The Power Of The Atonement

Brothers and Sisters, 

And everything in between,

This week has continued to be an uplifting and inspiring week. Now more than ever in my life am I able to see and understand the power of the Atonement. The changes that have taken place in my life and those around me can only be attributed to a higher power. For those of you who are going to see me on the other side of this mission, and knew me before, the thing that you will be able to notice is when you look in my eyes, there is a burning fire of testimony and commitment to the Gospel. 

These things that I speak of can be applied no matter where it is your living. I hope that we all might be able to come away with a better understanding of our role and responsibility while upon this earth. The goal I am aiming for today is that of missionary work regardless of where you live. 

While being out here in the mission field, there are lot's of high's and low's. Everyday is a new challenge and new thing to be learned. What I have been able to experience is something along the lines of seeing myself in a brighter light. Even to the point of elevating myself and thinking that I am the Bee's Knee's. There have been moments where my teaching and ability to testify by the Spirit are just at an all time high, and with my handicapped perspective, I think that it is as high as I am able to go. I wonder to myself and think, "well, with everything going so well, what can I possibly improve on?", and with such a thought comes the pride with thinking I am okay with where I am at and the rate at which I am moving. The principle that I wish to highlight here is that of complacency. Thinking that where we are currently at the absolute highest degree of potential within every aspect of our lives. Whether it be with Christ like attributes, testimony of certain principles, understanding of the world around us, and everything inbetween. 

The moment that we start to believe that we are no longer in need of change and have an attitude of doing so, is the moment that we are deceived by the adversary. 

The cure can be found in Ether 12:27. Going to him, finding those weaknesses, and then trusting in Him to make them strong. It is found in Mosiah 4:11, recognizing the greatness of God and our own NOTHINGNESS.  It is found in Alma 5:26 where we are asked if we can feel his redeeming love in our lives at this very moment. 

The reason that we are not able to feel the power of the Atonement in our lives, is because our hearts are not prepared to do so. Complacency is just one of the branches of the root thereof, and is one of the snares that I hope we can more fully be aware of. 

So I ask you, how can you apply this to the work that needs to be done in your surrounding area? In your schools, at work, at sports, walking down the street, wherever it is you are. We we are baptized we are making a promise to stand as witnesses of God at ALL times. Mosiah 18:9

I'm out of time, but I hope each of you can see this for what it truly is and act upon the promptings that you receive.

Love always,

Elder Sandberg

Hello, Monticello!

Hope you're all ready for some open brutal honesty from a missionary that you all know here in the Monticello, Utah area.

Right now, I am about 5 hours away from my family, home, girlfriend, friends, and the valley that I grew up knowing. There is a sign that I pass every other day that says "Salt Lake City   293 miles". Almost everyday there is a good chance that I have a common acquaintance with someone back home. I've actually already met one, and I'm sure I will meet another whom I have grown up around as a child.

Almost every person who is preparing to serve the Lord secretly hopes to go to some unique place as their residence for the next one and a half to two years. For some strange odd reason, there has been an idea of our "value" as an individual contributing to where it is we are going. I know this because I myself have fallen subject to such a mindset of thinking. When I first opened my call( and I mean the actual first time. When I steamed it open and read it by myself) I was severely shocked and a little disappointed. I literally asked myself out loud several times, "what in the world is in New Mexico?" After opening my call and trying to wrap my head around the reality of the destination of my service, I was dismayed with knowing that I would not be in some foreign, exotic, impoverish, deprived, and unique place. I found myself thinking that I did something wrong to get sent here. 

Now, after 3 months of waiting for my departure, and 5 months of serving in the field, I have been able to gain a fresh perspective that will shape the rest of my life. Asking myself, "what in the world is in New Mexico?", has brought a very very different image. So, when I ask myself this question, I now start to think of the reservation. I start to think of all the dogs that would try to bite and eat us around every corner. I think of the fry bread and the tortillas that would be served at nearly every meal. I think of the Native American Church and some of it's beliefs. I think of the "traditions of our fathers" and how it has a completely different meaning. I think of the plateaus and half finished mountains. I think of the bumpy roads. I think about the people. About how much I love them and have come to care about them. How I have come to appreciate the individuals and culture that they hold. To have them care about me and give me a promise that I am always welcome into their home. I think about the little miracles that occurred right before our eyes almost every single day. 

