Oh Dear Family who live another continent (Does that put it in a different perspective ...eh?)
Finland is still cold but still amazing. This work is a miracle. The temple was as you guessed what I needed. The Lord taught me what I needed to learn. Thank you for your prayers. Heavenly Father tutored me as I studied the scriptures. After the temple I felt a stronger receptiveness to the promptings from the Holy Ghost. The peace that comes from the temple cannot be found anywhere else. Afterwards I felt so refreshed to go back to work. That is one of my personal future goals :go the the temple once a week if travel is small.
Also this past week we had district meeting in Tampere. It was so good. President Brown taught about Pride by President Ezra Taft Benson. For point he taught was how to identify it in ourselves for everyone battles daily against pride. I am so grateful he taught about this. When you have time this week please prayerfully study this talk. Please pray to see where you can improve. I have done this and will continue to do so.
These past couple days have been a little bit cold. While I was in Helsinki I bought another pipo (beanie/winter hat) so I could layer them.
One of our investigators is just eating up the Book of Mormon. He told us in the past lesson on Saturday that he feels the Book of Mormon is true. When I heard that my heart almost skipped a beat. I looked at Elder Pond with the biggest smile I could do. It was amazing. Next teach will be great. We feel he is ready for the baptismal commitment. He said when he reads his testimony of the Book of Mormon grows. This Friday we will be meeting again. He has work all week :(. I am so grateful the Lord guided us to him.
Also a member gave me whole wheat so I have ground some of it up to make cracked wheat hot cereal. It was so good. Do you have any suggestions for good sweeteners because I am trying to stay away from processed sugars. Love you all!
I love you
Vanhin Hamner
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Feb. 15, 2010
Rakas Perhe,
This was a great week. We reached our goal of 20 lessons! with 3 new investigators. I want to cut and paste a portion of president browns email to the missionaries this past week. He said, '' The Europe area increased in baptisms during 2009 more than any other area in the world. Europe is indeed experiencing the awakening that was foretold and you are a part of it.'' This is true. The brethren have prophesied of this and now it is being fulfilled. I am so grateful to be here at this time....especially with Elder Pond.
The weather is pretty good. When is it -5 degrees C or higher Elder Pond and I go out running in the morning. Great way to wake up. Highly recommend it.:) The Lord has helped me develop a better fitness program and diet. A member is helping me find and grow wheat grass so I can put it in my morning fruit/veg shakes. I cannot wait!
This week is so busy. Elder Pond has language school so while he is there I get to go to the temple on Thursday. Please plead with the Lord that I will learn what I need to learn for I know there are many reasons why I have to blessed chance to visit the temple.
Currently we have one investigator who we found almost immediately upon our departure out of our apartment. He lived in the same building. We talked with him and sure enough he was interested. Actually he has been prepared for a while because he always wondered what those two men in white shirts and ties did. Right now he is reading and praying every day. He agrees with all the doctrine of the church. He loves how the Book of Mormon clarifies on many principles within the bible. Please pray that he will receive his answer soon.
We are teaching one young man who wants to believe there is a God and that we have a Savior but he is afraid to pray. Please pray that he will put forth the faith to do so...to pray.
I love you and know that the Lord is protecting me. He is helping me overcome many of my weaknesses. The power of the Atonement is real. I remember one quote from Brigham Young that said that we for the most part don't live up to our priveleges. Now what might those priveleges be? I believe if we refocus on the basic fundamentals of the gospel then we will understand where we need to improve. For example, when we partake of the sacrament do we bring our old selves and leave recommitted to do better the following week? When we pray are we truly seeking Him and His precious counsel to us? When we interact with others is it based on true Christlike love? When we receive revelation do we express appropriate gratitude and apply the counsel from Above. These are just some examples. I have done this reexamination. I continue to do it frequently. I love you all for who you are and who you can become.
Love
V. Hamner
This was a great week. We reached our goal of 20 lessons! with 3 new investigators. I want to cut and paste a portion of president browns email to the missionaries this past week. He said, '' The Europe area increased in baptisms during 2009 more than any other area in the world. Europe is indeed experiencing the awakening that was foretold and you are a part of it.'' This is true. The brethren have prophesied of this and now it is being fulfilled. I am so grateful to be here at this time....especially with Elder Pond.
The weather is pretty good. When is it -5 degrees C or higher Elder Pond and I go out running in the morning. Great way to wake up. Highly recommend it.:) The Lord has helped me develop a better fitness program and diet. A member is helping me find and grow wheat grass so I can put it in my morning fruit/veg shakes. I cannot wait!
