Email 4/14/14

There are never a shortage of miracles here in the great NW, and even
more especially here in Portland! We were able to see the work really
hasten and pick-up throughout these last few weeks. At the beginning
of the transfer we got together with the District Leaders in our zone
and set very specific goals for each week of the transfer. Every week
thus far we have been super close to all of our goals as we have seen
the areas that are most needed to be worked on improve. That has been
the miracle of these last few weeks. Months ago, Elder Ballard
presided over a mission presidents seminar with Pres. Taylor in
attendance. Elder Ballard had mentioned that if we were to talk to 10
people every day, we would see the number of baptisms in our area
double. We have been trying and have been very diligent in doing so,
but there hasn't been a myriad of new investigators or many people
accepting the invite to baptism. What I have seen, though, was the
boldness and the love that has been shaping in each missionary as they
seek to be obedient. The willingness to testify wherever they find
themselves has been astounding to me. The miracle here is the becoming
sharper and wiser tools in The Lord's hand. That has been what has
really been the miracle as we have been focusing on our goals.

Yesterday we went to go and contact a referral our area book. We had
previously attempted to contact him, but we had just caught him in his
underwear and he had just woke up. We tried him again yesterday and he
said that he had only 30 minutes or so to talk. As we went in, he
tried to tell us that the world would be better without God. He
reminded me of the apostate Nephites and Zoramites in the Book of
Mormon who make things way too complicated by trying to ignore the
small and simple things. It was very interesting because earlier at
church we had been talking about how God is our loving Father in
Heaven. Just goes to show that when we are edified by the good word of
God, Satan will always be there to attempt to tear us down. I know
that May not have been the experience that you were looking for Mom,
but it had a great impact on me and my teaching pattern. Small.
Simple.

I love you all!!

Elder Hamblin