Tag Archive for: service

The Mission Never Really Ends

Whenever one of our missionaries from the Belgium Netherlands Mission (BNZ) comes to visit, it’s always a special day.
Yesterday was one of those days as Monic and I picked up Drew Tadje at Edinburgh Airport.
Drew is interning this semester at the European Union and International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brussels and came over to visit us this weekend.
During our time together in the BNZ, friendships were formed and memories were made that have lasted well beyond the mission field.
Our conversations yesterday flowed easily as mission stories resurfaced throughout the day. Little moments that once seemed quite ordinary now feel like treasured memories.
Later, back at home, we pulled out the old mission photo albums and spent time looking back. There was something very special about revisiting those moments, including the places, the people, and the quiet miracles that shaped us all.
What struck me again is how the mission continues long after our name badges come off.
Friendships endure and, in many ways, grow even stronger. Those shared experiences bind our hearts together across countries and across the years.
The Book of Mormon describes this beautifully when it speaks of people “having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” (Mosiah 18:21)
A friend is someone who cares.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
And sometimes those friendships simply show up at your door for a weekend in Scotland.
It was a joyful day.
Friendship is truly a sacred possession.
During our time serving together in the BNZ, we discovered that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is our truest friend.
Moments like this weekend quietly remind me how the Lord continues to weave lasting connections through the people we serve alongside.
Which friendships from earlier seasons of your life still bring joy when you meet again?

Etrenal Connections

This week Monic and I had the opportunity to spend some time at the temple in Chorley.
We both love to go to the temple.
We know that temples are literally houses of the Lord.
It has been nearly 60 years since I went to the London temple in 1966 with my parents as a baby.
Although I have no recollection of that trip, I have been fortunate through my lifetime to create many joyful memories of visiting temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world.
Over the years our family research and temple ordinances make it possible for us to be forever families.
This time, it was just special to serve in the temple for a few days together and it was such a joyful experience.
We know too, that no job in the temple is unimportant.
Serving there has always been such a valuable blessing in our lives.
This time, we reacquainted ourselves with many dear friends and made many new friends too.
One of the sweetest parts of our time there was, when I had the chance to serve some deaf members.
It was a lovely experience.
There was something very special about communicating and sharing understanding in the temple with them.
Even when words were few, the Spirit spoke clearly.
Their warmth and quiet faith touched me deeply.
The temple truly is a place of peace.
In a busy and often noisy world, it offers stillness and perspective.
We left feeling lighter, grateful, and reminded of what matters most.
President Russell M. Nelson has said “The temple is a place of peace and power, and spending time there will literally change a person’s life.”
We know that to be true.
Each time we return, we leave feeling lighter, grateful, and reminded of what matters most.
In a sense, each visit feels like coming home.
What small step could you take to return to the house of the Lord?

Sixty Seconds of Christmas

And so, this is Christmas…
For weeks, actually months, it’s been anything but simple.
Countless calls and meetings. Spreadsheets. Logistics. Risk assessments. Transport. Permissions. Volunteers. Charities. Launch plans.
A small army of remarkable people giving their time, energy and hearts to make the Light the World Machines in Birmingham and London a reality.
The effort to get those machines switched on and standing proudly in the middle of busy shopping centres was, frankly, huge.
And yet…the most precious moment of my entire year with the machines didn’t come at the launch. It didn’t come from a speech, a photo opportunity, or a “job well done”.
It came in about sixty seconds.
Whilst in Birmingham, a young woman approached the machines and paused in front of them.
She asked me a question, then scanned the machines slowly and thoughtfully. Settling on a hygiene kit, she tapped her card, spent £20, smiled warmly and simply said, “Thank you.”💕
That was it.
No fanfare.
No explanation.
No need for agreement on beliefs, backgrounds or labels.
Just generosity.
Just kindness.
Just a human recognising the quiet opportunity to help another human.
In that moment, all the noise fell away and it just felt good.
It didn’t feel like a campaign.
Or an initiative.
Or even an event.
It felt like Christmas.
Because Christmas, at its heart, isn’t about scale or spectacle.
It’s not about how polished the lights are or how perfectly the plan came together.
It’s about noticing.
It’s about choosing compassion.
It’s about giving – freely, quietly, and without needing recognition.
That young woman will probably never know what her simple act meant to me.
But in that very moment, through her act of kindness, she captured the true spirit of Christmas.
And so, this is Christmas.
Where has Christmas quietly revealed itself to you this year?

