Pass it Along...

On May 24th, the Band Wagon stopped for our daily break at the end of Parley street over looking the Mississippi river. Elder Foster and I spoke with a family that were stopped at the spot with us. Elder Foster and I had a very wonderful experience with them and we spoke about why they were here in Nauvoo, that was the first time they had stopped in that spot in Nauvoo. They passed Nauvoo many a times driving from Ohio, and they admired our temple but that was the first day they stopped to really look at the temple and the beautiful site of the Mississippi river. They were a part of the Lutheran religion but didn't quite feel apart of that church and they loved how we the people of Nauvoo smiled and had a glow about us. In the middle of the conversation there Elder Brague called us to board the Wagon again. I quickly ran to the wagon and grabbed 4 reference cards to give the family; 2 Nauvoo Brass Band cards, 1 Mormon.org card, and 1 with Jesus and the children on front and the Articles of Faith on back. They happily took them and got pictures with us afterwards. I then boarded the Wagon and left with a smile and a wave with Elder Foster and the rest of the Band.

I didn't think much about that day until I was told 2 days later by our teamster, Elder Nun, about what happened after we left. The family decided to look around Nauvoo and see the sites. They viewed some places and later that day ended up in the Lands and Records building where Elder Nun was serving after the Wagon Ride. They were interested in learning more about the church and the gospel "light" that we all had. So, they received the Missionary's numbers and planned a meeting with them that week. That was wonderful news and I smiled deeply. Then I was told that during the meeting and others, they received a Book of Mormon and they were deeply into the discussions now and interested in the conversion process. The man of the family made the joke "Now I can convert my whole congregation to this gospel truth and light".

Elder Nun bore his testimony about this experience today in Sacrament meeting after his talk. How Beautiful a Truth this Gospel is. I have no doubt in my mind that the Family will be immensely blessed from accepting this gospel into their lives. I love this Gospel with all my Heart. 

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.