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

No Need to Worry about Speaking in Church - No One Can Hear Me Anyway! ;)

Hey Everyone, from Buena Vista, VA!

I really have enjoyed my time here so far!

Let me give you some fun facts real quick! 

I, Elder Brenchley, am currently serving in the smallest mission area east of the Mississippi. 

The area is 2 miles by 1.5 miles. 

The Ward roster is 16 pages long! 

It's just like a Utah ward!  As I was up at the pulpit, introducing myself, I could barely hear myself, with all the kids crying/talking! 

It's going to be really fun working with all the ward members!  Elder Johnson has only been here one transfer, so we both decided the best way to go about the work here is we've got to know the members!  

Well, as far as the week goes...Here we go! 

Wed. Aug. 12: P-Day!  I got to packing.

{I decided to toss my basketball shoes in Charleston}

Brother Charles Hawes drove us down to Montgomery for dinner with the Minnich's.

The Minnich's

Amit

I also was able to say goodbye to Amit

We had to rush back up for a final lesson with Kelsey!  (She gave me a great gift!  I'll have to show ya'll next week.  I still haven't unpacked all the way!)

{Last lesson in Charleston: Elder Jacklin, Freyia Blessant, Kelsey, Charles, Me}

Brother Collett drove all the way to our house to say goodbye.

Bro. Collett

 What a great guy! 

Thur. Aug. 13: Transfer day!  I got a lot of pictures with everyone! 

{Me and Elder Jacklin}

I had a long, all-day drive to Buena Vista on the "transfer train."  We finally rolled into BV around 8:00!

 

Fri. Aug. 14:  I didn't really have an opportunity to shop, so we did that today. 
We helped a member move some things, and then he took us out to lunch.
We had dinner with three families from the ward having a Family BBQ.
We met our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Turman.

 

Sat. Aug. 15:  We drove down to Forest, Va to do some District Leader training with Elder Walker (the same one who was in Charleston).

{The Forest Elders: Elder Underhill & Elder Walker, Me, Elder Johnson (my new companion)}

We had missionary coordination with Brother Turman and the ward missionaries, the Flores', a brand new married couple, both attending SVU.  There's a lot in the ward!
Then we went and taught our top investigators (and only, maybe), Bettie and Debbie.  They are mother and daughter; Bettie is in her 80's and Debbie is in her 60's.  Their husband and father recently died, and the members have a been a big support to them for years, and so the time was very right!  They are awesome!  They both do have health issues, which might make it difficult to come to church.

 

Sun. Aug. 16:  Church is at 1:00!  But, we have Ward Council at 8:30, so it's a really weird schedule. 
Like I mentioned, Buena Vista ward is just like a Utah ward.
Bettie and Debbie called us, and weren't feeling well. :( 
We tried many people the rest of the day, and picked up a new investigator named, Charlie.  He sure does talk a lot, but he enjoyed The Restoration lesson. 
Elder Johnson and I visited the Trotman's, a brand new couple going to SVU.  Here's the weird thing; Sister Trotman is younger than I am!  I FEEL OLD!  We did some great missionary training with them, though! 

Well, it was so very sad to say goodbye to Charleston! 

{The McGill's on my last night in Charleston}

But, I look forward to serving in BV so very much! 

I know I've been called here for a reason!  The Lord will have His Will be done! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

Random Questions #23

Note: Mom makes a list of questions in her email correspondence and Elder Brenchley answers them.

1. Tell me about your new companion...?  Elder Braxton Johnson is 6' 3."  He's from Spanish Fork, UT and went to Maple Mountain High School.  He graduated May 31, 2014, then left on his mission June 4, 2014.  So, he's two transfers ahead of me, and I guess I could have left that day, too, if I would've put my date of eligibility earlier.

2. What kind of car do you have now?  a Toyota Corolla.  What did you have in C-Town?  a Chevy Cruze.  Is it automatic or stick-shift?  All cars in the mission are automatic.  Good thing, too - I've talked to a lot of missionaries, and they wouldn't know how to drive a manual, if we did have them.


3. Do locals attend Southern Virginia University, or is it mostly out-of-state LDS kids?  Locals do attend SVU, usually for free because their parents work there!  :) 

4. Are your basketball shoes worn out because of all the Thursday night basketball you played in Floyd?  That was some of the wear & tear.  We did play a good chunk of basketball in Charleston, too! 

5. Why are there so many members of The Church in that little area of the state?  Because J. Golden Kimball came in the early 1900's and baptized half the town.  Then SVU came...

