Workin' for God's Army

Not much to say this week!  But, we have successfully [finally] moved to Botetourt County.  We live in one of the buildings of the Old Daleville College that was here in the early 1900's. 

The building we live in is pretty old

177 College Drive Apt. #2

Daleville, Va  24083

 

  

AND we are safe from all the flooding and rainstorms that have really swept across the Mission!  

Luckily, all we got up in Botetourt County was just some gnarly thunderstorms.  West Virginia was hit plenty harder - especially White Sulpher Springs and Clendenin (practically every house and business was destroyed there).  It is the worst flooding the state has had in over a hundred years.  White Sulpher Springs is famous for The Greenbrier Resort & Casino, where every 4th of July they have a PGA golf tournament, big-named artists perform, and some of the nicest wedding receptions in the state.  It has all been cancelled due to the flooding.
Here's a snippet from President Salisbury's weekly email:
As of Saturday afternoon there were still 32,016 without power, a death toll of 26, 16 shelters opened, damage assessment teams on their way, swift water rescues still taking place in Greenbrier county, water still not receded enough to fully assess all areas, FEMA incident management team arriving (Saturday the 25th), damage assessments to begin on Monday. Some of the hardest hit areas in the mission were Greenbrier county, Fayette County, Clay County, and cities like Clendenin (near Charleston) where nearly every house and business was destroyed, Richwood (near Cowen), and White Sulphur Springs were severely damaged.Missionaries will be able to help, but only if approved and very closely monitored by President Salisbury.  Some missionaries from the BV Stake (where White Sulpher Springs is) were able to volunteer and cook food for those who are without power, who are homeless, who are vacated from their homes due to flood warning, or for the volunteers themselves. A local guy went into an area, without being authorized, and got electrocuted.  So, they are still assessing the areas, and making sure it is safe for Citizen volunteers to go in.


Mon. June 20:  P-Day.  We were able to pass through Roanoke, and play some street ball with some of the brothers who run the Melrose Park courts.  It was super fun, but super hot and exhausting.

Elder Shirley got to see the Roanoke Star.

 

Then I got heat exhaustion, and threw up what seemed like a gallon of water I had chugged too fast.  :(

Tues. June 21:  We had a lesson with Ben Denton - we weren't sure how it was going to go since last week he sent us a text that seemed he was having trouble with some of the beliefs, but we got to his house and everything seemed fine.  He does have an interesting concern; that he doesn't believe that we have to keep commandments to get blessed.
We tracted this one area, where two less-actives lived, and found a new Investigator named, Courtney.  She's a 23 year old mom, and we are seeing her next Tuesday, as well.
We contacted a referral named, Cassie.  Her husband, Mark answered the door and we got to talking and he's an Air Force Recruiter.  He remarked, "I'm doing the same thing you guys are doing!"  I replied, "Kinda."   Elder Shirley remarked, "Yeah, we're doing it for God's Army!"  Haha.
Brother Homer Janney came with us/drove us around today, and the only person we were able to get in with was Brother Jim Tolley.  He remarked, "I've been in the Church 21 years; one active, 20 inactive."  He's a nice enough guy and we believe he could come back.
We had the Guffey's cancel.  We had the Hawk's cancel.

Wed. June 22:  We had District meeting today.
To summarize today: 5 people didn't want to talk to us.
We had a great lesson with Sister Rogers.  Sister Yates was really good for her and we think she will make a great friend.
We were really excited for the Scroggins dinner with their friends, the Tribbles', but they all had to cancel.  :(
Brother Morse came out with us on our weekly Wednesday team-up (Brother Hensley really pushed to get that started).  We went and saw Sister Jamie Davison, a less-active, and such a nice lady - she has made some major life decisions, and we believe she is really ready to come back to church!

