Dear Family,
I have so much to tell you and not too much time. So I'll begin where I left off last wednesday, which wasn't that long ago.
Wednesday- Elder Jolley and I went over to Jeremy and Jennifer's and taught about Repentance and Baptism. And the Lesson Really hit home with Jeremy and we set a date with him for the 25th of April. Which was so wonderful and exciting. I have been able to see him come from no faith that God is there to knowing that He is in his life and has a Church on the Earth.
Thursday- Tornado watch. We had district meeting, the last of the transfer, and had a blast afterwards. Then on the bus ride back, a lady told me she was searching for the church that Christ Himself set up, and I got so excited that I taught her all about the Restoration. And she looked me right in the face and told me that that couldn't possibly have happened, Got off the bus, and walked into the liquor store. It made me so sad to see her look past the mark and miss what she is looking for. Then on the bus I get a call from the Zone Leaders to go in and to call all my district and tell them to go in. Well I guess a tornado was happening, but Elder Jolley and I didn't really care. I made sure my district was safe. Checked the weather reports for Antioch, and then went out to finish our work for the day. We went over and set a date (April 19th) with a young kid named Sam. He's 10 and his mom is a member. And it was then that it hit me. I served in Primary so I could have the skills and patience to teach all of these young kids, that so many missionaries before couldn't bring to baptism. I love the Lord.
Friday- not much happened. I sang at a fireside that had more missionaries than investigators or members. So that was fun.
Saturday- We got news of Transfers. Elder Jolley will be leaving me in this area that I've spent more time out than in. But I guess that will be ok. My new companion tomorrow will be Elder Allen. And my district is changing and being cut by two. So that will be fun too. We watched conference and made preparations for the Baptism that would be happening the next day. But then we got a call from Jeremy that he was moving. He and Jennifer broke up. And we were so sad. But he told us he still wants to come to church and wants us to come and teach him. But Elder Jolley and I know that Satan is working hard on him. But Confrence was so good. And I loved priesthood session.
Sunday- We went to conference and set up for the Baptism. We Baptized Lavric... Well Bishop did, and everything went well, even amidst another tornado warning. But all went well and Lavric is the newest member of the Smith Springs ward.
I love the work. Am Choosing Faith and not Fear for the next Transfer, and am trying to Achieve Greatness mom;)
I love you all very much.
--Elder Hansen
Friday, April 10, 2009
1 APRIL 2009 APRIL FOOLS!
Dear Mom and Family,
I bet you're wondering why I'm writing you today. Well my companion has been deathly ill and I have been stuck in the apartment to take care of him. Just kidding... APRIL FOOLS. Oh this will never get old.
We took our Preperation Day on Wednesday this week to finish out the month of March. March was a month of Miracles and also a month of extreme adversity. Oh and I didn't get my package..... Just kidding, I did. April Fools!!!!;)
This last month has almost killed me ;). President Hutchings called March the March Maddness Missionary Miracle Month. And it sure was crazy. As a mission we were striving for 100 Baptisms in the mission, a feat that had never before been accomplished. In fact the last high for the mission was around 60. But with this miracle month we skyrocketed past that and ended around 85 baptisms. It was truly a miracle. But it didn't come with out its troubles.
I have never, and now in High School I had to juggle a ton of things, but I have never had so much on my plate and been so busy. I had a troubled Companion, a struggling district, the new missionary musical firesides, the Easter musical firesides, tons of investigators and a new area that I knew not to much about. So as you can imagine I was sure spread thin and didn't have time to do much of anything let alone breath. But all turned out, and all is well.
Things are getting better with Elder Jolley, the musical Firesides (both Easter and Songs of the Savior) are at a point where I can not worry about them, and my district is doing much better. March really was a month of miracles. My District didn't have any baptisms in March. But we are all set to carry the Zone through April. We already have 2 future dates and about 8 more to set. I'm really excited for this month. I just hope things will continue to get better. But T]transfers are next Tuesday and I'm nervous for what changes are coming. We are losing 3 assistants and a few Zone leaders, meaning there will be a big turn over in Leadership in the mission. It will be exciting.
