This week as been great with all of the support we have received from ward leaders and especially the Lord.
On Monday we re-evaluated our goals because of the area that has been added on. We figured the goals that seemed to be great but I was still very hesitant with what was going to happen throughout the week. We help President Campa of the stake presidency with service at his house. They put in some nice new hardwood floor so we helped move so furniture around so they could install the flooring.
On Tuesday We traveled into Defuniak for District Meeting. It went really well and we talked about Elder Bednar's questions even though many of us were still pondering the thought of "What have I observed and learned. What will I do?" We came back and started getting the maps for our area out of the other apartment so we could see how big of an area we had and where we could tract. We had dinner with a member that evening and also set up and appointment with Brother Despain for this coming Thursday.
On Wednesday we helped a part member family with some service at their house and it went great. We were able to really spend time with her husband who is not a member and he was grateful for our service and what we were able to share with him. We went and visited a few media referrals that we had received but didn't have anything come from them yet.
On Thursday we spent allot of time planning and focusing on all of the areas. We opened all the Area Books and called every past investigator to try and set up appointments with them. So far we have had success in setting up an appointment with one investigator.
On Friday We decided to go tracting for a bit that day. The area that we first went to, there were Jehovah Witnesses already tracting through so we went into our back up plans. We visited a few member and offered service as we were there. We tracted another area that was close to a media referral but nothing came out of it. Later that night we went over to Sister Misty Royce's house and her niece was there. She talked to her mom and we now have permission to teach her and had a great experience with Joey there teaching her.
On Saturday our main focus was to get out and start knocking on some doors so we could find those the Lord has prepared for us. We found Cassie and she was super excited. She has a very young family and we will be teaching her later Today. We also tracted into Candy. She was very interested and had the questions as do some about how the Godhead could be 3 in the same because she notices in the Bible that Jesus is not Praying to himself. We have appointment with her on Wednesday. We received a call from President Coleman in Paxton about a few people that they are wanting us to start teaching. We will be going up there tonight with President Miller and his wife to meet them and set up appointments. With that we should be able tonight to get our teaching pool around 15 people.
We're very excited with all that is happening and will keep on continuing to press forward and help those people come unto Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity to cover all of the two wards and two branches because it allows us to teach and experience the Joy with everyone that we have the opportunity to teach. It keeps us even busier than before which I enjoy so much.
Love Y'all and thanks for the support and letters.
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, June 15, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tyler June 9 2009
hello
Happy Birthday yesterday Mom! I hope you had a good day. I'm really not learning any other language right now at the moment but just a little Africaans I can learn from the coloured folk. In the western cape it is mainly the coloureds that we work with. They are kind of like the hispanic people of the states. I am really missing the Utah weather this past week it has just rained and has been cold. Elder Pauna and I have had the flu for the past few days, but I think today I'm getting better from it. Elder Pauna says he still isn't feeling too great.
This past Tuesday we drove out to Somerset West from Hermanus to have our workshops with President Probst, Sister Probst and the assistants. I really like the way President Probst does the workshops in districts because it makes everything so much more meaningful and personal. As I was talking to him he said he was looking up Cape Town missionaries on an engine and the family blog was the first to come up. He said he read through it and thought it was neat.
We have a couple of baptisms on the first week of next month with Lungiswa and Chokiswa. They are sisters one is 37 and the other is 17 they seem very excited about it and Lungiswa bore a wonderful testimony yesterday. Lungiswa is married but her husband doesn't want anything to do with church. We had a discussion about dispensations with them which went quite well. I'm really excited for them I just wish we could find more potential priesthood holders for the branch. Things are going quite well for the most part. The highlight of the week was to be able to find an Africaans guy named Walter and his wife named Suzan. They lived in Pretoria before they moved to Vermont. They have been here for the past year. I have a really good feeling about him and his family. Walter is 29 and Suzanne is 26 they are engaged and have a little boy who is 3. Walter works at a board shop here in Hermanus and both of his parents died when he was younger. He said he has been recently looking for a religion but has not found the right one, he just recently read through all the bible, the old and new testament and is excited about the Africaans Book of Mormon that we gave to him this last Friday. He said he has been down some dark roads in his life but wants to change and you can see it with how humble he is. We found him while he was mowing his lawn but hopefully through the power of the Book of Mormon it will motivate them to stop smoking and drinking. I look forward with being able to work with them and help them. Many families that we teach we have been seeing miracles with their diligence of reading the Book of Mormon. We are excited about a colored family that lives in Mt. Pleasant named the Adams. Sister Adams has been taking the Book of Mormon and reading it during her lunch break and this week we gave them an Africaans version so they can compare and understand more between Africaans and English.
Have a good week,
Thanks for everything.
Love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Happy Birthday yesterday Mom! I hope you had a good day. I'm really not learning any other language right now at the moment but just a little Africaans I can learn from the coloured folk. In the western cape it is mainly the coloureds that we work with. They are kind of like the hispanic people of the states. I am really missing the Utah weather this past week it has just rained and has been cold. Elder Pauna and I have had the flu for the past few days, but I think today I'm getting better from it. Elder Pauna says he still isn't feeling too great.
This past Tuesday we drove out to Somerset West from Hermanus to have our workshops with President Probst, Sister Probst and the assistants. I really like the way President Probst does the workshops in districts because it makes everything so much more meaningful and personal. As I was talking to him he said he was looking up Cape Town missionaries on an engine and the family blog was the first to come up. He said he read through it and thought it was neat.
We have a couple of baptisms on the first week of next month with Lungiswa and Chokiswa. They are sisters one is 37 and the other is 17 they seem very excited about it and Lungiswa bore a wonderful testimony yesterday. Lungiswa is married but her husband doesn't want anything to do with church. We had a discussion about dispensations with them which went quite well. I'm really excited for them I just wish we could find more potential priesthood holders for the branch. Things are going quite well for the most part. The highlight of the week was to be able to find an Africaans guy named Walter and his wife named Suzan. They lived in Pretoria before they moved to Vermont. They have been here for the past year. I have a really good feeling about him and his family. Walter is 29 and Suzanne is 26 they are engaged and have a little boy who is 3. Walter works at a board shop here in Hermanus and both of his parents died when he was younger. He said he has been recently looking for a religion but has not found the right one, he just recently read through all the bible, the old and new testament and is excited about the Africaans Book of Mormon that we gave to him this last Friday. He said he has been down some dark roads in his life but wants to change and you can see it with how humble he is. We found him while he was mowing his lawn but hopefully through the power of the Book of Mormon it will motivate them to stop smoking and drinking. I look forward with being able to work with them and help them. Many families that we teach we have been seeing miracles with their diligence of reading the Book of Mormon. We are excited about a colored family that lives in Mt. Pleasant named the Adams. Sister Adams has been taking the Book of Mormon and reading it during her lunch break and this week we gave them an Africaans version so they can compare and understand more between Africaans and English.
Have a good week,
Thanks for everything.
Love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Monday, June 8, 2009
Regan June 8, 2009
This past week will be one of the most memorable weeks I have had so far in my life.
On Monday we were able to teach Misty about the Plan of Salvation again. She has so many new questions each and every time that we go over to her house that it is truly a blessing in disguise. We had dinner with members that night and shared a great experience with them and there family.
Tuesday we planned allot for what we could do with Joey to continue his progress and discussed some of the planning of the baptism. We went and talked with him and his family and set up everything for the baptism on Saturday. We discussed the interview questions with Joey and continued to help his progress to be baptized. We had ward council that evening and we are seeing miracles in all the service that the ward members are performing in the work.
Wednesday it was thundering and lighting quite a bit. So we decided to do a little bit of planning and try to set up appointments with many of our past investigators. We didn't have to much luck contacting them but we were able to talk with Marty and set up an appointment for Thursday.
Thursday read 3 Nephi 11 with Marty and it went so great. We are beginning to help him build his foundation upon daily prayer and study. We left him with the remaining chapters of Christ's visit to the America's. We had Joey's baptismal interview which went smashing great. He has been progressing each and everyday and will continue to do so.
Friday we went and taught Maeson the Plan of Salvation and answered many questions that she had thought of that had her confused. We answered all of those questions and the spirit was there very strongly. We stopped by and set up and appointment with Michael and will be talking with his whole family. Tons of great potential.
