January 25th - Doctrine changes behavior

Man Bishop never ceases to amaze me. The Spirit is always strong with him!

I have no idea. I think they have a different definition of famous. I think it could be two things. Remember my friend Daniel Smith from our old place in bountiful? He's in that mission. Second i think it could be because I was really good friends with missionaries in our zone in the MTC and they are now in Urdaneta. But I honestly have no idea.

Wow thats an amazing and quick conversion! Who are the missionaries that are teaching him?? Is he still in Utah?

This week was very good for me and Elder Lee-Lo. We had our first baptism in our companionship. Sister Leonor was our investigator who has been taught for a loooong time by missionaries. She was baptized this past Saturday and she's doing so well. It was a long process of planting and nourishing the seed of her faith. 

This week we have been trying hard to help out a less-active man. He has a lot of family problems that irritate him to the point where he wants to kick out his son and daughter and his wife. He's 58 years old. We've taught him a lot about having faith and patience and most importantly, relying on the Savior and his atoning sacrifice. We also shared about forgiveness because his wife's lifeslyle is unbearable to him. I realized something during this past week. Here's what I found interesting:

So here me and my companion are, I'm 18, he's 22 and we do not have a wife and we don't have any kids. We've never experienced parenthood and yet, we have been called to teach this man. We don't have the education or knowledge of someone who deals with marriage and family problems, nor have we focused so much time on trying to help a man strengthen his family. But what we do have is greater than any level of education. We have a knowledge and strong testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel has all the necessary tools for us to become like and return to our loving Heavenly Father. 

We have been called to teach and learn through knowledge and wisdom of God and hearken not unto the precepts and learning of men. In any problem, whether it be in the family or in your day-to-day interactions and relations with friends, co-workers or whomever it may be, the Gospel is the answer to all problems. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was established by Jesus Christ and he is the head of this church and he is a perfect being. The Gospel teaches us to feast upon the words of Christ or in other words to search carefully The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon will answer all questions that people have in their souls. 

The correct and true doctrines are also found in this Gospel. The answer is always the doctrine, as David A. Bednar once said in an MTC devotional. Boyd K Packer said that true doctrine understood changes behavior and attitude and that the study of doctrine will change behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. So now the question I propose to you is this. What doctrine can you teach yourself and to others, in order to change your behavior and attitude? 

Understand the Doctrine

Know the Principles that teach the Doctrine

Apply them to your own life

Understand, Know and Application. Faith and patience are so key to these things. The Gospel is for perfecting imperfect people. Perfect meaning "complete".  The Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ is such a beautiful and wonderful gift from God. Let us not forget the power it has to change us, especially in times that we need. Fill your souls with the Gospel and you will become filled with love for the Gospel and our Lord, Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

That's it from me family. On a side note, I'm getting more comfortable with the language and I can tell I've improved a lot from the first day I arrived here. Oh and dad once told me after I gave my first blessing in the MTC that "it wouldn't be [my] last, trust me". Dad was definitely right. I gave three last week, and one today before I came to email. I gave one to our investigator last night who has bad headaches and kidney stones. She was in so much pain last night. I normally give blessings in English cause I never felt comfortable in Tagalog. I gave this one mostly in Tagalog. At the end of the blessing she was in tears. I can honestly say that I felt the spirit working through me. When you relax, have faith, and give time for the spirit to speak to your mind and your heart, you will know what to say. It was a great experience. I'm grateful for the great examples of worthy Priesthood holders in my life. Thank you and I love you all.

Sister Leonor Udarve got baptized last Saturday

 Elder Lee-Lo, me and Elder Lesatele, he's going home a little early to prepare for BYU football.

 Us again with sis. Matthes

 Ligao Zone

 Ligao Zone

January 18th - 5 steps to SERVE

Hey mom! Ha that's true, I don't think about anything at home that much. I guess there was something I was supposed to adjust to on the mission but I already was haha. It's only hard when you're not used to doing hard things. No need to worry about me mom. I have been taught like the mother's of the 2000 stripling warriors. I come from a family that lives and walks by faith. I have always been taught through actions that if I do not doubt, God will deliver me and I do not doubt that you and my family knew it. 

Congrats to Susi Teisina...wow feels like it was just yesterday I was at her mission call opening.

Good to hear the challenge Bishop gave our youth.  I really hope that the YM do. I hope it's not something they say but something they are committed to. Also next to that is seminary. Man I can't recall how many times I've reflected on lessons in seminary or come across a story in the scriptures and think about when it was taught to me. It helped me have a strong knowledge of the scriptures and really learning how to "liken" it to my own life. That will come in handy for the rest of your life.

I think that's a great conversion story! We have one investigator who has been afraid of separating from her family. She truly wants to know through the spirit that this church is true. When you said Amanaki I thought of that little boy that Papa Mosese healed haha. Alma 15:16 reminded me of Amanaki. Funny cause his name kinda sounds like Amulek and that's who the verse is about. {FYI 'Amanaki is a non member man probably in his early 60's that my mom invited to our home for FHE on Sunday}.

