Hey everyone,
Well, the Christmas season started off with a bang for Elder Dubin, my new companion, and me. This past Saturday, we had two more baptisms: Heather Humphrey and John Connell Jr. It was a really great baptismal service with great talks and great support from the Eldon Branch.
I have seen so many miracles here in Eldon, and it truly has been a blessing to see so many people to "enter into the gate which leads to life eternal".
It has started to get cold here in Missouri. The temperature hovers anywhere between the mid 30s and upper 20s all the time, and when the night comes it drops down to the lower 20s and upper teens. Do not worry. I am staying warm. I have coats and scarves to keep me protected from the cold. Winter here in Missouri is very much like winter in Houston; it never drops below 10 degrees, but the cold cuts through you like a knife! I am still staying warm. :)
The missionary work has slowed down just a bit because the majority of the people we were teaching were baptized. But, the work has still not lost it's flare! Elder Dubin and I are planning on taking a new approach to visit mostly less-active members so that we can strengthen them this holiday season and help them start coming back to church. There are many people on the branch roster that do not attend, so we have our work cut out for us, but I know the Lord will support and strengthen our efforts as give Him everything and have hope in Him.
For the last 3 to 4 weeks, I might have mentioned once or twice that I was feeling very tired. This was in reference to me being "spiritually tired" or exhausted to a point where I did not feel like I could continue on. I was seeing so many great things happen, but I felt like I was doing everything on my own. It was very disheartening to me, and I wanted to be free from the burdens that were upon me. I reflected on how I had overcome tough times before, and what I was doing at the present time to ease the load I was carrying, but the those things were not helping with all of it.
This past week, in a personal study I was engaged in, I was reading an article from Meridian Magazine titled, "When God Allows Us To Be Cast Into A Pit". It was an article that I had not read, but had stored it away in one of my binders for some future time. Little did I know the time was now. I now know that it was the third member of the Godhead, on assignment from the Father, to prompt me so clearly as to dig through all of the talks I have and read this one for my study. While I read, I became almost entranced by every letter on the page. It seemed that I really did not exist where I was currently at in my chair, and I felt extremely light. Then, at the very end of the article, the Spirit struck me in a way had not felt in a very long time. It came when I read the scripture at the very end of the article, and it said:
28¶Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
-ISAIAH 40:28-31
Tears began to roll down my cheeks as I pondered on my wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ, and what He has done for me, and what we can do for me right now. This scripture was exactly what I needed to hear at this particular time, and it is now among my favorites. I have a testimony that God lives, and He hears our prayers. The answer may not come immediately, but the answer comes at precisely the moment it will have the most effect. All we have to do is wait and listen to the answer.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
It's been awhile!!
How's it going everyone!
Well, the work has been going wonderful! We just had a baptism a father and his daughter Saturday, and it was a beautiful service. Their names are John Connell and Whitney. Whitney had asked me to baptize her, and John had asked to be baptized by Elder Doxey. Many people came to their baptism to show support, and we also got an investigator come to see them baptized as well.
We also have Brad Clarkston's baptism coming up this week, Selina Hildenbrand and Connie Sheets' baptisms the 6th of November, then, we have Heather Humphrey's baptism scheduled for the 13th of November....so we are very busy. We are also going to be setting a baptismal date with an older couple who we have been teaching this week. They have been coming to church for the past month with a family, and they want to know what they need to do become members of the church! I think it's pretty amazing how the Lord is blessing the Eldon Branch. What is very interesting about most of these people is that most of them have smoking addictions, and Elder Doxey and I have been battling these people's addictions every single day with phone calls to check up on their progress, giving them the tools necessary to fight it themselves (mouthwash, cinnamon toothpicks, cinnamon toothpaste, taking their cigarettes away, etc.), and we have most importantly been teaching them the doctrine behind it all. It's been an adventure!!!
From the experiences I have had here....I extremely dislike the smell of smoke, and what the cigarettes do to the body.
There is so much to say, but hose are the headlines of what has been happening. I do not have as much time to write emails anymore, but I will be more detailed in my general emails from now on. Our current emailing situation will be changing this next week, so all of you will know what it is like in the life of Elder Fellows. There are just so many things that I need to catch up on. I have a goal this week of organizing all of the forms and binders where all of the information is kept pertaining to the investigators we are teaching, the members in the area, and the other missionaries in the district.
Next week's email WILL BE MORE JUICY!
Sincerely,
Elder Brad Fellows
Well, the work has been going wonderful! We just had a baptism a father and his daughter Saturday, and it was a beautiful service. Their names are John Connell and Whitney. Whitney had asked me to baptize her, and John had asked to be baptized by Elder Doxey. Many people came to their baptism to show support, and we also got an investigator come to see them baptized as well.
We also have Brad Clarkston's baptism coming up this week, Selina Hildenbrand and Connie Sheets' baptisms the 6th of November, then, we have Heather Humphrey's baptism scheduled for the 13th of November....so we are very busy. We are also going to be setting a baptismal date with an older couple who we have been teaching this week. They have been coming to church for the past month with a family, and they want to know what they need to do become members of the church! I think it's pretty amazing how the Lord is blessing the Eldon Branch. What is very interesting about most of these people is that most of them have smoking addictions, and Elder Doxey and I have been battling these people's addictions every single day with phone calls to check up on their progress, giving them the tools necessary to fight it themselves (mouthwash, cinnamon toothpicks, cinnamon toothpaste, taking their cigarettes away, etc.), and we have most importantly been teaching them the doctrine behind it all. It's been an adventure!!!
From the experiences I have had here....I extremely dislike the smell of smoke, and what the cigarettes do to the body.
There is so much to say, but hose are the headlines of what has been happening. I do not have as much time to write emails anymore, but I will be more detailed in my general emails from now on. Our current emailing situation will be changing this next week, so all of you will know what it is like in the life of Elder Fellows. There are just so many things that I need to catch up on. I have a goal this week of organizing all of the forms and binders where all of the information is kept pertaining to the investigators we are teaching, the members in the area, and the other missionaries in the district.
Next week's email WILL BE MORE JUICY!
Sincerely,
Elder Brad Fellows
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Now in Missouri...
Hey everyone,
I received everyone's emails with delight. I am so excited to hear that so many great things are going on in your lives, and despite the recent loss in our family, i encourage everyone to not lose faith in Jesus Christ and in the Atonement. He has made it possible for us to be with our families forever, if we but live the gospel of Jesus Christ and continually live a life of repentance.
As you all know, I have been transferred. I am in the northernmost part of the mission, which is about 30-45 minutes southest of Jefferson City, MO. It's a place called Eldon, but we also cover many other towns around these parts. We live in a vacation spot...right on the lake...(sigh)...
But anyways, this is my new address:
Elder Brad Fellows
154 Ballenger Dr. #3
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
I love being out here. The people who are out in small towns have a more humble attitude than a place like the city of Tulsa. My mission has been such a wonderful experience for me. I have progressed spiritually in such a way that I had never thought possible. Butu, through God, all things are possible. I have so many people whose lives have been changed for the better, and I have seen the joy that has entered into their hearts.
I am truly grateful for all of you, and for all that you have done for me. I love you, and I love my Heavenly Father for the opportunity I have to be a part of this great family here on earth. May the Lord bless you and keep you always and forever.
Sincerely yours,
Elder Brad Fellows
I received everyone's emails with delight. I am so excited to hear that so many great things are going on in your lives, and despite the recent loss in our family, i encourage everyone to not lose faith in Jesus Christ and in the Atonement. He has made it possible for us to be with our families forever, if we but live the gospel of Jesus Christ and continually live a life of repentance.
