If anyone is interested in writing to Jonathan, his address for at least the next 5 weeks is:
621 Windor Park Lane
Hendersonville, TN 37075
His email address is jdhansen37@myldsmail.net. Mondays are his P-Days and we usually write him on Sunday so he can read it on Monday.
We will continue to update his address as he is transfered. Thanks for your interest in his mission experience and certainly thank you for your prayers and support!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND January 12, 2009
Dear Friends and Family:
This week has brought about a lot of changes. I'm sad to see Elder Pearson leave, but I'm excited for the new adventure just around the corner. Elder Pearson gets home on Wednesday and is driving to Utah from California on Monday, and starts school on Tuesday. I hope he calls y'all. And if he doesn't I think he's a big dork!
Along with big changes in the Mission (2 new assistants) I have been given a new assignment. I have been called to be a trainer. Weird right. Me, a Trainer of a new missionary straight from the MTC. Just think about it my Greenie is on a plane right now to come here. I hope I will train well. I think that President has a lot of faith in me and has given me a big opportunity to stretch and grow. I've only been out for 4 1/2 months and I feel like this next transfer will be like the blind leading the blind. But I have faith that we will do a good job here. At the end of next transfer I will have spent a quarter of my mission in Hendersonville. That is really strange to me to think that I've been out for that long; time has gone by really fast.
Russell didn't get baptized this week but I hope that he is still willing to progress to that. We are still working hard and I've sure learned a lot from Elder Pearson this last six weeks. The Lord helped us make big changes in two families lives, and the changes will echo for all eternity.
I love the mission life. I love the work. And I hope to be able to inspire that same love and attitude in my new companion. Pray for me. I'll need it. And I'll need all the letters of inspiration I can get.
I love you all and thanks for all you do for me.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
This week has brought about a lot of changes. I'm sad to see Elder Pearson leave, but I'm excited for the new adventure just around the corner. Elder Pearson gets home on Wednesday and is driving to Utah from California on Monday, and starts school on Tuesday. I hope he calls y'all. And if he doesn't I think he's a big dork!
Along with big changes in the Mission (2 new assistants) I have been given a new assignment. I have been called to be a trainer. Weird right. Me, a Trainer of a new missionary straight from the MTC. Just think about it my Greenie is on a plane right now to come here. I hope I will train well. I think that President has a lot of faith in me and has given me a big opportunity to stretch and grow. I've only been out for 4 1/2 months and I feel like this next transfer will be like the blind leading the blind. But I have faith that we will do a good job here. At the end of next transfer I will have spent a quarter of my mission in Hendersonville. That is really strange to me to think that I've been out for that long; time has gone by really fast.
Russell didn't get baptized this week but I hope that he is still willing to progress to that. We are still working hard and I've sure learned a lot from Elder Pearson this last six weeks. The Lord helped us make big changes in two families lives, and the changes will echo for all eternity.
I love the mission life. I love the work. And I hope to be able to inspire that same love and attitude in my new companion. Pray for me. I'll need it. And I'll need all the letters of inspiration I can get.
I love you all and thanks for all you do for me.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
HAPPY NEW YEARS January 6, 2009
Dear Family and Friends:
This week we had New Years Day as an all day preperation day. It was very boring. We were forced to spend time with the Zone. And we played board games. And the regular Risk, Sorry, and Monopoly just are not as exciting when you are used to Settlers, and Pandemic. So that was fun but not too exciting. We also were able to watch one aproved movie. I voted for Horton, or Kung Fu Panda, But no they picked "Wall-E". Afterward I felt like instead of saving souls I wanted to go save the trees or the earth. I don't think that Wall-E was Disney's best Pixar film. And it wasn't a big hit in the Zone either.
This week, Elder Pearson and I have been working hard. He has been working hard because these are his last few weeks in the mission (well he goes home a week from tomorrow, and a week from Monday he will be in Utah). And I have been working hard to keep him from getting Trunky. :) I've learned a lot from Elder Pearson. I've learned how to be a good leader, how to deal with people who don't agree with you, and also how to just be real with people. It has been a good companionship.
