The Final Epistle General Of Elder Hughes
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I begin by saying thank you for all the love support and prayers that have been given in my behalf so that I could serve the Lord these last 2 years. As I have pondered and reflected upon the experiences I've have and the person I've become, I truly stand all amazed at the working of the Lord in our lives. Surely all things do testify of him, and he is involved in the details of our every day lives. As I have studied and learned and applied the teachings of the scriptures in my life, I have come to understand the power of repentance, and the true power of the Atonement in cleansing us from sin, and empowering us to overcome our fallen nature that results from the Fall of Adam and Eve. In that sacrifice of his Only Begotten Son, our Heavenly Father truly did manifest the depth and purity of his love for us, which exceeds all human understanding. But he did so that we might one day return to his presence, and have all the tools and power necessary for us to overcome the challenges of this life. As we exercise our Faith unto repentance we will come to a greater understanding of the Atonement in our lives. God lives. I have learned this through experience and revelation through the Holy Ghost. He is the father of our Spirits, and he loves us who are his Spirit children. Jesus is the Christ, the Holy Messiah, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He came to this earth to suffer, bleed, and die for us, and he was crucified, and resurrected. In this act of Atonement he provided the means whereby all mankind might be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, and on the conditions of repentance. As our Heavenly Father God wishes to converse with us, he knows however that we cannot endure his presence, and therefore communes with us through the Spirit. We all can receive personal Revelation to guide is in our lives, through challenges, and to fulfill and magnify our callings. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been handed down through the ages to Prophets who were repeatedly refected, and even the Savior himself was refected. But God knowing the calamity which should befall the inhaditants of the earth has restored in these latter days that same with the fulness of the gospel through a modern day Prophet by the name of Joseph Smith. After a diligent search for truth, the young boy only 14 years of age sought God's counsel, and was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ himself, and later through series of angelic ministrations was able to translate the Book of Mormon by the Gift and Power of God, restore sacred Priesthood Authority with it's attendant Keys, and in short all other things which are expedient for the Salvation and Exaltation of God's children. This is true, we knew and sustained Joseph in the premortal councils in heaven, and rejoiced at the opportunity to be a part of his dispensation, and participate with him in preparing the world to receive the Redeemer once more. Those keys and that Authority have been passed down in an unbroken chain to President Thomas S. Monson today, and he is God's chosen Prophet to lead his Saints today. The Book of Mormon is True, it is the keystone of the restored gospel, and all who will in the sincerity of their heart read, ponder, and live it's teaching having Faith in the Savior can know of the truthfulness of these things for themselves by sincerely asking God our Eternal Father in the name of Christ if they are true, and by the Power of the Holy Ghost he will reveal the Truth of ALL Things. Of these things I testify and close these writings of this mission that I have been blessed to serve admonishing all to come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, that ye may stand spotless before him at the last day when he stands to judge the world, and reward all men according to their works. I love you all, and will see you soon. Farewell until we meet again.
Love,
Elder Craig Alan Hughes
Georgia Atlanta North Mission
November 4th, 2009 - November 9th, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
It's sinking in... the mission is almost over
Dear Mom,
I think that I can actually fit everything now thank goodness. No I didn't get your package yet, but I'll watch for it. I was actually going to talk about my bike, you must be psychic. I'm currently in the process of packing it. Sounds like the hunt wasn't too good this year, but we'll get them next year. I also have a request, the last book of the eragon series comes out the 8th of november, and we need to get it so I can read it, hint, hint.....anyway, this week was a long one it just seemed to drag by. Between everyone reminding me constantly that I go home next week, and the lack of things to do, it just seemed like the week drug on forever. We did get a call from one of our top investigators, and we're excited to meet with her again and get to teach her. Hopefully we'll be able to commit her to baptism. I wanted to send a funny picture home. Since next week is my last week to write, I plan on writing my end address to the world there so I'm going to keep this letter short, but know that I love you, and miss you, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Elder Hughes
I think that I can actually fit everything now thank goodness. No I didn't get your package yet, but I'll watch for it. I was actually going to talk about my bike, you must be psychic. I'm currently in the process of packing it. Sounds like the hunt wasn't too good this year, but we'll get them next year. I also have a request, the last book of the eragon series comes out the 8th of november, and we need to get it so I can read it, hint, hint.....anyway, this week was a long one it just seemed to drag by. Between everyone reminding me constantly that I go home next week, and the lack of things to do, it just seemed like the week drug on forever. We did get a call from one of our top investigators, and we're excited to meet with her again and get to teach her. Hopefully we'll be able to commit her to baptism. I wanted to send a funny picture home. Since next week is my last week to write, I plan on writing my end address to the world there so I'm going to keep this letter short, but know that I love you, and miss you, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, October 24, 2011
Short..but...Good
Dear Mom,
This week was good, not much going on in the way of teaching but we did have one cool experience. We taught a referral that met us at the church building with our ward mission leader, and we taught her as we toured the church, and the spirit was very powerful. We ended at the baptismal font, and she actually asked us how long it took to join the church. It was the only time I think I've ever had someone ask me that question, but it was awesome. We also got to teach another lady about the plan of salvation and since she recently lost her husband we got to talk to her about the work that goes on in the Spirit World, and she got very excited aobut it, it was super cool. Other than that, we've pretty much just been doing lots of tracting, but I do feel like I'm continuing to learn, and as the time of my depature draws nearer I'm having to face reality and not liking it at all, but such is life ya know. I know that God lives, and loves us, that Jesus is the Christ, and that we can all receive personal revelation through the Holy Ghost.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week was good, not much going on in the way of teaching but we did have one cool experience. We taught a referral that met us at the church building with our ward mission leader, and we taught her as we toured the church, and the spirit was very powerful. We ended at the baptismal font, and she actually asked us how long it took to join the church. It was the only time I think I've ever had someone ask me that question, but it was awesome. We also got to teach another lady about the plan of salvation and since she recently lost her husband we got to talk to her about the work that goes on in the Spirit World, and she got very excited aobut it, it was super cool. Other than that, we've pretty much just been doing lots of tracting, but I do feel like I'm continuing to learn, and as the time of my depature draws nearer I'm having to face reality and not liking it at all, but such is life ya know. I know that God lives, and loves us, that Jesus is the Christ, and that we can all receive personal revelation through the Holy Ghost.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, October 17, 2011
Good News
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was crazy, between a 2 day leadership training, an exchange with the zone leaders, and a stake service project, I think I actually spent more time outside my area than in. We were supposed to have a baptism on Saturday, but it actually happened on Wednesday, and turned out to be a double baptism, so it was super exciting!!! Both people got confirmed on Sunday, so it was a great end to a week of craziness. As the end of this mission draws near, I can't help but reflect, and as I've done so I've tried to think of the most important things I could share with people, and I'm drawn again and again to obedience. It is the first law of everything, and the basis of our conversion to the gospel. In short it is the key to making everything go around, without it there would be only empty dreams, and dead works. It truly is the most important thing we can be. Were it not for the Saviors' devotion to obedience, surely he wouldn't have carried on through the agonizing pain of suffering the wrath of God....Through our obedience we show our respect to him, and love to him as he himself stated, and as we learn in the scriptures, we were placed here to see if we would be obedient. I would hope that we all might evaluate our level of obedience and strive to increase it, so that we might enjoy the blessings of our loving Father in Heaven more fully in our lives, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week was crazy, between a 2 day leadership training, an exchange with the zone leaders, and a stake service project, I think I actually spent more time outside my area than in. We were supposed to have a baptism on Saturday, but it actually happened on Wednesday, and turned out to be a double baptism, so it was super exciting!!! Both people got confirmed on Sunday, so it was a great end to a week of craziness. As the end of this mission draws near, I can't help but reflect, and as I've done so I've tried to think of the most important things I could share with people, and I'm drawn again and again to obedience. It is the first law of everything, and the basis of our conversion to the gospel. In short it is the key to making everything go around, without it there would be only empty dreams, and dead works. It truly is the most important thing we can be. Were it not for the Saviors' devotion to obedience, surely he wouldn't have carried on through the agonizing pain of suffering the wrath of God....Through our obedience we show our respect to him, and love to him as he himself stated, and as we learn in the scriptures, we were placed here to see if we would be obedient. I would hope that we all might evaluate our level of obedience and strive to increase it, so that we might enjoy the blessings of our loving Father in Heaven more fully in our lives, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, October 10, 2011
Just 31 more days to GO...
Dear Family and Friends,
As I have been reflecting this week on the calling of a missionary, and the true importance of the Spirit in this work, I have had some neat experiences. First it was revealed to me that to feed the Lord's sheep we must do so spiritually which helped me understand why a testimony is so important in this work. Then last night we had a rather neat experience. It was late at night and we decided to stop at one last less-active families house, and as we sat there talking with them I truly felt the love the Lord had for them, and was able to invite them to come back after sharing with them how the gospel has affected my life. They weren't open to coming back immediately, but they definitely revealed that they do want their children to grow up in the gospel, and it really helped us understand what we can do to help them. It seems that the Lord must have had a great purpose in my being here, because I've really had to humble myself, and I've really noticed a difference in the level of my own spirituality. I realize that my time as a missionary is short, and so it with all the power of my conviction that I testify that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God, the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God revealed to us for our day and time to guide and direct us in our life, and I invite all to drink deeply from the rich messages of it's pages and come to understand and experience the power it contains to help us draw closer to our Savior. He loves us, and wants to heal us, I tesifty of these thing in his sacred and holy name, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
As I have been reflecting this week on the calling of a missionary, and the true importance of the Spirit in this work, I have had some neat experiences. First it was revealed to me that to feed the Lord's sheep we must do so spiritually which helped me understand why a testimony is so important in this work. Then last night we had a rather neat experience. It was late at night and we decided to stop at one last less-active families house, and as we sat there talking with them I truly felt the love the Lord had for them, and was able to invite them to come back after sharing with them how the gospel has affected my life. They weren't open to coming back immediately, but they definitely revealed that they do want their children to grow up in the gospel, and it really helped us understand what we can do to help them. It seems that the Lord must have had a great purpose in my being here, because I've really had to humble myself, and I've really noticed a difference in the level of my own spirituality. I realize that my time as a missionary is short, and so it with all the power of my conviction that I testify that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God, the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God revealed to us for our day and time to guide and direct us in our life, and I invite all to drink deeply from the rich messages of it's pages and come to understand and experience the power it contains to help us draw closer to our Savior. He loves us, and wants to heal us, I tesifty of these thing in his sacred and holy name, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Owl's Are In
Dear Mom,
