MILAGRO DE BIANCA Y DARI November 28, 2016

Beloved friends and family of the Northern Continent! Happy Day of Action and Thanks, I honestly hope you all pounded a mountain of Turkey and watched football. My apologies for not writing an email last week, but I am back! I had such an awesome week with Elder Mendez in Sor Maria! We baptized 2 of our long time investigators Saturday night. I'll explain there story a little later! We went to the Selva Negra this morning too and saw A TON of monkeys. They started throwing their poop and fruits at us. NICARAGUA! The hurricane that passed through only destroyed Mataglapa and my house a little bit...

STORY OF BIANCA Y DARI:

When I first arrived in Nicaragua, Elder Hobbs and I visited a returned missionary and his wife, who wasn't a member, named Darwain and Bianca. Darwain was struggling with coming to church so we wanted to pass by and invite him to come back and also teach Bianca. We taught and taught and always invited her to be baptized, but she always said no because she was baptized as an evangelical 7 years back. She always came to church with Darwain and loved reading the Book of Mormon with us, but never wanted to make the commitment. 

After Elder Hobbs left, Elder Mendez and I taught her a few times every week with her cousin, Dari. They both started progressing really well and we had so many awesome lessons with them. We taught Bianca and Dari about the Atonement about a week and a half ago using Isaiah 53, and the Spirit was strong. We invited them to be baptized again, and they said YES! As we prepared them for their baptisms, we talked a lot about the Temple and I have never seen a family so eager and ready to make the moves to bring themselves closer to Christ. Finally, the night before her baptism, Bianca shared a little testimony with us. She said, ¨My intentions were to only help Darwain reactivate in the church then go back to the Evangelical church. I never had plans to get baptized or make a long term stay in the church. But, with all of the lessons and Spiritual experiences I have received, I got converted along the way. I am ready for this step.¨ I LOVE THIS WORK SO MUCH.

To see the Gospel change 2 people´s lives forever and open the door for a family to be sealed in the temple. This is what missionary work is all about.

I want to share something that President Poncio shared with me a little while back. He told me that when we are having a ton of success in life, often the Lord will pull us back down to Earth to let us know that we need to stay humble. If we stay on the path and pass through our trials with joy and long suffering, that is when the Lord will put us back on top.

I love you guys all so much! Enjoy your weeks! 

Elder Campbell 

PICTURES:

BIANCA Y DARI

ELDER RUSH

SELVA NEGRA

HURRICANE OTTO November 23, 2016

Subject: Huracán

Dear Parents, family and friends of our Missionaries:

Pres. Poncio wants you to know that all the missionaries are fine and are being instructed to be

prepared for the hurricane, Otto, that is coming.  We will let you know as soon as the storm passes

if there are any problems. 

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Elder and Hna. Lee

Queridas familias, parientes, y amigos de nuestros Misioneros:

Presidente Poncio quiere que sepan que todos los misioneros están bien y han recibido

Instrucciones de prepararse para el Huracán, Otto, que viene.  Les informamos después que

pasa si hay unos problemas. 

Gracias por su apoyo y oraciones.

Elder Y Hna. Lee

TRUMP DUMP November 14, 2016

Hermanos y Hermanas Amados, como estan? Elder Campbell is still alive and super excited to talk to you guys and tell you how my week went! First, I need to know how the States are rolling with the election of Mr. Trump. EVERYONE here in Nicaragua is losing their minds. I stand out like a fly in milk (Elder Shoemaker too) and everyone asks me if I wanted to Trump to win. NEVER ANSWER! Second, 10 more days until Thanksgiving. Time is flying by. This morning we hiked up to that giant cross in Matagalpa!

Tuesday I got asked the question, "Who is Jesus Christ to you?" I just reflected for a minute and got thinking. Do the same! 

Wednesday was the day I found out Trump won and in just about every lesson I got asked if I voted for him. I started telling investigators that I am from El Salvador. They bought it :)

Thursday we had another Reunion de Nevuos in Managua! We left the house around 4:45 to catch our bus. A dude at the bus stop lost his mind and me and the other white Elders because Trump won. He was going on and on about how he is the Devil and other wack. He finished by yelling, "GO HOME! YOU'RE IN MY COUNTRY!" HAHAHA, I love the Nicas. The Reunion was awesome! Poncio gave an awesome talk on remembering that we are representatives of Christ every morning when we put on tag!