As you all know, I have been transferred. I am in the northernmost part of the mission, which is about 30-45 minutes southest of Jefferson City, MO. It's a place called Eldon, but we also cover many other towns around these parts. We live in a vacation spot...right on the lake...(sigh)...
But anyways, this is my new address:
Elder Brad Fellows
154 Ballenger Dr. #3
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
I love being out here. The people who are out in small towns have a more humble attitude than a place like the city of Tulsa. My mission has been such a wonderful experience for me. I have progressed spiritually in such a way that I had never thought possible. Butu, through God, all things are possible. I have so many people whose lives have been changed for the better, and I have seen the joy that has entered into their hearts.
I am truly grateful for all of you, and for all that you have done for me. I love you, and I love my Heavenly Father for the opportunity I have to be a part of this great family here on earth. May the Lord bless you and keep you always and forever.
Sincerely yours,
Elder Brad Fellows
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Transfers and new responsibilities
Hey everyone,
So, Elder Haddon and I received a phone call Saturday evening from the mission president pertaining to transfers, and I'm leaving Centerton, Arkansas. I am being transferred to a little place called Eldon in Missouri. I think it's pretty central in Missouri, but I don't know exactly where. They are making me district leader there, which I don't feel ready for. It feels like the Lord is trying to humble me even more. Haha. But, I know it will be for my good, and I trust in God to see me through this new change in my mission. I am going to miss Centerton so very much, though. There are so many people here which I have grown to love and respect. I hope for nothing but the best for these wonderful people here. I have seen many miracles happen since I have been here, and I look forward to the day when I can come back and visit this place. But, I also know that the Lord has a work for me to do in Eldon, and although I may not feel prepared, God is there to support me, and through Him, all things are possible. I love and cherish all of you, and NEVER FORGET that God is always there to lift up the heads that hang low, to strengthen the feeble knees, and to mend the broken hearts. I have felt His hands hold me, lift me, and heal me, and I know that if we put our trust in Him, he will be there.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
So, Elder Haddon and I received a phone call Saturday evening from the mission president pertaining to transfers, and I'm leaving Centerton, Arkansas. I am being transferred to a little place called Eldon in Missouri. I think it's pretty central in Missouri, but I don't know exactly where. They are making me district leader there, which I don't feel ready for. It feels like the Lord is trying to humble me even more. Haha. But, I know it will be for my good, and I trust in God to see me through this new change in my mission. I am going to miss Centerton so very much, though. There are so many people here which I have grown to love and respect. I hope for nothing but the best for these wonderful people here. I have seen many miracles happen since I have been here, and I look forward to the day when I can come back and visit this place. But, I also know that the Lord has a work for me to do in Eldon, and although I may not feel prepared, God is there to support me, and through Him, all things are possible. I love and cherish all of you, and NEVER FORGET that God is always there to lift up the heads that hang low, to strengthen the feeble knees, and to mend the broken hearts. I have felt His hands hold me, lift me, and heal me, and I know that if we put our trust in Him, he will be there.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Goodbye, Grandma Fellows
Hello Everyone,
I am coming to all of you today from the depths of humility.
I have received news concerning someone whom I love very much. I knew what has transpired was inevitable in her life, but it still stings my soul. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, and I believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and I believe the words in which the Master stated in the Gospel of Matthew:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
I know that she is now in the rest of the Lord. Her spirit has separated from her earthly tabrenacle, and she has returned, "to that God which gave [her] life." She was such a wonderful example to me, and to all those that knew her, of charity, "the pure love of Christ". She was my friend in this life; a friend that never did anything mean to me, and a friend who was loyal to me. I love her so very much. She truly was a righteous daughter of God in this life, and I know she continues to eminate the light that is within her in the next. This news has made me evaluate my situation that I am currently in, and it makes me ponder on the importance of this life, and what I need to do to return to live with her. I have had some struggles recently that I thought were too overwhleming, but looking back now, I can see that the Savior's arms were always around me to keep me from falling, to strengthen me, to bless me. I know deep in my heart that He was there when she passed, and she has released from this earthly life. I miss her deeply, but I look forward to our reunion after this life. I know she is with me to strengthen me on my journey through life.
Thank you all for your prayers. I love all of you very much.
Sincerely yours,
Elder Brad Fellows
I am coming to all of you today from the depths of humility.
I have received news concerning someone whom I love very much. I knew what has transpired was inevitable in her life, but it still stings my soul. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, and I believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and I believe the words in which the Master stated in the Gospel of Matthew:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
I know that she is now in the rest of the Lord. Her spirit has separated from her earthly tabrenacle, and she has returned, "to that God which gave [her] life." She was such a wonderful example to me, and to all those that knew her, of charity, "the pure love of Christ". She was my friend in this life; a friend that never did anything mean to me, and a friend who was loyal to me. I love her so very much. She truly was a righteous daughter of God in this life, and I know she continues to eminate the light that is within her in the next. This news has made me evaluate my situation that I am currently in, and it makes me ponder on the importance of this life, and what I need to do to return to live with her. I have had some struggles recently that I thought were too overwhleming, but looking back now, I can see that the Savior's arms were always around me to keep me from falling, to strengthen me, to bless me. I know deep in my heart that He was there when she passed, and she has released from this earthly life. I miss her deeply, but I look forward to our reunion after this life. I know she is with me to strengthen me on my journey through life.
Thank you all for your prayers. I love all of you very much.
Sincerely yours,
Elder Brad Fellows
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Father's Day
Hey everyone!
I hope everyone had a great Father's Day yesterday....because mine was great! Well, at first, I was kinda down because I was not able to see or even speak to my father, but in sacrament meeting, one of the speakers spoke to the congregation about perspective. Sometimes, we as people get so caught up in the storms of life that we miss out on the sunshine that is always going to come. We should focus ourselves on the good things in life, brave out the storms, and then give thanks for the joy that follows. It helped me realize that even though I'm far away from home, I can still enjoy Father's Day. I have a wonderful dad who has been there for me and I love him. I have a wonderful family who support me, bring me joy and laughter with every breath, and I have great friends who are always there to help with the things I go through in life. I also would like to give thanks to my Heavenly Father. He is the reason I am here, and the reason I have such great happiness in my life. I encourage all of you to reflect on what your Heavenly Father has given you. I love all of you!
Elder Brad Fellows
I hope everyone had a great Father's Day yesterday....because mine was great! Well, at first, I was kinda down because I was not able to see or even speak to my father, but in sacrament meeting, one of the speakers spoke to the congregation about perspective. Sometimes, we as people get so caught up in the storms of life that we miss out on the sunshine that is always going to come. We should focus ourselves on the good things in life, brave out the storms, and then give thanks for the joy that follows. It helped me realize that even though I'm far away from home, I can still enjoy Father's Day. I have a wonderful dad who has been there for me and I love him. I have a wonderful family who support me, bring me joy and laughter with every breath, and I have great friends who are always there to help with the things I go through in life. I also would like to give thanks to my Heavenly Father. He is the reason I am here, and the reason I have such great happiness in my life. I encourage all of you to reflect on what your Heavenly Father has given you. I love all of you!
Elder Brad Fellows
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 1, 2010 - It's a bird!! It's a plane!!
...Nope! It's not Superman, but we did have the opportunity to see Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (it's kinda fun using his whole title).
