Hello Everyone--
Preparation Day today was intense!!
At about 5 in the morning, my companion, Elder Harrison got really sick. The sickness went on until noon when the Assistants and another companionship came and we took him to Urgent Care. He lost a lot of weight so we had to get him so liquids in him. We gave him a blessing and now he's feeling better. It's just been a crazy day!!!
We've had a lot of great things happening in the mission, though. We've been working very carefully with Justin. He is such an awesome guy. we've had a a lot of really good talk with him and he has become a very good friend of mine and of Elder Harrison's. This is what missionary work is all about: Getting to know the people, loving and serving them to the end, and seeing them progress in the gospel.
We also had the opportunity to view the Christmas Devotional. I watched it witha recent convert who is deaf. The interpreters there and i spoke for some time and i told them some of my family is involved with the deaf. They are giving me Gospel-related sign language books and videos to help, just in case i might use them in the future.
I've also been studying a lot from 3 Nephi! There is so much there that i didn't even know existed. Just in the first few chapters, the principles taught blew my mind away.
I'm sorry this is so short, but today has been crazy.
I love all of you. I will write more later next week about the Mingo Valley Ward and the work being done.
Elder Fellows
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
November 16, 2009...
Hi family,
This is my life as of last week.
I have learned more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I stress myself out so much it hurts, I try to do everything on my own, I try to be perfect when I cannot be perfect, and I set myself at a higher standard than my companion does, my mission president does, and even the Lord does.
This past Satuday, November 14th, was Darla's baptism. As a new missionary, I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be for the baptism. I stressed myself out to the point where I was constantly worrying about everything, hoping that the people who were supposed to show would, and that I would say the right things, and that no one would be mad with me for causing such chaos for them. I worried again and again over these things and many more things. I worried about how the ward mission leader viewed me as a missionary, I worried about all those we are working with, I worried about the members and praying they wouldn't get mad at me...
You can tell there is a pattern in all of this: WORRY
I stress, I feel anxious, nervous, and scared.
My companion continued to point out one thing: I stress about the things I do and the people I see every day because I'm not confident with who I am. This might sound harsh to some, but to me, it was eye-opening, and I felt truly grateful for the words Elder Harrison spoke to me. He continued to say that no one on earth is perfect, and we, as imperfect beings, cannot become perfect in this life. That is where the Atonement comes in. He is our SAVIOR. He helps us become perfect. Through Adam, all men die, and through Christ, all men live. We have been given the great gift of the Atonement. We should apply it to our lives continuously throughout our lives. For those who like to cook, it is a lot like using knives. You all have that one knife you use all the time. It is perfect for cutting anything and is used every time you are in the kitchen. The kitchen is comparable to life and the knife is the Atonement. The Atonement should not be some knife that we use only when we are eating pancakes, or just when we are slicing a tomato. It should be applied all the time. We are not perfect. We need the Atonement at all times.
All right, I'll get off my soap box and give "all ya'll" an update. HAHA
We have another baptism this coming Saturday. Her name is Megan S. She is 19 and has been investigating the church for a couple of months now. She experienced a lot of family opposition, but she is strong and she knows the gospel is true, the Book of Mormon is true, and Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. She is being fellowshipped by the Single's Branch so well and she loves the love the members give off. It will be at 11:30AM and her boyfriend is baptizing her. I'm really excited for her to receive the blessings that come from being baptized in the church.
The next people we are teaching are Emily and Josh. Josh was baptized into the church, and he lived in Utah for some of his life. Emily, his fiance, is not a member and she is loving the message that God has sent us to share with the people in the OTM. They will be coming to church next week so keep your fingers crossed for them.
We are also still teaching Chris and Ashleigh G. Ashleigh was raised in the church, but now she is coming back and she wants her husband, Chris, to be apart of it. It's been pretty difficult to get in contact with them this past week or so, but I have faith and hope for them. Chris did have a baptismal date the 28th of November, but I'm not sure how that will work out now...please keep praying.
There are many others, but I would appreciate it if you can pray for Elder Harrison, my companion. He is an awesome missionary. He is very patient with me, and he is teaching me much about the gosple and about life in general. Please pray for him to have the strength to get through these last few weeks on his mission. He has worked so diligently out here in the OTM, so any prayers for him would be most appreciative.
I am grateful for the letters that have been written to me. I love the Spirit that you, my family, bring to my life. You give me much strength out here in the OTM, and I am eternally grateful for your prayers. There has been so much that I have learned from each of you. Every single one of you has taught me something. I have been taught to value the temple, I have been taught to sacrifice my time to read, I have been taught to help others around the house (that comes in handy on a mission), I have been taught to encourage others to act on the things that they want to accomplish, and I have also been taught to LOVE. Thank you, all of you, for teaching me how to love.
I love you, family.
Elder Fellows
This is my life as of last week.
I have learned more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I stress myself out so much it hurts, I try to do everything on my own, I try to be perfect when I cannot be perfect, and I set myself at a higher standard than my companion does, my mission president does, and even the Lord does.
This past Satuday, November 14th, was Darla's baptism. As a new missionary, I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be for the baptism. I stressed myself out to the point where I was constantly worrying about everything, hoping that the people who were supposed to show would, and that I would say the right things, and that no one would be mad with me for causing such chaos for them. I worried again and again over these things and many more things. I worried about how the ward mission leader viewed me as a missionary, I worried about all those we are working with, I worried about the members and praying they wouldn't get mad at me...
You can tell there is a pattern in all of this: WORRY
I stress, I feel anxious, nervous, and scared.
