Dear Mom and Family
The Lord's hand definitely was evident this past week. It was the four day leadership training in which for four days President Brown teaches us, we role play, then after the training we go out to work in Helsinki. One central theme that stuck out from the training was how everything we do in the gospel, we do to received more of the Lord's spirit. President Brown outlined the main parts of the gospel which helps us qualify more of the Lord's spirit.
1. Atonement
2. Prayer
3. Book of Mormon
4. Church Attendance (especially sacrament meeting)
5. Word of Wisdom
6. Law of Tithing
7. Law of Chastity
When we are more obedient to any one of theses then the Lord will bless us more with the Spirit. For example, when we apply the atonement more in our lives by improving, developing Christlike attributes, and forgiving others then we will have greater guidance from the Spirit which leads to eternal life. Another example and a little more simpler, if I am to eat more healthier and exercise then I will feel better and the Spirit can then be with me more. Sacrament meeting- I prepare myself for this most important meeting that the Church has more us which if approached with the right reverent mindset, the Lord will bless us even more of the Spirit.
These past couple of months, Heavenly Father has been helping me improve in this areas and I have felt the Spirit become my companion even more. We can always increase the measure of the Holy Ghost within us. Always. That is one of my favorite things about the gospel. We can always improve. Also this is something that has helped me. If our deepest desire is to have the Spirit more with us so we can bless more people, the Lord is more willing to bless and aid in this tough but simple life commandment-keep the commandments and the Lord will shed His spirit more upon us. Interesting that that principle is repeated twice every Sunday in a special simple prayer which we call the sacrament.
These were my thoughts and feelings this past week when President Brown was teaching and helping us see the real picture of life- Life is a part of the gospel not the other way around.
Also this week, I. was baptized and the branch just loved her so well. This branch is doing very well at this time in embracing recent- converts. Also this next Saturday is K.'s baptism. Please pray that he will be protected from all evil which will attempt to prevent this miraculous ordinance from happening.
I did have a birthday dinner yesterday with the Senior missionaries in Oulu in which a delicious chocolate cake was made. I am still smiling because it was that good:) Also this Tuesday we have a dinner appointment with another family. Plus a family Hyvärinen from Kouvola, my first city, sent chocolate for my birthday. I miss that precious family.
Time has come to an end and hope that the Spirit helps deliver this email the way it should be...to the heart.
Love
Elder Austin Hamner
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Nov. 8, 2010
Dearest Family:)
This past week flew as fast as some of those Finns speak- lets just say lightning:) Earlier this week we had splits with the elders from Kajaani in Oulu, our city, during which the Lord guided my companion and another elder to this man-S.. They set up an appointment and Elder Bradshaw ( from Kajaani) and I went the following morning (ps still splits). As we were teaching the Spirit helped us say certain things that softened his heart and helped him embrace the message. At the end of the first lesson in which we focused on the Book of Mormon, he promised, ‘‘If I come to that point of receiving answer that this is true I will be baptized.'' I assured him by saying, ''I know that God will answer you when you do so sincerely.'' During the teach the Spirit would whisper to me when something would hit home for him. Then we would camp on it. Lesson: by focusing on people the Spirit can testify more strongly and help you fulfill their needs. This principle applies to all teaching- missionary work, home teaching, visiting teaching, teaching children. It is all about the one. The Savior did this perfectly. He knew how to teach, care for, and love each one perfectly. That is a worthy goal to strive for.
In addition to what I have written, I thought you might enjoy some funny stories: 1. while I was at a member's home there was a little boy playing with his grandmother and I asked the little boy, ''Do you like Mummi (cartoon for children)?'' but I said ''Do you like Muumi (mom)?'' Fortunately the mother was not there, but the grandmother and us had a good laugh. 2. While on splits we were making eggs and an idea came to mind to add cayenne pepper like I have done in the past. So I searched for it but could not find any. Then I remembered that Dad sent me cayenne pepper tablets. So I took one tablet of ''unknown powder to the other elders'' and added to some of the eggs. Two elders thought I was going crazy for a moment adding drugs into the eggs. I eventually told them the truth but it was fun to see their reactions.
