There's a Better Use for the Bible....and If You Don't Agree, How About a Referral, Then?!? ;)

Hey Everyone! 

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you had plenty of food, spent a lot of good time with family, and played/watched plenty of football!  I love the 3 F's of Thanksgiving. 

As for our week, we had a tough week teaching-wise, but I get to proudly raise my head high because we worked hard, and some great things happened. 

Mon. Nov. 23: P-Day.  We cleaned our apartment for a follow up inspection from our landlord.  He likes them in tip-top shape. 

Brother Hilburn took us to the batting cages.  He plays baseball for SVU.  It felt so good to swing again.  We did some soft toss and tee work.  Elder Johnson, who is not a baseball player, stepped in there and took one swing.  Brother Hilburn immediately stated, "You're a golfer, aren't you?" 

Also, Brother Jacobson, one of the ward missionaries (and starting point guard for SVU), was shooting hoops and challenged me to a game of One-on-One.  I, surprisingly, beat him.  He, of course, wanted a re-match, and I beat him again!

We had some non-members feed us tonight, Natalie and Robey.  We were not thinking and scheduled too many appointments, so we only had like 25 minutes with them, so we only had time to share our testimonies and have a prayer before we had to leave.  

We had a lesson with the Barrientos' again with Brother Alvstad joining in.  It seems like it's just really hard to become active again once you get out of the habit. 

We also had another dinner with the Howard's (see what I mean about over-scheduling?)

Tues. Nov. 24: M.L.C.

It was a long drive up, and a long drive back.

This meeting was actually in the Mission Home.  It was a real great atmosphere.

It's always a huge blessing and a treat to be able to learn from President Salisbury. 

Wed. Nov.25:  Today we got a haircut from Sister Carter (they had to reschedule from Monday).

Sister Carter

And we had a late lunch from the Thompson's.

Tonight we started teaching Joe and Ashley.  They are awesome!  They are not married, but have been together for six years and have two kids together.  They are very open, and really like talking about religion. 

Thur. Nov. 26: Thanksgiving! 

We had a ward Turkey Bowl on SVU's field.  It was just a small 5 on 5 game with Young Men and the Elders' Quorum.  It was tons of fun though. 

We did have the opportunity to plan for zone meeting on Friday. 

We had our Thanksgiving meal at the Shiraki's"  It was Brother & Sister Shiraki, her mother, Sister Bailey, their three kids, Josh, Zach, & Emme, and us!  There was lots of food.  I had a food coma for a couple hours, but we were able to bike some of it off. 

We had two appointments tonight; a guy named Eddie told us to come back another night.  Then JB & McKayla rescheduled to tomorrow. 

Fri. Nov. 27: Click day, 15 months a missionary! 

We had zone meeting in the Institute building.  There was so much information, we barely had time for it all. 

We went on exchanges with the Clifton Forge Elders; Elder Rasmussen came with me.  This is our 3rd exchange together (1 in Charleston, 2 in Buena Vista).

We were able to teach JB & McKayla.  They are really awesome!  They have such a desire to improve their lives.  They are seriously thinking about joining the Church!  We taught them all about prayer. They have never prayed vocally in front of/with one another since they've been together.  We had a kneeling prayer, and I asked JB to say it, and he did!  There is a special Spirit when the head of the household gives a kneeling prayer - it was very simple, but he did it! 

We had dinner at the Pence's!  It was leftover Thanksgiving food, but we didn't mind!  They also have a frozen yogurt machine! YES, PLEASE! 

Sat. Nov. 28:  We exchanged back.  Brother Fuentes drove us up to Clifton Forge and back.  He's awesome and I really have been picking up some Spanish whenever I'm around him.  He's a really funny guy and spiritual.  Anybody wonder why I'm talking him up?  He also took us out to Don Tequila's: The best Mexican Restaurant in the county! 

