Elder Hoggan had another awesome week in Kaufeuren! He has introduced Elder Harvey to the whole missionary experience and are having a blast together. They had baptismal commitments, fallen out appointments, miracles, Lederhosen, and much more.
Tuesday was a cool day in Augsburg where they had a finding day before district meeting. The Elders talked with the coolest girl ever. Her mom is from Boston. As they were chatting with her about the Book of Mormon, she accepted one. The missionaries invited her to a fourth of July party this week in Augsburg and she said excitedly that she would be there. She promised to begin reading the Book of Mormon as soon as she got home and to pray about it :) After district meeting, three appointments were scheduled. Two fell out and plans change. The Elders still had an awesome day and talked with Alice. She is a cool lady with an appointment coming up next week.
Wednesday, the missionaries were on the Autobahn headed for Munich. Elder Harvey had a bag that he needed with additional clothing. He had been wearing the same pants and it was good for him to get that bag! Upon returning back, the Elders met with Herbie. Elder Harvey gave his first baptismal commitment and did an awesome job, but Herbie has too much going on in his life right now. He got a little upset that such a question would be asked when he was recovering from sickness and stress. Herbie asked for a two week break which should give him enough time to feel 100%.
Next was an appointment with Temple. He was taught the Word of Wisdom, but believes that as long as we don't take too much of anything into our bodies, it isn't a big deal. He agreed to read more and pray about it. More will be discussed next time.
Thursday rocked!! Service was done on the farm and reminded Elder Hoggan of his time pruning trees at Birch Creek. It was fun and service is always a good opportunity! That evening was the coolest part though :) The missionaries got to watch the World Cup: Germany vs. USA! They saw it with Alex and it was a ton of fun! Germany won 1-0, but USA is moving forward! The Elders are allowed to watch two games of the World Cup. One down, one to go. The missionaries hope to choose wisely, but can't watch the final game on Sunday.
Saturday was awesome, too. ZL's visited from Munich and worked along side Elder Hoggan and Elder Harvey for several hours. They went to Kempten, a city in their area, and parked on the outskirts where parking is free. They went their separate ways and agreed to meet up at the train station. Elder Hoggan's tool was, "Hey, which way is it to the train station?" They then contacted back to the car once the ZL's caught their train. Then the fun started :)
The Elders stopped a girl on the street. She looked to be about their age. They told her how they are two Americans talking about the Book of Mormon, explained it to her, and got her number saying that more messages could be shared in the future. She didn't take a Book of Mormon, but believes that prayer is all that is needed in life. Here's the funny part. Just as Elder Hoggan was getting her number, a flash flood hit. They were all sitting in the pouring rain and getting drenched. Elder Hoggan whipped out his umbrella and the Elders walked Verena to the corner. They all were laughing so hard. A sense of humor is a must. The weather finally let up, but Elders Hoggan and Harvey are hopeful they have her number. She was SO COOL!
An appointment was made with a guy that is looking to become a christian... :) More about him will be coming next week.
The new mission president got in and introductions will be on Saturday. The Elders look forward to meeting Elder Kohler and his wife.
These two missionaries are anxious for another miracle week to come!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
1st Week W/New Son
Elder Hoggan's new companion is Elder Harvey from St. George, Utah. He is super cool! After meeting in Munich and staying over night, they caught a train to Kaufbeuren. They sat next to a lady who accepted a Book of Mormon and they visited with her about Joseph Smith. After their hour on the train was up, she left her email address with the Elders.
Elder Harvey was introduced to the ward mission leader after he got settled in. The missionaries went over to his house and did some racing on his race track in the basement. He is a cool, fun loving guy and that was tons of fun.
A ward activity took place on Saturday. Miniature golf was played on a cement course. Putting was super, super hard, but a lot of fun. Elder Hoggan enjoyed playing golf for the first time time in years and thinks his swing has stayed in good shape :) It was an awesome opportunity for Elder Harvey to get to know the ward and reminded Elder Hoggan of past summer days at home.
Sunday was awesome. No, there weren't investigators in church, but there will be next week. After going by on a potential, the Elders gave a lady at a bus stop a Book of Mormon. She said that she would read it, pray about it, and contact the Elders. Sadly, she didn't leave any information. Maybe she will call after all.
A couple from Bosnia approached the missionaries and said, "And these two men probably have a book for us. That's how it works, right?" Elder Hoggan was holding a Book of Mormon and responded, "Well, yes actually!" They chatted for a while and made an appointment for Tuesday to meet at the church. Hopefully, they will come :) Elder Hoggan has a really good feeling about them.
Next to the church is a soccer field, a track, and a basketball court. It is a park area. As the Elders passed, they offered to take on a couple of individuals playing basketball. They agreed and played pretty decent. One is a German and the other was from China. The missionaries were in their church clothes and played for about 15 minutes. More games were planned and a teaching opportunity may come from this.
The Elders are doing their best to talk to as many people as they can. Miracles are coming their way! The Lord is answering their prayers! Next week will be another miracle week, too :) Elder Hoggan knows it!
Elder Harvey was introduced to the ward mission leader after he got settled in. The missionaries went over to his house and did some racing on his race track in the basement. He is a cool, fun loving guy and that was tons of fun.
A ward activity took place on Saturday. Miniature golf was played on a cement course. Putting was super, super hard, but a lot of fun. Elder Hoggan enjoyed playing golf for the first time time in years and thinks his swing has stayed in good shape :) It was an awesome opportunity for Elder Harvey to get to know the ward and reminded Elder Hoggan of past summer days at home.
A couple from Bosnia approached the missionaries and said, "And these two men probably have a book for us. That's how it works, right?" Elder Hoggan was holding a Book of Mormon and responded, "Well, yes actually!" They chatted for a while and made an appointment for Tuesday to meet at the church. Hopefully, they will come :) Elder Hoggan has a really good feeling about them.
Next to the church is a soccer field, a track, and a basketball court. It is a park area. As the Elders passed, they offered to take on a couple of individuals playing basketball. They agreed and played pretty decent. One is a German and the other was from China. The missionaries were in their church clothes and played for about 15 minutes. More games were planned and a teaching opportunity may come from this.
The Elders are doing their best to talk to as many people as they can. Miracles are coming their way! The Lord is answering their prayers! Next week will be another miracle week, too :) Elder Hoggan knows it!
Seed
Elder Hoggan sends his greeting and is grateful to be a missionary everyday. He has the advantage over us here at home. Transfer calls came and Elder Evans left for Austria.
Now Elder Hoggan is bearing a son and the seed continues. He will be taking a train with Elder Stuart, also from Smithfield, and going to Munich together. They will both be trainers and finding out who belongs with who.
Elder Evans was a great companion. Change is always good and exciting. There is always something to learn, but it will be a bummer to say goodbye to Elder Evans.
On Tuesday, Elder Hoggan was in Ingolstadt. There were some train complications due to construction. This made switching back very hard.
Wednesday a new investigator was picked up. her name is Sonja and her husband is LA because of his job. He works for the police and can only attend church one Sunday a month. Sonja is super cool, too. She likes the church and the Book of Mormon, but has a few concerns that the missionaries will help her get over.
Saturday was a heart wrenching day. It was a zone training meeting and a goodbye conference to President and Sister Miles. The whole thing was super awesome! A lot was said about patience and motivation. Pictures of the new mission president and his family were shown. he will be coming in around June 27th. After the Miles last teachings, hugs were given and pictures were taken. They are amazing people and will be missed sooo much. But what happens, happens. The new president will be just as awesome. It can be sometimes hard to say goodbye to good friends.
Later, the Elders took a train and visited with one of Elder Hoggan's favorite families from the Ingolstadt Branch. There son had just been baptized after turning eight years old.
Elder Hoggan has met many awesome people on his mission as he serves bearing testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.
Now Elder Hoggan is bearing a son and the seed continues. He will be taking a train with Elder Stuart, also from Smithfield, and going to Munich together. They will both be trainers and finding out who belongs with who.