And yet, even four and a half months into my mission, I still have the negative and poisonous mindset about where I am called to serve when I get transferred to Monticello, Utah. The negativity and poor attitude sinks in and the adversary slithers his way into my thoughts. Frustration and discontent at every corner. Everyone knows where my hometown is. Most of them have driven past the valley I have grown up in my whole life. Some of them know my family members. The wards here remind me of mine own and the people are just as welcoming. Can anybody say "culture shock"? Completely caught off guard by this change of scenery, I am taken away into a series of negative emotions and feelings. 

How's the brutal honesty for you? Hopefully I have been able to paint an image of the imperfect individual that I am and the character and attitude that I have chosen to embrace. If this image is sufficiently created in your minds, I will continue to be brutally honest.

Jesus Christ lives. He is the Son of the living God and He lives. He has taken upon himself all of our infirmities, pains, sicknesses, sins, and weaknesses so that we too can triumph. He suffered and died, and was resurrected so that we too may be redeemed from our sufferings. Only in and through the grace and guidance of our Heavenly Father am I able to say that my heart is no longer heavy. This area that I am in is absolutely beautiful. The mountains, the trees, the deer all over the place, the houses, the roads, and the people. Everything around me is an absolute wonder and is just waiting to feel the Lord's love shine down upon it. 

Every single day, I am getting fed a delicious and filling dinner. Sometimes we get fed multiple times a day. If there was any chance for me to gain weight, this is it. In every house we encounter there are people who have received and continue to receive the Gospel into their lives. Male, female, old, young, brown, white, and everything in between. What a glorious and grand occasion it is to see so many people being blessed by the Gospel.  What adds to this excitement is the people around who don't have it! There are people everywhere who need what we have. We who already have it, need more of it. Despite the fact that Utah is known for being the Mormon state, there are still people who need to hear the good word of the Lord. Wither you are on this side of the world or the next, our Heavenly Father values every single son and daughter of His. His view and His love is unconditional as to those who stand in need. Through diligent efforts, I too can see and feel this for myself. 

The biggest thing that I am taking away from being here, is the fact that when I get home, I am going to have just as much of a responsibility to teach the Gospel as I do now. Doesn't matter if I am in a branch of 30 people or a ward of 400 people. There is a work to be done and every single one of us has a job to do, and I now know mine. 

Sorry this has been so long, but I hope each of you can see a couple things. First, the Lord can change the hardest of hearts and minds if we look to him. Second, our responsibility for those of us who are members, have a charge and duty to continue to find, teach, and invite. Lastly, I absolutely love my mission. I love the people I have come into contact with. I love the challenges and struggles, and most of all, I absolutely love that I have been given such a great cause to go forth and work, even the cause of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Love you all!

Elder Brayden James Sandberg

P.O. Box 2

Monticello, Utah 84535

Goodbye Crownpoint, Hello Monticello!

Well! This week has hit me like a freight train. Typing this sentence has literally taken me several tries because I have no idea where to start. 

I love these people. Truly I have never gained such a gift in my life such as this. It is the gift of charity, and it has made this experience here in Crownpoint the most rewarding experience in my life thus far. It has also made this news one of the most heartbreaking things to deal with. The thing that makes it so hard is the fact that my entire existence for the next two years is dedicated to helping these people receive the one thing that will do more good for them than anything in existence. It brings a whole new level of concern and love for their well being. I am beyond grateful and honored to have known the people here that I have. These words on this page could never truly do the justice of giving them what they deserve. 

These people that I have come to love, some of them are not yet to the point of the pathway to discipleship. Some of them need a little bit more time and effort and I know without a doubt that they will become faithful Latter Day Saints. The hardest thing is knowing that I am leaving them and moving forward. Despite my absence and my efforts that I could put forth, I know it is in the Lord's hands and always has been. It is just hard to know that I won't get to see some of them take those big steps in the Gospel.

