As we will be heading for home next Tuesday, February 16th, our S&I Coordinator came to our Institute class this week to give us a departing gift of this Miner's Lamp. He read the following letter as he presented it to us in front of the class:Dear Elder and Sister Cable,
A Davy Miner's Lamp is the traditional British farewell gift in the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion programme.
The miner's lamp is symbolic of many things. The Master said, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16) For the last fifteen months you have held up a light to the young adults in Wales. The Psalmist tells us: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105) The scriptures have been your lamp and with them you have illuminated many a darkened path for students.
Welsh LDS miners have figured prominently in church history. You may remember that it was miners of Britain who helped bring about Fast Sunday. Originally, the first Thursday of the month was set aside by the Church for fasting. However, the hot conditions and heavy work in the mines caused severe discomfort for miners who were fasting, and "Fast Thursday" was changed to "Fast Sunday" in Britain because of this. Later, in 1896, this pattern was established for the whole Church. It has been estimated that some 14 percent of LDS immigrants in the mid-nineteenth century were miners, mostly from the British Isles and in particular Wales. Their contribution was considerable. Many were employed by Brigham Young to pioneer new mining colonies to exploit the mineral resources of Utah, especially iron and coal. You also have been pioneers developing the S&I programme in Wales and helping Welsh students discover their hidden potential.
The miner's lamp is a safety device--a lamp of protection, to warn in times of danger and prevent tragedy, even death. As you have served your mission, watching over and teaching Institute students, your light has been their protection. Wherever the miners went, they took their safety lamps, known as "Davy Lamps," after the inventor, Sir Humphrey Davy. The lamps were able to detect the presence of explosive gas, without causing an explosion themselves. One little-known fact is that Davy refused to patent his invention, even though had he done so he would have made a fortune, so widespread was its use. The reason he gave was that the lamp was created to serve the cause of humanity, for which he sought no reward. As you have taught the Gospel in Wales at great personal cost, the students and priesthood leaders have seen the same spirit of selfless service in you.
God Bless you. Wales and its Saints cannot thank you enough.
David Beale
S&I Coordinator
That was so nice. I must say it is extremely difficult to leave these students who are a bright and shining light to us. We have gained so much more from them than we have given. What a joy they have been.
__________________________________________________________________
6 COMMENTS: [I had to add these as I deleted this post then re-entered it.]
Julie said...
That is so awesome!! What a great thing to have in your home to remind you of the experiences you've had and the relationships you've formed while in Wales. You have sure done a great work there, and it will be so nice to have a little tangible reminder of that.
February 11, 2010 9:46 AM
Becky said...
I can't believe you are coming home early. What an abrupt end to your mission. I hope Wayne is doing well. I bet Cherie will be glad to have you home -- and the rest of your family as well.
February 11, 2010 11:36 AM
Wren said...
Very nice blog! Thanks so much for sharing.
February 13, 2010 12:32PM
Kim said...
Very appropriate. Thanks for always letting your lights shine for me, and protecting me from hidden dangers as well. I love you.
February 14, 2010 12:38PM
Julie said...
I think you should continue blogging, now making it all about your awesome family. :)
February 18, 2010 12:17 PM
Katie Kerr Wrede said...
You must be feeling such mixed emotions. I hope the best for you and Wayne.
February 19, 2010 8:29AM
No comments:
Post a Comment