Letters to all the fams.....

I wanted to reply with a little blip for all the fams:

First of all, Andy and Sarah, have you thought about a Russian name for your daughter? Maybe Olga?...No, I really like the name Tatiana, or Tanya for short. It is good that the girls want to be good sisters. Being nice is so important!

Michael and Rachelle (They will soon be a family, but better get cracking...) Michael, you stud! Rachelle, I am very glad that you will be part of our family. I wish the best for you, and a happy marriage, full of laughs, tears, and eventually dirty diapers...I hope this isn't too weird.

Emily and Ryan,
I hope the boys are doing good. I agree with  Jack, that things would be a lot cooler if Nephi used a gun. Britton, still keep reading books, and I will teach you how to read Russian. It's easy!...I am just joking. I have played basketball with Russians, and it's pretty easy for me. I just have to hold the ball, and they can't reach it.

Sarah and Golden
Hope everything is fine where you are! Interesting enough, I have not seen a fire truck in Russia. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Don't worry about traffic safety. We just have to run through streets, because there are rarely street lights telling you when you can walk. It is a safety council member's nightmare!

Laura and Zack
I hope the twins are good. Everyone loves the picture you gave me of them all dirty from lunch! They all laugh. Lot of girls here in Russia love princesses, and they love playing outside. Every single apartment building has a playground (maybe not the safest) But we always see children playing on them, especially slides made out of snow and ice.

Congratulations mom on the choir! When I return, I hope to share some Russian hymns that the choir could sing. It would be awesome! Russian music is very pretty, and I hope to learn more when I am back...not for another year, though. AHHHHHHHH!!!! I have been gone for a year!...and I will be 20. I don't know about you, mom, but I feel so old now.

The Iron Rod is a safety rail between us and sin.

To everyone that is still reading about my adventures in Barnaul,

Happy Birthday, BELLE! I love you so much, and I hope you have a great birthday. You are such a big girl, and I hope you will be a big sister for your new baby sister. Little girls here in Russia LOVE princesses,especially Belle from Beauty and the Beast. S с днём Рождения! (Ss-gnome Roh-zh-den-ee-yah) That is how they say happy birthday in Russian

Well, what can I say new? That TRANSFERS came! and the verdict is....I am going to be training a new missionary, AND be district leader in Barnaul! This will be my second time training and only within a period of 1 transfer! His name is Elder Slater Duncan, which is more that I knew than when I learned I would train Elder Patton. I am really excited to be training again, and again humbled as I am just new to the area myself.  I promise we will NOT get lost this next transfer.

So for Visa Trips, we all go to Novosibirsk, and the mission chauffer, President Gushin, drives us to the airport. We all get to the city by either bus or train. I will be by bus...which is not my favorite thing. My companion will be with me, and stay in Novosibirsk until I return. Then at the airport, we get on a plane to Moscow, and then transfer to another plane to Helsinki. When we are at Finland, we immediately go to the temple to get our passports with the new visas. I now have two passports, and I switch between them each visa trip. Unfortunately, the visa trip schedule conflicts with the temple schedule, so every other trip, I will not be able to go to the temple. This trip I will not be able to go, and I will only have two more opportunities...  Well, what can you do? (I will be sending some things home, so wait for a package from me...but DON"T open it)

I don't know if I got a new nametag. They can only make them at the MTC, and they send them with the incoming missionaries. Maybe Elder Duncan will have mine. I haven't received my package yet, since I am a couple hours away from Novosibirsk. They just wait until a missionary visits Novosibirsk to give him all the mail. It just works out that way.

Then this week was this thing known as Salon. This activity is put on by the branch music director, who is classically trained. They had members perform songs, and they all dressed up. It was very fun. I played a song as accompaniment, and it really scared me. But it was all well, and I really enjoyed hearing this Russian Opera.

