9/24/13

Dear Everyone,

What a week! I just now realized this week how much God has to teach me and well its pretty overwhelming. I was able to overcome this feeling of being overwhelmed through lots of prayer and fasting. It is good to know that Heavenly Father always provides a way out of a situation it just takes some effort on our part. 

I was most overwhelmed this week by all of the people that we were teaching and their lack of progress. It gets so frustrating especially when you think you are doing all you can to help them. Well God answered my prayers! We decided to go out and to try and find more people we could teach and who would accept the message of the Restoration. This is when the cool experiences started to happen. Since we have had very little luck when it comes to getting refferals either from members or non members we decided we were going to just do all we could do and let the Lord do the rest. 

So we went out and started walking, knocking, and talking to as many people as would hear us. We did this for about 4 hrs. We were in this little town called Farnham and we walked to the very edge of the town knocking on every door along the way. We got to the last few houses and decided since only two people had opened there doors we would do one more house and turn around. So I pointed to a house down the road and said "lets do that one" because there are actually vehicles in the drive way. So we went there and guess what! Some one answered. It was a guy named Guy. We immediately started teaching him about the Restoration and we stopped to see his reaction after we were finished and he just kept staring like he wanted to learn more! So he told us to come on back and we could teach him some more. It was a pretty neat tender mercy that we were able to find him. That after all we could do on the very last house God chose to bless us! 

It is just proof that God really does see the big picture and all we have to do is trust in Him and do all we can and He will accomplish His purposes through us. So when you feel like you don't know why things are happening and you feel like nothing you are doing is working just be patient. The time will come and all will be right. Its also important that we listen to the Promptings/thoughts that come as we are doing our best because if they are good they are from God! 

SO just a side note...I have become quite the singer since I have been out here. I have been in three special musical numbers in my last area and here, my companions and I have sung in church (by ourselves...and in a small mens group for a stake fireside...and now church choir). Not saying I am any good but it is just something I would not have done before my mission. It is weird what kind of stuff you will do while you are out here. What a life :) We are moving the work right along up here in NEW YORK. As my Mission President always says Green Ambition My Whole Mission! Nothing like being one of "those missionaries" that is always pushing the rest! My poor companion gets tugged out of bed a few days out of the week to go watch me run, I sort of feel bad but not really :) I am happier than I have ever been!

Thanks so much for all your birthday wishes! I had an awesome Birthday! 

Love,

Elder Bevan

9/16/13

Dear Everyone,

This has been a really good week to learn and to grow. I sure feel I have been tried and tested and put back in the place where I need to be. I had a rough few days in the beginning of this week but I know it was for my benefit since I was going to be giving my first Training as District Leader. Just another testimony to me that Heavenly Father does see fit to try and test us so that we can be equal to the tasks that are to come. I hope I did an ok job, but if not, I know that the Spirit was there and that's who should be teaching. So my biggest lesson learned came from 1 Corinthians 2:9. There is so much in store for us and all we have to do is Love God and keep his commandments and everything will go just right! 

The real highlight of this week was yesterday! I love Sundays more than any other day. Especially when we have firesides and priesthood meetings. Now before I came out here I don't know if you would have ever heard me say that but I love meetings. Every church meeting we have can be such a Spiritual experience (especially Sacrament Meeting) with the proper preparation before hand. We had a Stake Priesthood meeting and there was some pretty awesome things shared there. Our stake president out here is such a Giant literally and Spiritually (He and President Francis are 6'7"-6'8"). The meeting was all about Hastening the Work and really letting us know that the Lord IS hastening and the time is now to open up your homes and let people feel the Spirit that we have. Lots of scriptures were shared but a few really stood out to me. Proverbs 29:18, and 1 Peter 3:15. 

We all need to go out and get more knowledge and light so that we can have more to share! Because when there is no vision (revelation/knowledge) the people perish! Proverbs 29: 18

We all need to be praying and asking Heavenly Father the question "How can I share?!"

Well that was about it for this week! 

Love you all,

Elder Bevan

9/9/13

Dear Everyone,

Well it is official we received transfer calls last night. I will tell you a little bit of a background to what went on this week because it has been a roller coaster of spiritual highs and some definite opposition. I now know without a doubt that satan works the hardest on us just before and just after great spiritual experiences! It is evident as I go back and read through my journal and all of my thoughts feelings and impressions. However there is no way he can prevail if we are doing what we are supposed to! So early in the week we had an awesome lesson with a former investigator named Ray. I already told you a little of that experience in my last email I believe. My companion and I have been doing are best to keep up with the missions standard of excellence for new investigators a week (which is 3 every week). So we have been really seeking out people that are ready to hear our message. We have been focusing a lot on finding by the Spirit and when you are being diligent and asking with an eye of Faith there is nothing that you can not do! We have been finding at least 4 every week! We also had a baptism this saturday!

