Elder Brad T. Fellows - OK!

Soon - sent August 22, 2011

2011-08-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

This past week was pretty great in Springfield. To start off, Elder Peters got all four of us in the apartment free tickets to go to the zoo for preparation day. That may not sound exciting for some of you, but for missionaries it's like going to Disneyland. :) So we had a member take us and we spent about 3hours walking around and having a good ol' time joking and seeing all the crazy animals in the zoo. We have some pretty funny pictures to go along with our adventure as well.

We also have a few new investigators for both the Springfield 1st family ward and the University single's ward, which Elder Andersne and I are both stoked about. It always feels good to find someone who is interested in learning more about Jesus' gospel. It truly strengthens my testimony that the Lord leads His servants to those that are ready and those that are ready to the servants. I also feel very blessed to serve with a companion who is easy to work with and get along with. I have gotten along with all of my companions, but Elder Andersen and I are ver similar. Its awesome.

This past weekend was great too because of a nice sleepover we had with other missionaries. A missionary that is serving way up north in the polygamist area of the mission had to have his tonsils removed, so we got him down here to have his surgery in Springfield so he can be taken care of properly. So, last night we picked them up from where they were staying and brought them over to our apartment and had a great time talking and playing games.

Its been great being out here and being around missionaries who are so wonderful in their own unique way and then learning from them has been a blast as well.

Soon I'll be home, but I still got some time left. I love all of you so much and I can't wait see ya'll :)

Sincerely,
Elder Brad Fellows

Away we go! - sent August 15, 2011

2011-08-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

Hello hello!

So, a member called me yesterday and told me that I have 24 days left. Thats pretty crazy to think that my mission is coming to a close. The funny thing is, it doesn't really feel like I'm coming home. I feel like I am just going to another area in the mission to keep on serving.

But, as for the work in Springfield, not much has really changed. After being here for 8 months, I am still trying to piece together the purpose of me being here. There have been many miraculous things that have happened here, but i feel like there is something still missing. I hope i find that something missing. :)

Its been an awesome eperience being on a mission, and I know that I will miss it very much. I was giving me departing testimony in zone conference this past week, and it felt surreal to think that that was the last time I will have a zone conference, but then i sat down and i realized how much i will miss it all. As a missionary, I have felt there will always be another conference, or another exchange, or another district meeting, but for me...

Well, I love all of you and I pray the Lord will smile upon all of you in labors to bring about His work. I know the Lord lives and loves each of you and is mindful of what you go through.

Elder Brad Fellows

Wheels are turning again! - sent August 8, 2011

2011-08-24T08:49:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

So, this past Monday and Tuesday we went to Tulsa for ZLC and we talked a lot about preparing for Zone Conference and making sure everything was in order for that. We also spoke about special matters relating to conducting baptismal interivews and correcting missionaries when they disobey. It was also the last ZLC for me becuase transfers has been moved up one day to Wed. 7 September, but I will still be coming home on Fri. 9 September. While I am in Tulsa waiting for my flight, we'll be doing service or something like that.

Also, in the family ward and in the single's ward, the ward leadership is really pushing missionary work and retaining members that have been lost. It's really cool to see a huge collection of saints fired up about helping the people in their communtiy having the gospel in their lives more abundantly. I think by the next two months the work for Elder Andersen and his new companion will be great. They will have a lot to do.

As for my surgery, I am healing fast. The doctor said i will not have any weight restrictions by next week, and he also said that I can go swimming in two weeks. FYI the doctor who operated on me is a less-acitve member and knows the missionary rules :)

Anyway, I love all of you and you are still in my prayers because that's the missionary thing to say in emails home HAHA. I'm just kidding you really are in my prayers and I do know the Lord has blessed and will continue to bless you day by day.

Elder Brad Fellows

Oops for me!! - sent August 1, 2011

2011-08-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So this past week has been pretty great. We were able to pick up a couple of new investigators despite how i have been feeling physically, and we were able to continue helping those recent converts in our ward make it to the temple Aug. 20.

We are still teaching the man who is Jewish. His name is Itai and he is a really great guy who has been letting all we have shared soak in. For most of the lessons in the past, he has been very quiet and listening intently to what we say, but last week he came out and told us what was on his mind. He said to us he has felt the truth of what we have been teaching, and the good spirit that he says we ahve brought into his home, and he has found no fault with the Book of Mormon. He is also wanting to feed us and another famiyl from the ward who have been helping us with the teaching process.

The new people we found last week are really open to hearing the restored gospel and they have already been reading the Book of Mormon. Same old same old...but they are awesome.

So...I kinda over-exerted myself and the hernia came back. Its a little bigger and a little more painful, but i'm dealing with it as best as i can. I didn't understand how irritating a hernia could be. There were a few factors for why it came back, but the main one was this one time i vomitted pretty violently and i felt through my skin trying to get out. Suffice it to say that did not feel good at all.

Elder Andersen and the other elders in the apartment have been really good about keeping me cheerful.

There have been some other crazy stuff that has happened. So, Saturday night Elder Andersen called a recent convert family that he ahd previously taught in an area here in Springfield at the beginning of his mission and they took us out to dinner to Golden Corral. It was such a blast with tons of laughs and their 6 kids had busting a gut all throughout dinner. Then, as we were walking out we somehow got onto the conversation that we drive a minivan and how cool we were to have it :) Then the mom, Sis. Howald, was like, "I love stow-n-go seating" and Elder Andersen thought he would be a cool guy started modeling the minivan and the stow-n-go seating even though he didn't know how to work it well. So he's fiddling around with it and gets his finger stuck in a metal crevace of the seat somehow and gets a little freaked. He thought for a second he would have be like the guy who got his arm stuck beneath a boulder and had to saw it off with a swiss army knife and take his finger off, but gladly that was not the case. We were finally able to get his finger out and his finger was sliced pretty deep on both sides to the point where you can see a lot of fatty tissue. I don't know why it was funny, but how it looked just had all of us laughing, even Elder Andersen. After that, we went to the emergency and they super glued his finger back together and know he's doing great.

Well, thats all for now. I love all of you and pray for each of you.
Elder Brad Fellows

Crazy Last Two Weeks - sent July 25, 2011

2011-07-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry I haven't written nearly as much as I should have this past while, some things have been going on that have been consuming my thoughts and energy.

About 10 days ago, I had surgery on a hernia, which was not a whole lot of fun to go through. If you are a thrill-seeker, I encourage you to not attempt to acquire a hernia and have it operated on. The operation has been pretty draining and when I feel pain its not the fun kind of adrenaline that courses through my body. I was down for about four days, and then I have been prescribed one week of light duty. So, its not as bad as they thought or thought would be after the surgery, but lately i have been feeling pretty nauseous from the pain medicine.

