Kidney Transplant Gives Faith to Succeed

Mike Sheepwash of the Weston Super Mare Ward in the Bristol Stake is a man with a miraculous story. Three years ago Mike's doctor advised him that he had two years to live as a result of degenerative kidney failure. Subsequently Mike's wife had one of her kidneys transplanted to him.

Mike then went on to take leading roles in two amateur dramatic pantomimes in his local area, and he served with his wife as a temple worker at the London Temple. Mike then suffered problems with his bone structure, which resulted in the need to be wheelchair bound for a considerable period. Mike has since dispensed with the wheelchair on his own initiative and made plans to serve an eighteen-month mission at the London Temple commencing in January 2001 - David Rush, Clevedon Branch, Bristol Stake

Chief Scout Awards Earned

Two Scouts follow in the footsteps of their leaders in attaining Chief Scout awards for their LDS Scout group. Recently the 38th Bristol Scout Group, the oldest LDS Scout group in Great Britain, were recipients of two more Chief Scout awards when presentations were made to Luke Webb and Philip Gibson. These added to the award presented earlier in this year to Alistair Miller. The awards were made by Assistant Scout Commissioner, Neil Salter.

Luke is a pupil of Brislington Comprehensive School and is the son of Robert Webb, a Scout Leader in the 38th Bristol group who holds the Chief Scout award himself. Philip is a pupil at Bristol South College. His father, Philip, is the Assistant Cub Scout Leader and until recently his mother was the Cub Scout Leader - David Rush, Clevedon Branch, Bristol Stake

Concert Benefits Pain Management Trust

Under the direction of professional organist Mark Gillman, of the Merthyr Tydfil Ward in the Merthyr Tydfil Stake, several members of the ward took part in a charity concert at St David's Parish Church in Merthyr on 18 November 2000. The concert raised funds for the Bronllys Volunteer Support Group, which was formed 14 months ago. Brother Gillman has been ill for some months and has undergone extensive treatment at Bronllys Pain Management Hospital in Mid-Wales. The hospital serves all of Wales and part of the Midlands. At one point Brother Gillman had been forced to give up music because he was so ill. Through faith and courage he has been able to resume his career and now serves as the ward organist.

Kelly James, Eve Davies, ad Sian Jenkins each sang three solos, while Rebecca Pulman performed three flute solos. All were accompanied by Brother Gillman, who also played four organ solos and accompanied the Merthyr Tydfil Ladies Choir. Tenor soloist Hubert Ivorson sang three solos, including the famous "We'll Keep a Welcome in the Hillside."

All the concert proceeds were donated to the Bronllys Pain Management Trust. Brother Gillman and the volunteer group hope to continue raising funds for the hospital with more concerts planned for May and Christmas 2001 - Rebecca Pulman, Merthyr Tydfil Ward, Merthyr Tydfil Stake