May 25th - FHE/establish a gospel centered home

Hello Family! That's funny that you bring up uncle Dallin because I was thinking about their family this past week. Wondering how they're doing and how fast time has flown since the days we lived in Laie. Congrats to nana for her hardwork and getting that 4.0! That's great especially since you attend a very smart school. It's good to hear you're reading the Joseph Smith book cause I just finished Joseph Fielding Smith's book this morning on our way to Legazpi. I started it last Tuesday. I can't believe how much I'm reading out here. Those 330 pages went by too fast! I always wondered how Nana was always so into reading and now I understand. There's no knowledge like spiritual knowledge! I'm excited to come home and devote a lot of time to gospel study and missionary work.

There's so many things I want to share from what I've learned from my studies. But lets start with this past week of work. We had a fun family home evening with 3 families. It reminded me of home and after reading about the importance of bringing up children in light and truth made me realize how important it is to establish a gospel centered home. A lot of what Joseph Fielding Smith had to say about that are things that I realized I had learned from FHEs and being at home where the Gospel is the center of everything we do. I can't share just how great the impact it has had on my life. So if there is one thing that parents can do to raise their children up in the right way and in the way of the Lord, make family home evening a priority and establish today that your home will be one where the Gospel and it's principles and lessons can reside. A home where the spirit can be felt in order to teach those in the home. How grateful I am for my great-grandparents establishing this in their family and setting the example for the children to follow!

I read a powerful talk given by Jeffrey R. Holland at the Brazil MTC in 2001 called "The Miracle of a Mission". I 110% highly encourage everyone to read this. Especially those preparing to serve, thinking about serving, or have no interest at all. One thing I want to share from it is when he says missionary work "is higher and holier and more sacred and eternal than anything you've ever done. It is by definition the most important thing you can do in the world, in time or eternity. For this reason you are engaged in the saving of the human soul. And that is the highest and holiest work in the universe." It's the purpose the Savior came here to atone for us. I've been called to serve a 24 month mission and apostles devote their life. I really love when he said to "Start fast. Run hard, and to the tape! You can rest later!" Oh what a shame it would be if you were to fall short of this. In the words of Joseph Smith "after all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel." What a grand opportunity it is to be called to join the ranks of those great ones before us.

I use a lot of the new knowledge I gain and advice given from bishop in my work and in talks. Like yesterday. They only had one speaker for the day and I volunteered to speak. I love our little branch in Batan. Even though we only have an attendance less than 60, the spirit is always felt.

Never let go of the gospel truths. A lot of our new investigators have problems that the gospel can fix, all we have to do is be patient and continue to do what Christ would do. Here's a little quote that I've grown to love and has enlightened my mind and touched my heart:

"If we have a failing, if we have a weakness, there is where we should concentrate, with a desire to overcome, until we master and conquer. If a man feels that it is hard for him to pay his tithing, then that is the thing that he should do, until he learns to pay his tithing. If it is the Word of Wisdom, that is what he should do, until he learns to love that commandment."

-Joseph Fielding Smith

May we all apply these words into every fiber of our body. I know that as we do so, we will be one step closer to fulfilling the commandment from our Lord and Savior of being perfect. Even as our Father in heaven.

Love,

Elder Brown

May 17th - Forever grateful to Joseph Smith

Hello! I thought it was gonna be weird skyping with all of you last week but it felt like I just saw you guys a week before  haha. But no worries I still miss you all and I enjoyed it a lot! And yeah i miss my trainer, he was a really funny guy. Everyone on the mission knows Lee-Lo.

This week was not very fruitful due to fiesta this past week. It's part of the Catholic culture/tradition here. People were busy from sun up to sun down. But we still were able to squeeze out a few lessons. This week should be a lot better. This week is also the end and beginning of a new transfer and my companion and I are still staying together on Batan.

I also gave a talk on Sunday. I felt I needed to speak about the importance of strengthening and gaining a strong testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I mentioned that there was a fight on the first sunday of the month between Mayweather and Pacquiao and that even though the people's champ lost, it didn't matter. It wouldn't have mattered even if Mayweather won because there is a much more real and important fight at hand. The fight between the saints of God and the devil and his angels. There was a lot of other things I mentioned also but this just gives you an idea. 