Friday, I had divisions with Elder Rush! Coolest thing ever. To think I was backpacking Coyote Gulch with Brigham Rush 8 months ago, and now we are hiking mountains together in Nicaragua, teaching people about their Savior. 

Saturday was my Happy 2 Months in Nicaragua. Congrats Big Boy :)

Sunday we had a Meeting with all of the branches in Matagalpa with President Poncio and his wife! They both gave powerful talks that the members needed to hear. I wish you guys could meet Pres. Poncio and Hermana Poncio. Some of God's Elect for sure!

Yet another saga added to the life of Elder Campbell. I hope you enjoy reading these letters for you 5 or 6 that actually do! ;) Keep saying your prays, reading the scriptures, and watching football. That is what life is all about. Much love! Campbell Out (until next Monday)

Scriptures:

1. Acts 20:35- More blessed to give than to receive.

2. Acts 20:36-38- "They cried together and kissed his neck" What happens when a missionary is about to leave home. 

3. Matthew 25:21- Well done, faithful servant

4. Alma 26:22- The Power we have.

"In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the Gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something." -Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Pictures:

ENJOY! 

Reunited with Elder McCord

Elder Campbell and Elder Rush

KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON November 7, 2016

Beloved family and friends! I have returned in full swing to deliver you another weekly update in the life of Elder Brayden Campbell. This week in Nicaragua, they had their elections just like the United States. Looks like both countries are about to dictators as their rulers ;) Also, this week was the celebration of the dead in the Central American countries. Shout out to my Grandpa Campbell watching over us upstairs. Here's how the week went for Mr. Brayden:

Wednesday was a really hard day for Mendez and I. We were going to teach one of our investigators who was preparing for baptism this upcoming weekend, but when we got to her house, her kids were at the door. In their hands, the Book of Mormon we gave them along with all the pamphlets and a letter from their mom. The letter said to never visit us again and that we already have a bible and we like it better. This moment honestly made me hate Satan so much! We were devi

stated, but just wait till you here what happened with this lady later in the week.

Thursday, President Poncio came to Matagalpa with his wife to take the entire zone out to lunch to celebrate our 40 baptism record! You will not believe what happened before. Mendez and I were studying about the 2nd Coming (super awesome) when he got a call on our phone. "Mendez! Are you at your house?" "Yeah?" "Good. President is on his way over right now." CHUPA! Both of us scrambled like crazy because our house was SO gosh dang dirty. If you have seen The Best 2 Years, it was basically the same experience when their President came to their house. He laughed at our house and macheted us hard. Definitely a wake up call for us. :(

Friday, we passed by our investigator's house and she actually let us in! She looked really upset that we passed, but we had an awesome hour long lesson on the Atonement with her.

Sunday, we were walking to the church in Matagalpa after a super frustrating morning in our area. Both of us were bummed out, when we passed the bus stop and there stood our investigator. We ran over to her and invited her to come to church with us at 2:00. SHE ACCEPTED! The members bore their testimonies (I bore mine in my dreadful Spanish) and the Spirit was strong during the meeting. After, we talked to her, and she loved the testimonies. She agreed to start taking lessons again and preparing for baptism. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL SO MUCH! In the MTC, Elder Anderson said that the Lord personally directs and guides this work. My testimony of this grows more and more every day.

Get preparing for Turkey Day all you lucky suckers back home! Soon the lights at the temple will be up too. Enjoy your weeks and know that you are loved from this dude down in Nicaragua! 

Elder Campbell

Scriptures:

1. Mosiah 4:19

2. Alma 40:23

3. 2nd Nephi 1:21 ''Arise from the dust and be men"

4. Leviticus 26:3-13 "I fell in love with these verses. Keep the commandments and we will LACK nothing that we need in this life."

Pictures:

1. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

3. SUBWAY (Elder Bauman makes better sandwiches still.)

4. MATAGALPA

2. Garment fires and Machetes.

Elder Mendez having his first twinkie!

