My Mission Review at the End of my Two

Hello Everyone!

 

This is the last email I will ever send as a missionary!  Thank You for all that you have done for me in my life, in one form or another.  You have helped in some small and some big ways become the person I am today.  So, Thank You!!!  This email is long, and more for myself and others who want to remember these past two years, but please enjoy.  

These two years I have served my mission have really been the best two years of my life!  I never been so sad to leave, change, move, etc. anything in my life.  I never been so happy for something I have done.  Words cannot describe my mixed feelings and emotions right now.  I have seen countless miracles performed by the hand of the Lord, and I can see one of the biggest miracles that occurred was the change that took place in me!  I owe it all to my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ, who through His Atonement made change possible.  I have seen miracles in others' lives, change in others' lives, joy in others' lives, growth in others' lives.  Because of all these things, I have had great joy!  I have found the most joy as I have selflessly cared for others, over myself.  I can honestly say I Love People!  I love so many people, and I am so happy when others are happy.  I can kind of get a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father feels when we are happy!  I can testify of the promise found in D&C 18:15-16...that when I have brought souls unto Christ, I have had such great joy!!!  

I have learned so much on my mission; from different studies, people, areas, cultures, attitudes.  I truly have learned so much!  Each area taught me something different, and represents something different to me.

To give you a recap of my areas and Mission: 

AREA: Beckley, WV 

Duration: 4 transfers; Sep. 2014 - Feb. 2015

Companions: Elder Jared Johnson (2 transfers), Elder Boman Caldwell (2 transfers)

BECKLEY

 

Beckley is where I learned what being a Missionary is like.  Here in Beckley, I grew to love West Virginia and it's culture.  I grew to love so many people.  I grew to love the scriptures.  I grew in my testimony and in knowledge.  I learned perseverance and about enduring to the end, especially in dark, cold hours of the day, in less-than-desirable wet, cold conditions, up dirt roads to who knows where.  Here there were countless car incidents and countless good people to teach with countless miracles.  Most of all, I grew in my testimony of obedience; Obedience brings blessings. Strict obedience brings Miracles!  Beckley and that basement submarine apartment  )=  will always be in my heart. 

 

AREA: Floyd, VA

Duration: 2 transfers; Feb 2015 - May 2015

Companions: Elder Austin Olsen (1), Elder Josh Boyd (1)

FLOYD

 

Floyd is still by far the most unique place I have ever been, and ever served in.  In this County, there was one stoplight and there were more cows then people.  There were three types of people found in Floyd County: Farmers, Businessmen employed in Roanoke/Blacksburg, and Hippies!  Everyone was all about the organic, natural stuff!  In this small County, I met some of the most stalwart members with burning testimonies of the Gospel, and one of the greatest branches - only growing!  I honestly kept asking the Members, "Where did you come from!?!" [They were that great!]  Here, the members think it's the 11th Commandment to feed the missionaries, and I learned after eating Southern food every day, and not watching your portions, you can really put on weight!  I saw the growth of Spring here, and the feeling of being renewed!  Here, I faced the trial of not seeing great nor insurmountable success.  But I stayed committed.  Here, I truly began to learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how it works differently for everyone, because Jesus Christ is our personal Savior.  I truly learned that my Father in Heaven hears and answers prayers.  I truly learned about humility here. 

 

AREA: Charleston, WV

Duration: 2 transfers; May 2015 - Aug 2015

Companion: Elder Reed Jacklin (2)

CHARLESTON

 

Charleston in the Summer!  I couldn't ask for a better place to be!  High temperatures and high humidity from being right next to the Kanawha River.  In Charleston, you got a mix of just about everything; city life, county life, wealthy neighborhoods, the ghetto, poor abandoned coal towns, hillside homes, and Hollers.  This was huge area!  I saw the power of when members come together, and what gets accomplished.  I truly learned here how to be diligent, and saw the blessings of diligence.  I almost never had a time to catch my breath.  I learned a little bit about being a leader, while going on countless exchanges, and teaching at zone meeting.  I saw great things come as we taught simply, but powerfully.  I saw many individuals enter the waters of Baptism, and receive a remission of their sins.  I learned a lot about the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in Charleston, especially the first principle: Faith.
 

