Dear Family,
Look, actually a full page! OK, if I can write that much! Life here in White Salmon/Stevenson is going very well. this last week has been crazy; we have been in a competition with Hood River for finding new investigators and OYM ing (open your mouth). We have been beat both weeks, but both of our areas have grown, and quite frankly have exploded! Hood River has been finding and teaching like they were Ammon and Aaron. Elder Burk and Elder Heldt have done extremely well.
We have had four people on date for baptism (2 in each area). We have one lady in White Salmon who is very close to baptism; she has recently quit coffee to be baptized. She has been drinking for her whole life, but has wanted to quit for a couple of years now. She has never had a reason to quit, but now she said that this is her reason for quitting. We have also been teaching a lady in Cascade Locks (across the river from Stevenson) who has been on date for a while, but just does not want to be away from her coffee. We have figured out why coffee is against the Word of Wisdom...it is HIGHLY addictive!!! But she really wants to be baptized. She is 75 years old and has never "joined" any church. Oh how a 14 year old boy could save her life!
Anyway, we had a "Hasten The Work" conference with Elder Risenmay of the 70's. It was a great conference to inspire Bishops, Ward Mission Leaders, Relief Society and the local missionaries about all new Missionaries and Missions.
I love you all!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
The Best Two Years
Monday, 25 March 2013
Email 3-25-13
Dear Mother,
A picture is worth a thousand
words, and a couple are worth "a couple-three" thousand words. (Don't
ask me, but it seems to be a very common phrase around here!) I spent
most of the time putting the pictures on, so don't get mad that this is
so short, because it is.
The first one is Elder Gayler and I.
We saw the next one on our way to Hood River.
3rd is a picture of our district...Elder Gayler, Elder Heldt, and Elder Burk
4th is a picture of my "son" Elder Rothwell
5th is us and our ZL's Elder Peterson & Frei
6th is the Hood River Valley with Mt. Hood in the back round
7th is a picture of my "posterity" my "son" and my "grandpa" Elder Metz
8th is Mt. Hood from an area in White Salmon
9th is the Portland Temple
10th
is our whole zone minus Elder Heldt, Elder Burk, & Sis. Warren (a
senior missionary) from left to right: E. Rothwell, me, E. Peterson, E.
Frei, E. Warren (a 11-year-old in a 60-year-old body), S. Ellingson,
& S. Mechum
11th a view of Beacon Rock
12th a view from Cape Horn
13th is just a cool picture
14th is a picture looking at the Oregon boarder from Stevenson
Hope you like them!
Love,
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Email 3/19/13
Hey, I know I don't write a lot, but I have already written my letter for this week, and it really does have some information and is ALMOST a whole, full, page long! I don't know why it is so hard for me to write a letter, but it seems to me like it is the hardest thing in the world. But for you, I will keep writing...every week just like I promised!
Nothing to exciting happened this week. We have had a competition with the Hood River missionaries to see who could get the most OYM's and new investigators and things have never been better...in both areas! This competition is helping both areas boom!
Sorry this e-mail is so late, we had a temple P-day this week. We went to the Portland Temple, and it was absolutely amazing! One of these days I will send the pictures I have take, because I actually have some to send...just not the camera to send them. I left it out in the car. Sorry!
I love you all so much. I am the luckiest missionary in the whole world!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Nothing to exciting happened this week. We have had a competition with the Hood River missionaries to see who could get the most OYM's and new investigators and things have never been better...in both areas! This competition is helping both areas boom!
Sorry this e-mail is so late, we had a temple P-day this week. We went to the Portland Temple, and it was absolutely amazing! One of these days I will send the pictures I have take, because I actually have some to send...just not the camera to send them. I left it out in the car. Sorry!
I love you all so much. I am the luckiest missionary in the whole world!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Saturday, 16 March 2013
Letter 3/12/13
Dear Family,
Spring is becoming more evident as the month progresses. It is not the blossoms or the greenery, but the weather that has continually improved. The rain is beginning to decrease as the sun is seeming to increase. (it is funny how we have an inverse effect on each!) Each day we have a clearer view of the two beautiful mountains, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
The people seem to open up as the weather clears. Door steps seem to be more comfortable and doors seem not to be so heavy. Wether it is the weather or the message (hopefully it is a combination of both, but heavily the latter), people more willing to talk. As they talk, we listen; as we listen, the vision clears. Elder Rothwell and I are then able to see these "mountains" more clearly as the Spirit is able to testify of the message they are conveying to us. They want help! But they often like the view of their mountain rather the feeling of accomplishment if they are willing to conquer it.