Saturday was a great day. To start it all of with Elder Bednar and Elder Richards was great. The Revelatory experience was the most amazing but personal setting that I have been in. The spirit was so immense and all of my questions were answered through the spirit without even asking the questions. We then came back and prepared everything for Joey's Baptism. His family was there with support and there was such a great member turnout that I was truly humbled by all of their love and support.
Sunday we were getting adjusted with the news of taking over all of Crestview into one big area. I don't feel overwhelmed at all because I know that as we go out and fulfill our responsibilities with diligence and exercise our faith through action that there is a way already prepared for us to accomplish all that he asks of us. We found out that one of the sisters was going home because she has had some medical problems. We now have a car which is nice but we are going to utilize the bikes as much as possible to save as many miles as we can until we really have to use them. We will now be covering 2 wards and 2 branches. It is going to be crazy but I am totally excited because now we will never see and ounce of spare time and be busy as ever.
Love You All
Elder Regan Hansen
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Tyler June 1 2009
Hey family
Well this week was pretty rough for the most part, the appointments with Major, Chris Kallani, El Marie, Cornelius Williams, Reamus, and Edward did not succeed. It has been hard to have a good attitude about everything that has cancelled but what do you do. My companions grandma passed away as well so both him and his family are going through a hard time. Yesterday church was interesting, all the power throughout Hermanus and clear out to Bettys Bay was all out. So we fired up a generator to run the speakers and piano, with no lights except the sunlight. We had to spend a couple of nights by the candle lights so it was different in a way. I really admire the strong and faithful who hold this branch together who sacrifice so much of their time and energy to keep things operating, especially President Mickennon and his wife. I had a couple of zone leaders Elder Wells, Lakeland and Ballard who Knew Elder Gordon but I didn't know of him serving in this area, but its neat that you got to see him. Titos husband, Class was able to sit in with us during a discussion this week, I could really see the change that he has experienced recently. When we would come in the home before, he would dash out as soon as he could, but now he is a lot more responsible which is wonderful to see. With the preach my gospel that we gave Tito she has taken it and has read through chapters 3,6and 9 so she is really a strength to us and to everyone around her as she carries the light in her countenance. Tito's sister Mimi introduced the Book of Mormon to her friend Richmond, we were able to see him this Saturday and have a very good discussion with him about the Book of Mormon and the restoration. He has come to church the last two weeks, so things are working very well for him. Lungiswa and Chokisa are still coming each week to church but this past week they had obligations to attend to so as a backup plan we had a nice discussion with Portia and her sister. An eternal investigator named Clif is building a new home so we were able to do some landscaping and leveling to plant some grass. A lot of the problem around here with the lawns are the moles that make burrows and holes for the people. We hope to help him some more on his home as he gets some more time off from his business but his house looks really nice. thanks for the emails have a good week. love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Well this week was pretty rough for the most part, the appointments with Major, Chris Kallani, El Marie, Cornelius Williams, Reamus, and Edward did not succeed. It has been hard to have a good attitude about everything that has cancelled but what do you do. My companions grandma passed away as well so both him and his family are going through a hard time. Yesterday church was interesting, all the power throughout Hermanus and clear out to Bettys Bay was all out. So we fired up a generator to run the speakers and piano, with no lights except the sunlight. We had to spend a couple of nights by the candle lights so it was different in a way. I really admire the strong and faithful who hold this branch together who sacrifice so much of their time and energy to keep things operating, especially President Mickennon and his wife. I had a couple of zone leaders Elder Wells, Lakeland and Ballard who Knew Elder Gordon but I didn't know of him serving in this area, but its neat that you got to see him. Titos husband, Class was able to sit in with us during a discussion this week, I could really see the change that he has experienced recently. When we would come in the home before, he would dash out as soon as he could, but now he is a lot more responsible which is wonderful to see. With the preach my gospel that we gave Tito she has taken it and has read through chapters 3,6and 9 so she is really a strength to us and to everyone around her as she carries the light in her countenance. Tito's sister Mimi introduced the Book of Mormon to her friend Richmond, we were able to see him this Saturday and have a very good discussion with him about the Book of Mormon and the restoration. He has come to church the last two weeks, so things are working very well for him. Lungiswa and Chokisa are still coming each week to church but this past week they had obligations to attend to so as a backup plan we had a nice discussion with Portia and her sister. An eternal investigator named Clif is building a new home so we were able to do some landscaping and leveling to plant some grass. A lot of the problem around here with the lawns are the moles that make burrows and holes for the people. We hope to help him some more on his home as he gets some more time off from his business but his house looks really nice. thanks for the emails have a good week. love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Tyler May 25 2009
Hey family,
Hey thanks for the emails. It just sounds like everyone is vacationing... people and there vacationing, I don't know whats going on. Well this week was pretty good it had its ups and downs but Elder Pauna and I was able to share the restoration of the gospel a lot this past week and I can't believe how many interruptions come about while you just try to share the restoration message. For example this past week we visited Chris Kallani one of our investigators that is slowly coming along and we showed him the restoration dvd, while we were showing him some crazy guy came down the road with a microphone speaker saying some stuff. I always realize how many distractions the adversary trys to display when we share the restoration such as cell phone rings, people yelling across the road, drunk people making strange noises what ever the case may be there is always some interruption that takes place besides the gifts of the spirit. (galations 5.22) This week though we have some good success with investigators finding there friends and letting them know of the message, you can see its a trickle effect. Cornelius Williams one of our investigators was telling his friends about the families can be together forever dvd. Mimi Tito one of the recent converts helped by inviting her friend Brighton to church this past week so not only the member involvement is good but also the pass along cards are working very well for us. Hermanus is doing really well and is on fire for this year with 7 baptisms that have been of this year and 3 of last year. With the very fluent speaking Africaans families we have been getting a guy named Corneals who is in the Elders Quorum Presidency to help us along with families like the Arendorf family who really prefer speaking Africaans instead of English for better understanding. Tomorrow is zone conference for us in Somerset West so we will drive tonight and stay at the zone leaders place. I look forward to the upcoming zone conferences and workshops and the messages that will be born. Sister Probst has always been one who inspires me with her messages and seems to always share something that I need at the time. Thanks for everything it is all good. have a good week.
love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Hey thanks for the emails. It just sounds like everyone is vacationing... people and there vacationing, I don't know whats going on. Well this week was pretty good it had its ups and downs but Elder Pauna and I was able to share the restoration of the gospel a lot this past week and I can't believe how many interruptions come about while you just try to share the restoration message. For example this past week we visited Chris Kallani one of our investigators that is slowly coming along and we showed him the restoration dvd, while we were showing him some crazy guy came down the road with a microphone speaker saying some stuff. I always realize how many distractions the adversary trys to display when we share the restoration such as cell phone rings, people yelling across the road, drunk people making strange noises what ever the case may be there is always some interruption that takes place besides the gifts of the spirit. (galations 5.22) This week though we have some good success with investigators finding there friends and letting them know of the message, you can see its a trickle effect. Cornelius Williams one of our investigators was telling his friends about the families can be together forever dvd. Mimi Tito one of the recent converts helped by inviting her friend Brighton to church this past week so not only the member involvement is good but also the pass along cards are working very well for us. Hermanus is doing really well and is on fire for this year with 7 baptisms that have been of this year and 3 of last year. With the very fluent speaking Africaans families we have been getting a guy named Corneals who is in the Elders Quorum Presidency to help us along with families like the Arendorf family who really prefer speaking Africaans instead of English for better understanding. Tomorrow is zone conference for us in Somerset West so we will drive tonight and stay at the zone leaders place. I look forward to the upcoming zone conferences and workshops and the messages that will be born. Sister Probst has always been one who inspires me with her messages and seems to always share something that I need at the time. Thanks for everything it is all good. have a good week.
love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Monday, June 1, 2009
Regan June 1, 2009
This week took longer to achieve some of our goals but our focus is on completing the work we have set out to do and he is blessing us with results that further his work.
On Monday we had district meeting and went over the assignment for District Meeting. The spirit was there strongly as each and everyone of us had the opportunity to teach. We tracted a bit but found no real success. Even with the Holiday many people weren't home. We went over to Misty's house to talk with Joey about the Baptismal Interview questions and to help him become more familiarized with what will be happening. Members had us over for a barbecue with there non-member families and we had a great time.
Tuesday we got set up with everything that we needed to clean the apartment. We spent a couple hours making sure everything was taken care of. It is now cleaner and the spirit should be there even more because of that. We had dinner with Members and had an awesome time with there little kids. They love to learn about the gospel so much even at their young age.
