All is Well! All is Well!

Hey Everyone!

Happy Pioneer Day yesterday!  We sang "Come, Come Ye Saints" in Sacrament meeting yesterday.  I love this hymn so much!  Verse 2 in particular!  

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell—
All is well! All is well!

 

In all cases, our lot isn't something to mourn or constantly think about (besides, others around the world have it a lot harder than we do.)  Rather, we can think of everything that is well, or everything that is right.  Remember those things in the day to day life, and we still must have courage and prepare for the fight, every single day, but just remember our God will not forsake us! 

Here's my week, and my day-to-day battles in the fight against sin! 

 

Mon. July 18:  P-day.  We cleaned, shopped, and emailed.

Elder Shirley had a doctor's appointment down in Roanoke. (I was in the waiting room doing nothing for like 45 minutes.) But since we were by Cave Spring, that allowed us to go play basketball with Elder Williams (my MTC comp) and his trainee, Elder Estes.  It was some pretty good basketball. While knocking, we weren't seeing too much luck, but we did knock into this one family that the Elmore's identified as a family they could share the Gospel with.  The mom gladly took a pamphlet, and said we could come by.

 

Tues. July 19:  We went to Bob & Patty Cox's house (they are the really nice, older couple in their 80's).  Well, they happened to have their granddaughter & husband there from Utah, who are both members.  They fed us lunch and it was a good visit. 

Brother Allred came with us to an appointment with Sister Amber Booher.  Today's lesson was on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (She is doing really well!)

We found some real nice people on Oakwood Road in Troutville.

Sister Yates treated us to 3 Lil' Pigs (best restaurant in town).

We had a really good lesson with Brother Jacob Dalton.  Brother Diviney came along again, which really helped.  We really focused on helping him investigate through a spiritual standpoint, rather than logical.  Brother Jacob Dalton felt the Spirit, and opened up about some tough things going on in his life. 

 

Wed. July 20:  District Meeting was in the morning.  Our new district now consists of: the Botetourt Elders (Elder Shirley & I), Salem Elders (Elder Hepworth - district leader & Elder Jolley), Salem Sisters (Sister Condie & Sister Roberts), and Roanoke North Sister Training Leaders (Sister Ford & Sister Lunt).

We also did exchanges; Elder Hepworth came with me to Botetourt.  Our first appointment cancelled with Jacob Wallis but we were still able to see Jocelyn Pinelle with Brother Allred.  Jocelyn is the former Jehovah's Witness, who's lost her faith in God.  She said she's very interested in what we teach.  She said maybe she'd be baptized if she knew it was 100% true.  I was like, "Only maybe? If you knew it was 100% true, you'd only maybe get baptized?"  She then corrected herself, "OK, Yes, I would get baptized."

The Moore's took us out to Wendy's.

No one in Daleville neighborhood was home/intrested.

While contacting a less-active, her mother came to the door (who's also less-active).  She just moved in with her daughter, and she's very excited about church being at 2:00, and said she'd like to be in the Branch.

  

Thurs. July 21:  In the morning, before we exchanged back, we had Brother "J" come by to a lesson with Sister Amber Booher.  It was on Following the Prophet.  We showed her, "Choices" by President Thomas S. Monson and she really enjoyed that. 

We exchanged back, and we talked to Eunice Epling.  She's still alive, but her health is going down hill. 

We talked to Jerry Franklin.  He's a friendly enough guy.  He's less-active and kind of freezes up whenever we bring up something spiritual. 

The Hodges family cancelled.

We had a media referral to this one house (we've tried this house several times), and finally we asked the neighbor if Victoria still lives there.  She said yes, and that we should try to catch her at the Convenience store she works at.  We went there and she was the one working the register.  We started talking to her and her manager came out and was very nasty with us, and kicked us out of his store! 

