July 27th - #Unforgettable moment (hash tag)

Man Alton is going home and Tana just began her mission and I've been out for nine months. I don't know where all the time goes. Reading Tana's letter was a flashback and I remember her teacher Brother Kaka. He's a cool guy and she's definitely right about him. 

Remember that story I shared last week about using the Book of Mormon to answer a man's question? I forgot to mention one of the fruits of his excitement. When he finally received the answer to his 18 year question he said with a big smile on his face "What a great day! July 7, 2015 #UnforgettableMoment" (yes he said "hash tag") That's the power of the Word brothers and sisters. 

Nothing really worth highlighting this week but know that we had a great week and made some great progress. Elder Mamapa and I feel confident about having a baptism next transfer. It's been while since I've seen someone enter the waters of baptism. 

This week we had interviews with President Guanzon. And it came to pass that I, Elder Brown, was desirous that I might know the things that had brought success unto my mission president. I asked him what attributed most to his success and how he was able to get to where he is today. In short he shared 3 things: 

Sacrifice, Trust, and Obedience

I really liked how he described sacrifice as an investment. When we put our trust in the Lord, we are willing to sacrifice our will, for his, and knowing that things will fall through for our benefit. In other words we are willing to be obedient to his commands. If we do these three things we are doing as Jesus taught many many years ago on the Mount; seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. He also added that he can't keep his promises all the time because he's just a man, but God can because he has overcome all and he is a perfect being. 

I have already seen the blessings that come from missionary service. President Guanzon made mention that some people see 2 years as a waste of time and that there are better things to do but this is a 2 year investment in the Lord's promised blessings that come from missionary service. This is the most important work that you or I can ever do. The mission is still the best and I'm excited for you guys to be with Alton in just a couple days. You guys should just keep it down a little cause you're making me a little trunky hehe.

Love,

Elder Brown

Thank you very much for sending this book! It has definitely opened my mind to new things. One of the things I like in there is about the listening to other people. i've had 4 interviews with President Guanzon and he has told me everytime that I have a great listening ability and that I'm very perceptive. I applied some of the things about letting others talk about themselves with those I come in contact with and also with President. There is this one man that is a potential investigator and he's a very talkative person. He also is perceptive. He was talking to us and we were talking about english and tagalog and the difficulties we have. He commented on how even though I don't understand everything he says he appreciates the fact that I pay attention and show sincere interest and care for what he is saying. It makes him feel cared about and important. 

I finished the book this morning and I followed a lot of the advice it shared for getting the most of it. I've enjoyed the reaction of people's faces when I express sincere gratitude for their efforts. I plan on reading it over again. To think that I had this in my hands back in my youth and never once picked it up to read. haha. Thank you very much again and I love you guys!

I love you Mom!

July 20th - BOM - the book is blue and the church is true!

Happy birthday Tana!  Ang bilis!  Yes I received the package today. It came in on Wednesday but I couldn't get it till today because I was on Batan of course. And yes the wait was long haha. Thank you mom and dad for buying garments and a shaver for my companion. My heart is filled with compassion towards him because of the life he has had growing up. It was like christmas when I told him the garments and a shaver was for him. That's one of the things I remember most profoundly about grandma and grandpa Muti. Their willingness to share with everyone and impart of their substance to those in need. 

This week was a great week. It was actually the best week in terms of progression of our investigators and key indicators that I've had while here on Batan. Our companionship is nothing but unselfish love and happiness.

My testimony of the spirit and that God keeps his promises have been strengthened tremendously this past week. As we left for Batan last tuesday we were almost broke (due to certain circumstances) and we had to survive till next monday in order to withdraw. I bought enough food for a couple days and had a little for buying snacks here and there. I remembered the words of our Savior Jesus Christ, when he teaches his sermon on the mount to the Nephites in ancient America. In 3 Nephi 13:25-34. I encourage you all to study it. To paraphrase the Lord tells us that we need not worry about our next meal or how will provide clothing for ourselves if we have faith in him and seek first his kingdom. That's exactly what we do as missionaries. The week before that we weren't fed by anyone. But this week they came left and right. One day we would have lunch and the next day we'd have our dinner. Sometimes it was even just bread and water and it was satisfying because we were hungry. 

