August 31st -" Let us not be rod clingers and let us be members that hold to the rod fast and continually"

Hello! Haha well to answer your questions I'm doing just fine. I've been stuffed to the max everyday. Sure feels good to get a lot of food in. Yeah so I'm low on money cause I order a lot of jollibee. The chicken and the ice cream reeses mix ins are the bomb! We live really close to an LCC supermarket over here, its just that I'm bad at budgeting and I like to eat a lot now that I have the chance. Basically the food I plan to spread out during the week gets eaten too fast haha. Man I feel like Alton has set a "standard of excellence" that I'm supposed to hit when I get home. He's been putting in a lot of good work. That's so awesome to hear that he has the chance to go to BYU next year, I really hope so! I know why he has no interest in football mom, it's because I got the last win on Madden on the PS3 hehehe

I can't believe I'm turning 19 either. A lot of people don't believe it when I tell them that I'm 18 and also when I tell them that I have no filipino in me. After showing them pictures that you guys sent and ones I've printed they want me to get fat again so they say they'll feed me and Elder Tamayo more. #Blessed .They even think you're a filipina mom, they love your fair skin, long hair and, young looking face. You're a blessed man dad haha. I'm excited for Sister Alapa to enter her mission. I've heard some things about the cavite area. All I gotta say is, I'm glad that the Lord will be on your side.

This has been a good week of work. We have improved every week so far and we have strong companionship unity. We felt good about one of our new investigators that we invited to baptism this past week. He accepted and then he suddenly asked if he will become a member if he does so. Of course that's a yes. He backed out immediately because he has drinking and smoking problems that he can't quit because it's just the way he is. He says he can't change cause that's just the way he is. I was discouraged and felt so sad inside. My companion shared with me something president Guanzon shared with him concerning people like this. He told him that we just need to give them a Book of Mormon and let the Spirit do the work. Of course the reader needs to do his part so are faith and trust is in the power of the Book of Mormon. If the Lamanites can change, anyone can. Just like Saul to Paul, and Alma and the Sons of Mosiah. I wish I could share with you my district meeting this past week about the role of the Book of Mormon but there's so much to share. Just know that I love The Book of Mormon with all I got. 

Sobrang masaya ako dito sa guinobatan at walang ibang lugar o bansa para sa akin kundi dito sa Philippines Legazpi Mission. Ito ang pinakamagandang time ng buhay ko. Ang mission, hindi siya sacripicio pero ito po ang isang "investment" o paraan para maipata ko ang pagmamahal at pagsunod ko sa Diyos. Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat doon sa USA at yung simbahan ni Jesucristo ng mga banal sa mga huling araw ay nagiisang totoong simbahan dito sa lupa! huwag nyong makalimutan!

Sorry Mom, no pictures this week!  All the polys at the choir practice want my poly ties and asked me for them haha. They wont stop begging. Anyways can you send me some ties, not necessarily the poly ones but just ties in general, also pictures again, they're good for conversation. Also a bunch of candy and coconut oil if that teeth thing really works. Also whats your full name? Those are good for conversation. People are shocked at our families full names and then are surprised when I don't even know your full name.  

Answer to your question how we get around:  No bikes. We walk or tricey. Jeepney for really really far area which we don't have

Love,

Elder Brown

This what I taught in our District meeting:

I just shared how the Book of Mormon was written for at least 3 reasons.

1 for the convincing of the jew and the gentile that Jesus is the Christ

2 nephi writes to show that the tender mercies are over all whom the lord hath chosen because of their faith

3 moroni writes at the end that after we have received these things that we should remember or ponder how merciful the lord hath been unto the children of men since the time of adam. Basically to remember the Lord's mercy.

1. This book is definitely about christ. It has at least one verse that refer to:

Christ the creator

Christ the God of the old testament/abraham, iIaac, Jacob, iIrael. He is Jehovah.

Born of Mary

His baptism

His ministry

His Atonement

Gethsemane

Crucifixion

Resurrection

Boyd K Packer shared a similar statement like that.

2. Tender Mercies

Think about all the wonderful stories in the BOM. All the miracles and mighty changes of hearts. Think about who investigators will come to know about. Thank goodness Nephi is the very first book. Think about your favorite character or story and see the Lord's mercy in there. The sons of Mosiah, Alma, Alma the younger, Abinadi, Samuel the Lamanite, Nephi and Lehi (Helaman's sons), Helaman, Mormon, Moroni, Jacob, and more. 

3. Remember. 

Alton can attest to this. In The Infinite Atonement it touches on the power of remembering. Elder Spencer W Kimball says that if you were to look in the dictionary for the most important word it could be "remember" cause we can know how to do something and what it is, but the important thing is to remember why. The Lord says in 3 nephi 18:7 in the sacrament prayer that if we remember him we shall always have his spirit to be with us. So if an investigator or anyone reads the book of mormon and remembers all these things the lord has done they will have the spirit by the prayer of faith and through real intent and having a sincere heart. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, the spirit, ye shall know the truth of all things. There we will experience the Spirit touching our hearts and our soul and we will experience conversion.