We knocked on Queen Regent Ct. and while on the street, we saw this one house that had sprinklers!  (Side note: this was the first time on my mission that I've seen a residential home have sprinklers out here.  Because it's the East, apparently all the rain is enough for the grass!)  We both took that as inspiration that we should talk to them; we spoke to Gary outside on his driveway.  He's a really nice guy, but he treated our message like the plague (no joke), but gave us food & drink and had a friendly conversation. 

 

Fri. July 22:  In the morning, we knocked Greenway Hollow Road.  We found a 20 yr. old named, Austin.  After talking with him and teaching The Restoration, he was like, "I think God sent you to my porch today!"  Yes, He did! 

We talked with Jody Cox - he's the son of Bob & Patty Cox.  He just moved in and apparently he was baptized when he was 14. (His older brother was a member, so he went to church with him way back when).

We had dinner at the Morse's house. 

Brother Plaster came with us for the evening.  Angie Rogers cancelled, so we went and chatted with Amy Gregory.  She was so happy to see us, and set up a return appointment.  He also came with us to a lesson with Sister Amber Booher  (this one was on the importance of commandment keeping).

 

Sat. July 23:  We had another lesson with Sister Amber Booher in the morning (we have taught her four times this week, and have seen her every day.  She texts us great questions! )  We taught her the Word of Wisdom and she has absolutely no problem with living it! 

{cute kittens we found while tracting}

We met David - he lives down a dirt road from us.  Apparently he's been contacted by the missionaries before because he answered the door and said, "Finally!  I was about to call Salt Lake City and ask why they took my Mormon missionaries!"  He's just a really good guy - not too interested, but we taught true principles and asked him questions.  To put it point blank: his beliefs don't make sense, but we might go see him again.

{those cute kittens, 4 hours later, cooked and seasoned...."When in Rome, do as the Romans do..."}  Ha ha, just kidding!  Pork Loin was on sale at Kroger this P-Day, so I made some awesome pork loin for dinner today!

 

We went to contact a referral President Cummings/Brother Gentry gave us.  It was for their friend, Andrew.  He's really big into guns and shoots at the Cummings'/Gentry's property all the time.  However, they didn't want us to drop their names or say that they sent us, so we were told to tract the whole street!  So we knocked a good 7-8 doors before we came to Andrew's door.  He was a very nice, humble, friendly guy, and you could tell his relationship with the Gentry's/Cummings' softened his heart.  We were able to teach him the Restoration, and we have a return appointment with him!

 

Sun. July 24: Happy Pioneer Day! 

We had a great turnout at church!  We had two investigators at church today!  Sister Amber Booher (and she brought her 7 month-old baby girl with her, too!) as well as Brother Jacob Dalton came to church!  All three Sacrament meeting talks were awesome:
1) Prayer 
2) Obedience 
3) Conquering the Goliath's in our life/Here am I!
They both stayed for all three hours!  We planned ahead and had people to sit by them in all their classes, so we had a packed Gospel Principles class (that we missionaries had to teach).
After church, for proselyting, we did get a referral.
We also talked to Andy Harris to see how he and Amy were doing.

Attention: Trump in the Noke! 
Apparently, Donald Trump is speaking today (Monday, 7/25) at the Hotel Roanoke at 3:00 p.m.!  In downtown Roanoke! 

This will be HUGE! :)  Maybe I'll be on the news.
Botetourt County is an ALL RED County!  Everyone hates Hillary, the "scandalous woman," up here!  But then most people don't want to vote either way!

{My hands after batting cages this morning.  I don't have any batting gloves, so I had to improvise with athletic tape!}

I'll close with this scripture:

Romans 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; 

I don't believe the Pioneers (those who crossed the plains, and other Pioneers in the Gospel) were ever ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.  I know they wouldn't have made the great sacrifices if they were ashamed by this Gospel.  Rather, I think they truly delighted in the Gospel and had a testimony of the power of God unto Salvation. I  am grateful for my Pioneer heritage, and that I am able to drink from the waters of wells they built; to be raised in the Gospel, and to be able to continue a legacy of Gospel living and full-time missionary service. 

