Ancient Churches!

Hiya!

This week was rather neat and eventful!

On Tuesday we took our P-Day and we took an adventurous trip down to the Petter Dass Museum in the middle of nowhere (Sandessjøen & Tjøtta area). It took 5 hours, 4 buses and one ferry to manage the trip down there, with one hour to spend at the museum, and 5 hours, 4 buses and one ferry back! Haha, but to see the one of 2-3 exciting things here in Mo i Rana, it was way worth it :P. Enjoy the pictures! Petter Dass was a poet-priest back in the 1600s who had great influence upon all of Northern Norway. The church near the museum was way cool - extremely old (from the 1200s I believe), and still up and running with services every Sunday at 11 am! Hehe.

Ancient Norwegian Church (yes, they always have awesome cemeteries!)

Risgrøt

On Thursday, one of our members invited us over to give her daughter a blessing. The priesthood is such a great blessing in our lives! Not only does it help us males reach out and actually serve one another, but it also brings comfort, peace and healing to whatever malady plagues the afflicted soul! And besides, we ate delicious risgrøt afterwards! To their uttermost surprise, I hadn't tried it before :P.

On Friday we had a meeting down in Oslo, which really helped us be more goal-driven in our finding. Instead of saying "alright! We have from 11 am this morning until 9 pm tonight to find people! Let's get on the street!" And finding no one, and becoming extremely discouraged, we say "Okay, this next hour we will obtain two lessons and three copies of the Book of Mormon given away. Pray. And seek." The scripture in Jeremiah about missionaries being like fishers and hunters is extremely applicable. In Norway I'd say it's more like hunting. Timing has to be perfect, your tone of voice, dialect, and bobbing and weaving within a crucial 15-second contact. Whew, gotta love Norway!

Sjokolade Boller

Also regarding ancient churches, the Restored Church of Jesus Christ met yesterday with a stunning 10 members present!! Yeeah! Elder Farnsworth and I were beaming during, and after the lessons. The quality and Spirit of church meetings multiply by how many people are there :). We even baked some

boller (my favorite Norwegian snack) to share with everyone! A church meeting like that can get you through a snowy, cold day anyday!

We all have our humbling, discouraging days, but looking back so far on my mission I can hardly remember them. However, I DO remember many of the awesome days. It reminds me of a quote I heard once that said something to the effect of: "When we're in the next life, we'll realize that it is just an extension of our mortal life. Those who were happy on earth, will continue to be happy after this life. Those who were miserable, will continue to be miserable." Except of course for the fact people in the next life do also have the opportunity to accept the gospel :). What a merciful and loving plan our Father has for each of us!

Let us live for today and find that peace and joy God awaits to impart unto us!

Gravestone of Petter Dass

 Petter Dass' gravestone. If everyone had a gravestone this big, the world would have its brand new stone age.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Rain drops keep flyin' up my face!

Hei alle!

The past couple days we have had extremely strange weather. From two days of beautiful sun, to extremely windy snow/hail/rain for the past 3 or 4 days. Oi, we really need goggles around here!

I'll be brief and honest in saying that this past week we have simply been finding! On those days where ice cuts your face, we stay inside and read some Jesus the Christ - which has been extremely uplifting. Thank you Mom for reading Jesus the Christ with me over the course of 5 years back in home school. Little did you know, I have many great memories reading it!

One very uplifting experience this past week was when the senior missionary couple from Trondheim drove up to visit with us and the members. Our senior missionary couple gave us just the boost we needed to keep going this week - they are a great strength to us younger missionaries! I now understand why our leaders have asked for more senior couples to serve missions.

However, despite trials and difficulty, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It is the way in which we purify and cleanse ourselves from sin in order to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ - the only perfect being to walk this earth. The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence that Christ's true church has been re-established through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that book is true - I asked God this morning.

He is always willing to answer our questions.

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Mo i Rana

Vinter Ferie (Winter Vacation)

Hiya!

Well! This week was winter vacation for a lot of the families up here in Mo i Rana.This posed problems such as bonking on 20 doors in a row with no answer, but also bonking on one door filled with people who were willing to hear our message!

Frozen, then refrozen paths!

