17 August A SUCCESSFUL WEEK!

Dear Family,

I just want you to know that I'm convinced that member work is the only way to go. I know that you the members of the church are our key to being as effective as the Lord wants this work to be.
This week was full of awesome experiences but I only have time to write a few.

Yesterday we had a baptism in the Paducah ward. It was amazing. It was fun to see the ward get so involved and I have no worries about Chelsea Long being retained in the Church. We literally just showed up to teach her and the ward did the rest. That is the only way this work will move forward at the pace the Lord wants. That makes 5 converts in the time I've been here in paducah. And the Ward is now on fire. I love missionary work. The other missionaries in Paducah Ward are having a baptism today. His name is Ramon and he is from St. Petersburg Russia. I was able to give him his baptismal interview, and just like the many other russians I've met, he has no personality and wouldn't smile. And got very mad at me when I asked him a question in Russian and wouldn't answer me back. So what can you do; he's getting baptized today and all that matters is that he's drawing closer to Christ.

The mission is doing really well this month. Our Zone already has 5 baptized and has 10 future dates 8 of which are for this month. If we hit our goal, sorry, when we hit our goal of 10 this month I will never stop praising this Zone. It has gone from getting 2 baptisms a month to getting around 5 a month and now is in the runnings of getting 10. It is so amazing. I can't wait to see how we do. Elder Wright and myself are now going on exchanges for the rest of the month. We will only be with each other for 6 more days total in this month - 2 of which will be Sundays. Woo. I'm so excited to help this zone out.

The ward is going crazy with giving us referrals now, I know it's because of the success they've been able to see come from giving them. Elder Wright and I now have a pretty good size teaching pool, most of which are member referrals. I love it. This work is amazing. I love it and the Lord.

Rob's baptism was called off, not by him but by Kristy. She wants to make sure that he's doing it for the right reasons. He still doesn't have a witness that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I just wish Kristy would understand that just because her and Isaac's witness came before baptism; many people don't receive that witness until after the actual baptism. So, his date has been postponed. It made me really sad to hear all that. But not discouraged because I know now that I did do all that I could. I'm just sad that I won't be able to attend the temple with them while still a missionary.

Which brings me to my next point. My year mark is really close, in fact it scares me everyday. I'm not yet where I want to be as a missionary. I'm a very good missionary and I'm effective, but I still have countless weaknesses and feel like I need a bit more time. But, missions are 2 years for a reason I guess. I just hope I can help all those I need to before I go home.

Our Zone is doing OUTSTANDING. Some areas are just on fire and others are really struggling.
Elder Wright and I had stake corrolation this week and it reminded me of Dad. Please make sure all the wards have a good and active ward mission leader. Please make sure the work is being done and set active goals in missionary work in the stake. If you focus on missionary work, most of all poblems of wothiness, and welfare go away. I've seen it so much in the ward's I've served in. The minute the Ward switches to be missionary minded, most other troubles go out the window. Please stress missionary work in the stake and let me know how things are going, in missionary work, back home. There are plenty of non-members in our stake boundries and moving into Daybreak that I'm sure at least a few are prepared.

Presidnet Hutchings told me that I'm doing great and every time he's around me he feels of my great spirit and knows that what I'm going is right. He said he prays for me all the time and told me to have patience; it will come with time.
Your doing great.Every time I'm around you I feel of your great spirit and know that what you're doing is right.I pray for you all the time. Have patience it will come with time. I am grateful for his inspiration and I would do anything he asks of me.

I love being a missionary and know that this is Christ's church. I know he lives for I have felt his power in my life and He has changed my heart. I love you all and hope you have a great week.

Love,
Elder Hansen.