I am part of the Fellowship...

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)

By Dr. Bob Moorehead

Last Email home --- Conference was amazing..

Date:     Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 12:46 PM

Email #105 – Kimberly, ID

Hey Mom,

   So I was going to write you all personal letters, but things have been way too busy to do that. So I am sending you all a personal email. I hope you all enjoy that.

Conference was amazing and my heart was on fire the whole time.  I loved how strong and bold the messages were. I can't remember who said it but I found it amazing how they said it will take more to be safe in the Gospel than just going to church or church activities. The gospel has to be a part of the home. I have found that to be so very true in the gospel. It has to be more than a social thing.

   The overall message that I got out of conference was that the end is getting closer and we need to step up our game. My question for conference was actually how I could better apply the gospel to my life, and boy did I get an answer. lol. I also noted how much more passionate they seemed when talking about the family. I got a lot of good tips on what to do for the family I will probably have.

   My temple trip was amazing. I truly felt my Saviors and Heavenly Fathers love for me. I went in hoping to know if all that I had done out here was enough. I was feeling very sorrowful for my past mistakes, and my mind was full of doubts and fear that I may have done wrong. But as I sat in the Celestial room, I thought back to those moments, and confronted them. As I did so I literally felt the pain and sorrow wash away. I still have the memory, but no emotion is attached to it. I gave thanks and praises to God for his mercy and love for one so flawed and imperfect as myself. He is real, and He really does love us. Oh how grateful I am. I never want to forget that feeling.

   Also as I left the temple I felt a greater desire to go out and just WORK! I have only a week and a few days left, but it is still the Lord’s time.

   I love you Mom, Know that your son has a testimony of the restored gospel, and our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the author of our salvation, and through non other can we even hope to return to our Father in Heaven with our families. I cannot wait to see you again. Till then stay cool!

                           -Elder Bevell-

Countdown has begun...

Date:     Mon, Oct 1, 2012 at 1:58 PM

Email #104 – Kimberly, ID

Hello Bevells!

   The true countdown has begun. This is it, the final month, the final stretch, the last slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner and I am SO FULL!!!! lol. At dinners when people ask me how long I've been out my usual response is "well over a year." But now my companion just answers for me and says "he has 3 Sundays left." lol big help he is. (roll eyes)

   So much has been going through my head, what we need to do to help our investigators progress, the final temple trip with President Cannon is coming up this week, school, DATING (^-^) and a job. All the usual wonderful stuff that life brings. I laughed at Matthews comment about getting married. I'm not sure I want to get "hitched" that quickly. But that isn't the thing that's on the front of my mind. It's the mission in all honesty. So much good is happening right now, and Elder Rogers and I are always making progress with each other. We haven't gotten along all the time, he is very firm in what he wants to do and that is to be the most obedient missionary he can be. And he is the most obedient missionary I have ever seen. I really look up to him for that, he's a born leader and has no problem in rebuking other Elders for not acting like elders. He has been a huge help in keeping me focused.

   This last week’s theme has been "moving". We helped the same family for three days pack up all their stuff. Needless to say it really cut in to our proselyting hours. But we were still able to teach 20 lessons this week! That was the best part of the week. We have been trying to teach whenever we speak. If we say hi to someone sitting on a bench at the park we take the time to ask about their family and teach them how we believe families can be together forever. At doors if they don't let us in we ask them if we can come back at a better time, if they say no, we invite them to the Boise Temple open house, if they say no to that we give them a Mormon.org card, if they say no to that we ask them if they know of anyone who would listen to our message! lol, it's so much fun.

   I'm so excited for all that is happening with you all. Be safe Breck on your trip to school, I know you will always be careful. The best advice that comes to my mind is really pay attention to the promptings you get from the Holy Ghost. I got Izaak's email, thanks for that Bro!

   Gosh, I’m so excited and uber scared at the same time. I'm gonna end this email here before I get too trunky. lol. I love you all and I thank you for all you have done for me while out here. I truly do have the best family. Take care, fight the good fight and stay cool!!

                  -Elder Bevell-

p.s. I have not received my travel info yet Mom.

"Invite a Friend"...

Date:     Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 12:42 PM

Email #103 – Kimberly, ID

Dear Bevells,

   It's been a very good week in Kimberly! This last Sunday was “invite a friend” to church day and in our whole zone we had 88 non members there! That's amazing! The rest of the elders in our zone are working hard and it is very obvious in their reporting numbers. So I am very glad to say that the work is going forward at a steady pace!

   We also had an open house for one of the church buildings here that was just recently renovated. It's a small area so to you it would look like only a few people came, but to the bishopric there were a ton of people there! lol. Apparently a few of the non members who came also came to church on Sunday.

   I wanted to take a little time and thank you Mom for telling me about President Whimpey's talk about how Christ will always come to comfort us and give us peace. These past few days I have been feeling very much not at peace. I've been thinking back on my mission and there are so many things I feel I could have done better at.  There are even a few things that I feel I failed in. Needless to say it was pulling me down spiritually, and my companion was feeling it as well. This morning in my personal study I studied up on how I could have continual spiritual peace. I looked up the word "peace" in the book of Mormon index and started looking at the references. The one that stood out to me the most was in D&C, I can't remember the section or verse but the words are, "Learn of me, walk in the meekness of my spirit and you shall have peace in me." The thing about this gospel is the minute you think you know something you learn very quickly that you don't know anything at all. So I've made a little goal to do all I can to build up my relationship with my Savior, so that even if I'm having a bad day I can still feel good spiritually. It seems my theme for today is "peace". lol.

   Anyway, another fun experience this week was that Elder Rogers and I got to go to a dinner with the Spanish Elders! They had a single woman feeding them so they needed another Male to come with them. It was so fun! Elder Rogers and I couldn't understand a word being said, yet strangely enough we knew what was happening. The woman was very nice and the food was really good. I love Spanish food!!