Wednesday everything was all set up pretty good but there started a nice thunder and lightning storm. We decided to do a little planning and studied and re-setup lessons that we had. We went over and taught Maeson but I just don't think that it is time to try and re-commit her to baptism.
Thursday we planned and went over all of our past investigators. We planned during this next week that we will be trying to visit all of them or at least try and get into contact with them. I was reading in Preach My Gospel on Past investigators and it struck that we needed to look over all of those. We had activity night and we had allot of investigators and potentials and it keeps getting better.
Friday our main focus was to get Joey's Baptismal Interview set up and also for the Baptism this coming Saturday. It was a struggle because some of the other kids where getting ready for the dance that was going on and many of their friends were there. We have everything set up and it is going to go well.
Saturday we talked with a past investigator. He is now ready and more attentive than when we last talked with him. We also started to teach his daughter and will be hoping to teach his wife here very shortly to. There was a ward social and we had some part member families there.
Sunday we had a great Ward Correlation before PEC. We took care of getting everything set up and discussed many things that will help further the work here. We visited a few less-actives but didn't have to much luck.
I will have a pictures to send next week and also some great things that I will be able to share from our Mission Conference that will be with Elder Bednar this Saturday. I am also very excited for the Baptism this week of Joey and I will definitely have some great things about that to.
I know that with be diligent in our efforts in work in all aspects of our life that the Lord will bless us even as it has blessed our companionship with the opportunity to help Joey Come Unto Christ through Baptism.
Love you All
Elder Regan Hansen
On Monday we had district meeting and went over the assignment for District Meeting. The spirit was there strongly as each and everyone of us had the opportunity to teach. We tracted a bit but found no real success. Even with the Holiday many people weren't home. We went over to Misty's house to talk with Joey about the Baptismal Interview questions and to help him become more familiarized with what will be happening. Members had us over for a barbecue with there non-member families and we had a great time.
Tuesday we got set up with everything that we needed to clean the apartment. We spent a couple hours making sure everything was taken care of. It is now cleaner and the spirit should be there even more because of that. We had dinner with Members and had an awesome time with there little kids. They love to learn about the gospel so much even at their young age.
Wednesday everything was all set up pretty good but there started a nice thunder and lightning storm. We decided to do a little planning and studied and re-setup lessons that we had. We went over and taught Maeson but I just don't think that it is time to try and re-commit her to baptism.
Thursday we planned and went over all of our past investigators. We planned during this next week that we will be trying to visit all of them or at least try and get into contact with them. I was reading in Preach My Gospel on Past investigators and it struck that we needed to look over all of those. We had activity night and we had allot of investigators and potentials and it keeps getting better.
Friday our main focus was to get Joey's Baptismal Interview set up and also for the Baptism this coming Saturday. It was a struggle because some of the other kids where getting ready for the dance that was going on and many of their friends were there. We have everything set up and it is going to go well.
Saturday we talked with a past investigator. He is now ready and more attentive than when we last talked with him. We also started to teach his daughter and will be hoping to teach his wife here very shortly to. There was a ward social and we had some part member families there.
Sunday we had a great Ward Correlation before PEC. We took care of getting everything set up and discussed many things that will help further the work here. We visited a few less-actives but didn't have to much luck.
I will have a pictures to send next week and also some great things that I will be able to share from our Mission Conference that will be with Elder Bednar this Saturday. I am also very excited for the Baptism this week of Joey and I will definitely have some great things about that to.
I know that with be diligent in our efforts in work in all aspects of our life that the Lord will bless us even as it has blessed our companionship with the opportunity to help Joey Come Unto Christ through Baptism.
Love you All
Elder Regan Hansen
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Regan May 26, 2009
This past week has went really well for us here in helping our progressing Investigators to their Baptismal Dates.
On Tuesday after Zone Conference Elder Gudmundson and I went on a trade off. We tracted in an area near the end of the day and Found 2 really great potentials and Nate who we have a return appointment with later on this week.
Wednesday we Taught Krystal the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have continued to commit her to read and pray. We were able to have Kevin, Joey, and Maeson come to Young men's and Young women's. They really seem to enjoy it and it is great being able to see them in that joy.
Thursday we planned and set up a few things for the next week. We really strive to have Kevin, Joey, and Maeson to activity night. They played Basketball and had fun as always. We have more Investigators coming between us and the sisters than we do members.
Friday we tracted in a neighborhood close to us that we haven't tracted since we have been here so we figured we would take a shot at it. Not allot of People were home. We did find a stay at home mom that was sick and wanted us to come back on Wednesday so that was great. We also went and taught Joey the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the rest of the commandments we needed to teach him. We have been asking him about the baptismal interview questions and he is doing great.
Saturday we went to a Member Baptism and Joey came with us. He enjoyed it and is ready and excited for his. We talked to the Bishop and we have decided to Kevin and Joey's baptism on June 6. They will be in the evening so their family can come and it is exciting.
We had Misty, Kevin, Joey, and some others at church on Sunday. It was exciting because Kevin and Misty have both came twice now. We had all of them in the Gospel Principles class and they were involved and asking great questions.
I guess the greatest thing to add to all of this is that we will be having Elder Bednar coming out on June 6th to train our mission for 3 hours. It is going to be really awesome. He is coming out for Stake Conference in Pensacola so President called his secretary and got it all set up. I am way excited right now. He is having us Prepare by ready "Seek learning by Faith" and "Ask in Faith". These talks our so amazing but I have not studied through them totally yet. It has been taking me awhile because of marking them up and searching references to be able to better study and ponder the messages which are contained in his talks.
I know that has we Pray and Study that we will have many new things opened unto us. That through pondering over the messages our hearts won't only be opened but the spirit will carry the messages in our hearts and the hearts of those we are around. May the spirit continue to bless us all with the messages that will carry into our hearts and act in faith upon those things of which we receive.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
On Tuesday after Zone Conference Elder Gudmundson and I went on a trade off. We tracted in an area near the end of the day and Found 2 really great potentials and Nate who we have a return appointment with later on this week.
Wednesday we Taught Krystal the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have continued to commit her to read and pray. We were able to have Kevin, Joey, and Maeson come to Young men's and Young women's. They really seem to enjoy it and it is great being able to see them in that joy.
Thursday we planned and set up a few things for the next week. We really strive to have Kevin, Joey, and Maeson to activity night. They played Basketball and had fun as always. We have more Investigators coming between us and the sisters than we do members.
Friday we tracted in a neighborhood close to us that we haven't tracted since we have been here so we figured we would take a shot at it. Not allot of People were home. We did find a stay at home mom that was sick and wanted us to come back on Wednesday so that was great. We also went and taught Joey the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the rest of the commandments we needed to teach him. We have been asking him about the baptismal interview questions and he is doing great.
Saturday we went to a Member Baptism and Joey came with us. He enjoyed it and is ready and excited for his. We talked to the Bishop and we have decided to Kevin and Joey's baptism on June 6. They will be in the evening so their family can come and it is exciting.
We had Misty, Kevin, Joey, and some others at church on Sunday. It was exciting because Kevin and Misty have both came twice now. We had all of them in the Gospel Principles class and they were involved and asking great questions.
I guess the greatest thing to add to all of this is that we will be having Elder Bednar coming out on June 6th to train our mission for 3 hours. It is going to be really awesome. He is coming out for Stake Conference in Pensacola so President called his secretary and got it all set up. I am way excited right now. He is having us Prepare by ready "Seek learning by Faith" and "Ask in Faith". These talks our so amazing but I have not studied through them totally yet. It has been taking me awhile because of marking them up and searching references to be able to better study and ponder the messages which are contained in his talks.
I know that has we Pray and Study that we will have many new things opened unto us. That through pondering over the messages our hearts won't only be opened but the spirit will carry the messages in our hearts and the hearts of those we are around. May the spirit continue to bless us all with the messages that will carry into our hearts and act in faith upon those things of which we receive.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, May 18, 2009
Regan May 18, 2009
This week is going to be really short. We have received an online survey that we have taken part in. The church is having us evaluate ourselves with how we have been using Preach My Gospel and everything in there that applies.
This week has really had some crazy experiences go down. The week started of as normal as any other week. We found a new investigator tracting and had transfers...luckily I get to stay...
