Come Let Us Adore Him

Merry Christmas Everyone :)

 

You know this week leading up to Christmas has been so busy and eventful. I can't believe that it's time to email again. Weeks are seeming to get shorter and quicker, time speeds up this time of year. As I draw an end to this the year of 2014 I can't help but express my appreation for the Saviour and Messiah of the World.

 

Last week I was able to go to the Elder and Sister Cordon's home. For those that's don't know they are from my home stake and live just 3 miles from me. I am so thankful for their faithfulness to come and serve a mission. Listening to them share their stories about how they have touched a few families lives in this green and pleaseant land has inspired me. They are such a lovely couple and it was great to see a powerpoint about when Elder Cordon rode his bike all the way across America from one coast to another. They are great people and I made two new friends.

 

Tuesday was temple day :) We went with half of the mission to the temple in Chorley. Me and my companion were able to do endowments for 2 of my ancestors both from Germany. They were born in about 1760! So they had been waiting for us to help them out. I learned so much from the temple. Every time can be a revelatory time. I just love the feelings when I go inside and get to be in the house of the Lord.

 

As a district, about 10 of us missionaries, we went and carolling in a place called Romily on Saturday. I can't sing very good, but we had some amazing voices from the other missionaries help us out. We stood in town square for about half of an hour singing and talking to people about Christmas time and the true meaning. Then we started going door to door to different people. There were people so touched an in tears, and not because we sounded bad. You could see the spirit touch them. We went to a nursing home and sang as well. They are lovely people and were some of the kindest.

 

I gave a talk in sacrament meeting this week. You would think I would be more comfortable speaking in front of people, but I still had the butterflies and sweaty palms when I went up. I talked about the need of a Saviour and why it was so important that he came to earth. I could really feel my testimony increase as I prepared and got to study the scriptures about this sacred event.

 

I want you all to know that I have a testimony of God. He is our loving Heavenly Father. He cares and thinks about us every second of the day. We may not always see his hand in our lives, but he is there. We just have to open the door and let the holy ghost touch our hearts. I know he and his son appeared to the boy Joseph Smith on the spring morning of 1820. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet. He came to fulfil his sacred duty. But none of this would be possible, and he would have had nothing to restore if it hadn't been for Jesus Christ coming to earth. He is the living Christ and I know that because of him I can be with my family forever. He suffered and bled for me and my sins. What a great time to come closer to him and partake of the salvation he has so willingly given to each of us. I bear you my witness in the name of our Lord and Saviour Amen.

 

Have a Happy Christmas Love Elder Hammond

Joy To the World

Dearest Family and Friends,

 

This week we had zone meeting. It seemed like half the zone was brand new. We have missionaries that speak 13 different languages! So I am very lucky to be serving the in Manchester stake as a native English speaking missionary. This stake is full of miracles and the explosion has taken root  here. We have the best senior couple in your ward the Hills. At your zone meeting, we planned out a skit we are going to be doing next week at your missionary Christmas party. We decided to do the 12 days of Christmas missionary addition. It is pretty funny. Hopefully someone records it and it makes it's way onto facebook or something. It will be a great sight to see.

 

The launch of He is the Gift has been amazing. I love Christmas time because through all the business of the time of year, people genially think more about the Saviour and think about others. Even if they don't catch the true meaning of Christmas, at least they are being more generous to others. We shared the special video with a member and her less active granddaughter. She was in tears by the end of it. It was amazing to see the spirit touch her heart. She came to the ward party of Saturday and agreed to have me and my companion over this week. I am super excited to use the Christmas season to bring everyone one step closer.

 

This week I was working on my family history and was able to print off 100 names for my family to do baptisms for. It is a family tradition to go to the temple during the Christmas break and do work for our ancestors. Since I am in England and it would be hard to participate in it, I decided to do family history work and that's my way of helping.

 

Saturday I woke up and looked out the window to see a bunch of white all over I thought it had snowed a bunch, It was really thick fog that had come durning the night. It lasted most of the day so it was kinda crazy. Saturday we were able to teach two new families on the bus. It was our concerated finding for the month were we specifically just go finding for new people to teach. It was great to see the Lord's hand in this.

 

My companion and I decided to drop the people we were teaching because they weren't really progressing. It was an act of faith because we felt that there were more people out there ready for the gospel. Sunday we went to church and a member brought two of  her friends to church. They were two of the people that we had dropped earlier. After the trial of your faith, you will be rewarded. I know that the Lord's way is the only way we will be able to be prepared to return back to God. I know that Christmas time is truly a time for all of us to give a bit more or ourselves and become more of what the Lord wants us to be. Have a safe and Happy Christmas

 

Love Elder Hammond

Spiritual Thanksgivi​ng!!

Hello Everyone,

 

The highlight of this week was going to the temple on Thursday with my friend Andrew. I haven't been to the temple in so long and it honestly felt like Christmas. I was counting down the days till I got to go. I woke up in the morning and said a prayer. I prayed that my ancestors would accept the work that I did in their behalf. I had a great feeling of love and warmth come over me. I know that my ancestors were there with me and they were even more anxious for me to go than me. We got to the temple early so my companion and I took some photos and looked around. Then we went in early so we could sit in the temple and just ponder. It is an amazing feeling to take all the worries of the world out of my mind and just be taught. I received some specific answers to my prayers and know that my family is being watched over. The best feeling is being in the Celestial room. I think because I did a family name I was able to get more out of the session. I felt of God's love for me, and for those that had passed on. I felt part of the bigger plan.

 

I was sad to leave the temple, but we will be back soon so I can't wait. Elder and Sister Hill took us out to eat for Thanksgiving meal. We had a carvery and it wasn't as good as my mum's pie, or grandma's food but it was really nice. And l ate way to much :) It was a great thanksgiving.

 

My mission president has a sense of humour! On Friday he called us to tell us that Elder Vaquera and I would be staying together another transfer. He told me it was a hard decision keeping me with him or putting me with a sister. I laughed pretty hard :) I am so thankful that I get the opportunity to be with Elder Vaquera another transfer. Me and him get along so well and the ward loves him. He is dead funny and you never know what is going to come out of his mouth.

 

I got this new talk called Life Is a Game of Football by Troy Dunn. It compares the plan of salvation to a football game. I love it, football has always been my favourite and the way it is done makes me want to go out and work harder. I am one of the recruiters scouting for the lord's team.

 

We had some amazing miracles happen this week. Last night we were street contacting at about 8. We met this man named James, he is in the army and wanted to know a bit about what we believe and why we left our families to come over here. He was very prepared and we shared about the Saviour's love for him. He agreed to have us come back another time and teach him. I know that the Lord directs our paths and we were put in his path at the right time.

 

We visited a woman that I taught in Wigan this week named Paula. She is right on the border of Wigan and Swinton and is actually part of Swinton boundaries. So we went and visited her. It was great to see how she has still embraced the gospel and is excited to get baptised next year. We had a lot of laughs and caught up. I am so blessed to be serving with a great companion, at the best time of the year! I love this work! I love you all,

 

Love Elder Hammond

Riding on the Wings of Angels

Good Morning everyone,

I am very excited for Thanksgiving this week. It is a great time to reflect upon the blessing in my life and be truly greatful for all that the Lord has done for me. This week I am greatful for my good health and strength. We wished one of my good friends Elder Dudely off on Friday. He had been in his mission for about 3 months and jacked up his back really bad. So had to head back home. It made me realise that you never know when your time is up.

Mario made his way back from Spain! He brought us back some Spanish food, mostly salami and jamon jerky. It was very tasty and my companion was in love with it. Mario is amazing. We scheduled his baptism for the 20th of December. He is progressing really well. Elder Vaquera had this amazing idea to give Mario a shirt and tie that way when he comes to church he can look really nice. On Sunday morning we picked him up with Elder and Sister Hill. He had on the white shirt and tie, and a blue suit! He looked so good. And conference was great as well. The speakers were so well prepared and I was able to receive much needed revelation. Mario is a blessing to my life and I am so thankful that I get to teach him. He teaches me a bit of Spanish and I teach him a bit of English.

Saturday night we were at conference as well. We stood and sung How Firm a Foundation. I felt something very strong and powerful as we sang. Then the next speaker got up and commented on how much he felt the spirit whilst we sang. He felt as if there were angles there utmost us singing with us. I really thing they were.

I went on exchanges with an Elder Kissell this week. He is from Ohio and is a powerhouse convert. We visited a man called Mike. He has been taught my missionaries before and we thought it would be good to stop in. Mike has a great faith in Jesus Christ, he just expresses it a bit different. We sat down and Elder Kissell started asking inspired questions, it was great to see the way Mike reacted to each of them. They were heaven sent questions. At the end we invited him to be baptised so he prayed about it, then we sat in silence for a few minutes while Mike thought. Then he said come back next week and I will read from the Book of Mormon and give you my answer. Exchange miracles :)

I am so excited to go to the temple with my good friend Andrew this week!! It will be a spiritual feast on Thanksgiving!!

Love Elder Hammond

Moments of Greatness

This week on the wild life and adventures of Elder Hammond. It has been an adventure filled week. Last Monday I got to meet Debora for the first time. She actually starting speaking to Elder Vaquera on the bus about 2 months ago. She was taught my missionaries in Italy and in London and started taking lessons here. Three is the lucky number :) We sat and talked with her and got to know her. Then on Wednesday we went and taught her at her home with her mum and brother. The mum knows Spanish better than English so Elder Vaquera led out the lesson and talked about the Book of Mormon. The whole time even though I didn't know exactly what was going on, I could mostly understand. You could feel the spirit so strongly. And Debora even bore her testimony to her mum which was pretty powerful as well.

We had a bittersweet moment with Mario this week. On Tuesday we helped him buy his tickets so he could go back to Spain. He was leaving the next day. So we ate lunch with him and that was the last time I saw him... He will be back this week :) he just had to go back over and sort out some things with his house. He knows the church is true and loves the feels he has, we are hoping that in December he will be baptised.

I got a text this week from one of the men in the ward. He was baptised about a year ago and is getting ready to go through the temple for his own endowments. He is super solid and is going to be a great example to many here. He asked if me and my companion could come with him on his big day :)) So on Thanksgiving I will be at the temple with him! I am so excited I love the temple. And am thankful that we only live 25 minutes away. It's a great honour to be part of people progression in the gospel. To see first hand how much lifes can change through living the commandments.

It's hard to believe that Beau left on his mission 3 years ago yesterday... It's been 3 years since I have seen him. I would imagine both him and I have changed a lot in those 3 years. I did a bit of reflecting yesterday and how much I have seen my life change in those 3 years. It was such a blessing to have Beau got in the mission field. He set the example for me and I hope that I am setting that example for my little brothers to follow as well. I know that the Lord lives and loves each of us. That is why he put us in the families we are in. We all have different trials and hardships, but everything that isn't fair about life can be made right with the Atonement. I know that God does hear and answer my prayers. Not only for me, but for all of you as well. I am thankful for everyone that has prayed for me personally or the missionaires throughout the world. The Lord is Hastening his work. I have a strong testimony of this. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.

I hope you each have a spiritually uplifting week,

Love Elder Hammond

11/10/14

Hey Everyone,

 

Mario is so golden!! :) Our good friend Mario has been progessing so well. We were able to meet with him twice this week. We watched the Restoration DVD in Spanish with him. I think it really helped out. Elder Vaquera bore his testimony in Spanish and the spirit was so evident. I loved it. Earlier in the week we taught him as well. We had planned on teaching him the commandments, but went into the lesson and the ball curved the other way. So Elder Vaquera ended up teaching about faith and the Book of Mormon. I was able to follow the whole lesson it was a miracle. Because I felt like it was the gift of tongues. even though I don't know exactly what was being said I could feel the spirit so it was all worth it. Mario also came to church yesterday and was fellowshipped by two men in the ward. They are the only ones that speak Spanish. He is such a blessing to be teaching :) and it's a blessing to have a Spanish companion.

