Sunday, October 28, 2012

A Week of Service


You gotta love those weeks when everybody you've scheduled doesn't show up, all the kids are testing in school, and your only instict is to find a comfortable gutter nearby, nestle yourself therein, and sleep.
 
But you know what we did? Not that! We spent a few hours on the street nearly every day and picked up trash. My senior companion decided that this week it was the best thing for us to find opportunities to serve people. Chinese people don't like to depend on other people; after we found one man willing to let us carry a few heavy things for him to a dumpster, Elder Farnsworth reported to me that this was the first time anybody had ever let him serve them his entire mission. There is a lot of anti-mormon churches up here in the New T's, and we figured that the best way to improve our image and soften hearts was a little extra effort in voluntary service.
I know that what the prophets and apostles have been telling us about service is true. Something I've prayed often about lately is how I can better show God that I love Him, and how I can really develop the Christlike attribute of charity. I recite 1 Corinthians 13 to my companion every day. I always start out making him worry that I have something important to say, and then begin my refined presentation of "Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels..." He'll miss it one day. There is a very recognizable difference in the way I feel after I've done something good for another person, no matter how simple it is. This transfer will end this week, and there have been lots of growing moments for me on several levels -- from my companion, to members, to investigators, to building the new area. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that I of myself really am nothing. My opinions, my abilities to speak the language, my desires, my way of doing things, they're all about as powerful to make a difference as a feather can withstand the wind.
It is necessary to serve others to the greatest extent that we are able, because it is the only way that we can really learn who our Savior really is. I know that as far our numbers this week are concerned, well, they tanked. But my love has increased, my faith has strengthened, and a more refined definition of "the pure love of Christ" has been engraven upon my heart by the angelic scribes that surround us daily. There really is a gift and and ounce of growth in every day. I know God is with us, and I know that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of our God. I promise that if you find even the simplest opportunity to serve, help, or uplift somebody every day, you will better understand and more greatly appreciate the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, and you will become more aware of His presence in your life.
I know that this is God's work. This is His restored Gospel. We are here to learn to love.
Love,
Elder Hazen

Monday, October 22, 2012

Thinking Is Praying


Well how about it.
 
This week has been gold. It's the kind that every missionary loves -- General Conference (who knew that what was once a cherished nap time now gets me on the edge of my seat), the majority of all our contacts actually following through with us, 5 new investigators, miracles in street finding, and way too much curry. Mom, that wasn't an invitation for another package of probiotics. Love you.
 
Happy birthday to you again, Trevor. Shin splints, eh? Those are my favorite birthday presents. Have you gotten your package?
 
General Conference slammed me. I felt like Elder Holland was looking straight at me with that age-old penetrating question, "Do you love me?" I cannot accurately describe the feeling it was from the perspective of a missionary to really dig down into my soul and ask, "Do I do what I do because I love God or do I do it simply because I expect to get something out of it for myself?" Without going into too much detail on the situations I've faced recently and the burdens that I carry within myself, it suffices to say that Christ Himself may as well have been asking me the question directly through the mouth of His servant. It's easy to think sometimes that the question, "How am I supposed to love God?" is a difficult one to answer. I've found that I can't revile against one of God's children, whether in word or in my heart, and then go pray and tell God that I love Him. "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me," (Matthew 25:40). Loving God means you love all of His children, that you see them all for who they can become; and "perfect love casteth out all fear" (Moroni 8:16). I can't tell you how many times I've feared opening my mouth to a stranger because I did not love them.
 
I had the recurring thought through all the speakers that we all need to be more immediate and prompt in exactly obeying the promptings of the Spirit. In order to progress spiritually, we must have a sense of urgency in fulfilling the whispered commands of our Master. We must never forget that the words of the Holy Ghost, those gentle feelings that we must make a better choice, are the "words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3). How many times must the Holy Ghost tell us to do the same thing before we actually do it? When we wonder why our lives aren't moving forward and we're on our knees begging for further direction, do we ever take time to evaluate if we've done the things that God has already inspired us to do? Our prompt obedience to the divinely given feelings in our hearts to do the right thing even if it's inconvenient is the quickest way to invite God's further guidance.
 
