Email #4
Area: Pimville Zone 1
Companion: Elder Wiltse
Hey Everyone,
Everything is going great and have enjoyed this past week. It has flown by and I have learned a lot. I recently tried some chicken feet and that was definitely something new. The food here is really something, I just hope I don't try something that will make me sick haha. It's hard sometimes to answer some peoples questions but I'm glad my companion knows. We teach a lot of children that's just because they are more willing to here the gospel and more receptive. The members are great and me and 3 other Elders were invited to eat at a members house this past Sunday and it wasn't too bad, it was actually pretty good. My companion was helping them prepare the desert we had which was custard and peaches and the members can their own peaches and after we got to the flat he told me that there was mold in the peaches. I haven't gotten sick yet and I think that I'll be okay. One of the companionship's in our district got in a car accident and totaled their car, but they are okay. It was a shock to hear, because they told us the next day when they needed a ride to their area. Now we have three companionship's in one car for about 2 weeks so we'll see how that goes. I'll have my first baptism this Sunday, but I won't be baptizing them. Our mission pres. encourages that the members baptize them so I don't think I will baptize anyone anytime soon, but that's okay because I'm the one that brought them to the gospel. I hope everyone has a good week. I love you all so much!
Love
Elder Bryner
Excerpts from Dad's email
...I cut my own hair this week and I didn't do too bad. Everything is going pretty good and the food is not too bad so far... It's really hard to understand some people holy cow sometimes I have to ask like 3 times what they said. My companion and I are going to start doing some language study to help and we'll probably learn Zulu so I'll know some of that when I get home hopefully. That would be cool to share my testimony in Zulu.
Love you pops
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
First report from South Africa
Email #3
Area: Pimville Zone 1
Companion: Elder Wiltse
Hey everyone! This is Elder Bryner reporting from Africa!! Everything is going really good. I had to wait about a week and a half to write back. I'm all settled into the apartment, but they call it a flat so if I say flat you know what I'm talking about. The flat is definitely different than I expected, but I managed to do some rearranging and cleaning to make it more my style. It's been a long week and it took awhile for it to sink in and I'm still in the process of getting used to everything. The first day that I got out of the MTC I went right to my first lesson. HOLY COW it was so different and did not expect it. It went really well though and I was able to bear my testimony to people that needed to hear it. The spirit is so strong in our lessons and it makes me feel so great to teach the people the truth. This past week we had at least 5 to 6 lessons a day and it was 1 every hour. One of the lessons we got into a Bible bash with some Jehovah witnesses and that was on my second day out into the field and the first day we were on bikes and it rained on us so the Lord is definitely testing my faith. I stayed pretty busy, but when we got back to the flat time just stopped! I thought it would never come time to go to bed and waking up was so hard. Their language here is so unique and I am already picking up on how to say hello and thank you. I ride a bike every other day so I won't be getting to fat any time soon hopefully. I'm in the area of Pimville and my companion's name is Elder Wiltse! He's from Canada and has been our for almost 4 months. He's a very good teacher and I learn a lot from him! I rely on the Lord every second because the area is definitely pretty crazy! It's really fun though and a new experience and so far I have enjoyed it. I pray every second of the day for the guidance I need and the safety of my loved ones! so yeah that's you guys!! I can feel the blessings that you are getting and heaven is just pouring them out over you! This past week has been the hardest week of my entire life so far but it's taught me so much. Keep pressing forward is my missionary motto. Today is a sacrifice but the greatest investment I will ever make - Gordon B. Hinkley! Don't give up ever and love everyday that the Lord gives to you. I pray for you all always and am always thinking of you! I love you all so much and take care!
Love,
Elder Bryner
Area: Pimville Zone 1
Companion: Elder Wiltse
Hey everyone! This is Elder Bryner reporting from Africa!! Everything is going really good. I had to wait about a week and a half to write back. I'm all settled into the apartment, but they call it a flat so if I say flat you know what I'm talking about. The flat is definitely different than I expected, but I managed to do some rearranging and cleaning to make it more my style. It's been a long week and it took awhile for it to sink in and I'm still in the process of getting used to everything. The first day that I got out of the MTC I went right to my first lesson. HOLY COW it was so different and did not expect it. It went really well though and I was able to bear my testimony to people that needed to hear it. The spirit is so strong in our lessons and it makes me feel so great to teach the people the truth. This past week we had at least 5 to 6 lessons a day and it was 1 every hour. One of the lessons we got into a Bible bash with some Jehovah witnesses and that was on my second day out into the field and the first day we were on bikes and it rained on us so the Lord is definitely testing my faith. I stayed pretty busy, but when we got back to the flat time just stopped! I thought it would never come time to go to bed and waking up was so hard. Their language here is so unique and I am already picking up on how to say hello and thank you. I ride a bike every other day so I won't be getting to fat any time soon hopefully. I'm in the area of Pimville and my companion's name is Elder Wiltse! He's from Canada and has been our for almost 4 months. He's a very good teacher and I learn a lot from him! I rely on the Lord every second because the area is definitely pretty crazy! It's really fun though and a new experience and so far I have enjoyed it. I pray every second of the day for the guidance I need and the safety of my loved ones! so yeah that's you guys!! I can feel the blessings that you are getting and heaven is just pouring them out over you! This past week has been the hardest week of my entire life so far but it's taught me so much. Keep pressing forward is my missionary motto. Today is a sacrifice but the greatest investment I will ever make - Gordon B. Hinkley! Don't give up ever and love everyday that the Lord gives to you. I pray for you all always and am always thinking of you! I love you all so much and take care!
