Let's disinfect our behaviors!

October 19, 2020

Hello everyone!  

 

First and foremost I have a new companion! Elder Newman - he is awesome! And not gonna lie, I'm a little scared running the area because that’s what I have to do because I have been in the area longer and know it better.  It's going ok though; I'm surviving! 

Yeah, so it's a lot of introductions with Elder Newman and the ward members.  

 

Also side note, missionaries can't get political, and this is not to sound political. I think Covid is terrible. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with how it’s being handled, but I just think it’s terrible. The book of Psalms says the following: Psalms 139: 22 – “I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.” I hate Covid with a "perfect hatred", I truly do. I can't wait for the day I can burn my masks!!! I pray for those who have lost love ones and those how are at the front lines fighting this virus.  

 

Teaching update: Dan is off date for the 31st. He will probably be baptized sometime in November. He's working on some stuff, but he's doing great. Mike is moving along on a slow path of conversion, and we did service at his house this week like we do every week. Jordan and Malachi are not getting back to us, but we have two referrals line up! So that's exciting!  

 

Well, here’s a spiritual thought because Psalms 139: 22 probably isn't super uplifting. Sticking with the theme of Covid, let's talk about hand sanitizer. In 3 Nephi 11: 29, Christ says, "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.”  So as our society is disinfecting every germ, we should also not be spreading hate or contention. We need to sanitize and disinfect our words - especially on social media. I am guilty of this before my mission for sure. When we reactively post things that are controversial on sensitive matters, it will cause contention. President Nelson has asked us to gather Israel, and when we cause any contention, we are scattering Israel.  

 

I invite everyone (including myself after my mission) to only post uplifting things that provide hope and are filled with love. We need to love mercy. As you love mercy and not participate in anything that creates contention, I promise that you will become more like the savior Jesus Christ.  

 

Love you all!  

 

Elder Hedrick 

Transfers!!

 

Your friend Elder Hedrick is.......... staying!!! I'll be in Manhattan for at least another six weeks! My companion will be leaving sadly. My district is being shook up. I have a friend in my district who is going to become a sister training leader and she is will do great! It is crazy that I have been here for 3 months already. I love Manhattan!! 

 

Update on our teaching pool: OUR FRIEND DAN IS ON DATE FOR BAPTISM!!! So he is going to be baptized on the 31st of October! I'm so excited for him! Our friend Malachi is hit or miss, and we will have to pass him off eventually because he's not in our area. Mike...well he's Mike stubborn and Catholic, but I love him. He is a great guy. Also, Jordan is doing well as he's getting his PHD at K State. He is super busy.  

 

This week we have done a lot of Facebook finding and service like yard work. We also have helped at a food bank. It's so much fun!  The people are great there!  

 

Well, everyone please read a conference talk that stood out to you this week. Don't just listen or watch.  Print it out or read it on your phone.  Ponder it in your heart and apply it to your life. Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and take action. I promise as you do this, you will become more like Him. To quote Elder Renlund "Don't you love it?" Don't you love becoming more like the Savior?  

 

Love you all! 

 

Elder Hedrick 

Words of a Prophet

Hello everyone! 

Conference weekend!! Loved it so so much! Elder Holland’s talk hit home for me! So did President Nelson's! It was fun watching with other missionaries. The first session we watched with our friend Mike outside of his house. 

Transfers are coming up, and I hope that I stay here in the little apple of Manhattan. I love it here! My district is amazing. Our teaching pool is growing now! We are moving, and I don't want to leave. 

Well, here’s my spiritual thought. Read "Remember Lot's Wife" by Elder Holland in his BYU devotional. It is amazing about not looking back at your painful past. 

Love you all, 

Elder Hedrick

Teaching More

September 28, 2020

Hello everyone!  

 

Another week flew by my eyes. This week was good but then took a sharp turn down stressful alley. So we had Zone Conference, and it was good and super motivating. Then my companion had a District Leader training in Wichita, so I was in Manhattan working the area with another Elder, and that was so stressful.  Yeah, this week has just been crazy, and then I hit a mental wall. But I'll keep going - just a tough past couple of days.  

 

Our teaching pool has grown so much! Our friend Dan is close to baptism although he's not on date quite yet. But he's getting there. We also found a guy named Malachi who is going through a lot right now and is looking for God. And Mike is still Mike - Catholic and very intellectual. Please pray for them all.  

 

I love and miss you all. Here’s my spiritual thought. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41: 10.  Trust in God! Enjoy Conference!  

 

Love you all,  

 

Elder Hedrick