Elder Hoggan can hardly believe another week has gone by. Time is passing fast. Ridiculous! Each week is super cool. Sit back, relax, and keep your arms and hands inside the vehicle at all times.
Tuesday was the day to laugh about. The Elders took cookies to LA's, old investigators, and members. They were so excited, began driving, but their GPS was broken. Getting to the giant city was easy. From there, they located a tourist information place and a map was obtained. This enabled the missionaries to deliver all of the cookies.
That evening, Elders Hoggan and Evans met with Carolina from Columbia. She speaks awesome German and is an active LA. Hannes, her boyfriend, is German. He doesn't have much interest in the gospel, but he isn't against it. They live together. Carolina prays and reads the scriptures. Hopefully, more appointments will follow.
Wednesday was a district meeting with the ZL's. The "purple cow" statement was given which means that the Spirit is helping people see that missionaries are disciples of Jesus Christ. "Ich bin ein Missionare meiner Kirche" or "I am a missionary from my church." "Ich bin von ein Prophet Gottes berufen worden, die Menschen der Deutschland das wiederhergestellte Evangelium Jesus Christi zu belehren" or "I have been called by a Prophet of God to teach the people of Germany the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ."
Herbie is doing very well. He met twice with the Elders last week and made it to church on Sunday! A baptismal date may be set this week :) Herbie likes what is being taught, but staying on topic is tough. The missionaries are thrilled with his progress.
Solomon is a LA from Nigeria and just moved from Switzerland to Germany. He is sooo cool and has a strong testimony. He hasn't made it to church due to his job, but changes in his weekends are coming. He and Elder Hoggan love basketball and golf!!
Suzanne met with the missionaries on Thursday. She is the lady who called the week before at the end of sacrament meeting and is a super nice Lutheran. She quoted Martin Luther. Another member was brought along and helped with the discussion, because some of Suzanne's beliefs are a little off. The Elders enjoyed learning more about the Lutheran religion and set up an appointment for this Friday. They will hope for the best! :)
More service was done on the farm! :) Memories of the Smiling H remind Elder Hoggan of home. He and Elder Evans pruned trees and did other jobs.
A member invited the missionaries to play basketball weekly with he and his friends. The guys are super cool. It was so fun. Elder Evans didn't know the rules and wasn't sure what to do. It was his first basketball game, but handled this new experience with a good attitude. Elder Hoggan's explanation of the rules weren't quite understood, but added to their fun :) This will be a great way to share the gospel with these friends and potential investigators.
Happy Birthday to Tyrel Wilde on June 1! Happy Birthday to Grandma Turner, Grandpa Turner, Austin Kleven, and Heather on June 5!
Liebe GruBe or Liebe GruSSe
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Birthday Week!
Elder Hoggan had an awesome 20th birthday and could feel ALL of the love from the other side of the world. He bought LEDERHOSEN and loves it! Now he is a true Bavarian and a true German. He really loves Bayern a lot :)
Elders Hoggan and Evans were on trains forever last week. They went to a district meeting in Augsburg and then went to find LA's who live at the very bottom of their area. Contact was made with those the ward knew nothing about, but the branch president must have remembered them. Phone numbers were obtained and it was agreed that the missionaries would stop by monthly to meet. Distance keeps members of the church away sometimes. The area is absolutely GORGEOUS and is home to the Alps :) Germany is the best! SO AMAZING!
Herbert Fischer, Herbie, is a new investigator that met with the Elders three times last week. He's an alcoholic, feels the Spirit, shows interest in the gospel, and wants to be part of the ward. Herbie is a former investigator that seems to be ready this time to receive help from others and says that his problems with alcohol are gone. He missed church, but made it to the Lern Fest!
Lern Fest is put on by the city and a whole bunch of different businesses, schools, etc., come together to teach about what they do. The church is located right next to the fields where booths are built and where the festival takes place. Geneology was introduced and offered to help others learn about their ancestors using Familysearch. It was a super cool day :) The missionaries handed out invitations about a presentation and helped people set up accounts and begin their family tree. Eighteen or so came and it was a success! Herbie, Temple, and Solomon were there and loved it! Elder Hoggan did, too. He printed out a fan chart of his family :) It's so awesome! He totally loves family history now! He's new at it, but can't get enough of it. It was a great time for everyone there.
Sunday was typical. Temple came to church and Elder Hoggan translated for Americans that were there visiting. After the closing song, the cell phone began vibrating due to an unknown number. Elder Hoggan was on the back row and left to answer the call. It was Suzanne. She attended the Lern Fest and accepted a Book of Mormon. She excused herself for missing church, but asked if she could meet with the missionaries and have them tell her more. That is the golden question :) An appointment was made for Thursday and it will be exciting :):):)
Melanie, a newly baptized member, made Elder Hoggan a birthday cake. She is sooooo cool and sooooo excited about the gospel. More service on the farm was performed last week by the Elders and ended with an eating appointment. They had lasagna with Andy, a member, who may be marrying Melanie. He invited the missionaries to play basketball with he and his friends every Friday night :) This will be a new tradition!!!! Elder Evans doesn't really like basketball much, but Elder Hoggan hopes to change that!
