Hello everyone!!!!! I hope everyone is doing well and has had a great week!!!! I hope you all know how much I miss you and i pray that everyone is doing great. This week has been just another GREAT WEEK!!! Like I always say. our area is continuing to be blessed, thank you so much for all your prayers, it really does help us in this great work to find those people who are awaiting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am so excited for e general confernece. I cant believe this will be my second one. I know this one will be even better. I pray that we will all go in with a open heart to this general conference and have that desire to learn and grow from our prophets and apostles. I am so excited to see what I learn as a missionary.
Well this week has been an amazing week for me as a missionary. I feel like I have grown spiritually and everything has just been amazing for us. This week we have had awesome lessons with the student that we are teaching. I had an amazing expereince during one of them. At the end of the lesson I had the opportunity to give the closing prayer to our lesson. I felt so close to my heavenly father during this prayer it was as if he was standing right in front of me. I just felt his presence so strongly around me. After I got done saying the prayer the girl we were teaching was crying. Lately thats just how its always been feeling. Its such a hard feeling to describe but I feel like Father in heaven is standing right by me. I love this feeling. So this student is so excited for her baptism!!! I am too not this Friday but next Friday she will be getting baptized. I am so excited for her and that she was willing to make this covenant. She also attend the baptismthat we had this weekend. We had a patism for Bech Garrett that went really well and I know that Bech is going to be a great example to his dad.
Well I gotta get going . I hope you all know how much I love you. Thank you so much. for everything. I hope you all have a great week. I am sorry this email is so short It was hard to find what to say. but I promise I will come prepared next week. I just hope you all know that I am doing great . I love serving my heavenly. And I am so great ful for the blessings he is giving to our area. I love you all so much . MAy we all find that special closeness with our heavenly father and gain that personal relationship with him. I love you all!!
love: Elder Bentley (moroni 8:3)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
September 20, 2011
Hey ya all!!!! I hope you all had a great week!!!! What a fantastic week!!!
wouldn't you all agree!!!! I love being a missionary, there is no greater
joy that comes than doing this great and marvelous work. I cant wait to tell
ya all about my week!!! Like I said before I have absolutely loved this
week. I know this week wouldn't have been as great with out your all's
prayer and support that you are giving to me and the many missionaries
around the world. I can truly see the blessings that come as you all pray.
And I want to express my thanks for that it truly is amazing to watch the
lord pour out his blessings upon our area!!! And first things first I want
to wish my Uncle Wes a happy Birthday. Wes I hope you know how much I love
you, you are such a great uncle to me and i look up to you so much!!! I miss
all our fun times golfing. I hope our Cowboys are doing well!!!! Uncle Wes I
love you thank you so much for everything and i miss ya buddy.
Well I gotta say its so weird being in a tri-companionship. This week we
had to get a third member to our companionship because this Elders companion
got his Visa and headed to Africa. Ill sure miss that elder that left we
became the really good friends it was amzing to see him in 4 weeks into the
mission find someone and baptize that person in 4 weeks. It was a cool
experience to be a witness of. But anyways it feels pretty good teaching
lessons we have more back up ha ha. But this will last just till tomorrow.
Anyways, so you know how I was telling you all about the new student
investigator we got last week, we have meet with her twice since last week,
we have meet with her on Sunday then last night then we are teaching her
again tonight. I am so excited for this girl. She is so excited to be
baptized. I feel like it is a blessing from our heavenly father that we are
teaching her. When we meet with her on Sunday we taught her about her plan
of salvation and the lesson went so well!! The whole time we were focusing
on how the plan is centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the
lesson I shared my favorite scripture Doctrine and Covenants 19 about the
atonement and it totally made her cry, and she told us how much she loved
that one to. It came near the end of the lesson. I got the opportunity to
bear my testimony of the plan of salvation and then it came time I felt
something urging me to give her the baptismal date so I did. I don't
remember how I tied it in so well, but I just felt like I was guided by the
spirit to know what to say ahead of time it came out just perfect!!! I was
so nervous to hear what she would say. . . There was a short pause I looked
down at the ground and right back up and I heard her say silently like a
whisper YES!!!!!! I was so happy everyone in the room was so excited. It was
amazing. I am so glad I followed the promptings of the spirit. She is going
to be baptized on October 7. We are super duper excited!!!! We have a great
feeling that a couple more people will commit to baptism this week as well.
We are so excited and I felt like this was a great blessing from father in
heaven. I am so grateful for these teaching experience that I get the
opportunity to be apart of on my mission. We were teaching another
investigator-student this week and I asked in the 1st lesson if you were
come to know if the things we teach are true would you follow the example of
your savior Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood
authority of God. And she said YES!!!! Things are just going so well for us.
I hope I can continue to be worhy of all the lords blessing in this area.
And I hope that we will continue to find success as we continue to teach and
spread this gospel and the blessings that come along with it to all these
people in Buena Vista.
So this week had a leadership training meeting in Charleston. I really
enjoyed it. We had two teachers from the MTC come meet with us and they
talked about how much better our mission can do. We did a lot of role
playing such as how to extend baptism commitments, inviting people to
church, and to pray. I hope that I can help Elder Parker learn about all
these things and get him comfortable with extending these commitments. I
absolutely love training by the way!!! Elder Parker is doing such a great
job. I just hope I can be that example to him throughout his mission, and
help him become the missionary he wants to be. Its so awesome. . . I love
being a missionary thats all there is to it:). oh and by the way. . . Elder
Partridge is coming to be my zone leader and we will be living in the same
apartment ha ha I was so excited to hear that !!! Its going to be a
blast!!!!
So this week I have been really thinking about what I have wanted to share
with you all, and I have a feeling to share with a story from the bible
about the prodigal son. The story comes from Luke chapter 15, I am pretty
sure that you all are familiar with this story. I hope that this parable
will help you as much as it has helped me. At the beginning of the parable
the father gave all he had to his son. And soon after the son went and spent
it on riotous living, and soon after there arose a famine in the land and
the son began to be in want. He then found a job feeding pigs and yet he
still perished with hunger. He then started realizing I can earn more with
his father. And he got really sorrowful to a point where he needed to repent
to his father. He just simply wanted to go to his father and say. When he
was making his way back into town to go to his father. His father saw him
aways off and had compassion on ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
" Father I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight,and I am no more
worthy to be called thy son."
I really love that story. I know I made it brief, but I have learned so much
from this story. I love the role of the father in this story. How he had so
much compassion on his son. We can compare that to many things. But what I
got out of it as a missionary means so much to me. I know that Father in
heaven is always there with compassion to our investigators they just got to
have that desire to repent. I think for us as members of this church it
means so much more. how often do we act as the father to those around us.
How can we have that same compassion as we bring others into this gospel. I
know for me its the greatest feeling in the world to welcome my friends back
into the gospel after having wandered and gone through so many hard trials.
I have made it a goal a part of me to show that compassion more towards
others who don't have the gospel. Its so easy to just ignore the person in
front of us at the grocery store or to walk past someone in the mall. But
how often do we take the time to show that compassion by spreading the
gospel. I know for a fact I am not perfect at this but i can sure do better
at showing that compassion to others. and I would invite you to do the same.
Thank you all so much for all your prayers and support not only to me but
to me family we really are thankful for all of you and for your love. I hope
that I can show that same love back to all of you as well. Thank you so
much. Happy Birthday to anyone that I have missed ha ha. I hope you alll
have a great week and know that I am missin you. Cant wait to tell ya all
about next week!!!
love ya:
Elder Bentley- Moroni 8:3
wouldn't you all agree!!!! I love being a missionary, there is no greater
joy that comes than doing this great and marvelous work. I cant wait to tell
ya all about my week!!! Like I said before I have absolutely loved this
week. I know this week wouldn't have been as great with out your all's
prayer and support that you are giving to me and the many missionaries
around the world. I can truly see the blessings that come as you all pray.
And I want to express my thanks for that it truly is amazing to watch the
lord pour out his blessings upon our area!!! And first things first I want
to wish my Uncle Wes a happy Birthday. Wes I hope you know how much I love
you, you are such a great uncle to me and i look up to you so much!!! I miss
all our fun times golfing. I hope our Cowboys are doing well!!!! Uncle Wes I
love you thank you so much for everything and i miss ya buddy.
Well I gotta say its so weird being in a tri-companionship. This week we
had to get a third member to our companionship because this Elders companion
got his Visa and headed to Africa. Ill sure miss that elder that left we
became the really good friends it was amzing to see him in 4 weeks into the
mission find someone and baptize that person in 4 weeks. It was a cool
experience to be a witness of. But anyways it feels pretty good teaching
lessons we have more back up ha ha. But this will last just till tomorrow.
