The importance of Example!

Sorry no song/hymn this week. Nothing really came to mind when thinking about this week.

On Monday we taught another interested person and he has always wondered what we believe in and why. He had a friend who became very troubled in his youth and eventually was put into foster care. The family he got put into was part of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. They helped him turn his life around and now he his doing way better than he would have if he didn't have the gospel. The person we are teaching always respected us latter day saints because of his experience watching his good friend change and become better through the gospel. He was very friendly to us and wants us back to teach him more. It's so important for us to try to teach those around us the gospel, because not only will it help that person, but it can also inspire their friends to come unto the gospel.

Wednesday we were down in Bloomington for New Missionary Training, and that lasted from 10:00 to 5:00. It took us about 3 hours there and 2 hours back so it was an all day thing. The reason it took less time back is because I am staying with one of the zone leaders in their area for exchanges! I was pretty tired when I got there, but we had a zone leader stake meeting. It was kinda weird, but good to see more of what the leadership in missionary work looks like. It is basically the same thing you normally do, except now you have spreadsheets and more meetings to go to! Sounds like a blast right!

Thursday was my full day in St. Cloud. We had another meeting over Skype in the morning but by the afternoon, we were ready to do some work. I really like when I can get out and do some work. I'm glad I was able to go on exchanges so I could better appreciate how much time I get to do hands on missionary work. We went around the campus asking a few questions, and then we would answer them. We found a couple people who may be interested, but either way I won't be teaching them again since it was not in my area.

We traveled back down on Friday and then we traveled some more to exchange with another set of elders. It's interesting seeing how others teach, in comparison to us. We had a trio for the day and it seemed kinda weird tracting that way. Having three people on your doorstep seems a little intimidating. We found another potentially interested person. Oh also, on Friday we taught this Lakota Native American, and he was super interested in Christianity as a whole because there are some Lakota beliefs that fit right into themes of Christ. He was very intrigued when we told him of Christ visit to the Americas, and wanted us to mark down that section in The Book of Mormon.

On Sunday we traveled down to St. Cloud again, because our zone leaders told us it was zone preperation day. Apparently that is next week, but we don't mind. Our ZL's are super cool. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

-Elder Brown 

Creepy ladybug sign that we found

Zone Leader Exchange picture

The sunrise when we were driving in the morning

Happy breakfast plate

The sun will always rise again! (March 12-19)

Song of the week "My Everything" by Owl City. 

If your ever wondering how my week went but don't have the time to read this letter, I always pick a song that describes how I'm feeling. You can just listen to the songs and get a small feeling of my week.

When my hope is lost

And my strength is gone

I run to you, and you alone

On Monday night we decided to go to dinner at Applebees, because a member was so generous and gave us gift cards there. After we had eaten we went to go out tracting and the car wouldn't start! We were very confused, because we knew that the battery wasn't out, the doors were closed, foot on the brake, in park, etc. So we called vehicle support and were instructed to have towed to the nearest Subaru mechanic. After that call I felt like we should call the elders who were in the area before us. We called one of them up and they said they had never had a problem before, but he did mention that we should try wiggling the wheel while trying to start it. It worked! Turns out this elder loves cars and knew that the wheel was likely locked up. Thank goodness for spiritual promptings. That would have been embarrassing to find out that a simple turning of the wheel would have fixed it. We didn't think of it because it's a 2018 car, so almost brand new.

When I can't get up

And I can't go on

I run to you, and you alone

After our car fiasco we just went tracting and found a few potential investigators. Same with on Tuesday. Tuesday, we had a busy day! We helped a member move some stuff and brought it to goodwill. Then we went to follow up with some potentials, tracted, and then had 2 dinners. Both of the families we had dinner with were super cool. We then went to another members house because a return missionary, that elder Harris knew was there. So we got to meet a new family, and elder Harris got to see an old friend.

Cause my light in the dark

And I sing with all my heart

We then drove down to St Cloud, (about an hour away) for a district meeting the next day. The meeting went really well and we got to have interviews with President Barney. I taught about how being a missionary is all about becoming more like Christ. Repentance is a lifelong goal not some checklist. Speaking of becoming more Christlike, we were able to help dig out the church. The snow has gotten so bad that we had to shovel all around the church because it started seeping water inside. So that was fun. Most of The snow was only a few feet deep but there was a lot of water. So we cleared out most of it. Then we got to give a blessing to a baby. The baby was going to have a surgery the next day to help her back or something. Quite the wiggle worm she was. 

