Week 27: Change, Baptisms, and WHITEWASH!

Hey all! How are you all doing? I hope y'all are doing well. This past Friday made it 6 Months since I've been on my Mission. Holy crap that's crazy. And also the sad thing, I'm getting transferred as well :(, more about that on Saturdays paragraph. Let's get into the week!

Monday we had District P-Day. We went to an Escape Room called Shadow Mannor and we got out! It was pretty intense, but a lot of fun. Then we went to a little crystal man-made cave in a Cemetery and inside it had a lot of Jesus Nativity Life sets and it was really awesome to check out. Then we went to Brother Boggs house in Collierville and played Ticket to Ride in which I ended up winning for the first time ever playing it, and also ate food, because that's important. After that we had dinner at the Morrisons and talked about part-member family opportunities.

Tuesday during District Council we talked about Our Purpose as a Missionary and how we can show that to people. Then after we bore our testimonies, which was fun. Then we had Wendys and planned on taking a different route this time. We went and visited Sister Watkins, and spoke to her for a while which was really good. After that we prayed with her and went finding on her street, and it was successful. We had one person for us and one person for Collierville. Then after that we tried Lynn and Beverly but they ended up being busy, so we(they) will try next week. After that we went to the church building and talked with Anthony and watched a member teach people self defense.

Wednesday was a little interesting. Oxford Elders came up here because Elder Jackson and Elder Oseen had a meeting to go to in Bartlett, so me and Elder Probst stayed here in Holly Springs. We helped Brother Roswell in the morning do some cleanup and chucked things into the dump and had Taco Bell as well. Also Elder Probst got a name by the Morrisons XD. We also had appointments throughout the day but all of them fell through, but we met a guy who was at first Skeptical of us because of past experiences with others(not missionaries). But when he realized we are really who we are, he opened up and he was pretty cool. So that was a neat experience to have. Then when they came back me and Elder Jackson had dinner at Brother Roswells.

Thursday we checked out a part-member family and that was interesting, we're going back to teach the wife the Plan of Salvation. Then after we went and worked on the church for a while, and then we get an email telling us that we get another stake into our Mission, the Tupelo Mississippi Stake. It came from the Alabama Birmingham Mission and now it will be apart of our Mission, so that was crazy to hear. So new areas like Corinth, New Albany, Tupelo, and other areas. So that's exciting, but it doesn't take effect till July 1st, so it's going to be a while. Then after we taught Shirley at the Cooks, still no baptismal date, ugh, soon enough it'll happen. Then we helped a family move a couple things into their shed.

Friday made it 6 Months that I have been on my Mission. It was crazy to think about. We had the Animal Shelter and I was a little sad because I felt like I was going to leave it. Then after we tried some people but all of that fell through, and finding in that area wasn't successful either. Then we came home and did a lot of church invites and then we got picked up by Brother Kahler and we had dinner with them and Elton. It was really fun, but that was overall Friday.

Saturday was a lot of happy and sad moments. We had a lesson in Northern Byhalia at 12, and we got a ride from a member, and we actually get there early. And we meet him and his Brother, and we teach the Restoration. And it was really good, the brother took a Book of Mormon and said that he will contact us. The one we had the appointment with was previously given one by someone before, so we challenged both of them to read it. Then we had lunch at Panda Express. Then we had Aerian and Lilyanna's Baptism! It was really good and me, Elder Larsen from Memphis 2nd, and Modesty sang a Child's Prayer and it was really good. Then after all of that we came home and did a couple of things. Then we went to Ray and Shay's and review the Restoration. After we went to Wendys and we received transfer news. So I was looking at the email that was sent, and this was what I was thinking, "Crap.. I'm leaving.. Ok.. Hot Springs Zone..? I thought it was the Pine Bluff Zone? Hmm, where am I at.. Ok.. I found my name.. Pine Bluff 1.. WHAT. Who is my companion.. Wait. Elder Horman(He came out with me)? Wait(Looks at where he is coming from)... OH CRAP. I'M GETTING WHITEWASHED." So yea, me and Elder Horman get to go into an area and get it going again. So that's exciting. I also get to see Elder Rich again, because he's staying in Stuttgart while Elder Brinkerhoff goes home. Wow, how time flies. But I was really sad to hear that I was leaving. I loved(and still do) Holly Springs and I'm going to miss it a lot. I start in Pine Bluff on Tuesday(tomorrow).

