The Miracle of a Mission

Good morning Everyone,

Well it's been an emotional roller coaster this week. I can't believe that it's here. I have thought about I could say that would put justice to just how I feel right now and there really aren't words to describe it. Where do I begin? I am so thankful that I decided to serve a mission. It has been the best two years of my life. I am so thankful I was able to come serve here in the British Isles. This is where my family originally came from and I strongly believe that I have had the influence of my ancestors to help me on my mission. There are just too many times that we would meet people and I know that we were suppose to. My heart is so full to the Saviour for what he has done for me. I can better appreciate how much love he offers me. Seeing the gospel change my life has been one of the greatest blessing I could ever receive. It has gotten me through the worst and the best of times. I never thought I would be able to love so many people and really have a place in my heart, but it sure has. I have come to know the person that Heaven Father wants me to be. My greatest desire is to be with my family for all eternities and if that's my greatest desire, I know I can achieve that no matter what.

Going back through my journals I have seen a big change in myself. Where would I be if I hadn't decided to serve? I remember when Elder Holland came and spoke to me at the beginning of my mission. He held his mission as the greatest thing and most life changing thing that had ever happen to him and he served 52 years ago. I want it to be the same for me. I will forever be changed by the things I learned whilst in the mission field.

My testimony of the Saviour has increased 10 fold and then more. It's hard to even imagine what he went through in the Garden of Gethsemane. I know that he bled and died for me. That there is nothing we go through in this life that he hasn't already felt. He is the ultimate healer and source of peace. I have a stronger testimony of prayer than ever before. How lucky are we to have an all knowing Being, the Creator of the universe, that we get to call Father!? He loves us so much this I testify of. No prayer will ever go unanswered, sometimes the answer isn't what we want, but it will be answered. When you are at the point of giving up or giving in please just offer one last prayer. Because I have been at that point before and that was when I got my answer, when I was humble enough to receive it. I strongly urge anyone that is physically able to go on a mission. If you're not worthy get worthy.  because blessing await for those that come to serve the Lord. It really is the greatest two years.

I love you all so much! Thank you for all the prayers, letters of encouragement, and support. I wouldn't be here today without the best family in the world. That includes all me brothers, sisters, cousisns, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and of course my two greatest supports my parents. I love you to the moon and back,

Love Elder Keegan Hammond

Super Conference

Good morning everyone :)

Last week we had the privilege of going down to Manchester for a full mission conference. I got to stay in Stockport with Elder Singh me old companion and see some of my favourite members in Stockport. It is hard to believe that I was there over a year ago, time sure has flown and I have sure changed. The time of the mission conference was called Super Conference. Because it all came together last minute and it was super powerful. We got taught how to use the ipads in finding and teaching as well as a new technique called stands or booths. We are making displays to put up in town centre and get people attention with. Elder Knight and tried it out here in Carlisle and it worked. We were able to talk to lots of people and even gave out some copies of the Book of Mormon.

As we were traveling home from the coference we thought for sure we were going to get back in Carlisle really late, but a connection train got delayed by 10 mintues quick allowed us to get that train instead of waiting for the next and we got home earlier than expected. Yeah to tender mercies from the Lord :)

We took the things we had been taught in the conference and whent and did them out here and ti worked. Imagine that, the trainings worked! We invited one of our friends Benjamin to be baptised and he accepted :) so the 4th of July that will be a special day.

We had stake conference yesterday in Chorley yesterday. It's about a 2 hour drive down but Edith saved the day and drove us down. She is a member here and her daughter is getting ready to go on a mission to Brazil. It's great to see the willingness of people pull together and help us out.

Enjoy summer and I hope you all stay safe!

love yous all

Elder Hammond

The Musical Carries On

Good Morning friends and family :)

I am so excited for this upcoming week. We are getting ipads on Wednesday! Yeah the long await day is finally here and we will get to start doing missionary work in a new way. I am excited for them, just don't have a clue what to do with them. It's a good thing my companion is brilliant at computers and can teach me all that I needed to do. So next week I should be sending this off from the ipad.

We have been teaching a lady and her kids on and off since I started serving here in Carlisle. We got to see them on Wednsday and it was just a raining outside! Which was good because her neighbour stayed for the lesson as well. We have met her and she's friendly but never stays and listens. This time she did and she had so many questions. We talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ and what we need to do to get back to Heavenly Father like faith, repentance, baptism and gift of the holy ghost. The spirit was so strong when we taught about baptism! We are going back this week to teach the both of them. and hope that it goes as well as last.