AREA: Buena Vista, VA

Duration: 3 transfers; Aug 2015 - Dec 2015

Companion: Elder Braxton Johnson (3)

BUENA VISTA

 

BV!  A.K.A. Mormonville.  With 20% of the town being Mormon, it was like being back home in Utah with 300 strong at Sacrament each week, and plenty of kids.  Again, let me echo, it was like being back home in Utah.  BV is home to Southern Virginia University (you might as well call it "BYU-East," with 91% of the student body being Mormon.)  It was definitely a change from big city/big area Charleston.  Everything was within walking distance, and I got to claim being in the smallest Area east of the Mississippi River (maybe) - it was just 2 1/2 miles long!  Here, I realized the importance of Members and the role we all have to share the Gospel with our friends and neighbors.  Disappointment was daily, diligence to avoid boredom was necessary.  I learned a lot about charity here, and love a ton of people to pieces.  I also learned how to put my creative skills to use in Missionary Work; booths, parades, photo ops, Firesides, parties, etc... anything different than knocking on doors, we did it!  I also saw great miracles in the Area and in the zone I was called to help lead.  There were so many good missionaries who I got to work with, each one having a great eye of Faith!  I really enjoyed it here, and learned a lot on hope! 

 

AREA: Roanoke, VA
Duration: 3 transfers; Dec 2015 - Apr 2016

Companions: Elder John Maxfield (2), Elder Scott Jolley (1)

ROANOKE

 

The biggest city in the Mission, and I was called to be a Walk/Bike Elder here!  Right on!  Opening up the new area was a challenge, and I loved the Challenge!  I did not, however, love the biking in below freezing temperatures, with that humidity cutting right through any amount of clothing I'd throw on and piercing me to the bone.  Above all, I really learned a lot about gratitude.  I became so grateful for what I have; a testimony of the Gospel, my temporal needs, a family, a great life, education, and especially appreciating the little things.  Many people here did not have a lot - most of the people were living off not much at all.  Here, I learned how to survive the rough neighborhoods, and how to be street smart!  I saw the blessings of diligence, hard work, and patience.  I saw a love for the Gospel grow, and a love in helping others come closer to God.  The Area grew and flourished, and even though I didn't see any Baptisms while I was there, the missionaries after continued to work hard, and teach and Baptize those I found!  The Work of Salvation always requires many laborers. 

 

AREA: Botetourt County, VA

Durations: 3 transfers; Apr 2016 - Aug 2016

Companion: Elder Cade Shirley (3)

BOTECOURT COUNTY

 

Botetourt.  I bet half of y'all can barely pronounce it! (Bot-a-tot)  I have to admit, when I was first assigned to this Area, I was not excited.  With bad rumors I had heard in the past, and the little success or activity [because it hadn't been worked] that had occurred here before, I was a little skeptical.  It only took me a couple days to realize how awesome Botetourt is!!!  You can control two things on your Mission: Attitude & Effort!  With great attitude and effort, we saw so many great things and Miracles!  Here, even more than before, I saw promised blessings come true.  I saw this Area grow, and the excitement for growth as well!  The Botetourt Branch was formed, and everyone knew they had to pull together and dig in deep!  I will always proudly hold the title of one of "the first missionaries to serve in the Botetourt Branch!"  Here, I really loved everything and everyone I could!  I love each of the Branch members so deeply, that I can't even describe it.  That love came from getting to know them, serve them, praying for them, and always teaching with them!  The members in Botetourt are wonderful, and I have no doubt the Branch will grow!  Botetourt County has so much potential!  Of course, I had to face the trials of finding people to teach; everyone here was quick to tell us they have their own church, or they didn't want to talk to us.  Through constant and regular rejection, we saw the blessings of truly loving everyone we taught and found.  I saw one of the greatest miracles ever, and saw a wonderful soul come unto Christ and enter in the waters of Baptism, the last week of my mission!  A perfect storybook ending to my Mission!

