George's Baptism!‏

Hey everyone!

We just had a baptism this past Saturday! George is a man full of faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. And he has really felt the power that comes from coming closer to his Redeemer. It really builds my testimony seeing the joy and peace that comes through a baptism performed by the proper authority of God! The Spirit flooded my heart as he entered the water. What a blessing Elder Passey and I have received from God!

Funny story though, earlier this week we were watching Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration with George. It was a little long . . . and the TV a little too quiet . . . and he totally fell asleep. I was immediately grateful for this experience I had with my Mom many years back when we watched The Lord of the Rings together. Every 5 minutes she'd fall asleep, and I would pause and summarize what happened. I was able to do the very same with George! My abilities were well tuned ;P sorry Mom! hehe.

Earlier this week my thoughts were drawn back to many people I know here in Norway who have a really difficult time with the evil that surrounds them. I was curious as to why these things happen to such good people despite their desires to do good. My mind came to a conclusion that I feel somewhat explains this. I call it a "spiritual vaccination." For those of you who are not familiar with vaccinations, it is a small shot given to the body which temporarily infects it with the very disease it is meant to protect you against. As your body fights against it, your body produces the cells necessary to destroy any second infection of that type. I therefore think that at times these bad things to good people because they have the resources necessary to fight it - and will thereby become more resistant against that evil for the rest of their lives. This is what I came up with. Not doctrine - but an idea! Spiritual vaccinations seem to happen frequently, for better or worse. But I am grateful for the knowledge that God has a plan for each of us!

Splits to Stavanger flight

Another interesting experience this week - I went on splits with an Elder in Stavanger (yes we do splits between whole cities). On the plane I recognized that they give out free newspapers on the way to the plane. As I walked past the newspaper stand I desired to pick one up to see if I could improve my Norwegian. Thought after mulling it over in my head for a bit, for whatever reason I decided against it. I disregarded the thought - but then once in the airport on the way back I saw another person reading one such newspaper. Little did I know - they are filled with sexual content! Whoaa!! And they're available to anyone who gets on the plane. Sheesh. I am deeply grateful for a Heavenly Father who works through His Holy Spirit to protect His servants.

Other than that though, the splits went wonderfully. It's interesting to see how the general community of cities act differently. Bergen is a big city - and therefore people think you're selling something to them. But in Stavanger they were more open to listen to our message. Really interesting, and a building experience.

Thank you all so much for the letters and support - I love them all! Please speak with each other, get to know each other better - for that is what Christ would do. I testify this Church is led by our Redeemer Jesus Christ. The future is filled with unknown, but we have been given a book filled with answers (whether received from the actual black words on the page themselves, or just the Spirit it brings). Hope you're enjoying home, Jared! Garrett, you haven't sent me a letter yet with the address back yet! Hope you're brushing up on your Chinese ;). Good luck Eric in Ukraine! You're going to rock that mission! With God, all things are possible! I love you all!!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Halloween in Bergen

It's easy to be down when it's dark!‏

Hey everybody!

How is everyone? I'm sure the weather is fantastic wherever you all are. It's amazing here! The sun is actually up today! It's been 3 weeks or so since I've seen the sun out. Bergen just rains, rains and rains. Yet one neat thing I've learned, is that the Spirit supports us despite our surroundings. "The world takes the man out of the slums, but Christ takes

Chillin' before bed

The Bergen Theater

Voss Cathedral

the slums out of the man." Those same supporting feelings are what got the pioneers across the plains. A purification and sanctification process not possible any where else. This mission is an amazing opportunity!

However the biggest problem when you're in an intense opportunity (such as a mission), is pride. If you think your desires will bring you the most happiness, think again. As we heard in the last conference (Elder Cook?), we will always be happier doing things the Lord's way. Therefore, by being humble (willing to submit to the Lord's will) you are therefore happy. This past week I thought I could do things my way, and felt the reproving result. The Lord chastens those He loves. I'm so loved! hehe

We took a train to Voss this past week. That was beautiful! Oh my word, the fjords here will knock your socks off. And I was also filled with gratitude for Bergen. Bergen is extremely warm compared to other areas in Norway right now. Voss was freezing! Luckily, as missionaries, we move around enough to keep us warm. Mom, thank you for the smart wool - they are deliciously warm!!