We had two member-present lessons set up.  One was with a potential named, Latawnya, but she texted us and asked us not to come by, because her boyfriend doesn't believe in the Book of Mormon. :( 

Also we were suppose to teach JB & McKayla tonight, but they were hanging out with George at his house.  Well, instead of inviting us to have a lesson, everyone came outside and the kids started going crazy.  When George is outside, he smokes, so J.B. started smoking.  Needless to say, it wasn't the best teaching environment, so we just followed up with their Book of Mormon reading, and made sure we were good to come by with a member to pick them up for Church. 

Sun. Nov. 29:  Church was really good.  JB & McKayla texted us a couple of hours before and let us know their 6-week old baby, Cohen, had to go to the ER.  They were so grateful for all our prayers. We were biking along today and we were passing this one guy.  I've committed myself to always talk to everyone.  I said hello and introduced ourselves. I started talking about how we all have a loving Heavenly Father.  I asked him if he was religious.  He responded, "I use the Bible to roll papers." 👎 Well, he walked away, and we were riding our bikes later, and I saw him again.  I felt prompted to talk to him again.  This time I asked, "So, you mentioned you use the Bible to roll papers...have you ever thought about reading it?"  He responded, "no."  I then, also, introduced the Book of Mormon.  He was still playing tough to get, but then I asked him for a referral, and he gave us one!  It was for his friend, Devin.  We contacted Devin, and he said we could come back.  It was a funny experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life, but always remember to follow the Spirit! 

We had dinner at the Anderson's.  We had taco salad, and we used mixing bowls that we filled with the toppings we wanted, tossed it, then we ate right out of those mixing bowls.  WOW! 

Well, we really enjoyed the week!

I'm so thankful for so many things!

My awesome family back home! 

A great country to live in! 

Basic necessities that make life easy! 

Sports! 

But especially the Gospel! 

I know it to be true, and as you immerse yourself with it, you can truly change, as it is guaranteed to soften your heart!  I love it so much! 

Love You All!  Thanks for all the prayers! 

Love, Elder Brenchley

Exchanges x 3

Did I ever mention we are bike Elders now?  

{Bike Buddy Selfie}

 

They took our car to Beckley, so I wasn't too bitter at all about those Elders having it.

Mon. Nov. 16:  We went to lunch with Brother Camden at Country Cookin, then he took us to Wal-Mart, and the Lexington Elders brought us home. 

We spent most of the day cleaning and chatting with the other Elders in the district. 

We had dinner at the Trotman's.

The Trotman's

We had a great lesson with the Barrientos' family on the Restoration of the Gospel.  It was a fun little FHE.  They are less active, and we brought their Home Teacher, Brother Fuentes, with us.

Tues. Nov. 17:  We had a great day planned in B.V., however, we went on exchanges.  I went to Gretna with Elder Anderton, who came out on the plane with me.  Elder Gerke came to B.V. with Elder Johnson. 

We taught a new investigator named, Carolyn.  The Spirit was really strong, and we set her on date for Baptism for Dec. 19.  This was huge!  The Gretna area hasn't had someone on date since May!  We were pumped! 

Also, we had dinner with one of their investigators. 

Wed. Nov. 18:  I shared a lot things that I learned from Elder Kopischke at the conferences last week with the Gretna Elders.  Elder Anderton is a stud. 

We had another great lesson with the Ramirez family.  Brother Flores went along with us.

Our recent new investigator, McKayla, had to reschedule.

Thur. Nov. 19:  We went on another exchange today; this time with the Rockbridge Elders.  Elder Moser came with me!  He loved riding the bikes.  We worked hard, but didn't teach many people.

We taught Sister Herndon, with her home Teacher, Brother Pence.  She committed to come to church this Sunday. 

Fri. Nov. 20:  Brother Alvstad ended up coming with us to teach George.  George had to leave early, but his next door neighbor, J. B. (who is actually McKayla's boyfriend), really opened up to us and we were able to testify of the Atonement to him. 

Sat. Nov. 21:  We did exchanges with the Amherst Elders.  I went down to downtown Lynchburg with Elder Malin.  We were able to teach two of their recent converts, including Sister Melissa Israel, who I interviewed for Baptism!