Anyways, so you know how I was telling you all about the new student
investigator we got last week, we have meet with her twice since last week,
we have meet with her on Sunday then last night then we are teaching her
again tonight. I am so excited for this girl. She is so excited to be
baptized. I feel like it is a blessing from our heavenly father that we are
teaching her. When we meet with her on Sunday we taught her about her plan
of salvation and the lesson went so well!! The whole time we were focusing
on how the plan is centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the
lesson I shared my favorite scripture Doctrine and Covenants 19 about the
atonement and it totally made her cry, and she told us how much she loved
that one to. It came near the end of the lesson. I got the opportunity to
bear my testimony of the plan of salvation and then it came time I felt
something urging me to give her the baptismal date so I did. I don't
remember how I tied it in so well, but I just felt like I was guided by the
spirit to know what to say ahead of time it came out just perfect!!! I was
so nervous to hear what she would say. . . There was a short pause I looked
down at the ground and right back up and I heard her say silently like a
whisper YES!!!!!! I was so happy everyone in the room was so excited. It was
amazing. I am so glad I followed the promptings of the spirit. She is going
to be baptized on October 7. We are super duper excited!!!! We have a great
feeling that a couple more people will commit to baptism this week as well.
We are so excited and I felt like this was a great blessing from father in
heaven. I am so grateful for these teaching experience that I get the
opportunity to be apart of on my mission. We were teaching another
investigator-student this week and I asked in the 1st lesson if you were
come to know if the things we teach are true would you follow the example of
your savior Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood
authority of God. And she said YES!!!! Things are just going so well for us.
I hope I can continue to be worhy of all the lords blessing in this area.
And I hope that we will continue to find success as we continue to teach and
spread this gospel and the blessings that come along with it to all these
people in Buena Vista.
So this week had a leadership training meeting in Charleston. I really
enjoyed it. We had two teachers from the MTC come meet with us and they
talked about how much better our mission can do. We did a lot of role
playing such as how to extend baptism commitments, inviting people to
church, and to pray. I hope that I can help Elder Parker learn about all
these things and get him comfortable with extending these commitments. I
absolutely love training by the way!!! Elder Parker is doing such a great
job. I just hope I can be that example to him throughout his mission, and
help him become the missionary he wants to be. Its so awesome. . . I love
being a missionary thats all there is to it:). oh and by the way. . . Elder
Partridge is coming to be my zone leader and we will be living in the same
apartment ha ha I was so excited to hear that !!! Its going to be a
blast!!!!
So this week I have been really thinking about what I have wanted to share
with you all, and I have a feeling to share with a story from the bible
about the prodigal son. The story comes from Luke chapter 15, I am pretty
sure that you all are familiar with this story. I hope that this parable
will help you as much as it has helped me. At the beginning of the parable
the father gave all he had to his son. And soon after the son went and spent
it on riotous living, and soon after there arose a famine in the land and
the son began to be in want. He then found a job feeding pigs and yet he
still perished with hunger. He then started realizing I can earn more with
his father. And he got really sorrowful to a point where he needed to repent
to his father. He just simply wanted to go to his father and say. When he
was making his way back into town to go to his father. His father saw him
aways off and had compassion on ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
" Father I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight,and I am no more
worthy to be called thy son."
I really love that story. I know I made it brief, but I have learned so much
from this story. I love the role of the father in this story. How he had so
much compassion on his son. We can compare that to many things. But what I
got out of it as a missionary means so much to me. I know that Father in
heaven is always there with compassion to our investigators they just got to
have that desire to repent. I think for us as members of this church it
means so much more. how often do we act as the father to those around us.
How can we have that same compassion as we bring others into this gospel. I
know for me its the greatest feeling in the world to welcome my friends back
into the gospel after having wandered and gone through so many hard trials.
I have made it a goal a part of me to show that compassion more towards
others who don't have the gospel. Its so easy to just ignore the person in
front of us at the grocery store or to walk past someone in the mall. But
how often do we take the time to show that compassion by spreading the
gospel. I know for a fact I am not perfect at this but i can sure do better
at showing that compassion to others. and I would invite you to do the same.
Thank you all so much for all your prayers and support not only to me but
to me family we really are thankful for all of you and for your love. I hope
that I can show that same love back to all of you as well. Thank you so
much. Happy Birthday to anyone that I have missed ha ha. I hope you alll
have a great week and know that I am missin you. Cant wait to tell ya all
about next week!!!
love ya:
Elder Bentley- Moroni 8:3
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September 12, 2011
Hello everyone !!!! I hope everyone is having such a great week!! I miss
you all so much and I am super excited to tell you all about my week.
Well our area is doing absolutely great!!!! We have been sincerely blessed
to start teaching so many people as of late. We are working really hard to
accomplish all of our goals and to help this area as best as we can. We have
2 baptismal dates coming up next week which we are super excited for!! And I
am hoping that we will get to baptize someone else this month and I have a
feeling that we found that someone yesterday. This week we got a member
referral from one of the student wards and we went and taught her yesterday
with 7 members there to help us during the lesson it was amazing. I was so
excited for this lesson all day yesterday, the spirit was so strong when we
entered the room. So we started the lesson just like we normally would and
no one was speaking up ha ha, so we got to the restoration and everyone just
started bearing their testimony, and of the book of Mormon and of prayer it
was absolutely amazing. I have a feeling that she is indeed the one of the
ones we were supposed to find here in Buena Vista. The amazing part is she
already has a testimony of the book of mormon. She told us sometime last
week she was having a hard day. She opened randomly in the book of mormon
and found a scripture immediately that applied directly to her and she knew
that right then the Book was TRUE!!! It was amazing and we are so excited to
teach her again this week!!! We are working so hard and accomplishing all
our goals.
We have been walking alot the past couple of weeks. We thought it would be
safe to just walk alot instead of ride ha ha since they are not our bikes
and we have been finding a lot of success on foot. THis week is going to be
pretty exciting because I get to go up to CHarleston on Wenesday for
Leadership training and I get to see Elder Partridge and Elder Whitehead so
I am pretty excited. I have noticed a word that they say alot around here .
I love Hearing "Well I Reckon" It seems like everyone says that it is so
cool!!! I love it!!! ha ha I guess you could say it tickles me to death. :)
I love the calling of being a trainer. Lately these past couple weeks I have
felt a special closeness to my heavenly father. He has answered my prayers
so much the past weeks and it been amazing once again to be a witness of all
the blessings. I have put alot of faith in my heavenly father to help me in
this calling as a missionary. It hard but its super fun. I have put my
thoughts and have worked as hard as I can to help this area grow. I hope and
I pray that I can be the mssionary that my heavenly father wants me to be. I
am so greatful to be a missionary. I love this calling and I hope to be the
best missionary I can be.
As I think about the importance of Faith. . . I think of a scripture I was
reading this morning from the book of mormon. When Laman and Lemuel tied
Nephi up with Cords. When Nephi was tied up he says 'Lord according to to my
faith which is in thee, wilt thou loose me from the bands. And he did
exactly that. According to Nephi's Faith!! As a missionary I have realized
the importantce of having faith in God. Especially a couple weeks ago when
we got transferred into this area it was going to take alot of faith to
rebuild because the town is so small that almost everyone has heard about
the church. But through faith the Lord is leading us to those people who are
so prepared to hear the gospel. It took alot of faith. I am so greatful for
the power of prayer and how much it is helping me out here in the field.
This really is a growing experience for me and I am loving the relationship
I am gaining with my Father. I wanna challenge all of you to have more faith
in the Lord when you pray. Really apply Moroni 10: 3-5 and really make an
effort to strengthen your relationship with your heavenly father I promise
great blessings will come as they have for me and Elder Parker.
well I dont have to much time today but I hope you all know how much I love
you. Thank you all so much for everything I hope have a great week and you
all are in my prayers. Again thank you so much for everything. And I cant
wait to email you all next Tuesday. I love you all!!!
LOVE YA!!
Elder Bentley - Moroni 8:3
you all so much and I am super excited to tell you all about my week.
Well our area is doing absolutely great!!!! We have been sincerely blessed
to start teaching so many people as of late. We are working really hard to
accomplish all of our goals and to help this area as best as we can. We have
2 baptismal dates coming up next week which we are super excited for!! And I
am hoping that we will get to baptize someone else this month and I have a
feeling that we found that someone yesterday. This week we got a member
referral from one of the student wards and we went and taught her yesterday
with 7 members there to help us during the lesson it was amazing. I was so
excited for this lesson all day yesterday, the spirit was so strong when we
entered the room. So we started the lesson just like we normally would and
no one was speaking up ha ha, so we got to the restoration and everyone just
started bearing their testimony, and of the book of Mormon and of prayer it
was absolutely amazing. I have a feeling that she is indeed the one of the
ones we were supposed to find here in Buena Vista. The amazing part is she
already has a testimony of the book of mormon. She told us sometime last
week she was having a hard day. She opened randomly in the book of mormon
and found a scripture immediately that applied directly to her and she knew
that right then the Book was TRUE!!! It was amazing and we are so excited to
teach her again this week!!! We are working so hard and accomplishing all
our goals.
We have been walking alot the past couple of weeks. We thought it would be
safe to just walk alot instead of ride ha ha since they are not our bikes
and we have been finding a lot of success on foot. THis week is going to be
pretty exciting because I get to go up to CHarleston on Wenesday for
Leadership training and I get to see Elder Partridge and Elder Whitehead so
I am pretty excited. I have noticed a word that they say alot around here .