3 weeks ago we met our amazing friend James on the street. Since that time he has finished the Book of Mormon! He finished the last of it on Friday and Saturday. What an amazing man. I can hardly get through it in 3 months. He came to church twice and came to our branch social on  Saturday we watched Meet the Mormons. As well he committed to living all the commandments. I have seen the Lord's hand guide us so that we would meet up and it had to be at this time, because him and my companion are like best friends long lost. He lives in another part of England so we showed him where the church is there. he was like I know where that is, he showed us his house on google maps...he can see the church from his front window!! It's literally a walk in the park to get to church and less than a minute. I am so thankful I was able to meet him and help him find his faith in God. The Miracle of a Mission :)

May God bless everyone I am so thankful for all that the Lord does,

Love Elder Hammond

We found a new favourite spread, cookie dough

May Flowers

Hello my dearest Brothers and Sisters, friends and family,

This week I just want to start off my expressing my love for the Saviour Jesus Christ. I know that he came to earth to atone for my sins and shortcomings. I know that he did feel all of my pains in the garden of Gethsemane. He literally gave his life in the benefit of all of  us. So when life gets tough, fall on your knees and I can promise you will feel your burdens being lightened.

My mum sent me an Easter package that arrived this past week full of candies and sweets. As well as a talk that Elder Jeffery R. Holland gave in 2000 entitled The Miracle of a Mission. I hope that anyone that is considering to serve a mission or has ever thought about it to read it. It has made me realise just how much trust the Lord has put in his 18-30 year olds across the world. To wear his name upon your shirts and be a living day representative of him who came down for us. Greater joy and of no great importance than is it to preach the gosple. For 2 years or 18 months we are set a part from the world. To live our lifes as best as we can. I have grown and changed so much in the mission field. My ways are now his ways, and my thoughts his thoughts. I am forever greatful for the lessons I am learning out here in the mission field.

Last Monday after emailing we were walking throught town centre eating our Micky D's and I notice a man with a shirt on that said the Book of Mormon I enquiered of him. He said that is was from the Book of Mormon musical. He started asking us questions and agreed to set up another time. So we ended up seeing him 3 times last week!! he is such a great person and so full of questions and wants to know how a believe in God can help him out. You could call this a Book of Mormon mucical miracle!

On Saturday before we went to see your book of mormon musical friend we had a few extra mmintues so we decided to knock a few doors. The last one a man opened we told him who we were and in the background we here oh my I want to talk to them! This university aged girl comes to the door and proceeds to tell us her friend just got home from his mission in London. And invited us in to have as she put it a mormon talk. It was such a miracle that when we give it our all the Lord blesses us then. we don't receive a witness until after the trial of our faith.

I love you all have a great week,

Love Elder Hammond

Beginning of May Flowers

Hello everyone,

On Wednesday of last week I had two really good friends go home from their missions. Elder Sutton whom I served with about a year ago in Wigan. And Elder Humpherys from Idaho Falls. I am so very thankful for their examples to me and for what they each taught me. They sure will be missed here in England.

My companion and I had this brilliant idea to start riding the bikes. I am not exactly 100% sure of the rules of the road here, so it was a bit of an adventure. But I manged to stay on the left side of the road and not break any major rules so everyone is safe. The first few days were hard getting use to the way the seat is and my legs were shot but now it's all right. I have managed to destroy a pair of trousers but its all part of riding bikes I guess.

We have this Scottish man that lives not far from us that we taught this week. He has a few kids and was very receptive to our teaching. He is a good man that is just searching for how God can help him out in life. I am so thankful that the Lord prepares people for us to teach. In Docterine and Coventants 88:73 it says, Behold I will hasten my work in it's time. We had someone from the mission presidency come speak in our branch yesterday and this is what he talked aobut. It isn't us that hastens the Lord's work. It is the Lord. We are just tools in his hands. I know that if we all pray for missionary opportunities the Lord will bless us with them.

One of our good friends we have been teaching stopped smoking last week! He hasn't smoked for over a week. I am so proud of the man he is doing very well and you can already see a difference in him. Now he just needs to continue on and pretty soon he will be ready to enter the waters of baptism :)

Yesterday was of course Mother's Day! I am so thankful I was able to Skype me family. I love them with all of my heart they mean the world to me and it was great to see them in person. Well as close as you can get across the sea, but thankful for technology that makes this all possible.

I  love you all,

Love Elder Hammond

Mountains to Climb

Hello Everyone,

This week I had the opportunity to go to young womans. It was their feed the missionaries night. And I would say I really enjoyed it. It was the first time I have done anything like this. I know that people look up to us missionaries. And we try to be as much like the Saviour as we can be. As well as that activity we also had a branch social. Where the theme was multicultural night. We had Phillipeon, Spanish, Scottish, English, Canadian, and I represented American food. So I decided to make peanut butter cookies because what's more American than that? At the social we did a few quizzes and played a few games. It was a really fun evening with all the people from here.

On Saturday we had to go down to Manchester for a full mission conference. It was held in the Man South chapel and I have never seen so many missionaries before! I can vaguely remember when the last mission conference started. That was back in me first transfer. We got taught about ipads and how to use them to spread the gospel throughout the world. I am so thankful for the time that I have to serve the lord. I know that this was the specific time in my life where I needed to be here with lessons to learn.

