When it Snows, It Dumps!

So, Everyone!  How's it going?  I am now 19! (Well, not til 11:47 tonight)

But, BIG NEWS!  It's bitter sweet, but I am going to be getting transferred out of Beckley 2.  I have grown to love this place so much!  I LOVE the area, the investigators, the members, everything about this place.  I will definitely return with my family someday!

Elder Caldwell is staying in Beckley 2, and I have full confidence in him that he will do just fine!  My new area is .............. 

Floyd, Virginia!

On the map, it looks like it is in the middle of nowhere!  It is in the Blacksburg zone.  I will be serving in a branch.  President Salisbury called me Monday and asked me to be a District Leader!  WOW!  (Everyone pray for me).  He also told me my area is a branch, but has over 100 in attendance each week, and is looking to change into a ward.  My companion will be Elder Olsen.  I have never met him, but President informed me he is great, and he will train me how to be a District Leader (he's had multiple D.L. callings).  He is also going home next transfer, so I also have the responsibility to make sure he doesn't get trunky!

So, to summarize this week: it snowed and snowed and snowed!  Church was cancelled again, along with most of our appointments, Matt & Rebecca's wedding, and Steven Bolan's Baptism.  So, it was a tough week!

{the snow taking it's toll on a BP gas station}

Feb. 16, Mon:  Heller's let us email at their house and then we later found out, we aren't allowed to email in a member's home.  Whoops! 

It also snowed 12 inches today, so our appointment with the Harvey's was cancelled.

Feb. 17, Tues:  With all the snow, Matt & Rebecca's wedding was cancelled, and they don't have another date, yet.  We'll have to move the baptism back as well. :( 

Snuffer's also cancelled because they were snowed in up on their mountain.  

We spent some good time today out shoveling other people's driveways. 

We also tracted and received a referral to go visit a couple named, the Mill's.  We got a return appointment with them!  (highlight of the day)

Feb. 18, Wed:  It was -2 degrees this morning.  That's the coldest, I've ever seen! 

We had a wonderful Zone Conference all day!  

{Elder Williams (MTC comp) & I reunited at Zone Conference}

 

The conference was really stressing the importance of Family History, helping investigators have a firm testimony (Parable of the Sower), and fighting off dissenters. 

Tom Poe cancelled because of the snow.  

But, we were still able to meet with the Harvey's.  They are great!  Kevin and Shainelle and their son, Jackson.  They are a young family - just what we're after!  They aren't sure whether they want to consider joining the Church, but they love learning more and promised to read the Book of Mormon.  Quote of the week came from Kevin during our visit: "So I got a friend.  He believes in God, but doesn't believe in the Bible - he's going to Hell, right?"  Haha.  We, of course, addressed that concern and asked if we could go visit his friend.

Feb. 19, Thur:  We shoveled some more snow and spent a lot of time out in the cold. 

We had a wonderful miracle happen.  We called some former investigators, the Harold's, who have agreed to meet with the missionaries again, and they said we could come over that night!  Neither Wayne nor Katie know for sure if there is a God.  Wayne wants God to show himself to him to prove so.  We showed them the Mormon Message, "The Hope of God's Light."  It was perfect for both of them.  The Spirit was so strong!  Wayne still has some doubts, but we pointed out, you must humble yourself, in order for God to reveal himself to you.  He wouldn't commit to pray to know if there was a God.  Katie did, but I felt impressed to ask, "Wayne, will you pray to God for your family?"  He paused and said, "Yeah, I can try that!"  I'm praying he truly will!  We are definitely going to dedicate some study time to them!

Here's the Link.  Everyone go watch it!

http://www.mormonchannel.org/listen/series/mormon-channel-daily-audio/the-hope-of-gods-light-july-15-2014

Feb. 20, Fri: We taught Sister Cline today with Josef and Sister Heller.  We basically went over the history of the Book of Mormon, and she is actually consistently reading!  She said she's excited about the story of Nephi and his brothers. 

Right after, we went to shovel a less active/part-member family's driveway.  Two miracles happened!  1. Elder Caldwell got talking to the neighbors, (two 20-year old boys) and promised them that they didn't have to fear God anymore, which was their big concern.  They wanted us to swing by!  Then, 2. Brother Williams came home, and was really pleased with our work, so he said we could come by tomorrow! (They've been really hard to get in with).  WooHoo!  