Downtown Lynchburg reminded me of Charleston; police sirens, tons of people walking the streets late at night, loud music.  It was kind of a culture relapse coming from cozy little Mormon town, Buena Vista. ;)

Sun Nov. 22:  The reason we did the exchange from Saturday to Sunday was so that we could help the Elders be more effective with Ward Council.  So, I sat in on their Ward Council, and Elder Johnson did the same with Elder Vai in B.V.  They both learned a lot.

Today's Sacrament Meeting was way cool and spiritual.  It was a music meeting.  So anyone from the congregation could go up, and request a their favorite hymn, and give a short testimony of why that hymn is special to them, then pick two verses to sing.  It was awesome!

We had dinner at the Whitehead's.  She has some of the best cuisine food out there!   It was some awesome pork with purple rice.

We also met with the Porter's; we committed them to share one thing the Gospel has blessed them with to someone we asked them to privately write down.  It turns out they both wrote down the same name!  Comp unity!  We get to follow up with them and see how that goes.

I Love You All!  Never be afraid to share your testimony.

Love, Elder Brenchley

Tearing Up Cigarettes

Hey Everyone!

What a spiritual week we had!  I was a little disappointed with the low amount of lessons we taught this past week, but we had the great privilege to be with Elder Erich W. Kopischke of the Seventy.  He came for a Mission tour!  The south of the Mission got to go the meeting on Wednesday in Roanoke.  Then all the zone leaders and Sister Training Leaders got to go to a special MLC on Friday with him.  What a special experience that was! 

Also, Sister Betty McGowen was confirmed in church this Sunday!  Yeah!  She's now a member.

Mon. Nov. 9:  We had a dinner appointment with the Siegel's - they are awesome - they actually know a potential investigator, who we hope to start teaching, so they will orchestrate that! 

We did FHE with the Hanson's!  They have five girls!  Poor Brother Hanson. haha, just kidding. 

We had an appointment with Jordan and Brittany Garrett, and Brother Blake was going to come with us.  As we texted them to confirm with them, Jordan texted us back and said he's going to go back to his own church, and doesn't need us to come by anymore.  We bore testimony he still needed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon before he never invited the missionaries back.  We will give them some time. 

Tues. Nov. 10:  We had a great lesson with Brother Adam Walker.  We talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Then after the lesson, we got to rip up and throw away all of his cigarettes!  It was fun! 

We also were able to have a lesson with Nancy - she talks so much about who knows what.  It's hard to teach her sometimes but we need to be more bold with her, and simply say, "Nancy, we don't have a lot of time.  We want to share the message for today.  Please think of questions to ask during the lesson, and then we can better help you understand the lesson."

Wed. Nov. 11: 

The White Sulpher Spring Elders came down last night so they could cut their drive in half, so they rode with us to Roanoke today. 

The Mission Conference with Elder Kopischke was really awesome!  He let us set the agenda, and asked us what we wanted to learn.  He had us write down that question, and promised us that in the meeting we would receive the answer to the question we wrote down (we didn't share what we wrote down with anyone!)  I can say I received lots of answers to my question I wrote down which was: "How can I use all my resources to be a smart, effective, and powerful missionary?" 

He also reminded us about the Power of Teaching Immediately instead of spending too much time on "So, tell us about your dog." or "Would you be interested in a message about......?"  

Floyd Brothers! 

All these Elders served in Floyd!  (L to R [in order of service]: Elder Ward, Elder Price, Elder Brenchley (me), Elder Boyd, Elder Kropsheck, Elder Christensen, and Elder Perkins)

 

August 2014 Missionaries.  Not all of them, but a lot! 

(L to R: Elders Williams, Elder Poyfair, Elder Blaine, Elder Anderton, Elder Brenchley (me), Elder French, Elder Numbers, Sister Charlesworth, Sister Kelly, and Sister Applegate)

 

We drove home and had dinner with the Bonner's...and they gave us a referral! 

