NEW YEARS GOALS?

Tues Dec 21, 2010

Email # 11 - Twin Falls, ID

Bevell Family,

Hi! I was so glad to hear your voices on Christmas, and to hear about what you got, what your doing, and all that you have planned. I loved your presents, and was truly amazed at them because all of them were things that I saw at stores, wanted to buy, and decided to wait till I was sure I had the money. (Except the church history Cd's, those I have not seen at any store but I love them anyway!) lol. I also got a few things from the Vipps, (the family we are staying with.) They gave me a new tie, some candy and a small bowling dice game.

So the work has slowed down ALOT because of Christmas and New Years. It’s really frustrating but we are trying hard not to get discouraged or trunky. And even though things were looking hard we still went out on Monday with no lessons or appointments set up, and ended the day with 4 lessons! We felt blessed that God had given us people to teach so we wouldn't feel like we were wasting his time.

So, new year goals:.........................................................................................lol.

I haven't thought about those yet actually but when I come up with some I will let you know! =D

Some other things though, Mom I'm almost out of my preventative pills so what do I do to get more? And please send one of my Cd's for Elder Mitchell. He's really looking forward to hearing it!

OH, I almost forgot, Izaak, you will love what Elder Mitchell got me for Christmas and we will so play it when I get home. He got me, HALO the board game!! lol Its pretty fun and I know you will like it, so I will try to take care of it and keep it in good condition.

Well, that's all I got for this week, hope you all are doing well and having fun. Thanks for all that you do, your love, and prayers. I'll keep praying for ya. Stay cool!

-Elder Bevell-

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tue, Dec 21, 2010 at 2:30 PM

Email #12 - Twin Falls, ID

Hey Mom!!

Yes, I did get the birthday box and I loved every inch of it. Especially the Hoops and Yoyo card! I laughed hard at that one! So I will start off by telling you what time and what day I will be calling you! I have decided that I will call you around 8:00, 8:30ish. Which is about 9:00 for me. I am very excited to talk to you all, and to open the presents you sent me!!

How did your appointment with the eye Doctor go? I hope there was some good news in the visit and that they can do something about it, and that it won’t be too expensive.

So I will be sending you all a tape that I made with songs, and a few stories that I recorded, and there is one thing on there that I think Dad will appreciate. I made up a story that I think the "silly twisted boy" will enjoy. ;D Sadly though it will arrive after Christmas because I haven't finished it yet.

OH! Speaking of Teasha, one of the ward missionaries here has added her as a friend on facebook! Her name is Ciera, and she is waiting for you Mom to add her as a friend on my fbook page! So add her! lol.

We don't have plans for Christmas dinner set in stone yet, due to the millions of offers we have had. But we do have a Christmas tree! Its a small candy cane tree that Amanda sent me! I love it.

I'm also glad to hear that the family Christmas party went ok. That's something I really miss here. Tell Grandma Bevell I say hi and that I love her and miss her!

Well, enough about all of you, what about ME!? Well we haven't been too busy this past week because of Christmas coming up, and also the fact that Elder Mitchell got strep throat and we couldn't leave the house for two days!!!! That part drove me a little crazy. But he is better now, so we are doing our best to find people who would like to hear our message.

Breck, I loved your letter and hearing about the winter concert. Zach wrote me finally and sent me the picture of us together during the photo shoot for the year book. He wants it back but I told him to call you guys for my copy which is on the fridge cause I am keeping this one! lol. Tell him that I miss him, I'm praying for him, and that I love him like a brother.

Speaking of brothers, IZAAK!!!!!! I loved the pictures of you wearing MY shirt, and MY hat!! The only thing that would have made it better if you had been listening to MY ipods, and using MY cell phone!! Haha. I’m so glad to see that you are doing well man. And it sounds like you had a blast on your first camp out! I can't believe how much older you look ALREADY. You’re going to be a man by the time I get home! I love ya.

Mom and Dad, thanks for the stories. I thought of you Dad as I read the story of the Jewish Santa. Christmas is my favorite time of year, but it sure is hard as a missionary. I want to be lost in the work, but everyone else is spending time with family so no one has time to hear us so we are left with nothing to do but look at families spend time together. I really miss you all.

Know that I love you,that I'm still praying for ya, and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas. God bless you all.

-Elder Bevell-

p.s. I still need my driving record so I can drive the car here on my mission. lol

1st Baptism Talk - and Story of Jonah Clip

Date: Tue, Dec 14, 2010 at 4:14 PM

Email #10 – Twin Falls, Idaho

Hey everyone!!

Thank you all so much for the birthday letters and thank you Amanda for the box of candy and the candycane Christmas tree! I love it!

Things are starting to pick up a bit, even the weather. Elder Mitchell and I rode our bikes in the rain today and got SOAKED!! We would have had the car but the other elders are being very rude and wont give it to us even though it's our day to have it. (I will send more details in paper Mom.)

