Change in Eden Prairie

Nov 8, 2010

Hey,

So Eden Prairie and the Minneapolis stake went under some construction as of yesterday. With the whole process I thought of you dad and the Shelley South Stake. We lost a lot of young families, but gained a good amount of leadership. However, we lost our best investigator who's been investigating for some time. She has a baptismal date for December 11. Her name is Mary and she has quite the story. She's friends with Justin Osmond (Justin is the son of one of the original Osmond brothers). She wants him to baptize her and he won't be around until Dec 11. This is a prime example of what Eden Prairie goes through. So I'm excited for the change, and the opportunity to meet and work with new members. Things will even out. I think we're receiving a few new investigators from our neighboring Wakonia Elders. Whahoo, I'm always meeting new people!

The work in Eden Prairie has been awesome this week. We had a great week with less actives. This area is doing well bringing members back to church. The pictures you received were from a part member/less active family. I think activating an inactive member is just as good as a baptism in my opinion. We had 14 less active lessons this week, and 6 of them were at church. Yesterday we taught the Egberts (part member family) the gospel. We asked them if baptism is something we can work towards and they said yes. We're struggling with finding but perfecting the saints has never been so great! This week will be crazy with the change though. I'll keep you guys updated.

Alright so people keep telling me there is a winter here in Minnesota but I'm not buying that! This last week i put on my jacket once. It's near 65 degrees here. I feel bad after buying my expensive coat and not being able to use it. So as of yet, i have not experienced a really cold day in Minnesota but I've witnessed the rain fall and the humidity.

I've been really focusing on the Book of Mormon and Bible relationship. We are trying to show those we teach examples both in the Book of Mormon and Bible. When we show the relationship and hard evidence they seem to understand the Book of Mormon's role. Try it at home! I wish we would have done that while studying as a family. I've seen it help me understand certain principles when i read from both. I highly reccommend doing that as a family.

Elder Petersen and I are getting a long great. The first few weeks were a little shaky but maybe due to the fact he felt i was intruding on his turf. He's been here for 6 months and its his first area. I have respect for him and i continue to clean the bathroom and show service. I think we're over that awkward hump that most companionships go through.

Alright I'm sending you guys a package with a CD with a bunch of pictures and also a the memory card I've been using. I'll take a nice picture of myself. My scripture for the week is Mosiah 4: 27

I love you all and miss you guys!

Elder Browning

November Already?

Nov 2, 2010


Hey Family,

Thanks for the big updates in Shelley Idaho. I can't believe what's going on with the stake, but sounds like the Lords hand was with the changes. Speaking of change, the Minneapolis stake is making ward boundary changes too. They'll be having a meeting for the members to notify where the changes will take place. Haha what are the odds of the Minneapolis stake and Shelley South stake making changes at the same time. It will be interesting being a missionary when this actually takes place.

I liked how you guys said "change is necessary for growth", and its true. That's why missionaries are transferred so they can grow. This transfer has helped me grow and mature both in the gospel and socially. And there will be another change this week!

Eden Prairie had their Fall Festival last Friday. It brought back memories of home! Elder Petersen and I decorated our door for the Fall Festival. It was a missionary outfit with white shirt and a complementary name tag and the members were impressed. We ended the night with chili and pie. We had a few less actives show up to the activity so that was a plus. Getting to know members can be awkward and fun at the same time. I'm really trying to gain the members trust, first impressions are important. Speaking of members, the bishops wife is related to the Browning's. I think we're 3rd cousins? Anyway, I've enjoyed getting to know members and I've especially enjoyed having meals every night.

So we had 5 investigators at church. Whoohoo! The primary program does wonders. We also picked up 2 new investigators this week. Actually a cool story. Jennifer -our newest investigator- was talking on the phone with her Mormon friend about the missionaries. Right as she hung up, we knocked on the door. She let us in and told us that was a sign from God. She's married and has a 7 year old girl. She wants a conservative based religion-- hehe. I almost cried, i just witnessed the Lords hand!

I bought a North Face jacket. It's incredible! It was on sale so i had to buy it. I also bought a nice hoody/face guard. It was expensive-- it cost me $ 150.00, but i don't want to freeze this winter. It gets down to -20 degrees. It's really thin and stylish. Elder Petersen bought one as well and so we're matching for the investigators. =)

Hey if I'm catching you guys in a good mood you may read on. (Read with caution, contains Christmas present ideas.)