 

It was Guy Fawks Night this week. It is a national holiday celebrating a man that tried to blow up parliament. He didn't succeed so that is why it is celebrated. It is a night were there are lots of fireworks and a big bonfire. It was a lot of fun. Also it's rememberance day tomorrow and I just want to thank all the people that have helped protect freedom throughout the world. It is great getting to be over here and see more of the bigger picture. I am in some of the places that were bombed during the war. So it is a great honour to walk the streets here.

 

Can I tell you just how much love and respect I have for my companion. He is amazing! He has been fighting off pneumonia for a few weeks now. He doesnt' complain at all just does his work and gets the job done. He is a blessing to me. and he loves to cook, so I can't complain about that. So if I gain a stone between now and Christmas that is why.

 

One more huge miracle that happen this week. We have been trying to get hold of this girl name Debora. She is from Brazil and was taught by missionaries in London. Then Elder Vaquera and his last companion met her on the bus. She was dated for baptism then something came up. We have been trying to get hold of her but she hadn't been answering our calls of texts. On Wednesday she randomly text us and we chatted for awhile then set up an appointment for today! It was such a miracle and tender mercy :) I am excited to meet and teach her!

 

The Lord is the master of the vineyard and what a great privalage I get to be part of his harvesting :) I know that the church is true and God does answer prayers. He will prepare the way for us all to return back to him and that is through his son and our elder brother Jesus Christ.

 

Have a great week I love you,

 

 

Love Elder Hammond

The Opportunit​y of a Lifetime

Hello Everyone,

 

This week was crazy with Halloween! You would never guess what I dressed up as, a missionary :) We had a ward activity; trunk or treat which was a lot of fun. We bought loads of candy for the kids, and ended up taking most of it home with us. We had our Spanish friend Mario come with us. He doesn't really know English but he is trying to learn and is doing really well. Even though there was a language barrier and he couldn't understand English, he had a smile on his face the whole night :) So I think he had a really good time.

 

We also had a returning less active family come to church. They got baptised in  February and haven't been out for awhile. but we visit them this week and introduced myself and invited them to the party and they came. They are an amazing family :) I love them already. They came to church this Sunday and the ward welcomed them in so well. They are happy to be back and they are having us over each week now. They want to have the missioanries in their home!

 

We had an opportunity to do a bit of finding on Oxford Road the busiest road for university students in all of Manchester. It is were the new YSA building is and WOW it is so busy! You have like 20 people tell you no before someone listens to you. And that is in a matter of a minute. So many people! And because I know so much Chinese, not really, I tried to say a few Chinese phrases. they laughed and started talking to us. Even though I can't speak it, it doesn't matter as long as the spirit is there.

 

I did have one crazy experience happen this week! Elder Vaquera has been telling me about this super start named Mike. He told me we needed to stop by. So on Saturday night we did. And boy was it mental. He answered the door without a shirt on and he is like 300 lbs. Warmly welcomed us in and then I started to gag. A very strong smell hit me! He breeds ferrets and there is 18 in his home right now. He sat down and started talking to us. He said that he has the gift of tongues and started to speak in some crazy language then I said the closing prayer and he kissed my companion hand. I laughed pretty hard. We left the house and I told Elder Vaquera we needed to burn our coats ;) it was an experience for sure!

 

I hope your experiences weren't as crazy as mine. Have a great week I love you all,

 

Elder Hammond

Swinton!

Hello Everyone,

 

This week has been crazy with transfers. I got to pack up all my stuff and clean the flat so that the new missionaries could go in and feel at home. I think we did pretty well at leaving the area as good as possible. Because we were getting both moved out and Chinese missionaries put in. On Friday night the other Elders in Gaerwen, Elders Roberts and Hulterstrom, went and taught Jason and his roommate David. They are the ones that came to the Chinese activity last week. David is now dated for baptism :) It is such a miracle to see how much church activites can help in someones progression and comfort in the church.

 

I got to visit members all week going to different ones each day. One of the members has a Lotus and took me out for a ride. I just asked if I could get a picture of his car and he let me ride in it. Wow that thing has some power! We smoked the tires as we left the driveway and we were off. We took the corners going about 85! Wow that thing handles well. I felt like I was riding in a roller coaster.

 

The members in Gaerwen were so good. I felt like I got to know each of them individually and grew to love them. But I am excited to serve in Swinton now. My companion is from Spain and speaking Spanish and is learning English. We both served in Stockport at the same time so it was great to see how much he has progressed and gotten better. We taught two lessons in Spanish yesterday, and by we I mean he taught. I realised that I don't remember much Spanish at all and it was a great learning experience. Elder Vaquera is a great hard working missionary. Last night we set a baptismal date for a man name Mario. He will be baptised on the 16th of November :)

 

We got a referral from Mormon.org on Tueday it was a university student named Nathan. He watched a video that someone posted on facebook and really liked it, so he got onto momon.org and watched videos for the rest of the night and wanted to learn more. So we met up with him on Friday at a café and sat and talked. He was very interested in learning more and I hope to hear how he is doing soon.

 

I know that each transfer is a time for me to recommit and recognize the things I can do better. This transfer I really look forward to working with Elder Vaquera and with all the amazin people in Swinton.

 

I love you all so much,

 

Love Elder Hammond

Things are about to Explode!!

Yesterday as we sat down with our bishop he told us just how lucky we are to be serving in Gaerwen. He is a very straight forward man and said that he just feels that something huge is about to happen. He told us that he is going to invite certain members to step up and either they are in or they are out. There is no middle ground anymore! It was a powerful meeting with him. I feel like I have a better direction of what he wants us to do and where he sees the ward going.

Yesterday was also the mission home fireside. Which is were missionaries and people that they are teaching gather together in Manchester to hear the testimonies of recent converts and returning less active members. We went with the other elders and Kris Little. He got baptised on Saturday. He is absolutely 100% through and through a kingdom builder. He is dating a member right now and they are planning their wedding in the temple next year on the 11 of October! He already seeing baptism as such the beginning. He is looking forward to the temple and being with his family forever :)

We found out this week that we had a Chinese member move into the ward. His name is Jing. He got baptised in Cambridge last year. He is going to be a big asset in teaching Chinese people because none of us know Chinese and he is very knowledgeable already. We met with him and he told us how he is teaching his roommates all about he church and will have them there next week. The explosion is about to take off in Gaerwen!!