Elder Nelson came to our mission this past Saturday, and the whole mission was invited to attend this very special meeting. So, a little over 200 missionaries came from the four corners of the mission; from Eastern Oklahoma, from Eastern Missouri, from Southeastern Kansas, and even from Central Arkansas. It was truly a wonderful experience to be in the presense of an apostle of the Lord, a special witness of Jesus Christ. He took the time to shake each missionaries hand. As I stood there in front of him, Ifelt like he knew me personally. It felt like a screen had appeared behind my head and was showing him my life. There were also a couple members of the First Quorum of the Seventy that accompanied him to Tulsa, and they also spoke to us. The topic they seemed to have focused on was an interesting one: The Holy Ghost. Elder Gong of the Seventy focused on being in tune with the Spirit at all times so that you can help the children of our Heavenly Father, even when they have "unique" spiritual experiences. Then, Elder Maines of the Seventy spoke about the two greatest gifts our Heavenly Father has given us: His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Isn't it interesting to note that the two greatest gifts are members of the Godhead? Then, Elder Nelson spoke. He took the time to answer any questions that we had. A few questions were asked, and then he proceeded to speak to us about our mission president and his wife. He quoted Hebrews 13:7 (if you want to know what it says, i invite you to read it), and told us that they, the mission president and his wife, are here to help us and to strengthen us in our glorious cause of inviting all to come to unto Christ. He then impored us to forget what we have done in the past and to move on and progress in the great plan. He, then...bestowed upon all of us, his apostolic blessing...to continue to go forth, with health and confidence, declaring this gospel. He also mentioned other things in the blessing that I do not wish to repeat at this time, but the feeling I had when that blessing occurred was pure joy, a glimpse of eternal joy.
That is the news.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
Elder Nelson came to our mission this past Saturday, and the whole mission was invited to attend this very special meeting. So, a little over 200 missionaries came from the four corners of the mission; from Eastern Oklahoma, from Eastern Missouri, from Southeastern Kansas, and even from Central Arkansas. It was truly a wonderful experience to be in the presense of an apostle of the Lord, a special witness of Jesus Christ. He took the time to shake each missionaries hand. As I stood there in front of him, Ifelt like he knew me personally. It felt like a screen had appeared behind my head and was showing him my life. There were also a couple members of the First Quorum of the Seventy that accompanied him to Tulsa, and they also spoke to us. The topic they seemed to have focused on was an interesting one: The Holy Ghost. Elder Gong of the Seventy focused on being in tune with the Spirit at all times so that you can help the children of our Heavenly Father, even when they have "unique" spiritual experiences. Then, Elder Maines of the Seventy spoke about the two greatest gifts our Heavenly Father has given us: His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Isn't it interesting to note that the two greatest gifts are members of the Godhead? Then, Elder Nelson spoke. He took the time to answer any questions that we had. A few questions were asked, and then he proceeded to speak to us about our mission president and his wife. He quoted Hebrews 13:7 (if you want to know what it says, i invite you to read it), and told us that they, the mission president and his wife, are here to help us and to strengthen us in our glorious cause of inviting all to come to unto Christ. He then impored us to forget what we have done in the past and to move on and progress in the great plan. He, then...bestowed upon all of us, his apostolic blessing...to continue to go forth, with health and confidence, declaring this gospel. He also mentioned other things in the blessing that I do not wish to repeat at this time, but the feeling I had when that blessing occurred was pure joy, a glimpse of eternal joy.
That is the news.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
Monday, May 3, 2010
At last...another update :)
Hey Family!
Sorry it has been so long since I've given all of you a general update on the mission. I have no excuse, and all of you can yell at me on Mother's Day on the phone.
The work here has been spiritually exhausting. I'm not going to beat around the bush with all of you. It's definitely hard, but the progress being made is worth it. I have received from a number of people lately, in particular one individual we are visiting wth, a lot of ANTI. I have never been attacked like this in my life. It's different to see how people actually look for reasons to destroy the church, and my personal faith. Now, keep in mind that these people are grown adults that have lived a good 10 to 30 years longer than I have, and have a knowledge of things that I do not even have. We had one man try bash us with the Book of Mormon! He kept saying there were so many problems with what the Book of Mormon stated in 3 Nephi 11-28(Christ's ministry to the Americas), and he all he did was lecture us on the things he has studied. There's nothing that I have said to him thus far that has changed his view on the reality of the gospel in any way. I have never studied the Bible like I have for some of these people. I'll make an analogy: In a battle, with swords and shields and so forth, it feels like all i have right now is a shield, and multiple people are just whacking away with these powerful swords at my shield, trying to get to me. Now, i have kept them at bay, but the shield has become a little weak at times, and i have received "spiritual wounds". I still have a strong testimony of the gospel, I still believe in all of it with all of my heart, but i feel a little "faint because of the loss of blood". It will take time to recover from whats been happening, but i assure all of you, that this WILL MAKE ME STRONGER. "Never give up! Never, never give up!" I'm still in the fight, along with my band of brotherhood, fighting for the salvation of souls here this part of the world. I ask for your prayers, so that i might be able to continue to press forward.
Great things have also been happening. We have been visiting with a lady that i met back in Tulsa with my secong companion. She is way less-active and she has not been honoring her baptismal covenants. She was offended by someone else, and because she is holding onto that grudge, she is degressing in the Plan of Happiness. She is so focused on the other people in this situation so much that she has failed to recognize what she doing to herself and her little baby boy is harming her spiritually. She is refusing to forgive and to better her life and get back on the path her Heavenly Father wants her on. We had a wonderful 2 hour visit with her yesterday, and we will be visiting her as much as possible to help her come back into the fold. She is wonderful, and i pray all goes well in the coming weeks.
Oh! And for Mother's day! I will be calling on Sunday in the afternoon. We have church with 2 units, so it might not be until about 3 or 4pm MY TIME. So keep your phone lines open for this one. I do have one request: I want to speak to each individual one at a time so i can speak to them personally. What i have to say to one person might not apply to all listening. I will call Mom's cell phone, Dad's house phone, and I will want to speak to Josh and Reianna as well, but I don't have that phone number memorized. That one might be a conference call, but i would still like to say a few words to them individually as well.
I have one more thing:
Lately, I have become very intrigued with our family's history. I would very much like some info on our family from whoever might have those files. I also have had an itching ear for some of Alex Boye's music. He is in the Mormon Tabrenacle Choir, and I would love it if i could get my hands on a CD or 2 of his. I think some of you, if not all of you, know who he is.
That's all for now. I love all of you, and may the Lord bless you and keep you.
Sincerely yours,
Elder Brad Thomas Fellows
Sorry it has been so long since I've given all of you a general update on the mission. I have no excuse, and all of you can yell at me on Mother's Day on the phone.
The work here has been spiritually exhausting. I'm not going to beat around the bush with all of you. It's definitely hard, but the progress being made is worth it. I have received from a number of people lately, in particular one individual we are visiting wth, a lot of ANTI. I have never been attacked like this in my life. It's different to see how people actually look for reasons to destroy the church, and my personal faith. Now, keep in mind that these people are grown adults that have lived a good 10 to 30 years longer than I have, and have a knowledge of things that I do not even have. We had one man try bash us with the Book of Mormon! He kept saying there were so many problems with what the Book of Mormon stated in 3 Nephi 11-28(Christ's ministry to the Americas), and he all he did was lecture us on the things he has studied. There's nothing that I have said to him thus far that has changed his view on the reality of the gospel in any way. I have never studied the Bible like I have for some of these people. I'll make an analogy: In a battle, with swords and shields and so forth, it feels like all i have right now is a shield, and multiple people are just whacking away with these powerful swords at my shield, trying to get to me. Now, i have kept them at bay, but the shield has become a little weak at times, and i have received "spiritual wounds". I still have a strong testimony of the gospel, I still believe in all of it with all of my heart, but i feel a little "faint because of the loss of blood". It will take time to recover from whats been happening, but i assure all of you, that this WILL MAKE ME STRONGER. "Never give up! Never, never give up!" I'm still in the fight, along with my band of brotherhood, fighting for the salvation of souls here this part of the world. I ask for your prayers, so that i might be able to continue to press forward.
