Good afternoon everyone!
That little boy on the picture is Daniel! He is only 2 years old and he's the best kid ever. He lives next-door to our investigator, Cindy. When we come to teach Cindy, he would be running around naked. One time after teaching Cindy, I caught him walking around with his food and mouth full and with a big smile on his face. I called him over and told him to stand still while I feed him. The best part, now we are currently working with his parents. I love Daniel, he's so funny. I'll let you know Mom when you can send those clothes for him.
Last night while we were teaching Cindy, a big fight broke out between Cindy's brother and the father. It was over something small and stupid. Man, it was my first time to ever break up a fight, if we weren't there, someone would have gotten hurt really bad. It just makes me sad to see these people living in a poor environment with rough lifestyle and little knowledge they have.
Last week Tuesday was our Zone conference. It was an awesome day where we learned about the "what, why and how" to be an effective and efficient missionary. It's always in everyone's mind especially those who are preparing to go on a mission this question…"what makes an effective and efficient missionary?" Well 3 things you must do and must have:
1. You must learn to be EXACT OBEDIENT. Remember in the past, my first letter from the MTC I said, "Mom, I've learned that when you're obedient to the commandments, blessings come, but when you're exact obedient, miracle takes place."
2. You must "follow up" as Elder Ballard said in his talk from this last General conference.
3. You must show genuine LOVE to everyone, meaning, you must see everyone the way Christ sees them, the way Christ loves them.
Then what makes a less effective and less efficient missionary?
1. Disobedience. Satan can easily get to you when you don't obey the mission rules and all the commandments.
2. Discouragement. When you're discouraged, faith begins to fade away.
3. Lack of knowledge. When you don't have enough knowledge or come on your mission unprepared, you will feel discouraged, lack of motivation to do the Lord's work and would be so easy to judge and not fully love others.
Oh so much to write and share but little time I have, but something so profound President Mehr shared with us about "Broken heart and a Contrite Spirit." To have both of these one must LEARN AND PRACTICE THE LAW OF CONSECRATION….so true! Lately, I have been pondering about the law of consecration, it defines it so well what a broken heart and contrite spirit is.
Well, I hope everyone has a great week. So nice to see my Alapa cousins participate and share their talents everywhere, I know they'll make it big out there someday! Again, I can't say it enough how proud and thankful I am that I have D Bess family ever!:) till' next time!
Love,
Elder Brown
Ps….You wanna hear something funny? During one of our open houses, one of the activities we played was to try and remember everyone's name. You know what these kids call me when it was their turn to say my name? -- ELVIS BRONG! hahaha. Thanks again Mom for the package, I will pick it up tomorrow after our District meeting. Thank you grandma and papa for the treats too. It feels like Christmas for any missionary when we receive a package from home, so I am always grateful for whatever little stuff I get from you guys. Oh yeah I love when you send me pictures Mom cause seeing you guys motivates me to 'thrust in my sickle…" with all your soul and your sins are forgiven you, you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back for the laborer is worthy of his hire, wherefore your family shall live" (DC 31:3-7) It's one of my favorite ones I've memorized. About my haircut, I get it from "Clair's Cutz," aka Elda Shoulda (as people call my companion's name like this) haha…yeah every P-day he cuts my hair, he's pretty good at it. Tell Ulysses good luck with the body building competition. I might get back to doing that while pursing dental..haha!