Then, we visited with the Hicks' and left them with an Ensign to read.

Feb. 21, Sat:  Not much to say today.  It dumped and dumped snow!  We got 12-15 inches on top of the other accumulated snow all week.  Elder Spencer (D.L.) decided it was not safe to be driving on the roads in a whiteout.  

We stayed inside all day and cleaned the apartment, built a snowman, and got a haircut from Elder Caldwell.

Steven Bolen's Baptism for today was also cancelled. :(

Feb. 22, Sun:  Church was cancelled again! 

We spent the day shoveling out our driveway and others' as well.  We eventually shoveled our way out, and went to the Young's for dinner!

Feb. 23, Mon:  We got stuck in the snow/ice today.  Conveniently, we got stuck right next to a Power Washer Warehouse, so they sprayed us out of there! 

We got in two doors today; both with potential investigators - we didn't really have lessons, but great discussions and set up return appointments. The first was a hilarious, short, African-American man named, Buford.  And the second was the Price family, who are friends with our investigator, Victoria.

 President Stansbury called me tonight, and gave me an assignment to be a District Leader in another area.  So, at this point we know I'm leaving and Elder Caldwell was staying.  We didn't know who our new comps were going to be or where I was going! 

{A missionary's dream come true!}

 

Also, I got 6 letters in the mail today!  Most ever!  All wonderful B-Day cards!  Thanks!

Feb. 24, Tues:  I went on one last exchange today.  Elder Ence joined me in Beaver for a lesson with Elmer and Margaret Mills, who we found earlier in the week.  We got to know them and they have had a lot of exposure to the Church (living next to Mormons in D.C. and then graduating, and being related to Sister McGrady and Brother Snuffer.)  So, they have a lot of potential!  Sister McGrady was really excited to go teach them!

The Young's threw me and Brother Heller a birthday party! (His b-day is Feb. 25, as well!)

  

 The Young's gave me a tie, and Heller's gave me some office supplies. What else could a missionary ask for!!!  

We had Cafe Rio-like burritos for dinner and brownies and ice cream for dessert!  

{party props/masks}

{LOVE these two families, the Young's & the Heller's}
They are all so awesome to us!

 

After dinner and cake/ice cream, we sat down to give them a lesson on Family History.  After sharing scriptures, we went into training the families.  I used Sister Young's family tree, as example, and showed everyone how to find not just direct ancestors to do temple work, but cousins, as well!  The Spirit of Elijah is real!  As I was doing this, I actually found an ancestor who needed her work done!  They were all so amazed, and with the strong Spirit in the room, we invited them to have a family in their home for a Family History session.  Both families took the challenge, and I am so excited to hear how it goes!  I want all of Ya'll to check that out, and also relative finder!  Search that, and you can see all the famous Mormon people you are related to!

This was a very great week, even though the snow just about ruined everything!!  But, I feel I gave it my all!  

I really wish I could stay to see all the Baptisms coming up!  But, I feel like I did good work here!  And I am excited to see what Floyd will be like!  Next time you hear from me, I'll be a District Leader serving in Floyd, VA!

I Love You all!

Love Elder Brenchley

Third Time's the Charm

Hey Ya'll! 

Hello from snowy West Virginia!  Sounds like there's nothing (in the form of snow) back home!  It started snowing Saturday afternoon, and hasn't stopped!  Church was cancelled! :(

Valentines Day was a WHITEOUT!  Elder Caldwell & I had a "Bro's Night" Valentines date on Feb.13, after a friendly lady gave us $50!  Yeah!  Blessing!

Feb. 9, Mon:  The McGrady's had us over for dinner and we gave Bro. McGrady a priesthood blessing.

Then after we went over to the Pace's and helped J lift some beams for their parking they are putting in.  It was raining, so it was slippery lifting those heavy beams. 

Feb. 10, Tues:  We had district meeting today. 

We actually got in two doors today and one return appointment!! 

We also felt prompted to go to Mike Wood's home, but they weren't home, but their neighbor was, and we left her with a Book of Mormon!

Feb. 11, Wed:  We gave out two boxes of food today; one to Rob and Kim Wood and the other to Kevin and Deloris Hall.

