Two Priesthood Blessings in Two Days

Hey Everyone!

It's me in a NEW area (new to me and new to the mission!), and with a new companion.  We actually have to spend the first couple of days/1st week looking for an apartment...for now, we will stay in the Salem Elders' apartment (which is a little bit far from our area), as that area just downsized to one set of missionaries in it and there's room for us.  With us taking over this new area, there will now be four sets of missionaries (3 Elders and 1 Sister companionship) in the Roanoke 1st Ward.   Botetourt County is really beautiful, and there are plenty of wealthy houses up towards this area.

Elder Shirley is my new companion - my former companion, Elder Caldwell, once served with him, too!  Elder Shirley is pretty great - we get a long really well.  He's from Burley, Idaho. He's 19 yrs. old and graduated from High School in 2015.  He's been out since July 2015.  He's the oldest of 6 kids in his family. 

Earlier this week, along with me saying good-byes to people in the downtown Roanoke area (only to see most of them at church on Sunday again), I spent time getting packed. The latter part of this week included Elder Shirley and I getting to know each other, as well as our new area.  We don't have much to go off of; there is only one current investigator when we entered the area, and the Sisters want to do a "pass-off" lesson because the investigator has had bad experiences with Elders in the past, so I haven't even met her.  I do know all the active members already, so we had that advantage, as we were visiting them over these couple of days.

Here's the week:

April 26, Tuesday:  P-day.  We mostly spent time emailing and then getting packed. 

The Roanoke Star

 Brother Winkler did take us up to the Roanoke Star!

Views of Roanoke from The Star

 

We had dinner with the Miller's and then they came with us to see Jim Flemming.

Jim Flemming

They invited him to church and he seemed a little more keen this time around (it's the power of members doing the inviting!)

Then we went and taught Kim with Brother Winkler, however he was hung up on this one scripture in Genesis, and we were barely able to really teach the Restoration. 

We saw Sister Bell and Tim.  They thought it was hilarious I got transferred, but I wasn't leaving the ward. 

Sister Bell & Tim

Once Sister Bell heard we were looking for an apartment in our area, she jumped on the computer and started looking for us. 

We went and saw Brother Ostrander.

April 27, Wednesday: 20 months a missionary! 2-0 WOW! 

Since neither I nor Elder Jolley's companion (Elder Larson) were coming down until the afternoon, we were able to go see more people and do some street contacting.  We were able to set up a lesson with Chase Lester (a less-active) and his girlfriend/baby mamma, Erica.

Chase Lester, Erica, and kids

Sister Schwiendman, the Primary president, came with us.   She was really good for the kids.  That was my first time teaching Erica; she seemed touched by the Spirit and our desire to help their family become closer.

We also dropped by and saw Brother Nillson.

Brother Nillson

I went to the Salem apartment and moved in all my stuff and cleaned the place up. 

The transfer van came, and NO Elder Shirley......where's my new companion?  It turns out, he was bringing down our car with another group of Elders (and arrived 25 minutes later).  And he was sick!  He didn't look good at all.

Elder Shirley "getting sick" on the side of the road. ;)

He had the flu or a stomach virus. Elder Shirley was so sick, so we just went straight to the apartment while I organized the area book, and he slept.  We missed ward coordination meeting, but I listened in on the phone call. 

Elder Shirley asked me to give him a Priesthood Blessing.  I felt very blessed and humbled that after knowing me for just for four short hours (most of which was him being asleep), he would ask me to give him a blessing. 

April 28, Thursday:  Elder Shirley was still feeling down and out today, but he started feeling better in the evening, and we went to the library to search all of the members and less-actives. 

The Scroggin's had us over for dinner.  Brother Scroggins is the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric.  They are  a wonderful family.  They have 6 wonderful kids, and you could feel the Spirit in their home.  We role played with them on how they could invite their friends/co-workers to the upcoming fireside. 

Then we were asked by Sister Smith to go give her husband, Brother Smith, a blessing.  He was in the hospital in Salem, so that worked out nicely since we are currently living in Salem.  I was again touched by the Priesthood power when I saw Elder Shirley, who just about 20 hours earlier was in so much pain and looking helpless, had received his own Priesthood blessing, and then was able to give the blessing to Brother Smith (and I did the anointing). 

April 29, Friday:  We had District meeting in the morning - it was really good.

Then we went out to Botetourt County and started seeing what there was to see.  We were able to knock several doors; one man was really nice and let us sit on his porch with him, enjoy some ice water, and gave us a referral.

We were able to meet with the Harris family, Amy and Andy .  Sister Harris has been inactive for a while and has never been to the Roanoke Chapel.  Andy is not a member, but has showed interest and has been taught before. 

April 30, Saturday:  We went apartment hunting with Sister Bell & Tim.

We also did our weekly planning.

We tried going out proselyting in a place named, Troutville; no one was home or interested. 

May 1, Sunday:  In Fast and Testimony meeting, 6 out of the 8 missionaries got up and bore their testimonies - it was a Spirit-filled testimony meeting.

We sat by Brother Keaton (a returning member in Botetourt).  It was good to see Myra and Roxanne at church, as well as Garrett - all three of them from my last downtown area. 