Thank you for all the support and help. Sorry I never write more, but I can never think of anything to say. I love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
Spring is becoming more evident as the month progresses. It is not the blossoms or the greenery, but the weather that has continually improved. The rain is beginning to decrease as the sun is seeming to increase. (it is funny how we have an inverse effect on each!) Each day we have a clearer view of the two beautiful mountains, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
The people seem to open up as the weather clears. Door steps seem to be more comfortable and doors seem not to be so heavy. Wether it is the weather or the message (hopefully it is a combination of both, but heavily the latter), people more willing to talk. As they talk, we listen; as we listen, the vision clears. Elder Rothwell and I are then able to see these "mountains" more clearly as the Spirit is able to testify of the message they are conveying to us. They want help! But they often like the view of their mountain rather the feeling of accomplishment if they are willing to conquer it.
Thank you for all the support and help. Sorry I never write more, but I can never think of anything to say. I love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
Friday, 15 March 2013
Letter 3/06/13
This week has been hectic! So much to do, so little time. I have seen and done so many things, I don't know where to begin. Elder Gayler was transferred over to Vancouver, and I received a brand new missionary, Elder Easton Rothwell. The best thing about Elder Rothwell is his willingness to serve God and serve the people here in White Salmon and Stevenson. He has taught me so much about the gospel and being an obedient and humble missionary. He is one of the new 18 year old missionaries, but he is also one of the best missionaries in the field. Period. Elder Rothwell is from Lindon, Utah , so he is another one of those Utah missionaries :). He is a great man.
To prove my point, Elder Rothwell has already invited two people to be baptized! He has been here less than a week and has already attempted to put two people on date for baptism. The first one said no, she had already been baptized into another church. The second one said yes! I love being a missionary! Sorry this is so short, but we have work to do!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
To prove my point, Elder Rothwell has already invited two people to be baptized! He has been here less than a week and has already attempted to put two people on date for baptism. The first one said no, she had already been baptized into another church. The second one said yes! I love being a missionary! Sorry this is so short, but we have work to do!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
Monday, 11 March 2013
Email 3/11/13
Sorry, but last week was a little hectic. We were running around for most of the day and did not have enough time to e-mail. And sorry that my letters are so mundane and boring, but I can't ever think of anything interesting. Sure, there are many things which were interesting this week, but for some reason I just can never seem to remember them. I did meet a 4-year-old kid whose name is Ever. I thought that would be slightly interesting. I do have some pictures, but I do not have the time to send them every week. One day I will though. All good things come with patience...but these are not very good so they take longer;)
Just thinking back I think that the only interesting thing that happened to me was that I was chased by a dog for the first time in my mission. That was an interesting experience. We had walked up their long driveway only to be chased back by the dog.
O.K. some of the "good" stuff. This area has been on fire for the last few weeks! We have been keeping very busy. When I got here, Elder Gayler and Elder Ottley had set up the area for great success. They already had two people on date for baptism (who are just trying to quit coffee) and were teaching many others. Once Elder Rothwell got to this beautiful area, he has got right to work; we now have four people on date to be baptized! Hopefully they will all continue in this desire!
Yesterday we had a ward coulncil training from President Hartley of the mission presidency. He talked much about rescuing the lost members of the church. All we need to do--as members and as missionaries--is invite. An invitation to church or an invitation to comfort: we invite, they commit, we follow up. As missionaries we are called to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through faith in Jesuss Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end." That is our purpose as missionaries, that is our purpose as members, and ultimately that is our purpose for life. You wrote about Elder Goodman's talk, read 2 Nephi 31 & 3 Nephi 11. That is THE Doctrine of Christ.
Just thinking back I think that the only interesting thing that happened to me was that I was chased by a dog for the first time in my mission. That was an interesting experience. We had walked up their long driveway only to be chased back by the dog.
O.K. some of the "good" stuff. This area has been on fire for the last few weeks! We have been keeping very busy. When I got here, Elder Gayler and Elder Ottley had set up the area for great success. They already had two people on date for baptism (who are just trying to quit coffee) and were teaching many others. Once Elder Rothwell got to this beautiful area, he has got right to work; we now have four people on date to be baptized! Hopefully they will all continue in this desire!
Yesterday we had a ward coulncil training from President Hartley of the mission presidency. He talked much about rescuing the lost members of the church. All we need to do--as members and as missionaries--is invite. An invitation to church or an invitation to comfort: we invite, they commit, we follow up. As missionaries we are called to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through faith in Jesuss Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end." That is our purpose as missionaries, that is our purpose as members, and ultimately that is our purpose for life. You wrote about Elder Goodman's talk, read 2 Nephi 31 & 3 Nephi 11. That is THE Doctrine of Christ.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Email 3/05/13
That is great that they will be coming to the WKM! It is obviously the best mission in the entire world! This week was really good. I don't have much time and my letter won't be much better. I recieved a new companion, Elder Rothwell; he just came out and I am training him. He is doing great! Sorry for the shortness of the e-mail, but I love you!