Hallelujah, My almighty God divine

Hallelujah, I am yours and you're mine

Thursday was a busy day! We had several teaching appointments and we also helped some more at the church. We decided to volunteer at the salvation army for a few hours. We actually found a couple of interested people that way. We decided to eat at Olive Garden to use the gift card we were given. It was pretty dang good. The active members here are super solid, and super nice to us. After dinner we went to the apartment and decided to clean it because it was kinda grungy. I don't think the elders before us cleaned the bathroom once, cause it was really gross. We spent a couple hours cleaning everything up. I want to keep it nice enough that if an apostle came it wouldn't be embarrassing.

This is all I know how to say

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, you're my everything

Friday was a good day! We went to the church in the morning to run around in the gym for exercise. It's to cold to justify running outside and the treadmill in the apartment gym, is kind of broken. It was nice to just run around. After we got ready for the day we went to the Verizon store to get my companions tablet fixed. He broke the screen while we were cleaning so now he needs to get it fixed. It had some referral information on it so we needed to start to figure that out, so we can get information back soon. We felt very weird when we were in there because everyone was staring at us. Not just the typical double take that we get from most people. Just full on staring, and we just bid them good day, and they kept staring. It was just interesting, and I still don't know why everyone did that. Maybe because it was the first Tongan they had ever seen. Lol. 

When I'm plagued with pain

And filled with fear

I run to you, and you alone

We went to go see a member that Elder Harris had met in a different area, that had then moved here. They happened to not be home, so we decided to knock on some other doors in the area. The first person we talked to in that area, seemed really interested, but just has a really busy schedule. We gave them a Book of Mormon and our number to call us if they ever have a time that works. It's so cool to see how the Lord directs us sometimes. He put the thought in elder Harris's head to go see some members he knew, and because of that we met someone who could be interested.

When my days are few

And death is near

I run to you, and you alone

The reason I get excited to find new people that could be interested, is because there are so many people who are very religious and committed to their church here. A lot of them are very nice and thank us for spreading the joy and love of Christ to others, but they don't see why they need to change their church or values. I understand that sentiment fully because when I am comfortable with life I typically don't seek change. That is literally the reason God gives us weaknesses and trials. He knows that when we are humbled we can then be taught the truth. I am still glad to meet a member of any church, because you can just tell that it is helping them be a good person. It's just sad that they don't have a fullness of the gospel, but rather they just have bits and pieces.

'Cause your my light in the dark

And I sing with all my heart

On Saturday we didn't think we were going to find many people because there was a St. Patrick's day parade, and lots of people here love to drink, especially on a holiday like this, but we actually found 4 interested people pretty easily. We haven't had a real nonmember lesson yet but next week we have at least one every day so I'm pretty happy about that. We ended up having a member lesson with the bishop who just got back from a vacation in Belize. They were pretty cool, and helped us know about what the locals typically already know about Jesus Christ and the gospel. Its nice when members help us out and give general knowledge of the area. Especially since we were whitewashed.

Hallelujah, My almighty God divine

Hallelujah, I am yours and you're mine

This is all I know how to say

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The holy ghost definitely has helped us as we have asked for his guidance. Often times we find people when we didn't intentionally go to tract. It really is important to always be in missionary mode and talk to everyone. We have exceeded our weekly goals just by talking to people wherever we go. Whether we go to a members house to teach them a lesson, or by doing service at the food shelf, or going to buy some chocolate milk. If we listen to the spirit then we can find new people everywhere.

When trouble comes and goes

And when the cold wind blows

I lift my hands up, I lift my hands up

Even if people don't get baptized or people ghost us, it is just our job to bring others closer to Christ and to set a good example of our church to other's. Sometimes Satan tries to discourage us, by making us feel like were doing nothing. But I promise as you seek to do the Lords work, he will bless you with someone or something.