Brother Winkler came with us for the whole day in Botetourt County.  He helped us out big by saving our car miles.  We tried this city that is 47 minutes away from Roanoke named, Buchanan. 

We met with the Hensley's.  They are members with two boys (ages 11 & 9).  They remind me so much of some of my family up in Cache Valley. 

We met with the Barnes couple - they are members, as well.  He's good at the piano, and she makes good strawberry cheesecake.

We got a return appointment with this sweet lady named, Connie (a former investigator).

{a [Roanoke] license plate I saw!}

 

And that's the week! 

My new companion, Elder Shirley

Please keep Elder Shirley and I in your prayers, as we take on this new challenge of opening up this area.  We are building from the ground up. 

Again, I just want to part with how real the Priesthood of God is here on this earth.  Jesus Christ organized His Church, He gave His apostles the Priesthood authority to teach and baptize, and to lead the Church.  After Jesus Christ and the apostles were killed, that revelation and Priesthood authority was no longer on the earth.  The world was without the Priesthood.  However, just like God always does, He called another prophet, and that Prophet's name was Joseph Smith.   Jesus Christ's disciples, as heavenly messengers, restored that Priesthood to Joseph Smith.  It is here on the earth today!  I so testify with passion, and conviction to remain faithful and worthy the rest of my life to be able to use the Priesthood to serve in anyway.  I know and and sustain Thomas S. Monson as a prophet of God, and the one who leads Jesus Christ's Church today.  Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone (see Quetin L. Cook's talk from this past Conference).  I know this Gospel to be true! 

I love you all! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

Just Another White Shirt Casualty

Hey Family and Friends,

It's another week in the books for the Lord; we had a good week.  I love my new companion, Elder Jolley. 

 

He is a sweet companion and is a powerhouse!  He's from Idaho Falls, Idaho.  He's been out 6 months.  He's 18 yrs. old; right out of High School.  He's a wrestler and likes to white-water kayak. He's the 2nd oldest of 4 kids and his older sister is a missionary in Texas right now.

To sum up this week: Transfers, Parade, Bike Wreck! 

We had transfers: goodbye Elder Maxfield,  Hello, Elder Jolley.  We were in the St. Patrick's parade for downtown Roanoke (it was fun).  And I totally ate it on my bike yesterday! 

March 7, Monday:  It was a long day of looking for people (who might not exist?) but all in the Lord's work. 

We went to one of Roanoke's famous places to eat; Texas Tavern. 

It's been around since 1930. Everyone has told us to go there and order a "Bowl With" & "Cheesy With."

{"Bowl with" = chili with onions, and "Cheesy with" = a cheeseburger/egg with onions}

 

We also had a lesson with Brother Ostrander.

 

March 8, Tuesday:  It was District Meeting today.

Our District

 

Brother Bullion came with us to see Roxanne and Myra.  They loved church and were excited to go back.  I had one of the cooler experiences of my mission in this lesson - something I haven't done since helping my little siblings to pray.  We invited Roxanne to say the closing prayer; she was nervous and didn't want to do it in front of other people.  I went over to her chair and knelt down on one knee and said, "How 'bout I help you?"  So I would say something, "Dear Heavenly Father," then she would repeat it.  She did an excellent job!  They both are wonderful and are some of my favorite people. 

We had a lesson with Brother Tourville.

We got to have dinner at Thelma's Chicken & Waffles (another food place Elder Maxfield wanted to try before he headed out.)

We had a nice visit with the Fischer's.

{The Cowling's}

 

March 9, Wednesday:  P-Day.

We had dinner at the Blevins' (they really liked Elder Maxfield).  Brother Jack Turner was there, too - both really liked Elder Maxfield and were sad to see him go. 

We had a really good lesson with Johnathan and Courtney.  They wouldn't commit to come to church, but they said they would come to the ward party.

We saw the Bell family. 

Then Brother McBride came with us to see the Gasore family, but none of the fluent French speakers were there! 

 

March 10, Thursday:  I said Goodbye to Elder Maxfield.

Elder Maxfield & I

I spent the day with Elder Palmer (he's in Vinton).  He's a stud.  I'd love to serve with him some day.

We found and taught a man named, Marion - he was just chilling on his porch.  He's a really cool guy.  He got teary eyed as he read Moroni 10:3-5.  It was really awesome! 

I got Elder Jolley in the afternoon.

THEN the two appointments we had cancelled. :(

 

March 11, Friday:  We had weekly planning, and I was able to fill Elder Jolley in on the area.  He is really excited to be here. 

We went and saw Brother Tourville and he invited his neighbor to join in on the lesson.  The neighbor's name is Garrett - he's a young guy, age 32, and he has been running away from religion his whole life.  He was very intrigued by our message, and even decided he should be baptized if this was the correct church!  Woohoo! 

We had a lesson scheduled with Brother Lloyd, and he invited over his friend, Jim, who we have taught before.  Back to back, it was great to see members inviting non-members over when the missionaries were coming! 

Our ward party was tonight - it was the Pinewood Derby, as well.  Courtney and Johnathan came, and Courtney brought her son, Lucas.  They had a great time; so many people went up to them and chatted with them. 