Elder Evans was a great companion. Change is always good and exciting. There is always something to learn, but it will be a bummer to say goodbye to Elder Evans.
On Tuesday, Elder Hoggan was in Ingolstadt. There were some train complications due to construction. This made switching back very hard.
Wednesday a new investigator was picked up. her name is Sonja and her husband is LA because of his job. He works for the police and can only attend church one Sunday a month. Sonja is super cool, too. She likes the church and the Book of Mormon, but has a few concerns that the missionaries will help her get over.
Saturday was a heart wrenching day. It was a zone training meeting and a goodbye conference to President and Sister Miles. The whole thing was super awesome! A lot was said about patience and motivation. Pictures of the new mission president and his family were shown. he will be coming in around June 27th. After the Miles last teachings, hugs were given and pictures were taken. They are amazing people and will be missed sooo much. But what happens, happens. The new president will be just as awesome. It can be sometimes hard to say goodbye to good friends.
Later, the Elders took a train and visited with one of Elder Hoggan's favorite families from the Ingolstadt Branch. There son had just been baptized after turning eight years old.
Elder Hoggan has met many awesome people on his mission as he serves bearing testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Great week, No time!
Elder Hoggan visited the Neuschwanstein Castle today and has absolutely no time to send a longer email. His week was amazing with many highlights.
Saturday was cool, because they helped Herbie move into his new apartment. He's an investigator that had things in a storage unit and his new house is now only 5 minutes away from the church :) He made it to church again, but was only able to go to Sunday School due to a headache.
Solomon, a member is the coolest guy ever! He reads the Book of Mormon every day and is trying super hard to be a good example to his roommates. He loves meeting with the Elders, loves the gospel, AND you can tell that he has a super strong testimony. When his friends begin drinking, he leaves for a walk to not face the temptation. The missionaries recently took him a white shirt that he could wear on Sunday and think he's cool!
Mormons were at the Neuschwanstein Castle and Steve is glad that LDS are everywhere!
Saturday was cool, because they helped Herbie move into his new apartment. He's an investigator that had things in a storage unit and his new house is now only 5 minutes away from the church :) He made it to church again, but was only able to go to Sunday School due to a headache.
Solomon, a member is the coolest guy ever! He reads the Book of Mormon every day and is trying super hard to be a good example to his roommates. He loves meeting with the Elders, loves the gospel, AND you can tell that he has a super strong testimony. When his friends begin drinking, he leaves for a walk to not face the temptation. The missionaries recently took him a white shirt that he could wear on Sunday and think he's cool!
Mormons were at the Neuschwanstein Castle and Steve is glad that LDS are everywhere!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Cruisin'
Elder Hoggan is back on the streets! After 14 months, he is now the proud owner of a German drivers license and soon his sister will obtain hers, but in America. Go Heather!
Driving has helped Elder Hoggan learn the area better. Transfers are in a couple weeks and Elder Evans will most likely be leaving Kaufbeuren, but they don't talk about those things.
Driving on the Autobahn was incredible! No speed limits, except for missionaries. It was a super cool experience! Some Germans drive way too fast :) Elder Hoggan went 120 km.
Wednesday brought exchanges with the Ingolstadt Elders in Kaufbeuren. The missionaries met with Herbie and he is doing super well!!!! He had questions about the Book of Mormon. Really good questions. Not ones trying to prove the Book of Mormon wrong, but questions that helped him know more about it. Herbie wants to learn more before committing to baptism. He knows that is the goal and went to church on Sunday. This week the Elders will help him move into a new apartment. Herbie is really changing his life for the better. Nine months ago, he didn't own his own place and was having problems with alcohol. Elder Hoggan and Elder Evans are excited for him and are so glad that he is doing really well.
A man from India visited with the missionaries and has a super strong relationship with God. He's got some very strange concepts and doesn't believe that we have our agency as to worldly things. This guy doesn't see the importance of belonging to a church or reading from the scriptures. He seems to be pretty stuck in his ways and not willing to progress with the Elders, but can tell the future. Super weird. He predicted five or so things that night and three came true. Creepy....