I'd say the biggest thing I learned this week is that the Lord opens the windows of heaven for those who are exactly obedient. Yes, exact obedience is possible. No, it is not easy whatsoever. But, we do know from President Harold B. Lee that the "most important commandment to keep is the one you have most difficulty following!" (paraphrased). So this week Farnsworth and I booked it out of the door by 5:59 pm on P-Day in order to claim the title of "exactly obedient." And you know what happened?? That door filled with people willing to hear our message all accepted copies of the Book of Mormon, pamphlets, and a return appointment the next day for another lesson. And then MORE people came to the second lesson! Our third lesson was the most powerful, especially regarding the topic of baptism. Baptism has its own power when you discuss it. The Spirit witnesses of baptism performed by the right authority, in the correct way, especially when the individual knows he is entering into a covenant with God. We were exceedingly blessed this week.

The sun now comes up at 10 am, and goes down at 5 pm! That is a wonderful blessing. The sun also 

has a wonderful affect on everyone's mood, which has given us many more opportunities to share the gospel. If only they knew what we were truly offering to them! (Heck, if only WE knew what we were truly offering them!).

The sun on the Rana Fjord!

One wonderful question we received yesterday from a Pinse (pentecostal) woman was: "have you been saved??" And I can proudly say that I have! We have all been saved from physical death because of our loving Savior Jesus Christ! However, spiritual death and sin we are doing our very best to overcome every single day. Remember to repent everyday! I am a witness that it brings increased blessings and happiness - never lasting sorrow.

Also, the February Ensign is amazing. Read it. It has specific questions and articles from General Conference to help you study the last General Conference. I have found brand new insights as to what it means to be a covenant people, as well as why bad things happen to good people (we are asked that question frequently).

Continue to be awesome! I love you all!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

Alexander's Baptism!

Hiya Hallo! (Get some Nord-Norsk greetings in there)

  

What a nuts week. Hahaha. But as always, we were exceedingly blessed and supported here in Mo i Rana :)

The week began a little slowly, with a rough day. We decided to go out and shovel some snow for our investigator to remedy our hard day. It turns out our investigator's neighbor is extremely unused to nice people - so she was flipping out when she saw that we were removing snow from their porch, walkway, driveway and on top of the garage. Usually, service has its own benefits, but seeing that woman's face and reaction was supremely rewarding :D. "if you guys need ANYTHING, just come on in. Can I get some soda for you? Cookies? I can make dinner!" Hahaha, she is so sweet. It saddens me to see how "normal" it is to be self-centered in this world - then suddenly a couple of nice, unselfish people come in and everyone is surprised, marvelling. If I were to define what our work is doing, it's warming up the people - one greeting and wave at a time! I can't help but split into a grin when people are literally stunned by our kindness. Bahaha.

On Friday we had an extremely busy day filled with meetings and even a dinner! However, after the dinner we planned on riding the bus down to the station in order to take a trip to Mosjøen and visit Alexander. As luck would have it, the bus didn't come. With 10 minutes until our other bus to Mosjøen leaves, I call up a taxi. We then goose chase the bus far down the road and finally reach the bus! Conveniently, on the bus was a potential investigator we talked with for a good solid hour! Once we made it to Mosjøen though, Alexander was busy, and Eldste Farnsworth and I realized we now have no money to get back to Mo i Rana. That's a little nerve-wracking. With a little prayer, and a good dose of faith, we rummaged through Mosjøen for a mini-bank. By providential deliverance, we found it, had just enough money to make it back home, and even met with Alexander for a solid lesson (high-five to Farnsworth :P).

Despite the opposition otherwise, Alexander's baptism was planned for Saturday (the next day). That whole Friday we tried to get in contact with a member to be the witness for Alexander's baptism. Then, all Saturday 

Eldste Farnsworth, Alexander :) and I

morning we tried getting in contact with that member. Extremely concerned that the baptism wouldn't go through, we still felt we should go down to Mosjøen. It is absolutely nutty - the spiritual comfort that things will work out, yet not seeing any immediate solution to the problem (it reminds me of President Monson's experience with Peter Mourik at the Frankfurt temple dedication). We waited at Mosjøen for a few hours trying to figure out how to get a second witness, nervous that things wouldn't work out, yet still feeling that comforting influence. After a few calls up to the members in Mo i Rana, the rush and envelopment of relief soared over us when our awesome Branch President told us he'd drive the whole entire way down to Mosjøen. This man is busy, and received no sleep the night before! I could not, and still cannot, express my gratitude for our Branch President!! A precious soul entered the waters of baptism because of our awesome members in Mo i Rana. And on top of that, we got a free return trip back to Mo i Rana :D. As well, Eldste Farnsworth was a man, and got in the water the second time this month :P.

