10/29/12 Email

Fellowshipping  investigators IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF MISSIONARY WORK! Never forget that. These people are making tremendous changes to their lives and need to feel comfortable while doing it. They need some one they can turn to (besides the missionaries) when times get rough and they lack the Spirit of Conversion. These friends need to constantly be nurished by the good word of God. I can not begin to tell you how many people we have lost mainly because we the missionaries have failed in doing all we can to find a person in the ward to help these people make these "alterations in their quilts of life."

 

Tell Coach Workman good job for me. He was a great coach and was literally the glue that held our struggling team together. And since when is Graham going to Boston!?! What hurricane is over there? What is the catagory size? Have each of you figured out the Doctrine of Christ? Sorry, there is just way too much processing in my brain right now.

 

This past week was good, and Wednesday was Elder Olsen's birthday. He is always talking about his blue eyed, blonde haired little girl he is going to have when he is married, so I decided to give him a miniature Cinderella doll for his birthday. I thought it was funny...

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

10/22/12 Letter

Dear Family,
This week has been very good here in the WKM/Milton-Freewater.  We didn't really have a lot of work this last week, but we did just about all we could to be as productive as we have been.  The smell of Fall and the sounds of Football fill the air as we walk and knock here in Milton-Freewater.

Yesterday (Sunday) Elder Olsen and I had almost all of our appointments cancel on us and the decision was made to go tracting.  This was the last resort finding activity, mainly because many people were still in their church  or just getting home from their Sunday worship.  But alas, we decided that we were out of options.  (Fair warning, nothing productive happened.)  As we attempted one of the last houses, all we heard was "come in".  Confused at what to do, we just stood there kicking the dirt.  Finally the door opened just a crack, slammed shut, then opened completely.  The man was disabled and confined to a wheel-chair.  As we stepped into his humble home, two elements over-took me.  1. The size of his television in an otherwise small house.  2.  The over-powering, over-bearning stench of onions.  As we stood there and talked to this man, I believe that the "Spirit" was so strong, I was literally bawling.  It felt as if I could bite into the air and have a mouthful of "The Spirit".  Unfortunately  this man could not feel the power of the real Spirit and we fortunately made it out of the house with our tear-ducts in place!

Anyway, I do not think I have ever cried as hard as I did that day.  It was powerful.

Elder Olsen and I have also been teaching a couple who have also been investigating the 7th Day Adventist Church.  We had been attempting to go and see them, but it seemed as if they wanted to go with the Adventists.  Then one day, Elder Olsen and I were sitting in our car and discussing our plans, when here comes the man and waves us to him.  We went over and began to talk with them.  We found out that they had moved (they were in a bad situation before) and the Adventists had offended them.  They wanted to join our Church! Then the first lesson we officially had with them went so well we invited them to be baptized...and they ACCEPTED!  At the beginning of the lesson they just wanted a church; by the end of the lesson we knew that they wanted THE Church.  their eyes were telling the story their mouths never could.

I have been studying the beginning of Alma this week.  Two points stood out to me as my studies progressed throughout the week.  1.  Our gratitude solely  affect our attitude toward the world.  The more grateful we are, the more we are blessed.  2.  Closely related, as we are gracious for the blessings of God, He doesn't often change our circumstances, but rather He forms our hearts.  Because he transforms our hearts, we are able to find the ways He has provided for us to change our circumstances.  Gratitude=Obedience.  It is really that simple.

Love,
Elder Hamblin

10/22/12

Email from Elder Hamblin:  10/22/12

 

Well it is good to see mandy preparing to go on a mission. It reminds me of someone else that know.... I know that she will have an amazing time and will love every minute that she is out there.

 

The weather is beginning to turn up here. It is going into the "rainy" season then into the snow, that and it is beginning to be brisk outside. On Friday night, it was Mac-High's (the local high school) Homecoming. Supposedly they are not too good at football, but you could hear the cheering all around town! Elder Olsen and I didn't have any appointments, so all we did was walk around on the cool, brisk night and listened to the sounds of the game (nobody was really home and wanted to talk with us). The experience reminded me of any Friday night game with the fans becoming one with the players as the excitement around them unites these two factions into a single, unified purpose.