I'll get this out of the way real fast, Elder Mitchell broke his toe while we were playing capture the flag in the church building on Thanksgiving. (we stayed out of the chapel) lol if you want details you will have to ask Elder Mitchell.

Now to this past week. Transfers are now in process and Elder Mitchell and I are staying in Twin Falls as companions!!!!!!!!!! We are both very happy about this even though we dont get along all the time. It's kinda funny because sometimes Elder Mitchell thinks that he is the only normal person on the planet. One example: we were in a meeting and the wall behind us made a noise because of plumming. Normal right? So we all ignored it but Elder Mitchell started laughing at it. Every time it made a noise he would laugh and we would all stare at him. After the meeting he said, "I don't know why you all dont find that funny." lol So basically most the things I do, down to how I eat bread, is weird to him. lol. I look at him a lot and say "I AM NOT AN ANIMAL!!! haha XD

The Trumbull girls baptism was very good. Considering we were almost 20 minutes late and I had to give the first talk! Let me explain, after we had gotten everything ready we didn't want to sit and waste a beautiful hour doing nothing, so we rode our bikes to deliver some papers to the ward mission leaders. In one house they offered to make us pancakes cause it was still in the morning, and since we hadn't had breakfast we accepted. Right as the pancakes were ready we got a call asking us if we were coming to the baptism. The baptism was supposed to be starting right then! Luckily the ward mission leader was able to give us a ride there. As soon as we got there the meeting started and my talk went very well and the two girls were happier then I have ever seen them. (and I've seen them pretty happy before.)

Well thats all I've got this week, here is a video that a member showed us of a little girl telling the story of Jonah and the whale! It is AWESOME!!! Hope you enjoy it.

I love you all, miss you, and pray for you. Stay cool and have fun!!

-Elder Bevell-

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9EM911NU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 11:05 AM

Email #9 – Twin Falls, Idaho

Hey Ma!! I'm so glad to hear that you had a good birthday and that you’re not as old as you thought you were! lol So I've been thinking about what I could send you for your b-day and decided that you would like some pictures so here are a few pictures from the mtc that I edited on my camera and some others that you might like as well! Even a few from Joe Basslers baptism!

Things are starting to pick up a bit now that the wards are starting to contact people and give us names to teach. We also go on splits with them every Tuesday and Wednesday so we can cover more ground. One family I am excited to teach is the Frames. They are less active and the youngest boy is 7, his name is Zakary. His mom wants him to have the missionary lessons and we said yes, we also hope that when we teach him the rest of the family will be present so that they can learn as well.

We have another baptism set for this Saturday, the 11th. The people getting baptized are the two Trumbull sisters. They are ages 8 and 11 and are very excited to be baptized! They asked me to speak on baptism at their baptism, so this will be my first time talking at a baptism. How exciting!

That's all I got for this week, thank you for the letters from everyone on Thanksgiving! I loved them and wished I could have been with you all. But I know I'm where I need to be. Happy birthday Mom, I love you so much, thank you for teaching and raising me in the gospel. You truly are an amazing woman. To the rest of the family I love you too, and pray for you all the time. Stay cool, and keep having fun!

-Elder Bevell-

p.s. Tell everyone in the play that I miss em and know they are doing an awesome job! And buy a DVD of it for me! lol.

1st Baptism ...

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 10:20 AM

Email #8 - Twin Falls, Idaho

Hey Mom,

It is pretty cold down here. Most the roads are covered in ice, so I'm kind of glad that I can't drive yet. Speaking of driving the last piece of paper work I need in order to drive is a copy of my current state motor vehicle record. Elder Mitchell tells me that you will need to go into the DMV and ask for a copy of it, it will probably cost about 5 dollars. If you need a copy of my drivers license just let me know so I can send you a copy. I'll probably just send you one in my next letter. =)

Now because of the ice on most of the roads we don't bike. So when we don't have the car we just walk. (We share the car with another set of elders.) But recently elder Mitchell broke his toe, so we have the car until that's healed! What a blessing! (That we get the car) I still haven't bought a new bike because we haven't been riding bikes.

We have quite a few elders in our area, I can't remember all their names though. I am so glad that my companion follows the rules, and sets the right example for me. I haven't seen much of President Cannon, he's always busy, and so far I have only been to one training.

We are staying in the house of a member couple called the Vippermans. (You have the right mailing address btw so if you want to send me packages just send them to that address!) They are a nice older couple who are fun to talk with. We live in their basement and they let us use their kitchen to cook any meals we have to make ourselves. We make sure to clean up after ourselves though so sister Vipp doesn't have to.

The names of our baptisms are Joe Bossler who will be baptized this Saturday! We are very excited for that! The other person is a 20 year old girl named Aubrey! She is getting baptized in her home ward which is out of our area, but it still counts as our baptism!!! lol We have been trying to get a hold of Frank and Dillan but they never answer their phone. It’s really sad because I was really excited to teach Frank. He seemed so ready to hear the gospel, but we haven't given up on them yet!