Random Questions #22

Note:  Mom makes a list of questions in her email correspondence and Elder Brenchley answers them.

1. I did NOT see this transfer coming!....So, I guess the longest-in-the-area is not always the first missionary to transfer?  Nope, it's all in the Lord's hands.

2. What about other missionaries in your Charleston district/zone?  Many transfers?  Not too many getting transfered in the Charleston Zone!  With six missionaries training, usually that doesn't happen.

3. Transferring to Buena Vista, will you be serving on the college campus?  Nope, not a campus area, but I'm sure I'll be there a ton!  The church buildings are really close to one another.

4. LDS maps show your new apartment will be very close to a church...is that your church building?  No, that will house the 6 YSA wards.  We share the building with the Rockbridge ward which meets in a church further away from our apartment, but still really close compared to everywhere else I've served - everything's close due to my small area.

5. Who is your new companion?  Elder Brendon Johnson, he's been out on his mission since June 2014.  How long has he been in the Buena Vista area serving as ZL?  He's been in BV ZL for just one transfer (where he was companion to VHS' Elder Numbers).

6. What areas are in your zone?  The entire Buena Vista, VA Stake: Gretna, Lynchburg, Buena Vista, Rockbridge, Lexington, Covington (all Virginia) and White Sulphur Springs, WV.

7. Did the insoles already wear out? (that wasn’t very long!) Yes, we've been walking a lot!

8. Will you be getting to Buena Vista in the "transfer van?"  Will it be quite a long drive?  It will be a very long drive!  BV is at the end of the line!  I'll get there around 5 p.m.!

9. What are your feelings about transferring?  Did you feel like you got as many close connections in Charleston as you did in your other areas?  I wasn't here too long, and there were so many people!  I still didn't learn/meet everyone at the church, and members didn't have us over for dinner that often.  But, yeah, Brother Cottrel (Ward Mission Leader), Brother Thomas (from Bountiful, UT), Brother Collett, and Brother Hawes are probably some of my favorite members in Charleston ward.

10. Why is it called SOUTHERN Virginia University when it is really more in the middle of the state, not at the most southern point?!?  It is funny....... I'm not sure what to think.

Frog Legs Taste Just Like Chicken...Mixed with Fish

Hey Everyone! 

Well, probably the biggest news is that it is transfer week, and surprisingly I'm getting transferred!  This is my second area in a row, that I've only stayed two transfers.  I am getting transferred to Buena Vista, Virginia: home of Southern Virginia University. 

I'll be serving in Buena Vista family ward. They have 6 Buena Vista YSA wards, and they have YSA Elders for that.  I have one of the smallest areas (geographically) in the mission.  There are two church buildings in my area and one is very close to my apartment.  I was told it could easily be a walking area, if we weren't called as zone leaders and didn't need to drive to meetings/exchanges.  And that's legit!

My new companion will be Elder Brendon Johnson (a different Elder Johnson than my trainer).  The funny thing is, me and Elder Numbers (a fellow VHS boy) are swapping places.  He was just in BV, and now he's coming to Charleston to be with Elder Jacklin!

So, as for the rest of the week...it was pretty busy! So, I'll get started!

Mon. Aug. 3:  P-Day.  We played indoor soccer at the church and I got a hair cut (I got a lot of compliments on it, too.)

We had an interesting conversation/lesson taught with a lady, then two younger women walked up, and the original lady we were talking to left, so it was a little awkward.  (Was this a “set up?”)

We taught a man named, Paul Johnson - he's a former investigator, but he's really kind.  We taught The Restoration, and he really liked it.  We're hoping to prepare him for a September 27th Baptismal date.  

Tues. Aug. 4:  I forgot to write in my journal!  (So, I can’t remember what happened this day!)

I'm pretty sure we taught Rodney with Brother Charles Hawes.

{I'm turning into a "Truck Guy"}

 

{West Virginia LOVES trucks!}

Wed. Aug. 5:  So, we went on exchanges with the Beckley Elders.  Elder Allsworth came with me to Charleston.  He's a former Navy SEAL, so he's very well disciplined and ready to work. 

Brother Blessant came with us to see Sister McCloyd, and we had a brief, but powerful lesson on the Book of Mormon.

We then went and saw Andrew.  We taught about the importance of obedience.  Brother Blessant shared the story of the Liahona, which was great. 

Then we met up at the church with Sister McGill for a Family History lesson for Robert Price - she was able to help him out a ton in the Family History library. 

Then the Vest couple picked us up for a lesson at the Ratliff's.  We had a great lesson on repentance and the Atonement.  Brother Ratliff will be baptized some day! 

