A Marvelous Work Is About To Come Forth

Hello, I am Sister Brittany Brunner, and I am a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I, along with many others, will be serving in the Nauvoo Brass Band Service Mission. When Thomas S. Monson made the announcement back in October for the women's age changes for missionary service my heart swelled with joy! I, a girl who had loved this gospel her whole life, now could give others this gospel to love too!

I had planned on serving a mission after 2 semesters here at Utah State University because I have scholarships and a promise to educate myself to fulfill. Around January-time I started thinking about when I would submit my papers and how to prepare myself. I did not know about the Nauvoo mission opportunity at this time. On a Monday in January, I was talking with a good friend who had gone on this mission in the past and she told me all about it. Everything seemed so wonderful and I was so proud to know her and to have learned about that amazing experience in her life. On Wednesday, 2 days after learning about Nauvoo, I was sitting in English and the thought came to me to pray about Nauvoo. So there in English class I had a mini conversation with God, and...well, immediately after I turned to my friend and with a surprised expression on my face I said “I’m going to serve in Nauvoo this summer”. God has a marvelous work in store for us, I have the desires to serve god, blessed, I am called to the work (D&C 4). I cannot wait until I get to start my many moments in pure joy and utter disappointment serving my God. I know this Church is true and I am a sure witness that God exists and loves us far beyond what we can imagine. Blessed be the people of Nauvoo, for God is sending me there for a reason and the hearts I touch, I am sure, will change my life more than I can possibly imagine. God be with us till we meet again.

That They May Accomplish

My first semester at BYU-Idaho, Elder Brague came around to one of my band rehearsals. He explained his calling and how the Nauvoo brass band was made up of elder and sister missionaries who serve there from May to August.  He then directed us to look at a website with audition information. At the time I thought that spending a summer in Nauvoo as a missionary would be a fantastic experience, so I followed the link he gave us.  As I looked more and more into it, I found that I really wanted to serve there that summer, but quickly realized that a summer in Nauvoo would always conflict with my fall/spring track at BYUI. So much to my disappointment I closed my browser and went back to my practice room.

Flash forward to this last fall semester. As my religion elective I chose to take FDREL303, Teachings of the Living Prophets. (Excellent class by the way. What better homework assignment is there than reading conference talks? :)

As General Conference approached we had more and more discussions as to how to effectively listen to and take notes. Something my professor, Brother Hammond, encouraged us to do was to take notes which were more than just what the speaker said.

"We learn through the spirit," he said, "So why not write down the promptings and feelings that have when first listening?" "We can always go back and re-read what was spoken, but will we always remember the things we felt when we first listened?"

I was very lucky and my mom was able to get me three tickets to the Saturday morning session and so me and two of my best friends took a road trip down to Utah. Growing up in New York, I'd never been to conference, so I was really excited to finally get to go.

As we sat there that morning and President Monson came out, everyone stood. I have never heard 20,000 people be so quite in my life. :) And as we stood I knew in my heart that this man was The Prophet of God.

After the opening song and prayer he then stood and gave his historic address. I looked to either side of me, to my two friends and noticed that we each had started crying. The spirit was so strong. Looking back all I can really make out from my notes is,"I'm going on a mission!," "When is the soonest I can be prepared to go?"

I met with my Bishop in Rexburg, but due to complications with my papers I decided to put off finishing them till I got home at Christmas. Around Halloween Elder Brague made his rounds again at BYUI. This time I knew that I shouldn't be afraid to take off time to go to Nauvoo.

With the help of a very dear friend, a Nauvoo alumni, I submitted my initial audition tape. I was overjoyed to get the email with my callback, but knew that I would be home off-track in New York for the live auditions. I scrambled to pack my apartment, finish projects, take tests, and make a final audition tape at school. We finished recording minutes before the piccolo and recorder were due for the semester and my friend said he'd send the DVD in for me. (Honestly getting everything done that day was a miracle.)

Flash forward to Christmas Day where I got a text from my friend saying, "Merry Christmas! btw I can't find your recordings...where did you save them?" After scouring through his hard-drive we realized that I hadn't properly saved them on his computer and they were now lost. So now I'm two weeks closer to my audition deadline and don't have access to the facilities and equipment I did for my previous recording.

With a prayer in my heart, I borrowed my friend's piccolo and shot my second tape with my dad and his iPad. I knew that if it really were God's will for me to go to Nauvoo, He would make my best effort good enough.

A few days later, shopping in Target with my mom, Elder Brague called to invite me to Nauvoo. The people there must have been a little confused as I eagerly paced through the isles smiling and bouncing around like a kid at Christmas.