Christmas is coming

WELCOME ELDER MENDEZ TO SOR MARIA October 31, 2016

Family and friends in a land far away, how goes it Happy Halloween to begin and shout out to Maddie and Tanner Withers for officially hitting your anniversary. Last week was a little early of a shout out. ALSO. shout out again to Tanner, turning the big 23! I love you big bro! Keep cheering for those dreadful Cougars while Im away! My new companion, Elder Mendez, arrived to the land of Matagalpa and we worked like mules, just like the Hobbs/Campbell duo. We baptized 2 more of our investigators and saw SO many miracles. I love this work more and more every day! I got a package from the fam on Wednesday (GRACIAS) full of twinkies and oreos. Elder Mendez ate a twinkie for the first time and it was the funniest thing. He called me a fachento chele. Matagalpa zone broke a mission record with 40 baptisms this month! Best zone in the mission, no doubt! Heres how the week went:

Tuesday worked duro duro with the new dad!

Wednesday we watched the Restoration with a few recent converts and investigators. The Spirit was super strong and I got to bear my testimony on Joseph Smith to everyone in my rugged Spanish!

Thursday, yet another day of duro work! We found one of investigators, Eliza, in her house after not seeing her in 10 days. We talked for a little and invited to get baptized and she ACCEPTED without even thinking. Miracle it 'twas!

Friday I worked a little with Elder De Leon and found more and more awesome people.

Saturday we baptized 2 of our investigators, Guillermo and Eliza. I had the chance to do the baptisms and I can tell you that the feeling of helping these people take those steps closer to the Savior are unexplainable.

Sunday rolled on by! Had an awesome attendance at church and had another little miracle with Eliza. She wasn't answering her phone all morning and she ended up missing her confirmation. We passed by her house but she wasn't home. After church, Mendez and I got on our knees and just begged the Lord to help us find her. We passed by her house a little later in the afternoon and there she was! We got special permission from Pres. Poncio to confirm her at her house. What a testimony builder that was for me with prayer. God really does care! After, one of our investigators made us this AWESOME soup for dinner. Lovin'the people here!

I wish you guys could see how amazing this place is. I honestly am seeing miracles every single day! We have high expectations set for this upcoming week. I hope everything is going well. Trick or Treat like champs tonight!

Elder Campbell

Scriptures:

1. D&C 130: 18-19

2. Alma 7: 14-15

3. Acts 9: 4

4. Revelations 3:20-21

Pictures:

2. CAKE DAY- MAYCOL

6. The first date. (Love you FAMILY)

3. Eliza at her Baptism! (She got close to me, I swear)

4. GUILLERMO!

1. Backpacking w/ a BOM

5. Cuajada Sopa y Leche

Eliza's Baptism

LA TARDE BLANCA/RIP HOBBS October 24, 2016

Beloved ones, it is that time of the week again. I cannot believe that this week has finally come, my first change is over! Hobbs and I both agreed that this change flew right on by. Shout out to thee Elder Hobbs for breaking me like a horse and for being my training. I'll take care of those escogidos in Sor Maria brother. Also, shout out to Tanner and Maddie, coming up on the big 1st anniversary. How crazy is that? I love you guys, have fun in Disneyland you luckies. This week, we saw so many miracles. We ended up baptizing 5 of our investigators! I WAS SO PUMPED! Also, I received my new trainer about 2 hours ago. He's from the Dominican Republic and his name is Elder Mendez. We're already bros and we can't wait to work our butts off! Here's how the week rolled:

Tuesday was one of the only days I got to work in Sor Maria with Hobbs because we had so may divisions and splits and other things going on. It was an awesome day though, we found tons of chosen people!

Wednesday was just other hard work day. Elder Morrison from the Matagalpa area came over and worked with me in Sor Maria. Tons of bolos messed with us haha.

Thursday, had my first multi-zone conference in Esteli! President Poncio is the man. He spoke on the importance of having exact obedience and how we need to always be finding God's elect. Hermana Poncio shared the story of Cain and asked us who wanted to serve, God or Satan. Powerful it 'twas!

Friday I had splits with Morrison again in Matagalpa. Worked duro duro :)

Saturday was the miracle day. LA TARDE BLANCA! As a zone, we baptized 14 people all in the same night. I had never seen anything like it. Seeing all of those Nicas dressed in their all white, ready to take the step closer to the Savior really hit home with me. I love this Gospel and this work so much. Missionary sincerly changes your desires. My needs are honestly the least of worries when we are out working. It's beautiful. We baptized Hermana Kayling and her two kids, and Hermana Maryuri and her daughter. Quite the expereince for me! (Pictures below!)