I am not ashamed of my calling, and really delight in it!  It has power, and I want everyone to experience the Restored Gospel!  I am so sad to see my time winding down, but I need to continue the work of salvation, even when I go home! 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored and it is truly wonderful!  All is Well! All is Well! 

Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley 

Babysitters Wanted

Hello everyone!

Another week in the books!  It sure was fun and great!  Another group of great missionaries went home this past week, including some of previous companions (Elder Caldwell & Elder Jacklin).  This means I am in the oldest group in the mission now!

Sister Amber Booher (who lives at our apartment complex) is doing wonderful!  We begun teaching her Monday, and taught her three times this past week. And she came to church, as well!!!  She loved church so much, and the members just loved her to pieces.  She's progressing really well, and we've been able to have daily contact with her.  She is preparing for Baptism on August 27th! 

 

As for the rest of the week: 

 

Wed. July 13:  P-Day.  I started the morning off by going to the Roanoke County Courthouse for my speeding ticket.  I stood before the judge and pleaded my case; I don't know if whatever I said changed anything, but the cost was reduced and I have to take a class when I get back to Utah post-mission.  But it was an interesting experience - something to learn and grow from.

We also were stuck in the library for a while because the rain was coming down hard outside. 

Since the court hearing was in Salem, we passed through Roanoke back to Botetourt County and stopped at the "Middle of the Square" and took pics. 

Middle of the Square in Roanoke

 

We went walking around the mall, and I got some sweet basketball socks. (I know my mom said I shouldn't buy anything until I get home, but the deal was too good to pass up.)

We had dinner with the Scroggins'.

Brother Hensley came with us to a lesson with Sister Amber Booher. It was a great lesson on the role of prayer and the Holy Ghost.  At this point, she hadn't been praying, and was still nervous about it, but she said a prayer (with help) at the end! 

 

Thurs. July 14:  We talked to a nice guy named Greg Reynolds.  He's been contacted by the missionaries in the past.  He was very friendly and kept commenting on how much the world needs help. 

Then we were able to have a brief visit with Brother William Foster and he's been out of church almost as long as he's been a member.  But he had great questions on the Plan of Salvation.  He's a nice enough guy, and I could see potential in him coming back to church. 

We did coordination meeting/dinner with Brother Hensley.

We had two appointments set up and one of them fell through.  The other one was with Sister Angie Rogers and she could not stay focused on the lesson - her grand baby was running around everywhere.  Who knew we'd need to start bringing a baby-sitter to all of our lessons? 

Fri. July 15:  We had apartment/car inspections today.  A nice couple, the Wohlford's, did that.  They were really impressed with our apartment....not too impressed with our car.  :/  We need to repent! 

Two of our appointments cancelled, but we were able to drop in on the Thomas' and talk to Virginia's husband, Roger.  He softened up to the idea of us coming by. 

We had dinner at the Morse's home.

We found out our friend, Torey Ferguson, who we taught a couple times, moved down to the Salem Elders area. 

 

Sat. July 16:  We had a lesson with Sister Amber Booher (she has two kids, by the way).  She had never before heard of the Pre-Earth life, so now she always asks us great questions! 

The Moore's agreed to come with us to see Sister Angie Rogers.  They first took us out to eat at Country Cookin'.  Angie ended up not telling us she wasn't home until we pulled up to her driveway (she does that a lot).  The Moore's were still optimistic, and so we went and tried some less-actives on their home and visiting teaching routes.  Sister Moore kept saying, "Who's next?"  They are champions! 

 

Sun. July 17:  We found this cool family guy named, Morgan.  He's so interested in the Book of Mormon, and had plenty of good questions.  What confused us was, he was interested in meeting with us, but he said he'd contact us. 