If not, wait to read =)

---a mini quad set of scriptures (red). It would help me study, and i would probably take those around to appointments because they're so portable.

--- a GPS that can plug into a house outlet (if there is such a thing). It would help me be more of an efficient missionary.

Well family i love you dearly. I've been loving the CDs you sent me (its my work out music every morning). Thanks for the pictures, i really enjoy looking at our happy family. I'll try and take a photo of myself today and send you guys out my memory card.

My scripture for the week: 2 nephi 26:33. Check it out!

Love,

Elder Browning

Eden Prairie

Oct 25, 2010


Hey Family,

Alright this week has been wonderful and exciting. Eden Prairie is an interesting city and it's been nice driving to and from appointments. It really is a beautiful area with trees and gorgeous homes throughout the land. This fall weather has been just perfect. Thanks for the package from heaven! I love the cds and the conference issue is perfect for a study aid. I'm so grateful to have a family back at home who cares about my needs. I loved the pictures! I was a little homesick, but it was a must to see some faces and new pictures.

Chelsea and Brittany were baptized last Saturday. It was a cool experience coordinating the program with the ward and seeing the results of a successful baptism. It was neat to see smiles of the two girls. I'm happy to see a less active family come back to the gospel with potential to be a strong influence in the church.

Last Monday we met with the Egberts (part member family) for dinner and watched the restoration. They have lots of potential to progress. The discussion went well, and they're all willing to read the Book Of Mormon. We gave them a reading assignment, 3 Nephi chapter 11. We'll be watching the testaments with them tonight as a review. We'll be having dinner with them as well and FYI, i haven't missed a day in Eden Prairie where the members haven't fed us. Wish us luck!

This morning we went to the Nielson family for early morning seminary. We taught a brief lesson on missionary work and how important it is. There was about 18 kids and i was impressed with their determination to attend seminary at 6:00 AM. After we were done, Sister Nielson let us pick 2 boxes of cereal each. They had a huge selection! I l love the members!

So last Tuesday evening was crazy. Our drunk neighbors down stairs in our apartment came banging on our door yelling and swearing. There was a couple of them trying to get in, picking the lock, and they were doing this for a good 5 mins. If you can imagine, i had the kitchen knife ready at hand to do battle! Elder Petersen had a hammer as his weapon of choice, haha. We called 911 for harassment. Nobody was hurt, and they ended up running away. We have a picture of Jesus on our door, and of course they ripped that off. I'll admit, my heart was racing a little bit, but me and Elder Petersen could take them. =)

Mission Tour was last Thursday. Elder Hinckley came and i shook his hand! What a wonderful man he is. He's over the missionary program. He talked about the area book and how important that is, and also the media campaign. Again this media campaign is a huge deal. The church has already seen miracles from the efforts of this campaign. It was amazing to see the prophets son and his determination for missionaries in the church. He really likes President Howell and said he's done an amazing job here in Minnesota. I was also able to see Elder Sorenson- he's from our stake. He's good friends with Kory Shaw and he hung out with the same people i did back at home. Oh we got a new car, Mazda 3. It's a light ugly green. It's a sister car. =p

This Friday we'll be helping out with our fall festival. As missionaries we'll be passing out candy to the little ones in the church. Halloween is usually the day when the climate changes for the worse.

Well family i hope you all have a wonderful Halloween. Don't eat to much candy kids! We come in early as missionaries on halloween night!

Love,

Elder Browning

Eden Prairie!

Oct 18, 2010


Hey Family,

So as you all know, I'm in Eden Prairie. Haha I'm glad you researched this place because it's amazing! Elder Petersen is a convert to the church for 2 years! He's an amazing missionary and he's been out for 3 transfers (all in Eden Prairie). He's very organized and down to earth. He's determined about the work and has an awesome relationship with the members - I'll definitely learn a lot from him.

So Eden Prairie is a beautiful place- 50,000 is the population. We also cover Chanhassen which is about 20,000. Eden Prairie is definitely one of the nicest areas in the state of Minnesota. There is lots and lots of money here. It reminds me of Sun Valley or a Jackson WY. I'll definitely send pictures of this place. We work with members and Elder Petersen has developed that nice relationship. President Howell has told Elder Petersen "we have to treat Eden Prairie different from other areas". Tracting is not effective here so we rely on the member referrals. We work with less actives and members. And guess what? We're having a baptism this Saturday! Chelsea and Brittany ages 10 and 8. Gilbert is the father and was reactivated a couple months ago. It's a cool story how the missionaries found him. Gilbert is from west Africa, so he speaks French and English, i love his accent. There's other part member families that could be baptized in the near future. Exciting!

