Make Christmas meaningful

Dear Family,

I guess I still need to write an e-mail even though I am going to be calling you tomorrow. First of all, Mother would be very upset with me, that she didn't get her weekly e-mail. So here it goes, and С Рождеством ( Suh- Rozh-dest-vom) Merry Christmas! It is going to be weird to celebrate Christmas once again in the frozen winter wonderland of Siberia. This week is supposed to be very warm, which means not -30 degrees Celcius. You can definitely feel the difference. By -40, it is just cold, and you freeze anyway. I am glad I came prepared with very warm clothing. I don't see how some people here walk around without gloves, when I feel my bones freezing in my mittens with fur-lined gloves inside. My shopka is very warm. So don't worry mother, I will not be frostbitten when I come home.

There is not much to say about the work here. The work is slow, since people here are so busy with the holidays, final exams, and work. Most of the time, the Gospel is the last thing on people's minds. I remember one man we talked to, Yaroslav, who honestly admitted that if we gave him a Book of Mormon, he would just place it on the table, and it would go unread. It made me think about what I did during Christmas at home. I never remember planning any parties or huge outgoings, but I remember other people going crazy with all of the bustle of dinners, staff Christmas parties, ward caroling, secret Santas, and many of the countless Christmas activities that fill our schedules to overflowing. I was stressed out after just thinking about it. I did not want any of that when I get home. I don't mean I don't want to celebrate Christmas, but I want to keep my schedule open, so that I could truly focus on the meaning of Christmas. The Savior was born.

I remember we got a random call from a member, telling us that an inactive member appeared at the branch building, and that the person wanted to talk to us. We speedily arrived at the branch, and sat down with the person. After a few minutes talking, I asked about their faith in God and in the Savior. This person believed in God, but due to inactivity, weakened in the belief that He truly loved that person. This person didn't fully understand why Christ suffered for people's sins. This person was confused, and was tired of life. At that moment, I told that person, "You need to strengthen your relationship with the Savior. He loves you, and if you want to feel that love, you need to work at it. The blessings you want in life can only come if your relationship with Jesus Christ is strong." Maybe that is why we are so stressed during the holidays. We are so caught up in the bustle of everything, that we deny ourselves feeling the love of Christ, especially on this day of His birth.

t is in the Sunday School answers we find the cure to our stress and troubles. Prayer, scripture study, keeping the commandments. Prayer is how we communicate with God. If we are too tired to pray, then we are denying our connection to Divinity, and denying ourselves spiritual renewal and the ability to lay all our problems on the altar. The scriptures open up doors of revelation, giving us the answers to our problems. The Holy Ghost can whisper to us those things that are necessary, and give us the peace we need, for He is the Comforter. Keeping the commandments, especially Sabbath Day observance and partaking of the sacrament to renew our covenants, provides us with a recleansing of the spirit. It is my weekly battery. If I couldn't attend Sacrament Meeting, I would not survive. But in all these things, our intent and desire to draw closer to the Savior must be present. We cannot have our lips draw closer while our spirits are left far behind. Rote repetition will not provide results.

I was reading in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 91, I believe, about the Apochrypha. There was a very interesting verse. In summary, everything that is done with the Spirit is for the benefit of man. I thought about it, and if we have the Spirit in our lives, then everything that we do will be done by the Spirit, and will help us improve. On the other hand, if you do not have the Spirit, then everything you do will not benefit you. I could read the scriptures, have my eyes glaze over the pages, but without the Spirit, I get nothing out of it. So, during this holiday season, we need to make sure that we have the Spirit with us always. Take a couple minutes every morning to kneel and pray, read a few verses of scripture, or listen to hymns. Treasure up the Spirit in your lives, and then all you will do will be for a benefit. I believe that if you have the Spirit, you can even make cooking or shopping for your benefit!

What I decided in conclusion is that I want to leave the last weeks of Christmas completely open, and only allot time to family, and for my Savior. It is interesting that when the angel proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ, he did not first call Him the Christ, Emmanuel, Holy one of Israel, the Son of God, but the Savior. Truly Jesus Christ is our Savior, who was born to a life destined for pain, sorrow, suffering, and eventually crucifixion and death. He did that because He loves us. His suffering allowed all of us to have eternal life, and eternal joy, eternal peace, eternal family. My favorite Christmas hymn is "Silent Night". Every time we would sing it, I would feel this overwhelming peace come over me. Despite all the trials we face in life, we can still feel peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior, the Prince of Peace.

I know that He was born, that He lived, and that He died. I know that he provided the way for us all to be cleansed from our sins and transgressions. I know that His gospel is a gospel of happiness and peace. How grateful I am for loving parents who taught me about my loving Savior. I know that even though I am half a world away from my family, through the Savior we can be even closer than before. I love you all so much, and I love my Savior.

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day...a Savior, which is Christ the Lord...Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace. Good will toward men."

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)
Старейшина Хогган (Сибирский Посланник)

Excited to Skype with you for Christmas!!

First of all, Congratulations Bryson! I can confidentially say that only the most diligent and obedient missionaries are sent to such a place. I respect you, and I give you some advice. First of all, embrace the language! Definitely use my Rosetta stone, for it gave me a brief knowledge of the language. Second, start talking to people now. There is an Elder Anderson in our mission that talked to Russians by Skype before his mission, and just asked to practice. He didn't say he was going to preach, but just practice speaking Russian. I wish I did that, and I highly recommend you to do it. Finally. Start NOW to live the missionary lifestyle. Wake up at 6:30, exercise, pray, study the scriptures, study the language, and keep yourself busy every day. Do not be lazy, because it will be so much harder our in the field.

