Email 9/30/13

Dear Family,

Wheew what a week. We have been so busy but I'm not really sure what with :) Our days were full and yet our numbers were low. Missionary work has a lot of ups and downs. This week just happened to be filled with both. 

Wednesday we went to Brooklyn to look up members of the Midwood ward who are less active. This ward has over 700 less actives on their ward list. So, the zone leaders there called in 73 missionaries from 3 different zones and ward members from any ward to help them find those who are lost. In cars, on buses and subways but mostly on foot we ran around with ten names for each companionship trying to find those who are struggling and who needed to be found. Many were not home. Some were very angry, some cried because they thought they had been forgotten. Neighbors and friends were honestly a little weirded out that we were there but, some were interested in a church that would send missionaries and members out to find and help those whom we hadn't seen in a while. Many miracles occurred and the good news is.... we get to go back and do it again! Because not everyone was contacted we need to go back and find them. We have to find those that are lost. It goes along with what was said in the Relief Society General Broadcast on Saturday. If we are keeping our covenants we are looking out for those that are lost. 

I have gained the biggest testimony of visiting and home teaching on my mission. If I had known/understood how important it is... I would have never neglected it. This work (visiting and home teaching) is the single most important thing I think members can do to fulfill their missionary work. Just think if all of those 700 people had one visiting or home teacher who came every month to see how they were doing physically, mentally, and spiritually, someone who would honestly be their friend. I really don't think there would have been 700 names. The work of salvation can not go on if we are not ready to take care of those members who are already in our wards and branches. I am so grateful mom and dad for your amazing example to me of always doing your visiting and home teaching. I realize now just how important it is. As always you are amazing!

Well family, I guess i will leave you. Thank you for your love and prayers?

Love,

The oldest Sister Hamblin