I love Hearing "Well I Reckon" It seems like everyone says that it is so
cool!!! I love it!!! ha ha I guess you could say it tickles me to death. :)
I love the calling of being a trainer. Lately these past couple weeks I have
felt a special closeness to my heavenly father. He has answered my prayers
so much the past weeks and it been amazing once again to be a witness of all
the blessings. I have put alot of faith in my heavenly father to help me in
this calling as a missionary. It hard but its super fun. I have put my
thoughts and have worked as hard as I can to help this area grow. I hope and
I pray that I can be the mssionary that my heavenly father wants me to be. I
am so greatful to be a missionary. I love this calling and I hope to be the
best missionary I can be.
As I think about the importance of Faith. . . I think of a scripture I was
reading this morning from the book of mormon. When Laman and Lemuel tied
Nephi up with Cords. When Nephi was tied up he says 'Lord according to to my
faith which is in thee, wilt thou loose me from the bands. And he did
exactly that. According to Nephi's Faith!! As a missionary I have realized
the importantce of having faith in God. Especially a couple weeks ago when
we got transferred into this area it was going to take alot of faith to
rebuild because the town is so small that almost everyone has heard about
the church. But through faith the Lord is leading us to those people who are
so prepared to hear the gospel. It took alot of faith. I am so greatful for
the power of prayer and how much it is helping me out here in the field.
This really is a growing experience for me and I am loving the relationship
I am gaining with my Father. I wanna challenge all of you to have more faith
in the Lord when you pray. Really apply Moroni 10: 3-5 and really make an
effort to strengthen your relationship with your heavenly father I promise
great blessings will come as they have for me and Elder Parker.
well I dont have to much time today but I hope you all know how much I love
you. Thank you all so much for everything I hope have a great week and you
all are in my prayers. Again thank you so much for everything. And I cant
wait to email you all next Tuesday. I love you all!!!
LOVE YA!!
Elder Bentley - Moroni 8:3
Thursday, September 8, 2011
September 5, 2011
Well mom this week I thought Id just type an email to you if that would be
ok. . . telling you how much I love you and how I am doing. Well I hope mom
you know how much I miss you and how much I love you. These past 7 months
haven't been easy without you. At times I wish me and you could just go out
to lunch and have a big Juicy sandwich from paradise Bakery with a large
Dr. Pepper just like the good ole days. I miss you mom so much I think more
than you will ever know. I was reading a talk by President Eyring the other
day from one of the past general conferences and he talked about how prayer
brings us much closer to our families. I am so grateful mom that we have a
heavenly father who is bringing us so much closer together even though I'm
2000 miles away. Anyways in his talk he shared about how hard it was for him
when he left his dad on a street corner in New York. He wanted to turn
around and run back to his dad but he knew he couldn't and while he was away
prayer brought him so much closer to his family. I promise you mom that has
been my life line these past 7 months is prayer honestly without prayer and
without constant blessings from Heavenly Father I am able to perform the
work that he wants me to do. So Guess what mom . . . This week we had a
funny situation where we ran into this guy who completely drunk out of his
mind. I am pretty sure he didn't know what we talked about. But I had the
funnest conversation with him ha ha although he didn't agree with anything I
said I am pretty sure he didn't remember anything it was the funnest. I
don't know what my luck is since I have been out but this is the 3-4th drunk
guy I have ran into ha ha. When we were pulling up on our bikes they were
all sitting outside and asked for our names I said my name is Elder Bentley
the drunk guy was like what!!!! what are you doing riding a stupid thing
like that ha ha it was so funny!!!! But when walked out of there we were
like the bestest friends with them ha ha he tried offering us something to
drink but we said no thanks. ha ha this guy was a nut. Ya we finally got
bikes I am so happy for that, but my legs hurt so bad for a couple days
because of all the hills. We worked so hard this week we have 2 baptisimal
dates for this month on the 24th we are pretty excited for that and
hopefully we can get one of the college students baptized this month. So our
companionship is doing pretty good.
THis week I was reading in Ether 12 and i really love this chapter
especially the part where it talks about in verses 32-37 about how THere is
a place which our savior is preparing for us which is a mansion in the house
of my father. I really love these verses. I have compared it to Enos 1:27.
Mom I would invite you to read it and set it as a goal for our family. .
.when we stand before the savior at that last day I want him to be able to
look us in the eyes and say "come unto me ye blessed there is a place
prepared for you in the mansions of my father. I hope that we can stay
worthy enough for that eternal blessing which is promised time and time
again through out the scriptures.
Mom I hope you know how much I love you!!! I love you to the moon and back.
You are my best friend. It will always be me and you. I promise that. Mom I
miss singing country music to ya. I remember you would get so mad every time
we had it on country music. . . Ha ha. Mom I love you so so so much I hope
you have the greatest week, Let everyone know that I am doing great!!! I
miss them all so much. please mom know that I love you and am always praying
for you and our family I love you mom. Please tell Aunt Marianne and Ticky
that I love em so much and I miss them. I hope mom that I am making you
happy and setting a good example for those around me . May our family be
FOREVER STRONG!!! and know that I love you so much!!!!!
love elder Bentley - Moroni 8:3 I love you mom!!!
ok. . . telling you how much I love you and how I am doing. Well I hope mom
you know how much I miss you and how much I love you. These past 7 months
haven't been easy without you. At times I wish me and you could just go out
to lunch and have a big Juicy sandwich from paradise Bakery with a large
Dr. Pepper just like the good ole days. I miss you mom so much I think more
than you will ever know. I was reading a talk by President Eyring the other
day from one of the past general conferences and he talked about how prayer
brings us much closer to our families. I am so grateful mom that we have a
heavenly father who is bringing us so much closer together even though I'm
2000 miles away. Anyways in his talk he shared about how hard it was for him
when he left his dad on a street corner in New York. He wanted to turn
around and run back to his dad but he knew he couldn't and while he was away
prayer brought him so much closer to his family. I promise you mom that has
been my life line these past 7 months is prayer honestly without prayer and
without constant blessings from Heavenly Father I am able to perform the
work that he wants me to do. So Guess what mom . . . This week we had a
funny situation where we ran into this guy who completely drunk out of his
mind. I am pretty sure he didn't know what we talked about. But I had the
funnest conversation with him ha ha although he didn't agree with anything I
said I am pretty sure he didn't remember anything it was the funnest. I
don't know what my luck is since I have been out but this is the 3-4th drunk
guy I have ran into ha ha. When we were pulling up on our bikes they were
all sitting outside and asked for our names I said my name is Elder Bentley
the drunk guy was like what!!!! what are you doing riding a stupid thing
like that ha ha it was so funny!!!! But when walked out of there we were
like the bestest friends with them ha ha he tried offering us something to
drink but we said no thanks. ha ha this guy was a nut. Ya we finally got
bikes I am so happy for that, but my legs hurt so bad for a couple days
because of all the hills. We worked so hard this week we have 2 baptisimal
dates for this month on the 24th we are pretty excited for that and
hopefully we can get one of the college students baptized this month. So our
companionship is doing pretty good.
THis week I was reading in Ether 12 and i really love this chapter
especially the part where it talks about in verses 32-37 about how THere is
a place which our savior is preparing for us which is a mansion in the house
of my father. I really love these verses. I have compared it to Enos 1:27.
Mom I would invite you to read it and set it as a goal for our family. .
.when we stand before the savior at that last day I want him to be able to
look us in the eyes and say "come unto me ye blessed there is a place
prepared for you in the mansions of my father. I hope that we can stay
worthy enough for that eternal blessing which is promised time and time
again through out the scriptures.
Mom I hope you know how much I love you!!! I love you to the moon and back.
You are my best friend. It will always be me and you. I promise that. Mom I
miss singing country music to ya. I remember you would get so mad every time
we had it on country music. . . Ha ha. Mom I love you so so so much I hope
you have the greatest week, Let everyone know that I am doing great!!! I
miss them all so much. please mom know that I love you and am always praying
for you and our family I love you mom. Please tell Aunt Marianne and Ticky
that I love em so much and I miss them. I hope mom that I am making you
happy and setting a good example for those around me . May our family be
FOREVER STRONG!!! and know that I love you so much!!!!!
love elder Bentley - Moroni 8:3 I love you mom!!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 22, 2011
Hello everyone!!!!! I hope everyone has had a great week because I sure have. . This week has been a big big testimony builder for me personally. We are already starting to see miracles occur in this area.