 

March 12, Saturday:  We were in the St. Patrick's parade here in Roanoke. 

We helped volunteer in the morning, then jumped in the parade after we were done. 

My companion, Elder Jolley & I

We had a great Family History float.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had another great lesson with Myra and Roxanne - they are reading the assignments we give them.  They both said they could prepare for April 9 as a Baptismal date.  They really want to know that it is true before they are baptized.  We promised them they could! 

We also had a good lesson with Sister Hale.  Then we had dinner with Sister Cook; Brother Arrington came with us to both.

 

March 13, Sunday:  Myra came to church.  Roxanne got confused with the Daylight Savings, whoops.

Brother Winkler was out with us for the day; we were able to talk to several people who we were suppose to teach, but they asked to reschedule, like Brother Nate Henegar, and Shawn & Nate.

We did meet and started teaching this lady from England named, Susan.  She's a former investigator and I told her I have a pretty darn good British accent.  She requested I spend the rest of the lesson speaking in a British accent, and even said the closing prayer in a British accent, too!  Haha.

I wrecked on my bike just 3 blocks away from our house.

 

We had a nice visit with the Miller's, and we gave Brother Miller a blessing.

As of late, I have been drawn to how the Gospel blesses families so much.  My biggest testimony of this has to be that of my own raising in a family who enjoyed the blessings of the Gospel.  I have loved sharing "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." 

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

I truly love how much the Gospel is meant to bless families. God is an eternal God, so then everything he created (including families) is meant to be eternal as well. I am excited to continue to find and teach families. 

 

I love this Gospel, and know it will bless you and your family! 

 

Love, Elder Brenchley 

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

Hey Ya’ll! 

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

 But, the leaves are absolutely beautiful out here!  

This week, we saw a lot of people.

Mon. Oct. 19:    We had Preparation Day.

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

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

Tues. Oct. 20: Happy Sweet 16 Kyle!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We had dinner at the Bishop’s house.

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

District meeting

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

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

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

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

Sat. Oct. 24:  We exchanged back

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’m going to keep working hard!

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

I love you all!

Love, Elder Brenchley

We Were Blessed for Skipping Priesthood Meeting! ;)

Hey Ya'll! 

It was good week here in Buena Vista, and not just because we got fed almost every single night.  But we saw a good amount of success for such a small area, especially within the last two hours of our night/week - we taught two lessons to two new investigators in that time! 

School starts today for S.V.U. and all 750ish students are out and about. 

S.V.U.

I've got to admit, it's kind of hard to not "look ahead" with all the school activities, all the excitement, all the BRAND NEW couples in our ward (most of them just getting married less than 3 weeks ago).  It's interesting. :) But, I'll be all right! 

I had the awesome opportunity to give some Priesthood blessings this week.  What a privilege it is to have the Priesthood here on the earth.  All week, I reflected on that many times.

As for the rest of the week...Here we go! 

Mon. Aug. 17:  P-Day.  After we emailed, all the Elders of the district played basketball at the Lexington chapel (Stake Center).
As we were out and about walking today, we came upon a new couple, who was just moving in, so we helped them out.  Their names are the McMann's (married 2 weeks ago).  But he just got called to a YSA Bishopric, so that means they're not in our ward anymore.
We had a great conversation with a woman named, Brittany.  Basically, every single question she asked, we were able to answer!  She has a great family; we're hoping to teach them soon!

Tues. Aug. 18:  We moved a family down the road....which around here, means they changed wards - Buena Vista ward to Rockbridge ward.
We had a District meeting I really enjoyed.  We have a big district; five companionships:  4 sets of Elders, 1 set of Sisters.  We (Elder Johnson & I, the ZLs) are the ONLY ONES not training in our District - that means we've got four brand new missionaries!
We were able to have a District Leader conference call, and able to set some zone goals with them.
We also drove to Clifton Forge and did some District Leader training with Elder Rasmussen.  We then proceeded to go on exchanges; I got to stay in Clifton Forge with Elder Rasmussen.

Wed. Aug. 19:  After exchanging back, and a long day, we had a church tour.  Apparently the missionaries/ward missionaries here do church tours every Wednesday night.  We didn't have anyone there, but the Rockbridge Elders did.  There was such a great Spirit.

Thur. Aug. 20:  We taught Charlie today, with Brother Turnman.  Charlie informed us he would be getting baptized this Sunday...........into a different church. (???)  We re-taught the Restoration, and it just wasn't clicking for him.
We gave Sister Henson a blessing, then went to the Ramsey's, a less active couple, and taught them about Agency.

Fri. Aug. 21:  We walked around a lot today!  We met and talked with Brother Ramirez (my 2 years of High School Spanish coming back to bite me again!)  It's alright, he could speak English.  We got talking about soccer, and really connected.  He and his wife are less-active because it's hard for them to completely understand the language at church.
We had dinner with Bishop Doxey and his family.  We were able to ask him for some assignments.  He is a great Bishop with a great family!
We went to see Sister Camden, a less-active, with her home teacher, Brother Alvstead.

Sat. Aug. 22:  We walked today, and met some great people.  A lot of them were friendly, but just not interested in the Gospel.  Some people have a "been there, done that" attitude.
We had a great lesson with Betty and Debbie today, on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We were really hoping to set them on date for Baptism.  Debbie was scared and didn't want to set a date, or ever really.  Like a lion, full of the Spirit, Elder Johnson testified that they need a date to prepare for, and that God can help them through their hardships to make this Baptismal date of October 11th.  The Spirit was so strong; they both nodded their heads.  Both are planning on coming to church tomorrow.

Sun. Aug. 23:  Well, after ward council, we went and taught John Goff, he's an investigator.  We taught him about the Priesthood and were hoping for him to come to church, but he had a previous engagement. :(
We went around inviting/reminding people about church.  Betty and Debbie didn't answer...and the Butler's told us they weren't coming because Debbie wasn't feeling good.
Church was great, however!
We had dinner at the Fuentes'.  They are Hispanic; half Chilean and half Puerto Rican.  They were hilarious and the Chilean food was delicious!
We had the option to go to a Stake Priesthood meeting, or keep working the final 3 hours of the night.  We decided we need to spend as much time proselyting as possible.  We were so very blessed, as we first ran into Randy, who wanted to take the lessons again.  Then we saw a young guy just bopping around outside, which quickly led to a Gospel discussion.  His name is Keith, and we were able to teach the Restoration right outside.  It went awesome!  He committed to read and pray about the pamphlet and The Book of Mormon, and was going to invite his fiance to the next lesson! WooHoo!  He's pretty awesome.

Well, I guess that's what you call a week! 

{BTW this is Kelsey's going away gift to me - she found out I was in "High School Musical," and she never let me live it down!}

It is truly a blast to be serving a mission.  This week, I will hit my one year mark!  I will be 12 months a missionary.  I'm excited to continue to serve another 12 Months in the greatest Mission on the Earth!  I can never repay my Heavenly Father for the experiences I've had, and the change that has occurred within me.  I love this work!  I know this Church is true! 

Love You All!  Keep me posted! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

So Many Miracles!

Hey Everyone!

This was such a great week!
Here's a list of great events that happened this week!
1. Kelsey was baptized and confirmed this week! (along with "J," the Assistants’ investigator)
2. Lissa was confirmed during Sacrament meeting!
3. Zach Kirk received the Priesthood!
4. The Ratliff's came to church after a little bit of a drought.
5. Luke Bowlin had a 1st lesson with us Saturday at the church, plus a church tour afterwards with his wife, Jessie, and son, Logan.
6. Luke and Jessie came to church!  Had a lot of ward members welcome them!
7. Went on exchanges with my old companion, Elder Caldwell!  We taught 2 new investigators, Austin and Logan, ages 19 and 18.
8. Went on exchanges with Elder Cluff.  One word: Hilarious
9. Taught/picked up a former investigator named, Momadou.  We brought over Bro. Williams, they clicked well.
10. Went to the driving range this Monday for P-Day! 

So much fun!  I think I'd be an excellent golfer if I warmed up for about an hour before every tee time.

Well, here's for the rest of the week! 

Mon. July 20:  We went to the driving range for P-Day.

Kelsey was interviewed for Baptism by Elder Thackeray, our District Leader.  She passed!  

Tue. July 21:  Brother Charles Hawes drove us all the way out to Cowen, WV - that helped big time with miles! 

We started our exchanges; Elder Caldwell came with me to Charleston!  Elder Jacklin stayed in Cowen with Elder Wilkey (Elder Caldwell is training Elder Wilkey).  We did have everything start falling through on us, but it was still great!  Elder Caldwell is the Assistants’ District Leader, so while he was in town, we planned it so he could interview Jordan for Baptism. 

We were able to go teach two potentials, Austin and Logan - it was a powerful lesson on the porch.  Both of them have had some pretty shady past/present, but they were both very accepting to The Restoration.  To quote Logan: “This is the realest...(insert missionary-appropriate euphemism)... I've heard on a porch!”

Brother Brown joined us to teach Kelsey the Plan of Salvation - actually we had her lead out on the conversation, and had her teach us. 

Wed. July 22:  We exchanged back.

Elder Caldwell is a stud!

 

We went down to Montgomery, and the Minnich's took us out to dinner.  We then chatted with Amit at his work. 

We went, with Brother Minnich, to see Sister Nichols, a less-active member.  Brother Minnich shared President Uchtdorf's, "All is Well" message from the Ensign.  She also asked for a Priesthood blessing, and asked me to give it.  The Priesthood is real! 

Thur. July 23:  We worked out in Elkview today, one of those outskirt areas.  Sister Fisher fed us while we were out there.

Brother Hinman was our guy for “High Priest Team-Up Thursday!”

We saw Brother Beck briefly, and talked about setting a temple date. 

We also saw Rodney - he's 5 days smoke-free!  We taught him of the nature of God. 

Then this was cool, Brother Hinman is well-learned at Family History, so we went to Robert Price, kind of our Family History investigator, and helped him out some more.

Fri. July 24:  Pioneer Day!  But not really out here in WV!  We did sing, “Come, Come Ye Saints” for District meeting this morning. 