We finished up the night by having a whiteboard lesson with Lissa on the Plan of Salvation (we drew it out, and it helped her understand better).

Thur. Aug. 6:  Well, today was full of zone leader business. :)

We were able to teach Kelsey with Brother Collet, and then he took us out to McD's after. 

All of our other appointments cancelled.  :(

Fri. Aug. 7:  District meeting was in the morning, and then we weekly planned. 

Trevor Patton picked us up, and we went and saw:

Sharon -  we were planning on teaching Family History, and she was not interested due to a rough family.  This was the first time I've ever taught a lesson the investigator really didn't want to hear.  So, we focused it on the temples instead. 

Deborah Humphries - a member who used to live in WV referred her to Bishop Johnson, and he passed it on to us.  We were finally able to meet with her today.  She is golden!  She loved The Restoration, and accepted a Baptismal date for September 27.  Her friend, Vivian, was also there - she was very interested in our message, and really admired what we did as Missionaries.  She's Catholic and was very repetitive on the fact that she'd already been baptized in the Catholic church, so she didn't accept a Baptismal date.  Hopefully, we can work with that concern.

The McCray's – we taught them in Rand, WV (former home of Randy Moss).

Paul - we read with him.

Sat. Aug. 8:  I will describe this day in three words: Long, Hot, Non-amusing. 

We did make a stop at Dairy Winkle to brighten our day a little bit! 

No one was home! 

Had a lesson with Rodney on church and Baptism, and we had to get extra bold with him to follow through with his commitment to come to church.

Sun. Aug. 9:  Well, we were expecting six at church (Rodney, Brother Ratliff, Deborah & Vivian, Amit, and Isabelle Kirk) 

We only got Brother Ratliff there, but we were still happy with 1 for 6.

We had dinner at the Ingles'.  

We had an awesome experience today!  While we were walking home in Kanwaha City, we stopped and talked to a mother and her 10 yr. old daughter.  Her uncle was Mormon, and she was very interested in our message.  We gave them both pamphlets, so we taught them right there in the street!  The Mom's name was Johnnie, and the daughter's name was Madison.  They both enjoyed the pamphlet, and reading where we asked them to.  We got a return appointment for next Sunday.

Mon. Aug. 10:  They're opening up a bike area in Beckley (which the Assistants asked me to draw the boundaries for, with my knowledge of Beckley), so it was our job this morning to help load their furniture for their new apartment. 

Then we spent a good chunk of our day getting car repairs/estimates/reports.

We went to the Ratliff's for dinner and we had frog legs! 

Frog Legs

Yum!  

{PROOF that I ate frog legs!}

 

Ratliff's

We had a great lesson on prayer, and I asked Sister Ratliff what does she pray for?  She responded with a great, honest answer: "I pray that Bill will be able to come to know this church is true, and be Baptized!"  It brought the Spirit so much, and we committed Brother Bill Ratliff to come to church this Sunday with a prayer of when he should be baptized. 

Ratliff's

Like I said, it's a matter of when will he be baptized, rather than IF.  He's awesome!

Tues. Aug. 11:  We dropped our car off at Firestone today for an oil change, and walked all day!

We talked to a lot of people and got some potentials.  We talked to this one guy who lives close by Camden, NJ, so hopefully he request missionaries up there to come see him. (Maybe it'll be my Couz, Ben!)

So, after walking back to the Firestone, they still didn't have it ready.  We dropped it off at 11 a.m. and came back at 5 p.m.  They couldn't do a oil change in 6 hours???

We had dinner at the Parmley's, then had a lesson with Lissa on faith and repentance.

We had 29 new missionaries (24 Elders, 5 Sisters) arrive from the MTC today!  It’s an even bigger group than last transfer, which was 25.  We had 12 Elders stay at our house.  Wheww! (just 10 last transfer).

Well, I love you all!  Prayer is great!  I gained a great testimony on how prayer can comfort you and relieve you this week!

I know this Gospel is true!

Love, Elder Brenchley

There's No Growth in the Comfort Zone, No Comfort in the Growth Zone

Hey Everyone!

How's everything going?  I'm doing good.  I’d say maybe I’m coming off the great week high to a tough week low.  But, there’s still so many good things to be thankful about.  For instance, Kelsey and Zach both made it to the temple this Friday!  It was great to see and hear about!

{Columbus, OH temple trip with a group of adults, the youth, and new members, as well}

 

 

Kelsey also got up and bore her testimony in Sacrament meeting, and Lissa conquered her fears of praying in front of other people, and said the closing prayer in Gospel Principles class!