Elder Hoggan and Elder Nichols

On the other side, be prepared for the cold. It is getting below 30 Celsius, which is about the same in Fahrenheit. Just below 20 degrees, and the rest is all the same: cold. My new Shopka is really warm, and now I just have to worry about frostbite on my face. Don't worry, Bryson, this is the fun part of serving in Russia. At least it is not in Siberia...Many are called but few are frozen... The other picture is our apartment building front door on the inside. It is that cold. I am so grateful for the sleeping bag that you had me pack with me. I am never cold at night thanks to that.

ice on the INSIDE of apartment door

Also, Mom, it WAS in fact a counselor of the General Relief Society Presidency. They came to give a training course about relief society and primary, and I was one of the office elders to help conduct the meetings. We had a lunch with them, and I told her where I was from, and she remembered Pres. Peterson. She promised to pass a hello from me. So that is the story. I think I talked about it in a previous letter, but I can't remember.

New Shopka hat

This has been a pretty solemn week, as Sister Sanford left for home. Despite the fact she only served here in Novokuznetsk for a month, she made such a difference to the work, and the members will miss her terribly. In a district meeting, she gave a very interesting piece of advice. "Everything hard now will stay hard, so you might as well work on it." It is so true, especially in the missionary field. Contacting people never gets easier, speaking the language never gets easier, even waking up at 6:30 every morning never gets easier. Every time I do it it is hard, just as hard as my first time. What changes is the desire and will. Over time, I have seen that it is better to just go and do, rather than think and delay. Sometimes, you just need to act immediately, or it is too late. Don't decide whether or not to talk to someone about the gospel, just go and do. This goes as well with things after the mission, and I thought about what I would do now to prepare for the future. There are many skills needed, such as talking to strangers, conducting meetings, and giving lectures, are just a few things that are practiced on a mission. I want to do all I can now, so that I am used to doing such hard things later, my will becomes stronger, and I can do it even better the next time.

We had a zone conference this last week, and with it new transfers. I am going to be staying in Novokuznetsk with Elder Nichols, but I am now going to be the district leader. Remember that I was district leader in Barnaul? I guess that Heavenly Father wants me to learn a little bit more before I finish my mission. It is strange to think that there have been only four transfers in my entire mission where I did not have a leadership position, be it trainer, district leader, or office elder. I feel like the least qualified to perform in any of these offices, but Heavenly Father thinks otherwise. It is difficult for me to be a leader, maybe because I expect so much out of myself. I just want to share the gospel with as many people as possible, but I have my weaknesses, and I sin in my desire, to quote from Alma. You just have to be satisfied with what you have been doing, and pray to Heavenly Father that your work is approved by Him.

In Zone Conference, we were talking about the symbolism of the birth of Jesus Christ. President Gibbons is a man of vision and wisdom. He is rich in the knowledge of the gospel, and in the symbolism of God. He makes you think in ways that I have never thought possible. The signs of the Baby Christ are so much deeper to me than before. What are swaddling clothes? What is so significant of a manger? The angel said to the shepherds that they would be a sign unto them. In the Greek text, swaddling clothes was a word for fabric that notified of royalty, such as the Scottish tartan. So Christ was in a way wearing the royal robes of King David, as HE was heir to the kingdom. What was a manger, but a feedbox for the Oxen. Oxen are very symbolic in the scriptures, for sacrificing, for the baptismal font in the temples, and the symbol of the tribe of Ephraim. The prophecy of the gathering of Israel was that those of the tribe of Ephraim would go to the edges of the earth, and push with their horns the children of Israel together. The feedbox is important as well, for isn't Christ the "Bread of Life"? Isn't He the one who provided nourishment for the thousands? As before, He is the source of nourishment for a weary soul, draped in the robes of divine royalty, and with His servants herding the children of Israel together. It could even apply to us, I thought. When we make special covenants in the temple, we are given special garments, as if cloth symbolizing our divine royalty as children of the Most High God. We are supported by our divine heritage, like the oxen support the baptismal font. We are of the House of Israel, and we have a role to gather the lost children. We are sources of nourishment for these weary souls. People come to us, asking for the Bread of Life, which is only through Christ Jesus, whose name we missionaries proudly wear.

Now it is difficult for us to meet our investigators, especially since the holidays are coming. People are busy enough on a regular day, but now Christmas and New Year's really mess things up. We haven't been able to meet our previous investigators this week, and we are trying to find new ones every day. We will be having a fireside, so to speak, about the Book of Mormon this Saturday, and we hope to have many people attending.

I love you all, and I pray for your safety. I hope that at this hectic time, you can remember the One who we all love, and adore, and give our praise to. May we strive to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior, at the time when we celebrate His birth. I know He was born on this earth. I know that He walked amongst the people, taught them, healed them, organized His Church, and He suffered for us. Not only our sins did He suffer, but every single moment of our existence did He suffer. Every single pain and hardship he went through. When we can't go any more, He carries us the rest of the way. When I felt like I couldn't go any more, He is always there to carry me in His arms, let me rest for a little bit, but then sets me down. Why can't I stay in His arms? They are so warm and safe. He needs me to find others to let Him carry them, and He knows that I can do this. Despite all of my trials and weaknesses, He knows that I can do this. I know this with my entire heart, which is full of joy and gratitude for my Savior.