Thur. June 23:  We had the great opportunity today of participating in the Roanoke Youth Conference (they did an MTC experience).  We got to teach two 45 minute classes on chapter 11 of Preach My Gospel: How do I Help People Make and Keep Commitments?  It was plenty of fun, and it was great to see the youth participate and get excited to share the Gospel.  At the beginning of the class, we had each of them write down the name of non-member friend.  Then with the "training" they received in our class, we committed them to go invite that friend to church or a mutual activity.
Brother Hensley took us out to dinner for Coordination meeting, and then took us to see the Hodges family.

Fri. June 24:  We did exchanges with the Salem 1 Elders.  I went with Elder Hepworth, our District Leader, to Salem.

Elder Hepworth & I

We did some tracting, and had a lesson with a great part-member family they are teaching, the McGuire's.  We had to go to the hospital because Brother McGuire's blood pressure was high.  They are a great couple - Sister McGuire is really close to Baptism!

Sat. June 25:  President and Sister Cummings, their daughter, Maddie, and Brother Elmore & Jacob Elmore came and helped us move.  We were instructed by Elder Ravert, the senior Elder over housing, to clean that old apartment spotless.  We were there all day!  Cleaning, bleaching, packing and moving!

Old [temporary] apartment in Salem:

Salem Apt.

Salem Apt.

Salem Apt.

Salem Apt.

New apartment in Daleville: Kitchen

 

New apt. in Daleville: Bathroom -

the laundry is in the bathroom;
probably the nicest washer and dryer I've had on my mission.

{new apt. in Daleville: Living Room}

It's all a lot more spacious and roomy!

{New apt. in Daleville: Bedroom}

Sun. June 26:  Church.  Angie didn't come, neither did any of the less-actives we've been working with...
Diviney's had us over for dinner!  It's always a great time with 11 people around the dinner table!  We had a good conversation with them about really reaching out and praying for opportunities to invite.  Brother Diviney said, "I really like you guys.  If I knew somebody, I'd definitely have you teach them."  Sister Diviney was then like, "Well, let's pray harder!  We have to get them a referral for someone to teach before Elder Brenchley goes home!"  --- Yes, Please!
I was reading on Faith this morning, and how much of a beautiful concept it is.  Faith is not just believing what we see, but believing what we don't see.  Even the two disciples who walked on the Road to Emmaus didn't even recognize the Savior or believe it was him, on the 7 mile walk from Jerusalem.  But, later they realized they felt that it was him when he was talking to them!  With faith, we need to focus on how we feel, rather than what we see!  Food for thought!  I know my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ both live!  I have not seen them, but I have felt them.  I know they are real and love us.

LUKE 24:
13 ¶And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

 17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

 29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

I Love You All!

Love, Elder Brenchley

Surprise! We ARE Christians.

Hey Everyone!

How's everything going?  Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, father-like figures, and future fathers! 

I know we have a loving Heavenly Father, who loves us so very much; He wants us to do our best and always succeed.  He gives us commandments so we can receive the promised blessings.  To learn, know, and experience the Father's promised blessings, go learn, study, and live the commandments! 

Mon. June 13:  I went shopping at Ross and Marshall's for P-day! Best stores ever! 

{$10 shirt, $17 shoes @ Ross & Marshall's!}

 

When I come home and need to replenish my wardrobe, I'll probably just go to Ross and Marshall's! 

Our appointment with Ryan Lampkins cancelled. 

We had dinner at the Williams', and they let us chase their ducks and hold some.

We found these really nice folks named, Ben and Beth.  They were both really open and invited us to sit down with them.  Beth was in and out of the lesson, but Ben seemed really intrigued.  He has done some study about the Mormons.

Tues. June 14:  We worked closely in the Troutville/Daleville area today.  We talked to this one girl named, Marissa.  She was a Christian young life worker.  She had met with missionaries before; she wasn't too interested, but it was great to have a good Gospel discussion with her.

Brother and Sister Yates took us to Country Cookin'.

We met with the Hodges family - they were just baptized in 2014.  They are from the Blue Ridge area. 

I got pulled over for speeding today....I was just trying to get around two semi-trucks while entering the freeway - I swear the cop got me within 30 seconds of getting onto the freeway. :(  $156 bucks!