My companion continued to point out one thing: I stress about the things I do and the people I see every day because I'm not confident with who I am. This might sound harsh to some, but to me, it was eye-opening, and I felt truly grateful for the words Elder Harrison spoke to me. He continued to say that no one on earth is perfect, and we, as imperfect beings, cannot become perfect in this life. That is where the Atonement comes in. He is our SAVIOR. He helps us become perfect. Through Adam, all men die, and through Christ, all men live. We have been given the great gift of the Atonement. We should apply it to our lives continuously throughout our lives. For those who like to cook, it is a lot like using knives. You all have that one knife you use all the time. It is perfect for cutting anything and is used every time you are in the kitchen. The kitchen is comparable to life and the knife is the Atonement. The Atonement should not be some knife that we use only when we are eating pancakes, or just when we are slicing a tomato. It should be applied all the time. We are not perfect. We need the Atonement at all times.
All right, I'll get off my soap box and give "all ya'll" an update. HAHA
We have another baptism this coming Saturday. Her name is Megan S. She is 19 and has been investigating the church for a couple of months now. She experienced a lot of family opposition, but she is strong and she knows the gospel is true, the Book of Mormon is true, and Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. She is being fellowshipped by the Single's Branch so well and she loves the love the members give off. It will be at 11:30AM and her boyfriend is baptizing her. I'm really excited for her to receive the blessings that come from being baptized in the church.
The next people we are teaching are Emily and Josh. Josh was baptized into the church, and he lived in Utah for some of his life. Emily, his fiance, is not a member and she is loving the message that God has sent us to share with the people in the OTM. They will be coming to church next week so keep your fingers crossed for them.
We are also still teaching Chris and Ashleigh G. Ashleigh was raised in the church, but now she is coming back and she wants her husband, Chris, to be apart of it. It's been pretty difficult to get in contact with them this past week or so, but I have faith and hope for them. Chris did have a baptismal date the 28th of November, but I'm not sure how that will work out now...please keep praying.
There are many others, but I would appreciate it if you can pray for Elder Harrison, my companion. He is an awesome missionary. He is very patient with me, and he is teaching me much about the gosple and about life in general. Please pray for him to have the strength to get through these last few weeks on his mission. He has worked so diligently out here in the OTM, so any prayers for him would be most appreciative.
I am grateful for the letters that have been written to me. I love the Spirit that you, my family, bring to my life. You give me much strength out here in the OTM, and I am eternally grateful for your prayers. There has been so much that I have learned from each of you. Every single one of you has taught me something. I have been taught to value the temple, I have been taught to sacrifice my time to read, I have been taught to help others around the house (that comes in handy on a mission), I have been taught to encourage others to act on the things that they want to accomplish, and I have also been taught to LOVE. Thank you, all of you, for teaching me how to love.
I love you, family.
Elder Fellows
November 9, 2009....
Hey Fam!!!
Well, my first "real" transfer occurred last Friday. I stayed in the Mingo Valley Area (that's what it's called..) while Elder Phillips left to go all the way out in the middle of Missouri. I learned so much from Elder Phillips, and I hope we stay in touch in the future. My new companion is Elder Harrison. He's way awesome and is extremely knowledgable in the gospel. He is also a very good teacher. I have learned so much about teaching in the short amount of time that I've served with him. He' been out for a very long time, and this will even be his last area he serves in. He'll go home to Grantsville, Utah at the end of December.
Now, for some really exciting news! Darla J is getting baptized this weekend!!! She is married to a less-active member of the church, and she has been taught much about the gospel. She is so sweet and so open to the message that we share about our Savior and His teachings. SHE EVEN ASKED ME TO BAPTIZE HER!!! I'm so excited! I'm also very nervous. Then, we have a baptism for a young woman in the Single's Branch the week after, then we have another baptism for Chris G in the Mingo Valley family ward the week after that. It's going to be a great month!! So many people have been receiving this wonderful message so openly. We have been helping more people come unto Christ since my first week here in Tulsa. There is a man named Justin that we taught the first day I was here (yes, it is the same Justin). He came back to church!!! We are going to see him tonight, along with another lady named Leslie H who is extremely open and sensitive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Last night, we taught three other people by the names of Milton, Opul, and Emily. Emily's fiance is an inactive member of the church, and he wants to become more involved again. The other three are not members, but they are very receptive to this great and unique message and we are meeting with them again this coming saturday. I could go on and on, but I will give you a little list of people that we are praying for so all of you know who Elder Harrison and myself are teaching:
1.) Darla & Jared J.
2.) Chris & Ashleigh G.
3.) Megan S.
4.) Justin T.
5.) Gordon F.
6.) Bruce D.
7.) Milton G.
8.) Opul (Milton's girlfriend)
9.) Emily G. (Milton's sister)
10.) Josh (Emily's fiance, less-acitve member)
11.) Richard K.
12.) Brenda S.
13.) Leslie H.
14.) Katheryne V.
That's a little list of the people who are very receptive, are willing to listen to us, and who are progressing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All of them need prayers for the strength to endure hard times, the patience to get through hard times, the desire to pray to their Heavenly Father, the desire to "feast upon the words of Christ", and to continue to improve their lives by wanting to learn more about the gospel.
Now, there is one thing I want from EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY!!!
ONE PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!!!!
I really would appreciate it if that could become a reality.
If you want to send me more...maybe with a letter...that would be great too. I don't have everyone's address...so that would be great if I could get all of those addresses....plus I want to put them in my new address book that I purchased. It was only 3 bucks!!!! and it's way nice :)
I'll be writing to Zak soon. I'm preparing some things I want to share with him.
I love all of you so very much. The love I have for you is unshakeable. I love all of you so much I can scarcely put it in a few simple words. But, I want all of you to know one thing: As much as I love you, YOUR Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, YOUR eldest brother love you so so much more. We cannot even measure the amount of love they have for each of us individually. Everything that happens to us in this life helps us become more like Him and His Son. I feel His love constantly encircling me, even when I make mistakes. He wants me and all of you to better ourselves and to learn every day of our lives here. "This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God", and we must do all we can so when we stand before him, we can say "I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith"
With all my love,
Elder Brad Fellows
Well, my first "real" transfer occurred last Friday. I stayed in the Mingo Valley Area (that's what it's called..) while Elder Phillips left to go all the way out in the middle of Missouri. I learned so much from Elder Phillips, and I hope we stay in touch in the future. My new companion is Elder Harrison. He's way awesome and is extremely knowledgable in the gospel. He is also a very good teacher. I have learned so much about teaching in the short amount of time that I've served with him. He' been out for a very long time, and this will even be his last area he serves in. He'll go home to Grantsville, Utah at the end of December.