Thanksgiving was good. We had it at a less active members house, the Osburns. They're a fun family with 3 kids and they had other family over so we ate turkey and played games (I brought curses and the kids loved that!)

SO! Carsten texts you that he enjoyed my letter but doesn't even bother to write me back! Well you tell him, that he cannot tell you to tell me thanks for anything!! If he wants me to hear from him He needs to WRITE me!!! lol.

I hope everyone is doing well, Breck, I loved your last letter and will be writing to you soon with my own funny story! And Izaak, I hope you are reading your scriptures still and trying to be a peacemaker, same with you Breck! Thanks Mom and Dad for all you do for me, I really appreciate it! I love you all.

-Elder Bevell-

p.s. Have you mailed the CD's I asked for yet? If not just send them to the address I am staying at. Thanks! =D

Almost Forgot

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 1:27 PM

Mom there are a few things more I need you to send form home.

1. My driving record so that I can drive the car, president cannon wants me to be able to drive so send that asap.

2. Elder Mitchell and a few others down here want to hear my CD, so if it’s possible for you to mail a few copies that would be great! I will probably sell them at a discount price down here. =)

Thanks and i love you!

Elder Bevell

Weather Warning in Twin Falls? Yikes!

Email #7 - Twin Falls, ID

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 1:17 PM

Hey Fam!!

To start off, Mom I have been checking my missionary balance account, and the toy store purchase was the game Curses for pdays (when we play games with the other elders) and a few puzzles. I also bought some food. The Target and Wallmart purchases were also food because I only have 72 cents on my mission card. (which will have more money on it at the start of next month, plus I am getting a refund from the money I spent for baggage at the airport so I will have 190.72 on my card. I am trying to be careful on what I spend money on.

Fun story that goes with that! The other day Elder Mitchell and I were at the store because we wanted pancakes but had no syrup. So we found the syrup and started looking for a good price when a woman came up to us and asked if we had enough food. We told her we had enough to last for awhile, and to our surprise she pulled out a 20 dollar bill and gave it to us. We tried to decline but she wouldn't take no for an answer (really, she wouldn't) she gave it to us and said “buy what you need” So we got more syrup, eggs, and milk! =) I love how the Lord blesses us even with shopping!!

Another story, just yesterday, (11-22-2010) Elder Mitchell and I had about an hour and a half before an appointment and had no idea what to do. So we pulled over into a parking lot and prayed, asking God to lead us to where we needed to be at that time. After the prayer we sat for a moment and waited for the spirit to shout at us GO THAT WAY!!!!! And guess what? NOTHING HAPPENED!!! So we just started driving again. When we got on the road I had the feeling that we needed to go the other direction, so I told elder Mitchell and we turned around. Soon we found ourselves in a small neighborhood and I then had the feeling to go tracting. Now just so you know there is a lot of snow down here now, and it was snowing at the time as well. But I told my companion anyway and he agreed with me. So we got out of the car and started knocking on doors. The first door a man answered and politely told us that he was busy and that we should come back another time, and shut the door before we could give him our number. The next door as we walked up to it elder Mitchell turned to me and said, "Your turn." I laughed a bit and said, "I'm not ready just yet." So he spoke again on the next door which was open enough so we could see the man’s eye. He simply said "Not interested" and closed the door. so that was the first two doors. My companion then told me that the next person to answer I was to do the talking. I felt a little better about doing that now so I agreed. The next three doors, no one answered. The fourth door however a man opened the door all the way and asked if he could help us. I began by introducing myself and my companion and told him that we were missionaries. When I said this he got excited and asked us if we were the LDS missionaries. I answered yes. He then went back inside to tell his wife, while he was gone we saw a picture of 'the last supper" on the wall and thought "oh dear, probably Catholics". The wife then came to the door and invited us in. She took our coats and hung them up as we sat down and began talking. They then informed us that they were Christian Baptist and they had some questions about our beliefs. The questions were the usual ones like "why do you worship Joseph Smith?" or, "Why do you wear magic underwear?" My favorite part though was how much we talked about the Bible. I have never read the Bible all the way through, but new a little about it because a lot of it is mentioned in the Book of Mormon. But they were strong believers that the Bible is the only word of God and that the Book of Mormon was false because the Bible said you cannot add to or take away from it. That's when I pulled out my Bible and asked them if they could "help" me understand a verse I had read in Ezekiel. The verse talked about the stick of Joseph and the stick of Ephram and how they will be put together. Now we know that is talking about the Bible and the Book of Mormon working together to testify of Jesus Christ, But the man had a "new Bible" written in modern day lingo so that you could "understand" it. and that Bible with the same verse read "Take a stick and write Joseph on it, then take another stick and write Ephram on it then put both ends together." the man then explained how the house of Joseph and the house of Ephram will one day be made into one house. I thanked them for the insight and then told them how I had come to learn that that verse told us that the Book of Mormon and the Bible were made to work together. But of course they told me that they didn't believe that. When we finished they thanked us for answering there questions and also told us that we would make very good Christians if we would only join their church. To them, you are only a Christian if you believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are one person. (which made no sense because they had told us earlier that God wasn't a person he was a deity that is everywhere and has no shape, except when he takes on the form of Jesus Christ, then he becomes his own son so that he can talk to us his children????) It makes me think of the song called "I'm my own Grandpa". lol.

