Dear Family,
As we walk around downtown Portland, I see bumper stickers, signs, and even Bill-boards proclaiming "Keep Portland Weird". It is soon evident to what is being stated as we look at the "modern" styles of the times. We see bare feet, bongo drums, colored hair, and an interesting style of clothing. This bike-friendly town has many worldly things and acts, and so it is no wonder why many people are attracted to the Gospel.
There are many dark acts and places. So when the light of the Gospel comes, "The darkness comprehendeth it not." Some people give the "Typical" response, but most show some spark of interest. We are seeing those who are prepared for the gospel come and invite themselves to learn more. With this hastening begins a hastening for preparation. we must do more to prepare ourselves to find "Those who will receive us."
Friday, Elder Olsen and I received a referral for a woman within our area. She referred herself online on Mormon.org. Saturday after the second session of General Conference, we were determined to contact her as well as follow Elder Perry's council to talk to more people. We arrived at her home, but could not find any parking. We parked down the block and proceeded to her home.
We passed by a few people and talked to every, single, one. No one was interested, so we continued to this woman's house. We knock on her door. We asked for Jaclyn, and she called for her. A few moments later Jaclyn came to the door. We began to ask why she referred herself. Immediately she told us everything that was keeping her from joining the church, and she was no more than "Curious" to relearn our beliefs.
Years ago a friend had introduced her to the Gospel. She took the discussions and became upset at the church's policy on various subjects. Anger and frustration became her companion as she decided to turn her back on the church. Years of this over-whelming darkness filled her life, as became apparent in her story-telling. An "Awakening" has recently occurred within her as memories of this friend flooded back to her. A need for religion was founded in her life.
Who knows where she will go or how much she will accept. God is working miracles everywhere we look. The hastening is truly happening and we can only "look up".
I love you all,
Elder Rex Hamblin
10/14/13
Dear Family,
Man this week has been crazy, busy and exhausting. We made Stake Correlation Reports, ran a Zone meeting, went on several exchanges, and ran a red light. All in a weeks work! As we kept busy we also were able to serve several people and help people move. It is a preparation day like today that helps me focus on for the rest of the week.
Here in Alameda Ward boundaries there is a prison. A small LDS group gathers on Wednesday nights to read from the Book of Mormon and the Gospel Principles manual. The missionaries have been invited to help teach these men the Gospel. This last week I had the opportunity to teach in the prison. I saw these men have a sincere desire to drink deep the words of life, but because of their current situation, the Spirit is hard to tap into. They have no quiet moments to ponder these things. But they don't let that get to them!
I thought to myself of this sincere desire and why it took so long to obtain. I thought about a man in there who is a RM, a former Assistant to the President. We currently live in a world where the hastening is strong and our testimonies shine bright, yet there will come a day in our personal future where we too will be tested of our conversion.
If my understanding of the recent conference is correct, this is a time in which we can have hope in! In 2 Nephi 31:19-21 we are promised eternal life as long as we endure with hope! This is able to keep the Holy Ghost in our lives, and therefore eternal life.
So as these men continue to seek the peace in their lives, we too must look up and be joyful in the future! I love you all! Hope you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin
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