Mon. July 27:  Today marks 11 months as a missionary! 

Well, we went on a hike, and something got in my eye and it go swollen up so big!  It was gross. (unfortunately, no photos of the eye)

We helped Brother Belcher sand his wood floors, and then he took us out to dinner! 

We then took Brother Belcher to teach a lesson to his neighbor, Elaine.  We were teaching her on her porch, and then her boyfriend comes out and gives her phone - apparently, she needed to take care of something, so she had to go.  So......do you call that 1/2 of a lesson?

Tue. July 28:  We had Mission Leadership Conference today from 9:00-4:00.

We had dinner with the Cottrel's – we also had a great lesson on using, Preach My Gospel.

We also had a lesson with Andrew that Brother Charles Hawes came to with us.

Our other lesson was with Rodney - he's still smoke-free! 

Wed. July 29:  We had a lesson with Kelsey today - her first “recent convert” lesson!  She's going to the temple Friday! (That's why she was confirmed the same Sunday that she was baptized on.) 

Brother Stratfford took us to the Ratliff's where we had a great lesson on Joseph Smith, as a Prophet.  They were both dedicated to study JSH, and watch, “Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” later in the week.

Thur. July 30:  We had zone meeting; there’s a lot for us to improve on - we'll step up our game next time! 

We went on exchanges with the Spencer Elders; I went with Elder Williams to Spencer.

{Beautiful Spencer, WV}

There we taught four lessons!  One was to a women was named, “Billie Jean.”  (Go ahead and start playing Michael Jackson’s song!)

Fri. July 31:  I am so passionate about Baptismal interviews!  First thing in the morning, I got to interview one of Spencer Elder's investigators for Baptism.  His name is Markeem, and he's 18 yrs. old and a real sweet kid.  In two weeks, he's actually moving down to the Charleston 1st Ward for school at West Virginia State University.  But he's sweet, and he was baptized on Sunday. 

We had a lot of appointments cancelled today!  It was HOT.  We were spent.  And all of our appointments just cancelled.  During our dinner hour, I knew where I needed to be - I got down on my knees, and prayed we could see something happen today!  I prayed for strength, and just something to put a smile on my face.  Well, one event led to another....we tried an investigator, then tried a former investigator in the same area and while we were talking to him, he told us about the street he grew up on, so we went to that street he grew up on – I’d never been there before, AND....We found Melvin and Nia!  I knew God answered my/our prayers.  It was a great experience!  We taught them, out on their porch, The Restoration.  They were so interested, and they agreed to a September 20 Baptismal date, if they come to know it is true!  They are a great young couple in their 20's – they’re not married, but still great! 

Sat. Aug 1: We contacted two referrals, and got their information – I hope to teach them soon!

We drove down to the Kirk's, and had a lesson with Zach, Isabelle, and their grandpa.  Zach was so thrilled about his temple trip,
he was without words when he was describing it.  He said he’d never experienced so much peace. 

The goal is to get new converts interviewed and to the temple within 30 days of their Baptism.  

So, as far as our new converts:  Zach got there 33 days after, Kelsey 5 days, and Lissa (still working on getting her a temple date).

We had three appointments cancelled today!  :(

Brother Blessant came with us to see Rodney - he is now two weeks smoke-free!  But, he's having a hard time realizing the importance of coming to church.  He wants to come, but thinks if he can make some money instead, he should do that. 

Sun. Aug 2:  So, our congregation was down on Sacrament meeting attendance this week.  Only Amit came and even he had to leave mid-way through Sacrament meeting.  But, Kelsey bore an awesome testimony and a “Good-Bye” as this will be her last Sunday in our Charleston 1st Ward.  She leaves for Wheeling, WV (home) this weekend, then down to New Orleans (she’s going to graduate school at Tulane University) next weekend ! 

We were able to save some miles on our car today and walk! 

Logan & Austin

 

We taught Logan and Austin, with Trevor, and they are finally reading the Book of Mormon. 

We also taught Kelsey, and she told us about her temple Trip.  We re-taught about Family History and temples, and committed her to go to the Baton Rouge temple within two weeks of her getting down there. 

Well, keep me in your prayers, and I'll keep you in mine! 

This Gospel is so very true!

There was a great theme in yesterday's Fast and Testimony meeting.  It was recurring that everything happens in God's time - and God's time is Eternity, and families can be together for Eternity!  So, this is why we do what we do, this is why things happen in God's time. 

I Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley