October 27, 2008

This week has been very busy indeed. We have prayerfully planned every night and success has shown. With our planning we have added tracting and picking different streets to go down. We have had tons of success and found 7 new investigators this week by simply knocking on doors. It is amazing how such a simple act can bring so much potential. I thank the lord for all the guidance through these successful days of tracting. In Alma 13:24 it gives great example to us. It declares that many angels at this time are preparing people with the gospel. There are many people out there but we have to have the faith and put our trust in the lord to guide us to them through the spirit of the Holy Ghost. If we continue to strive to feel those promptings of the spirit we can each have personal revelations in our own lives. I know that even those people who didn't want to hear of the message now that we have planted those seeds and eventually they will come unto Christ. We tracted into a lady on Wednesday and she brought us right into her house. We talked a bit and found out that she had been taught the lessons with her husband 10 years ago. He had passed away in the past two years and she has found herself questioning her Catholic faith. Just from that example we can all see how just one little seed can bring forth so much fruit. We attended a funeral today which seems almost more than I can handle. In just 8 weeks I have been to 3 different ones. I love the message that can be given at funerals because it answers those questions that people have about the plan of salvation. I love to see the strength and the faith that the families all have after they hear of that message in the talks given. It brings them much peace as stated in John 14:27. I hope that through any struggles that we all have that the lord is always there to answer those prayers and to bring that peace in our lives.

I love you all

Elder Regan Hansen

October 20, 2008

This week has been a week of Increased Unity. My companion and I have made many changes that have strengthened our Unity and we can apply it to our teachings. With this new strength it will increase the power of which we can have as we teach. We have had the opportunity to have a Zone Conference this week. We did many role plays and we follow the guidelines of "Remember This." If you don't know where or what that is, it is in the back of Preach My Gospel. That is the culture of our mission and we are becoming preach my gospel missionaries. I can testify as what the apostles have said that "this book was created on the other side and was put together on this side." The power that can be used for the teaching of this is a blessing. As we had our role plays and teach ed from those things in preach my gospel it brings the spirit out more strongly. I have been able to see the growth that I have had compared to the 6 weeks that I have been out in the mission field. The spirit of the conference was so strong that it was radiating from all angles and as I bore my testimony on faith I could feel the spirit guiding my words. All of Us can pick people up and carry them with our faith. We can lift them to an understanding that if we act on that faith it will increase those Christ like attributes that we should all desire to increase and obtain in our lives. We also had Stake Conference and had Elder Jensen from the 70 come out. His talk was very powerful and always expressed his love for those who are investigating the church and those that are being prepared. We all need to do our part in missionary work and at church we need to fellowship those that are investigating. With that friendship they will feel the love of which we have and the love that the Savior has for all of his children. I would like to thanks for the love and support that everyone has given me and I truly know that your prayers are with me. I can feel the strength that all of you have for me but also for those that are being prepared by those angels. If we continue in the process of becoming more unified as a whole the miracles and blessings from that will be powerful.

Love all of you

Elder Regan Hansen

Elder Tyler Hansen Church Address

October 14, 2008

I am going to say first we work on Holidays so if one falls on a Monday I will have P-Day Tuesday. We did have some service this week and helped a sister in our ward who raises miniature horses. I had the experience of helping see if they were pregnant or not. I have pictures but I will save them for another time. We also brushed them and shaved them. I never knew that a miniature horse could be so much work. I am glad that I was able to help because without us being there she would of not been able to accomplish the work which was needed. I found out today that I am not being transfered out of the Semmes area. I am grateful that I can continue to serve here and grow from it all. We found out last night that they are totally taking the missionaries out of the mobile area because the ward doesn't want to help the missionaries. It is the largest city in our mission. It is a step of faith for the mission president to set forth. I hope that through this step that the Mobile ward will understand the true importance of missionary work as we do as missionaries. I still do know as stated in the Book Of Mormon that the angels are preparing the hearts of many so the mission will still go on.
I love all of You
Elder Regan Hansen

October 6, 2008

We have been able to have some pretty good lessons this week with our investigators. There have been some that have been so powerful that we have shed the tears of joy and peace that come with this great gospel. We have talked to a couple who need to get married before they can get baptized. She has been struggling with the decision because she has a scholarship through her dad who was in the coast guard. Along with that she will lose it and the insurance benefits that she has. We have seen so much of a change that she prays that those will not be in her way anymore to be baptized. I think within the next couple weeks she might give up those two things and get married so they can be baptized. She has truly been humbled by the lord and expressed through tears at how bad she wants to talk to the bishop even though she is scared and wants to be baptized. I know that her boyfriend feels the same way but he is a very quite and shy guy. We have also been talking to a lady who told us she had no purpose in life. As we have talked to her for two weeks she has now looked us in our eyes and has such a beautiful smile that is now being revealed. She too has had many struggles in her life but the great thing about her is she truly reads and is wanting to learn. We have set up a Baptismal date with her. I have been able to see that peace, joy, and happiness that our gospel has brought to her. When I was sitting at conference these past two days I have truly pondered on everything. I have wondered about the conferences that I have not listened to and how much I could of truly changed in those qualities of which have been asked. I feel as if the most powerful message was given Saturday afternoon when Jeffrey R. Holland gave his remarks. That story touched me so strongly and as I still ponder upon it day by day I know of those angles who have truly helped me change in life. If it wasn't for the strong support of my mother and father I truly don't know where I would be. Just the talks that I can say that we have had make such the impact on my life and have truly changed me. I can remember when I entered the MTC. That I found 2 letters in one of my bags. As I pondered on all that my mom had wrote in hers I could truly feel part of the pain, of much that I have caused her and also the joys of which we have brought each other. When I read my dad and he expressed in scriptures relating of how proud he was of me I truly felt that love and strength that he has given me through the years. As I pondered over those messages that night and as I continue to read them I am brought to many tears. I know the counsel that if we continue our family prayers that we will be brought in more closer Unity with our families. I know that if we make those changes in our life as expressed in many of the talks that we will grow and gain experience and increase our faith in our Heavenly Father and our Redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that through giving our thanks for what we have and what the lord has helped us accomplish we can receive those personal revelations. I just want to let everyone know that I can feel the Support and Love that has been here with me through the tough and perilous time but I know that with my service that my friends and family are blessed continually through the power of the Lord.

I love each and every one of You

Elder Regan Hansen

September 29, 2008

This week has not been the most productive of all weeks but it still had a great spirit to it. On Monday we ate at the bishops house and had prepared the family home evening for his family. It was great setting some goals and I have now planned on how to accomplish those goals. Without setting goals in life and not planning on how to accomplish those we will never reach our full potential. We helped Brother Shoemaker with his fence some more. We have put up a bunch of it but we still have to finish with the wire. This week our air conditioner froze up so it was crazy hot. It took 2 days to thaw it out and luckily on Sunday we got it working again. We helped the relief society set up for there dinner before the General Relief Society broadcast which I heard was good. On Saturday we had a missionary going home. His parents came out from Hawaii to come and get him. We went over to the party and they had the Bama and Georgia game on. We saw that Bama Killed them so it was all good. We all said our goodbye's in sort of a testimony type meeting and everything was so heartfelt. I only new Elder Tovo for 3 weeks but just having him around and hearing of what he had to say has been able to enlighten me in so many ways. Unfortunately this coming week we might have to drop 4 investigators that want to be baptized. Since I have been here they have not progressed at all. It is sad seeing that they are putting everything before the Lord.
I love You all
Elder Regan Hansen

September 22, 2008

This week has been very spiritual for me. First I had zone conference and did many role plays, teaching lessons, etc... I was able to learn so much and also to see how much I have progressed in such the little time that I have been in Alabama. When we were there we set a goal of 6 new investigators for the next day. As we went home that night we spent just about 2 hours planning on how to accomplish that goal. Through many prayers and prompting we finally finished. We went up to Citronelle and talked with some referrals and ended up getting 3 new investigators. We came back down to Semmes and by the end of the day and putting all of our faith in the lord we found 9 new investigators. I know that if we all put our trust in the lord he will lead and guide us through anything that we need as long as we use the enabling power of faith so the spirit can direct us. This week total we found 12 new investigators. We have been able to see miracles upon miracles by putting all of our trust in the lord. On Friday we Baptized Devon and Emily Barton. I stood as a witness and I would have to say that it is in my top 10 most spiritual moments that I have had. On Sunday we blessed them to receive the Holy ghost and seeing Devon and her daughter after that they were like 2 new people. They have such a different appearance about them and they can both now progress more than ever. They can now in a year go to the temple and be sealed to the rest of their family for eternity. I can just feel that with all the changes that they have made and how much stronger their family now is they will continue to receive blessings as they continue to follow the lord and his servants. I also had to give a talk on Sunday about charity and pride. Through my studies I know that my talks and words have become more powerful and to the point to where the spirit can bear that witness to them. Through the spirit anything is possible as long as we have that faith in the lord that he will lead and guide us in all things.
Love You All
Elder Regan Hansen

Pictures From The MTC

September 15, 2008

This week has been a different in so many ways. We have not found any new investigators this week. We do have 2 baptisms though for this saturday 20th. I am so excited about it. I have been able to see the progress from this mother and daughter over the past to weeks and it has been such a faith growing experience. Seeing Deven oversome her smoking addiction and having those desires in her heart to have those changes and the desire to be baptized is great. She has been a great example to her daughter to strengthen her faith also. My testimony has grown so much in such little and my faith is increasing as well. I was able to bear my tesimony in the fast sunday at the start of this month. It was the best one that I have ever done and I felt the spirit so strongly as I expressed it that my legs started to shake a little bit. It was such a powerful message and many ward members said that it had touched their hearts. We are so close to have 4 more baptisms. 3 of them just need to come to church for a couple weeks and then we could baptize them but it is a struggle when we commit them to come and they say they will and they don't show up. The other she still has her smoking addiction but her desires are all there and she expresses how much she wants to be baptized. We had to go back up to Citronelle this week because they buried Brother Kimmins in the wrong grave so it had to be re-dedicated. As we were there we found out that the last treaty of the civil war occured there. I have some pictures that I will send in my next e-mail if I remember to bring my camera. Shortly my dad should have some mtc pictures up. We have been able to hand out 3 book of mormons this week and we are praying for their desires to want to here more of the gospel and feel of the blessings it will bring. I have realized how important these past 2 weeks have been to be exactly obedient. The blessings are so great from it that if I don't do something right that it pulls away the spirit so much that I have to work a bit harder to have it with me. As we pray we can see the desires of our hearts help others and it is a blessing upon a blessing. Be able to share this gospel it an invitation that everyone can make and I hope that all of you will fellowship someone you know even if it just saying hi to them. An example can go a long way.

Love Elder Regan Hansen

Semmes, Alabama (First Area)

I am right now in my first transfer with Elder Ramussen in Semmes, Alabama. The worst thing down here right now are the love bugs. There is just so many of them. As I have been down here we have received some referrals and have 2 new investigators. It was so exciting to see their appearance as we talk to them. We taught the Restoration the 2nd day I got here. After we taught it and Jessica said that everything sounded right and said she would pray about what we taught her was true I got so excited I could not help it. The next day we went to a funeral and just out of no where we were asked to talk at the second one. My companion gave such a spirit felt message about the plan of salvation the we ended up get 2 more investigators. 4 total for the 4 days that I had been here is amazing to me. We already have 3 baptismal dates set up. 2 of them are still working on their smoking addiction and the other we are working on getting to come to church because work in conflicting with the times. This coming week we could get 3 more baptismal dates set which would be great. We are going to try and get 4 new investigators this coming week too. I have not yet gotten a taste of the good southern food but I am thinking Wednesday that I will get that opportunity. We are getting ready this next week for hurricane Ike. We have heard that it is heading our way and should be here by the end of the week.
Love all of You
Elder Regan Hansen