Jackie Jamieson was baptized and confirmed this week. It was such an amazing experience being able to be a part of her conversion and see such a change. She is going to be a great force for good and bring many people into the gospel because of her example she has set. Especially when it comes to her family. So it has been quite the amazing week for us! Heavenly Father allows us some room so that we can stumble and stay humble  ( yes that rhymes).

I learned a valuable lesson while teaching a lady the other day. I am a pretty confident teacher and feel really comfortable when it comes to explaining doctrines. So when I am teaching someone and they for some reason can not understand I really get down on myself. I know this is the opposite of what I need to do. I learned that if we will just pause and pray we can overcome any obstacle through the direction of the Holy Ghost. This was a humbling lesson for me however it was not a stumbling block but a stepping stone (I learned from some old guy in my last ward the only difference is 6 inches between your ears). I am so grateful that sometimes we get opportunities to learn how to Be still and know that God is there! I really believe that Heavenly Father has been preparing me with all of these experiences for something and now I know why! 

I was super exhausted last night, I had the worst headache, and was really emotionally drained (because sometimes it is hard to smile all day long!). I decided to just get and bed and go to sleep and not stay up and wait for transfer calls to come in. SO that's what I did! It was about 11:30 that night when they came in. Usually they just tell whoever answers the phone what is happening so I did not really wake up right away until Elder Wood gave me the phone and told me they wanted to talk to me. I answered and they assigned me to be the new district leader. Well try and sleep on that! I was up for quite a while after that thinking about all of my responsibilities. I sort of feel unprepared but am really excited to serve the missionaries in my district. 

I would definitely say that I have been tested and prepared for this time in my mission. I have really been enjoying reading from the Teachings of Joseph Smith this past transfer and have learned so much. Something that has really stood out to me in there is that Heavenly Father always prepares His children to succeed in the tasks they are given. It made me think of how Joseph was not at first able to translate the book of mormon but he was told that he was to gain experience so that he could Be Equal To His Task. I know this is such a true principle and you can see it in every part of your life!

My companion Elder Wood is not going to be leaving this transfer and I know it is for good reasons for my benefit but mainly for the benefit of the people! 

I love this Gospel and Know every part of it is inspired  and more importantly that no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing! It does however progress according to the Lord's time table!

Thanks for all your support!

Love,

Elder Bevan

September 3, 2013

Dear Everyone,

I can not believe I am almost half way through with week six! It is all just going by way too fast! My companion is really nervous about leaving. Since he has been here for over 6 months and loves it here. I am not sure if I am ready for him to go since he is so good at talking with all the Indians! 

So the weather up here is beginning to change! The leaves are starting to change colors and the days are getting colder and colder! I have heard that this is supposed to be the worst winter they have had in a while so wish me luck!!! Our Corn Soup Project is really turning out awesome! We had three indian ladies stop in and have some and they said it was amazing! I dont know what that means? Either I am a good chef or a good indian haha. It was even cooler that they wanted to learn about our church and find out what we believed! We taught them the Restoration and gave them all a Book of Mormon and a pamphlet to go! I am not sure if all this publicity is a direct result of church attendance but it seemed like there were more non members at church on Sunday than there were members! 

I have had quite the experience this week. I have learned a lot of patience. I mean I kind of asked for it since that has been my focus for most of this week during my personal study! Heavenly Father sure has his ways of teaching you things however.

 

I know the spider stories are getting old well let me tell you that the first hand experiences are getting even older! Every single day for this past week I have found at least one spider in my bed. They really seem to love my pillow because I will pick it up really quick and low and behold one comes darting out from underneath. I am to the point were I am not even surprised. I sort of just laugh. This is what brought me to the conclusion that in order to be a great missionary you can not be afraid of Spiders.

One of the things I learned this week is there is a lot of power in listening. I guess this just kind of goes a long with my study of patience. My biggest flaw is I always have something good to say. Whether or not it is right for the person to hear is a different story. I had a really great experience about an hour ago as I was meeting with a former investigator. He has been investigating now for 5 years...He loves to talk and I am sure would talk all over you if you let him but for some reason I felt no need to talk. My companion and I sat and listened and really allowed what he said to sink into our hearts to the point where I really felt like I knew what he was going through and let me tell you this man has gone through a lot. The whole time I was focusing on him Scriptures just kept popping into my head however I would just acknowledge them and sort of push them aside. After about 45 mins of listening He stopped talking and I just felt the Spirit enter in the room as we began to speak. My tongue was loosed to the point where I was learning from the things I was saying! I really felt this man was loved and needed to feel this way since he had suffered so much.

