Weekly Update~ "Looking for a White Shirt, Not Cream"

Dear Family and Friends,

Today I spent my preparation day in downtown Kampala looking for a new long-sleeved white shirt and  popping tags in the market looking for sweet second hand clothes. As we were walking down the street on the lookout, a gentleman stopped us outside his store and showed us his wide selection of dress shirts. He asked us what color of dress shirt we were looking for and I told him the same color of the shirt that I was wearing. He looked at me, puzzled, and asked ''You're looking for a cream shirt?'' Confused, I then looked down at my shirt, then the white shirt he was holding in his hand and noticed the stark difference between the colors.  I guess I've been working too hard. Haha just kidding.

This week was another good one in Nsambya. We continue to receive a steady flow of referrals from the members and we are seeing the blessings of becoming more unified with them in our work. Nearly every day this week we have had a brother and sister from the ward moving to our appointments with us in the afternoons which has been wonderful for both the fellowshipper and fellowshipee. Sarah and her children, Alpha and Stella are continuing to progress. Stella and Alpha went to Gulu this week for a 4-day data entry course so, Sarah was at home all week alone. Elder Moyes and I took the opportunity to read the Book of Mormon with her a few times throughout the week and she ended up coming to church alone which was neat to see. It's funny because her and one of the members we brought with us to teach, Simon Peter, made a bet to see who could get to church first. Sarah won but, we were happy to see both present for the passing of the sacrament. 

The other family we are teaching, Jeff and his daughters, are all progressing as well. Jeff introduced us to his two first born daughters this week and we got to teach them all the restoration together. I think Jeff was relieved that his family is willing to learn the gospel with him because he was worried that if he continued in the discussions alone, he would cause disunity. As we testified how much this gospel blesses families, the spirit was there. Jeff, two of his daughters, and his young son all attended church yesterday and we were pleased to see them. 

I can't really express my gratitude for how much the Lord has blessed us with our current teaching pool. These people are the coolest people ever to make things even more fun. For example, Jeff is a free-lance artist who has been in the craft business for over 25 years. He has been running a craft-shop himself for the past 10 years in Kampala but recently turned over the business to his oldest daughter, Joanne. He also owns real-estate and travels out of the country to sell his art. It's neat to see how business-oriented he is and it's a pleasure to have gotten to know him. 

 Things just continue to happen for us and as we continue to do our best to help those whom we have been given stewardship over, both investigators and missionaries. We had exchanges with Elder Pearson, Dowdle, Ray, and Ellsworth from Kabowa and also attended their Star Wars themed DDM for May the 4th. It was a blast getting to work with both Elder Dowdle and Pearson reminiscing on old times from Lugazi and Rwanda. 

Happy Mother's Day to every motherly figure in my life, but most of all to my own mother. To quote Elder Holland, ''To all of our mothers everywhere, past, present, or future, I say, “Thank you." Thank you for giving birth, for shaping souls, for forming character, and for demonstrating the pure love of Christ.” To Mother Eve, to Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel, to Mary of Nazareth, and to a Mother in Heaven, I say, “Thank you for your crucial role in fulfilling the purposes of eternity.” To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, “Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are.''

I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven that it was part of his divine plan to for my mother to raise me. I love her and my earthly family more than anything.

 I love you all,

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "Blessings Come When We Seek For The Savior's Power as Bad as We Want to Breathe"

Dear family and friends,

RJ and His New Companion Elder Moyes

 One of the oft-referred to stories of this recent General Conference was the woman who suffered from the debilitating blood condition for 12 years. I loved this story in context to President Nelson's talk on Drawing the power of Jesus Christ into our lives. Like the woman who stretched physically and spiritually in order to grasp the Savior's power into her life. There are a few experiences where I witnessed others and myself stretch this week. 

We are teaching a man right now who has gone through a lot. I have seen him bring forth many fruits signifying his repentance and becoming a new man. However, he just seems to be one of those people who can't seem to catch a break. For about the past 3 years, he has been bounced around from home to home, trying to look for a job and making ends meet. He expressed to us that after he met the missionaries, he found a new found hope in life and things began to work out for him. He found a job about a month and a half ago at a casino running slot machines and began a training without pay soon thereafter. However because of the difficulty of circumstances before, along the way he got both his national I.D. and passport stolen, which has now arisen to become a big problem. Last week, his employers requested everyone to display some sort of identification before the training ends this week. In his desperation, he came to us, asking us to spot him 40k UGX for a new passport. I felt awful for him and was really stressed about what to do. After I got off the phone with him last Friday morning, Elder Moyes and I decided to pray about it. When we finished, a story I heard from MLC a few months back came to mind. In Mexico, there was a mission president faced with a dilemma of government marriage being an obstacle to many couples' being baptized. They simply couldn't afford to pay to get it done so they continued to co-habitate. However, the leaders of the church came up with a program to cut the price of marriage. When this plan was presented to this mission president, it didn't feel right for him to approve it. He thought about it all the way to an interview with a young couple preparing to be baptized. In this interview, he discovered that the couple went three days without eating in order to have enough money for their marriage, leading to their baptism into the church. With this experience, the mission president felt inspired to reject the plan and give these investigators the opportunity to exercise faith and let the Lord provide a way. We came to a similar conclusion with this man. When we went to his home to explain why we were not giving him the money by sharing with him the scripture in Luke 8 about the woman with the blood disease, he was completely understanding and the Spirit filled the room. We followed up with him this week and he told us as he prayed for direction on how to find the money to pay for a new passport, he felt inspired he needed to sell his phone and use the money that would be coming from his job to first pay rent so he could keep the spot in the home he is currently staying in, then buy a new phone in a few months. He felt confident it came from the Lord and we were grateful to witness this man stretch himself and seek God's will.