This week has been a pretty amazing week. We have been so blessed to be able to start teaching some people. Every single lesson we had this week, The spirit was present. We are receiving so so many referrals from the members in this Buena Vista Ward. We started teaching 4 new investigators this week!!!! And this week we loaned out 10 copies of the book of Mormon. Ha a funny story to share with ya all this week. Elder Parker and I were going around knocking on doors. We got to this one purple house and all these Mexicans were sitting on the porch. I got so excited because maybe if they allowed us to come back we would be able to teach in Spanish!!! So we get to the porch they all said they wanted us to come back!!! And for us next time to bring a "EL Libro De Moromon". Im so excited it makes me feel like I am in Arizona again ha ha!!! And this week we are planning on getting several new investigators!!! And we found out that this kids mom wants him to get baptized within the next month!!! We had a couple of the less actives that haven't been to church in a while come to church yesterday that was great to see. It just seems like everything is working out. We can really feel the Holy Ghost in every lesson we teach. Elder Parker is going to be such a great Elder. He is teaching me so much it almost feels like I'm getting trained again. He came so so prepared for his mission I know he is going to do great. I am so grateful I have this opportunity to train a new missionary. Its not an easy job. But it helped me realize how much my Heavenly father is there for me . He is there to help me in these tough times. I am so grateful for him and the blessings he is giving to this area.
Well this week we got to working on the bikes that were broken outside our apartment and we got one of them fixed, how we did it I dont know. But I guess we will do anything it takes to not buy a bike. I will buy duck tape to hold a tire on If I really need to . But we almost got the other one fixed just need to fix the chain and tire and we are going to be riding!!! Im kinda sacred to ride a bike here because its nothing like arizona where its all flat. The roads are like hills GIANT hills like I almost just want to stick with walking ha ha. But ya so thats been fun getting those fixed. This week we had to help a member move 1000+ pound marble table from India she got the SVU coaching staff to help us and 2 other Elders. That thing was HEAVY IT took more time getting it out of the wooden crate that I have only seen in movies with ropes around it, than it did moving it inside. ha ha . But it was so fun. We have been assigned to 2 student wards haha . We went to our first student ward yesterday it is pretty cool.
I had some really faith building experience this week. We went to visit a less- active that was all the way across town. like near the end of our area and we had to walk there ha ha. But we got there we had an amazing visit with them we got to know them. We talked about the sacrament which is one of my favorite subjects to talk about with people. And they said that really want to come back to church. As we were visiting with this couple the husband told us about all the serious illness he was having. I then felt the urge to ask would you like a blessing and paused and said you know Id love that. so we proceed with the blessing. After I got done giving the blessing the guy was just in tears. . . He expressed deep gratitude for us. I love that part of being a missionary. Being able to give a blessing by the spirit. The spirit was just so strong in the room that day. I am so indeed grateful for the priesthood which I hold that really does bless these peoples lives. This week I just want to leave with you my testimony that I know for a surety that this gospel is true. It really does bring these people closer to their savior. Its been a blessing to watch the happiness , joy , love as these people center their lives around their savior. I know that the savior lives. I'm doing my very best to be his personal Representative in this great work. I know that god loves you and is watching over you and your family everyday. I know he is I know he is there and I know he is listening. In closing President Hinckley once made this statement in General conference and I would like to echo him on his words on the savior. . " Through giving His life in pain and unspeakable suffering, he has reached down to lift me. . Jesus is my friend, my exemplar, my savior, my king." I love you all so much thank you for your prayers of support. It truly is helping me in this work. I love you all so much. I hope you all will be able to be a witness of all the blessings that heavenly father blesses us with everyday!!! This is my testimony in the name of my my Friend, my exemplar, my savior, my king. in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Happy birthday pa pa I love you!!!
I love you tall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Moroni 8:3) love - Elder Bentley
This week has been a pretty amazing week. We have been so blessed to be able to start teaching some people. Every single lesson we had this week, The spirit was present. We are receiving so so many referrals from the members in this Buena Vista Ward. We started teaching 4 new investigators this week!!!! And this week we loaned out 10 copies of the book of Mormon. Ha a funny story to share with ya all this week. Elder Parker and I were going around knocking on doors. We got to this one purple house and all these Mexicans were sitting on the porch. I got so excited because maybe if they allowed us to come back we would be able to teach in Spanish!!! So we get to the porch they all said they wanted us to come back!!! And for us next time to bring a "EL Libro De Moromon". Im so excited it makes me feel like I am in Arizona again ha ha!!! And this week we are planning on getting several new investigators!!! And we found out that this kids mom wants him to get baptized within the next month!!! We had a couple of the less actives that haven't been to church in a while come to church yesterday that was great to see. It just seems like everything is working out. We can really feel the Holy Ghost in every lesson we teach. Elder Parker is going to be such a great Elder. He is teaching me so much it almost feels like I'm getting trained again. He came so so prepared for his mission I know he is going to do great. I am so grateful I have this opportunity to train a new missionary. Its not an easy job. But it helped me realize how much my Heavenly father is there for me . He is there to help me in these tough times. I am so grateful for him and the blessings he is giving to this area.
Well this week we got to working on the bikes that were broken outside our apartment and we got one of them fixed, how we did it I dont know. But I guess we will do anything it takes to not buy a bike. I will buy duck tape to hold a tire on If I really need to . But we almost got the other one fixed just need to fix the chain and tire and we are going to be riding!!! Im kinda sacred to ride a bike here because its nothing like arizona where its all flat. The roads are like hills GIANT hills like I almost just want to stick with walking ha ha. But ya so thats been fun getting those fixed. This week we had to help a member move 1000+ pound marble table from India she got the SVU coaching staff to help us and 2 other Elders. That thing was HEAVY IT took more time getting it out of the wooden crate that I have only seen in movies with ropes around it, than it did moving it inside. ha ha . But it was so fun. We have been assigned to 2 student wards haha . We went to our first student ward yesterday it is pretty cool.
I had some really faith building experience this week. We went to visit a less- active that was all the way across town. like near the end of our area and we had to walk there ha ha. But we got there we had an amazing visit with them we got to know them. We talked about the sacrament which is one of my favorite subjects to talk about with people. And they said that really want to come back to church. As we were visiting with this couple the husband told us about all the serious illness he was having. I then felt the urge to ask would you like a blessing and paused and said you know Id love that. so we proceed with the blessing. After I got done giving the blessing the guy was just in tears. . . He expressed deep gratitude for us. I love that part of being a missionary. Being able to give a blessing by the spirit. The spirit was just so strong in the room that day. I am so indeed grateful for the priesthood which I hold that really does bless these peoples lives. This week I just want to leave with you my testimony that I know for a surety that this gospel is true. It really does bring these people closer to their savior. Its been a blessing to watch the happiness , joy , love as these people center their lives around their savior. I know that the savior lives. I'm doing my very best to be his personal Representative in this great work. I know that god loves you and is watching over you and your family everyday. I know he is I know he is there and I know he is listening. In closing President Hinckley once made this statement in General conference and I would like to echo him on his words on the savior. . " Through giving His life in pain and unspeakable suffering, he has reached down to lift me. . Jesus is my friend, my exemplar, my savior, my king." I love you all so much thank you for your prayers of support. It truly is helping me in this work. I love you all so much. I hope you all will be able to be a witness of all the blessings that heavenly father blesses us with everyday!!! This is my testimony in the name of my my Friend, my exemplar, my savior, my king. in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Happy birthday pa pa I love you!!!
I love you tall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Moroni 8:3) love - Elder Bentley
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011
Wow what a week!!!! I can tell its going to be an amazing experience in
Buena and that Im going to learn alot from this new missionary. Im pretty
excited to be put into this calling as a missionary and I hope that I can
fuffill this responsibilty as a missionary. So my new companion is Elder
Parker. he is from Layton Utah and is taller than me. I always like being
the tall one ha ha.
Buena Vista is the smallest area in the mission. Lets see so Wenesday we
got to Buena Vista at like 8 o clock that night and Traffic was horrible
getting here!!!! we got stuck in traffic for like an hour and half and we
stay with the Zone Leaders and one of them was my district leader in the
Huntington Zone so im pretty excited with that. We stay with 4 missionaries
in 1 apartment which is rough because we only have 1 bathroom. Ha ha then
Thursday we then found out that the bikes dont work , so lately we have
been walking everywhere. We have been trying to talk to people and find
people and out of the 39 people we have talked to so far this week we have
found 1 person to teach. The area book hasnt been updated in forever so we
are going to try to fix that and hopefully rebuild this area into something
special. We meet with the 1st counceler in our bishopric and went over all
the less actives and part member famlies and from what it looks like that
will be our main focus here in Buena Vista. So I hope we can do our best
with that. The ward here is so huge!!!! Its such a small area with lots a
members and college students! We stay close to SVU we dont cover a college
ward yet . . but soon we will . We acctually dont even step foot on the
college campus during the week because its not part of our area. The members
are pretty nice here and I can already tell its going to be a blast!!! its
like a small Utah. ha ha . Lately have been loving the book of mormon and
and Im really enjoying this new calling as a trainer. This new program is
made to help the area and those we serve so Im excited for that. I really
hope that I can be a great example to Elder Parker and help him become the
missionary he wants to be.
Although I really really miss my last area and all the blessings I
experienced I know that there is more that await me here in Buena VIsta. I
promise to do my best in this area and to leave it better than I found it.
