July 25th - "The mini miracle movement"

Man that's awesome to hear about the miracle that has happened in nana's life! It's funny because my comp and I have been seeing many mini miracles that I decided to call it "The Mini Miracle Movement" so everyday we always head out looking out for the #TripleMMovement. It's cool to see that it's happening even for you guys :) 

This week was another awesome one and filled with mini miracles. We will probably be having 2 baptismal interviews this saturday if everything turns out well. We had 7 of our investigators attend church but 6 were actually there for the meeting. Some of the mini miracles that have happened this week were getting unexpected member presents, being led to some awesome and really nice people/families, seeing our investigators strengthen their faith on their own, and hearing them bear their testimonies to us last night was amazing. Perhaps my favorite would be when an old woman that we teach stopped listening to us because her sickness is getting worse. She kinda overworks herself. We felt like she stopped listening to us because we taught them one time and asked her if she would give up the sponsorship in order to follow God's commandment. She doesn't want to. So I think she might have had enough. So we were tracting one day and saw and talked with her. She told us that she believes God is mad at her because she doesn't listen to us anymore and that has been the cause of her still being sick (it really has been a while). So she told us that later that night she would listen to us again after 3 nights of not listening to us. And she did :) She's hoping to get better now. 

I also had my first interview President Kotter. He's an awesome guy and I liked what he said about branches becoming wards. He said something along the lines of this: 

It's pretty to see the numbers go up in a branch but it's not as important until they start acting like a ward, and from a district to a stake.

He brings a livelier approach to the table and you tell that the man loves his wife. Overall they are both awesome people and I will miss them a lot when I'm gone :(

Continue to do what you do and see the Triple M Movement in your lives. I know God lives and he will never leave us nor forsake us :)

Love,

Elder Brown

July 12th - I'm sorry it's just "more fun in the Philippines" haha

Hello family!

I'll gladly accept Danny's offer that sounds fun! haha. Congrats to Alton with his success in bodybuilding and work. The mission truly is a blessing,

Man this week was beastmode cause our new mission president is the man! We had a great MLC and learned a lot of from him and the spirit. He's definitely a lot more different than my last president. 

Our work this was awesome cause we had a lot of success with our investigators. Just reflecting on the things that have happened on my mission let me know that serving a mission is the best thing ever. The happiness that comes from it is amazing. I thought about how cool it would be to sit court side watching game 7 of the NBA finals or beating a cross-town rival and a lot of other things that would be fun. Then I thought about the little things that happen on missions and even if its just a little progression it's like winning the super bowl. The following will illustrate:

We had 3 investigators come to church this week. 2 of them are YW age and loved it a lot. One of them attended for the first time after being taught once, and the other came for a second time after being taught twice. The third didn't show up until around 9:40. He came in and was kinda drunk but not too bad. He said his head hurt but he promised that he was gonna come so he got up and went to church and then left a little later during the gospel principles class. In our next lesson to him he was asking us questions and then he opens up his little notebook and writes down the topic and the answer to the subject. He always tells us that he really wants to be baptized on the 30th. We also had great daily contacting with our investigators. One of our shyest investigators would barely even talk. We'd be blessed if he even said 5 words. He's 19 and lives with his cousin who is a member. Last night we went over and the dude is asking us questions and he was answering ours! The thing he didn't want! Seeing change is a wonderful thing :)

For our recent converts, one of them still continues to work with us when we need him and the other said that he really wants to share the gospel with others because of the things he learned. He also lost his job on the fast sunday this month because he's Mormon and was wondering why God would do that to him after all that he's obeyed and done. We taught and bore testimony of God's plan and love for all and used Mosiah 24. I also shared about the gardener story of Elder Hugh B Brown. He was comforted and I knew then that he was a strong member of the church because he didn't shy away from us and didn't blame us for anything, he didn't tell his boss or co-workers that he'll stop being Mormon but accepted it and walked away with bitterness in him. But now he's gotten his job back and still continues to share the gospel despite rejection (which makes him really angry by the way hehe). When he prays he prays so simply, very short, but very powerful. I've attended Iglesia Ni Cristo and heard them yell from the top of their lungs using the most complex language and fancy'd up requests and thanks, but I did not feel a thing there. Our recent convert who used to shy away from prayer now offers to say it before we invite when we teach him and his family! 

These are just a few of the mini-miracles that we have experienced and the happiness it brings just makes me not wanna go home. I am not looking forward to it as much as I used to. This truly is the best two years!! You gotta let me come back here someday just to at least be member present, this place is home now I'm sorry it's just "more fun in the Philippines!" haha

Anyways peace out family

Love,

Elder Brown

July 4th - New mission president is the bomb!

Good morning family,

Congrats on the success of the fundraiser for nana's medicine. It's awesome to see how strong see is with this trial.