Sister Amber Booher came to church today.  She admitted she was a nervous wreck, and hadn't been to any church in 6 years.  The people there loved her!  That's whats awesome about being in a Branch; a new face doesn't get lost in the crowd, and never goes unnoticed.  Everyone just circled her and helped her.  In Relief Society, the lesson was on Temples and Family History Work, but what we hear, is that, in order to help her, all the Sisters in there took turns bearing testimony of the Plan of Salvation and trying to help her understand this huge, foreign concept on her first time at church.  Botetourt Branch is awesome!  Amber couldn't stop texting us on how much she loved church and felt comfortable there. 

We talked to Jeff Hawks - he's the husband of Melissa Hawks who we are so excited to teach again, but are just waiting until she's feeling up to it.  Jeff is super sweet though, and we got a return appointment with them for Wednesday. 

 

Well, that's the whole week in a nutshell! 

Love You All! 

Love,  Elder Ryan Brenchley

EXTREMES: Rude -> Loving, 100 Degrees -> Pouring Thunderstorms, Not Many Lessons -> Lots of Lessons

Hey Y'all! 

Coming from Virginia still!  The news is I will be staying in Botetourt with Elder Shirley for my last transfer as a missionary!  I'm very happy!  I had interviews this past week with President Salisbury, and he gave me the heads up early, actually! 

 

Some highlights (and lowlights) from this week:

1. Sister Susan Copeland, who I taught in Roanoke, got baptized and I was able to attend! 

2. We started teaching a gal named, Amber, who lives at our apartment complex! 

3. 7-11 Slurpee Day

4. Interviews with President Salisbury

5. Zone meeting

6. The week of July 4-10, we didn't teach too many lessons. 

7. The two days of July 11-12, we've almost matched the amount of lessons we taught the week previous.  It's going good. 

8. Went to court this morning for a speeding ticket..... :(

9. While knocking a street, we helped the same guy twice in 10 minutes time get his riding lawn mower out of a ditch - I'm not so sure he should be driving that thing. 

As for the rest of the week, we had 100 degree weather to pouring rain storms!  The weather is crazy! Haha! 

 

Tues. July 5:  We knocked Muse Road, and tracted into the owner of Famous Anthony's (a big restaurant chain here).

We also spoke with and taught a 19 year old kid named, Jacob.  He is planning on going into the Air Force, but he is definitely socially awkward, so he was interested enough to talk to us, but I think it helped we were about his age. 

Then we emailed at Fincastle Library because they were closed on the 4th.

We had dinner with the Cummings' and Brother Gentry picked us up.  We ate really good pork loin. Then President Cummings came with us and we dropped in on the Kotval's.  President Cummings was really good for them.  Josh Kotval (non-member) is a Deputy Sheriff for Botetourt County, and President Cummings is a volunteer deputy.  Sister Kotval is the member.  We shared with them, "The Family Proclamation."  Then Josh opened up with some pretty big questions regarding anti.  President Cummings bore his testimony of his conversion, and answered them really well!  They are going to be a great focus family for the Branch!

Wed. July 6:  So we went up to Buchanan today.  Then stopped by and talked to Sister Angie Rogers - she's doing fine (her dog, however, is in bad shape).  She just hasn't been answering her phone. 

We talked to Tiara, a daughter of a referral we got, and she seemed really cool and open. 

Up in Buchanan, we didn't get too much dice.  But, we saw a cool bridge!

We talked to Sister Lorton, and asked her who she'd recommend for us to go try.   A less-active family wasn't home, and as soon as the Overby's saw us pull up to their driveway, they both left the front porch and went into the house. 

We had dinner at the Scroggins'; they are going to pray for the opportunity to again get the Tribbles family over to meet with us. 

While out tracting, we met the nicest, older couple I have ever met on my mission.  Bob and Patty Cox (age 85 and 82) were so hospitable; they invited us in, kept trying to give us food and drink, and told us how a son of theirs is Mormon, and how many great Mormon grandkids and great-grandkids they have.  

Thur. July 7:  We had interviews with President Salisbury in the morning.  It was great, as always!  He told me he's never had to "worry" about me on my mission.  He says, "I just don't want to get in your way, Elder Brenchley."  It's always such an uplifting time to be with him - I know he was called by God to be my Mission President. 