When sorrow knocks me down

And you pick me off the ground 

I lift my hands up, I lift my hands up

I had an awesome experience on Sunday! Honestly I had a tough time Sunday morning, I didn't really want to get up and do stuff, and church seemed kinda long. Then we went to teach a person that we met last week and he wasn't there. A little disappointed, we decided to just tract around the area. We spent 2 and half hours just knocking on every door, and everyone was just not interested at all. We needed to go home to go get dinner and on the way home Elder Harris had an impression to have us knock on just two more doors. So we decided to do that. The first door, again was just not interested. But that very last door we knocked someone came out and seemed interested and we are meeting tomorrow, which usually means that they are actually interested. We were humbled by the Lord. We both felt that the Lord had truly blessed us. "...faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Ether 12:6

Hallelujah, My almighty God divine

Hallelujah, I am yours and you're mine

This is all I know how to say

Hallelujah, By the grace of God above

Hallelujah 

After having the Lord bless us with that opportunity, we got dinner, and went  out to J_____ house. We met J_____ just the night before when we met with the bishop and his wife. J_____ was one of the neighbors that we knocked on while we were there. As we taught the lesson we felt the spirit so strongly that both of us felt weak afterwards. We taught the restoration and explained more fully the Book of Mormon and how our gospel centers on Christ. J____ seemed to understand it all and truly seemed ready to change. We committed him to read the Book of Mormon, and at the end of the lesson he said this. "I will try reading, no, ... I will read the Book of Mormon and pray about it." I am just astounded that the lord placed J____ in our lives. It just awesome to see that the Lord truly prepares all to accept the gospel. I feel that the Lord has truly blessed us.

I'll shine a light cause am loved

This is all I know how to say

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Last of all, can I just say how much I enjoy being a Facebook missionary! I get to formulate a gospel message in one packet of doctrine and share it to all. Being able to see how much it can uplift someone is really cool too. I used to think that no one would ever care or see any posts. Even if one person is uplifted and brought closer to Christ, I'd say my work here is done. Thanks to all of you and all your letters. I love hearing from all of you and I wish you the best of luck.

This is all I know how to say

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You're my everything 

-Elder Brown

My and my companions bikes (Mine is the orange one)

Finding peace in all the change. (March 3-10)

Song of the week "Peace in Christ" (youth theme 2018)

There is peace in christ

When we learn of Him.

Sunday was an incredible day for me. Since it was fast Sunday we had the opportunity to bear our testimonies. I shared my testimony that Jesus Christ is really our savior and redeemer. Sometimes I wonder why I tried to go about my struggles alone. Reaching to Christ is the only way we can make it through this ever changing world. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and all of you. When I ask for his spirit to reside with me, the veil seems to wave a little and I get a glimpse of how he sees all of you. I love all of you so much. To all my brothers and sisters who are struggling, you don't have to go through it alone.

Feel the love He felt for us

When He bore our sins.

Jesus Christ is our brother and wants to help us. All we have to do is extend out our hand and reach out to him. Christ calls to us by name and pleads us to come and follow in his father's way. Satan knows our name but he calls us by our weakness. He wants to call us to himself and drag us all down to his level, so that he will not be alone to eat dust, all the days of his miserable evil life. I have partaken of such dust and it never leads to happiness. I know that it is never to late to turn around and go and follow Christ. 

Listen to His words.

Let them come alive.

Monday was hard. I had to say goodbye to brother Huber. The guy is such a spiritual beast. He is a better missionary than us and he has been off his for 6 months. He had dinner with us on Monday night, almost like a last supper. The dude grabbed so much food though. I thought he wouldn't eat so much cause he's a small guy but he ate more than everyone else. After dinner that night we had our last time playing basketball with each other too. So many last times doing stuff as a district. Honestly I think it's harder leaving them than it was saying bye to my family at home. It's hard to leave, but at the same time I have halted spiritual progression here by a lot. I know I must go out and bring others unto Christ. Also we had a zone movie night and watched the Safety Zone. They are these new super corny safety videos for missionaries. I encourage you to watch them if you have spare time. They are really cringey but that's why they are so entertaining.

If we know Him as He is,

There peace in Christ.

Tuesday was good but hard as well. I packed all of my stuff up and cleaned our residence up a bit. It's crazy how much it feels like home at the MTC. I love my district so much and I miss them greatly. I hope to talk to all of them in person after the mission. We had a devotional Tuesday as well that was really good. Carl B. Cook spoke about humility, and how it's the most defining attribute of the savior. Those who are the most humble are the most powerful and blessed. Humility isn't a lack of self-confidence but rather showing we are so confident that we are willing to change ourselves and to allow others their agency.

He gives us hope

When hope is gone.

