Elder Hoggan's email greetings from Waiblingen are Hallo Meine Lieben! Hello, my love!
Cool miracles are happening and a teaching pool involves Frau Vollmer. She is from Peru and was found through the area book. The Elders met with her first last Monday and her situation is interesting. Her record states that she's a member of the church, but her husband didn't know that. She had been taught by the missionaries a few times long ago, but says that her religious background is Catholic. Frau Vollmer is nice and has a ton of potential.
Frau Schief met with Elders Hoggan and Jensen on Wednesday and she was found through the area book, too. She is a nice, older lady who just lost her job. Comforting scriptures were shared from the Book of Mormon and the Bible. Frau Schief still has her own Book of Mormon from a few years back. She enjoyed talking about how Christ can carry our burdens and help us. A return appointment was made for the following Wednesday.
Kim was visited on Wednesday as well. She was contacted on the doorstep, remembered the previous missionaries, was totally open to meeting again, and shared that her family golfs :) Elder Hoggan hopes to pull a few strings there...;) Kim's recorded note next to her name had to "call again in a while or ask to golf." Elder Hoggan did both. She can't meet this week, but maybe the week after.
Bertrand is a newly baptized member from Cameroon. He brought a friend to the lesson with the missionaries and the Restoration was taught. His name is Judane (Jew-d-nee, nee like as a horse, nay). Judane seemed to really enjoy what was taught and is super cool.
Sunday was the baptism for 8 year old, Nick. A few people were invited to come, but one cancelled and the other didn't show. Elders Hoggan and Jensen are being positive! Frau Krieb is one of those who was invited and she is super nice. She will be meeting with the missionaries on Wednesday :)
After the baptism, Elder Hoggan asked a father (family friend) if he would like to learn more about the gospel, but he said no. Prayers are being offered that the Lord will keep working on him and soften his heart.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Rising
Elders Hoggan and Jensen have decided that the best way to get this new area going is by working with members and going through the area book. A lot of people have been called and the fruits are coming from their labors! One is a new investigator, Frau Cordasco. She's a little skeptical, but open to hearing about other religions. Another entry was Keine Interesse which means no interest. This person lost her job and is going through hard, sad times. Now is the time for the gospel to enter her life and bless it!
Copies, from a previous missionary's planner, had a list of numbers and addresses of people that weren't in the area book. Names were chosen, but a feeling prompted Elder Hoggan to call every number. The last one on the list was Daisy, a German. She's moving and the missionaries offered their help and services. Those she had lined up to help her, hadn't been answering their phones. The Elders mentioned how they were inspired to call her and that there aren't any coincidences. Daisy has really been seeing and feeling God's love in her life and then this miracle occurred!. It blew her mind and was a cool experience :)
Stake Conference talks were on Hastening the Work and the Family. One missionary said, "Our testimonies and faith need to be so strong that we have the desire to share the gospel." When we have strong testimonies, we have a desire to share the gospel and it comes naturally. We want to share what we have. That comment has inspired Elder Hoggan to try and strengthen his testimony even more, to try and talk with more people even though this can be very hard to do.
Another speaker at Stake Conference said, "I can't imagine the Celestial Kingdom without my family." This is exactly how Elder Hoggan feels as well!!!!!!!!! God made His plan for us as families and He knows what brings us the most joy!
One last miracle was as the Elders were walking a different way home. A guy was a bit ahead of them and Elder Hoggan wanted to talk to him, but didn't want to make it too awkward. Excuses are lame. Finally, this man turned around and said, "Hey, are you from the Mormon church? I hear that the Mormon church lets people have five wives." The missionaries explained that that isn't true. "Well, what do you believe?" (Ding ding ding!!!) Michael left Elders Hoggan and Jensen with his telephone number, but is busy this week. Maybe next week they can meet!
Copies, from a previous missionary's planner, had a list of numbers and addresses of people that weren't in the area book. Names were chosen, but a feeling prompted Elder Hoggan to call every number. The last one on the list was Daisy, a German. She's moving and the missionaries offered their help and services. Those she had lined up to help her, hadn't been answering their phones. The Elders mentioned how they were inspired to call her and that there aren't any coincidences. Daisy has really been seeing and feeling God's love in her life and then this miracle occurred!. It blew her mind and was a cool experience :)
Stake Conference talks were on Hastening the Work and the Family. One missionary said, "Our testimonies and faith need to be so strong that we have the desire to share the gospel." When we have strong testimonies, we have a desire to share the gospel and it comes naturally. We want to share what we have. That comment has inspired Elder Hoggan to try and strengthen his testimony even more, to try and talk with more people even though this can be very hard to do.
Another speaker at Stake Conference said, "I can't imagine the Celestial Kingdom without my family." This is exactly how Elder Hoggan feels as well!!!!!!!!! God made His plan for us as families and He knows what brings us the most joy!
One last miracle was as the Elders were walking a different way home. A guy was a bit ahead of them and Elder Hoggan wanted to talk to him, but didn't want to make it too awkward. Excuses are lame. Finally, this man turned around and said, "Hey, are you from the Mormon church? I hear that the Mormon church lets people have five wives." The missionaries explained that that isn't true. "Well, what do you believe?" (Ding ding ding!!!) Michael left Elders Hoggan and Jensen with his telephone number, but is busy this week. Maybe next week they can meet!
Monday, September 15, 2014
White Wash
Last week was a roller coaster ride for Elder Hoggan. He was sick Monday and Tuesday which wasn't fun at all. The positive thing about that is being able to sleep on the new couches before being kicked off to his new area. Elder harvey did a good job of taking care of him. Goodbyes were said on Wednesday and visits were made to some member families.