The work has been going well though. We just found out last Saturday that Elder Andersen and I are going to be in Springfield, Missouri together for one more transfer period(6 weeks), and so he'll be the one that "kills me off" or sends me home. I will have spent 9 months in this area! We were also told that we will be covering the Single's Ward for another 6 weeks, which is awesome! It's so great to be able to work with people your age at missionary work. They have that same fire that you have, and most of them understand missionary life because many of them have been not far away from their own full-time missions. In the family ward, we are still working very hard to get all of the recent coneverts and those less-active families to the temple on August 20. We are excited to be apart of their first temple experience, and i know the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon them to bring more joy and peace and direction in their lives than before. There is one person who were teaching who has been very unique to interact with. He is a Jewish man in his 30s and he came in contact with the church through a friend telling him to get in contact with full-time missionaries. Once we started teaching what the doctrine is of the church, he began to scratch his head because it was very new to him. Unlike most people here in Missouri, he has not had any negative publicity thrown at him abuot our faith, and because he is a Jew, he takes what critics say about other faiths with a huge grain of salt. But teaching him has been interesting, but also slow because we are first working on him building faith. He is a great guy with a good heart and he really enjoys us coming over and visiting with him. Please continue to pray for the people we are working with.

Its been great serving with Elder Andersen. Him and I are very much alike, and we have been getting some work done and having a blast along the way. We joke around a lot of the time, but we get serious when we are teaching. Both of us have similar interests, and so it never is dull with our conversation. I think he is so hilarious too. He always has me laughing with his crazy comments, but right now with my operation it really hurts to laugh :)

Well, thats all for now. This Elder Fellows signing off!!!

Happy 4th of July!! -- sent 7/4/11 -- obviously

2011-07-06T15:46:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

this week has been a typical week in the missionary life. We taught people, some kept their commitments, some didn't. We went finding, and not much luck. A typical week. Bob Brown did get baptized up in Utah this past weekend, and he will be confirmed in Springfield this coming week. Other than that, not much has been happening. I'm doing pretty well. The members are feeding us. They are helping with the work. Elder Andersen is probably one of my favorite companions and so we get along really well, and that makes the work more enjoyable.

i really do wish i had more to write, but thats all for now.

Elder Fellows

Change is Constant - 6/27/11

2011-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

So, last week was transfers and Elder Argyle went home. He is the 4th missionary I have seen go home in our apartment. That made me feel really old mission-wise. The apartment now has two new additons. Elder Peters and Elder Andersen(my companion). He's been out for about 17 months and he is awesome. He is from Modesto, Califonia. That is just south of Sacramento in the central valley, just east of the bay area. He and Elder Peters actually both served in Mingo Valley after I was there and so we have a lot of cool conversations about the people we would visit and the members that lived there. Elder Peters is from Orem, Utah and he's a stud too. He and Elder Bell are tearing it up in there area right now and our entire zone is doing really great. I am so excited for the effort that is being put out by the missionaries in and around the Springfield area.

Right now, Elder Andersen and I are covering both the Springfield 1st Ward and the University Ward. They pulled the Sister Missionaries out for a transfer(6 weeks). That was a change. We always have our days swamped with teaching and setting up more appointments so that we can teach new people and help all of them get baptized. That was definiately a change. And every single companionship has changed. I am now the oldest missionary in the zone. Just call me Father Fellows. That is change. I have been in this area for over 6 months(the longest time i have been in an area yet), and I might stay here until my mission is done.

A little info for Dad and Holley. PAY ATTENTION HERE! There is a man named Bob Brown that is going to be baptized up in Murray, Utah this weekend, 2 July at 10am. We have been visiting him for the past few months and he is wanting to be baptized where all the people that were influential in his conversion. It's in the Riverside 5th Ward/Murray Utah North Stake with Bishop Meyers there. He is going to be baptized with the granddaughter of one of his friends. His friend's name is Mary Kay Pearson, and her granddaughter is named Rebecca Anderson. I think it would be cool if you attended that baptism of Bob's. I know it's not very far from where ya'll live, so you should consider going and supporting an investigator we have been visiting.

Well, that's all I got for everyone today.

Love ya
Elder Fellows

Craziness!! - sent 6/12/11

2011-06-13T10:53:00.001-07:00

Well, Elder Argyle is going home, and I am going to be serving with Elder Jacob Anderson. There are like 5 Elder Andersons in the mission so it makes it a bit difficult to keep 'em straight. I don't know where he's from...but the odds of him being from Utah are pretty high. I'll keep you posted on that stuff.

The entire Springfield Zone is changing. Every companionship is changing significantly with also the Sister Missionaries leaving the University Ward. My new comp and I will be covering both the Springfield 1st ward and the University ward for some time. We'll have our hands busy, but that'll be good to keep my mind focused.

Thanks everyone for the replies back about Frank. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers. I usually don't talk too much about investigators like Frank, but he needs all the prayers he can get. I have dealt with people that were addicted to alcohol and cigarettes and drugs, but his addiction to the booze has gotten way out of hand.

I love all of you very much. Remember that love and the love the Savior has for you.

Elder Brad Fellows

Great Story about the Houston Temple

2011-06-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

A few months after an accident, I got a call from a headhunter telling me that he had a position for which he wanted me to interview. I was a little surprised by the call since I wasn't actively looking for a job at the time. As a matter of fact, I was still learning to walk again and use my reconstructed hands. I politely declined and thought that was it.

It wasn't. The man kept calling me and every time I told him why I was unable to accept a job at the moment, he kept telling me that it wasn't important. After a while I decided to go on the interview. If nothing else, it would stop the annoying phone calls every couple of days.

The interview was with one of the largest HVAC contractors in Houston. I've never worked for a contractor before and, quite frankly, contractors and engineers often find themselves at complete odds with each other. I knew for a fact that, in my years of experience, I had been in more than one shouting match with a few project managers at this firm.

The interviewer brought me into a conference room and expressed his thanks for me coming in. He told me that I had come recommended to him as someone uniquely qualified for the job he had. He described the job and, I had to admit, it sounded like a pretty good gig. As a matter of fact, if I had to describe my dream job, this would be it.

I started asking questions about the firm...what kind of projects they were working on and so forth. They were one of the biggest contractors in Houston and so he ran down a pretty impressive resume of projects. Then he said, "Oh...and we're doing this church. It's the strangest church you've ever seen.. I'd designed some pretty strange churches in my time. One of them was made entirely of pink glass. When you're especially bored some time, you should try and run down the thermal transfer properties of pink glass. If you find out, get back to me on it because I never was able to figure it out.”

