Back in 1989 Jonathan Sim, from Aberdeen, was called to serve in the England London Mission. In both the Watford and Norwich areas he served with Matthew Gore from York. The two of them developed a really good relationship, sharing a love of football and they made a great team. In fact, Jonathan reported that Elder Gore was the best missionary he served with. Over the years they kept in contact and met at an England London Mission Reunion in July 2013 where Jonathan also met Matthew’s son, Jacob.
Imagine Jonathan’s surprise some nine months later while dining with friends in Witham, Essex to find that one of the other dinner guests was none other than Matthew’s son. No longer just Jacob Gore, he was now Elder Gore, currently serving in the England London Mission. Much of the talk over dinner found Jonathan regaling Elder Gore with tales of what his father did during his mission.
Coincidences do not finish there. Jonathan’s eldest son, Joseph, who lives in Canada, was called to serve in the England Leeds Mission. At the time of General Conference he was serving in the Selby Ward, so he had to travel to York to attend the Priesthood session of General Conference. While there he met the bishop of the York Ward, Bishop Matthew Gore. So two missionary companions from 1989 had the blessing of each meeting the other’s son. What a wonderful example of the Lord’s tender mercies as he blesses those that selflessly heed the call to serve a mission.