Mentoring

One recent Sunday morning, I went over to Edinburgh, to meet with a dear friend and mentor, Ben B. Banks.
I first met Ben in 1987 when he and his wife Susan, were called to serve as leaders of the Scotland Edinburgh Mission (as it was then) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I was 22, recently returned from my own mission in London and ready for some direction.
A successful businessman and now General Authority Emeritus, he has served in a host of leadership roles all around the world since his time here in Scotland.
I have always looked up to Ben.
For me, his greatest influence came not from titles or offices, but from his presence, which was always, steady, kind and wise.
Since his time in Scotland all those years ago, I have followed his life with interest.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with him in his home, over meals, and in many church meetings.
In each setting, he’s offered not just counsel, but clarity, along with guidance that always felt both practical and inspired.
This morning, I chose once again to study a number of his talks and devotional addresses available online.
Mentoring, at its core, is about helping someone become more of who they’re meant to be.
It’s not about giving answers but helping others find their own.
Ben was masterful at that.
He never just told people what to do.
Like the best mentors and coaches, he invited reflection, sparked insight, and quietly nudged others toward action.
His storytelling in particular always stood out, always simple, honest, and memorable.
Whether recounting long cycle rides, goal-setting moments, or challenges faced, he made truth come alive.
That’s the power of a good story: it makes ideas stick and principles personal.
His life continues to be a masterclass in kindness, service, and devotion.
I left our meeting feeling renewed and grateful.
Mentors like Ben don’t just shape your path, they shape who you become while walking it.
If you’ve never heard Ben speak, I encourage you to seek out his talks online and listen.
They’ll stay with you.
Who has helped shape your path and how might you pass that gift on to someone else?

When the Journey Stalls

Recently, while driving south on a long trip, we hit a massive delay.
Traffic slowed to a crawl and then a stop, not because of any obstacles in our own lanes, but as we listened to Radio 2, we learned of an accident on the opposite side of the motorway.
Like many of these moments, it was a reminder of life’s unpredictability.
The delay cost us nearly an hour, and the accident shut down the northbound side for miles.
As frustrating as it was, it reminded us of another incident years ago, driving home from a meeting in Utrecht, headed toward Leidschendam.
That night, there had been an accident on the “snelweg.”
We were far back in the queue and stuck.
Then something unusual happened: people got out of their cars.
Some lit cigarettes. Some chatted. Soon there was large crowds.
I got out to investigate further.
Shortly thereafter, I remember offering brownies from our meeting and spending time talking with total strangers for a while.
There was a kind of spontaneous community born from that unusual moment.
What struck me was how quickly people shifted from isolation (each in their own car, their own world) to connection.
Monic and I have spoken of that event often.
That hour of delay became something meaningful, not because of where we were, but because of how everyone showed up to connect.
It was something we’d never experienced before, nor have again since.
Sometimes life can suddenly bring us to a halt, plans can stall, and our progress stops.
We can get stuck behind a difficult tragedy or trial that comes along.
But in those moments, we can either get upset… or connect, like that day on the Dutch snelweg.
We can either retreat inward or look outward and bless others, even with something as simple as conversation or a brownie.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
We rush through life so fast, but delays remind us to slow down and actually see each other.
Maybe that’s when we’re most able to help carry someone else’s load.
When things stop, don’t just wait. Look around. Who needs you?

Still My Favourite Part

It’s been just over a year since Monic and I returned home from our mission in Belgium and the Netherlands and honestly, one of the things I still love most is catching up with the missionaries we served with.
Week after week, I get to sit down for 1-on-1 coaching conversations.
Whether they are just home a few days, or even a few years now.
We talk about life, school decisions, job paths, relationships, faith, challenges, disappointments, wins.
Big things and small things too.
Sometimes it’s figuring out how to stay spiritually grounded outside the mission.
Other times it’s about handling stress, setting goals, or building good habits and routines.
Every conversation is different, and that’s what makes them powerful.
Just real life.
This week alone, I’ve had the opportunity to catch up and connect with several missionaries.
Every conversation is a reminder: the mission may be over, but the connection isn’t.
And I’m so grateful for every moment of it.
What do you think makes a great coaching conversation?

Shine a Light

Last week whilst in London, I finally met up with a new friend, Jordan Broadbent in person after weeks of working together remotely.
Jordan leads humanitarian efforts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Europe North Area.
It is such a small world, as it turns out I’ve known his brother Jamie for years through our church connection as well!
The two of us are teaming up this Christmas (yes, we’re making lots of preparations already) with a host of others to help shine a light through service and giving.
We’re working closely to support several charities globally, nationally and locally, through the Light the World initiative.
In December you’ll find donation machines in some hi-profile locations in Birmingham and London.
I’m really excited about what’s ahead this Christmas season and very grateful to be working alongside Jordan on such a meaningful initiative.
Let’s Light the World, one act of kindness at a time. ✨
What small act of kindness could make a big difference in your community?

