Everything I Ever Needed to Know, I Learned in Primary Sharing Time

Well, Hello everyone!

How's the week been for all of you?
It's been raining this whole week, here!

 

At mom's request, here's a picture of where we live:

2754 Maple Avenue

Buena Vista, VA  34416

It's an apartment complex with four units.

We live in the one closest to the camera.

It is a 2-story with the front door on the ground level:

Upstairs has 2 bedrooms (one study/one bedroom) and a full bathroom.

Downstairs has a living room, kitchen, and a half bath.

It's only a short week, so I'll get to it!

Wed. Sep 23: P-Day.
Knowing we were both staying, we both stocked up on groceries, so we wouldn't have to shop next week.
We went to the church so we could role play a Member-Missionary Sunday School class, our ward mission leader, Brother Turman, will be teaching.
'Twas the night before transfers, and it was crazy!  There were all these changes, and we had to stay up late letting everyone know where they needed to be tomorrow and when.

Thur. Sep. 24:  Today, I decided to fast for Betty and her doctor.  Today was the day she asked her doctor if she could get off her "health home arrest" and go to church.
Brother Hardy came with us to a lesson with Randy; he's doing alright - not keeping his commitments, though.  He's understanding everything and he knows he needs to come to church and read the Book of Mormon - The Spirit just needs to jump-start his DOING.

Fri. Sep. 25:  We drove down to Madison Heights to do some district leader training with Elder Vai, one of the new district leaders in the zone.

{Elder Johnson, Me, Elder Malin, and Elder Vai}

 

As we were driving back, we saw Great Clips had haircuts for $7.99.  Because my hair was looking like this:

(Don't worry, I didn't leave the apartment with my hair styled like this (that was for our private missionary "crazy hair day")  I just wanted to show how much I needed a haircut!)

...We decided to take our lunch hour there!  Every hair place in B.V. is like $18 or higher!

We had a fun lesson with Bri & Jimmy (ages 9 & 11).  They are the grandkids of some older members in the ward.  They don't come to church as much because they are bouncing around homes.  We were sitting there, and then the Spirit brought back a thought to my remembrance.  I remembered my mom had mentioned, in my email, an activity from Sharing Time that my sisters had just had in Primary. (And so I used it!)  I pulled out some 3x5 cards and we wrote the kids letters and had them write back to us, and then we had them leave the room, and we called them on the phone to talk; both showing ways of communication.  Then we discussed prayer and how it is the way to communicate with Heavenly Father.  It turns out they haven't been consistently praying, so that was just the commitment they needed!  The Spirit is wonderful!
We had a good lesson with Betty and Debbie; it turns out Betty is OK, and got permission from her doctor to go to church!  The lesson was more of a follow up lesson, a question and answer session.

Sat. Sep. 26:  Today was a Day of Service in Buena Vista.  It was still drizzling, so there weren't as many people as we hoped out serving.
We had a district leader conference call, and we were able to set some great high zone goals!
We met with Jesus Hernandez and his daughter, Emily.  He's a less-active, who we've been trying to get in touch with all transfer.  He's such a friendly guy - he let us right in and we had a good lesson on the Book of Mormon.

Sun. Sep. 27:  We had two lessons with less-actives, and we invited them to church - but they said maybe next week.
Betty and Debbie bailed out today and it broke our hearts.  We were really hoping they'd come, but they told Sister Butler it was a bad day.
It was a great Fast and Testimony meeting, with what seemed like a continuous line of people going to the podium.
We went to dinner at the Pence's store.  They, and the Shiraki's, and some non-member friends had a prayer meeting for Buena Vista.
We had some great member visits with the Noker's and the Wynn's.
We had an appointment with a potential named, Beth, and she cancelled.