So THAT was fun! Like I said there is lots of snow, I got a letter from Kenton which was fun. We also got a new car!!!!!!! It’s a 2011 Malibu, and we are loving it! Only 690 miles on it! I am having fun and staying warm (and LOVING the cold at the same time.) I love you all and pray for you all the time. Stay cool everyone!

Elder Bevell

Questions for Elder Bevell...

Email #6 - Twin Falls, Idaho --- Questions for Elder Bevell...

Questions from a mother to her missionary! LOL

1. How is your bike?

2. How is your asthma? Are you taking the preventative? Is it helping? (remember it is a new kind of preventative for you - let me know if it isn't working) How often are you having to use the inhaler?

3. How is Elder Mitchell? I absolutely loved getting an email from him. He sounds just perfect as a 1st trainer for you?

4. How wonderful to be teaching so many different people. Any new developments? What is something new that you have learned since being in the mission field?

5. What is the rule for emails? Grandma and Erika are asking if they can email you or is that meant just for us and the kids? Either way is fine... just didn't know the answer.

6. So... what's been served for dinner? Are you getting enough to eat during the day? How does your budget work?

7. Tell me something funny that has occurred and something spiritual. (Wow... see how fast I go from asking questions to being bossy) lol... I guess I am still a Mom! :)

Answers from her Elder...

From: Brant Bevell

Date: Tue, Nov 16, 2010 at 10:31 AM

Subject: Re: Questions for Elder Bevell..

Hello Mom!

My bike is still doing ok and I'm waiting for Elder Ware to have his bike mailed down here so i can buy it off him. Its a custom bike and will last longer than two years so I'm excited to see it!

My asthma is doing just fine, the new preventive is working great, and I'm not having to use my inhaler to much.

Elder Mitchell is happy that you loved his email but is a little hurt that you didn't email him back. lol he says hi by the way. lol

As for new developments on people we are teaching we have two people with baptism dates set and have two new investigators, which is great because most the time we are just teaching less actives.

I asked president about emails and he said to keep it to immediate family (Mom, Dad, brother, and sister.) So just tell them to write me, and that i love them.

Dinners have been very good so far, a lot of potatoes!!! lol

The bird watchers thing sounds cool! I'm glad the ranch is getting such great promotions like that! One quick question about staffing at the ranch, is Amanda working there yet?

I am really annoyed that i was not able to see the Mikado!! Please tell me you bought a DVD of it cause i will want to see that when i get back! And Justin put hos papers in!? keep me posted on that and get me his address for home so i can write him! I'm excited for that!

In my next letter BTW i will be sending you a list of Cd's that i want you to send me. Just an FYI. =)

Got to go now so i will write more in paper. Love you and hope your having fun.

Your elder,

Elder Bevell

Email from Mission President Kent H. Cannon

From: Idaho Boise Mission

Date: Thu, Nov 11, 2010 at 10:54 AM

Dear Missionary Parents:

We are especially grateful for your missionary’s safe arrival to the Idaho Boise Mission and consider ourselves blessed to have this opportunity to serve with your missionary and all the other elders and sisters here in Idaho and Oregon. This is clearly a very special mission. We are blessed with noble young elders and sisters, wonderful members and much success. We will do all we can to watch over, care for and build your missionary as we move this important work forward.

We have enjoyed getting some photographs with our new arrivals. Attached are two pictures with your missionary: one with my wife and me and one with his trainer, Elder Mitchell. We hope you receive this e-mail in good health and hope you enjoy the pictures.

With love and appreciation,

President and Sister Cannon

Sister Cannon, Elder Bevell, Elder Mitchell & President Cannon

Your Son... By Elder Mitchell

I received this email from Brant's 1st companion - Trainer Elder Mitchell. How grateful I was to hear Elder Bevell has a great 1st companion. Thank you Elder Mitchell

Elder Matthew Thomas Mitchell

Tue, Nov 9, 2010 at 3:17 PM

Sister Bevell,

This is Elder Mitchell. I'm your son's trainer. I just thought I'd introduce myself to you and thank you for preparing your son to serve a mission. He's a great guy and a wonderful Missionary. I'm proud to be his first companion.