Now, for some really exciting news! Darla J is getting baptized this weekend!!! She is married to a less-active member of the church, and she has been taught much about the gospel. She is so sweet and so open to the message that we share about our Savior and His teachings. SHE EVEN ASKED ME TO BAPTIZE HER!!! I'm so excited! I'm also very nervous. Then, we have a baptism for a young woman in the Single's Branch the week after, then we have another baptism for Chris G in the Mingo Valley family ward the week after that. It's going to be a great month!! So many people have been receiving this wonderful message so openly. We have been helping more people come unto Christ since my first week here in Tulsa. There is a man named Justin that we taught the first day I was here (yes, it is the same Justin). He came back to church!!! We are going to see him tonight, along with another lady named Leslie H who is extremely open and sensitive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Last night, we taught three other people by the names of Milton, Opul, and Emily. Emily's fiance is an inactive member of the church, and he wants to become more involved again. The other three are not members, but they are very receptive to this great and unique message and we are meeting with them again this coming saturday. I could go on and on, but I will give you a little list of people that we are praying for so all of you know who Elder Harrison and myself are teaching:
1.) Darla & Jared J.
2.) Chris & Ashleigh G.
3.) Megan S.
4.) Justin T.
5.) Gordon F.
6.) Bruce D.
7.) Milton G.
8.) Opul (Milton's girlfriend)
9.) Emily G. (Milton's sister)
10.) Josh (Emily's fiance, less-acitve member)
11.) Richard K.
12.) Brenda S.
13.) Leslie H.
14.) Katheryne V.
That's a little list of the people who are very receptive, are willing to listen to us, and who are progressing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All of them need prayers for the strength to endure hard times, the patience to get through hard times, the desire to pray to their Heavenly Father, the desire to "feast upon the words of Christ", and to continue to improve their lives by wanting to learn more about the gospel.
Now, there is one thing I want from EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY!!!
ONE PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!!!!
I really would appreciate it if that could become a reality.
If you want to send me more...maybe with a letter...that would be great too. I don't have everyone's address...so that would be great if I could get all of those addresses....plus I want to put them in my new address book that I purchased. It was only 3 bucks!!!! and it's way nice :)
I'll be writing to Zak soon. I'm preparing some things I want to share with him.
I love all of you so very much. The love I have for you is unshakeable. I love all of you so much I can scarcely put it in a few simple words. But, I want all of you to know one thing: As much as I love you, YOUR Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, YOUR eldest brother love you so so much more. We cannot even measure the amount of love they have for each of us individually. Everything that happens to us in this life helps us become more like Him and His Son. I feel His love constantly encircling me, even when I make mistakes. He wants me and all of you to better ourselves and to learn every day of our lives here. "This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God", and we must do all we can so when we stand before him, we can say "I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith"
With all my love,
Elder Brad Fellows
November 2, 2009 (sorry, I'm a little behind)
Hello Fam!!!
I wanted to fill you in on the people that we have been teaching since I've been in Tulsa. There are so many people I want to speak about, but I'll start with Darla and Jared J. Jared is a less active member and Darla is not a member. They were just recently married and she is progressing to the waters of baptism on the 14th of November. They are working very hard tro keep their commitments and they need many prayers. Next are Chris and Ashleigh G. She is also a less active member and he is not. They are also working towards the waters of baptism on the 14th of November and they are moving along very well. Also, there is a young woman named Megan S. She attends the single's branch with her boyfriend, who is an active member, and she is progressing to baptism on the 21st of November. There is also a young man named Bruce D. He wants to be baptized, but wants to wait. Please pray for him to understand the urgency of this sacred covenant with the Lord. There is also a woman named Brenda S and her daughter, Isabell. They were progressing, until she was hammered by the adversary (like all of these are constantly). Please pray for to keep her commitments so we can set another baptismal date with her and her daughter. They were supposed to be baptized at the end of October, but Satan worked extremely hard on her. There is also a very old man named Gordon F. He is such a sweet man, and I think that your prayers will help him understand the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He doesn't feel like his prayers are really answered, but I know they are. Please pray for him to recognize those answers.
I love these people so much and I want them to experience the pure love of Christ.
I will write more later.
I love all of you.
Elder Fellows
I wanted to fill you in on the people that we have been teaching since I've been in Tulsa. There are so many people I want to speak about, but I'll start with Darla and Jared J. Jared is a less active member and Darla is not a member. They were just recently married and she is progressing to the waters of baptism on the 14th of November. They are working very hard tro keep their commitments and they need many prayers. Next are Chris and Ashleigh G. She is also a less active member and he is not. They are also working towards the waters of baptism on the 14th of November and they are moving along very well. Also, there is a young woman named Megan S. She attends the single's branch with her boyfriend, who is an active member, and she is progressing to baptism on the 21st of November. There is also a young man named Bruce D. He wants to be baptized, but wants to wait. Please pray for him to understand the urgency of this sacred covenant with the Lord. There is also a woman named Brenda S and her daughter, Isabell. They were progressing, until she was hammered by the adversary (like all of these are constantly). Please pray for to keep her commitments so we can set another baptismal date with her and her daughter. They were supposed to be baptized at the end of October, but Satan worked extremely hard on her. There is also a very old man named Gordon F. He is such a sweet man, and I think that your prayers will help him understand the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He doesn't feel like his prayers are really answered, but I know they are. Please pray for him to recognize those answers.
I love these people so much and I want them to experience the pure love of Christ.