On Tuesday, I went on an exchange with Elder Seibert. The whole day was relatively good, but we hadn't had any really faith building experiences and hadn't seemed to learn much from each other. As we were discussing these feelings on our way to our last appointment which happened to be a member whom we would be teaching the restoration in 15 minutes too, we made a goal with each other that we'd make it the most powerful lesson of the day. But, to our dismay, he bounced us. It was 8:30 PM. Usually, it's time to prepare to go home if your lesson falls through at that time. However, I felt like there was more to be done in the day. We decided to pray and ask the Lord whom he would have us visit to share the message of the Restoration too to conclude the day. We sat and waited for revelation to come. Elder Seibert, having served in Nsambya before, suggested we visit a less-active member. We called him, and he told us he was home, so we put the truck in gear and sped off to his home 15 minutes away. We testified simply of the truths of the restoration, and finished. We were overcome at the Spirit that was present. We felt inspired to ask for a referral and he immediately listed off a name from the top of his head and told us to call him in the morning to find out when we could go together to meet with him. When we got to the car, we offered a simple prayer of gratitude thanking the Lord for using us as tools to share with someone who needed that message and for helping us stretch ourselves. Truly, I know blessings come when we seek for the Savior's power as bad as we want to breathe. 

I love you all,

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "Following the Spirit"

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm sure I've mentioned that last transfer, President Collings gave us a challenge to go into as many members' homes as possible and share the message of the Restoration in 15 minutes. The purpose of this exercise is to be simple and invite the Spirit and after we testify simply, ask for a referral. If done right with the Spirit present, President promised many referrals would come from it. He was right. We applied this in four different different homes and many referrals came from it that we were able to follow up with on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Thankfully, our teaching pool is now full of many people with tons of potential to progress.

Yesterday evening, we had a neat experience with prayer. Elder Moyes is a master at following the Spirit and I've learned so much from him already. At around 6:30, we were waiting for our investigator, Rajab, but when we called him, he told us he was just leaving his house, a 20 minute walk away. I thought it would be a good idea to go visit Andrew, who lived 5 minutes from the church, because he left church early and I wanted to find out why. But Elder Moyes stopped me and asked me if we could pray about it. To be honest, I was a little confused, because I thought it would be an effective way to use our time and it was close, so we could leave right when Rajab got there. But Elder Moyes brought up the idea that if we waited for Rajab, we wouldn't be able to meet with Alpha at 7:30. Alpha was a younger man that we met last Monday evening while visiting a less-active. When we were there, we shared the Living Christ with all who were present and set a return appointment with Alpha in the weekend. And so, we prayed about it. After waiting, we felt that we needed to cancel with Rajab, go see Andrew and maybe another individual, then go see Alpha. We found out why when we got there. At that particular time, Alpha was home with his mother, Sarah, who spoke great English, and had not been to church in some time because of a leg condition she had developed. We invited her to participate in the lesson, as we shared with Alpha the message of the Restoration. From the moment we said "amen" to the opening prayer, both were so engaged, asking questions, repeating what we were saying for clarification, and sharing insights. The Spirit was so strong in the house throughout the entire lesson and both accepted baptism dates in May. When we got back to the truck, Elder Moyes and I knew that we had to be in that home at that time for a reason and just poured out our hearts in prayer in gratitude to Heavenly Father for the blessings we saw throughout that day and that week. There is nothing better as a missionary than feeling a feeling of peace and approval that comes from the Spirit when following a prompting. 

There are many amazing things that are on the brink of happening in this zone and stake as we continue to work with the members. 