On Wednesday we had a Member Lesson with Jeff and Kira. We helped the Cooksey's with some moving because Sis. Cooksey is pregnant and due in August so she is not supposed to do lifting. They had all new carpet put in and we moved everything back. Jeff and Kira helped and then looked in a book full of pictures of The Cooksey's wedding. It was if they mesmerized Kira's eyes right onto them and I could tell that she ultimately has a desire to have that also in her life.
We helped a new family move in this week. They are a part member family but the husband is not very interested at the moment. It was great to help them and hopefully it will open a few doors for us.
We found out that Kevin and Joey's dad went really anti and was telling Misty that she was forcing her kids to listen to the message that we have. So we are not to sure when we talk to them next if they are still planning on getting baptized. I know that the lord provides a way for us to help those we teach, just as he helped Nephi with a way to receive the Brass Plates. We gave Misty a blessing yesterday and it really helped her. She has full custody of her children so I am not sure how often they will be allowed to visit their dad anymore.
Through prayer I have been able to find a comfort of Peace with all of this happening. In one way or another the Lord has provided a way we just don't know when that way will appear. I have a peace that everything will be fine and his is watching with Love very Carefully.
Love You all
Elder Regan Hansen
I have some pics today.
This week has really had some crazy experiences go down. The week started of as normal as any other week. We found a new investigator tracting and had transfers...luckily I get to stay...
On Wednesday we had a Member Lesson with Jeff and Kira. We helped the Cooksey's with some moving because Sis. Cooksey is pregnant and due in August so she is not supposed to do lifting. They had all new carpet put in and we moved everything back. Jeff and Kira helped and then looked in a book full of pictures of The Cooksey's wedding. It was if they mesmerized Kira's eyes right onto them and I could tell that she ultimately has a desire to have that also in her life.
We helped a new family move in this week. They are a part member family but the husband is not very interested at the moment. It was great to help them and hopefully it will open a few doors for us.
We found out that Kevin and Joey's dad went really anti and was telling Misty that she was forcing her kids to listen to the message that we have. So we are not to sure when we talk to them next if they are still planning on getting baptized. I know that the lord provides a way for us to help those we teach, just as he helped Nephi with a way to receive the Brass Plates. We gave Misty a blessing yesterday and it really helped her. She has full custody of her children so I am not sure how often they will be allowed to visit their dad anymore.
Through prayer I have been able to find a comfort of Peace with all of this happening. In one way or another the Lord has provided a way we just don't know when that way will appear. I have a peace that everything will be fine and his is watching with Love very Carefully.
Love You all
Elder Regan Hansen
I have some pics today.
Tyler May 18 2009
hello family,
Well right now at the moment as I write an ambulance pulled up and is helping someone out in the cafe next to us. Things are unpredictable in this place. This past week it has been freezing cold, its not Utah cold but it is still cold. It has been rainy and windy mostly this past week in most of the western cape. All the rain and cold though have some advantages though with a lot of people being in their homes and not having to wash the car. This past week though we seen Thomas Peschen a German guy that gives guided bus tours all around the country including Namibia, Botswana,and Lesotho and said he'll be back in the next few weeks. We were able to teach him about the priesthood and deliver some liahonas to him. When he is home he and his family make the 45 minute drive to the Hermann's branch from Bettys Bay. I marvel at some of the sacrifices some of these people make to get to church. Before the branch was established more than 5 years ago most of the members made the drive to Summer Set West, over a set of mountains, about an hours drive, before my mission you wouldn't find me doing that. This past week has been really well though with a lot of good appointments. I think the best one that we had was with Major and Prudence Muyo who just recently had a baby and we shared with them the plan of salvation where he was asking us some really good questions, where it was more us having a debate rather than just talking. I think the miracle of the week was to see an investigator named Cornelius Williams and his daughter come to church, just after following up on the families can be together dvd. Its definitely given me some encouragement to hand more of the free dvd cards out after the success we have been having with those. We have about 17 potential investigators who have been given the cards and have called the office to receive a free dvd that we need to still follow up and see. Most of our time is spent in Zwelihle a township that has hundreds of shacks everywhere. But our area that we cover is probably the size of Spanish Fork or bigger except right against the bays of the ocean. Well it looks like the guy that they pulled out is alright. I don't know what happened to him but he looks ok, as I look out the glass of the shop. Today we were going to hike to the top of this mountain, but due to rain I think well talk to some wine farmers and give some service or just play golf, anyway have a good week, thanks for the emails.
Love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Well right now at the moment as I write an ambulance pulled up and is helping someone out in the cafe next to us. Things are unpredictable in this place. This past week it has been freezing cold, its not Utah cold but it is still cold. It has been rainy and windy mostly this past week in most of the western cape. All the rain and cold though have some advantages though with a lot of people being in their homes and not having to wash the car. This past week though we seen Thomas Peschen a German guy that gives guided bus tours all around the country including Namibia, Botswana,and Lesotho and said he'll be back in the next few weeks. We were able to teach him about the priesthood and deliver some liahonas to him. When he is home he and his family make the 45 minute drive to the Hermann's branch from Bettys Bay. I marvel at some of the sacrifices some of these people make to get to church. Before the branch was established more than 5 years ago most of the members made the drive to Summer Set West, over a set of mountains, about an hours drive, before my mission you wouldn't find me doing that. This past week has been really well though with a lot of good appointments. I think the best one that we had was with Major and Prudence Muyo who just recently had a baby and we shared with them the plan of salvation where he was asking us some really good questions, where it was more us having a debate rather than just talking. I think the miracle of the week was to see an investigator named Cornelius Williams and his daughter come to church, just after following up on the families can be together dvd. Its definitely given me some encouragement to hand more of the free dvd cards out after the success we have been having with those. We have about 17 potential investigators who have been given the cards and have called the office to receive a free dvd that we need to still follow up and see. Most of our time is spent in Zwelihle a township that has hundreds of shacks everywhere. But our area that we cover is probably the size of Spanish Fork or bigger except right against the bays of the ocean. Well it looks like the guy that they pulled out is alright. I don't know what happened to him but he looks ok, as I look out the glass of the shop. Today we were going to hike to the top of this mountain, but due to rain I think well talk to some wine farmers and give some service or just play golf, anyway have a good week, thanks for the emails.
Love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12 2009
Hello family
Thanks for the pictures they worked great. It was a busy week with transfers. This past transfer was a 5 week transfer because of the meeting that President Probst has in Johannesburg. I was disappointed that I only got to stay in Mdantsane for a short time but I really enjoyed being there with Elder Smith especially. On Tuesday we received the call that two from the district were going to be transferred Elder Vernon and I and we moved on Thursday. I flew to Cape Town and then the office Elders drove me to Hermanus where I will be for a while. I really enjoy the area and the branch that we have. There are about 30 people in the branch and 7 priesthood holders. The branch house is in Hermanus in a pretty nice warehouse, and Elder Pauna and I stay in Fisherhaven which is the next bay across from Walkerbay to the north. We had 4 investigators to the branch yesterday and the branch President President Mckennon is really encouraging us for family led fathers who may be eligible for the priesthood to increase the priesthood numbers in the branch. We were able to find 2 new investigators on Friday and one them was a nice father led colored family. Many things have transpired in the last couple of days but I hope to spend more time typing next week when we have a little more time. Thanks for the support and love and any mother who reads this, Happy Mothers day!
love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Monday, May 11, 2009
Regan May 11.2009
This past week has been really great and we have been able to see how committed our 3 candidates for baptism and how they are progressing to that.
Oh and I did Find out that We are both staying here in Crestview for another Transfer which brings me much joy because I will be able to work with Misty's family all the way to baptism and after. I am so grateful for the Lord granting me this opportunity to serve him in a place full of Love.
This past week we taught Misty's family quite a bit. We are trying to keep the Momentum rolling forward.
We had the opportunity on Monday to get caught in the rain. We stopped at a part-members house to get out of the rain for a bit. His wife was feeling ill and asked us to giver her a blessing. It was a great moment because it continues to open the door for when she is willing to allow us to teach her.
On Tuesday we had district meeting and it went well. It started a little bit late because Elder Gudmundson was getting his cast off but all went well and we were all uplifted and edified.
On Wednesday we went to Misty's house and were able to bring out the whole family to activities. Masen, Mary, Kevin, and Joey all came to the combined activity and enjoyed water balloon volleyball. We introduced Misty to Bishop Hamm and they talked for a few minutes.
On Thursday we planned our day and had a good companionship inventory. We later went and had dinner at a less active members house and it went real well. I feel that very soon we will possibly be able to get Brother Monte back to church.