Since I'm home working most people are already confused as to what I'm doing with my life, and I've found that my mission call itself is an opportunity to strike up a conversation about the church.

I'm so grateful for all that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I'm so excited to be able to share my testimony every day this summer and help to bring joy to others as they learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and in turn, come to better know their Savior.

‘Til then!

Plans Changed

My name is Richard Lyman. I have played trombone for ten years and served a full time ministerial mission to Australia. I had no intention of participating in the Nauvoo Brass band, even when a friend of mine called me and suggested I give it some thought. Things changed, however, when she invited me to pray about it and see if the Lord wanted me to go. This worried me, as I had plans to work full-time over the summer and save up for another semester of college and possibly purchase a new trombone. I told the Lord my plans and He made it clear to me that my plans needed to change. I did some more pondering and praying, and began to see this was what the Lord wanted for me. I then gave Elder Brague a call, and here I am. The Lord, no doubt, has a plan for me and all of his children. I look forward to the privilege of serving Him in this capacity.

A Dream Come True

One of my lifelong dreams and desires was to serve a music mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I did not know that one actually existed until I went to audition for a scholarship at Brigham Young University-Idaho.   I knew that this was my chance to fulfill my dream and to serve others through my talent of music.

Once I began the process of auditioning, I just felt so good about going on this mission, and it felt right.  I felt at peace, even though I was not perfect (and am still not).  I felt like this was where I was meant to be at this coming time.  I was so excited when I got the email saying that I would audition in the final round at Salt Lake City, Utah!

I couldn't believe that I was able to audition at Salt Lake.  I never thought that I would even get there, but I did.  And everyone was so kind and had a special spirit with them.  I knew that by looking at them that Nauvoo was a very special place, and I wanted to go and have that same Spirit with me.

When I got the call saying that I would be able to serve in Nauvoo, I was overcome with joy!  I was now beginning the journey of my dream to serve through music.  I never thought that I would be able to serve a mission like this, but I know that the Lord has called me to Nauvoo at this time to serve Him and my fellow men. I am excited for this opportunity, to meet many people and to see many things, and to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Led By Faith

I learned about the Nauvoo performance mission from a friend last August. She had just returned from serving there for the summer and was telling me the wonderful experiences she had. She asked if I was interested in being a YPM in Nauvoo. I was, but didn’t give it too much thought at the time since next summer seemed so far away.

A few months later I was having a bad morning, and I was praying for comfort and help to have a better day. Just a few hours later in institute another girl, who had spent the summer in Nauvoo, asked if I was interested in being a YPM for the summer. She gave me the website to check out what I needed to do for the audition. I am grateful the Lord humbled me enough to listen to the Spirit that day. I talked to my parents and started praying to know if this was what I should do. Even though I didn’t have a strong impression to go, I knew it was a good thing and with faith the Lord would allow me this opportunity.

I prepared for the first audition, and received a call back. Now I had the nerve-racking live audition. While in Salt Lake, I was calm and felt happy talking with all the others who were trying out. The Spirit testified to me that this was a great opportunity, and if I was chosen to go I would be richly blessed. I felt like jumping for joy when I received the call that I was going to Nauvoo. I know the Lord answered my prayers about serving in Nauvoo. He has led me through the past months and been preparing me for this opportunity to serve of which I am grateful.

A Gift For A Reason

Let me begin by saying, I KNOW everything happens for a reason.

The year was 2005. I was 11 and wanted to follow my sister’s footsteps by joining band class. Unfortunately, there were about 11 clarinetists and the band director didn’t want any more. So, what instrument to play? She said I could either play the French horn or the Trombone. In my mind, I thought a trombone was a boy instrument (remember I was only 11). 

So here I am, 8 years later. Playing my French horn in the BYU Provo Symphonic band.

And I don’t regret a single moment.

Why did I audition for the Nauvoo Brass Band?

Good question. When I first heard about this opportunity, I thought, “Dude! This would be so cool to do!” When the time came for auditions to be sent out, I began to panic because I had no place to record except my kitchen in my old, worn down apartment. I had no expectations for what the results would be. I just thought, I want to live this life with no regrets, knowing that I have taken every opportunity and made the most of it. I want to be able to say that I tried everything I could.

Well, it turned out pretty well. I was informed of my finalist status and might have done a double back flip….

The luncheon gave me the most peaceful reassurance that the Lord was pleased with my decision to audition. I was so overcome by the testimonies and songs in the meeting that I knew I wanted this to be MY experience. I wanted this with all my heart.