I will write more later.
I love all of you.
Elder Fellows
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
PICTURES!!!
Brad sent some pictures:
Me and Elder Manser (MTC companion)
I dunno what I'm doing!!
My GQ pose :)
L to R:
Me!
Elder Funk
Elder Manser
Elder Poole
Elder Howe
Me and Elder Howe are holding one of our MTC teachers, Bro. Morgan
Me, the President and Sister Merkley
First day in OK and happy to be here!!
Me and my district at the Tulsa Zoo
L to R:
Elder Josephson, Elder Jones, Elder Kurtis, Elder Taggart, ME!!, Elder Phillips (my companion)
Me at the Tulsa Zoo - being eaten by a "lion" water fountain :)
Zone Conference
Elder Phillips (my trainer)
Elder Erbe (Elder Phillips' trainer)
Me (the trainee of Elder Phillips)
ENJOY!
October 19, 2009: Missions are HARD!!
Hey everyone!
It's very true what they say, "Your mission will be the best thing for you, it will also be the hardest thing you do"
It's been a week of trials. There have been so many investigators who have been attcked by the adversary SO MUCH. There was one invetigator who we committed to baptism. After that, everything went downhill (in a negative way). His mom became extremely sick and had to go to the hospital, he experienced loneliness and frustration towards everything because of that, and he was kicked out of his apartment and is now sleeping on a couch at a friend's. We were supposed to have a baptism of a very sweet woman and her 9 year-old daughter yesterday, but they have not been at church for the past four weeks, she has been dealing with cut-backs at her work, and her two oldest sons have been causing much turmoil to the point where she's kicking them out today. Ww also had a baptismal date set for a young woman going to the Single's Branch for the 24th of October. Since we set the date, she has experienced SO MUCH oppostion from her family. The aunt she is living with threw away her copy of the Book of Mormon, her brother yelled at her one night for being baptized a "Mormon", and it hasn't stopped. Her baptismal date has been pushed back to a later day...hopefully she will be baptized. A very nice man, recptive to the Gospel, we have been speaking to, has not come to church AT ALL. He always says that he will come, but he never shows. Satan is truly at work! Those are just a few stories I have, and there are SO MANY MORE! I look at all of these people, and I think to myself, "They are my brothers and sisters, and the adversary is trying to destroy them (his brothers and sisters)." All I can do is continue to fight and help these people see that "all things shall give thee experience." I want all of these people, friends of mine, brothers and sisters of mine, to say what Paul said: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7)
Someone that has been uplifting to me, lately, is Captain Moroni. There is one scripture that inspires me so much to walk in the paths of righteousness, and to stand boldly as a witness and disciple of Christ. Captain Moroni was such a man. He was a man who defended his country, his family, and his God. He was a very powerful man, both physically and spiritually. In Alma 48:17, it says, "Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, that if all men had been, and were, and every would be like unto Moroni, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." WHEW!!!! That's intense! How great would it be if all men would have a similar intensity.
I know that missions are hard, and mine is no exception. I know that all the things we go through are for our learning, but we must not lose the faith. We must all be like unto Moroni! If we can do that, we will have the power to shake the powers of hell! We will have the power to do what the Lord wants done: To preach the Gospel. To redeem the dead. To perfect the Saints. I know that the things I have read in the Book of Mormon are true. it is the most correct book on this earth. I know the prophet, Joesph Smith, translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God, that same power that can shake the powers of hell FOREVER! I know that these thing are true. I pray that all of you keep the faith and keep fighting. I love all of you.
Elder Fellows
It's very true what they say, "Your mission will be the best thing for you, it will also be the hardest thing you do"
It's been a week of trials. There have been so many investigators who have been attcked by the adversary SO MUCH. There was one invetigator who we committed to baptism. After that, everything went downhill (in a negative way). His mom became extremely sick and had to go to the hospital, he experienced loneliness and frustration towards everything because of that, and he was kicked out of his apartment and is now sleeping on a couch at a friend's. We were supposed to have a baptism of a very sweet woman and her 9 year-old daughter yesterday, but they have not been at church for the past four weeks, she has been dealing with cut-backs at her work, and her two oldest sons have been causing much turmoil to the point where she's kicking them out today. Ww also had a baptismal date set for a young woman going to the Single's Branch for the 24th of October. Since we set the date, she has experienced SO MUCH oppostion from her family. The aunt she is living with threw away her copy of the Book of Mormon, her brother yelled at her one night for being baptized a "Mormon", and it hasn't stopped. Her baptismal date has been pushed back to a later day...hopefully she will be baptized. A very nice man, recptive to the Gospel, we have been speaking to, has not come to church AT ALL. He always says that he will come, but he never shows. Satan is truly at work! Those are just a few stories I have, and there are SO MANY MORE! I look at all of these people, and I think to myself, "They are my brothers and sisters, and the adversary is trying to destroy them (his brothers and sisters)." All I can do is continue to fight and help these people see that "all things shall give thee experience." I want all of these people, friends of mine, brothers and sisters of mine, to say what Paul said: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7)
Someone that has been uplifting to me, lately, is Captain Moroni. There is one scripture that inspires me so much to walk in the paths of righteousness, and to stand boldly as a witness and disciple of Christ. Captain Moroni was such a man. He was a man who defended his country, his family, and his God. He was a very powerful man, both physically and spiritually. In Alma 48:17, it says, "Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, that if all men had been, and were, and every would be like unto Moroni, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." WHEW!!!! That's intense! How great would it be if all men would have a similar intensity.
I know that missions are hard, and mine is no exception. I know that all the things we go through are for our learning, but we must not lose the faith. We must all be like unto Moroni! If we can do that, we will have the power to shake the powers of hell! We will have the power to do what the Lord wants done: To preach the Gospel. To redeem the dead. To perfect the Saints. I know that the things I have read in the Book of Mormon are true. it is the most correct book on this earth. I know the prophet, Joesph Smith, translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God, that same power that can shake the powers of hell FOREVER! I know that these thing are true. I pray that all of you keep the faith and keep fighting. I love all of you.