Elder Hoggan

(P.S. Due to changes in missionary schedules, my release date has been changed to April 3. President Gibbons has given us permission to let us determine if we want it to stay that way, or leave as originally planned May 1. I just found out about this, and I am still not fully sure what Heavenly Father needs me to do. I will be praying, and I ask for your prayers. We will find out about Skype, and then e-mail you before the end of this week. We just need to coordinate with the branch president, since that is the only computer available to do Skype.)

What is a testimony?

I hope you can listen to those audio files. One is my testimony in English, and the other is in Russian. I hope you can hear all that I said. 

Dear Family, and Matt! I was actually thinking about him this last week, and wondered if he was home yet. Well, your email answers my question! I guess you will all just have to wait a little longer before it's my turn. I can't wait to converse with him in Russian, while he speaks in Korean. We can just smile and nod, just like our first days in the field, not understanding a single thing that was said, and really wondering what they taught us in the MTC. An interesting fact is that I have seen a few Korean people here in Russia. There are so many different races of people, which was really surprising to me in the first place.

About your questions about Дед Мороз (Ded More-ohz) or Father Frost:  he is actually pretty similar to the stories of Santa Claus. A big difference is that Дед Мороз is like the Jack Frost of America. He brings in the cold and snow, and makes snow appear on the houses and trees with his magical staff. He looks very much like Santa Claus, but his coat reaches down to his ankles, and is completely covered in fluffy fur, and it is usually a white or blue color. Дед Мороз literally means Uncle Frost, and he has a helper, his granddaughter Снегурочка. She is the one who helps him, and plays with the children. Дед Мороз needs no elves to help him! They go around on a sled, pulled by horses, and visit the people, giving gifts. They don't fly around, though. Дед Мороз doesn't live in the North Pole, but in a city in Russia, which I can't remember. Whenever I heard the name, I thought someone was saying "Great Duck". It is an actual city, and people live there. If you wanted to, you could send him a letter, but children don't write letters to him asking for gifts. You can't go to the local store and sit on his lap, either. It is cool to think that though many miles separate these two countries, the traditions are similar, and joy of family, giving gifts, and love are universal.

This week, I had been thinking about what a testimony is. I was given an opportunity to give a spiritual though about testimonies in a district meeting, and this is what I came up with. All the time we are told to share our testimony, but people do it so differently. What is a testimony? Being a missionary, I have found joy in the simplest of terms. I broke down what a testimony is into four parts: Truth, Blessings, Promise, and Spirit.

A testimony is a declaration of truth. In declaring truth, it needs to be short and simple, to allow the person to understand, because sometimes the truth is new. Short simple sentences make the truth clear, and allow you to pause, and give the person time to ponder what was said in their heart. I know the church is true. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet.

When testifying of truth, you need to share the blessings or reasons the truth is important to you. If the truth was the "what", then the blessings are the "why".  This makes a testimony even more personal, and more heartfelt, because you explain why this truth applies to you.  I know the Book of Mormon is true. When I read the Book of Mormon, I can feel God's love for me. I can feel peace when I read the Book of Mormon.

Now in sharing your testimony, you share it with someone. If they are to benefit from your testimony, you need to explain to them what they can do to have the same blessings. Without this promise, people don't realize that they can change. They hear words thinking, "Well, that is nice for them." If you promise blessings, then they think, "I want peace in my life, maybe I should read the Book of Mormon."  I know the Book of Mormon is true. When I read the Book of Mormon, I feel peace. I know that if you read the Book of Mormon, you can find peace in your life.

Finally, you need the Spirit. The wonderful thing is that if you follow the first three steps, the Spirit is already there. The Spirit testifies of truth, you are sharing experiences when the Spirit testified to you, and you are allowing the Spirit to testify to others. Having a true, heartfelt, sincere testimony, shared with love can change hearts.

Why am I talking about testimonies? Because this week, we were unsuccessful in meeting with any investigators, so we had a lot of time to practice. When you have no meetings, it is time to hit the streets! I actually saw the benefits of sharing this pattern, especially with this one man.  We were walking late a night, and it was very cold. There was no one on the street, and we just heard the snow crunching under our boots. We saw a dark shadow in front of us, and realized it was a human, so we got ready to talk to him. I greeted him, and asked him how his day had gone so far. He actually stopped and answered that things were okay in his life. I took the opportunity to take off my glove and shake his hand. (In Russia, it is incredibly rude to shake hands while wearing gloves, even when the temperature is well below freezing.) I asked his name, it is Oleg, and we told him our names. I told him we were missionaries with a message about God and Jesus Christ. I asked him if he believed in Jesus Christ. He said he did, but he was unsure what that faith was meant for him in his life. I told him that faith in Jesus Christ allows us to repent of our sins and mistakes, and allows the burdens to be removed from our backs. I don't know why I shared that, but the man took it to heart, and acknowledged that he would like to feel that. I told him that we have another record of Jesus Christ, which helps us to know how to accept His sacrifice in our lives. I showed Oleg the Book of Mormon, and opened the Book of Mormon to Moroni 10:3-5. We waited silently as he read it. Afterwards, I testified to him, that I know the Book of Mormon is true. I have felt peace in my life when I read it. My faith in Jesus Christ is stronger. I have felt His love in removing my burdens and mistakes. I promised him if he read the Book, he could feel that peace, and know for himself who Jesus Christ is. He was so grateful for the Book of Mormon, which we left him, and we exchanged numbers. I told truth. I shared blessings, I promised him, and the Spirit was there. It was perfect, and both of us left that meeting edified. We have not met with him yet, but I am just glad that I was able to edify this man.