The interviewer continued with his description of the strange church. "Another weird thing is that they're spending WAYYYY too much money on this thing. You know how, whenever we do a church, we're asked to figure out ways to cut costs? Well, not on this job. In fact, they keep asking us for ways we can make it even better."

(It's called 'value engineering'. It happens on almost every job when the owner gets hit with the sticker price of the project and we have to go back and try and work with contractors to hold down prices and yet still keep in a modicum of quality....that's where the shouting matches usually occur. Churches are especially notorious at this game and the end result is usually a facade of flash over substance. You build this really impressive looking church and pray that the next big wind won't come along and blow it all down)

Then the interviewer said something that sealed the deal. "...and the strangest thing of all is that we're not going to even be allowed back in this church to fix any problems. Only members with a special piece of paper will be allowed in."

I fished into my wallet and pulled out my temple recommend, "Is this the piece of paper you're talking about?" I asked.

And so I went to work on helping to build the Houston Temple.

The first job meeting was one of the most bizarre experiences of my life.. We all met in a little shack on the temple building site. It was an odd sensation to look out at earth moving equipment shoving mounds of dirt around and get tears in your eyes.

I didn't tell anyone at the meeting that I was LDS. For one reason, I didn't want them to think I was going to come off as a know-it-all. Another reason is that there were some pretty strong protests against building this temple and I wanted to see where everyone stood on the issue. You kind of want to know where all the land mines are before you go traipsing off into the clover.

You may or may not know this but the church sends its own project manager to the site when a temple is built. It's his job to make sure that the specifications are followed in every way. As it happened, the church's representative, a man named Leon, was called away to Salt Lake and so the project manager for the general contractor got up and started the meeting.

"Leon's been called away to Salt Lake and so I'll be running the meeting." He looked around and his eye settled on the Plumbing Contractor, "Gill, why don't you offer us an opening prayer?"

My jaw dropped. First of all, prayers just aren't the standard way that construction meetings are called to order. And another thing is that, I'd know Gill for fifteen years and anyone even mildly acquainted with the man was aware that he was incapable of stringing four words together without cussing twice.

"This is going to be some prayer," I thought...it was. Gill bowed his head and folded his hands and gave a prayer like he'd been giving them in sacrament meeting his entire life. We were grateful for the opportunity to work on the temple. We were mindful of the sacrifices of The Saints. We prayed for safety and harmony among the builders and we consecrated and dedicated our actions to The Lord.

Gill ended his prayer and the General Contractor went on with the agenda.. I wasn't really paying attention, however, because I was still dumbstruck, staring at Gill, and wondering what had happened to him. I was still staring at Gill when the agenda came to me and I was asked to introduce myself to the group.

There was a bit of a pause when I got caught still staring, openmouthed, at Gill. Then everyone started to laugh.

"It's in the specifications," explained the general contractor, "we have to pray before every meeting."

Knowing the crowd, I asked, "And none of you tried to negotiate out of that?"

"Well, we did grumble for a while and then Leon started making us sing an opening hymn as well." I wished I had accepted the job sooner. I might have been able to see that.

I soon found out that I didn't need to tell anyone I was LDS, they all knew, and many times a contractor would sidle up to me to ask me something about my religion or the significance of something in the temple.

"What's up with the twelve cows and the big Jacuzzi?" one would ask.

"Is that Gabriel up there with a trumpet?" (Ooh...a little known fact, but if you'll take a pair of binoculars with you and get far enough away so you can see it from the proper angle, you'll notice a lightening rod sticking out of Moroni's head.)

I took to bringing my scriptures with me so that I could explain the significance of different things and point to their Biblical foundation.

One question was my personal favorite, "Where's the counting room?" Remember the churches I told you about that I'd designed? Well one thing that never got 'value engineered' was the counting room.. It was where they kept and counted the donations and it was always built like a bank vault.

"We don't have a counting room in temples", I said.

"Why not?"

"We don't take in any donations at the temple."

"You mean to tell me that you put all this money into a building and you don't ever get a nickle out of it?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much the case."

The contractor went away shaking his head, no doubt wondering how anyone as foolish as these Mormons had ever amassed enough money to build such wonderful buildings.

Of all my experiences, only one was what I would have categorized as 'odd.' With an opening prayer at each meeting, design conferences went about pretty much like PEC meetings. There was a spirit of brotherhood that just wasn't normally present in construction shacks.

One day, however, the meeting got a little out of hand. Some voices were raised and anger entered the room. When it made it's appearance, I was surprised to notice a letdown that I recognized as The Spirit leaving the room. It made me sad. I looked about the table and I could tell that others were experiencing the same letdown.

It was then that the copier behind me started spitting out blank sheets of paper. Nobody was at the copier and yet it churned out about a dozen sheets of paper and then stopped. It took everyone by surprise and it completely diffused the argument that was going on. Someone made a small joke, everyone laughed and the meeting went on. Little by little I felt the warmth of The Spirit return.

After the meeting, I was going over some items with the General Contractor. I had to make a few copies and so I went to the copier. There was a sign over the copier instructing the sub-contractors to write down the number of copies they make so that their companies can be back-charged. Thinking that I was making a joke, I pointed to the sign and said, "Are you going to give the angels a discount on the copies they made today?" The general contractor looked at me and said, "You know, strange things like that happen around here quite often.."

As the temple neared its completion, the general contractor and I had occasion to chat one more time. I knew that he was a staunch Baptist, one of the churches, in fact, that was so vocal in its protest over our building a temple in Houston. Over the months, we had become friends, and so I felt no qualms in asking him just what his feelings were, as a Baptist, building a Mormon temple. I'll never forget what he told me.

"In ancient times", he said, "Building work was overseen by guilds. The guild masters were the ones who saw to it that the integrity of the craft over which they labored was the best it could be. If you wanted to enter the guild you had to begin as an apprentice and dedicate long years with little or no pay. The master under whom you labored gave you room and board and your tools. Eventually, you became a journeyman in the guild and you got paid. However, if you wanted to become a master of the guild, you had to present a sample of your work to be judged by the other masters. It had to be a work of outstanding beauty and flawless quality for it was the work by which your skills would be judged. It had to be a work that would weather the ages and it was called, 'a masterpiece'."

The contractor continued, "Every building I've ever built has been one where money won out over quality. I've never been able to do the best I'm capable of because of budget restraints. If I'm grateful for one thing, it's that you Mormons don't skimp when it comes to your temples. For once, I'm able to build to the quality I'm really capable of."

Then he looked out over the temple and his gaze came back to me. His eyes were tearing up a bit and he swept his hand back towards the temple and his voice got a little reverent, "This is my masterpiece," He said..