We knocked off Valley Road, where we didn't really find anyone, just the guy named Mike who kept getting his riding lawn mower stuck in a ditch. 

Brother Plaster came with us for two hours today, and we taught Brother Dewie Weddle, and then saw Brother Ted Durrant (inactive member).  He wasn't interested - after inviting us in, we tried to teach a lesson and invite him back to church, then he politely asked us to close with prayer and leave. 

Kacy had to cancel.  :(  And then Amy Gregory cancelled, too. 

We ate at Subway.  Eat Fresh.

While tracting Camelia Drive, we found this funny guy named, Fred Smith.  He's Catholic, but he doesn't know why he's Catholic.  He heard our lesson, then he said, "After this many years, I don't know if I can change."

I then asked, "What if God asked you to change?" 

This certainly took him off guard, and he didn't know how to answer.  We're excited to go back and see him.

{I have acquired 36 ties on my mission!  WOW!}

Fri. July 8:  We had zone meeting.

Then we were able to meet with a new less-active Sister we started teaching named, Sister Marilyn Evans.  She actually joined the church while working for a company based in Salt Lake City.  Her co-workers shared the Gospel with her. 

While tracting, one old guy was as rude as could be (probably one of the angriest I've seen on my mission) and then a different old guy was all for us coming and loved us in just 10 minutes! 

We had dinner at the Elmore's and they identified some families they want to share the Gospel with. 

 

Sat. July 9:  Sister Susan Copeland's Baptism.

{Sister Copeland and Brother Vance}

 

 

{All the Elders who ever taught Sister Copeland}

Me, Elder Cheever, Elder Boer, Elder Jolley, Elder Larson

 

{The Vance Family}

 

{Elder Jolley and I with Susan}

 

Brother Elmore did come out with us, but Sister Angie Rogers flaked on us! 

We had a lesson with the Clark couple - they're still really nervous about coming to church. 

Then we had a follow-up lesson with Jacob Wallis, who we found Tuesday.  He didn't really remember anything we taught him. 

We contacted a referral named, Freda.  She was 97 years old and wasn't interested. 

 

Sun. July 10:  We had Branch Council in the morning, then church.  It's becoming an all day thing with Branch Council at 12:30, then church until 5:00. 

We had dinner at the Diviney's; they are awesome!  They identified one kid that Jack (age 15) and Abe (age 13) know, that they are going to invite to mutual.  They set a goal of July 27 to find someone to refer us to.

We talked to a Muslim man, who is from the Middle East, just visiting his parents.  We had a very pleasant conversation. 

 

Mon. July 11:  We had District meeting in the morning.

Our District

 

Our District Leader, Elder Hepworth, brought us a bottle of Martinelli's sparkling cider

 

 

We taught our neighbor, Sister Amber Booher, for the first time.  She's been bringing us food several nights before because she wants us to be taken care of.  She is interested in learning about religion, so she said we could come by.  Brother Janney came with us.  She is very open and searching for truth.  She has a lot of questions about what's wrong and what's right.  She has a lot of tattoos and a couple piercings.  She had a long list of questions!  She's seems so very promising; she said she'd be baptized! 

Free 7-11 slurpees on 7-11

Then we were able to hit up 7-11 for Slurpee day! 

We dropped in on Angie since we had Brother Janney with us, and she said she still wanted to be baptized, and even said she'd like to be baptized this Sunday, but we talked to her about her being more prepared, and moved her date to August. 

Then Brother Janney came with us to the Moore's for dinner.  Brother Moore committed to get us in the door with a friend he has. 

As we were coming back to our apartment (8:50ish), Amber came by and dropped us off some pasta, and reported she had already read the chapter we left her, as well as checked out the websites we left her. 

 

Tues. July 12:  We knocked this one street (in a very nice neighborhood), and it just wasn't a good street.  I repeat, It was not a good street. 

We had Brother Morse come out with us to see Amy Gregory and she wasn't there!  We did try a couple of other people, and knocked into this cool guy named, Cody. 