I am sorry that there is not much else, as sometimes there are slow moments in a mission. The most important thing to know is what to do when there is nothing to do. You have no meetings, so then you find someone to teach. Your investigator canceled a meeting, so then you find someone to teach. You have half an hour before curfew, and you are five minutes from home, so you find someone to teach. I don't know how it was for Matt in Korea, but no matter what the weather, pouring rain or blizzard, be in 100 degrees or 40 below zero, you go and find people to teach out on the streets.

I love you all, and thank you for your prayers. I am grateful for the friends who listened to the call from a prophet to serve. They are my greatest friends, and I can't wait for the time when we can share all the experiences we have had on our missions, be they good, bad, or ugly.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

I hope we can strive to be more like the Savior.

Dear Family:

By golly, it has gotten so cold the last week! It has gotten about -27 degrees Celsius this last week. Don't worry, I have a really nice coat and hat, and scarf. I have not even felt frozen, not just because of the warm clothes, but also the warmth that the gospel brings in life.

I hope you like the picture of our district. They are so amazing, and I love them all. From left to right, we have Elder Turley who is our faithful district leader. He is one transfer older than me, which scares me, because I only have 5 months left...Next is Elder Harrison, who is the amazing singer of the mission. Then is Elder Nichols, the basketball champ, and Sister Sowards, who got her call in Taiwan. She was a humanitarian worker there, and taught an English class for little children. Then there is Sister Sanford. Did I tell you that she trained two sets of sisters (She served in a threesome) twice? I was so excited to hear that she was serving here in my beloved city, because she is awesome. Our district is strong, and we are finding people ready to hear the gospel.

Elder Turley, Elder Harrison, Elder Nichols, Elder Hoggan, Sister Sowards, Sister Sanford

One of our investigators, Luba, is amazing. She is the mother of a member, and she has a solid testimony of the Gospel. In sacrament meeting, she bore her testimony, her first time ever, about how she knows the gospel is true. She should be baptized any time. We are just waiting for when she feels ready, when it is the right time.

We also met with my friend Nikolai. I had the impression to share these verses about the people of Alma, who were in bondage, and were forbidden to pray. When God answered their prayers, he said that he would give them strength, so that they could bear their burdens. He didn't say that He would get rid of their burdens, though. I told Nikolai that in times of trial, God doesn't change the circumstances. He changes the person. I have seen how I shouldn't ask for Heavenly Father to get rid of a trial in my life, just make everything better, but rather I ask for strength. Trials are a time of growth and development, and God wouldn't deny us a time to grow. Heavenly Father changes us, not the circumstance. Like Nephi, he didn't ask for God to remove his bounds, but to give him strength to break the binds. I testify that God helps in trial, that He gives us the necessary strength. Nikolai really took to heart those verses when he read them. He wrote down the reference, so he could read it again. It really testified to me that the Spirit tells us what we need to teach in order to help people.

Another person is Valeri. He came to church last week on an invite. We met him on the street, gave him a Book of Mormon, and invited him to church. He came, and then he came again this last Sunday. We will be meeting with him later this week. When I asked him what he thought about church. He said that he felt "peaceful, and comfortable." I testified to him that it was indeed the truth, that the Holy Ghost testifies to us through peaceful feelings. He plans to come more often, which is a sure sign of conversion, and desire to accept the gospel. It was just a miracle that we met him, and then invited him to church.

President Gibbons has given us a charge to use the Book of Mormon in our finding efforts, and I have seen the fruits of it. One man, Yuri, we met on the street, and talked to him about the Book of Mormon. At first he was very critical, and very agnostic. He asked for evidence of its truthfulness. Usually, we use the Book of Mormon as evidence of the truthfulness of our message, but evidence for the evidence? I felt the need to open up to Moroni 10:3-5, which every single missionary knows. I read him the passage, and testified that I received that answer for myself. I felt the spirit then, and I saw a change in the man's countenance. He was happy. I could tell that the Holy Ghost had impressed on this man of the truthfulness of our message. We didn't get his contact information, but we planted a seed. I was reading in the Bible, and Christ says that there are some sent to plant, and some are sent to harvest. There are some who harvest where others plant. So the seeds of faith we plant in others, in investigators, might not be harvested ourselves, but maybe by other missionaries. A perfect example is Pavel. I taught him, but it wasn't for another year before he accepted the gospel. My companion and I planted the seed, but other missionaries harvested. Both are necessary to gather the fruit, and both are important. No effort is wasted, as it says in Preach My Gospel.

We also met with another Pavel. What is interesting is that Kirill knows the man, since they both were in the same Jehovah's Witnesses congregation. Kirill was just in shock. This man seems to have real intent, as he actually prayed about the Book of Mormon after the lesson. It is so difficult to get an investigator to pray, and especially have them ask questions. It amazed me, and we will be meeting later this week.