I've been building buildings for almost thirty years. I’ve been doing it so long, in fact, that they are beginning to tear down buildings that I was sure would live as a testament to my presence long after I was gone from this earth.

I'm really grateful I had a chance to work on The Houston Temple.

(Author unknown--at least by us)

This week's events - June 6, 2011

2011-06-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So, this past Saturday, we had the baptism of a young girl named Raven. Her family had been less-active for awhile, but a few months ago we knocked on their door and started helping them come back to church. They joined the church out in California a little over 3 years ago, and then moved here...but by the mercy of Heavenly Father we were able to help them come closer together as a family and take one more step to the temple.

We have also been teaching this one man named Frank...and he's an interesting guy. The Sister missionaries actually met him first by knocking on his door, and they invited us over because he's in our boundaries. Frank deals with a lot! Since we've been teaching him, we have tried to help him get off alcohol and cigarettes. The cigarettes has been significantly easier than the booze...and oh has it been hard for us to get him off the sauce!!! Elder Argyle and I have seen him sober probably only a handful of times, and when he's not plastered he's hung over. We care for him so much. Frank doesn't really have anyone else to look out for him, so we try to see him every day. We've been trying to get him out to the Addiction Recovery Program meetings, but it's hard because he doesn't have a car. The latest "episode" with Frank was about 5 days ago. He showed up to the institute bldg...DRUNK, and we had a really intense lesson again about the Word of Wisdom. At the end of the lesson, we walked back to his apartment(which is only a block away) and he gave us his coffee, tea, and some "explicit" material. We've also had a Law of Chastity chat with him several times! We had the great privilege of destroying that stuff!!!!!!! The next day he called and he was ticked off...and might I add he was still drunk(I don't know why he continues to buy that stuff when we take it). We met again at the institute bldg and we watched the conversion story of Glenn Beck. That went well because all of the things Frank is dealing with Glenn Beck has dealt with! Since then, we have only heard that a "friend" brought by some marajuana for him. It is has been really difficult for him and us to help him be baptized. He said he wants to, but he seems to be getting sucked back into his old ways.

We also had a new bishopric called...and that's really exciting for most other people, but for nerdy missionaries THAT'S A BIG DEAL!

We're excited to get to work to help Bishop with his vision of missionary work.

Well, at the moment, I have been studying the Book of Mormon by highlighting the Names of Christ-i am currently in 2 Nephi 10, I'm reading the D&C backwards, I'm reading the New Testament again...and the Savior lays down on the Scribes and Pharisees and even the disciples! I am also reading a 90 page disortation by Hugh Nibley on the 3 facsimiles in the Book of Abraham. It's also pretty interesting to read the Inspired Version of the Bible because there are a lot of significant changes that clarify the teachings of Christ and of His apostles. A member in our ward who is trying to get more involved in church gave Elder Argyle and I an Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures and a Book of Commandments. This man is a huge book-junky and he has tons of church literature. Also learning more about the facsimiles has been very interesting...Hugh Nibley has some insights that are pretty intense. It is sometimes difficult to wrap my head around all of the things he says because he uses references I have either never heard of or have only heard once or twice briefly.

Thats all I got for this week. I love all of you very much and I hope your week is one of "much fruit"

Elder Brad Fellows

And It Came to Pass - sent 5/30/11 - finally caught up!

2011-05-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

So, as most of you have heard, there was a pretty devastating storm and tornado that went through Joplin, MO this past week. Right now, the number of casualties it has claimed is 166 souls, and 232 people still unaccounted for. They estimated 75% of the city of Joplin has been damaged, if not destroyed, by the storm. It destroyed the stake center there, but all of the missionaries are safe. There was a group of elders that had their apartment destroyed, but they were fine. Seeing some of the pictures is pretty intense. We were speaking to a man in our ward who was giving us a ride to an exchnage about the disaster, and he said it reminded him of the destruction in Germany and Austria during World War 2. Amazing what a storm can do in just a few hours...But, relief efforts have been on overdrive! They have so many volunteers they don't know what to do with them. There are so many people that have gone down there and started helping with the recovery of missing people, and then once that is taken care of, they will move to the clean-up efforts. Right now, we are told that we are to stay in our areas and continue to work. They have too many people that it has made it hard to organize all of them, so they want us to just continue on with where we are.

I was able to see all of the wedding photos, and they are really great. Shay looks really beautiful in her dress, and I am excited to have Taylor as a brother-in-law. It was really great to see the rest of the family. Ben and Will are huge!!! That is so crazy. What have you been feeding those monsters?! It was also really great to see many family members from Mom's side of the family like aunty fran, grandma and grandpa Lury, Johanna and her mom, Bishop and Sis. Lauck, and Bro. Shroedter(i hope spelled that right). And I don't know how you talked my mission president into letting me come to the wedding!!! You must have some pretty good connections in order for that to have happened. I'm also really glad I was able to dance with the bride! It looks like it was a ton of fun, and I am so glad to see Taylor and Shay so happy.

The work has been going well. I do not know why I do not have much to talk about in regards to the work this week. I am trying to stay really focused, but it has been a bit difficult at times. I thank all of you for the encouragement you gave me in your emails. I really needed that extra. For the last 5 months, I have seen a missionary in our apartment go home...so the apartment has been pretty trunky for awhile, but I'm working out the kinks in myself and I have a rejuvenation of the spirit of missionary work, especially in these last 24 hours.

I promise that I will never, ever give up.

Elder Brad Fellows

3 Nephi 5:13

Some pictures sent in May, 2011

2011-05-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hola Peeps!! - sent 5/23/11

2011-05-30T08:13:00.001-07:00

So...I heard there was someone who got married....

I am so happy for Shay and Taylor being married. Being able to go through the temple to be sealed for time and eternity is one of the great blessings our Father in Heaven has given us while here on earth, and I look forward to seeing them when I come home.

The temple is such a beautiful place and the Spirit is present in the House of the Lord so that all who enter might be comforted and instructed from on high about God's plan for us and what our possibilities are. I read somewhere in mom's email that I was able to attend...or maybe it someone else who looked exactly like me...don't let President Merkley find out. HAHA

Please send my best to all the people at the wedding. Tell them I miss them and I love them. I hope they are all healthy and I pray for all of them. I wish I could been there, but I'll see everyone soon enough. I still have some things to do here in Springfield.