We then exchanged with the Sissonville Elders. 

Elder Cluff & I

Elder Cluff came with me to Charleston, and Elder Jacklin went with Elder Fitch & Elder Walker to Sissonville.

We taught the McCray's – we’re still trying to get them to come to church.  Elder Cluff and Brother McCray hit it off so well that Brother McCray wants to start going to the Charleston 2nd Ward in Sissonville.  Well...... at least he'd be coming back to church. 

Brother Belcher came with us to teach Kelsey.  We did a review of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Also, we finally got in with a former investigator named, Momadou.  He's pretty sweet, he’s got his knowledge of the Restoration. 

Sat. July 25:  We taught Luke Bowlin at the church.  We had a great Restoration lesson, and answered a lot of questions and quieted some concerns.  He's awesome, though!  He’d accepted Baptism, but wanted to investigate more.  Last Transfer, I mentioned in an email that we tracted into a young lady, and she said her husband was thinking about becoming a Mormon.  Well, stopping by later on exchanges, he told Elder Jacklin he'd contact us when he's ready.  Then not too long at all after that, we got a media referral and it was Luke!  He actually wanted to meet with us at the church; his wife dropped him off and we taught him at the church on Saturday, and then gave him and his wife a church tour after the lesson.  And the next morning they were both sitting next to us in church!  It was awesome to see, and the ward was so curious about who this new young family was, and multiple people greeted them and they were well fellowshipped immediately. 

Brother Foote came with us to see Warren...No Dice...but we did go see a less-active Sister named, Sister McCloyd.

Brother Collet came with us for the rest of the night.  He's a pretty funny character.  We saw the Kirk's and taught about Priesthood; Isabelle understood it better, and Zach is receiving it tomorrow!

Then we had one last lesson with Kelsey, as an investigator.  We watched the Restoration video and talked about how important the Book of Mormon is.  She's one in a million! 

Sun. July 26:  We had our usual meetings in the morning. 

We had a good turnout at church!

*Luke and his wife, Jessie, came!  A lot of people introduced themselves!
*Amit (he was actually able to stay for Gospel Principles class - his first time in the many years of investigating for him.)
*The Ratliff's came!  WooHoo!  They also stayed after for the Baptism!
*Kelsey showed up to her own Baptism day, thank goodness!
Lissa got confirmed today!  We got to be in the circle!  Awesome!  She had a big smile on her face, especially when both the speakers reference her in their talks today. 
Zach also got sustained during Sacrament Meeting, and then received the Priesthood during church! I asked him about it, and he's like, "I FEEL GOOD!"
The Baptismal program was very well done, and there were lots of people, so it was held in the chapel. 

Elder Jacklin, Kelsey, and I

Elder Rueda baptized Jordan, and Elder Jacklin baptized Kelsey.  Then Elder Markowski confirmed Jordan, and I got to confirm Kelsey.  Never before have I felt so much energy and power as I confirmed her a member, and told her to, "Receive the Holy Ghost."  AMAZING!  I Cannot and WILL NOT deny how powerful and real that was!

{Back: Elder Jacklin, Elder Markowski, Kelsey, Jordan, Me  Front: Elder Walker & Elder Rueda}

This week, I started getting all these clothes. 

Kelsey got me and Elder Jacklin ties, customized with our initial on them.  Then, her friend Kathryn, who first referred her from up in Morgantown, spoke at the Baptism, and gave each of us another tie!

Then I got a pretty nice UTES shirt in the red-colored themed care package my mom sent me this month.

We were able to teach Brother Beck and his sons.  His sons, Josh (age 12) and Sam (age 10) aren't members, but only live with him during the Summer, so we'll see what’s the next step there.  Brother Nate Williams came with us see Mamodou (pronounced MAMMA-DO).  It was pretty cool.  They both connected and we taught the Plan of Salvation – it went really well!

Well, it was such a great week!  This is the most happiest I've been on my mission! 

I just want to bear my testimony on how real the Priesthood is, and how it truly is the power of God and the ability to call down angels.  It was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, along with the rest of Gospel!  The Priesthood ONLY blesses other’s lives. What a great privilege we have to have it on this earth!  This is TRUE!  Let us do all we can to respect and honor the Priesthood. 

I Love You All So very much!  

Love, Elder Brenchley

Returning "Home" For a Baptism

Hey Ya'LL!  Happy Memorial Day!

I don't have a lot of time this week since we are using the Mission Office computers and it's Memorial Day.  But, I'm adjusting well to Charleston! 

There are so many more people to talk to!  A lot of diversity!  Being a zone leader is alright, I'm still adjusting.  There's not much time, but it was a short week to talk about, so I'll jump right to it!  ALSO, I helped the Charleston ZL area teach 20 lessons this week!

Wed. May 20: P-Day was filled with packing!
We also took some time out of our P-Day to go teach Nara the Plan of Salvation with Bro. Sunberg.  

Nara

The Spirit was strong, and she got really teary eyed.  I think she's gonna get baptized someday!

Clowers'

Clowers' had us over for dinner.  They're old goofballs.

