The 75th Chronicle

Hello family and friends! 

Ladies and Gentleman! I am now in the capitol of Nebraska serving in the Capital and the Lincoln University YSA Wards with my man Elder Andrew who hails from the great city of Pleasant Grove, Utah! I can't begin to tell you how lit this place is. We have a bomb zone with excited and hardworking missionaries. Our District Leaders and Sister Training Leaders are fabulous individuals. We have a whole seven-week transfer ahead of us and a ton of opportunities. 

We live in a really nice apartment complex that's perfectly centered in our area. We have a washer and dryer. This place has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms (one of the bedrooms is used as our study area). In the master suite there is a walk-in closet. The kitchen has the sweetest bar set up. There was even some sweet finds left by other missionaries like bottles of shampoo, hair clippers, etc. Our apartment has two sets of keys (which is so nice cause it can be easy for some missionaries to forget their keys). Both Elder Andrew and I have sim cards which means life is easier as we can both contact people we're teaching and we also have more high-speed data. 

We woke up way early the day after I got here and went to the church to play ball with some of the other Elders which was like a breath of fresh air. My comp likes to run, do ab workouts, and play ball! He's also down for crossfit workouts. He makes both of us a healthy breakfast everyday (with apple cider vinegar shots). He wants to be obedient, and even listens to approved music during the day as well as during studies. 

We have two districts in our zone and both district councils happen on the same day, same time, and same building. That is SO nice. We can now pack a sandwich and have a big zone lunch each week which will be really good. No more expensive fast food and no more raiding local restaurants! Plus, I think it will build zone unity! 

In the Capital Ward we have a set of Sister Missionaries working with us (they are also the Sister Training Leaders, oh and they actually have stewardship in our zone!). In the Lincoln University YSA Ward we are also introducing a fresh set of Sister Missionaries. So, they'll be opening a new Sister area and that will be really cool to work with them. Both sets of Sisters are super solid, want to work hard, they have a desire to follow the Spirit, and are super outgoing which is crucial in the YSA (as it is in any ward). 

The institute for the YSA is integrated into the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Go Big Red!) campus plus the university and the church already have good relations. We should be able to set up a good campus presence. The campus layout is SO much nicer than Creighton's or the University of Nebraska Omaha. Basically this area is stacked with potential. We already have some sweet people we're working with and the past Elders have worked hard to build up the teaching pool. 

We just had a straight-up miracle with this YSA girl we're teaching named Sydney. We got a text during companion study from an unsaved contact that read, "I want to prepare to be baptized." We freaked out and frantically searched our records for who it came from. We entered the number and found out it was Sydney! We had no idea she would be able to pull the trigger this soon. She is already planning the baptism and basically set herself on date. 

We had a sweet wish-list invitation opportunity at institute. I think our physical and spiritual preparation made a difference. We arrived early to set up and talk through what we wanted to share in tandem with the YSA Sisters. As people arrived, we were able to shake everyone's hand before class. There was a good feeling in the room. We shared an inspirational video and asked for thoughts. Afterwards, we had a class member read Doctrine and Covenants 100:4-6 and asked how it applied to all of us. Then we shared how the gospel blesses us and others. When we shared those thoughts,  we also asked, "You would want that, wouldn't you?" Sister Petersen invited everyone to write down their own name on a sticky note plus their phone number and the name of the person they want to help come closer to Christ. When we followed up on each of the names it was a really positive experience and those that participated are excited to help their friends!

Plus! We had a lit lesson with Brother Sean and his daughter Dawneyl. That was her first lesson so she became a new investigator. Sean and I connected over computer stuff as well as WWII History. We asked about their thoughts on church and read out of Moroni 6. We watched the talk from Elder Holland "Behold, the Lamb of God". They loved it. Sean really appreciated how it helped him understand the importance of the sacrament and church. Dawneyl also liked it cause it brought her peace in remembering her late grandma. They both got the Gospel Library app and are going to be watching more talks in addition to reading 1 Nephi 8. So grateful for the chance to share the gospel. This is His work. 

Quote of the Week: "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, shows the way." -Author Unkown

Kia Kaha!

Elder Brady