As for me, the work going on in Springfield is going well. The two people that we have set baptismal dates with came to church. The first one is Raven Gordon. She is a 9 year-old who's family is becoming more active and we are helping them make friends in the ward. The second one is a man named Frank Stoops. He is a man in his 50s who has had a really rough past, but since he's been meeting with us he's been recovering from those things that have had him bound for decades. Sometimes he has relapsed, but we have not given up on him, and he is determined to be baptized and to shake off those chains that hold him captive. There is also a man who is RLDS with whom we are visiting. Well, he's from a church that broke off from the RLDS church when they became the Communtiy of Christ. He's a hard one to figure out, but he is a really nice guy and we love visiting with him and his wife. We are also helping quite a few less-active families attending church again. With many people, there has been something that has happened in the past that has pushed them to cease going to church, but Elder Argyle and I have working out the kinks with these people and miracles seem to be occurring. Slowly but surely, the Lord is pouring out His blessings upon th heads of these people.

Also, for the last couple of days, we have ahad some pretty weird weather. There was a tornado that touched down in Joplin, MO wiping out much of the city and many people are announced dead. All of the missionaries are safe, but an aparment complex that a set of elders were staying in were destroyed, and the stake center in Joplin was also destroyed. It has been said by reports that 89 are pronounced dead from the destruction. Events like these make me ponder on the great plan our Father in Heaven has for all of us as His children, and I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows all things and who is watching over these events, not only in Joplin but all over the world. Because of the knowledge that comes from the restored gospel, I know that those people are now in a place where they are able to teach and to be taught more about that great and eternal plan, and one day, they will return to the earth to be resurrected. This is all made possible through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

I love all of you and I pray for all of you, and once again and I am so happy and excited for Shay and Taylor.

As always...Never give up! Never, never give up!

Elder Brad Fellows

Another Week in the Life -- sent 5/19/11

2011-05-30T08:12:00.001-07:00

This past week has been semi-eventful, but only semi-eventful for missionaries. I have noticed that missionaries' experiences are very different from normal people's everyday expereiences. Missionaries find the weirdest things amusing and the oddest things important. I am slowly trying to wane myself off of the "scripture jokes" because no one at home would probably find those things funny.

Anyway, we have been trying to our best to help our investigators come to church, but it seems as if gettin them there is like climbing a mountain. I do understand where they might be coming from because there are times when I do not want to get up and go to church when I could sleep in or use those three hours to catch up on work at school or at home. I wishb they catch the vision of the importance of keeping the sabbath day holy.

The work here conitnues to move forward here in Springfield. We have our Mission Tour coming up next week. Elder LArry W. Gibbons of the Seventy is coming and speaking to our mission, and there will be a Q&A session which I am very excited for.

Thats all I have for today. I love all of you and I hope you are having an enjoyable week.

Elder Brad Fellows

Mother's Day - Post Game Update -- sent 5/9/11

2011-05-30T08:10:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

So, as many of you know, Mother's Day was just yesterday and I spoke to my family(many of whom are reading this email).

It was so nice to hear from all of you. To hear your voices was a priceless gift to receive, and I thank my Father in Heavan for being apart of this family.

There was a family with whom we had lunch with that was able to have Skype, but it would have been too much of a hassle, so I decided to just call. It would've been really cool if I had been able to see all of you and speak to you.

Yesterday was really uplifting in church. Every time I hear the Primary sing to the mothers or fathers makes me beam. The children who are Primary have such tender hearts and they understand who Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ really is.

The one "interesting" thing that happened was during one of the talks. The youth speaker spoke first, and then the next speaker got up, and she started spekaing about her "mothers". She said while she was growing up, her mom was a great lady, and she learned much on how to be kind, loving, and a good disciple of Chrst from her. She then said later in life her dad married another lady, and she comments that she had always wanted two moms(IN SACRAMENT MEETING). I think it would have been okay...if she had clarified that she is a convert from the FLDS community living in Stockton, MO. But we had two investigators at church, and three non-member nursing students sit with us in Sacrament Meeting. i think we might have some things to talk about with all of them this week when we meet with them. I'll keep ya'll posted.

So, I have found my USB cable to download pics, so i thought i would send some with this email. I hope you enjoy the photos.

I am so glad I was able to speak to all of you yesterday. It was great to hear how things are going in your lives. Just remember that the Savior is always there to lift your burdens. We are not perfect, but we may be perfected through Christ.

Know that i love all of you very much and I pray for you every night before my head hits the pillow.

Elder Brad Fellows

Rain! Rain! Rain! -- sent 4/25/11

2011-05-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hola!

So, last week, we heard that a number of thunderstorms, tornados, and high winds were on our way and they would last for some time. Well, I don't know how the rest of the mission is being affected by the weather, but it has not stopped raining since the beginning of last week. I feel like i'm in Seattle...even though i've never been there. I've only heard it rains a lot there. Weather like this does not completely stop the work but it does create an irritant.

Something really interesting happenen this week. So, on wednesdays we have our district meetings where we go to the institute building right next to MSU campus, and after the meeting a student attending comes walking into the institute and tells us of a man thats preaching on campus. So, Elder Bracken quickly jumped on that and all four of us that live in our apartment walked over to the campus with this student member. When we got to the place, we saw this old man in his sixties walking back and forth on this pavillion telling all of the students around him that they were sinners and they needed to repent and that he was sent from God to preach the truth unto them. It was quite entertaining, and there was quite a crowd of students heckling him because he saying things that he had no authority to say. A couple of things he stated were that you can have no sin in you to preach the gospel; he had also seen Jesus Christ 4 times and He gave him authority to preach the gospel; he also stated that he was perfect...anyway he talked a lot about sinning and the avoidence of sin. But, Elder Argyle and I had a good conversation with a guy who was watching and we invited him out to church at the university ward. Something good may have come from that guy's rant.

Anyway, I hope you are all doing well and are safe. I pray for you every night that God will protect you and that you will be blessed in your temporal daily activities.

I love all of you very much and I thank you for your support.

Elder Brad Fellows

I don't have a clever title for this email ... sent 4/18/11

2011-05-30T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

So, we had a bpatism this past weekend of a young man that goes to the University Ward her in Springfield. Some people didn't think that he would get baptized, but we had hope for him. He's kind of a crazy guy who gets his kicks and giggles out of making other people uncomfortable, but he's hilarious.

This week has been pretty normal as far as missionary work goes. There isn't really much to report on the subject. We did have some great experiences with feeling the Spirit, but I cannot remember them from off the top of my head.

...i don't know what to write...this is a first...

Something that I really liked hearing in general conference was my favorite quote:

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”

-Orson F. Whitney

I love all of you.

Something else that I have been thinking of recently is a song by Josh Groban:

Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved

Sincerely,

Elder Brad Fellows

General Conference Favorites - from April 4, 2011

2011-05-30T08:06:00.001-07:00

Well, general conference was amazing and I wanted to share a few of my favorite talks with all of you, and I hope you read the ones that have been dear to my heart:

1. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's "Ensign to the Nations"

2. Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Desires and Actions"

3. Elder Richard G. Scott's "Love in Eternal Marriage"

4. Elder M. Russell Ballard's "Flecks of Gold"

and the winner is...

