Last email as a missionary....

Dear Family,

This might be my last e-mail as a missionary ever, unless I will be able to send one the last P-day of my mission. Many thoughts are going through my mind, and my heart burns with a yearning to stay here, but it knows that it is time for me to go home.

First of all, Elder Yurkivanis is awesome! He is from Lithuania and speaks pretty much perfect English. His Russian is very good as well, and we have had a lot of fun together. He is an amazing missionary, and he works hard. We have already done a lot together  in the few days we have together, and he is going to be an amazing trainer after this week. He has only been serving for two transfers, so you know he is good if he is training at such a young age.

Elder Hoggan and Elder Yurkivanis

 On Tuesday morning, Elder Harrison and I took our companions Elder Bowler and Nichols to the train station, and everyone was there, even though it was about 6 in the morning. We saw them off, and then went about the rest of the week, waiting for our new companions. Elder Bailey is Elder Harrison's new companion, and he served in the office, replacing me. He is awesome, and I am so glad that he is part of our district. The new sister is Sister Burymski. Her ancestors are from Poland, so she might even be related to some of these people. (I have a question. Do we have any Polish ancestors?)

We have some new investigators. The first is Alexander, who has known about the church for a very long time. He met with missionaries since Novokuznetsk was first opened for preaching. I have been calling him for months, literally, hoping to meet him, and Saturday we met for the first time. He is really nice, a Physics professor, and genuinely wants to know the truth. We hope that maybe he is ready to accept the gospel.

Vacilli is doing well, and we plan to meet with him before I go home. He is still reading the Book of Mormon and praying, so he is on the road to baptism. Vladimir is busy this entire week, I think he is in Kyrgystan. It is sad, because we can't reach him on the phone, and I won't be able to see him before I leave.

The newest investigator is a miracle. We were at the branch on a Saturday evening, about to leave, when this young man about 28 comes into the door. His name is Igor, and he has friends that used to go to our English group, and he knows that we were missionaries. He wanted to find people who believed in God, and make friends with those that have good values. We met with him then and there. He just felt that he needed to come to the branch, even though he wasn't expecting anyone to be there on a Saturday evening. He wants to change his life, accept God and Jesus Christ, and he even agreed to baptism. The next evening, I called him to see how he was doing, and he said that he believes that Joseph Smith did in fact find the golden plates, and that story was a miracle. He calls himself a "beginning Mormon", as if he is starting the process of becoming a Mormon. This just shows you that Heavenly Father is watching over every one of us. He knows when we are ready to accept the gospel, and He will guide us. Never before has this happened in my mission.

The biggest thing was the district conference yesterday. We took a rented bus and drove all the way to Novosibirsk. If you remember about a year ago, when the district was created, it was the same thing. I was so happy, seeing all of the members, all of my friends from the many cities. I was going around, shaking hands, embracing good friends, and laughing with one another. It was also bittersweet, because I was saying farewell and goodbye. These people that I have sung with, prayed with, and worshipped God with, are so dear to me. It is hard to bid farewell to someone knowing that you might never see them again. Thankfully, Heavenly Father is so merciful, and we will see all of our loved ones, family and friends, and live in happiness for eternity after this life. I am so grateful, that Heavenly Father gave me this tender mercy, to say goodbye to all those I love.

In closing, I want to share my testimony. 

God lives.

He is our Heavenly Father.

He loves us.

We are His children.

Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son.

Jesus Christ atoned for all of our sins.

If we repent, we can be cleansed from sin.

The Atonement is real.

Only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ can we be cleansed from sin, and receive salvation.

God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ, revealed themselves to Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was called to be the Prophet of the Restoration.

The Church of Jesus Christ was restored, and is now on the earth.

The priesthood of God, His power and authority, has been restored.

The Book of Mormon is the Word of God.

The Book of Mormon is the evidence of the restoration of the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church of Jesus Christ on the earth.

Jesus Christ is the head of our church.

Through the ordinances of the temple, families can be sealed for time and all eternity.

Families can be together forever.

I know all of this to be true. I have received a personal testimony of the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost. I have knelt and prayed to Heavenly Father to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I know it to be true with all of my heart and being. 

I am so grateful that I have served a mission. I have learned and grown in ways that are impossible by man. I have grown through God. I have learned about obedience, the sacrifice before the blessing. I have learned to be patient, and to accept the will of God. I have learned about the miracles that happen, and the blessings of every day. I have learned about charity, the true love of Christ. I have learned about the pain of sin, and the torment of a broken soul. I have seen a loss of hope. I have seen the evils and darkness of Satan. But, I have experienced the power of the Atonement. I have seen the light in the darkest of nights. I have seen how God's mercy allows people to change, and become the people they are meant to be. I have seen despair replaced with hope, sorrow with joy, fear with peace. I have seen the hand of God, and it is ever reached out still.