Well the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way, Faith is the power, Love is the motive, Obedience is the price, and Joy is the reward! Keep remembering the blessings you receive and pray always! 

Love,

Elder Bevan

August 26, 2013

Dear Everyone,

This has been a week to remember! So I have decided to start this off first with a story that I am sure all of you will enjoy hearing. Before I start however I want to let you know that being a missionary has really been a blessing and I have really gained more that I have sacrificed! Until now...So it was about 9:50 pm and I was just laying on my bed reading the scriptures getting ready to finish up a long day when I roll over to see a spider crawling on my bed! It was not small either... I have not moved that fast in quite sometime! I will attach a picture so you can enjoy the experience but lets just say I did not sleep well knowing that there was a good chance I may have one those crawling on my face at night... 

Aside from being scarred for life I have loved this week. The reason for this is because of all the work that was done. We officially started our Corn Soup/Open house at the church. We have done it for two days so far and have already found success! We had to work really hard to make it happen however.

This corn soup is not easy stuff to make and is actually really weird...(Indians...) You start by cooking it with water and ash left over from the burnings of hard wood. Anyways after all that prep work was done it turned out amazing. The Indians were shocked when I said I made it NBD! 

 

Another reason why this week was amazing was because we had Zone Conference so we were able to hear from President Francis. I will give it to that guy, he is the happiest man I have ever met! You wont find a second where he is not smiling. It was a great conference and I learned a lot. I even put in to action all of the commitments he gave to us and so far Elder Wood and I have had a ton of success and have found tons of people to teach by doing so. This work is really inspired and obedience is the price we get to pay for success. 

The last thing I have to say about this week is Elder Wood and I were able to go to the temple with some Recent Converts that have waited for a year and now they are sealed together forever!! It was the coolest things to see. I don't know if there is a happier place in the world than in that sacred place. We need to make sure that we are consistently partaking of the happiness that comes from participating in the work of saving souls in the temple. I have learned so much this week a few things that really stuck out to me this week came mostly from our Zone Conference. I learned that revelation comes as we prepare ourselves to understand the voice that is felt not heard. I also have learned how important it is to be a defender of the truth. We need to make sure we are always standing up for what we know to be true so that others can see our example and come to know the Savior and our Heavenly Father through us. Thank you so much for all your support and words of encouragement. I have really loved the feeling I now have every P-Day!

Love,

Elder Bevan

 

We went to the park last p day and played baseball.

We found these massive mushrooms that we went around smashing

August 19, 2013

Dear Everyone,

 

Another week has come and gone! I can not believe it! We are really keeping busy and are even teaching more lessons than normal (which helps a ton). The thing that I have really been stressing to those that I teach is the Book of Mormon. It is the most powerful thing that we as missionaries have to get people to not only feel the Spirit but to become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have pretty much laid down the law with some people we are teaching when it comes to keeping commitments. The way that I went about doing this was by painting in there minds the fact that this book is either true or it is not, we are either the only true church or we are the biggest hoax there ever was, and the book that they are holding in their hands is proof. So if they really want to know they need to read it. I have been really feasting in the Book of Mormon this week and boy have I grown to love it. It really is this important for everyone to know it is true not just those investigating. We all need to be continually reading, praying, and pondering before any good will come (Joshua 1: 8-9).

 

We had an awesome Zone Meeting this week. It was really inspirational! I am not sure if it is because they showed a clip from a football movie or what ahahhah but it was definitely inspiring. I have come to find that in order to inspire others we ourselves need to be inspired (spiritually and emotionally) and boy does this area need some inspiration/excitement! 

It is funny how the Lord works and how he secretly goes about fulfilling His purposes without you even knowing it. So what I am trying to say is that this lesson I learned was some major foreshadowing of what was actually going to go down here in Cattaraugus. My companion and I had a good long meeting with the Branch President this week and really got brainstorming on how we could go about inspiring those 240 inactive members! We feel doing this is the best place to start since our Heavenly Father is loving and all knowing and does not want to bring his children into a branch where they wont get taken care of. That is just now how he works.

 

So we came up with the idea to bring back the very activity that built this branch in the first place. We are now bringing back the Corn Soup Socials. These are what raised the money to build the church and also what brought so many into the church. We have a lot of work to do since the process of making the corn soup takes three days. However we are really excited to stay busy! I have been keeping a fire under the Branch President (I have been bugging him daily) and so either today or tomorrow we will begin making the soup and start taking it out to all of the inactive members who started this. I am really excited for the role that we are playing in bringing this all together and I know it can work! 

