Dear Family, 28 September 2009

Many of you have sent letters and we so appreciate them. I just tried to put a few things in this letter that would answer some of your questions. We love hearing about the family and have so enjoyed your letters, and the forwarded letters from Alicia. She sounds like she is doing fine work with the spirit, which will bless her with the language. She already loves these people from her and Maddison’s experience a year or so ago.

We work with a set of Elders (Elder Driscoll from Aberdeen, Idaho, Dad, Mom, and Elder Shull from Pennsylvania. Elder Shull has only been a member 3 years.) here on the island. We are the only called missionaries working on the island. There is one ward, called Douglas Ward. The ward has a very strong missionary committee and they will teach with the Elders “as a lesson taught to investigators with a member present” . Dad and I also teach, just like the full time Elders as we are trained and called to do the same. We also work strongly with the ward less active members and have been able to visit every member of the ward since we have been here.

Many of the wards less active are part member families. Some are child of record who never went to church after they were baptized and know very little about the church. So they are much the same as a new convert.

Here is Sain (pronounced Shawn) Malloy just baptized on the 18th of September by the tall Elder Driscoll. She was golden and came unto Christ by a lot of study and the Elders gave her lessons each week. She would write down her answers and present them each time they came to teach. She is the niece of Wilma (from Scotland) who was baptized in August. Also Wilma’s mother and her older son, both in Scotland were baptized a week ago. So the field is white and the work goes on. We had 30 baptisms in our mission last month.

We have another baptism scheduled on the 26th if we can get all the paper work proper. The way the missionaries teach now using the Preach my Gospel is wonderful. I think I sent some opening approaches that we use here in the EMM mission that I think will be adopted into the training of the missionaries all over the world. They are taken from the PMG and have doubled our baptism in this mission. If you saw them and read through them, they are words that can be used when first approaching someone, while teaching, and while testifying.

The girl on the left is Jie Shan (Jie is pronounced “G”) She lives above us in the apartment and is from China. She has no knowledge of anything spiritual. All the words we use about Christianity or Religion is totally new to her. We have spent some time just helping her understand who God is and Jesus Christ. She doesn’t understand apostles and prophets. She is very intelligent and speaks English very well. She is on the island as a buyer for China. We will continue teaching her and maybe she will come unto Christ.

We are trying to keep up with the college football teams. Even though we don’t have a TV, we do go on and check the scores at the “end of the day” (an English phrase). We are watching BYU, Boise, U of W, USU and maybe a little UofU. Not to interested in Oregon. I’m sure that Dad is looking at more, but that is enough to make me happy. Kind of surprised at BYU’s last game, but we are still early in the season.

We are enjoying the mission and keep very busy. Dad is in his glory!!! He tells me that he doesn’t talk much, but I can tell you that when he is talking scriptures he never stops talking. I keep reminding him that we need to simplify, but too much information is only confusing. That is Dad’s challenge and mine is not saying enough. So I’m sure we some what balance each other.

We do have some family file names we could send if anyone is interested. They will need to have the baptisms to sealing done. I know that we have a few grandchildren turning 12 and these would be wonderful for them to take to the temple and do the baptism as a family. I will for sure send some for Emily, Pierce and Andrew.


We sure love you all. Please keep your letters coming as we love hearing all about home. We pray for you all each and every day and know the Lord hears and answers our prayers in behalf of our families at home.

Love ya, Mom and Dad

Hiya, Hiya, dear family and friends, 9 September 2009

This greeting is Manx. It is given in a high, cheerful tone.
Picture of River Ribble, site of a recent zone conference. How blessed we are, all of us, to be engaged in this great work, this marvelous work and a wonder, this building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and the establishment of Zion, this gathering of the Lord’s elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other, this binding together families forever that when the Lord comes we may be able to stand and so standing be connected to our roots (ancestors or fathers) and to our branches (descendants or children)—Malachi 4:1, JSH 1:37

The stone was cut out without hands the 6th of April 1830 in upper state New York and first commenced to roll forth to fill the earth at this place: the River Ribble, where citizens of Preston often took Sunday strolls along the promenade leading from the city to Avenham Park. On Sunday, July 30, 1837, a crowd gathered at the river’s edge curious about the baptisms taking place there. They watched George D.Watt, who had changed his clothing a short distance away, race an older gentleman to the river, claiming the honor of being the first Latter-day Saint to be baptized in England. Because baptizing by immersion in the open air was somewhat novel, a concourse of between seven and nine thousand persons assembled on the banks of the river to witness the ceremony. A total of nine individuals were baptized that Sabbath morning, only one week after the first meeting in the Vauxhall Chapel.

