Dear Family,
Hey! I am writing you on P-Day! Hey! That is something that has been awhile. Okay, the truth is I usually write you on P-Day, Monday, but the letter doesn't seem to find it's way into the mailbox until later in the week. I often ponder on how this phenomenon happens and I come up clueless everytime. Anyway, the most important thing is that I write to you, right?
As I mentioned on my e-mail, everything has been hectic these last few days. And we had very little time to proslyte. But that brought a whole new meaning to the phrase "Standing as a witness of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:10). As a missionary our goal is to talk to everyone, so when Elder Babbitt and I find ourselves alone, with no one to talk to, we often feel as if we are not doing our job. The "main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!" which often means having spiritual experiences with yourself first and then your companion. When we have those spiritual experiences together, we become more unified and develop a relationship and friendship that will last forever. This equation, in return yields success far beyond what we can comprehend in this mortal atmosphere and further accomplishes the father's plan for us all to be united and sealed together for eternity.
In both cases I did my first job in approaching them, but in one I failed to communicate in proper terms God's love for them. As I have focused my attention to blessing their lives because they have come in contact with a representative of Jesus Christ, I can see more people open up and express their concerns. Honestly, they still only let us in a small portion of the time. But I know I did my part in inviting them to come closer to Christ.
In the scriptures previously mentioned, but promosed that our mouths would be full, and they will, but we still choose HOW to fill them. "The kind words we give shall in memory LIVE and sunshine forever impart" (Hymns #231).
I Love you all!
Love, Elder Rex Hamblin
6/17/13
Dear Family,
In case you might have missed it, the world is changing! The mission is being split, summer is upon us, and people are beginning to see the Son in their lives. It has been a miracle to see so much change and growth within the world, which produces a happier people. As mentioned in my email, this past week we saw President and Sister Greer for the last time. They don't gohome until July 1st, but they wont be back here before then.
What an extreme privilege it has been to serve along side president and Sister Greer. It has been an experience of learning, growth and progression all in one. Every chance I have to be around Pres. and Sister Greer, I have always learned something that I know helps me spiritually, mentally and/or physically. I have loved Pres. and Sister Greer, but I know that Pres. and Sister Taylor will be just as amazing, and Christ-Like, because I am staying in the New Washington Vancouver Mission! I will miss the east side of our mission, and it looks like I won't be able to go back to Milton-Freewater, but I LOVE this area. I have to have one of the most beautiful missions in the world!
I don't have much time but I want to tell you all about an experience we had last week. The other day we recieved a referral from the oregon Portland Mission for a young mother. The missionary who gave us the referral told us they were moving into our area and they (The missionaries) have been teaching them for a while. We gave the sister a call and she sounded enthusiastic to meet with us. When we asked to set up an appointment, she told us that her sister was VERY interested, too, and we needed to set up a time with her. So in concordance to her request we talked with her to "meet" and greet them both. Just their intensity over the phone was enough to excite Elder Babbitt and myself to teach them.
We met at the park here in Woodland, and they were both exceedingly joyful. I am surprised that they were as Ammon, who seemed to be too exceedingly joyful at times. Bt, as Ammon, they both were "truly penitent" and were each "humble seekers of happiness" (Alma 27:18). As they began to ask questions it was clearly evident that they recieved the Spirit which the Lord poured out upon them so they would be open to the word. (See Alma 16:16). They told us they had stalked our church and drove around it several times. They told us they both had been INTENTLY reading the Book of MOrmon, Mormon.org, watching all the Mormon Messages, and changed their Facebook status' to Mormon. We asked if they wanted to go on a church tour and they were more than excited, one almost started crying! It is amazing to see the many different ways the Lord shows His almighty hand in bringing souls unto him!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
P.S. Dad, I know its late but I hope you had a good Father's Day (and enjoyed the card) But I would like to express my gratitude as Nephi does, who writes about his father in every verse but 1 in 1 Nephi 1. Love ya!
7/01/13
Dear Family,
Another crazy week brings us to another relaxing P-Day and another time of reflection. Gone are the days of the WKM and the leadership and love of Pres. And Sister Greer. Here today we have the creation of the WVM and a new found love for Pres. and Sister Taylor. Happy are we to move forward in this hastening of the Lord's work and to move progression as we continually work to find those whom the Lord has deemed His elect.
Everything is going great up here in Woodland; the work is full and the weather nice. People always open up along with the weather! We do our best to keep all of our appointments, but things do fall through. We did a ton of walking this week to conserve the Zone's miles. We have the most miles as the Zone Leaders and we have to share... a lot! we walked a lot to help the Zone and found much service to do by simply asking and looking for opportunities to help. This did not lead to many teaching opportunities, but it did lead to a full heart and miracles seen. I was able to literally see the change within people about their view of "Mormon" and missionaries.
I did not learn this lesson of service and viewpoints until today. I regret to admit that last week was hard, and I was very down on myself; I focused more upon: "now what do I need to do to make myself feel better?" No success comes from looking solely inward for help and not seeking upward or looking to find someone else in a rougher rock and a harder hard spot than you, yourself are in. If I were to merely glance about and see who I could help, our Heavenly Father promises us help and comfort from on high. To quote maybe the funniest senior missionaries I have ever met, Elder Warren: "Don't worry, never hurry, and be sure to smell the flowers along the way." If we just look to help people "enlarge their memory" (Alma 37:8) then we are doing what the Lord requires of us.
Sorry I don't have any sweet stories or cool experiences, but I am trying my best to remember them! (that is not working out so well...) I hope that this is sufficient; If not chastise me! I love you all!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
P.S. Thank you for the package. NO, I haven't opened it yet! You are the best!
P.S.S. Mom, I can't remember if I told you, but I found a suit for $8, so you can take back the $ from my card. thanks!
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