I love this gospel, and I know it is true with all my heart. I love the scriptures. I have read the Book of Mormon 7 times already, and every time I read it I feel my testimony of its truthfulness grow. I know that the church has been restored by Joseph Smith, and that the church is run by a living prophet. I love you all, and I pray for you. I hope that in this time of the Savior's Birth, we can strive to be like Him even more. I love my Savior, and I know He lives. He Atoned for our sins, he Atoned for my sins. He saved me, and he saves me every day. Every time I feel like I can't go on, He is there to carry me those next steps.

I love you all.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

P.S. I got the name tag, and I will try to send it to you, when we are in Novosibirsk next week. Also, I had the idea to record my testimony, in Russian and in English, so that you can hear it. I thought that you might want to hear it.

Thanksgiving

Dear Family:

I can't believe that I am in this “trainer” seat for the third time already. You would think after being a trainer twice I would get the hang of it. The reality is far from that. I still don't know what I am doing, even though I have been out for more than a year and a half. Every single day brings even more surprises.

What first happened this week, we went to Novosibirsk for training of the new missionaries. The main message of this training for the trainers was about unity and love. You need to love your companion and work together with them. That is why they are called a companion. If you don't work together, then the work stops. It doesn't just slow down, but it stops.

Elder Nichols is from Linden, or pretty much Orem. A majority of missionaries in our mission are from Orem, which is interesting. He actually played basketball in the same high school as Elder Harper, my former companion. (President Gibbons promised to send pictures of our companions to our parents, so you will have to tell me when you get it, because I don't have one yet...) That is his forte, basketball. He was one of the big players at his high school. How sweet, to have one of the greatest basketball players paired up with one of the worst basketball players in the world. Junior Jazz still haunts me to this day. But that is okay, because Elder Nichols has great desire to share the gospel, despite his strugglings with the language. I am in a similar position as my trainer was, except he was branch president, too.  I couldn't do that.

Thanksgiving

The day we got into Novokuznetsk, we had Thanksgiving. By the picture, you can see that we know how to celebrate Thanksgiving. We went around the room, saying things we were really grateful, and family was the biggest. I remember the mashed potatoes were my most favorite dish, but I had never made them before. But I ended up making them for everyone, and they turned out wonderful. You would have been proud of me, Mom. But our district is amazing. Elders Turley and Harrison are fireballs, and Sisters Sanford and Sowards are really making a big difference in the work around here. I just hope that I and Elder Nichols can make up the difference.

 

I just can't get over the fact about the Book of Mormon. It is by far the greatest tool we have in missionary work. We met this man by the name of Valeri, and gave him a Book of Mormon. He asked about our church services and we told him they would be the following day. We were unable to get any contact information, but there he was, the next day at church! I was amazed, because I had never seen anyone who we met on the street come to church before we even taught them! He plans to come even more, and we plan to meet with him this week.

Another miracle was Andrei. We were walking outside yesterday, and we started talking to this man about the church. I was explaining about the Book of Mormon, and I testified how I knew the Book of Mormon to be true. He asked, "How can you know if it is true?" I almost thought I was being filmed in a church movie. Me and Elder Nichols that very morning in companionship study practiced teaching people about the Book of Mormon, and how to receive an answer of its truthfulness. I happily explained that first he needed to read it, and then ponder the message in his heart. Then ask God in prayer, if the Book of Mormon is true. The answers that come from prayer are not usually loud, but more like feelings of peace and joy. That is the Holy Ghost testifying of truth. There have been a few cases where I have met someone on the street, and I recognized the Spirit testifying. That moment, I felt him strongly, and I knew that Andrei felt it as well. We exchanged numbers, and plan to meet later this week.

Now a completely opposite story, we met a man on the street who wanted nothing to do with us. I tried to share a message of the truthfulness of the Gospel, but he would not listen, and continued to call our church a cult. I felt anger rising in my heart, I really wanted to argue with this man, but I held my cool and simply stated that I knew our church was not a cult, but the true church of Jesus Christ, and bade him good luck with his life. We left with his mocking in our ears. Sometimes I wish I didn't know the Russian language, so that I didn't have to understand the horrible things some people say. I am really grateful, though, that I left a good impression for this man. I didn't raise my voice, I didn't insult him, I just shared what was dear to my heart. I am also grateful that Heavenly Father gives everyone the chance to receive the gospel, and we were just one step bringing this man to the truth.

Another thing that impressed me happened this week. The branch building was in deep need of a repainting, and the members came for many days to paint the walls. They would come and work late into the night, so that the building would be ready for Sunday. It reminded me of my studies in the scriptures about the ones truly converted to the faith "standing in holy places." The most obvious holy place would be the temple, but these members are not able to enjoy the blessings of the temple constantly. Where else is a holy place? These members spend a lot of time at the branch, not just to help, but they realize that it is in fact a holy place, and they can be safe here. It reminds me of a member who was bombarded with anti-Mormon material at home, and she would stay at the branch, because she wanted to stay in "holy places". Another holy place, unlike the story, home is another one, even comparable to the temple. The home can only be holy if the ones who reside are holy. I am grateful for a family who taught me the holiness of home. I guess that is why I never needed a curfew, because I wanted to stay in the holy place which was my home. May we do all we can to make our homes "holy places".