The mission and conference mixed together have manifested a testimony within me that has grown to become very sacred and meaningful. It is the knowledge of the divine roles of mothers and fathers, and the significant and absolute importance of family units. My goal and aim with being out here has been to prepare myself for such a role. For those of you who truly know me, know that I am a forward thinker when it comes to things I will be doing in the future. This new mindset and testimony is not me getting ahead of myself, it is me realizing the magnitude of such a calling. A calling that one is never released from. A calling that will impact more lives that I could ever comprehend. A calling that I have never truly seen firsthand in my life. 

The one role that I have been able to see take shape and place in my life is the divine role of a mother. All that my mom has done and continues to do is the one key contributor to who I am as a man. Despite everything we have been through as a family, it has been her moral force as a woman that has kept us all together. My mom in my eyes has grown to be something far greater than I've ever seen before. It makes me really regret and feel bad for all the trouble I have given her through out the years. She is my hero. I would not be who I am without her and I would not be becoming the father and husband I am to be without her. Her impact on my life will continue throughout all the generations. 

Branched from my mom, has also been her sisters, brothers, and all else I have come in contact with. There are so many that I am indebted to for the example that has been shown to me. 

This journey will be one that I treasure forever and hopefully I might be able to take all I can from it.

Thank you all for your support!!

If I don't respond to some of you, it is because today is going to be a crazy day of goodbyes, packing, eating, and everything in between. 

Love Always!

Elder Brayden James Sandberg

Quick One!

Not much to write today! MAinly because there is no time left!

Something fun- dug a five foot hole for an outhouse this week! That was fun!

Something spiritual- my very first investigator is getting baptized on Thursday with his daughter, by me! Wahoo! Normally it's good to have a member of the church or family do it, but for some reason they wanted this goofball (Elder Sandberg) to do it! I am absolutely honored and excited. Please keep them in your prayers that it goes through. 

That is all for now! Here are some fun pics.. :D

Sheep head, back bone, various other parts of the sheep!

Here Comes The Sun

Yatehee,

It has been an amazing week here in Crownpoint. Despite how amazing it is, and how good I like everything to sound with these emails, there are still a lot of times where things are very difficult. For those of you who have served a mission, you will understand when I say that the mission is a roller coaster and will take you all over the place. For those of you who haven't and are just getting bits and pieces here and there, here is another piece of a day in the life of a missionary. Every single day holds a brand new mindset, emotion, and spirit. I'm sure most of you know somewhat how it goes with the actual work, but the most mysterious part of missionary work is what goes on inside our hearts, minds, and spirit. 

Coming out into a new area to serve, I meet and find new people everyday. As I sit and meet with them to get to know them, I receive an added perspective to this life and the children here upon the earth. I hear all the time about the trials and challenges that people face, and wonder to myself how in the world I personally would handle the situation. We come to love these people very very much and find great joy in their successes, and great sorrow when Sunday comes around and they don't show. It is a tear jerking journey when you put your entire heart into helping these people who need something you have and they just aren't getting it. You wake up, you pray for them, study for them, eat food so you can use your body to help them, plan out the day for them, drive to them, sleep for them, give all you absolutely can to help these people see an everlasting truth. Sometimes our efforts pay off, other times it doesn't seem so, and amidst it all, we are giving every thought, feeling, and desire for them. 

THis work is the most demanding on the planet, because it is the most important on the earth. So why wouldn't it demand so much of us? Why wouldn't we give our absolute all and be completely drained for such a cause that will solve every problem in the world. How can I make such a claim about EVERY problem in the world being solved and not have people come running for it? Of course I know, there are reasons, but logically, it is the absolute smartest thing to do.

Don't have very much time, but I know this work is true, and is the absolute greatest thing I could possibly be doing. I hope it is helping some of you, because mission is not the end of my service. Nor will by existence on this earth be.

Love you all!

Elder Sandberg

3rd Week of Transfer 3

Hello all,

It has been a roller coaster of emotions this week and I am absolutely drained. Any of you ever hear or know about the feeling? Yupp, this week it has hit harder than ever before. It's in moments such as these that we are refined and strengthened if we allow it too. It is our choice to allow it to break and destroy us, or to make something beautiful. 