Wed June 15:  We got to spend some quality time with President Salisbury today.  First, we had a wonderful specialized training; we really want to focus on getting people to be baptized, and to do that, we have to help them, not just "teach" them.

Then after Specialized Training was over, President & Sister Salisbury wanted to take us to Elder Berry (a shake place) before viewing our new apartment.  Elder Berry was closed, so we went to "3 Little Pigs."

The Salisbury's checked out the apartment with us, and they approved it.  President Salisbury is a pretty good businessman, so he made sure with the landlord that some things are fixed up and tidied up before we move in.  We'll be moving in this week (June 20 -June 26).

We found this one guy (former minister) we knocked into.  He shook his head, "I'm sorry I didn't find you when you were first searching for Christ.  You have just as much chance of converting me to be Mormon, as I do converting you to be a Christian." 

I remarked, "Well, I like those chances, because we are Christian!" 

However, he didn't think so...... ????

The next door was the miracle family.  We found the Hawks family.  They are a blended family, and the parents just got married in April.  We were able to talk to Melissa, the mom, and her two step-kids, Madison and Joshua.  They are so awesome; we are so excited to teach the rest of the family.

We were having dinner with the Scroggins' and they were in the process of making omelettes, but then because of the huge lighting storm, it knocked the power out, so they went and got pizza. 

We made an appointment with Brother Snare, and we met a gal named, Bekah later that evening.

{Nuff said}

 

Thur. June 16:  We had a good, quality lesson with the Clark's" and Brother Jones came along.  We taught the Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy lesson.  They know they need to keep it holy, but they will be gone on vacation for three weeks, and Brother Clark gets nervous in big crowds (luckily for him, we only get about 55 people out each Sunday, so that's not too big of a crowd, right?)

We had dinner at the "H's" along with Coordination meeting.  Then Brother Hensley (our Branch mission leader) came with us to see the Guffey's.  Only Sister Guffey sat in on the lesson, but she hadn't read the Book of Mormon.  I was really bold (and loving) with her, and told her that she IS missing out on knowing if this is how she can know her Heavenly Father's plan for her.  Brother Hensley shared with Karen how the missionaries had been bold with him while he was investigating the Church, and how that helped him get an answer that the message was true! 

As Brother Hensley was taking us back to our car, he mentioned how really impressed he was on how busy we have been staying.  He mentioned that missionaries in the past have gone a whole week without seeing anything.  He actually gave us a referral of a lady he knew, as we drove by her house. 

Fri. June 17: We had a lesson with Sister Eunice Epling and Brother Morse came along with us; she completely loved and agreed with the Plan of Salvation.  However, she still feels that her Baptism in the Baptist church is good enough.  She's reading the pamphlets and being very consistent.

Hawk's had to reschedule, but they were SO sorry, and really expressed how much they really wanted to meet with us again. 

We had dinner at the Morse's house. 

We had a lesson with Brian and Michelle Snare.  Brian is the lifelong member, but hasn't ever really been active.  They are such a great family; they have two boys (ages 8 & 6).  We shared with them "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"  Brother "S" is still a little skeptical about the Mormon faith, but they all committed to pray together as a family.

We "NOTE"ified the Harris family!  

Sat. June 18:  We tracted this huge housing development, and met this one young mother named, Courtney.  She liked to bash with us - it didn't matter what we said, yet she took a Book of Mormon(!)

 We had a lesson with Sister Angie Rogers.  The Gwynn's (who live right down the road) came with us; Angie is in Jacob with her BofM reading!  We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson - I'm excited for Sister Rogers, when she fully understands forgiveness, and that God will forgive her sins and her past transgressions. 

Everyone we planned to see in Blue Ridge fell through, or wasn't interested.:(

Except for Jacob Dalton, our main man!  He's 26 yrs. old, has three kids (his 2 yr. old daughter is adorable; biggest blue eyes I have ever seen) and is married.  He is so open, and realizes that there is confusion in today's churches.  He's excited for us to come back. 

Sun. June 19:  Father's Day. 

