The Siberian Messenger: I had to share this....

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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

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Elder Hoggan's Companions

Elder Yurkivanis (Lithuania) 03/21/2013 to 04/03/2013
Elder Nichols (Lindon, UT) 12/2012 - 03/21/2013
Elder Dawson 10/2012 - 11/2012
Elder Harper: 07/04/2012 to 10/2012
Elder Duncan (Roosevelt, UT): 03/15/2012 to 07/03/2012
Elder Ortner (Israel & Florida): 01/22/2012 to 03/08/2012
Elder Patton (Ohio): 11/7/2011 to 01/22/2012
Elder Voronkov (Moscow, Russia): 09/13/2011 to 11/06/2011
Elder Terry (St. George, UT): 08/01/11 to 09/12/2011
Elder Washburn (Chicago, IL): 06/23/11 to 07/31/11
Elder Fitzgerald (Pleasant Grove, UT): 04/06/11 to 06/22/11

Who Are You, Boy?

Poem to Missionaries from Russian Convert, circa 2000

Who are you boy? For a boy you are journeyed to this land of ours, this land where I've endured my days. And felt oppression kill my soul and force me into some tight mold. And teach me that I should not hope unless I care to smell the smoke of dreams that the Red Army tamed.

Who are you boy, from this land of plenty, teaching God, if there is any. You have all; we have none. Do you know what that feels like, son? And yet, you ask me to believe in something that I cannot see; some force you say will bring me joy. Do you know what that feels like, boy? Where you're from, faith is free, but it has a price for me. When I have pain, I have my bottle. Hurt dies quick when you down it with Vodka. That's enough to warm my soul. I work, I sleep, the days go by--I'm waiting for the day I die. You don't understand this place. You say believe, obey, have faith, live life well, serve and give. Here in Russia, we just live.

Who are you, boy? Why did you come? To save a soul who once was numb. To teach a wretched, hateful, man who cursed your help, refused your hand. I thought that we were worlds apart. So how is it that you knew my heart? A fraction my age, you calmed my rage; mercy paid my generous wage. I should have been left behind. It is hard to love my kind. Hope in your heart, power in your hands, why did you come to this distant land? I know now, it was for me. The Red Curtain fell, but I was not free. Until a boy from nations away brought me my Lord, I bless the day. He led me to weep at my Master's feet, the American boy I met on the street--new and naive, still in his teens, with a message to bring the world to its knees. I thought that the truth would come from another--I did not know this boy was my brother.