Everything went well with the move, but I still do need to send some stuff home, hopefully only one box, but maybe two. That stinks that dad missed his deer. The week was alright, kind of depressing having to pack knowing that I'll have to do it again in 6 weeks, but the new area is cool. Funnily enough, I've actually been Christmas carolling in this ward, so it's not new. What did you think of General Conference? I think it was awesome. My 2 companions have been out for 2 and 1 transfer, and are from Utah, and Canada respectively. There cool, but they remind me a lot of me when I had been out that long, and it's hard to figure out where to start to teach them about things. We had a couple cool experiences this week with following the Spirit. A couple of times we didn''t really have anything to do, so we just followed the Spirit and we ended up talking to a ton of people, and actually found a couple that were interested they were really cool experiences. This area is a lot less affluent than Roswell, and the people here definitely seem much more humble. I'm really excited for the things that are happening, we currently have an investigator scheduled to be baptized on the 15th, so we're hoping that it works out. I have to admit when I first learned I was being transferred I was quite upset, but as I pondered about it, I realized that the Lord must have a purpose in it all, and as I prayed about it, I realized that the Lord needed me to do something. I know God lives, and that he loves us. I know Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God, the Savior, and Redeemer of the world. I know that God does inspire his children through the Holy Ghost. I know that Thomas Monson is Gods' chosen Prophet today, that the Book of Mormon is true, and that Joseph Smith was the Prophet through whom God restored the gospel in this final dispensation. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Everything went well with the move, but I still do need to send some stuff home, hopefully only one box, but maybe two. That stinks that dad missed his deer. The week was alright, kind of depressing having to pack knowing that I'll have to do it again in 6 weeks, but the new area is cool. Funnily enough, I've actually been Christmas carolling in this ward, so it's not new. What did you think of General Conference? I think it was awesome. My 2 companions have been out for 2 and 1 transfer, and are from Utah, and Canada respectively. There cool, but they remind me a lot of me when I had been out that long, and it's hard to figure out where to start to teach them about things. We had a couple cool experiences this week with following the Spirit. A couple of times we didn''t really have anything to do, so we just followed the Spirit and we ended up talking to a ton of people, and actually found a couple that were interested they were really cool experiences. This area is a lot less affluent than Roswell, and the people here definitely seem much more humble. I'm really excited for the things that are happening, we currently have an investigator scheduled to be baptized on the 15th, so we're hoping that it works out. I have to admit when I first learned I was being transferred I was quite upset, but as I pondered about it, I realized that the Lord must have a purpose in it all, and as I prayed about it, I realized that the Lord needed me to do something. I know God lives, and that he loves us. I know Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God, the Savior, and Redeemer of the world. I know that God does inspire his children through the Holy Ghost. I know that Thomas Monson is Gods' chosen Prophet today, that the Book of Mormon is true, and that Joseph Smith was the Prophet through whom God restored the gospel in this final dispensation. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Note for the Week
Dear Mom,
This week brought a lot of interesting things. We met a bunch of new people, and have a lot of exciting things going on, and then I found out this morning that I wont be finishing my mission in Roswell. I'm being transferred to an area that is actually an adjacent ward to the one I started my mission in way back in the day. I'm really depressed about it, but such is life, it never goes the way you want it to, and I know the Lord must need me to do something there. So needless to say, It'll be a good measure for how much stuff I need to condense to get home. I did learn something cool this week though. I realized that repentance isn't about changing what you do, it's about changing who you are because of what you do. It seems so simple, but it was a major breakthrough for me. I want you to know that I know God lives, and that he loves us. I know that he is guiding and directing us, and that he wants us all to return to him. I also know that there are angels among us. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week brought a lot of interesting things. We met a bunch of new people, and have a lot of exciting things going on, and then I found out this morning that I wont be finishing my mission in Roswell. I'm being transferred to an area that is actually an adjacent ward to the one I started my mission in way back in the day. I'm really depressed about it, but such is life, it never goes the way you want it to, and I know the Lord must need me to do something there. So needless to say, It'll be a good measure for how much stuff I need to condense to get home. I did learn something cool this week though. I realized that repentance isn't about changing what you do, it's about changing who you are because of what you do. It seems so simple, but it was a major breakthrough for me. I want you to know that I know God lives, and that he loves us. I know that he is guiding and directing us, and that he wants us all to return to him. I also know that there are angels among us. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Mail's Here
Dear Family and Friends,
This week we heard some exciting news, the church is going to start their multimedia mormon.org campaign next month, so everyone in the mission is super excited. With the new mission president there are some changes being worked on, so it's pretty exciting to get to see how different people do things. Things are getting better for our investigator that had to have shoulder surgery, and hopefully she'll be able to be baptized soon. We had a neat opportunity Saturday to help out with a 9/11 memorial project so hopefully you like the pics of me and my companion. I have learned something this week through experience that I'd like to share with you. When we harden our hearts against the Lord, which is done in numerous ways, he withdraws the sustaining influence of the Spirit which then leaves us to kick against the pricks, and it becomes very difficult to see his hand in our lives, but when we humble ourselves, and as they say "count our blessings" we see that he never leaves. I know that our Father in Heaven loves us, and is always there to guide bless and inspire us in our lives. I know the Savior lives, and I know that through the Spirit we too can know of these eternal truths. I know that we are children of God, and that he has a plan for us in our lives. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true, and I know that it contains everything we need to return to the presence of God. I love you, and miss you. Know that I remember you in my prayers, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week we heard some exciting news, the church is going to start their multimedia mormon.org campaign next month, so everyone in the mission is super excited. With the new mission president there are some changes being worked on, so it's pretty exciting to get to see how different people do things. Things are getting better for our investigator that had to have shoulder surgery, and hopefully she'll be able to be baptized soon. We had a neat opportunity Saturday to help out with a 9/11 memorial project so hopefully you like the pics of me and my companion. I have learned something this week through experience that I'd like to share with you. When we harden our hearts against the Lord, which is done in numerous ways, he withdraws the sustaining influence of the Spirit which then leaves us to kick against the pricks, and it becomes very difficult to see his hand in our lives, but when we humble ourselves, and as they say "count our blessings" we see that he never leaves. I know that our Father in Heaven loves us, and is always there to guide bless and inspire us in our lives. I know the Savior lives, and I know that through the Spirit we too can know of these eternal truths. I know that we are children of God, and that he has a plan for us in our lives. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true, and I know that it contains everything we need to return to the presence of God. I love you, and miss you. Know that I remember you in my prayers, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Monday Holiday Slowed down Delivery
Dear Mom,
Tyler just needs to understand that he can't beat everyone, and besides that it's only a game...Until he beats my record of 3 point or bigger for 5 straight years he has no room to talk. (Craig is talking about Tyler beating his high score on the Cabela's xbox Dangerous Hunts game- then dad beating both records two hours later, and the fact that he has to win in real life "deer hunting" as well) Anyway, couldn't email yesterday because of the holiday, the libraries were all closed. The baptism didn't work out, the lady decided she wanted to wait for her daughter, but that's not a problem. The weather last week was straight up hot, but it's been raining for about 48 hours straight, but most of it has been a very light rain so there's not a ton of water but everything is soaked. Today it's almost cold enough for a jacket on the bike. Nothing too interesting to report here, keep an eye out for a package that I'm going to send tomorrow, hopefully I wont need to send more than one more after this one. I have acquired a lot of stuff it seems, but I think I might be able to fit back into my suitcases now. I'm hoping that I'll be able to fit everything into one suitcase so I wont have to pay anything at the airport, but that'll really be a stretch. I still haven't decided what to do with my bike because I want a bike when I get home, but shipping it home is sooooo expensive, so I'm still not sure there. Just fyi, I've known my release date since I got here. I don't know what time I get home and all that stuff, but I figure I'll know when I need to know. Things are going well, we learned in District Meeting today about Faith and murmuring, it was a really powerful lesson, and it made me realize that I complain too much so I'm working on not doing it anymore. We noticed an interesting thing the other day, everyone that we're teaching currently has some kind of physical ailment that is preventing them from coming to church or getting baptized, but it's alright, we know it'll work out. I know the Savior lives, and that he loves us, and I pray that we might be obedient to his commandments so that he can truly save us from death, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Love you all!
Love,
Tyler just needs to understand that he can't beat everyone, and besides that it's only a game...Until he beats my record of 3 point or bigger for 5 straight years he has no room to talk. (Craig is talking about Tyler beating his high score on the Cabela's xbox Dangerous Hunts game- then dad beating both records two hours later, and the fact that he has to win in real life "deer hunting" as well) Anyway, couldn't email yesterday because of the holiday, the libraries were all closed. The baptism didn't work out, the lady decided she wanted to wait for her daughter, but that's not a problem. The weather last week was straight up hot, but it's been raining for about 48 hours straight, but most of it has been a very light rain so there's not a ton of water but everything is soaked. Today it's almost cold enough for a jacket on the bike. Nothing too interesting to report here, keep an eye out for a package that I'm going to send tomorrow, hopefully I wont need to send more than one more after this one. I have acquired a lot of stuff it seems, but I think I might be able to fit back into my suitcases now. I'm hoping that I'll be able to fit everything into one suitcase so I wont have to pay anything at the airport, but that'll really be a stretch. I still haven't decided what to do with my bike because I want a bike when I get home, but shipping it home is sooooo expensive, so I'm still not sure there. Just fyi, I've known my release date since I got here. I don't know what time I get home and all that stuff, but I figure I'll know when I need to know. Things are going well, we learned in District Meeting today about Faith and murmuring, it was a really powerful lesson, and it made me realize that I complain too much so I'm working on not doing it anymore. We noticed an interesting thing the other day, everyone that we're teaching currently has some kind of physical ailment that is preventing them from coming to church or getting baptized, but it's alright, we know it'll work out. I know the Savior lives, and that he loves us, and I pray that we might be obedient to his commandments so that he can truly save us from death, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Love you all!
Love,
Friday, September 2, 2011
Weekly Good News
Dear Family and Friends,
I must say thanks to all of you who've sent me letters recently, I'm working on responding, it's just taking a minute due to a lack of stamps. We had a couple cool things happen this week, we had our first zone conference with President Wolfert (which brought the awful realization that it was my last), and it was great. I feel like I'm really getting a lot better at listening to the Spirit so it was very powerful. Another cool thing that happened was Saturday, my companion and I decided to stop by an investigator that we hadn't seen in a few weeks house, and she let us in. After a short discussion we found out that she had felt a very strong impression earlier in the week that she needed to be baptized, and it was super cool. So, we commited her to be baptized this Saturday. Hopefully it all works out. This week was a great testimony builder to me as I've pondered over a lot of things and reflected on things I've learned recently. It has been amazing to see how the Spirit works in our life when we let him. It has strengthened my faith in and testimony of the Atonement, and the power it can have in our lives to draw us ever closer to God. I know he loves us and wants to help us in our lives. I know the Holy Ghost can and will tell us all things that we should do if we humble ourselves and accept the will of God. I know our Father in heaven loves us, and he wants all of us back. I testify of these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I love you all, and hope all is well.