Then had a great less-active visit with the Ramirez',  Brother Flores, who speaks Spanish, came with us, and he's already good friends with them.  We were able to ask them how each element of the Gospel of Jesus Christ helps their lives.  They responded very graciously!  Brother Ramirez even said the closing prayer!  We think they are just shy, and feel uncomfortable about being some of the only Spanish speakers there at church, so that's why they've been inactive. 

Thur. Nov. 12:  Thursday we saw so many good things from Teaching Immediately!  We found two great guys!  With Dillon, we were looking for his Dad, then when he said he wasn't home, we just started teaching him.  We got a return appointment with him! 

We had dinner with the Himes’.  He a Professor and very sophisticated!  A lot of the stuff he was saying was going over my head, but I really enjoyed dinner with them. 

Fri. Nov. 13:  We had our special MLC with Elder Kopischke in Charleston.  It only went from 9:00-1:00, so we were able to get headed back earlier.  But, we made some stops on the way home, so we ended up getting home around 7:00. 

We had dinner with the Butler's and we were hoping to have a lesson with Betty, but she's had family over this weekend, so she's not comfortable having us meet her family yet because they are a little anti-Mormon. 

Sat. Nov. 14:  So, we were notified yesterday that we would now be “bike Elders,” and our car was needed elsewhere.  So, our car got picked up today and was driven to Charleston.  Late in the evening, the Assistants brought down some bikes for us! 

We didn't have the bikes or a car for the most part of the day, so we were able to be out and about and talk with a lot more people, so we found some potentials out of it! 

We had dinner at the Forsberg's.

George invited us over for a visit tonight, which was really surprising - sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get in with him.  Also, at his house was his neighbor named, Mikalea.  She humbly listened to our message, and she wanted the promised blessings of the Gospel.  We got a separate return appointments with her and with George! 

Sun. Nov. 15:  We put the bikes to use today! 

Sister McGowen was feeling nauseated today, but she was still determined to come for her Confirmation today.  We also set up a Temple Recommend interview for her after church with Bishop Doxey.  She was confirmed by Brother Butler, and we got to be in on the circle.  It's just a wonderful experience to be a part of something like that.  The Holy Ghost is now with her, and she is now a member of the Church.  Halfway through Sacrament Meeting, she was beginning to pass out, so she had to leave early.  But, still the determination to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost is inspiring! 

We didn't find much success the rest of the evening, but we stayed committed!  We had some member visits and prayed with a guy in need. 

Well, thanks for all the support back home! I can feel your prayers. 

We can't be constrained by any trials. I guess you could call biking through the dark and cold a trial, but as we let the light of Christ burn within us, it will warm us, and His light will lead the way! 

Remember your purpose that you've been sent here for!  HOLD FAST to the Rod! 

Love You All! 

Love, Elder Brenchley! 

P.S. I attached the talk I gave in Sacrament Meeting, "How do I get Answers to Gospel Questions?"  

Sacrament Meeting Talk

Note: Given in the Buena Vista Ward, Sunday November 8, 2015

“How do I get Answers to Gospel Questions?”

By Elder Ryan Brenchley 

I’m so excited to talk today and pray the Holy Ghost will bear witness of truth here today.  I just wanted to bear a quick testimony on the blessing of studying words of the Lord’s anointed servants.  My testimony and knowledge has increased, as I took a little time to study Elder James B. Martino’s talk, “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come.”  The words of the living servants of the Lord that are found in General Conference and the Ensign are modern-day scripture.  I’ve been asked to talk on “How do I get Answers to Gospel Questions?”  As I mentioned, I was assigned the talk “Turn to Him and Answers Will Come” from Elder James B. Martino from this past October 2015 General  Conference.  I hope to share my thoughts and inspiration on how anyone of us can obtain the answers or help we are seeking, especially the simple Gospel truths that help us have a firm foundation of faith.  Elder James B. Martino states: “The Process begins with being converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”  We know the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be faith, repentance, Baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

                President Uchtdorf said in this past conference, “This beautiful Gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime—even an eternity—of study and discovery to fully understand it.”  I know that we can get answers from our Heavenly Father to Gospel questions.  Elder Martino also states: “Be obedient, remember the times when you have felt the Spirit in the past, and ask in faith.  Your answer will come.

