We Got a Referral....to a Mormon!

Hey Ya’ll! 

How is everything doing!  Looks like my brother had his Sweet 16, and first dance/date!  What else is going on?
The week started by getting cold, but then warmed up a little, then chilly again! 

 But, the leaves are absolutely beautiful out here!  

This week, we saw a lot of people.

Mon. Oct. 19:    We had Preparation Day.

We visited with Brother Marvin Ray Hamilton - we recently started visiting him.  He’s a less active member.  He is hilarious; he knows I'm a HUGE UTES fan, so he said he was going to make sure to give me a BYU shirt for Christmas....then proceeded to laugh his wheezy laugh for about two minutes!

Also, finally we were able to meet with the Stoneman’s!  They were a referral we got a while back; they're Brita and Ethan and their two kids.  They are so Mormon!  They live all the standards already, and are just an awesome, young family!  During our first visit, we discovered half her family was Mormon.  So, as we were talking, she mentioned she has taken the missionary lessons before.  So, I asked, “So, did the Missionaries ever invite you to be Baptized?”  She replied, “Yeah, I was Baptized.”  Haha, so she’s a member!  She proceeded to tell us how she was really involved growing up; Laurels president, graduated from Seminary - you could tell she was getting really excited, and the Holy Ghost was working within her.  We were able to teach Ethan about the Book of Mormon and about General Conference.  We think Ethan may be a theological thinker, and doesn’t believe in God.  But, we’ll keep talking with him.  They are just a great part-member family!

Tues. Oct. 20: Happy Sweet 16 Kyle!

We had a lesson with Severin - he got really excited about the 3 Degrees of Glory!  Huge progress!

We also had a lesson with Jordan and Brittany.  We brought their neighbor, Sister Wheeler, who’s the Activity Days Leader for the 8 yr. olds.  B & J have an 8 yr. old daughter and Sister Wheeler invited her to the activity the next day, and she came!  Woo hoo!  Member fellowship!

Debbie was in the hospital, and so Brother Turman was able to take us to go see her, give her a blessing, and teach her a lesson.  She really appreciated the visit.

Wed. Oct. 21:  We had a great Family History lesson today with John and Beth Branham. (We found John at our family history booth.)  Brother Alvstad,  a family history guru, came with us, and was able to get them squared away with an account and find some people.

Correlation Meeting was tonight.  The Jacobsen’s got called as Ward missionaries, so we’re really excited to work with them.

Thur. Oct. 22:  We had a lesson with Joel - he’s not in good circumstances.  He recognizes the Gospel will help him, though!  He needs drive to just read the Book of Mormon!

We got to have a great fun, kids lesson!  We were able to teach Brianna and Kiersten, two less-active little girls (the parents are less-active or non-members).  It was fun; it was at Sister Mahaffey’s house (the Primary President) and we brought the Monson’s (the Primary teachers).  We taught about keeping the Sabbath Day holy through church attendance

We had dinner at the Bishop’s house.

Fri. Oct. 23:  We had district meeting today, it was wonderful.

District meeting

We went on exchanges with Elder Kelly and Elder Moser (the Rockbridge Elders).   Elder Kelly is our District Leader, and he came with me to Buena Vista.  Rockbridge ward uses the same church building for 9:00 a.m. church.  These Elders live in the same apartment complex as we do.

We had lunch with the Carter’s!  They are awesome couple!  He plays baseball, so we’re going to do batting cages sometime on P-Day, and she’s going to cut our hair for free!

Nothing really turned out today.  We did meet a really nice, less-active member, Sister Turner, who’s excited to have us back!

We did see a lot of members, and have been committing them to come to the fireside on Nov. 1, and pray about someone they can bring with them!

Sat. Oct. 24:  We exchanged back

We had a good day of work!  We didn’t teach many lessons, but we talked with people we’ve been looking up in our Area book.  I'm hoping to teach them soon.

Sun. Oct. 25:  So, Joel was having a hangover, so he ended up not coming to church today.  Betty and Debbie, also, were just too sick to come.

The Primary program was today, and we had a great time listening to the Gospel taught the simplest way possible.  The Gospel, through the testimony of a primary-aged child is pure and simple - just the way it should be.

Our appointment with George didn’t go through, and we had Brother Fallon (a Bountiful Brave) with us, so he took us to his friend's, and we were able to invite him to the Fireside.

We stopped by the Hand’s to invite/commit them to the Fireside.  They gave me all these clothes (mostly SVU or VT stuff) that Brother Hand didn’t want anymore!  Sweet!