Church!  Sister Angie Rogers - she seemed so excited and stayed for Gospel Principles Sunday School class and it was a really good lesson on the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Two appointments cancelled today.  :(

We had dinner at the Diviney's!  It was awesome!  

The Diviney's

They are a huge part of how the Botetourt Branch came to be, and they will continue to play huge roles in it's growth.  They have seven kids, and Sister Diviney home schools all of them!

Well, in closing, I just want to say how easy it is to serve someone - then when you serve someone, you really start to love them.  I love the pople out here; it's because I always strive to get to know them, serve them, and help them!  I know the pattern can work for you, as well, in helping others come into the fold of God! 

I Love You All! 

Love, Elder Ryan Brenchley

Mistaken for J.W.'s

Hey Y'all! 

It was good to see the wonderful pictures of Brookelle's Baptism, and to hear there was a special Spirit there!  I'm glad I was able to join [by sending an audio recording of a talk for the Baptism Service!]

Well, this week was Transfer week, but both Elder Shirley and I are staying. , We were both asked to give talks in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, and Brother Moore, the 1st Counselor, just said, "Give them a 'pep talk'."  That we did! 

Mon. June 6:  Today was a little bit of a different Monday; it wasn't P-Day, but it was Zone Meeting.  Elder Perkins of The Seventy came on Friday to hold the MLC, then our zone leaders, and Sister Training Leaders were able to deliver the message to us.  Zone meeting was really good.  We, as a mission, really need to seek to do everything in our power to help others be baptized. 

We met up with Brother Allred to go see Torey Ferguson but he wasn't home.  :(

We did go and try Bryan Snare, a less-active, and we had a really good conversation with his wife (non-member).  She is very friendly, and now she knows someone from the ward, as well (Brother Allred). The Guffey's also cancelled today.  :(

We had dinner at the Willmott's - they are a super swell family (they are an addition to the Botetourt Branch who came from the Vinton Ward with the recent creation of our new Branch).  They have three young girls, and they committed to pray for missionary opportunities. 

We then worked around their area, found a less-active who wasn't interested in even giving us the time of day.  But, then we found a cool guy named, Ryan.  He's got a sweet car collection, and we were able to teach him The Restoration. 

 

Tues. June 7:  Brother Hommer Janney, from Roanoke ward, decided he wanted to drive us for the whole day! We were like, "OK!" 

We tried to get in touch with people in Blue Ridge - we're still finding are way around up there. 

We had a lesson with the Davis family.  They really need to see if the Book of Mormon is true by reading and praying about it, rather than trying to prove it intellectually.  They are now in Roanoke ward boundaries with the changes, so the Sisters will begin teaching them. 

Sister Angie Rogers had to reschedule, which was very unfortunate because we had Brother Janney and Sister Moore come with us to her appointment. :(

We went to Bojangles (one of the million fried chicken places out here).

We had a visit with Brother Smith - he said he needed to come to church more, and we were like, "Yes you do!"

{A massive house}

 

Wed. June 8: Happy Birthday Dad! 

We cleaned the apartment, and used the Cook's hose to wash our car for P-day.

 

Thurs. June 9:  We did our weekly planning.

We went up to the Fincastle library, and we had a hard time convincing the Family History Librarian to let us serve there or teach a class. 

We did dinner at the Scroggins' - they had us come to their new property where they are building a house. We had pizza in their unfinished house, and they had a zip line out back they wanted us to try out.

Zip Line @ the Scroggins'

We had Missionary Coordination meeting with Brother Hensley (our new Branch Mission Leader).  He's got some great ideas to get the Branch more actively involved in working with us. 

 

Fri. June 10:  We worked in Blue Ridge today and met the Plaquette family; they are less-active, but I see a lot of potential in them.  Sister Plaquette has a really good heart. 

We taught a referral named, Caroline Blakinship.  She was really humble and wanted to learn more about our message. 

We had dinner at the Elmore's and they are such a solid family.  Sister Elmore is a convert and they have two kids: Jacob (age 15) and Brenna (age 12).  They are such a happy, loving family. 

 

Sat. June 11: Brookelle's Baptism Day!

We found some really good people on Spring Hollow Road including a lady we were able to teach on her patio.  Her name is Eunice.  She thought we were Jehovah Witnesses, so within the first 3 minutes, when she hears I'm from Utah, she cracks a Utah Mormon joke.  We then explained who we were (Mormons!), and she was so embarrassed and kept apologizing. ;)  She was definitely willing to do some of the scripture studies provided in the back of the pamphlet (where you can look up both Bible and Book of Mormon references).

We got free Subs from Subway because their gift card machine wasn't working, and that's all we had to pay for lunch!  Blessings!

We were able to see a lot of potential investigators, but they were just too busy on the Saturday to have a lesson. 

Brian, our investigator, had to cancel our lesson.  We've had a lot of trouble getting 2nd lessons with people.  :(

 

Sun. June 12:  As I mentioned before, both Elder Shirley and I gave talks in Sacrament Meeting.  I titled mine, "Bringing others unto Christ in the Botetourt Branch."  For my talk, I called several of the returned missionaries in the ward, as well as many of the several converts (it seems like each and every single family has a returned missionary or convert in the family).  I interviewed them over the phone and asked them the joys they had while sharing the Gospel, and the joys of accepting the Gospel and joining the Church.  I pointed out that this Branch is made up of returned missionaries and converts, and the Branch would not be there today if others hadn't invited them to partake of the Gospel.  I also said, in order for this Branch to become stronger, everyone would need to help Jesus Christ in the work of Salvation. 

Angie wasn't able to make it to church. :(

We had dinner at the Gwynn's.  We were able to go over how we can both help them fulfill their callings. (Brother Gwynn is the YM President and Sister Gwynn is the Relief Society President. 

We tried to contact some referrals, and a guy named, Dwight.  His wife seemed really scared of us - like we were ghosts or something!  I didn't think we were that scary.

{Another Virginia sunset}

Well, just thought I'd wrap up this week's email by commenting on how special the Gospel is to each of us individually.  It helps change us in individual ways.  I would encourage all to go check out Alma chapter 5; it has great doctrine about having a change of heart! 

Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley 

The First Inaugural Meeting for the Botetourt Branch

Hey Y'all! 

This week was great, and can be followed up with one word: EXCITEMENT! 

Elder Shirley and I are staying in Botetourt for another transfer.

The first Inaugural meeting for the Botetourt Branch was held on Sunday and everyone is so excited to get things growing!  Truly, what is a branch?  It branches off from the main tree, and grows and grows and grows! 

The Sacrament meeting bulletin for the FIRST EVER meeting of the Botetourt Co. Branch

We had our first ever investigator in Botetourt County at church with Sister Angie Rogers coming to the first ever meeting of the Branch! 

However this Friday, I have several good friends go home from this Mission, and it will be sad to see them go, and the Mission will miss them. 

Tues. May 31:  We were able to email today due to the Memorial Day holiday yesterday, and the libraries being closed.

{a pretty lake}

 

Then our appointment with the Davis' cancelled, then we weren't able to make it out to Misty or the Overby's because we didn't have miles left at this last day of the month, and they didn't ever answer the phone to confirm our appointment.

But, while tracting in Daleville, we found a man named, Bruce.  He's a firefighter and he knows some members (active and inactive).  He says he's been to every single church in the Roanoke Valley, so he's experienced a lot of confusion and can see the corruption in all the different churches.  Luckily, he wasn't too closed minded to listen to us about The Apostasy and The Restoration of Jesus Christ's Gospel. 

Wed. June 1:  I went on exchanges today with Elder Young; he came with me to Botetourt, and we met a nice old couple, who's actually taken the missionaries out to eat before.  They weren't interested in us teaching them, however.

We found a new investigator named, Torey.  He's a really cool guy, who just needs direction and help in his life.  He realizes he's made a lot of bad decisions in his life and wants to get his life back in order.

