Given

A warm hello from Arizona!

How is the cold and the snow!? I am actually missing it. It is 70's here and you are probably thinking, that is perfect weather! It sure is but, doesn't beat the snow. Well anyway this was a very strange week. Nothing much happened the beginning of the week. We did a bunch of work and were talking to a lot of cool people but, nothing out of the ordinary. There was a world wide broadcast for missionaries on Wednesday. You probably already heard the news but, they basically opened up our daily schedule and we make more of the decisions on when to do what. Nothing much will change in our mission. It is mostly exciting for foreign missions where they can do studies at night when it is to dangerous to be outside. And other miscellaneous cultures that don't fit a regular "American business schedule." One of Elder Bednar's biggest points in explaining this change is that we are not a "one size fits all" church. I think this is just another step closer to what preach my gospel is trying to accomplish, it will help convert the missionaries so that they can help convert the people they serve.

Other than some exciting changes, they provided some good counsel and refocus on the purpose of all we do. It is nice to have a solid foundation on what the brethren "really" what us to be focused on! 

I had a cool experience this week as a district leader. As a district leader I hold a meeting each week with all the missionaries in my district (12 missionaries). So, as I was planning for what we were going to do and what we were going to talk about, I had an idea to invite a member to come and share their perspective on missionaries and member missionary work. It was awesome, the first guy I call was glad to do it, and when we got to district meeting he had a bunch of wonderful things he had prepared to share to help us understand what the members go through and how we can help them better. The spirit was so strong and you could tell that the things he shared were inspired by God and had individual application into my work and I know as well it was useful for all the other missionaries present. But, what a testimony of the reality of my calling, that this member that I asked to share was working under the Priesthood keys that I hold in directing the work. And how grateful I am that the keys for the work of salvation have been restored. That we have the opportunity to see the miracles of God and are given so much to help us grow stronger. And if you don't know what I am talking about read Alma 26:22 and think about the way he uses the word Given.

Because I have been given much, I to must give. I give you my love!

Elder Hamson

Pro Golfer, btw