Well, that's the week in a nutshell.
Everyone prepare for General Conference!  It's going to be awesome!  The best weekend of the year! I testify these men and women are called of God!  Plus, we get to see who the three new Apostles are!
There's some great videos in preparing for Conference called, "Seek, Receive, Act!"
#ldsconf
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-10-1040-ruth?category=topics/revelation&lang=eng&cid=HP_WE_9-23-2015_dOCS_fMLIB_xLIDyI-2_

Love You All!

A Basketball Player, a Tight-End, and a Goalkeeper - I Got a Chance to Teach Them All

It is Transfer Week, and Elder Johnson and I are staying in Buena Vista.  

We ended this transfer great!  This past transfer (as a zone) we went from seven investigators with a Baptismal date in week 1 to 24 investigators with a Baptismal date by week 6

!  Around 20 of those are on date for the Sept. 20 - Nov.1 transfer!  We hope to see many Baptisms, and continue to prepare others for their Baptism for future transfers.

We only had four changes in the Zone.  We have one new area that was created (

White Sulpher ward got split in half.  Now two sets of missionaries cover the whole ward.  It's the biggest unit in the mission though, so they needed it).

So, that makes 15 companionships, plus the Senior couple.  Out of those 15 companionships, 10 of them are training (whether they are in their 1st or 2nd transfer of training), so a lot of young missionaries! 

This past week and a half seemed like, if everything would have stayed as planned, we would have had one of the greater weeks we've ever had in Buena Vista, but everything didn't stay as planned, and we had a lower week!

At this time, I would like everyone to think of creative ways to find people to teach!  Elder Johnson and I need to get really creative, so we want to get as many ideas as possible! 

As for the week...here we go!

Sep. 14, Mon: Happy Birthday, Mom!

We went golfing for P-Day.

 Lexington Golf and Country Club has a sweet deal on Mondays of 9 holes for $9!

Elder Johnson's dad and grandpa used to be professional golfers in the state of Utah!

So, he really wanted to go!  I always enjoy a good round of golf!  We were both pretty rusty after not playing our whole mission!

We also taught Peggy with Sister Cook and Brother Alvstad.  We taught her the first half of the Plan of Salvation; she seemed to agree with most things we taught. 

Sep. 15, Tues: We walked a lot today; we walked to the Southers', an old couple in the ward, who are so old, they can't really move a whole lot.  They really appreciated the visit.  They've been married for 66 years!
We taught Brother Camden today; he's less-active, but absolutely loves the missionaries.  We had a really good lesson on Faith and Repentance, and the upward spiral effect that they have on each other.
Then after dinner with the Flores', Brother Flores came with us to the Floyd's and we also had a great lesson on Faith leading to action, and increasing faith through prayer. 

Sep. 16, Wed:  As we were teaching Peggy today, it came up that she believes in the Trinity.  The lesson deviated to that, and she was confusing us a little.  We, of course, brought it back to The First Vision, and how she can know if they are three separate beings, if Joseph Smith is a prophet, and if the Book of Mormon is true.  She still doesn't believe she needs the Book of Mormon, just the Bible.
We had dinner at the Siegel's - they are becoming one of my favorite young couples out here.
We then went to the Garrett's (Misty and family) and they fed us pizza there as well, so we were stuffed.  Brandon (non-member dad) was walking in and out of the lesson, so he seems a little indifferent, but I was able to ask him about the Book of Mormon.  

Sep. 17, Thurs:  We had a special zone conference today in Roanoke, so the Mission Vehicle Department could fit our cars with Tiwi boxes - they monitor your driving, and report it to the mission office if you're driving reckless.  

The conference itself was awesome!  I got to see Elder Boyd, one of my former companions, and also Elder Barnett (also from Viewmont, a 2015 graduate, we had seminary together my Sr. year.  He's been on his mission for 3 months).

{Elder Barnett & I - Go VIKES!}

 

 
When we got back, we went with Brother Turman after dinner to go see the Ramsey's.  We had a really great lesson on how simple the Gospel is using the golden serpent story when ALL the children of Israel had to do was look, and they would be healed.  Hopefully, they can realize how simple it is, and they should just start coming back to church.