Then on the same street, we found Karen Guffey and her daughter, Martha - just such humble people, and so friendly, too!  They gladly listened to the message of the Restoration, and committed to read and pray, and be baptized! 

It was such a good day! 

Thur. June 2:  We had our District meeting.

We got 39 cent wings at Maccadoo's for Elder Hepworth's Birthday.

We had a lesson with the Clark couple.  The Gentry's" came along.  Sister Clark  needs to experience more of the blessings promised to her, and we need to help her see all the benefits she gets from all the blessings that are for her in relation to the Gospel. 

The Gentry's gave us a ride up to Eagle Rock, where they live, and we were able to work the area... only to find out it's completely out of the Stake boundaries. :/ 

We had dinner at the Cummings'/Gentry's (Sister Cummings' parents).  It was good to be with President Cummings, and then his Counselors came over for a presidency meeting, and we were able to express our love and our excitement to serve them and help build the Branch. 

{SUNSETS!!!}

 
Fri. June 3:  We weekly planned - during this, Misty let us know that she'd decided she didn't want to meet with us anymore, and would begin attending a Baptist church instead. :/ 

Brother Keeton came with us, but Angie had to reschedule and Joanne wasn't home.  Chuck had to cancel, as well. 

A nice Baptist couple let us in.  They were really sweet, but were still closed off from our message. 

Sat. June 4:  We checked out apartments today (two in Daleville and one in Fincastle).

We talked to a girl named Amanda while out and about trying to contact a former investigator.  She was house-sitting for them, but she was interested in the Book of Mormon, which we gave to her, and we were able to pass her info on to the YSA Elders.

We had a lesson with Sister Angie Rogers and Brother Morse came with us.  She committed to come to church with us tomorrow. 

The Moore's took us out to Leonardo's since the road to their house was washed away (thanks to a crazy thunderstorm about 3 p.m.) 

We also taught Brian Griswauld for the first time, he said the message made a lot of sense. 

Sun. June 5:  We went up to Coaling Road in the morning. No one was interested, but we were able to say "Hi" to our Hippie friend who makes glass pipes. 

We had a lesson with Brother Keeton at the church before church began! 

We met up with Angie at the Burger King, and then she followed us to church - for the First Ever meeting of the Botetourt Branch.  It might have been a little weird for her, since we sustained basically all the new callings in the Branch, which involved us raising our hand every 30 seconds. 

{Hanging with the Cook's!  They are our awesome landlords who give us ice cream!}

 

Mon. June 6:  Zone Meeting.

Zone Meeting

{Elder Webber, me, and Elder Palmer}

 

Well, just remember how exciting life is and how wonderful the Gospel is!  Congrats to Dad turning 45 today!  And Brookie May is getting baptized on Saturday!  WooHoo! 

Also, I quickly want to say how much of a blessing it is to repent and to change.  We can truly do this through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Thank our Heavenly Father for this wonderful process! 

Alma 5:33 

33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

Love You All!

Love, Elder Brenchley

The Mission Life is Good! (Baptism, Branch Life, and Dragon's Tooth)

Hey Everyone!

I can't express how much news I have to share with y'all this week!  A lot of things happened over the last couple of days, and it has been so exciting.  So, I'll give a quick recap before the day by day summary!

1. We found 4 new investigators this week!  Including a family who is seeking the truth!
2. I got notified late Thursday night, that Sister Debbie French from BV was getting baptized Saturday!  I got permission from President Salisbury to go, found a ride on Friday - Brother Allred was so nice to take us, and on Saturday, we got to drive up to BV and go and watch the Baptism!  I am so happy and proud of her!  She has worked hard for this, and she and Sister Betty McGowan were so excited to see me!  I feel so blessed that I was serving in an area close enough to be able to attend the Baptism! 
3. There was a special meeting held this Sunday night, and the whole Stake was invited to attend (at the Stake Center or via broadcast).  No one knew what it was about, so there was a lot of buzz (Was it a reproving for not doing Home Teaching?  A temple in Virginia?  A boundary realignment?  New Church policy?)  It turned out to be boundary realignments....AND Botetourt County has seceded from the Roanoke 1st Ward!  That's right, the Botetourt Branch was formed, and Elder Shirley and I are the first missionaries in history for the Botetourt Branch!  We are so excited!  We can feel the members’ excitement, as well.  President Cummings was called as the new Branch President, and he said he will put us to work! 
4. For Memorial Day, our district hiked this trail called, Dragon's Tooth; it was really fun, and sometimes scary (just kidding) and it had beautiful views! 