President Thomas S. Monson SMACKDOWN TALK AT THE PRIESTHOOD SESSION!

I hope you all have the chance to read and/or listen to those talks given at conference. It was an amazing conference where the "pure doctrine of Jesus Christ" was taught.

I love all you. Spread the "pure love of Christ" and "pray unto the father' for the gift of charity. I know He will grant the righteous desires of your hearts.

Elder Brad Fellows

Just another day in paradise!

2011-03-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Things seem to be going better in the life of Elder Fellows.

I think the weather becoming nicer has lifted my spirits so much! I love the springtime.

The work is continually going. The other day, I thought about how in everyone else's life around me(excluding other missionaries) they are continually changing in their day-to-day routines...most of the time.

As for a missionary, it seems to be the same thing every day, but I like the structure of missionary life because it keeps you focused on your purpose.

I have thought about a lot of things lately pertaining to my calling, and i realize that I do not have much time left on my mission, so I gotta keep working hard so that I can say that I did my best at the end of it all.

This is my little missionary work for all of you today:

Check out the new mormon.org website and create a profile on there.

I have been on the site and it LITERALLY takes only five minutes of your time to create a profile. The new website is significantly different from the one before, especially the "I am a Mormon" ads. You'll love those. I reccommend Alex Boye's, but that's just because I love music. Browse around and become familiar with the site.

There was a young man in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who saw a mormon.org ad, checked out the website because he was intrigued, looked at a couple of profiles on there, and was touched by the Spirit. So, he decided to find a local church building nearby and attended that following Sunday. That evening, he was invited to dinner at a member's home where he received his first lesson from the missionaries...He was baptized 2 weeks later.

I love all of you, and never, never give up.
Elder Brad Fellows

THE BEST PREPARATION DAY EVER!

2011-03-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

So, today we just got back from the most epic prepararion day that I have been apart of on my mission.

About a month ago, Elder Argyle and I were speaking to the other zone leaders (Elder Monson & Elder Howe), about doing a combined zone outing, wherein we gather together much like we would for zone conference, we have a multi-zone meeting where we instruct for a little bit, and then we have an activity.

Well, a lot of ideas were thrown out onto the table, but the one idea that looked the most appealing was to go see a show in Branson!

So, we conversed more and more and we saw that there was a show in Branson that is performed by members called "The Hughes Brothers" and they would let missionaries come to their show for free.

This was all very exciting, but the one catch was that we now had to get it approved by the mission president. So, we organize everything we were going to present so that he understood everything that would go on with the multi-zone activity, and then....

THE CALL WAS MADE

President ended up approving of the activity(YAY!!!), which made us extremely happy (that is one of the biggest understatements of the year), and now we had to coordinate rides for 38 missionaries to get to Branson for this little shin-dig!

Well, I don't want to bore you with all the craziness that went along with coordinating rides, but we finally got everyone situated to get to the activity......

WHICH TOOK PLACE TODAY!!!! :)

We gathered together an hour before the show and us and the other zone leaders instructed on how all our efforts as missionaries are not wasted. It was, in my opinion, what all the missionaries needed to hear that day.

Then, we went to the show...AND IT WAS AMAZING!

Then, afterwards, 12 of us missionaries went to Lambert's Cafe "The Home of the Throwed Roll"

That was an absolute blast, and we had so much fun eating there. The food was good, but the experience of going to one of the best restaurants in the country was even better...especially when you are with a lot of missionaries whom you love and care for.

Anyways, this day has been such a good stress release for all of us.

I love all of you, and I hope you all have a great, stress-free week.
Elder Fellows

18 months!!!

2011-02-28T15:36:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

So, last week was a pretty eventful week...but then as a missionary EVERY DAY IS EVENTFUL.

Elder Argyle and I began to go through the entire ward list, which is about 19 pages long, and visit all of the names that we felt impressed to go see this transfer. It's a pretty big list, but it's pretty cool to see some of these people. There have been many diferent responses to us being on their doorstep, and for the most part they have been pretty warm and receptive to missionaries. We've actually have set up three separate opportunites to serve these families, so we are praying these opportunities will open doors for teaching.

We also had zone conference this week, and it was great! I had the opportunity to conduct the meeting...and I'll be honest, I as kinda nervous. But, I got over that quickly and just had a positive attitude about it. It was weird. I have spoken several times in sacrament meeting and at various other meetings, but I can usually do that with not much problem at all. I think it was because Pres. Merkley was there. A lot of really great things were spoken about in regards to us, as missionaries, preparing ourselves to help our investigators make and keep commitments. We also spoke about how our investigators can receive revelation as they attend church, and so we had a workshop on that. Then, Elder Argyle and I instructed on how as missionaries, we are to teach people, and not lessons. So, we went into how we can ask effective questions and then listen with love so we can help them gain faith in Jesus Christ and repent of those things that need to be changed in their lives.

This week, I am also coming up on my 18th month mark...and it's kinda freaky! I feel so old in the mission. At transfers, I looked at all the missionaries that were around me, and i thought "you have been out so much longer than they have", and then it hit me how old I was in the mission. I wonder if that's how it'll feel when I reach the age of 60 or 70 or 80....

Anyways, to celebrate, the missionaries in our apartment are going to buy uncooked miniature drummettes, some buffalo hot sauce, and we are going to grill some hot wings that night! I am so stoked for that!

Now that I have said all of that, it is time for something I learned out of the Book of Mormon. President Merkley invited all of the missionaries in zone conference to read the Book of Mormon, and highlight all the names of Christ in one color, the words he speaks in another color, His attributes in one color, and the doctrines and principles taught in another. As I was reading, every time something good happens, whether it be they got out of Jerusalem, or Nephi and his brothers returning with the brass plates, or when Nephi and his brothers return with Ishmael and his household, Lehi and his family always offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. I thought to myself, "that is so humble of him to always give thanks unto God, and to sacrifice something". In our own lives, we now offer a "broken heart and a contrite spirit", but what does that mean. Well, I think of a broken heart as something like "godly sorrow", an so when we go to Lord, we go to Him in humility with something to be mended because broken implies that something is not correctly situated or complete. Contrite is a feeling of remorse or penitence for something, so it implies a similar thing than the first statement "a broken heart", but it speaks about our spirit. So both our hearts and spirits are in a state where we are feeling like our ways are not His ways, so we give those things the natrual man is endowed with to the Lord, thus offering a sacrifce to Him.