Love is sent from Germany to all here at home. The church is true and there are miracles every day! Elder Hoggan is grateful for the birthday wishes he received last week!
Elders Hoggan and Evans were on trains forever last week. They went to a district meeting in Augsburg and then went to find LA's who live at the very bottom of their area. Contact was made with those the ward knew nothing about, but the branch president must have remembered them. Phone numbers were obtained and it was agreed that the missionaries would stop by monthly to meet. Distance keeps members of the church away sometimes. The area is absolutely GORGEOUS and is home to the Alps :) Germany is the best! SO AMAZING!
Herbert Fischer, Herbie, is a new investigator that met with the Elders three times last week. He's an alcoholic, feels the Spirit, shows interest in the gospel, and wants to be part of the ward. Herbie is a former investigator that seems to be ready this time to receive help from others and says that his problems with alcohol are gone. He missed church, but made it to the Lern Fest!
Lern Fest is put on by the city and a whole bunch of different businesses, schools, etc., come together to teach about what they do. The church is located right next to the fields where booths are built and where the festival takes place. Geneology was introduced and offered to help others learn about their ancestors using Familysearch. It was a super cool day :) The missionaries handed out invitations about a presentation and helped people set up accounts and begin their family tree. Eighteen or so came and it was a success! Herbie, Temple, and Solomon were there and loved it! Elder Hoggan did, too. He printed out a fan chart of his family :) It's so awesome! He totally loves family history now! He's new at it, but can't get enough of it. It was a great time for everyone there.
Sunday was typical. Temple came to church and Elder Hoggan translated for Americans that were there visiting. After the closing song, the cell phone began vibrating due to an unknown number. Elder Hoggan was on the back row and left to answer the call. It was Suzanne. She attended the Lern Fest and accepted a Book of Mormon. She excused herself for missing church, but asked if she could meet with the missionaries and have them tell her more. That is the golden question :) An appointment was made for Thursday and it will be exciting :):):)
Melanie, a newly baptized member, made Elder Hoggan a birthday cake. She is sooooo cool and sooooo excited about the gospel. More service on the farm was performed last week by the Elders and ended with an eating appointment. They had lasagna with Andy, a member, who may be marrying Melanie. He invited the missionaries to play basketball with he and his friends every Friday night :) This will be a new tradition!!!! Elder Evans doesn't really like basketball much, but Elder Hoggan hopes to change that!
Love is sent from Germany to all here at home. The church is true and there are miracles every day! Elder Hoggan is grateful for the birthday wishes he received last week!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Mother I Love You!
Elder Hoggan skyped yesterday for Mother's Day after 8 a.m. Grandparents came, cousins stopped by, Aunts and Uncle Brady made it, and Jared Lambert added to a perfect day! Everyone got to visit with him and listen to his musical message for Mother's Day. He and Elder Evans played a guitar and ukelele duet of a favorite primary song, Mother I Love You. They sang it and touched all those in attendance! It was the best Mother's Day ever! Elder Hoggan has taught himself to play the guitar and learned two days before. Such talent!
Time is flying by fast, but he mentioned in his email today that he hopes all of the moms know how amazing he thinks they are. Especially his own! He said it was the perfect ending to another great week doing the best work ever in the best mission ever : )
Last Pday or Monday, brought an opportunity to meet with Alex. He's the member of the church who Elders Hoggan and Evans are trying to help prepare to receive the priesthood. They watched some of a talk given by President Uchtdorf entitled, "Your Potential, Your Privilege". The story is shared of a man on a cruise ship and how he stays in his cabin eating only the food he took on the ship to save money. This gentleman did get to see places he had dreamt about, but on the last day of his vacation a crew member asks him which farewell party he will at attending. It was then he realized that the food, entertainment, and activities were inclusive with his cruise. Unfortunately, he learned that he had been living beneath his privileges.
Do we live below our privileges? It is wise to take things step by step and trust in the Lord. A great discussion was had with Alex and he said that he'd like to receive the priesthood in April. That's the goal for now. Maybe with continual meetings, the date can be moved up.
A ton of service took place last week. Indira needed help painting and repainting things. She's a former investigator from Brazil and is super nice. The missionaries are needed again this week to assist her and they look forward to teaching her while they work.
