July 2, 2012
Hey Family, This
is my last letter. I'm excited to see you all! My mission has been
amazing, here's my last presidents letter.
Mom gets the
first hug when i arrive, =)
Love,
Elder Brooks Browning
MMM
Experience- A Change for Good
Dear President,
My life has changed for the better. This came through my
Minnesota Minneapolis Mission experience. I hope and pray I’ll be able to
express my thoughts and feelings in this letter.
These two years have meant the world to me as I’ve been able to
participate in bringing souls to Christ. Helping my brothers and sisters
who have forgotten that rest is available, was life changing. My love for
the people in Minnesota has grown so much. It’s emotional for me to write this
letter as I reflect on the difficult and joyful times. My mission had a good
amount of challenging experiences. The bitter taste of defeat, disappointment
and self-doubt was a regular task to overcome. Every transfer was a learning
experience. I learned real quickly that my capacity was limited. My mission
taught me to rely heavily on the Savior Jesus Christ.
I’d like to focus on three main points that have helped me make
a change for good. 1. Testimony 2.
Example 3. Miracles
Alma 29:9-10
“ I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in
it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded
me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands
of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
And behold, when I see
many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is
my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea,
even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm
which he extended towards me.”
1) Testimony
Being engaged in this work has strengthened my testimony to the
point where I know without a doubt that God is real. That Christ is the Redeemer
of the world, and that the Gospel is the only avenue that provides true and
lasting peace.
Jesus Christ is the foundation of my testimony. I have learned
that through His Atonement he can change our desires and our hearts. Rest
is available, hearts can be healed, and attitudes can be changed.
My testimony has increased as I’ve been able to feel his Holy
Spirit on a daily basis guiding my life. There is nothing more peaceful and
joyful than the Holy Spirit. I thought I knew joy and happiness before my
mission. My old ways of obtaining joy and peace hinged on worldly success
and this came through my rock band, or sport teams having a winning season. These
things never brought me any true comfort or joy. The Spirit has shown me a
better way, a constant and lasting peace. Two things stick out and helped
bridge my connection to the Holy Spirit.
Doctrine of Christ
My life has changed as I have discovered the formula to progress
and develop for the better. I know the doctrine of Christ is a true path that
brings good change. I have seen evidence of this as investigators apply the doctrine
of Christ. The power of the Atonement always came through for my investigators
and I. I know it’s true because my perspective has changed, my carnal appetites
have been removed and my desires have improved. I know as I continue to apply
the doctrine of Christ, I’ll become more like the Master.
Scriptures
I was able to see the doctrine of Christ through the scriptures.
The scriptures have become a part of my life, and I’ll never go back to my old
ways of neglecting them. I did not understand the scriptures before I came out
on my mission. I didn’t understand how they could help bridge a testimony and
the Atonement. I learned very quickly how the scriptures have power contained
in its pages. I relied heavily on the scriptures in teaching and finding
answers to questions of the soul. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had in
studying these precious books on a daily basis, and primarily the Book of
Mormon. It has given me so much comfort and has helped me see life lessons that
I didn’t recognize before.
2) Example
God knows me so well, and that’s why he provides certain
leaders and examples to influence my life. He knows my weakness and provides a
way to overcome those by showing me the correct way of living, and this came by
others demonstrating how to act. I’m grateful for additional inspirations such
as the scriptures and the experiences contained in the Book of Mormon. They
have helped me see the true meaning and purpose of life. I would have
achieved little if it weren’t for certain examples and influences.
Jesus Christ has been the biggest example for me. As I’ve been
on the mission I’ve realized the doctrine of Christ was utilized to the max
when Jesus came to this earth in the meridian of time to show us how to live
and gain peace while in this life. One thing that sticks out to me was his humility.
Gaining this attribute is rather hard for a mortal man, but I believe that it
is the way to overcome the natural man.
I’m also grateful for God sending men who we can trust, and President,
you fall into that category. President Clements, I have learned so much from
you and your family. What great examples your family is, leaving everything
behind to come on a mission. I am so grateful you were sent here. I believe you
had the right style for me to learn and benefit from. The way you conduct and
live your life is inspiring. You played a big role in helping me have a greater
desire not to hold back our will in God’s work. I made a big effort to
reflect and represent you. You taught me how to have confidence in our message.
As I attended your trainings, I could see the confidence and power and
authority that you held as a mission president. As I witnessed your attitude
and constant desire to improve and bring souls to Christ, I felt a need to improve
and wanted to act as you did and have that same desire. I started to emulate
and conduct myself after you and those strengths you showed and as a missionary.
This helped me have a strong longing to do better.
Other missionaries of course, gave me motivation and
inspiration. My All-star list is the following: Elder Kinikini, Elder Payne,
Elder Stewart, Elder Bowen, Elder Horgmo and Elder Potter. These Elders taught
me a lot of things that have helped me become a better missionary, and I’m so
grateful to them and their example.
Members who lived the gospel to the fullest really helped me see
how powerful families are who obey the commandments and gospel standards. To
me, this is the evidence of the truthfulness of the restored gospel- by their
fruits ye shall know them. I have met some of the most amazing stalwart people
of my life serving in Minnesota. I’m grateful for the leaders in these wards
and branches who so diligently served. I would have achieved little if it
wasn’t for faithful leaders and members to help.
3) Miracles
The Lord by his grace let me see miracles that helped me see the
truthfulness of this gospel. This was real evidence that helped me gain a
greater testimony and increased my desire to serve and work harder and to
follow counsel.
Every baptism is a miracle. Shawna Day’s is the latest miracle I
have seen. Her desire for truth is what keeps her pushing along.
For the longest time, she prayed for truth, and she felt prompted to quit
coffee before being introduced to the church. The Lord was merciful to let me
be a part of her journey.
The Bauer family in Rochester changed my life. I was looking for
a family on my mission, and I found one. I am so grateful that the Lord sent me
to Rochester at the right time. My testimony increased and my love for the
gospel was spilling out of my being as I saw the Bauer family accept and apply
the gospel in their home. There is something about a complete family. My life
has forever changed since that experience. I love them so much, and will always
remember them.
Anna Johnson and her family was a complete miracle. We
contacted her on the street at the right time. She just got back from Liberia visiting
family. During her visit out of the country she became more aware of her
painful state. She was seeking for help and strength. Since our first
contact she was solid and ready as ever.
Listening and Applying Counsel
My testimony of the restoration has increased dramatically as
I’ve seen miracles; these miracles have come from following and applying
counsel from you. It has been a tremendous experience witnessing this
true principle. Being able to overcome the natural man and rely on faith and
humility has been such a blessing. I have had so much joy in the work as
I’ve been able to forget about my own carnal desires. As I obeyed and followed
counsel, I felt more unified with the Lord and with you. My desire increased, I
had more energy and confidence in the work, and my faith became unshaken.
I will forever remember my mission. My testimony of Christ’s
grace and mercy has increased and my testimony of the Restoration has become
real. Through different examples from people and leaders my testimony and MMM
experience was deeper and richer. By the Lord’s mercy, He allowed me to see
miracles that strengthened and solidified my testimony. The Lord was present in
my mission experience.
Elder Brooks Eric Browning
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