11-2-15

Happy November everyone!!!

Holy cow how is it already November? It's been such a great week here! Just go go go every second of every day. It's mostly been crazy because of the fact that we hosted a MASSIVE family history event here in the Århus church building. It's the largest family history gathering in all of Denmark and is run completely by members and missionaries. At one point I believe there were 300+ non-members in that building!!! That's unheard of! We had lots of guest speakers come in to give presentations and the missionaries were running various booths around the church and answering any questions. All in all it was a huge success. We now have a massive list of people that would like the missionaries to come to their homes and teach them and their families how to use the Church's ''Family Search'' website! What a perfect missionary opportunity. 

The Denmark mission is actually doing a huge Family History push right now due to the fact that our mission president believes it is the key to the heart of the family loving Danish people. And I'm glad it is because in the process I've learned tons of great things about my own ancestors, especially after my lovely Nana Bradshaw sent me tons of great stories about my Danish ones. Family History work really is exciting!! If you haven't been on recently, I would highly recommend it. 

Otherwise, we've got some new and exciting investigators to work with. Especially one named Mr.T from Cambodia! He married a young Danish lady just a few months ago and they moved over here to Århus! We met him one night at a stop light as we were SPRINTING home to make it home on time. We were waiting at the red light, wheezing and heaving, and laughing, he asked us who we were. We told him we don't have time right now, but if you give us your number we can tell you another time. He gave it to us!! AND we made it home on time with 30 seconds to spare!! He's awesome and doesn't have any religious background at all, so it's been fun just teaching him the fundamentals. He has already attended Football on Saturday and Church on Sunday and really enjoyed it, so we'll see where that goes.

I hope you all have a fantastic week!!! I love you each and every one!!

Ældste Bradshaw

10-26-15

Hello beautiful people!

I don't have much time today, but I would like to share a little miracle with you that we experienced this week. As you know, Elder Vance and I have had some good relations going with this little congregation of people from the Congo here. Well once a year, they do as Christ commanded and they go out and preach the Gospel (basically they go street contacting once a year for an hour and call it good). They invited Elder Vance and I to tag along so they could learn from the pros, but we ended up breaking off from the main pack of them who were preaching violently to people on a busy walking street.

As we started doing our own thing, we walked into this tiny little alleyway in the middle of two ancient Danish homes on this cobble stoned street right next to a canal like the ones in Venice. As we walked through, there was a man standing there smoking a cigarette looking very contemplative. We approached him and started the contact in Danish as we always do, to which he replied ''sorry, what?''.

''Perfect'', we said ''we're from America! Do you speak English?'' Of course he did. We quickly found out that he was from Italy and was only here for the week due to the fact that his brother had just passed away who lived here in Århus and was here to attend the funeral. We showed sympathy, but immediately went into testifying about the great Plan of Salvation. He said that he had a hard time wrapping his head around the fact that he could see his brother again, but he said that it was definitely something he hoped for. BOOM! Perfect. Alma 32:21.

We testified to him that he would see his brother again and that their relationship and happiness could go on eternally if he would do some things that God has asked us to do. He desperately asked what he should do and said that he would do whatever it takes.... we taught him about baptism and enduring to the end and eternal covenants with God. He asked us where and when he could do these things!! Haha we said it would only take about 3 weeks to get started if the missionaries came often enough and he worked at it. By the end of the conversation his mind was set on doing whatever it would take to see his brother and mother and father again. We prayed with him and got his information to the missionaries in Italy. As he hugged us goodbye with tears in his eyes, I asked him what his name was. He replied ''Antonio''.

''And your brother?'' I said.

''Luca''.

 I got a massive smile on my face as I thought of Jordan and Antonia and their new born baby Luca.

Anyway, that was the miracle for the week. I know that God leads us to certain people in our lives. His hand is in each and every one of our lives. He loves us all. I love you all so much :) I hope you know that. Have a great week!!

Elder Jed Bradshaw

10-19-15

Howdy,

How are all you guys and gals doing?? It's a beautiful clear day here in Århus! It's been raining like crazy all week long, but today is just perfect. Today is also transfer day!! I'll be staying here in Århus for at least another 6 weeks so I'm not moving (WOOHOOO!!!), but we just finished getting all of the missionaries in the zone onto trains around the country. Let’s hope nobody gets lost this time. 

We had zone training on Thursday which went great, but to be honest it's always such a relief when they're over. Just so much to plan and worry about. We also had a district activity after the training where we carved pumpkins!! I've got to say that mine was pretty dang awesome.... I'll try to attach a picture if I can. But Halloween is coming up and... haha well it doesn't affect Denmark at all. But I think we're going to try to throw a Halloween party and see if we can't get the members excited about it.

It's strange being in Denmark during the holidays because they don't celebrate Halloween of Thanksgiving, so the ''holidays'' start in December. Don't worry though, we always find fun ways to celebrate something or another in the apartment. We currently have 7 carved pumpkins sitting on our eating table...