Great things have also been happening. We have been visiting with a lady that i met back in Tulsa with my secong companion. She is way less-active and she has not been honoring her baptismal covenants. She was offended by someone else, and because she is holding onto that grudge, she is degressing in the Plan of Happiness. She is so focused on the other people in this situation so much that she has failed to recognize what she doing to herself and her little baby boy is harming her spiritually. She is refusing to forgive and to better her life and get back on the path her Heavenly Father wants her on. We had a wonderful 2 hour visit with her yesterday, and we will be visiting her as much as possible to help her come back into the fold. She is wonderful, and i pray all goes well in the coming weeks.
Oh! And for Mother's day! I will be calling on Sunday in the afternoon. We have church with 2 units, so it might not be until about 3 or 4pm MY TIME. So keep your phone lines open for this one. I do have one request: I want to speak to each individual one at a time so i can speak to them personally. What i have to say to one person might not apply to all listening. I will call Mom's cell phone, Dad's house phone, and I will want to speak to Josh and Reianna as well, but I don't have that phone number memorized. That one might be a conference call, but i would still like to say a few words to them individually as well.
I have one more thing:
Lately, I have become very intrigued with our family's history. I would very much like some info on our family from whoever might have those files. I also have had an itching ear for some of Alex Boye's music. He is in the Mormon Tabrenacle Choir, and I would love it if i could get my hands on a CD or 2 of his. I think some of you, if not all of you, know who he is.
That's all for now. I love all of you, and may the Lord bless you and keep you.
Sincerely yours,
Elder Brad Thomas Fellows
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Transfer complete....
Hey everyone!!!
This is my new address:
625 Sadie Lane
Centerton, Arkansas 72719
I love this new area. The Centerton Ward is huge!!! There are over 100 active elders in the Elders Quorum! There are 3 nurseries and 2 primary groups. There is about 75 to 80 percent activity. Everyone is missionary minded too! My companion, Elder Monson, is awesome. He teaches the gospel boldly and simply, and he and i get along very well. I do not have a lot of time anymore because of the new library i'm at, but i will write more in my next email.
I love all of you
Elder Fellows
This is my new address:
625 Sadie Lane
Centerton, Arkansas 72719
I love this new area. The Centerton Ward is huge!!! There are over 100 active elders in the Elders Quorum! There are 3 nurseries and 2 primary groups. There is about 75 to 80 percent activity. Everyone is missionary minded too! My companion, Elder Monson, is awesome. He teaches the gospel boldly and simply, and he and i get along very well. I do not have a lot of time anymore because of the new library i'm at, but i will write more in my next email.
I love all of you
Elder Fellows
Thursday, March 11, 2010
TRANSFERS!!!!
Well, family, they are finally kicking me out of Tulsa. My next area is a place called Centerton, Arkansas. It's right next to Bentonville (where WalMart Headquarters is located). I'll be there this coming Thursday. If you are going to write me letters, would you please write them to the the mission office, and they will get the mail to me.
Elder Brad Fellows
Oklahoma Tulsa Mission
5125 E. 71st St. Ste. 300
Tulsa, OK 74136
That's the address. It's kinda sad leaving Mingo Valley. I have had so many great experiences here and formed many great and lasting relationships with these people. I love them very much. It's nice to know that when I'm done with my mission, i can come back and visit all of them. Its not that far of a trip, so there will be no excuse for not coming to see them. I hope and pray that my new area will also be fruitful like this one has been. The Lord has called me to serve there, and I will go. I have been prepared, and I will not disappoint the people, all of you, and my Heavenly Father.
I love all of you and my prayers are with you.
Elder Fellows
Elder Brad Fellows
Oklahoma Tulsa Mission
5125 E. 71st St. Ste. 300
Tulsa, OK 74136
That's the address. It's kinda sad leaving Mingo Valley. I have had so many great experiences here and formed many great and lasting relationships with these people. I love them very much. It's nice to know that when I'm done with my mission, i can come back and visit all of them. Its not that far of a trip, so there will be no excuse for not coming to see them. I hope and pray that my new area will also be fruitful like this one has been. The Lord has called me to serve there, and I will go. I have been prepared, and I will not disappoint the people, all of you, and my Heavenly Father.
I love all of you and my prayers are with you.
Elder Fellows
New e-mail address....
Hey everybody!
They had all the missionaries change their email addresses.
The work's going great out here. We have two baptisms coming up on March 13 (mom's birthday). Hopefully, one more on March 6. Keep with your prayers. Elder Moosman and I need your support now more than ever. Please also pray for the investigators we have been working with that we haven't been able to see. We are worried for them, and we want to get in contact with them again.
Their names are as follows:
Rachelle
James Atkins & Vera Embry
Bonnie Hasenburg
Chloris Espinoza
We miss them very much and want them to have the bleesings of salvation in their lives.
I love all of you. I will write more to others in personal emails
Elder Fellows
(If you want his new email address, write to rogerfellows@yahoo.com and request it)
They had all the missionaries change their email addresses.
The work's going great out here. We have two baptisms coming up on March 13 (mom's birthday). Hopefully, one more on March 6. Keep with your prayers. Elder Moosman and I need your support now more than ever. Please also pray for the investigators we have been working with that we haven't been able to see. We are worried for them, and we want to get in contact with them again.
Their names are as follows:
Rachelle
James Atkins & Vera Embry
Bonnie Hasenburg
Chloris Espinoza
We miss them very much and want them to have the bleesings of salvation in their lives.
I love all of you. I will write more to others in personal emails
Elder Fellows
(If you want his new email address, write to rogerfellows@yahoo.com and request it)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
More pictures of the guy
Me and Elder Begay
My "Dan Jones" picture :)
Strike a pose!!
From left to right:
Elder Eerbe, Elder conrad, Elder Madesn, Elder Harrison,
Elder Fellows (ME!), Elder Begay, Elder Clinger, Elder Whitaker
February 1, 2010
Well, the work was a touch slower than usual. A snowstorm struck Tulsa for the second time this year season and people to see were in short supply. But now that the storm is over and the snow is melting, we can go back to work in full force. we have a good sized teaching pool of investigators, and quite a few less-active members to visit along with those that havea been recently baptized. I have a referral for Zak when he goes to North Carolina. I think i mentioned this man before, but his name is Josh Hannet, and he is an inactive member who would love to have missionaries visit him. I already have good rep with him, and seeing another "Elder Fellows" would be pretty cool. Emily totally up and moved to Georgia. we ahev been trying to contact her, but her phone is off. I hope she is okay. We have a baptism this Saturday. Chance Kroll couldn't be baptized this past weekend because of the snow, but everything's on track now. We should be inviting people to baptism this coming week, so keep Elder Moosman and me in your prayers heavily so we can much success with these baptismal dates. Life as a missionary is the becoming more of a habit now, and that habit is BUSY. we are always so stinkin busy. it's a good thing. i would never want to lazy. i would go nuts. i love the opportunity to serve.
I have a fun a little activity for whoever reads this email:
This was introduced in sacrament meeting yesterday, but it was worded differently because of sacrament.
I WANT EVERYONE TO FIND THEIR FAVORITE HYMN, AND READ THE HYMN, THEN READ THE SCRIPTURES THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT HYMN. THEN, I WANT YOU TO FIND A WAY TO EITHER 1) bring up that song in conversation with someone 2) sing it to someone 3) use oneof the scriptures in a conversation with someone OR 4) write a letter to someone who could benefit from hearing the message behind your favorute hymn.