 

I want everyone to know how deeply I love my Mission!  I will always cherish the memories, the moments, and the madness!  By performing the Work of Salvation, and doing it the Lord's way, I have seen the Lord change so many people, including myself.  If you want to, you can become who your Heavenly Father wants you to be.  I have grown in so many aspects that I cannot count.  

I, above all, have grown in perspective of how perfect our Heavenly Father's plan is for us.  He is perfect, and loves us perfectly.  He answers our prayers.  He sent His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, to teach His perfect Gospel, and perform His perfect Atonement.  All this, so that all of us could perfectly return, with our families, to Heavenly Father's presence.  I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  I know He restored His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that the Church remains today!  It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  This is possible because I know the Priesthood of God was restored so Christ's Church could be on the earth today, and be led by Him.  The Priesthood was restored so families can be together forever!  I know the Book of Mormon is true with all my heart!  I have read it and read it.  The Spirit has testified to me it is true!  I know the Holy Ghost is real, and by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things! (Moroni 10:3-5)  Jesus Christ leads His Church through his servants, and a Prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson, is a living prophet today.  I know he and the Apostles are witnesses of Christ.  I know I am called to help fulfill The Apostles' commission from Jesus Christ found in Matthew 28:19-20.  I know I have labored to do just that!  I know, for a fact, I've been called to the West Virginia Charleston Mission for many specific purposes and reasons!  I know I have been engaged in the Lord's work, and I have seen blessings through obedience and diligence.  I know, as I have followed the counsel of my Mission President, I have been led to do good, and be good.  I know President Salisbury is called of God to be my Mission President.  I know this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know it can help us change, and not just change, but change to become a Disciple of Christ!  I know our Heavenly Father seeks to bless us.  Obedience to commandments brings blessings.  Heavenly Father's plan is perfect, and Jesus Christ's church and Gospel is perfect!  I do stand as a witness of these things and offer this testimony with power and conviction from my soul!  I KNOW!  And like my favorite Hymn states: "I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen


Love You All!
Love, Elder Ryan Matthew Brenchley
West Virginia Charleston Mission, Aug 2014 - Aug 2016

Alma 57:26-27
Romans 1:16
Alma 7:24
Alma 34:31-32
John 14:15
Romans 8:16-17

Right Before the Buzzer...

Hey everyone, just a quick summary of this past week…because a lot of things happened!  And I have a lot of pictures to share, as well!  It was a very long week, but it went by so fast!  

I have come to love the Botetourt area so much!  So, it was really tough to say some goodbyes this past week!  I have loved seeing the fruits of hard work pay off! 

 

Some highlights from this week:

We started teaching Tina Booher!  She finally started sitting in on the lessons with Amber. 

Amber & Tina Booher, me, Brother Plaster

Monday night we had dinner at the Booher's (Sister Booher made this really good Sticky finger-like chicken) but I think the fun environment was really good for Tina, and allowed her to open up a little bit, and soften up towards us.  Brother Plaster came with us to that.

The Gentry's & the Cummings'

On Tuesday, Brother Gentry made us HOG BRAINS and scrambled eggs. (There it is, right before the buzzer!  Eating something really abnormal right before the end of my mission). 

 

Bob & Patty Cox

 

 

{Sister Eunice Epling}

 

We had a wonderful Zone Conference on Wednesday with wonderful teachings!  I am so glad to have one more before I head home!  I will miss the missionaries, this Mission, and, of course, the Salisbury's. 

On Thursday, I said some goodbyes, and we got in with the Waddell couple.  They are a part member family.  Sister Waddell is Sister Allred's sister, and Brother Waddell is Baptist, but the chillest guy ever!  So, it was good to start teaching them, and they committed to come to the Fireside on Sunday! 

{Brother & Sister Morse}

 

 

{Sister Karen Guffey}

On Friday, we drove up to Buchanan and worked basically the whole day up there (10a-6p).  But, then to drive from Buchanan to the Elmore's house (where we went for dinner), the GPS had us take the Blue Ridge Parkway!  If you don't know about the Blue Ridge Parkway, go Google it!

Blue Ridge Parkway

But, I felt it such a tender mercy from the Lord to be able to drive this beautiful Scenic Route with great views and so much green!  It was such a blessing, and a great recap of what I will miss out here in the East! 

 

On Saturday!  Of Course you know what happens!   

Sister Amber Booher was baptized on her birthday!

It was a wonderful service, with basically half the Branch coming out to support her at her Baptism!

Amber's Baptism program

Several other missionaries brought their investigators, as well! 

Amber's family; her mom, step-dad, and 2 kids (Lazarous & Lillieth)

Amber's family came, as well; her mom, step-dad, aunt, and 2 kids came!  It was a beautiful thing to be a part of!  Brother Plaster baptized her, and Elder Shirley & I gave the talks (I conveniently already had a Baptismal talk prepared for Brookelle's Baptism!  Thanks Brookie May!)  And we were also the Witnesses!  There was just such a special Spirit!!!  On top of that, when we went to go see the Smith's/Lillie Lawson, we were going to invite her to be baptized, but she beat us to the punch!  Before we could even start the lesson, she asked us about being Baptized!  She is on date for Baptism for Oct. 9th.

{Lillie Lawson, and the Smith's}

 

 

Jeeping with Brother Gwynn

Brother Gwynn came with us to see Sister Angie Rogers on Saturday, so he took us Jeeping along the way!

{Sister Angie Rogers}

On Sunday was Amber’s Confirmation!!!  Elder Shirley did a great job confirming her, and I was also blessed to be in the circle of her Confirmation.  In attendance were three other investigators; her mom, Tina Booher, Sister Angie Rogers, and Sister Lillie Lawson! (the Smith family also came, 3 Sundays in a row!  Lillie is definitely helping them get active again!) 

 

{The Willmott family - Botetourt Branch}

 

 

{John & Nancy Moore - Botetourt Branch}

The Fireside was also really wonderful!  Sister Booher (now a member), Sister Lillie Lawson, Smith's, and the Waddell's came!  It was a really great hour, and President Light, of the Stake Presidency, asked the congregation at the end, “Have you felt the Spirit tonight?”  I wanted to shout, “YES!”  Each set of missionaries involved (us, Roanoke Sisters, Roanoke Zone Leaders) were supposed to provide one musical number and one testimony to be given by people from their area.  Sister Tonya Elmore, from Botetourt Branch, gave her testimony.  I can't express how proud I was of her! 

Elmore Family (Jacob, Brother Danny Elmore, Brenna, Sister Tonya Elmore)

 

I love the Elmore family with all my heart, and Sister Elmore is not one to be in front of crowds, she gets very nervous -- but she has such a touching conversion story and a knowledge of her Heavenly Father, that we knew we had to ask her!  She did such a good job, and it meant a lot to her family.  We were so proud of her!  Also, I saw a lot of folks from Roanoke ward

{Brother John Turner and J Blevins - Roanoke ward}

 

 

{Brother Tony Keeton}

 

 

{Frankie Rosser - Myra & Roxanne's cousin}

 

{"The Gundlach's - Roanoke ward}

 

 

{Brother Bobby Richardson - Roanoke Ward Mission Leader}

 

{Bishop Tommy Joe Williams - Roanoke Ward}

 

{Brother Dane McBride, Roanoke ward - this guy was companions with Mitt Romney on his mission!}

 

I wasn't able to get a picture with these people while I was serving there, so I got a pic with them at the Fireside!  #tendermercy!