Our investigators are doing great! I think our biggest struggle is just trying to keep our teaching pool going even though we don't have much time for ourselves. But things are still going great despite the hindrances! We're trying to focus on the HOW instead of the WHY NOT.

We have two great families now that we teach from the Faroe Islands. Just this last week the young mother of one of the families gained a huge testimony of the plan of salvation through some miraculous story she just had! And she's loving the Book of Mormon! Mostly, we're just excited for the new transfer so we can start fresh with lots of things. Gosh this is so much fun!

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! 

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Ældste Bradshaw

10-12-15

Glædelig Jul og Godt Nyt År!!

JK.

Well, happy week 66 everyone!!! 

Yesterday was the best day ever!! It's been a slightly tough week with investigators due to the fact that we haven't been in our area enough to visit them all, so we really weren't expecting anyone to show up to church yesterday... But we were wrong!! We stood at the door for half an hour and greeted member after member after member, but no investigators. Then the meeting started. We sang the opening song and the bishop read off announcements, then during the Sacrament Hymn, in walks *F*!! Then 10 seconds after him in walks *S*!! Then *J*, then *R*, then Mr. T (yes, that's his real name). It was such a beautiful sight and I couldn't help but grin as big as I could at everyone the rest of the day :D I love the little mercies like that which the Lord gives us every day.

Elder Vance and I have been continuing our tour of Denmark this week. First we were up in an area called Aalborg. I had been there once before and had managed to meet on of their investigators who was a music fanatic (but not as much as me ;)) who I played guitar and piano with. Well this time when I came back to meet him for the second time, he had a gift for me!! Apparently after I had left the first time he instantly went out and bought books by his favorite guitarists full of sheet music and how to make it to the top with the intent of giving them to ME! Well months went by since the first time I met him, but he kept the books for me and gave them to me just 3 days ago! Haha what a great guy. We had a great lessons with him and committed him to be baptized on the 20th of November. Hopefully I will be able to attend.

We were in Copenhagen on Friday for Mission Leadership Conference. That's always such a great experience to see so many great missionaries with an eye single to the glory of God! We were able to get lots done in order to help the mission. Elder Vance and I are now preparing for our upcoming zone training this Thursday. It should be a good one!! Our objective is to motivate and inspire in order to change missionaries mission expectations. 

Oh, one weird thing. We are currently a trio here in Århus because Elder Sakurada had to get emergency transferred to Bornholm, so we have taken Elder McBride under our wing for a week until his new companion gets here from the MTC. Exciting stuff!

I love this gospel. I know it's true. But regardless of whether or not it IS true, it improves the quality of the lives of those that live it. I am eternally grateful for what my Savior has done for me and for the opportunity he has given me to serve his precious people in Denmark. I LOVE IT!! :) and I love you all!! Have a great week!!

Ældste Bradshaw

PS congrats to Ethan for making it to the MTC!!! Bradshaw power for life!

10-5-15

Kære venner og familie,

Happy Conference week!!! I don't know about you all, but I absolutely LOVED conference, and I haven't even had a chance to watch all of the sessions yet due to time differences! Oh man it really is such an incredible thing that we have a living prophet of God on the earth today. And THREE new apostles called!! Did you know that it's been 100 years since that has happened?? What an exciting time we live in! I especially enjoyed what the last of the three had to say ( I can't remember all of their names). 

But here are a few nuggets that I took away from conference so far: 

• Sometimes we make the gospel far more complicated than it needs to be. The true principles of the gospel are all very simple. Simplify.
• The phrase ''journey of discipleship'' seemed to be a reoccurring theme. Exaltation (living as God lives) is the goal. Discipleship is the journey. A journey always starts with the first step, so start where you are. Don't worry about where you are not. Take the next step necessary to begin repentance. The sooner the better.
• The Holy Ghost can give very customized and practical revelation. Ask him what the next step is for you right now. If it is to be that you should clean your room, so do it. If he tells you to call your Mum and just chat with her, do it. 
• For the Lord, our direction is far more important than our speed.
• We must be temple worthy. Always.
• Today is a day of choosing. Chose to believe. The apostles seems to be focusing on that a lot recently. 
• Avoid debt at all costs. Pay tithing first, then live within your means.
• Dating: Observe the way the people you date act under difficult circumstances. Modesty is far more important than I previously thought. Live worthy of the person you are going to one day marry. We don't marry perfection, we marry potential. 
• Motherly love MUST be divine. My mother is the greatest example of Christ I know.
• The culminating act of all Creation was the creation of Woman. Women, you influence is far greater than you could ever imagine. I salute you.
• It's never too early, it's never too late.

I hope you got some of the same impressions as me and many more. General Conference is such a wonderful opportunity to bless our lives.