Another great testimony builder came while we were teaching one of our very interested investigators. This past week I've been studying a lot about teaching by the spirit and wondering how I could rely on it more and invite it more into our lessons. One of the things that stuck out to me from Preach My Gospel was about bearing testimony frequently. I felt the difference in this one lesson to our interested investigators. We were teaching about the Book of Mormon. A lesson I've taught many times and also borne testimony of many times. Not only on my mission but before that too. But as I bore a testimony equivalent to that of a primary child I began to feel this pressure inside of me and it didn't fit. It began to burn within my bosom and I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started to tear up and cry. It was the first time I've done that on my mission. I remember I told them that I was grateful for the Book of Mormon and that it's true. That it's evidence of God's love and that I was grateful for the love he had for me and for all of God's children. I cannot deny that I the spirit was working within me. A lot of times I have wondered if I have been a successful missionary because we haven't had a lot of baptisms. But to know that the Lord blesses those who feel inadequate with the power of his Holy Spirit lets me know that I'm doing my job and that he's there for me.

I don't remember if I shared this with you before but it just adds to the power and importance of The Book of Mormon. About 2 weeks ago we were on the boat heading back to Batan. We sat on an open bench next to a man. As the minutes past he became interested in my reading. Well mostly because it was an english Book of Mormon. He asked me where I was from and what I was doing here. He also asked how it feels to know everything in the Bible haha. I asked him about his religious life and he belonged to a certain religion. I began to share with him a pass along card and the restoration and plan of salvation pamphlets. He was very very happy and expressed it. He then asked me another question that has been a great mystery to him for the past 18 years. From the time he was a 10 year old boy. He asked me what would've happened if Jesus Christ had not died for us and had not done what he had done for us? Immediately the scripture came to my mind and I began to expound 2 Nephi chapter 9 unto him. He was amazed and said that it all made sense to him now. He then began to elaborate that he had asked many other missionaries of other religions that same question and they were unable. They lacked the knowledge. What was the difference? The Book of Mormon. Who believes the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus Christ? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

In a world filled with millions of God's children there are people who have questions that need answering. Questions that are deep within their soul. And the Book of Mormon provides just that. It answers questions of the soul. Hold fast continually to the iron rod and you will never go astray. Live by it's precepts and you will grow closer to God like never before. The Book is blue and the church is true my brothers and sisters. Let us feast upon the words that will bring us back into the presence of our loving Father in Heaven and His only begotten and beloved son, Jesus Christ. And let us follow the counsel of our living prophet who will only guide us to Eternal Life.

Love,

Elder Brown

P.s...Elder Raven said thank you for the Jandals!  My baptismal pants given to me by Eld. Lee Lo was adjusted from size 36 to size 30 to fit me.  Yup it's all safe and sound. Okay thanks for the clarification cause I was wondering about that bluetooth thing. Some of the garments were pretty big but you guys bought some just perfect for him. I wish God's blessings upon you as you start this new job. Thank you for always providing for all of us Dad. One of the things I remember that has still left on impact on me is leaving a tip at sit down restaurants and more importantly I think at the barber shop. I always remember to do so.

That's cool that theres a Fijian sister there cause there's a Fijian from Fiji, Elder Kinikini coming in this August to the mission. Thank you for your time and love.

Hi son,

I hope this letter finds you well.  Hopefully you got your package safe and sound.
Wanted to let you know that the little speaker we sent you has a rechargeable battery,
so you can take it with you to play for your investigators or for church.  It has blue tooth
as well.  To turn it off, you have to press the “On/Off” button twice.  Hope those pants and
garments fit you and companion ok.

Son, keep up the great work and foundation that you are building for your brothers and sisters
out there and for your loved ones at home.  People always comment on how they enjoy reading
about your and Alton’s experiences and testimonies.

Don’t worry too much about your weight.  Heavenly Father will bless you with the righteous desires
of your heart when you return home and pursue whatever goals and ambitions you may have.  Just
keep loving the people and serving others, especially your companion.  I know he has blessed you
and Alton so much.  We have reaped some of those blessings as well.

Tomorrow I am starting a new job.  Actually I’m still with the same company, but working in a different
department.  It’s called Water Management and I think I’ll be enjoying it a little more.  It’s a lot less physical
and we don’t have to working about carrying around any heavy iron pipes.