Thank you for your email. I appreciate it and look forward to hearing how the Lord's hand was a part of your week.
Love
Elder Hamner
This past week flew as fast as some of those Finns speak- lets just say lightning:) Earlier this week we had splits with the elders from Kajaani in Oulu, our city, during which the Lord guided my companion and another elder to this man-S.. They set up an appointment and Elder Bradshaw ( from Kajaani) and I went the following morning (ps still splits). As we were teaching the Spirit helped us say certain things that softened his heart and helped him embrace the message. At the end of the first lesson in which we focused on the Book of Mormon, he promised, ‘‘If I come to that point of receiving answer that this is true I will be baptized.'' I assured him by saying, ''I know that God will answer you when you do so sincerely.'' During the teach the Spirit would whisper to me when something would hit home for him. Then we would camp on it. Lesson: by focusing on people the Spirit can testify more strongly and help you fulfill their needs. This principle applies to all teaching- missionary work, home teaching, visiting teaching, teaching children. It is all about the one. The Savior did this perfectly. He knew how to teach, care for, and love each one perfectly. That is a worthy goal to strive for.
In addition to what I have written, I thought you might enjoy some funny stories: 1. while I was at a member's home there was a little boy playing with his grandmother and I asked the little boy, ''Do you like Mummi (cartoon for children)?'' but I said ''Do you like Muumi (mom)?'' Fortunately the mother was not there, but the grandmother and us had a good laugh. 2. While on splits we were making eggs and an idea came to mind to add cayenne pepper like I have done in the past. So I searched for it but could not find any. Then I remembered that Dad sent me cayenne pepper tablets. So I took one tablet of ''unknown powder to the other elders'' and added to some of the eggs. Two elders thought I was going crazy for a moment adding drugs into the eggs. I eventually told them the truth but it was fun to see their reactions.
Thank you for your email. I appreciate it and look forward to hearing how the Lord's hand was a part of your week.
Love
Elder Hamner
Monday, November 1, 2010
Nov. 1, 2010
What a great time to be on the earth!
As I reflect upon the significance to be a missionary I am humbled greatly. My eyes to the significance and importance of service have been opened tremendously. I remember reading in Jesus the Christ that the Savior received all His supreme power because He did it not Himself but for others. As a missionary this is a priceless opportunity to serve and give your all to others. Then as we do so the Lord magnifies our abilities and talents by the Spirit. Then as I have dwelled upon that principle of 1.service and 2. how God will use us to bless others and at the same time build us, I now look at all the callings in the church and opportunities to serve others with a greater perspective. This life is very short and the Lord blesses us with many opportunities to serve in which we help God in His vineyard (see Jacob 5).
This week was quite fruitful. Sister I, bapt date Nov 13, moved to her new apartment where the members helped make it easy for her to transition. Also her non-member daughter was there to see how the ward loves her and just want to serve.
K., Y., came to church and is progressing so well. His countenance is much more full of peace. He also fits in well with the members. This past Saturday he came to the Young Single Adult Halloween party. In addition the ward is doing a good job of loving him UP! He is still on track for the 20th of Nov.
This past Saturday we were following up on a referral from the sisters and the referral was not interested. However the referral's neighbor was interested. She just moved to Finland within the past month to study has always believed in God and Jesus Christ. So then after a short teach Saturday he committed to come to church. He came, with the help of the members giving a ride, and enjoyed church. We taught about the Book of Mormon and he accepted it very well and promised to pray about it.
Personal Study:
This past week I spent about five days in Jacob 5 and the Lord helped open my eyes to how involved He is in missionary work. He does lead it, and I just need to follow His counsel and ask for the needed blessings for the Finns.
I love you and life gets better each day! Love life by serving and learning
Rauha (Peace) :)
Elder Hamner
As I reflect upon the significance to be a missionary I am humbled greatly. My eyes to the significance and importance of service have been opened tremendously. I remember reading in Jesus the Christ that the Savior received all His supreme power because He did it not Himself but for others. As a missionary this is a priceless opportunity to serve and give your all to others. Then as we do so the Lord magnifies our abilities and talents by the Spirit. Then as I have dwelled upon that principle of 1.service and 2. how God will use us to bless others and at the same time build us, I now look at all the callings in the church and opportunities to serve others with a greater perspective. This life is very short and the Lord blesses us with many opportunities to serve in which we help God in His vineyard (see Jacob 5).