   We also made more ground with our investigator Alica. We brought our ward mission leader to the lesson with us and we talked with her about Joseph Smith. She also had a few questions, one of them being on the second coming of Christ. Brother Scheiss, our ward mission leader answered that for her and afterwards she told us that if we needed to teach in another home she would like to do the lessons in his home! That is a very big step with her because she has been very shy with us. And Rebecca, our other investigator came to church again this week! She left after the first hour though because she wasn't feeling too good. We sent her a text later that day letting her know that we care about her and hoped she would feel better soon. She replied with a "thanks and God bless!"

   I still find it so very weird/amazing/annoying how it has taken this long for me to get down how to be an effective missionary! But that's how all other “close to end” missionaries feel. lol.

   Well, I have to go now. Thanks for taking the time to email me! Izaak if you broke your finger that is awesome! I will be sure to give you a huge high five when I get home! lol. Breck........love you. Dan and Braylon I look forward to holding my nephew Little D. Mom and Dad, I love you both and pray that you will continue to feel Gods love and help in your lives. Fight the good fight, and stay cool!

                        -Elder Bevell-

Blessing Homes

Date:     Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 11:50 AM

Email #102 – Kimberly, ID

Hello Bevells,

   This last week was super busy but good. Elder Rogers and I are still getting along for the most part.  We were able to attend a baptism in one of the elder’s area on Saturday. It was a Burmese family so they had a translator and everything. It wasn't the smoothest baptism but the spirit was very strong in the end. The font drain hadn't been fully covered so when they opened the font up the water was barely above knee level. They had to kneel down to be baptized. lol, it was fun!

   In our area we are spending a lot of time "blessing homes". lol. That was a neat story btw Mom. I like that point of view better than tracting. 

excerpt from Mom's email..

"Boy, yesterday was a great day at church for me.  It was High Council Sunday and Bishop Zimmerman spoke with a newly returned missionary.  His name is Austin Spilsbury.  He has only been home 2 weeks. But it was one of the best talks.  He served his mission in Florida, spanish speaking.  But what I loved the most as he spoke on missionary work was how it wasn't your typical way of presenting.  He spoke about love and letting go of fear, but then he talked about how his mission changed from "tracting" to "blessing homes".  He said they no longer even call it tracting.  They were taught to go out and bless homes.  They litterally asked people at the door if they could leave a blessing on their home using the Priesthood that they held.  After one elder would ask if they could do that, the other would ask some general questions to get to know the people a little better.  On one occasion just a week after starting this program the Elder speaking said he and his companion went to one home where a woman answered the door.  They could tell she had small children and looked tired like she had a tough day.  They asked if they could bless her home using the Priesthood they held.  She said "I guess...".  So 10 seconds later this Elder (who was speaking) offered a prayer.  (without any other info).  He said he got the impression to bless her husband who was ill and to bless her that she might be able to find work to help support her family, plus other things that came to mind.  After the prayer, they all had tears and she asked them how they knew the trials she was going thru.  They then were able to teach her of the Holy Ghost.  I just loved that lesson.  Again, a reminder that the Lord knows each of us...and we can be an instrument in his hands.  We don't have to know everything about people, only what the Lord wants us to know and HE will take care of our brothers and sisters.  We just need to be open to the spirit. This Elder ended his talk encouraging all of us to be close to the spirit, and if we don't feel it now, to do what we need to so that we can.  With that we can do anything the Lord wants us to do." 

Elder Rogers is the most obedient elder I have ever seen.  If we have 2 minutes before the time we are to get home we will just walk around. It's good for me because it keeps me busy here at the end of my mission.

  One really exciting thing that happened this week was that Elder Rogers got to go on exchanges with President Cannon!  I got to go with some elders in our zone for that day while he drove president around for a day. He had a good time, and president say we are doing great work in the area.

   Another highlight was a lesson we had with a young woman named Alica (ah-lee-see-ah). We taught her the other day about baptism, what it is and why we do it. She loves visual aids so we showed a few videos in the lesson. She is loving it. She's a little shy, but I know she is feeling the spirit. We expect she will be baptized soon.

   Those are the highlights of the week right there. I'm glad to hear the ranch is still going strong.  Go Izaak on being an example! It's true that sports are not always about winning, but I know it can be frustrating if you are losing a lot. But keep up the good work on keeping a positive attitude! In the end that will make all the difference.

How are things with you Breck? Have you started school?

   I love you all and can't wait to see you all again in a few weeks! I'll keep working hard! Fight the good fight! Stay cool!

                 -Elder Bevell-

p.s. I thought you might like this saying Mom. lol.

I'm loving my mission

Date:     Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 10:48 AM

Email #101 – Kimberly, ID

Dear Bevell Family,

   Already I am starting the second week of the transfer. This last week has flown by so very fast. I am both excited and sad about it. It's going fast because Elder Rogers and I are working very hard. The hardest I have ever worked my whole mission! I have learned so much from Elder Rogers already. First off he is very VERY obedient which I am very grateful for. It's so much easier to be obedient when your companion is trying as well. I am also really enjoying working with all the other Elders in our zone! Every Sunday we get to talk with the district leaders and talk about their districts, their goals, numbers and if all the companionship's are getting along and working hard. I'm especially impressed with Elder Sagiao (sung-yow) who is training a new missionary, while going to a new area, and this is his first time as district leader! That is a lot to deal with, but when talking to him last night he simply said,"this has been the second hardest week on my mission, but I'm working hard, and I know everything will turn out good." Such amazing faith!

   So this last week we found two new investigators! They are a couple named the Stots. The wife came from an lds back round but wasn't baptized, the husband had no religion in his childhood. They both smoke, and want to be baptized. lo. Their kids have all been baptized and they have had the missionary lessons before, so teaching them should be pretty simple. On our first visit they asked us what advice we had on helping them to quit smoking?  What did we think would help the most? Our response was to simply gain a stronger faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. We also told them that in the lessons we would focus on that truth, that through faith in Christ we can overcome all our sins, shortcomings and "bad habits". It was a great lesson.