Kevin & Deloris were able to have us in for a lesson.  We read Alma 34 with them! 

We also taught Sister Cline.  She's not ready to join the Church, but she wants to keep having us over, and keep coming to church!

Feb. 12 Thur:  We found a former investigator who's ready to have us over again! 

Then with Bro. Jones, we went to teach Victoria the Plan of Salvation.  

{Victoria's son, Brandon (and chicken wings!}

 

{Elder Caldwell & I with Victoria}

 

She wants to come to church, but she won't come by herself and her boyfriend, Larry, doesn't want to come. :(

Feb. 13, Fri:  Well, we met with a man named, Raines.  He's 88 yrs. old and we also met with him on Tuesday, when we gave him a Book of Mormon.  When we came to our appointment Friday, he had read most of 3 Nephi!  WooHoo!  Then he threw us a curve ball we weren't expecting!  He doesn't believe the Book of Mormon is necessary because he read the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Mormon, and he says it's already in the Bible.  So, even after us trying really hard to explain to him the purpose of the Book of Mormon, he wasn't interested in having us come back to teach him. :( 

Then, while we were in Kroger parking lot, we helped Ruth Davis load her groceries.  This is like the 3rd time we've ran into her - she really wanted to have us over for dinner or give us money for dinner, but she said her husband didn't want us over, so we needed to accept her money.  We decided it was rude to deny her three times, and she gave us $50!  Holy Cow!  

So, V-Day Bro Night we went to Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse! 

Feb. 14, Sat:  Happy V-Day!  We were able to teach Matt & Jasmine in the morning before the storm hit!  We went over the baptismal interview questions with them.  

The rest of the day we went tracting in the storm.  A lot of people said, "Well, find someplace warm!"  And I'm like, "Well, how about letting us in?" :)

Feb. 15, Sun:  Church was cancelled; the snow was heavy, and a lot of people live far away.  It was down to 4 degrees. 

We spent the day trying to get a hold of people and shoveling their walks.  We were able to schedule appointments, and got two meal appointments from two non-members to "repay" us for our shoveling!

Well, there's a lot more to say!  But, we got to get going! 

Love You All! 

-Love Elder Brenchley

Random Questions #17

Note: Mom makes a list of questions in her letters and Elder Brenchley answers them:

1.  Monday is President’s Day – does that mean no email from you due to libraries being closed?  You did email us on Columbus Day, so you must have found a different computer  to use somewhere else? The library is closed, but we are using the computer (me on the desk top, Elder Caldwell on their laptop) at the Heller's -- while they feed us a Nachos lunch, they're the best!  

2.  What's your weather like?  Are these big Winter Storms in the Northeast affecting WV at all?    Actually, school is closed because it is a "Snow Day."

3.  Is the Matt & Rebecca wedding still on?  Yes.  Are you just going to wear your regular missionary suit for the “Best Man” duties?  Yes.  I will look like a missionary up there.

4. Why is Oak Hill a tough area?  The attitude/morale of missionaries there has been low ever since I have been here; it's just a tough area - not a whole lot of reaping right now, just sowing.  But, the Oak Hill's hard efforts are bringing success somewhere else in the mission! 
(Oak Hill got two brand new missionaries to come in a couple transfers ago ("doubling in"), to start fresh and just get the past attitudes/influence outta there).

5.  Why does Steve, your investigator, give everyone knives as gifts?  Does he make them?  Is it related to his work/business?  He lives in an small camper, and lives off welfare, and uses all his money to buy knives. :)

6.  Are missionaries returning home each & every transfer? 
Yes, 18 missionaries (10 Elders, 6 Sisters) returned home in January. 

7.  Are you still getting new missionaries from the MTC each & every transfer?  Yes, 16 missionaries (11 Elders, 5 Sisters) arrived in our mission in January.

8.  Since Elder Williams (your MTC comp) is one of your zone leaders now, will he be the one calling you to tell you if you’re transferring?  Yes, he will be!

9.  (Elder Brenchley informed us he & his companion sent a joint package to his companion's family and we'd need to go pick up his things that were included in that package)  Why did you & your companion send both your stuff together in a package to Caldwell’s address?  We were just doing that to motivate Ya'll to get together!