Arrived in Florida

Elder Regan Hansen as well as two Sister's and several other Elders flew out of Salt Lake City today, stopping in Atlanta Ga. for a three hour layover, then flew on to Tallahassee Florida. He called during his lay over and is excited to be out in Florida. With the Hurricanes that have gone through and around Florida he thinks that he will spend some time helping clean up and getting peoples lives back in order. We know he will do a great service to the people in Florida as he serves them and his Heavenly Father.

First E Mail

Hey
I just wanted to let Everyone know that this is my E-mail. Everything here has been so great. The first few days were the hardest because it seemed all so overwhelming. All I can say is prayer is so important with everything that I do. I pray before anything because the greatest gift that we will ever receive is the Holy Ghost and if we pray as it says In John 16:14 at least I hope that it is that one that the Holy Ghost will teach us all things and with all those things we will remember them. I have been able to teach lesson one a couple times so far and Elder Wood and I my companion have had the spirit with us. The food here is better than I could of expected but even Better at the Provo Temple. I have been able to play soccer with a bunch of missionaries from Germany and over in other European regions. They are good and it just helps me to become better. I can see the blessings already from daily scripture study as you pray before and after you study. As I study the scriptures I have been able to remember so much more than I have used to be able to. Dallin H. Oaks came and had a devotional about the importance of the Holy Ghost and Renewing your baptismal covenants so you can always have the spirit with you.
I can't expound much more on that as I am under a minute but always follow the teachings of the prophets and his servants.
I love all of You,
Elder Regan Hansen

First Day of Service, MTC

Today we took Regan to the MTC, It was hard to let him leave but as the MTC President stated we are now placing them in the Hands of the Lord, and what better place could he be. Jamalyn placed his Missionary Name tag on his suit. and we all hugged (with several tears) and let him walk out the other side of the room. The Mission President stated that we should say good bye and send them away like we take off a bandage. Remove it fast and the pain is short lived. We are grateful for his decision to serve the lord. His Grandparents Jim and Evalyn Finch, and Kay and Ann Hansen were there to send him off. His Brother Austin and Sister's Caitlin and Sarah were also with us.

Church, Talk and Setting Apart

On Sunday August 10th Regan Addressed the Nibley 8th ward. His topic was the forth Section of the Doctrine and Covenant. He did a great job addressing the Christlike attitudes that he would need to serve the People in Florida, such as Faith, Patience, Brotherly Kindness and charity to name a few. we had several of our family and Friends over for Lunch after Church giving them the opportunity to say goodbye as he departs for the MTC.

Today Jamalyn and I helped him pack his bags for the MTC and clean up his room putting away all the stuff that he will not need for two years. He had a lot of stuff and I figured that it would be tough to pack it into two bags but we seemed to make it.

He is out in our car (sold his Civic last week) visiting Friends for the last time in a while. Then tonight at 8:30 we will meet with President Roland Parent where he will set him apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

Clark Photography

Steve Clark was one of Regan's Young Men's Advisor

Temple

Regan went to the Logan Temple July 5, 2008, for his own endowment. Those in attendance were his Grandparents: John Kay and Ann Hansen, Jim and Evalyn Finch. Parents: Paul and Jamalyn Hansen. His aunts and uncles: Jay and Jessica Finch, Mike and Trisha Downey, and Kevin and Lori Anderson. Bishop Lynn Clark.

Mission Prep Information

Regan will be giving his Farwell address before entering the MTC on Sunday August 10, 2008. Church sevices begin at 1:00 pm at The Nibley Gardens Chapel.

Regan will be going to the Logan Temple on Saturday July 5, 2008. If you would like to attend please let us know. You would need to be at the Temple at 11:00 am