This week is so busy. Elder Pond has language school so while he is there I get to go to the temple on Thursday. Please plead with the Lord that I will learn what I need to learn for I know there are many reasons why I have to blessed chance to visit the temple.
Currently we have one investigator who we found almost immediately upon our departure out of our apartment. He lived in the same building. We talked with him and sure enough he was interested. Actually he has been prepared for a while because he always wondered what those two men in white shirts and ties did. Right now he is reading and praying every day. He agrees with all the doctrine of the church. He loves how the Book of Mormon clarifies on many principles within the bible. Please pray that he will receive his answer soon.
We are teaching one young man who wants to believe there is a God and that we have a Savior but he is afraid to pray. Please pray that he will put forth the faith to do so...to pray.
I love you and know that the Lord is protecting me. He is helping me overcome many of my weaknesses. The power of the Atonement is real. I remember one quote from Brigham Young that said that we for the most part don't live up to our priveleges. Now what might those priveleges be? I believe if we refocus on the basic fundamentals of the gospel then we will understand where we need to improve. For example, when we partake of the sacrament do we bring our old selves and leave recommitted to do better the following week? When we pray are we truly seeking Him and His precious counsel to us? When we interact with others is it based on true Christlike love? When we receive revelation do we express appropriate gratitude and apply the counsel from Above. These are just some examples. I have done this reexamination. I continue to do it frequently. I love you all for who you are and who you can become.
Love
V. Hamner
January Zone Conference
Monday, February 8, 2010
Feb. 8, 2010
Rakas Perhe
8 Feb (Helmikuu) 2010
This past week the Lord has taught me much in being a more effective trainor, how to eat more healthy, how to exercise more effectively, how to study more effectively, and what kind of vision I have for this mission and myself.
Currently I have a fruit smoothie which contains more or less: banana, kiwi, orange, tomato, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, orange juice, sometimes yogurt, and anything else that sounds good. I make a two day worth of smoothie then save it to the next day so I can cut down on meal prep. It works out quite well. I also eat 3 eggs (only 1 yolk) in the mornings. I am trying to cut out as much sugar as possible with no margarine use included.
Also the temperature has been around 30-32 degrees F so I have been able to run. It is such a blessing. You really appreciate the opportunities to run when you can’t for an extended period of time in my case a few months.
Also, on my desk above the picture of Christ I have written ‘’How have I used the Atonement today?’’ This ties into last’s email about improvement. If you think about time and how it is one of the most valuable things we have on this earth then you understand how each day is niin (so) valuable. As we improve and come a little bit close to the Savior whether by improving the quality of our scripture study, praying more fervently, remembering the Savior more, or keeping the Sabbath day more holy. They are always areas where one can improve. As it says in 2 Nephi 32 the Holy Ghost will tell you what ye should do or in other words (how to improve). What a blessing to have a member of the Godhead as a constant companion who comforts, guides, teaches, enlightens, purifies, and many other remarkable blessings that are within reach. What a great blessing. It is all possible but is all depends on us. We must have the desire. If not then it is up to us to go to the Lord to ask for more. President Brown has asked to us to increase our desire. I am working on this as well. Each challenge I give I also do. I wish I could hug each of you, but email will suffice for now.
I love you
Vanhin Hamner
8 Feb (Helmikuu) 2010
This past week the Lord has taught me much in being a more effective trainor, how to eat more healthy, how to exercise more effectively, how to study more effectively, and what kind of vision I have for this mission and myself.
Currently I have a fruit smoothie which contains more or less: banana, kiwi, orange, tomato, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, orange juice, sometimes yogurt, and anything else that sounds good. I make a two day worth of smoothie then save it to the next day so I can cut down on meal prep. It works out quite well. I also eat 3 eggs (only 1 yolk) in the mornings. I am trying to cut out as much sugar as possible with no margarine use included.
Also the temperature has been around 30-32 degrees F so I have been able to run. It is such a blessing. You really appreciate the opportunities to run when you can’t for an extended period of time in my case a few months.