That’s about it for now son.  Take care and know we love you and pray for you daily.  There’s a Fijian (straight from Fiji) sister missionary
here in our ward in North Dakota, and every time I see her and her companion, it reminds me of you and Alton, so I always
have to give her and her companion money $$.  Keep up the great work son!

Love, Dad.

Thank you Mom for the treats!

Legazpi is the best mission!

My new favorite drink!

My little friends, Trish and Sean!

This is how we mow the lawn in the Philippines!

July 13th: Lost 15 Ibs

I hate to start off with some bad news but I have to. I've now lost 15 lbs. We weighed in after getting flu shots today :( And yes mom I am eating. Elder Mamapa is a really good cook and he's loves to cook. We have a really strong companionship. I finally feel old in the mission. He's still fresh in the mission and just like Alton and his trainee, I can see myself in my trainee too. 

My mind has been caught up in pondering on the mission of the sons of Mosiah and Alma. In Alma 17 and 26 we read about the characteristics of the Lamanites, before they became the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. There are people here that are willing to listen and be taught but will always stay in the religion where they were born in raised no matter what. It kills me on the inside and I just want to give up on them. But I always have hope for them when I read about who the sons of the Mosiah had to teach. They were the means of teaching and bringing thousands of souls unto repentance. They were able to convince murderers who delighted in bloodshed. Who were born and raised to rebel against the Nephites. 

It is one of my greatest desires to see our young men serve missions. Yeah we're not able to do a lot of stuff that are in the world but we do a work that saves people from the world. I truly am so happy here on my mission. I was able to teach sunday school this past Sunday and it went very well. Even though I'm on a small island in a small branch, I have made tremendous growth. I couldn't have pictured myself doing a lot of what I'm doing as I entered the MTC. I testify to what Alton shared in his email. You are not here because of who you are but who you can become. I am beyond grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has provided us with a Savior--Jesus Christ. I feel that I can somehow relate to Alma in Alma 29. This is the greatest work and it brings the greatest happiness. I wouldn't want a single young man to miss out on a mission. The Lord and the people of the world need you and your service! 

I love you all and I love that you guys are doing so well and are living strong in the gospel. Forgive me if any of this email didn't make sense grammar and sentence structure wise. I've used the delete button one too many times. My companion isn't very good with English so I'm forced to speak Tagalog all the time. It's very very helpful.

Love,

Elder Brown

P.s...Haha thank you mom. Tell tana to get this sentence down. It will help and she'll will use it a lot: Hindi po ako marunong magtagalog kasi bago pa ako dito sa philippines. Pasensya na lang po!

Mom:  "What's the meaning of this son?"

Lawrence Brown	1:43 AM (2 minutes ago)
to me

I don't how to speak tagalog kasi (cause you see) Im still new here in the philippines. Very sorry! hahaha

Elder Brown:  "I enjoyed listening to Tana's talk and also their family sing. Very well delivered talk :) Always be prepared to give a talk on any topic. If you're in a branch like mine, you'll be giving talks all the time haha."



I walked like this for 30 minutes till we hit the church cause we had to walk in the ocean after getting out of the boat

 Arrival picture

 Arrival picture

July 5th - I'm a Trainer!

Maray na hapon sa indong gabos!

There's some bicol for ya. hehehe. Well I now have a new companion. And just like Alton, I am a trainer. Well only a half-trainer. I will be finishing his training this transfer. His name is Elder Mamapa (pronounced like Mamata) from Mindanao and he joined the church when he was 13. In Mindanao they speak Visaya mostly. It's different from Tagalog so Tagalog is a second language to him. He says he's still learning but he's fluent. He's 21 right now and a diligent missionary. He also prays very sincerely. And no I didn't give him the Elder Page treatment haha.

I am very grateful for this opportunity and I have already seen the Lord's hand and his help in my life. My goal I told you last week was to learn more bicol and I have. I've been understanding a lot of it too. I also have been doing my best to memorize scripture verses in tagalog. We taught this young family who remind of Joseph Smith. The wife told us she's confused because she's been visited by other religions and attended many other churches and they all say they're the one. She really wants to know the truth. I was able to draw upon verses that I have memorized from the Christ's sermon and she was quoting it with me with a big ol' smile on her face. We invited them to baptism and though a little hesitant they accepted trusting in our testimony. August 8 is the day that's set. The challenge now is having appointments when the husband isn't working. They never know when they have time.