LOOK OUT FOR PICTURES THERE ARE PLENTY OF THEM!

Mon. May 23: 

P-Day, and we played chair soccer at the church. 

Our appointment with the Harris family cancelled. :(

Tues. May 24:  Our investigator, Peyton, cancelled our appointment and said he's really busy and he'd prefer to spend any free time he has relaxing rather than meeting with us.  We were still inspired to work his neighborhood though, and we got a referral from one of the neighbors.  The referral ended up being Peyton's next door neighbor.  It was the Davis Family.  Jim, the dad, asked if we could come back later that day, which we definitely agreed we could! ;) We came back and we were able to have a good first lesson with him and his 17 yr. old son, James.  They are both really well educated in the Bible, but they currently don't attend a church because time after time, they see Men making up their own doctrine or teaching doctrine that doesn't line up with the Bible.  They are truly Truth Seekers.  They currently abide by the whatever the Bible tells them.  James is home schooled, and through that, he has met a really good friend who joined the Church last year, and is now serving a mission this September.  So, they have definitely been prepared.  We hope to teach the remainder of the family (mom & 3 kids) next time. 

Brother Turner came with us to see Angie, and she ended up not being at our appointment.  However, the Lord did want us in that area because with Brother Turner, we were able to go meet the boyfriend of a less-active, and give him a Book of Mormon.  Then we were also able to go across the street and have a short, but good, lesson with Chuck Wilde.  He was really impressed we pray to God (not Jesus) - we left him with a Book of Mormon, after sharing with him Moroni's Promise. 

Brother Turner

Then Brother Turner, him being so kind and awesome, took us out to dinner at 3 Lil' Pigs in Daleville – it’s probably one of the best places I've eaten at on my mission.  I definitely will have to take my family here when we come back next Summer. 

Wed. May 25:  We had some good success on Coaling Road today, finding some potential investigators.  We felt inspired to knock this one house, even though it looked barren with no cars in the driveway.  It turns out the kids were home, including an 18 year old son. We were able to talk to him, and he said his family had not been to church in a while, and he would really appreciate it if we came back to teach his family. 

We taught Sister Debbie Day for the first time.  She's a former investigator, and is so nice.  She has a 30 year old daughter, named Sarah, who has Cerebral Palsy.  Brother Richardson came with us, and we had a really good lesson on knowing the truth of the Restoration.  I really felt the Spirit as I was reciting The First Vision, and I could tell Debbie was, as well.  I think her response to The First Vision is what made me get emotional, just as I saw the Spirit touch her heart. 

We had dinner at the Morse's home, and then Ward Missionary Coordination meeting.

Thur. May 26:  We did our weekly planning. 

Brother Plaster came with us to see Misty, but she had to reschedule, so he still drove us around.  He talked to the Overby's for a bit; they were busy, so they couldn't sit down and have a lesson, but Brother Plaster and Glen Overby really got along, so we found a pretty good fellowshipper for them! 

I also saw a angry Snapping Turtle!  

I got notified from the Roanoke zone leaders (who got notified from the BV zone leaders) that Sister French was getting baptized on Saturday.  I texted President Salisbury and I got permission to go, since I am within an hour of BV. 

Fri. May 27:  There was a really powerful, Spirit-filled District Meeting focused on the Atonement of Jesus Christ today.  

District Photo (Sister Ward, Sister Kirkby, Elder Young, Elder Hepworth, Elder Brenchley, Elder Shirley)

The appointments we did have set up today all had to cancel..... 

