Dear Family,
This past week I don’t have much time to write. I had a lot to write to President Brown.
Christmas went very well. It was so much fun to spend Christmas with Finns and have a legitimate Finnish Christmas.
I love you.
Elder Hamner
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Dec. 20, 2011
Dear Mom and Super excited family !!! Merry Christmas!!!!
This past week the Lord has performed more miracles. Currently missionary situation in Espoo is that Elder Leppard and I take care of two wards so our area doubled for this 6 week change. Which means that on Sunday we attend both wards. This is the first time this has ever happened to me where we attend both wards so on the first Sunday we were at church for 7 hours. At the end Elder Leppard and I were fried!:) But anyways because of the formation we inherited the investigators from the second ward. And one of those investigators L, who has investigated for some time, we met on Thursday (our first meeting with him). So we planned the teach and arrived at his home. We came in and started talking, had an opening prayer, and then as we got to know each other the Spirit prompted me to share my story of how I felt prompted to leave West Point. I shared with him that I didn't see the whole picture of why nor do I see it completely now but I trusted in the prompting and still do because of the peace that has come into my life. I added that sometimes Heavenly Father will give a prompting and then wait to see if we are willing to act on what has been given. Heavenly Father wants us to learn and grow which often proves to be uncomfortable and trying. But as we step into the dark trusting in the quiet promptings of the Spirit we can know that He, who knows all, is leading.
After I shared that with L, he then shared how last night Heavenly Father had given him a strong feeling about baptism the night before. As a result we invited him to be baptized and he gladly accepted. Ever since that L has felt so good. The Lord is good. He truly prepares His children. What a blessing it is to be an instrument for the Lord.
I love you and have a memorable Merry Christmas!!!!
Elder Hamner
This past week the Lord has performed more miracles. Currently missionary situation in Espoo is that Elder Leppard and I take care of two wards so our area doubled for this 6 week change. Which means that on Sunday we attend both wards. This is the first time this has ever happened to me where we attend both wards so on the first Sunday we were at church for 7 hours. At the end Elder Leppard and I were fried!:) But anyways because of the formation we inherited the investigators from the second ward. And one of those investigators L, who has investigated for some time, we met on Thursday (our first meeting with him). So we planned the teach and arrived at his home. We came in and started talking, had an opening prayer, and then as we got to know each other the Spirit prompted me to share my story of how I felt prompted to leave West Point. I shared with him that I didn't see the whole picture of why nor do I see it completely now but I trusted in the prompting and still do because of the peace that has come into my life. I added that sometimes Heavenly Father will give a prompting and then wait to see if we are willing to act on what has been given. Heavenly Father wants us to learn and grow which often proves to be uncomfortable and trying. But as we step into the dark trusting in the quiet promptings of the Spirit we can know that He, who knows all, is leading.
After I shared that with L, he then shared how last night Heavenly Father had given him a strong feeling about baptism the night before. As a result we invited him to be baptized and he gladly accepted. Ever since that L has felt so good. The Lord is good. He truly prepares His children. What a blessing it is to be an instrument for the Lord.
I love you and have a memorable Merry Christmas!!!!
Elder Hamner
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dec. 13, 2011
Dearest mom and family, I have noticed as I see the Finns rush around from place to place how the peace of Christmas sometimes is lost. It also happens to missionaries where we try to pack our schedule to the brim trying to be most effective but really forgetting to ''take time to be holy'' (song by Mormon Tabernacle...ps very good).
When the Savior taught that His peace is not like the worlds, He spoke truth. The world tries to paint a facade that peace can be obtained tomorrow after shopping or maybe during vacation which does not come until another 3-5 months. But the Savior wants us to enjoy peace every day. Such peace that our hearts and minds are at rest. Yes, life is not perfect but the adversary wants us to feel that we cannot have peace. He cannot mimic true, lasting peace. He wants to take it away but he cannot unless we yield it to him like Nephi said, how he ''give[s] place to the enemy of [his] soul''. It is a choice to develop more peace as well as losing it.
I have set personal goals to develop more peace for the past 7 months and it has been so hard but so worth it. I have never felt so much peace, spiritual growth, and love of a tender loving Heavenly Father. As I have taken each step, I have felt my faith grow and my sensitivity to the Spirit increase. Inner-peace is a great measure of your standing with Heavenly Father.
I hope those words shed some light at this special time of the year. Remember I love you and look forward to seeing and feeling your personal growth.
Currently I am in Espoo with Elder Leppard. What a blessing to be with this amazing British elder. He has many gifts and I am seeking to learn from him. He is actually from the same MTC group as I so we have been good friends for some time.
The Espoo 2 (two wards in this city) ward has already planned our Christmas Eve and Christmas day with some great dinner appointments. So do not worry, we will have a special Finnish Christmas.
Our ward is great with missionary work. They support us and do their best to work with us. Also Abe Silvennoinen, a 4 day old return missionary from Japan Tokyo Mission, returned and gave his homecoming talk. We had a dinner appointment with him and felt his spirit. He gave his heart to the Lord in which the Lord expanded Abe's heart and abilities.
I pray that Christmas is everything that you dream it be. I love you and remember let peace flourish in your heart.
