Well this week has been slowed down a bit because of the rain. We have had so much more support from the member this past week since Elder Costa came and talked to us.
We talked with Marty this past week and he is still struggling with his smoking addiction. We had a powerful lesson and watched Finding Faith In Christ with him. We showed him the miracles that Christ performed while he was performing his earthly ministry. We asked him if he would like a blessing since we to hold that same priesthood authority that Jesus Christ has. We found out that he is not ready yet and we will hope that he will be sometime in the near future. He is really into poker and that is basically what he does for a living.
We tracted into Alex this week and talked to him on his doorstep for about an hour. We taught a brief lesson on the Restoration and he had many questions concerning our belief of the Godhead. We answered it the best we could but he was still not totally satisfied. We are going to talk to him within the next few days and answer it more fully.
We were able to study the scriptures and Conference Talks. Through fasting and prayer we have been able to bring out simple and precious truths that we are going to share with him. We found out after we talked to him that he is a Minister at his own Church but he still wants to know and learn new truth.
We talked to Kane last night and found out that he has not been reading in the Book Of Mormon. We committed him again and this time he seems willing and ready to read and pray. We told him we would ask him some questions about it so he really is going to take it seriously now. Hopefully in the next few weeks we can commit him to baptism and strengthen him and his Family.
I know that through Fasting and Meaningful Prayer that we can receive answers that we are diligently seeking for. I have seen the power behind it and it has once again opened my eyes to new truth and enabled me to teach with more Power and Authority. I encourage everyone that if they have a question or even need help with anything to submit to the Lord in Fasting and Prayer and you will receive guidance.
I love You all
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, January 26, 2009
Jan 26 2009
hi family,
It sounds like everything is going well at home and your having a white snowy year. This week was kind of a rough week but I hope that it will get better this upcoming week. I just wish I could get more out of my scripture reading The Els family is doing ok we were able to give Sheena another blessing during the week. It looks like they might take her to Joburg hospital to find out exactly what is going on. The hospitals here in East London aren't the best from what I have seen especially the public hospitals, but I think that is a very good decision that they have made to take her to the Joburg hospital. I was able to receive the christmas letters that you sent to me and I also got the story that Josh had sent that is good to hear. Here in East London it has been extremely hot and humid this week During the winter they say that it snows on the tops of the mountains but not in valleys just a cold rain. Send some pictures of the puppies sometime and also some packages. Mom I hope you sent some some stuff. I'm just not to happy with the week and with the computer erasing my message that I typed but oh well. Have a great week, my thoughts and prayers are with you. love Elder T Hansen
It sounds like everything is going well at home and your having a white snowy year. This week was kind of a rough week but I hope that it will get better this upcoming week. I just wish I could get more out of my scripture reading The Els family is doing ok we were able to give Sheena another blessing during the week. It looks like they might take her to Joburg hospital to find out exactly what is going on. The hospitals here in East London aren't the best from what I have seen especially the public hospitals, but I think that is a very good decision that they have made to take her to the Joburg hospital. I was able to receive the christmas letters that you sent to me and I also got the story that Josh had sent that is good to hear. Here in East London it has been extremely hot and humid this week During the winter they say that it snows on the tops of the mountains but not in valleys just a cold rain. Send some pictures of the puppies sometime and also some packages. Mom I hope you sent some some stuff. I'm just not to happy with the week and with the computer erasing my message that I typed but oh well. Have a great week, my thoughts and prayers are with you. love Elder T Hansen
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Regan January 20, 2008
Well this week has been a very good settling and we have built a firm foundation to grow from. We have had much success this week in finding, teaching, and to see how well everyone will keep there commitments. We had the opportunity to see that many of our investigators are progressing well and they are continuing to come unto Christ.
This past week we had the opportunity for another Zone Conference but this time I am now in a smaller Zone and I really enjoy it better. I have been able to apply my studies into my teachings there and I have seen the power that is continuing to grow in me. I talked to the mission president in my interview and he has expressed at how now I have taken charge and have really focused on many new aspects to strengthen my knowledge in the gospel, so I can teach with more power.
He asked us to study and mark the "IF" and "THEN" promises in the Book Of Mormon. It is amazing the promises in just a few chapter will enable us to change our lives for the better. With this great and new understanding that I have received from my 30 or more minutes of just study in the Book Of Mormon I have been able to begin my day on such a high spiritual charge that I can show everyone the blessings that come from following the Gospel.
I know that the Book Of Mormon truly allows us to have a new sense in the way that we truly ponder and contemplate on the message that it contains within. The Truths in it and also the way it guides us through each and everyday is amazing. The messages that comes from within its pages allows us all to teach with power and authority.
This past Sunday we had Stake Conference and Elder Costa of the presidency of the 70 came out and talked. I would like to mention the one thing that stood out to me the most. He said, "We should not receive blessing because the mercy that God has, but because we are WORTHY of those blessings." It has allowed me to ponder on this thought and brought me to a new appreciation of the Understanding of Blessing.
I know that If we all take in the message that is within his quote that we can all receive those blessings because we are worthy and it allows us to have a better self satisfaction in what we do.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
This past week we had the opportunity for another Zone Conference but this time I am now in a smaller Zone and I really enjoy it better. I have been able to apply my studies into my teachings there and I have seen the power that is continuing to grow in me. I talked to the mission president in my interview and he has expressed at how now I have taken charge and have really focused on many new aspects to strengthen my knowledge in the gospel, so I can teach with more power.
He asked us to study and mark the "IF" and "THEN" promises in the Book Of Mormon. It is amazing the promises in just a few chapter will enable us to change our lives for the better. With this great and new understanding that I have received from my 30 or more minutes of just study in the Book Of Mormon I have been able to begin my day on such a high spiritual charge that I can show everyone the blessings that come from following the Gospel.
I know that the Book Of Mormon truly allows us to have a new sense in the way that we truly ponder and contemplate on the message that it contains within. The Truths in it and also the way it guides us through each and everyday is amazing. The messages that comes from within its pages allows us all to teach with power and authority.
This past Sunday we had Stake Conference and Elder Costa of the presidency of the 70 came out and talked. I would like to mention the one thing that stood out to me the most. He said, "We should not receive blessing because the mercy that God has, but because we are WORTHY of those blessings." It has allowed me to ponder on this thought and brought me to a new appreciation of the Understanding of Blessing.
I know that If we all take in the message that is within his quote that we can all receive those blessings because we are worthy and it allows us to have a better self satisfaction in what we do.
Love You
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19, 2009
hello family,
It sounds like all is going well and you are all having fun. The sling shot that we made went really good, we went to Gonubie and shot rocks into the ocean. This week though will definitely be a week to remember for me. On Tuesday we went to the Els family to do some service for them. We tore out an old rotted fence and also started sanding their swing set in their backyard that we were going to varnish while we were sanding their chair we heard a cry for help. When I heard it I ran inside the house to see where the noise was coming from I heard it come from the bathroom so I went in after Elder Sheasby and Sheena Els was lying on the floor. Elder Fausett from Utah was an EMT before he came out, took care of her. She had foam coming out of her mouth and had a hard time breathing we really didn't know what was going on other than she was going through a seizure. Her mom was trying to call an ambulance and was in a little bit of shock but nobody had consecrated oil. I had some so I ran to the living room where my scripture pack was, got my oil, ran back, me and Elder Fausett we gave her a blessing. After we gave her a blessing I knew she would be ok but she was a little unconscious and we carried her out to the car to take her to the hospital. She had a bruise on her right cheek. What happened was, while she was puking from her sickness she passed out and hit her head on the toilet. She then had like epileptic seizure and also had a concussion. It has been a real interesting week though as I thought about what happened I thought how the missionaries were there at the right time and able to give a blessing. To make a long story short she is a sixteen year old investigator that we have been working with. The best part was we saw her at church this week. You can just see how the lord works through this family. Their dad is not a member but through the blessings and prayer he can see the influence the priesthood and the church has. Her brother and her mom are the only members of the church, the brother is a returned missionary from Joburg. IT was kind of a scary situation but truly a spiritual experience that I will always remember. We also had zone conference this week and was able to be spiritually uplifted but I can see through fasting and prayers that this girl has really been through a miracle. She had some other seizures throughout the week but is better and really looked good at church. The family is an Afrikaans family and very good to be around. I was wondering through all this you could send me a story of my accident. I just want it for my journal. This experience brought back a lot of memories. I truly think that she will be baptized but she has to pray for herself. The story may seem a little scatterbrained but I am typing way fast because I don't have a lot of time. This week was a good week and I hope things will get better for me for having charity in my life because it is not an easy thing to have. Please write that up and email it back to me. Thanks for the messages and let me know if you have a package on the way. I was thinking it was a good thing also that Lyman Willardson taught us how to throw a sling. If there is any good advise you can give me dad on charity let me know,
thank you and I love you all.
Elder Tyler Hansen
It sounds like all is going well and you are all having fun. The sling shot that we made went really good, we went to Gonubie and shot rocks into the ocean. This week though will definitely be a week to remember for me. On Tuesday we went to the Els family to do some service for them. We tore out an old rotted fence and also started sanding their swing set in their backyard that we were going to varnish while we were sanding their chair we heard a cry for help. When I heard it I ran inside the house to see where the noise was coming from I heard it come from the bathroom so I went in after Elder Sheasby and Sheena Els was lying on the floor. Elder Fausett from Utah was an EMT before he came out, took care of her. She had foam coming out of her mouth and had a hard time breathing we really didn't know what was going on other than she was going through a seizure. Her mom was trying to call an ambulance and was in a little bit of shock but nobody had consecrated oil. I had some so I ran to the living room where my scripture pack was, got my oil, ran back, me and Elder Fausett we gave her a blessing. After we gave her a blessing I knew she would be ok but she was a little unconscious and we carried her out to the car to take her to the hospital. She had a bruise on her right cheek. What happened was, while she was puking from her sickness she passed out and hit her head on the toilet. She then had like epileptic seizure and also had a concussion. It has been a real interesting week though as I thought about what happened I thought how the missionaries were there at the right time and able to give a blessing. To make a long story short she is a sixteen year old investigator that we have been working with. The best part was we saw her at church this week. You can just see how the lord works through this family. Their dad is not a member but through the blessings and prayer he can see the influence the priesthood and the church has. Her brother and her mom are the only members of the church, the brother is a returned missionary from Joburg. IT was kind of a scary situation but truly a spiritual experience that I will always remember. We also had zone conference this week and was able to be spiritually uplifted but I can see through fasting and prayers that this girl has really been through a miracle. She had some other seizures throughout the week but is better and really looked good at church. The family is an Afrikaans family and very good to be around. I was wondering through all this you could send me a story of my accident. I just want it for my journal. This experience brought back a lot of memories. I truly think that she will be baptized but she has to pray for herself. The story may seem a little scatterbrained but I am typing way fast because I don't have a lot of time. This week was a good week and I hope things will get better for me for having charity in my life because it is not an easy thing to have. Please write that up and email it back to me. Thanks for the messages and let me know if you have a package on the way. I was thinking it was a good thing also that Lyman Willardson taught us how to throw a sling. If there is any good advise you can give me dad on charity let me know,
thank you and I love you all.
Elder Tyler Hansen
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12, 2009
Hi family!
It is good to here that you are doing well I got your package this week! Thank you for all of the stuff that you gave me they will be used for sure. I hope that you have another one on its way It is like Christmas to receive packages and mailed letters. This week will be a good week I hope now that things are coming back into the swing of things. Me and my companion are going to fast alot this week and go on a diet since we think that we are getting fat sitting in the car and all the Dinner appointments we have had. I hope that there will be miracles happen and I can just become totally devoted. I have had a really challenging week and Have pointing out some of the weaknesses that I have that I can fast about and really strive to work more on. Every morning I wake up and me and my companions stomachs don't feel the best, the other morning I thought me and him were going to throw up after running every morning. I am really excited for today though we bought some string and some leather and I'm going to show the district how to make slings and were going to shoot rocks into the ocean so it will be kind of fun. We are kind of running out of ideas to do things on p-days. thank you for your prayers and I hope all is well for you. Oh I also heard the elder that came back from cape town the same time that I left got in a car accident and died, that is to bad to here but I'm sure he has a mission in the spirit world.
well I love you all and wish you a wonderful week!
love Elder Tyler Hansen
It is good to here that you are doing well I got your package this week! Thank you for all of the stuff that you gave me they will be used for sure. I hope that you have another one on its way It is like Christmas to receive packages and mailed letters. This week will be a good week I hope now that things are coming back into the swing of things. Me and my companion are going to fast alot this week and go on a diet since we think that we are getting fat sitting in the car and all the Dinner appointments we have had. I hope that there will be miracles happen and I can just become totally devoted. I have had a really challenging week and Have pointing out some of the weaknesses that I have that I can fast about and really strive to work more on. Every morning I wake up and me and my companions stomachs don't feel the best, the other morning I thought me and him were going to throw up after running every morning. I am really excited for today though we bought some string and some leather and I'm going to show the district how to make slings and were going to shoot rocks into the ocean so it will be kind of fun. We are kind of running out of ideas to do things on p-days. thank you for your prayers and I hope all is well for you. Oh I also heard the elder that came back from cape town the same time that I left got in a car accident and died, that is to bad to here but I'm sure he has a mission in the spirit world.
well I love you all and wish you a wonderful week!
love Elder Tyler Hansen
Regan January 12, 2009
Well I have found out today that at the library here that I only get 60 minutes so I have to hurry along. This week has been crazy with having transfers and white washing a new area. We have had some great success in just the little time that we have been here. We have found 2 new investigators. We have also talked to an investigator that was here and set up a new Baptismal Date with him but I am just not sure if he is truly ready to give up smoking. We have some great support from the ward and have a great ward mission leader. We have a busy week coming up because we have set allot of appointments up and will be teaching which is great.I like it here in Crestview since I am now back in some country. It has some hills but that might just be because it is the highest point in Florida of like 300-400 ft.
I have had some great moments in my studies this week to receive so great answers of how to help those around me. I know that if we all study the scriptures diligently and look and the promises that the scriptures have in store for us. I have been uplifted this past week as I have studied 1 Nephi 1-11. I have been able to see all the promises the lord blesses us with as long as we have faith and do those things that he desires us to do. I have grown in faith and testimony because of the Faith that Nephi leaves with us in the passages.I know that If we all strive to Prayerfully study in the scriptures that we can all receive new enlightenment through the spirit and always stand prepared and ready to begin a new day.
Love you All
ELder Hansen
368 Hospital Dr.Crestview, Fl 32539
I have had some great moments in my studies this week to receive so great answers of how to help those around me. I know that if we all study the scriptures diligently and look and the promises that the scriptures have in store for us. I have been uplifted this past week as I have studied 1 Nephi 1-11. I have been able to see all the promises the lord blesses us with as long as we have faith and do those things that he desires us to do. I have grown in faith and testimony because of the Faith that Nephi leaves with us in the passages.I know that If we all strive to Prayerfully study in the scriptures that we can all receive new enlightenment through the spirit and always stand prepared and ready to begin a new day.
Love you All
ELder Hansen
368 Hospital Dr.Crestview, Fl 32539
Friday, January 9, 2009
hello from South Africa
hello family,
It is good to here from you each and every week It seems like everything is working ok with the Email so that is one less thing to worry about. Happy Birthday Chris! How have you guys been doing with the basketball games and when does school start back up for the new year. That is good to here the puppies and also the baby calves are doing alright you'll have to send some pictures when they get bigger. Thank you so much for fasting and praying for me I can already see the change and help from lord. This week though was kind of relaxed and nothing really happened to much with the new years and not doing anything for the two days. This week though I bought my own shaver to cut my hair and when I was cutting my hair the trimmer guide broke and started cutting short so I messed up on my hair. I just put it to a lower adjustment and basically just buzzed my hair so I kind of look like a military guy. On Sunday though after church and 12 o'clock we went to a guys house named Robert and was going to share the plan of salvation with him when we got there he wasn't there; he seems to be one of those guys that likes to flea but, his cousin was there named Agustine, We were able to share the restoration of the gospel with him and he said he wanted to make a change in his life. The day before he cut his hair from long to short and but you can see that he wants to make a change in his life he loved the message of the restoration. There has been some mixed feeling about that home and the people evertime we visit them but I think that your prayers have helped. At the church on new years we had like 20 elders or so from all over east London come and we had a braii. There is just the four in my district and my companion is the district leader. I think there are like 8 zones in the mission with about 20-30 missionaries in each zone. This week was the last week of my first transfer so I have been through my first transfer. I haven't been able to drive a car yet but I think this transfer I will they don't want the missionaries in there first transfer to drive just to get used to driving on the left side of the road. How is Regan doing? Does he ever email you guys? You will have to give me his email address. Most of the people that serve in South Africa are from the states. I think that there are like 70elders or something but there are a few from Australia and alot from Africa as well. There are missionaries from Madagascar, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and a few from England as well. I haven't got your package that you sent me yet but hopefully it will come sometime this week. There are like 15-20 families in the area that we mainly work with but we are mainly focusing on like 6 people right now. The Els family is like our primary focus and also Mr. Nkohle these are the ones that we are trying to get baptismal dates set up for upcoming in this next transfer. Thank you for your prayers they are so much a blessing to me and give me strength I love you all have a good new years. love Elder T Hansen
It is good to here from you each and every week It seems like everything is working ok with the Email so that is one less thing to worry about. Happy Birthday Chris! How have you guys been doing with the basketball games and when does school start back up for the new year. That is good to here the puppies and also the baby calves are doing alright you'll have to send some pictures when they get bigger. Thank you so much for fasting and praying for me I can already see the change and help from lord. This week though was kind of relaxed and nothing really happened to much with the new years and not doing anything for the two days. This week though I bought my own shaver to cut my hair and when I was cutting my hair the trimmer guide broke and started cutting short so I messed up on my hair. I just put it to a lower adjustment and basically just buzzed my hair so I kind of look like a military guy. On Sunday though after church and 12 o'clock we went to a guys house named Robert and was going to share the plan of salvation with him when we got there he wasn't there; he seems to be one of those guys that likes to flea but, his cousin was there named Agustine, We were able to share the restoration of the gospel with him and he said he wanted to make a change in his life. The day before he cut his hair from long to short and but you can see that he wants to make a change in his life he loved the message of the restoration. There has been some mixed feeling about that home and the people evertime we visit them but I think that your prayers have helped. At the church on new years we had like 20 elders or so from all over east London come and we had a braii. There is just the four in my district and my companion is the district leader. I think there are like 8 zones in the mission with about 20-30 missionaries in each zone. This week was the last week of my first transfer so I have been through my first transfer. I haven't been able to drive a car yet but I think this transfer I will they don't want the missionaries in there first transfer to drive just to get used to driving on the left side of the road. How is Regan doing? Does he ever email you guys? You will have to give me his email address. Most of the people that serve in South Africa are from the states. I think that there are like 70elders or something but there are a few from Australia and alot from Africa as well. There are missionaries from Madagascar, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and a few from England as well. I haven't got your package that you sent me yet but hopefully it will come sometime this week. There are like 15-20 families in the area that we mainly work with but we are mainly focusing on like 6 people right now. The Els family is like our primary focus and also Mr. Nkohle these are the ones that we are trying to get baptismal dates set up for upcoming in this next transfer. Thank you for your prayers they are so much a blessing to me and give me strength I love you all have a good new years. love Elder T Hansen
Monday, January 5, 2009
Regan January 5, 2009, Transfer to Crestview Florida
Well This week has been quite a great week. We have had the opportunity to teach a lesson with a member to Clay. Even though today I found out that I am getting moved to Crestview I know that there will be some great people there to also find. We had the opportunity to talk to Clay last night and we found out that he has been reading Ether 12 and has allot of questions about it. It is amazing to see how well the spirit leads and guides us in all that we do. We told him when he read to pray first for a better understanding and he took that challenge and it has really blessed him in his studies. Hopefully with this we will be able to soon be able to talk to his Girlfriend and begin to teach her too.
Thank you all for the E-mails for the new year the support is really great. I will let everyone know my new address as soon as I can find out what it is.
I have been studying about how to better feel and understand the nature of the the Holy Ghost. It has blessed me to better understand when I have the spirit and how I can obtain the spirit more fully. Our mission President found a quote about this that President Hinckley said concerning this matter.