Elder Fellows
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 13, 2009--the trials begin
Sorry i didn't write too much last week. I have been so busy here. The work is non-stop and I barely have time to even write in my journal.
Things have been great here in Tulsa. If I hadn't mentioned before, my first area that I have been assigned to is the Tulsa, East area. It is the smallest area in the Oklahoma, Tulsa Mission...but it has the most people. I think it has over 100,000 people in this little area. We speak to many MANY people every day...but we are in the Bible Belt...and everyone says Tulsa Oklahoma is the "buckle" of the Bible Belt. it's extremely tough to speak to people about the Restored Gospel because EVERYONE has a church they attend, and a lot of them "frown" upon missionaries. The other day my companion and I had rocks thrown at us and I was shot by a paintball gun. It was exciting :) first thing that popped into my mind was "They ruined my tie!" HAHA. As we biked back to the apartment, I remembered two scriptures: the first was 2 Nephi 31:20. The second was Matthew 10:22. I'll let everyone read those two scriptures for yourselves. It'll be your little homework assignment. I'll give a hint: they speak on endurance. I love those words, and the more I thought about them, the more I came to love all the people around me, and it gave me the strength to keep spreading the Gospel to all. This is the greatest thing on earth, and everyone needs it. It doesn't matter if they are an atheist or a member of the First Presidency. Everyone needs the Gospel, and everyone needs the Atonement.
I'm so excited to hear from everyone to see how their days are. It is so refreshing to hear what you do in your daily lives, and it is so wonderful to read about how the Gospel blesses all of you. Sometimes, we take things for granted. I know I have taken many things for granted. EVERYTHING I have is gift from our Heavenly Father. My family is a gift, my knowldege is a gift, my calling is a gift, and the Atonement is a gift. These are the things that I cherish above all others. Nothing compares! I love all of you so much. I am honored to be apart my temporal family here on earth, and I am honored to be apart of the spiritual family I have throughout the world.
I hope everyone read and studied a talk from Conference ;) haha. I've got a little quiz for everyone:
1. Who was it that spoke on the "-ity" virtues?
2. What apostle spoke on "being more diligent and concerned at home"?
3. Who boldly testified of The Book of Mormon(hint: Sunday Afternoon)?
4. How many temples are in operation?
5. What is Pres. Monson's favorite hymn?
6. (In your opinion) What was the theme of General Conference?
7. What apostle used the analogy of "the grape and the jalapeno"?
8. Who spoke on "using the equipment we have"?
9. In the Priesthood Session, who spoke on Working and Learing here on earth?
10. What apostle stated that members should do more missionary work?
Just some questions...
But anyways, I hope that everything is going well for all of you. The Christlike attribute that I'm working on this transfer is humility. I was hoping that everyone could work on that attribute with me. It's been tough, but I know all things are possible through faith and work (I also need some support) HAHA.
I love all of you, and I'm always praying for you.
Elder Fellows
Things have been great here in Tulsa. If I hadn't mentioned before, my first area that I have been assigned to is the Tulsa, East area. It is the smallest area in the Oklahoma, Tulsa Mission...but it has the most people. I think it has over 100,000 people in this little area. We speak to many MANY people every day...but we are in the Bible Belt...and everyone says Tulsa Oklahoma is the "buckle" of the Bible Belt. it's extremely tough to speak to people about the Restored Gospel because EVERYONE has a church they attend, and a lot of them "frown" upon missionaries. The other day my companion and I had rocks thrown at us and I was shot by a paintball gun. It was exciting :) first thing that popped into my mind was "They ruined my tie!" HAHA. As we biked back to the apartment, I remembered two scriptures: the first was 2 Nephi 31:20. The second was Matthew 10:22. I'll let everyone read those two scriptures for yourselves. It'll be your little homework assignment. I'll give a hint: they speak on endurance. I love those words, and the more I thought about them, the more I came to love all the people around me, and it gave me the strength to keep spreading the Gospel to all. This is the greatest thing on earth, and everyone needs it. It doesn't matter if they are an atheist or a member of the First Presidency. Everyone needs the Gospel, and everyone needs the Atonement.
I'm so excited to hear from everyone to see how their days are. It is so refreshing to hear what you do in your daily lives, and it is so wonderful to read about how the Gospel blesses all of you. Sometimes, we take things for granted. I know I have taken many things for granted. EVERYTHING I have is gift from our Heavenly Father. My family is a gift, my knowldege is a gift, my calling is a gift, and the Atonement is a gift. These are the things that I cherish above all others. Nothing compares! I love all of you so much. I am honored to be apart my temporal family here on earth, and I am honored to be apart of the spiritual family I have throughout the world.
I hope everyone read and studied a talk from Conference ;) haha. I've got a little quiz for everyone:
1. Who was it that spoke on the "-ity" virtues?
2. What apostle spoke on "being more diligent and concerned at home"?
3. Who boldly testified of The Book of Mormon(hint: Sunday Afternoon)?
4. How many temples are in operation?
5. What is Pres. Monson's favorite hymn?
6. (In your opinion) What was the theme of General Conference?
7. What apostle used the analogy of "the grape and the jalapeno"?
8. Who spoke on "using the equipment we have"?
9. In the Priesthood Session, who spoke on Working and Learing here on earth?
10. What apostle stated that members should do more missionary work?
Just some questions...
But anyways, I hope that everything is going well for all of you. The Christlike attribute that I'm working on this transfer is humility. I was hoping that everyone could work on that attribute with me. It's been tough, but I know all things are possible through faith and work (I also need some support) HAHA.
I love all of you, and I'm always praying for you.
Elder Fellows
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009--General Conference--If you have pictures, send them!!
Hiya!
Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I LOVED General Conference! I took 27 pages of notes on all the talks!!! I don't have a lot of time today to write, but I wanted to extend two things to EVERYONE: First, pick one talk that you liked the most and then send me what you learned to me in the mail. My address is 7313 S. 99th E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74133, just in case you didn't get it last time. Second, I WANT PICTURES!!!
I'll respond to all of your comments about Conference...and I'm gonna quiz a few of you to see if you were, "feasting upon the words of Christ" HAHA!
Well, I'll write more to you via "snail mail" and next preparation day.
Gosh!! I'm so BUSY here! I don't have for anything, but spreading the Gospel!
I love all of you and my prayers are with you.
Remember the things you study and "bear your testimonies boldy to your families" (who said that in General Conference??) I know...but do you ;)
With all my love,
Elder Fellows
Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I LOVED General Conference! I took 27 pages of notes on all the talks!!! I don't have a lot of time today to write, but I wanted to extend two things to EVERYONE: First, pick one talk that you liked the most and then send me what you learned to me in the mail. My address is 7313 S. 99th E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74133, just in case you didn't get it last time. Second, I WANT PICTURES!!!
I'll respond to all of your comments about Conference...and I'm gonna quiz a few of you to see if you were, "feasting upon the words of Christ" HAHA!
Well, I'll write more to you via "snail mail" and next preparation day.
Gosh!! I'm so BUSY here! I don't have for anything, but spreading the Gospel!
I love all of you and my prayers are with you.
Remember the things you study and "bear your testimonies boldy to your families" (who said that in General Conference??) I know...but do you ;)
With all my love,
Elder Fellows
Monday, September 28, 2009
First Days in Tulsa...
And it sounds like he's doing great. Remember to keep him and his investigators in your prayers, and come visit here every Monday for the latest.
Monday, September 29, 2009:
Hi everyone!
Well, my first few days in Tulsa were a roller coaster. There was so much to and not enough time to do it, but somehow it all was accomplished. I guess that stuff happens when there are a ton of missionaries working and praying hard. HAHA
The Mission President and his wife are amazing. It seemed when he looked at me, he could see right through me, and everything about my life was unfolding right in front of him. I don't know much about him yet, but I feel as though I've known him all my life, and I love him very much. Sis. Merkley is so kind too. And she is way hilarious. Just being around her makes me wanna help EVERYONE.
The first couple of days, our group stayed at the mission home, and we discussed certain things pertaining to the OTM(Oklahoma Tulsa Mission). Then, we went to work. We performed service right after we got back to mission home, the next day, we were assigned top go out tracting with the zone leaders and the assistants to the mission president. Another Elder(Elder Taylor) and I were assigned to go with the assistants. After a few hours of tracting with them, they dropped us off in an area that had not been tracted in a lot, and they told us we would have the opportunity to tract JUST the two of us. It was a great experience...a very humbling experience. I had not realized how shy I was, until I spoke to people in their houses.
That night, we found out what area we would be assigned to and who our trainer was going to be. I found out that my trainer was Elder Phillips and I was to be assigned to the Tulsa-East Area. There are many areas and most of them are in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas, which surprised me because I was expecting to serve most of my mission in other parts, other than Tulsa. Now, I'm smack-dab in the middle of Tulsa.
When I met Elder Phillips, he was all smiles and it seemed like nothing would shake him out of his optamistic attitude. After tracting with him, I KNEW nothing would shake his positive attitude. We tracted on foot because I have not yet received my bike, but I get it today on my Preparation Day (it's Mondays for me).
We spoke to so many people and there were many people willing to listen to the greatest message on earth. One appointment we had on my first day was with a man named Justin. He attends the Singles Branch with a recent convert named Heather. They are both so amazing. We spoke about many things and the Spirit was so strong in the room with all of us. At the end of the prayer, we invited him to be baptized...and he said YES! I thought my eyes were gonna jump out of their sockets. I had never really seen the Lord work in that way before and it truly was a miracle. We challenged him to read 3 Nephi 11 and he said that he would many times, and he wanted to discuss it with us as soon as possible. He has such energy and he truly does "feasts upon the words of Christ" I love him so much for his willingness to be obedient and his testimony of the Gospel.
The next day, we went to few appointments and had a few discussions with some less-active members of the Singles Branch and one with an investigator. I loved sharing the Restoration with them and the importance of coming to church. Later that day, we stopped by a man named Richard. His grandfather was a member of the Church and was a mailman in Salt Lake. He wanted to be like his grandfather and was so happy when we came over. We spoke for over an hour with him and we gave him a copy of The Book of Mormon. He was so fascinated by it and we shared a few scriptures from it, and every time we did, he would say, "Wow! That is so amazing!" The Lord had truly prepared Richard to receive the fulness of the Gospel. I felt as the conversation went along, I was not doing ANYTHING. It was as if the Holy Ghost was answering his questions and testifying to him so strongly, that all we REALLY did was sit there and share a few scriptures. We commited him to come to church and to be baptized, and he said yes to both with such boldness. At the end of the conversation, I had to give him a hug. I know that Richard is a child of God, and he has been prepared by the Lord, and he felt the Spirit. I pray for him EVERY night. We had also encouraged him to read the Book of Mormon, the 7th chapter of Moroni, and I hope that everyone in the family will read Moroni 7 about FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY! I'll be quizzing ALL OF YOU in my next email. HAHA
Well, that's it for now. I'm praying for all of you, especially those of you who are having struggles in your lives, whether it be illness, mental struggles, or spritual struggles. All of you are NEVER far from my thoughts and I have faith in all of you.
Remember the quote that I shared by Orson F. Whitney at my farewell- "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is ever wasted...it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the knowledge we have come here to acquire, which will make us more like our Fatther and Mother in Heaven."
I love all of you and I hope you are all serving the Lord and your brothers and sisters in the world. He said, "Love one anther". REMEMBER THAT PRIMARY SONG.
I am always with you.