On Friday we went over to Misty's house and taught her and answered questions she had before all the kids got home. We then talked with the kids and taught them a bit and were still focusing on coming to church with them.
On Saturday we talked with allot of members and offering service as we came over. We talked to quite a few families and it was great.
On Sunday we had Kevin and Joey at church with us. It was great to see how committed they are to being baptized and their desires turning into actions.
The District is doing really well. We have been able to teach those around us and bless their lives. I know that through the Obedience that we are all striving to have as a district that we will grow more spiritually stronger and will be more prepared servants in finding those who are prepared for this glorious message.
It was great being able to talk to allot of you Yesterday for Mothers Day. Thank you for the Love and Support that you shared with me. Thank you for all of your prayers and your continued LOVE.
LOVE YOU
Elder Regan Hansen
Oh and I did Find out that We are both staying here in Crestview for another Transfer which brings me much joy because I will be able to work with Misty's family all the way to baptism and after. I am so grateful for the Lord granting me this opportunity to serve him in a place full of Love.
This past week we taught Misty's family quite a bit. We are trying to keep the Momentum rolling forward.
We had the opportunity on Monday to get caught in the rain. We stopped at a part-members house to get out of the rain for a bit. His wife was feeling ill and asked us to giver her a blessing. It was a great moment because it continues to open the door for when she is willing to allow us to teach her.
On Tuesday we had district meeting and it went well. It started a little bit late because Elder Gudmundson was getting his cast off but all went well and we were all uplifted and edified.
On Wednesday we went to Misty's house and were able to bring out the whole family to activities. Masen, Mary, Kevin, and Joey all came to the combined activity and enjoyed water balloon volleyball. We introduced Misty to Bishop Hamm and they talked for a few minutes.
On Thursday we planned our day and had a good companionship inventory. We later went and had dinner at a less active members house and it went real well. I feel that very soon we will possibly be able to get Brother Monte back to church.
On Friday we went over to Misty's house and taught her and answered questions she had before all the kids got home. We then talked with the kids and taught them a bit and were still focusing on coming to church with them.
On Saturday we talked with allot of members and offering service as we came over. We talked to quite a few families and it was great.
On Sunday we had Kevin and Joey at church with us. It was great to see how committed they are to being baptized and their desires turning into actions.
The District is doing really well. We have been able to teach those around us and bless their lives. I know that through the Obedience that we are all striving to have as a district that we will grow more spiritually stronger and will be more prepared servants in finding those who are prepared for this glorious message.
It was great being able to talk to allot of you Yesterday for Mothers Day. Thank you for the Love and Support that you shared with me. Thank you for all of your prayers and your continued LOVE.
LOVE YOU
Elder Regan Hansen
Friday, May 8, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Regan May 4, 2009
I hope everything with all of you is going as well is it has been here.
Everything here this week has been full of miracles and new strengths that are hard to exactly put into words at the moment.
On Wednesday we talked with Misty and the kids and were making sure that they were still planning to come to the Barbecue on Thursday. As we were there one of Misty's friends she has been talking to asked us if we could give her a blessing. I truly was an instrument in the Lord's hands and felt the spirit envelop me 3 times during her blessing. We taught her a brief restoration and set up an appointment for this Wednesday. Her name is Krystal and she has 8 children.
On Thursday we had the Barbecue with some ward members and our ward mission leaders family. Misty and her family came and so did Jeff and Kira. We enjoyed each others company and taught some things and finished the night of by watching the Testaments DVD. It was very powerful and the spirit was powerful.
On Friday we went over and taught Misty's children. Masen is 15 and we committed her to Baptism for May 30th. We then visited a potential investigator who is in a hospice and taught her. Her name is Betty Sawyer and we have another appointment with her tomorrow. We then went and taught Kevin and Joey. Misty's two sons. We also committed them to Baptism with Masen on May 30th.
On Friday we went and taught Kevin and Joey the Plan of Salvation. We also committed them to Mark and Read in the Book of Mormon each day. They said they would.
On Sunday Joey, Jeff, and Kira were at church with us. Joey stayed the whole time and enjoyed it. Masen and Kevin will be there with Joey next week.
We were asked by our President Summerhays to attend Elder Bednar's CES fireside. For those who had the opportunity it was amazing. He shared some very powerful messages with this generation of youth that I would love to pass on.
Elder Bednar stated:
"The youth of this generation have a greater capacity for obedience than any other generation.” Spirits of the faithful, coming to the earth in this generation, have a greater capacity for valiance, courage and obedience.”
“Lucifer tempts us to misuse or minimize our bodies to decrease our happiness and increase our misery.” “Lucifer encourages us to Lower the Bar.” “Lucifer will lead us into lowering the bar by suggesting we take a few minutes of needed relief from a hectic daily schedule and engage in activities that lack fidelity.”
One other thing that I would like to add is that "Obedience is our Weapon to fight the Adversary."
I know of these things that he has said for a surety because the Holy Ghost has given a witness to me of the truth of these things. I know that has we all strive for Exact Obedience to the Gospel that we will have power to overcome all that stands in our way. I know that Our Heavenly Father lives. That he sent his Begotten Son to take upon the sins of the world and through him we can return to his presence. I Know that through the resurrection that Jesus Christ lives and that we to can live. I know that through Modern Day revelation that we know for a surety of the true Nature of the Godhead. I know that the rightful power of the Priesthood has been restored to bless us all not only individually but as families for time and all eternity. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and answers the questions that we seek for each and everyday. I know through Daily prayers and reading that we will continually be strengthened and receive guidance and protection over the Adversary. I know that Joseph Smith was and Instrument in the Lords hands who brought forth the Gospel in it Fullness for these latter days. I know and Testify of these things in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I love All of you.
Elder Regan Hansen
Everything here this week has been full of miracles and new strengths that are hard to exactly put into words at the moment.
On Wednesday we talked with Misty and the kids and were making sure that they were still planning to come to the Barbecue on Thursday. As we were there one of Misty's friends she has been talking to asked us if we could give her a blessing. I truly was an instrument in the Lord's hands and felt the spirit envelop me 3 times during her blessing. We taught her a brief restoration and set up an appointment for this Wednesday. Her name is Krystal and she has 8 children.
On Thursday we had the Barbecue with some ward members and our ward mission leaders family. Misty and her family came and so did Jeff and Kira. We enjoyed each others company and taught some things and finished the night of by watching the Testaments DVD. It was very powerful and the spirit was powerful.
On Friday we went over and taught Misty's children. Masen is 15 and we committed her to Baptism for May 30th. We then visited a potential investigator who is in a hospice and taught her. Her name is Betty Sawyer and we have another appointment with her tomorrow. We then went and taught Kevin and Joey. Misty's two sons. We also committed them to Baptism with Masen on May 30th.
On Friday we went and taught Kevin and Joey the Plan of Salvation. We also committed them to Mark and Read in the Book of Mormon each day. They said they would.
On Sunday Joey, Jeff, and Kira were at church with us. Joey stayed the whole time and enjoyed it. Masen and Kevin will be there with Joey next week.
We were asked by our President Summerhays to attend Elder Bednar's CES fireside. For those who had the opportunity it was amazing. He shared some very powerful messages with this generation of youth that I would love to pass on.
Elder Bednar stated:
"The youth of this generation have a greater capacity for obedience than any other generation.” Spirits of the faithful, coming to the earth in this generation, have a greater capacity for valiance, courage and obedience.”
“Lucifer tempts us to misuse or minimize our bodies to decrease our happiness and increase our misery.” “Lucifer encourages us to Lower the Bar.” “Lucifer will lead us into lowering the bar by suggesting we take a few minutes of needed relief from a hectic daily schedule and engage in activities that lack fidelity.”
One other thing that I would like to add is that "Obedience is our Weapon to fight the Adversary."
I know of these things that he has said for a surety because the Holy Ghost has given a witness to me of the truth of these things. I know that has we all strive for Exact Obedience to the Gospel that we will have power to overcome all that stands in our way. I know that Our Heavenly Father lives. That he sent his Begotten Son to take upon the sins of the world and through him we can return to his presence. I Know that through the resurrection that Jesus Christ lives and that we to can live. I know that through Modern Day revelation that we know for a surety of the true Nature of the Godhead. I know that the rightful power of the Priesthood has been restored to bless us all not only individually but as families for time and all eternity. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and answers the questions that we seek for each and everyday. I know through Daily prayers and reading that we will continually be strengthened and receive guidance and protection over the Adversary. I know that Joseph Smith was and Instrument in the Lords hands who brought forth the Gospel in it Fullness for these latter days. I know and Testify of these things in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I love All of you.