My mission isn't over, but has just started...

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

I had to share this....

Dear parents and family of EPIC Elder Hoggan,

I'm literally writing to you because I just absolutely love your son/brother!  This letter may seem kind of random but I think it's important for you all to know that Elder Hoggan is easily one of the best missionaries in our whole mission.  I love how he is realistic and yet he is super obedient as well.  That makes it easier for everyone.  I personally had the opportunity to stay with Elder Hoggan as he was an office Elder for quite a long time (because I was waiting for a Visa) and I really learned from him.  He really cares for his investigators and sincerely wants to help them.  He knows Russian really well and he's basically the trainer of this whole mission!

As I close up this letter, I really just wanted to say thanks a bunch to all of you because you've all helped, loved and supported Elder Hoggan and helped him become the strong disciple of Christ that he is today.  I'm proud to say that Elder Hoggan is not only out here changing lives, but that he has literally changed mine for the better.  I'm super grateful for that.  Take comfort in knowing that your son/brother/missionary is out here helping people (including me) and boldly doing the Lord's work.

I look forward to meeting you someday!

Love,
Elder Rhen Anderson

Big changes are happening.

Dear Family:

Well, big changes are happening to the mission, and I won't be a part of them. This last transfer will be only two weeks long, to synchronize with the flood of missionaries. Elder Nichols is going on a big trip. He is going to Omsk, and in a few months...Kazakhstan! I was so jealous when President Gibbons called him. I so wanted to serve there, but it is the will of the Lord. I am going to be serving Elder Yurkivanis, who is from Lithuania...(His name is said Yer-kuh-vane-iss) I got to meet him at Zone Conference, and he is a really cool elder, and it will be fun to spend my last few weeks with him.

The weather has been crazy as well, with periods of melting warm, with freezing cold. The snow melts into huge puddles, only to be frozen solid the next day. It is crazy, and we slip around everywhere. The picture is in front of a store, and they put wooden bridges that were frozen to the ground. That is solid ice around me...

Another surprise was my good friend Sergei from Novosibirsk. He came to Novokuznetsk in order to see his wife who just gave birth to a baby girl. So we congratulated him. It made me smile, because family is so wonderful, and I could tell that he was happy.

Zone conference was very somber for me, as it was the last time seeing all of the missionaries. It is tradition for the soon to be leaving elders to bear their testimonies. I remember in past conferences hearing the older missionaries bearing their testimonies, and I never even thought that it was going to be me. As I was bearing my testimony of the gospel, I just thought, "This is the end. All of my work as a missionary is coming to an end." It was very somber, and I guess the final step towards the end. I have been dreading the end, but now I am in...maybe shock...or I am resigned to reality.  I am going home. There is nothing I can do about it, but I can leave on a high note.



Pres. and Sister Gibbons

Our investigators are progressing very well, but unfortunately, we feel they won't be ready before I go home. Vacili's brother recently passed away, and with moving to a new apartment, funeral arrangements, and other things, it is just not the right time, but he wants to be baptized, which is the most important thing.

Vladimir is going to be busy for the next few weeks as well, and he lives over an hour away from us, making it really difficult to meet with him. He is reading the Book of Mormon, and he wants to meet, but work doesn't allow it. No matter, he has desire, he has faith, and all will be done in the time of the Lord.

What was really wonderful was that our investigators Artyom and Maxim came to church for the first time yesterday. They really enjoyed the services, and the spirit was especially strong in that meeting. Elder Bowler, Nichols, and Sister Sowards spoke, as they are leaving, Elder Bowler to America and Sister Sowards to Novosibirsk. After services, we had refreshments to celebrate the birthdate of the Relief Society. The Relief Society is probably the strongest organizations that I know. I even see here, the few number of sisters coming together to help one another, and to gather necessary supplies such as clothes and food for those in need. It is amazing.

My last days will be as follows: A train to Novosibirsk probably Monday night or Tuesday morning, arriving either Tuesday morning or afternoon. He will interview us, and then we spend the night at the mission home. The next morning, we will get on the plane to Moscow, and transfer to wherever is next.

No matter what happens in life, Heavenly Father is aware of it, and is in full power. He will not let anything go wrong. He loves us so much, and He has a special wonderful plan for each one of us. I know that. I have seen the changes that the Gospel has made for me, as well as for other people. Only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ is this possible. There is no other way. I know that this church is the only true church. It is Christ's church, and He is the head of it. Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration. We now have a living prophet on the earth. All this I know, because of the Book of Mormon. It is the physical evidence of the truth. I know it is true with all my heart. I love you all.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

Letter from President Gibbons

Dear Brother and Sister Hoggan:

On 03 April 2013, your son, Elder Aaron Smith Hoggan will complete his service in the Russia Novosibirsk Mission and return home.  He has had a deep and lasting impact upon the work here in Russia.  He has served valiantly as one of those "few" servants called to labor in "the nethermost parts of the vineyard", working with "the Lord of the Vineyard" to graft the "natural branches" back into their "mother tree".  (See Jacob 5)  I know that you will rejoice in his homecoming.  He will bring with him a powerful testimony and spirit.