Elder Fellows
Monday, September 29, 2009:
Hi everyone!
Well, my first few days in Tulsa were a roller coaster. There was so much to and not enough time to do it, but somehow it all was accomplished. I guess that stuff happens when there are a ton of missionaries working and praying hard. HAHA
The Mission President and his wife are amazing. It seemed when he looked at me, he could see right through me, and everything about my life was unfolding right in front of him. I don't know much about him yet, but I feel as though I've known him all my life, and I love him very much. Sis. Merkley is so kind too. And she is way hilarious. Just being around her makes me wanna help EVERYONE.
The first couple of days, our group stayed at the mission home, and we discussed certain things pertaining to the OTM(Oklahoma Tulsa Mission). Then, we went to work. We performed service right after we got back to mission home, the next day, we were assigned top go out tracting with the zone leaders and the assistants to the mission president. Another Elder(Elder Taylor) and I were assigned to go with the assistants. After a few hours of tracting with them, they dropped us off in an area that had not been tracted in a lot, and they told us we would have the opportunity to tract JUST the two of us. It was a great experience...a very humbling experience. I had not realized how shy I was, until I spoke to people in their houses.
That night, we found out what area we would be assigned to and who our trainer was going to be. I found out that my trainer was Elder Phillips and I was to be assigned to the Tulsa-East Area. There are many areas and most of them are in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas, which surprised me because I was expecting to serve most of my mission in other parts, other than Tulsa. Now, I'm smack-dab in the middle of Tulsa.
When I met Elder Phillips, he was all smiles and it seemed like nothing would shake him out of his optamistic attitude. After tracting with him, I KNEW nothing would shake his positive attitude. We tracted on foot because I have not yet received my bike, but I get it today on my Preparation Day (it's Mondays for me).
We spoke to so many people and there were many people willing to listen to the greatest message on earth. One appointment we had on my first day was with a man named Justin. He attends the Singles Branch with a recent convert named Heather. They are both so amazing. We spoke about many things and the Spirit was so strong in the room with all of us. At the end of the prayer, we invited him to be baptized...and he said YES! I thought my eyes were gonna jump out of their sockets. I had never really seen the Lord work in that way before and it truly was a miracle. We challenged him to read 3 Nephi 11 and he said that he would many times, and he wanted to discuss it with us as soon as possible. He has such energy and he truly does "feasts upon the words of Christ" I love him so much for his willingness to be obedient and his testimony of the Gospel.
The next day, we went to few appointments and had a few discussions with some less-active members of the Singles Branch and one with an investigator. I loved sharing the Restoration with them and the importance of coming to church. Later that day, we stopped by a man named Richard. His grandfather was a member of the Church and was a mailman in Salt Lake. He wanted to be like his grandfather and was so happy when we came over. We spoke for over an hour with him and we gave him a copy of The Book of Mormon. He was so fascinated by it and we shared a few scriptures from it, and every time we did, he would say, "Wow! That is so amazing!" The Lord had truly prepared Richard to receive the fulness of the Gospel. I felt as the conversation went along, I was not doing ANYTHING. It was as if the Holy Ghost was answering his questions and testifying to him so strongly, that all we REALLY did was sit there and share a few scriptures. We commited him to come to church and to be baptized, and he said yes to both with such boldness. At the end of the conversation, I had to give him a hug. I know that Richard is a child of God, and he has been prepared by the Lord, and he felt the Spirit. I pray for him EVERY night. We had also encouraged him to read the Book of Mormon, the 7th chapter of Moroni, and I hope that everyone in the family will read Moroni 7 about FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY! I'll be quizzing ALL OF YOU in my next email. HAHA
Well, that's it for now. I'm praying for all of you, especially those of you who are having struggles in your lives, whether it be illness, mental struggles, or spritual struggles. All of you are NEVER far from my thoughts and I have faith in all of you.
Remember the quote that I shared by Orson F. Whitney at my farewell- "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is ever wasted...it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the knowledge we have come here to acquire, which will make us more like our Fatther and Mother in Heaven."
I love all of you and I hope you are all serving the Lord and your brothers and sisters in the world. He said, "Love one anther". REMEMBER THAT PRIMARY SONG.
I am always with you.
Elder Fellows
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Just the beginning...
If you love Brad and want to follow his mission through his e-mails, here's the place to do that. He entered the MTC on September 2, 2009, had a harried but terrific three weeks, and has just arrived in Tulsa to have the serious mission stuff begin.
His MISSION ADDRESS is
5215 East 71st Street, Ste. 300,
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
He would love letters, packages, etc. from all who are interested in corresponding with him. We'll also update his apartment addresses as we know about them.
We'll post his letters as they come, and here are the catch-up ones from the MTC:
September 9, 2009:
Well, the MTC has been an amazing experience. I've learned so much in just one week. I'm working really hard and evert day is day where the Spirit lingers and testifies to everyone.
My district is a great bunch of elders. There are just eight of us, but we are very hard working and obedient. Only five of us are going to the OK, Tulsa Mission. The other three are heading to the CAL, Sacramento Mission. They all have such strong terstimonies of the Gospel and of the Atonement. I learn so much from them, my teachers, my Branch Presidency, and of course the Holy Ghost. I thought I understood the Gospel when I first came here, and I did to an extent, but the atmosphere here is so much different. I love being here, and it's actually kind of bitter-sweet when I leave in a couple of weeks. My companion's name is Elder Manser and he's a great guy. He's very logical when it comes to the Gospel. I have come to care for him like a brother, as with the rest of my district.
Yesterday, we had Elder Richard G. Hinckley come and speak to us with his wife. He has such a great sense of humor, but he also is a very powerful speaker. He spoke to usa about the Articles of Faith and Four Things We Need to Know as Missionaries: Personal Worthiness, Hard Work, Obedience, and Faith with Testimony. It was so powerful to hear the words of a Seventy. Fast and testimony Sunday was also a "spiritually draining" day. At Mission Conference, the MTC Presidency spoke with their wives.