The first Easter Fireside happened and it went really well. I sing a solo in this one, the song I sang at Aunt Max's funerall, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." It went really Really REALLY well. I love to share my testimony through MUSIC. OH I LOVE IT!!!!!
I'm working on a lot this week. I have so much to catch up on, and unfortunately, sleep will not be one of them but I only have two years to do this, and who needs sleep anyway.
I love you and thank you so much for the package. The pictures and the devotional will be perfect. But I had a few more missionaries added to my district, so now I'm a district of 11 so I don't have enough pictures for my district right now, but maybe I will in a few days at transfers.
And wish Laura a HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me. I sent her a letter. Let me know if she gets it.
I hope all is well today. Have a great day, I love you!
Love Muchly.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen
I bet you're wondering why I'm writing you today. Well my companion has been deathly ill and I have been stuck in the apartment to take care of him. Just kidding... APRIL FOOLS. Oh this will never get old.
We took our Preperation Day on Wednesday this week to finish out the month of March. March was a month of Miracles and also a month of extreme adversity. Oh and I didn't get my package..... Just kidding, I did. April Fools!!!!;)
This last month has almost killed me ;). President Hutchings called March the March Maddness Missionary Miracle Month. And it sure was crazy. As a mission we were striving for 100 Baptisms in the mission, a feat that had never before been accomplished. In fact the last high for the mission was around 60. But with this miracle month we skyrocketed past that and ended around 85 baptisms. It was truly a miracle. But it didn't come with out its troubles.
I have never, and now in High School I had to juggle a ton of things, but I have never had so much on my plate and been so busy. I had a troubled Companion, a struggling district, the new missionary musical firesides, the Easter musical firesides, tons of investigators and a new area that I knew not to much about. So as you can imagine I was sure spread thin and didn't have time to do much of anything let alone breath. But all turned out, and all is well.
Things are getting better with Elder Jolley, the musical Firesides (both Easter and Songs of the Savior) are at a point where I can not worry about them, and my district is doing much better. March really was a month of miracles. My District didn't have any baptisms in March. But we are all set to carry the Zone through April. We already have 2 future dates and about 8 more to set. I'm really excited for this month. I just hope things will continue to get better. But T]transfers are next Tuesday and I'm nervous for what changes are coming. We are losing 3 assistants and a few Zone leaders, meaning there will be a big turn over in Leadership in the mission. It will be exciting.
The first Easter Fireside happened and it went really well. I sing a solo in this one, the song I sang at Aunt Max's funerall, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." It went really Really REALLY well. I love to share my testimony through MUSIC. OH I LOVE IT!!!!!
I'm working on a lot this week. I have so much to catch up on, and unfortunately, sleep will not be one of them but I only have two years to do this, and who needs sleep anyway.
I love you and thank you so much for the package. The pictures and the devotional will be perfect. But I had a few more missionaries added to my district, so now I'm a district of 11 so I don't have enough pictures for my district right now, but maybe I will in a few days at transfers.
And wish Laura a HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me. I sent her a letter. Let me know if she gets it.
I hope all is well today. Have a great day, I love you!
Love Muchly.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen
23 MARCH 2009 MARCH MADNESS MIRACLE MONTH
Dear Family,
It sounds like things are busy all around. Antioch was way busy, but I hear that home was just as busy.
Happy Birthdays to Ivey, Aimee and new Little Grant. Oh and happy Birthday to Laura at the end of the week. It is so exciting to hear and see pictures of the new little one. I am so excited to meet him when I get home. But I wanted to thank all those who sent pictures. It was great.
Things here this week were crazy with the musical firesides and responsibilities as district leader, and it doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. But I love when my week is crazy, because I know it is so much good work.
The musical firesides are going well. And we have a new easter program coming up. Again. I love how we are using music to spread the gospel.