Elder Hoggan has labored in the cities of Novokuznetsk, Novosibirsk and Barnaul.  He has served in positions of trust and leadership, including Trainer, District Leader and Office Elder.  He has been faithful as a missionary and has been a beacon of light to his converts, his companions and fellow missionaries and to the Saints in Russia.  His legacy as a missionary will bear fruit for generations to come.

Elder Hoggan is by far the most obedient and focused young missionary we have had.  For example, he has read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover nearly every month of his mission.  He has served as a significant mission leader, including assignments as a district leader in two cities, as a trainer twice, and as an office elder.  Elder Hoggan has a place in our hearts forever!  Sister Gibbons and I have come to love him.  We return him to your home with deep gratitude and joy.  May the Lord bless Elder Hoggan and your family forever.

With kindest regards,

President Daniel Bay Gibbons
Russia Novosibirsk Mission

Time of reflection....

Dear Family.

As I turned 21 this week, it was again another time of reflection. These last weeks are going to be extremely reflective, as I unwillingly count the days until it is all over. I have been thinking about what I have done, not just on my mission, but what I have done my entire life. This is a milestone in my life I knew I would reach, but didn't fully comprehend. I am no longer a child, though sometimes I wish I was. I am no longer a youth, but now an adult. My whole entire life has been a testing period, preparing me for great assignments, and great responsibilities. I am not saying I am finished learning and growing. I am just finishing the basic training for life.

It was actually really nice for my birthday. The other elders came over to our apartment, and we shared a nice meal of Блины (Blee-nee) or Russian pancakes. It wasn't a huge deal, but it was nice to enjoy some time with friends. I guess I am too old for the birthday parties with the pinatas, musical chairs, and goodie bags. Oh, well... The sisters made me a wonderful birthday card, wishing me a happy birthday, health, sunny days, many children, that my frying pan will never warp, and the other wishes that the native Russians desire for each other.

The pictures with me and the metal door is when we went tracting one day. You think tracting is scary? What if you are standing in front of a steel metal door with several locks, and the person yells, "Who's at the door?!" from the other side, with a lion of a dog barking? Welcome to Russia. (Bryson, you will have some FUN experiences tracting)

A little too short for 6' 3"

Tracting in Russia--apartment style!  :)

Aaron and Nikolai

 We also went over to Nilokai's apartment this week. The biggest surprise was that I was able to talk to my first companion, Elder Washburn, on skype. Nikolai and Trevor have been keeping in touch, and it was a major "wow" for me to see him, since it was over a year and a half. It was really cool to see him, and strange, because I am now in the same shoes he was in when he was training me.

 We met with Vacilli this week to teach him about tithing. He was at first excited to keep this commandment, but then a little unsure. He is not the richest person in the world, and he is now on pension. He still works, but that doesn't mean he has a lot of money. It really struck me home. This man has been really helpful to other people. He told us stories of him giving fruit and bread to some of the homeless people on the street. He is a really generous person. 

Being here in Russia, I have seen poverty. I have seen houses where running water is a luxury. In a way, I was unsure to commit him to keep this commandment. At home, paying tithing meant that I wouldn't have a fancy car, or video games. Here, paying tithing could be the decision between eating or going hungry. But then I remembered my experiences with tithing. When finances were tight, we paid our tithing. We didn't have as many nice things, but we survived. We were happy with what we got. Heavenly Father took care of us, and we were richly blessed. I understood the importance of obedience. I am so grateful for parents who helped me learn such a lesson. Heavenly Father WILL provide for us. His hand supports the entire world, which we live upon. That means He will take care of us, if we put our trust in Him.

In meeting with Vladimir, we found out he didn't read the Book of Mormon like we committed him too. I was a little irritated...I don't want to number how many times I read that book. I took a breath, and then gently told him the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is so special to me, and it is really the foundation of my testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, therefore, I know that our message is true in its entirety. Vladimir quickly repented, and the next day he sent us a text, telling us he was reading the Book of Mormon.

Thanks for the story of the missionary couple! I love hearing about senior missionaries, because they are gold mines. They make such a difference in the work, and they are a huge blessing to members here, as well as their own families. I want nothing more than to serve a mission with my eternal companion, right here in Russia. I can't think of a greater form of joy. Us young missionaries love senior missionaries. They are my examples. I don't think I ever told you, but one of our senior couples, the Webbs, who worked in the office, Their time of service was about to end, but then they accepted a call to temporarily serve as Mission President in St. Petersburg! When we got that text message from President Gibbons, the district was together for a meeting, and we yelled in excitement. That takes some major dedication and sacrifice.