So there’s the week.  This coming week will be so busy!  We have a Baptismal interview down in Lynchburg today, then MLC tomorrow, then zone meeting on Friday.  Transfers are next week! WOW!

I’m going to keep working hard!

I invite all of you to remember when you first knew the Gospel was true.  When you first knew the Book of Mormon was true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, when you gained a witness of the Priesthood power, when you knew families can be together forever.  Consider these, and go back to that moment.  The chances are you were prepared to receive that revelation.  Put yourself in the same spot today, through preparation and work, and you can receive revelation to answers you need!  I testify that our testimonies can be as simple as a child’s: PURE.  The Gospel is perfect!

I love you all!

Love, Elder Brenchley

A Disgruntled Phone Caller

Hey, so this week was definitely a delight!

We were able to teach a lot of different people this week, including John and Beth.  John actually was one who came up to us at our Family History booth last week.  He gave us his contact information, so we were able to go see him and ended up teaching him and his wife! 

We taught many others this week....And had a very interesting phone call from a "private number" who expressed his views about what he thought about Mormons, and where we were going......... 

Mon. Oct 12: 

Big House Mountain

We went hiking to Big House Mountain for P-day and had a blast. 

It did take up most of our time, though, so I had very little to time to email and what not.

 

We did meet with the O'Grady's and got to know them.  They haven't came to church since moving here, but they did watch General Conference.  We'll inquire with the ward to see if they're less-active or not.

Tues. Oct 13:  Today was Service Day for the campus, so no classes were held.  We were able to do some service at the Buena Vista Police Station.  We were working side by side with a member of the Rockbridge ward, and ended up talking to Brother Laxton, who knew the Heller family on his mission to San Diego - the same family I know in Beckley.  The Gospel makes it a small world! 

WE also taught Betty and Debbie tonight.  We went over their concerns, and they ended up setting their own Baptismal Date for Nov. 8.  Debbie's not in good shape - she's going in for many doctors appointments this week.

Wed. Oct 14:  We were able to teach Severin, and he really opened up about what he thinks about the Church.  Every concern he had, it seemed to be answered as we taught. 

Everyone else we had planned for today had to reschedule.  :(

We also had Correlation with the ward missionaries.

Thur. Oct 15:  We did weekly planning, and weekly District reports were today. 

We had two great appointments lined up for tonight, and each one cancelled, and we were so sad. They were suppose to be with the Floyd's and Janet. 

We were blessed to teach Joel today.  Kelly wasn't there.  We started teaching about the Plan of Salvation, but the Spirit prompted, and led the lesson to the power of the Book of Mormon instead. Joel accepted a soft Baptismal date for Dec. 13.

Fri. Oct. 16:  We drove down to Lynchburg to join the Timberlake District for their district meeting, and were also able to do exchanges afterwards.  I went with Elder Ward to Timberlake.  We knew each other from our Blacksburg Zone days.  He can talk about Sports for days, so that was plenty fun!

 We were able to meet and talk with this great, non-denominational couple.  The man, Kevin, used an interesting analogy about why he didn't want to change to be a Mormon; 

I quote: "It's like a friend coming to me and saying, 'I've got a great girl for you to meet and date.  You two would be so great for each other.'  Kevin responds, 'But, I'm already married, and very happy where I'm at right now.'"   Interesting huh?  That's honestly how most people see us out here.  

I replied to him: "Maybe, it's not that, but that friend comes to you and says, 'I know you and your wife are so happy, and I know a way you two can have even more happiness and strengthen your relationship; it starts by building on what you already have.'" 

Both of them were very friendly, and I feel like they felt the Spirit.  They are going to let the Timberlake elders come back! 

Then the phone call came.  Some man on a blocked number called us, and started off acting like he was interested in learning more about the Church.  We got excited...only for him to then ask all these absurd questions about things we don't even believe.  He called to let us know we were "filthy sinners and we were going to Hell."  I was honestly laughing at the end of the phone call, and I think that bugged the man.  I don't have any bad feelings toward this man; we prayed for him thereafter, but it was quite humorous. 

Meanwhile, in Buena Vista, they taught Brother Ramirez, George Jordan, and Betty & Debbie.

Sat. Oct. 17:  We had a tough day after exchanging back. 

Our souls were lifted as we were able to meet with four different member families throughout the day, and commit them to Pray, Ponder, and Invite someone to the Fireside we have coming up on Nov. 1st.