As for our area -- there has been a lot of success lately. It seems that even when Elder Farnsworth and I are sitting down to rest or make a call, God finds for us and makes a simple wave at a passerby turn into a message on the Restoration, complete with a closing prayer and a free Book of Mormon, eternal life included. Hung Shui Kiu is a lot different than the Island though -- not nearly as concentrated with people. We've come up with a better way of finding, and I put it to my companion this way: when you play a good old-fashioned game of Hide and Seek, you make yourslef a much more difficult person to find if you're constantly changing hiding spots. Many people are searching for the truth, but know not where to find it. If the truth keeps aimlessly wandering around, prepared people to hear it are going to have a harder time finding it. So in an area with comparitively less people, we need to secure our hiding spots in one area that is the most concentrated and start playing "Hide and Get Sought." It's my favorite game, and we've been finding so many people to teach.
 
I finished the Book of Mormon this week, and I started in the MTC. It was slow, but very satisfying. God confirmed many times throughout the read that the Book was in fact His word and contained His absolute and everlasting truth. I know that it is the word of God, and I know it because my testimony came from Heavenly Father Himself, and not through any clever man or cunning persuasion. I cannot deny that it is of Him. Please read it and ask Him yourself. Ask Him many times, even after you know. God will never stop confirming what is true. His peace be upon you all, now and forever, is my prayer. I love you all, and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Love, Elder Hazen

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Hide and Get Sought. GC Reflections


Well how about it.
 
This week has been gold. It's the kind that every missionary loves -- General Conference (who knew that what was once a cherished nap time now gets me on the edge of my seat), the majority of all our contacts actually following through with us, 5 new investigators, miracles in street finding, and way too much curry. Mom, that wasn't an invitation for another package of probiotics. Love you.
 
Happy birthday to you again, Trevor. Shin splints, eh? Those are my favorite birthday presents. Have you gotten your package?
 
General Conference slammed me. I felt like Elder Holland was looking straight at me with that age-old penetrating question, "Do you love me?" I cannot accurately describe the feeling it was from the perspective of a missionary to really dig down into my soul and ask, "Do I do what I do because I love God or do I do it simply because I expect to get something out of it for myself?" Without going into too much detail on the situations I've faced recently and the burdens that I carry within myself, it suffices to say that Christ Himself may as well have been asking me the question directly through the mouth of His servant. It's easy to think sometimes that the question, "How am I supposed to love God?" is a difficult one to answer. I've found that I can't revile against one of God's children, whether in word or in my heart, and then go pray and tell God that I love Him. "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me," (Matthew 25:40). Loving God means you love all of His children, that you see them all for who they can become; and "perfect love casteth out all fear" (Moroni 8:16). I can't tell you how many times I've feared opening my mouth to a stranger because I did not love them.
 
I had the recurring thought through all the speakers that we all need to be more immediate and prompt in exactly obeying the promptings of the Spirit. In order to progress spiritually, we must have a sense of urgency in fulfilling the whispered commands of our Master. We must never forget that the words of the Holy Ghost, those gentle feelings that we must make a better choice, are the "words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3). How many times must the Holy Ghost tell us to do the same thing before we actually do it? When we wonder why our lives aren't moving forward and we're on our knees begging for further direction, do we ever take time to evaluate if we've done the things that God has already inspired us to do? Our prompt obedience to the divinely given feelings in our hearts to do the right thing even if it's inconvenient is the quickest way to invite God's further guidance.
 
As for our area -- there has been a lot of success lately. It seems that even when Elder Farnsworth and I are sitting down to rest or make a call, God finds for us and makes a simple wave at a passerby turn into a message on the Restoration, complete with a closing prayer and a free Book of Mormon, eternal life included. Hung Shui Kiu is a lot different than the Island though -- not nearly as concentrated with people. We've come up with a better way of finding, and I put it to my companion this way: when you play a good old-fashioned game of Hide and Seek, you make yourslef a much more difficult person to find if you're constantly changing hiding spots. Many people are searching for the truth, but know not where to find it. If the truth keeps aimlessly wandering around, prepared people to hear it are going to have a harder time finding it. So in an area with comparitively less people, we need to secure our hiding spots in one area that is the most concentrated and start playing "Hide and Get Sought." It's my favorite game, and we've been finding so many people to teach.
 