We were able to drop in and have a good lesson with Brother Keeton and The Smith's.

Sat. May 28:  It was a hot and humid day! 

We tracted on Orchard Drive. 

Later, we met up with Brother Allred, who drove us to BV.  

Brother Allred acting as our chauffeur to Buena Vista

I was excited to see everyone, and everyone was excited to see me.  It was a wonderful service.  The Spirit was strong.

Debbie French with The Elders: Elder Wasden is on the far left (he replaced me back in BV in December and is currently serving in Lynchburg - still in the BV zone, so was also close enough to come).  Then there's Elder Maloy and Elder Barazoto (the current BV Elders) and me.

  

Debbie French, and her mother, Betty, and the two Brothers from the BV ward, and all the Elders

  .

Of course, it wouldn't be Debbie's Baptism, though, if there wasn't some of her sass involved. :)  Brother Butler was the one to actually baptize her, but Brother Turman also went in the water to help her go under the water.  The first time, her hand did not go all the way under. 

When she came back up, and was told they had to do it again, she yelled, "WHAT?" 

Then she said, "They're trying to kill me!"

Brother Butler jokingly said, "Well, we failed!"

Then Sister French said, "I thought my hand went under!?"

Brother Turman responded: "Well the referee said, ‘No!’"

Haha, she was still a good sport about it. 

I made sure to get plenty of pictures with everyone there.  

Walker Family

Bishop and Sister Doxey

 

Brother & Sister Butler with their adopted son, Matthew

 

Brother Turman

 

Sister Betty McGowen and our newest Baptized member, Sister Debbie French

 

Then we were able to have dinner at the Diviney's - they were throwing a Memorial Day weekend BBQ, it was plenty fun and tons of people came.

Look who I ran into at the Diviney's BBQ - The Hall's from Floyd Branch!

There was plenty of Bluegrass music and dancing and good food. 

We found a really cool potential family, the Kirby's. 

Sun. May 29:  Elder Shirley and Sister Ward spoke today in Sacrament meeting, as well as the Relief Society President, Sister Cummings.  All the talks were about Service, and reaching out to those in need, and going to the rescue!  I really enjoyed all of them! 

We attended the Special Meeting: we learned of some changes in the Stake.  Botetourt Branch is going to be exciting!  President Cummings was called as the Branch President, Brother Moore was called as 1st Counselor, and Brother Allred was called as 2nd Counselor. We were going to go razz Brother Allred, and ask why he didn't tell us yesterday while we were driving all the way to BV and back.  But, it turns out, he didn't even know until Sunday at 4:30 p.m. - an hour and a half before the meeting!  Our Botetourt Branch also took a chunk from the Vinton Ward (still in  Botetourt County, just on the other side of the Mountain Range), so we are excited to go work those areas, and we met a few members that will now be in our Branch.

Mon. May 30: Memorial Day and P-Day.

We hiked Dragon's Tooth as a district.  It was super fun! 

Also, I was able to go to the batting cages.

We met a nice guy named, Josh, who was really excited to take a Book of Mormon.

Well, Elder Shirley and I are really excited to be working hard to help the Botetourt Branch grow and flourish.  The members up in Botetourt are solid members, and I can feel their excitement with this change.  They will be driven and motivated to help the Branch grow, by bringing their friends into the Gospel, and also bringing less-actives back to church.

And again, I can't say how wonderful it was to attend Sister Debbie French's Baptism.  My joy was full, and it was incredible to see the change that has taken place in her since I last saw her almost 5 months ago.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true; change through Him is real, and Sister Debbie French is a living example of that! 

I love you all!

Love, Elder Brenchley

P.S. By way of reminder, next week is Transfer week, so I will not being emailing until Wednesday.  With the recent opening of the Botetourt Branch, Elder Shirley and I feel pretty confident that we will both be staying. 

P.P.S.  It appears we will be in the Salem house for another couple of weeks, unless a miracle happens.  We are just not finding anything suitable for the Mission Department standards or budget.  Nothing in Botetourt County, at least.