Sisters Give and Receive Joy through Service

Three years ago Ann Durbin, a member of the Trowbridge Ward, Bristol Stake, sent Christmas shoe boxes through the Samaritians Charity to children in Romania. Enclosed with each box was a letter and a family photograph.

To Ann's joy she received a letter from a young woman in Teius, Romania. The letter, written in excellent English, was a thank you on behalf of the children who received the boxes.

The two letter writers were amazed at how much they had in common: both are Christians, both share the same name (Ann); both are primary school and Sunday school teachers; both served as missionaries (one went on short summer missions for her church, one is a stake misssionary); both were bookeepers (one did bookkeeping to help herself through university, the other did bookkeeping from home). It seemed that the Lord had a hand in placing the boxes.

Soon two groups of children, ages 3-15 years, were learning of each others' lives. The children exchanged pictures of their favourite foods and hymns, learned how each other celebrated Christmas, and much, much more.

This Christmas the Relief Society of the Trowbridge Ward knitted or crocheted 35 sets of hats, scarves, and mittens for each of the 35 children in Teius.

Sister Durbin, the only member of the Church in her family, inspired and helped the ward to achieve this service, as well as other charitable works. - Sarah Turvey, Trowbridge Ward, Bristol Stake

Temple Work Shows Dedication

Members of the Plymouth Stake, which stretches from Penzance in the West to Barnstable in the East, regularly attend the overnight sessions at the London Temple. Members leave their homes and families from mid-afternoon onwards and arrive at the temple at mid-night. They are quickly about Father in Heaven's business, and the physical reward of a cooked breakfast follows the spiritual feast enjoyed through the night. During 2000, one hundred members attended as a millennium celebration.

Although lacking sleep, all the members seem to manage, but it can be said that the coach is quiet on the homeward run. - Terry Dean, St. Austell Ward, Plymouth Stake

Merthyr Stake Centre is Refurbished

The Merthyr Tydfil Stake Centre has recently been refurbished after many years of service. The building contractors, Stradform, constructed a new roof and did substantial work to the boundary wall, as well as extensive. While work was being carried out inside the building, the organ, piano, pews, and joinery were placed in storage. All were incorporated into the final design.

Stake President, Alan Davies said, "I am very happy with the work carried out The church building has given great service over the years but was in need of significant structural repair. We are delighted with the high standard of workmanship that has taken place, both externally and internally, and look forward to making use of the much improved facilities."