I finished the Book of Mormon this week, and I started in the MTC. It was slow, but very satisfying. God confirmed many times throughout the read that the Book was in fact His word and contained His absolute and everlasting truth. I know that it is the word of God, and I know it because my testimony came from Heavenly Father Himself, and not through any clever man or cunning persuasion. I cannot deny that it is of Him. Please read it and ask Him yourself. Ask Him many times, even after you know. God will never stop confirming what is true. His peace be upon you all, now and forever, is my prayer. I love you all, and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Love, Elder Hazen

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Change. Obedience. Becoming Perfect.


Whoa.
 
First of all, I'd like to make it clear that I have NOT seen Conference yet -- we Asians get it a week later than everybody else. But the Elder in International work took it upon himself to text the whole mission last Sunday and announce the earlier departure permission for prospective missionaries. I was thinking about it over and over, thinking what a change it will bring to missions all over the world. Elder Farnsworth and I have speculated that there will be an immediate initial wave of new missionaries, and then when summertime comes a second and larger wave of new missionaries will enter into their best two years. I can't deny that my first thought when I read the text was "Trevor Hazen." Dude, pick up them trousers and fasten them suspenders, ya'll got some work ahead a ya. Oh, and I'd also like to wish you a happy birthday, which I am completely aware is nigh on the horizon. You may or may not need to expect a package coming your way from the Orient.
 
I've been hit in the face with a lot of changes this past week to be sure. That announcement from the First Presidency only just followed some big changes to our mission under the direction of President Hawks. He is a very, very visionary man. Last friday our whole mission had special Zone Meetings where we discussed new rules and new changes to the China Hong Kong Mission. The week after next, P-days will be on Mondays. All except for the 30minutes of morning exercise, if we must wear other attire other than proselyting clothing, we MUST where jeans. No shorts allowed. We can only go to the Temple every quarter instead of every move. We need to emphasize teaching in people's homes rather than at church. We can no longer congregate into large groups of missionaries unless it is inside a church building. And starting November 1st, regardless of the weather, we have to wear suits everywhere we go until April General Conference. Mom, I think I'm going to be buying a new suit pretty soon.
 
President Hawks is a man who is very quick to observe. He really believes in us and believes that even the small things matter and make a difference. I honor and respect that man and have a lot of faith that he was sent to help this mission in this time to progress and to help Zion be established among the Chinese people. Rules are easy. Yeah, I'm going to sweat a lot more in the coming months and my suit is going to start smelling pretty rancid, but in light of our vision to increase our faith and see miracles begin to happen, even the small things will make a difference. Naaman thought it was nitpicky to wash seven times in the dirtiest river in Israel, but in the end his trust in the Lord and the words of the prophet saw him cleansed of his leprosy. Let's be honest with ourselves, who isn't a leper?
Obedience is a law of independence. When we comply with the rules and the laws which are set for us, we relieve ourselves from constant supervision and are allowed to grow. When we break laws, we're always on the run. Law must exist; without them, God Himself cannot exist (2 Nephi 2:13). Some laws are laws simply because they are true, and God provides law and the requirement of obedience for our own safety and progression.
 
Perfection is not necessarily omniscience. As I've studied Christ's life and His growth from the young Boy in Nazareth to the Man that suffered in Gethsemane, I've come to think perfection must be the ability to observe exactly and completely what is either said or done, understand it, and then apply it. Of course, being mortal and limited in our finite perception, exact observation and application is impossible for us. However, it does not mean that perfection for us can't be practiced and improved upon. We must learn to be quick to observe, to progress, and become like our Savior. Change, if done right, just means we have a clearer path ahead of us. Change is just practicing to be perfect. The First Presidency is changing things to help perfect the Saints and prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior. President Hawks is changing things to help perfect the missionaries in Hong Kong in their pursuits to bring people to Christ. And I, as faithless and weak as I feel so often, am doing all that I can to remain exactly obedient to fulfil Christ's command to become perfect, even as He and the Father are perfect. In this life, I will never fully achieve, but I treasure the eternal life that awaits us all, His willing servants.
 