I love all of you, and I pray for you often

Elder Brad Fellows

Beware of the Groove!!

2011-02-28T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone

So, the last couple of weeks have been kinda weird for me. For awhile, I was not feeling very comfortable because of all of the "different" situations I was in, and it kinda threw me off my "groove". I now know why the old man was so afraid to throw off the Emperor's groove...because no one likes being interrupted in their routine that they are used to.

But, with that being said, I learned a great deal about relying upon Heavenly Father to guide through these last couple of weeks. I have, many times, went to my own personal liahona and sought for direction as to where I should go and how can I accomplish what I have been commissioned to do. I know that many of you, if not all of you, know what I am talking about. None of us like to be taken out of our comfort zone; none of us enjoy the trials that come to us unexpectadly. But, I was reading today in the 2 Book of Nephi, where it speaks of our first parents, and the scripture "Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy" brought me to contemplate on how the life we have here on earth should be one centered on the Lord Jesus Christ because we know that through His atonement, all mankind may have that "joy". So, that should be our quest everyday. Also, in 2 Nephi, it spoke about how, "there are things to act, and things to be acted upon" and that "men are free, according to the flesh" so that we may choose for ourselves to have joy in our lives or misery. Now, as we choose the first, we can enjoy all the blessings that our Father in Heaven has for us, but if we choose the second, we become more ensnared by the "angel that fell from heaven" and who became "miserable forever" and thus, becoming miserable like him.

So, moral of the thought: Choose to be happy today. Even when someone cuts you off while you are driving, or while you are waiting for someone to call you that you love, or while you are trying to find a job, or while you are overloaded at your current occupation. Remember to choose joy over misery when the Bishop asks you to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting when you are petrified of speaking in front of people, even when you cannot handle the pressures of having to go do home/visiting teaching.

Remember to choose joy.

...I am sorry if that sounded "preachy". I just read what I wrote and it sounded very very preachy. That's not what I'm trying to do.

Anyway, the work has been going well. We had dinner last night with an investigator family of 5, and we ate Puerto Rican rice and pork steaks...ohh it was so goood. And then, we watched Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, and it was really great! They have been reading he Book of Mormon daily, along with the New Testament from lds.org...so, they have the audio of the scriptures playing while they read along from the books! And they have read the entire Gospel Principles manual(by the way, if you want to give a non-member ANY kind of literature, First: The Book of Mormon Second: The Gospel Principles manual).

They have a lot of things they have to overcome, but they want to change and they want to be an eternal family.

Oh, and something cool I read today: So, in 2 Nephi 1: 10-12, Lehi is speaking to his sons Laman and Lemuel, and lets back up to verse 9 as well. In v. 9 , Lehi says that he has "obtained a promise" from the Lord that those that are brought out of the land of Jerusalem will, in essence dwell in the land and shall prosper in the land, IF THEY ARE RIGHTEOUS (ok, duh...that's the big theme in the Book of Mormon), but in the following verses, it states that if Laman and Lemuel's posterity are not righteous, OTHER PEOPLE will come, "and he(the Lord) will give them(other nations) power, and he will take away their possessions". So, this is a prophesy of "nations" coming over and taking over the people that inhabit the land A.K.A. the Lamanites.

Ok...so from these few verses...we have just proven the Book of Mormon true

I do not know what was taught in schools in the early 1800s (i do not have the textbooks at my disposal), but I do know the history of the United States at the time Joseph Smith was translating the gold plates. Andrew Jackson was president. The Louisiana Purchase had barely taken place, and not much of anything past the Rockies we owned. The Mexicans were fighting with Texas. The "Trail of Tears" would not be taking place until AFTER the saints were already in Missouri (1838). HOW COULD JOSEPH HAD KNOWN ABOUT ALL OF THIS BEING A FULFILLMENT OF PROPHESY WHEN MUCH OF IT STILL HAD NOT TAKEN PLACE? Now, Coronado, Cortez, and Columbus, and others had come over...but that was more Central America. Young Joseph, at 20 years-old, in Pennsylvania, probably did not know much of what was happening with all of these things. Anyway, just some food for thought.

I love all of you, and I pray for all of you constantly. I am so happy to be serving a mission, and I am excited to see all of you sooner rather than later.

Elder Brad Fellows

This one is out of order...should be reversed with the one below

2011-02-15T09:02:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

So, we got word from the Assistants that there's this storm that about to blow through Missouri, I think, starting tonight, and it's suppose to go until Wednesday some time. It's gonna get pretty cold here, and I am kinda excited because usually when things like these storms happen...MISSIONARY OPPORTUNITIES OPEN UP!

So, the work is going great! We had a baptism of a 10 year-old girl a couple of weeks ago, and we are having 2 more people being baptized this coming Saturday. My companion and I are very excited for these two being baptized.

The first person's name is Ashley Gossett. She is a 9 year-old, and her mom is a less-active member of the church, but her dad is not a member. The family has been a big focus for the people in the ward, and they have been very excited for Ashley to be baptized.

The next person is a 37 year-old man named Chris Dwyer. He is AWESOME! He was previously an active Catholic member, but since he's been introduced to the restored gospel, he has been soaking it all in. For quite some time, he was attending Institute twice a week here in Springfield, and he has been STUDYING out of the standard works and the manuals for Institute for 2 HOURS EVERY DAY. He is very knowledgeable about the gospel, and he has a tremendous testimony of the truth of it all.

He is also ex-military, and so he also soaked up the structure of the organization of the church. He's great.

We are also teaching a family of 5, a couple and they have 3 little girls. They are so great. They have come to church a couple of time already and they have enjoyed both times. They also have been reading from the Book of Mormon, but they have almost finished the Gospel Principles Manual. We are actually going to be eating at their house next week.

Oh, and here's a thought for everyone. This is something I came across in my study, and I thought of all of the people in my life, and the things we go through in this mortal probation. Here it is from the Doctrine and Covenants, and this revelation came to the saints while the persecution was very severe in Missouri.

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament--the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord.
(D&C 98:1-3)

I hope all of you pull something from this. I love all of you and pray for you constantly.
Elder Brad Fellows

The Stormin' Mormon Missionaries

2011-02-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

So, the storm that hit us last week REALLY slowed down the work. We ended up just doing a lot of shovelling and pushing people's cars out of the snow. We haven't been able to get out and drive, so we were not able to see many of our investigators, but we hopefully will be able to see them soon and teach them.

The entire mission was affected by the snow, and here in Springfield, we acquired about 12-15 inches of snow plus about an inch or two of ice underneath it all. Fortunately, Springfield did not get hit the hardest. The thing about Springfield is that it is not equpped to handle such storms, but that's okay.