From these small beginnings in the summer of 1837 when the Lord called Heber C. Kimball and six companions to take the message of the restored gospel to England, great things have come to pass. Many thousands of us are in the Church today because our English ancestors listened to these and the missionaries that followed. My grandmother heard the missionaries in Warwickshire, England, as a young girl, was healed of a fatal heart problem by their blessing when she was 14, baptized a member of the Church when she was 19 and emigrated to America. The stone continues to grow to fill the earth.

Joan Grimshaw, Phil and Christine Taylor, and Wilma Muir are recent converts. Their baptisms have filled our hearts with joy, the Douglas ward is energized with love and thanksgiving for these wonderful additions to the ward family. Wilma’s son and her mother are being baptized in Scotland this weekend.

Brother and Sister Taylor ask Edwick Zimvave, a convert of less than a year (she and her husband and 2 year old son will be sealed in the Preston Temple this November) to give the closing prayer for their baptismal service. Christine Taylor did the flower arrangements which were given to each participant in the service. These precious people are like thousands over the world who listen to the voice of the Lord, repent, make sacred covenants with the Lord, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. They experience a mighty change in their hearts, smile with warmth and radiant inner beauty, dress differently, work better, really love their families—they do everything better. They simply become more beautiful people through the sanctifying power of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Three daughters of Zion: Sister Allen, Christine Taylor, baptized the evening this picture was taken, and Sain (pronounced Shaun) Malloy whose baptism is set for the 19th of September. Sain wept for joy in our recent fast and testimony meeting when, after bearing her own sweet testimony, it was testified of her that the miracle of her personal changes for the better had strengthened the testimonies of the members and filled their hearts with love and joy for the Lord and His tender mercies.

Elder Driscroll, one of the Lord’s true messengers, Brother Taylor, a purebred Manxman, (baptized the evening this picture was taken), Daryl Cronin who is dated for baptism the 26th of September (he was in grief after his mom died just recently, was given a priesthood blessing which so comforted and touched him in his heart that he ask to have the missionary lessons and become a member of the Church. We meet with him regularly. The changes in his person are miraculous and bring great joy to us all.), and Bishop Grove from Australia who is overjoyed for these great new members coming into the Douglas ward.

All things are fulfilled by faith on the part of many. We can do nothing of ourselves. This is God’s work and His glory. No man or woman stands alone. We without them cannot be made perfect neither can they without us be made perfect.

The upper floor of this flat was occupied by Elder Hinckley and his companion in 1933. Elder Hinckley was discouraged. He wrote his father that he was coming home. His father wrote back, “Gordon, forget yourself and go to work”. And his father was not lacking in prayers for his son. Elder Hinckley chose to stay the course and millions have been and will be blessed for it. So it was for Alma the younger whose father prayed for him with much faith and diligence. The miracle of the angel coming to Alma and his companions to bring Alma to repentance and conversion was God’s alone to do by the prayer of faith of Alma’s father and others. Indeed by faith all things are fulfilled (Ether 12: 3).

Your faith and prayers on behalf of the missionaries helps bring about these miracles of conversion. Thank you so much for your faith, love and support. The Lord gifts to us each and every soul that comes into His Kingdom. The miracles that God grants for our blessing are a direct result of our collective faith, prayers, righteous example, and love. You are in our prayers for the marvelous work you are able to do in your homes, your workplaces, our Temples, and your neighborhoods as you invite all with whom your are privileged to be to come unto Christ.

We are wonderfully busy, healthy, and feel so blessed to have these great experiences together. Zion has not fled. Zion is here and there and everywhere over the earth. Love always,

Dad and Mom, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Allen

The Field is White .... and here WE COME!

May 13 2009

We arrived in Mancester after a long day and night on Delta Airlines. We were met at the airport by two Elders who were the assistent to the President. They swept up our heavy luggage like it weighted nothing at all and put into the mission van (this van was more like a utility van).

They took us directly to the mission home where President and Sister Bullock was waiting for us and after a warm welcome and a picture taken (and the Elders carried all our luggage up stairs where we were going be for the night) we were met by all the Senior couples in the mission for a nice meal that Sister Bullock had prepared. So we met Elder and Sister Hafen over CES, Elder/Dr. and Sister Simonsen mission Doctor, Elder and Sister Davis office missionaries, Elder and Sister Steenhoek prosilting, Elder and Sister Berry prosyliting.