There is nothing we cannot do, if we are just faithful enough to be obedient to the Lord. If we are faithful enough to do the hard things, and to change, the blessings will come. I have been reduced to tears several times as I've tried to summon this kind of faith; it's hard, and I'm weak. I love this work, because it is true. Whatever it is that you need to change, even if you aren't sure why you are doing it or even the seemingly foolish things you feel you have to do in order to change, trust in the promise that Christ will lift you up at the last day, even as He was lifted up that we all might have eternal life.
 
I know that Christ lives. I know that God is our Father. I know that quick observance and willingness to change and remain exactly obedient to the Lawgiver will bring us more happiness and peace than we can ever bring to ourselves. I pray that everyone can open their hearts to this infinite truth, and come unto their Savior. He loves us all and beckons us all the day long. I know it.
 
All my love,
Elder Hazen

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Establishing Zion


Mom, Family, Friends
 
Dad. Some Chinese guy told me he thought you looked like Steve Jobs. Don't worry, I look like Jim Carrey, Zach is the most handsome of us all, and a few weeks ago some investigator told me that the only difference between me in my family picture from 2010 and now is that I have more wrinkles. Thought you'd all like to be updated on our aesthetic improvements and celebrity comparisons.
 
Wow. I'm really sorry. Looks like last week my email never went through because I had attached too many things. I just spent over half my email time trying to attach pictures and stuff and it kept rejecting me. It's extremely frustrating -- I hope my recordings (both of my testifying and teaching in Cantonese and of the song Come Thou Fount) and at least SOME pictures went through.
 
We've been working hard in Hung Shui Kiu. Finding people on the street here is really difficult because compared to Aberdeen there just aren't nearly as many people, and tracting isn't of much use because Hong Kong is really good at gating up their houses and estates. However, I did have my first whirl at knocking doors in Hong Kong a few days ago. Some of these places are really creepy. Sometimes you look in the window of a house and it's pitch black except for these dark red light bulbs lighting up pictures of their ancestors. I'm not going to pretend like I didn't feel fear. Knocking doors out here isn't very welcoming.
 
Elder Farnsworth and I are really focused on the members in our area. We've been constantly visiting them and sharing messages with them and strengthening them as the new ward begins to open. We have been getting really excited lately as we've spent extra time formulating a plan for the new ward. We've been praying and seeking a lot of inspiration, and we've felt that the Spirit has really been working in us and helping us find direction in the new area.
Here's the plan that we are preparing to present to the new ward: Once a week the missionaries visit every willing family in the ward for 20-30 minutes to teach them the principles in Preach My Gospel. That's it. We're preparing to leave with them a promise that if we can unite as "one heart and one mind", missionaries and members, they will witness many of their friends and family enter the waters of baptism. And we're going to have the members baptize them. Something Elder Farnsworth told me I thought was incredibly profound -- he said that when he went into the MTC he made a goal never to enter the waters, but to always have the members do it. He's failed twice, he says. But the point is very clear -- we're all in this together.
 
So that's it. Elder Farnsworth and I have a very big vision for the establishment of Zion in Hung Shui Kiu. We're not just out here to find people on the street, bring them in and baptize them. We can't overlook the responsibility we have to the members -- to help perfect the Saints and to unify them in this glorious work. When this is accomplished, the collective effort of both the members and the missionaries will bring way more people to the waters of baptism than a group of kids in suits and dresses running around in a foreign country. Of course, that isn't said to degrade our calling. As much power and authority we are endowned with to preach the glad tidings of our Savior, we can't and shouldn't do it on our own. A vital part of our calling is to do all that we can to unite with the members. We missionaries shouldn't be afraid to pull straigt zeroes in our Key Indicators for a few weeks if that's what it takes to focus on unifying, exciting, and blessing the members in our area. The Spirit has confirmed this truth in my heart over and over this week. Zion can be everywhere.
 
I know that you all have General Conference this week -- I don't get it until next week. I invite all of you to pray and to ponder what message is being prepared for you. I know that the Prophet and the Apostles pray daily for you and for what message this world needs right now in October of 2012. I know that they are prophets, seers, and revelators. I know that their words will be evidence of the restored Gospel, of the living Christ, and of our Father in Heaven. They are prepared for you, are you prepared for them? Think of any question you want God to answer that you need in your life, pray about it, and seek it this conference. If you do so, I promise that through the words of one of God's servants, you will receive your answer.
 
I know it's all true.
 
Love, Elder Hazen