I have never been more stressed in
my entire life. I am dealing with transcontinental transportation and visas of
more than 80 people. This was the transfer, and new missionaries came in. 10
new missionaries came in, and we had to house all of them, while at the same
time helping the other missionaries transfer to their new cities, we were up by
4:30 every morning and didn't get home until about 10:30 every night. We had to
get taxis, transport people and their luggage to the train station and bus
station, have them sleep at our apartment. In short, I am tired. It still isn't
over. We also had to deal with missed flights, last-minute train tickets, and
everything else. The new missionaries are really cool, and they just remind me
when I first entered a mission. Just like a kid in a candy store. They all had
huge eyes, and just had no idea what was going on. Regretfully, I didn't get
any pictures with them, but there will be a double zone conference in about a
week or so. Then I can take pictures of them.
While walking to the bus station,
this man stops us on the way, and he asked if we were missionaries. He was
interested in family history, and he knew that we have a great program. We
shared information, and we will set up a meeting with him and the family
history consultant. It just was a pleasant suprise.
There was a pretty cool experience
this week. There is a female worker, who is a member here in Novosibirsk, and
she had an acquaintance that she invited to talk with Elder Webb about the
gospel. He is really religious. I ended up translating for him. This is an
awesome man by the name of Alexander. Elder Webb pretty much taught him the
Restoration of the Gospel, and I translated for him. This man was very
interested, and he promised to come to church. Unfortunately, Office elders go
to the other branch on the opposite side of the city, so I never got to see
him, but he did come to church and took about half the library of church
literature. He stayed for all of the meetings, and even stayed to watch a
baptismal service that happened on the other bank. He really enjoyed church
services, and I was glad to talk to him again. He is going to Irkutsk, which
was a former city in our mission, but is now part of Vladivistok mission. We
are sending him the informaton of the branch and missionaries, since he is
going for a month. He even promised to come to church when he comes back.
The baptism was very nice yesterday.
There were two baptisms Alekcei, and Alexander. What was really nice, was at
the end the missionaries who taught them, stood up, shared their testimonies,
and then gave them gifts by taking off their ties right off their necks. I
thought that was a very nice gesture of love and support, as they want their
investigators to faithfully come to church, and be dressed nicely. It was very
sweet.
Then there was a very interesting
experience during transfers. We were on the metro, leading some missionaries to
the train station to catch their train to Novokuznetsk. I see this man on the
metro, and I decided to talk to him. I find out he is not really interested in
talking about religion, and he just seemed sad. I told him about our
relationship with God, and that he loves us so much. That time we both exited
the metro, and we went down stairs to get on another metro. I waved to him as
we walked down. While waiting for the other metro, I look to the right, and
there was the same guy, waiting for the metro again. I go over and strike
conversation with him. I find out that he designs phones, so that they are
comfortable, stylish, and workable. I shared a little about my family, which is
growing by the second. (Tell Andrea Поздравлаю! (Poz-dra-vlah-you) Which means
congratulations) Then we get off the metro and I asked him if he would be
interested in talking more. He said no, but we parted shaking hands. Later, we
are in the train station bidding the elders farewell, when I feel this tap on
my shoulder, and it is the same man Sasha. I don't know how he found me, and
how he knew which train we were waiting for. He gave me his telephone number,
and said that he saw that I was just wanting to be friends. He asked if my goal
was to preach. I said "My greatest goal is to preach the Gospel, but I
want to preach it to my friends. I don't want to force my faith on you, but I
just want to share what is important to me with those I care about." I
bade farewell to my friend, and we called a few times, but it hasn't gone to us
teaching him anything. We shall see. I just hope that I can make positive
differences in people's lives. I am glad that I talked to this man, and
probably made his day a little brighter, and made a friend in return.
I love you all, and I love this
gospel. I love serving here, and I love these people. Please don't take the
gospel for granted, because it is the most precious gem, the pearl of great
price. That is why we share it, because we want others to have the same joy,
the same riches as we do. I am so grateful for your efforts to share the gospel
with those you love, and your examples. Please continue doing this, as you will
find great joy.
Elder Hoggan
The Siberian Office Elder
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