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

Fresh Steaks Right from the Cow Pasture!

Hey Ya'll! 

The biggest news of the week is I'm getting transferred.  I was really surprised since I have only been here two transfers. 

But, I have been called as a Zone Leader!  And will be serving in the Charleston zone!  WOOHOO!

I'm going back to the Charleston Stake/zone!  

Elder Boyd will be staying here in Floyd, and will also be training a brand new missionary from the MTC.  What a great place (FLOYD) for him to be trained!
I sure will miss these two families:

The Lafon Family

 

Sister Horne and Brother Brown (engaged to be married)

 

As for the rest of the week!

Mon. May 11:  Well, we had zone P-day, and went to Virginia Tech's campus to play on their grounds.  We played a variety of sports.

(The V.T. shooting Memorial is shown back there with the red arrow)

Tues. May 12: We had zone conference today!  It was in Pembroke, VA with lots of instruction from President Salisbury.  I loved it.
We got our truck inspected today, so we gave it a car wash this morning.  Even after the wash, the Vehicle Coordinator couldn't believe how much dirt we had everywhere!  Uhh...have you been to Floyd?
We picked up two new investigators tonight!  Mary & Reginald Clark were some former investigators we met/started teaching.  Brother Ferguson came with us (they are all in their 70's) and they all got along great, and the lesson went really well. 

Wed. May 13: We were able to try lots of people today, including a man named, Bobby.  He gave us a ride somewhere else, after telling us he wouldn't like to investigate anymore.  People here are so friendly, even if they don't want the Gospel.
We had dinner with the Conroy's, and by the skin of our teeth made it back in time for a lesson with Sister Guthrie and her daughter (both less-active).  They both committed to come to church! 

Thur. May 14: We moved a refrigerator, a washer, and a dryer today. Wheww!  The Miller's had us do service for them.
Also, we were finally able to teach Jodie, and had a good lesson with him on his "Iron Rod" (1 Nephi 8) reading.
We went to Branch Council instead of basketball tonight. (I didn't know I was missing my last opportunity to play ball here in Floyd).

Fri. May 15: We had a lesson with Ron this morning at the church.  Brother Brown joined us, and we look forward to seeing Ron's progression.
We were suppose to meet with Alec right after, but he cancelled.
We went walking today and got caught in the rain!

We got Soaked!

We tried contacting two referrals from members today; both were not interested. (The chance a referral takes the discussions and get baptized is way higher if the member has them in their home, and the missionaries invite them to learn there.)
We were able to have a lesson with Keith.  Even with pictures, and Brother Hammond there explaining things, it's just not clicking with Keith.
I got a letter from Elder Caldwell today that had Baptismal photos of Matt in it!

Elder Caldwell & Matt

(Elder Caldwell got to go to our former investigator's Baptism because he is currently serving in an area that is fairly close to our old area, Beckley.)

I had to take a picture of Elder Caldwell's picture of Matt's Baptism, so it's kind of rough, but......WooHOO!

 

Sat. May 16: We went to Sister Young's to do service there.  She had all her kids there, and their kids and spouses.  This place was hopping with tons of potentials!  Every one of her kids is a less-active or a part member family!  We were able to get phone numbers with most of them to schedule a time to go see them!
We had dinner with the Lafon's.  Elder Boyd actually got to Skype with his dad, while I chatted with the family.
We picked up another new investigator today (another former).  His name is Gary, he's Brother Frazier's neighbor.
We got a call tonight telling us one of us is getting transferred.  Big surprise! 

Sun. May 17: It was probably one of the best Sacrament meetings I've ever been a part of.  Just what I needed!  No investigators came, but still one of the best Sacrament meetings; the talks were excellent.
We had a lesson with Sister Huff on covenants.  We're trying to help her understand she's got to keep her Baptismal covenant (take the Sacrament) if she's going to keep future temple covenants.
We had dinner at the Light's; they fed us steaks!  WooHoo!  From one of their cows!  FRESH! President Salisbury gave us a call, and called me to be a Zone Leader and Elder Boyd to be a trainer (indicating I would be getting transferred for sure).

Mon. May 18: I had a final district meeting as District Leader of this district, kinda sad.
After which we didn't have a whole lot of success today.
We also saw Amos tonight; he was drunk, and getting really angry at us - he's just not ready at this time.  Funny thing was, he was cussing us out, and then I told him I was leaving, and he started getting emotional and telling me, "You can't leave!"  Interesting mood swings there!

{Amos didn't want to take a picture, so I just got one with his roommate, Orlando}

Tues. May 19:  We had a busy, busy day!  We taught Brother Crawfor, taught Gary, taught the Banks', and tried people in between, including saying Good-byes. 

Well, that's my week!  Gotta get packing!

 My baseball bat that I will be leaving. :(
(I'd hit rocks with it, hence all the dents)

God be with you!

Love, Elder Brenchley

Riding a Bike was "Just Like Riding a Bike"

Happy Mothers Day!
Man!  There were a lot of holidays this week! 