(Elder and Sister Steenhoek from California)

We then had a short interview with the President and he told us where we were going to serve and that we should be ready by 10:00 am to leave for the ferry. Another pair of office Elders were given the responsibility to get us to the ferry on time. We had our car, but we were instructed to follow them as they would lead us to the ferry. We could have made it without them as we had the GPS and a good map and Dad was familiar with driving on the left side. However, we followed them through small villiages and into tight roads where we had to turn on a dime and get back in the right direction. We were watching the clock as it looked like we were not going to make the ferry. Our time was to be on the ferry by 1:30 as it left dock by 2:15. We finally got to the ferry at 1:45 and was the last car permitted on which we were told has never happened.

We arrived on the Isle of Man at 5:30 and drove to the apartment, where the Elders were waiting for us. The had been instructed by Pres. Bullock to help us get into our apartment and that they were to take care of us the next few days. We appreciated that as they knew the island and where the bank, car register, post office, electric company and grocery store. They stayed with us and while we were standing in line at the above places, they would leave and go out on the street to talk to people about "coming unto Christ". They had about 7 appointments that day as we were down in the town square.

Elder and Sister Davis, were the ones to find our nice apartment. It is only four rooms counting the bathroom, bedroom, laundry room and kitchen/living room, but very nice and clean. It is all electric so with a switch we have hot water and fast wall heaters. We have an entry gate that has to be opened with a combination (like David and Alison) also a garage for the car, a view of the sea and a large patio if we want to go outside for some sun. It is furnished, but our Bishop came over to get acquainted and he took us to an antique sale and we bought a couple of computer tables and a small table for our entry which hold the pamphlets, extra Book of Mormon's that the mission provides for us to hand out when we are teaching.

Our assignment here is to find and get acquainted with all the Douglas Ward members on the record, which is about 250 and about 75 are active and working with callings in the ward. So we have the full ward membership records and have been searching out everyone. We are getting better in finding our way around the island. We're still not sure how this island sits in relationship to north, south, east, and west.

President Bullock was somewhat concerned about our arriving at the island about the same time as the Big TT races. This race has been going on in this island for about 100 years and motorcyles from all over the world come here to race or be a part of this event. So the last week of May they started with qualifying races and then raced the first full week of June and ended the 13th of June.

We have seen a few motorcycles in England and here on the Isle of Man, but within a week the number of bikes grew by large numbers. They expected to have an additional 50,000 people come for this event and many would be riding their own bikes. So there football fields (or what we call soccer) were opened up to house tents for all the incoming spectators. Many of the hotels, apartments, rooms in homes, and even some left their homes to be 'to let' (rented out).

So we have had a couple of interesting weeks with all these bikers. I have felt like we were living in the center of a bee hive, at times. We had motorcycles on each side of the car going high speeds. These bikers seemed to be careful with rules of the road, and all of them were dressed in heavy leather clothings, with helmets, shoes, everything matching and seemed to be well protected. We have been busy finding members and stayed pretty clear of all this action.

We have made over 100 address contact , with about 70 members that we have talked to face to fact. Some have invited us back and we are set to give lessons to about 7 families a week, not including the Single Adults which we have offered to teach a weekly Institute class. Bishop has asked us to do a monthly "Faith in God" achievement days for the Primary. Dad is in his glory and I just hang on to the seat of his pants. How blessed am I to have such a strong missionary companion. What can I say?

Some of this will be repeated from my earlier letters, but I thought this would be a good way to include some more pictures and to journal all at once.

We love you all, and miss you terrible.

Mom and Dad - Elder and Sister Allen

Hey, Elder, "Let's go and do some good"

We had a wonderful experience in the MTC. It was a short four day crash course, but built our spirits ready to serve. We had the joy of being there the same time as our sweet granddaughter, Alicia. So we had lunch with her as often as we could and gots as many hugs as possible. Here are a few pictures: Jeff and Poppy and family came to see us into the MTC along with Kimberly and Jennifer and the little boys, Ayden and Ethan.


We love these pictures they are all unique, some looking, some crying, some laughing, and Jeff holding on to Ethan and here Kimberly is taking the picture.


Poppy is taking this picture and again we love the expressions on everyones faces.




Elder Allen and Sister Allen just received our tags, so we were putting them on each other. Notice I have my featherweight sewing machine above the tag. (Go figure!)

