Combatting ANTI with the B.O.M.

Hey Everyone!

How's everyone doing?  Wonderful, I hope!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day!

It's been another rainy/sunny week here in Charleston.  It's hard to keep up with which day it will be.

{One of the funnier marquee signs I've seen on my mission}

Some highlights this week:

Mon. June 15:  Brother Walbeck and his family took us to Cracker Barrel for breakfast!  Brother Walbeck's in-laws were out from Utah, and his mother-in-law was Elder Jacklin's elementary school secretary, and currently works with Elder Jacklin's mom. 

We went with our investigator, Dustin, to the batting cages for P-day.

Dustin

It took me a bit, but I finally was able to find my stroke; it's been about a year since I've picked up a bat. (I tried to attach a video of one of my batting rounds, but it was too big for email.) 

We had a member-present lesson with Rodney and his fellowshipper, Brother Hawes.

This past weekend we got to call two incoming Elders, prior to them entering the M.T.C., who will be joining the WVCM July 2!  We have 25 new missionaries coming in this next transfer!

Tues. June 16: Tough day, not a lot of success; we had multiple appointments cancel.  We also got drenched with rain. 

We had dinner at the Brown's tonight; amazing Philly Cheesesteaks!

We had a lesson with Lissa, with Brother Foote attending.  We helped her understand Tithing.  She's on a low income, so it will be a trial of her faith to pay tithing, but she's willing to see the blessings come from it.

Wed. June 17:  We had a zone wide specialized training.  It was awesome.  We are making a huge push for a change of the mission culture for both new missionaries and current missionaries.

We also went on exchanges with the Assistants.  Elder Markowski came with me to Charleston - we had a great time.

We taught Ricky - he'll read the scriptures in Spanish, and it helps him understand the lesson we are teaching a lot better. 

We also had a great lesson with Kelsey!  Kelsey is awesome!  This past week, Kelsey was receiving some ANTI from family and co-workers, SO what did she do?  She went and read 30 pages of the Book of Mormon that night!  BOOM!  #nomatch4K

We were also able to teach an investigator named, Jason.  It was sad - he's just a sad guy.  We promised the Book of Mormon could bring him much needed happiness.

Thur. June 18:  I had Zone Leader training from Elder Markowski.

We keep missing out on catching Jason (Brother Soram's brother) at home, but we talked with Brother Soram about what we were planning on teaching him.

We had a lesson with Tom and we laid it out there; what our purpose is.  He likes the idea of Baptism, just not the steps to get there.  So, we're going to give him some time to think about it. 

We went down to Montgomery and the Minnich's took us out to eat.

We talked to Amit during his break, and he said he'd be at church on Sunday.

Brother Minnich came with us to the Kirk's and we went over the Baptismal interview questions with Zach, and he feels like he's ready. (WE DO TOO!)  We scheduled his Baptismal interview for Sunday after church.

Fri. June 19: We went on exchanges with the Beckley elders today!  (Did I mention how they made Beckley 1 & Beckley 2 into just one area, and named it "Beckley?") 

{Back to my old Beckley pad}

Elder Ence & I

I went down to Beckley with Elder Ence (DL), who's been there since I was there!  We, however, didn't ever make it over to my old area. :(  It's all right!  We taught three lessons!  And went to dinner to my favorite place in Beckley; LAVASH!  Tyler Gilger (whom I've mentioned before), their investigator, took us there!)

Sat. June 20:  After exchanging back, we went to help Brother Beck move some stuff, and taught him about The Ten Commandments.  His nickname for me is, "Cletus."  IDK. 

We had an awesome dinner and double lesson at the Cottrel's tonight. (Brother Cotrell is our ward Mission Leader). We had our investigator, Kelsey, there, plus Jordan (the Assistants' investigator).  They are like best friends now, and are helping each other along the investigator road!  We had 14 people there around the table.

The Cottrel's, Kelsey, Jordan, and us - sorry it's blurry

We had a lesson with Rodney to close the night.  He's determined to come to church tomorrow.

Sun. June 21:  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Well, NO ONE showed up for Father's Day to church (that's an exaggeration!  But, attendance was significantly lower!)  We had three investigators at Sacrament Meeting: Kelsey, Lissa, and Amit.  It was really disappointing to not see Rodney, and especially Zach.  We'll now have to move back the Baptism interview, which might move back the Baptismal date. :(

We taught Kelsey about the Word of Wisdom, and she was more than happy to give up sweet tea!  Brother McGill was with us, but that didn't keep us from talking to this awesome man sitting on his porch in Kelsey's neighborhood.  His name is "JJ," and we're going to start teaching him this upcoming week!

Well, just a huge shout out to all the fathers out there!  Thank you for all your great examples in my life!  I Think my favorite quote about fathers is: "Fathers, teach your children the Gospel, and when necessary, use words!" 

Thank You!  Thank You! 

I especially am grateful for my Heavenly Father, and how gracious he is to me.  He loves ME, and he loves each of YOU! 

Keep sharing the Gospel, everyone!

Love,  Elder Brenchley