Yesterday we when and hiked a mountain with our branch president. It was an exciting day we hiked a few peaks and then decided to take a rest so we went and saw a few waterfalls. the Lake District is beautiful. We were in a place near Keswick. I think I have served in the two most beautiful areas Gaerwen and here in Carlisle. I love the city, but it's nice to get out into the free air now and again.

I am so very thankful for my mom! I know that next weekend is America's mothers day. So I wish a very happy day to my mom, aunts, and grandma! I love you all,

Love Elder Hammond

Carlisle Castle

Hello Everyone,

Last Monday me companion and I decided to go to the castle here in town. It is massive! It was build a thousand years ago and is still holding up. I am marvelled at how they got all these stones and moved them all to build a castle it was huge! And there were stairs all over and rooms they knew what they were doing that's for sure!

As well as a castle this week I also found Hammond's pond. It is a big park we have in our area that we walked through. It was pretty nice and it has a pretty good name. And also we found St. Ann's house. Which looks like Satan's house to me!

Tuesday we had a missionary meeting and we rode the train over to Workington. I started chatting with the lady across from me and it turned out it was a members wife! We have been trying to get hold of them and we finally got to go on Sunday! The Lord providing tender mercies all the time. I think the Lord blesses us so much more than we could ever imagine. Even a little simple thing like that it just shows how he directs this great missionary work throughout the world! He loves all of us and I know that he prepares people for us to touch.

Last week we decided to organise a branch social. So this next Friday we are going to be doing a multicultural evening with all the members and their frineds. It should be a night full of fun from all over the world.

I am so thankful for the Book of Mormon and the power of prayer. Joseph Smith is a prophet and I know that he was called by God to be the prophet of the restoration. He was a man of God and gave so much for the kingdom of God. I know that God does hear and answer my prayers. No matter how longer or short it has been since I last spoke to him. I know that he wants to bless us sometimes we just have to ask for that help and be humble enough to receive it. The church is true. There is nothing more important that we could ever do than to prepare to meet God. I love you all very much and have grown to love my family even more and more each week.

Love Elder Hammond

Good morning everyone,

This week the weather has been smashing! We have been in shirts and ties almost the entire week. So summer might be on it's way, but you never know with English weather it is a bit bi-polar at times and changes on the dot. Wednesday we got to go down to a place called Barrow-In-Furness we went to meet with the Elders there and interview one of the people they are teaching for baptism. It was a 3 hour train ride along the coast and it was beautiful. We met a girl from Germany that sat across from us that was a member that got baptised last year. So it was great getting to hear how she joined the church and it was a tender mercy from the Lord to catch the same train as her.

Barrow was great we got to have tea at the bishop's house and then do the interview. She will be getting baptised next Sunday :) It's great to see the desire of her to follow the Saviour. Then the next day we took the same train ride back to Carlisle. Where we went and met with our good friend Steven. He is homeless and has been taught a few times. We felt that if we taught him the Word of Wisdom that would help him the most. So we taught him and then later in the week he decided it wasn't for him. He was happy with the life style he has, the good seed has been planted we hope we run into  him again.

On Saturday we had a few refurrals from Mormon.org to conctact in a place called Penrith. It is a 15 minute train ride away and I had never been there so we boarded the train and had lunch there in an old castle. It is the first castle I have really been in. But today we are going to go to Carlisle castle and explore a bit there.

Our good friend Paul is doing quite well. We saw him Saturday and taught him about family history work and how he can help out his ancestors. We will be going back on Tuesday to hopefully put in his information on the computer. It has been a quick week!! Things are going really well here. We both are stayin healthy and well. God bless everyone and have a happy week,

Love Elder Hammond

Transfer Week

Dearest Family and Friends,

This week on the life of Elder Hammond; It was transfer week. So sadly I had to say good bye to my favourite Guyanian Elder Singh. I was gutted to only serve with him for one transfer. We really got along and I could see a huge change in him. We went around to all the members of Carlisle and he said his goodbyes. The branch loved him so much! They gave us tons and tons of chocolate to eat. Which is a good thing for me because he was transferring, so more for me! It was sad to see him and some of my other friends in the zone leave. He is off to Stockport one of my favourite areas I served in.

After I picked up my companion Elder Knight, we rode the train to Carlisle. Our branch mission leader picked us up and the strangest thing happened. A man knocked on the car window and told us he was from Kendal and was interested in finding out more about God. He is friends with the patricch in the stake. So it was really a tender mercy from the Lord to meet Steven.