President Kohler called Tuesday night and informed Elder Hoggan that two missionaries serving in Waiblingen were going to Munich for hernia surgeries. Originally, only one was diagnosed, but the companion realized he was experiencing similar pains and has one as well. It's kind of a funny story. So now instead of opening a new area in Ellwangen, Elder Hoggan will be taking over Waiblingen and whitewashing.
Elder Jensen is Steve's newest companion. He is from Wisconsin and is a fan of baseball and football. He loves the Green Bay Packers, his family owns their own business selling tools, and renting out tractors plus other vehicles. Elder Jensen worked there before his mission and will hopefully, take over the family business one day. He is a hard worker :)
Now these two live outside of Stuttgard, a pretty large city. A tender mercy occurred their first day together as the Elders got off the train. They had a map of how to get to their house, but neither one really knew the way. As they were discussing this, a man walked up and asked if they were lost. "Yeah, a little bit." After talking for a while, the gentleman asked them to wait there while he got his car and said that he would take them and their many bags to their new apartment. This older man did a good job of driving. He only drove on the wrong side of the road once, after Elder Hoggan pointed out that three cars were coming their way. It was pretty funny. The missionaries got this kind guy's phone number and were very grateful for his help!
The location of their apartment is pretty good. Only five minutes from the church and eight minutes from the train station. Across the street is a place that sells horse meat. Sometimes a horse is heard off in the distance. The missionaries are curious and can't get over the weirdness of the factory across from where they live.
Sunday brought introductions to the ward, the Bishop, and Ward Mission Leader. The search is on for people to teach as well as other names of those to go by on and work with. Things should pick up in the next couple of weeks.
Elder Hoggan's new address is:
Elder Steven Hoggan
Kirche Jesu Christi HLT
Benzstrasse 10
Waiblingen 71332
Deutschland
President Kohler called Tuesday night and informed Elder Hoggan that two missionaries serving in Waiblingen were going to Munich for hernia surgeries. Originally, only one was diagnosed, but the companion realized he was experiencing similar pains and has one as well. It's kind of a funny story. So now instead of opening a new area in Ellwangen, Elder Hoggan will be taking over Waiblingen and whitewashing.
Elder Jensen is Steve's newest companion. He is from Wisconsin and is a fan of baseball and football. He loves the Green Bay Packers, his family owns their own business selling tools, and renting out tractors plus other vehicles. Elder Jensen worked there before his mission and will hopefully, take over the family business one day. He is a hard worker :)
Now these two live outside of Stuttgard, a pretty large city. A tender mercy occurred their first day together as the Elders got off the train. They had a map of how to get to their house, but neither one really knew the way. As they were discussing this, a man walked up and asked if they were lost. "Yeah, a little bit." After talking for a while, the gentleman asked them to wait there while he got his car and said that he would take them and their many bags to their new apartment. This older man did a good job of driving. He only drove on the wrong side of the road once, after Elder Hoggan pointed out that three cars were coming their way. It was pretty funny. The missionaries got this kind guy's phone number and were very grateful for his help!
The location of their apartment is pretty good. Only five minutes from the church and eight minutes from the train station. Across the street is a place that sells horse meat. Sometimes a horse is heard off in the distance. The missionaries are curious and can't get over the weirdness of the factory across from where they live.
Sunday brought introductions to the ward, the Bishop, and Ward Mission Leader. The search is on for people to teach as well as other names of those to go by on and work with. Things should pick up in the next couple of weeks.
Elder Hoggan's new address is:
Elder Steven Hoggan
Kirche Jesu Christi HLT
Benzstrasse 10
Waiblingen 71332
Deutschland
Monday, September 8, 2014
New Changes
Elder Hoggan is under the weather and received a priesthood blessing from Elder Harvey. A short email was sent indicating that Steve's mission president has asked him to open up a new area - Ellwangen! He will receive a new green bean/golden/greenie son. Elder Hoggan's mission family is growing, getting bigger, and he is now up to three kids! He and his new companion will meet on Thursday in Munich and then will drive to their new area. This is exciting news!
Bad schnitzel is to blame for Elder Hoggan's sickness. He will be back up and going soon!
An email sent on 7 September, read "Urgent Mother!!!" in the subject line. Elder Hoggan was asking his mom for a homemade American pancake recipe. He received pancake recipes for: applesauce, buttermilk wheat, regular, blueberry, buckwheat, cornmeal, ham, chocolate chip, oatmeal, orange-coconut, peach, rye, and yogurt pancakes.
The Elders were going to have a cooking and movie night with a new member of the church. They will be enjoying pancakes while watching the Joseph Smith movie, Prophet of the Restoration.
Elder Hoggan wished his parents a HAPPY 26th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And added, "You are the best parents that I could ask for :) Love you!!!!"
Steve is grateful for this awesome privilege to serve the Lord.
Bad schnitzel is to blame for Elder Hoggan's sickness. He will be back up and going soon!
An email sent on 7 September, read "Urgent Mother!!!" in the subject line. Elder Hoggan was asking his mom for a homemade American pancake recipe. He received pancake recipes for: applesauce, buttermilk wheat, regular, blueberry, buckwheat, cornmeal, ham, chocolate chip, oatmeal, orange-coconut, peach, rye, and yogurt pancakes.
The Elders were going to have a cooking and movie night with a new member of the church. They will be enjoying pancakes while watching the Joseph Smith movie, Prophet of the Restoration.
Elder Hoggan wished his parents a HAPPY 26th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And added, "You are the best parents that I could ask for :) Love you!!!!"
Steve is grateful for this awesome privilege to serve the Lord.
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