The Real Way

For months now, sixteen of us have been preparing for our great West Highland Way adventure beginning this week.
Among our most enthusiastic walkers?
Always full of energy, laughter never far behind, and the kind of person who makes even rainy training hikes feel like a party.
But last weekend, a message from Emily landed like a thud.
She’d been out hiking, went over on her ankle, and managed to break her little toe.
That tiny bone had big consequences.
No walking the West Highland Way.
Not even a few stages.
Her dream of trekking through the Highlands, gone in one misstep.
So then came the question: should she even come?
Now, if you know Emily, you’ll guess her answer wasn’t made lightly.
It came after prayer, reflection, and a few conversations with family and friends.
And in true Emily fashion, she showed up.
Not with boots, but with crutches and a wheelchair rented after landing in London.
That kind of determination is something that typifies Emily!
Yesterday, we wandered (and wheeled) through Edinburgh, up and down the Royal Mile.

Together

Friends took turns pushing, guiding, and laughing along the way.
No complaints.
Just togetherness.
And it hit me; this is what walking the Way really looks like.
“For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Emily won’t be hiking the trail, instead she’ll be in the support van, encouraging us all on, and reminding us that the journey isn’t just about who finishes the miles on foot, but about how we can carry one another through it.
Because that’s the real Way, isn’t it?
Supporting one another even when the road ahead looks different than you hoped.
Who may need a lift from you this week, a push up the hill or a word of encouragement?
Happy Sunday from Scotland ❤️

Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow I will be turning 60 years young!
I’m sure I may receive 1 or 2 well-wisher messages too (thank you in advance).
However, I’d like to ask one simple thing – can you consider this please?
I have always wanted to walk the West Highland Way, and as part of my birthday celebrations, I plan to do so starting in just 10 days’ time, with 15 dear friends from the Netherlands and the USA.
We had our last online zoom planning call last night.
The excitement levels are reaching fever pitch now!
On our great adventure, I am certain we will have lots of fun and create many new memories together.
That said, we also hope to raise some money for a great cause – Mary’s Meals, a global charity, based in Glasgow, that serves life-changing school meals to some of the world’s poorest children.
Their mission is simple but profound: “Every child deserves an education – and enough to eat.”
We have set ourselves a stretching goal to raise enough money feed 1000 children for one year.
“Impart of your substance to the poor… administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.” – Mosiah 4:26
For my birthday tomorrow, if you were planning to send me a message – thank you.
But even more meaningful would be a donation to this cause that’s so close to my heart.
Please click on the link below to make a donation.
And a huge thank you to those who have already donated.
With love, gratitude, and slightly sore feet in advance!

Haste Ye Back

Over the past few days, our home has been full with visitors.
Last Wednesday and Thursday, we had the absolute joy of hosting seven of our returned missionaries from the Belgium Netherlands Mission.
Adam, Alex, Logan, Landon, Luk, Sam and Trent, came to visit not just as guests but as part of our mission family.
On Wednesday, we walked the paths of Dunfermline, fed squirrels in the park, met the peacocks (thank you Tina and Alex), and learned a lot about Andrew Carnegie.
But the real joy wasn’t just in what we saw, it was more about just being together again.
On Thursday, we explored Edinburgh.
We climbed Arthur’s Seat, walked the Royal Mile, visited St. Giles Cathedral, and learned about the Order of the Thistle.
We laughed over lunch, soaked in the sights from the Castle, wandered through the Grassmarket, and ended the day the way any proper visit should: with fish and chips and a deep-fried Mars bar!
But here’s the thing that’s been on my mind most since they left: missionary service might have an official end date, but the bonds created will never end.
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

Service

As we walked side by side through cobbled streets, it hit me, that our friendships were built on faith, service, and sacrifice.
They were forged in the quiet moments of testimony, in praying together, in days sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others.
They left for home on Friday, to their studies, summer jobs and families, yet I want to witness that the spirit they carried as missionaries still shines through.
Their name tags may be gone, but who they became as missionaries hasn’t faded.

Connections

Having them here reminded me that the impact of missionary work isn’t just about the service they rendered in Belgium and the Netherlands, it’s about the deep, lasting connections formed along the way.
As we laughed and reminisced, not as missionaries with schedules, but simply as members of our extended family, we rediscovered a deeper, powerful connection.
One rooted in shared purpose, made richer by our unhurried time, of just being together.
Their footsteps echo with us now, not just in the places we visited, but in our hearts.
And for that, Monic and I are so grateful.
Who in your life has left spiritual footprints you still feel today?