We had a lesson with Sister Guthrie with the Frazier's joining in.  

Guthrie's

We taught the importance of reading the Book of Mormon and how we can learn from the stories of the Book of Mormon.  I felt prompted to read Alma 47 with her (don't come down from your mountain).  Kaela, her daughter, also needed a blessing and asked me to give it to her since I was leaving.

Thur. May 21: Transfer Day.  Elder Boyd & I overslept a little bit, but we were still able to make it before the train left.  The transfer meeting was great! 

Elder Boyd & I

Elder Boyd picked up his new trainee, and we parted ways!
Elder Jacklin was already there in Charleston (obviously) so we got to work!  We taught a grandma and her grandson The Plan of Salvation (their names are Eric & Yvonne).
We had dinner at the McGill's.  They're pretty cool members; Bro. McGill has a lot of swag and has a piano in his living room that is hooked up to a microphone.  So, several times during dinner, he ran over to the piano and started playing a jingle.  The Holbrook family joined us; they are a less active family who has been coming back to church to help their 8-yr old daughter get baptized.  Bro. Hawes was also there, a recent convert in the Assistants' area.
Bro. Hawes came with us to teach one of our investigators named, Rodney.  He's on Baptismal date for May 31, but probably won't make it due to the fact that he's only been to church once.  Great guy though!  We taught him about prophets and followed up on Book of Mormon reading.  He reads everyday!

Fri. May 22: We helped move a less-active couple.
We had weekly planning.
There were two miracles today!  1. We went to see one of our investigators (Bro. Cook) and his wife sat in on the lesson, and wants to read the Book of Mormon together with her husband.  The cool thing is, before I got here, she's been very standoffish to the missionaries and is always trying to prove them wrong, but all she had to do was sit in a lesson and have The Spirit touch her heart!  2.  I found out Jasmine Browning from my first area is getting baptized tomorrow, so I made a few phone calls.  Long story short, we got approval to go, and the Young's from Beckley are going to come pick us up to help us save on car miles.

Sat. May 23: We went to Jasmine's Baptism, it was Awesome! 

Jasmine's Baptism

(Her dad, Matt, got baptized May 2)

 

Then we saw the Kirk family.  The Kirk's are active members, and have two unbaptized kid.  We went over what needs to be taught with Zach (age 15), and Isabelle (age 11) just needs a Baptismal interview! WooHOO!
We also picked up a new investigator named, Danny.
We met with our investigator named, Tom.  He's a great guy.  I'm not sure if he's all there, though.
Then we had a lesson with Lisa, one our investigators in Bro. Foote's home.  He's a pretty cool guy.  We extended Lisa a Baptismal date invitation for June 21st!

Sun. May 24: Church went great!  We had Missionary Correlation with Bro. Cottrell who is the ward mission leader.  We have three sets of missionaries in the Charleston 1st ward: Charleston ZLs (us), South Hill Sisters (STL's), and the Assistants.  We had three investigators at church! The Kirk family (Zach & Isabelle), and then Lisa came, as well!
We had a great lesson with the Soram's.  "Derek is a recent convert and lives with his brother and his wife and his kids.
I also met Bro. Beck, the area's most recent convert - he's sweet!

{Charleston}

Well, that's my week!

Love you all!

Love, Elder Brenchley

How to Do Missionary Work with the King of Rock, Old Dogs, and Jehovah's Witnesses

Hey Ya'll! 

How's it going? 

I'm loving it here in Floyd!  But, boy, is it different from Beckley!  It's mostly farmland; tons of cows out here.  We live next door to a horse.

{Horsin' Around}

The differences between the two areas are many.

Example:

• In Beckley 2, if we went tracting for an hour, we could probably knock 15-20 doors. Here in Floyd, if we are lucky, we might knock five (due to the greater distance from house to house).

• They don't have real mail trucks out here.  People just slap a sticker on their car, and a little blinking light on top, and call it good.  That's how they deliver the mail around here. 

• Also something interesting; there are not regular garbage cans around here, or regular trash collection days.  There are just five or six dumpsters beside the road every two miles, and people have to drive with their own garbage cans and dump them in there.  So, I guess, we can just dump endless stuff!

Floyd is also very interesting; you have three types of people: Farmers, Businessmen (who usually work in Blacksburg/Roanoke), and Hippies.

County Motto: "Floyd: Where Tye-Dye Meets Coveralls!"

Mon. Mar. 2:  Today was P-Day and Elder Olsen is All-In when it comes to basketball, so we got to go play at the Rec Center, which is like 15 miles away from our house.  So, it's a little taxing on our miles whenever we got out there. 