I'VE GIVEN YOU A LOT ROOM TO PLAY WITH THIS CHALLENGE, SO MAKE IT FUN.
THEN, OF COUSRE, I WANT ALL OF YOU TO RETURN AND REPORT.
I hope all of you have fun with this. I want to share with you my favorite hymn...or one of my favorite hymns. it is hymn #219 "Because I Have Been Given Much"
because i have been given much, i too must give
(we as members of the church have so much, don't take it for granted)
because of thy sweet bounty, Lord, each day I live
(we live each day because of God, thank Him you are alive today)
I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that i see
(to share, to serve, and to sacrifice: those are what bring joy)
who has the need of help from me?
(pray about who you can help)
I love all of you. i am praying for you so that you may be abundantly blessed, so that you may help your fellow brothers and sisters.
Elder Fellows
I have a fun a little activity for whoever reads this email:
This was introduced in sacrament meeting yesterday, but it was worded differently because of sacrament.
I WANT EVERYONE TO FIND THEIR FAVORITE HYMN, AND READ THE HYMN, THEN READ THE SCRIPTURES THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT HYMN. THEN, I WANT YOU TO FIND A WAY TO EITHER 1) bring up that song in conversation with someone 2) sing it to someone 3) use oneof the scriptures in a conversation with someone OR 4) write a letter to someone who could benefit from hearing the message behind your favorute hymn.
I'VE GIVEN YOU A LOT ROOM TO PLAY WITH THIS CHALLENGE, SO MAKE IT FUN.
THEN, OF COUSRE, I WANT ALL OF YOU TO RETURN AND REPORT.
I hope all of you have fun with this. I want to share with you my favorite hymn...or one of my favorite hymns. it is hymn #219 "Because I Have Been Given Much"
because i have been given much, i too must give
(we as members of the church have so much, don't take it for granted)
because of thy sweet bounty, Lord, each day I live
(we live each day because of God, thank Him you are alive today)
I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that i see
(to share, to serve, and to sacrifice: those are what bring joy)
who has the need of help from me?
(pray about who you can help)
I love all of you. i am praying for you so that you may be abundantly blessed, so that you may help your fellow brothers and sisters.
Elder Fellows
January 25, 2010
Hey peeps!
This is my new address:
Elder Brad Fellows
7311 South 99th East Ave.
Apt. 1305
Tulsa, OK 74133
Hopefully, I can get some hand-written letters soon. I don't think I've gotten a piece of mail for the past 10 or 11 days (but i'm not counting). The work has been super crazy busy. As I said in my last email, we have many investigators looking for renewed faith in Jesus Christ, but those few names only scratch the surface. That doesn't include a few new investigators we have found, a few par-member fmailies, inactives members helping to reactivate them, and less active members and helping them with certain "issues". But it's been great! We don't even have time to tract because we always have someone to go and visit. That's the best kind of busy a missionary could wish for. I know, I can't get to comfortable with it. It might not be like this down the road on my mission, but it sure is something that is reality in any part of the mission. I think about L. Tom Perry's talk, "Bring Souls to Me", and in there, it speaks about how members are the full-time finders, and missionaries are the full-time teachers. That is what it feels like in Mingo Valley.. Elder Moosman and I are loving every second of it. I go back to the Book of Mormon when Ammon and his brethren were preaching among the Lamanites. Something just impressed upon me as I am writing this email and I want to share it with from those chapters. At the beginning of chapter 17, Ammon and his brethren fasted and prayed many days unot the Lord, and in verse 10, the Lord "did visit them with his Spirit". And then, the Lord says unto them, inverse 11, "Go forth among the Lamamites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." I love how the Lord says to them to be patient in their afflictions, much like how He says it to us in these days. And if we are patient, we may become instruments in His hands so that we might save many souls unto salvation. And then, in verse 12, Ammonand his brethren respond to what the Lord says, "And it came to pass that the hearts of the Sons of Mosiah, and also those whio were with them, took courage to go forth." We must take courage to go forth. That is what we do as children of God. We knoe our potential. We must take hold of that potential, take courage, and rise above the afflictions and sufferings of the world. We must be as Nephi of old and "go and do". We must! I know that we will be blessed tremendously if we do. I have witnessed for myself the spriritual treasures our God gives us. I know it and I cannot deny it. I know this because I know He loves us. I love all of you and I am thankful for the blessing all of you have been to me. All of you have given me courage, given me hope. I love you. I love you. I love you.
Elder Fellows
This is my new address:
Elder Brad Fellows
7311 South 99th East Ave.
Apt. 1305
Tulsa, OK 74133
Hopefully, I can get some hand-written letters soon. I don't think I've gotten a piece of mail for the past 10 or 11 days (but i'm not counting). The work has been super crazy busy. As I said in my last email, we have many investigators looking for renewed faith in Jesus Christ, but those few names only scratch the surface. That doesn't include a few new investigators we have found, a few par-member fmailies, inactives members helping to reactivate them, and less active members and helping them with certain "issues". But it's been great! We don't even have time to tract because we always have someone to go and visit. That's the best kind of busy a missionary could wish for. I know, I can't get to comfortable with it. It might not be like this down the road on my mission, but it sure is something that is reality in any part of the mission. I think about L. Tom Perry's talk, "Bring Souls to Me", and in there, it speaks about how members are the full-time finders, and missionaries are the full-time teachers. That is what it feels like in Mingo Valley.. Elder Moosman and I are loving every second of it. I go back to the Book of Mormon when Ammon and his brethren were preaching among the Lamanites. Something just impressed upon me as I am writing this email and I want to share it with from those chapters. At the beginning of chapter 17, Ammon and his brethren fasted and prayed many days unot the Lord, and in verse 10, the Lord "did visit them with his Spirit". And then, the Lord says unto them, inverse 11, "Go forth among the Lamamites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." I love how the Lord says to them to be patient in their afflictions, much like how He says it to us in these days. And if we are patient, we may become instruments in His hands so that we might save many souls unto salvation. And then, in verse 12, Ammonand his brethren respond to what the Lord says, "And it came to pass that the hearts of the Sons of Mosiah, and also those whio were with them, took courage to go forth." We must take courage to go forth. That is what we do as children of God. We knoe our potential. We must take hold of that potential, take courage, and rise above the afflictions and sufferings of the world. We must be as Nephi of old and "go and do". We must! I know that we will be blessed tremendously if we do. I have witnessed for myself the spriritual treasures our God gives us. I know it and I cannot deny it. I know this because I know He loves us. I love all of you and I am thankful for the blessing all of you have been to me. All of you have given me courage, given me hope. I love you. I love you. I love you.
