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