More service was performed on a LA's farm. His wife is super active and awesome, but for whatever reason he doesn't go to church. This brought back memories of working at Grandma and Grandpa Hoggan's place. The missionaries got to ride a tractor various places and pick up trimmed tree branches. This LA is a great guy and will be needing more help this week. Hopefully, something comes from this work and friendship.
Temple, an investigator, didn't answer when the missionaries stopped by to set up a future appointment. Instead, a member answered the door! His name is Solomon and he was baptized in Switzerland before moving to Germany. Cool! An appointment was made for Friday.
Temple's friend, Russel, began talking to the Elders about how he had attended church once and expressed a sincere desire to meet with the missionaries. Russel has read in the Book of Mormon, liked what he read, and kept his Friday appointment. All of them met at the same time and it worked out great!
They viewed the Atonement and it gave Solomon a chance to talk about how he came to know that this is the true church. It was really good to have him testify with Temple and Russel present. These investigators committed to reading the Book of mormon daily and praying about it. Temple has been doing that and Russel said he really hopes to receive an answer. Temple made it to church yesterday and maybe they can all be there next Sunday.
Tuesday of last week brought a zone training meeting where skills were learned to aid in better teaching, listening, and in asking questions. It was great! Three missionaries from their zone left for home. One is Samuel Orchard and he will be playing basketball at USU. He served in the best mission ever for two years :)
Time is flying by fast, but he mentioned in his email today that he hopes all of the moms know how amazing he thinks they are. Especially his own! He said it was the perfect ending to another great week doing the best work ever in the best mission ever : )
Last Pday or Monday, brought an opportunity to meet with Alex. He's the member of the church who Elders Hoggan and Evans are trying to help prepare to receive the priesthood. They watched some of a talk given by President Uchtdorf entitled, "Your Potential, Your Privilege". The story is shared of a man on a cruise ship and how he stays in his cabin eating only the food he took on the ship to save money. This gentleman did get to see places he had dreamt about, but on the last day of his vacation a crew member asks him which farewell party he will at attending. It was then he realized that the food, entertainment, and activities were inclusive with his cruise. Unfortunately, he learned that he had been living beneath his privileges.
Do we live below our privileges? It is wise to take things step by step and trust in the Lord. A great discussion was had with Alex and he said that he'd like to receive the priesthood in April. That's the goal for now. Maybe with continual meetings, the date can be moved up.
A ton of service took place last week. Indira needed help painting and repainting things. She's a former investigator from Brazil and is super nice. The missionaries are needed again this week to assist her and they look forward to teaching her while they work.
More service was performed on a LA's farm. His wife is super active and awesome, but for whatever reason he doesn't go to church. This brought back memories of working at Grandma and Grandpa Hoggan's place. The missionaries got to ride a tractor various places and pick up trimmed tree branches. This LA is a great guy and will be needing more help this week. Hopefully, something comes from this work and friendship.
Temple, an investigator, didn't answer when the missionaries stopped by to set up a future appointment. Instead, a member answered the door! His name is Solomon and he was baptized in Switzerland before moving to Germany. Cool! An appointment was made for Friday.
Temple's friend, Russel, began talking to the Elders about how he had attended church once and expressed a sincere desire to meet with the missionaries. Russel has read in the Book of Mormon, liked what he read, and kept his Friday appointment. All of them met at the same time and it worked out great!
They viewed the Atonement and it gave Solomon a chance to talk about how he came to know that this is the true church. It was really good to have him testify with Temple and Russel present. These investigators committed to reading the Book of mormon daily and praying about it. Temple has been doing that and Russel said he really hopes to receive an answer. Temple made it to church yesterday and maybe they can all be there next Sunday.
Tuesday of last week brought a zone training meeting where skills were learned to aid in better teaching, listening, and in asking questions. It was great! Three missionaries from their zone left for home. One is Samuel Orchard and he will be playing basketball at USU. He served in the best mission ever for two years :)
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
5+5/Super Cool Week
The weeks are flying by. Time in the mission field goes so fast and this last transfer passed too quickly. It was a five week transfer and the next one will be, too. It has something to do with getting a new mission president.
Elders Hoggan and Evans will stay together and that's no surprise. They've been a companionship for one transfer and look forward to the future. Yet, they're sad to lose President and Sister Miles. Those two are loved SO MUCH! The Elders know that the new mission president will be super great as well.
Because Elder Hoggan has been in Germany for so long, he probably won't be getting his drivers license. But who knows? He was hoping to obtain that in four more weeks and begin driving.
