note from the mission pres

Brother and Sister Cunningham,

Thank you for your letter.  We saw your son Elder Cunningham a couple of weeks ago during our annual visit to the Isle of Man and again this past week at zone conference.  He is progressing so well as a missionary and we are grateful to have such great young man that can step up and fill leadership positions so early in his mission.  Serving on the Isle of Man is one of the most unique opportunities not just in our mission but in all of Europe.  Because it is so remote from the rest of the mission, we only send our best missionaries there and only leave them there for a couple of transfer.  You can be very proud of him.

Warm regards, President Bullock 

September 6th- 13

Oh wow Family,

Well those were some great Emails. Thank you.  This week has been amazing! First off Elder Boswell and I headed off to Liverpool on Wednesday (a three hour boat ride) for Zone Conference! Oh it was wonderful. We were able to go and stay with the Zone Leaders, Elder Sturt (father) and Elder Kersey. It was soo much fun and good to catch up with Elder Sturt. Liverpool is CRAZY and I hope one day I will get to serve there. The accent is really funny and lots and lots of people live there. They have 6 missionaries in one ward!

Thursday we had Zone Conference. After an hour’s journey in the car blasting Josh Groban’s Noell CD as well as the Motab we made it to Chorley. President did a wonderful job and spoke on the power of the priesthood as well as miracles. He told us about 4 miracles that he has had in his life and how the priesthood is real. Many of us are not giving it the power it deserves. It was very much like President Packers Conference Talk.  Speaking of which, conference is coming up and it is very exciting!!!! Then Sister Bullock did an amazing job as usual on seeing everyone as God does. Knowing that everyone has the potential to become like him! They are amazing. First presidency is changing mission schedule though and we are only going to have zone conference quarterly. However, president has arranged it so that zones will still gather together every transfer!!!

While at Zone Conference I was able to see Elder Stringham my previous companion in Bolton who told me the exciting news that one of our Investigators, Lauren, was baptized and confirmed yesterday!!! She was amazing. I am not sure if I wrote to you about her or not but she read the Book of Mormon is about 6 weeks!!!! She is wonderful and will be a huge asset to the Bolton ward.

After the travel back Elder Boswell and I were able to have a full weekend of teaching. We have been blessed to find some more wonderful people. I street contacted this man named Mike and set up an appointment. We had originally thought we weren’t going to make it to the appointment because he lived on the other side of the isle plus it was kind of a shaky appointment. Circumstances changed though and the lord placed us in the right area. We went and taught him and the spirit was so strong. You would not believe how prepared he is. At the end of the lesson we asked him if he could ask God one question what would it be. He said that he would ask God if what we shared is true and this was the path he should take! We left him Moroni 10 and he ended up reading the whole book of Moroni. He has a good job and is smart! It is a blessing to teach him.

Keith and his family all came to church again! They are doing wonderful. Keith’s wife is still trying to make sure the gospel is true but Keith has received his answer. It looks like he might set the example for his family and get baptized before them but everyone is continuing to progress! His wife is so so so kind. She bought us these manks mints. They are delicious. She also got Elder Boswell a birthday present. Their family is going to be eternal in only a short time!  Every time we go to their house the family is excited and all focused and wanting to LEARN. It is amazing.

This Saturday we have Isabella’s baptism! She is a very intelligent, wonderful woman. She has about 5 degrees and is really a quality person. She asked if i would be the one to confirm her. Wow, big responsibility, pray for me! I am excited though and I am sure things will be wonderful.

Well my time here on the Isle could not have been more rewarding. Not only are we teaching a lot of people, but they are quality. By quality I mean they really are interested and seeking to find the truth.  There is nothing more rewarding then being a missionary and seeing the change and effects that the gospel brings to these wonderful peoples lives. I love and miss you all. May the Lord continue to bless you in all that you do!

Love,

Richard

P.s.

Did you hear about ALI ROYAL? IF not call her up and ask her ASAP!

How is kenz and jim?

I have pictures of the beautiful isle. I would send you my sd card but i never got my old one back! I am going to buy a card reader though for the computer so will send some next week.

David Ridges...i haven’t got the package yet. It is best if you send them to the flat on the isle. I should be able to get it in a few weeks though. Did you send me the first one of the BOM or the new testament? I have started reading BOM again and Isaih is still looking pretty grim. I have though been able to pick up a lot more than ever before.

August 31st- September 6

WOW, family this week was an incredible week. You have no idea. Elder Boswell and I were able to teach 24 lessons (23 of them investigator lessons) and have 9 new investigators and 7 investigators at church!  It was truly a blessed week and one that you would not believe.