“That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous?...You recognize the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God.” (PMG p.97)
Love You all
Elder Regan Hansen
Thank you all for the E-mails for the new year the support is really great. I will let everyone know my new address as soon as I can find out what it is.
I have been studying about how to better feel and understand the nature of the the Holy Ghost. It has blessed me to better understand when I have the spirit and how I can obtain the spirit more fully. Our mission President found a quote about this that President Hinckley said concerning this matter.
“That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous?...You recognize the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God.” (PMG p.97)
Love You all
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, December 29, 2008
Regan December 29, 2008
Well this week I don't have to much to say. I can explain the area that I am in can fit just perfect with the Allegory in Jacob about the Olive Tree. This past week all of the hard work with out seeing much success has paid off. We found 2 investigators this past week. With all of the meaningful prayers and positive contacts with them the doors have been opened. Today we have an appointment with Clay and we are bringing a future missionary along. We have been really excited because with what we know and the questions that he wants answered the Holy Ghost will bear witness of them to him. With this opportunity we will also be able to hopefully talk to his wife in future visits and bring there family closer together and with hope for eternity.
I have been able to feel of this Great Spirit that has been about us in this past week of Christmas. Through that special spirit we have seen the hearts soften on more people than we thought. It has truly shown me how well these miracles can happen when we bring our will and pursuit into the lords work and his will.
I want thank everyone for there support and presents that I have received this Christmas. It was great to talk to some of you and hear about the things back at home.
May we all continue to carry the spirit that is within us and be that guiding light to all those who need us.
LOve You
ELder Regan Hansen
I have been able to feel of this Great Spirit that has been about us in this past week of Christmas. Through that special spirit we have seen the hearts soften on more people than we thought. It has truly shown me how well these miracles can happen when we bring our will and pursuit into the lords work and his will.
I want thank everyone for there support and presents that I have received this Christmas. It was great to talk to some of you and hear about the things back at home.
May we all continue to carry the spirit that is within us and be that guiding light to all those who need us.
LOve You
ELder Regan Hansen
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 22, 2008
First want to thank everyone for your support during this time of year with your letter and packages. This week during service at the zoo I really made a tiger mad and had it totally come after me. I guess my camera reflected on its face luckily there was a fence there to save me. I am hoping to send a picture of it.
This past week we have had many Christmas activities throughout our branch and also the stake. We had a branch Christmas party and were able to get many less active individuals out to it. On Friday the stake put together a great nativity program and we were able to talk to investigators and have activities and music to envelop them in the spirit of Christmas.
We have also been caroling allot lately. I can't sing but we all try and we have not yet received a bad review. We have been able to to receive investigators this way and we hope that on our last night of it tomorrow that we will be able to continue and bring that spirit to those who are not able to feel or receive it at this moment.
This past Sunday had such a great spirit filled Christmas program. We were able to bring out allot of less active members to listen to the beautiful program that was presented. Later that night we watched with a family the special witness DVD and I would suggest to everyone if you can watch that with your families, friends, and those that need to be uplifted and edified by these solemn witnesses. The testimonies on there have strengthen me and have uplifted me to a now sense of gratification of this restored gospel.
I want to wish you all a "Merry Christmas" and thank you again for all the support.
Love you
Elder Regan Hansen
This past week we have had many Christmas activities throughout our branch and also the stake. We had a branch Christmas party and were able to get many less active individuals out to it. On Friday the stake put together a great nativity program and we were able to talk to investigators and have activities and music to envelop them in the spirit of Christmas.
We have also been caroling allot lately. I can't sing but we all try and we have not yet received a bad review. We have been able to to receive investigators this way and we hope that on our last night of it tomorrow that we will be able to continue and bring that spirit to those who are not able to feel or receive it at this moment.
This past Sunday had such a great spirit filled Christmas program. We were able to bring out allot of less active members to listen to the beautiful program that was presented. Later that night we watched with a family the special witness DVD and I would suggest to everyone if you can watch that with your families, friends, and those that need to be uplifted and edified by these solemn witnesses. The testimonies on there have strengthen me and have uplifted me to a now sense of gratification of this restored gospel.
I want to wish you all a "Merry Christmas" and thank you again for all the support.
Love you
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, December 15, 2008
December 15, 2008
Hey I just wanted to leave a quick not since I really don't have to much time because the Library has been having problems with there computers. We also have to get ready for a family home evening with a part member family that has been inactive but want to come back to church. I have really come to understand the importance of prayer as I have been out here. Especially prayers of faith. I really love what President Monson said in his past Conference.
President Monson testified, last General Conference, that there are areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. He urged us to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. He testified that country after country presently closed to the Church would open their doors if we pray with faith.
I know that if we all strive to have Prayers of Faith and ask for all of those who are not able to hear the Gospel at this time that they will hear it very soon.
LOve YOu all
ELder Regan Hansen
President Monson testified, last General Conference, that there are areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. He urged us to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. He testified that country after country presently closed to the Church would open their doors if we pray with faith.
I know that if we all strive to have Prayers of Faith and ask for all of those who are not able to hear the Gospel at this time that they will hear it very soon.
LOve YOu all
ELder Regan Hansen
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8, 2008
Not to much exciting stuff has happened this week. We have worked hard this week and have done tons of tracting. We had some success but we only found potential investigators because we could never actually set a return appointment for them. Yesterday we a great day of the week. Through having fast Sunday and hearing testimonies, to being able to see the Christmas devotional it was great. We watched the devotional at Brother and Sister Wagners. The messages that were contained in this devotional were truly inspiring. The message of this time of year is truly about the giving nature and have charity. With the pure love of Christ and being able to truly give myself to this work in this season inspires me. Our mission president gave us such a great message today in his letter.
If we properly celebrated this season we would not rest from our labors. We would, instead, intensify our passion to find, teach, baptize and retain. If we wanted to really show our love for Him this Christmas; we would study, pray, fast, plan, work and love with all of our heart might mind and strength so that others may partake of the true reason for this season. If we were really into the substance of the season, we would talk to everyone, trusting in faith that He would lead us to a prepared person because we were prepared servants. We would stretch to our outer limits to accomplish goals focused on the Key Indicators because these indicators represent people who we desire to see happy this season. In such effort we would bask in His Spirit, the Christmas Spirit. No celebration we could ever experience can match the beauty of seeing someone respond to our witness and change their lives to bring them in harmony with the Son of God. No song we could listen to this season could compare in inspiration to the hearing the Song of Redeeming love being expressed by someone we have found and are teaching. No present we receive could match the joy of seeing some precious soul rise from the waters of baptism clean and committed. No feeling could match the warmth of seeing someone we have grown to love receive the baptism of fire. The truest happiness we will ever experience is helping someone else partake of the great plan of happiness.
These things of which he has stated in this small simple, but powerful paragraph can truly change the work in this season of the year. I have been able to see this joy that he speaks of because of the baptisms that I have had have brought me so much joy. In this time of giving and the great Christmas season we should all give ourselves to the lords work and invite those who are less fortunate or don't have this gospel to attend our church and feel of the spirit that comes of this special season.
I love All of you and the support that you have given me. For the cards and the thoughts behind them.
Love
Elder Regan Hansen
If we properly celebrated this season we would not rest from our labors. We would, instead, intensify our passion to find, teach, baptize and retain. If we wanted to really show our love for Him this Christmas; we would study, pray, fast, plan, work and love with all of our heart might mind and strength so that others may partake of the true reason for this season. If we were really into the substance of the season, we would talk to everyone, trusting in faith that He would lead us to a prepared person because we were prepared servants. We would stretch to our outer limits to accomplish goals focused on the Key Indicators because these indicators represent people who we desire to see happy this season. In such effort we would bask in His Spirit, the Christmas Spirit. No celebration we could ever experience can match the beauty of seeing someone respond to our witness and change their lives to bring them in harmony with the Son of God. No song we could listen to this season could compare in inspiration to the hearing the Song of Redeeming love being expressed by someone we have found and are teaching. No present we receive could match the joy of seeing some precious soul rise from the waters of baptism clean and committed. No feeling could match the warmth of seeing someone we have grown to love receive the baptism of fire. The truest happiness we will ever experience is helping someone else partake of the great plan of happiness.
These things of which he has stated in this small simple, but powerful paragraph can truly change the work in this season of the year. I have been able to see this joy that he speaks of because of the baptisms that I have had have brought me so much joy. In this time of giving and the great Christmas season we should all give ourselves to the lords work and invite those who are less fortunate or don't have this gospel to attend our church and feel of the spirit that comes of this special season.
I love All of you and the support that you have given me. For the cards and the thoughts behind them.
Love
Elder Regan Hansen
Saturday, December 6, 2008
I am Now in East london
hello family
I am just wondering if everyone is doing alright, Well we flew out on Tuesday morning and made it to Cape Town on Wednesday the 8 of us elders from the MTC spent the night at the mission home and the next morning I flew to my first transfer in East London my companions name is Elder Sheasby he's from Johannesburg South Africa he is a very good missionary and I look up to him as a trainer and the missionary he is. He knows how to work hard and hes very smart as well. He is white and basically one the British accent people. In our district there is the four of us Elder Fausett from castle dale and his companion Elder Dishon from Kenya and then me and Elder Sheasby. we are the 1st ward here in Beacon Bay East London. I really enjoy it out here with the first week we've meet lots of people and I was able to spend my first sacrament at the ward last Sunday. there was like only 40 people there and the main work is getting less actives back to church since the church is kind of far away from the area. It is really hot here and the wind is blowing all the time, it also rains alot here I think it has rained just about everyday here since I got here. My p days are on Mondays. I want to send some Christmas to you through a package I talked to an elder here and he is sending one that would cost about 400 rand so about 40 dollars so I don't think its to bad. The allowance they give us here on the mission is 400 rand every two weeks, so its not very much money we live off of, just enough to get some food. Mom I love you and want to tell you I miss your food I have had some really nasty food here and its just gotten worse since we came out here to East London but I'm slowly getting used to it. The Cape Town mission is a huge mission and there are about 150 missionaries out and theres about 16 in the country of Namibia. well every things going alright I hope to here from you soon.
love
Elder T Hansen.
Monday, December 1, 2008
December 1, 2008 Gulf Breeze
This past week by far has been my biggest struggle of my mission. But I wouldn't look at in any other way than being a blessing that has now strengthen me in so many ways. With Transfers to Gulf Breeze it was just like I was once again coming right out of the gates. I found out later that day that I am in a Bike Area.
