In 1980, the United States ice hockey team won the gold medal after defeating what was thought to be an unbeatable team from the USSR. The Soviet National Team had won 6 of the previous 7 Olympic Games.
The story is told that when the US team was being organized, there was a great deal of contention among the players. They came from a variety of university teams and there were bad feelings between some of the athletes because of past competition.
To “punish” the team for their lack of unity, the coach made them skate sprint repetitions the length of the ice and back. After each repetition, he would ask a player, “What’s your name? Where do you come from? Who do you play for?”
One by one, the players would respond to the last question by giving the name of the college team they had come from. Time after time, the coach blew the whistle and made them skate another sprint.
After many, many repetitions, the team was exhausted. The assistant coach and the team doctor begged the coach to stop and let the team rest; but he continued to ask his questions and blow the whistle.
Finally, one of the players gasped out a new answer to the question, “Who do you play for?” He said, “I play for the United States of America!” The coach looked at his players for a moment, turned and said, “That will be all for today, gentlemen.”
As members, we should ask ourselves every day, “Who do I play for?” Mormon gave his answer:
“Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.” (3 Ne 5:13)
Every morning when we put on the badge, we should look at the two names. Our actions should bring honor to both names, but remember, one of those names is much more important than the other.
Who do you play for?
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
The Greater Good
Hello Families and Friends,
This week was really really sweet, well as long as candy is concerned, but the week was really sweet. Patience is something that I know the Lord is really trying to teach me and that is where I felt the need to grow most importantly. In our minds we live in a fast paced world with many distractions competing for our attention, we run to and fro looking for the shortest line, taking the self checkout instead of the regular checkout, the mentality of faster is better is the common attribute. When the times get tight we find ourselves looking for the quickest way to alleviate our struggles and make some hasty decisions that can cause more problems than we previously anticipated on having. "Continue in Patience until ye are perfected." At times we tend to just go through life, rather than allowing life to go through us the greatest good we can do for ourselves is to practice patience patiently. As we exercise our agency and use our resources to the fullest we can discover as we use our resources wisely as well as our time we can grow in ways we couldn't even imagine if we had sprinted the whole course rather than doing the steady Sunday drive. Patience is not praying for the change and then sitting, hoping, waiting, and wishing but tightening up the boot straps and keep on keepin on.Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Arms of an Angel
Dearest Family,
I apologize in advance for me neglecting to email/ update you on the
latest comings and goings of the Lord's work here in the vineyard that
is the Ghana Cape Coast Mission. Well this week has been a week of
profound pondering and self-examination, the question that continually
permeates my mind is this: Am I living up to the potential that
Heavenly Father sees in me? Well as for the answer I am searching and
seeking, and I know I will find. But as for this past week me and my
companion have been working hard to ensure that those we teach are
fully prepared to baptize, but as I came to understand the purpose of
this work in a more detailed way it dawned on me :D. We are called to
help others reach their full potential by helping them receive the
'fullness of the everlasting gospel' including all of the saving
ordinances that pertain to this gospel. I have a chart I would draw
out and send, but I will save that for when I come home, but knowing
this fact has inspired me to be better, to progress beyond where I now
stand, and resolve to look not with my natural eyes ( only seeing the
small picture and limiting my vision), but to see with an eye of
faith. Looking forward to the fullness rather than the glass being
half full. So I challenge you that receive these little refrigerator
reminders to look forward to you full potential and then strive to
help others to receive that same reward. I know that we will be able
to achieve it just as long as we make those much need and seemingly
miniscule adjustments to the blueprints of our lives.
Sidenote:
I have gotten a tad bit out of shape so every morning I go running and
man its exhausting, but I do know it will be rewarding somewhere in
the near future. All the bread here is slowly killing me..... I
haven't gotten chunky but I am starting to feel the after affects...
lol :D
I love all of you very deeply and I pray for you with every fiber of
my heart. Please remember to keep those in the affected Ebola
countries in your prayers, especially those residing in Liberia.
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
Arms of an Angel:
Well this past week was a little strange, but as the title states
there was a tender moment that I was able to experience last week, but
before we get to that here is a small side track:
If you could open your Book of Mormon to Alma 26:22, within there are
steps to not having but also living an abundant life here on this
beautiful place that we call Earth.