Elder Regan Hansen
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28 2009
Hello,
Yesterday I wasn't able to email because of the Monday holiday that happens around here. I appreciate all the birthday greetings that I received and thank you for that. It wasn't to bad of a day but it could of been better, if we would of had more investigators at church. We had plenty of commitments but no follow ups which seems to be quite common around here. This week I look forward to because we found six new investigators, who we will talk to this week and find there houses. The one thing about the townships is the houses have no numerical order so sometimes it is tricky to find where your going in this part of the vineyard. This last week was pretty laid back despite the elections but we were able to do some productive things such as a couple of games of football and soccer on Tuesday and have workshops and interviews. I really enjoy the interviews and workshops and admire the care and love that President and Sister Probst have for the missionaries. With the many missionaries that President Probst has to watch over it really boggles my mind to know how he remembers each and every missionary in the mission, and how they are doing. He truly inspires me with the wisdom that he has. We were able to have two full working days though on Thursday and Friday where we were able to get some less active hours and also some service hours which is harder to get in the townships since the people don't have any money. I am really getting used to their square mouth shovel and it is a tool for everything around here, even to cut the lawn. It truly makes me miss the dependability and durability of the American tools instead of third world country tools. While Ive been here In Mdantsane I am amazed at the love the Xhosa people have for missionaries and when we pass by everyone says umlungu which means white person which the kids typically have fun with since not many white people are here. The kids around here have nothing to do in this town so we usually see them playing the tire and stick game where they roll a tire across the road with a pair of sticks with piece of plastic at the end of the stick to prevent the friction and therefore makes it slick on the inside of the tire. Some of them are usually pretty good. A lot of the problem around here encompass the law of chastity since not a lot of amusement is around and absolutely nothing to do. I look forward to talking to you on mothers day, give me a time when you want me to call, I don't know what the time difference is now, but I think it is 8 hours with daylight savings. Just let me know what time we will call from the church when ever. Here's a few pictures from the previous weeks take care have a good week.
love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Monday, April 27, 2009
Regan April 27, 2009
Well this week has been really great. We had Zone Conference on Friday and it just caused the week to be exciting.
We had a few great lessons this past week with all of our investigators. We were able to go and visit Jeff and Kira this week and teach them both about the Plan of Salvation. We also asked them how they had been doing on there commitments with the Word of Wisdom. Kira had been doing real well. She told us that she always had a warm cup of coffee in her hand from 7:30 in the Morning until 5 at night. She has not cut it down to 2 cups a day. She has such great desires to change and follow this great gospel. They attended church with us this week and it was great. They both enjoyed the experience and will be coming back.
Zone Conference was amazing as always. President always expresses his love so dearly and you can truly feel our Savior's love radiating from him. We talked allot about how we are doing everything in our power and the Lord has prepared us to be strong servants. Even though some areas have been slow he knows that even if we are not blessed now from our service we will see it all unfold throughout the rest of our life.
We have been able to talk with Misty and her family this week. Kevin, Joey, and Masen really have learned to love the Gospel. Masen asked Sister Malcolm at activity night about some things and she taught her the first 2 lessons. It went really well and I could tell she was truly touched. We talked to Misty and Masen told her that she wants to become Mormon. We will be working with there whole family later this week and continued progress with them.
I have really come to notice how strong the power of prayers is in the lives of our investigators. I feel that if it wasn't for the Pleading and Fervent prayers that I have had for all of them that their hearts would of not been as soft and open to all that has happened these past 2 weeks. Blessing upon blessings and Miracles upon Miracles will continue in all of our lives and in the lives of others as we all prayer for each other.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
We had a few great lessons this past week with all of our investigators. We were able to go and visit Jeff and Kira this week and teach them both about the Plan of Salvation. We also asked them how they had been doing on there commitments with the Word of Wisdom. Kira had been doing real well. She told us that she always had a warm cup of coffee in her hand from 7:30 in the Morning until 5 at night. She has not cut it down to 2 cups a day. She has such great desires to change and follow this great gospel. They attended church with us this week and it was great. They both enjoyed the experience and will be coming back.
Zone Conference was amazing as always. President always expresses his love so dearly and you can truly feel our Savior's love radiating from him. We talked allot about how we are doing everything in our power and the Lord has prepared us to be strong servants. Even though some areas have been slow he knows that even if we are not blessed now from our service we will see it all unfold throughout the rest of our life.
We have been able to talk with Misty and her family this week. Kevin, Joey, and Masen really have learned to love the Gospel. Masen asked Sister Malcolm at activity night about some things and she taught her the first 2 lessons. It went really well and I could tell she was truly touched. We talked to Misty and Masen told her that she wants to become Mormon. We will be working with there whole family later this week and continued progress with them.
I have really come to notice how strong the power of prayers is in the lives of our investigators. I feel that if it wasn't for the Pleading and Fervent prayers that I have had for all of them that their hearts would of not been as soft and open to all that has happened these past 2 weeks. Blessing upon blessings and Miracles upon Miracles will continue in all of our lives and in the lives of others as we all prayer for each other.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, April 20, 2009
Regan April 20, 2009
Well this past week has been a week for me personally up and down. It has seemed like everything is hitting me harder than ever but then everything is blessing me and our work.
This passed week we talked to Misty and she wants to be baptized which is great but she hasn't married Brad and most likely he won't move out. We found out they are planning on getting married in June which lifted me up again. She told us how she was talking with a preacher this past week who helped her with some bills. They ended up talking about the Book of Mormon and she defended it. It was exciting to here and understand that she is gaining a testimony of it's truth. She even included that she talked about Joseph Smith and explained that a bit. She is an awesome Daughter of God.
We talked with Jeffrey and Kira this week. We committed them to Live the Word of Wisdom and expressed how it would greatly improve there quality of Life. They said they would and also they would do it Cold Turkey. All seems to be going well that way.
We had activity night and were able to have Misty's kids come again. It is great that they want to come and enjoy it. We have really begun a great friendship and trust us. We should be able to teach them all very shortly and maybe even set some BCD's with them. It will be awesome.
This next week we will be having Zone Conference so I am very excited about that. It is one of those things like a General Conference that just uplifts and Boosts you up to continue in the work more diligently.
When I was reading a book yesterday I found out how much Strength and Power we can receive from Virtue. It is not just keeping ourselves clean but living at the Highest Standards of the gospel and being Obedient to them. I have set myself that this next week I will be Studying Virtue and also the "Law of the Harvest." Elder Parkinson shared a bit with me and it is really intrigued me.
If you a Curious about it you can find it in Alma 41-42 and Doctrine and Covenants 45. I am really excited to learn about it because it help me to understand that even if we are not seeing everything from our work at this time that we will receive great thing because of our Good Works in the Service.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
This passed week we talked to Misty and she wants to be baptized which is great but she hasn't married Brad and most likely he won't move out. We found out they are planning on getting married in June which lifted me up again. She told us how she was talking with a preacher this past week who helped her with some bills. They ended up talking about the Book of Mormon and she defended it. It was exciting to here and understand that she is gaining a testimony of it's truth. She even included that she talked about Joseph Smith and explained that a bit. She is an awesome Daughter of God.
We talked with Jeffrey and Kira this week. We committed them to Live the Word of Wisdom and expressed how it would greatly improve there quality of Life. They said they would and also they would do it Cold Turkey. All seems to be going well that way.
We had activity night and were able to have Misty's kids come again. It is great that they want to come and enjoy it. We have really begun a great friendship and trust us. We should be able to teach them all very shortly and maybe even set some BCD's with them. It will be awesome.
This next week we will be having Zone Conference so I am very excited about that. It is one of those things like a General Conference that just uplifts and Boosts you up to continue in the work more diligently.
When I was reading a book yesterday I found out how much Strength and Power we can receive from Virtue. It is not just keeping ourselves clean but living at the Highest Standards of the gospel and being Obedient to them. I have set myself that this next week I will be Studying Virtue and also the "Law of the Harvest." Elder Parkinson shared a bit with me and it is really intrigued me.