 

Anyway, right now the work is still slow, but the times are still great! We have had more than a few precarious situations, but each one has ended in a laugh. We are still working on finding people to teach, and keep looking for new and exciting ways to do the same thing in a different way. We have been coming up with some pretty good ideas, but we have yet to implement them. Right now we are: trying to get a less active to the temple (which is hard because he has more guns and other weapons, or "toys," that he can't seem to put down when we teach him); re-activate a less active family; and teach a couple about the church. We are seeing so much progress in these people and want to continue to help everyone that we can!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

Letter from Elder Hamblin:  10/16/12

Dear Family,
Mother -  HAPPY BIRTHDAY! What are you like 26? I bet you thought I forgot! PSH! NEVER! (Maybe a little bit). Thank you all for the letters ever so much. You all are the best.

The topic for this weeks letter was going to be the Doctrine of Christ; something that members have very little knowledge about. (Truthfully & honestly, I have no idea until I got to the MTC). BUT I figured that I would like you all to study it for PERSONAL STUDY, and find out for yourselves. I know that as you do that then, it will be ingrained better into your minds. (That and I don't want everyone to copy DAD in family scripture study. I want YOUR OWN THOGUHTS)! Christ himsef describes it as a unifier of the Saints. This doctrine, like the atonement, is very simple, yet there is complexity at every level. This is also a big focus in our mission, so it has been constantly on my mind. (May you all "ask the missionaries" over for dinner and have them help...) There are multiple sources for this doctrine. Look for it.

Anyway, I would like to share a miracle Elder Olsen and I had last week. In Milton-Freewater, people are very religiously engaged. This sight reminds me of Palmyra, New York in 1820. Many religions all claiming truth and divinity with belief in Christ (and a sum of money to their church). There is often a split family searching for truth, and strongly affixed according to their religious beliefs.

Missionary work runs in the blood of there various religions, and with these "works" comes much rejection. This truth holds sure for our church; its difference being the only true chruch of the Begotten. The few investigators we had had become lost in the confusion and literal war of wor. The battle chapters from Alma are brought to mind when looking upon this scene (just not as much blood).

With our number dwindling but our optimism unyielding, Elder Olsen and I knew that finding the seekers of truth was going to be hard, "un-impossible." After counseling, praying, and pondering about a "new investigator" goal, we KNEW that we would be able to find five new people, friends, to teach. This goal, set on Wednesday, was one that we knew would help us plan. The Monday and Tuesday preceding the goal set proved to be fruitless in our labor, but we put our faith in God, with an eye single to his glory. By Sunday (the last day for our goal), we had three new investigators, but we still needed two more. Church came and went; appointments fell through; and 7 o'clock rolled around. We planned to teach a less-active at the church. When we got there, we discovered that she had already met with Bishop, and had brought three of her daughters (all old enough, but have not yet been baptized). We taught them and set up a return appointment! We had our five investigators and an extra one, with less then 30 minutes until we had to send in our numbers! As we do our best, focusing on others, our competitive nature crosses over into competitive greatness, but only by the grace of God. Man alone can only be competitive.

My "study" this week actually hit me in Sacrament meeting this fast Sunday. The Sacrament Hymn was #196, and in this sacred hymn a name for Christ is the "Great I AM." This name for the Savior (also found in John 8:58) had my thoughts dwelling on the current "I'm a Mormon" campaign by the church.

In the days of Abram, the letter "H" was used to represent Jehovah (To keep from taking the Lord's name in vain). As the pre-covenanted  Abram (Gen. 16:5) added an "H" to his name to become Abraham, not only did he take upon him the Abrahamic covenant, but he also literally took Christ's Pre-Jeruselam name upon him.

We too can take a part of his name upon us. We not only partake of the Sacrament every week, but we also declare "I'm a Mormon." Associate with Christ by whatever means possible, even in the simplest ways. This inspired message from the Church helps us accomplish that purpose on so many levels, naming one is not adiquate! I Love you all!

Love,
Elder Hamblin

P.S. I finished this Thursday 10-18, and sent it on the 19th! Sorry it is so late! (I've been busy)! Shippa, will you get the new scripture mastery (all 4 sets) for me? Love you!