Love,
Elder Hughes
I must say thanks to all of you who've sent me letters recently, I'm working on responding, it's just taking a minute due to a lack of stamps. We had a couple cool things happen this week, we had our first zone conference with President Wolfert (which brought the awful realization that it was my last), and it was great. I feel like I'm really getting a lot better at listening to the Spirit so it was very powerful. Another cool thing that happened was Saturday, my companion and I decided to stop by an investigator that we hadn't seen in a few weeks house, and she let us in. After a short discussion we found out that she had felt a very strong impression earlier in the week that she needed to be baptized, and it was super cool. So, we commited her to be baptized this Saturday. Hopefully it all works out. This week was a great testimony builder to me as I've pondered over a lot of things and reflected on things I've learned recently. It has been amazing to see how the Spirit works in our life when we let him. It has strengthened my faith in and testimony of the Atonement, and the power it can have in our lives to draw us ever closer to God. I know he loves us and wants to help us in our lives. I know the Holy Ghost can and will tell us all things that we should do if we humble ourselves and accept the will of God. I know our Father in heaven loves us, and he wants all of us back. I testify of these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I love you all, and hope all is well.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, August 15, 2011
No Transfers this week
Dear Family and Friends,
Thank Goodness the weather was a little cooler this week, and couple things happened....It's transfer week again, and I'm not getting transferred, and neither is my companion. This makes me believe that I'll be here in Roswell until the end of my mission. I went on exchange this last week, and for the 1st time in over 18 months drove a car. I was amazed that I remembered how, but having to deal with traffic (especially in Atlanta) made me grateful to be on a bike. Those were pretty much the highlights of the week. We did get to meet with M. Russell Ballard, but it wasn't anything special. JK, It was awesome!!!!!!!!! All the missionaries in the mission got to shake his hand, and we had a meeting with all the Bishops, Stake Presidencies, and Ward Mission Leaders. It was super cool. The work is going good, we met a bunch of new families that we'll hopefully start teaching soon, so we're pretty stoked about things right now. I appreciate all your letters, and prayers. I want to share one thought from Elder Ballard that really struck me. He talked about all those on the other side of the veil that are waiting and praying that one of their ancestors will accept the gospel and do their work, and it really helped me put in perspective just how urgent this work really is. I know that this is the Lords' work, and I love serving him. I know this is his true gospel. I love you all, hope all is well.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Thank Goodness the weather was a little cooler this week, and couple things happened....It's transfer week again, and I'm not getting transferred, and neither is my companion. This makes me believe that I'll be here in Roswell until the end of my mission. I went on exchange this last week, and for the 1st time in over 18 months drove a car. I was amazed that I remembered how, but having to deal with traffic (especially in Atlanta) made me grateful to be on a bike. Those were pretty much the highlights of the week. We did get to meet with M. Russell Ballard, but it wasn't anything special. JK, It was awesome!!!!!!!!! All the missionaries in the mission got to shake his hand, and we had a meeting with all the Bishops, Stake Presidencies, and Ward Mission Leaders. It was super cool. The work is going good, we met a bunch of new families that we'll hopefully start teaching soon, so we're pretty stoked about things right now. I appreciate all your letters, and prayers. I want to share one thought from Elder Ballard that really struck me. He talked about all those on the other side of the veil that are waiting and praying that one of their ancestors will accept the gospel and do their work, and it really helped me put in perspective just how urgent this work really is. I know that this is the Lords' work, and I love serving him. I know this is his true gospel. I love you all, hope all is well.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, August 8, 2011
Letter for the Week
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was pretty regular. The weather gave us a break so we didn't absolultely die, but I'm not looking forward to this week. We're at the point where everyone keeps saying "oh about three to four more weeks, and it'll start cooling off." I'm really doubting it based on how late summer started this year, and how hot it has been. We had a really cool lesson with one of our investigators who should've finished the Book of Mormon by now, she told us she'd like to be baptized as soon as she can get her arm out of her sling(just had surgery), so we're just waiting on the doctor. I feel like it's been one of those patience building periods that I'm supposed to be learning from so I'm trying to be more positive about things. It's hard to believe that the Lord will let us suffer, but sometimes he does so we can grow. He does it because he loves, I know he does, and he wants us to return to him. I testify that this is true, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week was pretty regular. The weather gave us a break so we didn't absolultely die, but I'm not looking forward to this week. We're at the point where everyone keeps saying "oh about three to four more weeks, and it'll start cooling off." I'm really doubting it based on how late summer started this year, and how hot it has been. We had a really cool lesson with one of our investigators who should've finished the Book of Mormon by now, she told us she'd like to be baptized as soon as she can get her arm out of her sling(just had surgery), so we're just waiting on the doctor. I feel like it's been one of those patience building periods that I'm supposed to be learning from so I'm trying to be more positive about things. It's hard to believe that the Lord will let us suffer, but sometimes he does so we can grow. He does it because he loves, I know he does, and he wants us to return to him. I testify that this is true, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Weekly Update
Dear Family and Friends,
Aside from the crazy hot weather, and gallons of sweat pouring off us as we ride, this week was not the most productive in missionary work. We had an investigator that had surgery, but she's doing well we hear. We're really depending a lot on the members for help right now. I've been learning some cool things, and have come up with a neat little equation. Will = Desire which dictates Priorities which shape Choices = Agency. So following with that, the only thing we really have in this life that doesn't already belong to God is Agency, and we must sacrifice that to him to become who we need to be. I'm also really starting to understand the difference between a testimony and conversion. A testimony is understanding things physically, and experiencing the Power of the Holy Ghost, and conversion means undestanding things spiritually, and experiencing the Gift of the Holy Ghost. As we strive to help people become converted, it requires that we act so that our understanding sinks deep into our hearts. We heard a quote in church Sunday that said, "we need to understand and apply these principles" (talking about honesty), but I thought to myself, that's not true, we need to apply these principles to really understand them. It never ceases to amaze me how perfect the gospel is, and how everything is designed to lead us back to God, drawing closer and closer along the way. I know this is the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored in these last days to prepare the world for his coming, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Aside from the crazy hot weather, and gallons of sweat pouring off us as we ride, this week was not the most productive in missionary work. We had an investigator that had surgery, but she's doing well we hear. We're really depending a lot on the members for help right now. I've been learning some cool things, and have come up with a neat little equation. Will = Desire which dictates Priorities which shape Choices = Agency. So following with that, the only thing we really have in this life that doesn't already belong to God is Agency, and we must sacrifice that to him to become who we need to be. I'm also really starting to understand the difference between a testimony and conversion. A testimony is understanding things physically, and experiencing the Power of the Holy Ghost, and conversion means undestanding things spiritually, and experiencing the Gift of the Holy Ghost. As we strive to help people become converted, it requires that we act so that our understanding sinks deep into our hearts. We heard a quote in church Sunday that said, "we need to understand and apply these principles" (talking about honesty), but I thought to myself, that's not true, we need to apply these principles to really understand them. It never ceases to amaze me how perfect the gospel is, and how everything is designed to lead us back to God, drawing closer and closer along the way. I know this is the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored in these last days to prepare the world for his coming, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Quick Note...
Dear Mom,
The new companion isn't bad, he reminds me a lot of me. I finally have a companion that is taller than me, thich is cool, but at the same time he might beat me at basketball. He's doing alright with biking, but we haven't had to do anything too crazy yet. He reminds me a lot of the time like a deer in the headlights, he's just trying to soak everything up. I can't believe I drew out for the elk hunt, that is AWESOME!!! Make sure to tell dad that he knows that my gun needs a new scope on it, especially after the last adventure....We were actually supposed to have a baptism Saturday, but it got cancelled on friday morning. But, such is life. We've not had too much exciting going on this week other than lots of biking. I did get my bike fixed, without buying new pedals though....The last thing I want to do is spend any more money on that crazy thing. Anyway, I don't have lots of time so I'm going to have to cut todays letter short. Love you, talk to you again soon.
The new companion isn't bad, he reminds me a lot of me. I finally have a companion that is taller than me, thich is cool, but at the same time he might beat me at basketball. He's doing alright with biking, but we haven't had to do anything too crazy yet. He reminds me a lot of the time like a deer in the headlights, he's just trying to soak everything up. I can't believe I drew out for the elk hunt, that is AWESOME!!! Make sure to tell dad that he knows that my gun needs a new scope on it, especially after the last adventure....We were actually supposed to have a baptism Saturday, but it got cancelled on friday morning. But, such is life. We've not had too much exciting going on this week other than lots of biking. I did get my bike fixed, without buying new pedals though....The last thing I want to do is spend any more money on that crazy thing. Anyway, I don't have lots of time so I'm going to have to cut todays letter short. Love you, talk to you again soon.
Monday, July 11, 2011
News Flash
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a slow one, until the weekend. I got to help put some new toilets in, which was a refreshing change from the norm. We also are starting to prepare the Sister that just got baptized oldest son for baptism on the 30th. We also had one of our investigators tell us that she would love to be baptized, but wants to make sure she and her husband don't get spiritually separated. That was pretty exciting, and hopefully we'll have another one getting close soon. The work here is going great! We're getting very excited for next transfer when Elder Ballard is coming to do a mission tour. We found out today that my companion is getting transferred, and I'm getting a fresh off the plane new guy. I'm excited and scared all at the same time, and still trying to figure out in my head how I'm going to do everything that I'm supposed to. It'll be tough I'm sure, but I know the Lord will help us. I hope everyone takes the chance to check out my profile on mormon.org via the new button on the blog, I think it's pretty cool. We had a bit of an incident last Friday, we had to bike all the way around our area, and my companion wound up with some sort of heat sickness, and he's been goofier than a wooden watch for a couple days. I hope all is going well, thank you for your prayers in my behalf, and all your love and support. I miss you all, and I'll see you soon (too soon in my opinion).
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week was a slow one, until the weekend. I got to help put some new toilets in, which was a refreshing change from the norm. We also are starting to prepare the Sister that just got baptized oldest son for baptism on the 30th. We also had one of our investigators tell us that she would love to be baptized, but wants to make sure she and her husband don't get spiritually separated. That was pretty exciting, and hopefully we'll have another one getting close soon. The work here is going great! We're getting very excited for next transfer when Elder Ballard is coming to do a mission tour. We found out today that my companion is getting transferred, and I'm getting a fresh off the plane new guy. I'm excited and scared all at the same time, and still trying to figure out in my head how I'm going to do everything that I'm supposed to. It'll be tough I'm sure, but I know the Lord will help us. I hope everyone takes the chance to check out my profile on mormon.org via the new button on the blog, I think it's pretty cool. We had a bit of an incident last Friday, we had to bike all the way around our area, and my companion wound up with some sort of heat sickness, and he's been goofier than a wooden watch for a couple days. I hope all is going well, thank you for your prayers in my behalf, and all your love and support. I miss you all, and I'll see you soon (too soon in my opinion).
Love,
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
News at LAST...
Dear Family and Friends,
I PROMISE I'M ALIVE!!! I haven't had any time this last week, I've been trying to be a missionary and a District Leader, and a Ward Mission Leader, and had so much going on that we never had time to email, but we had a BAPTISM!!! WHOO!!! Long story short, we were busy busy busy, and had no time to think. We had some neat experiences surrounding the baptism though. One of our investigators that we've been teaching for a couple months came to the baptism, and felt the Spirit very powerfully. Hopefully she, and maybe her husband (we're not sure he's a member(he says he is)), will be getting baptized soon. Then Sunday night, we went to visit a referral, and they turned out to be awesome. This lady and her son were referred to us by her father who is a bishop out in Utah that converted 30 years ago, and we had a short lesson, and are very excited to start teaching them. In addition, we're going to teach the Sister that just got baptizeds' son, and he should be baptized very soon as well. Needless to say it's very busy right now, and we're loving it. I hope all is well on the home front. I need you all to know that I love you, and miss you, and that I know that through the Savior we can return to the presence of God. I know our Father in Heaven loves us, and has a plan for us all in our lives, and we can be shown the way by the Spirit. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
I PROMISE I'M ALIVE!!! I haven't had any time this last week, I've been trying to be a missionary and a District Leader, and a Ward Mission Leader, and had so much going on that we never had time to email, but we had a BAPTISM!!! WHOO!!! Long story short, we were busy busy busy, and had no time to think. We had some neat experiences surrounding the baptism though. One of our investigators that we've been teaching for a couple months came to the baptism, and felt the Spirit very powerfully. Hopefully she, and maybe her husband (we're not sure he's a member(he says he is)), will be getting baptized soon. Then Sunday night, we went to visit a referral, and they turned out to be awesome. This lady and her son were referred to us by her father who is a bishop out in Utah that converted 30 years ago, and we had a short lesson, and are very excited to start teaching them. In addition, we're going to teach the Sister that just got baptizeds' son, and he should be baptized very soon as well. Needless to say it's very busy right now, and we're loving it. I hope all is well on the home front. I need you all to know that I love you, and miss you, and that I know that through the Savior we can return to the presence of God. I know our Father in Heaven loves us, and has a plan for us all in our lives, and we can be shown the way by the Spirit. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, June 20, 2011
Message for the week
(I know he was at the meeting- so look hard)Dear Mom,
We're at a crowded library, and I couldn't get a computer for more than 15 minutes, so I may have to email you back tomorrow, or find a new computer.....I got the message about the gatorade, milk, and cheesecake. Thanks! You really are the best mom ever you know. I'm really starting to get depressed....I'm so used to having companions that have been out forever that having a fresh one that is still very focused on back home is making me wish I could just get there already, but I don't want to think/feel that way so it's very frustrating, but such is life. I guess it's just something else I have to learn to deal with right? I sure hope all is well. I'll also have you know that I totaled all my bike repairs up thus far, and I'm about to pass the $300 mark. Which makes me very angry, because there are missionaries that never even ride a bike out here. I'm not sure I want to keep it for going home, because sending it home is another $85, and I could probably resell it for most of what I've put into maintenance of the crazy thing. The saga continues, it is trying to break again, but I'm doing all I can to stop it. I keep forgetting that I did get your package with the jelly in it, thank goodness cause I was out. I let my companion try some, and he agrees that it's the most delicious thing he's ever tasted. Anyway, I'm going to move computers hopefully.