Elder Hoggan had a s'more on Thursday! It was amazing! He hasn't had one in the longest time!!!! It was like heaven! The Elders were with members for a German holiday and those that had never tried s'mores before, loved them. A s'more shop could make billions over, says Elder Hoggan. It was a fun day. Later, they met with Solomon. He's doing super well and went to church on Sunday! Temple came, too! Another meeting with those two is scheduled for this week :) Solomon is doing some missionary work with his roommates and maybe something cool comes from that!
Saturday was the best day of the week! There was a musical fireside and the missionaries played a huge role. Elder Hoggan strummed his guitar :) They played Follow the Prophet with a choir of missionaries singing. Another guitarist was Elder Quilter, Elder Hoggan's previous companion. Elder Worthin, DL, also played along. It was sooo cool and a recording was made. The entire fireside was what you would call the first lesson, but taught all with music. They sang Praise to the Man, I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Oh How Lovely Was the Morning, I Am a Child of God, and A Child's Prayer. Elder Hoggan had a blast! At the conclusion, Sister Miles was given flowers. She and President Miles will be leaving soon for home. At the end of June, the missionaries will meet their new mission president.
Elder Hoggan closed with wishes to all to enjoy the summer and with his testimony that the Church is true and the Book of Mormon is as well!
Driving has helped Elder Hoggan learn the area better. Transfers are in a couple weeks and Elder Evans will most likely be leaving Kaufbeuren, but they don't talk about those things.
Driving on the Autobahn was incredible! No speed limits, except for missionaries. It was a super cool experience! Some Germans drive way too fast :) Elder Hoggan went 120 km.
Wednesday brought exchanges with the Ingolstadt Elders in Kaufbeuren. The missionaries met with Herbie and he is doing super well!!!! He had questions about the Book of Mormon. Really good questions. Not ones trying to prove the Book of Mormon wrong, but questions that helped him know more about it. Herbie wants to learn more before committing to baptism. He knows that is the goal and went to church on Sunday. This week the Elders will help him move into a new apartment. Herbie is really changing his life for the better. Nine months ago, he didn't own his own place and was having problems with alcohol. Elder Hoggan and Elder Evans are excited for him and are so glad that he is doing really well.
A man from India visited with the missionaries and has a super strong relationship with God. He's got some very strange concepts and doesn't believe that we have our agency as to worldly things. This guy doesn't see the importance of belonging to a church or reading from the scriptures. He seems to be pretty stuck in his ways and not willing to progress with the Elders, but can tell the future. Super weird. He predicted five or so things that night and three came true. Creepy....
Elder Hoggan had a s'more on Thursday! It was amazing! He hasn't had one in the longest time!!!! It was like heaven! The Elders were with members for a German holiday and those that had never tried s'mores before, loved them. A s'more shop could make billions over, says Elder Hoggan. It was a fun day. Later, they met with Solomon. He's doing super well and went to church on Sunday! Temple came, too! Another meeting with those two is scheduled for this week :) Solomon is doing some missionary work with his roommates and maybe something cool comes from that!
Saturday was the best day of the week! There was a musical fireside and the missionaries played a huge role. Elder Hoggan strummed his guitar :) They played Follow the Prophet with a choir of missionaries singing. Another guitarist was Elder Quilter, Elder Hoggan's previous companion. Elder Worthin, DL, also played along. It was sooo cool and a recording was made. The entire fireside was what you would call the first lesson, but taught all with music. They sang Praise to the Man, I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Oh How Lovely Was the Morning, I Am a Child of God, and A Child's Prayer. Elder Hoggan had a blast! At the conclusion, Sister Miles was given flowers. She and President Miles will be leaving soon for home. At the end of June, the missionaries will meet their new mission president.
Elder Hoggan closed with wishes to all to enjoy the summer and with his testimony that the Church is true and the Book of Mormon is as well!
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