Elder Hamblin and Elder Olsen

t

                                                         At the Columbia River Temple

10/16/12

Dearest Mother,

Sorry this e-mail is so late. We had to chage our P-Day because we got to go to the Columbia River Temple today! It is one of the most beautiful temples in the world (I think right next to the Snowflake Temple). Anyway, I hope that you like the pictures that I sent you. That is about all that took! I guess I am not the photographer quite like Mandy.

Love,

Elder Hamblin

10/08/12

Dear Family,
How was General Conference?  Wasn't it just amazing!  I thought that it was one of the best overall conferences that i have seen in quite sometime.  (Granted, it really helps being out on a mission!)  I just want to say, CONGRATS to Shippa!  You looked simply beautiful in the pictures mom sent.  i haven't received your letter (except for Ship's) before writing this, so I don't really know what to write about.

Milton-Freewater has been good this week.  The work here is really slowing down, but Elder Olsen & I are really working to find some new people.  We are going to try and work closer with the ward and Bishop Wells.  We are staying optimistic as we look and try some new finding ideas and ask people in the ward for people we can teach.  Things look like they are picking up, so hopefully they do!

The other day Elder Olsen & I were asked by the ward to deliver some newsletters to some hostile less-actives and part-member families.  It was...actually not that bad.  No one pulled a gun on us, so I think everything went well.  We have a car and VERY limited miles, and we are looking for some good bikes, so if we can walk in town, we do it.  On the day we decided to deliver the newsletters, we decided to walk.  The path we decided to take, however was not exactly what we had planned. 

Milton-Freewater is composed of "out-of-town" Milton-Freewater and "in-town" Milton-Freewater.  "In-town" is most of the houses and businesses, and "out-of-town" is all orchards with houses few and far between.  So, Elder Olsen & I planned to deliver all the "in-town" letters moving towards the "out-of-town".  We had 6 letters, and delivered 4 in 30 minutes, and expected to finish the other ones in about 2 hours.  What we didn't realize was that they were RIGHT ON the Washington-Oregon border (about 8 miles from "in-town" Milton-Freewater).  So we started tracting and talking with people along the way and realized we were never going to make it before dinner (which was on the OTHER side of "out-of-town"!)  We tried to book it and ended up calling a member to pick us up.  We got them delivered, but that's about all we did that day!  So now we are more carefully planning our trips. 

Another day (at night, before we went back to the apartment) we decided to try a former investigator's home.  The records said she had progressed really far & did really well, but then fell off the map.  So Elder Olsen & I decided to go talk to her.

Lately I have been re-memorizing the Scripture Masteries, starting with the Old Testament.  The one I was looking over that day was Ezk. 37:15-16.  She said her biggest problem was The Book of Mormon, and we were able to use that to bring her to tears.  It was AWESOME!  Having faith and diligence pays off even when we can't see the end.  "Let the lower lights be burning..."

Love, Elder Hamblin

October 8, 2012

Well, congrats to Shippa! I knew that she was going to do something amazing! She looks quite like the "Princess" (who are always better than Queens, they are always the wicked ones). Anyway, how is everything in Round Valley? You are not keeping your promise very well of informing me of all the scores. I am a little disappointed. What about Rat's last game, what happened? You need to tell me these things! Bytheway, I have not found my charger, and Elder Olsen and I have not been shopping yet today. I will pick one up this afternoon and send you the pictures next week (but first I have to take some pictures!).

What about the big announcement! 18! Looks like Rat won't have to wait too long to start serving his mission as soon as he graduates from high school! What about Shippa, is she planning on serving a mission now that the age was dropped for her? Tell her that it would be the best thing for her, her future husband, and her future children. I think that she will really love to serve a mission now that it will be easier for her to.

Do you want to hear the honest truth about Elder Holland's talk? He had already given that talk at the MTC, but with MUCH MORE gusto. I literally thought that his hair was on fire. I wasn't there for that talk, but I have seen it at least three times now, it is still great though. My favorite talk had to be the Saturday Morning of President Uchtdorf or Elder Packer's talk based from one of my favorite hymns. Some of the people that we are teaching really could use these things, and these talks are just what they needed. I hope I took good enough notes for them so they can be helped.