Ok, computer switch...So yeah, I'm hating this having to start thinking about what I'm going to do before I get home stuff. The heat is here, and I think to stay this time, it's hot and humid. Unfortunately with humidity the you sweat just as much in the shade as you do regularly. Humidity is such a pain. We had our last meeting with President and Sister King Thursday, and it was a sad yet spiritual experience. I'm sure gonna miss them. It seems like there's an awful lot of depressing things going on right now, considering that on top of that one of our investigators that was so close to getting baptized is moving to California. Not my favorite week overall, but I'll manage. I'm kind of terrified right now, because I'm supposed to go on exchange with all the missionaries in my District every month, and I've been putting it off, but I'm supposed to go with Sisters and I'm terrified.....Not very high up on my list of things to do. Anyway, other than that things are pretty same old same old. Lots of bike riding, and sweating, and crazy people. Oh, I need the password to my blog, because I want to put a link to my mormon.org profile on there so y'all can check it out. I think I'm gonna break from the norm, and just let this be my email, I need to get some personality in them. besides being stressed, tired, and terrified things are going well we have 2 investigators that are getting very close to baptism which is super exciting, and hopefuuly things will continue to pick up. Like I said I'll be going on exchange for the next couple days so that ought to be interesting I think. We're enjoying the new apartment. We went on an excursion today to the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield which was pretty cool, but the hikes here are so short that you hit the top before you know what's going on. It was some good District bonding time, but was very hot and there was a lot of complaining. I've had some interesting experiences with things I've learned, and I'm excited to see where they take us. I hope that we can all strive to strengthen our testimonies, and I testify that we can know the truth of all things through the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen We're at a crowded library, and I couldn't get a computer for more than 15 minutes, so I may have to email you back tomorrow, or find a new computer.....I got the message about the gatorade, milk, and cheesecake. Thanks! You really are the best mom ever you know. I'm really starting to get depressed....I'm so used to having companions that have been out forever that having a fresh one that is still very focused on back home is making me wish I could just get there already, but I don't want to think/feel that way so it's very frustrating, but such is life. I guess it's just something else I have to learn to deal with right? I sure hope all is well. I'll also have you know that I totaled all my bike repairs up thus far, and I'm about to pass the $300 mark. Which makes me very angry, because there are missionaries that never even ride a bike out here. I'm not sure I want to keep it for going home, because sending it home is another $85, and I could probably resell it for most of what I've put into maintenance of the crazy thing. The saga continues, it is trying to break again, but I'm doing all I can to stop it. I keep forgetting that I did get your package with the jelly in it, thank goodness cause I was out. I let my companion try some, and he agrees that it's the most delicious thing he's ever tasted. Anyway, I'm going to move computers hopefully.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Good News
Dear Family and Friends,
We had a very crazy week this week, we moved apartments. On top of that we had lots of appointments, and a miraculous experience with one of our investigators. She was commited to come to church, but ended not sleeping much the night before, and was in a lot of pain due to a rotator cuff injury. So she prayed about being able to come, and told the Lord that if this was what he wanted her to do, he'd have to make the pain bearable, and it disappeared completely and never came back. I've felt so grateful to have witnessed such a miracle, and am still astonished that it happened. We also met a new lady this week that we commited to be baptized July 2nd, so hopefully things go well there. She also had a neat story. She just moved here from Alabam, and was looking for a church so she typed in an address on her GPS, and the GPS mistakenly led her to our church, and she loved it. With all the stress of moving and things going on, I was very grateful that the Lord would be so gracious to us. We are teaching some amazing people, and so many good things are happening, they just keep hitting these roadblocks that are keeping them from getting baptized. We'll get through though, I know we will. Heavenly Father will prepare the way. I realize it's been a while since I bore my testimony, and I'd like to share it with you today: I know God lives, and is our loving Heavenly Father. He has a plan for us that is centered around the Atonement of his only begotten son Jesus Christ, and desires our Exaltation. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, our Savior and Redeemer, and the only way we can return to the presence of God. I bear Witness of his Atonement, and the power it contains to change lives and hearts, and purify us through the power of the Holy Ghost, whose presence in our lives I testify of. I know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet anointed by the Savior himself who opened this last dispensation, and that he translated the Book of Mormon by the Gift and Power of God. I Bear Witness that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, and will lead us back to him. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God, and that this is the true and living church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, in his sacred name, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
We had a very crazy week this week, we moved apartments. On top of that we had lots of appointments, and a miraculous experience with one of our investigators. She was commited to come to church, but ended not sleeping much the night before, and was in a lot of pain due to a rotator cuff injury. So she prayed about being able to come, and told the Lord that if this was what he wanted her to do, he'd have to make the pain bearable, and it disappeared completely and never came back. I've felt so grateful to have witnessed such a miracle, and am still astonished that it happened. We also met a new lady this week that we commited to be baptized July 2nd, so hopefully things go well there. She also had a neat story. She just moved here from Alabam, and was looking for a church so she typed in an address on her GPS, and the GPS mistakenly led her to our church, and she loved it. With all the stress of moving and things going on, I was very grateful that the Lord would be so gracious to us. We are teaching some amazing people, and so many good things are happening, they just keep hitting these roadblocks that are keeping them from getting baptized. We'll get through though, I know we will. Heavenly Father will prepare the way. I realize it's been a while since I bore my testimony, and I'd like to share it with you today: I know God lives, and is our loving Heavenly Father. He has a plan for us that is centered around the Atonement of his only begotten son Jesus Christ, and desires our Exaltation. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, our Savior and Redeemer, and the only way we can return to the presence of God. I bear Witness of his Atonement, and the power it contains to change lives and hearts, and purify us through the power of the Holy Ghost, whose presence in our lives I testify of. I know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet anointed by the Savior himself who opened this last dispensation, and that he translated the Book of Mormon by the Gift and Power of God. I Bear Witness that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, and will lead us back to him. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God, and that this is the true and living church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, in his sacred name, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, June 6, 2011
Short and to the Point
Dear Family and Friends,
This week we had a scary experience, we lost the keys to our apartment, thankfully we were able to find them after some searching, and all turned out well. I must admit it scared me though. My bike has finally quit trying to fall apart (took some tlc), and is now doing very well. The weather is getting very warm, but overall isn't too bad yet. Our baptism has been moved, we're not sure when to yet, but hopefully not too far. We're getting ready for President and Sister King to leave, it's a sad time but I'm sure the new President will be great. We'll probably be moving apartments this week, so that will make things interesting, and hopefully help us be able to accomplish more. I know the Savior lives, and loves us, I know we can be a part of his great work, and I testify that this gospel is the key to Eternal happiness in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week we had a scary experience, we lost the keys to our apartment, thankfully we were able to find them after some searching, and all turned out well. I must admit it scared me though. My bike has finally quit trying to fall apart (took some tlc), and is now doing very well. The weather is getting very warm, but overall isn't too bad yet. Our baptism has been moved, we're not sure when to yet, but hopefully not too far. We're getting ready for President and Sister King to leave, it's a sad time but I'm sure the new President will be great. We'll probably be moving apartments this week, so that will make things interesting, and hopefully help us be able to accomplish more. I know the Savior lives, and loves us, I know we can be a part of his great work, and I testify that this gospel is the key to Eternal happiness in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Late but....with a Reason
Dear Family and Friends,
We had transfers last Tuesday, and had a giant service project monday which is why my email is late this week. I got a new companion Elder Horne, from Kaysville. He has only been out for 3 months, and hasn't been on bike yet, so I've been hearing a lot of complaints, and had to spend a lot of time waiting. Apparently I've gotten pretty speedy in the last year. It's been fun to work with him so far. They also changed the District boundaries so now we have the Portugese Elders, which is super cool. I thought the District would shrink, but it actually grew. We're all getting excited for President Wolfert to come in next month, but saying goodbye to President and Sister King is going to be really difficult. Everything is working out for our investigator that is preparing to be baptized, and hopefully the 12th will still work. We've had a big push in the mission lately on planning and goal setting, and it's really helped us change the way we look at things. I'm getting nervous about coming home, but I try not to think about it. It's hard with all the reminders we get all day long. I don't have too much to write this week, so in closing I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Book of Mormon is true, and this is his church on the earth in his holy name, Amen.
We had transfers last Tuesday, and had a giant service project monday which is why my email is late this week. I got a new companion Elder Horne, from Kaysville. He has only been out for 3 months, and hasn't been on bike yet, so I've been hearing a lot of complaints, and had to spend a lot of time waiting. Apparently I've gotten pretty speedy in the last year. It's been fun to work with him so far. They also changed the District boundaries so now we have the Portugese Elders, which is super cool. I thought the District would shrink, but it actually grew. We're all getting excited for President Wolfert to come in next month, but saying goodbye to President and Sister King is going to be really difficult. Everything is working out for our investigator that is preparing to be baptized, and hopefully the 12th will still work. We've had a big push in the mission lately on planning and goal setting, and it's really helped us change the way we look at things. I'm getting nervous about coming home, but I try not to think about it. It's hard with all the reminders we get all day long. I don't have too much to write this week, so in closing I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Book of Mormon is true, and this is his church on the earth in his holy name, Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Weekly News
Dear Family and Friends,
Guess what? Transfers are tomorrow, and over half of my District is being transferred! (dun dun duhhh!!!!) But not me, my companion is, so as of tomorrow, I will officially have filled up my Preach My Gospel companion list. Crazy, but at least I have a few more areas to go before the other side gets filled up. We have had a strange week, we had a training with President King Tuesday in the District, then another training wednesday. Needless to say, it was a training week. I did learn some pretty cool stuff, and was reminded of how to be more effective in some other things. Hopefully in the future it helps us do better. The people we're teaching right now are making some good progress, but unfortunately we weren't able to see them last week excpet for one. Thankfully he has accepted the challenge to be baptized and is preparing for June 12th. It's pretty exciting considering it's been almost 7 months since we've had one. But I'm feeling very positive that more will come. We're doing a lot of work with the ward, and helping them do missionary work, and hopefully it starts to bear some fruit. Some of the important things we learned this week were about goals and planning. In life if we don't have goals, we'll never push ourself to achieve the things we want to. I've also been blessed to see some things that have happened over the course of the last 18 months in a different light, and it's really made me grateful for the Lord's hand in things. I know that he loves us, and he has a plan for us to become like him and return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. I testify of that, and that the fulness of the gospel has been restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He lives, and because he lives we too shall live! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Guess what? Transfers are tomorrow, and over half of my District is being transferred! (dun dun duhhh!!!!) But not me, my companion is, so as of tomorrow, I will officially have filled up my Preach My Gospel companion list. Crazy, but at least I have a few more areas to go before the other side gets filled up. We have had a strange week, we had a training with President King Tuesday in the District, then another training wednesday. Needless to say, it was a training week. I did learn some pretty cool stuff, and was reminded of how to be more effective in some other things. Hopefully in the future it helps us do better. The people we're teaching right now are making some good progress, but unfortunately we weren't able to see them last week excpet for one. Thankfully he has accepted the challenge to be baptized and is preparing for June 12th. It's pretty exciting considering it's been almost 7 months since we've had one. But I'm feeling very positive that more will come. We're doing a lot of work with the ward, and helping them do missionary work, and hopefully it starts to bear some fruit. Some of the important things we learned this week were about goals and planning. In life if we don't have goals, we'll never push ourself to achieve the things we want to. I've also been blessed to see some things that have happened over the course of the last 18 months in a different light, and it's really made me grateful for the Lord's hand in things. I know that he loves us, and he has a plan for us to become like him and return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. I testify of that, and that the fulness of the gospel has been restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He lives, and because he lives we too shall live! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, May 16, 2011
News for the Week
Dear Family and Friends,
This week we had our last Zone Conference with President and Sister King. It was a really powerful conference, but a sad experience at the same time. I got to go on exchange with the other Elders in my District, and we had a lot of fun, but my companion goofed up and missed dinner one of the days, so we had to apologize. We had a couple really neat teaching opportunities, one with a sister that has been away from the church for a long time, and one with a young man that grew up without religion in his life. They were both powerful lessons, and we really tried to listen to the Spirit to help them know what Heaenly Father wanted them to know. The work seems to be starting to pick up, things are beginning to roll forth, and hopefully things start to happen pretty soon. We're trying to continuall improve, and really focusing on asking members to help us in seeking revelation about how to do the work of the Father in his way. The members here are great, they're a lot of fun, and I enjoy serving with them. Especially our bishop, he's such a great guy, and he loves to help us in any way he can. Since the Temple opened, it really seems like the Lord is pouring out his Spirit upon the people here, and softening and preparing hearts. It's such a funtime to be a missionary, the work is difficult, but it's so rewarding that all the effort is more than worth it. I would like to share some few thoughts this week about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the Key to Exaltation! If you seek to live worthy of, listen to, and obey it, it will lead you straight back into the presence of the Father having accomplished all that you were foreordained to do, and there you will sit down on the right hand of the Father eternally, to go no more out. I can say nothing more straight forward, and simple than that, and I testify with all my heart and soul that what I just said is the truth. God bearing witness of it. We must do what is necessary to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost Always, in the name of the Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week we had our last Zone Conference with President and Sister King. It was a really powerful conference, but a sad experience at the same time. I got to go on exchange with the other Elders in my District, and we had a lot of fun, but my companion goofed up and missed dinner one of the days, so we had to apologize. We had a couple really neat teaching opportunities, one with a sister that has been away from the church for a long time, and one with a young man that grew up without religion in his life. They were both powerful lessons, and we really tried to listen to the Spirit to help them know what Heaenly Father wanted them to know. The work seems to be starting to pick up, things are beginning to roll forth, and hopefully things start to happen pretty soon. We're trying to continuall improve, and really focusing on asking members to help us in seeking revelation about how to do the work of the Father in his way. The members here are great, they're a lot of fun, and I enjoy serving with them. Especially our bishop, he's such a great guy, and he loves to help us in any way he can. Since the Temple opened, it really seems like the Lord is pouring out his Spirit upon the people here, and softening and preparing hearts. It's such a funtime to be a missionary, the work is difficult, but it's so rewarding that all the effort is more than worth it. I would like to share some few thoughts this week about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the Key to Exaltation! If you seek to live worthy of, listen to, and obey it, it will lead you straight back into the presence of the Father having accomplished all that you were foreordained to do, and there you will sit down on the right hand of the Father eternally, to go no more out. I can say nothing more straight forward, and simple than that, and I testify with all my heart and soul that what I just said is the truth. God bearing witness of it. We must do what is necessary to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost Always, in the name of the Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mail Call