On Friday we decided to see what it would be like to not have a phone for a day, we left it on the bus. It is really hard. We didn't have it for most of the day so we went to a members house and called to see what we should do. Eventually it was turned in at the bus station and our branch president brought it to us. Mean while he did that we had a bbq with an amazing family here in Carlisle. I found out that I don't really know how to bbq though,, what kind of a person am I? I turned out to be really nice in the end. And we had probably the best pudding ever! It was like apple pie, but instead of pie crust it was cinnamon rolls!! I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

As we rode the train this week I saw out in a field a herd of sheep. And admit it was a bunch of young lambs. I was preparing a talk to give at sacrament meeting about Our Saviour's Love. That's when two and two went together. I turned to 3 Nephi 17 and read about the Saviour blessing the Nephite children. Imagine how that must have felt to be one of those little children to feel the nail prints in his hands. To be admist the greatest person that has ever walked this earth. I am so thankful for my Saviour Jesus Christ. I imagine what it felt like to be resurrected and appear to the Nephites, people that recognised him as their Saviour. The prophied one. The only Begotten of the Father and they accepted him. That must have been great for Jesus Christ to be accepted by a group of people that had never personally met him. He was dispised by his own, but accepted by all else as the promised Messiah. I am thankful for my family. I love them with all of my heart. And know one day I will stand before my Maker. in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Love you all,

Love Elder Hammond 

Easter Week

Hello Family and Friends,

This past week has been one of the most special weeks for all of us. A time to celebrate and remeber what Jesus Christ did for each of us. When he went to the garden of Gethsemane and bled from every pore for our sins. he suffered both in the spirit and in the flesh. I know that because of his suffering there we can be forgiven of  our sins. We still have to do our parts, but our parts would be nothing without the aid of the Saviour and Redeemer. Also getting to celebrate his Resurrection on Sunday morning as well as hearing from the apostles and prophets. That was such a remarkable experience. I love M. Russell Ballard's talk in priesthood session on raising the bar. I know that I need to raise the bar, so that when I stand before my Maker I can say I can hear the words, Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Yesterday I was able to go down to the temple with some amazing members here in Carlisle. They drove the 120 miles down to the temple for us and did a session. I was able to do temple work for one of my ancestors that had passed on in the 1750's. I know he had been waiting a long time for someone to help him on his journey back. As well as I had a really spiritual experience in the temple. That reconfirmed my testimony of the church. I am so thankful for my testimony. And the testimonies of others that have been offered in the hardest and easiest of times. I know that because of Jesus Christ we will all be able to see our loved ones again. the gosple of Jesus Christ is real and it does change hearts. 

It's transfers this week. I will be staying in Carlisle and my companion Elder Singh will be headed out to one of my favourite places Stockport! I am thankful for my time with him and his humble attitude. I love yous all,

Love Elder hammond

Steps unto Heavean

Dearest family and friends,

I think summer is on it's way! this past week here has been gorgeous. The sun has been shining, besides the occasional day. But for the most part we are getting sunny days. and since yesterday was day lights saving we now get an extra hour of sun each day! I love this time of year because it is full of potential and new growth. It's just like us in life, after we get through the hard times of spiritual or physical winter, the spring is the time to replant, rededicate ourselves. And what better time than now with General Conference and Easter this next week!

We were tracting early this week and met a woman that wasn't very interested at first, but ask we asked inspired questions she opened and let us in. Her husband was intregede who she had let in her home, but we offered to come back at a later day and left her with a Plan of Salvation pamphlet. A few days later we were walking past a café and this same lady came out and called us in. We went in and had a good talk with her and are going to be seeing her tomorrow. But it isn't every day that someone runs us down not us running them down ;)

We started to teach a young family the Sister missionaries before us had taught. She is amazing and her kids are spiritual stars. We had to get all of there attention for the lesson so we asked if they had any bisquits and some ketchup. We started talking about good things to do during the week and things that we don't do on Sunday. We related it how ketchup is good for things like burgers and chips, but not so good on ice cream or bisquits. So I ate the bisquit with ketchnup on it. The looks on their faces were priceless. Then as we continued to talk allt he kids were looking through the pictures in the Book of Mormon. And they all committed to coming to church for general conference.

But that wasn't the most interesting thing that I had this week. We went to a members house and she fixed us some Caribbean food because my companion is from there. We had mac and cheese, rice, goat, and kidney. yeah that's right goat and kidney!! The kidney was really nice I like it, but he goat. I was not a fan of at all. I tried it, but it sure faught back at me! I think that is the last time I will be eating goat.

The church produced a new video for Easter time called Because He lives. This is the link http://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_FR_3-27-2015_dMIS_fMRMN_xLIDyL1-A_ you all should go and check it out it is really nice. I am so excited for conference this next weekend :) The apostle and prophets are the big guns, and we need them in this war we are fighting in.

