A New Companion, baptisms, and lots of Miracles: Just the Life of a Missionary

Alright, so first off, this is Elder Hoffman's New companion,

Elder Peni ( like penny)

Elder Hoffman is still in Whangarei though.

They have already had a couple baptisms together

This is Jacob Kirby

He is the man, as Elder Hoffman says. 

He first got interested in the gospel when the missionaries came to visit his step mom, who is a less active member. After a few trials and challenges he was finally able to get baptized, and he really loves this gospel. He was even ordained a priest the day after his baptism. Just another miracle.

Then, this last Saturday, they had another baptism,

Wata

At Wata's baptism, Satan was really trying to keep this guy from coming.

They just had a really hard time getting this guy a ride to the chapel.

In the end, the bishop went and got him.

The same thing happened on Sunday though, so the Elders had to go pick him up for church. 

But, a miracle all the same.

Just a wonderful couple of weeks for our Elder Hoffman,

And what an amazing missionary he has become.

Some Photos From Whangarei

This Is Elder Hoffman and his New Companion,

 Elder Mulipola

And this is Elder Hoffman enjoying P-day by playing on a random Rope swing that they found.

This Is him and a couple of the other elders in his area.

And this is a picture of their entire zone.

I hope you enjoyed the new photos!

Another Transfer!

Alright, so last week, Elder Hoffman got transferred to a new area. Here's a snip it of his last email, explaining his new area. Hope you enjoy!

"Yes, I am now in a new area called Whangarei (F-a-n-gar-ray) and I got my new Companion Elder Mulipola!!!! He's the man! He's from Samoa, his english is pretty good, concidering he's only been out for 3 months. We have so much fun together! But he's a really hard worker. I love this Elder! 

Well, there are some amazing people in this place, but first I'll tell you about the Area, my flat, and then the people!

AREA: So, Whangarei is a good little city. Where I'm serving at is Raumanga and a few other part that I don't know the names of... Anyway! Its a good size place filled with prepared people! Still heaps of Maoris, but meeting some islanders here and there... Oh, and white people!

Flat...... Its a desaster that I've had to clean for about 3 hours today, I smell like bleach! But it'll be worth it when I fall asleep in a none flee infested, mold growing, pee smelling flat =)

THE PEOPLE!!!

Ok, it coolest person out here is a guy named Maka. He's a recent convert who is from New way (that's not how you spell the island's name... but oh well)! He's our main man for fellowship and he loves the elders!

Our main investigator is Dos and Tash. Tash is a member and Dos is the soon to be husband. Just like most places I've been in, I need to marry them! But Dos is awesome. They are good couple who come every Sunday and sit near the front. But the thing is, Dos doesn't look like the churchy kind of guy, yet he loves it. Tash reminds me of Ezzy (Lydia's friend), but a bit softer. They are planning on getting married within a month or two... I'm not sure just yet, but they are doing well!

Next is Barbra and her two children. Barbra is a great Maori mum who is young but has been through way too much. She's in a tough situation with her life, but is seeking for something good for her family. She invited us over after some service we did for her. She wants her children to get into something wholesome. She said the other day she's looking for some light in her life... Well, she's found it! We're just trying to help her see it =) Lovely lady though and she loves the missionaries and wants us to stop by whenever we can to just hangout with her kids. Her kids that we are teaching are Chance (11yr old) and Tyreese (9 yr old). She has three other kids and they are funny, but a bit wild when new people come over (like kids are at 1-3yr old).

Well, this is my week! I love my new area and I'm excited to preach this wonderful Gospel to all those around me! I am so grateful for my Savior... I know he's been carrying me for the past few months and I am so grateful. Sometime we must go through the fires to appricate a cool breeze."

A Few Photos from Kaikohe

Leroy's Baptism

Trip to the Hamilton Temple

Changing one of Jeffery's (The car) tires

Alright, Another New companion!

Alright, so this is Elder Lawrie

Dana's 6th Companion

Sorry this is a little late though. Elder Hoffman got his new companion about three weeks ago. (Oops!). So far though, they have been having a lot of success and have been working really well with each other.

So Elder Lawrie just came out of the MTC, so Elder Hoffman gets to train again. He just turned 19 in February, and he's more than ready to share the gospel. He is from Melbourne Australia, so we've got an Aussie preachin among the Kiwis, but he's got some Maori blood in him, so he fits in real well. The one thing Elder Hoffman loves about this guy is that he's ready to work and he is so excited to be out there.

Sorry about being so late on the Update,

But I hope you enjoyed.

Let's keep Elder Hoffman in our prayers and keep encouraging him to work hard.

Thanks Everybody!

Kaikohe

Alright, so here are a few pictures from our Elder Hoffman's new area, Kaikohe.

Here's a picture from one of their recent baptisms. The little girl in white, Heeni McGregor, with her whole family and the Elders. Elder Hoffman is on the left, and his companion, Elder Lamb, is on the right.

Here's a picture from one of Elder Hoffman's adventures on P-day. Him and the other elders in his district found this beautiful waterfall and had fun exploring it.

Here's a picture of Elder Hoffman and all the Kaikohe area missionaries. This was taken after they went hiking through the glow worm caves near the city.

Here's just a picture that Elder Hoffman took to help you guys get a feel for how truly beautiful it is there. No doubt trying to make us feel jealous about how he's serving a mission in the closest place to paradise.

Well, I hope you've all enjoyed. I'll try to update more, soon.

New Area, New Companion, And a Whole New Adventure!!!

So last week, our Elder Hoffman got transferred to a brand new area! He is now the district leader in Kaikohe. Here's a picture of how gorgeous the country side is there. And it is very different from Manurewa, the ghetto of Auckland. It is quiet and absolutely Beautiful!!! but still very full of the work, and full of people who are ready to hear the gospel.

Now, with a new transfer, comes a new companion, Elder Lamb. And, following the trend, he's a very tall red head.

Well, our Elder Hoffman is still loving the work and working hard. Lets keep him in our prayers, and send him letters. He loves them, and he's grateful for everyone back home, giving him support and strength to work harder and do his best to help build up the kingdom.