If you a Curious about it you can find it in Alma 41-42 and Doctrine and Covenants 45. I am really excited to learn about it because it help me to understand that even if we are not seeing everything from our work at this time that we will receive great thing because of our Good Works in the Service.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
April 20 2009
Thank you for the pictures that you sent to me. It sounds like it has been a busy week. The week that I had was ok for the most part. This week I realized just how small our area really is Elder Smith and I can walk across it in just a half an hour but there are more than a thousand small houses in that area and also how supportive the youth are for the missionaries. We have two of the youth from the ward that really set the example for others in the ward they are brothers, Mlibo and Luntu they are always willing to come out with Elder Smith and I when our evenings are filled with appointments. We are able to learn quite a bit of xhosa from them. There is no one near to baptism at the moment but on Sundays we usually have quite a few at the investigator class. The one that we are particularly working with the most is Vuyolethu he is about 25 but we first met him when we went the investigator class last week and he is really improving. We gave him a Book of Mormon this past week and he has been present to all the commitments that we have given him. Thanks for the words when you said Ryan would give people blessings who was trying to stop smoking, and how that desire would be relieved, that is truly a miracle. I will remember that, a lot of the people here who drink and smoke don't want to quit and just say it make them happy and feel good. This week though is really going to be interesting. It is elections this week and for two days we aren't going to be allowed to go out and go proselyting. Election day is on the 22nd and it will be a commotion day especially in Mdantsane. The Anc is the main political party and has been in for the past 14 years or ever since the Apartate but from the sounds of things the people here really want a change especially the Africaans people with the Anc. The president running for the Anc is Jacob Zuma, he is hated or loved by the people of South Africa. I hope with the elections it will not effect the work here to much or affect most of the week but during the waiting we will have plenty to do at the boardings with catching up on area files and the books. This past week I've been trying to learn a little bit of xhosa but it is definitely not easy since the most of the time they speak english and not fluent xhosa, I have got down all the clicks but I want to learn how to bear my testimony in xhosa by the time I leave the xhosa people. I really admire the people how accepting they are to us as missionaries in almost all homes you are invited in and usually given a cool drink or food. I think the biggest insult that you could do to them is not eat all the food that they give to you because it is truly a gift from them to us. The food that they give is worth so much of there daily living it is truly humbling to see how much they give in the circumstances that they are living in. Anyways with the questions that you ask dad the bubble is just talking about the area that we have to stay in on p days to shop and email since there is nothing to do in Mdantsane. Where we live now we only have one place to do our laundry and one place to shop in since it is not very commercialized. Thanks for the emails and picture I love you all very much.
Elder Tyler Hansen
Elder Tyler Hansen
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13 2009
Hello family,
Well today we are emailing in a different location than usual, in our bubble where we stay it is a holiday so a lot of the shops are closed and are not going to open until Tuesday. Well this week was rather a more discouraging week and I hope things will work out better through time. This past weekend it was terrible in MD with the amount of drunk people because of the holidays. It is sad to see the life that these people live and what they do all day, they have no where to go and all day to get there. They spend most their money on the booze and when they are hungry they beg until they get something so a lot of the people don't have much of a work ethic. If it is one thing that I learn while I'm here in Mdantsane it will be to love the Xhosa people despite their work ethic and the way that they live there lives, but it is difficult. The thing that really frustrates me is how they spend their money they spend more money on their tv's, booze, cars, drugs and personal entertainment than what their actual house is worth. You can see how pride really settles into their lives. This past week though Elder Smith and I worked with the Vuyelle family and read out from the Book of Mormon, She has a testimony that it is true but despite the fact she still goes to her church for the social hour or whatever they do. We explained to her that if the Book of Mormon is true, then that proves and means, several true and important points. I think the key for her family is finding a member that will befriend the Vuyelles and really take Mama Vuyelle under their wing, she is the key to that family. I am really impressed with the ward and how they are committed to missionary work, and the support that they give. But as far as this week we will just be looking forward to tracting. Right now in the area their is not much progression happening but hopefully with the 5 week transfer that we might have something happen. This transfer is shortened because President Probst has a meeting in Joburg. As for our schedule we do everything that we need to in the morning and then at one o'clock we leave to MD which is about half an hour drive from our boarding and there we stay until 8 at night or until the other elders with the car pick us up at the Hanis families house. What we eat is usually in the boarding for breakfast and lunch and then when we get back during the night at 9. The whole of East London though I would say would be as big as Salt Lake I would guess but towns spread across everywhere. Thanks for everything I hope you all have a good week, please send a picture or two sometime. Love you all and I pray for you, pray for me that my heart can be softened.
Love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Well today we are emailing in a different location than usual, in our bubble where we stay it is a holiday so a lot of the shops are closed and are not going to open until Tuesday. Well this week was rather a more discouraging week and I hope things will work out better through time. This past weekend it was terrible in MD with the amount of drunk people because of the holidays. It is sad to see the life that these people live and what they do all day, they have no where to go and all day to get there. They spend most their money on the booze and when they are hungry they beg until they get something so a lot of the people don't have much of a work ethic. If it is one thing that I learn while I'm here in Mdantsane it will be to love the Xhosa people despite their work ethic and the way that they live there lives, but it is difficult. The thing that really frustrates me is how they spend their money they spend more money on their tv's, booze, cars, drugs and personal entertainment than what their actual house is worth. You can see how pride really settles into their lives. This past week though Elder Smith and I worked with the Vuyelle family and read out from the Book of Mormon, She has a testimony that it is true but despite the fact she still goes to her church for the social hour or whatever they do. We explained to her that if the Book of Mormon is true, then that proves and means, several true and important points. I think the key for her family is finding a member that will befriend the Vuyelles and really take Mama Vuyelle under their wing, she is the key to that family. I am really impressed with the ward and how they are committed to missionary work, and the support that they give. But as far as this week we will just be looking forward to tracting. Right now in the area their is not much progression happening but hopefully with the 5 week transfer that we might have something happen. This transfer is shortened because President Probst has a meeting in Joburg. As for our schedule we do everything that we need to in the morning and then at one o'clock we leave to MD which is about half an hour drive from our boarding and there we stay until 8 at night or until the other elders with the car pick us up at the Hanis families house. What we eat is usually in the boarding for breakfast and lunch and then when we get back during the night at 9. The whole of East London though I would say would be as big as Salt Lake I would guess but towns spread across everywhere. Thanks for everything I hope you all have a good week, please send a picture or two sometime. Love you all and I pray for you, pray for me that my heart can be softened.
Love
Elder Tyler Hansen
Regan April 13, 2009
Well this week has been a bit slower but we were able to continue the good service that the lord asks of us. Sister Parson's is doing really well and her family is doing great. Thank you for all of your prayers in her behalf.
Elder Manning ended up having to come home this past week because of medical things that had been happening. I will miss him dearly but he has such a great attitude to continue the work back at home. He was called for 2 years so either way he said he will serve it here or he will finish serving it at home. He is a great example to me and a great friend.
We had District Meeting on Tuesday and I was nervous as ever being it the first one that I have had to teach. I feel as If it went real well and the spirit used me as an instrument in his hands. Elder Mortensen said that I did good so that helped me calm down a bit after.
After ward Council this week we decided to spend a couple hours in prayer and pondering on which less active members we should really focus on. We were directed in all this and came across those we had not even discussed. I feel that if we put all diligence in bringing them back that they will be strengthened and we will see the blessings that will come of it.
We were able to talk with Misty this week which has been great. She has been given a good bill of health. We have been working with the family quite a bit. We were able to have 3 of her kids come to Activity night and play basketball and they seem to enjoy it. It has been great getting to know them and the work with there family is continuing to grow and miracles will soon come in abundance as we are diligent and obedient in this work.
I have been able to listen to the Conference talks quite a few times since they were released and there are so many great talks on faith. I know that if we all strive to have the "eye" of Faith as talked about in Alma that we will all be able to control our growth in the gospel and have more power to overcome the Adversary. I know that through Obedience that Power is truly Manifest through the spirit and increases our faith so me can see many of the Miracles that are in our life each and everyday.
Love you
Elder Regan Hansen
Thank you for all the Packages and letters.
Elder Manning ended up having to come home this past week because of medical things that had been happening. I will miss him dearly but he has such a great attitude to continue the work back at home. He was called for 2 years so either way he said he will serve it here or he will finish serving it at home. He is a great example to me and a great friend.