Well I dont have to much time today. I hope everyone has a great fantastic
week and knows that I love them. I am so greatful I have family and friends
that support me in this great work I love you all so much . I couldnt ask
for a better family!!!!! Please everyone be safe. I love ya all. Happy
Birthday Coda dallas uncle Craig, and Jordan and papa and Uncle Wes. I love
you all so much have a great day and I miss ya.
love Elder Bentley:
Moroni 8:3
well this is my adress to my new area:
Elder Chaz Allen Bentley
270 W. 30th St. Apt. F3
Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
Buena and that Im going to learn alot from this new missionary. Im pretty
excited to be put into this calling as a missionary and I hope that I can
fuffill this responsibilty as a missionary. So my new companion is Elder
Parker. he is from Layton Utah and is taller than me. I always like being
the tall one ha ha.
Buena Vista is the smallest area in the mission. Lets see so Wenesday we
got to Buena Vista at like 8 o clock that night and Traffic was horrible
getting here!!!! we got stuck in traffic for like an hour and half and we
stay with the Zone Leaders and one of them was my district leader in the
Huntington Zone so im pretty excited with that. We stay with 4 missionaries
in 1 apartment which is rough because we only have 1 bathroom. Ha ha then
Thursday we then found out that the bikes dont work , so lately we have
been walking everywhere. We have been trying to talk to people and find
people and out of the 39 people we have talked to so far this week we have
found 1 person to teach. The area book hasnt been updated in forever so we
are going to try to fix that and hopefully rebuild this area into something
special. We meet with the 1st counceler in our bishopric and went over all
the less actives and part member famlies and from what it looks like that
will be our main focus here in Buena Vista. So I hope we can do our best
with that. The ward here is so huge!!!! Its such a small area with lots a
members and college students! We stay close to SVU we dont cover a college
ward yet . . but soon we will . We acctually dont even step foot on the
college campus during the week because its not part of our area. The members
are pretty nice here and I can already tell its going to be a blast!!! its
like a small Utah. ha ha . Lately have been loving the book of mormon and
and Im really enjoying this new calling as a trainer. This new program is
made to help the area and those we serve so Im excited for that. I really
hope that I can be a great example to Elder Parker and help him become the
missionary he wants to be.
Although I really really miss my last area and all the blessings I
experienced I know that there is more that await me here in Buena VIsta. I
promise to do my best in this area and to leave it better than I found it.
Well I dont have to much time today. I hope everyone has a great fantastic
week and knows that I love them. I am so greatful I have family and friends
that support me in this great work I love you all so much . I couldnt ask
for a better family!!!!! Please everyone be safe. I love ya all. Happy
Birthday Coda dallas uncle Craig, and Jordan and papa and Uncle Wes. I love
you all so much have a great day and I miss ya.
love Elder Bentley:
Moroni 8:3
well this is my adress to my new area:
Elder Chaz Allen Bentley
270 W. 30th St. Apt. F3
Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 8, 2011
Well, hello everyone!!! I hope everyone had a great week and is doing well.
This week has been a pretty good week for me.
I have learned alot from this area these past 6 months from the member, the
people I have been able to teach, and those people who I have meet for 5
mintues on the street, from my companions, and from those people I have been
able to bring to the gospel. Its such an amazing experience to bring the
gospel into somebodys home and to help them build a foundation on Jesus
Christ. I have learned so much from the members, probably one of the most
important things they have taught me is love. I would have never gussed that
I would travel 2000 miles to meet such great members and to have them become
my bestest friends. I am really going to miss this branch and all the great
experiences I have had with each of them. I have realized just how
imoportant the members are in this great and marvelous work. I have learned
how important I can honestly say I got spoiled as a missionary to have
this be my first area. And I am so greatful heavenly father has blessed me
with so much to serve in this area. It been so awesome to be able to be a
witness aof blessings. I have been a witness of 3 baptisms that were all
very spiritual and Im so greatful I had the chance to be apart of them. I
have been blessed to be able to teach so many people and to bring the gospel
into their homes. Thats something I have realized the importance of even if
I dont get to see them get baptized at least I get to watch the happiness
that comes from them living this gospel. Its been awesome to be able to talk
to so many people just for 5 minuets and to plant a seed who knows maybe
someday they will pick up that card and call the number on the back. I know
that heavenly father puts people in our path to plant a seed. I have also
been blessed to serve with two such wonderful companions in this great work.
I hope they know how greatful I am for them they have taught me so much and
I hope I cna continue to learn and grow from all my companions. I have
really been blesssed to serve in this great area. Im going to miss em all so
much. Its going to be so hard to leave. . .
Well tomorrow is transfers. I get a brand new companion straight from the
MTC. Im going to area in Virginia called Buena Vista. I hope that I can
succed well at my new callling. I hope that I can be a great example to this
new missionary and to help him succed his goals. I know that blessings await
us in our new area and I hope I can seek those blessings out when go there.
I remeber near the begging of my mission I offered a prayer to my heavenly
father and told him that I would serve in every area with all I have . i
promised before I came that I would do my best these 24 months and devote
all my time to him. I am so greatful for that my heavenly father has blessed
me with. I love this church and the happiness that come from other people
building thier lives around this gospel. I am so greatful for ll that I have
and I will really really misss this area.
I love you all so much !!!! have a great week. And I pray that all of your
blessings and needs may be meet. Thank you so much for everything and
supporting I cant wait till next week to tell you all how its going. I miss
ya lots.
love : Elder Bentley (moroni8:3)
This week has been a pretty good week for me.
I have learned alot from this area these past 6 months from the member, the
people I have been able to teach, and those people who I have meet for 5
mintues on the street, from my companions, and from those people I have been
able to bring to the gospel. Its such an amazing experience to bring the
gospel into somebodys home and to help them build a foundation on Jesus
Christ. I have learned so much from the members, probably one of the most
important things they have taught me is love. I would have never gussed that
I would travel 2000 miles to meet such great members and to have them become
my bestest friends. I am really going to miss this branch and all the great
experiences I have had with each of them. I have realized just how
imoportant the members are in this great and marvelous work. I have learned
how important I can honestly say I got spoiled as a missionary to have
this be my first area. And I am so greatful heavenly father has blessed me
with so much to serve in this area. It been so awesome to be able to be a
witness aof blessings. I have been a witness of 3 baptisms that were all
very spiritual and Im so greatful I had the chance to be apart of them. I
have been blessed to be able to teach so many people and to bring the gospel
into their homes. Thats something I have realized the importance of even if
I dont get to see them get baptized at least I get to watch the happiness
that comes from them living this gospel. Its been awesome to be able to talk
to so many people just for 5 minuets and to plant a seed who knows maybe
someday they will pick up that card and call the number on the back. I know
that heavenly father puts people in our path to plant a seed. I have also
been blessed to serve with two such wonderful companions in this great work.
I hope they know how greatful I am for them they have taught me so much and
I hope I cna continue to learn and grow from all my companions. I have
really been blesssed to serve in this great area. Im going to miss em all so
much. Its going to be so hard to leave. . .
Well tomorrow is transfers. I get a brand new companion straight from the
MTC. Im going to area in Virginia called Buena Vista. I hope that I can
succed well at my new callling. I hope that I can be a great example to this
new missionary and to help him succed his goals. I know that blessings await
us in our new area and I hope I can seek those blessings out when go there.
I remeber near the begging of my mission I offered a prayer to my heavenly
father and told him that I would serve in every area with all I have . i
promised before I came that I would do my best these 24 months and devote
all my time to him. I am so greatful for that my heavenly father has blessed
me with. I love this church and the happiness that come from other people
building thier lives around this gospel. I am so greatful for ll that I have
and I will really really misss this area.
I love you all so much !!!! have a great week. And I pray that all of your
blessings and needs may be meet. Thank you so much for everything and
supporting I cant wait till next week to tell you all how its going. I miss
ya lots.
love : Elder Bentley (moroni8:3)
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1, 2011
Hello everyone!!!! I hope everyone has a great fantastic week!!! This week
has been really a spiritual upliting experience for me. I honestly dont even
know where to begin this email. I got so much to say!!!
I guess I'll start out by telling you all how my interview with president
Pitt went. I had a really great time being able to sit one on one with my
new mission president. He asked me alot about my family and he was very
proud with my president letters. He said almost all the missionaries have
gotten down to writing a paragraph but he was pleased that I take the time
to write front and back every week about the area. But the wierdest part was
when he was interviewing Elder Whithead he asked him- Elder Whitehead do you
think Elder Bentley is ready to train a new missionary and elder Whitehead
said yes . And President said alright well Ill think about and I still got
to pray about it. So this morning we are getting ready for the day and
Pesident Pitt calls - I answered he said Elder Bentley- I want you to know
that your heavenly father is very very pleased with you and he loves you so
much and he is so proud of the goals that you have set. I want to extend to
you a calling to be a trainer. The First Presidency just barely starting
this next transfer is putting out a new training program to help move the
work forward faster and to accelarate the training process. So elder bentley
will you accept the call to be a trainer. I said YES !!!! and he said he
will train this coming transfer . THe lord loves you and heavenly father is
very pleased that you accepted this call. A trainer is one who trains a new
missionary who just came out of the MTC. AHHAAA Im so nervous!!!! I hope I
can be a great example to this new missionary. And help him be a great
missionary. I never thought I would be doing this at 6 months and to be the
missionary to do this. My mission president said that the first presidency
is looking for the most elite missionaries to train. That just added even
more pressure . I hope I can do this and I really hope I can work hard with
this new missionary coming in to find blessings that await us. I hope I can
fufill this calling to my best ability and please my heavenly father.
