Family and friends,
This week was very slow. With Bill getting baptized and Gina going out of town for a week we had to go out and find people to teach. We were able to find a part member family and start teaching Chase, a 14 year old stud that wants to go to Young Mens. He is not a member and his mom, who is a member who had not been to church in years, is allowing us to teach him the gospel! So that was exciting to find a new investigator. The good news was he went to Young Mens and he was having a blast playing football with all the boys! We also have been teaching another young lady named Autumn about the gospel and invited her to be baptized. I know missionaries can be intimidating and so she kind looked at us like what? Did not know what to say. haha. So we explained if she has a desire to find out for herself if what we are saying is true and as we teach her and she believes, will she will get baptized. She said, " Yes". So it was a good day that day. Everyone is going back to school around here so with all the colleges here and the high schools it is getting pretty crazy busy. It gets harder and harder to meet with people.
We went to the mission office to pick something up for Elder Brown when President came out and asked about Bill and how he was doing. He then told us how there were going to be MTC representatives coming out to our mission and they want to go out with a companionship and see how they teach their Investigators. President asked Elder Brown and I if we could be the missionaries to help the MTC representatives see how we are teaching. We will represent the mission. So I felt pretty honored but now we have a lot of pressure ha ha. But it won't be a big deal , Elder Brown and I teach with so much unity. So that is coming up and we don't have an appointment for a designated time so we need to get on that.
This transfer is going by so fast I can't believe August is over and another school year is starting. It is good to be a missionary and serving the Lord. Elder Brown and I are going to take it to another level!
Elder Brown
My Mission Rocks!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Family and Friends,
This week was AMAZING as I was able to witness Brother Bill get baptized! It was awesome! The story of Bill and his conversion story is inspirational! This last week I have never prayed so much on my mission. Bill had no support from his family as they are against the church and all his friends told him that it would be the wrong thing to do. But he said that he knows that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints is indeed Christ's church. So he went full board. His faith was not wavering. The day of his interview with President Bowen and three days before his baptism one of his friends brought anti-Mormon literature to him. He said that he read it. There are a lot of people that did not like Joseph Smith and said a lot of negative things about him. Also, about the church and many other things. As he was telling us this, Elder Brown and I were like Oh man! this isn't good. But he then said that he came to a scripture in the Bible that talked about Prophets being persecuted for testifying of God and of Jesus Christ and standing up for truth and righteousness. He said that he could relate to Joseph Smith as other churches persecuted him for standing up for God and the scriptures. It was just really cool to see his testimony. He then brought up Mathew 7:15-20, "By their fruits you shall know them". He said that the missionaries and the Church has changed his life. That we produce good Fruit. His attitude for life has changed. He is now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and he is going to be a strong member. He is awesome!!! I am so grateful that I was able to meet him and see him excercise his faith. Fasting and prayer works. Especially to do the will of our Father in Heaven! I can't wait to go out and find another "Bill". The work is going forward and I am loving every second of It!!!!!!!!!! Oh ya, My Mission Rocks! Also My Companion Elder T. Brown!! Stud!
Elder J. Brown
Check out pictures below....(click on to make larger)
This week was AMAZING as I was able to witness Brother Bill get baptized! It was awesome! The story of Bill and his conversion story is inspirational! This last week I have never prayed so much on my mission. Bill had no support from his family as they are against the church and all his friends told him that it would be the wrong thing to do. But he said that he knows that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints is indeed Christ's church. So he went full board. His faith was not wavering. The day of his interview with President Bowen and three days before his baptism one of his friends brought anti-Mormon literature to him. He said that he read it. There are a lot of people that did not like Joseph Smith and said a lot of negative things about him. Also, about the church and many other things. As he was telling us this, Elder Brown and I were like Oh man! this isn't good. But he then said that he came to a scripture in the Bible that talked about Prophets being persecuted for testifying of God and of Jesus Christ and standing up for truth and righteousness. He said that he could relate to Joseph Smith as other churches persecuted him for standing up for God and the scriptures. It was just really cool to see his testimony. He then brought up Mathew 7:15-20, "By their fruits you shall know them". He said that the missionaries and the Church has changed his life. That we produce good Fruit. His attitude for life has changed. He is now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and he is going to be a strong member. He is awesome!!! I am so grateful that I was able to meet him and see him excercise his faith. Fasting and prayer works. Especially to do the will of our Father in Heaven! I can't wait to go out and find another "Bill". The work is going forward and I am loving every second of It!!!!!!!!!! Oh ya, My Mission Rocks! Also My Companion Elder T. Brown!! Stud!
