Elder Talon Hicken: The Missionary: April 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Hola de la ultima cuenta regresiva

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

It seems like our whole zone is sick! But I think it´s our fault: we went to la parque de las aguas late at night as a zone last wednesday. [From my research online, it's an amazing park with lots of incredible playable fountains...here's a youtube video to give you an idea].

Although we didn´t get wet, it was pretty cold for a long while and most of the latin missionaries aren´t used to such immunity stress. Did you go there when you were here?

[From Brent:] Yes, we loved it. We didn’t get wet either as it was pretty chilly. We only had a couple of hours, but we stayed at Hotel Anthony’s which is right across the street on the back side of it. We didn’t make it to the far side of the park, but we have some great video and had a lot of fun.

We´re excited to teach the zone this week! I really feel like I have recieved revelation in order to help us along!

No me queda mas tiempo que para testificar que Dios vive! Su hijo tambien! Su espiritu lo testifica, y yo tambien!

Amo la obra!

[I don't have much more time to testify that God lives! As does His Son. His spirit testifies of this, as do I! I love this work!]

Thank you for your faith!

Love, Elder Hicken

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Testimonio

Surprise! I`m writing on wednesday! I just want to share my testimony from this past week!

Se que el verdadero progreso puede requerir dejar atrás cosas, personas, o costumbres que mucho amamos pero al someternos a la voluntad del señor recibiremos bendiciones mas grandes. Sè que el adquirir atributos cristianos requiere uso dedicado de la expiación. Tal arrepentimiento conlleva un cambio de corazón que nos lleva a hacer lo bueno según el ejemplo del maestro. Se que no hay mayor ventaja que la comprensión de los primero principios y ordenanzas del evangelio. Sè que los hábitos no nos brinda salvación. ¨Velad, pues, para que esteìs apercibidos¨somos agentes y tenemos que actuar. Sè que debemos hablar con todos pedir referencias a todos invitar a todos amar a todos y adì seremos llenos, TODOS, con el espíritu de la obra! Sè ahora cuan esencial es el deseo como el primer paso del proceso de Fe. El deseo nos distingue en que nivel espiritual estamos y que grado de bendiciones recibiremos. Se que al ser apartados como representantes del Señor Jesucristo tenemos un gran llamamiento y un poder que se puede magnificar a dios se deleita en hacer grande a sus siervos. Se que la humildad es como una valva de poder espiritual que cumple la promesa en DyC 121:45-46. Sè que Dios nos ama muchísimos pero me es increíble que está dispuesto a darnos cualquier cosa que sea para nuestro beneficio si se lo pedimos. Sè que por medio de preparación podemos satisfacer nuestra acción y junto con la oración consagrarlo para nuestro bien. Sè que dios tiene muchas bendiciones disponibles para nosotros y solo se depende en nuestra iniciativa en pedírselas. Pedid y recibirás. Pedid con todo vuestros corazones que les de la caridad! A el que la posea en el postrer día, le irá bien!

Les amo mucho! Sed fieles!

[I know that true progress may require leaving behind certain things, people, or customs that we really love, but by submitting to the will of the Lord we will receive greater blessings. I know acquiring Christlike attributes requires dedicated use of the atonement. Such repentance involves a change of heart that leads us to good according to the Master's example. I know that there is no better way than through the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. I know that habits do not bring us salvation. "Watch, therefore, and be ready". We are watchmen, and we must act. (see watchmen) I know that we should talk with everyone, ask for referrals from everyone, invite everyone, love everyone, and by so doing we will all be filled with the spirit of this work! I now know how essential it is that the first step is Faith. This desire to have faith distinguishes what level we are spiritually and to what degree of blessings we will receive. I know that by being set apart as representatives of Jesus Christ we have a great calling and power that can magnify and glorify God. He delights in showing His power through his servants. I know that humility is like a shell of power that fulfills the promise in D&C 121:45-46

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

I know that God loves us very much, but it amazes me that He is willing to give us whatever we need for our benefit if we but ask. I know that through preparation and prayer, we can consecrate our actions for our good. I know God has many blessings in store for us that are only made dependent upon our own initiative to ask for them. Ask and ye shall receive. Pray with all your hearts to that He will give you charity! ...and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. (Moroni 7:47)

I love you all so much! Remain Faithful!]