I am really glad that you are taking Elder Nelson's advice and "aksing the missionaries." Simple testimony and heart felt sincerity coupled with patience and love will never fail you. The pure Doctrine of Christ will also be useful in whatever situation. If you ever need anything else, share again the restoration.

Love,

Elder Hamblin

10/1/12

The Disciple Elder Hamblin's
Epistle to the Hamblin II Family

Hello from the land of no taxes and where it is illegal to pump your own gas...Oregon! (seriously, you can't even get out of your own car, take the cap off, and pump your gas.  Someone has to do it for you).  Anyway, everything is going great here in Milton-Freewater.  Elder Olsen and I are working hard to find people and doing all we can to teach.  We have been having quite a bit of success too.

It was great to hear about Mandy and Cade...too bad they aren't coming to the WKM.  Elder Burk is just extremely blessed.  I know they will love it, but they really, deep down in their hearts, want to be here in the best mission ever.

Well, you all know me very well, and know I don't have a very good memory.  I am really trying to think up something really cool to say, but I can't remember anything, so I think I will tell a story.  The other night Elder Olsen & I were tracting down a street.  No one was home when we came to a HUGE bush in front of a small house.  We were about to walk in the yard when this Horse ran from behind the bush.  It scared me half to death when I realized that horses don't bark and have big teeth.  It was literally the biggest boxer I have ever seen!

Anyway, that was just a story.  "there's a sacrament talk in there somewhere".  Yesterday in church we talked quite a bit about sacrifices.  We sacrifice because we use our FREE agency to submit our will to God's.  (In contrast we use our agency to practice our own will to rebel against God).  This "Sacrifice" of agency includes serving others, studying the scriptures, and "Following the Brethren" (Boyd K. Packer).  God promises us that as we do so, our sacrifice will be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.

My studies this week (aided by Dad's letters) have lead me to expound on the subject of sacrifice.  In Mosiah 18 (my current section of the Book of Mormon) Alma preaches to the followers and subjects of King Noah.  they continually gather together around the waters of Mormon (Just as we gather around the Book of Mormon) to learn about Christ & His doctrine.  They sacrifice time, titles and treasures (otherwise their free agency) in order to learn of Christ.  They meet in the wilderness amongst the beast and heat, away from their plush, comfortable lives.  To many, this would be a "Living (St. Johns)".  Yet, in Verse 30, it states that to those who came to a knowledge of their Redeemer, it was beautiful.  Shippa, remember that scripture I gave you a few weeks back? Share that with the rest of the family as it fits in this section of the letter.

Well, I love you all!  Hope this week is better than a day down in St. Johns!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin

October 1, 2012

Sorry there are no pictures this time... and maybe never again. I think I lost my charger.... I looked everywhere for it this morning and I am going to keep looking this afternoon. I really do have some "good" pictures to send to you, and I really was going to send them this time, but I really can't find that dang charger! SORRY!!!!

 

Anyway, that is great for Mandy and Cade (although they don't get to come to the BEST mission in the world. Their loss).
I know deep in their hearts they want to come to the WKM. They will do great though.

 

I hope you got my letter explaining that I am in Milton-Freewater, Oregon (not Washington). It is about 10 minutes south of Walla Walla though. You know what, I am not sure why they call it "Muddy-Frog Water," I just know that is the nickname of the town. Elder Olsen and I are working really hard, but people are really set in their faiths up here. We are teaching a couple people, but mostly we are helping the ward here find the less active members and trying to reactivate them. That's not going super well either, but we have been tracting and doing other finding efforts and quite a few people told us that we could come back and talk with them! So we stay hopeful! Other than that, that is all we do; we are having a blast though.

I will send a big family letter this week, because I have to write a lot of people, and I think that I will go a little more into detail in that. I am trying to write everyone that writes me (which is really only you all and the occasional letter from someone else, but I am really slow at writing so it takes me all day). I really can't think of anything else to say right now; love you and I hope you all have a great week!

 

Love,

Elder Hamblin

 

P.S. Do you all know what the Doctrine of Christ is? A lot of members don't!