Elder J. Brown
Check out pictures below....(click on to make larger)
Lots of Pictures!
Elder Brown (my companion) - what a stud!
One of my most favorite families - The Hannigans
Grateful to be back!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Family and Friends,
Well, this week has been awesome! I have done more teaching in one week in Fullerton then I did in one month in Yorba Linda! So I am stoked! We have two progressing investigators. We taught 12 lessons to our investigators. It was amazing to teach the gospel principles. Our first most progressing investigator is Bill! He is a 64 year old hillbilly that I love!!! Elder T. Brown and Elder Saxton found him two weeks ago and have visited with him on a regular basis. Elder Saxton, who just finished his mission, gave Bill a baptismal Date for August 21 right before I came in. Through out this week, I have been able to teach him all the lessons and grow to love his sparky, fiery attitude and his love for the Gospel. We taught Bill the Word of Wisdom and he gave up coffee cold turkey! Yesterday, Elder Brown and I fasted and prayed if the 21st of August was a good date to plan for. We got our answer and Bill's baptism will be August 20th! He accepted and is so excited. Bill said when I came in I had big shoes to fill in for Elder Saxton. Yesterday, he told me that I am filling them Spectacularly! I am so grateful to be a part of this and to be able to help Bill on his journey back to our Heavenly Father.
Our second investigator is Gina. She is progressing and we were able to meet with her four times this week teaching her different gospel principles. She accepted the law of tithing. Which was exciting and she has continued to stay off coffee for the past three weeks. She will not accept a baptismal date but she has been coming to church on a regular basis and this Sunday she brought her 12 year old son Mathew to church with her. She really enjoyed it! Mathew is planning to go to mutual and get into the scout program! So we are really pumped! We are continuing to pray for more investigators but man my week has gone by fast teaching and focusing on others. I am grateful to be back in Fullerton and seeing so many miracles.
Last subject is my Boy Elder T. Brown AKA Dark Brown. I am so grateful that I am with such an amazing companion as Elder Brown. To get to know him a little bit he is Samoan from Australia. He is a stud and played Rugby OH YA! He works hard and knows how to play even harder! It is really nice not having all the responsibility on myself and working in unity with Elder Brown. We have the same teaching style and the work is going great. Also Elder Sumsion who I went Sky diving with (before my misison) is now in my Zone! We had Zone Activity and I had a blast. Elder Sumsion is the man! Happy to re-unite with him!
The Lords work is going forward! Love You All!!
Elder J. Brown
Well, this week has been awesome! I have done more teaching in one week in Fullerton then I did in one month in Yorba Linda! So I am stoked! We have two progressing investigators. We taught 12 lessons to our investigators. It was amazing to teach the gospel principles. Our first most progressing investigator is Bill! He is a 64 year old hillbilly that I love!!! Elder T. Brown and Elder Saxton found him two weeks ago and have visited with him on a regular basis. Elder Saxton, who just finished his mission, gave Bill a baptismal Date for August 21 right before I came in. Through out this week, I have been able to teach him all the lessons and grow to love his sparky, fiery attitude and his love for the Gospel. We taught Bill the Word of Wisdom and he gave up coffee cold turkey! Yesterday, Elder Brown and I fasted and prayed if the 21st of August was a good date to plan for. We got our answer and Bill's baptism will be August 20th! He accepted and is so excited. Bill said when I came in I had big shoes to fill in for Elder Saxton. Yesterday, he told me that I am filling them Spectacularly! I am so grateful to be a part of this and to be able to help Bill on his journey back to our Heavenly Father.
Our second investigator is Gina. She is progressing and we were able to meet with her four times this week teaching her different gospel principles. She accepted the law of tithing. Which was exciting and she has continued to stay off coffee for the past three weeks. She will not accept a baptismal date but she has been coming to church on a regular basis and this Sunday she brought her 12 year old son Mathew to church with her. She really enjoyed it! Mathew is planning to go to mutual and get into the scout program! So we are really pumped! We are continuing to pray for more investigators but man my week has gone by fast teaching and focusing on others. I am grateful to be back in Fullerton and seeing so many miracles.
Last subject is my Boy Elder T. Brown AKA Dark Brown. I am so grateful that I am with such an amazing companion as Elder Brown. To get to know him a little bit he is Samoan from Australia. He is a stud and played Rugby OH YA! He works hard and knows how to play even harder! It is really nice not having all the responsibility on myself and working in unity with Elder Brown. We have the same teaching style and the work is going great. Also Elder Sumsion who I went Sky diving with (before my misison) is now in my Zone! We had Zone Activity and I had a blast. Elder Sumsion is the man! Happy to re-unite with him!
The Lords work is going forward! Love You All!!
Elder J. Brown
Elder Brown & Elder Brown
Monday, August 8, 2011
I AM GOING BACK TO FULLERTON!!!!!!! I am getting transferred to the Euclid ward in Fullerton as a senior companion and driving! My new companion is Elder Brown, a Samoan from Australia. Ha ha. I replaced Elder Brown when I came into Yorba Linda 4th. All the members here loved him. He was the one that trained Elder Lamb right before I came in. I am going to have a blast this transfer. He is going to have to go by Elder Dark Brown and I am going to have to go by Elder Light Brown. Ha ha. We are going to have fun with this!!!!
I am actually really sad that I am Leaving Yorba Linda 4th ward! Every one told me how hard this area is and how missionaries go crazy here. Well I had a blast with Elder Hansen and we found a ton of new Investigators! I love the members here. I thought that I was coming to the ward to serve them but they always returned the favor bigger and better. I am going to miss my investigator families who are ready to accept the Gospel. The good news is my Boy Elder Schwenke is coming to take my place and he is going to baptize them. Elder Schwenke was in my District in the MTC and I love that Poly!! So I am happy for that! Elder Hansen is going to love having him as a companion.
I am happy and kind of bummed I am going back to Fullerton. I wanted to try a new area out like Santa Ana or Costa Mesa but I guess that I have some unfinished business that I have to take care of in Fullerton. I am going back to my old District and I am going to be with Elder Alshengiti... Same District!!!!!!! I am going to miss Elder Hansen even if he might not miss me. ha ha
I love you all!!!
Elder Brown
I am actually really sad that I am Leaving Yorba Linda 4th ward! Every one told me how hard this area is and how missionaries go crazy here. Well I had a blast with Elder Hansen and we found a ton of new Investigators! I love the members here. I thought that I was coming to the ward to serve them but they always returned the favor bigger and better. I am going to miss my investigator families who are ready to accept the Gospel. The good news is my Boy Elder Schwenke is coming to take my place and he is going to baptize them. Elder Schwenke was in my District in the MTC and I love that Poly!! So I am happy for that! Elder Hansen is going to love having him as a companion.
I am happy and kind of bummed I am going back to Fullerton. I wanted to try a new area out like Santa Ana or Costa Mesa but I guess that I have some unfinished business that I have to take care of in Fullerton. I am going back to my old District and I am going to be with Elder Alshengiti... Same District!!!!!!! I am going to miss Elder Hansen even if he might not miss me. ha ha
I love you all!!!
Elder Brown
Tender Mercy
Monday, August 1, 2011
Family and Friends,
This week was great even though our numbers didn't show that. We were able to teach 7 less active lessons but only two lessons to investigators. We had two of our families cancel on us this week so i was very bummed. That is why patience is a Christlike attribute! I know these families are searching but they need to have more of a desire to find out if what we are saying is true. I am sad because the Blancas who are one of the families we are teaching, are going to be out of town until August 8th and that is when transfers are. So if one of us gets transferred, we won't see them and get to say goodbye. We were able to get a sister fully re-activated and she is progressing to get her temple recommend. Pumped about that!