So here is an interesting holiday in Russia. The 23rd of February is "Men's Day" and it is to celebrate the manliness of men, and all they do. It is the Father's Day of Russia, and the Relief Society came during Priesthood meeting and gave all the priesthood men a picture of them, with a thank you for being a man. We were laughing, but it really was sweet. So all of you men out there, Happy Men's Day! Pretty much the holiday is an excuse for men to relax. Don't worry, there is a "Women's Day", and they get to relax then.

There was a baptism yesterday! So Yulia was baptized on Sunday, and alot of people came. It was wonderful to see this baptism. This baptism felt like seeing the baptism of a little child. Aren't we all children to a Heavenly Father? We sang the Primary Hymn I want to be Baptized, and it was very sweet.

So what I learned from Lehi's dream starts with the man in the white robe. He guides Lehi to find the tree. The man could be the Lord, the Holy Ghost, maybe an angel, but maybe even a missionary. But more importantly, when we are baptized, and especially when we are in the temple, we wear white. Those who have already partaken of the fruit are the people in white robes, and they guide others to the tree. The rod is the word of God, but what is the Word of God? It is the scriptures, yes, but what about the words at sacrament meeting? Firesides? What about the words from church leaders (Mission presidents included) or even the prophet at General Conference? These words aren't necessarily in the Bible or Book of Mormon, but they are His words. Also, the iron rod doesn't just guide us to the tree, but it is a guard rail from the filthy river, the great divide, and the great and spacious building. It is a safety rail between us and sin. We would have to jump over the rod, or jump over the word of God, in order to sin. (I think like a stumbling block) When we partake of the fruit, which is the Love of God, and I agree, it is even Christ, we take a part of Him inside of us. The Sacrament. We take emblems of His flesh and blood inside of us, and He becomes part of us. Our goal is to become like Him, and He needs to be a part of our lives. The ones who stayed fell at the tree. This could be worshipping, falling to the feet of Christ, and I even think kneeling, as kneeling at an altar in the temple. If we want to stay at the tree, these ordinances are necessary. With missionary work, we are here to call out to people, like Lehi to his family, and lead them to the tree. This journey is an individual journey, and everyone has to make the decision for themselves, but that doesn't mean we can't call out to others. Lehi called to those he loved, his family, and I have the special calling to call out to those I love, my family here in Russia. We all have a responsibility to call out to our families, to those we love, and help them partake of the fruit, through baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and then stay to partake.

Pretty much, this next transfer is humbling to me, as Heavenly Father is trusting me to take care of one of His missionaries again. I am so excited for this opportunity to train again, as I feel it is the most fulfilling calling as a missionary.

I love you all, and I hope you are all well.  This gospel is so true.
--
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)
Старейшина Хогган (Сибирский Посланник)

Tree of Life

Hello Family!
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.

President Gibbons told me as well that he visited Novokuznetsk, and that he is going to ordain a native branch president there, which is so exciting! The branch president currently there is Elder Holbrook, who was a senior couple who served here in Barnaul. He is going to be the last non-native branch president in the mission. Also, Nikolai was recently ordained to the Melchezidek priesthood by president Gibbons, which made me very happy to hear.

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)

С Днём Святого Валентина or Happy Valentines Day

Dear Family,
Happy Valentines Day or С Днём Святого Валентина (ss-gnome- cvee-atovo- Valen-tee-na) (I hope that is the correct translation...) So They do in fact celebrate Valentine's day here in Russia, and it is pretty much the same way that we do, except I don't think they have those cute little valentines that Elementary School kids give out...I miss the sweethearts...

So what happened this week? We had a meeting with these people by the name of Maria and Alexei. Alexei, he is not really interested at all. They are about 50 years old, and Maria has some religious background with the Orthodox church here in Russia. We have had a member, by the name of Galina, come with us to their house, and she is amazing. She is over 70 years old, and she testifies so strongly that this church is true. It is amazing to see these people, who travel over half an hour to church in freezing cold weather. These people know that it is important. We tried to invite Maria to church, and we even said we would come over to go with her, but when we called, she decided it was too cold. That is the hardest thing about missionary work, is when people don't accept the things that will bless their lives. All you can do is invite others, not force them.