For the month of October we as a mission are focusing our studies on the Atonement and what is made possible threw it. Oh my days it is amazing to see the spiritual growth you can receive in just a week. We have been reading conference talks and scriptures especially on them. My understand and love for the Saviour has grown.

I hope you have a great week! I love you all

Love Elder Hammond

we built sandcastles in zone meeting this week :)

Conference week

Dearest Children of the Lord,

This week we had some amazing things happen. The first was a man named Li. He is an investigator that was found before we got here. He has been taught all the lessons and for some reason or another we lost contact with him. We had called and text him for the past few months and only heard from him once. On Tuesday night while we were planning, we got a text from Li saying that he had been busy finishing his dissertation that is why he hadn't gotten hold of us. So we set up a time for Thursday. We met him with a member university student. And got to know Li abit and invited him to come with us to conference he said he would. So the member brought Li with him to church yesterday to watch one of the session. Li really liked conference . He stayed for one session and we are seeing him tonight to talk about it! It just shows how we can never give up on someone. The Lord is touching peoples hearts all around us.

We were at a members home having tea talking with them, and I said something. The members looked at us funny then said I thought you were the new missionary and Elder Rolfson was training you! Then all four of us started to laugh. It was pretty funny. Elder Rolfson is an amazing missionary and person. I love serving with him and watching him develop and become way better than his trainer!

I loved how in conference that different people spoke in their native tongues. It just showed to me that the church is a global church. It doesn't matter what language it is spoken in, it is the same message about Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the Gosple through Jopepsh Smith. It strengthened my testimony and showed that people form all walks of life can be the Lord's chosen disiples. The messages that I heard were so powerful. I feel so blessed and priviaage to be a missionary and see first hand the Lord and his church growing in the world. I feel a great sense of purpose to help the Lord bring back his scattered sheep.

I hope you all enjoyed conference as much as me. Have a great week,

Love you,

Love Elder Hammond

9/29/14

This week we met a man from San Diego. We were helping a member move some furniture to another house. We got back to their house before them. While we were waiting a cab drove up and dropped off a man. I noticed that he had on a BYU hoodie. I called across the street and said I liked his jacket. He looked a bit confused so we went and talked to him. He explained that he was from San Diego he was over here watching his daughter play basketball from BYU! They did a game somewhere over here. He carried on explaining that he wasn't a member but has had missionaires at his home for years. He cracked a few jokes about the church and invited us to have lunch with him the next day. Really nice man, boy its a small world!

We have been teaching Glenda so much! This week we taught her about the Word of Wisdom. She thought it was a really good idea to live if she wants to take care of her body. She carried on to explain how fizzy pop and other things were bad for our health as well. Then the members went and saw her Friday without us. It is amazing to see the friendship built there already.

Because it is refreshers week here in Bangor, a lot of companies are adverticing like crazy. One of them being Dominos. They had people all over town handing out vouchers for free pizza I thought it was a joke or some hidden catch. But there wasn't literally all the people in Bangor had pizza from Dominos! It tasted well nice I think it was because it was free.

We had tea at a members house this week. She invited our friend Christy to come as well. It was such a tender mercy to have Christy there, we taught her about he Plan of Salvation and she committed herself to church without us even asking! She thought church was really nice yesterday. The testimonies were very good, it was funny at the end of relief society we asked how she felt, she said brain washed,.. then she laughed. She has a good sense of humor.

Snowden was amazing last week the view was breathe taking!

Love you all,

092214

Hey Everyone,

So I am sorry I don't have much time this week to email. I climbed the tallest mountain in Whales, Mount Snowden today so I sacfriced some time so I could do that. It was a beautiful climb we went as a district so there was 8 of us missionaires there. It was a blast I got to climb with my good buddy Elder Elison. There were some gorgeous lakes and snecory all around. Also there is a train that runs up to the top of the hill, an apitamee of laziness if you as me :)

This week we had a special all elders training for all the elders in the mission. It was great to catch up with previous companions and get pictures with some that are about to go home. It is probably the last time I will see Elder Maljanen my Finnish companion. So it was pretty good. We also played sports so I was able to catch up on my American football and enjoy the time there.

Last Monday night a member through me a birthday party! They are a young couple with a few kids so they baked a cake and gave me a card and sang to me. It was very kind of them and it made me feel a bit at home :) then later that night the mission president and his wife called and sang me happy birthday as well! It was soo  good I love my mission president.

Hope you all are having a great September I love you,

Love Elder Hammond

91514

Hello Everyone,

This week one of our friends Hanna got baptised! It was someone that the other elders had been teaching. She is amazing and progressed really well. Her baptism was fabulous. The mission president came as well. We also had one of our friends Glenda there. This is the first time she had been in the church. She came early and we gave her a tour. Then helped her start on her family history. She was very impressed on how we ran the baptism. Then at the end of it the mission president asked when she was getting baptised. She told him she would let him know! It was powerful and she gave me a birthday gift as well. How kind is that. I hardly know her. She said my grandparents would do the same thing if her grandkids were in America.

We taught a lady named Christy this week. She looks up to us so very much. She said she wished that her grandson would marry a Mormon girl and settle down a bit. She wants to take things slow for now, but is willing read and pray. So it is a start. We also took a blind member with us to teach another woman we were teaching. It is amazing to see how people don't let their challenges get in the way of allowing them to share the gospel.

Glenda's lesson this week was spot on. Elder Rolfson led  out and invited her to be baptised.She said when she knows it is true she will be. She is already progressing so well :) I look forward to conitue to working with everyone in Gaer wen

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes! :) YOu all are the best I love you,

Elder Hammond

Destined for Greatness

Dear people that are about to read this,

Wow this week has been brilliant! Elder Rolfson had his first 5 weeks training on Tuesday and it was great to be with all the other trainers and hear about how things are going with training. I honestly think I was blessed to train one of the best missionaries. He is so willing to work hard and sacrifice in order for us to succedd as missionairs. He really is a blessing to me. Going to first 5 weeks brought back a lot of memories of when I went. It was last August but it seems not that long ago. I remember thinking, I have been out in the field for 5 weeks! And all the excitement of everything being new and so much to learn. I have learned a lot and like to think I have grown into a better more developed servant of the Lord.