   We also had a lot of conversations with people on the streets. We do a lot of street contacting here in Kimberly.  Kimberly is a little bigger than New Plymouth, but as zone leaders we work with other elders too. With that in mind we sort of cover the city of Twin Falls as well. It's so cool to be right next to my greenie area! Elder Jones is covering that area right now. He was my MTC companion if you remember.

   The fun thing that will be happening this week is that my companion Elder Rogers will get to go on exchanges with our mission president tomorrow! I will be going with some other Elders for that day till the end of the exchange, so I will be sure to let you know how that goes.

   HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY IZAAK!!! Man I so wish I could have been there for that. Thank you for the pictures! I'll have a late birthday present for you when I get home little bro. You will love it! (haha! Now you have to sit in suspense till I get home! Mmwwhahaha!)

   It's crazy fun over here. I'm loving my mission, I love my companion, and I LOVE this gospel. I love what it has done for my life and also for all of you as my family. I cannot tell you how much I love you all, and how grateful I am for all you have done for me. The gospel is true! Fight the good fight, and stay cool!

                     -Elder Bevell-

Zone Leaders

Date:     Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 10:27 AM

Email #100 – Kimberly, ID

Dear Bevells family and friends,

   Sorry I didn't email yesterday. Everything was closed due to Labor Day.

   News on Transfers...........I was transferred to Kimberly Idaho with an Elder Rogers, and we are zone leaders. 

This came as a great surprise to me as I am now on my last transfer. I had thought that I would be staying in New Plymouth since I had been there for so long (six months to be exact) and new the area. 

Elder Olinger was very nervous about transitioning the area, but I know he will do just fine. He has given the members there a very good first impression of himself.

   Kimberly is pretty much amazing! I'm in a tri-panionship for a while as Elder Rogers last companion, Elder Bridge, is going home this week! Poor Elder Rogers he's going to send home two missionaries in a row!

   A little about Elder Rogers, he too is from Arizona, and has one year left on his mission. He is a very obedient missionary, and has a very strong testimony. When you're with him you can feel the spirit so very strongly. I am really going to like serving with him.

   Yesterday as we went out to work, all the appointments that had been set up canceled. What did we do? We walked the streets and taught three people, handed out three copies of the book of Mormon, and set a return appointment with one of the three people! What an amazing first night here!

   I'm actually a little grateful that I was transferred. Here and as a zone leader I have a great amount of responsibility to keep me focused. My goal is by the end of the transfer to be physically and spiritually exhausted! And I want to have at least one more baptism. lol.

   Well I'm emailing at a library with limited time and I still need to email President Cannon. I love you all, and it was so very good to hear about your week! I love hearing about the many blessings you all are receiving. Take care and stay cool!!

                       -Elder Bevell-

Work is going great...

Date:     Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 2:14 PM

Email #99 – New Plymouth, ID

Hello Every one.

Glad to hear about how much fun you all are having. Have fun with B-ball Izaak and remember, it's not about the game, it's about WINNING!!!!! So play dirty! Push, shove, bite!!! lol, jk no it's really all about having fun! So even if others are getting mad just smile and laugh at how pathetic they look as they try to win. jk to that last part. Just be a friend! =D

   So the work is going great. This last week was the start of school here in New Plymouth. So it was a little hard to contact a few people due to last minute school shopping, but that shouldn't be a problem this week as people are already back in the swing of things. The exciting news is that we found another investigator last week! His name is Sam; he is a junior in high school and already has a strong testimony of the gospel. He has been coming to church with a member friend on and off for about two years now. We taught him for the first time in his friend’s home just yesterday and committed him to be baptized on the 22 of September! It truly is amazing to see how the Lord prepares his children to receive his gospel. WE were also able to set a baptism date with Debbie Horton. Hers is a little more tentative, but if all goes right she will be baptized on the 15th of September.

   Another person we are teaching is Travis. He is 8 and loves it when the missionaries come over. He is always offering us Kool-Aid and listens real closely when we teach him. Last time we met with him he proudly told us that he had read two chapters from the book of Mormon and was praying to know if it's true. The wonderful thing about all of this I think is how his dad see's all this. His dad is not a member and we have been trying to teach him for a long time, so now he is there in order for us to teach his son so he is getting to hear the lesson too! Nothing has happened there yet, but we will see.

   Also this Friday is transfer calls! After that I will be on my last transfer. I really hope I stay here in New Plymouth, I would hate having to work in a place I don't know about for my last 6 weeks. But whatever happens I know that the Lord is in it and I will not complain. Because complaining only makes things worse, and I don't like that. lol.

   So last pday when I finished emailing and I was waiting for elder Olinger to finish I checked out ldsyouth.org. If you guys haven't been there you should go! I wish I had known about it before my mission! It has great videos and talks and all sorts of stuff. It even has free music downloads for EFY music motab and all sorts of other lds music!

   That's cool to hear about Jeff! Tell him I said hi and I will gladly work something out with him when I get home. I'll have to brush up on my guitar a bit but that sounds like fun! And thanks for helping out with CGCC, Let me know what I have to do for that.

   We'll, that's all I have for now. Know that I am doing great and am having the time of my life out here in Idaho serving the Lord. Again, thank you Mom and Dad for teaching me these wonderful truths in my youth. I shudder to think of how my life would be if it wasn't for this Gospel. It is true, and I am so glad to be a part of it. It truly is the best thing to have in our lives. Take care everyone, and stay cool!

                   -Elder Bevell-

My "Trunky Papers"

Date:     Mon, Aug 20, 2012 at 7:11 PM

Email #98 – New Plymouth, ID

Hey Bevells!

   First off I am doing really good. This last week was a good week and we worked hard for it! It was also Elder Olingers birthday this last Thursday! He just turned 22. I made sure to tell our dinner appointment that night and they made a cake for him. lol, it was fun.

   So I got a very important letter this week from the mission office. It's my travel papers for the end of my mission, or as we elders call them, my trunky papers!!