The last thing I wanted to share that happened this week was our trip down to the sites! I can not say how much I love these amazing spiritual sites that are basically in our backyard! They are so powerful! Especially in building a testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I mean how many people can take their investigators to the very place where Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, or to the very Hill where the Book of Mormon came forth and really feel that sacred Spirit that is still there?I mean every other missionary in the world only gets to talk about this and show pictures. I know I am bragging now but it is just so special and probably necessary for some people's conversion.

Anyways we took our investigator Jackie down to see these sites and she just soaked everything in. There was a Spirit that just seemed to follow us as we went to all these places. She could not stop crying! Which is really good! :) The site sisters are pretty incredible when it comes to making people cry ahah! There is a reason they are the ones giving the tours not us Elders. I was so impressed for some reason with how in tune with the Spirit they were. It was like they knew Jackie and all of her needs without even knowing her, the Spirit is pretty great!

Well that is it for this week. It is my companions birthday today so I have to think of something fun to do today for him! Thanks for all that you do! 

Love Elder Bevan 

The Spiders are out in full force! Especially as it gets colder and colder outside. I am pretty dang stoked about that! 

Dear Dad,

I am glad I can be of some help on Monday! I will begin to answer your questions. The tribe here is the Seneca tribe it is pretty big. It is only 1/4 of the area but the most populated part. Most of the 60 members come from the rez. So this branch covers the whole rez.

I am doing really well out here. It is hard to stay busy but we are doing the best we can! I am really trying my best to help motivate my companion. It is coming along and I am definitely seeing some improvements. He is from the Scottsdale rez 20 mins from our house. We get along well but have very different interests. He is not athletic at all. We drive a chevy colorado pick up 4x4. It is pretty nice especially being on the rez. I have all that I need as of now. I may need my big coat here in the next month or so!!

I have not really had anytime with my mission president! He is a great guy and has filled the shoes of Pres Christianson really well. He has not changed too much well atleast form what I hear way out here! He has some different focuses however when it comes to working with the wards and branches. I really think it is smart what he is doing. I am now in the Buffalo South zone while before I was in the Buffalo North zone. Most of my studying is in Preach My Gospel and the Scriptures. I am still using facebook but hardly as much as I did in Lewiston. We do not have tablets and probably wont for some time. It is good to hear that mom is doing so well and I really am glad she likes her job!

Love, 

Elder Bevan

August 12, 2013

Dear Everyone,

Well Cattaraugus is awesome.

 

There have been some physical, and spiritually challenging events this week. Everything has happened for the best however. One of the physical challenges that happened was when we decided to walk to visit with some less active members (so we could save some miles on the car). We left the house around 10 am and did not get home until 4 pm. It would not have been so bad if the weather would have cooperated. Instead it was the hottest day of the week and also the most humid. We walked a total of 13 miles. I ruined a white shirt and got the worst sun burn/tan lines. I am now in the process of shedding my skin so it is fantastic :) It was a challenging day but it always feels rewarding to go out and work your hardest and return home tired.

 

 

I have grown to love the reservation several reasons. The main reason is the dogs/puppies that roam around. I have made it my goal to teach every dog how to sit and stay. So far I have been able to train two puppies that were following us as we were walking around (I carry around slim jims, they seem to do the job). This past week we had the chance to organize a little basketball game (like we had going in my last area) it took place in the church on the rez, and we had about15 guys there (all non members). It was a great experience. I taught a quick gospel lesson before we played, we said a prayer, and then I smashed all of them hahaha. I just want to inform all of you that I was the only white man amongst a whole lot of Indians. I was a little nervous at first but it was a really awesome experience.

 

The last experience that I had this week was something I think Heavenly Father has been trying to remind me so I can be an example to my companion. Ever since I got to this area I have allowed my companion to take/keep the reins in hopes that I would be able to learn how he worked the area before. Well within this past week I have learned that he was not a "go getter". So that has required me to take charge and to be the leader. I was a little uncomfortable with this at first especially because he works so well with the natives. I just felt like not enough was getting done so after some divine guidance through prayers, studies, and a Sunday school lesson this past Sunday I now feel comfortable. I am so grateful for these challenges that I have placed before me so that I can better myself and hopefully help those around me. I am starting to see why I am having some of these challenges and seeing this only makes me want to do better.

 

Thanks so much for your letters and prayers I have been really blessed from the things that you have said. It seems as if the things that are said in your letters are just what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it. So props to you and keep it up. Aside from all this everything is going well. The apartment is great! ahah I heard a mouse creeping around my bed last night so that was exhilarating! I heard mom was having a hoot while reading about the spiders! I am glad she is enjoying it. I have sprayed every window sill and every crack and crevice with bug killer in hopes that it will prevent them from entering in. Well it is great being a missionary. I wouldn't trade it for anything! 

 

Love 

 

Elder Bevan