The mission has about 17 of these area's and I am now lucky enough to be in one. My new companion is Elder Spencer Pond from Seattle. He thinks that he recognizes my cousin Elder Deven Downey's name but I will have to see. He is actually from Bellevue right outside of there. I have been strengthened so much in this week by primarily prayer and using the power of the Atonement. As we all know we can't expect thing to adjust to what we want them to so we must adjust.
I have used the enabling power of the Atonement to adjust to my new area and the new circumstances that I have been put in. I can say that the enabling power is just on of those blessings and miracles that keep us going. I never could of traveled over 27 miles in my first full day here without that power. I have seen now how much my body has now adapted and how much more it will continue to adapt. I know that through that power of the atonement that we can receive those blessings and those changes that come through it by faith and knowing he will continue to carry our burdens. Through these changes I have been able to go and find those who are searching for that true gospel and that true light that we all have.
I know that if we all pray for the strength to adapt to those things that are hard for us or even challenging that with our faith in Jesus Christ that he will enable us and carry us through those things of which stand in our way.
Love You all and Thank you for the Support
Elder Regan Hansen
The mission has about 17 of these area's and I am now lucky enough to be in one. My new companion is Elder Spencer Pond from Seattle. He thinks that he recognizes my cousin Elder Deven Downey's name but I will have to see. He is actually from Bellevue right outside of there. I have been strengthened so much in this week by primarily prayer and using the power of the Atonement. As we all know we can't expect thing to adjust to what we want them to so we must adjust.
I have used the enabling power of the Atonement to adjust to my new area and the new circumstances that I have been put in. I can say that the enabling power is just on of those blessings and miracles that keep us going. I never could of traveled over 27 miles in my first full day here without that power. I have seen now how much my body has now adapted and how much more it will continue to adapt. I know that through that power of the atonement that we can receive those blessings and those changes that come through it by faith and knowing he will continue to carry our burdens. Through these changes I have been able to go and find those who are searching for that true gospel and that true light that we all have.
I know that if we all pray for the strength to adapt to those things that are hard for us or even challenging that with our faith in Jesus Christ that he will enable us and carry us through those things of which stand in our way.
Love You all and Thank you for the Support
Elder Regan Hansen
Thursday, November 27, 2008
November 2008
Well hello family again I wasn't able to email on Saturday because the telephone line was out so they let us do it on Monday if we wanted during our activity time. I hope I answer most of your questions but I'll try to send some pictures as soon as I can Ihere some of the things here are cheaper anyways since its 10 rand to the dollar. All I can tell you about Johannesburg is there are tons of people everywhere and most of them are black. We go to the temple every Tuesday and we go to the city and there are people everywhere sometimes i feel like the inside of an Oreo cookie with how many black people there are. It reminds me alot like Washington D.C. When we went proselyting the other day it was kind of sad to see some of the people in total boredom and nothing to do but drink beer. we went to this little community called sueto just about 40 minutes east of the mtc and the people have nothing to do there I was in kind of in a culture shock. As we walked around many were riding horses, walking on dirt roads and the houses were very small and very dirty. I think cape town will be maybe a little better. Some of the people here just have no lives they don't work they just sit there and drink or smoke and live there Protestant religion life. I really haven't been out in the safari much but there are some pretty cool birds that fly by the mtc every once and a while. the electrical is very different in the outlet you just plug in these two big prongs and when you turn on the light it takes about 10 seconds for the light to come on. This elder that is in my room has like this conversion kit that i guess works pretty well it transfers from U.S. to Europe to South America and To South Africa It just has all those receptacle changes. the mtc is in roodeport about 40 min away from joburg and here in south africa they drive on the wrong side of the road so that will take some getting used to. That's funny that lassys getting fat I think she should have her pups right around the end of November or something I didn't write it down when she was bred. That's good that Chris made the basketball team and yes I heard that Obama is president I heard it on the plane coming from Dakar to Johannesburg When we heard it just like all the black people on the plane shouted. Right now there are the 24 elders total at the mtc its a pretty small mtc but there are 11 black elders and 1 white elder that speaks British accent. Mostly everyone knows English here but some are hard to understand. I have two teachers that are white including president cannon and sister Cannon they have a British accent and then the rest of the teachers are black teachers. mother I just want to tell you I miss some of the food here at the mtc isn't as good as yours its mainly oily and some things that are grown in south Africa that I haven't gotten used to. We have been working on the second discussion lately found in the preach my gospel that is the main focus of what we study here as well as the book of Mormon. The preach my gospel is basically a study guide that missionaries use there whole mission the better you understand it the better off you are as a teacher. well I love you all and I think by the time my letter gets to you ill be in cape town so if I don't email you next week it will have to be when I'm in cape. Love Elder T. Hansen
Monday, November 24, 2008
Regan November 24, 2008, Transfer to Gulf Breeze Florida
Hey well this week has been great. With the baptism yesterday and finding about the new transfer today I don't have much time before I need to start packing. I have found out that I am now going to Gulf breeze, Florida. I have heard that it is a small little beach town. I had the opportunity to look on a map and it is south of Pensacola. I am very excited about this new change. I have come to love all of those that I have served with here in Semmes and the ward members especially. I will miss them but I now know that I must press forward and enter a new area of the Lord's Vineyard. I know that the work there is only going to get harder since there has been no missionaries there for a bit but I look forward to the hard work I must perform.