All of the missionaries talk about Eden Prairie and most of them are jealous of this place! So the other night, i had dinner with Fahu Tahi, starting fullback for the Minnesota Vikings (star BYU full back). Cool eh? Haha he's a way cool guy and loves feeding and having the missionaries come over. And you know me, i asked detailed behind the scenes questions about the life of a NFL player. So can you see why this is the number 1 place to live in Minnesota? Most Timber Wolves/ Viking players live in Eden Prairie. Fahu Tahi told us where Brett Farve lives and where Adrien Peterson lives. This place has serious connections! The offensive coordinator for the vikings is also in our ward (Bevett family) totally awesome! We visited their home a couple days ago. It's cool to have these connections. Speaking of awesome members, we received a counter full of food--over 200 bucks worth of food. We eat very well here.

Well family i'm loving it here. It's different from Rochester. I'm looking forward to the adventure that awaits.

I'll let you know how the baptism goes. It will be my first baptism and i was blessed to come at the right time!

I think I'll buy my big coat here. I'll make sure i take a picture of myself before i send the memory card. Thanks for the letter/package =) I love you all so much. Mom i'm glad you're feeling better! I've been praying for you and will continue to do so.

My scripture is Alma chapter 12. This chapter is amazing and explains the fall perfectly.

Love,

Elder Browning

Hello Family! Goodbye Rochester

Oct 11, 2010


Hey Family,

Thanks for the updates last week! I'm glad mom is feeling better, she's makes the top spot priority wise, all day everyday in my prayers.

So I'm getting transferred! I'm going to Eden Prairie, MN. It's actually the "heart of the mission". It's right in the center, close to the misson home. I've heard it's a car area, so I'm excited about the timing in the climate change. Don't get me wrong, i loved the bike area, but with a Minnesota winter coming around I'll take the heated seats. My companion is Elder Peterson-he's been out 4 months.

Rochester is changing for the better! We received another 8 new investigators,making a total of 15 new investigators the last 2 weeks. We also taught 21 lessons,making it the most productive week I've encountered.

Our ward mission leader said the area hasn't been able to reach the mission goal( 20 lessons) in 6 months.

Summary of Rochester 1

I'm sad to leave the area when things are picking up and the future is bright, but i know the lord needs me elsewhere. Rochester is my birth place on the mission,and I'll never forget the memories and hardships i went through. Everyday i felt i was growing in the gospel. I learned how to study the scriptures and i would say this place confirmed my testimony of scripture study--it is so important!

My patriarchal blessing says if i study diligently and feast on the scriptures, that's how I'll take my testimony to the next level. Patriarchal blessings are essential! I'm grateful i was given a great trainer to spark my mission for the better, Elder Payne is truly a wonderful Elder and he'll do great being a zone leader here. Elder Barker is great, we're very different, but I've learned to look for the positives in my companion. He's lucky to take over the area at a terrific time.

Rochester 1st ward is a wonderful ward, small in number, but big in testimony. I'll miss developing those relationships. I was also blessed to have a ward mission leader who took his calling seriously. We went joint teaching with him last week and i was impressed by the balance of love and defense for the gospel. Well time to pack my bags and begin a new chapter in Eden Prairie.

Well family, i love this gospel. It truly has changed my testimony. I thought i had a big testimony before, but i think I've tripled it in the 12 weeks i've been here. I still have a lot of things to learn, but i know with the Lords help all things are possible. My scripture for you guys this week is Jacob 4:13. It talks about the real spirit of prophecy.

Love,

Elder Browning

Conference!

Oct 4, 2010


Hey family,

So i hope you all had a wonderful week listening to conference. Our leaders are truly inspired men that have huge spiritual buckets of energy. I've seen miracles during conference weekend, I've had some hard questions and thoughts that have been bothering me, but they were answered perfectly! I would like to share some highlights of conference that i thought were helpful and straight up amazing. I have a testimony now that when we prepare to receive God's word and do all that we can to work towards our answers, he will make it known to our understanding and comprehension.

My favorite talk would have to be

Dallin H. Oaks ( Personal & Priesthood lines) (Sunday morning)

He starts out --God has given us 2 lines of communication, priesthood and personal. We need both to develop in the gospel.