We were able to have 3 investigators watch conference in the church with us and hope to be going into the homes with many more this week to watch it with them once the Danish translation comes out. 

Here's a fun thing that's happening: I have been asked by a church here in Århus to gather together a band and play at an up and coming youth convention they will be having for thousands of youth across Denmark!! Elder Vance and I have been attending their weekly Bible study class and this last week after the class I was jamming out on one of their guitars on the stage and the Priest insisted that I come and play. Now the problem of finding enough talented missionaries/members to help me out! But this should be a great chance for us to have some good influence on thousands of young believing youth.

Other than that, we have only been in our own area for a total of 8 hours this week due to the fact that we have been doing a tour of the zone and visiting all 24 missionaries. It's been fantastic and we have seen so many miracles!! This is the Saviors work. I have no doubt about that. I love you all!!! Have a great week!!

Ældste Jed Bradshaw

PS my address is Åparken 6 st. 3, Århus 8000, Denmark. Try and use the weird Danish vowels if you can.   

9-28-15

Goddag Alle Sammen!! 

Stress. That's the word I would use to describe this week. But in a good way...  I think. Basically I just have a plethora of things to do all the time. Which is a REALLY good place to be at as a missionary. I would rather have a million things to do than absolutely nothing to do (where I have also been on my mission). Elder Vance and I have so many different responsibilities and assignments and nobody really understands how stressful it can get but us two. We have trainings on trainings on trainings to plan for, splits to travel to, tickets to buy for other missionaries, messes to clean up left by other missionaries, investigators to constantly think about, numbers to report on, call ins, a suicidal less-active members we have to keep a constant watch on to make sure he doesn't make another attempt at his life, the list goes on and on and on... but I've learned a very important principle from it all. You really do have to forget yourself to find yourself.

The scripture Mosiah 2:17 has never made more sense to me. I've learned of the power and blessings of service. Never have I been happier on my mission than I am right now because I NEVER have a spare moment to think about myself. Time just flies by and memories make themselves. It's beautiful and simple and I want the rest of my mission to go like this. Thinking about others and being proactive is 600x better than pouting and worrying about little old me. And that applies to everybody. So I'm grateful for that lesson I've learned :) 

Our Colombian family is doing great! We've now taught multiple lessons in just Spanish and I'm still learning tons!!  *S* was making slow progress so we took a step back and tried to figure out what he really needed. We came to the conclusion that he had not had a change of heart. The power of the atonement had not taken hold in his life. He had not experienced the joys of repentance. So we started teaching repentance and it's already made such a huge difference in his life!! Oh man I just love the atonement. Too often we as humans think about repentance as a negative and sorrowful experience, but it's just the opposite! Repentance is my favorite thing in the world! It's a time to celebrate. Gosh I could just go on and on with telling you what I've learned about the atonement recently, but it would take far too long. Maybe I'll write a book one day. 

But I love you all!!! I hope you have a sensational week!!

Ældste Jed David Bradshaw (the first)  

9-21-15

Hej alle sammen!

Århus is the most beautiful place in the world at the moment! The cool air has a little pinch to it now which I absolutely love. The thick greenery is starting to see its first signs of color change. The first wave of leaves have begun to fall and the air just smells incredible. So bring out the sweaters because FALL has arrived!!! Gosh I just love the fall so much! Things are going so well at the moment. Some highlights from this week include a great new family that we found yesterday!! They are from the Faroe Islands which is technically a part of Denmark but they speak an entirely different language. They're a young couple with two children and are just incredible people. So humble and kind. They accepted the first discussion very well so we're excited to see where that goes :) 

We have also been seeing lots of success with Spanish speaking people. We have an appointment tonight with a huge family from Columbia. They don't speak any Danish so we've been brushing up on the Spanish for the last few days and tonight is the big test! 

Haha we have also started teaching an entire congregation of people from Africa! One of their members was an investigator and invited us to attend their Bible study class with the youth. We showed up and they had over 30 young adults in attendance! Luckily Elder Vance and I have a pretty good understanding of the Bible between the two of us so the ''discussion'' of Bible study class led by their preacher quickly turned into us answering questions and teaching the entire congregation! We had the preacher stumped on quite a few things we brought up, which is not what we want to do, but it helped solidify our authority as servants of the Lord in front of all of these people. It was a great experience! We're going back this Wednesday. 

This last weekend we had Stake Conference which was great! Both *S* and *J* were able to be there which was great for them to meet so many members in one place! We got a visit from one of our area seventies and he gave a great talk about work and the Sabbath day. For the most though it was just nice to see so many familiar faces gathered together in one huge building. I even saw two of my previous companions who were here visiting!! 

Sorry I don't have much more time to expand upon our week. Elder Vance and I have to spend the day getting ready for our Zone Conference this week.

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!!

Elder Bradshaw