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| Forest near the Bergen Stav Kirke |
Hei alle!
How is everyone! I love receiving
emails every week from people just telling me how their lives are going
and amazing experiences they have been having (Gram'ma, Bro Leighton,
Mom, Dad - thank you thank you!). I am spoiled to have these gifts
waiting in my inbox every week. It is simply wonderful to hear that life
continues wonderfully and miraculously for everyone. I love it! All of
your support is extremely appreciated.
For those of you who have read Our Heritage
(short history of the Church), did you know that John Tanner (my great
great . .. grandpa!) is directly stated in the book?? Hearing of such
stories, especially my ancestors, inspires me to new heights. I love it.
Also apparently there was a "Norway, Illinois" that donated supplies to
Nauvoo when they were having a difficult time. Norwegian missionary
work exploded in the 1800's, to the point where tens of thousands of
citizens of Norway moved to America for the westward movement. I am sure
that was a huge blessing for the Saints back then, and here I am now
teaching those same inspired people! Quite a different situation though,
haha.
This past Saturday we went to a
new-missionary/trainer conference down in Oslo. My MTC district was able
to reunite and share our experiences the past month as new
missionaries! That was a huge blessing. From that conference I learned
so much from the other missionaries and from President Johansen. I am SO
blessed to be in Bergen, even if it does rain every day. Notice to all:
the kebabs in the westland (Bergen, Stavanger, Haugesund, etc) are
horrendous - Oslo and the rest of the east has amazing kebabs. But that
experience was truly exquisite: "No man can understand the joyful
sensations created by such a meeting, except one who has been in
tribulation for the Gospel's sake." - Wilford Woodruff on meeting Joseph
Smith after Missouri. Much was learned, and also much progress can be
made - especially in preparation for future experiences. Turns out my
companion is going home after this transfer, so I'll be getting a new
companion this coming November. Companions are such a blessing - there
is no other way to put it.
I have a story for all of you. Since the new
missionary conference I have realized how much we need to expect answers
to our prayers. Yes, we can pray, but do we expect answers? It really
is a lot easier to just pray for things and then let life have its
course. But if we hold God to His promise that He will answer us, we
better watch for the answers. This past week my eye has been red, itchy
and nasty (producing a yellow ooze/crust). It's not nearly as bad as I
just described it, but nevertheless it was not good! It very well may
have been pinkeye or some viral infection. I therefore prayed that my
eye would heal. I went to the doctor (4 hours of waiting, good ol'
system), and they told me to continue washing it out with artificial
tears, and if that didn't help in 2 days, use the prescription. The next
day my eye was completely healed! No problems or side-effects left
over. What a blessing prayer is - and knowing that God even cares about
the little things. Do you recall the story from Conference of the
medical student riding his bike home by KFC who prayed for a quarter? http://bcove.me/97ou75te There it was, and he thanked God for it. In the same manner, when we
pray for specifics, hold God to it and observe that which you prayed
about. Then afterward praise God for how life played out. For "all
things work together for their good to those who love God" (Romans 8).
Dad, I am really glad my transfers aren't 4
months+, and the scenery here in Bergen is remarkably
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| This is for Dad and Mom ;) |
colorful. Most
missions have 6 week transfers, but Scandinavia has 9 week transfers
instead. 4 months would be a looong time! Thank you for the story about
that literally elect man searching for the truth. It is so true that we
make things way too hard and then get down on ourselves when the work
goes slowly. "It is pointless fabricate regrets. As long as you're
learning, you know enough." - (M. McLeroy). We are here to find the
elect! All we have to do is give them an informed decision.
Thank you all, again and again, for your love and
prayers! I probably say this every week, but your prayers are literally
felt. The feelings of the Spirit while a missionary, at least to me,
feel tangible in my heart. I know we have been called of God, and I know
that your prayers are answered. I love you all - keep up the good work!
And make sure to perform missionary work in any form possible - for
that is the best way our testimonies grow.
-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson