Monday, April 30, 2012

New Companion


Date:     Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Email #82 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Wonderful Bevell Family,
   Man it looks like you have all had a very successful week! Congrats Mom and Dad on finding someone to help manage the ranch so you can have Sundays and Mondays off! You truly deserve that and more in my opinion. Breck, I wish I could be there to watch you conduct at your last concert. Know I am so very proud of you and will be praying so very hard for you. I will so be there in spirit!! And your senior pictures are GORGEOUS!! lol <3 Izaak, you watch those items decompose!! lol. I remember my 6th grade science project and how much fun it was. So enjoy it!
   Now as to transfers I am still in New Plymouth. Elder Kofoed has been sent to Eagle ID and my new companions name is Elder Melchior.  I will be picking him up later today so in the meantime I am with my good ol MTC companion Elder Jones!
   This last week was really good for me spiritually. As transfers were coming up I was very up tight with Elder Kofoed and all that had happened between us. I thought "What am I going to do if we serve together another transfer!?" As I thought about all this I kept feeling the spirit telling me to just let it go. Sadly I fought against it for a while, but the more I fought the more angry I became. Finally I just decided I was done being mad. It was only hurting me, and I didn't want to end serving with Elder Kofoed on a bad note. It was when I decided to do this that I felt the spirit confirm the love that God has for me. When I felt this I felt that strong desire to share it, to be a more forgiving and patient person. In short, Elder Kofoed and I ended on very good terms, and if it's possible we would love to meet up and hang out later or after the mission.
   I have such a profound gratitude for this gospel and the way it helps us to move past not only the faults of others but our own as well.
   As to what we did this last week, we did a lot of service. We helped a Brother Frates tear apart an old house he owns that he's going to fix up. That was fun as we got to tear the walls out. lol. Then we mowed the lawn for the Ruska's  who are a potential investigator family. The dad is off for military training so we drop by and check in on the family to help out while he is gone.
   We have also been visiting an older man named Delbert who is going through a very hard time. Right now he is too deep in sorrow to hear the joy in our message. So we will keep visiting him and when he is ready to hear it we will be there.
   The next big thing that happened was for Elder Kofoed. Since he was being transferred all of his family had to say good by, so they held a small farewell party for him. It was fun, we played some basket ball ate some food, then sat down and had a small testimony meeting. Elder Kofoed bore a powerful testimony of the gospel and had a few people close to tears. it was a great send off for him.
   Well, that's all for me now. I'm excited for this next transfer, and I hope you all have a great week. I love you all, I'm trying not to keep track of what time I have left. lol. I pray for you every night, and wish only the best for you all. Take care, and stay cool!
                 -Elder Bevell-

Monday, April 23, 2012

House w/ Car Museum

Date:     Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Email #81 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevell Family,
   Well it sounds like it's been a little rough for you all this last week. This last week was a little rough for Elder Kofoed and I as well.   Apart from that I'm doing fine.
Yes it is warming up and I am wondering how I am going to deal with the Arizona heat again!! lol. We did find one family while tracting, the Hunts. They couldn't talk at the time so we set a return appointment for Sunday. When we arrived the whole family was outside. The Mom and Dad were doing some yard work while the kids played in the yard.  The parents welcomed us warmly and sent the kids in the back so we could tell them what we had to say. We grabbed some chairs, sat down and the Dad looked at us and said, "Please tell us your message." So we taught them about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The spirit was so strong, and the Mom looked very interested. The Dad however is very rooted his faith. His Father is a Nazarene preacher and is sounded like he has come in contact with a little Anti. But when they did ask questions they were very sincere, they really wanted to know what we believe. Especially the Mom who told us that they are looking to raise their kids to have faith in God and Christ. We gave them a Book of Mormon, and they promised to read it. As for lessons they just asked for our number and said they would call us when they were ready for more, but we are welcome there anytime! It was amazing! We will definitely be keep in touch with them.
   The study group is still in work. The topics we decided on are
1. Stick of Joseph and Judah
2. Temples throughout the ages
3.Family's
4.The Atonement
   And no I have not been to Letha. Sorry Br. Wood. lol. And congrats to Westley, Christian and Alec!! I'm so excited for them! Man everyone is just growing up now! Makes me feel old. lol. jk.
As to Carsten I usually hear from him once a week! We usually take a moment to email each other on pday. He is having a blast on his mission so far! I think he is in a Spanglish area (half Spanish half English) right now if I remember correctly. 
   Now as for what we did for pday today, it was epic! The sisters in our district have a family in one of their wards who has a car museum in his house!  Also a huge theater. So we decided to go there, watch the testaments in the theater then have a tour of the cars. Oh boy it was fun!!  I’ll send a few pics for you to see the epicness! lol.




That's all on me right now.
   I want you all to know that I love you, You are in my thoughts prayers and heart. I miss you all so much and am so grateful that I came out on the mission. It has helped me truly learn who I am. You are all the best. Take care and stay cool!
                        -Elder Bevell-

Monday, April 16, 2012

MONTH 18!!

Date:     Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Email #80 – New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevells,
   Hello every one! Man, Am I tired today. Elder Kofoed and I have been getting up early every morning to work out. It's hard but fun.
   Some big news. I have been out on my mission for 18 months now! Boy has it been a trip. Looking back I can see how far I have come and how much I have learned and changed. I have really come to appreciate change in my life, without it life would just be the same. lol.
   Anyway. SNOW!? in ARIZONA!? Why does it do that whenever I am not around!!?? I did find it funny Mom how you said people still went down the river even though it was 65 outside. I now sweat when it get's up to 65! lol, I'm going to be swimming when I get home in October.
   So, the work is going great. Elder Kofoed and I are seeing some rewards for our efforts. We have an idea to set up a scripture study class to find more people to teach. No details yet, but I will be sure to let you know as it progresses.  Stake conference was also this last Sunday and guess who got to speak....Elder Kofoed!! And since we are companions I had to sit on the stand with him. Even though I didn't have to do anything. Except stay awake in case I was in the camera shot. lol. He did a very good job though. He talked about the importance of receiving a witness of truth, and taking action after it. He was even so bold as to call anyone who had received a witness but was not doing anything with it to repentance.
   After stake conference we had lunch over at Elder Kofoed's aunt and uncles house where I was informed that I had been adopted into their family. (Don't worry I'm still coming home to you guys when this is all done.)
   Now before I forget, Izaak, I was on lds.org this week and I want you to watch the Mormon message called "Fufilling your Duty to God".  That will tell you what you should do. (the message will then self destruct in 5 seconds. 5.4.3.2.1. JK!!!)
And congrats Breck on getting your Young Woman’s award!! Doesn't that feel good! I am so very proud of my family. I am grateful for this gospel which brings us closer together as we live it, even though we are far apart. Family truly is one of the greatest blessings our Father in Heaven has given us.
   Well that's all I got for now. I want you all to know that I know this church is true. The Atonement is real and it can help change our lives for the better. In a talk I recently read it said "The Atonement makes bad people good, and good people better." I believe that to be true.  I love and miss you all. You are always on my mind and in my heart. Take care till we meet again. Stay cool!
               -Elder Bevell-
p.s. There's a picture of Elder Kofoed and I about to attack some wings at Wingers, and me sitting on Elder Kofoed's uncles Harley!! Living the dream!! lol.




Monday, April 9, 2012

Elder Bevell is an Uncle - Welcome Decklan


Date:     Mon, Apr 9, 2012 at 4:33 PM
Email #79 – New Plymouth, ID


Bevell Family,

   WOOOO WHOOOO!!! Welcome to the family Decklan Randall Pickrel! This is awesome! I am so excited to be an uncle! Dan, I'm gonna be the best uncle for this guy, I will try hard not to spoil him. lol. Know that my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and Braylon in this wonderful time of your lives! I love you both!


Grandma and Grandpa enjoying Decklan Pickrel



    So, This week was a little rough for us. We had a few more appointments fall through, but this week is looking better. I'm emailing late this week so I cant put a lot of detail in. I will try to get you more next week. (btw you have some snail mail coming.)
   Elder kofoed is great to serve with. He is from Saint Louis Missouri, and has been out on the mission for 8 months. He likes sports especially basket ball, and is a hard worker.
   Again sorry this is so short, I did get the package btw. Thank you so much for everything. Tell Kathi we are enjoying the cookies! =D I love you all, I pray for you everyday and look forward to seeing you all again. Stay cool!
                -Elder Bevell-

Monday, April 2, 2012

April 2012 General Conference


Date:     Mon, Apr 2, 2012 at 3:29 PM
Email     #78 - New Plymouth, ID

Dear Bevell family,
   I feel that there has been much growth for me personally this conference weekend. I am so happy that you enjoyed it too! I loved the pictures as well and shed a few tears watching Kathy making her famous cookies. (sniff)



   So for conference Elder Kofoed and I watched each session at a different house! That made for an interesting experience. For the Saturday morning session we watched at the home of Brother Butlers. He is the high councilman over missionary work in our area. He has five sons, all of them under 12. Those are the only pictures I have of conference for me so I hope they suffice for you all.



   And seeing as I have left my conference notes at the apartment I will just write you all my highlights. Yes, I will be going back to writing you all because of something D. Todd Christofferson said in his talk. He talked about how hand written letters are of so much more worth and are cherished more than emails. That was my little chastisement from the Lord so I will start writing again. lol.
   The afternoon session we watched at Elder Kofoed’s aunt and uncles house. There names are Max and Liola and that was great. I loved the spirit that was felt there.
   Priesthood was awesome as usual. I look forward to hearing Izaak's and Dad's thoughts on it. In priesthood I strongly felt the desire to be a better missionary and help not only non-members but less actives come back to the faith. 
   Sunday morning was with Elder Kofoed's other uncle K.
   The final session we spent with a large family named the Garners who treat conference pretty much the same way we do! There was bowls of food and candy set up, and small games to play to keep the younger kids quiet. One thing they did as well was for every speaker each person present got a gummy worm. I however stopped taking one after I observed the youngest daughter, who was about 3, playing with the worms with her toes. lol. Elder Kofoed didn't see this however and before I could warn him popped one in his mouth. The look on his face however when I told him was priceless! lol (Mean I know but still funny. lol)  After conference was over we stayed with the Garners because they were also our dinner appointment for the night. We played some underhand pitch base ball with a plastic ball and bat which was very fun. We also played a few board games, talked about our favorite speakers and laughed at jokes. For a moment I felt like I was back home with you all, and that was a very good feeling. And I love that fact how we can review the words of the prophets so quickly after they have spoken.
   Now about our teaching. First off, turns out the seminary thing is only once a year.

   We are teaching a mother and daughter. (Carrol-Mom, Renne-daughter.) They are slowly progressing in the gospel. They have trouble keeping the commitment to read the Book of Mormon, but we can tell that they do have a desire to know the truth. All they need now is to take action which we cannot force them to do.
   Jon’s  wife was recently baptized and we have been working on getting him to take the missionary lessons. His hold back is he doesn't like organized religion. He believes that God doesn't speak to man thru one religion, which in a way is true and it's not. All men can receive revelation for themselves, but as to fully obeying the commandments we need a prophet to guide us on the mysteries of God and the priesthood to perform the proper saving ordinances. We just need to help him come to believe that as well. No biggie right? lol.
   Dave is.....interesting. I'm not really sure how to go about teaching him as he has told us several times not to push him towards baptism, (which I try not to do with anyone.) and that he will know the truth when he finds out. What a true statement. Elder Kofoed and I are trying to decide how to help him relate his life to the gospel, so hopefully something comes up soon.
   Well, this email has gotten long enough, I will tell you more of my Conference experiences in writing. I want you all to know that I am so very grateful for our Prophet Thomas S. Monson and the guidance we receive from him. This conference was very powerful for me, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and revelation I have received. I hope you all will take what you have learned and apply it to your lives so you too can grow closer to the Savior. This church is true. I love you all and wish nothing but the best for you. Stay cool!
                             -Elder Bevell-