I love you all,

Elder Hazen

His Companion is Headed Home

Saying Goodbye to Elder Ward

Rainy Season

Flooding

Locked Keys in the Truck

Weekly Update~ "Prince of Peace"

Dear Family and Friends,

I am thankful for the Savior and the peace I feel in knowing him, his attributes, and his infinite atonement. We had a characteristically busy transfer week, no surprises about that, but the highlight of course was Easter. Elder Moyes has officially returned to Uganda from Ethiopia after a direct flight there from Rwanda. We enjoyed MLC on Friday and were anxious to apply the things we learned. One of my favorite talks from General Conference was President Nelson's on Drawing the Power of Jesus into our Lives. We began applying both of his challenges to read all 57 subtopics on the Savior in the Topical Guide and to study the Living Christ and personally, I have seen my testimony increase. I had a clear prompting Friday morning to share the Living Christ with as many individuals as possible over the weekend in preparation for Easter and on Easter Sunday. We acted upon that and had some neat experiences with members, recent converts, and even used it in our finding efforts. 

 In one particular experience, after street contacting out in front of the church waiting for someone to show up, we decided to leave and knock doors because we had been waiting for over 30 minutes. As we were driving down a road, we felt prompted to go into a particular compound we saw up one of the roads. I slammed on the brakes, reversed, and parked the truck, and went into the compound. After seeing that the gate was open, we went inside and looked for any signs for people at home. At the very last home, we saw a car parked outside and a door open and felt drawn to it. When we got there, a younger woman in her late 20's answered the door and we asked her if we could share a short Easter message. She invited us inside, but we were unable to go because we didn't have a member with us. Just then, as we were standing on the porch, the member we were supposed to meet at the church called us, and told us he was there. We told the lady we'd be back in 10 minutes, ran to the truck, hauled to the church, picked up the member, and drove back. We read the Living Christ word for word, and discussed briefly about it. The fact that we were Mormons came up and she told us she had Mormon friends from South Africa. She said, "My friends always tell me about your church and how there is just a natural feeling of belonging there. Why is that?" We testified simply of principles of truth from the Plan of Salvation and told her we are all brothers and sisters in God's family and that knowledge brings us closer. We brought up the Book of Mormon and read a few verses from Mosiah 3 and set a return appointment. Before we left, we felt prompted to testify of the Savior as being the Prince of Peace. She told us it was exactly what she needed to hear because she had a niece pass away the day before during child birth and both her and the baby didn't make it. She also had a brother in a bad car accident two days before that. 

I testify the Savior is the Prince of Peace and that his Atonement is the greatest thing that has ever happened in the world. I'm thankful each day for the opportunity I have to testify of him and his reality as the living Son of God.

I love you all,

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "General Conference Edition 2: The Gospel Is So Simple!"

Dear Family and Friends,

I testify that there is no greater joy that comes in this life than from living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I rejoiced over the weekend as I received answers to personal questions, but more so when I saw investigators and recent converts discussing with us and others around them about the notes they took and the impressions they had listening to modern day prophets and apostles. I was amazed, because it wasn't easy for most of them to be there. Many told me they had been sick the previous day, or they were traveling and got home early in the morning, or were working overnight, but they exercised their faith nonetheless to be there on time to hear President Monson speak and announce the temple in Kenya. That was such a tender mercy. What added to my joy was during the break listening to a group of recent converts talking to some of our investigators about how happy they were when they were baptized and encouraging them to begin down their own covenant path. 

Andrew's Baptism

The constant thought I had while listening to the Brethren was this line from a scripture found in 2 Nephi 25:4:"For behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn." As we reviewed with Andrew, one of God's elect sons who was baptized this weekend, what he had learned at conference, he told us he loved all the words spoken, but a lot of the topics were things he had learned already from his pamphlets he had been reading. Isn't it great the gospel is so simple? As Elder Cook explained, a foundation is built slowly, one brick at a time, precept by precept, here a little, there a little. We believe in a Godhead governing the universe. This Godhead is comprised of three separate, distinct, beings. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. The Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bone as tangible as man's and the third is a personage of Spirit. They are united in their work, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of God's children. That is their goal, and their plan, is the great Plan of Redemption. Part of this plan is coming to earth and experiencing a mortal life. We have been given guides, or a care package, to navigate this life, and part of it, includes living prophets and apostles. I'm thankful for the counsel received this weekend from these chosen servants of God directed to help us in this mortal life. I loved how the brethren got back to basics. Truly, as Elder Clayton emphasized, no matter what our trial or tribulation, simple acts of faith such as reading the scriptures, praying, and sabbath worship will solve all problems, even if these simple acts of faith have no correlation whatsoever to them. I also loved the talks on the Holy Ghost. When Elder Stevenson talked about Fernando and his young family and the peace that overcame him upon his discovery of the fatal accident that took his wife and young unborn child. It was what I felt when I discovered Grandma Melendez passed away in January. I know the Holy Ghost is the Comforter. The biggest thing I took away from the conference, going back to Elder Cook's talk, a life of discipleship, devoted to the work of the Lord and following his will is lived one righteous action at a time. I know that the Lord is patient and loving and rejoices in each of our righteous choices and the fact we are even trying. I know that when I or others fall short of expectations, I can take solace in the fact that our Heavenly Father doesn't look at us with the eyes of the world, but for what we can become. I know if I take it one day at a time, I will be able to look at others with these same eyes and have that same love Heavenly Father has for me.