Just so you know a little about me, I'm from Scottsdale AZ. I'm 20 years old and I've been out on a mission for 17 months. Elder Bevell is in Twin Falls Idaho. If you'd like to look up our area on Google Earth, Our boundaries are the Canyon on the North, Blue Lakes Road on the East, Addison Road on the South, and the Western boundary is a little funky, but it's pretty much Sparks Ave. We live at 355 Monroe Cir, and the church building we cover is at 744 Harrison Street. This is my favorite area. I've been here for just over 4 months already.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Thank you again for raising a good son.

Elder Matthew Mitchell

Week 2-Twin Falls Idaho

Email #5 - Twin Falls, Idaho

Brant Bevell

Tue, Nov 9, 2010 at 3:28 PM

Hey everyone. I am feeling really tired already and I haven't even done anything yet! lol. Well I have, it’s just that I shouldn't feel this tired at the beginning! So here is the lay down for this past week.

Tuesday the 2nd of Nov- met the Wells family and taught the mom about the Atonement. Kids are active she is not.

Wednesday the 3rd of Nov- Met with a young man named Niels who is a less active, and has a problem with the word of wisdom. We taught him about repentance, and how through Christ we can be forgiven of our sins. He seemed to be happier afterwards. Then met with Mattie, and older woman in her late 80s who loved telling the same stories over and over. She also loves to give us apple juice and ice cream. We also met with a new investigator named Aubrey. (it made me think of you Breck

Thursday the 4th of Nov- Started the day out by helping with the bishops store house and gave food to the poor. That was fun. We then had splits with the ward but no one came so we just went with the ward mission leader, and no one was home that night ether. lol

Friday the 5th of Nov- I had my first District meeting and was very entertained as one of the elders came in with a giant Book of Mormon costume on made out of a cardboard box.(a boxen lol) it was very funny. We then met with a woman named Michelle, who is inactive and divorced. Her oldest daughter just graduated from high school and is pregnant and doesn't want anything to do with her mom. It’s a sad situation, and strangely Michelle is one of my favorite people to visit. Not sure why just yet, but will let you know when I do know. lol. Next we taught Gail, a 13 year old girl who is investigating, (and apparently has a crush on me. man even in a wrinkled suit I can’t keep the girls away! ;D.) Our finally lesson was with Diana, a woman in her early 50s who is very energetic and excited to learn the gospel. I love teaching her. We taught her the restoration and about Joseph smith seeing God and Jesus. She believes that Joseph could have seen Jesus but does not think that God shows himself to anyone. (lol)

Saturday the 6th of Nov- this day my companion Elder Mitchell started getting sick, so we spent alot of time at home so he could sleep and fight it off. As a Greenie I was a little uncomfortable because I wanted to go out and "do the work" But I also understood that if my companion is sick that would be hard. so I endured that day.

Sunday the 7th of Nov- We attended five sacrament meetings, all of which were great. It was also fast Sunday so I was fasting for my companion Elder Mitchell to get better, and now he is just fine. (thank you Heavenly Father) later that night we visited the Basslers {Bauss-lers} they are a fun family with very lively kids. 4 boys and 2 girls. The youngest Zoe was recently attacked by a dog and has stitches on her lips. She looked very traumatized and will probably never like dogs again.

And that was my week in a nut shell. lol (a very big nut shell) Now to your questions Mom. Yes I have my mission call. and about the bike another Elder is willing to sell me his for 200 and it's in much better condition then the one I was going to buy at the store. And as to the member contact have them contact the Vippermans, that's who we are staying with. They are in Twin Falls West stake in the 4th ward. Hope that helps. Hope you are all doing well, get better Izaak, I'm praying for ya. I love yo all.

Elder Bevell

I'M HERE - TWIN FALLS IDAHO

Email #4 – Twin Falls, Idaho

Brant Bevell
to seanalee68@gmail.com
date Wed, Nov 3, 2010 at 10:08 AM
subject IM HERE!!

So, here I am out in the field finally! it's really cool and feels great to be teaching real people. I'm in the Twin Falls West area right now and my new companion is Elder Mitchell. He's been out for about 14 months now and I'm loving serving with him already. We're on bikes right now and the air is chilly. (But I'm LOVING the cold. lol) last night we taught the Well's last night, the family consists of the mom, two boys and one girl. The dad passed away a few years ago, the kids are pretty active in the church but the mom is kind of mad about God taking her husband. And its not because she loved him, she said that threw out their marriage they were always fighting and not happy all the time. So now she is mad because she feels that God is telling her to be happy even though he is gone, and on top of that she feels that its should be his job to raise the kids. not hers. But at the same time she really loves her kids so its really confusing.
Now for some really cool stuff! We got two calls this MORNING from people asking to meet with us. Elder Mitchell is very excited and tells me that this has never happened on his mission so far EVER. So already I am seeing how the Lord blesses his missionaries and prepares people to hear our words.
Ok Mom. I have a question for you. My bike right now is from another missionary who is willing to sell it to me for 20 bucks. However the bike has about just as much worth as an American 20 dollar bill today. Its glitchy and keeps switching gears on me all the time. So my question is, should i buy a new bike, or just deal with this one? Let me know what you think cause i trust your judgment.
I am having fun, feeling the spirit and LOVING the people (and the weather). Love you all, stay cool! =)
Elder Bevell


