The 32nd Chronicle

Elder Austin K Brady
Mission Address: 11027 Martha St, Omaha, NE 68144  
Direct Address: 3020 Park Lane Dr #11 Hastings, Nebraska 68901

Email Address: abrady@myldsmail.net  

Blog: https://elderaustinbrady.blogspot.com/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinkbrady

Hello Family & Friends!

Our Christmas Zone Conference was an absolute blast! President Ence and his wife shared a touching presentation about Joseph Smith (since his birthday is in December). We also had some sweet training, yummy food (prepared by the members of the Hastings Ward), a talent show, 'white elephant' gift exchange, and distribution of gifts. President and Sister Ence gave each of us the coolest present! Quick background: When President Gardner was Mission President he purchased custom journals for all the missionaries. These babies were thick, wrapped in brown leather, lined with quality-quality paper, and engraved with phases "Mind. Heart. Soul.", "Nebraska Omaha Mission", and a fist holding the iron rod. Each missionary had the chance to receive one of these journals if they memorized a specific list of scriptures (from Preach My Gospel). I worked and worked and worked to memorize this list. Then President Gardner left. The remaining journals dwindled. Then there were none. I had missed it by a week! I was devastated. I had really wanted to get one of those journals. Months past and I forgot about my disappointment. Then to my surprise, at Zone Conference President Ence handed me a journal. He had purchased one for each of us. They were exactly like the ones from President Gardner. Best day eva!

Btw, Elder Foran is training!! That means I have two sons and a grandson now. I haven't even hit eight months yet... wowsa!

Recently, President Ence shared an inspiring story about two Sister Missionaries serving in Spain. They were given the assignment to whitewash a struggling area. They called their efforts "Operation Benidorm". The area was due to be condemned and closed if they did not find success in the next TWO transfers. These two sisters had no idea how they were going to do it. The task seemed impossible. So they prayed and prayed. Then they knocked and knocked, sang and sang, taught and taught, and invited and invited. Then one day, after they had worked so hard, they began to baptize and baptize and baptize. Those two sisters had true faith. They believed God could help them and then they acted to accomplish their desire. They took an area that was about to be CLOSED and transformed it into a success! Because of that, Elder Norman and I decided to begin this coming transfer with the theme of "Operation Hastings". We want to work hard. We want to see miracles. We want to see baptisms. Through that process we will bring ourselves and others closer to Christ. What is something in your life that seems overwhelming? Could you take it to the Lord? Are you ready to take action? What is your next Operation going to be?

Serving a mission is HARD. You have to dig deep. You have to know WHY you are out here. Otherwise, you will crash and burn. Missions are not for the faint of heart. Missions are not for those who think it might be fun. Missions are not for those who feel pressure from others to go. You need to come out for the right reasons. If you do not, then adjust those reasons quickly. We truly are "The Few. The Proud. The NOM Missionaries." or "The Few. The Proud. The SIM Missionaries." How many young adults do you know that have saved $10,000 USD to spend 18-24 months far from family, friends, social media, and the life they once knew? Very little and many don't make it. We make up the battalion of the Lord. To be apart of this army one needs to get their act together. Do you know this gospel is true? Do you REALLY know? If not, do what it takes to know. Prepare for a mission, push through the trials, overcome afflictions, and come out incredibly stronger! I also know many who return home "early". Their reasons may include physical, mental, emotional, or worthiness issues. Some are able to return home and fight the battle of recovery (or repentance) to return to the field and others are not able to. I salute those who serve faithfully... no matter how long. Do you have what it takes?

LINDA. (Name has been changed). The first time was hard. Her attitude, her pets, her style of life, her outlook on everything. The second time was not much better. The third was an improvement. Now it has been more times then I can count. Over time I began to see things from her perspective. I began to walk in her shoes. I began to study for her. I began to pray for her. I began to cheer for her as she made progress. She has become a friend. Last night, we went over to help her prepare for her baptism on Saturday. Some things came up that she had not told us. Those things would prevent her from being baptized this weekend. She shared with us how hard it was and how much she has given up. I started to cry. I never cry people! I care so much about her. I cried 'cause all I want for her is to be happy. She has come so far and has sacrificed so much. We were able to help her work through some things and she is still excited for baptism. I'm anticipating that day. It was through meeting her that I finally realized what true Charity is.

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady