Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 12-2-10, THE LAST EMAIL OF THE MISSION

2010-12-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Family, What's all this last email stuff? It's the end of the transfer (almost), and that's all it feels like... I really can't fathom the thought, even though it's a few days away. Thanks for those lovely reminders that my mission is almost over lol.

This week has been much better. The Lord is watching out for us and as we do our best he is helping. I was worried about finishing strong and so I knew I needed to get away from my area, at least for a day, so I went on exchanges with the zone leaders yesterday and we had a good day. When Elder B. and Elder V. were in my area yesterday, they found a couple new people to teach and set someone for baptism. I know God loves it when we go on exchanges, and he gives special blessings on those days.

Last week Elder V. and I spoke in both of our wards. It was a really good experience and I felt it did a lot for the trust level of the wards we cover. I have a new gratitude for the McMinnville ward and their love for the missionaries. If I am ever a bishop, I will have a note on the pulpit that has the missionaries names and I will have all the new missionaries share their testimony their first sunday. This whole transfer I have worked to build ward relationships one dinner at a time, and to speak in church you build that relationship with the whole ward at once. I love it. I also started with my joke, and this is how it went, "I would like to go ahead and apologize, usually my mom writes my talks but she had to give a talk today too so I had to write my own..." Always gets a good laugh, but after the primary sang "Love is spoken here" I cried and told them you didn't write my talk because you were talking. tender moment that I Wanted to beat those little kids up for, they made me cry in front of the ward.

funny story- Yesterday morning the phone rings and it's sister Christensen wanting to talk to my comp. Elder V., happy birthday! Huh? He asks, "I forgot today is my birthday." Because his watch said Nov 31 and he didn't switch it, he forgot his birthday. I thought it was hysterical! lol

Things are going well here, and we have a good rest of the transfer planned out. I'm looking forward to the rest of the time because every day will have something that will force me to be productive. No better way to finish strong than to have no choice. :)

Thanks for your compliments. I'm still not perfect, and sometimes I wonder if I have accomplished what Heavenly Father needed or wanted me to, and that helped me to feel his approval. Love ya'll.

Russell's Email 11-25-10, titled "Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End"

2010-12-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, do that was the most in email that I have had lately... I'm not really sure where to start for this week.

This week and this transfer continue to be a trial. I'm finding more joy and more satisifaction in the work though. Something I think that needs to change when talking to members is really their racking their minds of who missionaries have previously talked to. We just found this super sweet girl who has taken the lessons before but has had some really bad things happen to her in the past and she just didn't understand the healing power of the atonement, that's all she really needs to understand. I hope we will get to have a lesson with her soon but it took her company and us talking to her for the member to remember that she was taught before... I dunno. fun stuff.

It's been a decent Holliday so far. We managed to secure only one dinner appointment with a ton of other invitations. We will probably make enough stops to secure enough food to last me the rest of my mission lol. That's weird to say.

Things are going well and we have started to exchange with a lot of missionaries when they have teaching appointments to give Elder V. can have teaching opportunites. I think that's the best way and we are trying hard to find in our own area.

Russell's Email 11-18-10

2010-12-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

This week has been pretty good. It's been another trial and more hard work, but I'm just doing my best. That's all I can do, and so I'm working to "cheerfully do all things that lie within my power."

Really not very much has happened. We have been working really hard to try to find and to teach and to bring people to Christ. It's rough when the people aren't receptive, and there's not many people to begin with. One older inactive couple we talked to said, "How'd you find us?" People aren't always here to hear the gospel, but to hide from the Church. When I hear that it makes me sad and I think about President Eyring when he said, "When I get tired, or I think I deserve a break, I think, "Remember him." Jesus didn't take a break, even after he had suffered and then was crucified, he immediately went and set up the work in the spirit world. No breaks till the work is done...

I'm having a good time and enjoying serving. I really want to keep having fun and working hard, despite the success or lack thereof. I'm really trying to do everything that I can to finish strong.

We have zone conference tomorrow with Elder Bowen of the 70. I'm excited for the conference and I look forward to the opportunity to hear from a general authority.

With the last world wide leadership training, there was some changes made in the ward mission program. I guess I could use the balance of my mission to focus on getting the ward mission running up to speed with the new instruction from salt lake. I believe that would be good and help out a lot. Maybe that's my new goal lol

Thanks for ya'lls love and support. It has not been easy these last few weeks and I am just really doing my best but it's been hard. I don't know if I could manage this without your love, support, and prayers. Thanks so much.

Russell's Email 11-11-10

2010-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hola family!

this week has been good. We had a mission wide fast for baptisms and president asked us to all make a sacrifice for the blessings needed to get those baptisms.

The area is looking better. We are having some success, but working with members can be a slow process. They have lives, and often missionary work is pushed to the side with the other challenges that come daily. I have realized missionary opportunities are everywhere, we just have to be alert "because many people yearn for the truth." haha, if the missionaries give you a challenge, I challenge you to do it the next day.

We have found a few more people to teach and things are going well. I was having about 15-20 LTM's in my last area. This transfer we had 2, then four, and right now we have 3 with two planned for tonight. It's a change of pace in Mesquite, but the gospel goes forth anyway.

I am grateful for this experience. From it I have learned the necessity of support and love and prayer, all over again. What scares me is the stake president came to a lesson with us and he told us our missions were "boot camp" for the future. I will be happy being a young men's leader or in the scouting program, or even being a greeter (I actually really like doing that!)

Thanks for the love and support from home. It makes a great difference and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve a mission. I love you lots and I hope you have great weeks!

Russ

Russell's Email 11-4-10

2010-11-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

this week has been good, but still a very big learning experience. Trying to figure out my area has really ended up being a challenge. I feel like I am serving in the NV/AZ equivalent to Spencer or Altamont covering the area of Warren County (or at least that's how it feels.)

It's been a good week so far with lots of opportunities to learn and grow. I've never had a problem working hard, or smart, but there seems to need a new level of dedication and working smart that I haven't before known. It's been a challenge to visit everyone possible and to find people to teach.

Things in the area are going pretty well. We are working a lot with the members and I feel like we have a lot of work just hanging out a week in the future. By next week we could have several investigators who could quickly start progressing, but it's hard because it's just in the future. The other side of Sunday could yield a lot of fruit, but we have to be patient. Actually, I studied about patience this week, and guess what? I didn't like what I learned because now I have to be more and more patient. I guess that's a trial of mortality.

We have gotten a lot done, but we have really accomplished nothing more than a dent of a work in progress. That's difficult for me to go through, but it's working out so far. We also helped this family split wood a few days ago with a log splitter, that's about how I felt with the work we have done. We spent an hour and a half and barely dented the pile of wood, but I know that it's line upon line and lesson by lesson. I'm just doing my best and hoping that the Lord will make up where I lack. I just really hope that is his will.

I gotta go because I need to do some DL bussiness and write my letter to President. I love ya lots and thanks for all your support. It means the world to me. Love ya'll!

Russ

Russell's Email 10-28-10

2010-11-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hello! How's it going? Wow, exciting stuff... Let me tell ya all about it!

I decided on Sunday that I wanted to stay in Warm Springs for my last transfer. About 10 minutes after I decided that, ring ring ring ring "Hello Elder Hitchcock, this is Elder F.! Just wanted to let ya know, YOU'RE HAVING A BOY!!!" So I'm training again, which also means I am leaving Warm Springs... I swallowed hard and said okay.

Then Monday night, ring ring ring "Elder Hitchcock, this is President. I wanted to thank you for your great loving service as a zone leader. You will always stick out in my mind for the loving leadership you have given in this mission. (I should have recognized he was building me up.) The Lord has assigned you to be a district leader in your new area. Will you do that?" "President, training, double transfer, and district leader? (sigh) I'll do whatever you need me to do."

Then comes to the trainers meeting before transfer conference. President comes in and starts talking to us and he told us, "Some of you will have very different assignments. (looking right at me) Some of you will be training spanish speaking missionaries in english areas. Actually, let me correct that, some of you will be training Tongan missionaries in English areas." (still looking right at me) So then I got my new companion. Elder V. fresh off the boat (or airplane) from Tonga. He knew Elder P. Sweet yeah? We are having fun, but it's a unique assignment because he is still learning english.

So, now I'm in Mesquite. Opening a new area that was split from an existing area. Sam, remember the hotel we stayed at in Mesquite on the way to Las Vegas for the basketball tournament? Well, I live really close to there. My area is just east of the first Mesquite exit and I cover all the way to the Utah border under St. George. There's nothing past Littlefield (the towns immediately after the Gorge). We cover a neighborhood in NV but then the rest of our area (Scenic, Littlefield, Jone's Flat, etc.) all in AZ.

There isn't a ton of work going on, and we spent almost all day yesterday getting the area organized and trying to get some direction. Our area is pretty spread out. Littlefield ward (littlefield, beaver dam, Jone's flat, desert springs) is about 10 miles away and Scenic (part of Mesquite 2) is about 5 miles away) so we will really have to work smart and work hard. I wanted to start working really smart before I started working super hard. so we got that under control and now we are moving forward.

Well, this first week is going really well and we are ready to work really hard. We will have a good time and be able to accomplish a lot. The info that I received was that my two wards were kind of neglected because the missionaries before were covering 4 wards, and so I think we can give them a lot of attention. So, sorry I don't have much to report on right now because I don't have much knowledge about what's going on.... lol

So my place I live in is pretty cool. We live in a members basement. We have a pool table, ping pong, darts, a movie theatre (I want to get an investigator to have a lesson with the members we live with and watch a movie down there.) It's nice, we have granite counter tops and it's just sweet. We have a Chevy Colorado pick up. It's a pretty good deal we have going on. I'm loving it.

So that's about all I got! I hope that things are going well at home. I love ya'll lots and I hope that ya'll have a great week!

Russell's Email 10-21-10

2010-11-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

everyone,
BAPTISMS!!!! We had two of them this past week for C. and A. It's kind of sad really, our mission is still really focused on getting LTM's (lessons taught to investigators with members present) and sometimes I get sad that we won't have as many LTM's anymore because of a baptism. lol
This week is also going really well. I had a really powerful experience in Sacrament meeting this week. As I thought about my mission during the sacrament, I thought, "Have I really changed that much?" I recall President Christensen telling me sometimes the spirit holds back our vision of progress to keep us humble. At the moment that question went through my mind, a lot of my previous mistakes and transgressions flashed through my mind. "I could never do that again." I thought in my mind. It was a great strength to me. Then we had the speakers. Before the meeting started, there was a girl sitting on the stand who was wearing a hat. Like a fitted baseball hat but one of those "cute" girl dress caps. I leaned over to Elder B., "Does that girl know she's wearing a hat on the stand in sacrament meeting?" "That's screaming, "Hey I need to be taken off because I'm in church!" Elder B. replied. Well, then they announced the program and I realized why she was wearing a hat. K. was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer 4 months ago and is going through chemo right now. She was wearing a wig and the hat to cover it. (Um, yep! I felt like a jerk) well, she started her talk off with a story about a guy who fell from a cliff and he caught hold of a branch. "Is there anyone there?! Help me!!!" He cried. "Let go of the branch and I'll catch you." He heard God say. "Um, is there anyone else?" everyone chuckled and then she talked about faith. She told us how her faith was tried when they told her she had cancer. She didn't know what that meant, only that she could die. She cried, "Why me? I'm 15. I go to church, I read my scriptures, I say my prayers. Why me?" but through the atonement, blessings, prayer, scriptures, and church attendance she has been able to strengthen her faith. I was blown away by this talk and her absolute faith. I thought, "If she can go through that, I can take on my challenges."
Then her mom got up. Stinkin' rip my heart out why don't you. She talked about how 13 years ago they lost K.'s little sister who was only 6 months old. Then when they told K. she had cancer she dropped to her knees and just cried. "Please Lord, you can't another one of my girls." I wanted to cry so bad! I thought, what else could happen to this family. As the talk went on, I realized how much the atonement is there to help and support us. I had a great experience and my faith was really strengthened by their talks.
I think those two events really were the highlight of my week. We also have had some really great lessons with some of our investigators. Everyone that we are teaching is doing really well and has such a strong desire to have the gospel, but I believe each person is experiencing opposition from someone in their family which is holding back at least some of their progress. I would be very thankful for some prayers in behalf as they want the gospel but are having a hard time.
It's just been a great week filled with teaching opportunities and great experiences. I love ya'll tons and I'm thankful for all that ya'll do for me. Love ya!!!!

Russell's Email 10-14-10

2010-11-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Well, this week has been exciting. Actually it's been pretty long and I'm really tired but that's okay. We were having dinner the other night at I gave the spiritual thought and my eyes started to itch really bad in the middle of it. Well, I knew I needed something so we ran to CVS and bought some eye drops (I have NEVER had to use them or put anything in my eyes...) and when I looked in a mirror my left eye was super swollen (almost shut) on the inside half. Since then my eyes have been really dry and they have this constant sting like cigarette smoke got in them. My eye lids are also super tender so it's been a hard few days. Elder B. also is getting sick with something, so I am trying to keep from catching whatever he has.
The week itself is going very well and we are getting a lot accomplished. Everything is looking good for C. and A. for their baptism this weekend. It's been a lot of work this transfer, but finally we are getting our baptism. They have really built my faith, especially as C. has worked so hard to overcome her smoking and is now just doing great.
H. is also doing really well and is really progressing. She's enjoying Church and keeping commitments and she's preparing for baptism at the end of the month. I really hope that she will make it, and I have faith that with enough prayer and effort, she will.
C. is also doing really well. He set himself for baptism for Dec 11, but he is totally ready for baptism today even. We might see if he can do it Thursday night on the 9th. That would be a sweet final day of my mission...
Ah sorry my emails lately have stunk, I've been a bit out of it lately and my memory isn't the best. I hope ya'll are enjoying what I am getting to send. Love ya'll!

Russell's Email 10-7-10

2010-11-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have a tough time seeing southwest planes land and take off. Right now, I still can't fathom the end of my mission, but President told me "December will catch up to you eventually." I don't want it to catch me before it has to.
Things in the area are going very well. We still have lots of people set and we are working towards having a successful end of the transfer. Please remember to include C. in your prayers so that she can overcome her struggles and make her baptism date. She's so ready and willing, but just struggling.
This week has been one of the more fun weeks. we had a lesson set up monday monring at 10. At 9:45 we got a call from her fellowshipper who said our investigator was sick and we wouldn't be able to have the lesson but we could come teach her non member son if we wanted to. So we went over there and used a skateboard we had taken apart (he's a very big skater) and then likened each part of the skateboard to the gospel (wheels=faith, bearings=repentance trucks=baptism deck=holy ghost and ette=go stake!) They have a half pipe in their back yard. Well, his mom said she wished he could do this one trick so he tried it and fell. He tried it again and fell and broke his hand. Thank goodness he blamed his mom and not us!
So there was that lesson and then we had a lesson with C. We smashed her ash tray. Well, she smashed it and when it shattered pieces almost hit us and one big chunk hit a car (but it didn't hurt the car!) I love the word of wisdom, it really creates a lot of fun for me!
We had a lesson with our investigator H. and taught her the word of wisdom. She said she would do everything except give up smoking right now. Well, after the lesson we left and walked to the car. Then, realizing we still had a few minutes, went to check up on someone else in the complex. Well, we walked by H.'s patio and she was smoking! RIGHT AFTER THE LESSON! we pitched a little kid fit for the fun of it and got some good laughs. I was just shocked though lol.
We also have a new investigator who is set for baptism! She has been taught for like two weeks by some other missionaries. We call it poaching. They were teaching her even though she lived in my area, but they handed her off finally. It's pretty sweet... Her name is J. She's golden too. she's going to seminary with her friends and stuff. I'm lovin' teaching!
Man, conference was incredible! President Christensen calls it a scheduled answer to prayers. Well, I didn't take it that serious at first, and then last conference I had questions, but this time I wrote them down and they were all answered. It was a great conference. I really loved Elder Holland's talk about gratitude. I really feel that was one of the major messages of conference, being grateful for the blessings we have. So I want to say thank you for everything everyone does for me! Thanks so much and please know that it has made a great difference in my life and mission. Love ya'll.

Russell's Email 9-30-10

2010-11-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

This week has gone very well. The area is going great and we are teaching a ton. We have five people set for baptism this transfer. People are doing very well and I believe it's because of our fasting and hard work, but even more the prayers and fasting on behalf of you all at home. Thanks so much, that is making a difference for people not only here in time but in eternity. It's going awesome.
We are teaching some great people. C. and A. are doing well and there's so much improvement going on. C. is progressing and working with the bishop and just being an incredible investigator. S. is doing well, but she needs all the help and prayers she can get.
I have just been having a great time and great experiences. I love serving and this is the greatest thing I could do in my life, especially at this moment. it seems forever away that my mission will end. In the words of McDonald's, I'm lovin' it!

Have a great week and I love ya'll! Thanks so much for all the support.

Russ

Russell's Email 9-23-10

2010-11-08T11:20:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,
This week has been going well. Last week was pretty difficult with all the crazy stuff that happens with transfers but now things are starting to settle down and all is going well. Las Vegas is also starting to cool down which is very welcome. Yesterday it was about 95 and it's supposed to keep cooling down. I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures and nicer weather.
I really don't have a ton to report on this week. I'm doing the same thing and trying to get more work and do my best. Things in the area are getting better and we are teaching lessons and street contacting lots! I've been having a lot of fun serving with Elder B. and he's been a great companion. I look forward to the rest of the transfer and just the fun times we are having. I'm loving it!
Sorry I don't really have anything. Not a lot has changed. lol it's kind of funny how those weeks are, but that was one this week. I love ya'll lots and hope to talk to ya next week!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 9-16-10

2010-11-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

hello everyone!
another transfer has come and gone away. As I begin this next one, I have an even brighter perspective and I feel more optimistic. Do ya'll remember Elder B. that was trained in my ward when I trained Elder V. B.? Well, now I am training him as a zone leader. He's really awesome and I am looking very forward to working with him for this next transfer. I know that after this, I only have one more transfer but that just seems so foreign. I still can't comprehend it. It's pretty funny though, my area ends right before the airport and I see southwest landing and taking off all the time. haha
This week has been exciting. We are working with some very great people who really want to progress, and we are working some other people who don't have as much desire. I have a hard time with those because now I see "...the great importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth." I wish so much that I could just spend all day teaching the gospel to those who want to know more about it. My understanding of the importance of sharing this gospel continues to grow more and more.
I wanted to share an experience I had yesterday. We were checking up on some folks for the ward and as we left their apartment we walked about the corner and I saw this man holding his little son. As I saw him, I wanted to share so bad with him the plan of salvation and about eternal families. Something I have noticed is that SOOOO many people believe their families can be together forever, but we are the only church who has that in their official doctrine. I'm so thankful for that. I tried to share that with him, and we will go see him and his wife next week. I look forward to that! As I told him about families, it seems that he really wanted to know how his family could be together always. I really am grateful for the experiences of living with Haley and Aaron and getting this glimpse of how important the gospel is for families.
I'm having a ton of fun and doing well. I am trying my hardest and working really hard. I could use prayers though, as I do my best to deal with the stresses of mission life. I know ya'll pray for me, and I am thankful for that. If it wasn't for those prayers I know I wouldn't be surviving.

Russell's Email 9-9-10

2010-11-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone,
The most trunky thing is when you say "Don't be trunky." Again, I really cannot wrap my mind around my mission ending, and so I won't be trunky. lol just don't talk about it. Thanks :)
Things in the area are going super well. E. got baptized last week and A. is set for this weekend and C. and her daughter are set for Oct. 2 and we are working with another young man named C. towards baptism. The area is going very well, and I think that we are maintaining the work in a way that could last me for the rest of my mission if I end here. I'm really having a great time and this transfer is winding down to a close and I look forward to starting up another one.
I had a really great lesson this past week. Saturday I got a phone call and President Christensen was on the phone asking for details about my baptism Saturday night so that could be one of his backup plans. He told me, "Appointments are falling through. I've had 4 lessons I was supposed to go to and they have all fallen through." I said, "President, we have one in 10 minutes with a great investigator if you would like to go." He came to the lesson along with another recent convert priest age kid who is just awesome. The spirit was really strong and I felt so much desire to really involve the members and help them see the importance of member missionary work. It's been great.
This transfer is finally coming to a close. I often think about dad's statement, "It's been real, and it's been fun; but not real fun." Next Tuesday marks the close of the most difficult transfer of my mission. I have learned a lot and have improved a lot, including "putting off the natural man and becoming a saint through the atonement of Christ." I have developed a deeper conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This has come throughout the transfer as I have come to understand the doctrine of Christ, as I have learned to rely on the spirit since I don't have a zone leader companion to rely on. I've learned how to "fill my reservoir" during my personal study and I have learned to teach towards baptism because that's my calling . I have come to know the Savior better as I have walked with him down the streets of Vegas while he walked the streets of Jerusalem. More than anything, as I have come to understand the doctrine of Christ, I have learned what President Christensen stated. "Love is the foundation of the Doctrine of Christ." How I love being a missionary and love serving the people. I'm having a great time!
Oh my Goodness! I just got a tie and a letter from the C. family! we're going to visit them when ya'll (our parents) come to Las Vegas! I love these kinds of notes and letters because they help me fill that my purpose is being fulfilled.
Later folks! I love ya'll lots and hope that you have a fantastic week.

Russell's Email 9-2-10

2010-11-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
This week has been another crazy week, but let me tell ya! I am exhausted. I recall Aaron telling me before my mission, "the best nights rest is when your head hits the pillow after you've done your best and you fall right asleep." I have had that every night the past few weeks. So ready for some more changes? After Elder K. and Elder V. went home, Elder H. and I are with Elder S. (Elder K.'s companion) and we were together. Well, Elder P. (another missionary in the zone) broke his foot and got emergency transferred into a different area with a car and so now Elder J. (Elder P.'s comp) and Elder S. are serving together and I am back in a regular companionship in a regular area. Fun stuff, very eventful and very crazy week...
Aside from that stuff, the work continues to move forward. We have baptisms scheduled for the next two weekends and then we have some really sweet new investigators and new progressing investigators. We have so much going on that it is really difficult to keep everything straight and avoid people falling through the cracks. I think that is the toughest part... But, all things aside, it is going wonderful.
I'm finally completely better and doing pretty well. I'm exhausted always, but it makes falling asleep at 10:30 very easy.
I'm not really sure what else to write about. Things are going very well, I'm happy, I'm tired, and I'm doing my best. I realized that I don't really get trunky. I'm absolutely loving serving my mission and I know that it is coming to a close in December but I honestly feel like it will never end. Kind of how we cannot comprehend eternity, our minds cannot grasp the concept. Same for my mind and my mission, I cannot understand finishing. I don't think it will happen.
Thanks for your support and your love and the help you have given. I love ya'll lots and I love hearing from ya'll as often as I get to.
If I can make a request, I want to invite you to include Christine in your fast on Sunday. I hope that ya'll can remember her. Thanks!

Russell's Email 8-26-10

2010-11-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
This was a great week with lots of great experiences! We had a really great baptism on Saturday and lots of good stuff is happening in the area. I have had a really great time with lots of great stressful challenges. Elder V. is gone, as is the other missionary, and now we are still in a 3 missionary companionship and covering two areas. So far it has gone very well and things are just working out. We are working really hard to effectively use both areas. The other area just baptized all the ppl they were working with, so I hope we can get the ball rolling again before the end of the transfer so some missionary comes in with a very fruitful area.
We are working with those we are teaching and almost everyone is working towards baptism. I just love baptism dates and people progressing in the gospel. It's been a great miracle to see the blessings of heaven as we seek to follow the vision of the mission.
Things are just going really well. Working hard and trying my best to help other missionaries and to help others come unto Christ. I was in the temple this morning for new missionary temple and President said to think about what our missions have meant to us. as I thought, I pondered about how much I had learned the importance of obedience, of communication, and one thing I really thought about was how I want my future family to be a "go to" family for missionary work. I love the joy that comes from this work. I know the time is drawing to a close. I was working with the car the other day and I thought (as I was standing in line) "within a few months, everything that I have done, my job for the past two years, changes in an instant." I dread the time, but the thought keeps me thrusting in my sickle. I love being here and doing my best.
I will try to send pictures soon of baptisms, of companions, of everything that has been going on lately. I hope that ya'll have a great week and that all goes well for ya'll.

Russell's Email 7-29-10

2010-11-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

So our truck doesn't smell to good. So we have scented wax (from a scentsy candle) that is in a baby food jar in our cupholder. Well, it never gets hard. Almost the whole day it's completely liquid and then the rest of the time it's soft like butter. I cannot wait for it to cool off, but at the same time I love it so much!

We had a baptism this week, for M. He was such a great person to teach, and so prepared to receive the gospel. He was baptized into the brand new ward, so they had a baptism before they even met together as a ward. That was pretty awesome.

I have also spent several days on exchanges with other missionaries. It amazes me how the Church works and how so many people of so many different intrests and from so many different places can come together and accomplish such a great and marvelous work.

Russell's Email 7-22-10

2010-11-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

This week has been another week that has been super hot but gone really well. I'm enjoying my time here in Las Vegas despite the different challenges that come this way. I have seen a lot of stuff happen this week. One of the most exciting was my ward lost about 1/4 of its members with the same thing happening to 3 other wards and the creation of a new ward. In my position, it's fun because I kind of get to head up the work in this new ward for the next few weeks until transfers in August.

M. is doing well though, and he will be baptized on Saturday. We told him about Pioneer day and how he is a pioneer day in his family and then he will also be the first convert in the new Harmony Hills ward, which I personally find neat! The first Sunday in Harmony Hills will have a confirmation. I am pretty excited.

Aside from that, we are always striving to find more people to teach and work through the heat and work with the members to help them have meaningful missionary experiences. Things are still going well! Please keep praying for me though, I know I need it!

Russell's Email 7-1-10

2010-11-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

I had some sweet experiences today. Do ya'll remember Elder B.? I served with him in a 3 pack for a week when I trained Elder V. B. Well, he is training and yesterday I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with Elder B.'s new companion Elder H. We had an awesome exchange that was filled with every aspect of missionary work. We spent the whole morning finding, and the rest of the day teaching. We set two people for baptism, had a lesson with someone who is currently set for baptism, and had a sweet lesson with some less active members. I think the less active members was my favorite lesson, I will tell you about it.

So we have this object lesson using cups and butter knives (I'll send a picture home) but you use the knives on top of the cups to hold your scriptures up off the floor or table. Well, we use the knives to represent scripture study, daily prayer, and sabbath day. so to start we made them figure out which commandments they were. A little nine year old says, "Go to church!"

and I said, "PERFECT! We have to keep the Sabbath day holy, part of that is going to church!"

"No it's not." Replied the less active member. "I don't need to go to church to pray, or to learn about God, or to read my scriptures."

"Right! But there is one thing you cannot do at home that makes church necessary! The Sacrament!" Elder H. replied.

"But the sabbath day is on Saturday, not Sunday. The pagans changed it because that's when they worshiped their Gods."

"Actually, after the death and resurrection of Christ, the followers of Jesus began to meet on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate the resurrection." -me!

It was a really fun lesson that really shocked me because a less active member challenged me. I dunno.

This week has been fun and I have really enjoyed it. It's been really hot though, it's hit 116 already, and I don't think it will cool down to much anytime soon. lol pray for me.

Love ya'll! Have a great week!

Russ

Russell's Email 6-24-10

2010-11-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

okay, so some really neat stuff has happened this week. I am excited to share with you about it.

The first involves Elder P. who finished his mission this Tuesday. Multiple times he talked to me and told me, "I just can't wait to get home and go straight to my dad's grave. That's the one thing I really want to do." Well, the mission secretary confirmed flight plans with all the missionaries and told Elder P. his flight left Wednesday at 7:30 (but his flight plans he received a few weeks ago said he was flying out on Tuesday). Elder P. wrapped up his final interview with President at the mission home and then President asked him, "Elder, is there anything else I can do?" (note, this question was asked at 6:12 pm) Elder P. said, "Yes, can we check my flight plans real quick?" Turns out his flight left Tuesday night at 7:30. President asked, "Should we try it?" They tried. As they left the mission home "with haste" (president said) President asked, "Do you have your license?" "Nope, I don't have one of those." oh dear... "Do you have your passport?" "Nope, they took that when I came into the mission." So they booked it to the mission office. President said he is not very good at remembering sequential numbers, and they had just changed the code to the safe. With the blessings of heaven, President opened the safe without problem and handed Elder P. the box of passports on to find his. Then, running in a dead sprint into the airport, they got to the ticket booth and the lady said, "I'm sorry but this is an international flight and you have to be checked in at least an hour before hand." (the time is 6:50, 40 minutes till fly time) The next available flight was standby in 3 days. Elder P.'s mom was coming to Tonga from New Zealand to meet him. President and Elder P. stepped back and offered a prayer, at Amen they hear "ALOHA!" Elder P. responded "Aloha" and then the lady asked him a question in tongan, which he replied in tongan. She then went to work and in the process of her working, they found out she was a supervisor. The first ticket agent reminded her, "The flight is already closed." The lady replied, "This man works for God." and kept working. She told Elder P. to put his bags on the scale, and one of his bags made weight, the other was 76lbs. Elder P. started emptying his bag, including a 2.5lbs pair of jeans. He got it to 52 and she said that was good. "You're ready, but I can't help you through security." President said his heart sank as he recalled standing in the security line for well over an hour with so many missionaries. As they rounded the corner, there was not a single person beside the TSA agents. They went up to one and the agent commented on how he must have served faithfully. Elder P. made it safely home.

As President recounted this story at Zone Leader Council, I couldn't help but cry and feel such a great and deep gratitude to the Lord for helping Elder P. get home. "All I want is to see my dad's grave." The Lord provides. In his closing testimony he said, "I know it's late, but I want to wish all the fathers a happy Father's day." Few people know the the true sacrifice this missionary made, but the Lord knows and he carried an amazing spirit with him. I feel so lucky to be a part of his mission.

On another note, Elder D. went home, but my boy, Elder V. B. is training a new missionary. Included is a 4 generation picture of missionaries. Oldest from right to left.

I also have a new companion, Elder B.. There's a picture of us on here. He flies home with me, but I have been in the field a transfer longer because he is a Spanish missionary.

Also is my favorite picture I took at Nellis Air force base. It's the front of an F15 aggressor. The other is me standing with a F15 aggressor. sweet stuff, the base is awesome!

Dinner last night was also really exciting. We got there right before the NLVFD (fire department) got there. The brother feeding us was about to grill steaks and his propane take caught on fire. That was pretty exciting lol.

It was a really eventful week and lots has happened, but it's been fun. I look forward to another great transfer! Love ya'll, have a great week!

Russell's Email 6-10-10

2010-11-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes! I received several from family and friends and from my friends in the mission. My first phone call was from Elder D. (my trainer) and the second one went like this. "Elder Hitchcock, I'm not playing these stupid numbers games anymore. As far as I am concerned, you can put me down at 0% for the morning schedule." (click) lol but that worked out. I love being a leader :) Maybe I can go be a jr companion next transfer lol.
Thanks also for all the emails. Love ya'll lots.

Russell's Email 6-3-10

2010-11-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I have spent 3 of the past 7 days with my companion. The other 4 have been on exchanges with other missionaries. I have had many great experiences, and some trying ones too. It's pretty difficult to be a spanish speaking missionary twice for a full day when you don't speak hardly any spanish at all. But, the little spanish I do know I have become much more comfortable in speaking. Even though it was a trying day, I really enjoyed it and had a fun time.

We also had zone conference this past week. We had a great message about the law of the harvest, and "work hard, be happy." Elder V. and I (last transfer) rewrote the words to "Don't worry, be happy" for a special zone conference treat that we listened to. Here are the lyrics.

"in every mission we have trouble, but when you don't work you make it double.

work hard, be happy.

have no member for our lesson, stressed and fail apartment inspection.

work hard, be happy.

investigators say that they sick, not keeping their commitments,

work hard, be happy.

sent pictures home to your family, girlfriend said I'm fat and stop eating

work hard, be happy.

Ain't got no MSF (missionary support fund), no style,

ain't got no LTM's (lessons taught to investigators with a member present) to make you smile.

work hard, be happy

when you worry your face frown, and the work in your area will go down!

work hard, be happy

On your bike or on your feet, there is an end to the summer heat.

work hard, be happy!"

Fun song, but it taught true principles. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the zone conference and how it blessed my life.

Things are going well. They are crazy, sometimes difficult to figure everything out, but it works out in the end.

Thanks so much for your emails and your letters. I love ya'll and I hope that you have a great week. Remember, work hard, be happy!

Russell's Email 5-27-10

2010-10-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hey

this week has been so eventful. Elder P. and I have been going on exchanges with other missionaries almost constantly. I have had some very wonderful experiences and some very great opportunities in working with other missionaries over the past few weeks.

Being a missionary is so great and there are so many wonderful experiences that strengthen my faith each day.

I want to share something that President shared with me in my interview with him last week. I share this because I know that every day, people have challenges they experience. President shared this with me about keeping low points as short as possible and keeping the lows from getting to low.

He said, First count your blessings. For one, you're healthy. You can breathe without being stuck on a respirator. Second, have something to look forward to (baptism, church, teaching appointment, exchange, etc.) and third, work work work. Accomplish something that will be of great benefit.

I hope that someone who reads this can apply these things in their life. I know how important they have been to me in the past week when I have reflected on these things.

I'll try to work harder on telling you some epic story or something next week. Love everyone, have a great week.

Russell's Email 5-20-10

2010-10-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Things have been going so well this week. Elder P. and I haven't hardly been together at all, which is tough on the area but it's something that has to happen occasionally. North Las Vegas continues to move forward in an amazing way that is strengthening my faith so much. Nothing is better than sitting through a lesson and having my faith strengthened as we teach the restored gospel to those who need it. I love being a missionary.

This next zone conference (on June 1) we will be talking about "The Law of the Harvest." President wanted us to study and think about this law in 4 aspects. 1 temporal 2 spiritual 3 mission 4 post mission. To help me better understand, I would invite everyone to also review this law and share any insights. Thanks!

Other than that, I really don't have loads to report on. Things are going very well, the work is moving forward, and I'm happy. I'm completely exhausted, but I'm happy and those around me are also. I love serving in this assignment because it has given me such a great opportunity to love as the Savior loves and to be more Christlike. I can't think of a bigger or better blessing than that.

Thanks so much, I love you all!

Russell's Email 5-13-10

2010-10-27T18:46:00.001-07:00

Howdy,

This begins a new transfer in the mission life of Elder Russell Hitchcock, and already I have experienced a range of emotions.

Elder B. received a transfer call on Monday, and now I am training a new zone leader. He's an awesome missionary and I really look forward to this transfer. My new companion is Elder P. from Tonga. He was the stepdad (second companion) to Elder V. B. that I trained. It's been awesome so far. I love the opportunity to work with other missionaries and do my best to help them come closer to the Savior.

Not to much has happened this week besides transfers and being crazy busy. I really am having a great time and I am enjoying myself. Please do pray for me though, I am feeling the weight of the assignment I am serving in and also the stresses of mission life. I love ya'll and I hope you have a great week!

Russell's Email 5-6-10

2010-10-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

*Sister's note: Elder Hitchcock wanted me to add some pictures from the baptism he talks about in this email, but due to "privacy issues" I am not posting them. If it is you that is in them (and you are reading this), let me know that it is okay and I will put them on here!

This week was incredible. the zone made a goal to be 100% obedient to the morning schedule (wake up before 6:30 and exercise for a 1/2 hour, get ready and be praying no later than 7:30, 8:30 eat breakfast, 9-10 comp study and then out the door at 10) and we made them a promise that if they were 100% obedient, we would pass our goal of 113 LTM's (lessons taught to investigators with members present). Well, we were 99.8% and we taught 134 LTM's, the highest I have ever seen in the mission. Not to brag or be prideful, but it's so humbling to see these blessings that come as a result of obedience and dedicated service. I love being a part of this zone with these fantastic missionaries.

This week there were also 104 people who accepted return appointments with our missionaries. The zone, in a very real sense, has never been better.

While the zone is experiencing these great blessings, Elder B. and I continue to do well. We are teaching several people and working really hard to find more and more people to teach. Being a missionary, in the Nevada Las Vegas mission, in the North zone, has been such a rewarding experience! I love it!

We had 2 baptisms for some youths named K. and J. Amazing baptisms and now we are working with their parents. They are also so ready to hear to the gospel. Truly, this message is "Good News."

Thanks so much for everything and I hope everyone has an amazing week!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-29-10

2010-10-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

This week was awesome. The zone dropped a little bit in their dedication and they felt that at district meeting when we reported to them. After that we made them a promise that if they got 100% obedience to the morning schedule that we would surpass the zone goal of 115 LTM's. Week to date everyone is 100% and we are destroying the numbers that we have had at any other time this transfer. I know that if we are 100% obedient, we will achieve that goal.

We had a really neat experience on Tuesday night when we went out with a member of the Elders Quorum Presidency. Our appointment fell through and so we went to see a family the bishop had asked the EQP to go and see. We knocked on the door and we were met by someone we didn't expect. The address on the ward list was wrong, but we met a part member family who welcomed us in. "When I heard the doorbell, I thought it was going to be you all." Talk about divine intervention, I love being obedient and seeking to do the Lord's will and the blessings that come from trying to help. We have a return appointment with them next week. I'm really excited for it.

We also have two baptisms coming up this weekend. I will send pictures home and tell you all about it. The blessings that are coming out on the zone are just so amazing and we are so blessed. I really can't describe the miracles that are happening. I love being a missionary.

I hope that you all are having missionary experiences while you are going about your daily lives. I hope you seek for those because there is a joy that is unmatched as we see souls come unto Christ. I love you all and I miss you all.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-22-10

2010-10-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tower built during Zone Conference
Elder Hitchcock with Elders D., and V.B.

Elder Hitchcock with Elder J. (If you know Elder Hitchcock, you know he loves his sunglasses about as much as he loves his bikes!)

Elder Hitchcock with Elders L. and F.

Okay, so this week was sweet. Two weeks ago we taught 107 LTM's and that was the highest in the mission. This past week we taught 111 LTM's and between those two weeks 12 people were baptized. This zone is doing amazing and the Lord's blessing is upon these members and missionaries as they put their shoulder to the wheel.

Personally, for me this week has been great. The mission had another zone conference centered around the spirit and receiving personal revelation. We focused on Preach My Gospel ch 4 about recognize the promptings of the spirit and also around Mosiah 1-7. We were instructed to read it and identify 3 places where king benjamin helps people resolve their concerns, 3 effective questions king benjamin asks, and also 3 places where king benjamin quotes someone else. Will ya'll do this and email me your answers? I would love to hear other peoples perspectives.

At zone conference we built a 25+ foot tower. President Christensen got up (that was brave of him) and shared what he felt was one of the most important parts of king Benjamin's sermon. It was amazing.

I also had a really fun exchange with Elder J., a missionary I live with. He's the one in the picture with our sun glasses. A member photographer told us to do that, I Don't know what it's all about lol. Another picture is a mission 3 generation picture. Grandpa d., me, and grandson V. B. I also included a picture of Elder L. and Elder F. (the two who came to vegas from my first MTC group).

Things are going great and I love being a missionary. Life couldn't be better, and I couldn't be happier as I have this opportunity to help others come unto Christ.

Love ya'll

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-15-10

2010-10-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

By special request, the caption for this picture is supposed to be "Las Vegas Missionaries vs. LV West Missionaries."(although the Las Vegas missionaries are on the right...)

Elder B. and I are doing wonderful. Transfer to date we have 6 baptisms, with 4 for set up for the remainder of the transfer and the zone is doing amazing as well. Again, the mission goal is to teach 20 lessons a week with members present. For 10 companionships, week one we taught 71 LTM's, and then week 2 we taught 107, the highest this zone has seen on record. There are super amazing blessings being poured out upon this zone. I don't know if I can think of something more humbling than reflecting on a day or week and seeing how the Lord had his hand in our work. I want to share a few examples of that.

First, and in my opinion the best, is a guy named B. Over the last year or so, {he has encountered great struggles}, and just having a way tuff time. He went to a carpentery class and the instructor is a member. Well, B. moved in with Brother C. and the family shared the gospel with them. Since then, we have seen him every night and he says, "I'm past my investigation stage, I'm believing, I just need to learn more." this guy is amazing and has built my faith so much! Because of his work situation we haven't set him for baptism, but that event is right around the corner for B.

Second, how many times have you seen missionaries take up the entire sacrament meeting? Last sunday we had 6 confirmations that allowed for about 5 people to share their testimonies and that was about it. It was awsome!

Third, is the blessings of teaching. In two weeks we have had 6 baptisms. A family of 3, a family of 2 (mother and son) and a single guy named W. Their conversions are all ones that have strengthened my testimony of member missionary work. The family of three, the husband is a music teacher at the school across from my house in my last area. Well, about 1/2 of his students are members of the church, his teachers assistant is a member. Their goal was to share this gospel with him, and his whole family came to know of the truth of the gospel. The mother and son were introduced to the church through her friend that they worked with. W. lives with his friends from high school who are members of the church.

Surely this statement is true, "When we experience the blessings of gospel living, we naturally want to share those blessings with others... the most powerful missionary message you can send is your own example of living a happy Latter-day Saint live. Remember that people do not join the Church only because of the gospel principles they learn. They join because they feel something that begins to satisfy their spirutal needs. If you are sincere in your relationship with them, they will be able to feel of your spirit and happiness.

In addition to setting a good example, you can "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15) You can pray for opportunities to tell others about the restored gospel. Then you can be alert, because many people yearn for the truth."

What an opportunity it is to serve in a mission that is experiencing the blessings that the Nevada Las Vegas Mission is having. I couldn't say anything more to express my gratitude or my excitement concerning my mission. It's to much to send in an email or write in a letter, or even to speak with words.

Thanks for all that ya'll do. I love you very much.

Elder Russell Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-1-10

2010-10-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Elder F. called me last friday and talked to me. If I had not gone home, I would be coming home today or yesterday. I had a really hard time on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday during transfer conference, I cried like a baby as I saw guys that had become men, who I looked up to and loved, that were and are my brothers as they bore their testimony for the last time in the NV Las Vegas Mission. I made eye contact with President several times and I even saw him crying a few times. I'm so glad for a loving mission President and I am glad to know that he loves me.

Well, after testimonies were born, President stood up to read off the new assignments. I am now serving with Elder B. I flew to Las Vegas with him, but he is a transfer older than I am because he spent 9 weeks in the MTC. Anyway, we are serving as Zone Leaders over a zone of 20 missionaries (ourselves included.) I'm really excited about this transfer, and I look forward to really doing my best. Being a zone leader I am seeing that I really won't have enough time to dwell on seeing my friends leave, instead I can focus on helping other missionaries and the people we are teaching come unto the Savior.

Things are going way awesome. I really love serving where I am, and I love my new zone. I am back in North Las Vegas.

Thanks so much for all the love and support. I hope ya'll have a great week.

Russell's Email 3-25-10

2010-10-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

things here are going so well. We have a baptism lined up for Saturday and we have people set for almost every weekend of next transfer. This area is on fire. Stop Drop and Roll doesn't apply to LTM's and baptisms!

I think the most amazing thing (for me) this week was a phone call to our single mom investigator. I called her to set up a temple lesson and I felt prompted to follow up on her reading and prayer.

I asked her about her reading and she said it was so so and told me why she hadn't been able to read every day this week. I then followed up on her prayer and she told me how great that was going. She said she really felt good about what she was learning and I asked her, "Do you feel like you have your answer?" "Yes. I want to keep learning, but I feel like this is right and I want to get baptized." I love this gospel!!

Yesterday we also set two people for baptism. This area is just doing so great and I love it!

I think next week I will be on a computer that's not junky and I can send pictures from this transfer and from the baptisms. I hope so at least. Love ya'll and have a great day!

Russell's Email 3-18-10

2010-10-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

This week has been awesome! I tried to email some pictures, but the computer I am using is lame... Oh well, you'll get them sooner or later.

I had that baptism two weeks ago over in my last area. Tonight there are two more, a grandmother and 11 year old that I taught, and then next saturday I am having another baptism. In addition to that, our single mother investigator is progressing amazingly and she is being prepared, and we have our other investigator. The Lord is richly blessing this area and is pouring down all these wonderful blessings. I love being here and sharing this gospel with others. I really don't think I could type or write words that would describe how amazing things are going. I love being here, and I look forward to these next weeks.

It's already almost another transfer finished, and soon some changes will be made most likely. President hinted we could stay together, but it's not likely. That means I have something new ahead and we shall see what that is.

Time is short, thanks so much for the support and for the prayers. I'll try to get pictures next week. Love ya'll

Russell's Email 3-11-10

2010-10-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Sister's note: I don't know what happened to the text in this post! I just copy and paste from Russell's emails and this one was this way in the email and I don't know how to fix it. Sorry!

Dang it, we lost another investigator! He's my second person that I have lost to Las Vegas Metro Police Department!

This week has gone so great, and we had our baptism. I will send a picture next week! The girl that got baptized, her name is S. She has been meeting with the missionaries since December, and she wanted to get baptized around the beginning of the year. Since Janurary she has had 5 baptismal dates that all fell through, but last week her mother signed the baptismal record and Saturday she was baptized. Her baptism was a great experience and the spirit was really strong. I love those experiences when "time touches eternity."

We also have another girl who is set for baptism. Her boyfriend is a member and we have had the awesome opportunity to teach her in their home and to share the gospel with her. Her mom is going to start coming to the lessons (which is awesome!!!) We were talking to her the other day about what we could share with her mom and she got worked up about having to review one of the lessons because she thought it might slow her down in being prepared for her baptism. I love the devotion of those who are truly becoming converted to the restored gospel.

Another person we are teaching is a single mom whose boyfriend is a less active member. She accidently sent him a text and said something about with the missionaries, and he kinda took that bad. She could use your prayers. But in our appointment the next day, we asked her if she came to know the church was true if she would be baptized. She said she would. I love how the gospel can bless the lives of those who embrace it.

We have had a lot of success in working with the members of the wards here. What President Hinckley taught is no doubt true, "Many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with the work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the Church." Family, have you told the missionaries they can teach in your home? Have you told them you will go to lessons with them when you are available? If you haven't, I pray that you will. If you help with the missionary work, it blesses the lives of those that are being taught, but it will bless your life to.

I love you all and I really hope that ya'll have a wonderful day and week!

Russell's Email 3-4-10

2010-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Dang this week has been so awesome!!!! Elder V. are righteously destroying this area! Last week we taught 22 lessons with members present (the mission vision is that each companionship teach 20 lessons a week with members present) and we are well on our way to teaching at least 20 again this week!

We also had a great zone conference with President C. where we talked about receiving personal revelation. ah it's so great to be a missionary in this mission. I wish I could include moer and more of my notes, but I can't due to time.

We have a baptism set up for this saturday with more on the way for this transfer and the transfers following. We got an awesome new investigator this week. She was picking one of her daughters up from school and they stopped us. They were both wearing BYU football shirts so we didn't think they were not members but then she held up a book of mormon and told us she was trying to read it and didn't udnerstand it. "I think we can help some with that, we understand a little bit of it." Well, she's well on her way now! She was surfing www.mormon.org and saw that smoking was against the word of wisdom so she went and bought patches to help her stop smoking. Golden....

This week was just so good and so inspiring. I love being a missionary and doing this work. No doubt it's true...

Elder V. and I fasted every day last week, from 10 pm till dinner the following day. Each day we fasted for a specific reason, and the Lord has heard those prayers and fasts. Since this sunday is fast sunday, I Want to invite ya'll to take part in the challenge we have been sharing with the members of our area. The scripture comes from 3 Nephi 27:1 " And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting." Think of a specific missionary experience (right now) and then this sunday, fast and pray that you will have that missionary experience. Then you have to be ready for when it comes, because it will.

Russell's Email 2-25-10

2010-10-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

The area that I am in is on fire. We have 5 people set for baptism, I love my companion and the work is awesome. The members here are so missionary minded and ready and eager to share the gospel. We have about 10 people that we are having appointments with and working with consistently and things are just going so awesome.

I'm also in a hilly area so I'm getting some good bike riding in. Each day here is a new adventure and a new opportunity. the people here are so prepared to hear the gospel and the prayers of the members and of everyone at home are allowing this area to progress faster than any area I have seen.

One thing I have gained a testimony of is the importance of members at lessons. This is such a blessing to those that we teach, but of equal importance it is a great and wonderful blessing to the members who accompany us to the lessons. I want to encourage, even challenge everyone, to attend a lesson with the missionaries, or better yet tell the missionaries you want them to come and teach a lesson in YOUR home to someone they are teaching. It's so worth it!

Thanks for all that ya'll do and I hope that you have a great and blessed week!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 2 -18-10

2010-10-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Some pictures and the explanations:

Then you get a picture of my new house! and my new companion! Okay, so it's not really my new house, but it's just a little smaller. Elder V. and I live in the pool house of a member of the stake presidency. Sadly, I parted ways with Elder V. B. on Tuesday, but I really look forward to this next transfer. Elder V. and I have served around each other a lot, which makes me really excited to serve with him.

This is E., the guy who gave me the sweet cuff links! We started taking him on a short bike ride every other day to help him with his health. E. is awesome!

This is a picture of Elder F. and I. Elder F. was in the MTC with me the first time, he has 41 days left on his mission (his last transfer). I don't know how I feel about seeing him leave, but we shall see. I've been lucky to serve around him for almost half my mission so far.

This picture is the former Elder H. When I got to the baptism on Saturday morning, he was there! He's one of my favorites, even with his nasty 'stach.

Russell's Email 2-11-10

2010-09-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Picture- my new cuff link shirt (ross 16$) and my new cuff links an investigator gave me, and also my new tie. Love it!

This week has been good. The vision of the mission right now is to have members at every lesson and for every companionship to baptize every transfer. We didn't think that would happen, but then we met m. M. fell through, and so we were sure we wouldn't baptize this transfer.

Then we set K., a nine year old I have been teaching for about 4 1/2 months. Didn't think we could do it, because his father is in prison and he wanted to wait till his dad got out, but we invited him and he accepted and will be baptized this weekend. We will baptize this transfer!

I'm really excited for this weekend and I will send pictures. Miracles are happening here in Las Vegas and I know it is the blessing of the Lord for the work that we do.

I love you all and I am thankful for all that you do!

Elder Hitchcock

Some Random Pictures

2010-09-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Russell's Email 1-28-10

2010-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hey! So this is a parable I wrote for zone conference!

My parable is about missionaries on bikes! (hope that's not a surprise)
Two missionaries were riding home after an LTM at the end of their day. The weather was less than ideal and they faced a head wind as they rode back to their apartment after a long day.
One of the missionaries was larger than the other, and his companion, seeing him struggle against the wind, began to ride in front of him. Even though he offered only a little protection, by working together they made it home just before 9:30.

This parable is about working together and relying on each other and on the spirit. This is the Lord's work, and without his help we cannot make it home.

Things are going sooo good here in las vegas! I love being here!
My district is amazing, and I love serving with the missionaries that are with me.
This week rained a little more, but that's okay. We still had a lot of fun, and we found some awesome new investigators. One of those is M. He was a referral from the media, and we just couldn't get in touch with him. As we were riding to another home, we stopped at his house for one last attempt. We finally caught him! and now he is our awesome new investigator! I really loved getting to meet him, I'll tell you what happens later!

Russell's Email 1-21-10

2010-09-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

t's raining it's pouring Elder Hitchcock is snoring, went to bed, bumped his head and still got up at six AM to go play morning sports! I love the rain :) Actually, I HATE it (as a missionary), but then once I get in it I have a lot of fun. It's been a crazy week. Friday-Sunday I was wearing short sleeve shirts and loving the 60's and then it's been raining since Monday. I've been having fun though!
This week has been fun. I've been working hard with Elder V. B. and doing my best to work with my district, but it's funny because I don't really know what I am doing. I went on exchanges with Elder H. yesterday (my second companion) and we had a really fun day. We were in the rain for a big part of it.
Elder H. and Elder B. also have an investigator that I got to teach yesterday. She really wants to get baptized, but she won't come to church and she tried to tell us yesterday that the spirit was making her to struggle to wake up for 9 am church.
Hm, ya'll might find this exciting. The family that had us over for Christmas Brunch had something exciting happen last week! They heard this bang noise outside (the Sister thought the neighbor had dropped something heavy because they had been moving furtiure.) She oppened the door a crack and her daughter yelled "MOM SHUT THE DOOR!!!" Then they heard a couple more bangs, and the Sister opened the curtains on the front window just to see a kid run by and then fall right at her door stop. He was grazed by a bullet on his ear and on his side, but wasn't killed. We had eaten dinner over in that area about 2 hours before. exciting!!!!
Other than stuff like that, life is continuing the same as usual. We are teaching some awesome investigators, we are always looking for more, and things are just awsome. I love being here.
Thanks for all the letters and support that I get, I hope that all is going well for everyone else! Happy rainy days!

Russell's Email 1-14-10

2010-09-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

This week has been fun!!!! We had a really good district meeting where we talked about finding new people to teach! I pretty much have the most amazing missionaries in my tiny district!
We had one lesson this week that has really stuck in my mind over the past few days. We took one of our investigators up to the temple and we started on the north side of the building, walked around the west, to the south, and finished at the front door of the temple. The Las Vegas temple has some really neat architecture which includes little amphitheaters (that would seat like 10 people). We had two members, us, and our investigator. We would stop at each little amphitheater and read our favorite scripture. The concluding spot, up in front of the front door as a dome with amazing acoustics (like the Tabernacle on Temple Square) We had our investigator read Matt 3:13-17 about the baptism of Jesus. The spirit was amazing at that time, and I think that's my new most favorite lesson.
The mission is really great, and I love serving so much. I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve here as a district leader, because I have learned to rely so much more on the Savior and on my Heavenly Father. I'm very thankful to the Lord for that blessing and chance. I would also be very thankful for your prayers to help me in this assignment...
Thanks and I love you all!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 1-7-10

2010-09-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

We had transfers, and Elder B. left the 3 pack, and he is now serving with Elder H. (my second companion) and we are all in the same ward . I will be here with Elder V. B. another transfer, and I am really excited about that.
With transfers came a special phone call from President. I answered and he said, "Elder Hitchcock, the Lord wants you to serve as a district leader in a new district and I want you to have this experience." For the next 6 weeks, I'm district leader over my companionship and Elder B. and Elder H. I'm excited for this opportunity, but wonder what's in store for the future. "I want you to have this experience" lingers in my mind lol
Things are going really well, and I am happy. Life couldn't be better for me right now. I have had so much joy working with our investigators and working with the members of the ward. I love being a missionary!
The other day we gave about 4 blessings, and then the following day we gave 2 or 3. I am so thankful for the power of the Priesthood and the opportunity to serve. I love it.
We have some good people that are progressing, but we always need more people to teach. I would really be grateful if everyone could pray specifically that we can find people to teach. Thanks so much!

Russell's Email 12-31-09

2010-06-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, little did I know, but five weeks ago when I had my boy (Elder V. B.) I actually had twins!!!! That's right, I have two green missionaries! Elder F. was another missionary serving in my ward, and he was training a new missionary but he went home a week early so that he could get into this next semester of school. Because of that, I adopted his greenie, Elder B. That's right, I have two new missionaries! I will have them for a week until transfers (coming up on Tuesday the 5th)
I haven't had more fun on my mission than the time I am having right now. I love serving with Elder V. B. and Elder B., its a blast.
We are teaching like crazy and talking to so many people along the way. I don't speak spanish and Elder V. B. doesn't either, but elder B. sure does! It's neat to street contact because we will all go talk to different people and in just a few minutes we will talk to like 10 people. When we have sit down lessons, the three of us teach in almost perfect unity. It's truly amazing to see the Lord's blessing as he helps us to do his work. I haven't had more fun than I have these past few days.
Over the past few days, I have realized how quickly time can and does pass. I've already been out a year, and I've had the shortest, quickest transfer of my mission and I only have 49 more weeks left. That sounds like a ton, but I see how it disappears so quickly. Serving a mission is for sure the greatest and most wonderful thing I could do.
I'm interested to see what happens in these next few days. I love my companions and our situation, but I have beens serving in this ward for the past 4 1/2 months, and I haven't had a six month area yet. We shall see what happens, but how I hope it's the Lord's will that I serve with at least one of these two missionaries next transfer.
I also wanted to say thank you for all the Christmas presents. I really enjoyed my socks, ties, slacks, candy, and everything that was sent to me. I intend to send a thank you card to everyone, but if I miss someone please forgive me! I hope that you all also had a very merry Christmas and that you are looking forward to an amazing new year starting tomorrow!

Elder Hitchcock

More Christmas Fun

2010-06-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sister's note: Here are a few more pictures we received in an email from a different family that hosted some Elders around Christmas. Again, we are very grateful to all who invited the missionaries into their homes during the holidays.

Pictures sent from a family that Russell spent Christmas with...

2010-06-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Sister's note: We received these pictures in an email a couple days after Christmas. The email subject was "Christmas at the Warburton's." We want to thank you for sharing your Christmas with our brother and appreciate your family's kindness towards these boys who aren't at their own homes or with their own families for Christmas. I know that for us, there is no place we would rather Russell be at this time.

Russell's Email 12-24-09

2010-06-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for everything that everyone sent, it made me have a very merry Christmas!
This week has been another really fun week. I absolutly love talking to people on the streets, even to those I can't (spanish ppl). I also love being a missionary in this special Christmas season. Everyone is so much more open to hearing a message about Jesus Christ!
I think the greatest time this week is when we were teaching an investigator, Q. As we were teaching him (I was with one of the Zone Leaders) He looked at me after about 15 minutes and said, "Preacher, I ain't feelin' this today. I know about Adam and Eve, tell me something that's going to give me strength to get through today!" I was blown away and bummed, but we quickly adjusted our lesson and taught about faith from Ether 12 and then taught keeping the sabbath day holy, reading scriptures and praying daily. We talked a bit about Sabbath, and he said he wanted to fast, so we fasted with him. Yesterday, we had a lesson with him and then played basketball after the lesson with a bunch of people. Q. is 47, about 6'4" and about 230 lbs. He played ball for the Oregon Ducks back in his day. SOOOO FUN! Elder V. B. played college ball up in Canada, so I think that helped us become more real and normal to him. I think it was a great lesson.
I've tried to write back all the letters that have sent me, and I have returned all of them except for ones that I got on Tuesday. I know the mail is slow because of the season, but I wanted to say thanks for the support, and Merry Christmas.
I think I would be kind of lame if I didn't wrap this up with my testimony about the Savior. Something I have been pondering and seeking these past few days is a better relationship with him. Elder V. B. taught me something the other day, that no matter how strong our testimony is of the Savior, it can always be more. I have been seeking that and I have found it. This morning I read about where, in perfect humility and service, Christ washed the feet of his apostles. Peter, not understanding refused, and then realizing he didn't understand, pleaded for the Savior to also wash his hands and head. Christ taught him, but it was in pure love. He then taught the beautiful principle of service. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also aught to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you." The best way we could show our gratitude to the Savior is by serving others. Spreading the love in this Christmas season is the key. I know this is the best thanks that I could give my Savior.
Please remember this, without Easter, there would be no Christmas. As we focus on his birth, don't forget about his purpose here, that was to preform the ultimate act of service in the atonement.
I love you all, thanks again, and Merry Christmas!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 12-17-09

2010-06-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

Blog-
This week has been pretty awesome. Elder V.B. and I have had a lot of enjoyment this week as we have served. Last Saturday M. was baptized and I confirmed her a member of the Church on Sunday. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity that I have to take part in helping others come unto Christ and to do this work. No doubt that baptisms are the biggest highlight of serving a mission.
This week I have again reflected on how far I have come and the success that I have had as a missionary in this Church and teaching this gospel. I am so thankful for all the wonderful blessings the Lord has poured out upon me.
I think about and feel like the sons of Mosiah and Alma when Ammon said, "Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us." Many of Elder V.B.'s studies this week have tied back to being made "an instrument in the hands of the Lord." I wonder if there is any more honorable and worthwhile opportunity than to be the Lord's instrument.
Christmas is also a difficult time to be a missionary. I'm thankful for the support and love from those who are a part of my mission. Again, I don't think anyone who has not served could understand the magnitude and importance to hear from those at home. I think the Psalmist said it best, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
I have another request for Christmas presents. I would love it if everyone who reads this blog would write their testimony of the Savior and the gospel and send it to me, that I might be able to give it to those I am teaching. Family, especially you.
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful week and a merry Christmas!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 12-10-09

2010-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hey!
I'm glad for everyones letters and emails! Thanks so much, I wish that I could explain how much those mean, but I think you have to be a missionary to really understand!
I had an amazing year mark, with lots of fun stuff and I just had a great time! The work here is going great and I feel so blessed in my time here in Las Vegas.
The other day I was thinking about it. In this mission, if a companionship puts forth their best effort, the Lord will give them success. I haven't had a baptism in 2 1/2 transfers now, but we will have one on Saturday. M. will make her covenant with Heavenly Father, and then around Christmas time, R. will also make that covenant. In addition to that, I Was thinking about my success and lack thereof here, and I quickly realized that I was having success. Someone once told me, "Success doesn't come from actually meeting your goal, but the growth that comes in striving for the goal." I've been a very blessed and successful missionary.
A lot of people have been asking what I want for Christmas. With a few material things that I need because of the weather and the wear from being out, I only want you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For those of you reading this who are members, think of the joy of the temple. Think about how this gospel has blessed your life, and the life of your family. Think about how YOU love your children, or your parents, and think about how our Heavenly Father loves all of his children. The best gift that I could receive is a report on sharing the gospel with others.
I love being a missionary. I love that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. We had an investigator who couldn't make it to church for a long time, but one of the things Elder V. B. and I fasted for was for him. He got weekends off and now he can come to Church. I know the Lord is there.
So awesome story, it rained in Vegas. Know the saying, when it rains it pours? That's totally talking about Las Vegas. There was about 3-4 inches of water in the bike lanes, and it rained all night. I ate dinner in a lava lava while my clothes were in the dryer, and before we got home they were plastered to my skin again. It was so fun. I think that's the main high light of this week!
Next week I will send some pictures from M.'s baptism.
I gotta wrap this up, but I wanted to share my testimony of the gospel in this upcoming Christmas season.
I really do know that Jesus Christ lives and that He loves us. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve him and to do his work. The Gospel we share is very real, and it's completely true. I also know that the best way to show our Heavenly Father our gratitude is to share the gospel with others.
I love you all, and again I am thankful for everything!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 12-3-09

2010-06-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

I hate it when computers loose your emails...
Well, the pictures were of missionaries and baptisms, my busted ankle from the turkey bowl, and also Elder V.B. and I.
Things that have been going on lately. We have two people set for baptism now, and I am so excited for them. These will be the third and forth people that I have taught who have made covenants with Heavenly Father since I have arrived here in this area to share the gospel.
I never cease to be amazed at how the Lord blesses me in this process of serving a mission. One of the missionaries I served with at the MTC, Elder F. said something that really impressed me. He said, "God doesn't need us to do his work. If he wanted to, he could do it himself, but he gives us the opportunity to have the blessings and growth from sharing his message." It's such an honor to be here and to be serving the Savior.
Things here in D-Sage couldn't be better! I've been working really hard at trying to set a good example for Elder V.B. and he has taught me so much. President told my trainer, "There's not many missionaries who can train in the middle of their mission. A lot train around 6 months, a lot around 18, but not many in between." My goal was to be a missionary who could train AT ANY TIME! Something I quickly learned is training is just as much of a learning experience as being trained. I love it though, Elder V.B. is awesome and I love him too. He's one of my best companions so far.
We are working with some new people and some old investigators too. I love getting to see people grow in the gospel and I love serving people. I think service is one of the best parts of being a missionary. I totally love it!
Time is short today (boy, that's not a unusual problem, lol) so I must go. I love you all, and thanks a ton!

Russ

(Sister note: These busted ankle pictures are gross...)

Russell's Email 11-26-09

2010-03-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

My title for this email was way to long. It was supposed to be, "Upper Respitory Infection, new missionary, and turkey bowl disaster"
Now to explain, over the past three weeks, Elder S. and I struggled a lot with our health. Finally, Monday night Elder s. had to go to the doctor (I was pretty much recovered). He had an upper respitory infection. So we pretty much coasted the past week of the transfer, and then he got transfered. I was sad to part, but I was even more excited for the new opportunity that awaited me.
Sunday night, the assistants make a special phone call to missionaries who are moving into leadership positions (new zone and district leaders, trainers, ect.) Well, another missionary in my apartment got a training call. At the end of their conversation, Elder B. asked to speak with me also. I answered and he said, "Elder Hitchcock, it's going to be a training party in the Oasis Landing!" My new comp is fresh from the MTC, Elder V. B. from St. Albert, Alberta. I didn't know something good could come from Canada, but he's way tight. I already love this transfer and I look forward to the next 5 weeks.
Now for the turkey bowl. I messed my anckle up, but I think I will be okay in a few days. Right after President told us to be careful and had his discourse we started, within five minutes I was on the ground. I can still ride my bike and all that, but some prayers for speedy recovery would be nice!
I wanted to share something I am grateful for, especially with the season. About two weeks ago, I was sitting in my chair at my desk thinking, "I feel like the same Russell who came into the mission almost a year ago.. Have I made any improvement or have I coasted for the past year? Am I becoming the missionary that I and my Heavenly Father want me to be?" These questions started to haunt me until a day or two ago. I felt really overwhelmed with the responsibility of training, and I cast my mind again upon this thought and I realized this. Over the past year I have developed into a strong teacher of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, my testimony has become firm and steadfast around the truthfullness of the restoration, and I've learned about patience, charity, and love for so many people! I'm so thankful for the time that I have to serve as a missionary during this season. As sister Christensen said this morning, "What better way to tell Heavenly Father you are thankful than to be serving a mission!"

Russell's Email 11-19-09

2010-03-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ah another week in Central LV...
This week was actually a special week and one unlike the others that I have had. On Saturday, an investigator we started teaching but gave over when the new missionaries came in, made a covenant with Heavenly Father and then on Sunday, received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
There's something very special about this investigator though. I have never talked to someone on the street who ended up getting baptized, until Saturday. I'll send a picture next week!
Other than that, things in Vegas are going well. I was sick last week, and then my companion caught my sickness. I'm recovering, and he is still pretty sick but we are trying to work as much as possible while staying well rested.
This transfer is about to close. I have learned a lot from the missionaries that I have served with and around, and I have also learned a lot from several of the members of the ward. One thing that I really want to do after my mission is take good care of the missionaries. To those members who might be reading this, especially those who have helped my companion and I while we have been sick, we're very thankful for everything you did!
I've also learned a great deal from other missionaries this transfer. One thing is, if you don't learn something every single day, you're not doing missionary work the right way. I've learned a lot over the past couple of weeks about personal revelation, my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon.
I had a super spiritual experience at District Meeting on Tuesday. We had an activity where I played the investigator, and 7 missionaries taught me the Plan of Salvation. I prayed really hard that I would be able to accuratly play the role of someone investigating the Church. I think I did a fair job, but I learned so much. One of the missionaries talked about faith and repentence, and for the moment, I really didn't know what those were. Another missionary actually offended me really bad lol. All in all, I learned that missionary work is not meant to be done quickly. The words of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph came to mind,
"But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief."
There's no reason to rush through anything in missionary work. I have another year to serve, and that's plenty of time for me to talk to everyone, to bear my testimony slowly, and to share the gospel slowly. Speeding up lessons doesn't do anything.
I'm very thankful for some of these lessons, and I look forward to what lies ahead of me. I'm also thankful for the support of those who write me and email me, I cannot explain how much that means. Thanks so much!
To those who might not be members, I hope that you will take a few minutes and think about how you have felt as I have shared some of these things. As you do, remember, "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." I'd invite you to visit www.mormon.org and to chat with a missionary who can answer your questions.
I love ya'll and thanks so much for dropping by!

Elder Russell Christian Hitchcock

Russell's Email 10-29-09

2010-03-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have had such a great last few days, I can't even begin to tell you (I might just try to though!)
Yesterday Elder Pace of the 70 came to the mission for our zone conference and spent about 2 hours talking to us. I was really impressed and I felt really blessed to learn from a special witness of Jesus Christ.
The zone conference went really well! We had some trainings about talking to people when we go and work with members (i.e. street contacting and such with members) and President gave some return and report about how the mission was doing. We are doing well, but then Elder Pace told us how we were really doing. I quickly realized that the mission, and the companionships are not as unified as we should be. Elder Pace asked why and people gave some reasons, and then I asked him a question (I was the only person to ask a question in front of the whole group) I asked, "How do you continue to work hard when others don't put forth their best effort to meet the goal?" He talked the next hour and a half about unity and working towards a common goal and told us how close we were to reaching our fullest potential. He said our mission was in the top 90%, but with a little work, we could be in the top 99%. I want to be the greatest mission in the world, and I'm determined to do my part in working towards that goal.
After being taught by Elder Pace, we had the opportunity to go to the temple this morning. Elder S., Elder V.(the district leader) and I woke up early and rode our bikes to the temple. I got pictures of the three of us up at the temple. I'll send it next week. It was a really good session and the ride there built my faith.
We prayed that all would go well and that we could travel in safety. The wind was at our backs the whole way! We were riding down Stewart towards the mountain and came up to the Lamb intersection. We had the green light, and the turning light (so each lane or traffic was stopped except for ours) and we were the only moving things on that side of the road but cars were lined up at all three other sections. Elder V. was in the back, and as soon as he got to the cross walk on the other side of the intersection, the light turned yellow. We didn't catch a single red light, we didn't have to stop at all. It built my faith, even something as small as biking to the temple. (plus, that filled a mission dream to bike to the temple lol)
Ah, this was a great week!

Russell's Email 10-15-09

2010-03-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

more new adventures! Coming every six weeks from the Nevada Las Vegas mission! The latest happened at the last transfer conference (last Tuesday) where a new companionship moved into my ward!!! And then they took our 2 investigators with a baptism date and almost all of our progressing investigators! :(
As much as I don't like it, I had a spiritual confirmation that this was the correct thing that this time. Elder S. continue to cover the Desert Sage ward, but now we cover from (specific street names...don't know if that should be public knowledge or not!!). Basically a half mile wide by about 3 miles long.
I'm excited to serve with this two other missionaries and to work as hard as I can. I really feel that the Lord is going to bless us with more investigators to replace the ones that we lost and help us still have success as we serve.
Things are going better also in our apartment! No more bed bugs! I can't tell you how nice it is to get rid of those nasty little creatures! Our apartment is also a lot cleaner. I love that so much!
I have a special request from everyone. I told our investigator, Maria, that I was going to ask everyone to include her in their prayers. Will everyone do that? She could really use the extra prayers and support, even if she doesn't know she's getting them. Thanks so much!
Hm, I think that's about all that happened this week, and I hope that everyone has had a great week and that they will yet have an amazing and blessed week. Love ya!

Russell's Email 10-8-09

2010-03-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

This week has been fun! Conference was nothing short of amazing and I really loved the talks that were given. I'll try to share some of my favorites.
Elder Holland, like always, takes it all. His talk was nothing more than amazing pure testimony from a special witness of the Savior and of the divinity of this work.
I also loved Elder Ballards talk in the Priesthood session and about communication between fathers and sons. Something I quickly realized is these suggestions are perfect for that relationship, but could and should be applied to all other relationships.
Elder Bednar's talk was amazing. My favorite part was when he said that it shouldn't be the case for husbands to say, "I don't tell my family I love them enough." I made the decision right then to be the one who says, "My wife probably gets sick of me telling her that I love her, but I love her."
Tadd R Callister also had an amazing talk along with Elder Renlund. I look forward to reading Elder Renlund's talk again (about his son who was working in the area he had prayed would be opened.) When he talked about that, I felt something say, "You need to pray for those in China, your son could be one of those missionaries." I also thought about whose prayers I might an answer to. I for sure had a stronger determination to remain worthy to be the answer to their prayers.
Those were my special moments of conference, but I think the highlight was this scripture. John 6:67-69
"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom should be go, thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe, and are sure, that thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." One of the General Authorities said this scripture should be engraven on our hearts. I invite everyone to memorize this and internalize it in their lives. I've started to, and I love it.
Thanks for stopping by, have a great week!

Elder Russell Hitchcock

Russell's Email 10-1-09

2010-03-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

This week was so crazy different. Sunday night I crashed about 9:30 (the whole mission, at president's suggestion) because on Monday, at 8:15, as a mission we started a fast and then all day Monday, all Monday night (yes, after 10:30) and all day on Tuesday, all the missionaries in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. How neat and wonderful this experience was.
I want to share one special insight from reading the Book of Mormon. One thing we often teach about is that God is our Loving Heavenly Father. My testimony, after reading the Book of Mormon this time, is that if God really loves us, he wouldn't give us just one book to help us return and live with him again. Think about it, if this is so important, wouldn't God give us more than one witness? I also thought about the Great Apostasy, where so many of the plain and precious truths of the gospel were lost and now there are so many debated doctrines. Another reason we have the book of Mormon is because "that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins (the Book of Mormon) and that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah (Bible) shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions." How I have come to love the Book of Mormon over the past year, and the past week!!!!
I am so thankful for all these things, and I am so thankful for the chance to hear from my prophet and the Lord's chosen leaders this weekend at conference. I look forward to being taught from on high as we hear these inspired words.
To those who might read these letters, I have a request. I know some of you are members of the Church, some of you are not very active, and some of you are non members. at the conclusion of reading the Book of Mormon, we were asked to reapply the promise at the end of the book of Mormon. The promise that if we ask God, in faith, with real intent, and with a sincere heart that the Holy Ghost will tell us the book is true. If the book is true, Joseph Smith is a true prophet. If he was a true prophet, then the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living Church on the earth. This claim is either true or it is not. If it's true, then this is the most important message in the world. I testify, this is true, and it is the most important message in the world. Find out for yourself. Even if you already know it's true, reapply the promise, it will only strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 9-24-09

2009-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

HEY sorry it's been so long since I have sent one of these! Let's see where to start!
The transfer started slow but now time is flying by! It's already been a month, and we are planning for week 5 (of 6) tomorrow! Time really does fly by.
We currently have 3 people set with a baptismal date, and a forth one soon to come. we also have about 4 people who are progressing towards baptism! This area is on fire!
Elder S. (new companion) and I are working really well together and finding great joy in this work. I cannot think of a better time that I have had on my mission than right now.
What I really love the most is that I'm trying my hardest and the Lord is opening doors that previously were closed. I know that this is his work because the blessings I am experiencing are not things I could make happen on my own.
I want to share a couple stories about member missionary work.
we are teaching a lady named N. who is progressing towards baptism. a few years ago she was in a very bad car accident and she woke up only remembering her name. Now she is doing much better, but she is still trying to find peace and happiness. Here's something that really struck me, she said, "All the happy people I know are mormons!" And I thought about it, Why? Because we have the gospel and we know who we are and who our Heavenly Father is! She's beginning to know and understand that, and it's because her Physical Therapist (who is a member) helped her to open her eyes to the truthfulness of the gospel.
The other example is D. I don't know to much about her, other than she lives with a member, but she was invited to take the missionary lessons. She loves the church so much and wants to embrace the gospel, and it's all because of the example that the members set.
Example, more powerful than what you say, is who you are (*note from the sister: Russell didn't put that in bold type-it just really stuck out to me and made me think about the kind of example I am setting for others. ). I know that this is true and that people notice everything about "the mormons."
I also had a really neat experience. I have a friend who is going to BYU and works at the bike shop who is in the same position I was in last year (trying to go back on his mission.) I had the awesome opportunity to have him join us for a few hours last night and to go and teach some lessons. Something that I learned last night is that Heavenly Father provides a way for us to embrace the gospel and have spiritual experiences. How grateful I am for that, and I hope my friend had as good as an experience as I did!
I love being a missionary, and doing this work!

Russell's Email 8-13-09

2009-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

This week has been nuts.
Saturday we baptized our last investigator. Tragic experience because now we have no one to teach. Elder s. and I have been trying to come up with different ideas to help us find some more people and guess what?! We have gotten no where! Of course that hasn't discourages us, we are still working hard. We have been using Preach My Gospel to try to find those things that will help us, and one of the things we are doing is fasting! Now, recently I learned that I'm not supposed to ask you to join in special fasts, so I won't! But I do ask that you remember this in your prayers! If you can be really specific, we are fasting to find new investigators that we can teach, who will progress and that we can baptize!
The Lord knows our hearts, and I know that. Yesterday we had the zone leaders down from Elko and we went on splits. Because of our lack of investigators, we did a lot of finding, and we even did some stuff that was totally foreign to the Las Vegas mission. WE WENT TRACTING!
All I hear is about ineffictive tracting is. It's no fun, it's hard, no one gets baptized as a result, blah blah blah. Tracting is awesome! We found three new investigators (but we need more!) and taught several lessons yesterday! I wouldn't want to tract all day every day, but I really enjoyed myself!

Russell's Email 8-6-09

2009-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

HEY!
Things in Ely are kickin'! We have almost no one to teach, but some how we have mangage to still do awesome work!
Last weekend we had a baptism in Lund NV, their second baptism this month. We had the baptism at the "Waters of Lund" aka, the most beautiful spring in the world. It looks about a foot deep, but where the baptism took place was about 3.5 feet deep. It reminded me of Mosiah 18:30. I think about this because, no one has been baptized in the spring in years, but many people came and it stirred a lot of tender memories. It really was a beautiful place and an awesome baptism.
This weekend we have another baptism, this one is equally awesome. This lady has been working to this point for over 6 months and finally she will be able to enter the waters. I'm so excited, especially to be the missionary that sees her to this point because so many have crossed her path.
My other huge excitment is this. (Hold onto your hat Dad) I love doing service. This morning for our preperation day exercise, Elder Swank and I went and cut firewood for a recent convert. I love cutting wood! I don't know if I would enjoy it as much if I always had to do it, but I really have fun cutting it for service!
I also got to go out to the Church Ranch in Garrison NV. We had our district meeting out there, had fresh steaks and corn on the cob, went driving around and took lots of pictures (I'll send those next week too.) Our last stop was a really neat creek. Story has it that a man from the south didn't want to give up his slaves so they up and left to NV and this was the settlement they established. It's a really neat little place but the spirit there was awesome. While we were there it just felt like paradise. So pretty... I'll send pictures.
I love serving my mission and having fun here. When you serve the Lord with the right attitude, and the best obedience you can, you really feel the Spirit and enjoy the work. I know that this is the best decision I've ever made, and to live this gospel is the best thing you can do. I love being here and, despite the difficulties, it's the greatest experience in my life. I hope that everyone who reads these can feel the spirit in their hearts, for I know this message is true!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 7-23-09

2009-08-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

This week has been a different week!
I got a new companion (my second comp in Ely) and he is Elder S. from Maine. The only thing about him is he scares me with how similar we are. Other than that, it's soooo awesome to be serving with him. He is about 18 months out, and so this is probably his last stop in the mission, but I'm leanring a ton from him.
I almost feel like we are reopening an area. When we baptized B. last week, we almost emptied our teaching pool and now we are searching from new investigators! (Calling all RM's, you should write me {contact the sister by way of comment for the address}and tell me your finding ideas for small towns. How did you do the work in your "Ely"?) When Elder Swank came in, I realized, we are teaching a ton of people who aren't do anything! So now we are trying to change how we do missionary work in the area. We shall see how it turns out.
I had a super neat experience last week. We attended Lund ward on Sunday. The first big highlight was they had homemade bread for the sacrament. I felt like a was in a Joseph Smith movie or something. AWESOME...
But no, the big highlight was this. There is a governement funded ranch outside Ely that is owned by a member. About 6 boys from the ranch come to church almost every week and they were expressing desires to learn and join the Church. The boy's ranch is basically a jouvie alternative, and it's neat to see kids want to change after seeing the life they were heading towars. We are trying to find a way to get permission to teach them right now, but it's sooo neat. I love being here in Ely!
This weekend is Lund Pioneer DayS! (yes, DAYS. This is Lund we are taking about.) They have team sorting and branding, rodeos, fireworks, parades, etc. We are going to try to do service and do some less active work down there this weekend because that's where everyone will be.
I'm having fun in Ely. The work is true and it presses forward in Sin City or in little old Ely. I love being a part of this work. I hope these things inspire you to strengthen your faith and to share this message with others.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 7-16-09

2009-08-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

this is an old tire shop/chicken coop down in lund.

someone has a freakin lion! actually it's a dog, shaved like a lion
this is an old car in some weeds. I thought it looked almost pretty...
Hotel Nevada! there is a mountain bike race I am going to do after my mission and you get to ride through the hotel nevada casino
backgound of #305 is the 60x40 garage we did a huge service project for. Took about 20 hours (oh yeah, and they don't like harry reid)
look at the elk that I shot! just kidding, a guy found the elk (natural causes death) and then packed the skull and rack 3 miles. It was HUGE

Russell's Email 7-9-09

2009-08-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

I love serving my mission! I had some really neat experiences this week that I want to share.
The first is our investigator down in Lund, B., who is going to be baptized on that 18th! She is so awesome, and her husband is getting the priesthood on Sunday so that he can baptize her! I'm so stoked, she's one of those that will be to the temple in a year! I'm really pumped for that! We also took a member with us to her home, and this member is friends with B. but she added so much to the lesson! I love teaching with members and seeing them have a spiritual experience. There's really not much better than to see a member get excited, because then they share the gospel even more!
The second was an answer to my fast. Saturday night I knelt down and began my fast, and maybe 5 minutes later (I was shinning my shoes) the phone rang and it was the Bishop of Lund ward. He told us about someone he had just met, J. He had recently moved to Lund with his brother, J. (who is a member of the Church.) He had been taking the lessons down in Vegas and he wants to get baptized. I'm so excited for this to happen. There are tons of little details to figure out, but no worries, we will figure it all out.
Ely is a great place and I love serving here. Right now we are at a little bit of a low point. I want to ask everyone at home to pray for us here in Ely, and also pray for the members, that we might have more people to teach. Ely, we can't do much here by our own efforts. We have to have the members help, and I could use some extra prayers!!!
Those are the exciting things. Oh yeah, the Tour de France started. I was trunky. There's a family here who is keeping me posted, and it's driving me nuts. I'm trying to avoid them so I don't get distracted... I hope everyone has a great week!!!

Russell's Email 7-2-09

2009-08-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

So I'll start off this with a joke that one of the young women told to open her talk.
Okay, Imagine you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean, you find you are sinking and there is a big hole in the boat (and there is to much water to bail out...) What do you do????

STOP IMAGINING!!!

Anyway, Dad your sense of humor is still very much a part of me. This week has been really good. I think Lund is my favorite place in the state of Nevada. We are still working towards baptism with our investigator there, and we were teach The Gospel of Jesus Christ on Monday and we were teaching her about baptism and the sacrament, how they are connected. Well, turns out she knew the whole time what we were talking about, and it really took me off guard. I asked her how she knew and she said she had read it in her "Converts guide to mormonism" My mind=blown. It was pretty crazy.
A quote that Sister B. (from Cookeville TN) shared this week has really stuck in my mind. "There is not faith or growth in convience, only in sacrafice." Over the past few days, I feel I have grown some and my mission is becoming more joy than sacrafice. I think, what am I giving up? All I am doing is gaining....
Another neat experience is one I want to share. In Lund and Preston (about 500 people between the two towns, seperated by a two lane highway) there are only a few nonmembers. Of course members try to work with most of them, but one member said, "I feel like I need to invite her to something." We challenged her to figure it out and take action, we left her with a book of Mormon, a couple ideas, and told her to pray. This past week we found out that she had given her the Book of Mormon. The Lord is preparing people to hear this message, and it's up to us to act. We can share this message that blesses families for eternity, or we can selfishly be missing in action (as Elder Perry talked about in conference) while others perish without the gospel. Jospeh Smith said, "After all that has been said, the greatst and most important work is to share the Gospel."
I hope everyone will keep their eyes open for missionary opportunities.
I love you all, and good luck this week.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 6-25-09

2009-08-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well Well Well, another week has come and gone and the work continues to roll forth. I love the Standard of Truth by the Prophet Joseph. "The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from the standard of truth has been erected; No un hallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."
My highlight of this week was a baptism that I got to take part of with Elder and Sister B. They are pretty much my heros in the mission field and I have grown to really love and respect them. Anyway, they had a 77 year old investigator who had made the decision to follow the Savior's example and be baptized, despite her huge fear of water. (she said she could hardly take a shower because of the water on her face, much less be baptized and be immersed in the water.) Anyway, she struggled to get herself to the font and Sister Beaty offered a prayer that gave her the courage to face her fears. Even though I was there and in the water, I didn't really do anything (except grab her towel really quick to get the water off her face) but it was truly a blessing to me to see a 77 year old woman overcome a fear like that. It's so great to be a missionary and to do this work. I really love it.

Russell's Email 6-18-09

2009-08-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

This week WAS BANGIN!
On Saturday we had a baptism of a 13 year old here in Ely NV! That was the 8th person that I have had the opportunity to be involved with that was baptized. It's so great to get to be one of the Lord's servants!
On Monday we had such an amazing lesson with one of our investigators down in Lund NV. That day was neat because we actually had dinner with her sister in law (H.) and H.'s husband. We knew that she had received her answer that the Book of Mormon was true. So we knew that she was ready to be set for baptism.
As we taught the Plan of Salvation, we taught about eternal families and how we can be with our families for forever, not "till death do us part." We read 2 Nephi 31:10-11 with her and then asked her to be baptized. Here's what makes this event better.
Her husband was baptized in Las Vegas while he was going to UNLV but fell away pretty quick because he didn't have much support. He never received the Priesthood so we challenged him to work to obtain that priesthood so that he could baptize his wife. He's going to work towards that as she works towards baptism.
Something they said has really stuck with me. She said, "Our marriage has been really good but as we have been reading the Book of Mormon together, we have grown closer and things are going even better." Truly, this Gospel is designed to bless the lives of families.
It's no secret about the time that I spent in GA and at home when I should have been on my mission. While this was a difficult time, I know that I am now better prepared to serve the Lord and testify of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We had a lesson with an amazing member of the Church who is working back to activity. As he was reading the Book of Mormon, he read something that just destoryed his hope and he allowed Satan to test the waters and make him believe that he couldn't progress. I felt so great to get to share my testimony of the power of the atonement and I know he felt the spirit. It was an amazing night as we shared these feelings and beliefs.
On Tuesday I had the opportunity to give a short training on using the Book of Mormon more in our teaching. As I understood the importance of using the Book of Mormon more, I gained a greater love. Everyone has access to the Bible and so many have a faith and testimony of it, but the Book of Mormon is another testament of the Savior. We teach more from it because it confirms their faith in the Bible and helps others grow even closer to the Savior. I also read a really cool paragraph in Preach My Gospel as I prepared this short teaching. It said, "You too should apply this promise regularly to strengthen and renew your testimony of the Book of Mormon."
The promise that is referred to is Moroni 10:4-5
"And when ye shall receive these things I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
I have reapplied this promise and I want to invite everyone to do the same. Moroni doesn't say, "the lord will only tell you once" and I know that applying it again really does strengthen that testimony.
My mission is awesome, I love it.
I hope all is well at home and that everyone is being blessed.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 6-11-09

2009-06-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hey hey hey,
So I was sure that I was going to be staying in North Las Vegas for at least another six weeks, but the Lord has other plans for me. I was transfered up to Ely NV which is 3 hours from everything and in the middle of no where. I am 3 hours from Salt Lake, 3 hours from St George, 3 hours from Las Vegas, 3 hours from Elko, and there is nothing here! I love it!
Ely is about 5000 people and is about 6500 feet elevation. I left vegas in a short sleeve shirt and melting hot, and now I am in cold 50-60 degree weather and I'm almost always wearing my sweater or jacket, (or both).
My new companion is Elder H. from Flordia. He has been out about 9 months and the only other missionaries close are Elder and Sister B. from Cookeville TN. It's neat to be around them, and our whole district is from the south, 3/4 from TN. Pretty sweet....
We work a lot more with the members here and they are wonderful. We have a baptism set up for Saturday, with 2 more perspective baptisms this transfer. It's such a blessing to serve here (OH! and I'm in a car so I get to ride my bike again FOR FUN!!!) and, according to the other missionaries, it's also an honor. Aparently, if you get sent to Elko zone (bapsically everything north of Las Vegas) President trusts you. I'm excited to be here.
I don't have to many stories yet, but this is a neat town. I love being a missionary and sharing the gospel.
I think the best experience thus far was a lesson with a lady named B. and her husband D.(who had an argyle Fox Racing hat... yes, I wanted to take it). We taught about the Restoration and shared scriptures from the Book of Mormon. It was a really neat experience because this lady truly wants to know. I love the message of the Restoration because a person will grow closer to God by abiding by this message than any other message. I know this is true because I am constantly growing closer to Him.
I really love being a missionary. This is really the greatest thing I could do. Serving the people of Nevada, serving my brothers and sisters is the most joyous work. I'm glad I am here. I wouldn't change it for anything!

Russell's Email 6-4-09

2009-06-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

So This past Saturday I had the chance to return to Green Valley for a baptism. I baptized T. in a font that was hot enough to be a hot tub. Being able to baptize T. was truly a wonderful blessing and opportunity. Such a neat experience, and as a missionary, it was the highlight of my week!

We also set someone, her name is O. and we have another lady, L., who we will set for baptism soon. The Lord is truly blessing this area. I love getting to do the things I have in this area. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me in this area and mission.

This week I have seen more and more the Lord's hand and the love that he has for his children. It seems each week I become more and more aware of this and my love for the Savior grows even more. It's such a blessing to be able to bless the lives of others.

Something really neat, the missionary program is starting to focus more on lessons taught to investigators with members, and so we have been doing that. Working with members of the Church is so amazing! Their added witnesses and the spirit they bring, it's great. The more LTM's (lessons taught with members present) the more progressing investigators. The more progressing, more enter the waters of baptism. Learning to work with the members in North has changed my mission. I love it.

Yet again, time is short. I love it here though, and I know that this is the Lord's work. I'm confident of that.

Russell's Email 5-14-09

2009-06-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

So this week in North is another week trying to get control of the task. It's going much better, and we are starting to get people to teach. I really enjoy seeing fruits of my labors, it's then I really know that I am making a difference in the lives of others.

I think that my most favorite experience of the week is this. We are having a contest with the missionaries I live with to see who can have the most "other lessons" in the week. (Other Lessons = 2 principles and a commitment, these can be taught in homes or on the streets) during this, Elder J. and I have talked to sooooo many people. We talked to one lady who invited us back after we talked about families with her (turns out she has 5 or six kids!!!). We went to our appointment with her, she had forgotten about it but before we could ask her if we could reschedule, she asked us. We did and before we left, I looked over her shoulder into the house and I saw a "Return with Honor" plaque hanging on the wall. I thought that was neat, and I have a good feeling about teaching her.

We also had another really awesome lesson with the family we are teaching that the parents are deaf. We gave them the Restoration pamphlet and told them to read it and then we went and watched the movie, the Restoration. The experience during the first vision was amazing. I'm pretty sure she knows it's true, and it's a testimony to me that the spirit doesn't need a langauge to touch the hearts of God's children. it was simply amazing....

I love being here and sharing this message with others. The Gospel is truly where happiness is, and nothing can take the place of Spirit. I know that this gospel is the way, and that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I have learned so much this past week, and it's great to be able to serve others.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 5-7-09

2009-06-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

This area is sooooooooooooo different than my last one, but I really love it. I have had some awesome experiences doing this work here and sharing the gospel with others.
Each area provides a unique challenge. One of the biggest challenges here in North is finding people who speak english and who are sincere. What's great though, is I know they are out there.

I think my most favorite experience is a family we went to see, the kids are members and the parents aren't. The parents are also deaf. I have had the opportunity to go and to try to remember all the ASL that I can and to talk to this family. The kids want to come back to Church, and the parents want to come. I'm so excited, and to see the Lord use me was a neat experience.

I really love serving with my companion Elder J. He is a great missionary and has a great love for this gospel. He is teaching me so much, and really helping me develope into the missionary I want to become.

We had interviews with President this past week and I had a great one. One thing that was in common in mine and Elder J.'s email was that He (President) and the Assistants felt like Elder J. and I were the missionaries to come into the area brand new and make it better. Knowing that I am called of God gives me a deep feeling of responsibility, knowing that President has that much trust in me scares me to death hahaha. I love this area though, and the people here are fantastic.
We are still seeking out those who have been prepared by the Lord's hand to receive this message. Sometimes we find people who are more open than others, but we haven't stopped trying to find them yet. I'm really thankful for the opportunity to have a new start in a new area and to work in such a great place.

If there is one truth that I am continually reminded of, it's this. God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know that's true. I hope next week I can tell ya'll we set someone for baptism, but we shall see! I love ya'll

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-30-09

2009-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, crazy times....
I'm transfered to the North Stake in North Las Vegas. This place is great, but it's pretty much the polar oppisite to Henderson. I thik I will learn Spanish here, and I know that will be a blessing for the rest of my mission!
My new comp is Elder J. from Canada. He has served the past 4.5 months with me in the Green Valley zone, so I know him. We were whitewashed in (where a ward gets two new missionaries) and so we are working to make this transfer work.

Elder J. and I have pretty much cleaned the entire apartment now, from mopping the floor to washing the couch cusions and cleaning the walls. I like neat. I remember a quote that says, "be the change you wish to see." That's what I am trying to do.

We have a baptism for Saturday, it's an 11 year old named L. all his siblings have joined the church, but his parents still haven't. As far as we know so far, he is really our only promising person. We shall see as the transfer unfolds.

I've learned a lot already. I didn't know what to do because I didn't know the area, the people, anything. I started to study in the Book of Mormon about Alma and the sons of Mosiah when they "whitewashed" the land of Nephi and the Lamanite people. I really enjoyed this study so far and it gave me some great insights. Service, obedience with exactness, leading by love and example, so many different things that are a blessing!

I'm really grateful to be here in North with Elder J. I sense a great deal of growth is in my future as we work to turn this area around and leave it much better than how we found it. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and for the blessings as of late. I know this is the Lord's work

.
I will have more to report on next week. I love you all. Pray for me please, and I'll pray for you.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-23-09

2009-06-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been so good! I've seen the hand of the Lord in this work more than any other time in my mission so far!

We are getting some really amazing contacts and investigators lately. A fun experience, I might have written about before, but we had a family of 7 (four of them are baptism age) moved into the area. The Lord's hand has been in their life the whole past like... 3 months. They were taught everything by some other missionaries and then they moved into our area (hehe the Lord loves me too!) and now they are on fast progress towards baptism. I really love the C. family and it's awesome!

Another huge miracle that we saw this past week was we were teaching T. T. is 15, his girlfriend is a member and he has been coming to Church and seminary for like, 2 months. His dad was against him joining the church, so we kept teaching him. One of our last lessons, we had it at the Bishops house. When Bishop joined the Church, his situation was very similar to T.'s. We asked Bishop to share his experience and he did. The thing that made the difference for bishop, he and his friends and the missionaries fasted that a way would be provided for him to join the Church. A few days later, one event led to another and his dad gave him his approval. That was the challenge we gave to T. Well, bishop took T. home and met his dad, and now T. has a baptism date. It's amazing how the Lord provides ways for his children to keep the commandments.

Another experience that sticks out, I think I shared about before. We were at bishop's house and we challenged his daughters to have some friends over for a lesson. Well, we had one of the lessons the other night and it went really well. I called Bishop this morning and was talking to him, and we were talking about one of the young men, B. His mom broke her wrist and so some of her friends have been helping B. get to and from school. (they are both moms and return missionaries, and one is a ward missionary.) B.'s mom called the ward missionary and asked, "Joyce, what are ya'll teaching my son about celestial and terrestial and telestial?" She replied, "Um, we haven't been talking about the Church with him..." Eventually it came out that we had a lesson with him and she said, "Well, he is at the age that he needs to decide and find for himself what he believes." Um yeah, he's coming to Church!!!!!!!!

I'm so grateful to serve my mission. I'm thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father and for the difference that it makes. How I love this Gospel, and how I love to grow in it.

I hope these experiences help to build your faith and give you courage to open your mouth and share the Gospel. People need what we have in this restored gospel, but they typically won't take that first step. Elder Perry invited us to open our mouth and gave us the things we should say. The first to ward our neighbor and declare our beleif in the Savior. Then to open your mouth and tell the first vision in your own words. Last, to open you mouth and bear testimony of the Book of Mormon. Then he gave a great promise, "And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"

The Lord loves his children and wants them all to return home. May we take the courage to act and all labor in this rewarding work.

Russell's Email 4-9-09

2009-04-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

This week was one of refiners fire. I love serving my mission, but occasionally the Lord sees fit to test us again. He always shows an increase in blessing as a result of the efforts we put forth though.
The week started in opposition as we had a zone conference where we hiked to the top of a mountain in Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, NV. (That place has epic mountain biking. I was trunky for my bike.... bad, I'm only 4 months out. I shouldn't be trunky for anything.) As we got to the top of the mountain, we sang High on the Mountain Top and then we spoke about vision. As we overlooked Boulder City, Las Vegas, and Lake Meade, we learned about the Vision that Heavenly Father has for us, and how we need our own vision. He quoted Psalms, "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." I then got to speak on obedience and letting virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. I loved being able to take part in the conference. My main points to get accross were, "You cannot live the spirit of the law without first obeying the letter of the law." and "A thought does not have to be bad to be unvirtuous." I think I made the example because during the hike to the summit, I saw two mountain bikers and, in passing, I checked out their bikes. I stood on top of this mountain and said, "was that thought bad? NO! but it distracted me from my purpose and left me unprepared to share the gospel if an opportunity had presented itself. A thought does not have to be BAD to be unvirtuous."
Upon returning to the chapel after almost being blown off the mountain by 50 mph winds, we sat together and President said something that still sounds in my mind. "If you have vision, you will succeed. If you don't, the people perish."
Another great blessing came when we receieved a phone call. A family of 7 just moved into our ward, and four of them are baptism age and have already been taught the Gospel. The C. family is getting ready now, and we are so excited for this work to progress even more.
I don't have time to write much more, but it's okay. I know this work is true, the Lord is at the head of it. I know that Heavenly Father loves his children, and I know that he wants us to be happy. This is the way, and it's the only way.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 4-2-09

2009-04-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

This week has been another week that has built my faith in Jesus Christ and the love of our Heavenly Father. I have seen in multiple cases where the Spirit has touched hearts of people that is nothing short of a miracle.

I see the power of missionaries. In the last two weeks, about 4 families who have been less active have decided to come back to Church. Elder Hunt and I have the opportunity to teach them about the Priesthood to prepare them to receive it. I'm REALLY excited for the blessings that are to come to these people.

I also had the opporunity to have Family Home Evening with the U. family. I have such a love for them and I'm so grateful for the blessing that they have been in my life. It's amazing to see the hand of the Lord as he acts in our lives.

I'm also really grateful for the leadership of the church on the local level. I am amazed at the kind of man that Bishop Brandt is and how respectable he is. I love working with the leadership and having their help in this work. It's true, missionaries cannot do anything without the assistance of the ward and it's members.

I love being here and serving the Lord. Many young people believe, "When I go on a mission, I have to meet this sterotype." It's so not true... I love being me and interacting with people, building their faith in Jesus Christ and helping them to see that, because Heavenly Father loves us, there is always more.

One such example is a man named S. We talked to him and he had talked to missionaries several times before. I asked what the thought and he was kind of stand offish. I said, "S., do you know that Heavenly Father knows you and loves you?" He replied that he wasn't all that sure there was a God. I held my arms out like "LOOK AROUND!" and said, "S., the things we have here, the sun, the mountains, the trees, all these beautiful creations testify that Heavenly Father is real and that he loves his children." That was pretty much the end of that contact but I could tell he was touched by the Spirit and that he wanted to be happy and he felt something.

I'm grateful for this experience to serve the Lord and to grow in this gospel. I know this is the faith that produces salvation and I know the Savior is indeed the way, the truth and the life.
Granted, as a 20 year old with one year of college and "real world" (ha, it's not really real world) experience, there's a lot of things that I don't know. However, this is one that I know without a shadow of a doubt.

Elder Russell Christian Hitchcock

Russell's Email 3-26-09

2009-04-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

So I forgot my planner so I am going off of memory, but the highlights of this week were mainly this week. On Monday we had a really good day and had some awesome lessons. We taught C. again and we watched a movie with her. We watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. I love that movie so much! The Spirit is so strong and it's awesome to see the love that Joseph Smith had for this work. A scripture that has become a favorite is in Mosiah and part of it says, "...to stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places." That was the Prophet Joseph. The Spirit was really strong and it reconfirmed to me the truthfulness of this message.
Right after that we had another lesson at the Bishop Brandt's house. His daughter Ashley had invited a few friends to have a lesson and we were joined by her friends and two other youth from the ward. The lesson was awesome and I really loved to see the spirit they had because everyone there wanted to learn. It's amazing what the Spirit can does... It doesn't surprise me, but it amazes me everyday...

Then Tuesday happened. Tuesday was perhaps the worst day of my mission so far. Our appointments fell through until dinner, and we rode about 3 miles to dinner only to learn they had moved, and so we had to ride another mile or two. Once we got there it wasn't bad, and we enjoyed their company. After dinner we had a good lesson with a member and her friend. A. (the friend) has been looking for a purpose in life and needing the sense of direction the Gospel offers. I really enjoyed teaching because I think she made some connections!

So Tuesday was really bad... But Wednesday... What to say about wednesday. I would say it was the most effective prosolyting day of my mission. I loved it and enjoyed it so much! Oh so many stories for the journal, I'd share but I'm out of time now...

Maybe next week I won't close the email or forget my planner. Thanks for all the support!

Elder Hitchcock

The first two pictures are disposing of alcohol The third is Elder Davis, Bishop Brandt, and me The last is the U. family and Elder Davis and me.

Note from Haley

2009-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

As many of you probably know, Elder Hitchcock lived with me and my family for several months after I had my twin boys. During this time, it became a "game" to find foods that Elder Hitchcock would eat (other than chicken quesadillas, pepperoni pizza, and homemade rolls). I finally found a pasta dish that he really liked. (He's gonna be so mad at me for telling everyone about his picky eating habits!)

Fast forward many months: I got the sweetest email from a family in Elder Hitchcock's ward, who were going to feed the missionaries one night and apparently Elder Hitchcock conveyed his love of this certain pasta dish. This sweet family was going to make one of his favorite meals for him. Of course, I sent the recipe, and they sent me back this picture of Elder Hitchcock and Elder Davis, along with their family.

Thank you to the Vazquez family for feeding my brother, and for going out of your way to cater to a picky eater!

Russell's Pictures 3-12-09

2009-04-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Elder Davis

Elder Hitchcock

(Our dad owns a plant nursery called "Day Lily Nursery." Seeing this street sign reminded Elder Hitchcock of home!)

Russell's Email 3-12-09

2009-03-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have had an awesome week this week, and the best is yet to come. On Saturday, at 3 pm we will have a baptism with the U. family. The four of them- T., H., A., and T.,- will be baptized and then confirmed on Sunday. I am so excited for them....
We have been teaching more and the Lord is blessing our efforts. We are teaching some less active people who are progressing so quickly, and we are about to challenge one young man to prepare himself for a mission, which is a huge commitment for this guy. What I love the most, is that through the gospel it's possible!
The past few weeks we have been doing a lot of service. I heard a funny saying, it was "When you are a missionary, you are a full time missionary and a part time moving service." I enjoy doing service, and it's great to help people with stuff that they couldn't do on their own. We offered to help someone move and the guy said, "It's okay, we just hired a crew to help us." I thought, and asked Elder Davis, "Why in the world would you hire a crew to help you move?" He replied, "That's what you have to do when you don't have an Elders Quorum to call." I found it really funny...
We also had a sweet experience with a young man in one of my wards. He is 20, a great guy, but he is handicapped and wasn't going to get to serve a mission. We learned he really wanted to serve, but he seemed hopeless about serving a mission. We heard that the whole mission office was being released in the next few months and talked to the mission president. Elder S. is now going to have the opportunity to serve an 18 month mission serving in the mission office for the Nevada Las Vegas mission. He was so grateful for that opportunity, and I was so happy that we played a part in his chance to serve.
I love seeing the Lord's hand in our lives. He is so aware of each of his children and their needs. What's more amazing, is that he meets the needs of his children. I love it. It's amazing.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 3-5-09

2009-03-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

So this week has been one of the most amazing so far. We had 3 of the U. family set for baptism and we were having trouble with thier 11 year old son. We taught him at his friends house and set him for baptism!!! on the 14th we will baptize the 4 of them! I'm SO excited!
Even more excited, I can't wait to challenge them to go to the temple in a year. I hope they do and that I can accompany them!
We have also had some great opportunities to do service for some of the members. In the past two weeks I have seen the power of the Priesthood and the impact of our calling. I love the support that we have from our Heavenly Father.
We also had a really great experience with a member family. Green Valley is a pretty rich place and so members really are key to the missionary work. We prayed about some families and went to see one of them. We had a special lesson about sharing the gospel and invited them to have a person in their home to teach. The father (who is the head of the Las Vegas Swat team and one of the top five tactic leaders in the nation) said, "We have been really slacking on our member missionary opportunites. As we have talked, a few names have come to mind and we will have them here for a lesosn." I was like, OH WOW! That built my testimony!
I love serving, and the experiences I am having are ones that will be eternal. I cannot wait to have more experiences and I love writing them (I just wish I had more time to write... oh well.)
Thanks for your support, I love you all.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 2-26-09

2009-02-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

So this week doesn't feel like a lot happened, but looking back a ton has. We have had some awesome lessons and have seen people progess leaps and bounds. We are teaching about 3 less active families and they are all doing so well. The B.s are nearing reactivity and we have the Primary President in helping us and it's such a great environment to teach in. The blessings of teaching with memebers is amazing.
We also had Zone Conference where we got to meet with President Christensen. It was a really neat experience to have his instruction and to talk about the content of the L Tom Perry meeting a few weeks ago. Lucky, we get to apply these programs that he talked about which will help the work so much more now. I'm excited to teach more and contact less. the neat thing about it is, the members are becoming out full time finders and we are becoming full time teachers. Pretty sweeeeet. I got to sing a special musical number with 5 other elders too! We sang "Brightly Beams our Fathers Mercy" and "Come thou fount" all to the tune of come thou fount and it was awesome. The story behind Brightly Beams our Fathers mercy is really neat. It says "Brightly Beams our Fathers mercy, from his lighthouse evermore." the lighthouse is the gospel and his love. It's salvation. It's the Savior. "I am the light of the world." Then it says, "but to use he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore." So the lighthouse is where we want to be, but the lights along the shore were placed between coral reefs that would destroy a boat. A sailor would point his boat directly at the fire and he would be lead safely into the harbor. Such is our duty is to lead those who are "poor fainting struggling sea men" safely to the harbor of the Lord's love.
We saw this lighthouse experience as we taught Nancy. She is struggling with her mother and we were able to teach and testify of the Savior and his atonement, and the strength that he can provide to help us through our trails. While they don't disappear, we have the strength that we stand in need of to face whatever. It's the invitation of the Savior in Matthew "Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
So on a lighter note, Sampson got punched in the face on his mission, so I have to share my story. Elder Davis and I are running late to an appointment and we pass two guys walking who looked less than presentable so we kept riding (we were already late) but one of the guys flagged us down. He said, "You're mormons right?!" "yes...." "Let me tell you a thing or two about Joe Smith!" he said something about visions and then looked at Elder Davis "Do you see visions?!" "I personally.." DO YOU SEE VISIONS? "No." He turns to me, "Do you see visions?" (with my bike between me and him) "I know it's true." He gets in my face and touches his forehead to my helmet, "Do YOU see visions?" I said, "sir, we gota go. Here's a card, visit the website on the back. Have a great day." and we started to leave but he said something else to Elder Davis, so he stopped for a second more. as he starts to leave, the guy says, "Go! Be with God..." Oh, maybe I should have mentioned earlier he had a bag with 3 HUGE cans of beer and that he looked as if those were round two.... hahaha I alsmost peed my pants! but all ended well!
Oh yeah, DAd, I get to teach seminary on Monday. hahaha
That's the highlights of the week I think. I love serving and doing this work. there is not another place I would rather be. I'm glad I still have so much time to serve.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay classy

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 2-19-09

2009-02-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

Man, it's true the saying, "(Sometimes) The days feel like weeks but the weeks feel like days." I'm so thankful to be serving this mission.
On Sunday Elder Davis and I had a really good day. We made a street contact that invited us back and when we went she wasn't there but her sister was! We set up a return appointment and that fell through but her sister called while we were at church and left us a message asking us to stop by.
We had a lesson with her and set her for baptism. Jamie is scheduled to be baptized on the 28 of March but she has a long way to go. However, I know the atonement is real and that it has power to change behaviors.
After that lesson, we had a lesson with the U. family (the ones who came to church seeking help.) We set both of the parents for baptism for the 14 of March and are focusing on the kids now. I don't think they will have much problem making this date, but we aren't going to leave anything up to chance.
Yep, that's right. We set three people in one day! I feel like I'm in south America :P
We are also teaching several less active families who are speeding towards reactivation. The B. family was at church and will be there again. The F. family just needs a little push and we are working with them. The C.'s are really progressing and moving along quickly. We are about to start meeting with the W.'s who I can relate to pretty well. The parents both ride/race bikes pretty heavily. I'm excited to see where that goes.
The Lord is aware of his children. I see that every day. Preach My Gospel talks about having faith the Lord will put people in our path, that He is preparing people for the Gospel, and I know that's true.
This week I had a renewed gratitude for the Atonement of the Son of God. Go look at www.JesusChrist.lds.org. Who can deny the Christ? He is the literal living son of our literal living God. Watch the video on www.mormon.org of "Mormons are Christians" by Elder Jeffery R Holland. Who can deny the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? No one can if they are touched by the Spirit.
I love this work. I am often reminded of the statement "If the Church wasn't true, the missionaries would have destroyed it a long time ago." While this is funny, it's so true! No unhallowed work could move forward in the hands of 19-25 year old missionaries. This work HAS to be true. Try that logic.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 2-12-09

2009-02-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

Of course it has been another great week. Elder Davis brought up something that was neat to think about. He said at home he would have a bad day or something like that and have to try to be happy, but on the mission we are doing the most important work all day every day. Of course it's ALWAYS a great week.
This week was slower with not as many highlights, but the big things that we got were super! For FHE with our bishop, we taught him the message of the restoration and the spirit was so strong. After the lesson, Elder Davis asked him, "Bishop, we know the rep of the missionaries before was not good and we feel like we don't have the trust of the ward. How can we get that?" Through tears the bishop replied, "Do that, do what you just did." It was a super neat experience.
We are also close to commiting the U. family for baptism. They have said they want to join the Church and all that, but as we teach we haven't felt that impression yet. Follow the Spirit right? They will get baptized though.
We are also moving towards baptism with another investigator but she is a little more long term. She needs to get married and change a few things, but I don't think she is more than a month out if she will get married. I really love teaching her with her less active husband and her to be in laws who are reactiving themselves. (Kealohalani from last weeks email.)
We also invited a less active family to church and found out that the husband was a RM and served in TN. Pretty neat. They were at Church. I love how so many people just need a simple invitation that just shows, "I care." It's awesome.
This mission is the greatest thing that anyone could ever do. I know it and I love it. Two years is not enough, and even though it sometimes seems like to long, it's never enough. When we only get two years to serve, and we have eternity to reflect on it, two years is never enough. But, I'll always do my best and the Lord will do the rest.

Pictures from 2-5-09

2009-02-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

the sun behind a palm tree. I thought it was cool...
another is with Nathan T. and Serenity V. She was my first baptism and he is now serving in the philipines (sp?)
We had a ninja on top of the fridge when we got in from working.(*It's strange, Russell, that ninja's eyes look so similar to yours!)
The next one is at Nathan's farewell. We got lavalavas! lol (Our dad served his mission in New Zealand and he always had lava lava's. As kids we would wear them around the house. So, it is probably pretty cool for Russ to have one of his own!)

HAHAHAHAHA, I'll just tell you what I said when I saw the blue guy.. "WHAT THE HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECK?????!!!???"