Out here in the Crownpoint New Mexico Branch we have had a lot of success this past week. The successes have not been measurable by the numbers that we are expected to give each week- baptisms, confirmations, total lessons, member lessons, etc. etc. The success that I have felt this week has come purely from service and time given to those who are in need. Tuesday, we went to go see a man by the name of Brother Martinez. Brother Martinez has become a good friend who has been less active and is doing an amazing job at giving himself to the Lord and coming back to the fold. When we stopped by he was standing on his porch talking to us and letting us know that no one else was home. With the heightened perspective that he was given, he was able to see his sheep pen about a hundred yards away. He suddenly ran down the stairs and started running toward the sheep. We naturally started to run behind him and see what was wrong. When we got close enough to really see what was going on, we saw two of his sheep lying dead on the ground. After getting closer to seeing the full pen for the sheep, we could see four dogs tearing at the last sheep. This poor sheep was hanging on by a thread and these dogs were relentlessly tearing at this defenseless animal. 

I'll save the details and not horrify each of you with the details of the scene, but it is sufficient to say it was a difficult thing to see. After chasing the dogs away and making a few phone calls, Winston looked at us and asked us if we would help him clean the animals up. It was an anticipated request, because butchering sheep by yourself can be a difficult task, let alone three of them, so we decided to help. It was a very neat experience learning what needed to be done to take a live animal out in the yard to food on a plate. I can now say I know how to butcher a sheep and a rabbit. We ended up spending the rest of the day helping Brother Martinez with all of this and it was a very rewarding experience.

The next big thing this week was a baptism that the other Elders had in our area. Her name is Sister Lee, and she has been very diligent in her efforts to learn of the Lord. Baptisms are a big event and opportunity for those we are teaching and helping to be baptized. After helping them set up and get everything ready for the baptism, we ended up having one of the greatest turn outs for the baptism. THe room we were in was almost full and if any more would have come, we would have had to find a bigger room! It was a wonderful feeling to see so many of the people we were teaching there and the spirit that attended us was a very special and unique one.

Friday was another service packed day! It started off with hearing about a member who was in the hospital and was undergoing surgery. We immediately sped over to the hospital to go and see if there was anything we could do for them, and then found out they were at a hospital in Gallup, almost an hour away. While we were there though, we found some other members whose baby was in the hospital suffering RSV ( not sure if that is the proper name). We stopped and visited with them for a little while, gave a blessing to the baby, and then asked if there was anything we could do for this sister who was here with her baby. She said that her kids hadn't had any hot bread for a while, and her husband had only been making hamburger helper for them. After hearing about this I volunteered making some tortillas for them. So when we were done talking with her, we found another person there we knew who had their daughter suffering from the same thing. Did our thing and helped out with them as well, gave a blessing, and then left after asking if there was anything we could do. On our way out the door to go make some tortillas, we were stopped by Dorothy, who has been like a mother to me out here, and asked if we could grab her some bottled waters. So we zoomed back to the house, threw together some tortillas, grabbed some waters, then dropped them off and went to our next appointment. 

Our entire week has consisted of small occurrences such as this, and all though we haven't really gotten the greatest of "numbers" we are doing exactly as the Lord would have us do- to feed his sheep. (also to feed the people sheep) 

 With all this and more going on out here in the field, there is always more that is heaped up on the load. After hearing some devastating news back home, I have finally broken down and let it all out. I've been holding in for quite some time everything that has happened with my sweet sweet grandmother and my dear uncle Brad. For some reason, this news was the breaking point and I have not cried like this for quite some time. This mission already has been the means of doing so much good and bringing so much change into my life. It is times like this where I recgonize and see that the Lord has a greater plan and purpose for each and everyone of us. You could very well look at this situation and allow it to break you, but given the testimony and witness that I have received through already much trial and tribulation, everything now is but another opportunity to trust in Him and lose myself. 

I know without a doubt that my Savior Jesus Christ lives. He gave his life so that I might be able to live again after this life, as well as feel alive again after much spiritual anguish. His sacrifice is one that does not only benefit us when we die. It is a never ending process while on this earth that we are able to learn, grow, and develop. If this were not so, I would not be here. I would not be the person I am today. Each of you who know the boy I once was, and see me for who I am today, can know for yourselves that it is only through His grace and mercy towards me that has brought me this far. My strength alone would have took me even further down the path of destruction. If you do not have a testimony of this gospel, of this church, the priesthood, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, I ask you to look at me and see what He has done. It is only through such a powerful being that I could have come this far. The Atonement is real, and it will forever be available to those who have faith, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. This is my testimony and witness of this work.