In closing let us learn from Lehi's dream in 1 Nephi 8:24,25,28 and 30. Those who only "clung" to the rod fell away because they were ashamed after eating the fruit. Those who held fast continually fell down at the tree (it took a lot of energy and effort) and partook of it not falling away. So let us not be rod clingers and let us be members that hold to the rod fast and continually so that we will never fall away.

Tom's letter to Elder Brown and his reply to his Dad:

Thank you dad for the email. It really is hard. Sweating is something I've become really good at over here. I can definitely see why it would be weird having him back. He really has changed from what I've seen and heard. Thank you for the faith you have in me. I hate to admit it but a lot of times I have become so discouraged with where I'm at physically that I've questioned that if this is what I really want to do after my mission. I have gone as low as comparing myself as to why I can't. It's an ugly feeling but I hope that it is in the Lord's will for me to achieve such a goal that I know I can't do on my own. Other than that the work really keeps my mind off of those things. I love the time and the people and everything here.

It's good to hear your new position is good too. I like this new position. It's really fun to stretch and grow and learn a lot.

Diyos Mabalos! 

Love

Elder Brown

On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 12:07 PM, Tomasi Brown <tomasibrown@me.com> wrote:

Hi son,
Hope you're doing well and gaining weight.  I sure it's hard with all that sweating and walking around and the food there.

It's been weird having your brother back.  He's definitely changed. Glad to see him progress on the next phase of his life.

Well, I still know that whatever you boys want to do in your lives, that you'll be able to do it.  I've seen you set those type of goals and achieve them.  I have no doubt about your football skills if you still want to pursue that goal, I know you can play in next level.  I also know that Heavenly Father will bless you according to all your righteous desires.

So how do you like being a DL?  Lots of responsibilities right?   Sure you're learning a lot.  You're a natural leader.  You'll continue to get the inspiration you need by asking and listening and acting upon the promptings of the spirit.  Don't hesitate when you get them.

My new position is going really well.  We're real busy right now.  Hopefully it will continue.

That's it for now. Take care and keep up the good work son.

Love, Dad.

August 24th - The power of wishing!

It's so weird to hear that Alton has a commercial real estate job and is starting college soon. I can't even see that far right now haha. That's great to hear that he hasn't wasted anytime. I feel like football will always be in my system though. But don't get me wrong I have discouraged myself against it. But hey why not give it a shot??

I feel really great and love it here in my new area. I especially love my new calling as a district leader. I felt so inadequate and quite stressed because I would have to teach a district meeting every week but I love it because I have learned so much and my gospel study is more spiritual. I have also strengthened my testimony in the words of prophets and apostles. I recently read a story in the Liahona about the power of waking up early and the blessings that come from it. I wanted to receive the revelation needed for district meetings and I decided to put this story to the test. The story told about how the apostles receive revelation best in the early hours of the morning. I have found that it is very effective and true. 

I have also learned that wishes come true (sometimes). But in this case my wish came true. Just a fun little story I wanna share. On Sunday we didn't have anything to eat on the house except magic creams (crackers). We were starving the rest of the day. Around 7 I said to the member working with us that I wouldn't even care if it was just bread someone fed us that would just fine. Well about 5 minutes later a member I hadn't met yet was standing outside and we just said hi and stuff and then invited us in. And lo and behold, bread had been served to us, with peanut butter, chocolate spread, and some ham spread. The power of wishing for bread is powerful haha.

The work is still great and I love it here.

Love,

Elder Brown

Someone we saw on the street.

 Barangay police

 Guinobatan Zone

August 16th - Still in Batan but in the Mainland!

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't get trunky one bit looking at all those photos! It definitely was super weird looking at all of them. I am glad he RWH. He sounds super different too. It's funny he was with Seleti cause I was at a funeral yesterday and I met a guy there who's the uncle/bishop of the young man that died and he knows the Kichiro family!! His name is Freddy Liserio. It's cool that I finally made a connection with a non-missionary.

This week I was a little worried as to where I was gonna be transferred and I found out I'm actually still in Batan....Guinobatan 2C that is haha. It's on the mainland so no more boats!! Man this place is home and the best! Dinner appointments, the members are cool with the missionaries and they are eager to work with them and feed them. I know I've only been in 3 areas but this one is the best of them all. It's nice to have an area where I can shower at least twice a day and not worry about how much water I am using. 

A lot of people find it hard to believe that I'm Tongan because they will always make reference to the largeness of people like me. My shirts are getting bigger on me everyday and also the new pants you sent me are too big. I think you sent a size smaller this time. My shoes are also coming apart. Oh and by the way I'm gonna be sending the best christmas present of your lives if I can find a low price place to send it. I'm excited to see the finished product first.

My new companion is Elder Tamayo and he's a stud! Oh I've also been called to be the District Leader here. I taught about how to develop christlike attributes from PMG. I included a lot of what I have learned from The Infinite Atonement and also from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I feel like it went pretty well. It's hard that's for sure which also means I will be developing weaknesses. My district is small and also our zone. We have 2 other polynesians in our zone from New Zealand, Elder's Tonga and Ah Ching. They're studs too. 