Love, Elder Brenchley

Two Farewell Testimonies and a Passed Baptismal Interview

Hey Everyone!

I'll start by sharing this quote from President Ezra Taft Benson:  

"I have often said one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work!  If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy.  There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents are centered on the work of the ministry. Work, work, work -- there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work."

–President Ezra Taft Benson

I can strongly testify, that I know WORK is the secret to missionary work! I have worked hard for 2 years, and I don't intend to stop working hard as soon as I get home from my mission. For next week's email, I may not give the day by day summary. I may just summarize my whole mission since next week will be my last week and email

Mon. August 1:  P-day; I got some sweet deals on meat at Food Lion!  We played basketball at Blue Ridge Park.  I beat Elder Shirley twice at 1 on 1 - and now he's out for revenge!  :)  haha  We had a brief lesson with Sister Cyndi St. Clair and Brother Mike St. Claire.  We explained the doctrine for Baptism to them.  They were both raised with completely different views of Baptism.  Then we had dinner at the Diviney's - they were so kind to have us over because they are leaving on Thursday for a month!  

The Diviney's

So, they really wanted to have us over for dinner before I left. 
President Cummings came with us to see Sister Amber Booher, and we reviewed the Baptismal interview questions.  She is ready to go! 

Tues. August 2:  We were able to drop by and have a visit with Ben Denton.  He is having a hard time with the "Mormon Religion."  Mostly it’s about our claim to one Prophet and also Apostles.  He believes everyone has their own God and their own way.   We had a visit with Brother Jerry Franklin.  He's a nice guy and accepted an invite to the Fireside.  

Wed. August 3:  We had a lesson with Sister Booher, with the Allred's, in their home on temples and the work of temples. 

Amber Booher & Allred families

Then we worked a lot of areas out towards Catawba, and found a couple of potentials.  Then President Cummings picked us up and we had a really fun dinner/visit with the Cummings and Gentry clan!  Brother and Sister St. Clair cancelled this evening, though. :( 

Thur. August 4:  We had a lesson with Sister Booher, and Brother Plaster came along.  She asked him to baptize her!  That's awesome!  And then she asked Elder Shirley to confirm her.  The lesson we had was on Service and Missionary Work.  We committed her to invite all her family and friends to her Baptism.  We are praying for her there, because some of her family members have been giving her some flack about joining the Church! 

We found some good folks on Laurel Ln in Troutville, including a guy named Mike Meyers.  No joke! 

We had dinner with Brother Hensley.

Hensley family

 

Fri. August 5:  We had zone meeting in the morning; I was asked to bear my departing testimony, after I recited the West Virginia Charleston Mission Statement. (Elder Williams bore his departing testimony after reciting D&C 4).

After zone meeting, we were going to embark on exchanges. (Sister Booher got interviewed for Baptism by Elder Hepworth, and she passed!)  I went with Elder Jolley to Salem 1 area.  We taught a ton of people!  Including this one cool lesson with the Turner couple.  Sister Turner commented on how she felt that she had seen her mother after her passing.  I shared with her Helaman 5:11.  Elder Jolley then burst out in emotion and started crying (now, I never saw him get emotional or cry while he was with me.)  But, afterwards he said that's the most emotional he's ever gotten on his mission, and the hardest the Spirit has hit him.  It was really cool!  

Sat. August 6:  I went to Salem ward's Missionary Coordination meeting.  We exchange back in Botetourt (while on exchanges, Elder Shirley and Elder Hepworth found two new investigators!)

Brother Janney came with us to see Sister Cyndi St. Clair.  She's conflicted right now because she wants to come to church, and is really thinking about joining the Church, but her husband, Mike, doesn't want to have any part of it.  We helped her realize that he has his agency, and she'll need to lead by example, for now. 

Brother Janney also came with us to see Sister Booher, and we talked about the Priesthood, and helped her realize what it was a little bit better. 