Also, on my desk above the picture of Christ I have written ‘’How have I used the Atonement today?’’ This ties into last’s email about improvement. If you think about time and how it is one of the most valuable things we have on this earth then you understand how each day is niin (so) valuable. As we improve and come a little bit close to the Savior whether by improving the quality of our scripture study, praying more fervently, remembering the Savior more, or keeping the Sabbath day more holy. They are always areas where one can improve. As it says in 2 Nephi 32 the Holy Ghost will tell you what ye should do or in other words (how to improve). What a blessing to have a member of the Godhead as a constant companion who comforts, guides, teaches, enlightens, purifies, and many other remarkable blessings that are within reach. What a great blessing. It is all possible but is all depends on us. We must have the desire. If not then it is up to us to go to the Lord to ask for more. President Brown has asked to us to increase our desire. I am working on this as well. Each challenge I give I also do. I wish I could hug each of you, but email will suffice for now.
I love you
Vanhin Hamner
Monday, February 1, 2010
Feb. 1, 2010
Rakas Perhe
1 Feb 2010
This week has been amazing. I love my companion. Each day is a testimony builder that he was specifically meant for me. His strengths make up for my weaknesses and vice versa. He is a solid missionary, always pondering what we can do better for our investigators and meeting their needs. He truly became a missionary before he received the mantle and nametag. I am blessed.
This past week we had quite a few canceled teaches which occurred right before we were planning on teaching. However each time we were prompted to go visit someone else, follow-up on a potential investigator, or you need to review this certain thing again. Each time the Lord put us in the path of other prepared people. I love this work. As the scripture says , ‘’He who knoweth all things.’’ It is true. When something does not go the way we planned…its okay. He knows and has promised to take care of us. Be patient. Things will work out. Also always seek to learn the lesson intended for you. This has benefited me in marvelous ways.
Its kind of funny how each email has insights I have learned to do better, reach higher, or in other words repent. Some have placed a harsh face on repentance. Quite the contrary, it is such a beautiful process of transformation to someone better-to what we can and should become. I love this message of peace and hope. Too many try to face the hardships of life alone. One cannot do that and be happy, peaceful, and enjoying life.
I love you and cannot wait to hear about everything that happened this week.
Love
Your eternal son and brother,
Vanhin Hamner
1 Feb 2010
This week has been amazing. I love my companion. Each day is a testimony builder that he was specifically meant for me. His strengths make up for my weaknesses and vice versa. He is a solid missionary, always pondering what we can do better for our investigators and meeting their needs. He truly became a missionary before he received the mantle and nametag. I am blessed.
This past week we had quite a few canceled teaches which occurred right before we were planning on teaching. However each time we were prompted to go visit someone else, follow-up on a potential investigator, or you need to review this certain thing again. Each time the Lord put us in the path of other prepared people. I love this work. As the scripture says , ‘’He who knoweth all things.’’ It is true. When something does not go the way we planned…its okay. He knows and has promised to take care of us. Be patient. Things will work out. Also always seek to learn the lesson intended for you. This has benefited me in marvelous ways.
Its kind of funny how each email has insights I have learned to do better, reach higher, or in other words repent. Some have placed a harsh face on repentance. Quite the contrary, it is such a beautiful process of transformation to someone better-to what we can and should become. I love this message of peace and hope. Too many try to face the hardships of life alone. One cannot do that and be happy, peaceful, and enjoying life.
I love you and cannot wait to hear about everything that happened this week.
Love
Your eternal son and brother,
Vanhin Hamner
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jan. 25, 2010
Rakas Perhe
25 Jan 10
Wow January is coming to a close. Quite crazy. This past week has been amazing. We found 3 new investigators and one of them is just goldern- Jesse 23 yr old (just the kind of person Pori needs!).
The Lord is blessing our efforts so much and in many different ways.
This past week was Kieli Koulu (language school) where Elder Pond and I traveled to Helsinki (4 hr train ride one way). It was great for Elder Pond was able to go to the temple and I was able to ask langauge questions and develop better langauge study plan. I had a blast for I was with my MTC group (all missionaries when they reach their 6 month mark have a kieli koulu).
This is something special about buying produce in Finland. Most of it is imported therefore more expensive but you get from the best source. Let me provide some mouth-watering examples. I just had a dinner appointment where the member prepared Norwegian salmon with mashed potatoes (maybe my favorite meal since being in Finland), grapes from Greece, bananas from panama and Ecuador, and even Froot Loops from America (which costs 8£=$12). Don’t worry I don’t waste money on Froot Loops but quite funny when a missionary gives in to the tempation.
