Expect Answers.‏

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 

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