This last Sunday we had three Baptisms!!!!!! haha. The McGlawns, who we are really good friends with, had family coming in from Tennessee to be baptized by brother McGlawn. It was a family and It was so cool to be a part of it. We didn't even teach them but they were still considered Convert Baptisms so we had to be there. Elder Hansen and I were asked to give talks and be the witnesses at the Baptism. It was so cool to see that. I have had the opportunity to see many people enter into the water of Baptism and be a part of it one way or another. I love feeling the spirit at Baptismal Services and how much love there is. I was grateful to be there.
At church yesterday, we get to the Chapel about a half hour early and we are chilling, praying that investigators or less active members would come to church. When I see this older gentlemen walk in, who looked like my Head football Varsity Coach, Coach Knight. I sit there staring dumb founded and realized it was Coach Knight! I go up and Say COACH KNIGHT!!!!! He turns around in shock. We give each other a hug and he looks and grabs my name tag. He said Elder Brown! It was so cool. I asked him what brought him to Yorba Linda 4th Ward. He said that he was on vacation with his family and heading down to San Diego. He said he just looked for the closest church building with the best time for him. What a small World!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt like a little bit of home came to Yorba Linda. I spent a lot of time of my high school career with Coach Knight. Love him so Much! He influenced me to be the person I am today and helped me learn discipline, diligence and hard work. It was seriously a tender Mercy to see Coach Knight. Very grateful!
Elder Hansen and I have one more week and we are going to try our best to endure to the end. We are starting to get "Chippy" with each other. I know that it is hard to be with me 100% of the time for three Months but we are hanging in there. I Love Elder Hansen! He has helped me grow and learn from my mistakes. I know that this companionship was definitely inspired. This week is going to be the Best one Yet.
I love you all take care and tune in next time
Elder Brown
This week was great even though our numbers didn't show that. We were able to teach 7 less active lessons but only two lessons to investigators. We had two of our families cancel on us this week so i was very bummed. That is why patience is a Christlike attribute! I know these families are searching but they need to have more of a desire to find out if what we are saying is true. I am sad because the Blancas who are one of the families we are teaching, are going to be out of town until August 8th and that is when transfers are. So if one of us gets transferred, we won't see them and get to say goodbye. We were able to get a sister fully re-activated and she is progressing to get her temple recommend. Pumped about that!
This last Sunday we had three Baptisms!!!!!! haha. The McGlawns, who we are really good friends with, had family coming in from Tennessee to be baptized by brother McGlawn. It was a family and It was so cool to be a part of it. We didn't even teach them but they were still considered Convert Baptisms so we had to be there. Elder Hansen and I were asked to give talks and be the witnesses at the Baptism. It was so cool to see that. I have had the opportunity to see many people enter into the water of Baptism and be a part of it one way or another. I love feeling the spirit at Baptismal Services and how much love there is. I was grateful to be there.
At church yesterday, we get to the Chapel about a half hour early and we are chilling, praying that investigators or less active members would come to church. When I see this older gentlemen walk in, who looked like my Head football Varsity Coach, Coach Knight. I sit there staring dumb founded and realized it was Coach Knight! I go up and Say COACH KNIGHT!!!!! He turns around in shock. We give each other a hug and he looks and grabs my name tag. He said Elder Brown! It was so cool. I asked him what brought him to Yorba Linda 4th Ward. He said that he was on vacation with his family and heading down to San Diego. He said he just looked for the closest church building with the best time for him. What a small World!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt like a little bit of home came to Yorba Linda. I spent a lot of time of my high school career with Coach Knight. Love him so Much! He influenced me to be the person I am today and helped me learn discipline, diligence and hard work. It was seriously a tender Mercy to see Coach Knight. Very grateful!
Elder Hansen and I have one more week and we are going to try our best to endure to the end. We are starting to get "Chippy" with each other. I know that it is hard to be with me 100% of the time for three Months but we are hanging in there. I Love Elder Hansen! He has helped me grow and learn from my mistakes. I know that this companionship was definitely inspired. This week is going to be the Best one Yet.
I love you all take care and tune in next time
Elder Brown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)