I'm so sorry ya'll weren't able to read my last week's letter over email on Monday.   I guess my Mom was the most freaked out....... (FYI: Not a good Mother's Day present!)

P.S. I've got a lot of pictures to show you this week! 

{Pine Creek Mill}

 

{The public restrooms of Floyd} ;)

Quote of the week: "Let me tell ya, he was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs!" - Brother Hall 

Monday, May 4: National Star Wars Day! (May the fourth be with you!) Haha. 

Well, we made an appointment with April to go see her on our P-Day.  Wouldn't you know, she wasn't there.  Hmmh.  So that's one reason our schedule got offset.  Then we did some emailing. 

We went up to Radford and we had a District P-Day!  

It was a blast, we played tennis.

District P-Day {L to R: Elder Degooyer (a little overdressed, don't you think?), Elder Ballard, Elder Boyd, Me, Sister Lively, Sister Banks}

Elder Degooyer thought he was just going to sit on the sidelines and write letters because he had a cough, we finally coaxed him into it!  The Sisters borrowed three rackets from someone in their area, and we borrowed three rackets from the B family.  Problem was, we only had one ball.........

When we got back to Floyd, it was too late to email from our city library. :( 

Later tonight, we met with Sister Briggs at the Swortzel's.  She is SO dedicated to knowing as much as she can about the Book of Mormon and knowing if it is true!  She just recently bought the student study manual and bought herself a quad (scriptures) online! 

Tuesday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo!
We had District meeting; the Sisters had the great idea of having a Spanish potluck after the meeting.

So that's exactly what we did! 

I made a great Rice and Crunchy Taco Casserole! (Thanks Hamburger Helper!) and brought tortillas,  Sister Lively made the jalepeno poppers, Sister Banks made Spanish rice & homemade tortilla chips, Elder Boyd brought soda, the zone leaders brought popcorn and chip dip, the Radford Elders didn't bring anything. :/

I also conducted exchanges for the day.

Elder Ballard

I got to go up to Radford with Elder Ballard.  

We rode bikes all day!

 It was also the hottest day of the year so far!  85 degrees plus humidity!

Elder Ballard & I were working hard all day, but weren't able to teach anyone.  Elder Boyd & Elder Degooyer actually taught Mike & Katrina Fizer in Floyd! 

Wednesday, May 6:  We rode more bikes!

Afterwards, we exchanged back.
We always take the opportunity to eat-out up in Radford since they have a million and one places Floyd does not have.  We went to Applebee's so Elder Boyd could have All-You-Can-Eat Wings.  Man, this Elder can eat; I think he ate around 30 wings!  Anyway, the Steen's, from our Branch, walk-in, and wouldn't you know, Brother Steen was shouting at our waitress to bring him the bill! (I guess it's not just in Utah where missionaries get meals paid for!)
We were glad to be able to meet with Brother Trout, a less active.  He's really starting to think about coming back to church, so he can raise his daughter in the Church.
We also, with our new Branch Mission Leader, Brother Light, had a Correlation meeting, then he took us to see Sister Guthrie.  We were so blessed to finally get back in contact with her.  I originally gave her the goal of going to the temple when I first met her back in March; Brother Light took it a step further, and gave her the goal of going on the Stake temple trip in October!  We also ended the lesson with teaching Keith the Plan of Salvation.  We will have to slow things down, he's not retaining info really well. 

Thursday May 7:  We went to go see our investigator, Nara, with the Sunberg's.  She was so sorry, and explained she didn't have time to meet with us at that time.  Then she and the Sunberg's proceeded to talk for 20 minutes.  When we were leaving, I said, "You know Nara, we could have had a lesson in 15 minutes, and we've been here for 20 minutes."  Haha.  Hopefully she can realize we're not asking for her whole day, just 15 minutes.
We went to go play basketball, and it turns out our investigator, Taylor, has been sleeping at the gym.  Well, we were able to have a lesson with him before we went and played basketball!  It's going to be hard to get him to church, since he doesn't have a car or a place he lives that someone can go to pick him up at. 

Friday May 8: In the morning, we had a great lesson at the church with Ron.  He cleaned up well; he hasn't had a sip of alcohol in two weeks!  We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and that really hit home with him because of the passing of his friend recently.
The rest of the day we spent walking and talking to people; picking up a few potential investigators along the way.
A guy named, Mark came and gave us a ride someone's house we wanted to try to meet with.  Turns out, his son is a Mormon up in Northern Virginia.  He gave us his address and we're going to go see him soon!
Sister Richards signed up to feed us.  We needed another male to go have dinner with her, so Brother Lafon and his son, Caleb came since they are her home teachers.  Caleb gave the message, then afterwards when we were in the car, he turned to me, and said, "It's moments like those that make me want to serve a mission!"  YES!
I tell everyone this, "Us missionaries aren't just here to serve, we are here to recruit [future missionaries], as well!" - Elder Brenchley

Saturday May 9: I got a nice haircut today.  I gotta look PER-TY for my Mother's Day phone [Skype] call!
We also helped the YM out with a service project at the Steen's.  I also got to sit in Brother Jeppeson's sweet ride!
We taught Keith again, this time, as we re-taught the Restoration, we had him take notes in the pamphlet. 