Also in the past 2 weeks i've given 4 sick blessings. 2 for babies, 1 to our investigators daughter, and one to a new sister in our district. I thought a lot about Papa Mos. And how he would take time to talk with those he would bless about the importance of having faith. I did that with Sister Sebia. We just had a small conversation about faith. I know that if I try to be like him I will be closer to becoming like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We also had a great week, we taught 31 lessons.

Answers to your questions mom:

1-Weight?  Idk same still, size 30 pants.

2-Clothes?  Good. Pants just need a clean and my suit pants have a tiny hole in it.

3-Checking account?  Yeah I can't remember how much I just withdrew though.

4-How do you feel when you read your brother's letters?  Yup! Man I dont even know if he's my brother or if he's your son. He's changed.

This week has been very religious. The Pope came to the Philippines and people in Manila were going crazy for him. That's all you see on TV is Pope Francis all over. A lot of the homes we go to have it on so we catch some of it. There was also this Catholic parade last night. The floats were covered with Santo Nino "dolls". People were carrying them around too. My mind was brought back to 2 Nephi 28 haha. I also thought about Alma 31 and felt the same way he did when he prayed. 

Yesterday I gave my talk that I was assigned to give. My topic was "service". It was raining yesterday and there was also a typhoon alert on Saturday. Nothing serious. But when it rains on sunday there's not many at sacrament meeting. I think there was about 20ish. Nevertheless I still spoke during a brownout. Here are the 5 steps to SERVE:

Smile when you serve

Everyday. Serve everyday

Right Reason(s). Serve for the right reason(s)

Valiantly. Serve valiantly

Everyone. Serve everyone.

You never know the impact of your service. It can be as simple as a compliment on one's hair or clothing. It could be a huge community service project. Big or small who knows you maybe the answer to someone's prayer. When we serve others we are serving Christ. Serve as he would and have charity in your heart. Think about other people who stand in need and put yourself in their shoes. How does it look? How does it feel? 

Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved. "Go gladden the lonely, the dreary; Go, comfort the weeping, the weary; Go, scatter kind deeds on your way; Oh, make the world brighter today!" (Thomas S. Monson. The Gifts of Christmas. Dec 2003)

Well love you mom, till' next week!  Send my love to the ward and a big thanks to Bishop for all the counsel and wisdom he has shared with me.  I often reflect on his words many times a day.

Love,
Elder Brown

Little Nathan, it took me a long time to know his name cause of his heavy accent. This one tops Alton's picture haha

Takes skill to ride a bike on a path like this.  It's about 60 yards long in the middle of a rice field where the home is at, cool and the kids are funny.

The Philippines beauty is a testament that God is the Great Creator of all things.

                                                                         
                                                                            Elder Lee-Loo

                                         "The Philippines isn't ever beautiful, SAID NO ONE EVER"

January 11th - "A stronger more Christlike version"

Magandang Hapon sa inyo! That's great news for Rachel and the mission in Tonga! The work of the Lord cannot be stopped! I'm doing great mom and idk where I'm at on weight right now. Woah thats a huge jump! Dad will lose before I come home probably.

1-Still have treats from Christmas box?  Yes I do.

2-Sell protein there?  You have to order from Manila and it will be shipped. 

3-I Still dropping weight?  not sure hope not

4-Area you're at now?  We live in Polangui but we proselyte just 8 mins away in Oas. I LOVE MY AREA! The people are so great!

5-Volcano?  Yes I have a good picture finally. It's hard to get pics of it cause its always covered by its own clouds

6-Ride bicycle yet?  Nope

7-How safe it it there?  Very safe

8-Have you been robbed like your brother in the West Indies?  Nope. Everyone knows Elder Lee-Lo. Filipinos dont wanna mess with him.

Oh yeah that's right. Aunty and Vake both emailed me. They're too kind and I feel very undeserving of it. There are so many great examples in Vake's life.

Well this has been the best week of work for me and Elder Lee-Lo!! We improved in all aspects of our work and hit 30 lessons this past week. We also have 5 new investigators and we've committed one to baptism on the 28th of February.  We also committed two others to baptism. Another on the 21st.

During a lesson to a less active member we taught him about faith and trials. We shared Ether 12:6,12, and 18. He shared a lot about how he wants to live by himself and not with his wife and kids because of their lifestyle. I had an epiphany during this lesson and it hasn't left my mind since. It was this past Thursday. My mind was brought back to a couple verses of scripture:

1 Nephi 18:11: Nephi gets tied up by his brothers and Nephi through his faith in the Lord could have been delivered right then and there but the Lord did suffer it in order to show forth his power. For three days he was tied up.

Mosiah 23:21-24, 27-29: The Lord gives us trials in order to test our faith and patience in him. If we put our trust in him and pray with real intent and hush or set aside our fears, our problems become bearable.

Mosiah 24:10-25: Pray. Always pray. Prayer is very powerful. Especially when our struggles or challenges become very difficult. Always have a prayer in heart and pour out your desires and feelings too God. If we do so God will fulfill his promise and lighten our burdens according to our faith and patience we put in him. The Lord will never forsake us. He will always continue to lead and guide us after our difficult trial.