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Love,
Elder Hamblin
Friday, 1 March 2013
Letter 2/25/13
Dear family,
This week has been a whirlwind of news and events. I myself am still attempting to catch up! To start, last Monday afternoon, I found a Mickey Mouse tie just for mom. Then the rest of the week was full of rain, clouds, and cold (Of which I have before written). We had a very successful week, it being the last week of an oddly short transfer. The days seem as minutes, the weeks are hours, and the months are a blink of an eye.
As I have mentioned, this was the last week of the transfer, which we found out Elder Gaylor is departing over to Vancouver. I, in return, was asked to train a new missionary. I feel sorry for the poor soul, whoever he may be. I will miss Elder Gaylor, I have learned so much from his bold but loving example. He has taught me much about how to be a more personal missionary. We did have some ups and downs, but we have grown very close together over the last five weeks.
We finally found out who our new mission presidents will be. Yes, I said Presidents! With all the new missionaries flooding the field, the church has created 58 new missions. One being the Washington Vancouver mission. In the Northwest, the Oregon Salem and Washington Federal Way missions have been created. No lines have been drawn yet, but there is a possibility that all three missions could have an effect on the Washington Kennewick Mission. What we know for sure is that President Ware will take over the Washington Kennewick Mission, and President Taylor will be over Washington Vancouver mission. We don't know where we will end up, but where ever it is is the place that the Lord wants us to be.
I have to go, but I love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
This week has been a whirlwind of news and events. I myself am still attempting to catch up! To start, last Monday afternoon, I found a Mickey Mouse tie just for mom. Then the rest of the week was full of rain, clouds, and cold (Of which I have before written). We had a very successful week, it being the last week of an oddly short transfer. The days seem as minutes, the weeks are hours, and the months are a blink of an eye.
As I have mentioned, this was the last week of the transfer, which we found out Elder Gaylor is departing over to Vancouver. I, in return, was asked to train a new missionary. I feel sorry for the poor soul, whoever he may be. I will miss Elder Gaylor, I have learned so much from his bold but loving example. He has taught me much about how to be a more personal missionary. We did have some ups and downs, but we have grown very close together over the last five weeks.
We finally found out who our new mission presidents will be. Yes, I said Presidents! With all the new missionaries flooding the field, the church has created 58 new missions. One being the Washington Vancouver mission. In the Northwest, the Oregon Salem and Washington Federal Way missions have been created. No lines have been drawn yet, but there is a possibility that all three missions could have an effect on the Washington Kennewick Mission. What we know for sure is that President Ware will take over the Washington Kennewick Mission, and President Taylor will be over Washington Vancouver mission. We don't know where we will end up, but where ever it is is the place that the Lord wants us to be.
I have to go, but I love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
Letter 2/18/13
Dear family,
The days are slowly but surely progressing Into their summer state, The weather is turning also. Beautifully clear days produce magnificent views of Mount Hood and mount Adams daily. We got our fair share of views this week as we hit the pavement working. We had many canceled appointments and many reschedulings so we did what missionaries are famous for tracting. Although I would rather be teaching, I have the opportunity to share a snippet of the gospel with more people by going door to door. At the MTC it is said that the average person needs 7 to 10 contacts with the church before they begin to wonder and search a little bit more. Our purpose as missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel...(PMG1). If we can just give them an invitation with sincere testimony, we can achieve our purpose. But like I said, teaching them is much better.
Good things have been happening, though, I finally got in contact with Liz, Jack Udalls daughter. It was fun to talk with someone who knows the people that I know! It turns out that her sister and brother live close by too. Her brother just moved out of the ward and I can't seem to find her sister. It is fun, but I better get back to working!
On Sunday, after the long week of empty appointments, a lady showed up to church. Community knows her as an addict, but she wants to change her life. She came to church with a member and says she wants to change her life. Most of the members of the ward know her and support her. Hopefully now we can invite her!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
The days are slowly but surely progressing Into their summer state, The weather is turning also. Beautifully clear days produce magnificent views of Mount Hood and mount Adams daily. We got our fair share of views this week as we hit the pavement working. We had many canceled appointments and many reschedulings so we did what missionaries are famous for tracting. Although I would rather be teaching, I have the opportunity to share a snippet of the gospel with more people by going door to door. At the MTC it is said that the average person needs 7 to 10 contacts with the church before they begin to wonder and search a little bit more. Our purpose as missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel...(PMG1). If we can just give them an invitation with sincere testimony, we can achieve our purpose. But like I said, teaching them is much better.
Good things have been happening, though, I finally got in contact with Liz, Jack Udalls daughter. It was fun to talk with someone who knows the people that I know! It turns out that her sister and brother live close by too. Her brother just moved out of the ward and I can't seem to find her sister. It is fun, but I better get back to working!
On Sunday, after the long week of empty appointments, a lady showed up to church. Community knows her as an addict, but she wants to change her life. She came to church with a member and says she wants to change her life. Most of the members of the ward know her and support her. Hopefully now we can invite her!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
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