We found an 18 year old kid who's from Thailand, and he's a Buddhist Christian!  We had a great discussion with him, and he's so open to reading the Book of Mormon.  But as long as he's living under his father's roof, he said he probably can't have us come back. (Father = strong Buddhist).  He's going to school this Fall, so we'll hook him up with the YSA Elders once he moves. 

We had dinner at the Moore's!  They are the best!  The Food was so good!  Southern Cooking at its best! 

We rushed over to the Smith's, and had a visit there.  There was like eight people there.  The Smith's invited some friends over, and it turn out one of them is an inactive member, and we were able to pull her records to our Branch.  We answered some of Lillie's questions.   

Sun. August 7:  We had two investigators at church; Sister Amber Booher and Lillie Lawson.  Then the whole Smith family came, as well.  We think Lillie is the driving force behind getting them to church! 

I did bear my testimony in Fast and Testimony meeting Sunday because it'd be my last opportunity to do so on my mission! 

The rest of the evening was busy, but we weren't able to teach anyone.  We were so determined to find two more new investigators by the end of the evening, but it just didn't happen.  We still felt good because we worked hard until the end of the week. 

{Elder Shirley & I}

 

I opened up my Missionary Portal today, and I was like, "THAT is NOT Elder Brenchley!"  :)

 

Well, next week, you will hear a recap of my mission, and hear about Sister Booher's Baptism!!!!  I am so excited and so blessed to be finishing my mission on a great note like this!  I am going to miss this work, and I am going to miss being a full-time servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ in His restored Church! 

 

Moroni 7:13-14 

I Love You All
Love, Elder Brenchley

Missionaries Dream about Getting a Text like This!

Well hello!

It's August, and that really makes going home soon really hit me hard!  Oh dear!

There was an amazing miracle that happened this past week that I'll start off my email by sharing.  After teaching Sister Amber Booher, we were sitting in our apartment planning for the next day, and we received a text from her. 
It said,
"So.....I have been thinking and praying about this.  I have waited a few days to actually ask.  But I was wondering if we could maybe move the 27th to the 13th?"

She wants to be baptized on the 13th instead of the 27th!  We totally believe she's ready for it, too!  It also means I get to be here for her Baptism!  She is awesome, and is currently in Mosiah 20 or farther with her B of M reading!  And also, yesterday we had three investigators at church! (Sister Booher being one of them!)  But, also we had three less-actives at church.  But, then throw in there all of their kids and there was a total of 14 people at church who we'd invited this past week!

Elder Shirley and I also taught the 3rd hour in church, and we had our first ever Botetourt Branch Social with a "Linger Longer" dinner. 

The Branch took a picture for the history book's sake!

As for the rest of the week!

Mon. July 25:  We went to the batting cages and checked out the mall. We had dinner with the Willmott's.
We talked to Ryan Lampkins and knocked some other neighborhoods.

Tues. July 26:  We met a nice Baptist couple; both career Military.  They are so very nice - they took us on a tour of their house to show us their grandkids' pictures and Military accomplishments. They talked our ear off!
Austin Smith wasn't there for our return appointment. :(
We went and dropped in on the Smith's, and talked to Sister Smith mostly.  She was talking about how everyone in the world needs to be L.D.S.  She also said she needs to be a better example to all the kids she has.  We invited her back to church and to read Mosiah 4 (Mosiah 4:10) -  if you believe all these things, see that ye do them.
Also, we got to teach Sister Amber Booher about Baptism/Confirmation.  The Gentry's came with us.  Then the Gentry's took us up to the Gentry's/Cummings' house for dinner!
We finished the night with a lesson with Mike and Cyndi St. Clair (they live downstairs from us!  Cyndi is very good friends with Amber, and after hearing how much Amber loved church, Cyndi wanted to come to church, as well!)  So, we were able to make it through most of The Restoration lesson - they love to talk a lot!