The work is going forth nobly. I wonder if there was news of the 2nd stake in St. Petersburg. Satan is losing his grip on these people, and righteousness is prevailing. I am grateful to be part of this service, of this battle for truth and purity. I just hope that I am still here when there is a stake formed here in Novosibirsk. I don't know, but no matter what happens, I know that I served when I needed to, and that my service is acceptable before God. I pray every day for you, my family. I pray for you, my friends. I pray for you, all who are looking for the truth. I know we have it. I know we have the fullness of the Gospel. Jesus is the Christ. His church has been restored. I know it.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

P.S. The picture of me with another elder is Elder Dawson. We spent a few weeks in Novokuznetsk together. The other with all of the missionaries is all of the trainers and their companions having dinner together.

Elder Dawson

 

A few questions: Which conference was that talk from you told me about? Also, who in the family has received a written letter from me? I just want to make sure I didn't forget anyone. Then finally, was Les Miserables the musical made into a movie? I saw a preview and almost screamed out loud...just some little nice information.

The gospel changes people.

Dear Family,

What can I say today? It has been a really interesting week with many special spiritual moments. First of all, President Gibbons came to the branch, with Sister Sanford, who will be training a new missionary here. This will be the first time that Sisters will be serving here since the city opened 6 years ago. All of the members were so excited to hear this news, and Sister Sanford with her short-term companion were just loved by all. Sister missionaries have a strength and power that no Elder can show. I really respect Sisters who serve on missions, even though it is not their responsibility. Every single missionary has a special work that God calls them to do, that no other missionary can do. There is another elder, Elder Harrison. He was in the Moscow West mission, but then joined our mission when Kazakhstan became a part of us. We were actually in the same branch in the MTC. I had no idea that we would be serving in the same city. He is an amazing singer, and opera singer, and the members were amazed at his talent. He is serving with Elder Turley who is also a great elder, and it is great to see him again.

When President Gibbons came to the city, he shared his thoughts about angels. He told the stories about Moroni, when he visited Joseph Smith, and how we should follow his example as missionaries. When you read the scriptures, there are many references to angels, and it is not necessarily about Heavenly beings. Even missionaries are angels. People notice a light in us. Sometimes people are afraid of us, until they know what we have. We are messengers of truth, and we are also guardians and protectors of light. What I thought about that, is what people think about me. Am I an angel to others? How can I become an angel for people? I guess it is interesting to think how to become an angel, but angels are servants of Heavenly Father, and right now I am a servant. So this last few months I am on a mission, I want to fully strive to be the angel I am supposed to be. Anyone can be an angel, a messenger of truth and light. What that calls for is complete obedience to Heavenly Father's commandments. Study, prayer, and obedience to the commandments are the tools in order to have the Spirit in our lives, and to radiate the light of Christ.


Novokuznetsk Saints

I am not perfect, and I have weaknesses. God understands that, and he trusts me to overcome my weaknesses and strive to be faithful. He blesses us based on our desires and actions. If we are not completely successful the first time, God will help us try again. God always give us second chances. That is definitely the case with my friend Pavel. If you remember a long time ago, when I was serving here my first transfer, we had an investigator named Pavel. He was very religious, and he really liked to argue with us all the time. I wondered if he would ever accept the gospel. Last Sunday, he gave the lesson in Sunday School, and received the Melchizedek Priesthood. His lesson was about the scriptures, and he shared his conversion story, about how he was reading the Book of Mormon, and he eventually understood that God will always speak with His children. It was a wonderful lesson, and I was very impressed. Heavenly Father understands the hearts of His children, and He knows when His children are ready. This man, who I thought wouldn't accept the gospel, is now an active priesthood holder. What a change! The Gospel changes people. I am a witness of the changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I just have to say, I love this Gospel, and how it changes people. I have many struggles and weaknesses, but  Heavenly Father waited until I was ready to listen, and he showed me the way to try to overcome them. I am still not perfect, and I still have to be reminded time and again what I need to do. I am learning, and my life is so wonderful. 

I love my family, and their examples to me. I exhort all of you to strive to be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If there is something in your life that you want to change, it is possible. I am a witness of it.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

I Know That My Redeember Lives

Dear Family,

What a week this has been for me. To go back to my first city in the mission was almost like a dream. As we are walking down the streets, memories come flooding back to me. We would be on a street corner, and I would say, "I know where we are!" I am still not used to the fact that I am here. Right now, I am serving with Elder Dawson. He will be serving in Kazakhstan. While I am waiting for my new companion on the 21st, and he for his visa, we are enjoying service together.

I came in to Novokuznetsk Tuesday morning, and left Wednesday night to go to Finland. (I sent off those CTR rings, and they should be there soon.) Finland was a very special experience for me. Members from the St. Petersburg mission were there, and one of the workers in the temple was the father of a beloved missionary here, Elder Balashov. This man is now a bishop in the recently formed stake in St. Petersburg. It was very special to me as these Russian saints prayed for us missionaries. I love these people so much, and their spirits are very special.

