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| R.A., me and Sister Floyd! |
Hallo hallo!
You would be hard pressed to believe the stuff that has happened this week. But! There's just SO MUCH.
Moves
went smoothly - Elder Bitner is safe and sound in the gorgeous city of
Arendal, and we welcomed Elder Weaver into the district! As well as the
mission (brand new missionary). He's from Irvine (another So-Cal
missionary!!), and apparently the cousin of Elder Hart (a Swedish elder
back in the MTC days). He's such a stud!! It's awesome to see the
willingness, testimonies and fire that these new missionaries have -
ready to conquer the world despite the challenges put before them (
contacting in western dialect - let me tell you!). We're stoked to have
him with us. (He also says words like "rad", "sweetness", "holy smokes"
and "sick" - oh sweet California :] ). We also received a
relatively-new-to-the-mission sister Sister Siebach. She's awesome,
super-motivated - and way good at the language. This transfer is already
and going to be a BLAST.
On Friday we set some good, solid transfer goals.
All Preach My Gospel missionaries are familiar with PMG chapter 8 about
using time wisely. Under the weekly planning session is the famous
"companionship inventory" where you get to open up with your companion
in order to discuss the companionship, troubleshoot weaknesses, magnify
strengths, and set goals to be more awesome the next week. I've had a
few companions that don't take advantage of this opportunity to iron out
character flaws and weaknesses and increase strengths - but Elder
Levine sure can do the job. I am extremely grateful for a companion who
knows how to best help those he is with. I can feel I am growing a ton,
and together we're on a journey to become more and more Christlike. A
lifetime goal, but a journey we're taking out one week at a time.
Missions rock!!
A YSA (young single adult) in our ward is doing a
school project/documentary in her film class - so she decided to do it
on missionaries! On Saturday we found ourselves in front of a camera
being lovingly drilled with questions about our lives before, during and
after our missions all in Norwegian.
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| Interview studio! |
Holy mackerel it is nerve-wracking
speaking Norwegian in front of a camera. Hopefully I'll get a copy of
the finished product though so I can send it home. Next week we'll be
recorded while out on the street sharing the Book of Mormon :]. Nothing
gets your adrenaline going quite like a world of an audience!
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| Eep!! :] |
My Norwegian Bible was lost in Oslo somewhere, so I
finally got around to ordering a mini Norwegian Bible. That may have
been the best choice I made that day. It's small, it's convenient, and
surprisingly extremely easy to read (much easier than the Book of Mormon
in Norwegian). Opening up and testifying of the doctrines of Jesus
Christ through the Bible has never been easier! And with the Book of
Mormon, they both make a deadly duo :). I testify that the Bible is the
word of God as far is it is translated correctly! Christ came down to
earth to fulfill the Law of Moses found in the Old Testament, and to
restore the Higher Law found in the New Testament (particularly Matthew
5). I am extremely grateful for the Catholics and Protestants who
preserved the Bible for thousands of years so that we have the
opportunity to read it for ourselves, in our own language, today!
Today's living apostles and prophets also witness of its value! http://mormonchannel.
The brunt of amazing events happened this past
weekend when we had a succession of appointments right after another. I
am not sure how best to express the details of these lessons, but I'll
try my best.
K. has been coming to church for the past few weeks
due to his good friend. He loves the members, the lessons and especially
the way he feels in church. Through our lesson, he had many questions
regarding the spirit world - where we came from and where we go after
this life. Through the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the questions he
had were very clearly answered. However, for a confirmation that our
words are true, he needs to ponder and pray about the principles we have
shared with him. No one can know of spiritual truths without prayer
(PMG pg. 39). Moroni's promise is always valid "Through the power of the
Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5). At the
end, we got him excited for General Conference and promised him that if
he comes to General Conference with questions in his mind (or even
better, on paper) he will have them answered! I testify that General
Conference is an opportunity to delve into the scriptural words of our
living day apostles and prophets! If you want to know if that's true,
then put them to the test. Come with questions, and open your heart and
mind. You shall be answered.
In church we had 5 high school kids drop in to do
their school project on our church. Our members were prepared, and
enveloped them in a loving manner showing them the building, our
activities, classes and gave them little "care packages" filled with
copies of the Book of Mormon, For Strength of Youth pamphlets and The
Family: A Proclamation to the World pamphlets. It's always a joy to
answer questions that it seems everyone has on their mind. Missionaries
thrill to answer sincere questions :]
M. brought his friend A. to our meeting after
church, and at first A. was extremely defensive. "what is this other
Bible you guys believe in??" "why don't you guys drink coffee?" "do all
of your members wear white shirts and ties??" etc. We took it very
slowly and just had her ask all of her questions. It was one of the best
lessons I've experienced. Through the Bible (the new Norwegian one, mind you),
Elder Levine and I were able to testify of the wonderful gifts God has
given us - Faith, Repentance, Baptism, The Gift of the Holy Ghost. Yet
also, we were able to describe the need for more scripture, the need for
a prophet and the need for personal revelation now in our day. The
windows of heaven are open to our questions, struggles and trials. God
loves us; He will listen; and He does answer. "What would you do if you
received an answer that the Book of Mormon really is more of the word of
God?" "Change my life accordingly. I trust in God much more than I
trust in myself." That woman has extremely great faith - and it was
sheer joy to share the gospel with her.
This next week is extremely busy as well. And I'm
very excited to live it. The Lord's commandments really do provide us a
rich life! The more and more I delve into this gospel and the teachings
of Jesus Christ, the more richly I am blessed and able to understand the
challenges and problems around me. He who trusts in the Lord will be
supported by Him! (Alma 38:5)
Without God, we can do nothing. With Him, we can do all things (Luke 1:37). Of this I do so testify!
-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson
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| A rockin' dinner over at R.A.'s house. Philippino food is SO GOOD. |
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| I never knew that Norwegian canned corn (extremely common in all Norwegian dishes) could look so epic. |
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| Norwegian Brussels Sprouts :P |
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