This week we set a baptismal date for next Sunday the 11th with Russell Hooper. He really is a good kid who 18 and in the National Guard. We tracted into his step-mom who asked us to come back, but she hasn't been too interested. But Russell has been progressing since we first met him. It is so inspiring and testimony building to see him come closer to Jesus Christ. I just pray that all will roll forth. Another Quick story. We went to knock a few doors before an appointment and we ran into a Baptist preacher. He came to the door and told us he respected us for our faith in Christ but had nothing to offer him. He was so proud and just started preaching to us about Christ and how we are wrong about religion. It was just interesting to see his views about the Church Christ set up. We asked him a few questions about life like, "Why did God Create us?" He got so frustrated trying to answer that one question he kicked us out of his house. It was so sad that he was so unwilling to accept the truth. And I also realized just how blessed we are to have the answers to the questions life brings us. Yesterday was Zone Confrence and President Hutchings told us that on Tuesday, transfers, 6 areas will be shutting down. So I'm excited to see all the changes in the mission. I love serving! I love it a lot! I know I tell you a lot but until I hear stories of my request being answered I will keep asking you to do your member missionary work. Bear your testimony to non-members. And find people for the missionaries to teach. It helps! I Love You All,
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
This week we had New Years Day as an all day preperation day. It was very boring. We were forced to spend time with the Zone. And we played board games. And the regular Risk, Sorry, and Monopoly just are not as exciting when you are used to Settlers, and Pandemic. So that was fun but not too exciting. We also were able to watch one aproved movie. I voted for Horton, or Kung Fu Panda, But no they picked "Wall-E". Afterward I felt like instead of saving souls I wanted to go save the trees or the earth. I don't think that Wall-E was Disney's best Pixar film. And it wasn't a big hit in the Zone either.
This week, Elder Pearson and I have been working hard. He has been working hard because these are his last few weeks in the mission (well he goes home a week from tomorrow, and a week from Monday he will be in Utah). And I have been working hard to keep him from getting Trunky. :) I've learned a lot from Elder Pearson. I've learned how to be a good leader, how to deal with people who don't agree with you, and also how to just be real with people. It has been a good companionship.
This week we set a baptismal date for next Sunday the 11th with Russell Hooper. He really is a good kid who 18 and in the National Guard. We tracted into his step-mom who asked us to come back, but she hasn't been too interested. But Russell has been progressing since we first met him. It is so inspiring and testimony building to see him come closer to Jesus Christ. I just pray that all will roll forth. Another Quick story. We went to knock a few doors before an appointment and we ran into a Baptist preacher. He came to the door and told us he respected us for our faith in Christ but had nothing to offer him. He was so proud and just started preaching to us about Christ and how we are wrong about religion. It was just interesting to see his views about the Church Christ set up. We asked him a few questions about life like, "Why did God Create us?" He got so frustrated trying to answer that one question he kicked us out of his house. It was so sad that he was so unwilling to accept the truth. And I also realized just how blessed we are to have the answers to the questions life brings us. Yesterday was Zone Confrence and President Hutchings told us that on Tuesday, transfers, 6 areas will be shutting down. So I'm excited to see all the changes in the mission. I love serving! I love it a lot! I know I tell you a lot but until I hear stories of my request being answered I will keep asking you to do your member missionary work. Bear your testimony to non-members. And find people for the missionaries to teach. It helps! I Love You All,
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
AFTER CHRISTMAS TENNESSEE NEWS DECEMBER 29, 2008
Dear Family and Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I had so much fun talking to you on Christmas. It made me so happy to hear everyone was doing so well. I just wish you were all here so I could see you. But talking to you was better than an E-mail I guess.