Sep. 18, Fri:  Elder Johnson's 20th Birthday!  

I had the other Elders in our complex (Rockbridge and YSA Elders) come over early in the morning, and we woke Elder Johnson up and sang "Happy Birthday" to him!
After a long day, we had a lesson with Betty and Debbie on scripture study and prayer with Brother Blake.  Debbie had gotten Elder Johnson a cake!  So, we had cake and ice cream!

{GO UTES!  GAMEDAY!}

 

Sep. 19, Sat:  We had an appointment set up with George, but he wasn't there all day! :( 

We talked to some real nice people today.  Our Church was often brought up though.
Buena Vista has some basketball courts, so we went there because we saw a good game going.  We were able to talk to a sweet guy named, Tony, just shooting.  He's 26, and I was able to relate to him with his love for sports, and Elder Johnson was able to relate with him on some personal things he was going through, but we testified of the Atonement there on the basketball court.  We will have to pass him over to the YSA Elders, but he's awesome!  He's totally interested in talking with us more!

Sep. 20, Sun:  George is alive!  We saw him for the first time in a week.  He told us to come back at 6:00, which ended up not working for him in the end. 

Church was good.
We had dinner at the Fuentes'; Brick-oven cooked Empanadas. 

Sep. 21, Mon:  We taught a lesson to Peggy - this quickly turned into a "Do or Die" lesson.  I recall asking her one point in the lesson, "Peggy, if you pray and ask God if Joseph Smith is a prophet, and if the Book of Mormon is true, and you come to know that it is, what are you going to do about it?" She responded, "Nothing." and shrugged her shoulders. Well,  I guess that's her choice - just too set in her ways. 

We had a much better lesson with Betty and Debbie on keeping the Sabbath day holy.  We committed Betty to ask her doctor if she could leave the house and go to church just for one hour.
We also had dinner with the Carroll's (Brother Carroll is the goalkeeper for the SVU soccer team).
We had a mini FHE with the Miller's (Brother Miller is the tight-end for the SVU football team).
Are you seeing the trend here????

Sep. 22, Tues:  Elder Johnson and I have committed to start visiting the members more, so we can gain their trust.  We had dinner with the Forsberg's, then a member lesson with Brother Hunter (huge 007 fan!), then the Edwards' (Lavell's grandson).

Wheww! 

What a week!  Always so exciting! 

This week, I've realized how much I need to improve as a missionary/person.  Not in a self-decimating way, but I'm humbly realizing bit by bit, what I can do to improve.  I'm excited to do so!

This Gospel is all about change!  I'll share a little bit of President Salisbury's email this week: 

Malachi 3:3
- The purpose of purification is so that we can give a better offering to Heavenly Father.
- Even the purist of the pure people on earth still need to be purified.
- When gold is refined, imperfections rise to the surface so they can be taken away. 
- When our weaknesses rise to the surface, it is a good thing - not only because it means we have come closer to Christ (as we learn in Ether 12:27), but because it means that our weaknesses are ready to be scooped out. 
- The refiner knows the exact temperature that causes our weaknesses to surface so they can be taken out. That temperature is just hot enough to allow the imperfections to be removed without losing any fraction of the gold. It is just cool enough so that the gold is not ruined. 
- The refiner sits—because it takes a while to complete the process. 
- When the refiner can see his own reflection, He knows the process is done.

Keep turning to your Savior, Jesus Christ!  He will mold you to who Heavenly Father wants you to be. 

Love Ya! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

Taking Advantage of my Spanish Speaking [temporary] Companion

Hey Ya'll!

It's going great out here!  This week was one where you just had to power through with you head down, until you started firing on all cylinders.  That's what happened this week.  We didn't see anything the first three days (Mon.-Wed.) No lessons, no nothing.  But Thurs.-Sun., we finished strong and taught nine lessons, and six of them we got members to! 