This next message is what we received as a mission from the missionary department in SLC
"I hope this e-mail finds all well with you and the great missionaries in the Florida Tallahassee Mission. Elder Mask dropped by the other day to indicate he had just conducted a mission tour with you. He couldn't’t say enough about how impressed he was with your mission and missionaries. He made particular note of what great teachers he thought they are! Congratulations."
I am grateful to be one of the missionaries. The Lord will always bless the areas that we are in and will always have those who have been prepared for us to teach. I am grateful for the support that you all give me and I am indeed grateful for your prayers. Lets all continue to labor in the Lord's Vineyard. Indeed the work is there and will always be great in our lives. As for now I must go pack for my next great adventure on the Lord's path for me.
Love all of you
Elder Regan Hansen
This next message is what we received as a mission from the missionary department in SLC
"I hope this e-mail finds all well with you and the great missionaries in the Florida Tallahassee Mission. Elder Mask dropped by the other day to indicate he had just conducted a mission tour with you. He couldn't’t say enough about how impressed he was with your mission and missionaries. He made particular note of what great teachers he thought they are! Congratulations."
I am grateful to be one of the missionaries. The Lord will always bless the areas that we are in and will always have those who have been prepared for us to teach. I am grateful for the support that you all give me and I am indeed grateful for your prayers. Lets all continue to labor in the Lord's Vineyard. Indeed the work is there and will always be great in our lives. As for now I must go pack for my next great adventure on the Lord's path for me.
Love all of you
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17, 2008
This week has been pretty well. We had a Zone Conference and the spirit was there very strongly. We in the mission right now have been focusing alot of prayer. We have been using Elder Bednar's last 2 conference talks on prayer and applying them into our daily life's and prayers. I have been able to see so much increase in my work through the application of those 2 talks. I know that through prayer we can make those changes in our lives that will bring us closer to our Saviour and enhance the relationship that we have with him. I have been able to see the changes through prayer that have brought me more spiritual enlightened studies in the morning and also throughout the day. I would encourage all of you to take a look at Elder Bednar's talks and see how the spirit directs you. We had our work cut out for us this past week with teaching Myya before she gets baptized. We decided to change the date of her baptism to this coming Sunday. I can't wait to see that smile on her face after she gets baptized. I love going to baptisms because the spirit is there so strongly and brings that righteousness even closer to us. Yesterday at Church I was able to hear a powerful talk given by the Stake Patriarch. The power that he had in his talk about blessings and the importance that fathers have in their role of having the priesthood was powerful. He said that when we get blessings for our fathers we should write down those things that we remember because those are the things we need to hold onto the most. He read a talk that came from a prayer meeting out of the Temple in Washington. It talks about a young man who had some problems and his faith of wanting to receive a patriarchal and those things that were bestowed upon him. I will send that letter to my dad and have him put it on the blog so everyone can see it. Those blessing that we receive from our fathers are powerful and can bring much guidance into our lives. I will get some more pictures sent in the next couple weeks so everyone can see them before the holidays.
Love all of You
Elder Regan Hansen
Love all of You
Elder Regan Hansen
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 10, 2008
This past week started off great being able to see some gators which I will definitely have to get send some pictures around. This week we planned out well and went to visit all of our new potential investigators. As we went over some of them weren't home but the great thing was that other members of their families were they are we shared the message with them. Through all of this we have been able to have whole families be investigators and wanting to learn of the truths that they can add to what they already know. We had a real close friend this week get baptized in the Theodore ward. His name is Hanalae and he is in the coast guard from Hawaii. I met him within a couple weeks of being out and I have been able to see first hand of the faith and the growth that he has been able to have through the gospel of Jesus Christ. His baptism was this past Saturday and the spirit was there so strongly. He bore his testimony to us after he was baptized and I can say that it is one of the strongest that I have heard from a new member. On Sunday I ended up teaching the 12-18 year old class and let me tell you it was a struggle. I can only imagine what my teachers had to go through. I am glad though for the opportunity because by the end of it I was able to bring out the scripture in Helaman 5:12. This is a scripture that we should all apply into our lives continually and I will leave it up to all of you to read it for yourselves. After we had a lesson with a Myya she is 9, by the end of it we asked her if she would get baptized and she said yes. I was filled with so much joy and happiness. It is going to be this coming Sunday and I will definitely get some pictures sent. We have been talking to her for about 2 months little by little at church since we only have so many miles and citronelle is quite far away. I am so glad to see the child like faith that she possesses and it how much I have grown from her. I am so happy be able to proclaim this gospel to so many. I know that if we apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives we will all continue to grow. I have been able to see first hand through my studies and apply the passages that I have read that I have been blessed with the spirit. As we all continue to be obedient and make it our objective, God will endow us with his power. With using the power of the Atonement in our lives and earnestly to desire to make those changes in our hearts through prayer those desires become one with us.
I love all of You
Thank you for all the support
Elder Regan Hansen
I love all of You
Thank you for all the support
Elder Regan Hansen
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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