Another thing I have been learning is how to have fun despite everything around you. Being serious, sad and mopey is NOT what this Gospel is about! And sometimes it's hard to find something to laugh about! The gravity of the world seems to weigh down on you once in a while. Recognize that gift God has given you, and then open up to those around you. It really helps. One great experience was this past week we had an old man on the city train, really drunk, and he played the recorder for everyone! It was so sweet!

Speaking of talking with other people, I have really recognized a strong method Satan tries to stop this work of the Gospel from going forth: by keeping us quiet. Elder Holland this last conference talked about how the adversary tries to stop us from opening our mouths. This is literally applicable to the 

members of the church. When missionaries bring investigators, please talk with them and at least get their time and say "Glad to see you at church today!" When people don't feel accepted in our church something is seriously seriously wrong. For me, when I feel like being quiet and just sitting down being comfortable, I recognize that that is the adversary trying to stop my efforts in strengthening those around me. The same goes for each and every member of this church. And working through a language barrier is really uncomfortable and scary! I look forward to when I can easily understand others in this language. Everyone: please talk with each other - the adversary is trying to stop you from opening your mouth!! And if you feel insincere, open up to page 118 in Preach My Gospel.

Thank you all for your love and support! (Ken, your letter has gotten me through this week). Lara, I just received your second letter, I'll write a response next week! Hope you got my other letter. Your prayers are felt and appreciated. I love you all - open those mouths!


-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Mushroom, Mushroom

It's not every day you get to go to a Norwegian Funeral‏

Hey everyone!

I am sure all of you are familiar with those "Missionary Preparation" Mutual activities, or FHE activities where you learn how to iron shirts/tie a tie/sew on a button, etc etc. Well guess what! I actually sewed on a button this week - and I am so glad I learned how to do that! It's really not that hard, surprisingly =P

Earlier this week we had a Zone Conference over in Stavanger. It was gorgeous there! There's a soft spot in my heart for rolling grassy hills and sunshine. Bergen could certainly use the latter. We learned a lot, and it is just weird to see missionaries say their goodbyes. The flights to and from Stavanger were absolutely gorgeous as well - we flew over fjords and lakes! 

For Family Home Evening with the YSA this week, Øyvind and I did a TaeKwonDo demonstration. I was really grateful I was able to relate to him through Martial Arts, and also that I had some training on how to be a guinea pig. The next day I was really really sore . . . haha! He sure enjoyed his time! Speaking of other things that have come in handy, we had a lesson earlier this week that covered a lot of the Apostasy and Reformers - Thank you Liahona for teaching me all about that! - it sure helped during that lesson. As well, I had a discussion with a woman by our Plan of Salvation chalk drawing concerning the balance between science and religion. Thank you Liahona and BYU for that! It is truly amazing to see that science and religion both explain two parts of the same story. Science explains the how things are, and religion explains why things are. And together we obtain a greater understanding and appreciation for the world we have been given! I believe it was Brigham Young who said that there is no conflict between true science and true religion. Truth holds fast no matter the topic!

The Sandvika Fire Station (right next to the Sandvika Church)

A truly neat experience this week was on Friday that our whole district went to a Norwegian Funeral to support a family in the branch. The Sandvika Church was gorgeous, and the music exceptional (real organ and Norsk soloists and everything!). The downside to this experience was that everyone was so sad! Hopefully the people didn't mind having us missionaries sit in the back of church; though we would have loved to share insights as to why these difficulties happen to us. Thank Heavenly Father for the restoration of the gospel, and living prophets to which we can turn for answers and help! My testimony grows every day realizing how much people need this message! We see in the Book of Mormon that faithful believers more often than not have difficulties (social/physical/emotional/etc) - however we also see that despite those difficulties we are given joy and happiness! Either way in this life we will have difficulties, however with this gospel we can do so with joy! And that joy is deep, abiding, true and constant! Don't give up on it when times are hard, and more especially when they are easy.