Wed. July 27:  Jocelyn Pinnell wasn't there for our appointment, and we haven't heard from her for a bit. :(
Brother Hensley came with us to see Sister Harris and we were able to catch her as she was coming in.
We also had a lesson with Sister Booher.   This one was on Tithing.

Thur. July 28:  We saw Sister O'Neil and her husband. You bet!
 

We tracted a road right by the golf course.

We felt the Spirit prompt us to go by and try to see the Guffey's (a really awesome family we taught a couple of times).  We caught Karen Guffey right outside on her porch again.  We had a fun talk with her and her daughter, Martha. We then followed up with what we talked about the first time; we asked her if she prayed. She said she always prays. We then asked if she had specifically prayed to know if our message was true? She said she hadn't specifically prayed yet. She mentioned she prays for her family. We asked what she wanted for her family, and I can't remember where in the conversation, but at one point, she asked her daughter, Martha, to go inside. Karen didn't want her daughter to see her cry, because then Karen started getting emotional.  She expressed how it's hard and she's trying to hold her family together and doesn't want them to know/experience what she is going through. I testified I know now, more than I ever did, how great the power of the Gospel is on the families. She appreciated our visit and is totally fine with us coming back!

Fri. July 29:   We had district meeting in the morning, and Elder Shirley & I taught a portion on Accountability.
Elder Shirley hit his 1 year mark as a missionary, so we went out to Applebee's to celebrate.
 

The Book of Mormon left on the porch for us to take back. ;)

Paul, a potential investigator, left the Book of Mormon we gave him on his porch, for us to get when we came for our appointment, in a ziploc bag (at least he was considerate of possible rain damage) with a note that said, "Not in line with my Baptist doctrine."Me and Elder Shirley looked at each other, with a smile and said, "All we taught him was the Doctrine of Christ."
We had a lesson with Andrew Ireland, and Brother Gentry came with us.  He's Andrew's friend.
We taught the Law of Chastity lesson to Sister Booher with the Morse couple sitting in.
It was Brother Hensley's 40th birthday, and he had us over for dinner.

{Bro. Hensley didn't really care it was his birthday}

Brother Hensley then went out with us and we saw the Hodges family; we had a cool lesson on prayer, and committed them to pray together as a family.

Sat. July 30:   We went and tracted around a referral we had on Tims Orchard Road. We found a pro-golfer named, Scott Griffeth. He was a real cool guy, and was very open due to the fact that he's seen a lot of corruption in churches we went to growing up.
Brother Plaster came with us to see Sister Amy Gregory. She's really awesome! She committed to come to church next Sunday with her granddaughter.
We also had a lesson with Sister Amber Booher on scripture study and the Sabbath day.
We went and saw the Smith's again. We also taught Lillie, she's a 17 yr. old girl who will be living with the Smith's permanently now. We were able to teach all of them the importance of studying the Book of Mormon. Then we invited them, really boldly, to come to church the next day.
Brother Jacob Dalton fed us dinner; he made some good stuff on the grill!

Brother Jacob Dalton

We had a good discussion on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also talked about his previous experience coming to church. He said it was a lot different from his church because he has been in churches with rock bands, and what not, throughout his life, so we talked about the principle of being reverent in a sacred meeting.

Sun. July 31: We went earlier to church so we could make a slideshow for our third hour lesson.
In PEC, everyone seemed to be on board with getting Sister Booher to the temple within 30 days of her August 13th Baptism.
At church, we had Sister Booher and her two kids (Lazerous and Lillieth), Cyndi and her two kids (Zoey and Lydia), and then the Smith's (and their four girls), Brother Keeton, and Lillie.
The Linger Longer was great!
After church, we were able to stop by to see Chuck Wilde. Let's just say he loves the Mormon missionaries, and his wife hates us.

It was another great week! I only have 3 weeks left! Everyone, continue to pray for me to finish strong, and especially pray for everyone we are teaching!

Love You All!
Love, Elder Ryan Brenchley

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