First E-mail From the Field

HEYYYYYY.  Well I am out in the field!

I’m actually really close to London, kinda.  I am on the coast right on the mouth of the Thames River. It’s called Southend-on-Sea.  It’s great. It’s kind of a posh place but there are lots of investigators and apparently we get fed a lot.

My companion is Elder Murri from Idaho.  I like him a lot – actually he is the man! We work really well together.  Being in the field is so much better than the MTC!

Here's my address: 

14C Marine Avenue
Westcliffe On Sea

Essex, SS0 7PS

England

United Kingdom

We looked up Christian's address on the internet and found these street-view pictures of his flat and the street.  He is very close to the walking paths along the seashore.

Letter from President Patch

  

27 June 2012

Dear Brother & Sister Purdy,

We are pleased to let you know that your son, Elder Christian William Purdy, has arrived in the England London Mission.  He seems very happy to be here, and is anxious to get to work.  We are excited to have him here and look forward to getting to know him better.

Soon after he arrived, we introduced him to his first companion, Elder Tanner Hollis Murri.  He is a wonderful young man and one of our very best missionaries.  Elder Murri will teach your son the joy of sharing the gospel.  They have been assigned to work in the Southend-on-Sea area in the Romford zone.  I have attached a picture of your son with myself, Sister Patch and Elder Murri.

 

Missionaries greatly benefit from weekly letters from their families that encourage them in their work and express the family's love and support for them.  They are also allowed to receive emails from their families and can respond to them once each week.  Your letters and emails will be very important to your son during his period of service.

We consider the physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing of our missionaries to be our top priority, and we do everything we can to make their time here a positive and faith-promoting experience.  Elder Purdy is doing the work of the Lord and will be blessed by our Heavenly Father in countless ways for his selfless service.

 

Again, we thank you for allowing your son to serve in the England London Mission.  Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions or concerns you might have.

Sincerely,

Renn M. Patch, President

England London Mission

Goodbye MTC

last e-mail home

Captions from pictures posted by the Missionary Training Center:

Time to say goodbye to our great group.  Luggage down by 6:15 a.m.  

“Let’s gather for prayer.”  

London South and Birmingham went on the same coach – a big one to hold all the luggage.

   It takes about two hours to Birmingham and another two-and-a half to South London.

Everyone will be there by lunch. 

  Five missionaries [including Christian] are going to the London mission.

They go by train from Preston to London. 

President Williams gives Elder Purdy a goodbye hug.

Elder Knuttson left last to catch a plane to Sweden. 

"Goodbye. It’s been a wonderful three weeks.  Our prayers and love go with you."

London is Calling to Me

            I LEAVE FOR LONDON ON WEDNESDAY! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!

                It’s actually kind of bittersweet cause I am going to miss all of these guys, but I am excited to actually teach and what not.

                It will truly be something. They said some missionaries will help out with the Olympics like traffic and all that stuff so maybe that will be me.
 

              

Street-Contacting Round #2

from Christian's e-mail:

"We went into Manchester today.  It went better -- we gave out a few Book of Mormons and what not."

Picadilly Train Station

National Anthem Day

In the evening they had a "National Anthem Day."  Each missionary held his or her country's flag, told what they loved about their country, and then sang their national anthem.  In this group at the England MTC there were missionaries from 14 different countries -- America, Belgium, Poland, Russia, England, Wales, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, India, and South Africa.  They all sang "God Save the Queen" together.

"What I love about America..."

singing "The Star-Spangled Banner"

 

 

Sister King -- Australia                                             Sister Lau -- England

Elder Hovizavi -- Germany                                       Sister Pallekonda -- India

 

 Elder Chardon -- Belgium                                       Elder Fesolai -- New Zealand

Elder Cangas -- Philippines                                        Elder Wilkosz -- Poland

     Elder Grachev -- Russia                                        Elder McKnight -- South Africa 

 Elder Chacon -- Spain

  Elder Akebrand and Elder Knutsson -- Sweden

Elder Patten -- Wales

 

Everyone sang "God Save the Queen"

Sunday Singing

The missionaries were invited to sing in the Chorley 3rd Ward.

walking to church

warming up to sing
(Christian = photobomber)

Letter of Departure

June 23, 2012

Dear Brother and Sister Purdy,

Your son will be departing from the England Missionary Training Centre on Wednesday, June 27.  We want you to know how much we have enjoyed having him with us.

Elder Purdy is a fine young man and we are grateful for the opportunity we have had to work with him on a daily basis.  He is well-prepared for his mission and he continues each day to grow spiritually.  He is developing good teaching skills and is excited about the work.  He will soon be ready for full time service in the England London Mission.

We love this young man and are grateful to you for all you have done to prepare him for this wonderful time in his life.  Your love and continued support are important to his success.   Letters from home are always greatly anticipated and appreciated.

May you and your family be blessed as he continues to serve our Heavenly Father.

Sincerely,

President and Sister Walker

President and Sister Williams

Zone Meeting

Hinckley Zone

The Best of Britain

Today the missionaries had a "Best of Britain" dinner in the cafeteria.  They were served fish and chips, Cornish pasties, and steak and kidney pie.  They also sang, "God Save the Queen."