   Not much out of the ordinary happened this week. We tracted, had dinners and taught lessons. Sorry this is short, but know that I love you all and I pray for you every night. Glad to hear your leg is feeling better dad. Good job Izaak on school.  Give my love to Dan, Braylon, and Decklan (Little D!) Take care and stay cool!

                    -Elder Bevell-

Pics of Banana Prank...

Date:     Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 2:49 PM

Email #97 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevells,

   Goodness! Another eventful week I see at home. I hope your leg is feeling better Dad. And good job Izaak for being a man and helping Dad out in that moment. Keep up the good work! Thank you Mom for sending the info on Brecks doctor visits. It's very good to have a better understanding of what's happening there. I'm also very glad to hear you can still ride horses Breck! I've been praying that you would still be able to do what you love, so know that God really does answer prayers. I LOVE YOU!!  Happy late birthday Braylon. lol.

   So this last week was a bummer week. Elder Olinger and I caught a stomach virus that is going around the mission and the mission doctor told us we had to stay indoors for a whole day! That was not fun at all. I had to cancel appointments and dinner. Needless to say we didn't reach up to half our goals this last week. One good thing that did happen however was the baptism of Dylan Loyd. He has been investigating the church for close to two years now and finally decided to get baptized. He didn't meet with us because he has been through so many missionaries in the past that he just had to be interviewed. That went very well. This last Sunday was very uplifting for me and now that I am feeling 100xs better (physically and spiritually) I am ready to (as one of my zone leaders puts it) SLAUGHTER our goals this week! lol.  To help with this we have created a signup list for members to have us come into their homes and teach the first missionary lesson. We passed it around relief society this last Sunday and a few people signed up for this next week. We are hoping more will sign up in the future when school starts again so everyone will have a more set schedule. All the bishops think it’s a great idea and all the members we told seemed really excited about it.

   I remember having the missionaries come to our home to teach the lessons to Dan. That was a lot of fun, and I have learned that a lot of members have similar memories with their families as well. So you see, missionaries don't just bring people into the gospel, they also help build up the members as well! This is the best job in the world!!

   Some fun news! We had dinner last night with the bishop of the New Plymouth 2nd ward. The ward that pranked us at the rodeo. Well after dinner they gave us the pictures!  So I am sending a few of those today and I am sure you will enjoy them. lol.

   I did get your letter btw mom. I sent a package to you all a while back. Did you get that? I sent it about a month ago. Just wondering

   I love you all! I miss you and I am super excited to be on my mission. Nine more weeks then we can come back as a family for the Boise temple rededication!! If you want to learn more about that, go to boisetemplededication.org. You can also get free tickets there as well. They are expecting over 400'000 to go through! It will be awesome! Anyway, take care and stay cool!!

                   -Elder Bevell-

Time is flying by much too fast.

Date:     Mon, Aug 6, 2012 at 1:25 PM

Email #96 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevell family,

   Time is flying by much too fast. They say two years go by fast, but that's only in hindsight. I am so very grateful to be training right now because if I wasn't it would be very hard for me to stay motivated or concentrated on the work. But since I have to be an example of what a missionary needs to be for this new missionary I find myself being very aware of everything I do. Elder Olinger btw is a great companion and missionary. He has a great sense of humor and loves to work which is very good because our zone leaders just committed all of us to try and teach 40 lessons each week! I just got this area up to 20 lessons a week! But we are acting in faith. Elder Olinger and I decided to strive for 50 lessons each week and have two people baptized in one month! We are going to be working so very hard these next few weeks. I look forward to dragging myself into bed and falling asleep to my night time prayers. lol.

   Blessings are being seen right now, as well as opposition. Two blessings come from the Fruitland 3rd ward. On the 11th of this week, a Dylan will be getting baptized. He has been investigating the church for a long time. He's about 17 and lost interest for a while because of an anti Mormon youth group he had been going to. But just last week he announced in church that he wanted to be baptized. We are so very excited for him. Also a man walked up to our ward mission leader this last Sunday and asked him if he could meet with us! So we also have a new investigator in that ward. We haven't met him yet but hopefully will this week. Some opposition is happening in the New Plymouth 2nd ward. Our golden investigator Debbie has wanted to come to Church. But it seems that every Sunday either she or he kids are sick.. We are praying that everything will work out this next week for her. We will be meeting with her this Wednesday and teaching her the word of wisdom, law of chastity, and tithing. As for 1st ward, things are pretty slow.

   But we have a plan to speed things up! We are making a signup sheet for the members to sign up and have us come over and teach the first missionary lesson to their families! They of course will be encouraged to invite a non member friend over when we do that. Hopefully we will be finding more investigators with this.

   Gosh, there is so much that I would like to write if time only permitted. I'm doing good, working hard and keeping busy. As you all know you are in my prayers, I love you all and am very excited to see you all again soon!! Stay cool!!!

                          -Elder Bevell-

Elder Bevell and Elder Olinger eating breakfast food for dinner at the Beutler's!

Strummin' for horses

Date:     Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 12:17 PM

Email #95 – New Plymouth, ID

Hey there everyone!

   What a fun week it has been for the both of us! Elder Olinger is a great companion. He always has a joke to tell, really he does. And he's good at teaching. What I have been feeling though is very different. I feel a greater desire to do my best. There have been a few times when I feel that I am being too hard on myself. Am I helping him understand how to teach? Am I being the best example I can be? Do I annoy him or does he like me as a companion!? I'm sure I will find a happy medium soon. Until then I will just have to keep doing my best.

   This week was low number wise because I had to spend the first three days in Boise. Monday I attended a trainers meeting with all the other missionaries who are training. That was a very good meeting. President Cannon spoke to us and told us that he had spent hours on his knees praying to know who should train these new missionaries. He told us that we really had been called by the Lord to train. I felt the spirit tell me that I really have been called, which was a great comfort to me to know because I was feeling very nervous at the time. lol.  After the meeting I stayed with another elder in his area.

