Because He Lives

Well, this was a good week!  Elder Olsen goes home in 12 days, and boy, he's stressing out!  It probably doesn't help that I always remind him how soon it is coming!  No need to fear; I'm working him hard! 

This week we picked up four new investigators!  But, for those, we only taught two member-present lessons.  How does that work out?  I'll tell you!

Mar. 23, Mon:  For P-Day, we went fishing.

I only caught one fish, but we'll get them next time! 

 

Fishing was very enjoyable. 

Brother Clower took us out to Subway, and then we went to Sister Horne's and Johnny Brown's.  Sister Horne's nonmember mother, (who we call "Ma," I don't know her real name) was really interested in the 13 Articles of Faith.  We shared them with her, and she stated, "That's GOOD."  She probably would come to church, but she has to stay home with her bedridden husband. (We call him "Pops."  Again, I don't know his real name.)

Mar. 24, Tues:  We had district meeting here in Floyd.

Back (from L to R): Sister Zschoke, Sister Lively, Elder Higgins

Front: Elder Ballard, Elder Brenchley (Me), Elder Olsen

{How great do we look?!?}

 

 

I planned the most for this meeting.  I opened it up to discussion on everyone's thoughts about our mission conference we had on Sunday, and everyone shared something that I didn't pick up the first go around.  For my portion, I went about sharing Ammon and King Lamoni's story (Alma 18), and how we, as missionaries, can better discern our investigator's concerns and teach them exactly what they need. 

After district meeting, I began our exchange with the zone leaders.  Elder Moses came with me to Floyd.  We performed a lot of service today, and got to know each other real well and learn from him a lot. 

This evening, we taught Jodie, he's a former investigator who Elder Olsen has taught twice.  I've never met him, so Elder Moses and I were two new faces.  Here's Jodie's situation: he's living with a less-active, named Katie (not married).  They both have kids; 3 girls, 3 boys - exactly like the Brady Bunch!  Anyway, does this whole scenario sound familiar at all?  We got an understanding of what makes them happy, and simply laid it out for them.  The steps to happiness and the temple are: prayer (personal, couple, family), scripture study, Family Home Evening (which we are going over Monday to do with them), and going to church.  It's that simple.  That's another great thing I love about this gospel; how simple it is, as long as we do what we should be doing.

Mar. 25, Wed:  We had more service on our schedule today, volunteering at Angels in the Attic. 

We had a lesson with a recent convert named, Brother Witska.  He can't hear real well, so you almost have to shout! :)  "WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT VERSE?" 

We also had Branch Missionary Coordination and the Branch missionaries, the Banks', came!  They came on Sunday for the first time since I've been here, so they're reactivating themselves!  They added a lot of great input and it turns out they know our investigator, Amos.  They offered to have him over for dinner/lesson. WooHoo!  We just found the perfect fellowshippers!  THAT, to me personally, was a tender mercy we needed! 

Mar. 26, Thur:  We had a member-present appointment with the Sunberg's to go see Julie, a referral.  20 minutes before our appointment, she cancelled.  I've seen that way too much on my mission!  

We did have a good back-up plan, and went to a less-active named, Cathy Huff.  She's the only African American lady in our ward (except the Jeppeson's kids from Ethiopia).  But, there is still a great deal of diversity here in Floyd County. 

At basketball tonight, we had a really cool experience.  This 20 year-old guy named, Ricky, was guarding me and I was guarding him.  We got to talking about exactly who I was, and what I was doing.  During games, I was teaching him about the many churches and that we believe in one Restored Church.  I told him afterwards we could get him a pamphlet and a Book of Mormon.  He was so anxious to get those!  We exchanged phone numbers, and HE set-up an appointment for Saturday!  WOW!

Mar. 27, Fri:  My Click Day!  Seven months a missionary! 

We didn't drive a mile today in our car.  Our miles are getting real low, so we walked into town and then Brother Hall (1st Counselor in the Bishopric) took us out to Pilot (where the Lafon's, Fraizer's, & Sherwood lives).  It's not even in Floyd County, but in our area. 

We visited some less-actives, but weren't able have any lessons.  But it was good - Brother Hall was handing out callings to all the less-actives in an effort to get them to come back to church! 

We had dinner at the Fraizer's, then talked with the Lafon's about The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Mar. 28, Sat:  Like I've said before, downtown Floyd is the place to be on Saturdays!  There are so many people, where it's so dead at other times.  The "Because He Lives" (#BecauseHeLives) Easter Initiative started today (very similar to  'He is the Gift" for Christmas), so we were talking and passing out cards left and right!  We ITL'd (Invite to Learn) nine people today! 

We then got a ride with Sister Horne and Bro. Brown up to the Stake Easter program they had at the Radford Chapel. 

After we rode back down, we were able to get Sister Krista Fraizer to come with us to our appointment with Ricky.  She's 21, so we thought she'd be a great fit.  The lesson went great!  Not only was Ricky there, but Dustin, his roommate who we also played basketball with, and Sam, one of their friends, were there - all 20 yr. olds.  They followed along in the pamphlet and asked great questions!  Sister Fraizer did such a good job of testifying of the Book of Mormon and invited them all to read it!  Sweet!  They were a little hesitant about coming to church.  We'll see all of them at basketball Thursday, or hopefully sooner!  Three new investigators! 

Mar. 29, Sun:  We couldn't get a hold of Amos all weekend, so we weren't able to set up a ride to church for him - darn!  I was able to bless the Sacrament today!  Alec was there and the Banks' were there for the second straight Sunday, and Bro. Banks gave a wonderful thought at the end of the 3rd hour meeting on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. 

The rest of the day was so quick; tracting, a lunch appointment, and a dinner appointment! 

Well, WE got to go fishing, so I gotta run! 

 

Everyone should be so excited for Conference this Easter Weekend!  I testify the words are meant to help us receive salvation! 

Please share #BecauseHeLives with everyone on social media! 

And watch the video at helives.mormon.org !

 

Just remember how simple this Gospel it is!  Also, how flawless it is!  Do the basics, and you'll be all right.  3 Nephi 27: 21-22.

I love You All! 

-Love Elder Brenchley