Sunday May 10: Happy Mother's Day!
We honestly thought we'd have four investigators at church today.  We got none. :(  It was a bummer; the program here in Floyd Branch was wonderful.  We had six youth speakers give their thoughts on mothers and the Primary sung a couple of songs.  Branch President Garret gave a great talk on mothers, and treating the woman in our lives with respect!  Also, we did have one less active show up who we weren't expecting.  Apparently, that was his Mother's Day gift to his mom!  Whatever it takes to get him here, right?
Then after dinner at the Light's, I got to Skype home my wonderful, eternal family!  It was awesome!
 To end the night, we met with Brother Ferguson, a less active.  We committed him to read the Book of Mormon and he graciously accepted a copy!

{Beautiful Floyd, VA}

 

Well, everyone, the POWER of the Book of Mormon is incredible!  Always remember the importance of reading from it everyday!  That is the commitment/promise we give to those we teach out here in order for them to develop a testimony.  So, I also promise YOU; that is how you will strengthen YOUR testimony, by reading from it's pages everyday! 

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there! 

Especially my Mom, grandmas, aunts and mother-figures in my life!  I Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

I Met my First True Hick

Hey Ya'll,

So sorry you didn't get my weekly letter via email, but we had an interesting day and we didn't know the library closed at 5:00 p.m.  I was able to get one email off before the library closed, so ya'll get my weekly report on paper!


Mon. April 27:  Today was P-day - we hung out in Blacksburg.
We met with Sherwood and he's not interested anymore.  :(
We also met and taught Brother Turner, he's been less active for 20 years.

Tues. April 28:  We had a lesson with Doris, she's an 80 yr. old lady and now a new investigator.
We had a lesson with Keith and read Alma 36 with him.  Brother Brown joined us for his lesson.

Wed. April 29:  We met a guy named, Butch, while tracting; he's a typical hick (living in a trailer, complaining about the Government, his name and all.)
We tried a former investigator on record named, Bill.  He'd come to church 20 times in the past, but then came across Anti-Mormon material - he was letting us have it!  :(

Thurs. April 30:  We had zone meeting, then I exchanged with one of the ZLs, Elder Clawson.  It was fun!  I went to Christiansburg for exchanges, and the other ZL (Elder Moses) came to Floyd with my companion.
We met and talked with a less active guy and I beat his roommate in chess!
We had dinner with two young Mormon families. (That's where I wanna be in 10 yrs!)

Fri. May 1:  We exchanged back to our regular companions.  Because I was in Christainsburg for exchanges on Thursday night, I missed our usual basketball.
We did weekly planning and I felt prompted to go see Taylor (we don't have a phone number, so we have no way of contacting him).  He was there!  And we got his phone number!  Taylor said he'd come to church.
While I was gone, Elder Moses (ZL) and Elder Boyd met and taught a member's ex-husband, named Ron.  (See Sunday)

Sat. May 2:  We had lunch with Sister Merrill and her family.  Sister Merrill is the only member in her family - it's sad, but they are all too comfortable to change right now.
Today we had back to back miracles;  Miracle #1 - we had an appointment with William Dillon, he's Sister Lester's friend.  She had already filled him in on half of the Restoration!  So, the lesson went GREAT!  He's now a new investigator and coming to church tomorrow!  Miracle #2 - Elder Boyd needed to "use the restroom" and he wanted to use my water bottle to "relieve himself."  I wasn't going to let THAT happen, so we dropped by the Banks to see if we could use their restroom.  Turns out, Sister Banks needed a blessing, as well!  Right place, right time!

Sun. May 3:  Taylor didn't answer when Brother Brown went to go pick him up for church.
Alec and William Dillon came, though!
Our new investigator, Ron Fraizer (ex-husband of member), needed a blessing.  Here's the awkward part; he lives in a shack behind his ex-wife's trailer, yeah.  Anyway, we gave him a blessing and had a lesson with him after, and he accepted August 15th as a Baptismal date!
We had dinner after Bible study with Ricky, Dustin, and Sam.

WOO HOO!  What a week!


I hope you can read my terrible handwriting!  Anyway, sorry ya'll weren't able to read my email during Family Home Evening, like usual.  It won't happen again!  :)
Anyway, I love hearing how everything's going back home - stay strong in school 'til the end, kids!

Happy Mother's Week!  Everyone treat the moms in your life real good, especially Mom!

Love you all!
~Elder Brenchley

Best Exchange Ever!

We did awesome, as a district, in finding new investigators this week; we found nine all together!  We were able to find four down here in Floyd, and there's a cool story behind every single one of them,  including us teaching a Spanish man who didn't know a whole lot of English! (Let's just say my measly two yrs. of Spanish came back to bite me.) 