We then also tried a former investigator, and found this gal named, Jacelyn.  She's a former Jehovah's Witness and she thought it was so funny that she was on "the other end" of proselyting today.  She said she fell out of religion, and she usually tells religious ministers to take a hike, but she doesn't know why she let us talk to her (We know! We've got the truth to share!)  I ended up saying a closing prayer with her.  She is awesome! 

After some huge thunderstorms, we were able to safely get out of the car and go see the Hodges family. 

Virginia Thomas cancelled, and Dewie Weddle called us to tell us he was staying with the Church of the Brethren. 

We knocked this cool neighborhood and got some good potentials. 

We had a wonderful lesson with Brother Jacob Dalton.  Brother Diviney made all the difference. They really got along, and Brother Diviney was able to bear personal testimony of Prophets/Apostles and the Plan of Salvation, and how it helps him as a father/husband. 

Well, due to the time is running out of the library computer, I have to wrap up.  It was a busy week! I'll leave with this scripture:

D&C 58:26-32

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

 29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

 30 Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments?

 31 Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?

 32 I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing.

Let us be diligent in keeping the commandments of God!  And be agents unto ourselves!  I intend to finish my mission this way!

I Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

"How Do You Pray?" Well, Thank You for Asking!

Well, Happy Independence Day everyone!

I Love this Country!  I Love America!  I'm Proud to be an American, and I'm also fortunate enough to serve in The United States of America!  What a blessing! 

Mon. June 27:  Today marks 22 months that I've been a missionary! 

It was also P-day, and we took a good nap! I also shopped, emailed, and got a haircut.

We had a good lesson with Jacob Dalton.  He accepted the invitation to be baptized, but was hesitant to set a date.  The lesson was on the Plan of Salvation, and the Three Degrees of Glory was definitely different for him.  He had good questions about a lot of things

We found a single-mom named, Danielle in Jacob's neighborhood after his lesson.

Tues. June 28:  We went on exchanges with Salem Elders.

Elder Jolley & I

I got to go with Elder Jolley - it was really fun to reunite with him and to be back on bikes (since we spent the day in Salem).

We had a lesson with two young kids who are getting baptized this Sunday (ages 9 & 10).

We had a visit with a less-active Sister; the Spirit was really special in this lesson.  She's a willing soul, and wants to go to the temple. 

We also visited with the Soto/Reyes family. 

Soto/Reyes family

This is the third time I've taught them on exchanges, so I've got to have some fun with them; they are super funny, and I always try to show off my Spanish!

We had a lesson with the McGuire family, another one of Salem's investigators/part-member family.  I taught them last week on exchanges as well (Sister McGuire is a "dry-Mormon").

Wed. June 29:  We had District Meeting.
Elder Shirley and I went with the Gentry's to see the O'Neil family.  Brother O'Neil isn't a member and is still really closed off from religion.  Then the Gentry's treated us to Taco Bell! 
We walked everywhere today, since we were out of miles for June! 
We worked the Hensley's neighborhood, and found a really cool guy named, Bo.  He's a very humble man, and he's looking for answers.
Our dinner at the Scroggins'! - Wild!

Thur. June 30:  Again, we were out of miles, so we tried everyone we could within walking distance.  Butch Windsor wasn't home.
Brother Morse took us to give Sister Turner a blessing.  She's an older Sister, and hasn't been to church yet, but came this Sunday.  Brother Morse then dropped us off in Blue Ridge, and we tracted some houses there.  Ryan Lampkins drove by us and showed off his sweet Corvette to us - now only if we can go teach him again! 
Brother Hensley picked us up for dinner, and we had some really good burgers.  He went out with us, but no one was home that we tried while with him.  :(

Fri. July 1:  We taught Eunice Epling a lesson with Brother Morse.  She asked a lot of really good questions, that are easily answered with our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.  We just really need her to be praying! 
We still are picking up supplies from Wal-Mart for the apartment and what not.  Today we picked up a microwave cart. 
We met some solid potential investigators named, Paul & Steve.
Our three appointments tonight with the McFarling's, Danielle, and Jacob Dalton fell through. :(
We had a good visit with the Booth family; half the family is really solid in the Gospel, and the other half is not so actively involved.