Wednesday was a long day. We dropped off Elder Casey and some of the sisters at 6 in the morning. We had our goodbyes and it was so hard. I had to leave at 10 am with elder Kowallis and elder Matua. We got on the train, only to find out that another train had blocked our way, so we had to go to Orem, Utah, catch a bus there and then drive to the airport instead. Just 10 minutes into our trip we had to switch buses due to a check engine safety light. We finally made it to the airport and elder Matua's family was there by "accident". His dad bought us lunch and was super kind to us. We were able to make it in time for our flight despite all of the hassle and change of plans. 

He gives us strength

When we can't go on. 

Also I saw my cousin Cheyenne Campbell at the airport. What a miracle that she happened to be really close to where I was in this huge super busy airport! It was good to see her, and to know that she is doing great! Thursday was great! I met my new trainer Elder Harris. He is a 6'7 Half-Tongan beast! He has been out for 19 months, been a zone leader, and now he's back to district leader and training me. He is pretty much the most likable guy ever! He is obviously athletic and loves basketball and wants to go professionally into it, after the mission. He loves reading too and wants to be an English teacher once he retires from the NBA. He is a total nerd/geek like me as well. Overall this dude can get along with anyone and can relate to everyone. We both got whitewashed into Brainerd and the previous missionaries didn't write anything down, so we don't have anything to go on. We didn't even know what apartment number we lived in so we had to call a bunch of missionaries to see if they remembered which one it was. 

He gives us shelter

In the storms of life. 

We texted/called a lot of the members here and set up lessons with them, so that we can increase their faith and better know the area. While considering our circumstances we should be frustrated, but I almost like it better. We are gonna turn this area into a baptizing machine. We have already done a lot of updating to the area book and contacts, so that future missionaries will be able to be more successful. Since we were new we decided to call some of the people who received the missionaries last year who hadn't been contacted since. We have had a decent amount of success doing so. My first meal with Elder Harris was a nice big piece of blueberry bread with fresh blueberries and whipped cream. It was so delicious,  and my piece looked way more delicious. Elder Harris shared with me that while we are here together to support each other, ultimately Jesus Christ is our best companion to rely on.

When there's no peace on earth, 

There is peace in Christ.

On Saturday we had a storm come in and it got chilly. We were tracting for a few hours and stopped right when the storm got bad. We had dinner with the Jemmetts and they are a really great family. They feed the missionaries once a week so I know I will be able to get to know them better. We had to head home instead of going and tracting some more  because we thought it would be a good idea to not get stuck in a storm. Sunday was good. We just had sacrament because there were so few people there. We were able to bear our testimonies because one of the speakers got snowed in. I spoke about how like in Ether 6 we to are like the boats being tossed around in the storms of life. The question "why do bad things things happen to good people" is a tough one. Our sacrament meeting really focused on that topic, which is great because I really needed to know that answer. When good people have trials it gives them an opportunity to increase their charity and to grow faith in God. We have weaknesses so that we can better understand God's grace and learn of Christ's atonement. Without certain experiences in my life I know that I wouldn't be able to see some people in a loving way, and truly understand God's immense love for us. He wants nothing, but us to come back to him. He sent Jesus Christ, his only begotten son. He knew that through him we could be given a chance to overcome physical and spiritual death. His atonement and suffering covers our sins and mistakes if we just reach out for help. His sacrifice on the cross allows us to be RESURRECTED with PERFECT bodies so that we can live in eternal happiness with them some day. I am so incredibly grateful for my savior, and I know that you too can gain that testimony if you haven't already.

When there's no peace on earth, 

There is peace in Christ.

I love all of you so much and I hope all y'all have a great week!

-Elder Brown

Group photo with brother Huber (the beast)

Sister Marble group photo

group photo with brother and sister Hodson

 Me and sister mittens (cat)

MTC Zone photo

Cousins meet at the Airport (Cheyenne and Elder Brown)

Me with the Mission President and his wife

Elder Harris and Me with Blueberry Cake

Elder Harris and Me (My new companion and trainer)

6 inches of fresh snow in a couple hours

Elder Harris

My redeemer is with me always! (MTC Week 3)

Hymn of the week "I need thee evr'y hour"

I need thee ev'ry hour,

Most gracious lord.