This last week has been so great. We spent most of the week finalizing baptismal plans, which is a lot more exciting than finding new investigators. We were able to teach Gordon (9 years old) and Ricky (13 years old) the simple truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And even more exciting was to see the progress in both their families. I just hope they can get in far enough that they can't fall out.
On Christmas Eve we were able to have a baptismal interview for both investigators and make all the final preperations to have them baptized. It was so exciting to see both Gordy and Ricky more excited to join the Chruch than to open presents on Christmas. It is amazing to think that this Christmas they get a special gift from their Father in Heaven, the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
My Christmas was so busy... but well worth it. We went to the Bishop's house for breakfast and played games. The Bishop took us to the Baptism where Brother Gladden (Gordon Scott's Home Teacher), was able to baptize Gordon. The service was so good and the Spirit was so strong. I know that it changed the hearts of both of Gordon's parents. It made the best Christmas I've had yet.
We then prepared for Ricky's baptism. I played the piano, ya I know weird, so I was more concerned about that. But it was good to see his family there. To see his Grandparents so proud. It was such a good experience. I love working with less-active members because most the time all they need is a little nudge to come back.
This week has been better that I can really express. But I want you all to know that I know that this Church brings families together, and that it is Christ's true Church.
I love you all. Hope you have a great week. And play some games for me!!!
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I had so much fun talking to you on Christmas. It made me so happy to hear everyone was doing so well. I just wish you were all here so I could see you. But talking to you was better than an E-mail I guess.
This last week has been so great. We spent most of the week finalizing baptismal plans, which is a lot more exciting than finding new investigators. We were able to teach Gordon (9 years old) and Ricky (13 years old) the simple truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And even more exciting was to see the progress in both their families. I just hope they can get in far enough that they can't fall out.
On Christmas Eve we were able to have a baptismal interview for both investigators and make all the final preperations to have them baptized. It was so exciting to see both Gordy and Ricky more excited to join the Chruch than to open presents on Christmas. It is amazing to think that this Christmas they get a special gift from their Father in Heaven, the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
My Christmas was so busy... but well worth it. We went to the Bishop's house for breakfast and played games. The Bishop took us to the Baptism where Brother Gladden (Gordon Scott's Home Teacher), was able to baptize Gordon. The service was so good and the Spirit was so strong. I know that it changed the hearts of both of Gordon's parents. It made the best Christmas I've had yet.
We then prepared for Ricky's baptism. I played the piano, ya I know weird, so I was more concerned about that. But it was good to see his family there. To see his Grandparents so proud. It was such a good experience. I love working with less-active members because most the time all they need is a little nudge to come back.
This week has been better that I can really express. But I want you all to know that I know that this Church brings families together, and that it is Christ's true Church.
I love you all. Hope you have a great week. And play some games for me!!!
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 22, 2008
Dear Family and Friends:
It is good to hear that you are all enjoying the Holidays together. I thought I would be sad that I was away from home for the Holidays...But I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything. The work here is really going well. If anything I wish you all could be here to do missionary work with me!
So this Christmas I decided to take Paul's advise and give our Father in Heaven a “White Christmas.” It has been the most meaningful Christmas Present I have ever been able to give. I'm very sorry that I haven't been able to send each and everyone of you a package or even a personalized letter, But for Elder Pearson's last transfer we have been working so hard, but more smart. We hope to bring 8 people to baptism before he leaves on January 14th. And the first starts with a Baptism on Christmas Day. I am so excited for all those who have been touched by the spirit of Christmas and have wanted to come unto Christ. Now this is Quite a miracle seeing as Hendersonville has only ever had 3 baptisms a year. But we hope to start to change that. I hope the Lord likes his “White Christmas” (Without Snow).
I am so excited to talk to y'all on Thursday. Christmas is such a great time of Giving. And I want you all to know that I'm giving it my all here in TN. And the only thing I want for Christmas is for all of you to do your missionary work back home. Find people for the missionaries to teach. Your Neighbors, Your Friends, and even people you just meet everyday. There is no better gift than Jesus Christ and the Blessings of the Gospel. Remember this week that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Merry Christmas!
Love, Elder Jonathan David Hansen
It is good to hear that you are all enjoying the Holidays together. I thought I would be sad that I was away from home for the Holidays...But I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything. The work here is really going well. If anything I wish you all could be here to do missionary work with me!
So this Christmas I decided to take Paul's advise and give our Father in Heaven a “White Christmas.” It has been the most meaningful Christmas Present I have ever been able to give. I'm very sorry that I haven't been able to send each and everyone of you a package or even a personalized letter, But for Elder Pearson's last transfer we have been working so hard, but more smart. We hope to bring 8 people to baptism before he leaves on January 14th. And the first starts with a Baptism on Christmas Day. I am so excited for all those who have been touched by the spirit of Christmas and have wanted to come unto Christ. Now this is Quite a miracle seeing as Hendersonville has only ever had 3 baptisms a year. But we hope to start to change that. I hope the Lord likes his “White Christmas” (Without Snow).
I am so excited to talk to y'all on Thursday. Christmas is such a great time of Giving. And I want you all to know that I'm giving it my all here in TN. And the only thing I want for Christmas is for all of you to do your missionary work back home. Find people for the missionaries to teach. Your Neighbors, Your Friends, and even people you just meet everyday. There is no better gift than Jesus Christ and the Blessings of the Gospel. Remember this week that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Merry Christmas!
Love, Elder Jonathan David Hansen
MERRY CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 15, 2008
Dear Family and Friends:
This week has been so eventful I don’t even know where do start. But I guess that the beginning will be the best place.We started out with three member present lessons on Monday, which never happens. And that night we set two more baptismal dates. We also started teaching this amazing family. They have been searching for the truth and now they’ve finally found it. It is so amazing to see people change because of this beautiful gospel.Tuesday was full of finding and we found. We found out that rain can really botch plans. But the Lord blesses you for the efforts you make. We had to change our clothes twice, and met many people who were very angry with us. But that night the Lord blessed us to find a child of record who has not been baptized. It was a miracle and we hope to baptize him soon. Then Wednesday was zone conference and we all were spiritually uplifted. Thursday was another rainy day. And rain turned into snow. So as you can imagine, it was not too fun on bikes. We ditched the bikes and went on foot. It was hard but we were blessed for our efforts out in the cold. The cold there is nothing like the cold here. Here even with a coat on I’m freezing. But we made it through without sickness. It has really been great. On Friday and Saturday we spent all day finding. Finding new investigators is always hard. That is why it is so important for the members to find for the Missionaries. It is always more pleasant for the investigator to have gospel truths introduced to them by a friend. But finding is a necessary evil when you have no one to teach. But we didn’t find a single person until… Our last appointments and that made all the difference. On Sunday I left to the first musical fireside of the season. We sang really well. And I was happy with my solos, but I’ve lost a lot since I haven’t been singing all the time. But the program was a success. And it was fun to share the gospel by doing what I love. Well the week started off with only 2 future baptismal dates, but we ended the week with 8 dates. That is truly a miracle. The Lord is blessing us for our finding efforts. I love the gospel. I know without a doubt that this church is the TRUE Church of Jesus Christ. I love the work and I’m following Paul’s advice by giving the Lord a “White Christmas.” I Love you all very much!