After first 5 weeks we went to a carvery. The closet one just happen to be in Stockport! Which was like a flashback as well the last time I was in that carvery I was serving with Elder Sargent. It also brought back many great memories and people that we taught there.

I decided to have a bit of fun this week as well. I have been talking up this spread for sandwiches called Marmite. It is a yeast extract that honestly is horrible. We bought some this week and I told Elder Rolfson how good it was, him being all trusting in me spread it on his pancake then when he ate it he almost threw up. I was laughing so hard I couldn't help but feel bad for him. So I decided to try it as well. I made a cheese toasty then put the marmite in it. The first few bites were alright, then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I started to gag and almost threw up myself. I guess what comes around goes around :P

We met a lady last week with her grandson on the street she gave us her address and we decided to try by this week. She wasn't in, but then we ran into her on the street she invited us in straight away and we began talking with her. She was such a nice lady, first thing she did was pour me a glass of Schloer,... :) I love me some Schloer! And we got talking with her, she lost her husband about 7 years ago and is still pretty bitter about it. She use to believe in God but doesn't right now. She wants to renew her faith and know that she will see her husband again. We are teaching her tonight with a member. This should go really well.

Oh and one more person. We met a man named Jamal the first or second week we arrived in Bangor. We got his number and decided to text him and set up a  time to meet. He took us to a coffee café and we talked and drank hot chocolate with him. He is was very genion and wanted to learn about the Book of Mormon. He wants to come to conference this next month and see what the living day prophet has to say! He was a diamond in the rought. So goldern :)

I love my missionary and love the people I am able to serve with. It truly has been the best time for me to find myself as I focus on other people. I thank the Lord every night for this privelage and know he will bless each of you. I love you all have a great week

Elder Hammond

This is my trainer Elder Kunzler and the Elder he is training Elder Lybertt and me and Elder Rolfson. A desendency photo

Forever Strong

Hello everyone!

This week I was on the train talking to this Bahi lady. Bahi is another faith, she was very nice and had met missionaries before where she lives. Then a police man came up behind me and asked if I was a Mormon missionary trying to convert people. I answered him straightley and said yes. He told me that I need to respect peoples space and if they didn't want to talk then don't force them. I said okay then the Bahi lady asked me what it was all about. I just laughed and said sometimes people get scared around people in suits. Then we talked the rest of the train ride.

We taught Glynda again this week. It went really well. We watched the Restoration DVD with her. She thought it was pretty amazing how he had the vision and because of it we know that God and Jesus Christ are separate beings. We will be teaching her tonight with a member.

We were tractin on this street that a member gave us and we ran into a recent convert family from Warrington. I knew them because Wigan and Warrington are right next to each other. they were on holiday and thought it was pretty remarkable to run into us. Just shows the Lord is always directing us.

I love you,

Love Elder Hammond

The Segue to Heaven

Dear Everyone,

 So if you haven't figured out by the email title, this week I rode a segue for the first time ever! It was quite nerve racking having my friends watch me. We went to a members house and did some service for him. We moved a bunch of concrete slabs and dirty for him. He rewarded us by letting us ride his segue called Fiona. It's crazy to drive them you just lean and they go. We took it slow at first then slowly build up some confidence and started to ride them around his property. And doesn't it look like I had fun?

Last Monday after emailing we were walking down the road and I saw a man with a Florida Gators hat on. I started talking with him. He use to live in Idaho and Utah and his girlfriend lives in Chubbuck! Yeah how mental is that. We had a good laugh with him and then he had to get back to work. Hopefully we get to run into him again.

This week I went on exchanges with Elder Humpherys. He is from Idaho Falls so it was good getting to be with him and talk about things at home. He makes me laugh, that's what we did most of the time. But that ment that your companions were together. They both have been in the field for about a month. And so it was a pushing time for them. I think that it helped them grow a bit and we got to watch them teach together at a members house for tea. I was so proud of the way that they taught. They both are acting like they have been out for awhile. Then they taught this lady named Glynda. She is so prepared. before they went there she was praying that what they taught would be true. And we are going back there tomorrow.

On Saturday we went and visited a mosk. Some muslims invited us to come and check it out. It was interesting. Almost everything was in Arabic but they were really nice people to us. I appreciated learning a bit more about their beliefs. Also we are starting a 40 day fast with our ward. My ward at home did it and I heard it went really well. So I am expecting the same here. The members are on board so it should be smashing!!

I love you all

Love Elder Hammond

08/11/14

Hey Everyone,

It was pretty interesting listening yesterday at the sacrament being blessed in Welsh! But then they did it in English right after wards. When I served in Wrexham it was in Whales but not very many people spoke it. Here in Gaer Wen welsh is the first language. So it is a bit harder to pernoune all the welsh words of towns and what not. But it just adds to the adventure :)

We had tea at our Bishop's house this week. And it felt so good! They live out in the middle of a field so I felt a bit at home. It was nice and peaceful. The bishop has 5 kids I think so it was really good to share tea with them and laugh. Then we played a game with the family afterwards and tried to invite the spirit into their homes. I love getting to go into members home and feel of their love for each of us. To hear about their life stories and how they came to know of the truefullness of the church.

A member gave us an area to work in called Cemaes Bay. It was like a 2 hour bus ride onto the island of Anglesy. The second door we knocked on let us in! It was a single lady name Glynda. She was very nice and welcoming to us. I shared with her a picture of my family and that really softened her heart. She told us to come back by, so we are taking a member with us this week to go and see her. Her neighbour was outside weeding so we started talking with her. She was from the Philipinnes and when she was living in Hong Kong, she would go to our church with her friends! I felt so overwhelmed with love from Heavenly Father to know that all these people were just waiting to here the gospel. The member was so inspired on inviting us to go up there.