Then another great experience I had was yesterday. After we got done with
church and visting people. We went with the Brays the senior couple who is
serving in our branch to visit this lady named Anita that we are teaching.
We go to visit and I just knew right off the bat that this was going to be
an awesome lesson. So Elder Bray goes over Luke chapter 15 with her to
answer all her questions thats the parable of the lost sheep, coin, and
prodigal son. As a missionary I never really knew how much doctrine and how
well it applys to people since yesterday. I have realized the importance on
how it can help those around me with thier needs . And just in all it was
such a great lesson that Elder Bray gave. As we were finishing Elder Bray
asked who would you like to give the prayer she chose me and said I want
Elder Bentley to say it. Elder Bentley is amazing and he has such a strong
sprit with him always I said the prayer. . Almost everyone was in tears as I
finished then he asked her to pray for a baptisimal date and she did and it
was just the most wonderful lesson. The spirit was just so strong I wish you
all could have been there to witness this lesson. The feeling I felt was
just amazing. Its so amazing with how much the spirit testifies even to
things that we already know. Elder whitehead and I didnt say one word during
the lesson. No words were needed because Elder and Sister Bray took care of
it all. I wish i do you could be in on some of these lesssons to witness the
spirit. ITS amazing. It times like these I really cherish throughout my
mission. I wouldnt give up these opportunity for the world. I am so greatful
to know that heavenly father is indeed blessing our companionship. So Anita
said the other day before this experience that the First time I came and
when she saw me walking up to her door she said that she saw a light around
my head and she said that she saw that just this last time I went and visted
her. She then told me that this light she saw was from God. Its so amazing
to hear people tell us how they feel the Lords presence from the lord when
their around us. I just know that heavenly father is blessing me beyond
measure with such amazing experiences.
Well this week I got the chance to finish in Alam and start reading in
Helaman. Recentley I just read Helaman chapter 5 and this is such a great
chapter about Nephi and Lehi. When they went out agianst the Nephites and
the Lamanites to teach them because they were falling into wickedness and
they went from city to city doing this and they came tot his one city called
Nephi and they were cast into the same prison that ammon and his brethern
were cast into when they were in prison by the Lamenites. As soon as they
got cast in the suffered a couple days without food and water. Immediatly
Nephi and Lehi had a pillar of fire completely around them and no even dared
to look at them or lay their hands on them because they were afraid to be
burned.As the light was around Nephi and Lehi they heard a voice from heaven
telling them to Repent. It was not a harsh or a loud voice but they said it
was a "still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper and it
pierced their very soul" THis voice came a couple of times and it shooked
the earth . But there was one man amoung them all who saw Nephi and Lehi in
this pillar of light and everyone asked how can you see these men when the
light is so bright and he said Repent and the cloud of darkness which was
over there heads disappeared and they all saw Nephi and Lehi and the voice
came again and I absolutely love this verse
"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my well beloved, who was
from the the foundation of the world."
And immediately then after they repented and cried unto god angels appeared
and ministered unto them and they all went and shared this with their
friends. And there was so many lamenites that were converted to the truth.
Often times I think of us like this story we are so lucky to be the ones
surrounded by the light or the gospel. And heavenly father needs us to work
through his spirit to help those people that are awaiting us each
individually. THis doesnt just apply to me as a missionary it applies to
everyone. We need to be the ones to spread this gospel to our neighbors and
everyone around us and help them come into the light. I would challenge each
of you to go out and find someone who needs our light and needs this gospel
in their lives and make sure that they are surrounded by it . Because I know
its because of this gospel we find true happiness. I know that we can all
even I can do better at letting other find that light with us. I have grown
a deep love for this scripture and for the gospel. Its amazing to watch the
blessings that come from this gospel and helping others see that same light
that we see as we live the gospel in our own families. Every needs it and I
know its true.
Well transfers are next week so my next email will be on Tuesday. We find
out on Saturday if one of us is getting transfered. I really hope I get the
opportunity to stay. I have been so blessed to serve with such wonderful
members of this chuch. I am deeply great for the friendship I have formed
with these members THey have become like family and it will be really hard
to leave this place. I hope they all know in this LOgan Branch how thankful
I am for them with how much they have helped and my family. I am greatful
for all they sacrafice just to spend time with us missionaries. I will never
forget this place and I ll miss everyone here especially those people I have
taught and witnessed being baptized. Its been an amazing experience to watch
the Lords blessings in this branch.
I hope my family and friends know how much I love them. THank you so much
for helping me in this work. Thank you for your support and prayers and I
promise your prayers are helping those in this Logan area. I love you all. I
hope you have a great week and I miss ya.
-Elder Bentley (moroni 8:3)
has been really a spiritual upliting experience for me. I honestly dont even
know where to begin this email. I got so much to say!!!
I guess I'll start out by telling you all how my interview with president
Pitt went. I had a really great time being able to sit one on one with my
new mission president. He asked me alot about my family and he was very
proud with my president letters. He said almost all the missionaries have
gotten down to writing a paragraph but he was pleased that I take the time
to write front and back every week about the area. But the wierdest part was
when he was interviewing Elder Whithead he asked him- Elder Whitehead do you
think Elder Bentley is ready to train a new missionary and elder Whitehead
said yes . And President said alright well Ill think about and I still got
to pray about it. So this morning we are getting ready for the day and
Pesident Pitt calls - I answered he said Elder Bentley- I want you to know
that your heavenly father is very very pleased with you and he loves you so
much and he is so proud of the goals that you have set. I want to extend to
you a calling to be a trainer. The First Presidency just barely starting
this next transfer is putting out a new training program to help move the
work forward faster and to accelarate the training process. So elder bentley
will you accept the call to be a trainer. I said YES !!!! and he said he
will train this coming transfer . THe lord loves you and heavenly father is
very pleased that you accepted this call. A trainer is one who trains a new
missionary who just came out of the MTC. AHHAAA Im so nervous!!!! I hope I
can be a great example to this new missionary. And help him be a great
missionary. I never thought I would be doing this at 6 months and to be the
missionary to do this. My mission president said that the first presidency
is looking for the most elite missionaries to train. That just added even
more pressure . I hope I can do this and I really hope I can work hard with
this new missionary coming in to find blessings that await us. I hope I can
fufill this calling to my best ability and please my heavenly father.
Then another great experience I had was yesterday. After we got done with
church and visting people. We went with the Brays the senior couple who is
serving in our branch to visit this lady named Anita that we are teaching.
We go to visit and I just knew right off the bat that this was going to be
an awesome lesson. So Elder Bray goes over Luke chapter 15 with her to
answer all her questions thats the parable of the lost sheep, coin, and
prodigal son. As a missionary I never really knew how much doctrine and how
well it applys to people since yesterday. I have realized the importance on
how it can help those around me with thier needs . And just in all it was
such a great lesson that Elder Bray gave. As we were finishing Elder Bray
asked who would you like to give the prayer she chose me and said I want
Elder Bentley to say it. Elder Bentley is amazing and he has such a strong
sprit with him always I said the prayer. . Almost everyone was in tears as I
finished then he asked her to pray for a baptisimal date and she did and it
was just the most wonderful lesson. The spirit was just so strong I wish you
all could have been there to witness this lesson. The feeling I felt was
just amazing. Its so amazing with how much the spirit testifies even to
things that we already know. Elder whitehead and I didnt say one word during
the lesson. No words were needed because Elder and Sister Bray took care of
it all. I wish i do you could be in on some of these lesssons to witness the
spirit. ITS amazing. It times like these I really cherish throughout my
mission. I wouldnt give up these opportunity for the world. I am so greatful
to know that heavenly father is indeed blessing our companionship. So Anita
said the other day before this experience that the First time I came and
when she saw me walking up to her door she said that she saw a light around
my head and she said that she saw that just this last time I went and visted
her. She then told me that this light she saw was from God. Its so amazing
to hear people tell us how they feel the Lords presence from the lord when
their around us. I just know that heavenly father is blessing me beyond
measure with such amazing experiences.