I remember kneeling down to pray and expressing my deepest desire to be a part of this band.  I knew it would be difficult, but I wanted it so much. 

D&C 8: 4-5

“Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou…
...remember, this is your gift.”

I never could have imagined that my life could be planned out with just one phone call.

I know that the Lord provides a way through it all. It is still a little surreal to me that I will be a missionary, in the Lord’s hands, sharing the gospel through music and being surrounded by such sacred scenery. I know this gospel is true.  My heart is so full with excitement at the knowledge that I will spend 4 months walking where the beloved Joseph Smith walked.

I know that there is a plan for me.  And come May 3rd, I will be on a plane to the next part of my Journey that the Lord has prepared me for.

Finding the Right Path

My name is Suzanne Kinghorn. I'm from Laie, Hawaii, and I attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii, studying Music Performance on the Trumpet. Serving in Nauvoo has always been something that I wanted to do. Two years ago I spent about a week of my summer near Nauvoo, and I was amazed at the Spirit that I felt as I saw the places that mean so much to our Church History. I knew two sisters who were serving as members of the Nauvoo Brass Band, and it made me realize how much I wanted to serve there. The next year, I had the opportunity to audition last minute, but I had to turn the offer down, feeling that the time was not quite right for me. I continued with school, and one of my best friends was able to serve in Nauvoo that summer. From that moment I knew that the next year would be my year to serve.

As the year progressed, I found myself unsure about what I was doing with my life. I knew that being in school was the right thing to do, and I knew I would be auditioning to serve in Nauvoo, but I was looking toward the future with uncertainty, not really knowing what path was right for me. Other struggles in my life lead me to seek comfort and guidance from the Lord. October 2012 General Conference came, and with it the announcement about the age change for full-time missionaries. This became a turning point in my life. and things began falling into place. Over the next months, I continued to pray about whether I should serve a mission. My best friend was the greatest example, because of his earnest efforts to begin his mission papers as soon as he could after the announcement was made. I began to feel my desire to serve a mission, to share my testimony of the Gospel, grow with every passing day, when before I had not seriously thought about the possibility.

Soon I began the audition process for Nauvoo, and as I went through that process I became more and more convinced that I should also serve am 18-month mission after returning from Nauvoo. I talked to my Bishop and Stake President, who both were very excited about my decision and helped me work out everything. I began my mission papers soon after the New Year began. My best friend, who helped me record my audition video for Nauvoo, left for his mission to Colorado, Colorado Springs, and his faith and willingness to serve has had a great impact on me and my desire to serve.

My decision to serve as missionary has opened for me the path that is right for me. I am so excited to serve the Lord. I know that the Gospel is true. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share the Gospel through music, which has been one of the greatest anchors in my life.

Nothing Is Too Much For The Lord

I'm Janese Shaw.

I still get a good laugh every time I think about playing the trumpet in Nauvoo this summer! The trumpet and I go way back, like to when I was twelve. This instrument saw me through all of my awkward years of bad haircuts and braces. I put it away when I turned 17 and thought I'd never return. I have been pursuing my degree in music education at Southern Utah University with an emphasis in voice, so I was a little surprised when things worked out the way they did. I'm sure that, like everything in life, there is a purpose. I'm just going to have to re-enter my awkward stage to figure out what it is!

Needless to say, my audition process was a miracle. Naturally, as a singer, I applied as a stage performer, but as luck (or you know) would have it I had just taken up the trumpet again that semester as part of the SUU Athletic band. Since I was playing again, I didn't think twice when adding trumpet to the list of instruments I played.

A few weeks later, I was notified that I didn't make it as a stage performer, but that if I were interested in playing the trumpet I should contact Elder Brague. I thought, "Nice sentiment," and didn't contact anyone.

About a week later I got a voice mail from Elder Brague saying he'd really like for me to come up and audition so I called him back to say "No." Somehow, "No" turned into, "I'd love to do it. I don't know if my skills are up to par, but I'll put my whole heart into it and give you the best I've got." I wanted to die after hanging up the phone. Seriously, Janese? You're going to take something else on? I was about to take on a 19 credit semester and was in the middle of rehearsing a major opera, and I was going to make time to play the trumpet? Okay. Whatever.

I practiced my little heart out over Christmas break on the opera and my trumpet. No matter how many hours I gave the latter, I was totally insecure coming into auditions. I could go into everything that happened audition day, but I honestly don't recall except that I played better than I ever had before. I wasn't able to muster much skill, but the air was flowing and I could feel it! It was a great feeling, and I decided that whether they chose me or not didn't matter, (because I seriously understood why they wouldn't choose me!) it was an excellent opportunity to for me to break out of my comfort zone and prove to myself that I can do hard things.