Love,
Elder Bryner
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| My bed is on the right |
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| My desk |
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| Elder Wiltse is in the red shirt. |
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| African moon |
More MTC & Temple pictures
Here are some pictures from Elder Bryner. (He just sent these to us)
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| On the way to the MTC from the airport |
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| Finally got his missionary tag |
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| His bed in the MTC |
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| His MTC dorm room tag |
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| Johannesburg temple |
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| Elder Van Deeren (MTC companion) & Elder Bryner |
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| On the temple grounds |
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| Elder Bryner & Elder Allen (MTC friend) |
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| Elder Bryner & Elder Lawson (MTC friend) |
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| Elder Bryner & Elder Labrum (MTC friend from SLC. They flew to the MTC together) |
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| Elder Bryner & his native African Elder friends |
Excerpts from Dad's email
Email #3
Area: Pimville Zone 1
Companion: Elder Wiltse
Excerpts from Dad's email
Getting into the routine of things was really hard and waking up at 6:30, it wasn't too bad, but just getting used to it!! The people are pretty nice and the little kids are cute and always run up to and yell Elder, Elder!! It's pretty funny, but yeah my companion loves chocolate milk just like Jaren and you know how Jaren has a little inward walk with his toes pointed in a little, yeah he does that too! He's a good guy and teaches really well! ...So far it's going well we only tracted like 3 times this past week and we usually have a good amount of lessons everyday and this area it is the most effective when it comes to teaching people!
Keep the family safe and Keep Pressing Forward pop!! That's my missionary motto for myself! It's great to hear that you guys are safe and doing well and staying busy!!
Love you pop!!
Love you son,
Elder Bryner
Area: Pimville Zone 1
Companion: Elder Wiltse
Excerpts from Dad's email
Getting into the routine of things was really hard and waking up at 6:30, it wasn't too bad, but just getting used to it!! The people are pretty nice and the little kids are cute and always run up to and yell Elder, Elder!! It's pretty funny, but yeah my companion loves chocolate milk just like Jaren and you know how Jaren has a little inward walk with his toes pointed in a little, yeah he does that too! He's a good guy and teaches really well! ...So far it's going well we only tracted like 3 times this past week and we usually have a good amount of lessons everyday and this area it is the most effective when it comes to teaching people!
Keep the family safe and Keep Pressing Forward pop!! That's my missionary motto for myself! It's great to hear that you guys are safe and doing well and staying busy!!
Love you pop!!
Love you son,
Elder Bryner
Pictures from London on the way to Africa
He had a twelve hour layover and a member picked up all six missionaries and took them on a tour of London. It was Elder Silvesters' mom's friend. (He just sent these to us)
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| The Thames river looking at the Westminster bridge in front of Big Ben |
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| Standing in front of the London aquarium looking at Big Ben |
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| Big Ben |
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| Front of Buchingham Palace |
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| Front gates of Buchingham Palace |
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| Six of the elders that flew to Johannesburg |
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Letter from President Omer
Dear Brother and Sister Bryner,
I am pleased to inform you that your son, Elder James Rex Bryner, has arrived in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission and he is doing wonderfully. We are delighted to have him serving with us in the Mission. Elder Bryner will serve initially in the Pimville 1 Area of the Soweto East Zone. His companion and trainer is Elder Spencer Robert Wiltse, from Canada.
Uplifting and supportive letters from home are important to missionaries. We encourage you to write or e-mail your son weekly. His mailing address throughout his mission will be - james.bryner@myldsmail.net. In fact email communications are preferred.
For Letters Sent Through Pouch: Letters using the Church’s pouch system are limited to a single sheet of paper, folded into thirds and taped on the top edge only. No envelopes, no pictures, no cards, etc are allowed. Pouch mail uses US postage.