This was an awesome week. We found new investigators and 4 of them came to church. We feel really confident that they will all be baptized so we are hoping and working for the best. One of them that came we actually went and picked him up. Now this guy is always drinking and smoking so before we left to church he just got down a quick drink and put a cig in his pocket. His friends at his house were pretty wasted and smoking. But it's like President Monson has said see others as they may become. The stake patriarch in my mission was actually a man just like them but he changed when the gospel was taught to him. That's our hope with all of our investigators. The ones that attended church enjoyed it a lot. Another good thing that happened this week is that one of our recent converts, the one I told you about last week, worked with us and man that guy has a strong and meaningful testimony. It's awesome to see the change in this man. He loves to teach, pray, attend institute, and share his testimony with others. We believe he is one of the reasons why one of our investigators attended church. He's testimony of revelation through church attendance is strong.

Also in other news we have a new mission president and he's the bomb! We all love this guy. He smiles and cracks jokes, he's chill but focused on the work, and you can feel the love in a fun way that's not through chastisement. I feel as if he is the fulfillment of the law of Moses that we were under so I'm kinda sad that I will only have two transfers with this awesome man and his wife. Tomorrow we have our MLC so it should be a lot of fun. Our zone is on top with 19 baptisms for the month of June so we are excited and hungry for more because there's a lot of room for improvement.

Love,

Elder Brown

June 27th - 4 baptisms for Nana's birthday!

Ah man that's sad to see that she's bald now but it's good to see that she's so happy about it and has received a ton of support.

This past week we couldn't work as much because my companion was hospitalized because he drank some dirty water apparently. He was in there for 2 days but now he's good. And man was the bill expensive! Just a little over 12k Pesos. Its a good thing that I had just the right amount of emergency money in order to help pay the bill. The right amount ended up being all that I had so I was broke from Friday till today. Just had a little cash to use. The word on the street is Alton is making bank so feel free to put 100 dollars in there for me to live and also so I can get the souvenirs you guys want like the cool belts or t shirts.

For Nana I know that her bday must have a been an unforgettable one. I know it was for me and my companion because we had 4 baptisms from our area and 2 from the sisters. These 4 have been awesome to teach and have changed so much. The one wearing a red and black hat in the picture was a computer addict. He was always playing games and social media. He's very shy. Because he came to church there he received his answer that the church was true. Since then he gave up gaming, even clash of clans haha. He talks a little more and is a lot more happy. He wants to serve the Lord more to make up for the time he wasted on games. The others have also made great changes in their life. 2 of them are a young couple with one child and got married this past wednesday. It was awesome to finally see them all get baptized because it was a day that they had all been waiting for. 

Today we had a farewell zone activity for President and Sister Guanzon. They leave on the 1st and President and Sister Kotter will be coming in. I'm excited but I will miss my first parents in the mission.

This work is the best and nothing compares to it. The days are going by super fast in the mission as I approach the last 3 months of my mission. It's sad but tomorrow must come.

Love,

Elder Brown

June 19th - The man that smokes a pack of cigarettes

Hello Family,

First of all let me express how happy I am because LeBron and the Cavs took down the GS Warriors and LeBron took the MVP and he's just the greatest NBA player of all-time. 

On a serious note I've gotta say all that cancer stuff nana's going through does not look fun. Also im happy and grateful for all the support that she's been receiving :) Also I express my thanks to WX 12th ward for supporting you guys with mission payments. I like what nana said: "why not me?" That's a great and inspiring answer.  

Well this week was awesome because we have been busy with baptismal interviews. Our zone has already passed last months total baptisms so we are grateful for the Lord and His help in our work. 

Last week I told you about a man that smokes a pack of cigarettes a day, drinks alcohol, tea, and coffee. We taught him the word of wisdom, gave him a priesthood blessing and this man has lived it ever since that night. When we followed up the next night he said he was at his cousins' house because it's fiesta time over there. We were nervous but surprised when he said that he denied the bad substances and taught the word of wisdom to his friends and cousins there. They were supportive and respected him because of that. We also taught him that week about the law of chastity. The next day after we taught that he was at work when they showed pornagraphic material on the tv at work. His friends told him to join but he told us that he ran away haha! Just like Joseph of Egypt. His wife also lives the word of wisdom now. I have strong testimony of the power of the priesthood and of what Elder Boyd K. Packer said about behavior: 

True doctrine understood changes attitude and behavior. A study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.

Amen. That's a true fact right here. We are excited for the 4 baptisms that we will be having this week along with 2 others from the sisters in our district. We have a wedding planned this Wednesday for a couple and then on nana's birthday this saturday they will all be baptized. We are excited for a great week!

Love,

Elder Brown

June 20th - "I believe you Nana"

To my dearest cousin, Taiana(:

Sorry it's been a while since I've last written you. 