Here we are in the map picture, except England was way too high for us to reach. It is somewhere up there.
We left the MTC and had a couple days in Salt Lake before we flew out of for Manchester. So while in Salt Lake we celebrated Dad's birthday with Kimberly and had Melanie and Keven join us for a couple days.

Here we are in the Apartment in Salt Lake on Sunday after church, just before Melanie and Keven left for Boise.

Jeff and Kimberly took us to the airport on Monday May 11th 2009. We were really happy to have them with us. It was a great help for us to get our heavy luggage checked, but the best was to have them there to say, "good bye".

2009 Mission Call

A wonderful day as we awaited for all our children
to come on a conference call to share the moment of opening the Big White Envelope...(same as Alicia).

Two of our families, who live close were with us in the home, Brian & Sheri, Nathan and Daniel, and Trevor and Lisa, Aubrey, Colby, Sierra, Savanna and Ariel.

We waited until 6:15 pst and it took us about 10 minutes to get everyone on the line so Ron could open and read the call.

We were delighted to get our Full Time Mission Assignment as a couple. We have been asked to serve in the "England Manchester Mission" the big EMM for 23 months and will be enter the MTC on the 4th of May 2009 and leave for England on the 11th of May 2009.

We, of course, are very excited and anxious as we think of the many things we need to do to leave our lovely Portland, our children, our new beautiful home, and ALL our family, friends, and loved ones.

We know that blessings will surround all of you and that as we and Alicia serve the Lord for these few months, all of us will feel of these blessings.

Here is Ethan Carter Kunz

He was born 20 Janaury 2009 in Provo, Utah. Sweet little Great Grandson . Congratulations to Jenny and McKay for a job well done. We know that Brian and Sheri are very proud Grandparents. Here he is:

Here is BIG Brother Ayden with a happy smile. He loves his new brother and is just a happy boy.

Another picture of this family enjoying the student life and being parents to these cute little boys.

We are ever greatful for these new little babies and the joy they bring into our lives. We love you all and will be looking forward to many more pictures to come.

Ethan's blessing is planned for the 1st March 2009 in Provo, Utah.

Exciting News from Alicia

We are so excited to announce that Alicia, Jeff and Poppy's daughter, received her mission call today.

We were able to be a part of her opening the BIG WHITE ENVELOPE. She sweetly read the letter word for word, so we could enjoy the moment. It is amazing how wonderful technology is today to be far reaching all over the world.

Did I not tell where she is going...sorry, the best Mission in the Church of course. "Guatemala, Guatemala City North Mission" and she will report to the MTC on the 22 April 2009. We love our Alicia.
We are next to receive the BWE.

Just so you know we were on a conference call with nearly all of her Uncles and Aunts from the Allen Family. We had Trevor, David, Michael, Heather, and Carolyn. Brian, Melanie and Kimberly were either at meetings or working. (next time we will get everyone.)

Congratulations Anna

Congratulations as the winner of the contest. We want you to know how blessed we are to have this wonderful daughter-in-law. She and our son Michael have given us wonderful grandchildren not unlike themselves....as follows:

Grandchild #1 - This is "Jacob the Storm Trouper".

He is ever ready to fight for the right and conquer good over evil. Like I said, "he is ever ready."

Grandchild #2 - This is "Isaac the Wizard"

He will cast spells on anything that moves. I would hold very still if you see him coming as he carries a wand at ALL times. He loves to capture moving things and is known for finding them first.

Grandchild #3 - This is "Bright Eyed Clara"

She was born with the most colorful eyes. Her vision is ever so good. She can see even into your 'mind'.

Grandchild #4 - This is "Superman William".

He is faster than a speeding bullet and quick as lightening. When someone is in distress he will come to their aid. However, he has one rule and that is he must always be 'happy' or you are not invited to his brthdayprty.

Grandchild #5 - Last but not least is "James the Lion"

He came with lots of soft fur and is very cuddily. He give hugs and kisses, which is followed with the kinds word of "tank ewe".

What more could bring us blessing than these wonderful (but strange) grandchildren. We love them all.

Announcing

We are announcing the winner of this weeks "Favorite Daughter-In-Law" contest. (Drum roll...) after>>>>>

Anna!

before>>>>>>>>

We are so happy that our eighth child, Michael, found it within his heart to take this poor girl off the streets and give her a decent life. We pray for this sweet girl and hope that she can make a happy life for herself, despite her, um, natural limitations (which we all try not to talk about for her sake). Congratulations, Anna! We love you.

Post Merry Christmas - Happy New Year