Transfers are this week as well as MLC. Elder Moyes, a man like unto captain Moroni, will be my new companion and I am looking forward to it more than anything. I love you all.

Mission Leader Conference

Mission Leader Dinner

Little fountains in the middle of the table

Huge Lazy Susan to feed all these Missionaries

Love, 

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "General Conference Edition 1"

Dear Family and Friends,

My emails are going to have a common theme for the next two weeks as they will be focused on General Conference. Can you blame me? We are so unbelievably blessed to have Prophets, Seers, and Revelators in this present world we live in who communicate directly with God who tell us exactly what he wants us to know.  Conference for most of you has already come and gone, but Elder Chifamba and I are gearing up and preparing everyone and their dog to make it priority to be at the chapel in Nsambya on Saturday and Sunday. It reminds me of 6 months ago when Brother Ndarra stayed for all 4 sessions of conference, and soon thereafter, was baptized with his wife and three children. If the Spirit can testify to the hearts of these 5 wonderful people as they listened to Conference, then it absolutely can happen to others. 

If you are wondering what kind of impact the Kenya Nairobi temple announcement has on Uganda, it is monumental. Uganda is currently part of the Johannesburg South Africa temple district and it is nearly impossible to travel there as a family without the assistance of the Temple Patron Assistance fund. With it, only one trip is guaranteed, leaving many members here with only one visit to the temple in their lifetime. The Kenya Nairobi temple on the other hand, when completed, will be 40 dollars roundtrip for a bus ticket. The comparison is night and day. There are so many faithful, ready members of the church here ready to receive temple blessings for themselves, and their families, and many anxiously awaiting to return again. I am so excited for the people of East Africa and the blessings will begin to pour in waves upon this people as they begin to catch the image of what the temple means for them. 

I was able to watch the second half of the Sunday Morning session live at Bishop Omuya's house with him and his family. Sister Omuya made banana pancakes for us and it made me feel like I was with my own family at home in the basement enjoying German Pancakes conference breakfast which I'm sure they were doing at that very time. I'm thankful to be a member of this church and I know that it is true. 

I love you all,

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "Wilford Woodruff Week"

Dear Family and Friends,

President Wilford Woodruff, as a missionary and leader of the church was unmatchable in terms of work ethic. He routinely rose in the morning and retired in the evening earlier and later than most and was one who did not waste the Lord's time.  Following our fast last weekend, in order to see the blessings of the sacrifice made by members and missionaries, President Collings declared this week to be "Wilford Woodruff Week". President challenged the elders and sisters of the mission to constantly find from 10AM to 10 PM. He also encouraged us to set goals as a companionship in ways we could use our time more effectively. Elder Chifamba and I set our goals and put our noses to the grindstone. This was one of the most difficult weeks of my mission though the most fulfilling. Satan is a smart guy. Whenever you resolve to be better or decide to step up and be more of what the Lord wants you to be, you best believe he will be there pulling you back and destroy your righteous desires. However, when Satan steps up, the Lord steps up as well and is there to strengthen. 

The members this week were extremely helpful as we've been receiving more referrals, especially to women who are only able to meet in the afternoon times. Usually that is a time that is difficult to find members to work with members because most get off of work at 6, but it all seemed to workout this week. We also had a few breakthrough lessons with investigators, we had a baptism for brother James, the other elders in the zone saw an improvement in numbers, sacrament attendance was extremely high for both wards, and people were extremely kind enough to allow us into our homes between 9:00 and 10:00 which is uncommon. We are grateful for an inspired mission president who is obviously in tune with the Spirit.

Baptism of James

This week we had a small blast from the past. On Saturday, Elder Chifamba and I were invited over for lunch by the one and only Mama Mafabi with the AP's and other members of the Kololo district. She is still the best, still my mother, and still a wonderful member missionary. She has given the AP's more work than they can handle and Kololo is exploding. They are preparing to split the ward and it is a beautiful thing to see. We were also fed Sudanese food by James and his family which was unreal, and sister Peace took us out to lunch to a pork joint. We enjoyed life seriously in Nsambya this week. 

Mama Mafabi and RJ

Kololo District and Mama Mafabi

Sudanese Dinner at James' House

James' Family

Lunch with Sister Peace

Enjoy General Conference this week. I will be viewing on the 8th and 9th but I would still love to hear the insights you have and revelation received.

 I love you all,

Elder Hazen