On Friday we had our Zone Meeting with the other missionaries in our stake. It was so good to see some of my mission friends that I hadn't seen for a long time. One of them being Elder Oakey. He is from Nebraska and we were in the same district when I lived in Stockport. We had a big activity and game as well called Why were you late for church. It is like a charades game where people have to act out the most random reason why you were late to church then the person has to guess. I laughed pretty hard at it.

On Saturday we had this idea to go out finding with a football. So we had people write on the football things that made them happy. then we talked with them about it. It was a great success. Almost everyone wrote something down on the ball. You could see peoples hearts softened. Yesterday after church we went to the hospital with the other elders. One of the people they were teaching was dancing and slipped and dislocated her knee. So they went there to see her. It was kinda weird being in a hospital. But I think she will be okay.

My week has been full of tender mercies from the Lord and I know that he loves me so very much. I love being in Gaer Wen! And I love my new companion Elder Rolfson. He is doing amazing and teaching me so very much about life and new ideas for missionary work. Love you all

Love Elder Hammond

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First Week in Gaer Wen

Dear family and friends,

This week I got the wonderful privilege of meeting my new companion Elder Rolfson. He is from Oklahoma. And I was so nervous yet excited to work with him. Tuesday night we had a special meeting with the mission president called train the trainers were we got special instruction how what we need to do to help these new missionaries. It was so powerful and I felt like I was endowed with power from above and capable of training. I was a bit nervous at transfer meeting, seeing some of my great friends like Elder Calder and Debenham and Walker going home, and also starting a new history with the new missioanries. I got the best missionary! He is so prepared to serve a mission. He is not afraid of anything and just does it. He hasn't been homesick at all, so it has been a tender mercy from the Lord to be serving with him in Whales.

The first train that we took to Gaer Wen, we started talking to these twin girls across from us, we quickly realised that they were Americans. They had come over to Whales on holiday. So it was great getting to talk with them and explain what we were doing. And it was especially good for Elder Rolfson. Such a tender mercy to have them as his first contact. That started the whole American thing for us. So the next day, we were talking to man on the bus, he was from Whales and had been to Salt Lake last month. He showed us a picture with his wife and him and the sister missionaries there. It was another tender mercy from the Lord. Then the next day we met a group of travelors from New Jersey! Yeah It was crazy how many people come on holiday here. Then last of all, on Sunday we had a senior missionary couple come to church. they were from West Jordan Utah, and their daughter is Jenny Orme from St. Anthony. So it was great talking to them about their family. So many miracles :)

We went street contacting near a park and we saw this lady and I was like Elder we need to go talk to her. Her name is Sisilia she is from Ghana and talked to missionaries there. She hadn't ran into missionaires in Whales, so started talking with her and will be teaching her this Friday :) so many things are happening here in Bangor!!

I enjoy my new companion and look forward to helping build his faith. I love each and everyone of you!

Love Elder Hammond

Transfer Week

Hello Everyone,

 

This week I have some exciting news! So on Saturday morning we got our transfer calls and I will be leaving Wigan and going back down to Whales to a place called Gaer Wen on the Isle of Anglesea. And I will be training a new missionary! I was so excited to hear this news and also a bit sad to leave Wigan. Things have been going so well here! On Friday our friend Eilidh got baptised!

 

It was a wonderful baptism. There were so many people there to support her in her big step back towards her Heavenly Father. I was happy she asked me to baptise her. The baptism went really smooth. All the family and friends really enjoyed it and afterwards we were able to talk with all of them and are seeing some of them tonight at Carolines house for Family Home Evening.

 

It's hard because we get close to the members and people we have been teaching, then get moved to the next area. But I know that Gaer Wen is where I am suppose to be so I am excited to see what the future has in store for me.

 

We had an amazing lesson with a girl named Sophie on Wednesday. She is a members friend and has been coming to church for about a month. Her and the member Jessica fixed us chicken and pasta for tea and some coca cola floats. Then some cheesecake for dessert. It was really nice of them and it tasted pretty good as well. Then we played a game with them called Black magic and related it to the holy ghost. Then turned it over to Sophie and all of the family to ask questions. We sat there for about 2 hours answering questions, from what is the gosple to about modesty. And the best part was, the members were all answering the questions. We harldy said a word for that time and we went away feeling great! Sophi agreed to start taking the lessons when the members get back off of holiday. It was one of the best most spiritual lessons I have been in. Then on Sunday, Sophie came to church without the members! Sophie is amazing!

 

Take care for now! Next time you hear from me I will be in another country,.. Whales

 

Love Elder Hammond

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hello Everyone,

 

This has been another week of miracles for me. On Monday night, we went to Carolines for Family Home Evening. We had tea with them, then played with the kids. Josh and Eilidh really like when we get to come over. And Caroline likes it as well. We saw them again on Friday night. They had a few friends over as well. The next door neighbour, Stephie told us that she is coming to Eilidh's baptism next Friday! She Brandon's mum and is really funny. Eilidh is also having some other friends come as well. I love being over at their house. They always make us laugh.

 

On Thursday I was on exchanges with Elder Calder back in Wigan. We went to Paula's farm and helped her move stables. She was getting a new stable for her horse. And the smell reminded me of the rodeo on the 24th of July. I never thought I would appreciate the smell of a farm like I did there.

 

There are some members here in Wigan that have been bringing a friend to church each week since I have been here. She likes church and young woman's but she hasn't ever really been interested in getting baptised. Well she came to the baptism and really liked it, and we got to talk with her for awhile. Then on Tuesday we got a call from the member saying Sophie and his daughter wanted to feed us one day this week. And at church yesterday she was really excited to see us and have us come over on Wednesday! So I think we build a good relationship with her. So hopefully things go well for us.

 

I have been really been enjoying lately. I finished a book called Our Heritage this week. It is a book all about church history and the things that we have went through as a church. It was very fitting for the 24th of July celebrations. And I have learned so much about all that the early saints had to do to help the church survive and get to what the church is today. The Lord truely does watch over us and loves us. We are a choicest generation to come to the earth at this time with so much greatness happening in the world. To live in a day of age where we have a prophet and can get access to what he says in matter of seconds.