Elder Fellows
January 19, 2010
I know I haven't written in a long time, so I thought I would update everyone and let all of you know how events have transpired in Tulsa:
The work has been pushing forward like I've never seen it before here in the last few months. We have active engaged in all auxilleries and we have been helping them accept their callings and help the missionary work. We have contacted numerous less-active members in not only the Mingo Valley Ward, but the Tulsa University Branch (I didn't realize how many there were until the Bishop and us went through the list). We have also been working very closely with Emily Gill still. She has been through so much in the last month that it boggles my mind to even see her standing. She continues to push and work, even when she might not have strength. She has a powerful spirit about her and I feel honored to be apart of her life. She has not been to church the last few weekss because of a lot of things going on in her life, but like I said, she is still fighting. The people who are recent converts to the church are growing strong in the gospel. There was a recent convert, new investigator meeting our stake presidency put on for anyone who wanted to attend, and almost all of our recent converts came, and even a few investigators of ours attended as well. There are even a few less-actives and recent converts with whom we are working with, are progressing to enter the temple very soon, whether for baptisms or endowments and sealings. We have also been implementing a new ward mission plan in both the Mingo Valley Ward and the Tulsa University Branch that has us working nonstop, whether it's with new investigators, less-active members, or recent converts.. We also had our Zone Conference last week, interviews with our mission president, four exchanges (either with other missionaries and/or the zone leaders), splitting with members so we can teach twice as much in day, and we've been moving apartments so that a new pair of spanish-speaking missionaries can move in with us. All of this has been done in in a two-week period. Not to mention the number of new investigators we have found...which is a lot of new investigators. The work has been steam-rolling, but it's sometimes hard for me to even catch my breath. I guess that's a good thing, though. I'm extremely grateful for the bleesing the God has granted me, my companion, and this area with all of these many wonderful things that have been occuring. I don't worry about myself anymore...i just don't have time. It's great!
Now, it's time for me to tell all of you about the people we have been teaching:
First, is Emily Gill. She wants to be baptized, and we have been teaching her for about 2 months now. She knows the gospel is true, but she has been swamped with so many things lately. She actually just moved yesterday into a new apartment to escape so bad influences, for her and for her 3 children. We hope and pray we can help her make it to church.
Next is Alberto (or Beto). He is the boyfriend of less-active member named Kyndall and we have been meeting with for a month now. He loves the message we have, but he has hard time still grasping Joseph Smith as a prophet of God...and something else that has been troubling me. When I find out, I'll let all of you know. He ahs come to church a couple of times, and he even attended the stake fireside for recent converts and new people investigating the church. Pray that he can receive revelation concerning Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel in the these latter-days.
Now is Chloris Espinoza. She is 10 years old and wants to be baptized. The situation with her is extremely senstive because both of her parents are inactive members, they are separated, they have "other acquaintences", and so she is always bouncing back and forth in between them. Her grandparents are active members and have been helping us meet with Chloris as often as occasion would permit. Pray that we can meet with her parents and see if she can come to church.
Next is Brenda, her son, Pierre, and her daughter, Isabell. This is the same Brenda I first met with when I came to Mingo Valley. We didn't visit with for awhile (we wanted to give her some space), but a situation came up, and so we started teaching her again. This time, we're starting from scratch. Her son is 21 and her daughter is 8, but she has another son who is 23 and another daughter who is 4. Pray that she might be able to make it to church with her family.
Next is Chance Kroll. He is 10 years old and has been attending church most of his life with his grandma and uncle. We just found out that he has not been baptized and he wants to be baptized. We have taught him once and will be teaching him for regularly to help him enter the waters of baptism shortly.
Next is Tiffany. Tiffany was being taught by the zone leaders, but they passed her on to us to start over with her. She has a pretty firm foundation about the gospel and the restoration, but she is struggling a bit with her personal prayers and her personal scripture study. Pray that we might be able to help her with that and that she might desire more strongly to study and pray on her own,
There are, I think 4 or 5 more investigators we are teaching, and at least 10 to 12 less actives andd recent converts, but telling you about all of them would take hours upon hours, so I'm gonna leave it at that.
Well, I gotta go and teach.
I love all of you and thank you so much for wishing me a happy birthday.
Elder Fellows
The work has been pushing forward like I've never seen it before here in the last few months. We have active engaged in all auxilleries and we have been helping them accept their callings and help the missionary work. We have contacted numerous less-active members in not only the Mingo Valley Ward, but the Tulsa University Branch (I didn't realize how many there were until the Bishop and us went through the list). We have also been working very closely with Emily Gill still. She has been through so much in the last month that it boggles my mind to even see her standing. She continues to push and work, even when she might not have strength. She has a powerful spirit about her and I feel honored to be apart of her life. She has not been to church the last few weekss because of a lot of things going on in her life, but like I said, she is still fighting. The people who are recent converts to the church are growing strong in the gospel. There was a recent convert, new investigator meeting our stake presidency put on for anyone who wanted to attend, and almost all of our recent converts came, and even a few investigators of ours attended as well. There are even a few less-actives and recent converts with whom we are working with, are progressing to enter the temple very soon, whether for baptisms or endowments and sealings. We have also been implementing a new ward mission plan in both the Mingo Valley Ward and the Tulsa University Branch that has us working nonstop, whether it's with new investigators, less-active members, or recent converts.. We also had our Zone Conference last week, interviews with our mission president, four exchanges (either with other missionaries and/or the zone leaders), splitting with members so we can teach twice as much in day, and we've been moving apartments so that a new pair of spanish-speaking missionaries can move in with us. All of this has been done in in a two-week period. Not to mention the number of new investigators we have found...which is a lot of new investigators. The work has been steam-rolling, but it's sometimes hard for me to even catch my breath. I guess that's a good thing, though. I'm extremely grateful for the bleesing the God has granted me, my companion, and this area with all of these many wonderful things that have been occuring. I don't worry about myself anymore...i just don't have time. It's great!
Now, it's time for me to tell all of you about the people we have been teaching:
First, is Emily Gill. She wants to be baptized, and we have been teaching her for about 2 months now. She knows the gospel is true, but she has been swamped with so many things lately. She actually just moved yesterday into a new apartment to escape so bad influences, for her and for her 3 children. We hope and pray we can help her make it to church.
Next is Alberto (or Beto). He is the boyfriend of less-active member named Kyndall and we have been meeting with for a month now. He loves the message we have, but he has hard time still grasping Joseph Smith as a prophet of God...and something else that has been troubling me. When I find out, I'll let all of you know. He ahs come to church a couple of times, and he even attended the stake fireside for recent converts and new people investigating the church. Pray that he can receive revelation concerning Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel in the these latter-days.
Now is Chloris Espinoza. She is 10 years old and wants to be baptized. The situation with her is extremely senstive because both of her parents are inactive members, they are separated, they have "other acquaintences", and so she is always bouncing back and forth in between them. Her grandparents are active members and have been helping us meet with Chloris as often as occasion would permit. Pray that we can meet with her parents and see if she can come to church.
Next is Brenda, her son, Pierre, and her daughter, Isabell. This is the same Brenda I first met with when I came to Mingo Valley. We didn't visit with for awhile (we wanted to give her some space), but a situation came up, and so we started teaching her again. This time, we're starting from scratch. Her son is 21 and her daughter is 8, but she has another son who is 23 and another daughter who is 4. Pray that she might be able to make it to church with her family.
Next is Chance Kroll. He is 10 years old and has been attending church most of his life with his grandma and uncle. We just found out that he has not been baptized and he wants to be baptized. We have taught him once and will be teaching him for regularly to help him enter the waters of baptism shortly.
Next is Tiffany. Tiffany was being taught by the zone leaders, but they passed her on to us to start over with her. She has a pretty firm foundation about the gospel and the restoration, but she is struggling a bit with her personal prayers and her personal scripture study. Pray that we might be able to help her with that and that she might desire more strongly to study and pray on her own,
There are, I think 4 or 5 more investigators we are teaching, and at least 10 to 12 less actives andd recent converts, but telling you about all of them would take hours upon hours, so I'm gonna leave it at that.
Well, I gotta go and teach.
I love all of you and thank you so much for wishing me a happy birthday.
Elder Fellows
January 5, 2010
Alright. Here's The low-down:
I want to start off by saying I loved the opportunity I had to speak with the family on Christmas. That was a truly spiritual day...and snowy.
We have found many people in the last week that we have been preparing to teach. Its funny, we haven't been teaching a lot, but we've had a lot of contact with members, active and less-active. Maybe it was just because of the holidays.