We met with this guy named Vitalli, who wants to become an archaeologist. He brought his girlfriend to the lesson, and we had a member Denis with us as well. We taught them the Restoration, and they were very interested, and they were willing to read and pray. The girlfriend even prayed at the end for us. We haven't been able to set up a second meeting at the moment, but we will keep in touch.

We aso met with a girl by the name of Nastia, short for Anastasia. She asked us to meet her in a bus as she went home from work, and so we met her there. It was hard for both of us to talk because we were sitting in a line and the bus was full, so Elder Ortner talked to her, and I talked to this guy next to us. He was drunk, and slurred his words, making it hard for me to understand. He was nice, but not interested. We can meet with Nastia anytime, but only on the bus, as she doesn't have any other free time. Whatever, you take what you can get.

We had a meeting with an inactive member which pretty much broke my heart. He has been a member since the church opened up in Moscow, where he lived for a time. He worked with mission presidents, been to the temple, and even met with some of the high authorities of the church, namely Elder Utchdorf. He has been inactive for many years, and he had let a lot of doubts creep into his heart, and he now can't support the Book of Mormon, and he even said he can't support the General Authority. I almost cried, because this man had partaken of the great blessings of the church, temple blessings, and met with such strong leaders of the church. I have realized that no one is safe from apostacy, and that it is SO crucial to do the Three Things (Scriptures, Pray, Church) These things will help when doubts, fear, and temptation come our way.

There was also a very fun branch activity. They had a branch family home evening where people showed their talents. Me, Elder Smith, and some of the sisters in the branch sang "Breaking Free" from Highschool Musical...I am so ashamed...no it was so much fun, and I even got to show some of my karate skills. People were very amazed, and it was just generally fun! An investigator, Olecia, came to the activity, and she really liked it.

Olecia came to the branch for English, and is wasn't happening then, and she agreed to have a meeting. We taught her the Restoration, and she was very interested. She is very faithful in her Orthodox faith, but she has a friend who is serving a mission in New York, and she has been to church, so there must be something.

Tonight, we are going to learn to make Plove. Dad, I recommend you to look up this dish, because it is so yummy. This guy from Afghanistan, Muman, who is from English, is going to teach us. (He agreed to take a Book of Mormon, and he came to church once, but we are not allowed to teach him because the church is not allowed to teach people of Israeli heritage, because of agreement we have made with them.)

I love you all, and I pray for you.
I hope all is well at home.
I am loving being a missionary, and I love these people.
Read, pray, go to church, Stand firm in the faith!

Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

What are we doing to strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father?

Well today we went to get groceries, and we went to this place called Lenta...I have found a Russian Walmart! I have never seen so much food and other things in Russia thus far in my mission. It was HUGE!
What happened this week? Well, we met with two famous groups of people in this mission, Jehovah's witnesses and Baptists. They are famous in our mission for liking to meet and debate doctrinal differences based on the Bible. They are wonderful people and they have great faith in Christ. First of all, NEVER argue with people about the gospel, it is not how missionary work should be done. The best way to teach is share your testimony. I found many times that I would share my testimony about our Savior and people would listen intently, but then argue about some other point about the Bible or something. Our message to people is not to believe in the Book of Mormon, or to believe in Joseph Smith. Our purpose is to help people come fully unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism by His authority, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and then being faithful unto the end. People can have relationships with Christ outside our church, but in order to fully come unto Christ, the only way is through His Church. No one can deny my testimony of Christ, and the Book of Mormon and the revelations of Joseph Smith only strengthen my relationship with Him.