1st Companion - Elder Mitchell

This picture was sent to my cell phone by Sister Casperson - who fed Brant his 1st dinner in the mission field. The Bevell family thanks you Sis Casperson - What a thoughtful thing to send us a picture! And to feed these two young men. May you feel the blessings! Smiles - Sean A'lee

Phone Call #1 - Salt Lake Airport

Phone Call
From Salt Lake Airport
Leaving for Boise, Idaho

Tuesday November 2, 2010

We were so excited to hear from Elder Bevell. He was leaving the MTC and headed to his mission in Boise Idaho. He tried calling my phone and it didn’t ring, so he called Izaak’s phone. (used to be his phone). That made Izaak’s day. He encouraged Izaak to continue reading his scriptures and told him how much he loves being on a mission.

Then he talked with Breck - At the end as she was passing the phone to Dad, Brant was sure to tell her how much he loves her. Sweet moment for a mom.

He shared with John and I a prophetic blessing given to the missionaries from Elder Richard G. Scott. The foreign missionaries were blessed to be able to learn the language quickly – The sisters were blessed with protection – and the rest were blessed with an increase in being able to feel the spirit and it’s direction in their work.

I asked him what exercise he was doing – he mentioned he enjoyed 4 square. The weather didn’t seem too cold to him. He also mentioned that 13 missionaries in his district were all headed to Boise. He also asked that I get address’ from Aaron Case, Carsten Ellsworth and Zach Green. (Which I have accomplished)

I couldn’t tell him enough that I loved him and then he was on his way again.

What a treat to hear from Elder Bevell. Made my day

Smiles
Sean A’lee

Letter #2 - MTC

Letter #2
From: MTC – Provo Utah

October 29, 2010

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for sending my Ammon figure, an my CTR ring! (We are loving the “Corruption” as well. lol) AKA – the Candy!

Here at the MTC there’s this thing called “Narnia Holes”, which are holes in the walls and cabinets where light switches or some sort of wiring used to be. So what most elders do is they leave something in a “Narnia Hole” when they leave the MTC. We have found candy, a guitar pick, even a self portrait from 1991. We also found testimonies. What I’m going to do is write my testimony of mission work and place it in a “Narnia Hole” with my Ammon figure. I will also leave a letter, inviting any missionaries who find this to write down their own testimony and place it with Ammon back in the “Narnia Hole”. It will be interesting to see how long it stays.

I got to go into the temple again today. I love the temple. I basically fell asleep in the Celestial Room because of the peace I felt. Sometimes I wish we could just stay there. But we can’t, so now I’m back in my room on a Pday, writing this letter.

Thanks for your letters that came with the candy. I loved reading them and hearin about how you all are doing. I’m so grateful to God that you were protected – Mom – from the scorpion. As soon as I read that word in your letter my heart skipped a beat. I thank God for his protection over you, and for you allowing that protection by being obedient to your covenants.

And Breck, I’m so glad you were able to chill and have fun with all those Scottish Teenagers. I laughed out loud about the “which accent is better” moment! I told Elder Redpath (who is from England) and he was like “dang right!”

Izaak, Elder Jones says thank you for your concern with his leg. It’s feeling a lot better. How have you been bud? Are you doing good in school? Are you still reading the scriptures every day and praying? I am and I can feel the blessings from it. Keep doing that so you can have those blessings too! I love you little bro.

Now Dad, Your last letter made me laugh. I know Halloween isn’t your favorite holiday, but I blame that on the people who make it a “Satan” holiday. It would be a better holiday if people just dressed up, and gave out candy with a smile, instead of trying to make people cry. I hope you’re doing well, and I love ya!

And now the moment you all have been waiting for. PICTURES!!!! Here is my first card full of fun moments. I made a list with the pictures numbers, and a brief description of what’s happening. You will love these!

I love you all, and thank you for your prayers and support. You are the Best!

With lots of love,
Elder Bevell

P.S. Tell Danielle & Braylon that I love them both and hope they are doing well.


MTC Companions - Elder Jones & Elder Bevell




The Elders!