Unlike most other YPMs, when I got the call from Elder Brague letting me know they wanted me to come to Nauvoo, I about died (in a bad way). Again instead of hearing the words "No, this is too much." come out of my mouth, I heard "Great! I know it will be a lot of work, but I'm here for you."

So here I am. I just finished a major production of Don Giovanni, I am making it through a crazy semester, I am practicing my trumpet as best I can and I am preparing for a mission!

He Made A Way

From the moment Elder Brague came to BYU-I and told us about the Nauvoo Brass Band, I knew that was what I was supposed to do. Now, a year and a half later, it's finally a reality for me. I had to wait a year to audition due to my age, but the whole time, I was excited and ready for Nauvoo. When President Monson announced that girls could serve full time missions, I got really excited and was preparing to start my papers, but after fasting and prayer and consulting with my bishop, I realized that wasn't what I was supposed to do. I then sent in my audition tape, not exactly confident that I would get called back for live auditions.

Here's where things get interesting, and several things happened to strengthen my testimony of God's timing. First, I had already bought my non-refundable plane ticket to come back to school on Jan. 3rd, and the auditions happened to be on the 5th in Salt Lake City. An old roommate happened to live in Tooele right outside of SLC, so I had a place to stay until my audition. I also accidentally left my mouthpiece at home in TN, and I just so happened to get to SLC just early enough for my mom to overnight it to me. Then, my friend Brooklynn also got called for auditions, and her grandparents were able to drive her and me to school after auditions. I know that these events are no coincidence. The Lord made a way for me to get these things done, so that I could audition for this amazing experience. I know that this is where I'm supposed to be in my life, and that my Heavenly Father is pleased with the decisions I have made. I am so grateful for the opportunity to go to Nauvoo this summer.

According To Their Desire

Something I have learned as I have acknowledged God's hand in my life is that He grants unto me according to my desires (see Alma 29:4; see also Alma 29, D&C 6:8, 7:8, 11:8, and 4:3). In seeking definition of my desires, I have found in my heart and my Patriarchal Blessing that it is my desire to share the beauty and blessings of the gospel and life itself with God's children. I feel that Nauvoo is one opportunity the Lord is giving me to do so.

I've known about Nauvoo since my sister played the trumpet in the band a few years ago (2009?). I don't remember much about it except that she forgot my birthday in one of her e-mails and that she came home singing songs she had written about her love for the place and wishing she could go back. However, Nauvoo was never in my plans.

In fact, music itself wasn't really in my plans until this past fall semester. I have played clarinet for years, but always shied from the idea of doing anything more with it than playing in a band. Finally I gave into the Spirit and decided I needed to become a music minor. The hardest thing to sign up for was private lessons-- but I learned later that had I not, I would not have been prepared to audition, nor would I have known how much I really enjoy playing music.

October Conference was extremely exciting: I cried and cried after I listened to the Prophet's announcement that I, a nineteen-year-old, could now serve a mission. I have always had a desire to serve, and here God was granting unto me according to my desire. I wanted to leave right away-- December, if I could.

I prayed and fasted and fasted and prayed and talked to my Bishop, but for some reason I wasn't receiving a sure answer on either side of the issue. I was distressed about the heavy decision that lay before me. After thinking a lot about the place of agency in decision making, I decided to just go forward toward serving, and began instead pondering about the time I should leave. While pondering in the temple, I felt really good about leaving in May. And I also felt good about the month of September. The ambiguity only confused me more.

In band the next week, we heard an announcement from Elder Brague about Nauvoo-- which would be a program from May until about September. Well, there was the answer.

I prepared my audition and sent it in, and during the wait began to feel disappointed that I would only be serving for three and a half months, instead of 18. But the more I thought, the more I realized that this, too, is God's work, and "why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?" (Alma 29:6).

After the call back audition, I was more excited than ever and felt such a strong desire to serve in Nauvoo, where I could be influenced by that wonderful spirit of love, truth, and sacrifice, and specifically to gain a stronger testimony of the Restoration of the Church and of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I was overjoyed to learn that I would be a part of the historic band, and relive the wonderful heritage of the early Church.

Since, I have considered again the question of a full-time mission. After much more deliberation and prayer and waiting for things to pan out, I have just this week received assurance that it will be my blessing to serve a full-time mission after Nauvoo. I plan on receiving my mission call in the Beautiful City itself, from whence so many others were also called to serve missions. Here, again, I find so much joy in knowing that God is merciful and aware of my desires, and that "if [I] have desires to serve God, [I] am called to the work."