I have a pretty funny story. We found a english speaking investigator and so we had the first lesson teach-the Restoration. So Elder Pond and I prepared accordingly. When the teach came we were ready, I felt confident for it was in english. No sweat it’s my native tongue. However as we taught I was having trouble teaching-organizing my thoughts to make them coherent. My companion, who’s been here for a few weeks, took over and did a superb job. Afterwards we just laughed. The greenie teaching the trainer. It was a great experience. We grew even closer after that.
Training is such a blessing. The Lord is tutoring me much concerning how to be a better companion and trainer. I remember in the MTC when Elder Holland spoke to us regarding the Divine Companionship of the Holy Ghost. He challenged each of us to commit to be a divine companion- strive EACH day to follow the promptings of the Spirit, live worthy to receive this so needed divine guidance, and be the best companion one can be or in other words….divine. Everyone can be more ‘’divine’’. We can express more love, smile more, maybe even just say a quick prayer for someone who needs it.
I love you all and very much appreciate your prayers. They are heard and answered. I know for a surety that is so.
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Hamner
25 Jan 10
Wow January is coming to a close. Quite crazy. This past week has been amazing. We found 3 new investigators and one of them is just goldern- Jesse 23 yr old (just the kind of person Pori needs!).
The Lord is blessing our efforts so much and in many different ways.
This past week was Kieli Koulu (language school) where Elder Pond and I traveled to Helsinki (4 hr train ride one way). It was great for Elder Pond was able to go to the temple and I was able to ask langauge questions and develop better langauge study plan. I had a blast for I was with my MTC group (all missionaries when they reach their 6 month mark have a kieli koulu).
This is something special about buying produce in Finland. Most of it is imported therefore more expensive but you get from the best source. Let me provide some mouth-watering examples. I just had a dinner appointment where the member prepared Norwegian salmon with mashed potatoes (maybe my favorite meal since being in Finland), grapes from Greece, bananas from panama and Ecuador, and even Froot Loops from America (which costs 8£=$12). Don’t worry I don’t waste money on Froot Loops but quite funny when a missionary gives in to the tempation.
I have a pretty funny story. We found a english speaking investigator and so we had the first lesson teach-the Restoration. So Elder Pond and I prepared accordingly. When the teach came we were ready, I felt confident for it was in english. No sweat it’s my native tongue. However as we taught I was having trouble teaching-organizing my thoughts to make them coherent. My companion, who’s been here for a few weeks, took over and did a superb job. Afterwards we just laughed. The greenie teaching the trainer. It was a great experience. We grew even closer after that.
Training is such a blessing. The Lord is tutoring me much concerning how to be a better companion and trainer. I remember in the MTC when Elder Holland spoke to us regarding the Divine Companionship of the Holy Ghost. He challenged each of us to commit to be a divine companion- strive EACH day to follow the promptings of the Spirit, live worthy to receive this so needed divine guidance, and be the best companion one can be or in other words….divine. Everyone can be more ‘’divine’’. We can express more love, smile more, maybe even just say a quick prayer for someone who needs it.
I love you all and very much appreciate your prayers. They are heard and answered. I know for a surety that is so.
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Hamner
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jan. 18, 2010
Rakas Perhe
18 Jan 2010
This past week the Lord has blessed me so much. I feel His presence when everything seems to be too much and then I remember He is there. The peace is invaluable. To feel the Savior’s love lift when everything may pull down is such a testimony booster. Recently, I have prayerfully studied President Utchdorf’s talk ‘’The Love of God’’. Very powerful. One point of that talk that blows my mind is that love is a measure of our faith. Really ponder that and let that whole talk engulf you. I promise that we can all develop more love. Missionary Work is so much fun!
This past week we had a dinner appointment with a family. This is a spectacular part-member family. We set a goal with them: in two weeks on the 31st of Jan we will have found a family that lives near them that we can teach in their home. We will be tracting in their area these next couple of weeks. Please plead with the Lord that either we or this family find a family we can teach in their home. As we do this I believe it will help the dad (non member husband) start investigating the church. This is a worthy goal that Heavenly Father wants us to achieve. We can do this.
My testimony of answered prayers has grown significantly. I have felt the sustaining influence of the Holy Ghost in even the simplest requests.
Currently, we have some fantastic investigators.
Also, I thank you for all your prayers. They are felt. They keep me going. Know that I love you.
I apologize if my English sounds kind of weird. My companion even mentioned that sometimes I speak some crazy English. It’s quite funny. For example how to say get baptized in finnish is ‘’mennä kastelle’’ which directly translated to English is ‘’go to baptism’’ so we ask our investigators literally ‘’will you go to baptism?’’