Sep. 7, Mon: P-Day/Labor Day

We played soccer with all the Elders in the district, plus a lot of Hispanic kids (some from the SVU soccer team).  We played with Gabe and Luis Ramirez, who are Brother and Sister Ramirez's non-member sons, so we were able to introduce them to the YSA Elders.

Nothing much happened after that.  We did go to contact an old potential investigator, and we ran into Sister Cook and her son Ian, who has Down Syndrome (he's so smart and spiritual).  They kind of take care of this older lady named, Peggy, so we were able to talk to her about the Gospel, and Sister Cook asked Peggy if we could stop by.  Peggy shrugged and said, “Sure.”

Sep. 8, Tues: Nothing much again.  We did have district meeting.

Back Row (L to R): Elder French, Elder Kelly, Elder Tunnell, Elder Moser, Me

Front Row (L to R): Elder Johnson, Elder Hugentobler, Elder Ostler, Sister Kelly, Sister Ford

 

We had this cool experience: we walked all the way to the outskirts of our area, and the people we tried weren't home.  A man in a utility truck pulled up and started talking to us.  He's from Covington,VA (which is in our zone) and has been married to a member for 10 years.  He said "Oh, all I need to do is quite chewing, and I know I'm joining the church.”  We asked how long it's been since the Elders have stopped by.  He said it’s probably been about year and a half.  We asked if we could send them over.  He said, “Absolutely!”  Funny how The Spirit prompted us to plan to walk all the way up there, and nothing happened, except then we met this man Shawn, who hadn't been on the missionaries radar for over a year! 

Sep. 9, Wed: Happy 21st Anniversary MOM & DAD! 

Straight zeros today. 

We did finally get to meet the Garrett's (Misty and Brandon’s family).  They are a great part-member family; Brandon (dad) is not a member, and two of the kids aren't either. 

Sep. 10, Thurs:  We taught Randy in the morning with Brother Forsberg.  The Lesson was on Apostasy.  We think Randy finally understands that there is only one true church.  

We had Stake Correlation – that’s when the zone leaders, the Stake President, and the Mission President get together and have a meeting. 

We taught Peggy Fitzgerald in Sister Cook's home.  The lesson had so many tangents, that we only got to The Apostasy.  Brother Alvstad came with us. 

We also exchanged with the Lexington Elders.  Elder Ostler came with me to Buena Vista, and Elder Johnson went with Elder Hugentobler (that's right I said, Hugentobler) to Lexington. 

We taught Betty and Debbie, with Brother Turman, about following the Prophet.  They are both excited for General Conference.  Unfortunately, Betty has to stay at home until she gets permission from her doctor to leave. :(  So, no coming to church for now. 

Sep. 11, Fri: Today is 9/11 which also marks the 1 year mark I got to my first area. 

Elder Ostler and I were driving and I saw Jordan Garrett out on his porch, and I felt we had to abandon all our other plans and go teach him.  We pulled over and were able to talk with him, then his wife, Brittany, came out, and we were able to teach them the Restoration on the porch.  We have a return appointment for Sunday. 

Elder Ostler is from Los Angeles, and knows Spanish, so we tried every single Hispanic potential/less active/investigator we have in Buena Vista! 

We ended up having a great lesson with Brother Ramirez. 

We also helped the Congdon's move out - they gave us two referrals! 

Sep. 12, Sat:  The Lexington Sisters had an investigator who finally said, "Fill the Font!" about a week ago, so we were scrambling to get in contact with anyone we could get to go to the Baptism.  No dice.  :(

We were able to teach Peggy Fitzgerald the second half of The Restoration.  She is convinced that she doesn't need to read the Book of Mormon more than once, but she reads the Bible everyday.  So, we tried to help her connect the dots (they are both scripture!) 

