Letter #13- I Will Go And Do!

December 15, 2014

Dear Everyone,

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!

Sister Richins and I went to go see Brother Dannehl! We were talking to him about Priesthood!

I asked him if he gave up on coffee for good, he said, "Well, I don't know if it will last forever. . ."

Sister Richins and I were able to testify how coffee is not in the Celestial Kingdom and that family is what really last forever. He listens and we asked him questions. THE SPIRIT WAS THERE!

By the way, Brother Dannehl hurt himself when he was hunting! He was riding his quad up a steep hill. Brother Dannehl fell off his quad and it landed right on top of him! Oh my! I just feel so sorry for him! He broke some ribs, and he could hardly move right now. We asked him if he would like a Priesthood blessing. After a few moments of silence, he said, "Nick." Sister Richins asked, "Who's Nick?" "My grandson who will be leaving on a Mission." Sister Richins and I smiled. I know that will be something that will help Brother Dannehl and strengthen his testimony to receive the Priesthood!

I am so grateful for the Priesthood! It has such great power in it! I am grateful for my Father, Brother, and Grandfathers who have blessed me and who are worthy to have the Priesthood!

It's so amazing!

More miracles!

Okay, last week one of the Bishop called me while I was emailing letters. Real quick let me tell you background of this story. There's a member in one of our ward who has a non-member wife and daughter. He brings them to Church and Ward's activity. Bishop called, "Sister Hatch, Troy's wife really wants to take a lesson with you both. She is really interested!" We called Brother Adams (Troy) and we set up an appointment with them. Later that week we taught Terry (the wife) and Mariah (his daughter). The lesson was great! Terry asked a lot of questions! At the end Sister Richins and I invited them both to be baptize. Terry said, "Yes." We extended the invitation and set a date on December 27th, Terry said, "Let's take one day at a time." We talked and testify to Terry a little bit. When we left, we set another appointment with her. Later that week, she was sick, and we didn't get to have the next lesson with her. On Sunday, we talk with Brother Adams. He said, "She smokes. We might have to move her date." We talked with him for a while about Terry. He said she thought the date was too soon. But we are so excited for Terry! She is prepared! She wants to get baptize so badly, and I know she will do everything she can to stop smoking. It's a miracle, because. . .well, pretty much everything is a miracle. I just feel this love for Terry! I know we will help and walk with her every step of the way!

Sister Richins and I have been working so great together! I know we can find success as we listen to the Spirit and have this work of unity and bonds! It happen to be a day when all of our appointments fell through. Sister Richins and I get up and we go and do! We don't just sit around, we feel something, and without doubt we'll do it. And if it doesn't turn out well, so what!? It's better to serve the Lord, than to sit around. Anyway, we went to see the Osuampke. She's a less-active and her husband is not a member. It so happened that we caught them home! She let us in. Normally, her husband isn't home, but so happened that he was! We shared with them a scripture that had to do a little bit with the Restoration. IT WAS A MIRACLE! Later that night, we were knocking on a few doors at an apartment. No one was home. We even tried to talk to people out in the streets. We started walking up to this one lady, immediately she said, "I am not interested." We went up to a couple who were unloading there car. "Hi! Do you need any help?" We asked. The man, "no, we got everything." He started walking away and didn't look back. He then said, "We are visiting our son." Sister Richins and I showed interest and asked them more questions, but they went in their home and shut the door. So, we went to try these less-active.

Jonah, a thirteen years old boy, opened the door. His Mom said, "Come in." We went in and sat on the couch and she talked with us. She was telling us how she fell away from the Church. As we talked with her, we soon found out Jonah was never baptized. He told us he wants to get baptize, but then he said, "But I want all my sins to be all gone before I can get baptize." Sister Richins testified a powerful statement that we can be clean and renew our covenants when we take the Sacrament every week. Jonah smiled and his eyes widen, "I didn't know that!" THE SPIRIT WAS SO STRONG! Then his Mom went off topic and talked about False Doctrines. THE SPIRIT LEFT THE ROOM! Sister Richins and I listened to Katie (the Mom) and then testify to her the truth. She disagreed, but we are not going to give up on her! I know Katie will get there eventually. But it was a miracle, because we were able to see it as a blessing. As Sister Richins and I were being obedient, the Lord always provide a way!

Okay, more miracles. . .

Saturday, we had 10 minutes till 9 p.m. Sister Richins and I realize we haven't invited anyone to be baptize that day. We had just ended Basketball with our investigators that night. Just as we were leaving, the Morgan's were leaving the Church Parking Lot. From the top of her lungs, Sister Richins yelled, "HEY! IF YOU CAME TO KNOW THAT THE GOSPEL IS TRUE, WILL YOU FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST AND BE BAPTIZE, BY SOMEONE HOLDING THE PROPER AUTHORITY OF GOD!?" Lexie replied, "SURE!"

