*Sister Gibbons came to me, and told how grateful she was when you were at the funeral. She was very grateful for the support, and I hope that she said good things about me...not that I have been doing anything wrong... She couldn't send a hug, some strange rule that they aren't allowed to hug the elders...but all is okay.
*About the name tag...okay...I will
get one. Would you like one that is a pin, or one that fits on a pocket? You
didn't think you would have selection now, would you? Would you want even one
that uses a magnet??
*I actually don't want anything else
in a package for the time being. I will be home soon, and you could use the
money for a better use...maybe a better laptop for me?? Maybe an iPad?? By the way, how much money would you want me
to spend on a nativity set? I could get a handmade matroshka doll nativity, but
I have to order it, and it would be more than 200 dollars. It is your money,
and I want your counsel. They really don't have anything else like that in
Russia.
For what happened this week: I am SO glad that this week is over. All of
the weeks of stress were all amounted up to this week. We had a district
council, zone conference with Elder Bennett of the Seventy, and a district
conference broadcast all in one week. I thought my head was going to explode. The first was the District council. It wasn't
my first, but this was a huge one, since almost all of the council was met
together through the internet. Elder Harper and I had to set it up. Then having
a member of the Seventy didn't do anything to settle my nerves. I think I had
an ulcer through the entire meeting. I was praying so hard that the
broadcasting system would work, so that we could show Elder Bennett how capable
the District is in administering to the saints in this gigantic area. All went
so well, and he was so impressed, as was I. How the church works is amazing. I
had distinct impressions that I need to follow the counsel of these strong
brethren in conducting such meetings. I guess that I might be in their shoes
when I am older. They truly were working as one group, defining the problems in
the district, and coming to conclusions. There was a great spirit of strength
from these great leaders. President Ozhirelev was amazing as he led the group.
I felt his spirit of leadership especially. I was grateful to work with him in
setting up all the broadcasts.
Then Zone Conference was a huge...I
don't even know how to describe it. How would you feel, if you were told that
before a meeting, you need to make sure that everyone has clean, pressed
shirts, shined shoes, clean suits, missionary haircuts, seating chart for the
conference, everyone coming in half an hour early, quietly sit, then assemble
for a picture, then immediately leave the building after the conference? I was
terrified. We had to make sure that there were translators for all of the
meeting, cleaning the building, it was just so stressful. I had no idea what to
expect. I was afraid of him for a little while, but my fears were for naught.
Elder Bennett is a great man, and he has a great spirit. He just tells like it
is. He called all of us to repentance, saying that we were not being the
missionaries that we were supposed to be. That was like a knife to the soul.
His principle was that we need to do all that we can to consecrate our lives.
It was difficult for me, since as an office elder, we rarely do any
proselyting. We haven't taught a lesson to anyone for weeks. We have no
investigators. We have no time to go out and teach people, because we are here to
make sure that others can do missionary work. What I got from it is that no
effort is wasted. Heavenly Father can use a smile to help someone receive the
restored gospel. What I resolved to do is to do all I can to share the gospel
with people, even though I most likely will not be able to teach them.
 |
| Elder Harper and Elder Hoggan |
At one time, Elder Bennett wanted us
to go out contacting, and me and another missionary, Elder Jones, went on the
metro. I talked to this man Alekcei, and struck up a conversation. He never
heard of our church, and commented how there were many different churches. I
asked him a great question, "How can we know truth?" He told me that
it was in the Bible. I recited James 1:5, saying that "if any of you lack
wisdom, ask of God". I testified to him that truth was restored, and that
a prophet is on the earth. He didn't believe me, and said that he would have
heard that there was a prophet. I told him, "Well, now you know. That is
why we are here." He wouldn't accept to learn more, but I remembered that
I told him, "I don't want to force my faith on you. I want to share this
message with my friends, because it is so important to me. You are my
friend." When we bade farewell, I saw him deep in thought. I am not sure
if he was thinking about what I told him, but I believe that he was thinking
differently. Just being around people, I am helping others think about God, and
think more about the purpose of life. That can be enough to help others. I hope
that I can bring many to think about their Heavenly Father, since I am running
out of time.
Right after the meeting, we needed
to get tickets for the missionaries going to Novokuznetsk, and the train was
going to leave in an hour. We had no time to get money from Elder Webb, so I
had to use personal funds, but they were reimbursed soon afterwards. Things
like that happen in the office, and it is just all part of the fun.
We have a lot more strict rules now.
Cultural events or nights are completely out of the picture. It was ironic when
you shared that picture of those missionaries going to a baseball game. A few
days before the conference, we were planning to go to a hockey game. We are not
now. It is hard, but sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.
The broadcast of the District
Conference went so wonderfully. The spirit was felt very strong, and the
technology worked very well. This is a huge step for the District to become a
stake. Elder Bennett told us that Sunday, that Elder Nelson of the Twelve was
going to St. Petersburg to create the 2nd stake in Russia. We in Novosibirsk
are SO close to a stake, it is so hard for me. Elder Bennett said himself that
we were close, but not ready yet. We need to work harder.
I just think of what is required for
a stake to be formed, and wonder if all stakes in the church keep those standards.
Is Home Teaching 80%? Is everyone magnifying their calling? I so want these
people to get a stake, and it won't be given to them until they are ready. I
pray every night that Heavenly Father will allow me to be able to see the
formation of the stake here, but it is His time and not mine. I ask for your
prayers so that these people can live up to the challenge and become ready for
the stake.
I KNOW that this gospel is true.
When I get home, I am going to do all in my power to fulfill my duty in the
church, with my callings, and priesthood duty. There is no excuse good enough
to relieve us of our duty to our God. We should be willing to keep those
covenants we made at baptism and in the temple. Do you remember what those
covenants are? I know that this is HIs church. This is the Church of Jesus
Christ. He is the Savior of the world. It is only through the gospel of Jesus
Christ, which is distributed in His church, that we can be saved. I know that
the scriptures are His word. He loves us so much. I covenanted to be faithful
until the end of it all, and I dare not go back on that promise. I love my God
too much to disappoint Him. May we all live up to this challenge.
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian
Messenger)
Старейшина Хогган (Сибирский Посланник)
Старейшина Хогган (Сибирский Посланник)
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