Mon. Apr. 20: We had another zone P-day filled with excitement! (driving mostly) 

Tue. Apr. 21:  We had District Meeting this morning.  My portion was on Teach, Testify, Invite, Promise, Follow Up.  We need to do every single one of those if we want to be the most effective teachers we can be! 

Then, afterwards, we went on exchanges.  Elder Degooyer came down to Floyd with me, and boy, did we have fun!

Elder Degooyer & I

It was probably the best exchange I've ever been on.  We found April and taught her the Restoration.

Then we taught Sister Briggs in the Swortzel's home.  She feels like she doesn't have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, so she's bought herself a student manual to better understand it! 

We had dinner, then tried a potential investigator named, Juan.  He spoke a lot less English than we thought, so I would be able to say a few things in Spanish, but what we ended up doing is I would say, "Juan, Leer" and then point to a box in the Spanish Restoration pamphlet.  He'd read it then we'd move on to the next one.  I bore my testimony of the Book of Mormon in English, then Elder Degooyer's prayer was priceless, "Dear Heavenly Father, Please bless Juan.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Wed. Apr. 22:  I learned a lot from Elder Degooyer (like he was a little grossed out to be in a trailer with mice)...

{2nd mouse we got!  Thanks to mousetraps provided by my mom}

 ...and surprisingly, he learned a lot from me on our exchange. 

We had three appointments set up (member-present lessons at that). April wasn't there when we went back today with Bro. Banks. 

We went to go do service and a lesson with a potential. (that fell through because she wanted us to mow her lawn, but she didn't have a lawn mower. Hmmm.)  Our backup plan was going to try to see Nara, a potential.  Turns out the Lord wanted us there - we had a great lesson.  

Our appointment with Taylor w/ Bro. Brown also fell through. 

Thur. Apr. 23: We had interviews with President Salisbury - always a pleasure. 

We performed service for the Steen's and they fed us lunch. 

We also played basketball tonight, I played some good ball. 

Fri. Apr. 24:  We got three referrals today!  Two from the Fizer'sy, who we decided to meet with.  They pointed us to their unbaptized son, his fiance, and their 9 month-old baby girl.  She was adorable and they were such nice people.  We have a return appointment with them on Monday (April 27).

Sat. Apr. 25: We worked in town today - it was kinda raining all day, so not so many people out and about to talk to. :( 

We had a Bible study with Sam, Ricky, & Dustin.

Later that evening, we got in with Keith, a man we met while serving at Angels in the Attic.  We taught him the Restoration and he accepted to read the Book of Mormon.  We're going back Tuesday!  4th new investigator!

Sun. Apr. 26:  Today was Regional Conference/Stake Conference.  All the talks were great.  The Stake President addressed us over satellite, then it switched to the regional feed where Larry S. Kacher (I met him), Linda S. Reeves, Neil L. Andersen, and Robert D. Hales addressed us.  I found each one of these talks very appropriate for the people out here.  The Region involved in this conference was the North East Missions.  Elder Hales grew up in New York and he told us that since 80 yrs. ago, the North East Region has grown from 34 congregations to 1,300!  Incredible!  

Also, Jodie came with Katie and the girls! (Alec was working) :(

Well, got to go!  Love You All!

Love, Elder Brenchley

Is This Your First Baptismal Interview?

Hey Ya'll!

How's it going? 

To make a brief summary of this week; this was a great week!

ALSO: We finally got over the hump of just ONE investigator attending Sacrament Meeting and ONE investigator with a Baptismal date (Alec).   Jodie" came to Sacrament Meeting, and we found a new investigator and he is on date for Baptism! 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE: As District Leader, I have the blessed opportunity to interview all investigators in our district for Baptism (excluding my own investigators).  I had the blessed opportunity to conduct my first Baptismal interview with the Dublin Sisters’ investigator, Zayne.  Let me tell you a little about Zayne; he's just 14 yrs. old.  The sister missionaries first met him at church, and he told the missionaries, "I Want to be Baptized!"  He had done a lot of research and understands all of the Gospel principles!  I loved the opportunity to interview him: 

I asked Zayne before the interview, "Is this your first Baptismal Interview?"
"Yes," he responded.  (Really puzzled at the question.) 

"Mine too," I replied, we both chuckled, "but Zayne, I expect this to be one of the most spiritual moments of both of our lives!"

 

I can testify that it was!  Here is an elect child of God, only 14 yrs. of age, who was fully ready to make covenants with God.  He is so knowledgeable of the Gospel with such a great testimony.  I'm so grateful  for being called as District Leader - I feel one of the reasons I’m grateful is so I could have the blessed opportunity to interview this young man!  This interview truly blessed both of our lives!

Zayne Linkous was baptized Saturday, April 18, and then confirmed a member of the Church on Sunday, April 19.

As for the rest of the blessed week:

April 13, Mon: 

P-Day.  Elder Boyd, being the super clean guy that he is, had us clean some more!  And we threw away even more trash! 