Tuesday and Wednesday were spent back in Ingolstadt. The Familie Banageas is one of Elder Hoggan's favorite families and he was able to see them. Frau Luz was also visited and Matthew 11:28-30 was discussed with her. She is going through some very tough and stressful times with her health. She cried and the missionaries offered to give her a blessing. She didn't know what one was, but agreed. Elders Pugmire, Hoggan, and Write (remember him from SLC?) had the opportunity to bless this old investigator. It was a super cool experience and a great day :)
Thursday was amazing with Elder Dyches from the second quorum of the Seventy. He spoke a lot about companion unity and his experiences in that very mission. He said that that mission is the refiners fire. Haha, missionary work is never easy for anyone, but Elder Hoggan loves his mission! It is the best mission hands-down! Sister Dyches gave the missionaries ideas for Mother's Day. "Keep your eyes peeled :)"
Two zone conferences for Munich and Stuttgart brought a giant finding day. A circus and carnival was going on and each companionship was assigned different areas. A lot of people heard about the Book of Mormon and were offered a tour of the church which was only 5 minutes away. It was such an awesome opportunity. Elder Hoggan enjoyed seeing old friends.
Elders Hoggan and Evans met with Temple again! The lesson was amazing and on studying the scriptures and prayer. Reading was done in 2 Nephi 32 and then Elder Hoggan was prompted to share one of his favorite scriptures in 2 Nephi 33:10. He had a wonderful experience once with the Wilde family back home when their family was reading together. That scripture touched him and the Spirit was very strong. He has never gotten it out of his mind. Nephi's amazing testimony affected Elder Hoggan's heart and changed his view of the Book of Mormon forever.
The Spirit flooded the room and Elder Evans waited and then asked, "Temple, will you pray with us right now to know whether or not the church is true?" And they did. They knelt down and each said their own individual prayer. Elder Hoggan prayed so hard for Temple and there they were. Temple felt something. He later said that as long as he is in Kaufbeuren, he will go to this church because it is the "living church". Temple attended church on Sunday and is making great progress!
Bis nachste Woche!
Elders Hoggan and Evans will stay together and that's no surprise. They've been a companionship for one transfer and look forward to the future. Yet, they're sad to lose President and Sister Miles. Those two are loved SO MUCH! The Elders know that the new mission president will be super great as well.
Because Elder Hoggan has been in Germany for so long, he probably won't be getting his drivers license. But who knows? He was hoping to obtain that in four more weeks and begin driving.
Tuesday and Wednesday were spent back in Ingolstadt. The Familie Banageas is one of Elder Hoggan's favorite families and he was able to see them. Frau Luz was also visited and Matthew 11:28-30 was discussed with her. She is going through some very tough and stressful times with her health. She cried and the missionaries offered to give her a blessing. She didn't know what one was, but agreed. Elders Pugmire, Hoggan, and Write (remember him from SLC?) had the opportunity to bless this old investigator. It was a super cool experience and a great day :)
Thursday was amazing with Elder Dyches from the second quorum of the Seventy. He spoke a lot about companion unity and his experiences in that very mission. He said that that mission is the refiners fire. Haha, missionary work is never easy for anyone, but Elder Hoggan loves his mission! It is the best mission hands-down! Sister Dyches gave the missionaries ideas for Mother's Day. "Keep your eyes peeled :)"
Two zone conferences for Munich and Stuttgart brought a giant finding day. A circus and carnival was going on and each companionship was assigned different areas. A lot of people heard about the Book of Mormon and were offered a tour of the church which was only 5 minutes away. It was such an awesome opportunity. Elder Hoggan enjoyed seeing old friends.
Elders Hoggan and Evans met with Temple again! The lesson was amazing and on studying the scriptures and prayer. Reading was done in 2 Nephi 32 and then Elder Hoggan was prompted to share one of his favorite scriptures in 2 Nephi 33:10. He had a wonderful experience once with the Wilde family back home when their family was reading together. That scripture touched him and the Spirit was very strong. He has never gotten it out of his mind. Nephi's amazing testimony affected Elder Hoggan's heart and changed his view of the Book of Mormon forever.
The Spirit flooded the room and Elder Evans waited and then asked, "Temple, will you pray with us right now to know whether or not the church is true?" And they did. They knelt down and each said their own individual prayer. Elder Hoggan prayed so hard for Temple and there they were. Temple felt something. He later said that as long as he is in Kaufbeuren, he will go to this church because it is the "living church". Temple attended church on Sunday and is making great progress!
Bis nachste Woche!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Stanley's Adventures for Jarom
Elder Hoggan sent pictures of his first area in Germany, Ingolstadt. Flat Stanley enjoyed it very much :)
Flat Stanley also got to see a little bit of the Allgau Region.
Flat Stanley made a great third companion :) Steve thanked Jarom for letting Flat Stanley go with him on these adventures and closed expressing love for his cousin.
Flat Stanley also got to see a little bit of the Allgau Region.
Flat Stanley made a great third companion :) Steve thanked Jarom for letting Flat Stanley go with him on these adventures and closed expressing love for his cousin.
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