Whale sandwich

Norway is one of the few places you can legally eat whale. We therefore had a taste! And it was gross! It was like soggy jerky. In better news, there was a picture of our district in the newspaper this past week regarding our chalk drawing! Sadly, it was all about the weather rather than our message. Yet still there was a picture of us drawing with the chalk, and that we were out to share our message. Pretty cool! 

You never really appreciate something until you no longer have it. My voice earlier this week was gone (maybe from yelling in TaeKwonDo). Luckily we had weekly planning that day so that I could rest. The members here were literally angels by giving us soup, cough drops and herbal tea (Mmm tea reminds me of good times with Jared and Micah :))! Ahh, Norwegian members are absolute gems once they are baptized. It is wonderful! 

Due to the fact that I received quite a bit of mail this week, I need to go write those letters! Thank you Lara and kids, I will write back as soon as possible. I'll send the letter to Mom so that she can forward it to you all with your new address. Thank you Carissa and Hillary! I don't know if I can write this week, we had deep cleaning today. Thanks Dad, I sent you an email already.

I love you all! Please share the Gospel to those around you, and keep those testimonies strong by doing so! 

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

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

Musical Fireside!‏

Hey everyone!

We had our musical fireside last night, which went wonderfully! It was more of a music and the spoken word according to the First Lesson in Preach My Gospel. Elder Passey and I coordinated and wrote it, and it seemed to just come together at the end - awesome awesome!! Dad, I played "For Our Day" from EFY by Steven K. Jones and Sam Cardon, and also "Beside Still Waters" by Grietje T. Rowley (Look this one up, it's amazing!). The whole evening was fantastic, especially the songs written and performed BY the people in the branch. "Bønn" by the Gjevik's was amazing. We were really glad it turned out so well, and we feel the branch is strengthened, but we wish there could have been more investigators! The Spirit was there, and that would have been a perfect opportunity for them. Ah well.

Portal fans, anyone?

So I actually had time to write 3 letters this week, so Carissa - expect a full envelope. I also had time to get a snow jacket today! Life is grand!

This past weekend we had President Johansen come down and visit us for District Meeting, which was a spiritual feast. Only obedience will give us the opportunity for success here in Norway, and we need that opportunity at every chance we have. We also learned that the Spirit is never static. The Spirit is either increasing or decreasing in your life (particularly on the mission) you must therefore be sensitive to promptings and ideas you receive. President Johansen gave all of us small moleskine books

Found this little guy on our way home one day

for writing down ideas and thoughts we receive at anytime during the day (or night!). And that has been a wonderful, wonderful blessing. I encourage all to do the same! Pray for inspiration, then listen throughout the day, and write them down. We are promised that the rate at which those revelations come will increase!

The work here is coming along - at times incredible and at times discouraging. Yet only through extreme heat and pressure are diamonds formed - constant improvement is the purpose of life! I hope you all are seeking that improvement. I really learned this week to be filled with love. It is extremely important to be filled with love, and seek every way possible to increase that love within yourself so that you can then share it with those around you.

Great to hear about the wonderful weddings! I wish I could have been there! Thanks Mom for the pictures - I really enjoyed them. I'll also make sure to visit Edvard Grieg's house before I leave Bergen!

This next week is General Conference everybody!! Watch it! Sup from it! President Uchtdorf has counseled we are ENTITLED to personal revelation from General Conference. I'm way excited to partake of it (especially since I feel like I understand much more what it's like to be a Latter-day Saint in a world of lesser standards from being a missionary, and also reading my grandfather's conversion story. What a stud!!)

General Conference in Bergen

General conference for us is quite different. We get Relief Society and Morning Saturday Session on Saturday night, then on Sunday we get Priesthood, and the next three sessions, and the final Sunday night session next Sunday. Luckily we don't have to have them recorded on tape and sent to us. Or only hear it on the radio. Isn't technology amazing?? It's the only way this church is possible! Just look at the whole second half of the New Testament to see what happens when there's a lack of communication and direction.