My District:
Back Row: Sister Deschler, Sister Cooper, Sister Lord, Elder Redpath, Elder Olivais, Elder Gale & Elder Orton
Front Row: Elder Jones & Elder Bevell

Mission

Email #3
MTC - Provo Utah

October 29, 2010

Hello everyone! Thanks again for your letters and love. I really am feeling the power of all your prayers.
So, its Pday today, we started it off by going through the Provo Temple at 7 am. I couldn't think of a better way to start off the day. I love the feeling of just sitting in the celestial room, I almost fell asleep!
The other day in class we learned a great lesson on humility. We tried to teach our teacher the first lesson but it just didn't work out. We were all feeling pretty depressed about it. We then began talking about what could we have done better. Someone then said, "We didn't have the spirit to help us teach." This realization is very important, because we as missionaries are not the ones who convert people, The spirit does. Which is were humility comes in. If we are prideful and think that we can teach an investigator so well cause we feel like we have a good knowledge of the gospel and convert them, the spirit cannot enter the conversation and testify of our words. President Brigham Young told about his conversion story, How the missionaries spoke of the gospel with very elegant language, but when a simple member got up, and simply testified of what he knew to be true, he felt the spirit testify to him in such a way that he believed the man.
As missionary it is my job to invite the spirit into the lessons so that it can speak to me, and guide me, and also testify to the investigator of the truth of my words. What a humbling experience.
I am so excited to get out of the MTC and start applying what I've learned! Don't get me wrong, i love the MTC but I'm just feeling "ready" and itching to go!
And mom, yes, Elder Jones will be on the plane with me, as well as all the elders in my district here! I am so glad for that because i have grown to love them all and consider them to be some of my best friends! I really do love them!
Well that's all for now. I love and miss you all, family and friends included.
Elder Bevell
p.s. How you doing Zach? (Zach Green)

1st Letter from MTC - Provo Utah

October 22, 2010

Dear Family
WOW! I am so overwhelmed by all the letters! What are you all doing, writing everyday!? lol But I love it! I love reading about you guys and how God is already blessing you. So to answer you all, I’m going to just address you individually. I’ll go from youngest to oldest.

Izaak,
I miss you too little bro. Your last letter made me tear up a bit as I can see how you’re letting God change you. I love that you are reading the scriptures, and actually studying them! Breck also told me that you are now the one getting everyone ready for scripture study. I’m so proud of you. I promise you Izaak, that as you keep reading the scriptures, and think about what you read in your heart, and you pray to Heavenly Father to know that what you read is true, God will answer you through the Holy Ghost. I love you Izaak, stay cool!

Breck,
First of all… I would like to say…I’m using a red pen!! Lol =P
I love your letters Breck, You have such a way with writing and I’m frankly very jealous of that. I miss your hugs too btw. So, everyone in choir missed me already? I really didn’t know I had an impact of that many people. People really are watching us Breck and not to make you paranoid or anything, but heir watching you now. So be the daughter of God you know you are, be a friend to anyone and everyone, and your high school experience will be awesome.
Now about Elder Jones. He really is an awesome guy, he like to write screenplays for movies and he’s also writing his own book! It’s a Sci-Fi, but he’s not working on it while on his mission. The other day in gym he tore a muscle on his left leg, so now has to do these stretches for 3 months. He’s doing a lot better now, and hasn’t complained once! He really is the best companion to have. And Elder Redpath, our roommate, (one of them anyway). He is from England with the accent and all. He said my accent sounds completely fake =(. And he HATES American Chocolate!!... says it tastes like the cheap stuff from home. And our last Elder in our room, Elder Olivas… He is a convert for about a year and a half. He has one of the strongest testimonies I’ve ever heard, and love the hymns. Sings one every morning.
Well, that’s all from me to you. Keep me posted on your dates and stuff, the blind date you and Alec had made me laugh! I loved it. Stay cool Breck, I love you.

Mom,
My first Sunday at the MTC was perfect, on Sundays the spirit is even stronger. I love that you post my letters on a blog, because even as I write to you my family… I hope others who read them will be able to learn from my experiences.
Speaking of experiences – On Tuesday the 19 of this month we had a huge fireside, and guess who spoke… Elder Russle M. Nelson!!! It was so awesome. As he walked into the room you could feel him enter. The spirit was so strong, and everyone paid closer attention as he spoke on how to be better missionaries. He told us that after we convert and baptize someone, that we should stay in touch with them. “Remember your converts, and keep track of them.” This way they are sure to stay strong in the church. He also explained our true purpose as missionaries. Our main goal isn’t to baptize or teach,(both are important) but our main purpose is to establish the Lord’s church. Wow – it was amazing!
I haven’t seen Matthew yet. There are so many new missionaries. But when I do I will let you know. I also found a machine that will print my pictures from my cards!! So I can just mail you some. I’ll send a picture of my companion (Elder Jones), and Elder Redpath, and Elder Olivas! I love you mom, Keep me updated on how you are. =) <3

Dad,
Thank you for the info on the Tea Party. I’m sorry I missed the 17 yr old, and I’m glad to thing that some youth are getting involved. I realized a funny thing the other day, I’m the youngest one in my zone!! Everyone else is 20, 21 and even 22. It’s weird!! lol Also, thank you for taking the time to teach me about your vies of the gospel, they have helped me so much. You spoiled me with truth, and I thank you for that. You’re the best Dad… I love you.