Sunday was my final day with Hobbs. He gave an awesome testimony in our sacrament meeting. We took some photos and we went our own ways. The people were so sad to see him go, everyone wanted pictures with him haha! 

I am so grateful for this chance I have to be a representative of the Savior. Thank you all for the birthday shoutouts again, means a lot :) I hope you are getting stoked for Oct. 31st. Love you all! Brayden Out.

Elder Campbell

Scriptures:

1. 1 Nephi 11:22 "The most desirable thing."

2. Alma 5:13, 26-27 "I studied this chapter super hard this week. I invite you all to do the same! One of the most powerful and humbling chapters there is!"

Pictures:

1. The Crew ready 4 Baptism! (Maryuri is closest to me, Kayling is by Hobbs)

2. LA GENTE-TARDE BLANCA

3. Registro City

4. Maryuri, Sara, Hobbs, y Yo

5. RIP HOBBIT :( Stay Nectar

6. Ball like Wall

THE BIG 19! October 17, 2016

Family and friends, what is going on? First off, thank you to all you locos who wished me a happy birthday, much love for you all! I cannot believe my mother birthed me 19 long years ago. Thank you mother for everything you've done for me and the fam bam. I love you loads! Shout out to Elder Ogden for finally entering the field man, give them heaven! Elder Topham, I love you man. Don't get too fat eating all that fried good stuff. Finally, Kendyl Moss! Congrats on your call to Ecuador! I am so pumped for you. Spanish gang! Kam Abilla too for her call to Mexico. I'm so proud :) Another week, livin' the life in Nicaragua. Here's how she went:

Monday we played tons and tons of futbol. Elder Hobbs and I walked around Matagalpa and got the most ghetto haircuts. Beloved P-Days.

Tuesday, we had one of the biggest miracles. We ran into a lady who had missionaries sent to her 5 years ago but never got baptized because she split to the mountain to cut coffee during her investigation of the church. Elder Hobbs just had a feeling to contact her on the street and now she wants to get baptized this upcoming weekend. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Imagine how different it could've been if we didn't plan to be in that area at that time. I love life!

Wednesday we did splits and I worked with a returned missionary named Elvis. Some bolo kept stalking me and Elvis told him off. BRO!

Thursday morning I met some Jehovah's Witness from Alaska in the store. Super funny seeing another white dude here. After, Elder Hobbs and I thought we had parasites so we went to a lab and had to poop in a freaking cup! The good news though: Parasite free baby!

Friday I went on another split up to Jinotega. I didn't get to work much because the Elder I was with had to do interviews for baptisms all day. :( Still, Jinotega is the flippin' jungle so I got to see some cool views!

Saturday was the big day! I got a free cinnamon roll in the morning at this place called Yum Yum's, then we went over to lunch date's house in Sor Maria. SHE GOT A FLIPPIN' CAKE FOR MY BDAY! I had never been so happy in my whole life. A family, who has so little, cared enough for me to get a cake. Humbling moment that was for me. I love them so much! Tons of photos below! After, I just kind of forgot it was my birthday and hit the ground running. You just kind of forget about yourself and realize how important it is to serve the people and your companion. No better feeling! :)

Sunday we had such an awesome attendance at church! Hard working week paying off. Later, it rained SO HARD. The roads in Sor Maria were straight rivers. I had never seen anything like it. I just love it here so much. 

The Lord gives us special experiences to remind us of the importance of the work. I am so grateful for that. He continues to show me weakness though and ways I can improve. I am always extremely grateful for that. I'm seeing miracles, big and small, everyday. Nothing better than the mission. I love you all so much! I hope you had a killer week. Keep on keepin' on!

Elder Campbell 

Scriptures:

1. Acts 3:6 "Silver and gold, I have none. But this I have. CHILLS!"

2. 1 Peter 5:2 "Feed the flock among you."

3. 2 Nephi 29:6-9 "God loves all of his children. The Book of Mormon is proof of that."

4. Jeremiah 1:5 "Before God formed me in the belly 19 years ago, he knew me! :)"

Pictures:

1. Hobbs and his flippin' dolls. Can't believe he goes home this change :(

2. The Hernandez Fam :)

3 & 4. PASTEL TIEMPO

5. Pizza day, yo

6. That dang Cathedral again