Stadium Hostel in Finland

If you remember Sergei, he is an investigator from Novosibirsk who I found by giving a Book of Mormon. We have only taught him twice, but we have kept in close contact since he is frequently busy and traveling. I was hoping that I could see him one last time before I left for Novokuznetsk, but he was out of town at the time. As Elder Dawson and I were leaving for the station, we got a call that he was in the city and that he wanted to meet. Fortunately, his office is close to the train station, so I got to talk to him and share my testimony before I left. He even helped me carry my bags to the train. I have seen even more how Heavenly Father blesses us with tender mercies.

Sergei

On Tuesday, there was zone training, and the zone leaders were talking about how we need to increase our love and charity for each other as companions and also for the people. Elder Dawson and I were reading in Preach my Gospel, and there is a test on how well you display the qualities of Christ. Under Charity and Love, there is a question, "I pray for Charity, the pure love of Christ." We thought how though we pray for blessings for those we teach and members, we don't actually pray, asking for Charity. We then made a goal to pray for Charity every single time we pray, if it be during study, during church, or even in a lesson. I have seen how this little act has made me more focused on being charitable. I wasn't blessed with more charity in my life, but I was blessed to be more aware, and every day I am striving to only show love, and only think love. The zone leaders even gave a 24-hour challenge, which is to not complain or criticize, or make any negative comment for a full 24 hours. It is so hard...I still haven't accomplished it. It is a constant effort, but the blessings from it are really desirable. Every day seems more positive. I highly recommend others to try this challenge, and see if your lives are not happier.

The branch is definitely different. There are the same members who I remember, but there are also new faces, which I am really grateful for. I gave a talk in sacrament meeting about living the Gospel, about what is expected of us. We have to have Faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized by proper authority, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. It is a daily effort, where you can't afford to be lazy one day and come off conqueror. Satan is constantly attacking us. I know he constantly attacks me, throwing doubts and temptations every which way at me. Just one day of being lax can make a weak spot that Satan will directly target. We need to diligently study the scriptures, pray, follow the commandments, make the covenant of baptism, renew that covenant through the sacrament, obtain the Gift of the Holy Ghost, be worthy for His presence in our lives, and do this for the rest of our lives. I remember when I started my mission, I gave a talk in the same branch building, and how halting my Russian was. Now I was freely sharing my feelings, my testimony, and I knew that the Spirit testified that my words were true. I love being a missionary, and testifying. There is no feeling such as testifying of truth, it is happiness, confidence, love, and all the other good feelings wrapped up together in a simple statement. "I know that my Redeemer lives."

The most wonderful thing that happened this week, in my opinion, was that we had a meeting with Nikolai. Over a year ago, I personally baptized him in my second transfer. He is now a holder of the Melchizedek priesthood, and a very faithful man. Even though such a long time passed, our friendship is still the same. I actually learned of his conversion story. He was walking in the streets during winter time, and he saw a piece of paper on the ground. It was an invitation for English. He came to English, and there heard the gospel, and realized that this was truth he was seeking. He says that day when he found that card changed his life. He firmly believes that God placed that card in his path. It was definitely a miracle to me, and I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that puts things in our path to bless us.

I can't say enough how much Heavenly Father loves us. The most wonderful thing is that we can feel His love at any time. Sometimes it may seem that we feel alone, that we can't feel His love. During those moments, that is when we need to humbly pray. I say humbly, because the only thing that can separate us from God's love is ourselves. Emotions like pride, anger, and even fear can place that pavilion between us and God. If we strive to humble ourselves, we can feel that love. We need to have our wills be swallowed up in the will of the Father, and we receive countless blessings.

I love you all so much, and I pray for you. I pray for your safety, your health, and your happiness. You are my greatest blessing.

Elders Probst, Johnson, Rubow, and Hoggan

Faith is a principal of action and power.

Heavenly Father has incredibly confusing ways that are not at all understandable. That is incredibly difficult, but we are required to trust Him, and at least we have the assurance that all will be well. There has been major changes in the last few days, including my adventures in the mission. Today, meaning Monday, I will be leaving for my next assignment in the mission...NOVOKUZNETSK!!! My very first city in which I served is my next step in the eternal journey of me, Elder Hoggan. I will even be training a new missionary. Right from the office into the heart of missionary work. This will most likely be the last city in which I work. I only have four transfers left, six months. Tuesday night, we got a call from President Gibbons, and he was calling about transfers. We already knew the transfers, and sometimes things change. President Gibbons planned for met to at least stay in the office for one more transfer, but Heavenly Father had other plans. I don't know how I feel about it. I was shaking when he called us. I know that it is the will of the Lord, and it will be exciting, but also scary. Training again?

I will be with an Elder Dawson until my new companion comes to Russia. They are getting the new 3-year visas, so they are coming in a week later. Elder Dawson is waiting to go serve in Kazakhstan. A beautiful thing happened there. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been fully registered in Kazakhstan. That means that the government acknowledges that the church exists in the country and that we are allowed to practice our religion. We are only 1 of 17 registered churches in the entire country. You know how much of a blessing this is for these people? Missionaries still need licences to preach, but they are coming in easier. Now four missionaries have the legal rights to preach in Kazakhstan. The work is going to blossom rapidly there, and I am glad.