Then, in the evening, I finally got to meet an investigator.  His name is Alec.  He's a real great guy, with a great sense of humor, in his 20's, and fiance to Sister Beta Miller.  They both work in the restaurant business, so they are always working, but Alec takes his quad scriptures to work everyday so he can read!  They are living together and are getting married June 27, and he will be getting baptized July 21.  I've talked about having Rock Star investigators before....well, Alec is like the "King of Rock." (like Elvis or Bon Jovi).  He actively was asking questions about his scripture reading, and more than once I heard him say things like, "When I JOINED this Church." and "This Church is Fun."  How often to do you hear us, as members, talk about how much Fun this Gospel and Church are?  Even though he hasn't been baptized yet, he's basically a member.  He talks like a Mormon, dresses like a Mormon, acts like a Mormon.  He's what you might call a "Dry Mormon." (Just add water and he'd be one!)  He could be baptized tomorrow if he wasn't living with Sister Miller, or if they would get married sooner.  I don't think they have any intentions of moving the marriage date up (they've already sent out "Save the Date" cards for June 27) or one of them moving out from the nice home they have.  We will keep praying/working with them.  BUT....... Does anyone want to donate to the "SEND 'A' ON A 2-WEEK CRUISE W/O SIS. MILLER FUND?"  Haha, JK, that was just a fun idea that popped into my head! 

Tue. Mar. 3:  I held my first district meeting as District Leader; everyone said it went really well.  I really focused on achieving goals as a district and the power of testimony and a second confirming witness.  

We had an appointment tonight with Sister Guthrie.  It took us all day to find a Priesthood holder to go out with us. (Since it's just Sis. Guthrie and her daughter, Kaela)  Bro. Mike Frazier came out with us. (He was the 4th one who agreed, the previous three called later and cancelled)  Let me tell you a little about Sister Guthrie; I didn't know any of her circumstances going into the lesson, all I knew is she was less-active.  When I think less-active, I was thinking one out of four Sacrament Meeting attendance a month.  I listened to her conversion and her testimony and found out she has never been to the temple (not even for Baptisms).  I bore my testimony on the beauty of temples, and then I looked in her eyes, and asked, "Can we make a goal with you, to get you to the temple?"  She was happy to say, "yes."  After we left, Bro. Fraizer and Elder Olsen filled me in on her.  Apparently, she's had a rough past, has some Word of Wisdom issues, and has only been to church once in the last year.  I was stunned.  Then I realized; this was probably the most prevalent time in my life, when I saw someone, not as they are, but who they can BECOME!  How important is it, that we follow that counsel from our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, found in his talk, "See Others as They May Become."  I encourage all of you to look it up!  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/see-others-as-they-may-become?lang=eng

Wed. Mar. 4:  While tracting today, we met a great guy.  He wasn't interested in having us teach him, but that's exactly what we did, as we sat on his porch for 30 minutes having a Gospel discussion.  He kept saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."  Well......you're not a dog, you're a man.  And we're not teaching tricks, we are teaching the Restored Gospel!  He really was thoroughly interested in family history, and was interested in setting up an account.  So, we may not be able to teach him, but we will probably see him again to discuss family history. 

Thur. Mar. 5:  We did weekly planning - and it takes all day with area reports (ie: areas report to me, then I (DL) report to the zone leaders).  I love it though!  Serving in this capacity is something I have thoroughly enjoyed! 

After planning, we were able to participate in a scripture study class with some members from the Branch, including a recent convert named, Tom Witska.  So, we enjoyed that a ton. 

Then, afterwards, our plans fell through.  

I met the Akers family. 

Fri. Mar. 6:  Elder Olsen was sick this morning, so while he slept some, I did inventory of everything in our apartment.  I am turning into one organized fellow! (yeah, I'm sure none of ya'll are believing that!)  

Elder Olsen was still feeling unwell, but he toughened up so we could go out and work.  We ended up not being able to get in any doors. 

But, we did have dinner tonight with the Miller family (Beta's family and Alek's soon to be in-laws). Turns out, Brother Miller is also in the restaurant business and works for Ryan's restaurant.

He was actually the member employee who gave us missionaries those free meals, while we were up in Beckley, way back when!  Haha, what a coincidence!

Sat. Mar. 7:  We spent the morning walking around downtown Floyd.  Saturdays are the day to do that!  It is a busy place!  We checked out the shops, got to know some of the people, signed up for service, and ate at the only Mexican place in the whole county. 

We then contacted Amos, he's a referral we got from Sister Guthrie.  He was a little drunk when we were talking to him, but he had tears in his eyes because he really wants to turn his life around.  He said he'd be at church tomorrow!  We gave him a shirt and tie, and he went to go find a suit. 

We met with one of our other investigators today; his name is Bob.  Bob believes in the Bible, but not denominational churches.  It's hard to get a word in with him, but he said he'd read the Book of Mormon. 

We had dinner with the Jeppeson's - what a great family!  They have seven kids; three biological, four adopted (3 from Ethiopia and 1 from NC).  We were able to the do the "Iron Rod" lesson activity with them using Elder Olsen's wood clothes rack - it works! 

Sun. Mar. 8:  Well, we finally had church (it wasn't cancelled) - it felt good.  I got to meet just about all the active members.  

Amos needed a ride, so Bro. Jeppson was following us to his house when we got a text; Amos couldn't make it!  Darn!  However, Alec was there!  He's been there 15 straight Sundays.  Also, guess who came?  Sister Guthrie!   That was a huge testimony builder to me!  It was Branch Conference, so there were plenty of people there (part of the Pembroke Stake).  They had a luncheon after in the Chapel (which is also the multi-purpose room).