Monday, April 14, 2014

Hola

This week has been a great week, for Elder Castro and I personally as well as the Maranga Zone. As a zone, we improved in every key indicator, except for less actives activated. That is our ´humble point´. We´ve got to get going with the informes de miembros nuevos y reactivados so that the less actives start to progress. We´re working with the stake on the 15 names in ward council, but it´s a slow ´repentance process´.

This week we had two intercambios [exchanges], one with the assistants, and one with Elder Mallea. Elder Mallea is a great missionary. While we worked together in his sector, Elder Coloma and Elder Castro worked miracles in our own sector:

Rodrigo was baptized yesterday! Along with Rosa, the mother of a recent convert who has waited SO MANY YEARS to be baptized. Half her family are members for 20 or 30 years...but she is loving having the spirit with her always! She is so happy!

Rodrigo is super excited to share the gospel with everybody and their dog, and is seriously thinking about going to serve a mission. What an amazing experince to be trusted with someone so important and prepared like Rodrigo. He has shared with his friend, Martin, who, in turn, recieved a miracle answer where he heard a voice confirm that what we are teaching him is the truth. He is preparing for baptism on May 3rd.

I´m learning at 100mph!

Testifico que el Libro de Mormon es la palabra del Señor, la qual lleva un poder inspirador que elimina la tentacion y supera el pesar. Sé que nuestros caminos son preparados según nuestros deseos, y que el espiritu mora en un otro nivel de pensar (Isaias 55:7.8) lo cual podemos alcanzar por medio de la oracion y el ayuno. Testifico de la importancia del dia de reposo, y de los attributos de Cristo.

[I testify that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, which brings inspired power to remove temptation and overcome grief. I know that our life paths are prepared according to our desires, and that the spirit dwells in another level of thinking which can be reached through prayer and fasting. (Isaiah 55:7-8 for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord...). I testify of the importance of the Sabbath day, and the the attributes of Christ.]

I love the work! It´s physically exhausting and spiritually vivifying! Keep the faith!

Love, Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Hola de la Conferencia (General Conference!)

send me your favorite scriptures!

Happy Birthday Tauna and Grandma! Here is a picture of us with your cake. Except we ate it. Sorry.

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

We´re excited for interviews this week! I told the asistants that we could use help converting hope into action; into faith.

On that note, I studied this morning to be able to present how I feel with respect to faithful goals. After looking for scriptures and doctrine on the matter, I realized that it is just to big a subject to treat adequately with an hour of study and 15 minutes of lecture. So far, I have found core doctrine in three main chapters, and three important verses:

This upcoming week I plan to study a bit more, and be able to present fully what I have learned in future letters and conversations.

This week I have learned the importance of setting goals so that in the future we can measure our progress. I remember the feelings I felt when Sister Borg explained to us that she can see our progress, even though we can´t see it. It´s like my family: they send me pictures, and everyone seems so much older, though they have no idea. Sometimes we need to look ourselves in the mirror spiritually, compare ourselves with a snapshot from the past and see just how much we have grown.

Con amor, Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

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Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

--Marianne Williamson

How great is my calling!

I am called of God. My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my master, and He has chosen me to represent Him, to stand in his place, to say and do what He would say and do if He were ministering to those to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my actions are His actions. My words are His words and my doctrine is His doctrine. My commission is to do what He wants done, to say what He wants said, to be a living witness in word and in deed of His great and marvelous latter-day work.

Where to Send the Good Stuff

Inspiring Words from Elder Hicken

Feb 21, 2013: Anyone who can't decide about serving a mission, start studying the Atonement with all of your energy of soul. You will not be able to resist the desire to share the amazing effects of a knowlege of the Atonement. As for everyone who has already been on a full time mission, congratulations, you're now a part time missionary--you're not done sharing. If you lack an intense desire to share the gospel, you'd best start studying the Atonement right along with everyone else. If you don't fit in either of those categories, you should study the Atonement. In summary, STUDY THE ATONEMENT! It is so wonderful, so happy, so inspiring, so spectacularly amazing! I know it is because as I study it every day, as I share it every day, as I pray about it every day, my happiness has grown exponentially, my energy has increased in duration, my attention has been refocused, and my desires are being tuned! If you seek happiness, seek a testimony of the Atonement, and the happiness will come with a flood of our Savior's love.