After contacting the Stoneman's (Congdon's referral), we had a lesson with Betty and Debbie on the Word of Wisdom.  Betty is gladly willing to give up coffee, and Debbie is going to give up sweet tea.  They are so prepared - they just need to be healthy!  

Sep. 13, Sun:  We had a lesson before church with Randy, and Brother Hardy came along.  Randy would have come to church, but he was sick. (I'm surprised he didn't cancel our visit.)  We taught him about why we need to be baptized, and how it is to be done.  We tied it to the Sacrament, and how it doesn't make a difference if you are Baptized but never take the Sacrament. 

Church was good. 

We contacted another referral, the Jarrett's.  They said they were interested, but not until January.  Hmmh.

We had dinner with the Himes.  Elder Johnson and I agreed, they’re probably the most sophisticated family we've ever been with and with the most sophisticated house we’ve been in.  

We brought Sister Wheeler to Brittany and Jordan’s, since she lives two doors down, and is the new Activity Days leader, and Brittany & Jordan have an 8 yr. old daughter.  They weren't home, though.

The last two people we contacted, in the last 30 minutes, both gave us their phone numbers and told us to text them! 

Buena Vista Zone Update: we are doing awesome as a zone!  We started the transfer with just six investigators with a Baptismal date, and we are now at 19.  We hit a Buena Vista zone record last week with 153 total lessons taught!  So, things are popping! 

It's been a ride, and the transfer is almost over; this is week 6! 

A challenge I'd extend this week would be to reach out to a friend.  There's a great Mormon Message for youth ya'll should watch! 

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/weries/mormon-messages-for-youth/reach-out-with-love

Keep me posted, everyone!  I'm working hard out here!  Thanks for all of your support! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

How About Getting Baptized on Your Birthday?

Hello, Everyone!

What's going on? 

This was a real "feel-good" week! 

Aug. 31, Mon:  P-Day. 

We had dinner at the Trotman's - I mentioned Sister Trotman was younger than I am, right?  Well, they invited more college students over, who were younger than me, too!  I feel older, we'll check about the wiser part. 

We chatted with the Dorey's, some former investigators; they're open to having us back, just won't nail down a time.

We were able to teach George Jordan for the first time.  George is Charlie's neighbor. (Charlie moved away)  George is awesome!  This was definitely the highlight of the week!  We taught the restoration - he loved it!  He asked questions like, "Yeah, I wonder how we're suppose to know which church is the right one?" and "I don't think someone who went to school, and got a piece of paper, means they have authority!" 

Sep. 1, Tues:  3 letters: MLC.

Mission Leadership Conference is an all day thing.  We woke up at 3:00 in the morning, drove to Roanoke, hopped in the Roanoke zone leaders’ van, picked up the Pembroke zone leaders, and went to Charleston.  It was an awesome meeting!  We got home around 10:45 p.m.  Can you say, “long day?”

Sep. 2, Wed:  We were scrambling all day to invite people to the church tour!  No dice. 

We met with Brother Ramsey (less-active), and taught about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how we can change.  The problem is; Brother Ramsey doesn't want to change.  Some people are like that - agency is a gift everyone has. 

   

Sep. 3, Thur:  We did weekly planning.

Betty wasn't doing good today.  With Brother Butler, we went over and gave her a Priesthood blessing.  She had trouble breathing and was passing out.  The rescue squad came and picked her up shortly after we left.

We had an amazing lesson with George.  Brother Marcel Blake. came with us and we reviewed the Restoration and read some of the Introduction.  He knew about the tower of Babel and everything!  My companion and myself had prayed that morning, with a lot of faith, to know what date George should prepare for Baptism.  As we extended the date of October 18, he replied,  "Are you kidding me?"  

We were confused as to why he reacted like that...

"Do you know what day that is?"  George asked.   

"No, what?" we responded.

"That's my Birthday!  I don't know how Ya'll did that."  he exclaimed.