I know I've been saying it since she got called to Cavite but I really am excited for Tana. She will love the Philippines, the people, the culture, and the music haha. And if we really are cousins she'll love the food like me. The weather is super hot. Man everyday (except the cloudy rainy days) I'm so drenched in sweat you'd think I broke the rules and went swimming. There's really no difference. Even at night it's the same for me. Oh yeah and when I show our family pictures (thank you nana) to investigators or others they don't even hestitate to say how skinny I am. :( 

Love and miss you all. Ingat kamo!

Love,

Elder Brown

Elder Tonga (middle) from Auckland & Elder Malu.  

 My Trainee!

 Elder Miller from Utah.  He attended Mtn Crest HS

 Elde Lethaby, the Canadian legend, he's cool!

June 29th - Learning Bicol

No worries I still remember that you guys were married in 1992! Congrats on 23 strong happy years :) I love hearing that you and dad are going together with the missionaries. If there's one thing I'm really excited for is being able to be a member present for the missionaries. That is a struggle on Batan because there's only one person who can and he can only go on Sunday's now. Everyone is constantly working in the mines or with carbon.

Is it really Alton's last transfer?? That's too bad. haha. Well we received our transfer announcements this past Saturday and my companion, Elder Pangilinan is getting transferred tomorrow. I've definitely grown the most with him in teaching, culture, and of course, the language. Here's what happened this week:

There's this one barangay called San Ramon on this island that I had never been to so Elder Pangilinan had to show me because it was anticipated that he was gonna be transferred. We walked in the blazing heat, with umbrellas for a good hour and 20 minutes on unfinished road and dirt paths, and a mini wilderness. It was a great walk and we taught an inactive member.

We also have a great potential investigator that we visit. We can't teach her because her husband is always gone at work and we have no other male that can be our member present. She is very interested and has very many questions. We're excited for her.

One of the recent converts here told us something her husband shared with her. Remember the one that said he felt hot after he prayed? Well that's the son, Marvin, and her husband is the dad of course. The dad told her that he gets weaker and feels his strength go away every time he sees us, or when we come to teach and visit him. He denies it's nervousness and has no idea why but he gets weak at the very sight of us. That explains why he is very shy when we teach. When we first tracted him he had energy and was talkative but now it's different. Maybe it has something to do with Alma 31:5?

We had a great last week together. Especially during lessons. There was a lot of times we felt the spirit working well within and through us. One of our great investigators said to Elder Pangilinan when he said he was leaving "Oh man you're not gonna be here for my baptism!" It feels weird teaching her cause she's 16 and nana is 16 so it's like I'm teaching my own sister. 

We also teach this one nanay and tatay, the Dino family (I have a picture with them I'll send) and the nanay is such a sweet old lady. She has come to church despite her weak and hurt knee twice now and has been doing her best to read the Book of Mormon despite her weak and aged eyes. But bittersweetly, when Elder Pangilinan said he's leaving she said that she is goes to church and reads because she always misses us when we leave and feels so happy when we're around. She said we are different than the missionaries of the other churches. She also added that she's gonna go back to being catholic when we're both gone. My new companion and I, through the spirit will do our best to help her become converted to the Lord. Along with her husband.

That's it for this great last week. I'll let you know who my new companion is next week. Happy late birthday to nana my favorite sister (cause she's my only one haha) and happy anniversary to my goodly parents. 

Also I have challenged myself to learn and speak more bicol because a lot of people on Batan are much more comfortable in it than Tagalog. A lot of missionaries may say it's crazy and dumb, especially since I'm still not a fluent Tagalog speaker, and that the bicol is different in every area of this mission, but I see it as a chance to exercise my brain and sacrifice for the people on this island. It's all about being proactive and not reactive. (The 7 habits of highly effective people)

Love,

Elder Brown

Our Zone cluster conference

 Legazpi district

Elder Raven "trademark" peace selfie face

 Nanay Soledad and her granddaughter, Joana

 Janay Salvacion and Tatay Jose Dino

From the red dot to the other red dot was our long journey.  The magnifying glass is close to where a member's little boat dropped us off at