 

I'm really excited for Eilidh's baptism this week! She is such a special girl and special family. We have gotten close to them in a matter of a month. It has been one of the best moments of the mission thus far!

 

I love you all and hope you have a great 24th of July! Enjoy the parade and celebrations

 

Love Elder Hammond

Daily Miracles

Hey everyone,

 

I can't believe that I have been on my misson for a year now. It has been the busiest, scariest, and by far the happiest year of my life. I never imagined what a mission would be like, so when I came everything was a shocker. A new culture, new friends, funny accents, it all was overwhelming. But looking back at it now, it was exactly what I needed. I needed to be humbled a bit so that I could learn to rely upon the Lord for anything. And this past year I have had to do that a lot. My testimony and understanding of the gosple has grown 20 fold. There is a quote in Preach My Gosple that says true docterine taught will change attitude faster than anything. I have seen a really change in myself, in the way I act around others, the things I think about, and many other things. I have a testimony that the Lord is preparing people for me and other missionaries to teach. Just this week I had the privilage of watchin one of my friends get baptised. And it was amazing to see her after church on Sunday. Knowing that she has the gift of the Holy Ghost now, and that she has made an important decision in following her Saviour. I know that I am suppose to be here in the England Manchester Mission. I have seen not just others lifes change but my own as well. I know that this next year will bring any of the same experiences that will try my faith and I will get to see the Lord's hand in it all. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. As I have studied from it daily, I have seen my understanding grow. How great it is that God loves us today and that we have a living prophet in Thomas S. Monson. I know that as we head to his council we will be strenghthened through any trials we may face. I love the gosple and can't imagine my life without it.

 

I hope that this explains how I feel right now, I love you all

 

Elder Hammond

Meet The Mormons

Hey everyone,

 

So they have this new program out about Mormons. It was a documentary about following a missionary from before his mission and follows him around. It was pretty bad, they took things that were partitually true and twisted them to make us look bad.

 

We got a new mission president. He is called President Ulrich. He is from Utah. He seems really good I haven't met him yet. It is kinds sad to see President Preston go on, but I know that things will be okay.

 

This week has been great! We taught Caroline and her family in their home on Thursday. They love us! The kids were so excited when we came over and Caroline loaded us up with things to take home with us. Even though Caroline hadn't been coming to church, she had been teaching her children about the church. So we were teaching the plan of salvation and invited Eilidh to be baptised. She accepted :) We are working on a dated but she was super excited and she is pretty funny. They are really embracing the gosplel

 

Hope things go well for the 4th of Jully I love you all

 

Elder Hammond

This week has been crazy busy with us taking over the Sister's area! So in Wigan they had 4 missionaries here, then they downsized to 2. So we picked up all the people that the Sister's were teaching. So we have been busy working with them. One of them is dated for baptism on the 11th of July :) She is amazing we had 3 lessons with her this week. And we were able to have a member at each of them. She is progressing really well and wants to be baptised she was at church yesterday and we were able to teach her about tithing with the Bishop.

 

Caroline is amazing as well. We were able to go to her house with a member on Thrusday she fixed us lunch and we watched the restoration DVD with her. She said it was just a refresher for her. We then talked with her about her daughter Eilidh, Scottish spelling. It's pernounces like Hailey withouk a H. She is 11 and really funny. She came to a sports night on Friday with the ward. It went really well she is into basketball and football. She also brought her friend Brandon. He is the next door neighbor. Carline was talking to her neighbor and said how she had never got her kids baptised. The neighbor hadn't either. And in the car on the way home Eilidh said to brandon it would be really cool if her and him got baptised at the same time! They talked to brandon's mom she said he could be baptised! It is amazing to see caroline and her family come back so strong. They also came to a ward picnic on Saturday at a place called Haigh Hall. We were able to play games with them and other people in the ward and soak up the sun. I might have a bit of a burn. But you don't get that much sun in England so you have to enjoy all 2 good days of weather ;)

 

I got to go back to Liverpool last Friday. My companion had a meeting in Manchester, so I stayed in Liverpool with Elder Mwea. He is from Kiribati. And he had only been in the area for a day. So I lead out the area and went to the only place I knew. Sam Perrie's house. We stopped in and she gave us some drank and a sandwich. We talked for a good while then got some pictures and headed back to Wigan.

 

This week's weather has been really nice and warm. I have seen Wigan explode these past few weeks. I appreciate all your prayers! I feel great love from each of you! Keep strong and carry on the good tradition

 

Love Elder Hammond

060914

Hello everyone,

 

This past week we have had four elders at our flat. One of the companionships bathrooms was being fixed, so they have been staying in ours until it is fixed. It has been great to have another set of  Elders here. We have laughed and had a jolly good time. One of the Elders is origanally from Rexburg, Elder Sawyer Clark. So it has been great to catch up with him about hunting and all the bow hunting stuff. There just isn't very many people here that are into things like that. I think its' because guns are illegal here.

 

Our friend Mahdi came to church with us yesterday! He is from Sudan and we have taught him twice. He said next week he is going to come with his son to church so we are really excited. He isn't origannaly Christian but has been interested for a few years and has been waiting for someone to teach him more :) good thing we can do that. He is a great man.

 

On thursday we ate at a poshe restaraunt with a member. I got a 20oz. steak oh it was heavenly! Then for dessert I got creme brulle. It was the first time I have ever had it and it was tasty. I also for the first time had crab as well. It was been a week full of first with food. one of the members brought us food on Friday night, he drove all the way down to Rockdale to get a kebab! It is a long way just for a kebab but it was suppose to be the best one. It was good, just really spicy.

 

On Friday night we had a sports night at our chapel. It went really well some of the young men brought their non member friends with them. So we played chair football and ping pong. I realised just how out of shape I am, and how bad at football I am. They school me left and right. It was the same way in ping pong as well. I got smoked!