The Lord is pouring out his spirit on the Isle. Keith and his family all came and had a wonderful time. We were able to go to dinner at their home this week and eat an amazing meal. Also, we went the other day and were able to teach the kids about the apostasy using skittles. It went really well, they are doing amazing. Today we are going fishing with Keith and Henry (his son). The weather is not too hot so it should be fun.

So this week there was a scare in the ward. A woman who is just a younger woman with 2 kids and a husband woke up and had viral meningitis(sp). She ended up having something worse than that and her head started to swell and so she was loosing her memory and she was supposed to die...Well miracles of fasting and prayer…. The ward came together and had a fast for her and after not talking for a week and things looking pretty sad she started to improve. It was truly a miracle. She was able to speak to her husband and smile and the swelling is going down. The Power of the Priesthood as well as fasting and prayer is real. She is having a miraculous recovery and it is amazing to see.

It was my companions B-day today. He is 21!

Well unfortunately the library was closed and we stayed in Castle town this week so i am emailing at a hotel bar type thing and they only give us a few minutes. yea kinda awkward in bar but were separated so its okay.

Thanks for everything you do! Mom thanks for sending the package you are wonderful! My new address is if you ever send me anything again you can send it there for the next little while. Do you know how long it takes a package to get here?

Ribblesdale

Shore Road, Castletown

Isle of Man IM91BF

Okay love you all gots to go!

Love,

Richard

August 23-31

Family,

Wow, what an amazing week! This was one of the greatest weeks I have had on my mission yet. President and Sister Bullock are truly amazing people. I can honestly say that I think he will be an Apostle. Okay there is so much to tell I don’t know where to start.

First off before they came Elder Boswell and I had a great week. We were able to teach some amazing people. One night we had two of our dated investigators over for dinner at a member’s home, (Tanya she is amazing) and then watched Mtn of the lord. It was a wonderful night and that is a great DVD. They are all doing so well and ready to be baptized.

Okay so President came in town and we met him at the church and actually taught one of our investigators, Keith, with him. That was a little scary but president was very good and the lesson went extremely well. I will tell you a little about Keith. He restores antiques and is very passionate about finding the truth. His wife has been very skeptical, (thinks we are a bunch of polygamist...etc). They have a family of five. Keith called us on Sunday evening and invited us to his home to meet his family. We sat down and immediately his wife started firing questions at us. It was wonderful, we were able to resolve her concerns and assure her that we would not keep anything from her. We then watched the restoration DVD with the family. The spirit was there and she felt it. It was a wonderful evening and to end the night Keith offered a beautiful kneeling prayer. His wife was so nice though. She had gone out and bought us “American popcorn” and had drinks and it was just an amazing night. None of them are dated for baptism. Keith wants to do it but is waiting for his wife. It is going to happen. Their family will all be baptized!

Okay back to president. Later that night we had a fireside on the Book of Mormon at the church. WOW! President put the BOM “on trial” and went through about 50 different compelling arguments that would prove the BOM is true.  Each argument would have stood on their own. It was wonderful. He says at the end of his mission he may give out his presentations. Pray for it. He had everything from computer analysts to testimonies to court to language similarities. 180 versus of Isaiah are quoted exactly the same as the Dead Sea scrolls that were just recently found! It was really good. It was interesting, but I wouldn’t say that it really strengthened my testimony. It was just wonderful to see all the facts. True testimony comes from God, not from facts. We had a really good turnout  from the ward and from our investigators.

After that we headed back to our flat. It is about a 20 min drive and some roads here on the Isle have no speed limit! President was following me haha...I was confused what speed I should go! It was funny but we figured it out and got back safely. Sis Bullock inspected our flat and send it was really clean and president said our area book was great! SO they rewarded us with a huge box of girahadeli (spelling?) chocolate brownies.  When I say huge I mean four packets come in the box! We spent some quality time talking there for a little bit and it is just good to be around them.

The next day we had church. Sister Bullock taught combined relief society priesthood and she did it on gospel study from pmg (preach my gospel). She has an amazing way of drawing events in her life and bringing it into a spiritual lesson. She did a great job and talked a lot about how we need to be opening our scriptures, keeping a journal while studying, and allowing the spirit to teach us. She also spoke a lot on using the topical guide and Bible dictionary, and following chains throughout the scriptures. Spend time pondering.

Sacrament was great also. They both did a really good job. I hope one day you will both get to meet them.