                Continuing obedience allows us to receive answers. 1 Nephi 15: 10-11 reads: 

10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

 11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things [will] be made known unto you.

Obedience to the commandments is so essential to receiving revelation.  As we keep the commandments, we show our love for our Heavenly Father.

Next. Do you remember when you have felt the spirit in the past?  Remember those times.  Remember how good the Spirit felt.  Also remember the circumstances that led you to feeling the spirit.  I LOVE feeling the Spirit.  I know as I have sought for the Spirit, I had to turn to Him.  As I have done this, I have received answers to many Gospel questions.

I have found that one of the biggest questions, if not the biggest question, that anyone who might, who will, or who has joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is: “Is the Book of Mormon True?”  I know the Book of  Mormon is true.  I know there is such power in the Book of Mormon.  Brothers and Sisters, I have a testimony of this book!  Any Question or objection anyone has about the church, it’s doctrine, it’s beliefs, it’s stance, can all go back to whether the Book of Mormon is true.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. ..… All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, same-sex marriage, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. …… The only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was his prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation. Our main task is to declare the gospel and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection. Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand.”

Preach My Gospel also adds: Investigators [or anyone] must resolve for themselves their concerns and objections.  You can help as you focus them on what will strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ—reading and praying about the Book of Mormon.  When they strengthen their testimony of the Restoration, they will have the strength to overcome their objections and concerns.  As you answer concerns, remember that our understanding comes from modern prophets—Joseph Smith and his successors—who receive direct revelation from God.  Therefore, the first question for an investigator to answer is whether Joseph Smith was a prophet, and he or she can answer this question by reading and praying about the Book of Mormon.

So how do we receive the answer to: the divinity of the Book of Mormon, if Joseph Smith is a Prophet, and other Gospel questions?  In Matthew 7:7-8 the Savior Jesus Christ taught:

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Also in 3 Nephi 18:20 the Savior to the Nephites said:

20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

I testify we can receive answers through Prayer, as our Savior has taught.  What I love, is the Lord Loves questions!  Ask him anything, even questions that bring up concerns. President Uchtdorf said: “A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others.”  He also said, “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your Faith.”

Elder Martino states: “If you have been tempted to murmur, if you have had doubt that leads to unbelief, if trials seem more than you can bear, turn to Him.  If you are one who has turned away or rationalized your behavior, turn to Him.  Can you remember when He did “speak peace to your mind …?  What greater witness can you have than from God?”  Ask yourself, “Am I as close to living like Christ now as I was before?”  Please, turn to Him.”

As we turn to him, to receive help, especially in prayer, we need to make sure our prayers are meaningful.  The Book of Mormon prophet, Mormon, warns us:

9…….if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.

To pray and ask with real intent, to me, means to do something with the answer we receive, not just to do something, but to act in Faith.  Elder Bednar highlighted this and gives one of the best examples of acting in faith.  That is the example of the boy Joseph Smith.  Elder Bednar states: “Joseph’s questions focused not just on what he needed to know but also on what was to be done!  His prayer was not simply, “Which church is right?”  His question was, “Which church should I join?”  Joseph went to the grove to ask in faith, and he was determined to act.”

Brothers and Sisters, I promise you, that your questions will lead to increased faith, as long as you are willing to act in faith.  Your answers can be a process, but Do Not Give Up!  Never Give Up!  I pray, as you have listened this afternoon, that the Spirit has impressed on your minds and hearts something that you might do to have your questions answered.

I want to close with my testimony.  And don’t you know, I’m going to bring it back to the Book of Mormon.  Jesus is the Christ, our personal Savior and personal friend.  I know this because of the Book of Mormon.  Joseph Smith is a Prophet; I know this, as well, because of the Book of Mormon.  I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet, as well as the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.  I know that by studying their words and the Book of Mormon.  I know this is the true Church because of the Book of Mormon.  I promise you will come to know your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ better as you read the Book of Mormon.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.