End of Tansfer 1

Brothers and Sisters,

Aunts and Uncles,

Mom and Girlfriend,

Friends and all else,

I am not dead. I am definitely alive and well here in the Crownpoint, New Mexico Branch. Things are going really well all around. The work is moving at a swift rate and Elder Martin and I are finding more people than we know what to do with. The only struggle is moving them along to progress towards lasting conversion and "real growth". I pray every day that these amazing people can find for themselves the value in having a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It answers so many questions and eases so many different pains. He is continually calling out to each of them by name and wants to help them. Please pray that they have a desire to come closer to Him.

As for myself and who I am progressing along to be, each and everyday I am becoming more and more aware of my weaknesses and shortcomings. It is becoming very present that I fall short of the work that is to be done out here. With these feelings and awareness, I am seeing the influence of the Lord more fully in my life. I truly could not do any of this without Him. It is absolutely amazing to see who He is shaping me to be. I could never fully explain the process that He goes through to shape, stretch, and mold me, while at the same time making up the difference of my weaknesses.

Keeping this short and sweet, we had a baptism last week, that was a member baptism. The family has been pretty active for the last year. The son just recently decided he wanted to be baptized, he's 9 years old, and it was an absolute honor to be a part of. At the baptism was the Branch President and his wife, the family- two little girls, the son, and mom/dad,and then my companion and I. It was a very powerful and spiritual experience. The gospel has affected this family so deeply and you can see the blessing it has been to them. The happiness and joy that they were able to experience was a sight that I will treasure forever.

I invite each of you to look at your life and see what it is that makes you happy. Really think about and ponder what brings you the greatest amount of joy. Then try and see for yourself how that happiness is connected to God and His plan for you. If you can't make the connection, maybe reconsider what true happiness is.

I love you all very much and hope all is well.

Elder Sandberg

Called to Serve!

So I am now in my area of the Farmington New Mexico Mission. The Lord's hand truly is in this work and is guiding each and everyone of us. It's incredible to hear about all the miracles and things that are happening back home. I've figured out that homesick is only bad when it is disabling. Thinking of all of you and home is something that can be enabling. Times when I didn't even know I was down, I would read an email or letter from one of you and things would be uplifting. This opportunity is a time for me to help not only everyone out here, but each of you as well. I no longer do this mission because of what it will transform me into, what it will allow me to see, what it will do for me, but what it will do for all of you. This life is meant to be given to our God and those around us. There is a reason that it is the great commandment. With commandments, there are blessings. I'm so grateful for the people in my life that make it so easy to learn to love. Love is the essence of the Gospel. We can't and won't do anything without it. It is the driving force behind the Lord's work and it is the bridge between all of us imperfect human beings.

Meeting lots of new Elders and Sisters whom I know I will know for a life time. THey each posses things that I will always admire and strive to obtain. 

My mission president is incredible, as is his wife. I know I'm right where the Lord wants to be.

I challenge each of you this week to know how to more fully lose yourself in what it is you do. Thinking inwardly is the root of all sin. As you start to do and say things for those around you, you will see the power and happiness that comes. Christ said "my yoke is easy and my burden is light". The reason is because of his devoted love to all mankind. If someone cuts you off, it is easier to not get mad because of the burden that is going to be carried through your day. When people's imperfections and lack of common sense effect you, it is easier to know that we all have imperfections and that ultimately you have something to learn from this person. Getting frustrated and upset because someone else has a hard time with whatever it is, will only weigh you down.

Don't have a ton of time but just wanted you all to know all is well and that things are great!! 

 

Elder Brayden James Sandberg