22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth
good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is
given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given
to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be
given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it
has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
in this verse I have come to know that these things work for our
benefit to grow closer to heavenly father as well as to receive
personal revelation for ourselves, and eventually one for a future
family. Repentance, Faith, bringing forth good works, and praying
without ceasing are all ways that we can prepare ourselves to receive
guidance and direction, which is something I know that all of us is
searching and digging for. I know this verse is especially true if you
feel that this particular verse rings true to you I invite you to
"experiment upon my words," and try it for yourself and you will be
amazed at the changes you will experience and the growth that you will
achieve.
As I stated earlier I had a tender moment on the way back from our
p-day activities, there was a small little girl sitting next to me on
the bus who decided I was gonna be her new friend, which was sweet
haha I mean a missionary is a pretty good friend right? But anyways as
we were traveling this small child, named Andra, was pretty much just
playing with my CTR ring which also Glows-in-the Dark, and you can
imagine her joy with that, and just having an overall enjoyable time.
Sorry I forgot to mention she is around the same age as my little
sister Emily. So as is the custom here in Africa children are
literally thrust into our arms, as we try to explain to the people the
whole thing about children and missionaries it just doesn't seem to
matter to them so it mfor very awkward situations, but anyways as we
approached a tro-tro station her grandmother decided to get out to run
and get water, and little Andra was almost thrown to me. As I sat
there me and the other missionaries were there to entertain to talk to
her until her grandmother returned. It was strange at first, but then
I was reminded of all those times where I would watch my sisters for
my mom. And looking at this child being literally protected by these
missionaries would be an experience that I am sure she will never
forget.
It was one of those big brother moments :D
Love all of you and always keep on keepin on
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
I apologize in advance for me neglecting to email/ update you on the
latest comings and goings of the Lord's work here in the vineyard that
is the Ghana Cape Coast Mission. Well this week has been a week of
profound pondering and self-examination, the question that continually
permeates my mind is this: Am I living up to the potential that
Heavenly Father sees in me? Well as for the answer I am searching and
seeking, and I know I will find. But as for this past week me and my
companion have been working hard to ensure that those we teach are
fully prepared to baptize, but as I came to understand the purpose of
this work in a more detailed way it dawned on me :D. We are called to
help others reach their full potential by helping them receive the
'fullness of the everlasting gospel' including all of the saving
ordinances that pertain to this gospel. I have a chart I would draw
out and send, but I will save that for when I come home, but knowing
this fact has inspired me to be better, to progress beyond where I now
stand, and resolve to look not with my natural eyes ( only seeing the
small picture and limiting my vision), but to see with an eye of
faith. Looking forward to the fullness rather than the glass being
half full. So I challenge you that receive these little refrigerator
reminders to look forward to you full potential and then strive to
help others to receive that same reward. I know that we will be able
to achieve it just as long as we make those much need and seemingly
miniscule adjustments to the blueprints of our lives.
Sidenote:
I have gotten a tad bit out of shape so every morning I go running and
man its exhausting, but I do know it will be rewarding somewhere in
the near future. All the bread here is slowly killing me..... I
haven't gotten chunky but I am starting to feel the after affects...
lol :D
I love all of you very deeply and I pray for you with every fiber of
my heart. Please remember to keep those in the affected Ebola
countries in your prayers, especially those residing in Liberia.
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
Arms of an Angel:
Well this past week was a little strange, but as the title states
there was a tender moment that I was able to experience last week, but
before we get to that here is a small side track:
If you could open your Book of Mormon to Alma 26:22, within there are
steps to not having but also living an abundant life here on this
beautiful place that we call Earth.
22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth
good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is
given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given
to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be
given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it
has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
in this verse I have come to know that these things work for our
benefit to grow closer to heavenly father as well as to receive
personal revelation for ourselves, and eventually one for a future
family. Repentance, Faith, bringing forth good works, and praying
without ceasing are all ways that we can prepare ourselves to receive
guidance and direction, which is something I know that all of us is
searching and digging for. I know this verse is especially true if you
feel that this particular verse rings true to you I invite you to
"experiment upon my words," and try it for yourself and you will be
amazed at the changes you will experience and the growth that you will
achieve.