10.  I’m reading this new John Grisham book, and it all takes place in YOUR mission boundaries!  (Beckley, WV was even specifically mentioned).  The hot topics are black lung disease, strip mining, contaminated water from the sludge, areas that have “cancer clusters” that are suspected to be caused by the environment, wrongful deaths from illegal activities of the coal mining companies.  Is this all fiction?  Do you hear about any of this?  Is your area a healthy, safe place to be/live?  We heard about this from Bro. Bowman on our long drive (45 min.) up to our appointment.  He has his own law agency and he sues the mines if they are having their workers do unsafe things, etc.  Don't worry, Mom, we are far from the mines.

11.  Questions about all your meetings:  How often do you have Zone Meetings?  Once a month?  Some meetings you write about, it seems like they include way more missionaries/areas than just your zone.  Is that still considered “zone meeting” or is that an additional “special meeting” you had that month?   

Zone Meeting is every month. Then Specialized Training, Interviews, & Zone Conference cycle every 3 months.  ST =December, Intrvw = Jan., Zone Conference = February. Mission Tour (when General Authority comes) = once in a while.  ST and ZC include the Charleston and Parkersburg (near Ohio) zone.

Are District Meetings once a week on the same day of the week?  District Meeting every week (random days, except when we have a bigger meeting)  And Mission Correlation meeting is on Sundays with all the missionaries, the ward mission leader, Bishopric member, etc? 

Missionary Correlation is every Sunday@ the church.  Bro Geisler, the mission leader, hears from all of us, and then gives a summary in Ward Council.  Who is planning meeting with?  Just your companion?  The whole district?  Is it part of District meeting?  Is it held in your house?  At the church?  Weekly Planning is between companions every week (usually Thursday) @ our house.

12. Why did they have to have a “No Weapons” talk at zone conference?  Is there a weapons problem in your mission?  It's probably done for the fact, it doesn't look good for Missionaries to be wielding around knives and stuff!

13.  Do you wear your dress shoes in the snow?  How are they holding up?  I wear dress shoes, and they are doing good. What are you wearing on your feet when you do service at the Jackson farm?  There’s snow all over up there, right?  I wear my Nike running shoes.  I was thinking about buying some black boots, that my pant leg can cover, so I can do service, and have some sturdy shoes for walking out in the snow. Do you wear the coat you took?  Or just the one Sis. Jackson gave you?   I mostly just wear the Jackson's coat.

14. Out of all the missionaries who came out with you.....are you the only missionary still in his/her original area?  Has everyone else transferred at least once?  As far as I know (and this is just talking with other missionaries and such), I am the only Elder still in his first area. The 2 sisters that came out, are training so they are still in their first area. 
14 1/2. Do Sisters have to train longer?  No, they got trained (2 transfers) Then they are now training (2 more transfers).

15.  Also, I'm wondering if all the Beckley public librarians know you missionaries, since they see so much of you? Are they LDS?  None of the librarians are LDS, but we are always talking with them!

Missionary Discussion FIRST, Go To the E.R. LATER

So, Ya'll....let me tell Ya!   I really LOVE this area!   I really LOVE Missionary work!   I Really LOVE Family History Work!  I really LOVE the Gospel!

This will actually be the first Valentine's Day I will actually be with someone! (My Companion Elder Caldwell) Even on V-Day I can't get away from him! JK I love him, too!

Anyway, this was a very mediocre week, with a lot of potential in the future!


Feb. 2, Mon:  Today was P-DAY, and OH! what a sad day!  My heart has been broken!  Subway no longer has any $5 footlongs! :(  The cheapest 6-INCH is $4.50 here in WV!
Anyway, we mostly stayed in today and then had dinner @ the Meador's with the Beckley elders to discuss with Bro. Meador (The EQ President) how we can help fix the Elders Quorum and the home teaching problem.

Feb. 3, Tues: We tracted for a long while and found a high school girl we'd found previously at a different house, and she was open to us coming and teaching her and her mom.
We had Bro. Snuffer coming out with us to an appointment and the potential we were going to go see fell through, so Bro. Snuffer wanted to go see Darryl.  Yes, Darryl.  Remember him?  Well, we wouldn't have gotten in the door if it hadn't have been for Bro. Snuffer.  We sat and listened as Bro. Snuffer tried to find Darryl's concerns with the Church.  Darryl said he'd try to finish reading the Book of Mormon and Bro. Snuffer wants him or Jennifer to give him a call if they want to ever come to church. So, that went better than I thought.
The Young's had us for dinner.

