Email received 09/23/13

Hi Mom,

This week was such a great week.  We have been working so hard here.  The ward is still struggling a bit but we are super happy with the work that we are doing.  The Lord has blessed so much this week.  We feel so blessed.

Last week while we were waiting for the interviews with President Whitehead we were talking with the Assistants and they said something that impacted us all.  They said that the Mission Mexico City West is what the Area 70 Elder Johnson says the "Flag Ship" of Mexico.  We were talking about what a flagship is and they told us that In an Armada there is always a Ship at the Front leading the Armada.  It was so amazing to hear this because this is a mission that is so obedient and diligent.  What a blessing that I have received to be a missionary in this mission.  It is so wonderful to be part of this mission. 

But one of the things they said is that Mexico is one of the Pillars of the Church but also has so many inactive members.  Especially this Mission.  Alone our ward has 850 members.  700 of those members are inactive.  They said that saving these inactive members is just as important as baptizing new ones.  The importance of the Work of Salvacion is SAVEING the members.  Saving Gods Children.  The work of the Lord is quickening.  The world is getting worse and worse every day.  The Lord is pushing his work to go faster and faster.  We are in the middle of a time so important.  We need to take a minuet and realize the things that are going on.  Since October General Conference Last year when the Prophet announced the drop of ages of eligible missionaries the work of the Lord has seen so many drastic changes.  The Lord is depending on his children that HAVE the blessing of the Gospel to help his other children who do not have these blessings.  It is such a radical change but a prophecy that is being fulfilled in this very moment.  The work of the Lord will never come to a stop.  But really the time is coming for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to come.  The time Is know that We must do all we can to prepare ourselves and his children for His glorious Arrival.  

I talked in church yesterday.  I talked about testimonies.  I realized too much while I was writing this talk.  We all have testimonies.  Whether it is great or small.  But it is our responsibility to grow and to nourish our testimonies.  By the small things...  The small things are the most important.  Prayer, studying the scriptures, repenting and going to church to take the Sacrament.  These are things that are so small but they are things that are so essential.  Doing these things here in my mission has helped my testimony grow so much.  

I know that the church I true.  I have no doubt.  Like we say to all of our investigators, if you want to know, kneel down and ask your Heavenly Father if these things are true, if the Church is true.  I know that you will receive an answer.  He is there.  He loves us.  And so he will answer, through the Holy Ghost.

I love you all.  Have a great week.

Always and forever,

Elder Hancock