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

love Elder hammond

The Promised Land

Hello Everyone,

On Tuesday we were on our way to a members house for lunch. We had a bit of extra time so we decided to walk down a different road to get to his house. We met this girl called Hannah on the street. She was very open to learning and very receptive especially as we shared the experience that Joseph Smith had with the first vision. We invited her to continue to have these faith building expericences by learing more. She agreed and we got  her number and address. We text her that night and it wasn't her number. I was like okay well accidents happen. The next day we got on the bus and saw her on it as well. We decided to talk to her when she got off. We got off the same stop as her and she bolted. It was like she was running away from a cheetah. She was off to the races. We stuck around and talked to a few people around there and then headed the other way. I was so surprised this happen. What in the world. I felt so bad for her, it almost hurt to see someone act this way. So two days later we decided to go by the address she gave us anyway. And you aren't going to believe this! It was Hannah's house!! She was just scared because she was with friends. I had to do some repenting because I thought she had lied to us, thankfully I was wrong and we will be seeing her tomorrow :)

I had to give a training in district meeting this week. So I decided since it was St. Patrick's day I would make everyone some green brownies. I did one batch with salt and the other sugar. They looked exactly the same when they were baked, but they tasted differently. It is because of the ingredients. We can look great on the outside, but we need to address the real concerns on the inside. That is how people are truly going to change is getting the right recipe for life.

We have seen many miracle this week. We went by a potential we had tracted into and her brother answered the door. My companion didn't say word the whole time. Then afterwards he told me he had a dream a few months ago and that man was in his dream! :) I hope and pray we get to see Micheal again soon because things like this don't just happen just because.

And last but not least, Paul our miracle man. We hadn't seen him all week and went by his on Saturday night. We had a really spiritual lesson with him reading Mosidah 18 and talking about baptism. Then when the spirit was the strongest we invited him to church and had him give the closing prayer. By the time he had finished my companin and I were in tears the spirit was so strong! Paul felt it as well. I know that the Holy Ghost can touch anyones hearts. No one is too far from turning their life back to the Lord. I bear you my witness that God will forgive each and everyone one of our sins. If we truly repent and have a change of heart. Go to him and pray and seek for his help. I have felt the atonement in my life and the cleansing and comforting power of the Saviour. And I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

I love you all! Be good boys and girls,

Love Elder hammond

Come to Zion

Hello my good friends,

This week we had an amazing miracle happen here in Carlisle! We went on splits with our Elder Quorum  president and his councillor. Elder Singh went and visited our good friend Paul. Paul has stopped smoking! He hasn't touched a fag for over a week now! We were so excited to hear the news and see the change in him. I am so thankful for Paul recognising that with the Lord all things are possible. He should be able to continue to progress and continue to build that relationship with God.

On Friday we were going to a Phillipeons family's house for a birthday party. We got there and found out there was like 40 people there! They make such great food. I think I had died and went into heaven. I just kept eating and eating and eating. And one dish in particular was something I had never had before, Black pudding. I thought well I may never have the chance again, so I ate it. It was a lot better than I expected. Black pudding is actually really good. It has a great flavour. As well for the birthday cake, it was purple. I ate it and couldn't figure out the flavour, then they told us it was purple yam flavoured. I was also very impressed by that as well. Then we got our goodie bags and went on  our way.

Yesterday was mother's day here in the UK! It was a special day for sure. I was privileged enough to speak in sacrament meeting. I studied all week and tried my best to prepare so that I would do a good job. After the sacrament was blessed and passed, my heart started to race. You would think by now I wouldn't be so nervous, but I was. After I started to talk everything went well and I was fine. I am so very grateful for my mother. She is my best friend and I am so lucky to call her my mum! She has taught me so much! I am also thankful for all the woman in my life that have influenced me for the good. My aunts, grandma, sisters, and cousins. I hope everyone had a great Mother's day and don't forget to wear green tomorrow :)

love you all,

Love Elder Hammond

Oh I found out this week that we have a waterfall next to our flat!

The lake District

Hello Everyone,

Last Thursday I had the privilege of traveling back down to Manchester for a baptism at the YSA building. It was of a man that the  other elders in Swinton had taught called Ali. He is such a miracle and it was great to see the changes he had made in his life to qualify him to be baptised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He cut it a bit close though, he showed up just as we were about to call it off. It tested our faith you could say.

Before the baptism I had the privilege of going out finding with a return missionies little brother. He was called Walker. He is from Utah and was visiting. He has his mission call to Houston East mission. And he wanted to come out. I was very nervous when he said he wanted to come out teaching with me. Prayed and I prayed whilst we found. After about 5 minutes of no one stopping to listen to us we met this girl name Aimee. She was very shy and quiet. We taught alittle and opend up and told us how she had lost her aunt 2 months ago and how hard it was. We started teaching aobut the Plan of Salvation and she could feel the spirit. We took her to the YSA building and showed her around. She could feel a difference there. Because there was a baptism happening later that day the font was full. We took her there and showed her the font and invited her right there to be baptised she agreed!!! Don't worry we didn't baptise her right then! When we have faith and work with all of our heart the Lord blesses us. I am so thankful for Walker and his faith. He will make a great missionary.

Sorry I don't have much else to talke about it was a short week!

I love you all

Love Elder Hammond

Carlisle

Hola los Amigos y amigas!

How are you all doing! I hope really well. I am so excited to be emailing you from the green and pleasant land of England. I am now serving in a new area called Carlisle! It is just a shade off of Scotland. So I am about as close to Scotland as I can get and boy is it beautiful! We took the train ride up here last week. We got to go through what's called the Lake district. It is a beautiful part of the country. It is a lot different from Manchester but I still enjoy it all the same.