I love you all, and pray for your well-being. The days left are getting smaller, but they are still there, and I am going to make the best of them.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

I hope I will have made a difference.

Dear Family,

It is definitely now turning into the muddy season. Yesterday it was raining, which is the sign that spring is coming. I didn't even need to wear a hat! I hope to take a few more pictures, before all the snow melts.

Yes it has been very somber, as I have now entered the final month of my mission. It was a time of reflection this week, about my service as a missionary. It especially a reflective time, because I spent most of the week in Barnaul! As district leader, I need to go on exchanges with the Zone Leaders, who serve in Barnaul. It was supposed to only be a day, but problems with getting transportation made it so we stayed a few more days, leaving Monday evening for Barnaul, and leaving for Novokuznetsk Thursday night.

The biggest change in Barnaul was the branch building. Do you see how beautiful it is?! I have only seen that building as a skeleton, and see the final project was so amazing. Just looking at it, I felt a special spirit. People notice the new building, and we even just talked to people outside and invited them to come to church. Honestly, their branch is better than the one at home. It is so beautiful. I never realized how wonderful a blessing it is to have a real church building. All my time serving in Russia, our church services have been held in rented buildings, such as this old Salon we use here in Novokuznetsk. Despite that, you can still feel the same spirit. Seeing that building strengthened my testimony of how this church is living and growing.

Barnaul Branch

It was also a huge blessing to see all the members as well. Do you remember Yulia? Amazingly, it was the year anniversary of her baptism when we came, and we congratulated her. She is doing well, and was called to be a primary teacher. It was cool to see such a change in her, and I could definitely tell that thanks to the gift of the Holy Ghost, she has been changed for the better, into a better person. This change is real, and you can definitely see the difference.

Fun fact, on the 23rd of February, it is a holiday that was originally made to celebrate all who serve in the military, but then was changed to all men. Happy Men's Day! The sisters in the branch sang us songs, recited poems, and even made us a lunch in honor of men. It was really nice and fun. The paper flowers on the wall say, "С праздником"! (S-Praz-nee-kom) which means "Happy Holidays." So to all of you men out there, we honor you for all that you stand for in the name of manliness. Don't worry, Women's Day is March 8 so you ladies will get a turn as well.

Happy Holidays

Two of our investigators are doing great.  We were unable to meet with Vladimir while in Barnaul, so the other elders met with him, and he agreed to be baptized. He came to church, and he even bore his testimony about faith in God. He said that he knows that God has a plan for every person, and that nothing happens because of chance. He knows that faith brings blessings. I wish I could describe his faith, because it is so powerful.

Then Vacilli also came to church. This is his third time coming to church, which is more times than I have ever seen him since serving. A sister bore her testimony today about how at church she feels peace, joy, and rest from the troubles of the world. Vacilli turned to me, and said, "I agree with her. Only in this church do I feel peace of the soul.  “Nowhere else," I told him, "That is because the Holy Ghost is here, and He is testifying to you that it is true." We planned a meeting with him that evening, and he agreed to be baptized. We really didn't even have to commit him, we began talking about baptism, and he said, "I would like to be baptized." It was just a testimony to me that Heavenly Father knows when His children are ready. I have known Vacilli since the beginning, and I have just seen the changes since two years ago. Heavenly Father is always watching us, preparing us for when the time is right.

The last picture is another message that I etched into the snow-covered path right in front of the branch building in Barnaul. It says Бог жив (Bogh Zheev) Translation-"God Lives" I have been really into writing messages like that in the snow these past few weeks. "Trust in God, He loves you. Pray to God, He listens." Things like that. I saw many people walking by, and turning their heads to read those messages in the snow. The one I wrote on the path, people would go out of their way to not step on the words, even. I just saw that with a simple sentence, I was changing people's lives. Maybe they were not thinking about God at all that day, but those words, I believe, woke something within. I am not saying that these people immediately wanted to meet with us, and immediately wanted to be baptized.

"God Lives"

I read a quote by John Bytheway, about missionary work. He said, "An ordinary missionary brings things home, (Don't worry, I am still bringing gifts for you) An EXTRA-ordinary missionary leaves something behind...He leaves behind his testimony...He has the assurance that he has made a difference, leaving the place a little brighter than before." That is what I hope to be able to say at the end of all things, that I made a difference. That day, I made people's days a little brighter. I got them thinking about God. I even might have brought them one step closer to accepting the gospel. I have made a difference. I have left my testimony in snow, and I hope to leave it planted in the hearts of all those that I meet with.

God lives. He loves us. Jesus Christ is His Son, and our Savior. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is Holy Scripture-the Word of God. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church, and Jesus Christ is the head. I know this with my heart and my soul.

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)