May 31, 2010

The Lord has blessed Elder Henderson and I so much. This past week we were hardly able to contact and tract but the Lord led us to 3 new investigators. That is the first miracle. Two of those investigators is M and J who are expecting their baby any day now. We found them at 8:58pm (9:00pm curfew if not teaching) just outside our apartment. So the story is we were coming back from a teach and had some stuff we were carrying back to the apartment and Elder Henderson said, ''How much time do we have?'' I said,'' a couple of minutes'' so we quickly set all of our stuff just inside the apartment building then immediately went back out. Then just at that moment around the corner came M and his two huge dogs which he was walking. We started up a conversation and set up an appointment the next day. He had questions about how one can really know if God exists. We said, '' We know that it is possible. May we show you how?''

Also this past week, the Lord is helping me simplify everything for we complicate everyday matters too often and especially the gospel. As I do so there is such a greater measure of peace or in other words greater measure of the Spirit. There is power in order and simplicity.

The next thing the Lord is helping me learn is to forget myself even more and not worry so much about personal improvements. The Lord will take care of me as I just focus on others. By doing this, the burden of trying to learn everything so fast is just lifted. Greater peace results. It's interesting how simple it is to find greater peace but we, and I speak for myself, just get distracted but the Lord, His perfectly patient self, continues to coach us along. I hope this email expressed what my heart feels and what the Lord wanted me to say. I love you all. Please take time to see what is your measure of peace and then work to improve it. I am doing the same. The Lord is performing miracles. I love the mission and especially the Finns. The weather is always shining and each day is another day to seek His will. :)

I love you
Vanhin Hamner

May 24, 2010

Dear Mom and lovely family of mine :)

 

Wow it is seems that each 6 week tranfer goes faster and faster. This past week Elder Henderson and I had splits with the elders in Kajaani. While there I interviewed E. for baptism. I still remember vividly when the Spirit confirmed it in my heart that he was ready. It was during the closing prayer which E offered when he said, Please help me become a better person'' After that sentence I knew without a doubt he was ready for baptism. For he had a broken heart and contrite spirit. I know for I felt it.

It is interesting how we as humans sometimes try to make spiritual things into physical, tangible things. I can give an example, We had a teach with one investigator who brought a friend who questioned the reality of God. He said where is God? Have you seen Him? How can you know He is real? Well the member we brought with us answered in the best manner with a question. P, the member, asked, '' What is love? Please show to me how much you love your children?'' P helped the athiest, whos name was H. realize that you cannot put everything into scientific terms. The humans feelings are just as real as the other senses.

This past week I have focused on getting more out of my personal study rather than just spiritual strength. (More bang for my buck!) For example, if I compared personal study to receiving the necessary energy to live and do missionary work. I could just receive an IV (needle and nutritous liquid) or I could eat a good healthy beef stew with vegetables. The IV provides the necessary energy  (Receive necessary spiritual strength to keep going) but the soup provides even more. There is subtance in the soup than the IV. One can be more effective with the Soup rather than the emergency life support.

 I wish I could write more but more time has come to an end. I love you!
 Vanhin Hamner

May 17, 2010

17 May 2010


So I have tried downloading pictures to email but ei onnistunut (did not succeed) It is always a new adventure to find out how one can email pictures over computers in the library.

But this past week was a lot of driving. We visited Kuopio's (city in the east of Finland) district meeting. The drive there lasted about 5 hours so if that gives you an idea of how large the north zone of Finland is. And that city is not the farthest we travel to. While in Kuopio Elder Sharp, the stud district leader, did a fantastic job in leading the whole district to set change goals (for the next 6 weeks). Then Oulu (we belong to this district) had there district meeting where President interviewed us. In each district meeting the district leaders asked Elder Henderson and I to teach on the divinity of the companionship. It went well. Elder Henderson and I are learning a lot together. In fact, at the end of each night my head hurts a little bit just from all there is to learn. There in lies to tough balance of learning too much and learning enough where you still feel peace. If one makes that their measure (how much true peace they have) then they can know how much of the Spirit they have. Elder Henderson has been teaching me all about this. This has really helped me step back, look at the sky, enjoy life. Elder Henderson is truly a blessing.

Then M.,our investigator with a baptismal date, came to church! She had so many obstacles in the way but Heavenly Father helped and provided the way. Her mom is still against it but we still pray for her.

Also one last thing which is personal but needs to be said. The Lord has helped me identify many of the adversaries tools that he uses specifically towards me. As a result I am working with the Lord to focus on building my defensives against such tools. This has proven to be very effective.