This week was quite fruitful. Sister I, bapt date Nov 13, moved to her new apartment where the members helped make it easy for her to transition. Also her non-member daughter was there to see how the ward loves her and just want to serve.
K., Y., came to church and is progressing so well. His countenance is much more full of peace. He also fits in well with the members. This past Saturday he came to the Young Single Adult Halloween party. In addition the ward is doing a good job of loving him UP! He is still on track for the 20th of Nov.
This past Saturday we were following up on a referral from the sisters and the referral was not interested. However the referral's neighbor was interested. She just moved to Finland within the past month to study has always believed in God and Jesus Christ. So then after a short teach Saturday he committed to come to church. He came, with the help of the members giving a ride, and enjoyed church. We taught about the Book of Mormon and he accepted it very well and promised to pray about it.
Personal Study:
This past week I spent about five days in Jacob 5 and the Lord helped open my eyes to how involved He is in missionary work. He does lead it, and I just need to follow His counsel and ask for the needed blessings for the Finns.
I love you and life gets better each day! Love life by serving and learning
Rauha (Peace) :)
Elder Hamner
Monday, October 25, 2010
Oct. 25, 2010
Dear Mom and beautiful family:)
As I reflect upon this week and what I feel would be most spiritually appetizing to you. Sister Brown's (President Brown's wife) challenge came to mind which is: to write in our journals daily where and how we saw the Lord's hand in the day.
As I have been doing it, I am able to review the day at night when it is quiet and perfect time to reflect upon how the Lord led the work. I can tell you my gratitude has exponentially grown and my measure of peace as well. For I know even more that the Lord leads this work despite our weaknesses and is perfectly patient with us. Another blessing of this challenge is my vision has grown and I see more because I am seeking for Him. This has helped me let the Lord do His work and Elder Hamner obey and follow.
This past week was quite special. Elder Peterson and I visited the Vaasa District in Pietarsaari where they held their district meeting at Larsmo, the spot where Elder Ezra Taft Benson dedicated Finland for the preaching of the gospel. It was a very special district meeting. The Lord taught me much that day...which reminds me. Please take time to reflect and ponder. This allows our spirits to catch up and when we slow down, the Lord will help us accomplish so much more.
M., recent-convert, is doing so well. Her testimony is burning bright and sharing it with others at work hoping to bless someone else. Also K. will be baptized this next month. He is progressing very well. Being with him, I can feel his faith and understanding growing as he keeps his commitments such as reading, praying, and the commandments.
Also as a zone we are focusing on working smarter with the members. At this time we are including the members in the finding by prayerfully choosing a family that the Lord feels is ready. We ask them a week in advance that we intend to tract in their area. During the entire week they as a family pray that we will find someone in their area. So when the day comes we share a short spiritual message and go out tracting. We have found much success through this and the members faith grows tremendously.
This is the Lord's work and it will go forward and is at a faster pace.
I love you,
Elder Hamner
As I reflect upon this week and what I feel would be most spiritually appetizing to you. Sister Brown's (President Brown's wife) challenge came to mind which is: to write in our journals daily where and how we saw the Lord's hand in the day.
As I have been doing it, I am able to review the day at night when it is quiet and perfect time to reflect upon how the Lord led the work. I can tell you my gratitude has exponentially grown and my measure of peace as well. For I know even more that the Lord leads this work despite our weaknesses and is perfectly patient with us. Another blessing of this challenge is my vision has grown and I see more because I am seeking for Him. This has helped me let the Lord do His work and Elder Hamner obey and follow.
This past week was quite special. Elder Peterson and I visited the Vaasa District in Pietarsaari where they held their district meeting at Larsmo, the spot where Elder Ezra Taft Benson dedicated Finland for the preaching of the gospel. It was a very special district meeting. The Lord taught me much that day...which reminds me. Please take time to reflect and ponder. This allows our spirits to catch up and when we slow down, the Lord will help us accomplish so much more.