Yesterday was a bank holiday, library was closed so we couldn’t email, sorry. Today I gave a district meeting on the book of Mormon and how it is the number one tool combined with the spirit. I have gained a real love and appreciation for that book. I don’t know if you study it or not but mom it would be good to get ideas for lessons out of!  I have so much more that went one. WE literally see miracles every day. I look forward to reading my journal with you so you can really see the little things that happen in my life while on mission.

I hope you are all doing well! I LOVE LOVE LOVE you all and cannot wait to read your emails every week. IT is like Christmas!( Especially when you have to wait an extra day to receive them)

Love you lots.

Richard

Ps. Thank you thank you for sending that book. She deserves it. She did a lot for me and I love her for it!  pps. just finished the new testament wow that was amazing. Revelations still needs to be revealed to me though!!!!!! :)

Email from President Bullock

This is a copy of the letter your son received.

24 August 2010

Dear Elder Cunningham,

Congratulations on your calling as a district leader in the England Manchester Mission.  This is your first mission leadership assignment and you will find it a time of great personal growth full of opportunities to serve and directly influence the lives of others.  

Your primary responsibility is to lead by example by making your area a model territory in all aspects of missionary work: finding, teaching and baptizing.  If your area is one of the best in your district, the missionaries will know that your teachings and counsel comes from true experience and proven success.  There is no better way to motivate your fellow missionaries than to lead from the front. 

You should focus on teaching and helping all the missionaries in your district excel at being:  1) pure in heart, 2) exactly obedient, and 3) Preach My Gospel missionaries.  Great promises have been given by the Prophet and Apostles for those missions and missionaries that follow Preach My Gospel with exact obedience.

As a leader, you will find it necessary from time-to-time and it is your part of your calling to correct others.  This often has to be done with directness but should always be in the spirit of love and kindness.  Great leaders are those who learn the proper balance of “reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.”  (D&C 121:43)

If you live your life in accordance with the teachings of the gospel and missionary rules, you will have the rights of inspiration and revelation in your assignment.  You will learn even more to recognize the still small voice and companionship of the Holy Ghost.  You will be inspired to do and say those things the Lord would have you do.  These sweet gifts do not come automatically but are conditioned upon your faithfulness and righteousness. 

I have great faith and trust in you and know that you will be a diligent and inspired leader. 

With love,

David J. Bullock

President

cc:  Parents

August 19- 23

Family,

Wow, this is truly an amazing place to be. Not only is it beautiful, but the work is so good. We have a full size ward and they are all very missionary minded. Going to church on Sunday was wonderful.  Everyone came up to me shook my hand and introduced themselves. It was great. Also, we have three investigators now dated for baptism!

President and Sister Bullock are coming to visit the Island this week for only the second time since they have been here. Everyone is really excited. You wouldn’t believe it but they are giving a fireside on Saturday, both speaking on Sunday, and then each teaching relief society and priesthood! WOW. Busy, busy busy for them, but amazing for the rest of us!

We live in Castletown, but the church is in Douglas about a 20min car ride. Literally I could take thirty steps and be in the ocean! It is so close. We usually travel to work in Douglas and eat lunch and dinner at the chapel. The senior couple is from Oregon/Utah/Idaho.  They have ten kids! They had us over for tea on Sunday and their flat is beautiful. It is in Douglas and overlooks the ocean. Oh and she fed this amazing Mexican food also, so great.

I don’t know if you found any church history while looking up the Isle of Man but apparently in the beginning of the church an apostle visited and dusted his feet on the whole island! Don’t worry that was a long time ago and times have changed. The people are wonderful.

Right now the Grand Pre is going on. People from all over the world travel to come and see these bikes race over 200 mph! We haven’t been able to see any of it only traffic jams. They close down the main roads and it takes forever to get anywhere but thankfully it’s only in the evenings. The weather has been very nice. It is usually a little rainy in the morning but it burns off quickly and then it is perfect.