Well, I have to go get my laundry really fast so another email will be coming after I finish.
I love all of you and I'm praying daily for each of you.
With love,
Elder Fellows
September 16, 2009:
Hi everyone,
I wanna thank everyone for their amazing letters! Keep 'em coming. I love hearing what's going on in your lives and the spiritual experieneces all of you have. I love you all very much and I pray for you that all of you can be happy and healthy in your daily activities.
This week has been an awesome experience at the MTC. Last night, we got to hear from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland!!!! It was too good to be true. I had the oppportunity to sing in the chopir, and we sang the song that James E. Faust wrote, "He is the Christ". He spoke for an hour and a half about how important our missions are to not only the people that we serve, but to our family and ourselves. He now might very well be my favorite apostle...but everyone else is a close second. I took almost three pages of notes! I just couldn't get enough of his words. His wife is an amazing presence as well. She has such a strong testimony and a sweet sweet spirit. At one point, he said, "I could stay here all night and speak to you about your missions...", and at that moment, my first thought was, "I'M READY, keep talking, I"LL STAY ALL NIGHT!!!" If it had been possible, I would loved to hear him talk for hours on end.
I also had an humbling experience in one of our TA's(Teaching Appointments). Elder Manser and I taught a volunteer whose charcter was an inactive member of the church, and she felt like her life was not going well at all. So we spoke what words were prompted by the Spirit. Almost an hour later, she went out of character and said, "I can't believe I'm feeling this way" The Spirit was so strong in that room. We spoke to her about how God has given us a way to repent, and we spoke of the Atonement. My companion saidm, "The Spirit was so strong in there, I thought it would blow the door off the hinges!" I loved her sweet spirit and my companion's faith in Christ. I walked out of that room feeling as though all of us had been taught something great.
Well, I leave next week to Tulsa and I'm way excited! I'm so thankful for the Gospel and for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have a challenge to all my family. Read Alma 39-42. I believe those are the chapters that Alma is speaking to Coriantum. I fgelt that you all would benefit greatly from that and from Alma 11-15. Those are the chapters with Alma and Amulek.
I love all of you and I'm praying constantly for all of you.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
His MISSION ADDRESS is
5215 East 71st Street, Ste. 300,
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
He would love letters, packages, etc. from all who are interested in corresponding with him. We'll also update his apartment addresses as we know about them.
We'll post his letters as they come, and here are the catch-up ones from the MTC:
September 9, 2009:
Well, the MTC has been an amazing experience. I've learned so much in just one week. I'm working really hard and evert day is day where the Spirit lingers and testifies to everyone.
My district is a great bunch of elders. There are just eight of us, but we are very hard working and obedient. Only five of us are going to the OK, Tulsa Mission. The other three are heading to the CAL, Sacramento Mission. They all have such strong terstimonies of the Gospel and of the Atonement. I learn so much from them, my teachers, my Branch Presidency, and of course the Holy Ghost. I thought I understood the Gospel when I first came here, and I did to an extent, but the atmosphere here is so much different. I love being here, and it's actually kind of bitter-sweet when I leave in a couple of weeks. My companion's name is Elder Manser and he's a great guy. He's very logical when it comes to the Gospel. I have come to care for him like a brother, as with the rest of my district.
Yesterday, we had Elder Richard G. Hinckley come and speak to us with his wife. He has such a great sense of humor, but he also is a very powerful speaker. He spoke to usa about the Articles of Faith and Four Things We Need to Know as Missionaries: Personal Worthiness, Hard Work, Obedience, and Faith with Testimony. It was so powerful to hear the words of a Seventy. Fast and testimony Sunday was also a "spiritually draining" day. At Mission Conference, the MTC Presidency spoke with their wives.
Well, I have to go get my laundry really fast so another email will be coming after I finish.
I love all of you and I'm praying daily for each of you.
With love,
Elder Fellows
September 16, 2009:
Hi everyone,
I wanna thank everyone for their amazing letters! Keep 'em coming. I love hearing what's going on in your lives and the spiritual experieneces all of you have. I love you all very much and I pray for you that all of you can be happy and healthy in your daily activities.
This week has been an awesome experience at the MTC. Last night, we got to hear from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland!!!! It was too good to be true. I had the oppportunity to sing in the chopir, and we sang the song that James E. Faust wrote, "He is the Christ". He spoke for an hour and a half about how important our missions are to not only the people that we serve, but to our family and ourselves. He now might very well be my favorite apostle...but everyone else is a close second. I took almost three pages of notes! I just couldn't get enough of his words. His wife is an amazing presence as well. She has such a strong testimony and a sweet sweet spirit. At one point, he said, "I could stay here all night and speak to you about your missions...", and at that moment, my first thought was, "I'M READY, keep talking, I"LL STAY ALL NIGHT!!!" If it had been possible, I would loved to hear him talk for hours on end.
I also had an humbling experience in one of our TA's(Teaching Appointments). Elder Manser and I taught a volunteer whose charcter was an inactive member of the church, and she felt like her life was not going well at all. So we spoke what words were prompted by the Spirit. Almost an hour later, she went out of character and said, "I can't believe I'm feeling this way" The Spirit was so strong in that room. We spoke to her about how God has given us a way to repent, and we spoke of the Atonement. My companion saidm, "The Spirit was so strong in there, I thought it would blow the door off the hinges!" I loved her sweet spirit and my companion's faith in Christ. I walked out of that room feeling as though all of us had been taught something great.
Well, I leave next week to Tulsa and I'm way excited! I'm so thankful for the Gospel and for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have a challenge to all my family. Read Alma 39-42. I believe those are the chapters that Alma is speaking to Coriantum. I fgelt that you all would benefit greatly from that and from Alma 11-15. Those are the chapters with Alma and Amulek.
I love all of you and I'm praying constantly for all of you.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
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