   The next day the new missionaries arrived and we had the wonderful opportunity to be paired up with one, dropped off in a random spot and go street contacting for two hours! I was paired up with an Elder Mann, from California. It was a fun and nerve racking time. I took the lead in the first two and then told elder Mann it was his turn. I was laughing inside a little as I watched him nervously look around trying to decide where to walk. I told him, if you have a good thought, such as "We should go that way", or, "I should talk to them." Just act on it. After that he started walking, and I could see him as he looked at people he wanted to go talk to them bust he was hesitating. The "natural man" was telling him not to do it! So I would tell him, go ahead. Let’s say hi! In the end we passed out two copies of the book of Mormon, and even got a free lunch! It was very fun.

   Wednesday, we finally got our new companions. That was when I was told I would be training Elder Olinger. The rest of the week was filled with contacting, and trying to set up more appointments for this week. And the few lessons we did have went very good. The members here already like him as well.

   Well, that’s me for now. Doing my best to be the best example I can be, and trying to humbly teach this new elder what it means to be a missionary.

Sorry I haven't replied to your letters yet, I will be trying to do that this week. In the mean time, I love you all, the work is moving on and the Gospel is definitely true. How grateful I am. Take care and stay cool!

              -Elder Bevell-

p.s. We were at an appointment where they had a guitar and I was just strumming it when the horses walked up and started sniffing it. So here I played for two music loving horses! =D

I'm Training

Date:     Mon, Jul 23, 2012 at 1:51 PM

Email #94 – New Plymouth, ID

subject:                The Second to Last Transfer!

Dear Bevell Family,

   So transfers are very exciting. Elder Melchior is off to Nampa, (That's actually the sad part. I really liked serving with him.) I am still going to be in New Plymouh, but with a new missionary. Yep, I'm TRAINING!!!! I'm over in Boise right now and will be till Wednesday when I will get my new "green" companion. There are only two English missionaries coming into the mission, and both of them look like they will need a lot of work. The first one looks like he has never smiled his whole life, the second..........well he's probably never stopped smiling. lol. Needless to say I am very excited to make the start of these Elders mission’s a blast!

"...my new companion Elder Olinger! He is from Ozark Missouri, and is awesome. Here is a picture of us with President Cannon! I'll give more details on Monday. Stay cool!

              -Elder Bevell-"

   So this last week was filled with Elder Melchior saying goodbye to people and getting pictures. Don't worry we still worked and taught people.

   One great proselyting opportunity came up when the first and second ward in New Plymouth held a pioneer day rodeo! That was very fun. We saw a lot of our investigators there and were also able to set up new appointments with them. As for the rodeo part, Elder Melchior and I won the egg toss, got 4th place in the 3 legged race, and ate 14 bananas each! The banana part was a contest between us and one of the bishops and his councilors. We sat at two separate tables, had blindfolds placed over our eyes, and then peeled and eat the bananas. Needless to say I was very sick of bananas by the end. Which after we finished I realized that the bishop and his councilor had eaten only one banana each, and had placed all their bananas on OUR table and laughed as we stuffed our faces. It was a PRANK!!! lol. It was still really fun though and everyone said we were good sports. Over all, I believe the people in New Plymouth got a very good impression of the LDS missionaries.

   Ok, This is the trunky part of the letter. I really am trying hard not to count down, but it seems that every time I look at the date I suddenly just know how much time I have left. 13 weeks!!! That's such a small number yet it's so far away!  And when you talked about Breck starting collage in January and trying to figure stuff out for me that only added to it. But that is something we do need to figure out. I actually want to attend CGCC. So if you could figure stuff out for there that would be helpful. I know the choir director there as well. I don't know if that will help with anything but it's worth a shot. Also, I don't know what I am going to do for work, for income. I know I will be working at the ranch but everyone who works there has a second job. I do not want to be mooching off Mom and Dad anymore, and I'm sure you guys agree with that idea.

   And another thing. The Boise temple is being rededicated on the 18th of November, and president Monson is doing that. I have never been inside this temple and I want to be here for the rededication! So if it can work I was hoping that I got home we could come up as a family to see the dedication then take a small mission tour!!! There are a few people that I would really like you all to meet and I know you would all enjoy that.

   Anyway, this is me right now.  Waiting for a greenie, trying to plan for the future without getting too trunky, and simply loving my life. This really has been the best experience of my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world! I love you all. Know that the gospel is true, that Christ is our Savior, and God is very much real. Take care and stay cool!

                     -Elder Bevell-

p.s. The picture is of an investigator family we found while tracting. the Mom is Debie Horton, the twin girls are Sage and Lane, (Sage is the bigger one.) and there older brother Ryan. I am positive they will be baptized this next transfer!

New Shoes

Date:     Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 1:22 PM

Email #93 – New Plymouth, ID

Hello again Bevell's,

   Boy did I get a surprise this last Sunday. This family walked up to me smiling and I walked up to shake their hands like I was doing to everyone else who was coming to church. As I shook the fathers hand he said "Well, do you recognize us?" I hate that question. I admitted that I did not. He then told me that he was Bro. Pounders from my home ward! I was instantly trunky. lol. I was even more so when his wife told me that she was Stephen's older sister. I'm better now though....I think. Anyway it was really cool to see someone from home. I took a picture with them as well.

   So, you have had a busy week too eh? This week was much better for us. Our investigators are progressing very well. Two of them told us they plan on being baptized! That was Mandy Smith and Debie Horton. I hope and wish I can be there when that happens. Transfer call this Friday, you will know what happens on Monday next.

   Something big is happening in New Plymouth ID. So big that the whole town will be there to witness it. It's THE PIONEER DAY RODEO CELEBRATION!! There will be dinner, ice cream and all sorts of fun activities. Elder Melchior and I have signed up for the calf dressing! You will be getting pictures of that fur sure! lol. Several members have even offered to lend us some cowboy hats for the occasion. lol.  There will also be a lot of non members there, so hopefully we will find some new people to work with as well.