Sat. July 2: (This was a really awesome day!)
Brother Hensley told us we should tract Stoney Battery Road - he said it'd be a good road!  And boy, was it ever! 
First, we found Kacy Giles, a single mom with a 4 yr. old daughter named, Taryn.  She's living with her parents right now and is really friendly.  She really wants the best for her daughter, and The Restoration lesson made sense to her. 
Second, at the very next door, we found Amy Gregory and her granddaughter, Shyanne (like Cheyenne).  They were very open; Amy nor Shyanne ever grew up going to any church or with religion.  They still wonder if there is a God, and it seemed like The Restoration flowed really well out of our mouths, as we were talking with them.  Amy humbly asked, "See, I've never learned how to pray - how do you pray?"  We showed her the "How to pray" page in The Restoration pamphlet, and we are so excited to go back and see them again. 
Third, we found our last guy on Stoney Battery; 82 yr. old Dewie Weddle.  He listened intently and said we could come back. 
We went to see some people Elder Shirley & Elder Hepworth had found on exchange from Tuesday - they were not home. 
We ate lunch at this old Burger Shack (burgers, shakes & cream) and we ran into a long-inactive member who lived in Clinton, Utah!  The smallest world!  She was very friendly, and her son (who still lives in Utah) probably knows Elder Maxfield.
We found Virginia Thomas - a very nice lady who grew up with different churches, and agreed with everything we taught, but wasn't sure about Apostles and Prophets. 
We found some other good people on Fields Ave. 
Our neighbors below are named Mike and Syndy (Cindee) and they were so excited to meet us and want to have us over for dinner sometime and talk with us!

Sun. July 3:  So, we were able to have a visit with Josh Frenett.  We were hoping his wife, Samanth joined in, but she got busy with the baby.  Josh really enjoyed The Restoration lesson from an intellectual standpoint, but wants to stick with his Presbyterianism. 
Gentry's gave us a ride to church, and there was very small attendance at church this week. 
Brother Morse took us out, yet again, to see some less-actives - no one we tried was home.  :(  Brother Morse is awesome! 

{Brother Morse: The Legend!}

 

Fun Fact about Brother Morse: he is 77 years old, and from Cache Valley, Utah.  He served his mission in Brazil, and he was the very first missionary in Brasilia; he was the first Branch President there, and he and his companion baptized 20 people in the few months he was there.  Brasilia is now it's own mission!  Crazy, the growth that can happen in 55 years!

Mon. July 4: Happy Independence Day! 
We had P-Day, which meant it should be the greatest 4th of July on a mission ever, right?  Well, the libraries were closed, and the zone leaders said we couldn't go to the Buchanan Carnival (it's something that is held at their super awesome Fairgrounds where they have a huge, week-long carnival!) which we were really excited about going to.....until we couldn't.

So, instead we cleaned our apartment, and went to Sonic & Wal-Mart for P-Day.
Our neighbors upstairs brought us some hot dogs & hamburgers. 
We met yet another inactive member who is not interested and wondering why his name is still on the rolls after he took it off 40 years ago. :/
We visited with the Williamson's.  Brother Williamson used to be the Vinton Bishop years back, so he was good to ask about the members, and get some Intel on them. 


Well, that's all for this week!
I just want to again remark on how much love I have for this Country!  
The Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave! 
I love what the 50 stars and 13 bars stand for!  God truly prepared this Country and was with our Forefathers, so that the Restoration of the Gospel could take place in a Country with Religious freedom and rights!  The Book of Mormon had to take place here, so that there would be tangible evidence for the validity of the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I know this is a chosen land! 

GOD BLESS AMERICA!


Love you all! 

Love, Elder Brenchley