Our baptismal font!

I wish everyone knew the stress, efforts and lengths missionaries go to just to see someone taught and baptized. Haha - it is always easier looking back than experiencing it. Our Heavenly Father does the very same, and infinitely more on our behalf.

 The Gospel is the way to discern things for what they really are (Jacob 4:13).   

"...for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls."

It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are led, guided and strengthened to do what is right. It is through that Spirit that our relationships grow, develop and bloom. And at many times this growth and development is painful, making room in our hearts for the blessings God has in store for us :). 

I love this Gospel and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Kjør på!

        -Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

More of Farnsworth and I's deilig mat - Fiskekaker, Jarlsberg cheese, peppers and rice :]

Torstein's Baptism!

Hey everybody!

First and foremost - happy birthday Lara, you awesome sister you! A sister who has so much faith in God that she sacrifices her time, talents and self for her 9 children is the perfect role model for me of unselfishness and trust in God. Happy birthday, Sis!

Torstein was baptized this week! The morning of the baptism Farnsworth and I were extremely worried because our fellow-member Jan-Erik was having difficulties driving out of his icy/snowy driveway. Jan-Erik was our only chance to get to Aldersund for Torstein's baptism! An hour before we heard that he drove out of his driveway, and grateful prayers flooded heaven's postboxes. The one and a half hour drive to Aldersund was fairly scenic, despite the huge snow clouds that covered everything in sight. I prayed that the clouds would open for Torstein's baptism because it is such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However once we arrived IN Aldersund it was incredibly scenic! To describe Aldersund, it is a small cottage consisting of 60 people in the basin of the biggest fjord I have yet experienced.

Aldersund

Staggering mountain sides paralleled the cleanest most beautiful color blue water I have ever seen. After two or three attempts to find an unfrozen, deep enough baptismal font (including a bit of running up and down hills and snow drifts), we finally found the perfect place. Elder Farnsworth pronounced those baptismal words, and Torstein's head broke through some ice on the way down - but he made it all the way under!

Approved! After which he sprinted through deep powder, almost removing his lower limbs plowing through a fence (luckily he missed it!). Within minutes they could feel their feet again! Haha what a

Can you see the purple Nordlys??

wonderful experience!! That night we saw the best Northern Lights yet, with a dancing swirl and even some purple complementing the beautiful green! That was a day to remember. In addition, just yesterday Torstein received the Aaronic Priesthood, and our Branch President was simply beaming after the ordination. We are blessed by the very hand of God here in Mo i Rana :).

In other exciting news, I touched my nose with my tongue! Hahaha. Norwegian tongue exercises are excellent for speaking better Norwegian, and increasing the flexibility thereof! Also this past week, we went to Trondheim, shoes and all, for a wonderful Zone Conferance. Man, it is extremely difficult to focus during a 6 hour conference and practicals with only 5 hours of sleep the night before. We loved it anyway. Also, another answer to prayer experience: as we were in the plane waiting to land in Mo i Rana, the pilot made two attempts to land, but due to visibility conditions, was not able to. I was worried, because we may soon be heading further north to Bodø, without a return flight in the near future! I prayed for the visibility to clear, and the third attempt to land was extremely smooth, with hardly any clouds lining the sky. The Lord does answer our practical, and specific problems! Being the Lord's servant kinda gives you an advantage on life, even the weather at times :P

The Lord loves us so incredibly much. The reason why Moroni asks us to remember how merciful God hath been from the beginning of time until now (Moroni 10:3), is because it opens to us how much He is willing to help us, and answer our prayers, today. I know that our Heavenly Father answers prayers. But do you know what it takes? Asking, and then working for it. I thank and love you all!

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

P.S. Sister Hazen, thank you millions for the package. The ties are hot! I received compliments while at Zone Conference :). Tell Trevor to play through all of the verses of every song in the hymn book, and then he can stop playing hymns :P. After doing that, you can pretty much play anything in the hymn book by sight reading. Keep being studly, Trevor! 