And to all my friends reading this, and family, --- Thank you all for your letters of love and support. I miss you all, and hope and pray that you are doing well! You are all awesome.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Elder Bevell

P.S. Breck, tell Zach I miss him too, and hope he writes me… thanks

START OF WEEK 2!

Email #2 - MTC

From: Brant Bevell
Date: Fri, Oct 22, 2010 at 1:51 PM
Subject: Start of Week 2
To: seanalee68@gmail.com

So another week has gone by and everything is going swell, just swell. I got to go through the temple on Friday morning, that was the best way for me to start my day! The Provo Temple is just beautiful. I got a picture of me and Elder Jones standing in front of the Temple so i will be sending that so you can post it on the blog.

Now something funny. It's Pday today, so i grabbed my new pants that i haven't even worn yet and they were kinda tight on me. I have gained almost ten pounds already just at the MTC!!!!!!!! So mom, if you could send me some pants with the waist around 34, that would be nice. lol OH! and please send me my brown coat, with the fur on the inside. I'm going to be needing that for pdays in Idaho. lol.

Now about what I'm learning… The other day we reviewed the first lesson, which is about the restoration with Joseph Smith and the first vision. Our teacher then asked us to teach as if we were talking to a nine year old. It was here that i am so grateful for all the times mom that you asked me to teach your class. It was so easy for me, and now i really wish that i get a nine year old investigator. Its not impossible, one of the teachers here at the MTC actually had one! She said it was the best investigator she had ever had. Also when i teach as if to a child, the spirit speaks so much louder! I'm not sure why but it does. I loved it.

We have some new elders who arrived to the MTC this last Wednesday. They are loving it so far except one. he was so home sick that he really got sick. Today would have been his second day but he decided to go home. All of us in his district are broken hearted about it. We all wanted to get to know him and be his friend, and make him feel welcome here. But he didn't give us that chance. We all are praying for him. I love my family, and i miss you guys, but I'm also aware that there are people out there who hate their families, and the truths of the gospel can help bring them together. I know what it's like to have a loving family united in the gospel, and i want as many families as i can help to have that as well.

Thank you all for your letters, support, and love. It really makes my day when i hear from you all. Kara, i hope your classes go well, good luck! I'm sure you will do great! Cousins Sarah and Zephra, i love you both so much! thank you for writing me! And good luck at your new school Sarah! you are going to have so much fun learning, i just know it!

(Mom, i will answer both by email and by letter so if you want to you can type up my letters to the blog as well. Thanks for everything, i love ya!)
I love you all!!!
Elder Bevell

Week One!

Email # 1 - MTC

October 16, 2010

Dear Family,

First off I want you all to know that i miss you all. But at the same time I am so glad to be on my mission. Like you said mom I can already feel the blessings of being a missionary in my heart.

I have very little time so here are the details. The MTC is very fun! i wake up at 6 every morning, shower, brush my teeth (and floss) say my morning prayer then off to class! We start class with a song and prayer and end the same way. we are just starting to work on the first discussion, and I am really feeling the spirit as I learn how to apply the lessons to the lives of who we will be teaching. The best way we teach is by testimony, and my testimony has done nothing but grow up here.

My companion is awesome! his name is Elder Jones, he's from Branson Missouri. He writes screen plays for movies and loves to draw. Most importantly though; he has a strong testimony of the gospel. I am so glad to have him as my first companion.

Oh and here is something for Carsten! Tell him that at the air port I had the honor of being on the same flight with Ben Smith, and that were both at the MTC here together!! He will like that. OH, and also tell him that I met the person who made the crazy triple kill on Halo that he told me about. He's from England and is in our room as well! lol.

I’m almost out of time so I have to say goodbye. I love you all and pray for you every night! Izaak, you may use my blue scriptures, and Mom please mail me my book of mormon figure Ammon from the old house! Thanks and I love you all. Stay cool!

Mom & Dad love you Elder Bevell.

Elder Brant Bevell with Izaak , Danielle & Braylon & both his sisters, Danielle & Breck. Saying goodbye at 5:30 am - Sky Harbor Airport.

Brant told us he has always wanted to serve a mission. It has been a goal achieved. Tues evening we enjoyed some picture time, then off to see President Whimpey to be set apart as a Full-time Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

After that we enjoyed some more quiet visiting time with Grandma and Aunt Erika at the ranch house as they took in their last few moments with Brant. I could not get enough of Brant that night and finally he sang one last time for me. Prayers were said and then off to bed ... yes that rhymes... just for Brant.

Alarm went off at 3:30 am as we got up, read scriptures as a family and headed to the airport. Was it hard to say goodbye? yes, of course... but we were all so proud of him that the tears came later after being home.

Brant left us with a visual of a young man walking in confidence of a decision he had made many years prior! May he be blessed and watched over is our faith in prayers... as we know he is where he should be!

Bye Everyone... See ya in 2!

I've got my walking shoes on! READY TO GO...

Once thru Security it is Bye Bye Arizona - Hello Provo and then on to Idaho.

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