Elder Sandberg

Two weeks 'til training is over!

Hello,

It has been an eventful couple weeks here in the hot desert of Crownpoint, New Mexico. Well, it hasn't been hot, but it has been really nice weather the past couple days. The stars out here are by far my favorite part of the landscape. Still to this day, every time I look up, I can feel the spirit so peacefully. I've realized that before I truly knew what the spirit was, I felt it when I would go camping and look up at the stars. There would always be a swelling within my heart that told me the future was going to be bright. 

Today, I saw a rabbit get skinned and gutted for the first time. Last night Elder Martin and I were driving along the dirt roads in the middle of nowhere, and there were two little bunnies sitting on the road. We were going about 45 miles per hour and they looked like rocks from a distance, but nope. They were definitely living animals probably talking about how it was mating season, and then BOOM! Off to bunny heaven one of them goes! I've never hit anything in a car before, I can now cross that off my bucket list! We picked it up, threw it into the back of the truck, and fed it to the dogs!

On a more serious note, this particular email goes out to my family- Mom, Liv, Brian, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandpa's, Grandma, and everything in between. The experience I am about to describe has been a difficult one and has opened my eyes to the responsibility and opportunity I have had amongst those whom I love most on this planet. 

While being out here on the mission we meet lot's of people who are all in very different circumstance. They all are very diverse in their lifestyles, upbringings, and points of view with the world. Everyday My companion and I are continually trying to bring them to the one thing that will apply to their life no matter what. 

Elder Martin and I had the opportunity to be led to a man who was going through some very difficult trials. Through the guidance of the Lord, we were able to do some things that softened the heart of this man. In the process of his heart being softened, he was able to receive the teachings of the Gospel, and to gain a deeper relationship with his Heavenly Father and Savior. Being a part of this is one of the surest ways to develop a deep love for someone. Serving him and helping him has been an honor. He had progressed and moved along really nicely as to being able to see the light and truth that has been revealed.

Due to a recent experience, past feelings and emotions brought back a whole new side that my companion and I had not yet seen. It was just another appointment where we were going to teach, and soon found out the change of heart he had received. It was a hardened one. It was one that I felt completely powerless to help and guide with the spirit. We left there feeling very saddened by everything that took place, but we had hope that a little time would help him along his way. 

One week, two weeks, three weeks pass by and each week we stop by to see how he is doing. Each time someone else comes to the door and says he is busy. Last Friday, we remained intelligent and went to see him once more. As we knocked, and the door was answered, there he was- our brother, a son of God, one whom we have come to love and appreciate very much. But it was not the same man we have come to love. Something had replaced that light and had a very deep hold on his countenance. He told us he no longer wanted to meet with us and that he would call us if he needed anything. It wasn't just the words that were so devastating, but the feeling and emotion behind them. Elder Martin and I left there with absolutely no words to say. 

This life and experience in this life is a full out war. It is only until you are at the forefronts of batttle that you see the enemy working against you and what you stand for. It is only in the face of evil that you recognize and feel the power of goodness and light at your back. Each and everyday we are fighting to gain some territory and ground within the hearts of the children of God. Each day we are losing ground and our dear brothers and sisters are falling into despair. There is and never will be a time that we are not responsible for building the Lord's kingdom upon the earth. 

The reason that this email is for my family is because I urge and plead with each of you to gain that ground within your heart. To gain for yourself a knowledge and testimony of the Savior and his restored truth upon the earth. Some of you may very well be doing a good job at such a task, and I am truly grateful to hear of your progress towards such a cause. But I feel weighed down at this time because I know there are some who are having a hard time in life because of such a battle. Families are the absolute greatest blessing we can receive while upon the earth. I feel bad because my first responsibility in serving and teaching should be those with whom I have been tied to in this life. I've been slacking, and I hope that this experience can be of some use to each of you whom I love so very much. 

I just close in sharing that I know without a doubt that this work I have commenced on is the Lord's work upon the earth. No matter where you are at along the path, fight to gain that territory of good and truth. Help those who stand in need, and continually strive to have a relationship with Him. 

I love you all so very much, and hope I don't sound like a lunatic!!

With much love

Elder Brayden Sandberg