I am serving with a mission from the country of Guyana. Now if you are like me you don't have a clue where in the world that is at. It is an island in the Carribean just North of Brazil. He is a convert to the church. His family was baptised by who is now a bishop down in Rhyl. So it is great to be serving with him. I already love him and know we are meant to be serving with each other at this time. He has such a powerful testimony and it has touched me.

On Tuesday we got the opportunity to go to the temple. Wow It was such a powerful experience. We went to the baptisty and did our own family names. Elder Singh got baptised for his grandfather and I have to say I know staright away he accepted the gospel the room was filled with the spirit. Then I was baptised for about 20 of my ancestors. There is no greater feeling in the world than to help someone into the kingdom of God. Throughout my mission I have seen forces on both sides of the veil helping us out. I know that my ancestors have helped us to find those that we covenanted to meet before this life. I stand as one of Christ's set apart servants that he does lead and guide this church.

Sorry I don't have much to say this week. But know that I love each one of you and am so proud for helping me :)

Love Elder Hammond

Keep up the Good Fight

Dearest Child of our Father in Heaven,

 

I am so thankful for the power of prayer. Thank you for everyone that prayed for me cousin Dustin whilst he was in the hospital. It is great to hear that he is doing a lot better and is back in school. I know that no matter what we need, how daft it may seem, God will listen and answer our prayers in his time. Like it says in Isiaih 55 my ways are higher than your ways. God's knows our path that we need to take and the lessons we need to learn.

 

Last Monday we got a phone call from our mission president telling us that he has someone for us to go by and give a gift. President Preston the old mission president, had a friend here that we needed to take some baby clothes to. So we got her address and went there. About 1 month ago we were in this same area and had the impression to tract this street. we didn't know why, but we did and nothing happen at the time. Then fastforward to last week. This woman lived on this street. We deliverd the baby clothes and set up a tiem to go and see her this next weekend. The mission president could have had the other elders in our area deliver the clothes to her. I know that he received revelation that we where suppose to contact her. Even if it was only to confirm in my heart that he does lead and guide us. I know he is the ultimate source of guidance and direction in a world full of caous.

 

Our dearest friend Roosevelt is now in Mexico. We were able to see him twice before he left. The first at a members home for family home evening and the last time was the night before he left at his home. We showed him how to get in contact with the missionaries where he will be living. I know that this is the Lord's path for him. I pray for Roosevelt that he will continue his progression in the gospel and one day I will get to meet up with my brother from the pre-existence.

 

We watched Meet the Mormons this week for a mission activity day. Wow I have to say it is absolutely fantastic :) I felt so inspired by each of their stories and how the church had helped them out. My favourite was a man called the Candy Bomber. He was part of the Berlin Air lift. and he said something that stood out to me. I want to do something extraordinary with my life. I want to be a tool in the Lord's hands, and just like he did. Help those in troubled times.

 

We had a pretty funny experience happen on Friday morning. I really wanted to go running so I talked my companion into going. We wen to the park near us and used the equipment there. When we were walking home he told me that he had lsot the keys. So we went back to the park to find them. we said multiple prayers to find them and had no success. I prayed to the Lord to help us out. I just wanted to get to the flat on time so I could study. We headed back to the flat because Elder and Sister Hill were on their way. We got up to our floor and found the keys in the door. I laughed pretty hard. We must have been really tired to leave the keys in the door.

 

I am so thankful for the people I have in my life right now. I am greatful for the friends I have made throughout my mission and will have the rest of my life. God Bless each of you! I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that he did see God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ in the Sacred grove. It is my favourite princeiple of the gospel to testify about because I can feel it burn through me everythime I say it. I love you all,

 

Love Elder hammond

2/9

Hello everyone,

 

This week we were able to see the Lord's hand guide us so much! Last Monday we decided to have a bit of fun and go to Trafford Centre. A really big shopping area in Manchester. It was great we got to see a bunch of shops and dream we had money ;) but as well we stopped in at the best burger joint 5 Guys :) I got the biggest and best burger there and boy was it good! On our way home we stopped and saw our friend Debora and her mom! Debora is an amazing girl that I am so excited we are teaching again. We saw them then was riding the bus home I got a promting for us to go and visit a woman we had tracted into. she is called Josie. We knocked and she let us in straight away. She told us she is from the Camaroon. Our friend Roosevelt is also from the Camaroon and lives just around the corner from her. We are going to go back this week and teach her with a member of the ward. We are so blessed when we follow the promptings of the spirit.

 

Roosevelt our amazing and golden friend is going to be moving  to Mexico. We have been fasting and praying with him to get his visa and the day as came. His story is so amazing how he came in contact with the church and his life changing since then. He told us to watch out because he is going to write a book about it. It has been a pleasure teaching him and I look forward to meeting him again one day. When he is reunited with his family and the last chapter is complete. We helped him find the church in Mexico and how to get missionaries over to continue to teach him. He is going to be a lifelong friend.