Brothers and Sisters, Boys and Girls! I love being a Missionary! As we strive to follow His will and be obedient, blessings are shown unto us! I am so grateful to serve a Mission in the IDAHO POCATELLO MISSION! I don't like to see that I'm already out here ALMOST 4 months. It goes by too fast. . .but I am enjoying it while I can! I just LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY and SERVING MY HEAVENLY FATHER, and HIS SON JESUS CHRIST! I love my Savior! I think it's so precious to think, that a little baby who was born in a barn and slept in a manger was willing to suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane and die on the cross for all mankind. It's beautiful!

Love you all!

Sister Hatch.

Letter #12- How Firm A Foundation

December 8, 2014

Hello Everyone!

 

I love being a Missionary! I love being in Idaho! I love the people I serve!

 

This week has been amazing! We've seen so many miracles this week!

 

I don't think I've ever told you about Walter! Walter is a nine years old boy who is getting adopted into a family in one of our ward! He is a super smart kid! He tells everyone to, "Be HAPPY!"

That kid, I tell ya, he's ADORABLE! Sister Warren and I have been teaching him, and he just got baptized! We were all so excited and proud of the decision he made! He is so awesome! We are going to be having New Member lessons with our Ward Mission Leader!

 

We had an appointment with an investigator, but they were not home. So, Sister Warren and I went across the Trailor Court, to this lady we once met. Her name is Sarah! We knocked on her door, and Sarah opened the door! She let us in and she told us about her life and family. We asked her if we could come back, she said, "Yes! Come this Friday!" Later that week, my new companion, Sister Richins and I went to her home with Sister Steinlict. Sarah ended up not being home, but we left a sticky note on her door and went to go see Stan. Stan is one of our slowly progressing investigator! We read out of the Book of Mormon with Stan. Then Sister Steinlict jumped in and asked Stan if we could come back. Then she pulled a Book of Mormon out of her jacket and extended it out to Stan. Stan try to refuse it, but Sister Steinlict kept it out towards him! He took the Book of Mormon and looked at it for a while. Then he said, "Come back next week."

 

On Wednesday, I got Sister Richins! I love her! She is so happy all the time!

That day, we asked a member if she would like to come out with us. I don't know why she came to my mind, but I called her. I told her who we were going to see, she exclaimed through the phone, "I know Ben! I know him very well!" So, we picked up the member and went to Ben's house. He had to run some errands, but I asked him question about his relationship with Jesus Christ. He told us his testimony of the Savior, and we told him ours. Then Sister Richins pulled out the Book of Mormon. She explained very briefly what it was. Ben said we could come back next week. It was amazing! The Spirit was there! Oh, I love being a Missionary!

 

Later that night, we went to see Michelle. Michelle let us in her house, when we sat down she straight up told us that she doesn't want to do this. We asked, "Why?" She explained. She said she has been going to Church for her sister's baby blessing. Tears then filled her eyes, "I don't know why I am crying! But this is what happened when you (she pointed at me) were here last time!" We listened to her with love. When we left, I was sad  for her, because I felt great love for Michelle! I knew that God love her, so did I. But I know that Michelle will come around to it someday.

 

We saw the Morgan's family! They're 11 years old, Parker, is so sweet! We read out of the Book of Mormon with him, his brother, Dakota, and their step-sister, Jessica at the doorstep.

At the end, Parker jumped up and down, "I want to say the prayer! I want to say the prayer!"

He really love having us over and he love learning to become more like Christ!

 

Okay, we had an appointment with Tom! He's been going to Church and praying by himself! When Sister Richins and I invited him to be baptized, he said, "When I come to know it was true, yeah, I would get baptized." We extended a baptismal date and he said, "No." But Tom is really nice! He love learning about the Gospel! He said he doesn't want to get baptize until he learn all of the religions in the world. But I know we will crack the code with him!

 

Saturday, we went to Brooke's baptism! She's not one of my investigator. But Sister Warren and I taught her for a few weeks, then we had to give her to the Elders. But I am so proud of her and for the decision she made to follow Christ and walk on Heavenly Father's path!

Later that day, we got a call from an unknown number. I picked up the phone and it was a random lady, named Sarah. She said that she wants us to teach her and her children. I asked her if we could come by next week. We set up an appointment. Then later that night, a member called us and asked if we could teach her friend, who is really interested in the Gospel, at her house next week! Don't tell me those are not miracles! Especially when two random numbers call to ask you to teach them the Gospel!

 

Okay, ready for some more miracles? Saturday, Sister Richins and I were walking in neighborhood, when we came to some Hispanic Family putting up Christmas lights on their house. We asked if they needed help. They said they were already finished, but the Mom, Annabell talked with us for a while. We got to know her and her son, John really well. Annabell was asking us questions about our Mission. We asked her if she had a religion. They're Catholics, but John has been going to mutual and his friend's Mission farewell, etc! Annabell said, "John is most likely a Missionary in our home! He's gone all the time with his white shirt and tie!" We all laughed and asked her if she would be interested into knowing more. She said, "No thank you. But I would love to have you over for dinner! We can make Tamales!" Sister Richins and I love Mexican food! We told her that we would love to have dinner with her family sometime! We gave them a "He Is The Gift" pass along card. Also, we went to a random house. We knocked on the door and a man opened the door. He said, "Hey!" We said, "Hi!" nd introduce ourselves to him. He said, "All of my family are sleeping right now, but if you would like you can come back next week!" What!? Who does that!? It was so amazing!