   We had a really cool lesson with Dave as well. We met with him on Friday, and when we walked in we had no idea what to talk to him about. He has been taught everything! So as we sat and talked with him and his wife for a while we were listening very hard for any ideas on what to teach. At one point his wife Mary said the word "temples", and I suddenly knew what to talk about. This wasn't a sudden  "oh, she said temples. That's something we can talk about." It was a "You need to talk about temples with them!" So I pulled out my little Mormon messages and we started off by watching a short video on temples. After that everything else just fell into place. As we talked we learned that Dave really wanted to know the truth, but he was having trouble finding the motivation to put in his effort to get that answer. So in the end we gave him a few scriptures to read and committed him to find the motivation he needs. We shared with him the story of the man whose son was possessed. He took his son to Jesus who told him "If thou can believe, all things are possible." To this the man replied "Help thou my unbelief." Just the desire to believe is enough for God to answer our prayers.

   Now for another cool story.  Last night at our dinner appointment we sat down and they brought out to us....SHOES!! They had been cleaning out their son's bedroom and had found some "church" shoes that he had never worn. One was size 10 Elder Melchiors size, and the other 11's! So we both got new shoes at dinner! How awesome is that. 

   Well, I'm glad to hear all is well at the ranch. That's awesome about the rainstorm and how the airforce base guys had fun in it. (I hope you were able to have fun too Dad.) Remember, Life isn't about enduring the storm, its learning to dance in the rain! =D lol. I love you all and continually pray for you. Can't wait to see you all again! OH! Happy late birthday Dad and Dan!!! Stay cool!

                      -Elder Bevell-

Slow week - 4th of July

Date:     Mon, Jul 9, 2012 at 3:17 PM

Email #92 – New Plymouth, ID

Hello everyone!

   This week was slow for us. 4th of July. It seems that a lot of people consider it to last a whole week. Which I would be fine with if I wasn't a missionary. lol. But we still worked. We had an appointment with an older gentleman who was a referral from a dinner appointment. His name was Lonnie.  We taught him the restoration, which went very well. We had left a book of Mormon with him and asked him if he had read it. He told us he had read the whole thing, in a week!.  (he had just skimmed through the whole thing. Reading chapter headings and a few verses.) I believe he did though, because as we shared verses from it he told us that he remembered reading that. Anyway, at the end of the lesson his big concern was how Joseph Smith stated that "the book of Mormon was the most correct of any other book and that a man would grow closer to God by abiding by its precepts."  He believes in the bible, and anything that claims to be "better" than the bible he doesn't want anything to do with. We tried to explain how we don't esteem the book of Mormon over the bible, but that we use them both, that we need both to truly understand the gospel of Christ, but sadly he was past listening to us.

   The biggest thing that I realized after that lesson is how much my knowledge of the scriptures has truly grown out on the mission! As Lonnie asked questions I found myself remembering scriptures not only in the book of Mormon but in the bible as well! The spirit really can bring to our mind the knowledge that we need to share with others. (Matthew 10:19)

   P-day was very fun today! There was another basketball tournament set up by some of the other elders. Now I'm not the best but I like a good game of Bball.  We caught a ride with the Payette elders, Dees and Stone, and I had a ton of fun. Btw, I finally got some allergy medication and it is helping TREMENDOUSLY with my asthma. I've only used my inhaler 3 times the past week and a half! So I wasn't worried as I played, I just had fun. I've attached a few pictures. Elder Kofoed took them. He didn't play because his ankle was hurt. (I'm so glad he didn't because I did not want to verse him. I would have gotten uber mad!) Our team didn't win.  We basically got 4th place our of 8 teams. I'm just glad I got to play four games! lol.

   I did get your package thank you so much for the shirt! You will notice that I am wearing it in the pictures. lol. (for the record the picture on the back is SO NOT the salt river next to the ranch. lol. ;p) And I am already handing out my CD's to people and they are loving it. You might be happy to know Mom that last night at our dinner appointment I played my proud and free song for the family. There were two families there actually and both moms and a lot of the daughters and one son cried. One mom cried because her son had played guitar and sang before his mission so I made her think of him. lol. They took a video of it and another song (Albi the racist dragon) and they will be posting them on facebook and youtube. I hope you enjoy them. lol.
(Go to Elder Bevell's facebook page to see video's...)

   Well, that's all I got for now. I'm trying uber hard not to think too much about home but I am also uber excited to see you all again! I love you all; you are in my heart and prayers. I am proud of all of you for your wonderful examples in the church and as a family. I know this church is true, that the book of Mormon is true. That Joseph Smith was called as a prophet, that he did see God and Jesus Christ. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior, and I am so grateful for what he did for me so that I could be happy and be able to come and live with him again. Like Enos I look forward to the day when I can hear the Saviors voice as he says to me "Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father." And there we all can dwell as a family forever. Take care everyone and stay cool!

                 -Elder Bevell-

"Shout outs" to the Missionaries.

Date: Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 1:09 PM

Email #91 – New Plymouth, ID

Hey Brecky!!

   This is really cool getting the weekly email from you! I really like how I can just tell it's you writing. You and Mom have different ways of explaining stuff. lol.

   Man, I am not looking forward to working in the heat. I realized the other day why I suddenly enjoy working outdoors. It's because it isn't over 100 out here!! But I'm glad you and Izaak are able to have some fun. It's also good to hear that Izaak has someone to hang out and help him be a happy worker. Be sure to give my thanks to Cody for being a great friend.  Izaak! I'm also glad of you Breck for looking for ways to help reduce Mom's work load. That is something I wish I could do right now. I'm going to ask Mom to teach me how to close up shop so she can leave earlier in the day while I am still there. I too love our parents as well, very much. Mom is always trying her best to have a positive attitude, and Dad is a great example of working diligently. And together they are the perfect example of how a couple should be. That's what I want for me and whoever my “soul sister” is. lol.