The work is rolling forward now that a new year has started. My comp and I have been diligently preparing to teach many of these potentials and seek for more referrals from the members in the Mingo Vally Ward and the Tulsa University Single's Branch. We are actually having dinner tonight with a young couple who we helped move in about two months ago. They are both coming from Austin, Texas and there names are Andy and Lisa. Pray that all goes well with them. They are a nice couple, and we can see great things happen, but your prayers would greatly help. Also, we are still preparing Emily Gill and her sister, Tiffany for baptism on Jan. 30. They did not come to church this past Sunday, but pray they will strive to keep commitments and come to church so they can make their date. We have also been teaching a young man named Alberto. He is the boyfriend of a less-active girl in the single's branch, and we have been meeting with him since the beginning of December. We have taught him many things about the gospel, and he has come to church twice, but we feel he is still having a hard time accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet. Please keep Alberto in your prayers so that he will gain that testimony of Joseph Smith and of the Restoration, and pray we may set sa baptismal date with him. We also helped the Young Men's President from another ward west of the area we are assigned to. We helped him move a young lady into some apartments near ours that is like an adopted daughter to him. Her name is Rachelle and she was very grateful we took time to help her move. She has two kids and is expecting a third. Bro. Tolland, the Young Men's President, invited her to take the missionary lessons and to the Book of Mormon. She accepted the invitation and we will hopefully be seeing her sometime this week. We are also beggining to teach a young girl named Cloris Espinoza. She is the granddaughter of a couple in the ward, Bro. and Sis. Umland, and they have been wanting us to teach her and help her enter the waters of baptism for a couple of monhts. We finally were able to meet with Cloris last week, but she didn't come to church. Family circumstances did not allow her to attend, but hopefully we might be able to work with her father and mother, who are inacitve members. Keep Cloris in your prayers so that we might be able to have her at church and we might be able to meet with her parents. We are also helping many less-active members start coming back to church. Please keep the less-active members in your prayers as well.
Also, if any of you have any ideas or thoughts about how to help any of these individuals, please write back and we will work together to help these children of God come to closer to him.
I love you and the support you give me.
You are in my prayers.
If there is anything any of you have questions about or sruggles you might be facing, share them with me so that, with the Spirir as my companion, I might be able to help you.
I know Christ is our Savior. I know it, and I felt His love. I know I am an instrument in His hands so that I may help not only these people in Tulsa, but those of you who are close and dear to my heart.
Elder Fellows
I want to start off by saying I loved the opportunity I had to speak with the family on Christmas. That was a truly spiritual day...and snowy.
We have found many people in the last week that we have been preparing to teach. Its funny, we haven't been teaching a lot, but we've had a lot of contact with members, active and less-active. Maybe it was just because of the holidays.
The work is rolling forward now that a new year has started. My comp and I have been diligently preparing to teach many of these potentials and seek for more referrals from the members in the Mingo Vally Ward and the Tulsa University Single's Branch. We are actually having dinner tonight with a young couple who we helped move in about two months ago. They are both coming from Austin, Texas and there names are Andy and Lisa. Pray that all goes well with them. They are a nice couple, and we can see great things happen, but your prayers would greatly help. Also, we are still preparing Emily Gill and her sister, Tiffany for baptism on Jan. 30. They did not come to church this past Sunday, but pray they will strive to keep commitments and come to church so they can make their date. We have also been teaching a young man named Alberto. He is the boyfriend of a less-active girl in the single's branch, and we have been meeting with him since the beginning of December. We have taught him many things about the gospel, and he has come to church twice, but we feel he is still having a hard time accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet. Please keep Alberto in your prayers so that he will gain that testimony of Joseph Smith and of the Restoration, and pray we may set sa baptismal date with him. We also helped the Young Men's President from another ward west of the area we are assigned to. We helped him move a young lady into some apartments near ours that is like an adopted daughter to him. Her name is Rachelle and she was very grateful we took time to help her move. She has two kids and is expecting a third. Bro. Tolland, the Young Men's President, invited her to take the missionary lessons and to the Book of Mormon. She accepted the invitation and we will hopefully be seeing her sometime this week. We are also beggining to teach a young girl named Cloris Espinoza. She is the granddaughter of a couple in the ward, Bro. and Sis. Umland, and they have been wanting us to teach her and help her enter the waters of baptism for a couple of monhts. We finally were able to meet with Cloris last week, but she didn't come to church. Family circumstances did not allow her to attend, but hopefully we might be able to work with her father and mother, who are inacitve members. Keep Cloris in your prayers so that we might be able to have her at church and we might be able to meet with her parents. We are also helping many less-active members start coming back to church. Please keep the less-active members in your prayers as well.
Also, if any of you have any ideas or thoughts about how to help any of these individuals, please write back and we will work together to help these children of God come to closer to him.
I love you and the support you give me.
You are in my prayers.
If there is anything any of you have questions about or sruggles you might be facing, share them with me so that, with the Spirir as my companion, I might be able to help you.
I know Christ is our Savior. I know it, and I felt His love. I know I am an instrument in His hands so that I may help not only these people in Tulsa, but those of you who are close and dear to my heart.
Elder Fellows
Monday, December 28, 2009
Well, last week was Christmas and it was pretty eventful. We had a lot of contact with Emily Gill because her children have been in and out of the hospital one after the other. Surprisiingly, she's handling the situation with her children being sick very well. She understands more fully how it is in God's hands and we just have to continue to do our best. She has been an inspiration to me as I've spoken to her. We've trying to set a baptismal date with her for Jan. 30, but she said that she wanted to pray about it. Knowing that she doens't take baptism lightly makes me very happy because baptism is the first saving ordinance of the gospel, and it should considered and pondered on. I know she will make the right choice. She knows this Church is true. She loves the gospel and she loves the people that are in the ward.
We have also been seeing a young man named Beto(Alberto), who is boyfriend to one of the members of the single's branch. He has been carefully listening to the words that we have shared with him and really likes us coming over and hearing what the Lord has given us to say. Beto does not yet have a testimony of Joseph Smith being a prophet, though. We have asked him to read from the Book of Mormon and to pray about it's truth and about Joseph Smith being a prophet of God. He said he would and Elder Moosman and I will be going over there tomorrow to see how he's progressing.
Please keep Emily and Beto in your prayers. They need further light and knowledge concerning the gospel.
As for my Christmas, well it started Christmas Eve when the snowstorm started to fall. We received a call from the Assistants about a lday who requested a priesthood blessing at one of the hospitals nearby. So, at about 2 in the afternoon, we had Bro. Burns(his family had invited us over for Christmas Eve) come to pick us up to drive to Southcrest Hospital. Right before he arrived at our apartment, the snow and the wind started coming. With care, we were picked up and driven over to the hospital so we could perform the blessing. Sis. LouEllen, the sister who requested the blessing, was very grateful for us coming. Upon leaving, Bro. Burns saw someone in the hall he recognized. It was the daughter of one of the members in the Mingo Valley Ward. I had never seen her before because she was very inactive, but I knew her family very well. Just two rooms down from Sis. LouEllen, Bro. Hilbert was in a hospital bed with a gall bladder infection. Sis. Hilbert said that she had been praying for someone to come, and she couldn't think of who to call. She was extremely grateful that her prayers had been answered and tha we were there for her husband. So, we gave him a blessing as well. After the experiences at the hospital, we started back towards the Burns' home. We had a great time at their house with their family eating dinner(ribs), playing games, and sharing the story of the birth of our Savior from Luke 2 and Mark 2. After all of that, we noticed the storm had gotten much worse. We decided to try and make it home, but we got stuck not ten feet from their driveway. So, we called the mission president and he said, for our safety, we should stay the night at the Burns'. Christmas morning rolled around and we had a great breakfast with them and then we opened presents. The Burns' gave us matching ties. Then, we called home. It felt great to speak to my parents and my siblings. I am grateful for all of your support and I love each and every one of you. The snow was still pretty bad outside so we stayed at their house until the evening time, when we decided that we should go back to our apartment. So, at about 6pm, we finally arrived back at our apartment unharmed. It was a great Christmas.