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a landmark in the mission field, I made my last call home....I'm not sure how I feel about that, but at least I wont have to worry about that any more. This week was another crazy one (they all are these days). We had a District Leader Council with President King, and I had a really cool experience there. I've been feeling that we really need to start working through the members of the wards, and loh and behold that's what President King told us to do. It made me feel like maybe I can recieve inspiration, and was cool. I also made a neat discovery in the scriptures that pertains to what we talked about. It says, "for ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God ye might recieve the promise." (Hebrews 10:36) So in essence we need to seek the will of the Lord, and act upon our impressions with all diligence being patient when we don't see immediate results, and know that the promises of the Lord will be fulfilled once you've finished the course. This also illustrates something we were told by Elder Pieper when he was here, he said "miracles start by Revelation." Which would be true since you have to obtain the will of the Lord to do it. It was a perfect description of how I've felt about some of the things we've tried before, I got discouraged when things didn't happen right away, but now I understand, and am prepared for the future. I feel very positive about our situation right now, and am very excited for the things that are happening. I would like to share one experience that we had yesterday.... I spent a good amount of time praying to know where we could find someone prepared to recieve the gospel, and I didn't feel anything. Several hours later at church, I still felt nothing. As we walked out of Sacrament meeting and into Sunday school class, and young woman in the ward walked up and introduced us to her boyfriend who asked us to teach him the discussions. That never happens! Later as I was sitting in Priesthood class, the words of my prayer that morning came back to me, and I realized that had been the answer to my prayer. At that point I was filled with such gratitude that my eyes began to water. It was one of the coolest things that has happened on my mission. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, that he knows and loves each one of us, and that he has a plan for all of us to help in this great work we are engaged in. He needs us, and we need to do all we can to serve him, and help him accomplish his divine purpose so that the earth may be prepared for the coming of our Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week was a landmark in the mission field, I made my last call home....I'm not sure how I feel about that, but at least I wont have to worry about that any more. This week was another crazy one (they all are these days). We had a District Leader Council with President King, and I had a really cool experience there. I've been feeling that we really need to start working through the members of the wards, and loh and behold that's what President King told us to do. It made me feel like maybe I can recieve inspiration, and was cool. I also made a neat discovery in the scriptures that pertains to what we talked about. It says, "for ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God ye might recieve the promise." (Hebrews 10:36) So in essence we need to seek the will of the Lord, and act upon our impressions with all diligence being patient when we don't see immediate results, and know that the promises of the Lord will be fulfilled once you've finished the course. This also illustrates something we were told by Elder Pieper when he was here, he said "miracles start by Revelation." Which would be true since you have to obtain the will of the Lord to do it. It was a perfect description of how I've felt about some of the things we've tried before, I got discouraged when things didn't happen right away, but now I understand, and am prepared for the future. I feel very positive about our situation right now, and am very excited for the things that are happening. I would like to share one experience that we had yesterday.... I spent a good amount of time praying to know where we could find someone prepared to recieve the gospel, and I didn't feel anything. Several hours later at church, I still felt nothing. As we walked out of Sacrament meeting and into Sunday school class, and young woman in the ward walked up and introduced us to her boyfriend who asked us to teach him the discussions. That never happens! Later as I was sitting in Priesthood class, the words of my prayer that morning came back to me, and I realized that had been the answer to my prayer. At that point I was filled with such gratitude that my eyes began to water. It was one of the coolest things that has happened on my mission. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, that he knows and loves each one of us, and that he has a plan for all of us to help in this great work we are engaged in. He needs us, and we need to do all we can to serve him, and help him accomplish his divine purpose so that the earth may be prepared for the coming of our Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Late News is Better Than No News...
Hey,
Don't freak out, I didn't have time to email on Monday, my companion made an appointment without telling me, and we had to cut our email time short. I have had a bad week, a lot of crazy stuff happened. We got to see the Rededication of the Temple which was cool, and the cultural celebration, but there were a lot of strange things. I wrecked on my bike (bikes fault), and tore up my right hand. My bike got sabotaged while we were at dinner (someone cut the valve stem, bent the rim beyond repair, and ruined my chain), and then we had a fiasco trying to get it fixed. Some guy gave us a ride, and tried to tell us that we were being deceived while attacking our beliefs. And then in District Meeting, we almost started arguing over something. But, I'm doing alright. My hand hurts though. But, on the bright side, I didn't break anything, and I'm still going. We're really trying to change the way we do missionary work, so I'm imagining things are going to be pretty slow for a while, but I think that in the long run it will be a big help. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn't worry too much.... Talk to you Sunday! Love ya!
Love,
Elder Hughes
(send some mail...spread a little cheer)
Don't freak out, I didn't have time to email on Monday, my companion made an appointment without telling me, and we had to cut our email time short. I have had a bad week, a lot of crazy stuff happened. We got to see the Rededication of the Temple which was cool, and the cultural celebration, but there were a lot of strange things. I wrecked on my bike (bikes fault), and tore up my right hand. My bike got sabotaged while we were at dinner (someone cut the valve stem, bent the rim beyond repair, and ruined my chain), and then we had a fiasco trying to get it fixed. Some guy gave us a ride, and tried to tell us that we were being deceived while attacking our beliefs. And then in District Meeting, we almost started arguing over something. But, I'm doing alright. My hand hurts though. But, on the bright side, I didn't break anything, and I'm still going. We're really trying to change the way we do missionary work, so I'm imagining things are going to be pretty slow for a while, but I think that in the long run it will be a big help. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn't worry too much.... Talk to you Sunday! Love ya!
Love,
Elder Hughes
(send some mail...spread a little cheer)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Weekly Note
(Atlanta Temple)Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been interesting to say the least. We had interviews with President King this week in the Temple, which was super cool, but we also had an area 70 chewing us out for there being too many missionaries at the Temple. We got a few referrals from the open house, but nothing has happened with them so far. The sisters are having a mini-transfer since everything with the open house has been so crazy, so i may or may not be losing the sisters in my district which would be sad since everything else seems to be dieing on me. I've really felt like the Lord has been trying to teach me a lesson these last couple weeks, and today was a big step towards whateer it is I'm supposed to be learning. I wish I could turn back time, and that I had known what I know now when I left on a mission, but alas that's the problem with this life, we live and learn. I have a request to make, please refrain from telling me how little time I have left, it may seem harmless to you, but I don't like to think about it. Trust me I know that I only have a short time left, and I really want to focus these last few months so that I can do what the Lord wants me to do. I thank you all for you love and support, and I hope you know that I pray for you, that I miss you, and that I am excited to be with you again, but while I am here, I belong to the Lord, and that's what I want to focus on right now. I would also like to share some thoughts on missionary work, we are taught in John 6:44 that no man can come unto Christ unless the Father draws him, which makes tuning in to the Father's will all the more important, and I encourage all of us to seek the Lords' will in our lives, so that we know how to be better disciples, and help him to accomplish his work to bring to pass the imoortality and Eternal Life of his children. I know that Christ lives, that he loves us, and I pray that at this season of the year where we commemorate his resurrection, we may find renewed Faith in Christ, and a deeper devotion to his gospel si my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week has been interesting to say the least. We had interviews with President King this week in the Temple, which was super cool, but we also had an area 70 chewing us out for there being too many missionaries at the Temple. We got a few referrals from the open house, but nothing has happened with them so far. The sisters are having a mini-transfer since everything with the open house has been so crazy, so i may or may not be losing the sisters in my district which would be sad since everything else seems to be dieing on me. I've really felt like the Lord has been trying to teach me a lesson these last couple weeks, and today was a big step towards whateer it is I'm supposed to be learning. I wish I could turn back time, and that I had known what I know now when I left on a mission, but alas that's the problem with this life, we live and learn. I have a request to make, please refrain from telling me how little time I have left, it may seem harmless to you, but I don't like to think about it. Trust me I know that I only have a short time left, and I really want to focus these last few months so that I can do what the Lord wants me to do. I thank you all for you love and support, and I hope you know that I pray for you, that I miss you, and that I am excited to be with you again, but while I am here, I belong to the Lord, and that's what I want to focus on right now. I would also like to share some thoughts on missionary work, we are taught in John 6:44 that no man can come unto Christ unless the Father draws him, which makes tuning in to the Father's will all the more important, and I encourage all of us to seek the Lords' will in our lives, so that we know how to be better disciples, and help him to accomplish his work to bring to pass the imoortality and Eternal Life of his children. I know that Christ lives, that he loves us, and I pray that at this season of the year where we commemorate his resurrection, we may find renewed Faith in Christ, and a deeper devotion to his gospel si my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Short and 2 the Point
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a lot of fun, we got to work at the Temple twice helping direct parking, which was insane because people were rebellious and didn't want to do what they were told, but we managed. Then we got to go through with a recent convert, which was a lot of fun. The Temple is very pretty, but I still prefer the St. George Temple. Other than that we haven't deen able to do too much this week, on account of spending so long there. But it's been a fun week, even though my legs hurt from standing so long. I do know that the Temple is the house of the Lord, and I admonish you all to make it a priority to get there, because our Heavenly Father wants us to be with our families eternally, I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This week was a lot of fun, we got to work at the Temple twice helping direct parking, which was insane because people were rebellious and didn't want to do what they were told, but we managed. Then we got to go through with a recent convert, which was a lot of fun. The Temple is very pretty, but I still prefer the St. George Temple. Other than that we haven't deen able to do too much this week, on account of spending so long there. But it's been a fun week, even though my legs hurt from standing so long. I do know that the Temple is the house of the Lord, and I admonish you all to make it a priority to get there, because our Heavenly Father wants us to be with our families eternally, I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lucky Us
Dear Family and Friends, Well, you lucked out again, I'm not getting transferred, so you'll know where I am for a few more weeks.... Sorry to those of you whose letters I haven't been able to respond to yet, I've had a lot on my plate the last 6 weeks, and we're just getting into the thick of things, but I will write when I get some time. The Temple open house started Saturday, and everyone is stoked!!! All the reports we've heard about so far say it has been amazing. I can't wait to get to go through. The weather has been really wet here, but everything is so pretty right now with all the flowers and trees just blooming, it's a great time of year to be in Georgia. But I do miss my good old mountains. The work is kind of at a grinding halt right now, but I can just feel that something is about to happen. It's almost like the dam has finally been plugged, and now the water's about to blast it open. It's truly an exciting time to be a missionary. I would like to mention one thing this week, and that is sanctification. The pinnacle of Discipleship to Christ is becoming perfect in him, and this requires that we give our whole heart, and soul to him, so that we can become sanctified by the power of the Holy Ghost. Only by doing this can we stand spotless before the Father at the last day when we stand to be judged of our works. Only through Faith, and repentance of all our sin, and faithfulness to the end after being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God. I admonish you to seek the refining power of the Holy Ghost that we may all stand together at that great and last day, and enter into the kingdom of God having fought the good fight, and won the prize by faithful obedience. I testify that this is the way, made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, in his sacred name, Amen. Love, Elder Hughes
Monday, April 4, 2011
Weekly Update
Dear Family and Friends, This week was a fast one. We got invitations to the Temple open house Tuesday from President King, and started handing them out. So far we haven't had too much success with it, but we're trying to be ingenuitive, and are coming up with some new things to try. Hopefully we can hand out all 300 quickly. I had an interesting experience yesterday in between sessions of conference where the sisters in my district took my companion and I to meet a guy they had talked to before. We stood in a gas station for an hour and a half, and compared Islam to Latter Day Saint doctrine. I noticed very early that I was the only one doing the talking, and no one else seemed to have anything to say. So we had 5 missionaries in a gas station on a sunday with people coming in and out, and me and this guy are having a long discussion about our beliefs. It was a fun experience, because the Spirit truly led me in what to say, and when and how to say it, and the guy really couldn't say anything against what we had talked, or explain how he knew any of it was true. We left him with our testimonies, and he told us we could come back, but I think we might not, on account of I could see myself talking to him all day. It was a good experience though, to see how the Spirit worked through me. Having the opportunity to listen to conference was very different to me than it has been in the past, I really felt as though the Lord was tellling me what to do, and I hope that all of us will take the time to study and ponder the messages shared, because I know that the Lords counsel is contained in them. I also know and testify that as we follow it, we will be blessed because I know that these men and women are inspired of God, and that Thomas S. Monson is his Prophet on the earth today. Please follow their counsel, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Love, Elder Hughes
Monday, March 28, 2011
He's Found Again..