This week has been really weird for me. We got transfer calls Saturday night, and Elder Smith is going to St. Robert, and I am staying here and getting Elder Argyle. This entire zone is changing around, and now I will have been the person who has probably been here the longest. I am a little worried, but it'll be a wonderful growing experience for me. I have thought about all the things I have been through on my mission the last week, and I feel very good about the things that I have pushed through.

Lately I have been tired, but I'm doing my best to keep trucking! I feel so blessed for the enegy God has given me.

That's all I have for this week. Transfers are coming soon.
I love all of you.
Elder Brad Fellows

A Day In The Life

2011-01-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Well, someone in the family wanted to know what it is that I do from day-to-day, so here is the schedule:

Every morning, I wake up at 6:25am and we work out for about 40 minutes in the morning, and since there are four of us in the apartment, we alternate taking turns in the showers, but me and Elder Cinger, who is going home in a couple of weeks, just let the other two go first. Then from 8am to 9am, I have personal studies. Then from 9am to 10am, Elder Smith and I have companionship studies. Then, the rest I'll break it up into the days

Monday, we have preparation day. The first thing we do in the morning is we come to the church, and e go into the family history center and email. Then, we either play basketball, or we just skip that, and we go shopping. Sometimes, Elder Smith and Ihave to go do something for another missionary inthe zone, but that doesn't happen very often. Then, we go back home, and we clean the apartment, and we get ready to go to our dinner appointment. After 6pm, our preparation day ends, and we go out and teach people.

Tuesday, we have a normal day of finding, and teaching.

Wednesday, we have our district meeting, and we alternate going to the different districts, and we take time to instruct the missionaries on the focus that mission has. The rest of the day, we go finding and teaching, and we also have our Missionary Coordination Meeting with our Ward Mission Leader every wednesday night.

Thursday, we are either on exchanges with other missionaires, or it's just a normal day of teaching and finding new people.

Friday, we have our weekly planning session. In that, we spend a few hours to get ready for the week that follows, and then we go out and keep doing what we do best.

Saturday is also another day of finding and teaching, but sometimes we have baptisms on Saturdays.

Sunday, we have Sacrament Meeting at 11am and we get out at 2pm. Then, every night on Sunday, we call in the indicators for the entire zone to the assistants.

Then...we go again!

Thats my schedule, and every moment is a moment dedicated to the Lord.

I love all of you
Elder Brad Fellows

The Year of Change

2011-01-03T15:22:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

So, as most of you know, I was transferred and was put in as a zone leader in Sprinfield, Missouri. I love the area that I am in, and I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve these people here; member, non-member, missionary alike.

My area is about a fifth of the size than Eldon, and I am right in the city. It is quite a bit different than the country. I feel I was kinda numbed to the experience of being in the northernmost part pf the mission I love being here, though. The ward I am in has been great. They do not seem as tightly knitted as did the branch, but that comes with the territory of it being a ward here with many more people in the building. My companion's name is Elder Michael Smith, and he's awesome. He's from Cedar Hills, Utah, and he has been out just one transfer longer than I have. We are both fairly new to being a zone leader, so we both feel like we will be doing a lot of growing here serving together. We get along great, and we teach very well in unity. The area, in the past, has seen a lot of success because experienced missionaries have been here for a long time, and so the ward really does trust us with the work. We are being fed very well, in fact, last night, someone made us home-made hot wings!!! They were so good and we had a great time.

The investigators we are currently teaching are wonderful, but I'll fill eveyone in on them in the next letter.

I do not have too much time to email as I once did, and I do my emailing at about 10:15AM every Monday, so that anyone who wishes to know can plan accordingly.

I am so happy that I am serving on a mission, and I have been rejuvenated to spread the gospel to every home, and I know the Lord will bless Elder Smith, myself, and the ward as we put our shoulder to wheel. I know there is a blessing predicated upon every law in Heaven, and I know in whom I trust.

I know this new year will bring a lot of change to our lives, and that's a good thing! Change is good...well, the right kind of change. I have made a couple of new year's resolutions, one of which is to read a chapter from the Book of Mormon every day so that I can finish way before the year is up, and if I finish that, I'll move onto the New Testament...and if I finish that, I'll move onto the Doctrine and Covenants.

I hope all of you have made at least one new year's resolution. BE RESOLUTE in your resolutions, and I hope that you keep me accountable for mine.

I love all of you, and I am praying always for your health and safety.

Elder Brad Fellows

Transfers are here again!!

2011-01-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! My companion and I got transfer calls, and I'm leaving to go to Springfield, MO.

My address is:
1005 E. Division Apt. A
Springfield, MO 65803

I'm really excited to go Springfield. My companion's name is Elder Michael Smith. I also think that I will be in that area for awhile, but you never know with what the Lord wants. They are making me zone leader there. I was go glad to have the opprotunity to speak to all of you on Christmas, and I will be speaking to you again on Mother's Day. I've gotta get going. I'm being transferred a day earlier than usual, so I have to take care of a lot of things.

Sincerely,
Elder Brad Fellows

December 6, 2010

2010-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

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

It's been awhile!!

2010-10-29T09:47:00.001-07:00

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

Now in Missouri...

2010-07-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

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

Transfers and new responsibilities

2010-07-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

Goodbye, Grandma Fellows

2010-07-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

Father's Day

2010-06-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

June 1, 2010 - It's a bird!! It's a plane!!

2010-06-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

...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

At last...another update :)

2010-05-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

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

Transfer complete....

2010-03-16T08:35:00.001-07:00

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

TRANSFERS!!!!

2010-03-11T13:26:00.001-08:00

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

New e-mail address....

2010-03-11T13:25:00.001-08:00

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)

2010-02-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

And one more....
This is Darla's baptism!
Jared is her husband, and the young boy is her son.
His name is Bishop :)

More pictures of the guy

2010-02-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

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

January 25, 2010

2010-02-02T17:42:00.001-08:00

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

January 19, 2010

2010-02-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

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

January 5, 2010

2010-02-02T17:39:00.001-08:00

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

Monday, December 28, 2009

2010-02-02T17:38:00.001-08:00

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

December 21, 2009

2010-02-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

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

December 7, 2009

2009-12-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

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

November 16, 2009...

2009-11-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

November 9, 2009....

2009-11-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

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

November 2, 2009 (sorry, I'm a little behind)

2009-11-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

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

PICTURES!!!

2009-10-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-10-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

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

October 13, 2009--the trials begin

2009-10-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

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

Monday, October 5, 2009--General Conference--If you have pictures, send them!!

2009-10-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

First Days in Tulsa...

2009-09-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

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

Just the beginning...

2009-09-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

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