What happened? I was writing a letter to you, but then I switched to another letter, and all what I wrote is lost! I am so sorry, and promise to send a larger letter next time! Usually it automatically saves it as a draft, but it decided not to do that this time...sorry. It hasn't snowed a lot here, but it is crazy to see the roads, as they chip away the packed snow. You can see the layers of snow and dirt, and it looks like a cake. It can sometimes be six inches thick of packed snow. The weather is turning toward the warmer, and I shudder to think what it will be like when the snow melts...I will need need boots, pants, everything!
There has been a change in our mission. Kashakstan, or how you spell it, will be a part of the mission in the summer. The changes are due to the stake in Moscow, and the growth of the church in this area. It
will not affect the District here in Siberia, but you never know if I will be serving in Kashakstan...Don't worry mother. Oh, I will be leaving for Finland again in March 1, so I will have more Finlandish-stories to tell you.
Well, Zone Conference was amazing! The theme was the Tree of Life and its symbolism to missionary work. I wish to go in greater detail, next time, but my assignment to all of you is to read 1 Nephi 8 and tell me
something new you learned about the vision. I will tell you what I learned, and all will be edified. President Gibbons has been traveling to the branches, interviewing all of the bretheren, preparing for the District which will be organized on March 18! All of the members in the mission and missionaries are gathering in Novosibirsk for the event, and they rented out a huge room! I am so excited to hear! President Gibbons was in Barnaul, and he talked to the branch and interviewed people, perhaps to find leadership for the district. On that note, Yulia is ready to be baptized! She has had an interview and all is okay, so we will have a new member in Barnaul in the next few weeks!
 |
| Novosibirsk Zone Conf. |
Something that I learned this week is that God always is looking out for us. He knows exactly where we are and what we are doing at any moment. He never glances away from us, and He is always active in our
lives. I have prayed many times for blessings, and for comfort in times of trial, and I have always felt that He is near, and that everything will be okay. Everything will be okay.
We recently met with this family, and they provided us with chicken, potatoes, and lots of food! They have two daughters about 9 and 8 years old, and when we asked to have a blessing on the meal, the oldest daughter asked if she could pray. The mother is not very religious, and she never taught her children about God or how to pray. They have come to a few activities, and they see us pray, and this just shows what an example we are. This little girl who never learned to pray, prayed for us. We talked to them about our purpose as missionaries, and how we knew that God exists and that he loves us. I told how I had to learn for myself if it was true or not, even though my family dates back to the earliest days of the church. We all need a personal witness, because the journey to the Tree of Life is an individual journey. All I can do as a missionary is call out to others to partake of the fruit, and tell them to hold onto the rod. I cannot drag them to the tree, but I can call out with love. That is why the Tree of Life is such a monumental vision, because it
is applies to everyone, in every situation. It can be viewed differently, and still be correct. The fruit is the same, the most desirable fruit of all--eternal life.
I love you all, and I wish the best for you all.
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)
No comments:
Post a Comment