I love you.
Vanhin Hamner
18 Jan 2010
This past week the Lord has blessed me so much. I feel His presence when everything seems to be too much and then I remember He is there. The peace is invaluable. To feel the Savior’s love lift when everything may pull down is such a testimony booster. Recently, I have prayerfully studied President Utchdorf’s talk ‘’The Love of God’’. Very powerful. One point of that talk that blows my mind is that love is a measure of our faith. Really ponder that and let that whole talk engulf you. I promise that we can all develop more love. Missionary Work is so much fun!
This past week we had a dinner appointment with a family. This is a spectacular part-member family. We set a goal with them: in two weeks on the 31st of Jan we will have found a family that lives near them that we can teach in their home. We will be tracting in their area these next couple of weeks. Please plead with the Lord that either we or this family find a family we can teach in their home. As we do this I believe it will help the dad (non member husband) start investigating the church. This is a worthy goal that Heavenly Father wants us to achieve. We can do this.
My testimony of answered prayers has grown significantly. I have felt the sustaining influence of the Holy Ghost in even the simplest requests.
Currently, we have some fantastic investigators.
Also, I thank you for all your prayers. They are felt. They keep me going. Know that I love you.
I apologize if my English sounds kind of weird. My companion even mentioned that sometimes I speak some crazy English. It’s quite funny. For example how to say get baptized in finnish is ‘’mennä kastelle’’ which directly translated to English is ‘’go to baptism’’ so we ask our investigators literally ‘’will you go to baptism?’’
I love you.
Vanhin Hamner
Monday, January 11, 2010
Jan. 11, 2009
Rakas Perhe
11 Jan 2010
It thrills my heart how you are all doing. Currently training is going so well. I love it. Elder Pond and I are learning so much from each other. Its funny how two people from complete different backgrounds (he is the surfing type from California) can gel so well when united in a greater cause.
Also in Finland there is some American food available for purchase but ridiculously expensive. For example one box of Fruit Loops = 8 euros that is equivalent to $10-12. That is almost a good steak dinner. Don’t worry that’s just food from the States, I buy the 1.74 euro cereal.
The Lord is blessing us greatly in our finding efforts. We have one investigator with a baptismal date- Janne Nurmi. Also we just found 2 families- Matthew’s family and Pahamäki family. This work is so exciting!
We also found one investigator in the downtown area when is was 18 degrees C. Not many people around but the Lord guided us. He is from Romania here for work and only speaks English. We are currently working him to gain that precious testimony.
Lastly, President Brown told us of his interview with Elder Bednar before he (Pres. Brown) came to Finland. Elder Bednar spoke about his son who also served in Finland that he (his son) and his family prayed for him to receive the gift of tongues every day and there should not one day go by without pleading with the Lord for the gift. This is my request to you. Please plead with the Lord that He will bless me specifically with the gift of tongues. The Lord has already blessed me tremendously but I know He expects more. Therefore lets do it. The Lord is on our side. What better leader?!
Love,
Elder Hamner
11 Jan 2010
It thrills my heart how you are all doing. Currently training is going so well. I love it. Elder Pond and I are learning so much from each other. Its funny how two people from complete different backgrounds (he is the surfing type from California) can gel so well when united in a greater cause.
Also in Finland there is some American food available for purchase but ridiculously expensive. For example one box of Fruit Loops = 8 euros that is equivalent to $10-12. That is almost a good steak dinner. Don’t worry that’s just food from the States, I buy the 1.74 euro cereal.
The Lord is blessing us greatly in our finding efforts. We have one investigator with a baptismal date- Janne Nurmi. Also we just found 2 families- Matthew’s family and Pahamäki family. This work is so exciting!
We also found one investigator in the downtown area when is was 18 degrees C. Not many people around but the Lord guided us. He is from Romania here for work and only speaks English. We are currently working him to gain that precious testimony.
Lastly, President Brown told us of his interview with Elder Bednar before he (Pres. Brown) came to Finland. Elder Bednar spoke about his son who also served in Finland that he (his son) and his family prayed for him to receive the gift of tongues every day and there should not one day go by without pleading with the Lord for the gift. This is my request to you. Please plead with the Lord that He will bless me specifically with the gift of tongues. The Lord has already blessed me tremendously but I know He expects more. Therefore lets do it. The Lord is on our side. What better leader?!
Love,
Elder Hamner
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