I spent some time catching up on writing letters.  If I haven't written you back, please tell me!  I've been behind.  :(

Then, while trying to contact some potential investigators, we heard the Eulogy from this one man - in the end, he at least took a card.

April 14, Tues:  We had a good District meeting; I spent my portion on the importance of change/repentance (both for missionaries and investigators).

We went out contacting in the down-pouring rain! 

We had a lesson with Jodie on the importance of reading the Book of Mormon and coming to church.  He committed to do both! 

April 15, Wed:  We did our weekly service at Angels in the Attic and met some fine people.

We had three appointments set today, and two fell through.  We did have a great lesson with Johnny Brown and Sister Horne on Missionary Work.

We drove up to the Radford chapel to interview Zayne for Baptism (see above comments).

We had dinner at Applebee's in Radford because A) We don't have any restaurants like it in Floyd, and B) All you can eat wings and fries on Wednesday!  WooHOO!  

April 16, Thur: We had weekly planning, and we spent time actually planning what part of the county we will be in each day (that saves BIG on miles).

We met with Taylor today.  He's Bro. Banks' cousin and a former investigator.  He came to church and met with missionaries when he was 16 yrs. old.  He's now 21. We taught him the Restoration lesson, so now he’s a new investigator!

His next door neighbor, Stephen, is the hippie we ran into last week.  We stopped by and talked to him – luckily this time he'd showered and had a shirt on.  He was amazed with the Pearl of Great Price; I showed him the pictures/hieroglyphics in them, and he was like, "NO WAY!  That is so legit, Man!"  We’re meeting with him again soon! 

We played basketball tonight and Elder Boyd's height (6’2”) proved him to be a valuable rebounder. 

  

April 17, Fri:  We had a good lesson with Alec on obedience and tithing,

Me, Alec, Elder Boyd

and then we helped him build a chicken coop!

We had dinner and a lesson with the Lafon's.  We committed them to read the whole Book of Mormon, as a family, before they get sealed as a family in August.  AND memorize The First Vision (any of you back home take that challenge I gave ya'll?)

April 18, Sat:  We walked into busy downtown Floyd and talked with a lot of people! 

We contacted a referral, an 98 yr. old WWII vet, (he wasn't too interested in learning though :( ).  He gave me the best quote/advice for finding my wife, "Find someone who you can't live without." - Lawrence Wood

Brother and Sister Steen saw us in town, and bought us lunch.

We tried several potential investigators, and got one return appointment! 

We went to have a lesson with Amos, and it wasn't a good teaching environment; there was a crowd, the T.V. was blasting, and Amos spent a good chunk of our visit trying to convince us drinking beer is OK and that Jesus drank and smoked. Uh, What? Anyway, he still wants to come to church, so big PLUS.  We'll just to have all future visits/lessons in a member’s home or at the church.

April 19, Sun:

We had two investigators come to church; Alec and Jodie!

We went contacting out in a rain storm – and broke two crappy umbrellas. 

We had a great lesson with Taylor - Brother Brown came with us!  The lesson was on the Plan of Salvation, and he committed to June. 7th as a Baptismal date! 

We ate dinner at the Banks' house.  

{LOVE THIS FAMILY!  They love sports, so they keep me updated!  Bro. Banks and I are BFF's}

 

We taught a lesson to the Banks on the April 2015 Ensign article, “Four Tools that Bring Promised Blessings” (prayer, scripture study, family home evening, and temple worship).

This was such a great week!  I was very blessed to experience this week!  President Salisbury has challenged each companionship to get 20 lessons in a week!  So, we will be working towards that!  The key to that is effective planning and goal setting.  I love the big emphasis on each.  I will definitely take these skills from my mission back home! 

I know this Gospel is true!  I know that Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice, and through his Atonement and Gospel, we will be all right! 

Helaman 5:12 (a favorite scripture of a lot of you, I'm sure - it's my Mom's.)

But when we build our foundation on Jesus Christ and his Gospel, even if we stray away, go through trials, or make bad decisions....when we fall ROCK-bottom, guess who that Rock is?...........that's right; Jesus Christ, our Savior.

I Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

A Trailer Makeover

Hey Ya'll!

How's it going?  I really do want to hear what everyone's favorite Conference talk was, and I haven't heard any response, yet........ tsk tsk.

It's probably just because Ya'll couldn't decide which one to pick!  Haha.

Last visits with Elder Olsen:

{Me, Caleb Lafon, Elder Olsen}

{Fraizer Family, pretty cool fam - he is the Branch Mission Leader and they have us over for dinner often}

Well, Elder Boyd has arrived here in Floyd! (that rhymes) 

My new companion, Elder Boyd

He's from Blackfoot, Idaho.  He's the 2nd oldest of 6 kids (the only boy, Yikes!)  He's 24 yrs. old, so just a bit older than I am!  He has been a missionary for 13 months.  He has previously served in Welch, WV (6 months), Daleville, VA (6 months), and Blacksburg, VA YSA (1 1/2 mo.)