Elder James Bryner
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
P. O. Box 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150
For Packages and Letters sent through Postal Service
Elder James Bryner
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
Private Bag X4
Ansfrere 1711, South Africa
Packages should be labeled “Missionary Supplies” and valued less than $40.00 to avoid high custom charges. For secure items please use FedEx and the physical address:
3 Phillips Avenue,
Discovery 1709,
South Africa.
We appreciate your support of your missionary and thank you for sharing him with the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. I have included a picture of your missionary with Sister Omer and myself.
Sincerely,
S. Craig Omer, President
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
I am pleased to inform you that your son, Elder James Rex Bryner, has arrived in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission and he is doing wonderfully. We are delighted to have him serving with us in the Mission. Elder Bryner will serve initially in the Pimville 1 Area of the Soweto East Zone. His companion and trainer is Elder Spencer Robert Wiltse, from Canada.
Uplifting and supportive letters from home are important to missionaries. We encourage you to write or e-mail your son weekly. His mailing address throughout his mission will be - james.bryner@myldsmail.net. In fact email communications are preferred.
For Letters Sent Through Pouch: Letters using the Church’s pouch system are limited to a single sheet of paper, folded into thirds and taped on the top edge only. No envelopes, no pictures, no cards, etc are allowed. Pouch mail uses US postage.
Elder James Bryner
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
P. O. Box 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150
For Packages and Letters sent through Postal Service
Elder James Bryner
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
Private Bag X4
Ansfrere 1711, South Africa
Packages should be labeled “Missionary Supplies” and valued less than $40.00 to avoid high custom charges. For secure items please use FedEx and the physical address:
3 Phillips Avenue,
Discovery 1709,
South Africa.
We appreciate your support of your missionary and thank you for sharing him with the South Africa Johannesburg Mission. I have included a picture of your missionary with Sister Omer and myself.
Sincerely,
S. Craig Omer, President
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
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| James arrives at mission |
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| President Omer, Elder Bryner & Sister Omer |
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| Elder Bryner & Elder Wiltse |
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Leaving MTC
Email from Sister Reber:
The Elders all left today for the Mission Field. The MTC is empty. There is no laughter in the halls.
I miss them already! I wish I could go into the field with them and document their missions. Last night we had a very tender, tearful Testimony meeting. They have really bonded as brothers and
it has been a joy to watch this happen.
They have worked hard and are ready to serve!
Thank you for the nice notes that some of you have sent.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
The Elders all left today for the Mission Field. The MTC is empty. There is no laughter in the halls.
I miss them already! I wish I could go into the field with them and document their missions. Last night we had a very tender, tearful Testimony meeting. They have really bonded as brothers and
it has been a joy to watch this happen.
They have worked hard and are ready to serve!
Thank you for the nice notes that some of you have sent.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
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Sunday, November 10, 2013
MTC Choir
Email from Sister Reber:
Today the MTC Choir performed at three local wards....during their Sacrament Meetings. The MTC Choir sang "Hope of Israel" with Elder Holloway conducting and Elder Labrum at the piano. The soloists were: Elder Lawson, Kibirango, Packard and Cahill. It was wonderful, impressive and really brought the Spirit. Just seeing the 23 Elders walk into the meeting was powerful. The Elders are so good and trying so hard to do everything right! The chapel is hallowed by their very presence. EVERY Elder sang....and sang well.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
Today the MTC Choir performed at three local wards....during their Sacrament Meetings. The MTC Choir sang "Hope of Israel" with Elder Holloway conducting and Elder Labrum at the piano. The soloists were: Elder Lawson, Kibirango, Packard and Cahill. It was wonderful, impressive and really brought the Spirit. Just seeing the 23 Elders walk into the meeting was powerful. The Elders are so good and trying so hard to do everything right! The chapel is hallowed by their very presence. EVERY Elder sang....and sang well.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
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Saturday, November 9, 2013
Service
Email from Sister Reber:
The Elders had 30 minutes of service at the MTC today. They washed the MTC van, swept the walks and dug up the sand in the volleyball court. They were willing workers.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
The Elders had 30 minutes of service at the MTC today. They washed the MTC van, swept the walks and dug up the sand in the volleyball court. They were willing workers.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
Friday, November 8, 2013
Sports at the MTC
Email from Sister Reber:
Several days a week, the Elders have sports from 3:30 in the afternoon until 4:30. Then they clean up for dinner by 5:00. This group of Elders play soccer together. A few play basketball and some pass around a rugby ball. It is a nice change of pace for them.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
Several days a week, the Elders have sports from 3:30 in the afternoon until 4:30. Then they clean up for dinner by 5:00. This group of Elders play soccer together. A few play basketball and some pass around a rugby ball. It is a nice change of pace for them.
Love,
Sister Janet Reber
South Africa MTC
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