I just have to say that I really enjoyed being in the service in the office. I have seen an aspect of the church that I never knew. I have worked with church leaders from around the globe. I have been in councils determining future events of the mission. There is a logistics of the church which is almost as important as the spiritual side. I have seen how important it is to keep records. I once had a thought, as me and Elder Anderson were translating for President Gibbons in a district conference. They were talking about family history, and also keeping branch histories. I had no idea that such histories were kept. We are here to preserve the stories. We keep histories of our families, our experiences, our studies. We need to be so diligent in keeping these records.

Also, I had a really good experience with an old friend. If you remember that I served in Novosibirsk, me and Elder Patton had an old investigator, Pavel, who was working on remodeling an apartment. We would meet there, and they were the best lessons ever. I really loved him. I thought one day, "Missionaries aren't teaching him, maybe I could call him and set up a meeting." So I did, and he was really excited to talk, and we met. It was so wonderful to talk to him again, especially since I was more capable in the language. I exhorted him to continue meeting with the missionaries, and to accept the gospel, so that he could receive the blessings that we enjoy every day. It was truly a tender mercy from the Lord, that I could meet a friend again. Before I leave, I hope to say at least one more goodbye.

You asked about my reading...I am proud to say, that on October 30, 2012, I completely read the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Study Guide, Preach My Gospel, and The Book of Mormon (I have now read it 6 times). In Russian. This was just under the period of three months. that is almost 5,000 pages of scripture, and over 50 pages a day. I love the scriptures. It was early in the morning, and I woke up for some reason, and I couldn't go back to sleep. I decided to finish reading my scriptures. I read Moroni's promise again, and I prayed to know what I read was true, not just the Book of Mormon, but everything I read. I got an overwhelming feeling of peace. I had worked so hard to feast upon the words of Christ, and just reading it in my beloved language of Russian, I have gained a greater appreciation for them. I love the scriptures, and I exhort everyone to read them. Ponder them. Pray about them, and then you will be given wisdom, knowledge, and power to overcome any challenge, any trial, and find eternal life. This I know to be true.

What my feelings are about this week is about Faith. We are told that faith is a principle of action, as Adam gave sacrifices unto the Lord, and an angel asked him why he did so. Adam had no idea why, it was reason enough that Heavenly Father commanded him to. Faith, as a principle of action, is trusting the Lord that He has a plan, and that every action has a purpose. As people come to know of the restored gospel, they are learning about faith through action. They begin to pray. They read the Book of Mormon. They come to church. They have no idea why, but they learn to trust in Heavenly Father. Now as members of the church, we cannot be satisfied with faith as only a principle of action. It is wonderful, to show faith, but it is not enough. Faith is a principle of power. In an interview I had with President Gibbons, he told me about this principle. I asked "How can we change faith from a principle of action to a principle of power?" He shared me a scripture in Mosiah. When Abinidai was before king Noah, he quotes Isaiah who prophesied of Christ. "He is despised and rejected. A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..." Then he gives a very powerful insight, as Christ showed the perfect example to us, of "being swallowed up in the will of the Father." Christ in fact did this, when He gave up His life, and suffered for our sins, even though He would have desired that the bitter cup be removed. Nevertheless, He submitted His will, and drank the bitter dregs. In that way Christ was given so much power. He did nothing, save it be which he learned from the Father. He only acted upon the Father's will. We have the ability to create miracles, to change what is now, to what it may become. That is why the Atonement is so powerful. It changes people. Not just making them nicer, or happier, but entirely different beings. If we submit our will to the Father, then we are endowed with His power. He wants nothing but good, and we should desire nothing but good. President Gibbons didn't say how to submit our will to the will of the Father, but that is something we need to ask of God ourselves. I am not saying I am a perfect example of this, but I want to work on it. This is the last leg of my journey, and I want it to make it to the summit.

Family, I love you so much, and I hope you feel of my love at times. I think about you every day, and I pray for you. This family is eternal, and I want nothing more than to stay in this eternity. May we all be endowed with power from on high, as we submit each of our individual wills to the will of the One who knows all, sees all, and loves all.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

Shoes worn out in service

Yuri Gushin: Area Seventy and wife Natasha

So, questions: About how long will it take to send me another name tag?
When the new elders come in, I will get it, and then I will send it as soon as possible, I am not sure about before Christmas, but I will try.

Are you going to Finland before you come home? Can you buy Russian CTR rings for the grandkids?

Yes, I am. I got enough rings for 11, and I think I already gave one to Britton for Christmas last year, so sorry for the little ones. I may get some more in Finland.

Have you gotten your Christmas package yet?

Yes, and thank you for the mints! I had to open it just to see what I needed to pack. It is ridiculous to put a box in your suitcase with the rest of your stuff. Tell Sarah thank you for the socks. I am wearing a pair right now as I am typing. They are so comfortable.

Do you think you will serve as an office Elder for the rest of your mission, or do you think you'll go back out in the field?

Well, now you know.

Can you get a picture of you with Pres. and Sister Gibbons?

When I go back for training and Thanksgiving, I will definitely get a picture with President Gibbons.

Please get a picture of yourself with your Shopka and coat with snow in the background.

I don't have a shopka yet, and it just barely snowed. Don't worry, it will happen.

Do you know when you will get to call around Christmas time?

No.

Have you heard anything of a release date?

May 1st.

If we could take a small family vacation after you get home (probably in the summer) where would you want to go?

Russia...just kidding. This will take some time for some thinking....Finland??? (That is from Elder Webb, and I like the idea, no matter how ridiculous it sounds.)