The personal line is our testimony and our own witness/experiences with the gospel.

The Priesthood line is that set foundation of truth Jesus Christ, Church, Leaders ( natural laws, 10 commandments).

If our testimony isn't where we want it to be, we're failing in one of the two lines. We need a balance to bring his work.

So if we rely too much on the personal line, we let the natural mind take over our thoughts and justify commandments and lose true doctrine.

If we rely on the Priesthood line, we don't develop and grow and learn from our own experiences. I think of it as relying on your parents testimony or church leader.

We need to have both lines connect to our spiritual router for us to really progress. There are too many people in the world who rely just on the personal line. I've talked to so many people who have justified themselves so much, it seems convincing at times. That's why we have the Priesthood line, it keeps the personal line in check.

This was my favorite talk. It will help me and my foundation in missionary work for what's right and what's wrong.

October 1st we went served all day and helped some of the people with the after math flooding. We took upon ourselves white jump suits and had at it. Basically we gutted out everything from drywall to insulation. Everything was a complete mess. The flood height was 6 feet and 6 inch's of water and entire basements were underwater and some middle floors! It was a messy job to say the least. They transported us on a school bus and when we arrived it looked like a war zone. I have an idea of what Hurricane Katrina aftermath felt like. It was a small city but there was a lot of work to be done. It was cool however to see helping hands. Food and supplies were provided for the less fortunate. There was a good 300 volunteers! We helped out a lady whose basement was completely engulfed with water, we worked hard. The citizens noticed the Mormon missionaries.

We've had a great week as far as numbers. We picked up 7 new investigators and taught 13 lessons which is really good for this area. We have some promising investigators who came to the church right after the afternoon session on Saturday. Abby and Dan. Both graduated in 08, so we can relate well, and both notice how members of our church conduct themselves and really like how Mormon's live their religion everyday.

Well family i hope you're all doing well. I'm doing excellent here. Transfers are next week and i want to stay here in Rochester for another transfer. I can't believe it will be transfer number 3 for me! I've been talking to Philip Sutherin and Jeren on email! Tell Cameron and Casey to write me!

Mom i hope you're feeling better and i'm praying for you every day and night. My scripture for you guys would have to be Alma 34: 8-10 it's a beast of a scripture!

I love you guys and have a great week.

Elder Browning

Hello!

Sept 28, 2010

Dear Family,

I'm so happy to hear from you all and the happy news from you mom was great! Sounds like the Browning's have been a mad house the last day. I hope Dad had a wonderful birthday despite the chaos. I've been praying for all of you and hope you all have a happy month with conference coming up!

So the lord works in many ways, we've received a new investigator who's actually accountable! Sue,she's single and is about in her 30's. We found her while we were biking around. Yesterday we talked about how to recognize the Holy Ghost and the fruits of the Holy Ghost. John Doolittle is a recent convert to the church, and he was our joint teacher with his wife. They're our new ward missionaries.

So Minnesota has been making weather headlines. We've received a good 8 inches of rain here in Rochester. We got caught in the storm on the 22nd. Haha it came down hard! We biked for cover from the buckets of rains and wind! I felt it was a hurricane category 4! We stopped at a local K-mart and tried to save our scriptures, the rain was too much however. My scriptures have slight water damage on the top right corners--from new testament to bible dictionary. What a sad day. I bought myself a box with a lid, so that this scenario will never happen again. My slip on Ecco shoes took a pounding, after 3 days they were dry. Haha i've never been so wet from the rain! We continued to our appointment and didn't let the rain stop us from the work!

We Had a zone p-day/mini zone conference. President Howell gave some fabulous training on the core doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was perfect for me because I've started to wonder on less important things in my studies each day. Really, all a missionary needs is the basics. I'm grateful for the lord sending me to Minnesota because i get to dig at the doctrine in my own native language--which is nice because my testimony is constantly being attacked by other faiths. The core of the gospel: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End, are fueled on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You can really spend all your life studying these 5 principles. So Tanner and Josh,go for the gold!

We received new phones! Wow, they're nice and we have texting! This is going to change missionary work. The church did a study with confirming appointments with a text, and they have found it to be more effective keeping appointments from falling through. These phones have a full sliding keyboard and all. I'm looking forward to the change. We also had pizza to top off the day, then played basketball!

Well Family i love you all. I've never been so excited to watch General Conference. Make sure you invite somebody to listen to the prophet of God. Listen and take notes!

Love,

Elder Browning