{Mouse we finally got with a mouse trap my mother sent me. (Elder Olsen had a crazy fear of mice) So, I was cleaning everything up.}

 

 

Elder Boyd was not impressed at all with the trailer we live in.  He is an absolute clean freak. (So, just what the doctor ordered for the Floyd trailer).

{All the trash we threw away after Elder Boyd's deep cleaning}

It's going good so far.  We had a short week, and still were able to see some good things happen.

April 8, Wed:  Happy Birthday, Haylee!  

The library email didn't start working 'til noon.  We ended up having a wonderful zone P-day.

{Our Blacksburg Zone, finally got a picture of all of us together}

 

Our zone played volleyball.  Me and Sister Erickson were quite the force to be reckoned with! (with my volleyball skills, and her height [5'10"] & college experience!) 

April 9, Thur:  We woke up early to send Elder Olsen home!

Me & Elder Olsen

He was pretty busy packing the last couple of days.  Elder Olsen had a whole lot of mixed feelings, but he was happy to see his family.

Good thing was Elder Boyd and I didn't lose any proselyting time to transfers today since he came from my same zone.  Bad thing is all three of our appointments cancelled on us today. (a potential, Sister Briggs, & Jodie)  Ugh.  

We were invited to Branch Council and they put us very last.  Great thinking there - we're the only ones with a curfew, so we didn't have much time at all to talk! 

April 10, Fri:  I filled in Elder Boyd on the area. 

We didn't have to worry about our English/Spanish language gap because the potential investigator  wasn't home.  Darn, I was ready to vamamos!  Right? 

Also,  downtown Floyd is rocking on Friday nights, as well!  Everyone comes out to the Country Store's Friday Nite Jamboree!  So, we found a lot of success talking with people.

{London Broil Steak - probably the best thing I've made on my mission, thus far}

 

April 11, Sat:  We drove pretty far out to Willis to meet with a former investigator.  He was asleep; his roommate said to come back in an hour. 

We tried a few neighbors, and found Stephen.  Long story short: He's 20 yr. old hippie, no shirt on, long hair, smelled really bad, was totally open, and gave us really awkward hugs as we left.  WEIRD!  But, hey!  He's interested in the "Eternal perspective of things!" 

So, I finally met Bro. Crawford today.  I've heard so many great things about him.  He's 74 yrs. old, served a mission, and comes from St. George, Utah.  He's less active, and I have no idea why?  He took us out to lunch, then he came with us to an appointment today with Sister Briggs. (A less active coming with us to see a less active) Sure! Why Not!?

We finally got a hold of Amos, and he said he didn't have any minutes for the last couple of weeks, and that's why he hasn't been able to talk to us.  He said he'd be at church in the morning and he had his own ride! 

We also ran into a 15 yr-old kid who is the boyfriend of Sister Young's granddaughter, Rylee, and he said she's the only Mormon he knew and that he'd come with her to church next week!  Sweet!  The thing is; Rylee's not a member yet, and hasn't been to church since January.  So, hopefully, miraculously, they'll be at church next week! 

April 12, Sun: Well, Sister Briggs came to church.  Alec came to church!  No Amos again. (Man, whoever's giving him a ride, should be fired!) 

We were able to have a great lesson with Alec after church. 

Then, we also got teach Sister Huff about going to the temple.  We need to get the Branch to start a Temple Prep. class; we've got a lot of people needing to prepare! (Sister Huff, Bro. Brown, Sis. Guthrie, Banks', Lafon's).

We had lunch at the Light's which was pretty much like family get-togethers back home, for me!  You've got extended family all there, kids screaming, everyone talking...hmmmh, it's the best! 

Then after that, we had to rush home because we had a dinner appointment with the Lafon's.  Yeah, one meal a day for us missionaries wasn't enough, so the Branch has started signing up for lunch & dinner.  We taught the Lafon family on the importance of Enduring to the End. 

Elder Boyd shared his remarkable story of his re-conversion.  He used to be big time against the Church.   But then figured it out!  And, now he's here in Floyd!  

We went next door to visit Sherwood and Monica Wright.  Monica wasn't home, but Sherwood's neighbor, John, was really interested in who we were.  Ten minutes later, we set up an appointment with him to have a lesson/dinner at the Lafon's house Friday night!  WOW! 

Well, I say it was a good week!  Please keep praying for all us missionaries! 

But, Ya'll back home: A) Find people for your local missionaries to teach.  B) Preparing yer youngsters to serve a mission AND stay active in the Church!   Proverbs 22:6 

Love Ya All!

-Love Elder Brenchley

Did You Know I Was Called on a Spanish Speaking Mission?!?

Hey Ya'll 

Wasn't Easter and Conference just the best?  What a great combination! 

What was ya'lls favorite talks?  I really want to know!  I haven't picked a favorite talk, yet.  But I have a favorite Ssssion!  Saturday afternoon by far! All 6 talks were so great! It may also have to do with the fact, that I've personally met & shook hands with 2 of the speakers (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and Elder Dale. G Renlund, (both came to the Mission)

I really loved each of the talks!  And It helped me feel a lot better because I was really uneasy after some people opposed The First Presidency and The Twelve Apostles!  How sad was that?  They sound like they need our prayers

As for my weekly report, I've got a lot to say, in a short amount of time.  