M., recent-convert, is doing so well. Her testimony is burning bright and sharing it with others at work hoping to bless someone else. Also K. will be baptized this next month. He is progressing very well. Being with him, I can feel his faith and understanding growing as he keeps his commitments such as reading, praying, and the commandments.
Also as a zone we are focusing on working smarter with the members. At this time we are including the members in the finding by prayerfully choosing a family that the Lord feels is ready. We ask them a week in advance that we intend to tract in their area. During the entire week they as a family pray that we will find someone in their area. So when the day comes we share a short spiritual message and go out tracting. We have found much success through this and the members faith grows tremendously.
This is the Lord's work and it will go forward and is at a faster pace.
I love you,
Elder Hamner
Monday, October 18, 2010
Oct. 18, 2010
This past week was full of Lord's tender mercies. We were in Eastern part of Finland for splits in which we found a young family. The Lord blessed us as we handed over the work to Him. Relying on Him is so key to be instruments in His perfect hands.
As I do missionary work I have never felt such a strong spirit. I know that it is part because missionary is about others. That is one of many aspects of the gospel I feel peaceful about is that everyone at every stage of life can receive an increased measure of the Holy Ghost in their lives if they choose so by serving others/doing missionary work in whatever form. In the scriptures service for others transform the person doing the service. Like Ammon and the Sons of Mosiah the vilest of sinners who became men of God comparable to Captain Moroni. My testimony of the scripture ''losing yourself, you find yourself'' In the service to others the Lord unleashes special gifts that you never thought you had as you serve others. That is the secret to a happy life when you help others ''come unto Christ.'' (see Missionaries Purpose) The gospel is simple.
Also, I wanted to write a little about Finland- This past week it snowed and we have put on our snow tires. Elder Peterson and I are still running in the morning (the best wake-up ever!!!) especially when it is quick nippy.
Lastly, I love you and remember life should be simple and peaceful. At the world's pace it is very difficult to hear the Spirit. Don't compromise a member of the Godhead to be your companion for getting too many little things accomplished.
Love
Elder Hamner
As I do missionary work I have never felt such a strong spirit. I know that it is part because missionary is about others. That is one of many aspects of the gospel I feel peaceful about is that everyone at every stage of life can receive an increased measure of the Holy Ghost in their lives if they choose so by serving others/doing missionary work in whatever form. In the scriptures service for others transform the person doing the service. Like Ammon and the Sons of Mosiah the vilest of sinners who became men of God comparable to Captain Moroni. My testimony of the scripture ''losing yourself, you find yourself'' In the service to others the Lord unleashes special gifts that you never thought you had as you serve others. That is the secret to a happy life when you help others ''come unto Christ.'' (see Missionaries Purpose) The gospel is simple.
Also, I wanted to write a little about Finland- This past week it snowed and we have put on our snow tires. Elder Peterson and I are still running in the morning (the best wake-up ever!!!) especially when it is quick nippy.
Lastly, I love you and remember life should be simple and peaceful. At the world's pace it is very difficult to hear the Spirit. Don't compromise a member of the Godhead to be your companion for getting too many little things accomplished.
Love
Elder Hamner
Monday, October 11, 2010
Oct. 11, 2010
Terve! Terve! This past week I have been working to apply what the Lord spoke to me during General Conference and all I have to say is Wow. Well, I can start from the beginning. President Brown has taught us how important it is to prepare for any church meeting in which we receive personal revelation especially General Conference. I did my best to prepare for this sacred occasion and the Lord answered my questions and some I did not think that I had. He helped me see what is my next spiritual step for the next 6 months. So the Monday afterwards I got to work to put it to practice. As I was doing I felt such great peace and surety through the Spirit that yes the Lord will sustain me as I focus on accomplishing His will. In conclusion, my testimony of using faith daily to accomplish it what He has revealed has grown significantly. Also the Book of Mormon challenge has been a critical tool in sustaining me in this next adventure.
