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.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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!)
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