be published in a language other than English. In 1847, Jones published the most famous of his many Welsh language pamphlets and tracts, Hanes Saint y Dyddiau Diweddaf (History of the Latter-day Saints ), during which time he oversaw the trans- lation of the Book of Mormon into the Welsh language—only the third language to be so translated other than English. In a nearby village, Trelawnyd, lived the noted stonemason family of the Parrys, one being John Maes Gwilym Parry, a well-respected musician. Parry was a Baptist preacher and was the leader of a church in Newmarket called John Parry’s Association, which was fashioned after the teachings of Alexander Hanes Saint Campbell. In 1846 Parry and his wife, Mary y Dyddiau Diweddaf Williams, were baptised. He and about 100 Welsh (History of sailed from Liverpool to America. Upon the Latter-day arriving in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on 17 May 1849, Saints). Mary Parry died of cholera. Parry continued the Mormon pioneer jour- ney to Utah Territory and arrived later in Rhyl Chapel in 2012 1849. Others of the village followed him; proceeded to organise what would later be called among them was one the Mormon . Parry was the con- of my ancestors, John ductor of the choir until 1854. Roberts. A few miles further east lies another village, At the October 1849 Hawarden, where two Bennion brothers, John and general conference Samuel, ancestors of President Henry B. Eyring, of the Church, Parry were born. They also emigrated to America. Not far conducted 85 Welsh from their birthplace, a prize-winning chapel was converts in singing sev- built at Ewloea few years ago. eral musical numbers. This year we celebrated our 50th anniversary After the conference, in Rhyl, and so far, my journey into the gospel has invited been most rewarding. ◼ Parry to formally or- ganise a Church choir To submit all stories to the editors, Paul & Beryl Oliver, that could provide as Word files and photographs as jpg files, please use music at future Church the email address [email protected]. conferences. Parry thus EUROPE AREA (English) U8 Ensign