   Anyway, about my week, the work keeps going forward. We taught 29 lessons. It's crazy! And we even found two new people to teach! The first one we tracted into, her name is Debbie. She was getting ready to go to school but let us come in and share a short message with her about the Book of Mormon, and afterwards accepted one. We taught her about the restoration. She has a ton of really good questions. She will most likely be baptized. Hopefully this transfer cause I'm afraid I might not be here this transfer. The second person was a referral from a dinner appointment. They said we should visit their neighbor which we did and set a return appointment with him. He's an older man who said we could come back and talk with him. Not too sure what all will be happening with that one.

   On a cool note, we had a few shout outs to the elders this last Sunday. A shout out is when a member gets up at the pulpit and brags about the missionaries.  We had five members do that as they bore their testimony! It was awesome! lol. Lots of member trust!

   I'm also excited for all the missionary moments you are having Breck! If you are feeling like you don't know enough or want to know more I would suggest going to the Gospel principles class on Sunday. Every ward should have one. That's the class we take our investigators to. You will definitely learn there.

   Well, I hope Mom and Dad have a good trip. OH! Hi grandma! I hope you are doing good as well. It was really good to talk to you on Mother’s day. I also look forward to your amazing tacos when I get home!! lol.

   I love you all, you are in my prayers and I hope you have an amazing day!

Stay cool!

                            -Elder Bevell-

p.s. just some random pics. Love ya!

Been a "WOW" week...

Date:     Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 1:07 PM

Email #90 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevell Family,

   It has been a wow week! Elder Melchior and I have been pushing hard and miracles are happening in New Plymouth. This week was a 28 lesson week! But that is not the best part. The best part was what we did a lot of this week. Tracting!!!

   Yep, this week we decided to fill in our free time with tracting, and I am grateful we did. I have never had this much success in tracting before. Most of the tracting happened in the Fruitland 3rd ward, which is our slowest ward. We met all kinds of people. They were kind, some were not, some would slam the door, and others stand and listen then say no. Some would thank us for our efforts to make the world a better place, others told us we were going to hell. Only one really got my blood boiling.

   Anyway we did find some people who were very receptive. We passed out a few book of Mormons, and we even set some return appointments. One of them was Debbie. She is Hawaiian and she really wants to know the truth. We met with her yesterday with our ward mission leader. She asked a lot of questions about Joseph Smith which we answered and invited her to hear our entire message. We testified that the message we have to share will bless her life and it is something she will want in her life. She accepted! New investigator!!!

   This Sunday was a really good one as well. A mom spoke about her son who is out on his mission and how much he has learned so far. I sat and thought about everything that has happened to me on my mission and all that I have learned as well. It's a lot. lol. The stuff that stands out to me the most is how much better I am at recognizing the spirit, how I'm not afraid to talk to just anyone and everyone, (well not as much as I used to be anyways.) I'm a better leader, I'm not afraid to voice my opinion in the proper settings anymore. Best of all though is how much my faith and testimony has grown. I know this gospel is what I need in my life. It's because of this gospel that I am who I am today.

   Well, that’s all I got for now. I'm glad to hear you are all save and having fun. You are in my prayers. I love you all. Stay cool!

                       -Elder Bevell-

Characteristics of Conversion

Date:     Mon, Jun 18, 2012 at 3:07 PM

Email #89 – New Plymouth

Bevells!!

   First off, I'm sorry that the past week wasn’t the best for you. But life is like that. Something I have noticed though on the mission is when you have a bad day, a good day usually follows! If not then a super good day will come when the bad days are over. lol.

   You will be happy to hear that I had a very good week as we had another 23 lessons this week! This only shows us that we can get at least 20 lessons each week here. We are truly seeing the blessings of the Lord in our lives.

We also had a baptism this last Saturday! Charity Huston was baptized and I was asked to perform the baptism and Elder Melchior confirmed her the following Sunday. The baptism was awesome. There were a few non members there so Elder Melchior taught about priesthood authority and how it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. The spirit was felt.

   Now for something cool I learned this week from my companion! We were having companionship study and were talking about what we could do to better feel and understand the promptings from the Holy Ghost in our lives. As we talked a random question popped up. Does our obedience show our conversion to the Gospel? We then read a little from "True to the Faith" under the section Characteristics of people who are converted. The five sections that are under that are;

 1.  They desire to do good.

 2.  They rebel not against the Lord.

 3.  They share the Gospel.

 4.  They are filled with love.

 5.  They strive for greater conversion.

I have decided to do my best to follow these five steps and I know that by doing so I will feel a greater abundance of God’s Love for me. I hope you find this just as powerful and cool as I do.

   I love you all, I love the mission and I love the gospel! I am so grateful that I came on a mission, for I know if I hadn't I would be in a very dark place. I am grateful for the second and third and unlimited chances that my Savior gives me and the strength I receive as I do my best to serve Him. You are always in my prayers! Stay cool!

                -Elder Bevell-

p.s. The pictures are Elder Melchior and I sword fighting. One of them is me holding Sting!!!!

Staying in New Plymouth!

Date:     Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 1:34 PM

Email #88 – New Plymouth, ID

Hello Bevells!

   My week has been superb!! Want to know why? It's because Elder Melchior and I did more than just achieve our weekly goals we exceeded them! We planned for 20 total lessons this week and ended with 23!!! This is the first time on my mission having taught over 20 lessons, and it feels great. We are hoping to get even more this next week.

   Oh and transfers are, I'm staying with elder Melchior! =D We work really well together. And I missed getting my stuff to elder Johnson so hopefully the zone leaders can get it to him before he ships out. And no I did not give him your phone number, just our address on the box.

   I'm glad you are doing good, Mom, with your stomach. Did I tell you Elder Jones has to get his gall bladder taken out. I'm sure he will be just fine but a few more prayers can't hurt.

   So, like I said we had over 20 lessons this week so I am very tired. lol. It's the good tired though. It felt so good to be working hard, when we taught I could feel the spirit directing our conversation. We were able to resolve concerns, and help people better keep the commitments we give them. The greatest blessing of all this week however came from two single mom families. The Airaldis and the Huston. The two oldest Airaldi boys and Charity Huston all told their parents they want to be baptized ASAP! So we now have a baptism set for this Saturday the 16th and for the 23rd as well! I so very excited!!! The wards are very happy too since it's been a while since they had an investigator baptism. The Huston's even made their own special baptism invitations. I really love this area and I hope I stay here for the rest of my mission!