Feb. 4, Wed:  We spent a lot of time today trying to set up appointments (calling, texting, knocking, etc.)
Our appointment with Victoria and the Young's fell through. :(
We talked with this one former investigator named Wayne.  He asked us a very interesting question: "What was the last thing you prayed for, that was answered?"  The question was a new one I've never heard before.  I responded, "Well, we prayed for guidance where to go, and here we are on your porch!"  He doesn't believe there's a God because he says he's never had an answer to his prayer.  Well, we are definitely excited to start teaching him and his wife again.  But, we will really have to start with believing there is a God.  I can't say I have ever had to teach that lesson out here.  I'll probably get a taste of what teaching was like for mom and dad serving in Japan! 
We did end our night on a high note by teaching a lesson to the Hicks'.  Hopefully, they'll start coming back to church soon.

Feb. 5, Thur:  Today was busy, busy!  We had weekly planning, then a lesson with Tom Poe @ the church with Bishop Barnett.  We really hit on repentance and baptism.  With Tom, it's just really slow teaching him.  But, we were praying on a baptism date for him and will give it to him on Sunday.  He said he'd pray about baptism as well!
Then immediately after, we speed off to the McGrady's and they took us to Richard and Robin Snuffer's.  We saved on miles and got great fellowship there, as well!  We taught the importance of the Book of Mormon.  They haven't been reading and we committed them to read just 2-3 verses a night.
Heller's fed us for dinner.

Feb. 6, Fri:  We had zone meeting in the morning!  I got to reunite with my MTC companion Elder Williams, because he is one of our zone leaders.  The emphasis of the Zone Meeting was no weapons (so, I will have to send home my all my knives I have been receiving from Steven - more on him later) and stressing the importance of Family History!  We will definitely start using that as a finding tool more!
When we got back, we then taught Sister Cline with the Geisler's.  There was something different about this lesson.  Something clicked for Sister Cline that hasn't been there before.  We taught about Baptism and confirmation and the importance of proper Priesthood authority.  I showed her my Priesthood line of authority and she was able to understand better. 
The Geisler's were then so kind to take us out for pizza after! 
We ended the night by contacting a potential that was found all the way back in 2013, but the missionaries never taught her.  She is totally friendly and we set up an appointment!

Feb. 7, Sat:  So, both Elder Caldwell and I decided to center our Mormon.org study time on Family History to better understand how it works.  We can both testify that we are beginning to catch the Spirit of Elijah!  We both got really excited about it!  I was able to read some memories of some great grandparents.  And I even submitted a short memory of great grandpa Fowers.  I wish I had more time - family history work is really fun!  I encourage all of you back home to get into it!  It only takes a couple minutes.
We then tracted using Family History and found a great potential.
We had lunch @ the Laxton's for their 5-year old's birthday party! There were so many people I got to talk to and even handed out a Family History card.
We called up early to Matt & Jasmine's appointment because Matt hurt his shoulder while cutting down a tree and he wanted to take the discussion first, THEN go to the E.R.  He's such a stud.  So, we got up there ASAP and taught about the Plan of Salvation and praying.  Kevin, one of Sister Jackson's neighbors who works on the farm (he's about 16), actually was walking out the door when we started the lesson, but he stopped at the door, then took a seat, and stayed for the lesson and joined us for a kneeling prayer at the end!  How cool is that!  We then ate dinner and worked 'til it was dark.