He graciously accepted, then reported to us he was going to read more of the Book of Mormon, to see where we found October 18th in there. 

Sep. 4, Fri:  Zone Meeting, We had an excellent zone meeting!  The Spirit was so strong.  We went the night before and set up the room.  Then, we almost had every single companionship with an assignment.  We had each of our District Leaders COMMIT each missionary be there 30 minutes before, and in their seats 15 minutes before the starting time.  The teaching portion went great.  Some members who drove missionaries up, sat in during zone meeting, and came up to me after and said I was a wonderful teacher and I should be a salesman.  I quickly assured him that is was the missionaries who came prepared with the Spirit, and the willingness to learn was the key!  That's why we were able to teach with the Spirit so well! 

 Also, something that contributed greatly to the meeting was individual missionaries sharing stories of their current investigators.  I had the opportunity to share our story about George; I got emotional as the Spirit testified that we had listened to the Holy Ghost, as we picked a date for George.  I absolutely love the Spirit, and the feelings and promptings I get from it.  I want to continue to live worthy of this Spirit so the Lord can direct me in His work!

After zone meeting, we went on exchanges with the Forest Elders; I went down to Forest with Elder Underhill.  Forest is by far, the nicest, up-scale, new area, I have ever been in on my mission, and quite possibly my life.  Brand new huge housing developments popping up everywhere.  

 

{Farmington PRIDE!}

We were able to find a lot of new potentials, just having had a life-changing experience with moving into the new house, their hearts were softened a bit. 

Meanwhile, back in Buena Vista, Elder Johnson and Elder Walker visited and taught Betty in the hospital

Sep. 5, Sat:  We drove back from the Lynchburg area.

We helped the Wheeler's remove rocks from their yard. 

And, we had dinner at the Forsberg's.

Sep. 6, Sun:  Betty and Debbie were out from church today. 

We visited George before church, but he had to run his nephew to his mom's and pick up a car. 

Fast and Testimony meeting in Buena Vista ward = lots of kids bearing their sweet, pure testimonies. 

We talked to a lot of good people today.  We are hoping to become one of their neighbors, even if they aren't interested in the Gospel at this point. 

Well, that's all for this week!  We hope to see some great things continue this next week!  We're so excited for all the good things to come! 

I absolutely love the Spirit!  It is awesome!  It leads us every day!  We need to listen and see where we can be lead! 

Also: One little boy in an all-white suit, and goggles for glasses, bore his testimony and said, “If we have enough faith, miracles can happen to anyone!” 

I add my testimony to his; also Faith leads us to act or change. To repent!  Which is a very good thing!  I've grown from learning in studies, but also applying what I've learned in my day to day missionary work! 

I Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

The Member Missionaries are Showing Us Full-Time Missionaries Up! ;)

Hey Ya'll! 

How's everyone doing?  Did you all hear?  I've been out on my mission for 1 year!  Holy Cow!  What a blessing and an amazing year this has been in my life.  I am so very blessed to be able to serve a mission, and to have all your support in doing so!  I've grown so much! 

So, as for this week, the highlights have to be that we saw Betty and Debbie on Friday, Saturday, then Sunday at church!  They were finally able to make it!  Despite all their physical health challenges, we, plus some great ward members, were able to make it happen! 

ALSO: This is how cool SVU is; Elder Johnson and I just went to the restroom, here at the library, and we got back, and this note was left for us on our keyboard!

"Elders, We appreciate what you are doing.  Thank you for your sacrifice.  Godspeed."

Aug. 24, Mon.: P-Day.  We cleaned thoroughly!  Like a DEEP clean!  We tidy up every week, but a little birdie told us that President Salisbury, himself, might come and inspect the apartments.  ;)
We had a great meal appointment with the Congdon's - and they ended up being the only people who let us in the rest of the evening.  Ah Well. :)

Aug. 25, Tues.:  We met with Randy this morning since it's the only time that works for him, apparently.  But, we taught how Christ's Church is the same as it was when he was on the earth.
We didn't have too much luck the rest of the day.  Although, we did receive a referral from our dinner appointment with the Clark's.
With Brother Turman,  we went and visited Brother Floyd; he's more of a "show me the proof" type of guy.