I've been getting all the news on how you've been doing with your sickness and everything. Man Nana, how do you do it? 

You have inspired me so much here in the Mission Field. There have been so many times I have felt like quitting or feel like I can't do it or just want to give up all in general. Than I think of you. My brave little cousin. Who has been the light to those who are walking in darkness, even though you are walking through it too. 

Growing up you hear about cancer and all the stories about it, but when you actually know someone going through it...it's a whole different experience. I hate the thing. But I want you to know how proud I am of you and all that you are doing. Way to keep smiling through the hard times. I love seeing the insurmountable love you've been able to receive during this hard time that really gets people to think and reflect back on themselves. To stop the complaining, stop the whining--but smile and thank our Heavenly Father for all the wonderful things He's blessed us with. And for many people (including myself)---YOU are that blessing. 

Continue to be that shining, bright light my brave little cousin. And continue to smile! I am praying for you all the while and I know that everyone is praying for you. 

KAYA MO YAN!! (YOU CAN DO THIS!!) I believe in you Nana. 

Love you with all my heart, 

Sis Alapa

June 13th - 5 investigators

Good evening fam,

Despite her difficult trial she has been blessed with the best around her. I love seeing all the support she has been receiving at this time. 

This week was also hectic for us but not like yours. We have been busy with MLC, prepping for zone training, half-day mission, and baptismal interviews. Even with little time to work we did a lot of good. At MLC one of the things I liked that President shared was that the mission directions are not new rules or plans but they are Preach My Gospel based and that it is important to try before we doubt. To try the mission directions before saying that it will not help or be effective.

On sunday we had 5 investigators attend church. These 5 are most likely going to be baptized in the very near future. One of them told us that he wasn't going to be able to attend church yesterday because he was going to go meet his in-laws and help his wife with gathering necessary stuff in order to get married. But that morning he said that he felt heavy inside and that he needed to go to church. He came and said that something was lifted. Just like one of our other golden investigators. Before I came here he attended church the week before for the first time. My companion said that in the lessons now he is completely different from the first time in a good way. The investigator said its because when he walked into church and sat in sacrament meeting he felt so good inside and received his answer. This man has now given up computer gaming and wasting time and has dedicated himself to God. He has also given up coffee. 

On Sunday night we had a great lesson and one that concerned us because we knew that our investigator has a word of wisdom problem. He smokes a pack a day, drinks coffee, and drinks alcohol sometimes but not too much. We knew this was gonna be a challenge for him and we felt that he would be fine because he reads The Book of Mormon everyday and shares what he learns with his friends at work.  He knows its true. During the lesson he was getting a little teary eyed. At the end he committed to do his best to live the word of wisdom. His wife also. We offered to give him a priesthood blessing because he had a question about the Melchizedek priesthood last lesson. We explained it and we gave him a blessing. At the conclusion of the blessing he wiped the tears from his eyes and said that as he sat and listened with our hands upon his head, something had entered into him and he just felt good inside and kinda chilly. He didn't know how to explain it but he knew that God was speaking to him and we bore testimony to that experience of his.

I know that the priesthood is real and is power that God has delegated to man on earth to act in his name. I am grateful for the blessings, power, and authority of the priesthood found in this restored church. In the spirit of Father's Day this coming Sunday I am grateful for a father, grandfathers, and uncles, who have been good examples of what a priesthood holder should be and do. 

Love,

Elder Brown

June 6th - Great investigators

Hello!

That's sad to hear about the news for nana. I pray and work that things will go well for her.

My first week here has been a good one. We have great investigators who are prepping for baptism on nana's birthday June 25 so I hope we get it so that can be my gift to you nana haha. We had a great lesson last night to a old couple who have been progressing. The husband is excited and knows our church is true so he's getting ready for the 25th but his wife isn't because she's part of another religion. We had planned to teach about the spirit world but our following up led another direction. She expressed her concern and how she's confused between mormons and born again. She doesn't know which one too choose still. So through the guidance of the spirit my companion and I helped her a lot. She admits to the fact that she likes the feeling she has when learning about our gospel but doesn't want to leave born again because of the sponsorship they have for her grandson. If she leaves the sponsorship will probably leave too. We have been thinking of how we can push and encourage her to accept the gospel and last night was perfect because she was saying what we wanted to say. She knows that there is a reason that missionaries are teaching them again after 12 years. She said it herself that God is calling her to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We then testified again of our purpose here on earth and that today is the day to prepare to meet God and not tomorrow. She once mentioned that after 5 years when the sponsorship was doen she would join our church haha. Overall the spirit took over in the lesson and it was definitely there and we testified of his presence there. We can only continue to hope and pray that a miracle might be performed in our half. 

Man I love being a missionary. There's simply no words to describe it. If I do, it's cliche. Tomorrow we have MLC. A leaders meeting with President.

Love,

Elder Brown