Well this week I got the chance to finish in Alam and start reading in
Helaman. Recentley I just read Helaman chapter 5 and this is such a great
chapter about Nephi and Lehi. When they went out agianst the Nephites and
the Lamanites to teach them because they were falling into wickedness and
they went from city to city doing this and they came tot his one city called
Nephi and they were cast into the same prison that ammon and his brethern
were cast into when they were in prison by the Lamenites. As soon as they
got cast in the suffered a couple days without food and water. Immediatly
Nephi and Lehi had a pillar of fire completely around them and no even dared
to look at them or lay their hands on them because they were afraid to be
burned.As the light was around Nephi and Lehi they heard a voice from heaven
telling them to Repent. It was not a harsh or a loud voice but they said it
was a "still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper and it
pierced their very soul" THis voice came a couple of times and it shooked
the earth . But there was one man amoung them all who saw Nephi and Lehi in
this pillar of light and everyone asked how can you see these men when the
light is so bright and he said Repent and the cloud of darkness which was
over there heads disappeared and they all saw Nephi and Lehi and the voice
came again and I absolutely love this verse
"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my well beloved, who was
from the the foundation of the world."
And immediately then after they repented and cried unto god angels appeared
and ministered unto them and they all went and shared this with their
friends. And there was so many lamenites that were converted to the truth.
Often times I think of us like this story we are so lucky to be the ones
surrounded by the light or the gospel. And heavenly father needs us to work
through his spirit to help those people that are awaiting us each
individually. THis doesnt just apply to me as a missionary it applies to
everyone. We need to be the ones to spread this gospel to our neighbors and
everyone around us and help them come into the light. I would challenge each
of you to go out and find someone who needs our light and needs this gospel
in their lives and make sure that they are surrounded by it . Because I know
its because of this gospel we find true happiness. I know that we can all
even I can do better at letting other find that light with us. I have grown
a deep love for this scripture and for the gospel. Its amazing to watch the
blessings that come from this gospel and helping others see that same light
that we see as we live the gospel in our own families. Every needs it and I
know its true.
Well transfers are next week so my next email will be on Tuesday. We find
out on Saturday if one of us is getting transfered. I really hope I get the
opportunity to stay. I have been so blessed to serve with such wonderful
members of this chuch. I am deeply great for the friendship I have formed
with these members THey have become like family and it will be really hard
to leave this place. I hope they all know in this LOgan Branch how thankful
I am for them with how much they have helped and my family. I am greatful
for all they sacrafice just to spend time with us missionaries. I will never
forget this place and I ll miss everyone here especially those people I have
taught and witnessed being baptized. Its been an amazing experience to watch
the Lords blessings in this branch.
I hope my family and friends know how much I love them. THank you so much
for helping me in this work. Thank you for your support and prayers and I
promise your prayers are helping those in this Logan area. I love you all. I
hope you have a great week and I miss ya.
-Elder Bentley (moroni 8:3)
Monday, July 25, 2011
July 25, 2011
Hello everyone!!!! I hope everyone has had a great week!!! This week has
been amazing for us here in Logan. We have been so blessed this week. I know
that through this work that my family will be able to recieve blessings as
well.
So like I said this week we were so blessed to have Alex Dalton be
baptized. I am so happy that I was able to witness this amazing experience
in his life. I have really enjoyed being able to teach him and watching him
gain a personal testimony of this gospel. It been such an amazing experience
to watch. To watch alex gain that friendship with his savior has been
amazing. I know that he will be a great missionary to his family and I know
that his family will follow his example and someday will be baptized!!!! So
the baptism went amazing. I got the chance to talk about the Holy Gohst and
express my gratitude towards Alex's . But before the baptism I asked his mom
if she would like to say anything. She stood up and gave the most heartfelt
gratitude prayer. It was so amazing to watch!!! The spirit was so strong
during his baptism. His mom came to church the whole time yesterday to see
his baptism. It was so awesome. She told us after the baptism" I am so happy
to be alive to witness this day for my son." 6 months ago I never thought
Alex would accept this gospel now he finially did. I know that the gospel
can change lives for the better. I am a witness of the happiness it can
bring into our lives. I know that this gospel is true. There is no better
happiness than this.
This weekend we had alot of fun with our branch. We celbrated pioneer day
on Saturday. And the food was so good!! :) But we played Tug o War and Elder
Whitehead and I got to be the captins and My team one ( ha ha we had the
down hill slope thats why ha ha) That was fun we had a bubble gum blowing
contest waterballoon tossing and so much more. :) But that wasnt the best
part. The best part was to see 5 investigators at this party. One of them
being Anita. She came and she toured the church. I am so glad she came
though and saw the church . But at least thats one step forward:) We were
also able to see 2 new people. For the past 3 months they have studied our
church online and they came to the party. For 2 people to go out of their
way just to find our church is amazing I cant wait to start teaching them I
know it will be amazing. They had such an amazing glow about them . It ws so
awesome.
As you can see we have been blessed beyond measure here in Logan. I know
that this wouldnt be possible without the help of our heavenly father. He is
blessing with so much. I am so greatful for these blessings he is giving me.
I am so greatful to experiene the happiness that comes from this work. I
know every area may not be as succesful as this area. But I hope that i can
get every area to be just as great. I hope I can be a blessing for each ward
I serve in. I am so lucky for what I have and what Im experiencing as a
missionary.
So this week I have been reading in Alma still. Im almost done :) I have
been really enjoying reading about all these war stories. I have learned
alot from Moroni and how he rebuilds the weakest part of the cities into
something so great. And when the Lamenites come they were so astonished that
these weak cities they couldnt even get past . I have been thinking alot
about this lately and this can compare alot to us. Often times we have weak
cities which heavenly father (moroni) encourages us to rebuild and
strengthen and fortify against the Lamenites (Satan). I know that can apply
alot to me. I know I have some weak cities that I really neeed to
strengthen. I know it may be hard to rebuild these cities. But if we just
simply do it and obey our heavenly father he will indeed bless us agaisnt
the Lamenites.
This week I didnt get the chance to meet with my mission president but this
wenesday he is coming down. He had to change his plans for something. I am
really excited to see what he says:)
I also want to wish my mom a Happy birthday I hope she knows how much I
love and miss her. She is the greatest mom in the world. I am so greatful
for all that you do for me as a missionary. I love reading your
emails everyweek. I love you mom so much. have a great week and ill write
you soon alright :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I am so greatful that the lord is blessing me with so much. I am so greatful
for my family and I hope they all know how much I love them. I love this
gospel so much. I love sharing with people that I am member of the church of
Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I love the blessings that come from this
gospel everyday. Thank you all so much for your support that you give to me
. I hope you all have an excellent week. May you all be safe and be safe and
know how much I love and miss you all.
(moroni
8:3) -Elder Bentley
been amazing for us here in Logan. We have been so blessed this week. I know
that through this work that my family will be able to recieve blessings as
well.
So like I said this week we were so blessed to have Alex Dalton be
baptized. I am so happy that I was able to witness this amazing experience
in his life. I have really enjoyed being able to teach him and watching him
gain a personal testimony of this gospel. It been such an amazing experience
to watch. To watch alex gain that friendship with his savior has been
amazing. I know that he will be a great missionary to his family and I know
that his family will follow his example and someday will be baptized!!!! So
the baptism went amazing. I got the chance to talk about the Holy Gohst and
express my gratitude towards Alex's . But before the baptism I asked his mom
if she would like to say anything. She stood up and gave the most heartfelt
gratitude prayer. It was so amazing to watch!!! The spirit was so strong
during his baptism. His mom came to church the whole time yesterday to see
his baptism. It was so awesome. She told us after the baptism" I am so happy
to be alive to witness this day for my son." 6 months ago I never thought
Alex would accept this gospel now he finially did. I know that the gospel
can change lives for the better. I am a witness of the happiness it can
bring into our lives. I know that this gospel is true. There is no better
happiness than this.
This weekend we had alot of fun with our branch. We celbrated pioneer day
on Saturday. And the food was so good!! :) But we played Tug o War and Elder
Whitehead and I got to be the captins and My team one ( ha ha we had the
down hill slope thats why ha ha) That was fun we had a bubble gum blowing
contest waterballoon tossing and so much more. :) But that wasnt the best
part. The best part was to see 5 investigators at this party. One of them
being Anita. She came and she toured the church. I am so glad she came
though and saw the church . But at least thats one step forward:) We were
also able to see 2 new people. For the past 3 months they have studied our
church online and they came to the party. For 2 people to go out of their
way just to find our church is amazing I cant wait to start teaching them I
know it will be amazing. They had such an amazing glow about them . It ws so
awesome.
As you can see we have been blessed beyond measure here in Logan. I know
that this wouldnt be possible without the help of our heavenly father. He is
blessing with so much. I am so greatful for these blessings he is giving me.
I am so greatful to experiene the happiness that comes from this work. I
know every area may not be as succesful as this area. But I hope that i can
get every area to be just as great. I hope I can be a blessing for each ward
I serve in. I am so lucky for what I have and what Im experiencing as a
missionary.
So this week I have been reading in Alma still. Im almost done :) I have
been really enjoying reading about all these war stories. I have learned
alot from Moroni and how he rebuilds the weakest part of the cities into
something so great. And when the Lamenites come they were so astonished that
these weak cities they couldnt even get past . I have been thinking alot
about this lately and this can compare alot to us. Often times we have weak
cities which heavenly father (moroni) encourages us to rebuild and
strengthen and fortify against the Lamenites (Satan). I know that can apply
alot to me. I know I have some weak cities that I really neeed to
strengthen. I know it may be hard to rebuild these cities. But if we just
simply do it and obey our heavenly father he will indeed bless us agaisnt
the Lamenites.