Feb. 8, Sun:  Today, during Mission Correlation, the Oak Hill elders surprised us that Steven, their long time investigator, finally got First Presidency approval to be baptized.  Steven is a really cool guy; he's been coming to church since April 2014, and has been waiting on First Presidency approval.  He gives all the missionaries and the ward members pocket knives.  So, his nickname is, "The Knife Guy."  The Oak Hill elders later put him on date for Feb. 21.  I'm so happy for them; Oak Hill is a very tough Area, and we set a goal, as a district, for one Baptism this transfer.  Well, our investigators our on date after this transfer.  So, we all prayed, as a District and individually as a companionship, that we could achieve the goal of one baptism this transfer as a district.  Well, prayers are answered!
We had three investigators at church today: Matt & Jasmine (even with his hurt shoulder) and Richard & Robin Snuffer came, as well!  Sister Cline told us previously something came up, and we have no idea where Tom was. 
I taught the Lesson in Priesthood on Chapter 3 of Ezra Taft Benson.  I gave all the men a scripture or sheet of paper to read to get everyone involved!  Bro. Wallace said, "That's the most organized lesson I've ever seen in Priesthood!"  Does that mean it was a good lesson?
Since Tom Poe wasn't present, we couldn't have our lesson and offer him a baptismal date. :(
We went to Kroger's and ITL'd (Invite To Learn) after another appointment cancelled.
Then, we tracted 'til it was dark.  It was very warm yesterday!  63 degrees!  So, we made the most of it and spent some good time outside!  We used Family History as our tracting tool and found four potential investigators!
We also went to try a great potential family; they were headed out the door to go watch "Walking Dead" as a big extended family!  But, they need help with service, so we gave them a Book of Mormon and our number, and will be there Monday evening.

Woah!  That was a lot to bring up!  But, I hope You all have a great Valentine's week!  I challenge each one of you to find the thing You LOVE!

I LOVE THIS GOSPEL and LOVE ALL OF YOU!

Love, Elder Brenchley

I Sure Enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday....

Hey Everyone!

Glad to hear everything is dandy back home!   Hope Ya'll enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday?  I sure did!  And we didn't even watch the game!  We had five investigators at church!  Just when I thought four was a big number!  The Robin and Richard Snuffer family made the difference!  They will be so blessed for their sacrifice - it's like an hour trip one way to church!  That sure blows away my one-minute walk across the street back home!  

Besides that, we spent the first two days of the week without a car, had lots of bad weather, and had a member-present lesson with ALL of our progressing investigators! (The same five who came to church).

Here we go!

Jan. 26, Mon:  No car for the day - we're finally getting the broken bumper cover fixed.  It's all good though, the McGrady's fed us lunch and Daniel Shuck (one of our investigators) gave us a ride into our area.  It wasn't too bad at all; we still got our fair share of exercise in the freezing cold!

Jan. 27, Tues:  5 months a Missionary!  No car again - the Beckley elders drove us to the edge of our area and we started hoofin' it the rest of the day, like normal missionaries around the world do!

We actually found a really interested 21 year old who's looking for a church.  We had a short mini porch lesson and planned to see him Wednesday.  

After trying some people, we pleasantly got a call that our car was ready a whole day early!  What a blessing.  

We were able to go teach the twins - they will now be spending every weekend at their Grandma's, Sister Blackburn's, house, so they will be able to come to church with her!

Jan. 28, Wed:  We had a great appointment with Tom Poe at the church, with Bro. Geisler joining in.  Powerful testimony was shared of prayer in this lesson.  Tom is really coming along!  He's actually reading everything we give him in the Book of Mormon and marking his scriptures.

We met with the 21 year old fellow we met yesterday named, Mark.  He was very quiet during the lesson, but was agreeing with everything we were teaching.  He committed to read the Book of Mormon and be baptized.  

Then we taught Victoria and Larry"  Apparently, Larry was drunk during the lesson and Victoria requested we teach her alone; she's ready to progress.  Larry is just not up to speed.

Jan. 29, Thur:  Today, we had a great lesson with Sister Cline, along with the McGrady's to help.  Imagine teaching The Ten Commandments to the sweetest lady in the world.  That was easy!

We had a great experience tracting afterwards.  This one house was actually X-ed off the tracting card, but what the heaven!  We knocked, and the lady was really hesitant at first, but then we found out her husband was in surgery today.  Elder Caldwell asked if we could say a prayer with her.  She complied and we offered a prayer; she had tears in her eyes and we could feel the Spirit, too!  We asked her if there is anyone who's going through a hard time right now and could use an uplifting message.  She pointed out her neighbor down the street, whose husband just passed away.  We went immediately to that lady's house and offered an uplifting message to her and her neighbor.  She was really grateful and we left there with full hearts. 

Our night only got better.  We met up with Bro. Bowman to take us all the way up to Richard and Robin Snuffer's. 