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
This week has been so eventful I don’t even know where do start. But I guess that the beginning will be the best place.We started out with three member present lessons on Monday, which never happens. And that night we set two more baptismal dates. We also started teaching this amazing family. They have been searching for the truth and now they’ve finally found it. It is so amazing to see people change because of this beautiful gospel.Tuesday was full of finding and we found. We found out that rain can really botch plans. But the Lord blesses you for the efforts you make. We had to change our clothes twice, and met many people who were very angry with us. But that night the Lord blessed us to find a child of record who has not been baptized. It was a miracle and we hope to baptize him soon. Then Wednesday was zone conference and we all were spiritually uplifted. Thursday was another rainy day. And rain turned into snow. So as you can imagine, it was not too fun on bikes. We ditched the bikes and went on foot. It was hard but we were blessed for our efforts out in the cold. The cold there is nothing like the cold here. Here even with a coat on I’m freezing. But we made it through without sickness. It has really been great. On Friday and Saturday we spent all day finding. Finding new investigators is always hard. That is why it is so important for the members to find for the Missionaries. It is always more pleasant for the investigator to have gospel truths introduced to them by a friend. But finding is a necessary evil when you have no one to teach. But we didn’t find a single person until… Our last appointments and that made all the difference. On Sunday I left to the first musical fireside of the season. We sang really well. And I was happy with my solos, but I’ve lost a lot since I haven’t been singing all the time. But the program was a success. And it was fun to share the gospel by doing what I love. Well the week started off with only 2 future baptismal dates, but we ended the week with 8 dates. That is truly a miracle. The Lord is blessing us for our finding efforts. I love the gospel. I know without a doubt that this church is the TRUE Church of Jesus Christ. I love the work and I’m following Paul’s advice by giving the Lord a “White Christmas.” I Love you all very much!
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
December 8, 2008 News
Dear Family and Friends:
This week started off really well since I was able to see Mark. Even though our time together was very short, it was very much worth not eating lunch. :) I just hope his ears didn't split from the rehearsal for the musical Fireside.
Living with Elder Pearson is very different from living with Elder Geohagan. But it looks like it will be fun. Elder Pearson is going home after this transfer so chances are that I will be in Hendersonville for another 6 weeks.
This week Elder Pearson and I have done a lot of finding, and have seen a few miracles. We set a goal to have 3 baptisms by the end of the month and 8 by the end of the transfer. And I'm excited to see the work we will do here.
We are hoping to set a few more baptismal dates today. I love seeing our work actually change people. And aid them in their progression in Heavenly Father's Plan. The thing with the south is everyone thinks they know God, and they may know a lot about Him. But only we know his true nature as our Loving Father, and our relationship to Him. I love the Truths of the Restored Gospel, because everyone believes them, but only we teach them.
I love the work here and I have faith that we will see much success for Elder Pearson's last transfer.
I hope all is well at home. I love reading all of your letters in my advent calendar. And I love to hear all about your families.
Love, Elder Jonathan David Hanse I
This week started off really well since I was able to see Mark. Even though our time together was very short, it was very much worth not eating lunch. :) I just hope his ears didn't split from the rehearsal for the musical Fireside.
Living with Elder Pearson is very different from living with Elder Geohagan. But it looks like it will be fun. Elder Pearson is going home after this transfer so chances are that I will be in Hendersonville for another 6 weeks.
This week Elder Pearson and I have done a lot of finding, and have seen a few miracles. We set a goal to have 3 baptisms by the end of the month and 8 by the end of the transfer. And I'm excited to see the work we will do here.
We are hoping to set a few more baptismal dates today. I love seeing our work actually change people. And aid them in their progression in Heavenly Father's Plan. The thing with the south is everyone thinks they know God, and they may know a lot about Him. But only we know his true nature as our Loving Father, and our relationship to Him. I love the Truths of the Restored Gospel, because everyone believes them, but only we teach them.
I love the work here and I have faith that we will see much success for Elder Pearson's last transfer.
I hope all is well at home. I love reading all of your letters in my advent calendar. And I love to hear all about your families.
Love, Elder Jonathan David Hanse I
December 1st, 2008 NEWS FROM TENNESSEE
This place is a zoo!
Our District in Hendersonville
Sally's baptism in October 2008
Dear Family and Friends:
Today was the first snow of the season. Ok it's not real snow because it's not sticking to the side walk, and it's almost like rain. But nevertheless, there is white stuff falling from the sky.