As I stated earlier I had a tender moment on the way back from our
p-day activities, there was a small little girl sitting next to me on
the bus who decided I was gonna be her new friend, which was sweet
haha I mean a missionary is a pretty good friend right? But anyways as
we were traveling this small child, named Andra, was pretty much just
playing with my CTR ring which also Glows-in-the Dark, and you can
imagine her joy with that, and just having an overall enjoyable time.
Sorry I forgot to mention she is around the same age as my little
sister Emily. So as is the custom here in Africa children are
literally thrust into our arms, as we try to explain to the people the
whole thing about children and missionaries it just doesn't seem to
matter to them so it mfor very awkward situations, but anyways as we
approached a tro-tro station her grandmother decided to get out to run
and get water, and little Andra was almost thrown to me. As I sat
there me and the other missionaries were there to entertain to talk to
her until her grandmother returned. It was strange at first, but then
I was reminded of all those times where I would watch my sisters for
my mom. And looking at this child being literally protected by these
missionaries would be an experience that I am sure she will never
forget.
It was one of those big brother moments :D
Love all of you and always keep on keepin on
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
Friday, August 29, 2014
Adversity
Hello friends and family,
How are all of you doing and its great to be able to update you guys
on the progress of the work here in Liberia....ahem!...Ghana. This
week has been full of surprises and I am looking forward to the
experiences of being a missionary in the West Africa Mission. Well
where to start... Well the rain here is still about the same, but
there have been some significant changes in my diet and other areas of
life. Fufu is divine and even though I miss rice, I can get used to
it. Learning a new language is absolutely difficult, but it is also a
great learning experience.
Side Track:
Adversity is something that I have come to realize as a blessing
rather than a curse. Sometimes the trials that come our way may seem
defeating, deflating and oft times can be discouraging. We may be
uprooted from our homes, a friendship that was once sweet has now
turned sour, but whatever happens we can not allow for the feelings of
discouragement and disappointment to get at the heart strings. Life is
never a fixed pattern of events that line up with our every desire or
plans, even if everything falls through and plans aren't quite
achieved always remember that we can and will be lifted as we rely on
the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our Father in Heaven knows our trials,
dreams, goals, and the innermost desires of our hearts. I know some
areas of life may seem impossible, but as we read in Mark Ch.9:23"
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to
him that believeth."
Love you guys and stay cool
Elder Cooper
Funnies:
Whatever life throws at me I duck so it can hit the person behind me
How are all of you doing and its great to be able to update you guys
on the progress of the work here in Liberia....ahem!...Ghana. This
week has been full of surprises and I am looking forward to the
experiences of being a missionary in the West Africa Mission. Well
where to start... Well the rain here is still about the same, but
there have been some significant changes in my diet and other areas of
life. Fufu is divine and even though I miss rice, I can get used to
it. Learning a new language is absolutely difficult, but it is also a
great learning experience.
Side Track:
Adversity is something that I have come to realize as a blessing
rather than a curse. Sometimes the trials that come our way may seem
defeating, deflating and oft times can be discouraging. We may be
uprooted from our homes, a friendship that was once sweet has now
turned sour, but whatever happens we can not allow for the feelings of
discouragement and disappointment to get at the heart strings. Life is
never a fixed pattern of events that line up with our every desire or
plans, even if everything falls through and plans aren't quite
achieved always remember that we can and will be lifted as we rely on
the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our Father in Heaven knows our trials,
dreams, goals, and the innermost desires of our hearts. I know some
areas of life may seem impossible, but as we read in Mark Ch.9:23"
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to
him that believeth."
Love you guys and stay cool
Elder Cooper
Funnies:
Whatever life throws at me I duck so it can hit the person behind me
Friday, August 8, 2014
Ebola Outbreak: Reassigned
Well family and friends it is good to be able to finally email all of you and I am very much certain that you are wanting to know how everything is going here in well Africa, due to the Ebola Outbreak I have been reassigned to serve in the Ghana Cape Coast Mission from now until the end of my time as a full time missionary. What is even more exciting is that this coming Saturday I and my MTC brother, Elder Baldwin, will be celebrating our 1 year on mission so it is really cool to say that I served in two places on my mission so that is totally sweet :D so I am excited and I am safe don't worry just keep on keepin on :D
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
New mission address:
Elder Bryan Cooper
Ghana Cape Coast Mission
PMB CC 1385
Cape Coast, Ghana
Elder Bryan Cooper
Ghana Cape Coast Mission
75 Nkanfoa Road, Third Ridge
Cape Coast, Ghana
Monday, July 21, 2014
Sargent Cooper
Well hello everybody here's yet another update, and it is quite the doozy first starting with my lovely locks of hair, which isn't very much to begin with.... Here in Liberia they do not have the luxury of hair clippers so the next alternative is a razor blade, but luckily for me the spot I found had the fabled hair machinery, I could hardly contain myself. Eagerly sitting down in the chair I was awaiting to be redeemed from the wild animal that was growing on my head. First the barber went ahead and tried to use the blade, but to no avail my hair was just too ferocious. So big boy got out the heavy machinery..... The battle long and hard, but finally the beast was tamed... And now my hair is at an all time low, the lowest its been since I was middle school.