Also, from my personal study I have just finished The Teachings of The Presidents of The Church: Joseph Smith book. I encourage you all to read this too! It's long but it's worth it. I know I've said it since I was in primary but I know that Joseph Smith is and was and forever will be a true prophet called of God. My gratitude and love for the prophet and all men have increased since my completion of this book. The words of the prophets of old and more importantly, the one today, are so powerful and important. They will always lead us to Christ.

Love,

Elder Brown

May 11th - Happy mother's day Mom

Elder Brown finally able to Skype with us about 1 am Utah time which was their P-day (Monday) about their noon time.  He sort of struggled to remember a few English words.  His Tagalog is improving and could hear the accent a little heavy.  He appeared to be happy, healthy and still got that great sense of humor.  He's currently serving in Batan island and him and his companion are the only missionaries in that little island.  There's no buses or cars in the island because all the roads are so narrow.  They walked everywhere, food is great, people are nice to them and he loves them so much.  There are about 45-55 members in their little branch.  He shared with us some of the fun time he had with his trainer, Elder Lee-Lo.  At the end of our Skype, he bore his testimony in the Tagalog language.

 Some weird abandoned mansion looking home. It's used to store carbon bags now

 Us and little Trish!  She's always so happy and cheerful.  She's awesome!

 Me and Elder Raven

 Me and my man Lawrence!  He's 9 years old, recent convert

 District activity day

 Cagsawa and the Mayon Volcano.  The Volcano erupted and covered this area we are on.  We are on top of corpses and where the main floor of the church was.  This building is like the bell tower.  That's why there's a lot of rocks.

May 4th - Philippines...perfect for her! I sang loud!

Philippines!! Congratulations Tana!  It's perfect for her because videoke here is life and they love to sing like no one is watching or listening haha. That's so exciting, I'm willing to do all I can to help her as much as I can, language and culture. The important thing is is that the Legazpi mission is the best in the Philippines and Pacquiao is still the People's champ hehe. 

The committee has come up with a great plan and sounds like a lot of fun!  I like that idea, "Bountiful 6th family reunion."

This past week we had interviews with President Guanzon. Elder Pangilinan and I both expressed our concerns to president our area and how we work hard but aren't having the results we've thought would surely come. President told my companion that it's like a road trip. Don't be so focused on the end goal that you miss all the little things that are a sight to see as you pass by. They're little things like commitments that help reach that end goal. The result of our newness of mind and new action plan has increased our baptismal dates and progressing and new investigators. I've been doing a lot of things that I am so uncomfortable with (in a great way) but I know that there is no comfort in a growth zone and no growth in a comfort zone.

Just a little story from this past sacrament meeting I performed a musical number believe it or not haha. No not really but for the closing hymn we sang "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" and only about 3 people knew it...kinda. I sang loud and proud to help lead my fellow branch members in this song. At first it was weird but I'll do what the Lord wants me to do. The singing in sacrament meeting is different cause it's slow and there are nice pauses haha. 

The island life is still great and I've only lost 7 lbs. 165-158. Oh and one thing that's cool here is there's a lot of men here that are ripped and shredded in their muscle definition. It's that natural labor and fish and rice that gets you ripped here. There's also this one guy on a little transport boat that's about Alton's size and he looks like he should be in a bodybuilding competition. He manually hand steers and turns his little boat so that's why he's so strong and big. I wanna come out here and work with them, maybe then I'll be big.

Answers to your questions Mom:

>There's this apartment in Legazpi where we come to use the computer in this one apartment.

>Those songs I told you to listen to, well they were Elder Lee Lo's favorite songs and he always sang it.  I developed loud singing from him and not caring what people think...sometimes...from him haha.

>Like I said, people here videoke all the timing the radio is always on non stop.

>For the music, add some Christmas songs cause Christmas starts in September haha.

Batan is awesome. Legazpi mission is the best!