We had District Meeting on Tuesday and I was nervous as ever being it the first one that I have had to teach. I feel as If it went real well and the spirit used me as an instrument in his hands. Elder Mortensen said that I did good so that helped me calm down a bit after.
After ward Council this week we decided to spend a couple hours in prayer and pondering on which less active members we should really focus on. We were directed in all this and came across those we had not even discussed. I feel that if we put all diligence in bringing them back that they will be strengthened and we will see the blessings that will come of it.
We were able to talk with Misty this week which has been great. She has been given a good bill of health. We have been working with the family quite a bit. We were able to have 3 of her kids come to Activity night and play basketball and they seem to enjoy it. It has been great getting to know them and the work with there family is continuing to grow and miracles will soon come in abundance as we are diligent and obedient in this work.
I have been able to listen to the Conference talks quite a few times since they were released and there are so many great talks on faith. I know that if we all strive to have the "eye" of Faith as talked about in Alma that we will all be able to control our growth in the gospel and have more power to overcome the Adversary. I know that through Obedience that Power is truly Manifest through the spirit and increases our faith so me can see many of the Miracles that are in our life each and everyday.
Love you
Elder Regan Hansen
Thank you for all the Packages and letters.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7 2009
hello family
It sounds like everything is going well and the conference was great. It was also great here too, we watched all the sessions except the Sunday afternoon session. On Saturday @ 6 we watched the Saturday morning session live and then on Sunday we watched the 3 sessions @ 11 we watched the priesthood session, @ 3 we watched the Saturday evening session by satellite broadcast which had some minor difficulty but was quickly fixed and then, @ 6 we watched the Sunday morning session so it was like Christmas for us. Now that conference is over I just look forward to the next conference in six months. This week was a long week though with it being transfer week. With me and Elder Marshall requesting to stay together another transfer I knew that President Probst was going to move us. I really enjoyed the first area that I was in and had a bond with a lot of the members there and on Thursday I had to say my goodbyes to as many people as I could before I had to leave which was difficult. I really learned a lot from Elder Marshall and hope by the end of my mission I can be where he is at. He knows how to interact and show the charity that he has to others I truly learned a lot from him but I got to move on. I am now in Mdantsane with Elder Smith who is from England he has been out for about 20 months now and he is extremely smart. He also likes star wars and harry potter and just one of the random facts that he shared with me is there are 15 thousand and one guns on the death star in star wars in the 4th episode so ya he likes his star wars. I really enjoy being around him and he has a lot of knowledge and wisdom that I can learn from especially some of the deep doctrine that he likes to share with me. In Mdantsane it is very poor and the people here are in very humbling circumstances with some families even not having a car. The pump shed in our back yard is larger and in better condition than some of their homes. Many of their homes are concrete walls with a tin top and tin door with concrete floors. Their average income is of probably 400 rand (40 dollars) a week and even if that. Many of the streets are dirt road and toilets are just basically a hole in the ground in some areas with a metal shack to cover yourself as you go to the bathroom. The only thing I can relate to back in America is like a trailer park but a little worse. I just don't see how the extremes of rich and poor can be so close together in a society, and work together. It is just a few kilometers inland from Beacon Bay but the missionary work here is a lot different. We wont be able to give very much service at all which I really miss and I will be entirely with the Xhosa people, for the next transfer or so. I will probably learn a little bit of Xhosa. They know how to speak English very fluently but when you speak their language is shows how much you really care about them as a people. Our boarding now is in Cambridge and everyday we stay in our boarding til 12 and then drive out to Mdantsane and the elders with the car drop us off until 9 o'clock that evening. This week will be very interesting meeting some of the new people and especially remembering names that are Xhosa. The game drive was excellent we went there with the Christians (the older couple) and they leave at the end of April, but we were able to see many of the animals there. We seen cheetahs, white lions, zebra, giraffe, coutu, springbok, warthog, iguanas, elephants, ostriches and other stuff but It was the best p day that I have had and I don't think anything else will really top it. When we got there we went to the lodge first and checked in and then went to do the 1 hour elephant interaction afterwhich we went on a 4 hour game drive through the 5000 acre Inquenzie land. The only things that we weren't able to see was the cape buffalo, rhino and jaguar but it was a fun time with the Christians who leave @ the end of this month. The A.p.'s told us to pray for senior couples because the numbers are becoming scarce and for the hearts of the leaders of Namibia to be softened because some missionaries going there were having rough times getting visas. I hope you all enjoyed conference because there were answers to my prayers through the messages that were said. I really liked the all the talks but the one that I like the most was by Deiter F Uchtdorf "the story of the light bulb" and how he talks about what he enjoys in life and how he relates it to the gospel. I thought he did a fabulous job and like I say I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for all the messages every week, They help me get through the week; it sounds like a lot is going on. I would of sent some pictures of this last week but I left the usb cord with Elder Marshall.
I love you all and have a good week.
Elder Tyler Hansen
It sounds like everything is going well and the conference was great. It was also great here too, we watched all the sessions except the Sunday afternoon session. On Saturday @ 6 we watched the Saturday morning session live and then on Sunday we watched the 3 sessions @ 11 we watched the priesthood session, @ 3 we watched the Saturday evening session by satellite broadcast which had some minor difficulty but was quickly fixed and then, @ 6 we watched the Sunday morning session so it was like Christmas for us. Now that conference is over I just look forward to the next conference in six months. This week was a long week though with it being transfer week. With me and Elder Marshall requesting to stay together another transfer I knew that President Probst was going to move us. I really enjoyed the first area that I was in and had a bond with a lot of the members there and on Thursday I had to say my goodbyes to as many people as I could before I had to leave which was difficult. I really learned a lot from Elder Marshall and hope by the end of my mission I can be where he is at. He knows how to interact and show the charity that he has to others I truly learned a lot from him but I got to move on. I am now in Mdantsane with Elder Smith who is from England he has been out for about 20 months now and he is extremely smart. He also likes star wars and harry potter and just one of the random facts that he shared with me is there are 15 thousand and one guns on the death star in star wars in the 4th episode so ya he likes his star wars. I really enjoy being around him and he has a lot of knowledge and wisdom that I can learn from especially some of the deep doctrine that he likes to share with me. In Mdantsane it is very poor and the people here are in very humbling circumstances with some families even not having a car. The pump shed in our back yard is larger and in better condition than some of their homes. Many of their homes are concrete walls with a tin top and tin door with concrete floors. Their average income is of probably 400 rand (40 dollars) a week and even if that. Many of the streets are dirt road and toilets are just basically a hole in the ground in some areas with a metal shack to cover yourself as you go to the bathroom. The only thing I can relate to back in America is like a trailer park but a little worse. I just don't see how the extremes of rich and poor can be so close together in a society, and work together. It is just a few kilometers inland from Beacon Bay but the missionary work here is a lot different. We wont be able to give very much service at all which I really miss and I will be entirely with the Xhosa people, for the next transfer or so. I will probably learn a little bit of Xhosa. They know how to speak English very fluently but when you speak their language is shows how much you really care about them as a people. Our boarding now is in Cambridge and everyday we stay in our boarding til 12 and then drive out to Mdantsane and the elders with the car drop us off until 9 o'clock that evening. This week will be very interesting meeting some of the new people and especially remembering names that are Xhosa. The game drive was excellent we went there with the Christians (the older couple) and they leave at the end of April, but we were able to see many of the animals there. We seen cheetahs, white lions, zebra, giraffe, coutu, springbok, warthog, iguanas, elephants, ostriches and other stuff but It was the best p day that I have had and I don't think anything else will really top it. When we got there we went to the lodge first and checked in and then went to do the 1 hour elephant interaction afterwhich we went on a 4 hour game drive through the 5000 acre Inquenzie land. The only things that we weren't able to see was the cape buffalo, rhino and jaguar but it was a fun time with the Christians who leave @ the end of this month. The A.p.'s told us to pray for senior couples because the numbers are becoming scarce and for the hearts of the leaders of Namibia to be softened because some missionaries going there were having rough times getting visas. I hope you all enjoyed conference because there were answers to my prayers through the messages that were said. I really liked the all the talks but the one that I like the most was by Deiter F Uchtdorf "the story of the light bulb" and how he talks about what he enjoys in life and how he relates it to the gospel. I thought he did a fabulous job and like I say I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for all the messages every week, They help me get through the week; it sounds like a lot is going on. I would of sent some pictures of this last week but I left the usb cord with Elder Marshall.
I love you all and have a good week.
Elder Tyler Hansen
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