Just so you know this Month was titled the March Maddness Missionary Miracle Month, and we were striving for a goal of 100 baptisms this month. Well after all of last night's call in's we are sitting right around 100 names. And if all goes as planned the mission will see a great miracle. Elder Jolley and I even have a hand in this. We have a date set for the 31st with a young boy who wants to be baptized, His parents are less-active, but we don't see anything standing in our way.
But this truly has been a month of miracles, on Friday Elder Jolley and I were walking down the street and a car pulled out in front of us and asked us where the church was and what time we meet. It was a less-active member with an un-baptized child that just fell into our laps. They are sweet and I'm so excited to start teaching them and watch Sister Noel and her daughter Kianna come back to the church. I love the gospel, I really do.
The work is going great, I'm gone 2 to 3 times a week singing, which is fun. I just hope that it doesn't start hurting the work in the area.
I hope all is well back home. And thanks for the updates.
I love you all very much and send my best. I really feel those prayers coming from ya'll. Thanks for all the support.
Love,
Elder Hansen
It sounds like things are busy all around. Antioch was way busy, but I hear that home was just as busy.
Happy Birthdays to Ivey, Aimee and new Little Grant. Oh and happy Birthday to Laura at the end of the week. It is so exciting to hear and see pictures of the new little one. I am so excited to meet him when I get home. But I wanted to thank all those who sent pictures. It was great.
Things here this week were crazy with the musical firesides and responsibilities as district leader, and it doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. But I love when my week is crazy, because I know it is so much good work.
The musical firesides are going well. And we have a new easter program coming up. Again. I love how we are using music to spread the gospel.
Just so you know this Month was titled the March Maddness Missionary Miracle Month, and we were striving for a goal of 100 baptisms this month. Well after all of last night's call in's we are sitting right around 100 names. And if all goes as planned the mission will see a great miracle. Elder Jolley and I even have a hand in this. We have a date set for the 31st with a young boy who wants to be baptized, His parents are less-active, but we don't see anything standing in our way.
But this truly has been a month of miracles, on Friday Elder Jolley and I were walking down the street and a car pulled out in front of us and asked us where the church was and what time we meet. It was a less-active member with an un-baptized child that just fell into our laps. They are sweet and I'm so excited to start teaching them and watch Sister Noel and her daughter Kianna come back to the church. I love the gospel, I really do.
The work is going great, I'm gone 2 to 3 times a week singing, which is fun. I just hope that it doesn't start hurting the work in the area.
I hope all is well back home. And thanks for the updates.
I love you all very much and send my best. I really feel those prayers coming from ya'll. Thanks for all the support.
Love,
Elder Hansen
17 MARCH 2009 SONGS OF THE SAVIOR
Dear Family,
How is everything going? I hope all is well. I hope Aimee is doing well and wish her the best of luck with the newest member of the Hansen family almost here.
This week in Antioch was quite the event. Like I said last week Monday was Zone Confrence which turned out great. We have a lot of work to do in the mission and it is very exciting to be a part of all the miracles here, but it also gets stressful trying to balance all of these new responsibilities. But I am having fun all the same.
Well this week was full of trials and blessings. Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon I was on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. I love Elder Rassussen and Elder Yadernuk. They are great leaders and really strive to make the miracles happen in this Zone. The Nashville Zone used to be the Power House of the mission, but has been slacking for the last six months and is getting a lot of pressure to produce. But I have faith that it will all work out, that we are just re-building for great things to come to pass. I had fun playing Zone Leader for a day, but would never want or wish that responsibility on anyone. They seem to do it with such ease, but I guess it comes with practice.
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to help a missionary. Elder Pearson (Trained by my former companion Elder Pearson) had his mother pass away last week and was preparing to fly home for the funeral and needed to be close to Nashville and the mission Home. So the zone leaders called Elder Jolley and I to help out, one, because I knew Elder Pearson from my last district, and because they felt that Elder Jolley and I could comfort him in his time of need. So we had a fun night full of laughs and visiting some investigators and Less-Actives. It was a good night and I hope that I helped him, even a little. But I do know he has a firm testimony of the Plan of Salvation, and he loves his Savior.
Thursday was a mess and none of our plans worked out. We got a call that one of our investigators was moving so we got a team together to go and help with the efforts, in the SNOW! TN weather is really crazy. Well we then received a call that one of Elder Jolley's recent converts needed a ride to the doctor's office. And on the way there we got a call that a person needed a blessing at the same hospital, which was cool. It was an eventful Thursday, just not what we expected.
But the Highlight of my week happened on Sunday. I think I've talked about it before, but we had two performances of the "Songs of the Savior" program last night and they were so spiritual. There were about 20 investigators there in total with about 56 people in attendance. After the performance many investigators came to us with tears thanking us, and I know they felt just a taste of the Joy that is in for them, when they become members of the church. President said that this was what he was envisioning for the message of the Restoration to be taught to groups and thanked us for our efforts. I love being able to bear my witness of the reality of the Savior through music. We have another Fireside tonight at the mission Home. The only problem with these firesides is that I'm out of my area so much. But I guess that is ok. I'll do what I'm asked, and do my best!
I'm loving the work, I'm loving the people, learning to love the weather, and loving to serve My Savior, Jesus Christ.
I love you all!!! God Bless,
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
How is everything going? I hope all is well. I hope Aimee is doing well and wish her the best of luck with the newest member of the Hansen family almost here.
This week in Antioch was quite the event. Like I said last week Monday was Zone Confrence which turned out great. We have a lot of work to do in the mission and it is very exciting to be a part of all the miracles here, but it also gets stressful trying to balance all of these new responsibilities. But I am having fun all the same.
Well this week was full of trials and blessings. Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon I was on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. I love Elder Rassussen and Elder Yadernuk. They are great leaders and really strive to make the miracles happen in this Zone. The Nashville Zone used to be the Power House of the mission, but has been slacking for the last six months and is getting a lot of pressure to produce. But I have faith that it will all work out, that we are just re-building for great things to come to pass. I had fun playing Zone Leader for a day, but would never want or wish that responsibility on anyone. They seem to do it with such ease, but I guess it comes with practice.
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to help a missionary. Elder Pearson (Trained by my former companion Elder Pearson) had his mother pass away last week and was preparing to fly home for the funeral and needed to be close to Nashville and the mission Home. So the zone leaders called Elder Jolley and I to help out, one, because I knew Elder Pearson from my last district, and because they felt that Elder Jolley and I could comfort him in his time of need. So we had a fun night full of laughs and visiting some investigators and Less-Actives. It was a good night and I hope that I helped him, even a little. But I do know he has a firm testimony of the Plan of Salvation, and he loves his Savior.
Thursday was a mess and none of our plans worked out. We got a call that one of our investigators was moving so we got a team together to go and help with the efforts, in the SNOW! TN weather is really crazy. Well we then received a call that one of Elder Jolley's recent converts needed a ride to the doctor's office. And on the way there we got a call that a person needed a blessing at the same hospital, which was cool. It was an eventful Thursday, just not what we expected.
But the Highlight of my week happened on Sunday. I think I've talked about it before, but we had two performances of the "Songs of the Savior" program last night and they were so spiritual. There were about 20 investigators there in total with about 56 people in attendance. After the performance many investigators came to us with tears thanking us, and I know they felt just a taste of the Joy that is in for them, when they become members of the church. President said that this was what he was envisioning for the message of the Restoration to be taught to groups and thanked us for our efforts. I love being able to bear my witness of the reality of the Savior through music. We have another Fireside tonight at the mission Home. The only problem with these firesides is that I'm out of my area so much. But I guess that is ok. I'll do what I'm asked, and do my best!
I'm loving the work, I'm loving the people, learning to love the weather, and loving to serve My Savior, Jesus Christ.
I love you all!!! God Bless,
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
2ND WEEK IN SMITH SPRINGS AREA 10 MAR 2009
Dear Family:
We set five baptismal dates last week. Coming into this new area has been great. The work is really going forward and everyone wants to help. I love it. But with good missionaries the work can go on anywhere.
The first musical fireside was a learning experience. But things will only get better as time goes on. It went well, but we have a lot to work on. And I don't know if there will be a recording of it anytime soon. I want to send pictures but I don't know when I will be able to.
My companion, Elder Dallin Jolley, is going through a really hard time. He's very homesick and feels like he's wasting everyone's time out here. He's a really good missionary, but just gets frustrated he's not the best... mmmm.. who does that sound like ;) But he's willing to work hard, so as long as we don't have a lot of down time it is good. But I hope I can help him these next few weeks.
I had a really good week and we are having a lot of success. First off I'll talk about the musical firesides. The mission is putting on musical firesides for members to bring investigators to in a member's home. It is full of music, narration, and rockin slides of the savior's life. It is called "Songs of the Savior" and it has been going well. But it's been taking a lot of time out of my work here in Smith Springs. Which makes me sad, but I love sharing my testimony through music, so it's ok for now. The first performance went well. We sang for 35 people 5 of which were investigators who are now being baptized at the end of March. So that has been so much fun to be in. And I love to do it.
Next, his week we didn't have a car (I'm in a part time car area again) But in this area we get to ride the bus, which is so nice and a good place to contact people. So this week I racked up a total of 3 bus sermons with questions answered and 3 copies of the Book of Mormon, given out. No new investigators... yet. But I hope as I get used to how the busses work I will be able to use it to my advantage. The people were very nice, and what made it even more exciting is I was able to bear my testimony in spanish also to those who didn't speak english. I love to share my testimony and share the gospel. It has brought me such joy, so why not share it.
Lastly, We have been teaching this guy named Jeremy. Jeremy is a very sweet guy and is dating a member of the church. He wants to find religion in his life and has really taken a liking to coming to church and meeting with the missionaries. He is about 30 and has two kids, and has served in Iraq. He's a really good guy. And I've gotten really close with Him and Jennifer (hey funny that sounds like burg). But this last lesson we had we watched the testiments to help him see where the Book of Mormon fit in with the bible and at the end of the lesson he prayed. He said his first spoken prayer ever. And it was so great. I love to help others come unto Christ. We are seeing him again on Wednesday and hope to set a baptismal date.
I love the work and am enjoying it here... and the weather (60s and 70s) I love the Lord and Love to serve.
I love the area and the people I'm serving.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
We set five baptismal dates last week. Coming into this new area has been great. The work is really going forward and everyone wants to help. I love it. But with good missionaries the work can go on anywhere.
The first musical fireside was a learning experience. But things will only get better as time goes on. It went well, but we have a lot to work on. And I don't know if there will be a recording of it anytime soon. I want to send pictures but I don't know when I will be able to.
My companion, Elder Dallin Jolley, is going through a really hard time. He's very homesick and feels like he's wasting everyone's time out here. He's a really good missionary, but just gets frustrated he's not the best... mmmm.. who does that sound like ;) But he's willing to work hard, so as long as we don't have a lot of down time it is good. But I hope I can help him these next few weeks.
I had a really good week and we are having a lot of success. First off I'll talk about the musical firesides. The mission is putting on musical firesides for members to bring investigators to in a member's home. It is full of music, narration, and rockin slides of the savior's life. It is called "Songs of the Savior" and it has been going well. But it's been taking a lot of time out of my work here in Smith Springs. Which makes me sad, but I love sharing my testimony through music, so it's ok for now. The first performance went well. We sang for 35 people 5 of which were investigators who are now being baptized at the end of March. So that has been so much fun to be in. And I love to do it.
Next, his week we didn't have a car (I'm in a part time car area again) But in this area we get to ride the bus, which is so nice and a good place to contact people. So this week I racked up a total of 3 bus sermons with questions answered and 3 copies of the Book of Mormon, given out. No new investigators... yet. But I hope as I get used to how the busses work I will be able to use it to my advantage. The people were very nice, and what made it even more exciting is I was able to bear my testimony in spanish also to those who didn't speak english. I love to share my testimony and share the gospel. It has brought me such joy, so why not share it.
Lastly, We have been teaching this guy named Jeremy. Jeremy is a very sweet guy and is dating a member of the church. He wants to find religion in his life and has really taken a liking to coming to church and meeting with the missionaries. He is about 30 and has two kids, and has served in Iraq. He's a really good guy. And I've gotten really close with Him and Jennifer (hey funny that sounds like burg). But this last lesson we had we watched the testiments to help him see where the Book of Mormon fit in with the bible and at the end of the lesson he prayed. He said his first spoken prayer ever. And it was so great. I love to help others come unto Christ. We are seeing him again on Wednesday and hope to set a baptismal date.
I love the work and am enjoying it here... and the weather (60s and 70s) I love the Lord and Love to serve.
I love the area and the people I'm serving.
Elder Jonathan David Hansen I
MY SECOND AREA - SMITH SPRINGS, 3 MARCH 2009
Jon's new address for this area is:
630 Bell Road, Apt#230
Antioch, TN 37013
Dear Family,
Just so you know... Things are going really well. I Love my new area of Smith Springs, Tennessee. I love the people, and my new companion and I get along really well. We even set a baptismal date this week and hope to set a few more this next week.
So a little about Smith Springs area. The work is going really well. The ward members love to help us and love to help our investigators. The apartment is a lot nicer than the one in Hendersonville. And things are just bright and dandy. The airport is in our area and we are not very far from Nashville. In fact we are in the Nashville Stake and Zone.
Now I was sad to leave Hendersonville. I was sad to leave so many good friends. But I am excited for this new adventure. In fact, I think if I spent any longer in Hendersonville, I would have gone crazy! But this change is well accepted.
I am serving with Elder Jolley. He is from Shelly, Idaho. He is a farm boy who loves John Deere and building fences. And we get along great. He is super possitive and a big help to me as I get to know a new area and my new District.
Now as a district leader, I was not given any training, or any of my responsibilities. So I guess this will be fun as I learn as I go along. I love my district. I have the Office Elders and Cumberland in my district. Both areas are stuggling but I hope to help them turn that around.
I am working a lot with the Zone Leaders, which is a big help on what I should be doing. I love my Zone Leaders, and I've served around them before. I love it!
All is well,
Elder hansen
630 Bell Road, Apt#230
Antioch, TN 37013
Dear Family,
Just so you know... Things are going really well. I Love my new area of Smith Springs, Tennessee. I love the people, and my new companion and I get along really well. We even set a baptismal date this week and hope to set a few more this next week.
So a little about Smith Springs area. The work is going really well. The ward members love to help us and love to help our investigators. The apartment is a lot nicer than the one in Hendersonville. And things are just bright and dandy. The airport is in our area and we are not very far from Nashville. In fact we are in the Nashville Stake and Zone.
Now I was sad to leave Hendersonville. I was sad to leave so many good friends. But I am excited for this new adventure. In fact, I think if I spent any longer in Hendersonville, I would have gone crazy! But this change is well accepted.
I am serving with Elder Jolley. He is from Shelly, Idaho. He is a farm boy who loves John Deere and building fences. And we get along great. He is super possitive and a big help to me as I get to know a new area and my new District.
Now as a district leader, I was not given any training, or any of my responsibilities. So I guess this will be fun as I learn as I go along. I love my district. I have the Office Elders and Cumberland in my district. Both areas are stuggling but I hope to help them turn that around.
I am working a lot with the Zone Leaders, which is a big help on what I should be doing. I love my Zone Leaders, and I've served around them before. I love it!
All is well,
Elder hansen
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