Dear Family and Friends, Once again my industrious mother has succeeded in taking all the fun out of the guessing game, due to complications with my bike. So the secret is out, I'm now in the Roswell ward, and I think that this ward is definitely one of my favorites which probably means I wont be here too long..... This week was really strange, just about everyone we met was super nice, but not too interested in learning the gospel. We've now had to reschedule all of our baptisms, so nothings gonna happen there for a while. I had to go to Leadership training again this week, I really don't like 9 hour meetings, but this one was unique, so we got to break up the routine a little. With the Temple Open House starting next week, and General Conference and all the changes in missionary work going on, it's a crazy time to be a missionary, but it's also a good time. We really have to rely on the Spirit, and it's great. This week we had a really cool experience, where we just left the apartment, and were biking out to where we were going for the day, and the wind was blowing like crazy, so we were going really slow. Less than 100 yards from our turn off, we stopped to check the map because I wasn't sure where we were going, and this van pulls off behind us. A member steps out, and hands us a referral for a less active member that wants to take the lessons, and come back to church. It was so crazy to think that if the wind hadn't been blowing, we already would've been there, and she would've missed us. Then of course the wind died down the rest of the day, and everything went very cheerfully from then on. It definitely helped me see how the Lord's hand is in all things, and he really does work in mysterious ways, but it's all for the benefit of his children. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. (I for one am glad he chose a shop called Roswell Bike Shop, and that I have access to his bank records)
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Weekly Owl (Hogwarts style)
Dear Family and Friends,
This week in the Elder Hughes weekly mission newsletter, we are glad to report that something crazy has happened yet again. Don't worry though, no ones life was in danger or anything like that, it was actually a cool experience. A lady that has been in contact with the church through the years, ended up outside our church building Saturday and was invited to watch a basketball game. She came to church the next day, and we were invited to a members home to share a message with her, where we found out that she is very fond of the church, and as we were teaching her I had a feeling that I've never experienced before. As I was talking, I could hear words coming out of my mouth but it was like my mind and mouth were disconnected, but I was still teaching. As this was happening, a thought ran across my mind as clear as day, almost to the point that I thought I could see it running in front of my vision like you see in cartoons all the time. And I thought that this lady needs to be baptized, but I never felt impressed to invite her to. It was single handedly one of the most unique experiences that I've ever had teaching, because the Spirit was inspiring me about what to do and say the entire time, and she really seemed to understand. It was amazing to me to see how the Lord works through us when we're open. This probably happened because of an experience that I had earlier in the week that I'd like to share. I seem to have developed prayer insomnia, meaning I can't sleep until I've prayed at night. One night, my body was tired, it had been a long day, I was exhausted physically and mentally, but I could not close my eyes. So I crawled out of bed and fell to the floor where I had one of the most powerful prayers I've ever had, and I literally felt the Holy Ghost moving in my heart. Afterwards I was paralyzed by fear, and an impression quickly came to me that there was an evil spirit trying to overcome me in that moment, and I heard in my head myself commanding that spirit to be gone. After a moment, I repeated the words, and immediately the fear left, and as I layed back down I fell asleep immediately. I feel that in response to that prayer I've come just a little closer to the Lord, and the rest of the week, I have felt the Spirit moving more powerfully in me. I would like to bear the witness that I have received of the Holy Ghost that prayer is the key to opening the window of heaven, and invoking the power of God to help us in our lives. He will change our hearts, our minds, and help us to come unto him that we may become perfected in Christ. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
We still don't know where he is!! This week we guessed Matt (yes that is a town in Georgia), Bufford, Cummings, and Buffington.
This week in the Elder Hughes weekly mission newsletter, we are glad to report that something crazy has happened yet again. Don't worry though, no ones life was in danger or anything like that, it was actually a cool experience. A lady that has been in contact with the church through the years, ended up outside our church building Saturday and was invited to watch a basketball game. She came to church the next day, and we were invited to a members home to share a message with her, where we found out that she is very fond of the church, and as we were teaching her I had a feeling that I've never experienced before. As I was talking, I could hear words coming out of my mouth but it was like my mind and mouth were disconnected, but I was still teaching. As this was happening, a thought ran across my mind as clear as day, almost to the point that I thought I could see it running in front of my vision like you see in cartoons all the time. And I thought that this lady needs to be baptized, but I never felt impressed to invite her to. It was single handedly one of the most unique experiences that I've ever had teaching, because the Spirit was inspiring me about what to do and say the entire time, and she really seemed to understand. It was amazing to me to see how the Lord works through us when we're open. This probably happened because of an experience that I had earlier in the week that I'd like to share. I seem to have developed prayer insomnia, meaning I can't sleep until I've prayed at night. One night, my body was tired, it had been a long day, I was exhausted physically and mentally, but I could not close my eyes. So I crawled out of bed and fell to the floor where I had one of the most powerful prayers I've ever had, and I literally felt the Holy Ghost moving in my heart. Afterwards I was paralyzed by fear, and an impression quickly came to me that there was an evil spirit trying to overcome me in that moment, and I heard in my head myself commanding that spirit to be gone. After a moment, I repeated the words, and immediately the fear left, and as I layed back down I fell asleep immediately. I feel that in response to that prayer I've come just a little closer to the Lord, and the rest of the week, I have felt the Spirit moving more powerfully in me. I would like to bear the witness that I have received of the Holy Ghost that prayer is the key to opening the window of heaven, and invoking the power of God to help us in our lives. He will change our hearts, our minds, and help us to come unto him that we may become perfected in Christ. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
We still don't know where he is!! This week we guessed Matt (yes that is a town in Georgia), Bufford, Cummings, and Buffington.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Bonus.... Mail With Pictures
He actually sent a few pictures with his letter this week. The first two pictures are from his last area. The Elders Quorum president and another lady that has helped them a lot.
The picture below is the family he is working with now.
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a busy one, between trying to get to know everyone, and all the hustle of daily routines, I had to prepare a talk for Sacrament meeting. Unfortunately, they only gave me 7 minutes to talk about Personal Revelation in missionary work, with an introduction to myself so the ward could get to know me, so I didn't get to share all the things I wanted to, but if that's the biggest worry I have, then I must be doing pretty good all things considered. We unfortuately had to move our baptism that was scheduled for this week back to next week, but I feel that it will happen, so I'm excited for that. I'm still trying to figure out what the Lord is trying to teach me with my new companion, he's hard of hearing and has a personality that isn't too much like mine so working together is interesting. Unfortunately I do most of the talking, but maybe that's what I'm supposed to be learning, but it's fun to get to experience different things and face different challenges. Before I relay my next clue, I apparently need to clarify something I said last week that I didn't realize. I have now served in 5/8 of the zones in this mission, sorry for any confusion that may have caused. The clue for this week is one of the major roads in my last area runs through this area. This week I would like to talk about Faith. Faith is a gift from God that comes from the Spirit, it is an unfailing source of power in this life, but we must first seek to build it in our lives, and acquire it's two companions. The opponents of Faith are Doubt and Fear, these are counter acted by Hope and Charity, which explains the necessity of them accompanying Faith as explained in Moroni 7. We must seek to grow our Faith, and as we do all other things will follow, for with Faith comes Knowledge, Temperance, Hope, Charity, Virtue, Godliness, and in short all other attributes that help us become like Christ. We acquire these things through careful study of and obedience to the gospel, which is the key to recieving Eternal Life as outlined in 2Nephi31:20. I know that this is true, that we can become like the Savior, and that these 3 attributes are the keys to progressing towars Eternal Life while in the days of our probation. We are sons and daughters of God, Christ is the Savior. The Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was the Prophet of God that translated it, and restored the gospel in this final dispensation. Thomas Monson is the Prophet chosen today to lead and guide us. I bear witness of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week was a busy one, between trying to get to know everyone, and all the hustle of daily routines, I had to prepare a talk for Sacrament meeting. Unfortunately, they only gave me 7 minutes to talk about Personal Revelation in missionary work, with an introduction to myself so the ward could get to know me, so I didn't get to share all the things I wanted to, but if that's the biggest worry I have, then I must be doing pretty good all things considered. We unfortuately had to move our baptism that was scheduled for this week back to next week, but I feel that it will happen, so I'm excited for that. I'm still trying to figure out what the Lord is trying to teach me with my new companion, he's hard of hearing and has a personality that isn't too much like mine so working together is interesting. Unfortunately I do most of the talking, but maybe that's what I'm supposed to be learning, but it's fun to get to experience different things and face different challenges. Before I relay my next clue, I apparently need to clarify something I said last week that I didn't realize. I have now served in 5/8 of the zones in this mission, sorry for any confusion that may have caused. The clue for this week is one of the major roads in my last area runs through this area. This week I would like to talk about Faith. Faith is a gift from God that comes from the Spirit, it is an unfailing source of power in this life, but we must first seek to build it in our lives, and acquire it's two companions. The opponents of Faith are Doubt and Fear, these are counter acted by Hope and Charity, which explains the necessity of them accompanying Faith as explained in Moroni 7. We must seek to grow our Faith, and as we do all other things will follow, for with Faith comes Knowledge, Temperance, Hope, Charity, Virtue, Godliness, and in short all other attributes that help us become like Christ. We acquire these things through careful study of and obedience to the gospel, which is the key to recieving Eternal Life as outlined in 2Nephi31:20. I know that this is true, that we can become like the Savior, and that these 3 attributes are the keys to progressing towars Eternal Life while in the days of our probation. We are sons and daughters of God, Christ is the Savior. The Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was the Prophet of God that translated it, and restored the gospel in this final dispensation. Thomas Monson is the Prophet chosen today to lead and guide us. I bear witness of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Up to his old tricks..
Dear Family and Friends,
This has been a crazy week, we had transfers wednesday, and the sisters we replaced didn't have a ride home for us, so I just about lost it there, and now we're in a totally foreign ward, living in somebody's basement, we haven't been able to meet some of the investigators we have that are getting ready to be baptized soon, and now I have a much bigger District to worry about. But it's fun, I almost forgot what it's like to be in a new area, it's so different. We've already biked just about everywhere in the ward, our ward members seem very helpful when it comes to missionary work, and they have some high expectations for us, so I'm excited to see what happens. Things are just as stressful as ever, but it's getting easier, hopefully meaning that I'm doing better. Well, I have to cut this one short, because we have an appointment to go to, but I'll write again next monday.....remeber, the church is true, the book is blue, and God's a Mormon:)
Love,
Elder Hughes
Ok, so the stinker is having us guess where he is again. His hint for this week is he's in a new zone, making 5/8 fyi. (I have no idea what that means!)
This has been a crazy week, we had transfers wednesday, and the sisters we replaced didn't have a ride home for us, so I just about lost it there, and now we're in a totally foreign ward, living in somebody's basement, we haven't been able to meet some of the investigators we have that are getting ready to be baptized soon, and now I have a much bigger District to worry about. But it's fun, I almost forgot what it's like to be in a new area, it's so different. We've already biked just about everywhere in the ward, our ward members seem very helpful when it comes to missionary work, and they have some high expectations for us, so I'm excited to see what happens. Things are just as stressful as ever, but it's getting easier, hopefully meaning that I'm doing better. Well, I have to cut this one short, because we have an appointment to go to, but I'll write again next monday.....remeber, the church is true, the book is blue, and God's a Mormon:)
Love,
Elder Hughes
Ok, so the stinker is having us guess where he is again. His hint for this week is he's in a new zone, making 5/8 fyi. (I have no idea what that means!)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Packing Again...
