Tuesday, November 30, 2010

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

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

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

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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


Sunday, November 14, 2010

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

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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