 

Our really good friend Debora is doing really good. We were able to visit with her 3 times this week. Each time more spiritual than the last. We saw her last night and watched Finding Faith in Christ DVD. She really enjoyed it and welcomed us to come back and continue to have these good feelings in her life.

 

I miracle I have seen here is a woman named Paula. I taught her in Wigan. But she actually lives in the ward boundries I am in now. So we invited her to come her to Swinton and the ward has taken good care of her. On Saturday we went and visited with her and David. They are doing really well and getting ready to get married in April. I am so excited for Paula sticking to the church through all of this time. She asked if I would baptise her after she getting married. I have really grown to love the people I serve around, my companion is amazing! I love him to pieces, and the teach we teach are beyond comparesion. I know that the Lord needs us in certain places at certain times. I have a testimony that he does lead and guide this great work! And how blessed am I to be one of his witnesses of the restored truth.

 

I love you all have a safe and happy week.

Love Elder Hammond

Daily Miracles with the Lord 2/2

Dear Everyone,

 

This week was a killer of amazement! We had a lesson set up with this man for Saturday we went to find his house and his address was no where close but we ran into the man and talked with him. We sent up another time and decided to go tracting. We went through a gunnel and my companion said he didn't feel like this is where we should be. I said we need to say a prayer. We did and I felt impressed to knock on two houses. The first house we knocked on we ended up going inside and teaching two university girls :) one was very open the other not so much. We watched a Mormon message with them and they both opened up. This is where it really gets good. My companion went upstairs to use the toildet so I stood half way. One girl was saying how she had been searching for the truth and flet this was it. She called up her brother and Friday we are going to teach the two girls, her brother and his girlfriend :))) It was such a tender mercy. I love this work! The Lord really does use us as tools.

 

On Monday we decided to go on the ferris wheel in Manchester. I am not scared of hights, but I will tell you what I was a bit nervous at the top. We went with my companion and I and elder vaquera and Elison. It was worth the cost, because you can't take it with you. YOu got to spend it on something you enjoy.

 

We have been to the hospital twice in the past week to give members blessings. I never have liked the feeling at a hospital. It always reminds we of when I got surgery and just isn't the nicest places to be. We were there this morning with a good friend and recent convert to the church. It's good to know that people trust us missionaries and know that the priesthood does really work to heal the sick.

 

The weather has been on and off all week. It was hailing marbles I swear one day, Elder Hill took simpithy on us and let us sit in his car for about 5 minutes until the storm passed and were weren't getting beaten any more. It has been a year since we went up to the temple with the Hills to take Prisca to the temple. It is amazin in a year how much life can throw at us and how much the Lord can bless us.

 

I am so excited for my sister Chelsey's new baby Kody :) he is a cutie pie and I am thankful that the Lord watches over us and answeres our prayers. I have felt a great love for the Lord this week. As I reflect upon how he guides and directs us it brings great joy. Roosevelt is doing really well. We invited him to be baptised this week and he said he feels this the way the Lord is directing his life :) He is an amazing man and loved church yesterday. THe ward in Swinton has taken great care of him. In his own words, he hasn't feel like this at a church since he was a boy in Camaroon. He feels at home.

 

I love you all have a great week,

 

Love Elder hammond

Daily Miracles

Dearest family and friends,

This week truly has been a week of miracles! Each day we have been blessed to be in the the right place at the right time. Monday we were going to one of the families in the ward. They had to cancel on us because something came up. So we decided to go find. At the very end of the night we were headed back to our flat. We met a group of teenagers outside. We started to talk with them. One of them had been to church before. They were a bit rambunctious but, we pick out those that were prepared.

Tuesday was a funeral for one of the ladies in the ward. This was my first funeral since I think my grandma Bowen which was when I was a kid. It was  a very nice service she was  a great accet to the ward. We were able to get one of the YSA girls to go with us to teach our really good friend Dae. Dae has been one of my favourites to teach here in Swinton her and her family are so prepared to receive the gosple. We taught her about baptism and then invited her. She said when she knows more. She thinks in the future a few more lessons and she will have received an answer. That night we were riding the bud home and we met  a woman called Jennie. She had met missionaries before in Crewe and was very receptive to the restored gosple. We taught her about the Book of Mormon then gave her one. People are prepared all around us.

Yesterday at church we were asked to teach the youth sunday school about how to share our beliefs with others. It was amazing to see the youths attention as we spoke. They love the missionaries and I am so thankful that the ward trust us. after this we rushed up to teach sharing time in the primary.   We taught about how God shares his love with us. The little kids loved it, I love being in primary. The little kids are the best and all left with a smile, It might have been because we gave them sweets :)

Our special friend Roosevelt has been progressing really well. On Saturday we were in an area and didn't have much success so we decided to pray about where we should go. I got a strong impression during the prayer that we should go visit Roosevelt. We knocked on his door and he told us that he had prayed that God would help him at this time. Then we knocked. It strengthened my testimony that God does guide us and direct us. I love teaching the gosple. It is amazing to see me as a normal person, have the spirit work through me and have peoples prayers be answered. I know that lives! I stand as one of his witnesses at this time of him reaching out again to us as his children through a young boy Joseph Smith. I know he saw God the Fat her and His Son Jesus Christ! And there is no greater calling to have than to teach this gosple.