This area does have it's difficulties. It's been awhile since the last baptism in this zone. We are hungry for baptisms and will strive to do our best. I also found out that one of my investigators that was great at picking up our lessons and understood very well is here in my area. She moved back to Guinobatan so I am excited to see how she has been and also her spouse.

At the funeral, of course I didn't know the young man who had passed but I was assigned to be a speaker by the bishopric. That reminded me of seminary. I remember Brother Vasas shared with us that if we ever speak at a funeral he recommends turning to 2 Nephi 9 because it is the best chapter for funerals or deaths. I thought at the time that I wouldn't be speaking at your funerals but nevermind. It came quicker than I thought. Always Be Prepared!

This area has been great so far and I'm looking forward to the work here. It should be a good one. Know that I'm happy and life couldn't be better right now for me. My brother has returned home with honor, you are all happy and healthy (hopefully) and I'm in my second home here in Guinobatan.

Love you all!

Love,

Elder Brown

BTW, listening to Alton's home coming talk, he sounded like David A Bednar. The way he enunciates and delivers and also the presentation and layout.

August 10th - Goodbye Batan

The past two days were really hard to accept. It's the end of the transfer which means transfer announcements and I'm being transferred. Being transferred reminds me why I don't wanna go home next year and stay a lot longer. I'm really gonna miss the people here. We have baptisms set for this month that I've looked forward to since we started teaching them. I'm glad that they'll be in good hands now that I'm gone. I will really my second family on Batan. I felt like I was in the refiner's fire on Batan but God always has a way prepared to accomplish what he wants us to accomplish. And he has seen fit that I've accomplished my work on Batan. 

This week wasn't very productive due to a sickness that seemed to be killing my companion haha. But don't worry we saw a doctor today and he just needs to rest for a couple days and take some certain medicine. 

While we were waiting at the hospital, I was reading The Infinite Atonement and then I took time to pause and ponder on what I was reading. I also took the time to look at the many people around me and more especially at all the patients waiting to see a doctor. I thought about how there were many in the room who maybe have been suffering with what they have for a long time, or maybe just recently. It varies for each person.  I tried to put myself in their shoes. I wondered if they were happy, sad, in pain, angry, upset, in disbelief, anxious, scared, etc. Then I turned back to the Savior and I thought about our Savior Jesus Christ. The Savior knows exactly what each and every single one of them are going through. He knows how to help them, heal them, and more importantly how to help them return to Him. He knows them, He knows me, and an infinite amount of people. His love extends to everyone in this world and in the worlds without number because he suffered for all people on all the worlds without number. The Savior is the ultimate healer because he has descended below them all and redeemed us from death. How terrible life would be if one suffered from disease or sickness their whole life, die, and never rise again. His Atonement truly is infinite and matched with an infinite love for all of us

I am thankful for the Savior and all that he has done and continues to do for not only me, but for all. I am excited to see the pictures next week when Alton goes "flying into your arms" mom haha. 

I love you all :)

Love,

Elder Brown. 

 Apodaca family

 This little dude is Jazz that's what I call him cause he likes to wear his jazz jersey

 Tatay Frank Santillan and Regine, she will be baptized very soon.

 Meet HULK HOGAN, yeah this is his real name.  He asked for my army flash light but I gave him one of my Black cologne instead, he loves it!

 Tattoo's wife, Nanay Tita.  They always took good care of us and kept us fed many times.  They are strong members.

Aug 3rd - Challenges in Batan

Good to see that Elder Fiefia RWH and became a better and stronger man. I remember being there when he left and it's good see he's home safely. I'm excited to see the pictures for when Alton gets home! This morning we had our zone activity because this is the last week of the transfer. We went bowling, played pool, ping pong, and then ate on banana leaves at the church. We had chicken adobo, fried chicken, and of course rice :)

This week was another good week. We got great work in and found 2 new investigators who are fairly interested and have committed them to baptism on September 5. I hope I get to stay on Batan for at least another transfer or so because we feel so confident about baptisms on the 22nd of this month. People we've been teaching for a while now. Batan has been a little more challenging this past transfer because the water from the pump has weakened and there's quite a few people that are there to fill up their buckets in the morning. The church is still about 120 meters away from the pump but we figured out a way to make it easy and get water quicker. Difficult situations definitely open your mind to finding new ideas. When I first arrived on Batan we had members feeding us pretty much every night but nowadays we are left to ourselves. I'm basically like nana. Eating noodles (pancit canton) all the time and sometimes corn beef. 

I remember when Alton shared how much he enjoyed reading "The Infinite Atonement" earlier in his mission. I was interested so I bought one for myself. I read quite a few pages but I had no interest in it really. But being on the mission it means so much more and my love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has increased so much. It is definitely a book that is hard to put down. One thing I am grateful for that my mission has done for me is that it has given me a love for reading and studying about the gospel more and also secular studies as well. I haven't finished the book yet but sacrament means a lot more to me now and my view of things have changed a bit. I would encourage the spiritually hungry to pick up this book and read it! 

That's about it and I'll send the pictures next week. I don't have my card reader with me :( Love and miss you all!