On Sunday I had a really really good lesson in priesthood. Elder Casey and I taught about Joseph Smith, the 

restoration, and the apostasy. We talked about how the lord prepared the way for the restoration,  through 

reformers and technology. It's really cool to see all the crazy things that happened so that the restoration could 

come. The best part of our lesson was when we spoke of the restoration. The spirit really descended upon us

 when we started to read about Joseph Smith and his first vision. Good lessons always feel great. I sang in choir 

again this week, and there 700+ missionaries singing. It was so spiritual because we sang "Josephs first prayer". 

The song resonated all 700 of our testimonies in a beautiful sincere cascade.

No tender voice like thine

Can peace afford.

Tuesday was a sad day. Sister Fuller left for home that day. She will be back out in six months though, which

comforts me. I respect anyone who comes back out on their mission after being home. I don't know if I would be

able to come back out once I got home. It almost felt like when Jenny left home for her mission. I know I will see 

and talk to her again, but she feels like family. It sounds corny for sure but the relationship I have with all the Elders

and Sisters in my district is so strong. I know, I knew all of them on a personal level before we came to earth.

I need thee ev’ry hour;

Stay thou nearby.

There was a devotional by D. Todd Christopherson and it was great! We got to sing our testimonies to him through 

song and he felt it. Aren't the apostles just fantastic! He spoke of how we can become truly converted to the lord. 

We know the path isn't easy. As we strive to become more Christ like, Satan tries to wash away our foundations.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the

gates of hell shall not prevail against them." 3 Nephi 11:39

Hope is our anchor that allows us to seek to become better through the atonement, and Satan seeks to chisel 

away at our self confidence. When he succeeds, we have fear and do not spread the joy and hope of the gospel. 

Satan has been trying hard to silence me by making me feel like an inadequate teacher among other things.

I know through the strength of God I was able to shut him out. He only has the power to hurt you if you let him. 

When feeling self doubt you must turn to God and allow him to send away Satan. I have tried to do things my way 

and it just doesn't really work.

Temptations lose their pow’r

When thou art nigh.

On Wednesday I had a fantastic end to my day. Brother Huber is such an amazing teacher and is so inspired.

We talked about all of our personal testimonies of Christ's atonement. It was so powerful to see that many of my

district have also gone through great change like I have. I would be nothing and no one without the atonement and 

gospel in my life. I wouldn't be as funny or laugh as much, because I wouldn't be able to find joy in many things.

"Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even

to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth." Alma 27:17

Speaking of this scripture, we discussed it in class one day because my teacher said he always laughs at the 

thought of someone being so happy that they would fall. Right after that we went to say closing prayer and

Elder Kowallis fell off his chair and was laying on the floor. The lord has a sense of humor for sure. It was good to 

get a first hand demonstration of what it would look like. 

I need thee ev’ry hour,

In joy or pain.

While I had much joy this week I also had pain. I had a rough lesson on Wednesday. I was talking about baptism 

and I just butchered it. It's a night and day difference when you have the spirit and when you don't. I know that I 

need to focus on the ordinance of baptism in my personal study so that I can bear a personal witness that baptism 

is important. 

Come quickly and abide,

Or life is vain.

The spirit really helps you know what to say. On Thursday I had another great lesson with an investigator, and the

spirit guided us to teach of repentance. As I started to talk about the atonement my companion and I both had the

prompting to turn to the bible dictionary definition of repentance. Our investigator noticed and was like, "you started

talking about that definition that you love at the exact same time that your companion started turning to it. How did

you know?" I know that the spirit guides us to things that our friends need to hear. We got feedback about the TRC

and we did really good. She was able to feel the spirit and she felt very inclined to meet with us more and go 

fthrough with the commitment we left with her. I don't think there's a greater feeling than when you leave a lesson

knowing the spirit was there. 

I need thee ev’ry hour,

Most holy One. 

Friday went so quickly I almost forget what happened. I have gotten quite comfortable here. My companion and I

still sometimes have the feeling that we are at some summer camp and we're about to go home. But in another 

way I can't wait to get in the field! I have progressed so much here but it is starting to stagnate. I am still learning

lots just not as much as I could. I had a Book of Mormon read again (my favorite) and we discussed miracles. It

really is up to us too have miracles in our life. Heavenly father really wants to give us all the blessings but our faith

and desires always hold us back. I have been trying to gain the faith needed to believe that I can be able to have

the spirit give my words. I am so glad that I have come to serve a mission. This week has flown by and you know

what they say about fun. Time flies by too fast. Love you all and thanks for all the support and letters!

Oh, make me thine indeed,

Thou blessed Son!

-Elder Brown