Have a great week everyone! God Speed the Right :)

Love Elder Hammond

Mortal Mission

Good Morning Everyone,

 

This week was kinda weird seeing the Sisters from my group go home. I watched them in the MTC and how much they changed and became more familiar with the gospel and comfortable talking about it. Their testimonies were amazing and I could feel their love for the Saviour and all that he had done from them. Also I wished the Cordons good bye as well. They are such an amazing couple and really helped me and the mission out. They are from my stake at home and really made me feel at home while I was here. It was great getting to serve with them and be a part of the Lord's ministry.

 

I got my new companion Elder Boehme from Canada. He isn't quite as loud as Elder Vaquera but maybe a close second. So I have had to step it up and really talk and help him feel comfortable. This is his second area so he is pretty new. I think a lot of myself when I see him. But I have changed so much and seen a greater desire in myself to serve and love. The capacity to love has grown ten fold. I was a happy nice person before, but I never imagined I could love this much.

 

We went to our friend Debora's house this week. She is an amazing person full of love and happiness. She had some Calimari and told us to try it, I wasn't really sure what it was, so she googled it. It was squid. It was actually really good. It tasted like shrimp! So add that to the exautic stuff I have eaten in England. I was greatful we were able to go and see her and uplift a bit. I think we will be seeing her again soon :)

 

Elder and Sister Hill are taking very good care of us! THey are the senior couple in  our ward. They took us out to eat 2 or 3 times this week. And each time we just laughed and laughed in the car. They are like grandparents to me. I love getting to be with them. They took us to a pizza shop and me met a less active walking there. We invited her to church and saw her Sunday morning walking her dog so we invited her again. She accepted and came yesterday :) miracles from service.

 

We have this great man we are teaching. We hadn't seen him since Christmas so we stopped by. He said Elders I have been having a really rough time. He let us and explained that he told his wife he had been meating with us. She thought he had joined a cult. It is the first experience like this I have had. So we proceeded to listen to him and answer his questions. He still wants to come to church and we fasted with him yesterday so that he could get his visa all sorted out to go. He is a great man and one that has truly been prepared by the Lord to receive the restored gospel. I am greatful that we are able to teach him.

 

I have so many great things going on! I am appreciative for all the prayers in my behalf and in behalf of all the missionaries world wide! You are the best! I love you all have a great week!

 

Love elder Hammond

1/12/15

We got transfer calls this week. I will be staying with a missionary called Elder Boehme from Utah. Elder Vaquera is going to be leaving and going to serve with my best friend Elder Elison in Warrrington. I am dead excited for this up coming transfer. It is my time to shine as a missionary and work harder than ever.

 

We had what is called a dragon fruit this week. It is from Israel and tastes like a kiwi but looks like an alien. we just had to have one.

 

Sorry it is short this week we got to run and get everything sorted out before transfers on Wednsday. Just know that I love you all and hope you are having the times of you life.

 

Love Elder Hammond

Near My God to Thee

Hello Everyone,

 

If there was a phrase that has described my mission thus far it would be Nearer my God to Thee. Yesterday in church we sang it. One of the sisters of the ward passed away suddenly this week and the song really hit me. It has been one of my favourites to listen to, but I didn't realise how powerful it is. My relationship with my Father in Heaven is stronger than it has ever been before. Throughout my life and especially my mission I have seen the lord's hand. I can't imagine how hard that must have been to see your perfect son be mocked and falsely charged and so lovely take it without a banter of an eye. Heaven Father loves each of us. That is why he so lovely gave us his son Jesus Christ.

 

We are teaching this amazing family Natasha, Dae, and Caprice :) we went to their home this week with a few of their member friends. The members introduced us to them and we have gained a good relationship in a short time. The girls came to church yesterday and then a mission homefireside later that night. I love the church and the way it is ran. I love my mission president. The fireside last night was as good as ever. To hear the testimonies of the newly baptised people and how the gospel has blessed their lives.

 

New Years was a party! We stayed the night at the other elders flat and watched movies with them. I think I have seen all the Pixar and animatied films now. I am all movied out for the next little while. It was great to welcome in the new year and a new beginning. This past year has been full of opportunies to grow. To learn more about myself and build my character. Lately I have seen a huge increase in the depth of my studies. I am starting to see things that I'm shocked I didnt' see before. It just shows we learn line upon line precept upon precept. I am thankful for my testimony and the strength it gives me each day as I go out and do the work of the Lord. I love each of you and am thankful that you are examples to me. God bless and have a great new year.

 

Love Elder Hammond