I love you.
Vanhin Hamner

This pic was taken in Kuopio. My companion, Elder Henderson is third from the left 2nd row.

May 10, 2010

Dear Family,

It was such a blessing to hear all of your voices. I felt truly refreshed after it. I Love You so much.

Well this past week was one of the toughest in regards to mental opposition. Elder Henderson and I are much a like. We tend to run faster than we can go. However the Lord has been teaching each of us ever since the beginning of our missions that it is much better to work smarter not necessarily harder. Let me share an example (told at the MTC), if a farmer was to buy 50 watermelon seeds for 50 cents each. Then after time when the watermelons were ripe went to the market to sell them. At the market he sells them for 50 cents each. After everything is sold he does this process again. Eventually he wonders why he is not making a profit. Well we can see that in this situation the farmer does not necessarily need to work harder but smarter. If he worked any harder he would not get anywhere just more exhausted. However if the farmer would do it smarter he would notice that he could increase the price so he obtain the necessary tools(planning wisely, following PMG) to speed up the process and receive the greater end result (success). However if he doesnt use the tools correctly then he is just playing in the dirt. Elder Henderson and I have made it the top priority to slow down and make the Spirit top priority. In so doing we give the Spirit more room to breath and dont miss unplanned opportunities in our paths due to rushing or trying to do too much.

In conclusion that is why it has been pretty tough. And as I do it the Lord has blessed me with the greatest sense of peace I have ever felt. Therein lies the confirmation that the goal we have set is His will.

Also our top investigator is facing some opposition to be baptized. M. is too young to be baptized by her yourself but will turn that age this year. Please pray that her mom's heart will softened towards this message. She has been prepared by the Lord for some time and she is so ready for baptism.

So currently in Oulu (almost to the artic circle) the sun shines almost all day or in other words that when I wake up and go to bed the sun is still shining. The branch is amazing. The Branch president has the most contagious smile that I have ever seen. He is just genuinely happy.

Thank you so much for your prayers. They are felt. Also in those prayers if you could please focus on M. and gift of tongues.

I love you! Suomesta (from Finland)
V. Hamner

Mothers Day Phone Call :)

Talking to AJ was so awesome! It was so good to hear his voice and feel the peace that is surrounding him. I am grateful for the precious blessing that he is in our lives and for his strong determination and desire to righteously serve our Heavenly Father. He told me of people who had written him and been strengthened by his blog. His goal and purpose of the blog was to create a mission tool that could lift people up and inspire them as well as let everyone know how he is doing and the progress he is making for himself and others. Knowing that this blog is fullfilling it's purpose inspired me to continue posting his inspirational letters and challenges. Recieving AJ's letters each week reminds me to keep the spirit with me on a daily basis and to take time to search the scriptures and conference talks so that I am edified and wrapped in the armour of God, more prepared to be a better mother and servant of our Heavenly Father. I hope they inspire you too.

May 3, 2010 Zone Conference Photos

May 3, 2010

Dear Mom,


Wow what an eventful week!

On Monday we had our first meeting with J.We found him on the street while contacting which is a great story. We were walking down the road when the thought came to mind to turn around and go down another street. So I suggested to Elder Lytle and we did so. As we were walking down the sudden different route we met him. He owns this market research company which is experiencing bankruptcy. He said that he cannot concentrate in his work. We taught about the peace that comes from the gospel. This caught his attention and as a result decided to meet with us. He said that he has tried everything to have peace. He exercises frequently but could not be at peace. After our meeting on monday he said I feel at peace and agreed to meet again. He even reads from the Book of Mormon in the mornings at work so he can begin the day right with peace. He is amazing.

On tuesday was district meeting which was great. As a district we counseled together and decided on some district goals as also discussed needs of our investigators. After the meeting I interiviewed E M for baptism. He is one of those investigators who just sails through the gospel. He has the gospel understanding of 30 year old converts.

On thursday a member took Elder Lytle and I to the temple. I did one session in english and then the next two in Finnish. The Lord has been very merciful towards me for I have not lived in Helsinki at all and I have had unique opportunities to go to the temple.

This past week, the Lord guided us to a family who lost the father last year due to cancer. At the first time meeting them it was just the mother so we later scheduled an appointment on sunday but she thought is was monday. So we came on Sunday with member and come to find out the daughter, who is married and with a child, was present. So we taught them all, and they are all sincere, ready to know that its true!

PS (FYI)Also I received change call. I will be moving on tuesday to Oulu to be zone leaders with Elder Henderson.

PPS Look forward to Mother's Day phone calls!!!!