This week was really good. It was a Bike week so we were able to talk to a lot of people. I love being on bikes because cars seem to isolate you from everyone else. The only bad thing is that a car is a lot warmer. But it was good because by the time it really got cold, we got the car. So it's all good.
On Friday, Mom sent me The University Singers Christmas CD, and I don't think it has ever been turned off. I love Christmas time. The lights are going up and people are just getting into the Christmas spirit. I love it!!!
Now for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving was amazing. Southern women cook the most delicious food! I am a firm believer that bacon grease can make anything taste better. We ate two dinners on Thanksgiving, and even had time to play some football. As you can imagine. I had a really good Thanksgiving. Oh and so you all know... I'm thankful for you all and Family was #1 on my thankful turkey.
Now for some Sad/but happy/ but sad news. Elder Geohagan is being transfered. I guess they thought it was time to take off the "Trainer-wheels." But I think it will be really good for me to take this area over. I have been asked to serve as a senior companion to a missionary who only has one more transfer. But I think they just want to re-train me. Guess I didn't learn enough the first go. I'm sad to see my time with Elder Geohagan draw to an end, but I'm excited to soak up all that Elder Pearson has to teach me.
Now for the really exciting news. Cheryl came to Church yesterday. We have been teaching Cheryl for about a month now and she would never wake up to go to church. So last sunday we went over to see her after church. We really didn't have a lesson planned but we knew we wanted her to commit to come to church. I really don't like being harsh with people, and so I think my bold words came as a shock to her. But the spirit spoke to her and awoke something that inspired her to come to church. Now she just needs to come a few more times and then she will be baptized. I love to see people change for the better.
I love serving the Lord, and he blesses us every day.
Oh and even more exciting, we broke the mission records for Baptisms for the month of November we had 64 the former record was 56. Now we are planning for 100 baptisms for December. Make sure you pray for the missionaries.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
Today was the first snow of the season. Ok it's not real snow because it's not sticking to the side walk, and it's almost like rain. But nevertheless, there is white stuff falling from the sky.
This week was really good. It was a Bike week so we were able to talk to a lot of people. I love being on bikes because cars seem to isolate you from everyone else. The only bad thing is that a car is a lot warmer. But it was good because by the time it really got cold, we got the car. So it's all good.
On Friday, Mom sent me The University Singers Christmas CD, and I don't think it has ever been turned off. I love Christmas time. The lights are going up and people are just getting into the Christmas spirit. I love it!!!
Now for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving was amazing. Southern women cook the most delicious food! I am a firm believer that bacon grease can make anything taste better. We ate two dinners on Thanksgiving, and even had time to play some football. As you can imagine. I had a really good Thanksgiving. Oh and so you all know... I'm thankful for you all and Family was #1 on my thankful turkey.
Now for some Sad/but happy/ but sad news. Elder Geohagan is being transfered. I guess they thought it was time to take off the "Trainer-wheels." But I think it will be really good for me to take this area over. I have been asked to serve as a senior companion to a missionary who only has one more transfer. But I think they just want to re-train me. Guess I didn't learn enough the first go. I'm sad to see my time with Elder Geohagan draw to an end, but I'm excited to soak up all that Elder Pearson has to teach me.
Now for the really exciting news. Cheryl came to Church yesterday. We have been teaching Cheryl for about a month now and she would never wake up to go to church. So last sunday we went over to see her after church. We really didn't have a lesson planned but we knew we wanted her to commit to come to church. I really don't like being harsh with people, and so I think my bold words came as a shock to her. But the spirit spoke to her and awoke something that inspired her to come to church. Now she just needs to come a few more times and then she will be baptized. I love to see people change for the better.
I love serving the Lord, and he blesses us every day.
Oh and even more exciting, we broke the mission records for Baptisms for the month of November we had 64 the former record was 56. Now we are planning for 100 baptisms for December. Make sure you pray for the missionaries.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
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