Challenge: Remember what the Lord spoke to you during General Conference and trust in the Lord that He will help and then put all that you have into accomplishing it. Even if it is just one thing (which I prefer being a simple person) then do it. I promise the Spirit will be more with you.
Currently with our investigators, I. will be baptized on Nov 13th and K. Nov 6th (tentatively). Please pray to comfort I.'s heart concerning her family and that K. will pay the price to be truly converted.
Love you
Elder Hamner
Challenge: Remember what the Lord spoke to you during General Conference and trust in the Lord that He will help and then put all that you have into accomplishing it. Even if it is just one thing (which I prefer being a simple person) then do it. I promise the Spirit will be more with you.
Currently with our investigators, I. will be baptized on Nov 13th and K. Nov 6th (tentatively). Please pray to comfort I.'s heart concerning her family and that K. will pay the price to be truly converted.
Love you
Elder Hamner
Monday, October 4, 2010
Oct. 4, 2010
Dear Mom and family
This past week was a spiritual highlight. Let's walk through the week.
Wednesday we had splits in Vaasa (5 hour train ride one way to the western shore of Finland) where two golden investigators were interviewed. What a privilege it was to ask them about their testimonies. I felt a portion of the Lord's love for them, for they were so humble and willing to submit to the Master. While in Vaasa the Lord taught me more about the gift of simplicity in which helped as we taught a Chinese young man the gospel in childlike terms. The Holy Ghost testifies more powerfully when we teach simpler. You probably noticed how simple the prophets taught this past weekend. One of them, Pres. Ucthdorf, even clearly pointed out that we need to simplify life. Life does need to be simpler because then the Spirit will be more present. (Do you see the connection between power of the Holly Ghost in teaching and how we live?) The Lord has been teaching me this for a while.
Then on Friday Elder Peterson and I went to Helsinki to be participate in zone leader council with President Brown. Before the council we attended the temple in preparation for the council and also for General Conference. President Brown has set such a good example. He follows the example of the people in the book of Mosiah when the people prepare for King Benjamin's address (general conf or any big meeting) by performing temple ordinances. I can say this, that this past week has helped me develop the vision and goals that the Savior wants me to accomplish in the next 6 months. Every day is so precious as another prophet this past weekend taught so beautifully.
Currently, with our investigators. I. P.- will be baptized in the beginning of November. Also please pray for K.- receive a burning testimony that it is true and J. that he can come to church regularly.
I love you and pray that my words have shed some light.
Love
Elder Hamner
PS Indiana is getting a TEMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart jumped when President Monson said that!!!! What a great way to start off conference:)
This past week was a spiritual highlight. Let's walk through the week.
Wednesday we had splits in Vaasa (5 hour train ride one way to the western shore of Finland) where two golden investigators were interviewed. What a privilege it was to ask them about their testimonies. I felt a portion of the Lord's love for them, for they were so humble and willing to submit to the Master. While in Vaasa the Lord taught me more about the gift of simplicity in which helped as we taught a Chinese young man the gospel in childlike terms. The Holy Ghost testifies more powerfully when we teach simpler. You probably noticed how simple the prophets taught this past weekend. One of them, Pres. Ucthdorf, even clearly pointed out that we need to simplify life. Life does need to be simpler because then the Spirit will be more present. (Do you see the connection between power of the Holly Ghost in teaching and how we live?) The Lord has been teaching me this for a while.
Then on Friday Elder Peterson and I went to Helsinki to be participate in zone leader council with President Brown. Before the council we attended the temple in preparation for the council and also for General Conference. President Brown has set such a good example. He follows the example of the people in the book of Mosiah when the people prepare for King Benjamin's address (general conf or any big meeting) by performing temple ordinances. I can say this, that this past week has helped me develop the vision and goals that the Savior wants me to accomplish in the next 6 months. Every day is so precious as another prophet this past weekend taught so beautifully.
Currently, with our investigators. I. P.- will be baptized in the beginning of November. Also please pray for K.- receive a burning testimony that it is true and J. that he can come to church regularly.
I love you and pray that my words have shed some light.
Love
Elder Hamner
PS Indiana is getting a TEMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart jumped when President Monson said that!!!! What a great way to start off conference:)
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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.