Elder Olsen

Elder Olsen has to get packing, so I'll bullet point my days:

Monday March 30:

• Radford Elders came down for P-Day for fishing and basketball. (No fish caught)
• Had FHE with Jodie and Katie and their family; it was a little bit of a struggle with all the kids going crazy.  Now I know how my parents felt. :)

Tuesday March 31: 

• We spent 4 1/2 hours today on Huckleberry Ridge Rd. (Shows you how long and spread out the roads are here) looking for a former investigator and a referral.  We found the referral, but couldn't find that former investigator.  We did find two solid potential investigators, and taught the 8 minute Restoration to one, and got a return appt. with the other!

Wednesday April 1:

• April Fools Day!  No fooling around though!  I went on an exchange with Elder Higgins up in Radford.  He expressed he's kind of done with the area because not a whole lot is happening. (he's certain he's getting transferred next week)  But, we were still able to work real hard today! We had 7 great ITL's (6 on Campus @ Radford University) 
• Also taught their only investigator, Kenny, who is preparing for Baptism. 

Thursday April 2: 

• Taught a Less-Active named, Sister Briggs.  She's showing sincere desire to go the temple.  She got really emotional.  Lesson in Swortzel's home
• Tire went completely flat, Bro. Swortzel helped us (actually did it all for us) with that. 
• Dinner @ Katie and Jodie's, lesson on 3 Degrees of Glory went good.  Jodie's starting to get everything!

Friday April 3: 

• Zone Conference in the morning
• Received a referral, which we contacted and got info
• Taught Ricky, Sam, & Dustin.  They are just being stubborn and won't open and read the Book of Mormon. :(

{Dustin, Ricky, Sam, me, Elder Olsen}

 

Saturday April 4: 

• Conference was great!  Great turnout to Priesthood Session! (the free pizza helped a lot!)
• Knocked one door I felt we should knock!  It was the right door; a young, single mother, said she would read the Restoration pamphlet, and we could come back.

Sunday April 5: 

• Easter! 
• Conference great!
• Easter dinner @ the Sunberg's!  What a Meal! 

Monday April 6:

• Met an old lady with Alzheimer's today.  She talked our ear off for a half hour, and wanted to give us a hug.  She was so sweet!
• Bro. Brown came with us to an appointment, which fell through, met a former investigator, and set-up appt.
• Service and dinner @ Miller's.

Tuesday April 7:

• District Meeting - our last as this current District 
• While knocking some trailer park, the three people who answered were all Hispanic.  Searching my brain for my 2 years of High School Spanish, I was able to ask them their name, and what time is it?  Then just started saying words like, Casa! Perro! deniro! Jesu Christo! Miraculously enough, we had an El Libro De Mormon in the car and got a return appt. with a man named, Juan!  The other man, Lupe, took a Spanish Restoration pamphlet.
• Had dinner @ Lafon's.
• After Lafon's, went over to Sherwood's and we were able to teach his daughter, Monica and her friend, Rylee (both 16.)  And picked them up as new investigators.  They said they hadn't found the right church, yet.
  
• 3 members of the District are leaving: Elder Olsen, Sister Zschoke, & Elder Higgins
• 3 new members are coming: Elder Boyd (my companion, who was just serving in Blacksburg YSA, short move) Sister Banks, & Elder Degooyer.  I was so excited, especially for Elder Degooyer coming - he was my last zone leader in Charleston, and I think he's just what the doctor ordered to turn Radford area around!  Such a great missionary! 

Well, that's all foks!  I'm expecting to hear what everyone's favorite Conference talk is! 

Love, Elder Brenchley!

Because He Lives

Well, this was a good week!  Elder Olsen goes home in 12 days, and boy, he's stressing out!  It probably doesn't help that I always remind him how soon it is coming!  No need to fear; I'm working him hard! 

This week we picked up four new investigators!  But, for those, we only taught two member-present lessons.  How does that work out?  I'll tell you!

Mar. 23, Mon:  For P-Day, we went fishing.

I only caught one fish, but we'll get them next time! 

 

Fishing was very enjoyable. 

Brother Clower took us out to Subway, and then we went to Sister Horne's and Johnny Brown's.  Sister Horne's nonmember mother, (who we call "Ma," I don't know her real name) was really interested in the 13 Articles of Faith.  We shared them with her, and she stated, "That's GOOD."  She probably would come to church, but she has to stay home with her bedridden husband. (We call him "Pops."  Again, I don't know his real name.)

Mar. 24, Tues:  We had district meeting here in Floyd.

