Also, A Recent Letter/Update

So this is just a snip-it of one of his recent emails, hope you enjoy!

Its humbling to me; so my area that I'm in right now is the... Ghetto (luckily, they don't have guns here)! Most to all of the people we teach are living in poverty. Many families have 10+ people living in a one story house with four bedrooms and one bath... Or less. Many couples live in someone's garage, with a bathroom added to it. We teach people, they progress in the Gospel, then life strikes and they are kicked out of their homes and they disappear the next day. As I serve these people, I recall Jesus walking amongst the poor, meek, and humble, seeing their struggles to just survive. But He then stepped in, not to save them from their temporal situation, not to rescue them from their mortal sufferings, but He gave them the opportunity to receive everlasting joy beyond what this life can offer, for this life is but a moment, and their sufferings were for their benefit and gain. I do not have the capacity to fix all the earthly problems which these people face, but I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to share this everlasting joy which Jesus Christ Himself is able to give freely, if they will follow Him. Many state that they are fine with their religion, or they enjoy boozing their life away, and have no need for religion.

Haha, funny story! So, Heavenly Father has his own plan for us. He will place us where we are needed the most... Well, as Elder Keyes and I rode to visit a family (we deemed them the Cheetah Girl family... for they have daughters that are at that age where cheetah patterned clothing is awesome, and make-up is caked on), and on the way to this family, we saw a girl outside her house. We talk to everyone we see, so we bike up with smiles on our faces and asked "hello! How are you today!" She said "not so good, I'm locked outside my house, and I need to get inside to get my keys so I can visit my father in the Hospital." This was definitely a delema. Well, my companion replied, "I'm from Africa, I know how to break into houses! Hmm... My companion here can probably fit through that window over there!" She was a little shocked, having that questioning face like most people do when something out of the norm is said... But she accepted the offer! So, I was lifted up to this window that was pretty high up and I slid right through the window, right onto a couch! And I opened the door for this lady. Hahahaha! She went into her house and came right back out with some keys and she said, "So, is there anything that I can do for you missionaries?" We replied that we were fine, but wondered if she would be open to sitting down with us to hear about how God has called another prophet today. She stood back and gave it some thought and came back with, "you know... I'm of a different faith, but I know some mormons... You know what, sure, why not. I've always turned away the missionaries, but since my dad was diagnosed with cancer... I think you guys coming around could be God calling out to me... by having you guys break into my house!" Hahaha, Heavenly Father reaches out to His children in countless ways, and this girl needed it in this way at this time... Who knew sharing the Gospel would include breaking into houses! (Also, I've had the opportunity to break into every single flat I've visited, that house, and a few chapels... Haha, I know I looked like the most dodgey missionary, but I know that it was done out of righteousness)!

Baba Kake

A few weeks ago, Elder Hoffman and his new companion, Elder Keyes, were able to baptize this young lady and bring her into the church. Her name is Baba Kake, and her brother is a member of the church and serving a mission on the southern island of New Zealand right now. Before he went on his mission she was never really interested, but since he left she has had her heart softened, and has been able to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Elder Hoffman called her "golden" because she truly does love the gospel, and nothing was going to stop her from being a part of it. She did a complete 180 in her life, and is now reaping the rewards. When Elder Hoffman first knocked on her door, her mother answered and said they didn't need any missionaries, but then Baba came up behind her and told them that she would like to talk to them. Her mother tried to stop her and tell Elder Hoffman and his companion that she was being crazy, but she just told them to come by tomorrow and talk to her. They did, and her conversion process was swift, and powerful. She is now a shining example to her family and all those she meets. Because she made this decision her posterity will also be able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel. I hope we can also learn from Baba's example, and not let anything get in the way of doing what the Lord wants us to.

Just another story from New Zealand. Hope you enjoy. Elder Hoffman has had many baptisms, but this one has been quite the experience and he always writes about it, so now you get to hear abou it too. He's continuing to do the Lord's work, and becoming the best missionary he can. Like any other missionary, he has tough times, like when it down pour rains out of no where, but he keeps his chin up and always has a smile on his face. He is one strong and diligent missionary, and is continuing to save souls out in New Zealand.

The Beutiful Land of New Zealand

Transfers= New Companion

So last week was transfers week, and Elder Hoffman and Elder Jensen weren't suppose to be split up, but Elder Jensen got called to be a zone leader, so Elder Hoffman now has a new companion. His name is Elder Keyes, and he is from South Africa. He's still in Manarewe, he just has gotten the privilage of having a new companion. He's been told that Elder Keyes is the best, so very high hopes that they can get along and be good friends.
The work is still going great, and Elder Hoffman has so many opportunities to have investigators baptized and bring them into the church. He's being such a great missionary and really he's loving the work he's doing out there in New Zealand. Just another update, hope you enjoy.