Feb 21, 2013: Fear to take advantage of the scriptures. Be afraid of falling into the category of people Nephi spoke to in 2 Nephi 32:7! But even more so, fear to hearken unto the evil spirit which teacheth a man not to pray. Which whispers "you're too tired", "try it first and then pray", "see if you can do it on your own". If you're ever thinking of praying, you should be praying. Ye must pray always! (verse 9) The ability to do things without prayer is a vice, and a weakness. It is harder to rely on the spirit, than to do it yourself.

May 21, 2013: I only want to share a thought that I had during our Stake Conference this last Sunday. We were singing “Praise To The Man” and a thought came to my mind forcefully, that what I am sharing and preaching each day is true. I know without fail, with every fiber of my body and I cannot doubt, because of this I am made. This is the true gospel, and there is no other way, path or salvation. The happiness that I feel grows each day, and my experiences are helping me in each moment. I am extremely grateful for the gifts of knowledge that the Spirit gives me, and I hope with all my heart that you are feeling a new desire to study, search, and pray with more effort often and regularly. There is no other way.

July 1, 2013: I know that God loves me, that He knows me, such that He puts details in my day that He knows only I would recognize. I know that God listens to my thoughts as well as my prayers, and that He is helping me develop a will similar to His. We please God when we help His children come closer to Jesus Christ, but our most important conversion is ourselves. God takes care of me every day, in a way I cannot understand. I know that Jesus Christ thought of my name, our friendship, when He was praying in theGarden of Gethsemane, and that I have his strength as a support when mine is weak. I love my Savior. I love my God. I have His love for you and I want to help you just like my neighbors here to know Christ. Believe in God; believe that He exists, believe that He has all wisdom and all power, believe that man does not understand everything that the Lord can understand. Know that I believe it, I know it, and I want to live it.

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October 14, 2013: Look for the time each day the Lord gives you to rest, and use it. It´s a gift from God, and he gives it to you because he knows you need it, not because he knows you have something else to get done. Read the scriptures for fun sometimes. Forget about any goal or need you have, and just open somewhere and read. The Lord has control, but only if you let him. Sometimes we want to do so much good, that we don´t let our Savior do anything--sometimes we want to help our investigators so much, that we don't let our companions do anything. But not in either situation does it turn out for our good.

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Dec 23, 2013: The work of the Lord is progressing at an incredible rate. The adversary is fighting to keep up. His work is disgusting in every way, and even worse is that he disguises it to not appear that way. In Elder´s Quorum this week, President Jimmy said that everything Satan does is to divide the family, and he works with the weakest member. Don´t be the weakest! Even better, don´t let there be a weakest! When a family is united in persevering to the end, there is no place for Satan! No handhold! But he has many workers in this world, and he will pull at every seam, and tear at every fray. I testify of the importance of gaining a testimony by way of the spirit. The devil reasons with perfect reasoning. There is no outsmarting the devil, but there is overcoming. We overcome the devil by rising above reason and learning to listen and understand the spirit.

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April 7, 2014: This week I have learned the importance of setting goals so that in the future we can measure our progress. I remember the feelings I felt when Sister Borg explained to us that she can see our progress, even though we can´t see it. It´s like my family: they send me pictures, and everyone seems so much older, though they have no idea. Sometimes we need to look ourselves in the mirror spiritually, compare ourselves with a snapshot from the past and see just how much we have grown.

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July 8, 2014: One thing that I¨ve learned to always ask myself is if I am a blessing or a burden. When I call my leaders to ask for help, I ask my self how I can be a blessing for them in this moment. When I call my missionaries to verify their work, I ask myself how I can bless, not burden them. It has been one of the biggest changes in my life, and I believe it all started with something Dad taught me: whenever you go to a meeting or meet with someone important, always make sure that by the time you leave, they are glad that you were there. I always try to make people really, truely glad that I am there to help them, and never feel like life would be easier if I weren´t there to bug them about an assignment, or get after them for not doing something.

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Nov 15, 2014: Many times it hurts to not have materials for those who need. It makes me think of the spiritual application of the same; the feeling of guilt and pain that one encounters when lacking a testimony to share in another´s time of need is a cringing experience. It is not as easy as asking a companion for an extra pamphlet, or looking for the extra you always keep inside the cover of your scriptures. I urge all who are within the reaching of my words to prepare themselves. There is not much time before the Lord will require your testimony. The days are accomplished that the battle front has disappeared. The enemy is within the walls, and we must sleep on our swords. There is no child too young, no soldier too wounded, no scout too lost, and not one too weak to be strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We all need it.