Dear Family and Friends,
If this email sounds a little scatterbrained, please forgive me, because I have a hundred things going on in my head right now. We had Zone Conference Wednesday, which was a lot of fun, and a very spiritually uplifting experience. Then I got sick that night, and was down until Saturday with the flu (not fun at all), then sunday we finally started to get things working with the bishop, who we have dinner with tonight. Then this morning we find out that we're both being transferred out of the area, and missionaries aren't coming back for a while, and there's some boundary changes being made in the mission, so we have to pack and clean, and we can't tell the ward, and I'm about ready to lose my mind. It's so hard because I love the people here so much, and I want them to know, but there's nothing I can say or do to change what the Lord wants, and I would never try that anyways. And, we just found out who our new Mission President is going to be. So needless to say, things are pretty exciting/confusing/trying right now, but I'm sure we'll get through it all somehow. I would like to share with you my witness that the Lord's hand is in all things, I know this with all my heart, and I absolutely know that nothing happens by chance in this life, God is the ruler of all things. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
If this email sounds a little scatterbrained, please forgive me, because I have a hundred things going on in my head right now. We had Zone Conference Wednesday, which was a lot of fun, and a very spiritually uplifting experience. Then I got sick that night, and was down until Saturday with the flu (not fun at all), then sunday we finally started to get things working with the bishop, who we have dinner with tonight. Then this morning we find out that we're both being transferred out of the area, and missionaries aren't coming back for a while, and there's some boundary changes being made in the mission, so we have to pack and clean, and we can't tell the ward, and I'm about ready to lose my mind. It's so hard because I love the people here so much, and I want them to know, but there's nothing I can say or do to change what the Lord wants, and I would never try that anyways. And, we just found out who our new Mission President is going to be. So needless to say, things are pretty exciting/confusing/trying right now, but I'm sure we'll get through it all somehow. I would like to share with you my witness that the Lord's hand is in all things, I know this with all my heart, and I absolutely know that nothing happens by chance in this life, God is the ruler of all things. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Note for the Week
Dear Family and Friends,
As I have pondered this week, I think I'm beginning to see the workings of the unseen forces around us. I feel as though I can literally see the power of Satan working overtime to stop the work of Christ from going forth. But, with the opening of the Temple coming up, it makes sense. His power in the South is about to be strained, and with the power of the Spirit that the visitors will feel, a lot of people are going to want to know what they were feeling as they toured the Temple. It's amazing to me to see how the Lord puts things in place to thwart the adversary, but we have to be in tune enough to see it, and we need to do all we can to make sure the Lord's will gets done. We had the priviledge this week of being taught by Elder Peiper of the 70 this week, and it was a truly special day. To see and feel his love for the Savior and his work was just amazing. He taught us some very valuable things, that I hope will help us to elevate ourselves to where we need to be to accomodate the Revelation that President King has received, that the Windows of Heaven are beginning to open on this mission, and the vision of the South is about to unfold. As I have pondered these events, I feel it important to urge all of you to consider your readiness for the coming of the Savior, because it is not far away. I feel that we have a very short time left before he comes. We need to be prepared, and I testify that if we have the Faith, and are willing to follow the Lord's commands, he will help us to be prepared. We must ask ourselves if we could stand before the Lord, and tell him with an honest heart that we are worthy to return to his presence. I would also like to speak of the shortness of this life. In the vast expanse of eternity this life is but a small blip on the map, and yet it is one of the most important sections in that expanse, for it is what we do here that determines what we will spend the rest of eternity doing. We cannot afford to waste this life, or take it lightly, we do not have time to spend idling away while the Lord is trying to prepare the way for his coming. We must be anxiously engaged in the work of the Lord, doing all we can to help his work roll forth. I urge you to carefully study the words of the Apostles and Prophets, and follow their counsel, because President King feels, and I believe that Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet who's calling is to gather scattered israel to prepare the earth. I testify that he is the Prophet of God chosen today to lead us in this time. I know that we can be instruments in the Lord's hands if we will submit our will to his, and I know that this work will go on until the Great Jehovah shall say it is done.
Love,
Elder Hughes
As I have pondered this week, I think I'm beginning to see the workings of the unseen forces around us. I feel as though I can literally see the power of Satan working overtime to stop the work of Christ from going forth. But, with the opening of the Temple coming up, it makes sense. His power in the South is about to be strained, and with the power of the Spirit that the visitors will feel, a lot of people are going to want to know what they were feeling as they toured the Temple. It's amazing to me to see how the Lord puts things in place to thwart the adversary, but we have to be in tune enough to see it, and we need to do all we can to make sure the Lord's will gets done. We had the priviledge this week of being taught by Elder Peiper of the 70 this week, and it was a truly special day. To see and feel his love for the Savior and his work was just amazing. He taught us some very valuable things, that I hope will help us to elevate ourselves to where we need to be to accomodate the Revelation that President King has received, that the Windows of Heaven are beginning to open on this mission, and the vision of the South is about to unfold. As I have pondered these events, I feel it important to urge all of you to consider your readiness for the coming of the Savior, because it is not far away. I feel that we have a very short time left before he comes. We need to be prepared, and I testify that if we have the Faith, and are willing to follow the Lord's commands, he will help us to be prepared. We must ask ourselves if we could stand before the Lord, and tell him with an honest heart that we are worthy to return to his presence. I would also like to speak of the shortness of this life. In the vast expanse of eternity this life is but a small blip on the map, and yet it is one of the most important sections in that expanse, for it is what we do here that determines what we will spend the rest of eternity doing. We cannot afford to waste this life, or take it lightly, we do not have time to spend idling away while the Lord is trying to prepare the way for his coming. We must be anxiously engaged in the work of the Lord, doing all we can to help his work roll forth. I urge you to carefully study the words of the Apostles and Prophets, and follow their counsel, because President King feels, and I believe that Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet who's calling is to gather scattered israel to prepare the earth. I testify that he is the Prophet of God chosen today to lead us in this time. I know that we can be instruments in the Lord's hands if we will submit our will to his, and I know that this work will go on until the Great Jehovah shall say it is done.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, February 14, 2011
Georgia Happenings
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been full of sick people. My companion was sick, a bunch of ward members were sick, and they told us all kinds of stories about everyone being sick. It is definitely the flu season around these parts, and I'm grateful I haven't gotten sick yet (knock on wood). We had to postpone our baptism this week. We met with our investigators father for the first time, and of course he'd been exposed to some very farfetched ideas that happen to make sense in our line of Doctrines, but he was very resistant, and rather unopen, so we decided it would be best to postpone the baptism so we didn't cause any problems with the family. I feel terrible about the situation, because as we were sitting there both the kids were with us listening, and when the father told us that he didn't want his son being baptized until he learned more, I saw the exitement drop out his sons face, and when we talked to him later, it was as if the light of the Spirit had left. I felt terrible afterwards, and I prayed long and hard. In my heart I felt like someone had just stuck a dagger right in me, and it strengthened my resolution to never let that happen again. As I pondered the situation, I realized how much I've come to love the family over the course of the time I've been here, and it amazed me. I'm glad the Lord is the one in control, because I doubt I could even attempt to fix what happened. We had Stake Conference this week, and it was funny because we didn't expect President King to come, but as we're standing there waiting for the family to show up, in walks President King. As he was walking by, he asks me: "How does it feel to serve in one area longer that the rest of your mission?" I told him I still wasn't sure. It was a good meeting, and the Spirit was very strong. I've really reflected this week on the importance of the Spirit in our lives, and I want to testify to you all, that it is the key, the very KEY, to the Lord's work being done by his servants here on earth (which is all of us), and we need to strive to do all we can to have it's companionship always. I know the Lord loves us, and will help us if we ask him, and do our best to be obedient to the subtel promptings of the Spirit, I know God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. I know Joseph Smith was God's chosen Prophet who restored the gospel to the earth in this the final dispensation, and I bare you my witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week has been full of sick people. My companion was sick, a bunch of ward members were sick, and they told us all kinds of stories about everyone being sick. It is definitely the flu season around these parts, and I'm grateful I haven't gotten sick yet (knock on wood). We had to postpone our baptism this week. We met with our investigators father for the first time, and of course he'd been exposed to some very farfetched ideas that happen to make sense in our line of Doctrines, but he was very resistant, and rather unopen, so we decided it would be best to postpone the baptism so we didn't cause any problems with the family. I feel terrible about the situation, because as we were sitting there both the kids were with us listening, and when the father told us that he didn't want his son being baptized until he learned more, I saw the exitement drop out his sons face, and when we talked to him later, it was as if the light of the Spirit had left. I felt terrible afterwards, and I prayed long and hard. In my heart I felt like someone had just stuck a dagger right in me, and it strengthened my resolution to never let that happen again. As I pondered the situation, I realized how much I've come to love the family over the course of the time I've been here, and it amazed me. I'm glad the Lord is the one in control, because I doubt I could even attempt to fix what happened. We had Stake Conference this week, and it was funny because we didn't expect President King to come, but as we're standing there waiting for the family to show up, in walks President King. As he was walking by, he asks me: "How does it feel to serve in one area longer that the rest of your mission?" I told him I still wasn't sure. It was a good meeting, and the Spirit was very strong. I've really reflected this week on the importance of the Spirit in our lives, and I want to testify to you all, that it is the key, the very KEY, to the Lord's work being done by his servants here on earth (which is all of us), and we need to strive to do all we can to have it's companionship always. I know the Lord loves us, and will help us if we ask him, and do our best to be obedient to the subtel promptings of the Spirit, I know God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. I know Joseph Smith was God's chosen Prophet who restored the gospel to the earth in this the final dispensation, and I bare you my witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Mail's Updated...