That's my little story for the week, but there are little stories in between as well. Those I will share at a later time.
As for now, let me convey my love for all of you. You have all been a tremendous blessing in my life and I am so grateful to be apart of your lives as well. I love all of you for the laughs we have shared, the tears we have shed, and for love we have expressed towards one another. There is no simpler way of saying it: I love all of you.
That's what this holiday season is about, but more importantly, that is what life is about.
Elder Fellows
We have also been seeing a young man named Beto(Alberto), who is boyfriend to one of the members of the single's branch. He has been carefully listening to the words that we have shared with him and really likes us coming over and hearing what the Lord has given us to say. Beto does not yet have a testimony of Joseph Smith being a prophet, though. We have asked him to read from the Book of Mormon and to pray about it's truth and about Joseph Smith being a prophet of God. He said he would and Elder Moosman and I will be going over there tomorrow to see how he's progressing.
Please keep Emily and Beto in your prayers. They need further light and knowledge concerning the gospel.
As for my Christmas, well it started Christmas Eve when the snowstorm started to fall. We received a call from the Assistants about a lday who requested a priesthood blessing at one of the hospitals nearby. So, at about 2 in the afternoon, we had Bro. Burns(his family had invited us over for Christmas Eve) come to pick us up to drive to Southcrest Hospital. Right before he arrived at our apartment, the snow and the wind started coming. With care, we were picked up and driven over to the hospital so we could perform the blessing. Sis. LouEllen, the sister who requested the blessing, was very grateful for us coming. Upon leaving, Bro. Burns saw someone in the hall he recognized. It was the daughter of one of the members in the Mingo Valley Ward. I had never seen her before because she was very inactive, but I knew her family very well. Just two rooms down from Sis. LouEllen, Bro. Hilbert was in a hospital bed with a gall bladder infection. Sis. Hilbert said that she had been praying for someone to come, and she couldn't think of who to call. She was extremely grateful that her prayers had been answered and tha we were there for her husband. So, we gave him a blessing as well. After the experiences at the hospital, we started back towards the Burns' home. We had a great time at their house with their family eating dinner(ribs), playing games, and sharing the story of the birth of our Savior from Luke 2 and Mark 2. After all of that, we noticed the storm had gotten much worse. We decided to try and make it home, but we got stuck not ten feet from their driveway. So, we called the mission president and he said, for our safety, we should stay the night at the Burns'. Christmas morning rolled around and we had a great breakfast with them and then we opened presents. The Burns' gave us matching ties. Then, we called home. It felt great to speak to my parents and my siblings. I am grateful for all of your support and I love each and every one of you. The snow was still pretty bad outside so we stayed at their house until the evening time, when we decided that we should go back to our apartment. So, at about 6pm, we finally arrived back at our apartment unharmed. It was a great Christmas.
That's my little story for the week, but there are little stories in between as well. Those I will share at a later time.
As for now, let me convey my love for all of you. You have all been a tremendous blessing in my life and I am so grateful to be apart of your lives as well. I love all of you for the laughs we have shared, the tears we have shed, and for love we have expressed towards one another. There is no simpler way of saying it: I love all of you.
That's what this holiday season is about, but more importantly, that is what life is about.
Elder Fellows
December 21, 2009
Editor's Note - sorry, I've been really busy, so I've been a slacker in posting for Brad. But I'm repenting now, so here are the missing letters....
Hey everyone! I just want to let everyone know that I will be sending home my first SD card of the pictures I've taken and all the videos as well. It should be arriving probably a little after Christmas, but you'll be able to see and hopefully watch some of the things I've been apart of on my mission here in Oklahoma.
That's is so awesome that Zak is going to North Carolina. I have referral for him already. His name is Josh Hannet and he works right now at Radio Shack with his sister-in-law. I don't have much more info than that, but I'll send him the details later.
I'm going to be to completely honest with everyone right now. I have not been completely open with my emails home to all of you. Truth be told, the work has beeen very hard. People always told me that my mission would be one of the hardest things you will ever do, and they were right. There is so much to be done, sometimes I can't focus. I have felt the mantle of my calling weighing on me like a ton of bricks, and I seem to not let anyone, even the Savior, lighten my load. Slowly, but surely, I am coming to a greater knowldege of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All he asks is that we do our best, and He will make up for our shortcomings. There was a talk a read not too long ago, and he spoke about what his family calls: The Parable of the Bicycle. Long story short, his daughter wanted a bicycle, and he told her that if she saved all her pennies she can have a bicycle. Well a couple of weeks pass by, and his daughter comes to him with a jar of pennies. She told her dad that she had saved all her pennies. Well, his heart was touched, and he took her bike shopping. When they found the perfect bicycle, his daughter looked at the price tag, and her heart dropped. It costed much more than the pennies she had saved. Once again, this father's heart was touched, and he told her that if she gave him all her pennies and kiss and a hug, the bike was hers.
This story spoke volumes to me. It let me know that even though I can never give enough or do enough, Christ will make up the difference.
I love all of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I am grateful to be numbered among all of you, "noble and great ones". I am deeply touched by the love you express not only to me, but to everyone you come in contact with every day of your live. You are all an example for me, and I hope and that I can continue to make all of you proud while I'm out here.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
Hey everyone! I just want to let everyone know that I will be sending home my first SD card of the pictures I've taken and all the videos as well. It should be arriving probably a little after Christmas, but you'll be able to see and hopefully watch some of the things I've been apart of on my mission here in Oklahoma.
That's is so awesome that Zak is going to North Carolina. I have referral for him already. His name is Josh Hannet and he works right now at Radio Shack with his sister-in-law. I don't have much more info than that, but I'll send him the details later.
I'm going to be to completely honest with everyone right now. I have not been completely open with my emails home to all of you. Truth be told, the work has beeen very hard. People always told me that my mission would be one of the hardest things you will ever do, and they were right. There is so much to be done, sometimes I can't focus. I have felt the mantle of my calling weighing on me like a ton of bricks, and I seem to not let anyone, even the Savior, lighten my load. Slowly, but surely, I am coming to a greater knowldege of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All he asks is that we do our best, and He will make up for our shortcomings. There was a talk a read not too long ago, and he spoke about what his family calls: The Parable of the Bicycle. Long story short, his daughter wanted a bicycle, and he told her that if she saved all her pennies she can have a bicycle. Well a couple of weeks pass by, and his daughter comes to him with a jar of pennies. She told her dad that she had saved all her pennies. Well, his heart was touched, and he took her bike shopping. When they found the perfect bicycle, his daughter looked at the price tag, and her heart dropped. It costed much more than the pennies she had saved. Once again, this father's heart was touched, and he told her that if she gave him all her pennies and kiss and a hug, the bike was hers.
This story spoke volumes to me. It let me know that even though I can never give enough or do enough, Christ will make up the difference.
I love all of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I am grateful to be numbered among all of you, "noble and great ones". I am deeply touched by the love you express not only to me, but to everyone you come in contact with every day of your live. You are all an example for me, and I hope and that I can continue to make all of you proud while I'm out here.
Sincerely,
Elder Fellows
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