Alright I have covered everything I can think of. I love you all! Your support is extraordinarily appreciated! Christiaan, thank you for the email, I realize our tracting efforts seem quite similar :P. If I can think of stories you can send me, I'll let you know. oh one more thing: everyone please send me mission stories! They are an incredible source of hope and comfort knowing someone else has also experienced this. Including family history stories as well - I loved reading about the Tanner's. Please send me more. Okay! Again, I love you all! Until next week!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

p.s. thank you Mom for forcing me to play piano back in the day, it's paying off extremely well here on my mission :D

CHINA!!!‏

Dude, you're kidding me!! Completely kidding me. All of these years of dreaming to go to Norway and China, and we both get to go there!! That is absolutely nuts. Haha!! I can't wait for our stories and experiences :D. Gah! Hahaha.

Well everyone, my buddy Garrett got his call to Hong Kong, China, and it is nigh unbelievable!

Ominous, eh?

Bergen Stav Kirke

So hey everyone! I feel more alive than I have in a while. This week was awesome! The Atonement is real and this Gospel is true! And going around telling people that feels amazing. I hope you all enjoy the pictures (yes, enjoy the Ancient Norsk Church Garrett, saw it this morning!! Didn't go inside though because it cost $20. The other ones are free from what I've heard!) There are mushrooms everywhere and the city is gorgeous when there's some sun!

We studied some family history stuff for missionary work because apparently it's a huge hobby in Norway, and I found out that I have Scottish blood in me! Scottish!! Scottish, Danish, Swedish and English. That's awesome. I was so excited after I heard that. And also one of my grandmas was born in Nauvoo (Rebecca Hill). That is so incredible! It's empowering to think about those on the other side supporting us in our work here. So! I would love some more stories about my family, that'd be great :D.

One thing we've found to be rather successful here in Bergen is to go out by the lake and draw a giant chalk picture of the plan of salvation (Frelsesplanen) for people. It's a great way to talk to people! We've found many potential investigators that way, and my Norsk has really improved. Note to future missionaries/anyone who will explain the plan of salvation effectively: The Plan of Salvation is centered on Jesus Christ - therefore you must use Him as your needle through the tapestry of the Plan. It is only possible through Christ, and the Holy Ghost can powerfully testify of the Plan when you speak of His role as Savior to make it possible. 

Another thing. I've been having a hard time with patience recently. And since I have studied the Christ-like attribute of patience and thoroughly sought to obtain it, my joy in this work has blossomed. I highly recommend in everyone's personal study to take some time to obtain and develop these attributes - for it is more important to be a missionary than to just do missionary things! (including member missionaries!) However, both of them bring blessings! Go and perform missionary work - it is the lifeblood of this Gospel and brings so much joy! 

Did I mention Bergen is the home of Edvard Grieg? Sweet huh! We're performing our fireside next Sunday. The music will be incredible - the members here are gifted musicians (particularly vocalists). Also, it doesn't snow too badly here. The weather stays warm enough to be rain, and yet cold enough to still tell you it's Norway. I've certainly been warm so far however :D - I even found an extra jacket (not waterproof, but warm!) in the apartment. I'm looking around for a good snow jacket though. It's going to be cold, I know it will.

Thank you all for your support - I feel transformed through the Atonement and I experience joy everyday in this work. I am really excited for this next week. I haven't received any mail yet, but I look forward to it! . . . some day! . . . . . Haha. These p-days where we get emails feel like Christmas. Vitamin D will really come in handy, I hope I get it! Congratulations to all of you getting married - I wish I could be there! I'm excited to see little cousins running around pretty soon :D. I love you all so much. I've never done anything harder, yet more satisfying and joyful. It's truly the Lord's work! Take advantage of the gift Christ has given us!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Sunset in Bergen 

Ulriken