Dear Family and Friends,
This was a rather long week due to a 3 day meeting we had with President King, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am - 4pm. It was long, but very good. We spent the time learning about the fundamentals of Preach My Gospel, the new missionary teaching curriculum, and working on improving our teaching skills, and it was very spiritual, and believe it or not, a lot of fun. This week was a very special one for me, because 2 of the most touching moments of my mission occured. Friday night we saw a family we've been working with since I got here, and we set a date with the son (12) for the 19th of February, which was very exciting. But then on the way home, I asked his mom how she felt about the church today as opposed to 7 months ago, and she told me that she believed it was true. Then 45 minutes lated while we were at dinner, she called to talk to me and told me a story. She said that recently she'd been kneeling beside her bed praying, and she started asking very specific questions for some reason, and she was amazed at how quickly her answers came to her mind. I wont quote the things she heard, but in short the Lord told her that this is his church, led by a Prophet, having been restored through Joseph Smith. As she shared the story with me, it touched my heart. Then Sunday I was sitting up on the stand waiting my turn to bear my testimony, and she came up and bore her testimony after I did, and again I was overcome with gratitude and love. It was so neat to see that one of Heavenly Father's children has been brought back to the fold. As I've been pondering this week, I'd like to remard about how much Heavenly Father wants to help us. When we meet the conditions laid out by Moroni in the final chapter of the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father will answer our prayers so quickly that it will surprise us, and in ways we wont expect. For example when Joseph was in the Sacred Grove, he fully expected an answer to his prayer, and he had Faith, and as soon as he truly called on the Lord in sincerity, that instant he was delivered from the power of the adversary, and the Father and Jesus both appeared to him personally. We do have a loving Father in Heaven, and he does hear and answer us, of these things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This was a rather long week due to a 3 day meeting we had with President King, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am - 4pm. It was long, but very good. We spent the time learning about the fundamentals of Preach My Gospel, the new missionary teaching curriculum, and working on improving our teaching skills, and it was very spiritual, and believe it or not, a lot of fun. This week was a very special one for me, because 2 of the most touching moments of my mission occured. Friday night we saw a family we've been working with since I got here, and we set a date with the son (12) for the 19th of February, which was very exciting. But then on the way home, I asked his mom how she felt about the church today as opposed to 7 months ago, and she told me that she believed it was true. Then 45 minutes lated while we were at dinner, she called to talk to me and told me a story. She said that recently she'd been kneeling beside her bed praying, and she started asking very specific questions for some reason, and she was amazed at how quickly her answers came to her mind. I wont quote the things she heard, but in short the Lord told her that this is his church, led by a Prophet, having been restored through Joseph Smith. As she shared the story with me, it touched my heart. Then Sunday I was sitting up on the stand waiting my turn to bear my testimony, and she came up and bore her testimony after I did, and again I was overcome with gratitude and love. It was so neat to see that one of Heavenly Father's children has been brought back to the fold. As I've been pondering this week, I'd like to remard about how much Heavenly Father wants to help us. When we meet the conditions laid out by Moroni in the final chapter of the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father will answer our prayers so quickly that it will surprise us, and in ways we wont expect. For example when Joseph was in the Sacred Grove, he fully expected an answer to his prayer, and he had Faith, and as soon as he truly called on the Lord in sincerity, that instant he was delivered from the power of the adversary, and the Father and Jesus both appeared to him personally. We do have a loving Father in Heaven, and he does hear and answer us, of these things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Last Week's Mail (that I just received)
Dear Family and Friends,This last week has been a good one, we had a lot of good opportunities to work with less-active members. We also had a good opportunity to talk with the entire ward about Mormon.org, and making profiles. I would encourage all of you that read this to make one, because it is the church's new direction with missionary work, and you could help someone become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ through what you say. the ward is giving us a lot of resistance, and it's frustrating, but we all need to understand that this is direction given from the Prophet that he received through Revelation. Anyways, things are going well, and hopefully we should have a double baptism in February, so I'm pretty excited. I would like this week to share with you my thoughts about obedience. The entire plan of Salvation is contingent upon our obedience. God has given us a lot of guides such as Prophets, Scriptures, the Holy Ghost, Families, the Church, but all these things don't mean a thing if we don't choose to follow the counsel we receive. I would ask that we all please evaluate how obedient we are, and find areas where we can improve, because that is the very key to happiness and protection in this life. God has made so many promises, and the blessings are ours but we have to choose to keep the associated commandments. I testify that this is true, that God loves us and is waiting to shower down blessings upon us. Please follow the Lord, he is the key to joy, true everlasting joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, January 24, 2011
News
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a good one, it started to warm up again, only to find out that another storm is coming in Tuesday or Wednesday, so we might be snowed in again. We were able to have some good teaching opportunities with our top investigators, who are getting very close to baptism. We had an awesome experience in Gospel essentials class.... I was teaching since our Ward Mission Leader was out of town, and I was using the analogy of a scale to explain agency, and this one less active member kept making off the wall questions, and asking unrelated questions, and was completely disruptive, and the less active mother of our 2 investogators, who has come to church 4 times in a row, was trying to help me take control of the lesson again, and was even quoting from True to the Faith. It was really neat to see how much she's really studying, and wants to have a testimony. As I was saying last week, I've been looking at Charity a lot lately, and here are my thoughts.... The attributes of the Natural Man can be found in Proverbs 6, these are the 7 things tools that the devil uses to destroy us, and if we look in Moroni at the attributes of Charity, they all contradict those 7 things, and more. Charity at it's core is pure love like the Savior, and being filled with that pure love is like being filled with a refiners fire, it purifies and sanctifies us, and helps us to become like the Savior. In the end, love really does conquer all, because by having Charity, we've climbed the ladder through Faith, Virtue, etc. and have become like the Savior. Through love, we are motivated to follow Christ, keep the commandments, Repent, and we will be prepared to meet the Savior when he comes. I know these things are true, and that we should all strive to be filled with the pure love of Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week was a good one, it started to warm up again, only to find out that another storm is coming in Tuesday or Wednesday, so we might be snowed in again. We were able to have some good teaching opportunities with our top investigators, who are getting very close to baptism. We had an awesome experience in Gospel essentials class.... I was teaching since our Ward Mission Leader was out of town, and I was using the analogy of a scale to explain agency, and this one less active member kept making off the wall questions, and asking unrelated questions, and was completely disruptive, and the less active mother of our 2 investogators, who has come to church 4 times in a row, was trying to help me take control of the lesson again, and was even quoting from True to the Faith. It was really neat to see how much she's really studying, and wants to have a testimony. As I was saying last week, I've been looking at Charity a lot lately, and here are my thoughts.... The attributes of the Natural Man can be found in Proverbs 6, these are the 7 things tools that the devil uses to destroy us, and if we look in Moroni at the attributes of Charity, they all contradict those 7 things, and more. Charity at it's core is pure love like the Savior, and being filled with that pure love is like being filled with a refiners fire, it purifies and sanctifies us, and helps us to become like the Savior. In the end, love really does conquer all, because by having Charity, we've climbed the ladder through Faith, Virtue, etc. and have become like the Savior. Through love, we are motivated to follow Christ, keep the commandments, Repent, and we will be prepared to meet the Savior when he comes. I know these things are true, and that we should all strive to be filled with the pure love of Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Snowed In
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a nice one, we were snowed in for 2 days, and the ice is still here. Everyone has been freaking out, and some people left their houses for the first time in a week yesterday. I turned 21 of Saturday , and it was hilarious. Sister King called me, and she said "whoo, you're legal, but I don't know what for." Later as I was thinking, I realized that I'm now the legal Mormon Marrying Age. Not suggesting anything by that, just making a statement. Then one of the Sisters made me my favorite cake (German Chocolate), so it was pretty awesome. Then we found out that I'm not getting transferred, which will make my time in this area more than the rest of my areas combined. Apparently there is something I'm supposed to do, and for the life of me I can't figure out what. This week was also good, because we have 2 investigators (little kids) that are getting close to baptism, and they've been to church twice in a row now. And on top of that, the Falcons LOST, so maybe we can actually get people to church now....Other than that, it's been a fun week, trudging through the snow, it was just like home, except more icy, and no one knows how to drive. I even slipped off my bike and landed on my behind. But, it's been fun, and I got lots of mail on my brithday, so I was very excited. That's about all for this week, I'd just like to ask you to study charity this week, that's what i've been looking at a lot lately, and I want to see if anyone gets what I've gotten out of studying it. The gospel is true, the book is blue, and God's a Mormon, Have a great week, love you all.
Love,
Elder Craig Hughes
This week was a nice one, we were snowed in for 2 days, and the ice is still here. Everyone has been freaking out, and some people left their houses for the first time in a week yesterday. I turned 21 of Saturday , and it was hilarious. Sister King called me, and she said "whoo, you're legal, but I don't know what for." Later as I was thinking, I realized that I'm now the legal Mormon Marrying Age. Not suggesting anything by that, just making a statement. Then one of the Sisters made me my favorite cake (German Chocolate), so it was pretty awesome. Then we found out that I'm not getting transferred, which will make my time in this area more than the rest of my areas combined. Apparently there is something I'm supposed to do, and for the life of me I can't figure out what. This week was also good, because we have 2 investigators (little kids) that are getting close to baptism, and they've been to church twice in a row now. And on top of that, the Falcons LOST, so maybe we can actually get people to church now....Other than that, it's been a fun week, trudging through the snow, it was just like home, except more icy, and no one knows how to drive. I even slipped off my bike and landed on my behind. But, it's been fun, and I got lots of mail on my brithday, so I was very excited. That's about all for this week, I'd just like to ask you to study charity this week, that's what i've been looking at a lot lately, and I want to see if anyone gets what I've gotten out of studying it. The gospel is true, the book is blue, and God's a Mormon, Have a great week, love you all.
Love,
Elder Craig Hughes
Monday, January 10, 2011
Birthday Week
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been a crazy one, and it has all led to this crazy storm, and for the second time in a month it has snowed here in Georgia, which is unheard of. The ward has been going crazy making sure we're taking care of, but they just seem to think we don't know anything about anything, but at least they love us enough to care. I'm celebrating the big 2 1 this week, and man do I feel old. But on the down up side it's a big milestone for me, and I can officially be an adult. We have interviews with President King this week, so I'm pretty excited for that, but also scared since it's my first one as a District Leader. I've been thinking a lot lately about the why's of life, and I've come up with some interesting thoughts that I'd like to share. Everything about life can be related back to a tree, or trees. As parents God gives us the charge of supporting his children with the root system we have built, making our foundation in the gospel direly important, because if it isn't strong enough, then our children could fade or die altogether, and that is the worst thing that could happen to one of God's children. Furthermore, I've thought about why children tend to rebel when they become teenagers....and I believe it is because those are the years where they change, their environment changes, and they become the full natural man exposed to the full evil the world has to offer, and thus far in our lives we never have to face anything to hard, but when we hit that stage Satan unleashes his forces, and we have a whole new battle on our hands. This illustrates an important principle though, as it shows us how much God loves us, and how the church supports the family basis. God gives us the greatest gift we have to protect us before it hits, in time to learn how to be protected, and he gives us power against evil, which also has the power of the ministering of angels to protect us, and the church's goal for every young man to serve a mission, which requires careful preparation to lead us through the darkest of times, and when we finish, we've become a solid trunk ready for the road ahead, and able overcome anything we may face. Our Father in Heaven truly does love us, and he will help us as we rely on him. He has given us everything we need to succeed in mortality, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
This week has been a crazy one, and it has all led to this crazy storm, and for the second time in a month it has snowed here in Georgia, which is unheard of. The ward has been going crazy making sure we're taking care of, but they just seem to think we don't know anything about anything, but at least they love us enough to care. I'm celebrating the big 2 1 this week, and man do I feel old. But on the down up side it's a big milestone for me, and I can officially be an adult. We have interviews with President King this week, so I'm pretty excited for that, but also scared since it's my first one as a District Leader. I've been thinking a lot lately about the why's of life, and I've come up with some interesting thoughts that I'd like to share. Everything about life can be related back to a tree, or trees. As parents God gives us the charge of supporting his children with the root system we have built, making our foundation in the gospel direly important, because if it isn't strong enough, then our children could fade or die altogether, and that is the worst thing that could happen to one of God's children. Furthermore, I've thought about why children tend to rebel when they become teenagers....and I believe it is because those are the years where they change, their environment changes, and they become the full natural man exposed to the full evil the world has to offer, and thus far in our lives we never have to face anything to hard, but when we hit that stage Satan unleashes his forces, and we have a whole new battle on our hands. This illustrates an important principle though, as it shows us how much God loves us, and how the church supports the family basis. God gives us the greatest gift we have to protect us before it hits, in time to learn how to be protected, and he gives us power against evil, which also has the power of the ministering of angels to protect us, and the church's goal for every young man to serve a mission, which requires careful preparation to lead us through the darkest of times, and when we finish, we've become a solid trunk ready for the road ahead, and able overcome anything we may face. Our Father in Heaven truly does love us, and he will help us as we rely on him. He has given us everything we need to succeed in mortality, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Elder Hughes
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Years
Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a slow one, everyone in the area was partying, and no one wanted to talk. We did however have a couple cool things happen. We had an less active member that we've been working with come to church for the first time in 6 months, and hopefully with the new church schedule she'll come regularly. We also had a member bring a friend to church that we are going to start teaching, so that was way exciting, and should be fun. We had a great testimony meeting, I got to bear my testimony, and it just felt so good to do it, and as I looked out over the audience, there were people crying all over the place, it was funny, but really cool to see the Spirit in action. I've made my new years resolution to do my best to have the Spirit with me more, and to listen to it more carefully. The reason I chose this is for two reasons, one because that's how the Lord guides us and I know that I need that guidance especially now, and if we have the Spirit with us, then we are justified (Moses 6:59). Which means that we are forgiven of our sins, or pure, and by that we can know that we are on the right path in life. I hope we all have taken the chance to make goals like this, because goals are important in our life, without them we aren't working towards somemthing, they give us direction and purpose. But, if you do make a goal please be sure to write it down, and remember it so that you can work towards achieving it. I love you all, and I want to you know that I know this gospel is true, that Heavenly Father Knows, and Loves us all, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that God answers prayers. I testify to you that by studying the Doctrines of the Gospel, we can change our hearts, and become born-again to be able to put of the natural man, and become true Saints Enduring to the End, when all the Saints shall dwell with God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This week was a slow one, everyone in the area was partying, and no one wanted to talk. We did however have a couple cool things happen. We had an less active member that we've been working with come to church for the first time in 6 months, and hopefully with the new church schedule she'll come regularly. We also had a member bring a friend to church that we are going to start teaching, so that was way exciting, and should be fun. We had a great testimony meeting, I got to bear my testimony, and it just felt so good to do it, and as I looked out over the audience, there were people crying all over the place, it was funny, but really cool to see the Spirit in action. I've made my new years resolution to do my best to have the Spirit with me more, and to listen to it more carefully. The reason I chose this is for two reasons, one because that's how the Lord guides us and I know that I need that guidance especially now, and if we have the Spirit with us, then we are justified (Moses 6:59). Which means that we are forgiven of our sins, or pure, and by that we can know that we are on the right path in life. I hope we all have taken the chance to make goals like this, because goals are important in our life, without them we aren't working towards somemthing, they give us direction and purpose. But, if you do make a goal please be sure to write it down, and remember it so that you can work towards achieving it. I love you all, and I want to you know that I know this gospel is true, that Heavenly Father Knows, and Loves us all, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that God answers prayers. I testify to you that by studying the Doctrines of the Gospel, we can change our hearts, and become born-again to be able to put of the natural man, and become true Saints Enduring to the End, when all the Saints shall dwell with God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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