Sun. Oct. 18:  We went and taught Randy before church today.  He said he was really going to try to come to church today.  He still wouldn't give a yes/no answer.  He didn't come.

Church was great!  Betty and Debbie didn't show up; they decided they weren't feeling good enough. 

We had dinner at the Erekson's; they have plenty of farm animals, and are going to recruit us to help out on the farm!  Yeah! 

We met with Brother Camden, then right down the road from him, we tried John (a potential from our booth) and his wife let us in.  Elder Johnson was able to really connect really well with them, as John is a gamer/computer nerd.  Elder Johnson proudly claims the same!  We taught them of the Spirit World and the need for Family History.  Two new investigators! 

So, it's getting cold here and thank goodness I have Under-Armour and good jackets!  Thanks to my [extended] family!

Everyone!  It's been a focus around the Mission, that we cannot let the cold and dark stop us from doing missionary work.  We need to follow the Light of Christ, and let our light shine, to warm us. So, I say to the cold and dark; Bring it On!  I'm so proud of our zone!  They are doing phenomenal! We had a record high 36 investigators with a Baptismal date this week.  And a record high 162 total lessons taught this week as a zone!  We are doing work!  As a zone, we are expecting seven Baptisms over the next several weeks!

Missionary work is wonderful!  What makes it more wonderful is when we humble ourselves to realize it is the Lord's work, and we need to be where he wants us to be! 

Please let's humble yourself, and let the Lord be more a part of your life.  His Light will illuminate you, and others will see it! 

P.S. My "Ponderize" scripture for the week is:

Alma 7:24

"And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

Love You All! 

Love Elder Brenchley   

Millionaire with Mormon Missionaries at Mountain Days

It was a real fun week!
There's not a lot of time, so I'll just share a few things.

Mon. Oct. 5:  We had two member visits tonight; the Whitehead's and Lowry's.

Tue. Oct. 6: Today was District meeting.

We went on exchanges with the Amherst Elders.  Elder Vai came with me to Buena Vista, and we had a blast!  He helped Severin with his car problems.

Wed. Oct. 7:  Brother Flores took us to help with service to a nice lady named, Janet.  Brother Flores has been serving her and fellow-shipping her all summer.  After we were done mowing her lawn, we had a great lesson on the Restoration.

Thur. Oct. 8:  We had Stake Correlation with President Jones, the Stake President. 

Every appointment we had today fell through.  ;(

We did teach the Garrett's, a less-active family and we were so glad to hear they watched General Conference. 

Fri. Oct. 9:  We went on exchanges with the Assistants today.  Elder Rueda came with me to B.V., and Elder Johnson went with Elder Williams to Charleston.  Elder Rueda served here once upon a time, and we were able to see some of the people he taught, as well.

I had the worst cold ever today! 

We taught Brother Ramirez, Sister Camden, and Betty & Debbie!

Sat. Oct. 10:  Today was Mountain Days!

It's a HUGE festival here in Buena Vista. 

With the HUGE help of the ward, we were able to partner up with them, and have a great Family History booth!  

We also had a "Who wants to be a Millionaire, Mormon Edition" that drew in some people, as well - we were able to get a return appointment with a former investigator.  It was so much fun helping others find their ancestors!  

We got a few potentials out of it! 

Also, we had interviews with President Salisbury - what a treat!  He was down for Stake Conference this weekend, and we were invited to the Priesthood Leadership Training meeting. 

Sun. Oct. 11:  Stake Conference was great Today!
MIRACLE: Betty came without Debbie!  Debbie said she wasn't having a good day, but Betty really wanted to come, so she came with Sister Butler.  She was just glowing the whole time!  She loved it, and we made sure President and Sister Salisbury came and introduced themselves afterwards! 

While we were walking around today, we ran into some potential investigators sitting on their porch. We went and taught them right there.  Joel and Kelly had some great questions about Family History, and especially about being baptized for them in the temple!  They were so amazed that there was such a thing!  Needless to say, we were so glad to teach some new investigators, and excited to help these two along!
We had dinner at the Adams'.  They are big UTE fans, and they are 5-0!

#aUtahManamI

Well, that's my week in a nutshell!

Keep the Spirit in everything you do!  Never try to rely on your own skill alone!  I've learned that it is so much better when we do things by the Spirit, rather than our own tendencies.

Love You All!

Love Elder Brenchley

A Missionary's Christmas

So, How about General Conference?  It was Awesome!
As always, I want everyone to tell me their favorite conference talks!  I think all the talks were great!  I really enjoyed, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus" by Claudio R.M. Costa.

What's your scripture of the week to "ponderize?"  (Brother Durrant)

Mine is 3 Nephi 7:18 

18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

But, so many talks answered so many questions I had as I went with the format, "Seek~Receive~Act."
ALSO: I was jumping for joy as Elder Dale G. Renlund was called as an Apostle.  If you all remember, he came to the Mission last year in October.  His and Sister Renlund's teachings were awesome on that Mission tour.  So, now I can say I've met two Apostles face-to-face.
I was also really excited to hear Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Elder Gary E. Stevensen have been called.  If you noticed, there was a lot of different themes, but I also noticed how often the Brethren recognized the newly called Apostles!  They are truly called by God, and I know these men are Prophets, Seers, & Revelators.  I could feel it when I shook hands with Elder Chirstofferson & Elder Renlund.
ALSO, BIG shout-out to the moms!  Woohoo.

Also: Betty and Debbie watched the Saturday morning session at the Butler's, and we were able to join them.  They both loved it!  Betty, after each speaker, remarked, "Oh, he's GOOD!"  or
"He was GOOD!"  or
"They're all GOOD!"
We assured her and bore testimony that they were all inspired by God!


As for the rest of the week:

Mon. Sept. 28:  We were able to play basketball with all the Elders.
I had some time to write some actual letters today!
We had dinner with the Trotman's and they gave us a referral for a co-worker they've been working with!  Woo-Hoo!  It's awesome to see the members keep commitments as well!
We had a great lesson with Betty and Debbie on The Ten Commandments, and really went over obedience.  The Porter's came with us.

Tues. Sept. 29: Mission Leadership Conference
The whole day was great!  It's always fun driving in the van with some great Elders!  It hurts to take a whole proselyting day, but we try to make it as effective as possible by calling/texting to set up appointments!

Wed. Sept. 30:   Brother Alvstead and we met with Randy today.  He's been reading the Book of Mormon, and his step-son, Charles, was there, so we introduced the Book of Mormon to him, and then read a chapter, as well.  We're really pushing to get Randy to General Conference.
We also got to meet with the Carter's, a really cool couple in the ward.  Brother Carter is the big 1st baseman for SVU.
We had dinner at the Knudsen's, and Sister Knudsen is a super star - she went and picked up Sister Lund, a less-active Sister for dinner, and we were able to have a great lesson after dinner and committed each one to watch Conference.
We taught Betty and Debbie the Law of Chastity.  It's always fun.  But, they are both such great people - they totally agreed, and have seen the blessings of that throughout their life.

Thur. Oct. 1:  We had weekly planning.
Today was a tough day - we got in with the Ramirez family at the very end of the night, though!

Fri. Oct 2:  We had zone meeting in the morning.  They were calling for a hurricane to hit, so we were worried for everyone driving to Lexington.  But, the hurricane didn't show up, I guess.  I got to go on exchanges with Elder Thompson in Clifton Forge, and we taught a great guy named, Tom.  He's totally going to be baptized, soon!

Sat. Oct 3:  We had to exchange back quickly, so we could make it back for Conference.
We watched the morning session with Betty and Debbie at the Butler's and got lunch, too.  When Sister Neill F. Marriott spoke and said, "I come from the Deep South of the United States," Elder Johnson and I turned to one another and said, "Yeah, you do!"   
Southern Pride!
We watched Conference the rest of the day at the church.  We went out and about, but weren't able to get anybody to Conference.

Sun. Oct. 4:  We took Brother Flores to go see Tammy, but she was not there.  So, we swung by Randy's to see if he would commit to come to Conference.  He gave us an, "I'll try."  He didn't end up coming - so sad to see him not come.
The Hand's and the Porter's had us over for lunch in between sessions.
We watched both sessions of Conference at the church.
Then we tried people like crazy after, and were able to get a few return appointments!
We saw George!  He's still alive, and more than happy to meet with us - he finally quit his 2nd job, so he's a lot more available now.

So, please fill me in on what you liked from Conference.
There' s a saying that General Conference is a "Missionary's Christmas!"  I think it should be like Christmas to everyone!  And lucky us, we can review, re-watch, and re-listen to these talks over and over again!
I know Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God.  The Twelve are Jesus Christ's chosen apostles.  Let us continue to "Follow the Prophet!"  He knows the way! ;)


Love You All!

Love Elder Brenchley