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~ "End of An Era"

Dear Family and Friends,

First of all, thank you so much to all those who have reached out and expressed their condolences to my family in regard to Grandma Melendez. We miss her dearly and the love is appreciated. With all the perspective I've gained on my mission about this gospel, I am completely at peace with everything. Yes, I'm extremely sad I wasn't able to see her again, but I know where she is and I will see her again! I have complete trust and confidence in that gospel truth!

Today marks the end of an era. We received transfer news today and I am finally heading back to Uganda to finish the remainder of my mission. It has been the best 9 1/2 months of my life with greatest companions, districts, members, and memories. I could literally spend all night talking about how wonderful this stretch has been.

In the dedicatory prayer of Rwanda for missionary work, there is a particular part that sticks out to me. In the middle of the prayer, Elder Holland says, "We pray for the missionaries that will yet come, that they will be inspired in their rendezvous with destiny. Truly that destiny and the future is bright."  I know without a doubt that it was determined in the pre-earth life that I would be called to serve in the particular country of Rwanda at this particular time; a time filled with so much excitement, innovation, development, and hope of the future. I have seen so many wonderful miracles and individuals come exponentially closer to our Savior Jesus Christ as they've taken their first steps on their covenant path back to our Father in Heaven. I have done nothing to bring these things to pass, glory be to the Father that I have been able to participate in the conversion process as a tool in his hands. I know that Rwanda truly will be a beacon, an example to the rest of the continent of Africa as prophesied by Elder Holland. 

(Saying His Goodbyes to His Friends in Rwanda)

I am excited to serve in Kampala again, in a stake that will be organized this coming Sunday. I know the Lord has great things in store for me and I am looking to give him my all these remaining months. 

In the mean time before I update you all next week, enjoy these pictures taken at Akagera National Park at our zone last hurrah today. We finally found our elephant. 

I love you all,

Elder Hazen

Weekly Update~ "Families Can Be Together Forever"

Dear Family and Friends,

Guardian Angels

There is not a doubt in my mind that there were two guardian angels helping and inspiring certain people Elder Grant and I taught this week. We had the most success I've ever had in a week on my mission, getting the opportunity to share 30 lessons, and inviting over 10 new individuals to investigate the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Most of all, my testimony of the plan of salvation has increased immensely. But before I talk about that, I'd like to share some neat experiences.

On Friday, President Collings came to do some interviews and reorganize the Branch Presidency in K1. He expressed a desire to spend more time with the missionaries this visit, so he, Elder Grant, and I planned to wake up at 5:30 Saturday morning, pick him and K1 up, and play basketball at the court for an hour. In the afternoon, he called Elder Grant and I up after some interviews and expressed a desire to come work with us all afternoon. We picked him and Sister Collings up and they took us to lunch. After, we went to two new investigator lessons and an interview we were present for. The biggest thing I took away from spending time with President is how in tune with the Spirit he is. It literally radiates from his being and people are certainly attracted to it. He told Elder Grant in his interview that he just loves to minister to people. I saw that in action and it was a beautiful thing to see true charity in action as he talked to people and complimented them, and showed love. Saturday was one of the best days of my mission.

 About two and a half weeks ago, Evangele gave us referrals to one of his friends. We taught them the Restoration and had a few solid discussions, but mostly put Evangele in charge of teaching and reviewing with them to make sure they understood the lessons completely. Last Sunday, Sam, one of their friends came to church after being invited by Job and Eric. We taught him the restoration during second hour and enjoyed church so much. He told us that he's attended many churches, but this was the first time he has felt peace in his heart attending church. The next day at Family Home Evening, Sam brought his friend Ismael and it just so happened that we were watching Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. They enjoyed it so much, and Ismael invited us to come to his home so he could introduce us to his family. The next day, Tuesday morning, we began by sharing a lesson with Job and Eric. From there, Evangele and Job came with us to share with Sam. After finishing with them, we all moved to Ismael's home where we were able to introduce ourselves to his siblings. There is so much to be said about this group of young men and I'm excited to see what the future has in store for them because all of them are looking to be baptized the same day.

After sharing the Plan of Salvation with them on Thursday morning, Elder Grant and I were heading to lunch when I got a call from President Collings. Elder Grant answered the phone and talked to him for a few minutes when he told me to pull the car over and that President wanted to talk to me. He told me, "Elder Hazen, I just received an email from your parents, and I'm sorry to say that your Grandmother from your Mother's side passed away yesterday." I was in shock, as I thought back to a conversation with my father in which he told me she would probably be around when I got home from my mission even though she has been facing some health challenges this past week. President gave me permission to call home in the evening and I took the opportunity. 

As a missionary, I teach the Plan of Salvation nearly every day. I have learned of it's truth more fully since I've been serving as a full time missionary. On Friday morning, I wrote down my testimony of it during my personal study and I'd like to share what I wrote~

I know that the Plan of Happiness was divinely created by a loving Father in Heaven who is mindful of our needs. I know that we were together before this world was, and I know that we came to Earth to follow God's plan so we might become like him and enjoy the blessings he enjoys. I know that we were carefully placed in families where we could progress and succeed, and though this life on Earth does not continue, the relationships we build with the people we love continue on into the eternities. Death is part of God's plan that separates us only temporarily. I know that the Spirit World is where our spirits go after they separate with our bodies and it is a place of waiting for the resurrection and missionary work is being performed there. This is where all of our deceased loved ones are, either teaching or learning the gospel of Jesus Christ. I testify without a doubt that this is where Grandma and Grandpa Melendez are, wearing a name tag painted on their hearts reading "Elder and Sister Melendez". They are doing exactly what I am doing right now here in Rwanda and to be part of the same missionary force is humbling and comforting. I know we will all be resurrected regardless of how we lived on Earth because the Savior is champion over the grave and loosed the bands of death. I know our bodies will be perfect, free from any flaw, sickness, disease, or infirmity, just as our Heavenly Fathers' or Jesus Christs'. I know that if we prove faithful and live the gospel of Jesus Christ by living all the associated covenants by enduring to the end, we will be cleansed through the atonement of Jesus Christ. We will be granted a place in the Celestial Kingdom, where God and Jesus Christ live, a place where we can live forever on into the eternities with a complete fullness of happiness with our families. I know this is possible through the Priesthood, the sealing power of God which binds on Earth as well as in heaven. I know the temple, the House of the Lord, is the only place where these ordinances can be performed. I testify this same priesthood was restored to the earth in 1829 to the prophet Joseph Smith and that this church is the ONLY church to claim hold on the blessings through this perfect plan. I testify of a living, loving, Father in Heaven who gave his only begotten son to make this plan possible. I know that he is the Savior and Redeemer of the world and that he lives. I know these things and I believe them. I am grateful for the life Grandma Melendez lived more than words can express and I can't wait to see her again. She held a special place in everyone's heart who knew her as a Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, or endearingly as "Tiny Grandma". I know that families can be together forever. 

RJ and Tiny Grandma

Love, 

Elder Hazen