This week I didnt get the chance to meet with my mission president but this
wenesday he is coming down. He had to change his plans for something. I am
really excited to see what he says:)
I also want to wish my mom a Happy birthday I hope she knows how much I
love and miss her. She is the greatest mom in the world. I am so greatful
for all that you do for me as a missionary. I love reading your
emails everyweek. I love you mom so much. have a great week and ill write
you soon alright :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I am so greatful that the lord is blessing me with so much. I am so greatful
for my family and I hope they all know how much I love them. I love this
gospel so much. I love sharing with people that I am member of the church of
Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I love the blessings that come from this
gospel everyday. Thank you all so much for your support that you give to me
. I hope you all have an excellent week. May you all be safe and be safe and
know how much I love and miss you all.
(moroni
8:3) -Elder Bentley
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 18, 2011
Wow what another fantastic week!!! I hope everyone had a great week!! I am
so EXCITED to tell you all about my week.
I dont think life could be any better!!! I love being able to loose myself
in the work everyday!!! Its the best. I know this is what I worked for is to
be a missionary!
So first I want to share an awesome experience I had not this Sunday but
last. It has to do with the priesthood. The Priesthood is such a special
gift. Its a gift given to me and the millions of men around the world to act
in gods name. As I have been on my mission I have come to realize how
important it is to live worthy of the priesthood. I had an amazing
experience with it this past Sunday. We went to visit the Bigleys and Sister
Thomas that Sunday. Sister Thomas's leg really started hurting. So we
offered to give her a blessing she accepted. I was the one to give her the
blessing. It was hurting her so bad. Elder Whithead set apart the oil and I
sealed it and was able to give the blessing. As I ended the blessings she
turned to me five with tears in her eyes and said Elder Bentley it doesnt
hurt anymore. Her and sister Bigley were in tears. This experience has been
on my mind all week. I am greatful my heavenly father has entrusted me a 19
year old with such a special gift. I am so indeed greatful for the power of
the priesthood. Yesterday I was reading in the conference ensign from 2007
priesthood session and I came across a talk by President Thomas S. Monson
called " The Priesthood- a sacraed gift" And I really loved what he asked us
as priesthood holders
"from youngest to the oldest, are you living with your lifes accordances
with what the Lord requires? Are you worthy to bear the priesthood of God?
If you are not, make the decision here and now, muster the courage it will
take, and insitute whatever changes necessary so that your life is what it
should be. TO sail safely the seas of mortality, we need the guidance of
that eternal mairner- even the great Jehovah. If we are not on the lords
errand we are entitled to the lords help."
I love that part of the talk it really helped me realize how important the
priesthood we hold is. I want all my cousins friends and especially my 2
younger brothers and dad to know. That the priesthood is so special. Do
whatever possible to make sure we are living in harmony with our
priesthood!!! Remember " the limit comes in you if you do not live in
harmony with the spirit of the lordand you limit yourselves in the power you
exert." I know that the priesthood can bless peoples lives. Im a witness of
it.
Lately as you all know I have been reading in the book of mormon I am
halfway through Alma!!!! Its the best. Its so cool hearing about Alam and
Ammon and his brethern missionary experiences. Its so awesome to think of
how many Lamanite lives they changed just by relying on the lord. I love the
joy that ammon after their mission. I hope I can have that much joy when I
get back . But a verse I found to help me alot as a missionary comes from
Alma chapter 27-29.
"now when our hearts were depressed , and we were about to turn back, behold
the lord comforted us , and said:Go against thy bretheren the Lamanites, and
bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you succes. "
"And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been
patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we
have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not
upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God."
"And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught
them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we
have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them;
and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our
cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and
cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been
delivered again."
I think this is such an awesome verse and applys to everything to what I am
doing this day. We have a baptisim coming up this nest Sunday we are supper
excited for Alex Dalton. I am so glad he has made this special commitment. I
know that his family will soon follow. I am so happy because Elder Partridge
and I are the ones who started teaching him!!!! And now he is finally
getting baptized!!! All of our investigators are doing great. I love Crystal
and her family and Im so glad I baptized them. I am so happy that the work
is going so well here in Logan. I love it here!!!!
Tomorrow I have to meet with the new mission president, which I a m super
nervous for because of what he told me at meet the president. Yesterday was
probably one the best sundays I have ever had. It was so spiritual I really
enjoyed i wish you all could have been there. I am so blessed to have had
such great companions I hope that Heavenly Father will continue to bless me
with such great companions. We have a bit ofa struggle at saying our
companionship prayers in the morning . Ireally need to step up and help our
compionship with that.
Well Thank you all so much for all you do!!! i love ya all. thank you so
much for hwlping me in this work. I hope everyones families are doing well.
And I hope that these emails will help you all individually as much as it
has helped me. Have a fantstic week. And I look forward to another great
week!!!!
love;
Elder
Bentley (moroni 8:3)
so EXCITED to tell you all about my week.
I dont think life could be any better!!! I love being able to loose myself
in the work everyday!!! Its the best. I know this is what I worked for is to
be a missionary!
So first I want to share an awesome experience I had not this Sunday but
last. It has to do with the priesthood. The Priesthood is such a special
gift. Its a gift given to me and the millions of men around the world to act
in gods name. As I have been on my mission I have come to realize how
important it is to live worthy of the priesthood. I had an amazing
experience with it this past Sunday. We went to visit the Bigleys and Sister
Thomas that Sunday. Sister Thomas's leg really started hurting. So we
offered to give her a blessing she accepted. I was the one to give her the
blessing. It was hurting her so bad. Elder Whithead set apart the oil and I
sealed it and was able to give the blessing. As I ended the blessings she
turned to me five with tears in her eyes and said Elder Bentley it doesnt
hurt anymore. Her and sister Bigley were in tears. This experience has been
on my mind all week. I am greatful my heavenly father has entrusted me a 19
year old with such a special gift. I am so indeed greatful for the power of
the priesthood. Yesterday I was reading in the conference ensign from 2007
priesthood session and I came across a talk by President Thomas S. Monson
called " The Priesthood- a sacraed gift" And I really loved what he asked us
as priesthood holders
"from youngest to the oldest, are you living with your lifes accordances
with what the Lord requires? Are you worthy to bear the priesthood of God?
If you are not, make the decision here and now, muster the courage it will
take, and insitute whatever changes necessary so that your life is what it
should be. TO sail safely the seas of mortality, we need the guidance of
that eternal mairner- even the great Jehovah. If we are not on the lords
errand we are entitled to the lords help."
I love that part of the talk it really helped me realize how important the
priesthood we hold is. I want all my cousins friends and especially my 2
younger brothers and dad to know. That the priesthood is so special. Do
whatever possible to make sure we are living in harmony with our
priesthood!!! Remember " the limit comes in you if you do not live in
harmony with the spirit of the lordand you limit yourselves in the power you
exert." I know that the priesthood can bless peoples lives. Im a witness of
it.
Lately as you all know I have been reading in the book of mormon I am
halfway through Alma!!!! Its the best. Its so cool hearing about Alam and
Ammon and his brethern missionary experiences. Its so awesome to think of
how many Lamanite lives they changed just by relying on the lord. I love the
joy that ammon after their mission. I hope I can have that much joy when I
get back . But a verse I found to help me alot as a missionary comes from
Alma chapter 27-29.
"now when our hearts were depressed , and we were about to turn back, behold
the lord comforted us , and said:Go against thy bretheren the Lamanites, and
bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you succes. "
"And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been
patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we
have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not
upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God."
"And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught
them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we
have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them;
and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our
cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and
cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been
delivered again."
I think this is such an awesome verse and applys to everything to what I am
doing this day. We have a baptisim coming up this nest Sunday we are supper
excited for Alex Dalton. I am so glad he has made this special commitment. I
know that his family will soon follow. I am so happy because Elder Partridge
and I are the ones who started teaching him!!!! And now he is finally
getting baptized!!! All of our investigators are doing great. I love Crystal
and her family and Im so glad I baptized them. I am so happy that the work
is going so well here in Logan. I love it here!!!!
Tomorrow I have to meet with the new mission president, which I a m super
nervous for because of what he told me at meet the president. Yesterday was
probably one the best sundays I have ever had. It was so spiritual I really
enjoyed i wish you all could have been there. I am so blessed to have had
such great companions I hope that Heavenly Father will continue to bless me
with such great companions. We have a bit ofa struggle at saying our
companionship prayers in the morning . Ireally need to step up and help our
compionship with that.
Well Thank you all so much for all you do!!! i love ya all. thank you so
much for hwlping me in this work. I hope everyones families are doing well.
And I hope that these emails will help you all individually as much as it
has helped me. Have a fantstic week. And I look forward to another great
week!!!!
love;
Elder
Bentley (moroni 8:3)
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