June 29th, 2015
Things are going very well here in Vista Bella. We're beginning to see many blessings due to, what I believe is truly "entregándose al Senor". We've stopped trying to do things our way, relying on our own reasoning and knowledge, and have turned the work over to the Lord. After all, it is His. We're focussing more on families, and people who actually want to progress, filtering out those who aren't ripe and ready for our visits just yet, and in doing so the Lord is beginning to trust us enough to give unto us His chosen. Of course there's still plenty of error, and plenty of room for improvement, but I've noticed a great difference lately. We're applying these same principles in the Zone.
Several weeks ago, we had planned to do an "object lesson" type activity with the Zone; something Elder Lanza had heard from about cups with holes, and it's relation to obedience. Half of the cups had holes, and each companionship had to fill the cup with water, but it's impossible, if one of the companions isn't obedient (hole filled cup). After we did the activity, and were headed back into the chapel to talk about the principle, we decided to change it up a bit, and apply it to the needs a bit more relevant to the zone. The cups without holes were investigators ready to receive our message, those with holes were those who aren't, and even though the missionary tried to tape up the holes to make it to the other side with a cup full of water, as soon as that missionary left, the water came spilling out. We've been focussing hard on discovering the true desire of our investigators, so that we can find those who are waiting for us and have been prepared. Last week we also made an example of trying to balance a broomstick with our fingers, and noticing how impossible it is to do if we're only looking at the bottom of the stick. But when we watch the top, having the end in mind, we're able to adjust our own movements according to the wavering of the stick. It's all about seeing the investigator through the eye of faith. We're mentioning or talking about the temple almost every first lesson with an investigator and we've seen major improvement so far.
This next Thursday, we're planning on demonstrating how missionary work is much like a filtration process. There's some kind of seed or something that grows after some time in water, so we'll be experimenting with that, showing that some will be ready, and some aren't, but later after a while, the seed will have grown in the water, and will be ready for harvest for the next missionaries. I'll let you know how it goes.
Personally I love teaching with stories and examples. People seem to respond to them so well if it's clear enough, and I always end up learning something from it. We'll be using these more often to address specific needs of the zone, and the wishes from above. The spirituallity is increasing and frivolity decreasing. I can't believe I've been out for a year... It's a strange feeling. In the words of Pete "That don't make no sense!" By the way, I've taught that phrase to my Honduranian companion, and he's practically a man from the south now. Love you all!
Elder Brady
Serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo East Mission
Monday, June 29, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
"Got, Got, Got, Got No Time..." - Week 50
June 22nd, 2015
All is well... No time at all, just like the Guess Who, so hear we go...
We painted some steal bars at the stake president's kindergarten, and so that's helpin a ton with our relationship.
We had a development meeting with the zone, and it went well. Had a testimony meeting at the end that was super spiritual, so I guess that's pretty rad.
Had an incredible lesson with an investigator family accompanied by our bishop at the temple yesterday. It was really powerful.
We now have two dates for the Noche Blanca in our area, and are starting to see many others in the zone.
I love the mish, love the work, the calling, my comp and most of all the challenges given to me by God to help me grow. Peace out ya'll
Elder Brady
All is well... No time at all, just like the Guess Who, so hear we go...
We painted some steal bars at the stake president's kindergarten, and so that's helpin a ton with our relationship.
We had a development meeting with the zone, and it went well. Had a testimony meeting at the end that was super spiritual, so I guess that's pretty rad.
Had an incredible lesson with an investigator family accompanied by our bishop at the temple yesterday. It was really powerful.
We now have two dates for the Noche Blanca in our area, and are starting to see many others in the zone.
I love the mish, love the work, the calling, my comp and most of all the challenges given to me by God to help me grow. Peace out ya'll
Elder Brady
Elder Lanza and I |
We found a bird in our house and made it our pet. His name's Junior |
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
"Change is a Process" - Week 49
June 16, 2015
Firstly, shout out to my Mom! Happy Birthday Mom! Im so grateful to have a mother as amazing as you in my life. (Im sure everyone will make her feel extra special today ;)) Anyway, couldn't write yesterday, our Zone had interviews with the President. They went great! Everything is going really well. I love my new calling, area, companion (Elder Lanza and I are great friends) the zone, everything is awesome. We've planned a pretty dope Zone Meeting that I'm excited about. Villa Mella has really low baptismal rates, and we're trying to turn that all around. This last month, we had 4, and it doesn't look like we'll do much better this month. But on the 11th of July, we have a "Noche Blanca" planned. (White Night) Where each companionship brings the investigators that have been preparing themselves , and we have a big stake baptism. We're excited for that. This last week, we had a meeting with President Corbbit, and the Stake President. It was a little strange. The meeting was very cold, in the sense that the stake president was almost attacking us, and wouldn't look at the big picture, (We have very little support from members here, and he doesn't accept it as a problem.) But we had family home evening with him and his family last night, and our relationship has gotten much better already. Very good person, very good leader, just a little frustrated with the numbers, as are we. Things are going to start changing fast in Villa Mella. We've put a lot of thought, prayer, and preparation into how we can best target the specific needs of the zone, and address them with love, and in a way that the missionaries discover the solutions for themselves. I'm learning a ton in this new calling. Any who, all is well. Thanks for everything! Have a great week,