Trondheim's Cathedral

A snow serpent! They made some crazy snow sculptures for the Winter Lights Festival

A dog chasing a cat up a tree sculpture

Sola!! (The Sun!)

Hallo alle!

After 95 delightfully long, dark days, I felt the rays of the sun on my face again :P. That was truly a neat experience.

 Man, I feel like I'm running out of things to write in these emails, but I'll do my best. After last week, the work here has just exploded here in Mo i Rana (as big as missionary work explosions get in Mo). While walking to an appointment, we saw a group of three teenage boys walking toward us, whispering to each other and pointing at us. "Uh oh, looks like trouble." Farnsworth said. Once we approached them they said "Hey! Are you guys Mormons?" "Uhh, yeah that's our nickname, but we really belong to the Church of Jesus Christ." "Oh okay. . . Tell us what you believe." Man, if contacting was always like that, life would be walking on sunshine :D. A number and return appointment later, we made it to our original appointment. However, on the return trip toward home, two men working on a house called out to us "hey! Are you two Norwegian?" "Uhh nope, but we can speak Norwegian!" "What are you guys doing here?" Two copies of the Book of Mormon placed, and phone numbers later, Elder Farnsworth and I walked home completely stunned. Mind you, the weather has been rather warm enough to rain, yet not warm enough to melt the slush on the roads, so we walked home in about 5 inches of slush/water. Needless to say our shoes and clothes were soaked, but we didn't care one bit. Our hearts and minds were teeming with the Spirit, and nothing could get our spirits down. That's something amazing about the Spirit. Your circumstances can be the worst the world can give you, yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ can still brighten your day and give you a lasting, impressive feeling of warmth and joy. That is what we share with people.

One thing I recommend, if I may, to all of you who study scriptures every day (and if you don't, you should!): read the Ensign or Liahona every day! The words of modern day prophets are just as important to follow (and at times more important to follow) than ancient prophets! You should see my thrashed copies of these magazines with notes garnishing the pages. Modern day scripture is a gift from God! And it has a particular power to build you up, as our investigator Alexander can attest.

Elder Farnsworth and I made it a goal to actually go through the whole area book and call former investigators. To any missionary who has ever opened the area book, you will know what a horribly exhausting, and at times defeating task that is. However, lucky for us, we only had 85 people to call/make contact with! After 78 people of nothing at all, within the last 7 we received 4 return appointments!! At times the Lord certainly does try our faith and patience. But those 4 people made the rest of the calls worth it. And besides, calling people about the church is good practice for being a telemarketer, right?? (*bleh*).

One thing my Mom asked me was "how is the fear factor going, talking with people?" and I hadn't really thought about that since going out and talking with people is the normal, everyday thing. Suddenly I remembered being scared to go out and talk with people, and how I absolutely dreaded being out on the street for even 15 minutes. I then also realized that every day I still do have a taste of that fear. However. I always pray for God take my fear away. And guess what happens! My fear departs, and my heart and mind are opened to the love of God I so desperately need every minute. This reminds me of Elder D. Todd Christofferson's article in the January Ensign regarding the Lord sending manna down to the Israelites. Yes, the Lord provided for them - but he provided for them day-by-day. The Lord very well could have made the Israelites feel full and not need to eat, couldn't He? But instead He sent a daily portion of manna (double portion on Saturdays), so that the Israelites realized their daily dependence on Him. In the very same way, I am realizing my daily dependence upon my Savior by going out and talking to people with courage that does not come from myself. Missionary work is a giant miracle in and of itself. And the blessings are indescribable.

It seems I did have things to share this week! Haha, how nutty. This next week is absolutely crazy - including another trip down to Trondheim (I'll make sure my companion has his shoes on). We are supported and strengthened by God's merciful hand. You all and your prayers are working nothing short of miracles here. I cannot express to you all the extent your answered prayers are taking (Due to legality issues and also lack of expressive ability on my part). I wish you all could see the lives that are changing. I wish you all could taste this fire of missionary work. I am indebted to my God and to you all for your efforts in my behalf. I love you all, and God loves you more :D

-Eldste Bryce Thomas Johnson

P.S. Jared! Send me your address, I want to send you a letter.

P.S.S. Sister Hazen, your package was simply delightful. You are wonderful. Tell Garrett I could not help myself from screamlaughing after reading his note regarding the returned item stolen from "many moons ago."