Snuffer family

Bro. Bowman was one of Richard's Primary teachers way back when!  We were able to have a wonderful Plan of Salvation lesson, with emphasis on families and temples.  They really seemed to like it and we committed them to come to church! 
Bro. Bowman, being the very wealthy, generous man that he is, took us out to dinner and said, "Get whatever you want!  I'm rich!"
 
Jan. 30, Fri:  We had a wonderful district meeting all about the Book of Mormon.  We each bore testimony of our favorite scripture and how we came to know it is true.  Then we read Moroni 10, with everyone pausing five seconds after each verse.  What POWER!  (See my testimony of the Book of Mormon down below).

We then began our missionary exchange; I went with District Leader, Elder Spencer, to Beckley.  Something I liked a lot, and hope to implement in my own area, is Family History!  We spent a whole hour of tracting dedicated to Family History.  It was simple and easy - everyone loves their families!  We then read with some of their investigators about Baptism in Mosiah 18!

Jan. 31, Sat:  We did more tracting using Family History in the morning.  Then I lucked out and got to eat lunch with Elder Spencer's aunt and uncle, who drove all the way down from Charleston to feed him!  They used to live in the Beckley ward 20 years ago.

We exchanged back and up to Sister Jackson's we went!  There we fed animals and fixed gates. (Elder Caldwell swung on Sister Jackson's gate last week, so we spent some good time fixing that). Then Sister Heller joined us and Sister Jackson in teaching Matt & Jasmine.  We taught both "Gospel of Jesus Christ" (which we did great teaching) & "Law of Chastity."  Needless to say, we were so grateful that Sister Heller and Sister Jackson were there to teach a 10-year old girl about....well, you know......

Feb. 1, Sun:  As mentioned above, we had five investigator at church!  Matt & Jasmine, Sister Cline, Tom Poe, and the Snuffer family!

{Sister Jackson, the Sprouse family, and Matt & Jasmine}

It was also a really good turnout for Fast Sunday, or for what us missionaries have nicknamed, "Open Mic Sunday."  Sometimes it turns into that, and yes that happened today, with five investigators there. :/  But, there was still some great testimonies, especially Bro. Snuffer getting up there with Richard & Robin there.  And bless Sister Heller's heart, but she got up there and personally took time to bear testimony to all the investigators she's worked with (Tom, Matt, & Jasmine), calling each of them by name and telling them this church is true!  Wow!  I think her testimony saved the whole meeting!

The Young's had us over for a Super Bowl party (burgers and finger foods), but didn't turn on the game.  So, it was still awesome!

Another great week!  Thank you for all your prayers!  I love each and every single one of you!  How are Ya'll doing on memorizing The First Vision?  A good missionary always follows up! ;)  Below I've written my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I, Elder Ryan Brenchley, know that the Book of Mormon is true!  I have not come to know this because I heard God's voice from heaven or because I saw a miracle immediately after I prayed about it.  But, I know the Book of Mormon is true because I continue to read it, and always get that good feeling about the stories and the doctrine.  I testify that is how YOU will get a testimony of the Book of Mormon; by always reading it!  I have done this with my family and by myself and I always pray after each time I read to know if it is true!  I testify every day to the people out here, and I'll testify to all you back home: That it IS True!

Keep reading the Book of Mormon everyday!  Pray to know if it is true, and God will always answer your prayers!

Love You All!

-Love Elder Brenchley

A Letter from the District Leader

*Editor's/Mom's Note: I received this email today from Elder Brenchley's D.L.


Hello Sister Brenchley and family,

My name is Elder Spencer.  I am serving around your son here in Beckley, WV.  I just wanted to send you an email and tell you what a great missionary he is.  He is so diligent with the work.  He takes his calling very seriously.  He is a great example to other missionaries around him.  He has a wonderful testimony and he teaches the gospel well.  He and his companion are doing wonderful things in the Beaver area.  I am very grateful to have been able to serve around him and to know him.  Thank you for raising such a great son and for helping him be prepared to serve a mission.  I have such great respect for each missionary who chooses to serve a mission.  I know that behind every great missionary there is a great family who help him become what he is.  You all have done a wonderful job.  Keep up the great work.  Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Elder Joshua R. Spencer


p.s. I don't know if you have already received this picture, but Elder Brenchley is the one in the back left.  It was a snowy day and we all walked to the library.  It was pretty fun! :D