So funny story, on Sunday the Allens weren’t ready for us yet so we went tracting a neighborhood behind their flat. Most of the houses were really nice, beachfront view, ..etc but anyway we continued and knocked on this door. This Grandma comes and says which one are you...puts her glasses on and then says oh okay...We chat a little and then she gets all excited and invites us in. Let’s just say after the opening prayer she lifts up her hands and shouts “YES! YES! JESUS IS HERE!” And then her and her husband proceeded to bash with us! HAHA this old grandma would fit it to a southern Baptist church any day. She was talking about how she places her hands and has POWER! POWER to cast out devils and heal the sick. Oh my goodness you had to have been there. She was born again and free from sin! It was a memory i wont forget. Just then we left after a few minutes of entertainment but we wanted to close with a prayer so they said only if we can give one for you. So we agreed, I finished my prayer ant then the husband gives a prayer. So we say amen and then his wife (grandma) lifts up her hand and shouts i want to give my witness to that prayer! Oh i wish i could have filmed everything cause it was that funny. The last thing she said is “Jesus I cant wait till i meet you wearing a hasbestus suit (i have no clue how to spell that) of your atoning blood!” It reminded me of some kind of lady gaga thing haha! Well i am glad that i know the truth!

Well i am still pressing though the new testament while trying to prepare for district meetings however, recently I have been hearing the quote, “two people can do anything as long as one of them is God.” I love that quote and when reading in Philippians Paul confirms that stating, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Both of these quotes help me realize that nothing is ever too big or too much for us to handle if we will turn to the Lord for help.

Love you and hope life is going great!

Love,

RIchard

MOM- White Porsche Blue interior sounds beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want pictures!!!!! Have you seen it yet? Did you order it or is it already done??? How did you come up with that combo? I am excited for you.

Jami did a good job! That is good to hear.  AJ only has 6months left! WHAT? That is crazy crazy. Are you sure they didn’t mean Robert? Tell Rique hello and that i got her postcard i will write her soon!

MAddawg boyfriend?! WHAT!? She is not going to wait for me! Wow this is what we call the black letter in the mission! J

Rowland Provo? HAHA I hope it works out for him

I don’t think i can get my license on this island because it is a different country but I should be all ready to take the test as soon as i get back to the main land! LOVE YOU

Ahoy from Paradise aka the The Rock aka The Isle of MAN!!!!

8/9 - 8/19

Family,

That subject was not a joke! I could not have even asked heavenly father to give me such a wonderful opportunity. Well besides being on the Isle I have been made District Leader, Senior Companion, I am follow up training, and I am driving with my American License.  It is beautiful here. Comparing it to Bolton is like comparing an apple to a hamburger it just doesn’t work! The people are friendly, the country is beautiful, and the ward is amazing. This is truly the envy of the mission!!!

My companion is Elder Boswell from Taylors Ville, Utah.  He was trained by an ex-assistant so needless to say he doesn’t need much following up! I sometimes question if I am the one being trained. We get along well though. Lots are going on here and I am really excited for this transfer!

We live with a member. She is amazing and so so kind. It is kind of hard to explain but we come in through the back and are able to get into our room, which is like a mini flat totally secluded from the house with everything we need. It is small but very nice. 

So the island is its own country and has its own government and currency etc.  It took a three-hour boat ride from Liverpool to get here. Last night we got in at about 11:30. There is a senior couple on the island (truly senior) and we work with them a lot. Their names are the Allen’s. I have met them at zone conferences before and they are wonderful! I have to give district meeting with just the four of us!  Pray for me. Also, Elder Sturt is my Zone leader so that is kind of fun.

Driving is interesting. The roads here are TINY and the speed limit is FAST. It is kind of scary but it’s also really fun. They have roundabouts that connect to other roundabouts. That was interesting!  HAHAHA we made it through no problems!!

Well Robert was baptized and confirmed last week and it was the perfect way to leave Bolton. Saying goodbye to everyone was good. I think we taught the most lessons in one day that I ever have! It was busy busy busy but great and I am now SO excited for the new adventures ahead.

For sister unsworth if you could send that directly to her that would be amazing! I was going to have you just throw some stuff in there but now that you’re sending it direct I don’t need it. She baked me a huge carrot cake and printed me off a map of the Isle and wrote down some little bits and bobs about the place. She is so kind and does so much!  Sadly I left the address at home and will get it to you next week.

Well tell Melissa congrats. I am so excited for her she will have lots of fun. I pray for the Bangarts often hope things get better soon.  Crazy/exciting to hear about jami and rique. I have a friend who actually is from Italy and rique trained his ex girlfriend. Elder Dopido. Funny clippings from Robert! That is a crazy story.

Robs new house sounds like a place I may have to visit! That is the parking lot I like to see. How is your calling going? I love that scripture thanks for sending it!

I am sure you all have lots of questions so just fire them away and I will respond to them on Monday! I love you all. Thanks for the emails and all that you do for me!!

Love,

Richard

PS. No car should ever come in yellow!

PPS. I have some funny things to tell you about this country like fairy bridge and manx cats! I will make sure to get that to you on Monday!!!