Love
Elder Hamner
When the Savior taught that His peace is not like the worlds, He spoke truth. The world tries to paint a facade that peace can be obtained tomorrow after shopping or maybe during vacation which does not come until another 3-5 months. But the Savior wants us to enjoy peace every day. Such peace that our hearts and minds are at rest. Yes, life is not perfect but the adversary wants us to feel that we cannot have peace. He cannot mimic true, lasting peace. He wants to take it away but he cannot unless we yield it to him like Nephi said, how he ''give[s] place to the enemy of [his] soul''. It is a choice to develop more peace as well as losing it.
I have set personal goals to develop more peace for the past 7 months and it has been so hard but so worth it. I have never felt so much peace, spiritual growth, and love of a tender loving Heavenly Father. As I have taken each step, I have felt my faith grow and my sensitivity to the Spirit increase. Inner-peace is a great measure of your standing with Heavenly Father.
I hope those words shed some light at this special time of the year. Remember I love you and look forward to seeing and feeling your personal growth.
Currently I am in Espoo with Elder Leppard. What a blessing to be with this amazing British elder. He has many gifts and I am seeking to learn from him. He is actually from the same MTC group as I so we have been good friends for some time.
The Espoo 2 (two wards in this city) ward has already planned our Christmas Eve and Christmas day with some great dinner appointments. So do not worry, we will have a special Finnish Christmas.
Our ward is great with missionary work. They support us and do their best to work with us. Also Abe Silvennoinen, a 4 day old return missionary from Japan Tokyo Mission, returned and gave his homecoming talk. We had a dinner appointment with him and felt his spirit. He gave his heart to the Lord in which the Lord expanded Abe's heart and abilities.
I pray that Christmas is everything that you dream it be. I love you and remember let peace flourish in your heart.
Love
Elder Hamner
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Dec. 8, 2010
Dear Mom and Christmas loving family:)
First, I want to apologize for not writing on Monday. It was Independence Day for Finland and everything was closed. However today we found time to email.
This past week I was transferred to Espoo which is about 20-30 min west of Helsinki. The temple is located in Espoo. Elder Leppard and I are responsible for two wards in Espoo which is a first for both of us so the Lord is definitely guiding us as we work with both the members and leadership in training them and fulfilling their needs. In the transfer down south, means that I am now in Helsinki zone. Elder Leppard and I have been assigned to lead it. This past Tuesday was a specialized training in which President and Sister Brown did a Christmas special. It was a spiritual feast. President Brown taught the Atonement in the most simple and beautiful way that painted the picture of the Savior in a way that helped make the whole Atonement personal. He quoted Pres. Hinckley who said that the reason the birth of Jesus Christ is so celebrated is due to His adult life. Because the Savior fulfilled the Atonement we celebrate His birth. So as we strive to understand the Atonement and know Him we will feel more of His spirit.
This Christmas season is very special and I will do my best to enjoy it. Elder Leppard and I have and are still setting goals to help share this Christmas Spirit as much as possible. With a new area, I am pleading with Heavenly Father to help me understand and fulfill His will. Change is good. The Spirit is teaching me new things and how to do missionary work better especially with the members. The members in our wards are good members. They want to do missionary work better. If we all studied Preach My Gospel more and applied the Atonement daily then missionary work would sky rocket even more.
Currently in the Europe area, President Brown reported that it is the fastest growing area in the whole world. The brethren are saying that this is only the beginning, that we have seen nothing yet.
Christmas phone calls- I will give details about it next Sunday with times and the phone number to call.
I love you
Elder Hamner
First, I want to apologize for not writing on Monday. It was Independence Day for Finland and everything was closed. However today we found time to email.
This past week I was transferred to Espoo which is about 20-30 min west of Helsinki. The temple is located in Espoo. Elder Leppard and I are responsible for two wards in Espoo which is a first for both of us so the Lord is definitely guiding us as we work with both the members and leadership in training them and fulfilling their needs. In the transfer down south, means that I am now in Helsinki zone. Elder Leppard and I have been assigned to lead it. This past Tuesday was a specialized training in which President and Sister Brown did a Christmas special. It was a spiritual feast. President Brown taught the Atonement in the most simple and beautiful way that painted the picture of the Savior in a way that helped make the whole Atonement personal. He quoted Pres. Hinckley who said that the reason the birth of Jesus Christ is so celebrated is due to His adult life. Because the Savior fulfilled the Atonement we celebrate His birth. So as we strive to understand the Atonement and know Him we will feel more of His spirit.
This Christmas season is very special and I will do my best to enjoy it. Elder Leppard and I have and are still setting goals to help share this Christmas Spirit as much as possible. With a new area, I am pleading with Heavenly Father to help me understand and fulfill His will. Change is good. The Spirit is teaching me new things and how to do missionary work better especially with the members. The members in our wards are good members. They want to do missionary work better. If we all studied Preach My Gospel more and applied the Atonement daily then missionary work would sky rocket even more.
Currently in the Europe area, President Brown reported that it is the fastest growing area in the whole world. The brethren are saying that this is only the beginning, that we have seen nothing yet.
Christmas phone calls- I will give details about it next Sunday with times and the phone number to call.
I love you
Elder Hamner
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Helaman 5:12
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