Sunday was good and hard. I had to say Goodbye to a lot of people and a lot of people were sad that I was leaving. But I will be back, even if it takes me till Spring or Summer of 2021, I will be back. But we confirmed Aerian and Lilyanna and that was good. Then after church we did a little bit of studies and we then went up to Lamar where I finally was able to give that marked Book of Mormon to the person it needed to go. After 4.5-5 months, it's finally in her hands. I was really excited. Then we went up to Mockys, prayed with her, and talked to a few people and made progress with a few people! We were really excited to see that happen. Then we went to the Millers, gave Sister Miller a blessing, and then had dinner at Brandon's house. We had fun talking about a lot of stuff, and then after we visited Gary before we went home.

It has been a blessing to be able to serve here in Holly Springs and to be able to work with the people that I was supposed to work with. I hope you all have an amazing week and I will see y'all in Pine Bluff! Wish me luck!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-District P-Day
-Holly Springs District
-A Quote
-Baptism!!
-Saying Goodbye to a few people(Gary, Brandon, and the Beckerdites)

Week 26: Branch Growth

Hello! How are you all doing? This week has been really good, we found some new people and did a lot of stuff, so let's get right into it.

Monday we had Zone P-Day, hence why last week's was a little late going out. We were in Senatobia(an area next to ours) and we played like Pickle Ball, Ping Pong, DOS(Literally the Brother of Uno, it's a beast to play), and a lot of other stuff. We all had a lot of fun. Then after that we came back home, went shopping, then had dinner at the Morrisons, where we talked about Mission experiences with Brother Morrison. Then after we taught the Beckerdites for a little, overall a good day.

Tuesday we had District Council and we talked about Christ-like Attributes and how we can apply them into our lives and into those we teach. Then after we did studies at the church, and then went to have Panda and then left for appointments. 2 of them fell through, but we were able to teach Lynn and his mom, which was awesome. Then we were filling some things out, and doing some contacting, then we went to Wendys to use Wi-Fi to get some other things done and then we came home. That was pretty much it but it was a good day.

Wednesday we were in Byhalia, and we were going to see one person but that fell through. So then I felt we needed to try and knock on a door up the street, and we got ourselves a new person! She was confused about why there are so many churches and wants to know which one is the right one. After that we had another lesson with the person we found last Thursday who was figuring out which one is the right one as well. Then we drove up to Central Byhalia to do some contacting, and then we went over to the Beckerdites and had to wait a little, so me and Elder Jackson did some beats and rapped a little about Church stuff, it was really fun. After they came home, we finished off the Commandments and was excited about that.

Thursday we got picked up by President Hull because we had a lesson with the referral way down in Hickory Flat. But when we got there they sadly ended up not being home, so we decided to visit 2 less actives. One of them was a Skelton, and to be honest, besides the one I know in Southaven, this one was the FIRST Skelton I have ever met officially. I didn't realize that till after we left, so that's crazy to think about. There are so much family out here, but yet out of the 5 months of being here in Holly Springs(6 months out on my mission this Friday), it was the first time I met a Skelton here in Holly Springs. Then when we got back, and started our trip up to Lamar. We stopped at both Martins(Pat and Floyd/Ray and Shay) and we had good conversations with both families. Then we had dinner at Mockys, and then we came home.

Friday we had the Animal Shelter again, and after that we were coming back home and then we had to turn around because the Morrisons got stuck in the mud. So we had to pull the van out using Brother Roswells truck, and by pushing. It took a while, but we finally got it haha. And during all of this, we found out a couple of things and through all of that, we had to push off the baptism to next Saturday(the 26th). I was a little sad but it still is going to happen, so that's good. Then we came back and did studies, and after that we ended up finding 3 new people within an hour, which was awesome. They were all really cool people and got return appointments with each of them. Then after we went up to the Beckerdites where we met Elder Nelson and Elder Larsen(he's from the Memphis area) because Elder Nelson was doing interviews for Arian and Lillyanna. I think that was one of the coolest times I've been there, because we were talking about singing with the rest of the family and we ended up singing My Little Prayer(David Archuleta) and The Prayer(an arrangement by David Archuleta and someone else) and other songs and it was just awesome. They passed their interviews! So that's exciting. We also had dinner there also, so it was just a good day overall.

Saturday we got picked up really early by Brother Roswell because we had to go to Senatobia to have a Missionary Breakfast with one of the Stake Presidency members and discussed the work. It was awesome to see all the progress and what we have in store. Then after we tried visiting the person we found on Wednesday but it fell through, so we visited the less active member and got him a ride to church for Sunday. Then we came back and did studies and prepared for Interviews with the Mission President. We had Interviews, and I gave him my little input about Transfers, because they are next week, and we find out this Saturday what happens. I told him I would like to stay one more transfer, because I want to try to accomplish a few more things here. But we shall see. The Sisters gave us Chips and Guac mix because they got a lot of it from a family member, so that was exciting. Then after we tried visiting Sister Huckaby, but she wasn't home. So then we went to the Beckerdites and planned out their baptism. They wanted me, Modesty(Arian and Lillyanna's oldest Sister), and Elder Larsen from Memphis to sing A Child's Prayer, so that's happening. But it's exciting. Then we came home, and made Garlic Bread and had Chips and Guac. We were talking to the Zone Leaders and apparently they were told by President that there has been a lot of people who wants to go to Holly Springs. I was actually quite surprised because I didn't realize how much of an impact we make on not only the people here, but other Missionaries. So that was a cool view to see.

Sunday was pretty awesome. We had 88 PEOPLE AT CHURCH! Sadly none of them were people we were teaching but still! 88! If we had other people there we could've broken the record and gotten 100 at church! It's super awesome to see the growth actually come about. Then after church Gary took us up to Lamar to give a blessing to Sister Hill, then Mocky fed us, and then we visited Pat and Floyd for a little. After that we had studies and Brother Gaar picked us up for dinner and we had dinner at their house. And then we came home, finding out we dropped the phone in their car, so we went up to Apartment C and borrowed her phone, and then we gave her a Book of Mormon. Then we got the phone back and had Call-In's.

This Friday, it will make 6 months since I left on my mission. I would be 1/4 done with my mission. It's crazy to think about it. It's been amazing and I love the experiences I've had so far. I hope you all are doing well and I love you all so very much. Have an amazing week!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:

-Our Zone (Minus a few other Missionaries)
-A not so great Tag Photo XD (I love you mom) 

Week 25: A Baby Chick Becomes a Dog?

Hello! Welcome to Week 25, where baby chicks become dogs when they grow up! It doesn't make sense now but it will later! This week was just everywhere, so, let's review!

Monday after emails we had dinner at the Morrisons and then we went to the Beckerdites and had Lesson 3, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. It wasn't as much questions so it went by quick, but they are coming along well. We gave them the Word of Wisdom Pamphlet to read by the next day.

Tuesday we had District Council and we talked about the commitment pattern and how we can better follow up on the people we are working with. Then after we stayed at the church and did studies and got a referral in the process, we got in contact with them and set up a appointment to meet with them Saturday! Then after we talked with Sister Huckaby (a different one) and in the process we are now starting to work with her! It's really exciting to see them unfold slowly. Then after that we had a lesson with the Beckerdites about the Word of Wisdom.

Wednesday was really something. We helped Brother Roswell for most of the day trimming his branches on his bushes, it was really cool to learn. Then we helped dump all the branches in his play yard where he's going to read a book and watch it burn XD. Then after we got ready to go up to Byhalia to have dinner at a members house who recently moved in. We got there mega early and we decided to tract for a little. This is the start for the title of this email. Ok, I'm going to keep this short and sweet for this and the next day. We go to the first house, and meet this guy. Nice start, but then he starts throwing out these concerns and scriptures in the Bible and all that, at first he was being a little bashy, but the it toned down and he wanted us to come back and have a Bible study. But at this point, I'm terrified, because I know little to nothing about some of those concerns, and I didn't want to deep inside, but it ended up being scheduled for the next day during exchanges. Then after that we had dinner, which calmed me down for a little, but I was just scared.

Thursday was really good until the end of the day, where the title of this email comes from. We start exchanges and I'm with Elder Jorgensen in Byhalia. We first visit Elton and talk about Service, which he's really good at. Then after we had a lesson with Sister Viger (it's pronounced Vee-Jay) and we taught her the Plan of Salvation because she had questions about it. Then we prayed and found a street to tract on. Every house EXCEPT 2 weren't home. We found a potential and a member who became less active and then moved. Then we had dinner at the Cooks, sadly Carol dropped out, but Shirley is still going. We taught her the Plan of Salvation and it was really good. Then after we had the guy again. Let's just say, it was a trap for him to try and convert us and give up our titles as Elders. When it comes with people fighting against the Church, they go for the deep Doctrine or the just the basics. And they just try to destroy, we didn't get home till like 10 because we couldn't get out of there. I don't want to get into it, but people do that, and it sucks seeing that. But me and Elder Jorgensen was fumed by the end of it. We didn't bash, but we walked out just mega upset.

Friday we got ready for the day and drove up to Byhalia to close exchanges, then after switching we drove up to Lamar. We visited Mickey because was being baptized on Saturday (doesn't count for us) and we helped clear up any questions he may had. Then we visited Pat and Floyd and committed them to come to church. Then we visited Garys brother and his family and it was really good. We had a super good spiritual thought and we had dinner also. Then we went to Brother Roswells because Elder Jackson had a meeting on Skype to be on.

Saturday was really cool. We got ready and got a ride to that lesson from the referral all the way to the edge of our area. And we had a lesson and the people there had so many miracles, it was crazy. We set one on date! Hoping the other 2 on Wednesday! Then we finish the lesson and had to charge the vehicle we were in because it apparently died, which took a while and then we got back and got ready for the baptism. The baptism was really good and I got to finally meet Elder Billman who I replaced when I got to Holly Springs. Him and Elder Brinkerhoff did a lot to get the branch going, and I'm thankful for them. After the baptism, President Griffith took us to dinner and then we went home.

Sunday we sadly didn't have a lot of people we were teaching at church, but I know more doors are slowly being open. It's cool to recognize it and I'm excited to see this branch grow. Then after church we did studies and then went up to try and visit the Beckerdites but no luck, so then we drove up to Lamar and met with Dot, and helped resolve her concerns. So it was a really good conversation overall. Then we had dinner at Mockys and then came home. It was slightly rough at the end of the day, but hey, I'm still pushing strong.

So, to sum up this week, just don't attack the church with doctrine that doesn't matter to our Salvation, and always love people, even when they aren't perfect. And it's ok to have concerns, it really is, but when you attack those who have those beliefs, that's not right, whatsoever. Just talk it out, get an understanding, and if you change your mind, go ahead, but if not, don't judge because of it. I love y'all, have a good week.

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-An Apple Pie Brother Roswell made for his brother
-Pics of me in Glasses(Not the greatest ones, but they're OK haha)

Week 19

Week 18

Week 17

Week 16

Week 15

Week 14

Week 24: More Leaks and Finding!

2019, my full year as a Missionary, it's going to be something. Hope you all are doing well. I'm excited for what lies ahead this year and what experiences I will have. So, let's get right into it! Week 24!

Monday we had District P-Day, and we played a lot of games. We were at a members house in Collierville and Brother Boggs(One of Collierville's Ward Mission Leader) was there too. We played Clue, some cool Tic Tac Toe game using Cards, Take 2 (Basically a interesting scrabble game), and of course Uno. It was a lot of fun so that is always good. Then after we had dinner at the Morrisons and talked about Goal Setting for the new year.

Tuesday we didn't have District Council, because Wednesday was Zone Conference. We planned on trying a couple of people on 311, and then we got ready and left. We first visited Sister Huckaby and read in the Book of Mormon and invited her out to church. And then we went finding. It was successful because we managed to find 2 new people who live right across the street from each other. One was a little old referral and the other was just from knocking on his door. They both were open to take a Book of Mormon and they both said give them 2 weeks to get into it and then we come back. So we planned to come back on the 15th. Then after that we had a lesson with the Beckerdites, and as I've said before, going there amazes me, because they ask some pretty amazing questions. Then we left them with the Pamphlet for Lesson 3 and we are going back Monday night (tonight as I send this email) to review and answer more questions. Then after we visited the Blines and talked with them for a while.

Wednesday was pretty good. We had Zone Conference and we learned a lot from it. From an invitation to talk to 20 people a day (10 per person) ((I'm still trying to figure out how we can do that effectively here since it's not a popular area)), and when it comes to talking to people, it's talking to them AND giving them an Inspired Invitation. Also we are working on asking more inspired questions, because they help thinking and be able to make steps towards Baptism. So that was really good. And we got a couple of calls from Holly Springs, to sum it up one of the members needed a blessing, so we came back home after, and Gary & Mack picked us up and we went, gave her the blessing, and then went to Panda Buffet and had dinner.

Thursday was a little interesting. Woke up to find out our little facet thing on the fridge was pouring water out, most of the night. So we contacted our Landlord to turn off the water so we can figure it out. So it's another repeat basically from the start of my mission haha. Normally we would be in Lamar on Thursday, but we ended up in Byhalia. We decided to check out the pawn shop in Watson (a small town) and we ended up getting a service opportunity out of it, which was really good. After we talked with one the Andersens son for a while, and had some good fellowship there. After that we had dinner at the Cooks, and we had a lesson with 2 of Sister Cooks friends, because they were curious about what we believe, so we answered a lot of our questions and talked about the Restoration. Time flew by so fast and it ended up being 9:15 so we were home late. Whoops. We are going to meet again this Thursday though so that's exciting.

Friday was pretty good also. We went to Lamar and we talked with a less active and got to know her a little bit and we invited her out to church. Then we visited Pat and Floyd for a little and invited them out ot church. Then we visited Mickey for a little and answered some of his questions and talked about family and such. Then after that we decided to go finding on a street. So we park at a members house and tried 2 houses across the street from them and they were pretty successful. The 2nd house we talked about where it talks about a 3rd Heaven and she was interested about that so we plan on going back soon to teach her more about it. And then after that we went to Sister Yeagers and talked with them for a little and shared a spiritual thought.

Saturday we were back in Byhalia and we had a lesson with Elton about Temples with President Hull and it was good. Elton is starting to become more into it and I love it. It's exciting. Sadly the Andersens cancelled so we talked with Brother Wilson about church stuff going on and about more of his life. A lot of members here really go through a lot, it's crazy really. Then after we went looking for a specific building and met a guy who was given a Book of Mormon by his friend just the day before, but he lives in Olive Branch. He gave us his info and we sent it to Olive Branch and actually Olive Branch gave us a referral for someone in Byhalia, so we are meeting that guy Wednesday. Then we went to the Morrisons to get ready for a lesson with the Beckerdites but the Beckerdites had to cancel so we just spoke with the Morrisons and that was it.

Sunday was interesting. The 2 hour block felt pretty fast, and actually Elton bore his testimony! He was nervous but he did a fantastic job. After church we finished a few things up and went up to Lamar again and did more finding. A while back Gary gave us a few people to go hit and we went to those houses. We parked at Mockys and she said a prayer with us before we went out. 2/3 houses were home, and it was very welcoming. The first house let us right in without even saying a word haha, and we got in conversations about stuff, hopefully when we go back we can invite her out to church. Then the other house we hit was a little more interesting. She used to be a member, but not anymore. She doesn't have any religion but believes in God and knows the Bible pretty well. She has a lot of beliefs that some Baptists have. It was crazy what she laid out, and I had a lot of scriptures to lay out each of them, but I just didn't know how to go about it. But next time when we go back I will ask more inspired questions and work that out. Then we had dinner at Mockys and discussed what happened and talked more about all that stuff. Overall it was pretty good.

I hope you all have a good week, and always remember that I love you and care about you. Take care.

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-District P-Day
-Me and a 3 legged dog
-Elder Jackson's hat and Mag(net) Tag left on the car by Brother Roswell

Week 23: More Baptisms and Teaching!

Happy New Year's Eve! Hope you all have had a good Christmas and was happy spending time with those you love. This past week has been really good, and we had another baptism! It was really exciting. So, let's get right into it.

Monday after emails we got ready to go Caroling with our District in Collierville, Tennessee. We had Brother Roswell drop us off there, and the whole time he was poking around with us. Oh he's awesome, he really is haha. Then we went Caroling with a RM who lives in Collierville, he served in California. It was really fun. We only caroled two houses though, because the 2nd house invited us in, but it went really well for the Sisters. So that was exciting. Then we went to a dinner we were invited to in Collierville as well, and me and Elder Jackson ended up being Wise Men for a Nativity Program. And it was really funny. A dog tried to be a sheep. But that was all of Monday.

Tuesday was really good, and not gonna lie, it was pretty hard also. I made Pancakes, which turned out really good.... Surprisingly. And then we were able to talk to our families! I loved talking with them, but at the end, it was rough for me. I'm not going to hide it. I want to show that even some missionaries have a hard time even when having Faith in the Lord. I really miss you all, family and friend, and pray that the Lord will be with you always. After we called home, we walked around the neighborhood a little, met a few people, and then went to dinner at the Roswells. It was really good and we got hot sauce from them. Yayyy haha, then after dinner we came home and meditated for a little. 

Wednesday was pretty good. We studied, planned, and then started doing some early contacting before President Hull took us to his place where we had dinner with the Hulls, Brother Wilson, and Elton. And it was really good and fun. Then after President Hull went with us and had a lesson with the Beckerdites, and they asked a lot more amazing questions. It's really cool to see that. I'm excited to see them get baptized soon.

Thursday was pretty slow, but we made a lot of progress. We did a lot of contacting, and planned for long term finding which was really good overall. And we made food as well. It was nice. Sadly a few of the appointments dropped through but we got a lot of contacting in and long term finding in.

Friday was really awesome! We had the Animal Shelter and cleaned up a few things, and helped drill in the walls together. Then after we came back home, ate lunch, and did studies, and then drove up and had District Council, and that was really good. We practiced a lot of scenarios. It was funny really haha. Then we had Taco Bell and got ready for Mike's Baptism! The baptism went really well. We've been working with him since before I came out on my Mission, and I'm thankful to finally see him enter the waters of baptism.

Saturday was really good also! We helped Brandon and Gary with the Church building putting up the roof. And then we switched into other clothes, and then we visited Elton and talked about Missionary Work and challenged him to share the message of the Restoration to people. Which he liked a lot, and we know he will help out a lot. Then we visited the Andersens, and had really good conversations with them and actually going to start teaching them which is a really big step. We are very excited for that. Then we tried a few other people and then came home and planned for the new week and send out reports.

Sunday was pretty good also! I got to confirm Mike, which was pretty good. I know I need to work on focusing on relying on the Spirit for what to say. Then after church we came home, ate food, and then did some Baptismal Forms for a while. And then after we had dinner at the Millers and Mocky and Mickey joined us. We had Tacos, it was good. Then after we talked about our message with the daughter, and we are going to start teach her as well! It's very exciting! Then after we shared a message with the Rogers. It's very exciting to see the Part-Member families slowly start to work out!

This week was just more miracles and blessings. And I hope y'all have a fabulous New Year and I hope 2019 treats you all well. I love y'all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-Me and my family
-Mike's Baptism!
-Me in Wise Man form

-Pancakes I made