Love

Elder Brown

My new little friends

 Eating with our hands and on a banana leaf is the way to do it here!  We have corn beef, rice, canned pork sisig and panic caton noodles

 Ginataang sitaw is my favorite here.  It has stringed beans (sitaw), chili peppers, gintaan is coconut milk, and some fish in there too.  Sobrang sarap!!!

 I've ascended to Heaven

 Halo halo.  It has ube, lot of sugar, jello stuff at the bottom, peanuts, beans, crunchy ice and I think some other stuff

April 26th - "he things you learn in you youth will always find you on your mission"

Wow there are a lot of amazing things going on back in America! The coolest of all though is that Aunty Tiare and Uncle Kautai met one of my inspirations, Eric Thomas! Being on the mission I've forgotten pretty much all of the speeches he gave. I no longer know them word for word and the energy that goes with it haha but it's alright. It's only because I am now learning the speeches, teachings and words of the greatest teacher of all, our Savior Jesus Christ.

I'm glad you were able to have a very enjoyable birthday mom you definitely deserved it!

I'm very adjusted to everything in my area and yeah the boat ride two. It's a great time to read and observe the creations of our God.

That's so awesome to see Keaola become a member! I was actually reflecting this past week about how much I wish I had given referrals to missionaries or had been more aggressive in missionary work amongst my friends.

Yesterday after sacrament meeting we were helping in planning the branch activity and I thought about the many times we did that in youth and I remembered the emphasis bishop Fisiinaua and Pouha put on the purpose and how to plan them. The things you learn in youth will always find you on your mission. Especially things you learn from your bishops! I like barbecue/camp and dance. More social and lagoon is overrated haha.Oh and for sacrament meeting there was no bread so we ate crackers haha. 

This past week has been a hot one in the refiners fire. I've been working a lot harder in language study and have challenged myself more in lessons. Yes there were many times where I was stuck and was very embarrassed but I always just think to myself about one Michael Jordan quote "I can accept failure but I can't accept not trying." Similar to Elder Dale Renlund's talk. Also to add to this fire I was assigned to teach Priesthood class, 10 minutes before Priesthood class. One of the members told me I can teach it all in English and it's alright but I knew there was no point if the members don't learn a thing. I taught and received a lot of support from my companion. Thank goodness. I taught the Atonement at first but then we changed to the Plan of Salvation due to questions concerning it.  Hard times that I love is all it is! 

Love

Elder Brown

Sorry Mom, this computer is not reading my card, so no pictures:(

April 20th - Mowing the lawn!

Being in a small branch that I'm in makes me appreciate everything at the Bountiful 6th ward much more. Don't get me wrong I still love my new branch because I've always wanted the experiences here in Batan. 

1-Congrats to Alexis and Olivia that's awesome that they're both going to Chile! I remember when we were all in elementary school together and now we're all about to in the mission field. 

2-Tana is gonna go spanish speaking, french speaking or Italian because foreign music is cool. Or she'll come to the Philippines cause Tagalog music the stuff! haha. People here love their radio. So Argentina, France, Italy Rome.

4-They don't wanna finish at WX? Do they like playing under coach Tidwell? It's great to hear about their success! BYU is the best in the nation. 

5-Sean's home already? That was fast. Can't wait to watch him play some college ball.

The ipod would be a much better idea so yes please! Thats great to hear the growth of the ward. I still remember our small days as a branch and sometimes being the only one in class haha. Some news from our past zone training I only have 1 hour now of email. President really wants us focused 110 percent on the work. And no mom I don't need toilet paper cause a bar of soap and water is all you need :) Plus they sell it here so thats a waste for you. 

Well this week was another mountain to climb. On Saturday we did a little service project at the chapel in preparation for Branch Conference yesterday. We beautified the yard. Mom I can't believe I ever complained about mowing the lawn. To all those who do or plan on doing it I share with you two simple words from President Uchtdorf: "Stop it." It was a great experience cutting the grass with a huge scissor basically. It's used for 'iate. It was most fun when the members would look at me trying to do it with a dull cutter, struggling quite a bit, and then having one of the tatay's show me how it's aggressively and really done. I would've done it like he did but I thought it was bad if I were to bring up a bunch of dirt but they really want that grass cut. There were some other things too that I had to learn and felt like a Kolipoki. Also at Branch Conference we were assigned speakers just before it started. Shocked but prepared I spoke on Faith in the power of the Atonement. Short and sweet.