 

We saw Riley on Saturday too! He is 11 years old and he wants to get baptize so badly! His Dad and step-Mom just won't let him go to Church. But we know we will get Riley there someday! He's reading the Book of Mormon and praying! He said he loves to learn about Jesus Christ. He's so sweet and so smart! He's a great kid!

 

So many miracles on Sunday! We had a couple appointments cancelled on us. So, I told Sister Richins, "Let's go to the Crystals!" Brother Crystal is a less-active, and Sister Crystal got baptized over the summer with her son, Jayden. They are a hunting family! Sister Richins and I walked up to their apartment. Sister Crystal heard us coming upstairs and opened the door immediately. She invited us to come inside. We talked with her and she told us, "Relax. You can be a Missionary in my home. . .but I want you to relax." She said to "make ourself feel like home." We got to know their family a little bit more! When we were leaving, we read out of the Book of Mormon (Moroni 7:41) with them. I asked, "Jayden, why is Christmas so important to you?" He was so ADORABLE! He said, "Because I can get all of the PRESENTS!!!" We laughed with them. Anyway, we told them why we celebrate Christmas and gave them a "He Is The Gift" pass along card. The miracle was that we were able to have a non-member in their home. Sister Crystal's Mom was there, she's a non-member! We met a family at Church who are really interested in the Gospel! It was amazing!

 

Okay, got to go! Love ya'll!

 

Sister Hatch

My new Companion and I!

This is Brooke Sammens! Sister Warren and I were teaching her for a few weeks, then we had to give her to the Elders! She got baptized!

Letter #11- Ironic Black Friday

December 1, 2014

Dear Everyone,

It has been a phenomenal week, but we have been blessed!

On Thanksgiving, our Zone and the Ammon Zone got together to do service in Idaho Falls! It was "Running For The Hungers!" It was so much fun serving people and cheering on the runners as they pass by! It was so much fun! It so happen that I saw a young woman who looked so familiar as she ran right past me! I told my companion, and we went over to see her. It was Anna Jensen! Her and her family were there for Thanksgiving! It was so great to see them, even just for a short moment! :)

Members fed us A LOT! I was so stuffed, but it was fun playing "RoundRobin" with a ping pong set with a family. I realize Thanksgiving isn't the same without your family, but I am so grateful to spend it with those that I still love and care about!

Okay, Friday was a crazy day! It was an ironic Black Firday!

After study, my companion, Sister Warren and I went to make copies of Progress Records. We were car-less, because we were out of miles. So, we walked to the Library and made copies.

We came home for lunch. Sister Warren opened the screen door and started talking to me. She then pushed open the front door and black smoke started pouring out! We couldn't see in the house, it was so dark!

Sister Warren yelled, "RUN!" We started running across the street, I had the phone in my hand, Sister Warren yelled back, "Sister Hatch! Call 9-1-1!" She knocked at the Berg's door as I dialed 9-1-1. Brother Berg went to check the house to see if it was fire. The Emergency number picked up.

Calmly I told them that our house was on fire. She asked for the address. . .it was intense!

As soon as we gave all the information to the Fire Department, we called Sister Martineau (the lady we live with). She was in Idaho Falls and she accidentally left candles on.

Firetruck's sirens was coming closer to where we were, cops showed up, Ambulance. IT WAS INTENSE! Sister Martineau was on her way.

They cleared out the smoke. Firefighter told us, "The smoke choked up the fire. . .the fire didn't have enough oxygen to grow. Mostly it was because no windows or doors were opened."

If Sister Warren and I would have been at home still, we would've been blocked by the smoke and the fire, because we live down in the basement. The candles were by the stairways to the basement. And we would've crawl out a window and wouldn't have thought about closing the window behind us.

Luckily no one was home! It was mostly smoke damage, and we felt so sad for Sister Martineau.

But she had great faith, she was fine with it. THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIKE A FIRE IS BURNING!

Members been helping us a lot! We are so blessed! I am so grateful that no one was home.

So, Sister Warren will be transferred. She's going to Ucon. My new companion name is Sister Richins. I am staying in Shelley and we'll be finding a new place to stay! I am so excited!

I am going to miss Sister Warren. She done great work in Shelley, but I think the Lord is teaching me so much through ALL of these wonderful experiences!

I am so grateful to be here in Shelley, Idaho! I love the people I serve and I am grateful for their service! They are so wonderful!

INVITES:

Read Jacob, Chapter 5.

Compare yourself to the olive-tree. How has the Lord helped you grow? Apply this to yourself!

Go the the Visitor Center or Temple Sessions often/regularly!

Don't forget to pray and read your scriptures!!

LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH!

Sincerely,

Sister Hatch.

Pictures of our House- "BLACK FRIDAY"

 Sister Warren, Sister Kolbo, and I

 Service Project in Idaho Falls! Love these Sisters!