Back (from L to R): Sister Zschoke, Sister Lively, Elder Higgins

Front: Elder Ballard, Elder Brenchley (Me), Elder Olsen

{How great do we look?!?}

 

 

I planned the most for this meeting.  I opened it up to discussion on everyone's thoughts about our mission conference we had on Sunday, and everyone shared something that I didn't pick up the first go around.  For my portion, I went about sharing Ammon and King Lamoni's story (Alma 18), and how we, as missionaries, can better discern our investigator's concerns and teach them exactly what they need. 

After district meeting, I began our exchange with the zone leaders.  Elder Moses came with me to Floyd.  We performed a lot of service today, and got to know each other real well and learn from him a lot. 

This evening, we taught Jodie, he's a former investigator who Elder Olsen has taught twice.  I've never met him, so Elder Moses and I were two new faces.  Here's Jodie's situation: he's living with a less-active, named Katie (not married).  They both have kids; 3 girls, 3 boys - exactly like the Brady Bunch!  Anyway, does this whole scenario sound familiar at all?  We got an understanding of what makes them happy, and simply laid it out for them.  The steps to happiness and the temple are: prayer (personal, couple, family), scripture study, Family Home Evening (which we are going over Monday to do with them), and going to church.  It's that simple.  That's another great thing I love about this gospel; how simple it is, as long as we do what we should be doing.

Mar. 25, Wed:  We had more service on our schedule today, volunteering at Angels in the Attic. 

We had a lesson with a recent convert named, Brother Witska.  He can't hear real well, so you almost have to shout! :)  "WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT VERSE?" 

We also had Branch Missionary Coordination and the Branch missionaries, the Banks', came!  They came on Sunday for the first time since I've been here, so they're reactivating themselves!  They added a lot of great input and it turns out they know our investigator, Amos.  They offered to have him over for dinner/lesson. WooHoo!  We just found the perfect fellowshippers!  THAT, to me personally, was a tender mercy we needed! 

Mar. 26, Thur:  We had a member-present appointment with the Sunberg's to go see Julie, a referral.  20 minutes before our appointment, she cancelled.  I've seen that way too much on my mission!  

We did have a good back-up plan, and went to a less-active named, Cathy Huff.  She's the only African American lady in our ward (except the Jeppeson's kids from Ethiopia).  But, there is still a great deal of diversity here in Floyd County. 

At basketball tonight, we had a really cool experience.  This 20 year-old guy named, Ricky, was guarding me and I was guarding him.  We got to talking about exactly who I was, and what I was doing.  During games, I was teaching him about the many churches and that we believe in one Restored Church.  I told him afterwards we could get him a pamphlet and a Book of Mormon.  He was so anxious to get those!  We exchanged phone numbers, and HE set-up an appointment for Saturday!  WOW!

Mar. 27, Fri:  My Click Day!  Seven months a missionary! 

We didn't drive a mile today in our car.  Our miles are getting real low, so we walked into town and then Brother Hall (1st Counselor in the Bishopric) took us out to Pilot (where the Lafon's, Fraizer's, & Sherwood lives).  It's not even in Floyd County, but in our area. 

We visited some less-actives, but weren't able have any lessons.  But it was good - Brother Hall was handing out callings to all the less-actives in an effort to get them to come back to church! 

We had dinner at the Fraizer's, then talked with the Lafon's about The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Mar. 28, Sat:  Like I've said before, downtown Floyd is the place to be on Saturdays!  There are so many people, where it's so dead at other times.  The "Because He Lives" (#BecauseHeLives) Easter Initiative started today (very similar to  'He is the Gift" for Christmas), so we were talking and passing out cards left and right!  We ITL'd (Invite to Learn) nine people today! 

We then got a ride with Sister Horne and Bro. Brown up to the Stake Easter program they had at the Radford Chapel. 

After we rode back down, we were able to get Sister Krista Fraizer to come with us to our appointment with Ricky.  She's 21, so we thought she'd be a great fit.  The lesson went great!  Not only was Ricky there, but Dustin, his roommate who we also played basketball with, and Sam, one of their friends, were there - all 20 yr. olds.  They followed along in the pamphlet and asked great questions!  Sister Fraizer did such a good job of testifying of the Book of Mormon and invited them all to read it!  Sweet!  They were a little hesitant about coming to church.  We'll see all of them at basketball Thursday, or hopefully sooner!  Three new investigators! 

Mar. 29, Sun:  We couldn't get a hold of Amos all weekend, so we weren't able to set up a ride to church for him - darn!  I was able to bless the Sacrament today!  Alec was there and the Banks' were there for the second straight Sunday, and Bro. Banks gave a wonderful thought at the end of the 3rd hour meeting on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. 

The rest of the day was so quick; tracting, a lunch appointment, and a dinner appointment! 

Well, WE got to go fishing, so I gotta run! 

 

Everyone should be so excited for Conference this Easter Weekend!  I testify the words are meant to help us receive salvation! 

Please share #BecauseHeLives with everyone on social media! 

And watch the video at helives.mormon.org !

 

Just remember how simple this Gospel it is!  Also, how flawless it is!  Do the basics, and you'll be all right.  3 Nephi 27: 21-22.

I love You All! 

-Love Elder Brenchley