Aug. 26 Wed.:  We tried tons of people today.......
We had an appointment with Keith Wills' and the Jacobsen's so graciously decided to come with us.  Well, Keith wasn't there, so we went around the corner to Severin.  We were able to catch him at home and teach him briefly about the Book of Mormon.  The Jacobsen's were so perfect!  Talk about a great example of member missionary work. 

1. They bore their testimonies
2. They invited him and his family to church with them. (not us, the guys in white shirts and ties) 
3. They exchanged phone numbers, and invited him and his family over for dinner on Friday, with us for a lesson!

Aug. 27, Thur.:  Click Day!  12 months a missionary=1 year down=1 year to go
We had Zone Conference today; it was such a great reminder on the purpose of our mission.  I, personally, want to do everything in my effort in bringing the people residing in the WVCH mission closer to Jesus Christ!
We went on exchanges with the Lynchburg Elders; Elder Price came with me to Buena Vista.  We saw some great things - we visited with more members than non-members today, but that helped us out a ton in getting us pointed in the right direction with non-members and less-actives to visit.
We had dinner with the Hardy's.  As we were walking up, their son, Ammon, was talking to their neighbor about the Gospel, and inviting her to participate in gospel discussions they have!  Great member missionary work again!

Aug. 28, Fri.:  So, today was game day here in Buena Vista.  Not for SVU, but for Parry McCleur High School vs. Rockbridge County HS.  The town was shut down; there was over 6,000 people at the game, there wasn't a parking spot in town.
We got a ride back down to Lynchburg with Brother Alvstead.  He suggested it'd be good PR for the us and the church to be at the football game!  I couldn't agree more! (wink, wink)  We didn't end up going.
We had dinner at the Jacobsen's, they are so awesome! (They came home from missions this year, and got married this year, so they've had a lot going on)!  They have a goal to have someone be taught by us missionaries in their home by Oct. 1!  WOW!
We also had a great lesson with Betty and Debbie, just a follow up lesson to answer their questions and see how their reading was going.  Betty said the opening prayer, and Debbie said the closing prayer.  In the past, she said she'd never say a prayer!  I love how the Spirit can work within someone!

Aug. 29, Sat.:  Well, we did weekly planning today.
We had the ward pool party.  We missionaries didn't swim, of course, we hung out at the pavilion where the food was.  Our investigator, Randy, brought his two kids, so we were able to have people go up and introduce themselves to them!
We had another great lesson with Betty and Debbie.  Brother Casperson came, last minute, with us.  We taught them about the Holy Ghost, the Sacrament, and enduring to the end.  They are planning on coming to church tomorrow.

Aug. 30, Sun.:  So, we attended Ward Council in the morning.
We helped load Debbie's wheelchair into the Walker's car, and carried in her oxygen tank to Sacrament meeting.  They still made it!  WooHoo.  They made quite the entrance!  For the last 5-6 weeks, we've been telling everyone about them, and how they are coming (but they hadn't until today), so they're pretty "famous" by now!
We went and visited the Roberts couple.  They have great faith, and tough circumstances.  They are less-active due to the fact that they are both in terrible health condition.  We will look into if they can get the Sacrament brought to them. 

Well, it's only going to get busier!  The same goes for the rest of my mission.  One busy year, and an even busier year to come!  I can't wait to see what it has in store.  It's only going to help me grow more, and learn more.  I can't believe how much the mission has changed my life thus far, and can only imagine what another year in the service of my Savior will help me become.  My mission is to BLESS! (it helps that I have the true Restored Gospel and Priesthood to preach!)

Love All of You! 

Love, Elder Brenchley