Well other than my hair Liberia is sweet and rainy season is in full effect and so rain boots are getting a full drenching, mud puddles are awaiting my rubber footprint. The experience is sweet and luckily I get to share all of my experience with new missionary fresh out of the MTC, and he just finished his first transfer, so he is very much excited to be out in the field, and I am excited to dispense my understanding unto him, but always in small doses haha.Miracles:
Well this week my miracle was one of my investigators in my last area was baptized on Saturday. Sis. Johnson is an older woman, who just so happened to come to church back in March, but she had to go away on business to Maryland County, but I felt it was necessary to give her all of tracks and a copy of the Book of Mormon. the week before I was transferred, she came back and she had answered all of the questions on the tracks in the additional study section, had finished reading the Book of Mormon, and had received a testimony of the Book of Mormon and its truthfulness. I was definitely excited about her progress, and even more impressed by her sincere desire to go the temple. I also found out that she lives in Atlanta, Ga, about 45 minutes from my house to be exact and on her way to work she would drive by the Atlanta Georgia Temple every morning. Seeeing the temple spurned her desire even more to investigate the Church, and that desire eventually led to her conversion.
7/14/14
The area is very sweet and pretty awesome, last night was the final for World Cup so you can imagine how busy it was all day long :D. But we did receive news that Germany did end up beating Argentina 1-0. Great way to start off the week right well back to business..... The area I am in is very fruitful, but nothing good comes easy, as my companion says. The Book of Mormon is indeed TRUE, if you don't believe me try and take the test. Read, Ponder, and Pray... The Book of Mormon is not a book you can just pick lightly read and then put it down again expecting to receive some profound revelation. It just does not work that way, we have to seek and search the Scriptures diligently in order to receive any witness of the truth. Training ourselves to drink deeply the scriptures and then resolve act on the personal revelation we receive. In my reading of the Book of Mormon I have come to know that it is true and that in order to receive that testimony we have to seek after it diligently. Alma 32.
This transfer I will hit my year mark and it is too strange to think that time has flown by so fast, before I know it will be Christmas again O__O WHAAAA!!!!! Its all good though I still have some time here to devote to the work, so look forward to some very unique emails and stories between now and Christmas time.
Love you guys and stay safe over there.
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
Monday, July 7, 2014
"Its true, its true"
Well everyone I have been transferred yet again, this time to Gardnersville New Georgia. You can say I am so close to home yet so far away :D. The area is definitely sweet and I am loving the new companion that I have from Nigeria. Oh and I am now a trainer, I will be helping my new companion, Elder Nnaji, or Elder Ninja as the local branch members call him haha I will be sure to include a picture the next email. But other than that the time is slipping by quickly, and I can believe that it has already been 11 months that I have been away from home, and the experiences that I have gained so far have definitely been soul stirring. One account I will share with you is from my last area in Thinker Village:
One of my former investigators, Sis. Warner, read the section of Alma 32 that we had assigned her, and we returned the next day to follow up with her prayer. As we started the lesson we were just led to talk about how to recognize answers from the Holy Ghost. And she expressed that she really didn't pray, because she didn't know how the answer would come.
So afterwards I asked her how she felt, and she stated she felt peace in her heart. Then I asked her about what she thought and this is what she said.
" I keep hearing its true, its true......"
I was definitely overjoyed to hear those words and I knew that what she had said was true, and it strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon even more.
Mission is sweet and so is the work, keep pushing and keep hastening the work, and all will be well.
Peace, Love, and Hula Hoops
Elder Cooper
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