 

We have what's called a mission homefireside. once a month. It's were missionaries from across the mission bring people that they are working with there. If that's less acives, recent converts, or investigators. Last nights was jam packed. There were probably 400 people there! And we had a flash mob singing called to serve it was pretty good. All the faces of people were priceless. I also got to catch up with people like Shuet Yee from Wrexham and some other members from there. And got to see Elder Kunzler my first companion. Me and him had a really long talk about life. THis week I really have been blessed. Thank you for all the prayers on my behalf. I know that I feel them and appreciate all the good role models I have in my life.

 

Love you,

 

Love Elder Hammond

Eternal Happiness

This week has been great! Yesterday I went to the temple again, it is always nice to be back in the Lord's house and feel of the peace and calmness there. I love the temple and it really has played a big role in helping me receive personal revelation on what I need to do.

 

Last Monday we went to one of our investigators Paula's home for her birthday. It was great me got to meet her partner David. He really likes us and has seen a massive change in Paula since she started to go to church. One of the ward members and her son Amos was there as well. Amos was drinking out of this fountain of soapy water and he got a bit sick. Plus Paula has 3 gigantic rodisian ridgeback dogs. They are like the size of a small horse I swear.

 

We had a mission activity day where I got to catch up with a lot of the missionaries I don't see very often. One of them being Elder Kunzler who was my first companion. It was great getting to talk with him and catch up on all the funny stories we had together. Me and him could have chatted all day. Also my good friend Elder Ellison was there as well. He is from Kimberly and well chill. He was in my last stake here in liverpool but got moved up to the lake distrits. So I won't see him anythime soon. Me and him hungout all day enjoyed the good weather England has been having :) I also got to talke with the Cordon's! It has been since the first of my mission since I have seen them. I am hoping I will get to  serving in there ward before they go home in 7 months. I will keep my fingers crossed ;)

 

On Saturday we went to a part of our area called Skemersdale. It is a bit out there. We had a new family move into the ward from France and they live out there. So we got there, the parents werent' in but the kids were. They didn't know much English so we said we would come back at a later time. We had a sack lunch so looked for a park, Skemersdale doesn't have parks, just round abouts ;) so we did the next best thing to a park, we ate under a bridge to keep us out of the rain. I felt like a hobo for awhile. It was weird these little kids came riding by on their bikes and looked well confused when they saw us dressed all nice eating like a homeless person.

 

There is a great quote I got this week, ''What you do, where you go, and whaty you see will shape who you will become.'' Gary E. Stevenson. Our choices now affect what we will become later in life.

 

I love you,

 

Love Elder Hammond

Hey everyone,

 

This week has been a bit crazy. This last Monday at the library I met a man named Jude. I met him 7 months ago when I first came into the mission in Liverpool. He moved to Wigan and hasn't changed much at all. He remembered me and we had a good talk with each other and caught up a bit. We would randomly see Jude all over Liverpool like 4 or 5 times.

 

On the way to a meeting on Tuesday morning I met a man form Angolia he was traveling to go see his mom. His name was Pedro and accpeted a Book of Mormon. The only problem, he lives in another mission. So hopefully he gets in contacts with the missionaries in the near future.

 

On Saturday we had stake conference we went up to Liverpool to be there. an Area 70 was there and took us out to eat afterwards. His son serves here in the mission. It was crazy hear about all the assignments an area 70 has to do. He travels to Germany and all over Europe and sometimes to salt lake to report on how this are doing over here in Europe.

 

I hope everyone has a great memorial weekend. It is bank holiday next monday. So I will eamil on Tuesday I love you all

 

Elder Hammond

Here is a bit more,

 

We had a less active member text us this week and ask if we could come teach him. He was baptised like 4 years ago, and his health isn't very good that is why he doesn't come out to church. He is from North Carolina and still has the accent he has only lived in England for 5 years. He is a really nice and I look forward to keep teaching Glyn.

 

So Sunday at conference we had a unique experience happen. There was a lady that got up after the choir sand the opening number and started to yell at the stake president. It was really weird when they tried to get her to leave she started to  yell get off me. I thought maybe she was just mad at someone taking her seat or something, but it was a bit more. They had 5 or 6 ushers escort her out of the building. Because of this I really didn't remember much else from Conference. I just kept thinking about this lady and hope she gets herself sorted out.

 

We have had a great week for weather. It has been sunny and warm. We helped this YSA with her garden on Friday, she has a 3 leggd dog. It kept trying to bite our hands while we were pulling weeds. I thought if that dog wasn't careful I was going to take it's other leg as well ;) I hope the weather continues to be good the rest of the week as well.

I am doing really well here in Wigan. Me and my companion Elder Sutton get on well and are working hard to help people learn about their secon father who loves them as well. There was a talkin in stake conference that talked out teaching children about who God is and how much he loves  us. That is how simple we should make the gosple when we share it.

 

I hope everyone has a safe week! Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and hope the fishing goes well

Love you,

 

Elder Hammond

Mother's Day!!

I first off just want to say how thankful I am that I got to skype home yesterday! It was absolutely amazing getting to skype to my family and let them hear my funny accent ;) haha not really I have seen a big change in myself since the last time I skyped. It was amazing how fast the time whent. So Happy Mother's day to everyone I know it's a day late!

 

So last week was my last week with Elder Calder. One of the recent converts here in  Wigan works at a shop and was telling us a funny story about someone dumping milk over their heads. So on the last night Elder Calder was in Wigan he did just that, he dumped milk over his head! Yeah I was dieing of laughter it was so funny. It was an interesting way to end the last day with him. My new companion is Elder Sutton from Michigan. He has been out about a year and is really good. Me and him get on really well so we should have a fun time together.

 

We went to a families house for tea on Saturday. She is from Utah and married an English man, she met him on her mission,... :) fancy that. but they fixed us ribs it was soo good. I hadn't had ribs since I left home. I forgot how much I miss my american bbq!

 

Billy is doing really well we were able to see him this week at his home. Just the way his home feels is different now. It feels alot more peaceful and you can feel a change there. Billy is really good and has been coming to church for the past 2 months we are working with him right now to help him towards baptism :) he is a great bloke and deserves a second chance in life.

 

I hope that eveyone has a great week! Love you all

 

Elder Hammond