Novosibirsk Zone Conference

For my study of the Book of Mormon, I have a journal which I write about every single point in every chapter a day. I now have a greater understanding as to who king Zedekiah is and what the kingdom of Judah is. This has just shown me that the Book of Mormon is true, because it has fit accurately with the Bible. There are no contradictions. I just think about Laman and Lemuel, and how their greatest disadvantage which led to their cursing was their lack of a relationship with their Heavely Father. They were commanded by Nephi and their father to pray, but they didn't pray of their own accord. Nephi even said that they did not counsel with the Lord. What lesson we learn is how we need to pray every day, constantly! Our greatest possession is our relationship with Heavenly Father. We can either strengthen it or weaken it. So, are we doing things to strengthen it, or weaken it? Elder Ortner is such a fun, goofy guy! He is a really strong Elder. He was born in Israel as a Jew, but his family moved to Florida. Yes, he is from the tribe of Judah. His mother died of cancer 6 years ago, and it made him question whether there was a God. He became Atheist. Then he moved to Boston for school, and he had friends there who were members. He saw their shining examples and wanted that kind of life, so he investigated the church. He went to the temple grounds and prayed to know if it was true. He received that answer. His father is against it, but Elder Ortner knows it is his duty to God. That is an example to all of us.

There is this holiday in Russia, I can't remember the specific date, but they celebrate the baptism of the Savior. What do they do? They jump into freezing cold water! I didn't hear about it, until people were actually talking about it, and if we celebrated it...maybe we should...Boy Scouts Polar Bear?
Our apartment is really nice, with really open windows. I don't have a closet, so I hang my clothes on this plank that is suspended over a small cupboard. The washing machine handle is broken, so we open it with a screwdriver. It is awesome! Really I love living in Russian apartments. We really have all the comforts of home, electricity, hot water, did you know that they have pipes with hot water that are connected to the towel racks? You can have warm towels in the morning?
The branch in Barnaul is pretty big, about 50-60 people come regularly. They are actually making plans to remodel this other building to make into their new branch. They are planning to have a separate room you can reach from the outside to reach the family history center. (Could you send me any stories about our first ancestors who were part of the church?) I have seen the plans, and they are legit. The branch has two floors, and it is sometimes really cold. They have HUGE pipes with hot water flowing through them. People here use hot water to heat their apartments, and the houses usually use coal. I never knew that coal stunk when burned.
I am not really sure where the Holmes are from, but Elder Ortner says that they live in Utah. It is funny to talk about living in Utah, because so many missionaries are from there. It is more interesting to hear about a missionary from Ohio, or from Las Vegas, especially from Israel.
So really, I am really loving Barnaul. They are really nice people here, and I hope to do some good here. I love you all, and I pray for you every day. You guys are definitely worth serving a mission, even though I receive more blessings than what I sacrifice.
I love you all!
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)

Tell Michael, "Nothing much, you stud!" and Aaron Jones:, "Go get 'em, Siberian Tiger, thank you very much..." And about the last Eragon book, that will be the FIRST book I read when I am released, so keep it in the car when we come home from the airport...but don't think about that for at least a year!

Rejoice for all the words of Christ. These truths are precious, and we should live them!

Hey, news from Barnaul! First of all, President Gibbons received word on Friday, that the First Presidency has approved the plan for a giant district for our mission, and by March, the entire mission will change into one big district, preparing it to become a stake! We are right on target towards a stake, and many wonderful things are happening.

Barnaul is south of Novosibirsk, and it is pretty cold. Don't worry, I haven't frozen solid...yet... It has gotten about -30 degrees in Celcius, which I don't know in Farenheit...except that it is cold. Really, it is fun to me being in a really cold place. It isn't uncomfortable to me, because I have such a warm coat, hat, scarf, and mittens! You need a scarf in Siberia. It is a must.

We took a bus for about 4 hours, and in the process I lost my nametag! AAHHH! The worst thing was that I lost my other nametag a few days before. It wasn't the best way to start a mission, but that's okay. I fortunately have the ones that I wore in the MTC, but just my last name isn't in Russian. Whatever, it's a nice finding technique.

Elder Ortner, my new companion, is an awesome missionary. He is very quiet, compared to me, but he is very sincere. You can tell he teaches by the Spirit, because you feel it. He is actually a convert to the church three years ago. He was born in Israel, but grew up in Florida. It is very interesting, because I have never really met someone from Israel. His testimony is strong, and he is so caring of other people. He makes sure that everyone is happy and that nothing is amiss. There is only one other companionship in Barnaul, and they are Elder Smith and Elder Petersen. They are a transfer younger than me, and Elder Ortner has served a year and a half, with half of it in Barnaul.

Sometime in February, there will be a senior couple, who are LEGEND in this mission. They have served five missions, three of them were in Barnaul. They are going to serve again! I believe their names are the Holmes, and the branch is really excited to see them again. Wow, to serve 5 missions.

Well, we have a LOT to do here, in Barnaul. First, we have an investigator who should shortly be baptized next month! Her name is Yulia, and she is a very sweet person. She recently got a job, and called us to make sure exactly how to pay tithing, which is really cool! I will keep you informed as the time draws closer.

We have also met with a lot of inactive members, with individual concerns. One such member has been a member for years, almost as long as the mission has been opened. He met with mission presidents in Moscow, and other prominent church leaders, and was even sealed in the temple. This goes to show you that you are never safe from inactivity. Everyone must check themselves every day to determine the status of their faith. Satan is always attacking us, and we can not afford to let up our guard. Fortunately, even if we fall, we can always get up, and start with a clean slate. That is the miracle of forgiveness of the Atonement.

The branch is awesome, here! The music director, Elena, is a professional piano player, and a classically trained vocalist. She plans what is known as a Salon, where people perform music, and read verses from famous writers...I hope to be able to perform something at this Salon, as the current theme is Opera. I have heard that is is a very effective tool to find people, and I can't wait to see it. The Branch President, President Klavakin, is amazing. He really understands his calling, and his purpose as a branch president. We have a branch Mission leader, Artur, who is amazing. His testimony is strong, and he knows what needs to happen for the branch to grow. The branch is really good, and even a branch member returned from a mission when I entered. His name is Denic, and he is really cool. There is a member, Makcim, who is preparing right now to serve a mission. Pretty much it is amazing to see the constant growth, and function of the church, as leaders work together, missionaries return home, and others prepare. The work of the Lord never stops for anything!

I hope to be a great influence here. I hope to be able to look at my mission experience, and not have any regrets. I want my service to be acceptable to the Lord, as this is His work, and we are merely the tools. "Can the axe boast in his strength?" We have no right to take claim on the success in our lives, because they are really because of our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and their love for us. Everything good in my life, I can tie to them. They are the direct sources of all good in this world.

We recently met with some people who had differing views about the gospel. They didn't believe that we lived with God before this life, that we will not have a body when we are resurrected, and that we don't need another testament of Christ. I have thought about this, and how the most simple of truths give me so much happiness. We lived with our Heavenly Father before this life! How wonderful is that knowledge that we talked with our Father, and He loved us, and we loved Him? How wonderful is it to know that we will be resurrected, having a body that will not suffer pain or affliction, being able to live with God again in perfect happiness? How wonderful is it that we have more words of Christ, that we can learn more about Him, learn more how to live closer to Him, and know better how to return to Him? They said that the Bible was enough, and that they weren't "hungry" anymore...Why not be more greedy for the word of God? I cannot fathom why it would be "enough" to just read one book. We have thousands of volumes of the words of prophets, though the Bible, Book of Mormon, the words of Prophets in this day, and why not rejoice for all of the words of Christ? That I think is the attitude we need to take to such truths. They are precious, and we should LIVE them!

It is difficult to see people not at once accept the gospel. I just think, "Here is knowledge that you are loved by a God who knows exactly what you are going through! He cries with you in times of trial, and he rejoices in your successes! He is there to comfort you and help you with all of your decisions in life. This knowledge helps you understand why things happen! Why won't you accept it?" We cannot force people to believe, but only invite. The most wonderful thing is that Heavenly Father is preparing people to receive the message. They might not receive it the first time, but there will always be another chance. He loves His children. That I know.

I know that this gospel is true, and that Christ lives. He suffered for us, so that we don not have to suffer eternally, but to rejoice eternally with Him and our loving Heavenly Father. I know Joseph Smith saw God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, that they are words of Christ. I know that we have the power and authority to perform the necessary ordinances in order to be saved. My family is eternal, and death is not even close to the end. This is true.
Love,
Elder Hoggan ( The Siberian Messenger)

Transfer to Barnaul!

So...my next transfer...Barnaul! I will be a companion with an Elder Ortner, and the only thing I know about him is that he is of Jewish descent.  I was so used to a district with about 10 missionaries, but our district in Barnaul is only four missionaries. It will be a different experience.

Elder Patton went to Finland for the first time, and so I spent the rest of my time with Elder Sperry. Elder Sperry is leaving on Wednesday...You still have to wait another year, Mom. So there wasn't a whole lot of interesting things that happened this week.

It has been progressively colder here in Russia, but I came prepared. I have this new scarf that is longer than I am tall. It is crocheted green and black, like Wicked! It is so warm, and it feels like wearing a neck brace every time I have worn it. Russia weather still hasn't got the best of me, which I attribute to living in South Weber for several years. What difference is there?..oh wait, it's Russia!

So what else is there to talk about? I hope to give you more invormation when I am in Barnaul...oh wait! There will be a senior couple in Barnaul soon that have served there three times, and they have served missions FIVE times! Wow, I hope that I could at least serve once as a senior couple, but the future will tell.

This transfer, I want to focus on becoming holy. In Leviticus 44:11, it says, "sanctify yourselves and you will be holy, for I am holy" So be holy is to become like Christ, which all of us want to be like. In order to become holy, one must sanctify oneself. To sanctify is to sacrifice. I don't mean an animal sacrifice, but all of us have things that don't really help us to progress, be it sleeping in (That is not my problem, thank goodness) or it may be being quick to find fault. What needs to be done is to sacrifice those things we hold onto that bring us down, and we cleanse ourselves, and we will then have the power of God on our side. It is hard, but it is possible, because He will make us holy. That is my commitment to myself and to all of you, to sanctify yourselves, sacrifice something, and become holy. Will you make yourselves holy? (audible "yes" I expect, even though I am on another continent) I promise you that if you make yourselves holy, then your life will be so much happier and the Spirit will testify to you that this is true.

Along with my striving to be holy, I am studying the logistics of the Book of Mormon. The stories are cool, such as Ammon cutting arms off, Nephi cutting heads off, and others cutting each other up. Then there of course are stories of forgiveness, faith, and the blessings of the gospel. I want to learn more of the secular history and geography of the Book of Mormon. It is really fascinating and makes the Book of Mormon more alive. I had no idea that the people of Nephi left the land to settle Zarahemla, and then Zeniff went back to obtain that land, then Noah came to be, then after many years Limhi meets king Mosiah, and they rejoice for their lost brethren. It is so complex and intriguing. I am going to become an expert of the Book of Mormon!

So I believe that there are many good things that are soon going to come to pass. Whenever something great is going to happen, that is when Satan comes in and the work is harder. Our transfers started with no investigators. Now we have six, and two have baptismal dates! Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. I know that to be true. I want to sacrifice even more, and I can't wait to see the great blessings that will happen because of it.

I love you all, and I pray for you by name.
Until in Barnaul,
Elder Hoggan (The Siberian Messenger)