I thought to myself during all the lessons after this one and thought: Is it any coincidence that these people are going through a difficult time in their life while being taught by representatives of Jesus Christ? His ministers? Official full-time missionaries who have been called of our loving Heavenly Father who is omniscent, omniscient and is mighty to save us from our afflictions? The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is without a doubt the answer to every single one of our problems. If we just stay faithful and diligent in offering prayers of faith, not just prayers that are rote, but a prayer of faith, staying consistent in our studying of The Book of Mormon and likening them to ourselves, then we will more easily emulate and tailor the attributes and character of Christ into our own lives. Trials and burdens won't be removed but we will be strengthened by the hand of the Lord in such a way that we can't even tell that our burden has been made light. That is when you'll see his power in your own life and that he never has and never will abandon you in your time of need. He is always watching over his garden and knows what he wants us to become. Though it is hard, and it's supposed to be, it is always worth it when we arrive at a new and improved version of ourselves. A stronger more Christlike version.

My brothers and sisters have the faith and diligence to endure to the very end. Remain steadfast and immovable upon the rock of redeemer who is Christ. A foundation where if we build upon it we cannot fall. Turn to Christ. Turn to His Gospel and His leaders that have been called of Him. Turn to his words and feast upon them and I promise you will never go astray if you are truly converted to the Lord. You will be blessed and you will find happiness in this.

I
 hope everyone has a great week, and I love you so much family!

Love,

Elder Brown

Proud to be Tongan...don't judge I know I don't speak the language but still am proud!

 Last district photo with Sister Amato from Wellington, NZ.  She's Maori.

 No one messes with the one and only Elder Lee -Lo, my Comp!

 Mt Mayon.

 My companion, Lee -Lo the man!

January 5th - Lost 7 lbs so far

Good afternoon family! Man bishop always gives such powerful talks. I wish I could've heard that one in person. He's a great leader and speaker because of his powerful spirit. He does what Nephi talked so much about in the scriptures and that is he likens them to others. Likening the scriptures to ourselves is for our profit and learning. I realized that it is such a great tool to use in everyday life. The Book of Mormon really relates to everything.

Thank you so much for the box! I loved everything in it. 

Nothing big has happened this week but me and Elder Lee-Lo hit our goal of getting 20 lessons this week. We've come up close but never hit it. I am expecting us to be consistent and work harder from this. Especially since I've introduced him to Eric Thomas AKA ET The Hip-Hop Preacher. We went to go get something printed on his shirt and he wanted something cool so I showed him some cool shirts from ET. He copied one of the shirts and it looks really good. Hopefully it will keep him motivated.

One of our progressing investigators, Lianor, is very eager and excited to be baptized. She has been taught before but it was a long time ago. She needs to come to church this week and the 24th of this month is set and ready to go. No effort is wasted in missionary work when we work hard. Those who have taught her before planted and nourished the seed in her. She's still growing and we are here to help.

Think about those you can nourish or plant seeds in. Just like bishop shared with the gospel language. It is by small and simple means that the Lord brings great things to pass. It's a new year. Find ways to challenge yourself and be consistent. Be motivated but ALWAYS be disciplined. When motivation is gone thats where discipline comes in. Discipline requires effort when you have nothing behind that effort. Meaning lack of motivation. It's like Maurice Clarett's slogan: #DDSD. Different Day, Same Discipline. Be diligent and be discipline in all that you do. Always include the Lord in all your doings and you'll be in good hands down a good road.

My family I love you all and I hope you all had a great new years. It was crazy here.

Love

Elder Brown 2

Look at those spiders, I killed them all.  The first spider showed up at 5 am.  The other elders were running around being noisy and saying I have to come check this out but I just wanted to sleep but as soon as they said, "huge spider" I jumped up out of bed, got the broom and smashed the thing haha!  Nope Mom, not scared of spiders anymore.

Answers to your questions:

1.  Christmas box?  Yup got it, I just picked it up from the mission office, didn't have to pay taxes on it...thank you Mom.
2.  Time allow on the computer to email you?  2 hours only, but our computers here super slow.
3.  Weight?  Sad news Mom.  People been telling me I've lost a lot of weight compare to the first time I got here.  I lost about 8 lbs, dropped from 165 Ibs to 157lbs.  My companion is teaching me how to eat a lot.  He cooked the corn beef and added carrots and some other stuff, was really good.  There's this other place they make good food so I eat till' I feel like throwing up.  But don't worry Mom, I feel healthy and losing weight doesn't affect my health, work and life.  I sweat a lot, super humid and so hot here.
4.  Belt?  I use my own money Mom to buy my belt, don't worry.  The mission president allows us to buy our bamboo belt, they're really cool.  
5.  Account?  I took out $177 that's equivalent to $8000 beso here but I hardly use it.  Super cheap here.  
6.  Need to send?  If you can, please just send my protein.

I'm wearing a peanut lei.  I'm Santa to these kids.  They love the candy you sent.  

 Lot of areas like this in my area.

 Don't freak out Mom I know what you're saying, just being myself lol.

 One of the members has 6 puppies, here are 3 little ones.

 Not scared of spiders anymore Mom.

 I had to disect them lol.