Good job Izaak on teaching the lesson on Sunday! I am really impressed. Breck, I hope and pray the doctors will be able to continue to help you, I love you and you are in my prayers! <3

    I love and miss you all; I will try hard to stay strong to the end! Thanks for your prayers love and support! Stay cool!

             -Elder Bevell-

p.s. The pictures go as follows:

   Elder Johnson and I.

   District picture.

   Me and my guns! lol.

Day by Day...

Date:     Mon, Jun 4, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Email #87 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevell Family,

   I will start with myself this week as I am feeling rather selfish! (That was a joke so you can laugh now.) 

Anyway!

   So, this last week was actually really good. I wrote you a letter about it that I sent off this morning.  I am glad to hear I have mail on the way.  I have been feeling a little forgotten as of late. But I don't hold that against you because I know life can and is busy, especially at the ranch! So I will go over my week for you by day.

   Monday, the 28th, P-day;

-Had breakfast with the elders in Payette.

-Played volley ball with our district.

-At 6 p.m. we were picked up to spend family home evening with the Burbank's. We roasted hot dogs over a fire and talked about all the blessings that God has given us and we had a moment of silence for all the men and women who gave their lives so we could have some of those blessings. Very good time.

   Tuesday the 29th;

-Emailed at 11 since we didn't get the chance on Monday.

-Had lunch at the senior center in town. We get to go because we are "Elders"! lol. Plus it gives us a chance to mingle with the older folks in Town. There's a guy named Tom who we always play a game of pool with afterwards. We have yet to beat him. (POOL SHARK!!)

-After lunch we were able to do some service for the people we live with. They are remodeling their kitchen so we got to break up some cement stairs and dig holes outside. Good man work.

-Washed up afterwards.

-Had dinner at the Beutlers home. He is our ward mission leader in the New Plymouth 1st ward.

-Had a lesson with a potential investigator whose last name is Ruska. We taught her and her son about the restoration. She didn't have any questions. We would have set a return appointment but she is out of town now.

-We then had splits with 1st ward. I went with Br Beutler while Elder Melchior went with Br. Jones. Br. Beutler and I visited Ranee and Carol again. Ranee was just leaving to go to town, and Carol had moved into her own place. So we drove to Carol's and talked a bit and invited her to church. She said she would try but still didn't in the end.

   Wednesday the 30th;

-A slower day. Spent a lot of time making phone calls trying to set up appointments for the rest of the week. We did have a lesson with the Airaldi family. Single mom, three kids (one girl two boys.) The oldest not baptized. We taught them the plan of salvation and gave them their own color copies we had made at the library that morning. They loved it and the oldest kid (Ziek) seemed to really enjoy the lesson.

   Thursday the 31st;

-Our first day in the week to work in the Fruitland 3rd ward. A rough day.

-Began by doing our weekly planning for the rest of the week and next.

-pulled out the area book and began visiting less active members. Not many were home, or answered their doors. Some addresses were wrong as well. We need to get an updated ward list for that ward.

-Had lessons back in New Plymouth, both at the same time actually so we had to call up some people to go on splits with us. My letter tells about what I did. Elder Melchior taught Teddy Huston and her daughter Charity. Teddy is a recent convert and charity is not baptized. He taught the first lesson (The restoration.) I came in just in time for the closing prayer!

   Friday the 1st;

-Had district meeting then went out to lunch with the district afterwards.

-Stopped by the bishop of Fruitland 3rd and had a very good talk with him. We told him how the ward was struggling and he apologized for being so busy. He then gave us two names to contact and told us that he would get more names from the ward council for us to visit when appointments fall through. They are also putting together a list of members who can be available to come with us to lessons! Friday was the best day of the week!!

   Saturday the 2nd;

-Had lunch at subway because we get it free once a week!

-Made progress records for the ward.

-Contacted more less active families in 3rd ward and the names that Bishop gave us.

-Delivered progress records at the end of the day.

   Sunday the 3rd;

-Went to church in Fruitland 3rd. Fast and testimony meeting went really well. There was a constant stream of testimonies including my own and Elder Melchiors. One thing that stood out to me in Elder Melchiors testimony was this. He said; "We are here on earth to be tried and tested, and to be blessed." I thought about the last part. We know we are here to be tested, to grow. But how often do we remember that we are also here to receive blessings from our Father in Heaven? It's an interesting thought isn't it?

   And that dear family was my week!!

Now to you guys!

   Congrats to Alec on is mission call!! The people in Anaheim California won’t know what hit them!! lol.

And good job Mom on your missionary experience! I am so proud of you. To refer her just go on to mormon.org and go to "meet with missionaries" you can then type in her address and it will be sent to the missionaries covering that area. Also a cool thing on mormon.org if you didn't know this already if you look all the lessons we teach as missionaries are on there! Cool huh!?

   Breck in singles ward!? Let me tell you now, from what I have seen with the single wards here I am not looking forward to that. Hopefully your letter will bring me hope Breck! lol.

   The bible camp sounds like it was fun Mom. I'm glad you were able to help them avoid some potentially bad and awkward experiences. As I thought about that I thought back to all the young people I have taught the Gospel too and how much fun it was. I love teaching youth about the gospel! Maybe I will think about being a seminary teacher. (Key word in there is THINK.) lol.

   I'm still praying hard for you Breck on your seizures. Don't give up just yet! And I loved your graduation pictures! Man I really wish I could have been there!! It looks like you had a ton of fun! Congrats again on that.

   Don't be getting down I haven't forgotten you Izaak!  Don't ever change little bro! (That way I will always be better than you at halo! haha!)

   It was so good to hear from you all again! I look forward to your letters; please keep writing me it really is a huge pick me up!! I love you all! Stay cool!

                               -Elder Bevell-