Last night we taught part of the Plan of Salvation to a recent convert, Angelica. I've taught it so many times and felt really good with it but last night was something else. I've been trying to use new words and take the advice that my companion has been giving me and applying it. Lets just say there was a lot of times that she and everyone else wanted to LOL. Man it was hardest and embarrassing moments but I know that it's just another way that God shows his love for me and that I just need to "keep trying" as said in General Conference. That has helped me a lot.

On an even more brighter side I encourage each and every one of you to read the following story from the April 2015 Liahona. It has added to my knowledge of faith and prayer. It seemed to come into my life just when I needed it and I hope it will have the same impact on you as it did for me. Hopefully even greater.

Love you all!

Elder Brown

Ps....Oh yes that's right.  Happy birthday Mom!  Mahal na mahal kit.  Nagpapasalamat mako sa iyo.  I hope your birthday will be the best.  Salaam sa iyong magandang halimbawa sa paglilinkod sa Diyos!

Our little chapel

 This is how we travel to and from Batan

 This is where the LOLs took place.  This family is cool though and fed us pork adobo (my favorite), rice and some fish stuff

If you're standing right now Mom, I think you better sit down before you view these photos...yup, we have some pretty good little friends always visiting our room, we play with them for a while then we let them go haha.

April 13th - First transfer - Batan island

Magandang hapon sa inyo lahat!

Dear Elder Brown...You are assigned to labor in the Batan area! Batan is a cool island off of the main land about 2 hours by boat. I finally have my first Pinoy companion Elder Pangilinan, from the hottest part of the Philippines up north. This was my journey to Batan: Take a nice 2 hour boat ride, they didn't take us to the Rapu-Rapu port but stopped one port short so we had to hop on to a small motor boat, get to shore, take off our shoes and socks and walk to dry ground, then we journeyed through the wilderness for about 20 minutes till we finally arrived at our nice home in Batan. Also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel. Yes, we live in a chapel.

No fridge, we have solar power and our outlet power only works at night. No running water or fridge, so we carry two big buckets to a water pump (about 50 yards away in football terms) hand pump it and then carry it back into the chapel and to the back where we empty into a big trash can used for water. It takes about 4 trips to fill that up and also 2 other big sized washing bowls. I'm finally in an area where I have to do hand washing now. Our bedroom is a small classroom. 

Another great thing about our area are the member families. We get fed every night. We eat fish, fish covered in taro leaves, good sweet potatoes that taste kind of like kumala and that other tongan food I forgot. A lot of rice of course, corn beef, and chicken. It's really good and the families are even better. They are active in the work of salvation and love working with us. Especially with referrals and coming with us to teach their non-member relatives. 

We watched conference this past weekend and man were they great! I really enjoyed Elder Bednar's, Andersen, Renlund, Holland, and Pino if I had to list my top 5. They seemed to relate to my questions that I had in mind very well. As I sat on the boat this early morning my mind reflected on the words of Elder Ringwood in conference and what he shared about Shiblon. I decided to read about this interesting man. He was a man that was faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments. He exercised patience and long-suffering in times of trial during his missionary work. I particularly was drawn to verse 5. I loved it because I feel like I'm back in my training again. Where it's hard to communicate and understand. Adjusting to this new area. The answer to all my fears and questions is to have trust in that God that has called me to be here. Why would he send me here to fail? He has sent me here to be his disciple and learn to trust in His will.  Then shall we be delivered from the bands which bound us.

I'm excited to work this transfer with this knowledge that has rejuvenated me. I love Batan and the plan that the Lord himself has prepared for me. I know that as I fear God my completely, I will love my perfectly, and perfect love casteth out all fear (Bednar). 

Love,

Elder Brown