Elder Brady
Firstly, shout out to my Mom! Happy Birthday Mom! Im so grateful to have a mother as amazing as you in my life. (Im sure everyone will make her feel extra special today ;)) Anyway, couldn't write yesterday, our Zone had interviews with the President. They went great! Everything is going really well. I love my new calling, area, companion (Elder Lanza and I are great friends) the zone, everything is awesome. We've planned a pretty dope Zone Meeting that I'm excited about. Villa Mella has really low baptismal rates, and we're trying to turn that all around. This last month, we had 4, and it doesn't look like we'll do much better this month. But on the 11th of July, we have a "Noche Blanca" planned. (White Night) Where each companionship brings the investigators that have been preparing themselves , and we have a big stake baptism. We're excited for that. This last week, we had a meeting with President Corbbit, and the Stake President. It was a little strange. The meeting was very cold, in the sense that the stake president was almost attacking us, and wouldn't look at the big picture, (We have very little support from members here, and he doesn't accept it as a problem.) But we had family home evening with him and his family last night, and our relationship has gotten much better already. Very good person, very good leader, just a little frustrated with the numbers, as are we. Things are going to start changing fast in Villa Mella. We've put a lot of thought, prayer, and preparation into how we can best target the specific needs of the zone, and address them with love, and in a way that the missionaries discover the solutions for themselves. I'm learning a ton in this new calling. Any who, all is well. Thanks for everything! Have a great week,
Elder Brady
Some photos of the house |
Monday, June 8, 2015
" First Week in Vista Bella" - Week 48
June 8th, 2015
Well, Im here in my new area, and all is well. I love my companion, Elder Lanza. Im learning a ton from him.The Zone is really good, but I'll tell ya, it sure is different being Zone leader. There is never a free minute. Absolutely every second of the day is occupied by some problem to resolve, some phone call to make, some report to give... It's extremely busy, but I love it! The ward is really good. Its probably the best established ward I've been in on my mission yet. There's a lot of support from the ward. It's very strange to get used to a new area, and I've forgotten how it is, so everything, all the names, visits, streets are all just a blur right now, but I'll adjust soon enough. I love it here so far. Thanks for everything, and have a great week!
Elder Brady
Sorry I ain't got no photos for ya'll, I'll try to be better next time round.
Well, Im here in my new area, and all is well. I love my companion, Elder Lanza. Im learning a ton from him.The Zone is really good, but I'll tell ya, it sure is different being Zone leader. There is never a free minute. Absolutely every second of the day is occupied by some problem to resolve, some phone call to make, some report to give... It's extremely busy, but I love it! The ward is really good. Its probably the best established ward I've been in on my mission yet. There's a lot of support from the ward. It's very strange to get used to a new area, and I've forgotten how it is, so everything, all the names, visits, streets are all just a blur right now, but I'll adjust soon enough. I love it here so far. Thanks for everything, and have a great week!
Elder Brady
Sorry I ain't got no photos for ya'll, I'll try to be better next time round.
Monday, June 1, 2015
"Transfers are in." - Week 47
June 1st, 2015
Well, we got our transfer calls. I'll be leaving to Vista Bella as Zone Leader of Villa Mella. This is the same zone I've been in, but different area. I'll be with my old Zone Leader Elder Lanza, from Honduras. I'm super excited, cause he's awesome and we'll get along great. He's leaving after this transfer, so I'll be "killing him" as the saying goes. It'll be a lot of fun, and I'm excited for all I'm going to learn as Zone Leader. It's fun, cause a lot of people are staying in the zone, so I know just about everybody, and I've got a lot of good friends here. Elder Valdes will be staying here, and will be paired with another Elder Valdez. How funny right? It's sad to say bye to Ponce, but I'm movin on. Love you all, and thanks for everything.
Elder Brady
Well, we got our transfer calls. I'll be leaving to Vista Bella as Zone Leader of Villa Mella. This is the same zone I've been in, but different area. I'll be with my old Zone Leader Elder Lanza, from Honduras. I'm super excited, cause he's awesome and we'll get along great. He's leaving after this transfer, so I'll be "killing him" as the saying goes. It'll be a lot of fun, and I'm excited for all I'm going to learn as Zone Leader. It's fun, cause a lot of people are staying in the zone, so I know just about everybody, and I've got a lot of good friends here. Elder Valdes will be staying here, and will be paired with another Elder Valdez. How funny right? It's sad to say bye to Ponce, but I'm movin on. Love you all, and thanks for everything.
Elder Brady
The last supper. |
Saying goodbye to a good friend. He's goin back to Guatemala! |
Villa Mella! I gave Elder Zarate my old watch. We've got style |
Elder Zarate left us with some gifts. Some things that have meant a lot to him in his mission. |
Me and J.M! |
Adios Elder Zarate! |
These girls are just the cutest. Every time we'd come over, they'd run up to us screaming "Hermanos, hermanos!" and give us hugs. |
I love this family. |
Raffy and I. One of our investigators |
Randy and I. I'll miss this kid. |
The whole fam. |
Daniel. This kids a pill, but can't help but think he's cute. |
Herman Brito |
I usually have terrible luck with small babies. They always cry when they see me. But this one for some reason always loved me, recognized me, and laughed with me. |
A family of recent converts. They're awesome. Rosy, to my right, just gave birth to their new baby boy two weeks ago. Love these guys |
I was feeling artistic, and took a shot of this unfinished, abandoned basketball court. The sign says, "enough already of false promise" |
A bit of my area |
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