We were also able to teach Alec a lesson on blessings of keeping covenants. 

We tracted for like three hours today, but got in two doors!  The first wasn't interested, just a very kind lady.  The second was some Jehovah's Witnesses!  They were some lovely people and had some questions about our doctrine, like how we know our message is true.  We were able to set up a return appointment with them! 

We finished the night by teaching Johnny Brown and gave Sister Horne a Priesthood blessing.

 

Good news!  Elder D. Todd Chistofferson will be coming to the mission to speak to us March. 21st!  This will be my first chance to see/meet an apostle up close!

Wheew!  I like to think I put some good stuff in these emails!  I love this work!  Please check out that President Monson talk!

Do your best this week, as the Lord blesses you! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

Good Bye, B'bye, So Long, Toodle-oo, Peace Out, Happy Trails to You

Hi Everyone!  Great to hear from Ya'll! 

I'm so happy to hear about my new baby cousin!  Welcome Liam!

I'm doing well in Floyd, VA!  I really am getting to love it here.  It's for sure sad to leave Beckley.  Everyone there will be near and dear to my heart!  But, I am already growing to love the people here!  The members are great!

 My companion, Elder Olsen, is great and loves basketball!  He’s from Huntington, Utah. 

My companion, Elder Olsen, and I in front of our “house.”

869 Phlegar Hill Rd. NE

Floyd, VA  24091

 We live in a trailer, so that's dandy!  (It could be worse).

Feb. 25, Wed:  So, my birthday was pretty cool.  (P-Day)  We emailed, then the McGrady's took us out to lunch.  

The McGrady's

Bro. McGrady is doing a lot better – they originally thought he only had a couple months to live.  Now, his doctor said if he keeps taking the proper medication, he'll be doing fine!  All of a sudden he is in fine health!  While we were out to lunch, he turned to me and said, "It was your Priesthood blessing!"   The Priesthood is REAL! 

I was so sad to leave them and can't wait to hear how their sealing goes this Summer!

I got to teach Tom Poe as my last act of service in the Beckley 2 area, and he was reading the Book of Mormon.  

Tom Poe

Slowly, but surely he's going to come along!

I called all my investigators and said Good Bye!

Feb. 26, Thur:  After staying up late packing I said goodbye to Beckley 2 and Elder Caldwell then I headed up to the transfer meeting in Charleston. I got to say some goodbyes to some great missionaries who are leaving the mission. 

{Me and my two past District Leaders, Elder Spencer & Elder Morse - both returning home}

 

{Me and Elder Maxwell, dad's best friend from childhood's son - also returning home}

 

Around 6:30 p.m. the transfer van rolled into Blacksburg, VA and dropped me off.  Elder Olsen, my new companion, picked me up.  I love my new companion.  During the 30 minute drive to the trailer, we got to know each other!  Basketball came up, and I told him I was itching to play some basketball!  He responded and said, “Well, if you want, we have a group of less active members and potential investigators we go play with on Thursday nights...so, if you're up for it, we can go play right now!”  I was like in heaven.  Yeah!  So, the first thing I did in Floyd, was go play basketball!  Sweet!

Feb. 27, Fri:  6 months a missionary today!  

Well, Elder Olsen told me all about the area today and we planned.  

I did my first actions as District Leader and called the other areas and got to know them individually and find out how their areas were doing.  

We had dinner at some member's house tonight.  (The Branch here is really good at feeding the Elders.  Every day I've been here, we've been fed, and every night this week, as well!   Tonight was at the Lafon's.  They are a recent convert family, except the mom, who went inactive, but her family’s conversion brought her back, and they are all on fire now!  Bro. Lafon has the Melchizedek Priesthood and we taught him how to give a blessing.  They have three kids; all my siblings’ ages: Caleb (15), Abby (13) , and Katelyn (10), even spelled the same way, too!  They all play soccer!  They are such a great family.

Feb. 28, Sat:  Our trailer got inspected.  Sadly, Elder Olsen took most of the flack for the apartment’s shape, since I just got here.  The Williams' (CES Couple in Blacksburg) inspected our apartment, then took us out for pizza. 

Then the Zone Leaders drove down to give me some District Leader training.  It was very helpful and much needed!

Then Elder Olsen also introduced me to Johnny Brown, the most recent convert.  He and his fiance (Sister Horne) are just wonderful!  They are on fire, as well!  The Spirit was so strong just listening to their testimonies.  They are getting married in June, and sealed in November! (I will attach his conversion story at a future time). 

Sister Sower took us out to dinner at an Italian restaurant (probably the only one in the county!)

Mar. 1, Sun:  Well, Church got cancelled for fear of ice.  So, Elder Olsen and I drove up to Radford, because we couldn't handle going another week without renewing our Baptismal covenants!  There I met my District; Elder Higgins and Elder Ballard, and Sister Lively and Sister Zschoke (pronounced "Shock-E").   I love my District so much.  The four missionaries gave a wonderful 3rd hour lesson on member missionary work!  

We had supper at the former Branch President’s house, the Light's, a wonderful family!

Well, that's my week!  So, excited to be serving here, in this capacity.  Hope to hear from Y'all soon!