Russell's Email 2-5-09

2009-02-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

EVERYONE!
I don't know if I will ever get used to how much the Lord blesses us everyday and how mindful he is of his children. I think it will continue to blow my mind each week. I love doing this work.
This past week has been really exciting. We have had some great lessons with very incrediable investigators and we also had about an hour and a half long meeting with Elder L Tom Perry and Elder Neal L Anderson (He gave the talk, "You know enough." at conference.) I loved it because the first thing they did was shake everyones hand. I love General Authorities.
I'll go through at a later time and type what all he talked about, or I might just try to send the meeting home (I got the voice clip of it.). I loved to hear the words of an Apostle, and the fact that he is the head of the missionary committee for the Church made it so much more inspiring.
We are still teaching the U. family, who are learning about Church. They don't have much background in religion, but they for sure see the need for it right now in their life. They are the family that came and talked to our Bishop about their daughter. I really like them a lot and they are progressing towards baptism.
We also picked up a awesome contact a few weeks ago named Nicole. She is from TN and is really good friends with one of our ward missionaries. We have another lesson with her tonight and so I'm super excited to keep moving forward with her too!
I also got a new hero last night. This girl, Kealohalani (I've mentioned her before) is my hero. She is 8, and for whatever reason decided she wanted to get baptized. Because of this desire her grandparents are now reactivated. Her father is about to start coming back to Church, and her to be step mom is getting ready for baptism. It's amazing the pure motives of a child and the example that can be set.
Elder Perry told us that we needed to start teaching 20 sit down lessons a week! As it is, we probably teach 7-10 and so Elder Davis and I are looking forward to that! The member work is about to boom, which is how it should be! Preach My Gospel was designed to bridge the gap between the ward and the missionary program. I love how it really does do that and how it's becoming the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It's not the Church and the missionary program, but as we "perfect the saints, we proclaim the Gospel."
I love this work and seeing it change lives. We talk to so many people on the streets and in passing that seem to have a sense of dispair. We ask them, "Do you know that you have a loving Heavenly Father?" and then we get to testify. After that we ask, "Do you know that your loving Heavenly Father has a plan, especially for you, to return and live with him again?" We get a second chance to testify before setting an appointment. Elder Kikuchi instructed us to contact like this, and it's amazing to see the light that clicks and the dispair flee at the testimony of truth. More often then not, they turn us away, but there is always a seed of faith that is planted. I love this work. Time seems to fly by. Having already passed through a transfer is mind boggling, but it's motivating. That is six weeks less that I have to serve, so for the next 14 periods of 6 weeks, I must serve with all my heart, might, mind and soul.
Thanks for your support. Thanks for the letters. Thanks for the emails and the encouragment. I love hearing from everyone and I really enjoy sharing these experiences. I pray every day for those at home and those who are so precious to me. I love you all, and I'll hear from you soon.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 1-29-09

2009-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

*Sister/Editor note: I am a little behind in posting Russell's emails. I will be posting one more this week, after we hear from him on Thursday.

Hey everyone,
This week was another great week for missionary work. I am having so much fun here in Henderson and I really love seeing the work progress. I love seeing the changes that people make, but I continue to see the Lord's hands in the work, and that I am just the instrument.
So last night we were teaching this 8 year old who wants to get baptized. Kealohalani got her grandparents to come back to Church and her inactive father and his girlfriend have been attending the lessons. Part way through the lesson last night, we talked to Kea about baptism and then a tought came to me, "John 14:26." After reading Galations 5 about the fruits of the Spirit, we read John 14:26 and I took at the parents and I said, "Jonna, one thing I have learned on my mission is to follow impressions. Do these scriptures describe the way you have felt as we have taught?" She looked sheepish and with a "I don't want to admit it" look, she said "yes." I looked at her boyfriend Tom (Kea's dad) and he shook his head also. I said, "Jonna, will you prepare yourself to be baptized, and Tom, will you prepare yourself to come back to the Church?" It was awesome....
Another story, on the flip side, shows the fight against this work. The other day we were having a lesson with the U. family (family of 4) and half way through the first vision, the dog went crazy over nothing and you could feel opposition. Soon after, just as with Joseph Smith, when Heavenly Father said, "Joseph, this is my beloved son, hear him." The only feeling remaining in the room was the Spirit.
We also have had some great lessons with ward missionaries lately. A neat couple attended the U. lesson with us, and then the W. family has given us two referrals that have turned out very promising. I know one of them wants to get baptized, and that the other is very sincere in her interest. To quote her, she said, "I don't want to raise my boys to be men, I want them to be men of God." We are teaching her again tonight, and I think we will open up with the story of the Strippling Warriors.
I love my mission. It's absolutely amazing to think it has already been almost a whole transfer. This work is the greatest work on the face of the earth and it will continue to roll forth. I love serving each day and seeing people's days be brightened not because of me, but because of the message we are sharing.
I love you all. Thanks for your prayers and the help I get.

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 1-22-09

2009-02-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone at home,
This week has been the most amazing so far! The past weeks have really proved to be a refiners fire and now Elder Davis and I are reaping the blessings of diligence and endurance.
A few things I have learned, number 1, my hair CAN part. (mind boggling I know) 2, The Lord is bound when we do what he says. 3, Love. No one in this world has EVER changed without feeling loved first.
This week is awesome. On Sunday we had 1 potential investigator. Sunday evening we got two referrals, and by Monday afternoon we now have 8 potential baptisms in our ward. Here's the story.
Elder Davis and I taught the Welsh family (Brother Welsh is in the Bishopric). We had told them before that we wanted a name to go and visit so Elisa (15 year old daughter) gave us the name of one of her friends Dean. So the next day she is talking to her friend Carly at school and Elisa says, "I hope Dean doesn't get mad I sent the missionaries." Carly says, "I want the missionaries to come visit me." We will teach Carly with Elisa, and Dean with his really good friend Chris from the ward.
Then Bishop Brant called us and asked us to meet him at the Chapel 15 minutes before the Stake Priesthood meeting. We sat with him and one of the YW leaders in a room and he told us a story that happened during church. A woman and her husband walked in and someone brought them to the bishops office. They were dressed in jeans and t shirts and bishop said his first thought was "Awesome, another walfare case to handle." (apartently the people of vegas work the system hardcore.) but he told us, "I looked at them and then realized they were wearing nice clothes, and that was not the case. They then told me that they were really struggling with their daughter and they always remembered the Mormon kids from school being such great kids. They want her to get involved in the young womens program. Then they wanted to include their son also." Well, turns out that now every Sunday and Wednesday is now for Church activites and us. They are a family of four!!!!
THEN! A recent covert took her friend to church. This friend saw a picture of the first vision and just broke down crying. Cecil and her 2 kids are starting the lessons TONIGHT! All of these referrals are really serious and "golden opporunities." I'll keep ya posted.
I love this work. It's awesome. I have seen myself grow as I have gotten to teach those who need the gospel. I want to share my mission goals that I wrote down.
1 Become the missionary/man I want to be.
2 Be a missionary of change. Leave EVERYWHERE better than I found it.
3 Don't just know who Christ is, but Know Jesus Christ.
4 I want to be the missionary who understands the atonement because I myself will do things for others they couldn't do for themselves.
5 Become a missionary that when I come home no one will doubt how I served my mission.
6 (This is the personality of a member who helps us out that I want to be like.) Be a RM that could be home almost a year, thinking about engagement, but would be mistaken for a RM of a month. (haha, hope that makes sense.)
7 Don't loose my greenie fire. I want to be a missionary that could train at the year mark. (President said we have tons of missionaries who train in the last 6 months, and tons who train at 4.5-6 months, but no one really in the middle.) I want to keep my focus so I could be called on to train at any time.

I know this gospel is true. I see the stone cut without hands is picking up speed as it rolls down the mountain. This isn't a worldly work. This isn't a human work. This isn't a temporal work, this is the world of our Heavenly Father.
I heard it said, "Sometimes we believe our Fisher Price compass will lead better than the Lord's Liahona." Let the Spirit guide. "Faith is the power, obedience is the price, love is the motive, the Spirit is the Key, and Christ is the reason."
I love you. I pray for you.

Elder Russell Christian Hitchcock

Russell's Email 1-15-09

2009-01-19T04:26:00.000-08:00

I have to start by complaining for a second. I don't like technology sometimes. I just lost an email. Blasted Novel.... Oh well.
Okay, so round two. This week has been nothing short of amazing. I want so badly to have my other email here so I can share all these things, but I will try again.
This week was really good. I had an exchange yesterday with Elder Barclay who came here to do a baptism interview. We had a fantastic day. First off, we had a baptism interview for Serenity . She is a 9 year old from a fully active family and has a brother about to go on his mission. How she wasn't baptized, I don't know. We have her baptism for Saturday.
We also taught our investigator, Katerina. It was a really good experience to teach her. She has a lot of sketchy stuff in her life and she was expressing some concerns so we taught her about prayer. As we taught, we prayed with her and then had her pray. Hearing her pray was really neat. Some of the things she said I thought, "Did she REALLY just say that???" But as she prayed, I realized those really were the things in her heart and I felt the Spirit.
We had a special appointment that bailed on us, but we went to talk to him anyway. This is the powerful message of the lesson, The Lord is ALWAYS mindful of his children. I'll tell you the story.
Sometimes missionaries keep super crummy records. We came across this record of a man named Don. He had been taught, set for baptism, and then it just all stopped and there was no reason for why. Elder Davis and I decided, "this week we are going to find Don ." Well, about 4 hours later, we got a phone call from another missionary in a different zone, Elder Kerr. He told us this story and gave us a referral.
"I was riding my bike on the wrong side of the road and thought, "I shouldn't be over here." I crossed and about 20 seconds later I ran into this guy. He said, "I was hoping you were going to stop and talk to me. I was almost baptized but I had an addiction problem. I'm clean now and I want to take the lessons."
We received the referral to go and teach Don. It's true, Heavenly Father loves all his children and knows what is best, and when it is right. I'll never forget that experience.
Also, it happened yesterday. I contacted someone..... ON MY BIKE. We were riding to our dinner appointment and there was a man behind me on his bike. We let him catch us and started talking to him. As we talked we learned a little more about Rick. We have an appoinment with him and will let you know how it goes. I think he could be ready with his family. He said he was looking for Church and had seen our church up on the hill. I am excited.
The pictures are funny. Elder Davis and I made the pond for a wedding reception, and we were proud of it. The scarry one is Elder Ramos, my Zone leader. The other is a 30 inch pizaa, and yes, we ate the whole thing. And.... the other is the airport!
Gotta, go, sorry this one is shorter.

Elder Hitchcock

Week 3: 1-8-09

2009-01-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

Things in my area are picking up so much. My first week we lucked into teaching 3 other lessons (an other lesson is two princiles taught, and a pray (if possible.)) So we did 3 other lessons my first week, and now we are teaching more than 20 a week! We are still looking for those to bring into the Church, and we are focusing more than ever on teaching the members so we can receive referrals. I am sure we will being to see those who are ready soon.
I have had some super neat experiences, from being cussed out by an old man in a walker to seeing prayers being answered. I really enjoy serving the Lord.
In Las Vegas we have a unique program called Truth Restored. We have billboards and business cards that have pictures on them with "The Truth about life's great questions is now restored" and the mormon.org website on the back. I'm not going to lie, it's pretty awesome! Apartently, it's kind of dieing out because we were a testing ground for the Church, but I was talking to my grandfather (my trainers trainer) and he said, "I was losing truth restored, but what you just said brought a whole new perspective to it." When I give out a card, I try to pick one out for each person and I tell them that. "Sir, this card has a picture of a daughter with her father. I see that you are with your daughter at the park, and I can tell you realize the importance of that relationship. Before I came on my mission, I lived with my sister and brother-in-law after they had twins and a two year old! I really began to realize the importance of family and I wanted to share how this gospel can bless your family like it has mine." Those who were not receptive at first can rarely shoot down such a statement.
Another thing my companion and I are doing is called "Day by the way" or "Day of Valor." This is another program that is dieing in the mission, but it really awesome! Basically, people tell you "I'm not interested." Day by the way, or day of Valor, gives us an opportunity to account for those who choose not to listen to us. The object is to talk to ten people throughout the day and try to share the gospel with them or talk to them about eternal things. It's a really neat program.
While are area is still slower as far as investigators go, it is for sure picking up pace. Elder Davis and I are working harder than ever and really getting a lot more done. The members are becoming more involved and the work is moving forward. Each night we account for our key indicators (numbers that help us reflect on how effective we are) and then we update our weekly goal board. I look at it and I can only think about the Standard of Truth.
Well............ That's about it for the time being.
OH! We have a baptism on the 17th! There is a totally active Samoan family who has a 9 year old daughter that.... just never got baptized. So, we lucked into a baptism. Teaching her (Serenity) is a really neat experience because we have to teach how Preach My Gospel is worded, as simple and basic as possible. That's where the truth power is.
I know this Church is true, and I am learning new things each and every day. It is no wonder in my mind that Heavenly Father loves each of his children and that the Plan of Salvation is the way for us to have joy. I know it's true!

Elder Hitchcock

Russell's Email 1-1-09

2009-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, I wish I could explain how the mission is! But, as Nephi says, It sufficieth me to say IT'S ROCKIN!
So my teaching area is in Henderson Nevada, on the east side of the valley. It's a really richy area, and is known for it's little success. Last month the zone baptized only 9 people, which is kinda low for here. Anyway.... I love it here!
My first week was major adjustment for both my companion and I. Elder Davis was on a special assignment last transfer with a missionary who didn't get along with many people. So he didn't work much, and going through the process of reworking everything has taken some time. Our numbers were really crumby last week, but on Monday alone, we exceeded everything we had done the week previously. It was amazing, and the work is continuing to go forth.
A neat experience. Elder Davis (my trainer) gave me the phone and told me it was mine for the day. I wanted to tell the Primary President we would come visit her in the evening to recieve 5 names of less active, part member, or referrals that evening. She said, "I can give them to you now!" So we took them down and we were walking to an appointment when we decided to stop and see one of them.
So, rewind to leaving the apartment. We prayed for someone to teach and asked that we could be an answer to someones prayers. As we stopped to see her, she opened the door and was leaving as we arrived. We spoke for a few minutes and turned that interaction to a "referral received, referral contacted, other lesson taught, and investigator." As we walked off, she said, "you are an answer to my prayers." Can you say aMaZiNg? I witnessed it.
I can't help but think of the Standard of Truth often. I love the words of the Prophet Jospeh. They ring true, and the Spirit testifies to me each time we talk to someone.
I love this quote, it reads, "Faith is the power, obedience is the price, love is the motive, the Spirit is the key, and Christ is the reason." I have it on my planner and see it often. This is truly the work of the Lord.
Congrats on taking the missionaries to dinner. Your willingness is for sure blessing me. I have not bought a single bit of food. We have been fed every single night and, after doing some service, a member said, "let's go to the grocery store. You have 15 minutes, and 15 items each." Yeah... I'm being blessed by that willingness. The members here are really amazing. As for [a person that recently "bashed" with the missionaries in our parents' ward] though, oh well. People want to bash, and missionaries get out. That's how we work.
Elder Kikuchi came about a month before I got here and gave some awesome training. One of the things he adjusted were the contacts we made on the street. we are supposed to ask, "Did you know that you have a loving Heavenly Father who knows you personally?" "Did you know that he has a plan for you individually to return to him?" "Will tonight at 7 or tomorrow at 7 be a better time to share more of this plan that has been revleaved?" If they say no, then they have not been prepared. You thank them, testify, and find someone who is ready. I love it.
The work is great, and I am excited. Elder Kikuchi made a promise before I came. He said, "If a new missionary will baptize in his first transfer, he will baptize in each one after." That's our goal. And the work is slow in this area so the Zone is fasting to find new investigators through our efforts, and for members to give us referrals. Would you fast the rest of today and support our Zone in this work? I know that the Lord will hear and answer the prayers of our fast because in the Pre-Earth Life he lost 1/3 of his children. Is there any doubt he would answer the prayers of his servants so that we can help to bring the other 2/3 back to him? I promise that we will succeed in this work, but I promise in the Savior's name that if you will help support, that the work will speed up faster. The field is white, already to harvest, in the east, and in the west. From the rolling hills of TN to the deseret of Las Vegas.
I hope to hear from you soon. I love you all and I am thankful for the support you give me. I was really excited to hear about your Christmas, and to speak to you then. I cannot wait to hear back from you.

Elder Russell Hitchcock

Russell's Email 12-15-08

2009-01-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

I can't reply to everyones email so I will write and send you all a group one!
Thanks so much for your letters and all your encouragement! The MTC is so amazing and I love it. I'm not going to lie, it scares me that next week I will be leaving the MTC and traveling to Vegas.
Everyone note, I will be flying out on Monday the 22 and I will be at the SLC airport around 8 mountain time. I will also be calling sometime on Christmas, so everyone be expecting it please :)
Things here are so wonderful (except this key board is totally awful!) On Sunday during leadership meetings my branch president came in and asked my companion and I to grab our jackets and come with him. We sat down in front of the branch presidency and he said, "You two Elders have been called as our new distrcit leaders." (Note, we were called, not given a choice.) That was really neat and we will serve for one week (ie until we leave). After learning of our duties we have interviews as missionaries do each week in the MTC. Brother Stacy, a member of the branch presidency interviewed me and told me this. He said, "I want to share with you my feelings on this calling. As we prayed and spoke about who should replace the zone leaders, the thoughts and names of Elder Hitchcock and Van Etten kept coming back. I know you were called for many reasons, but one reason I believe was this is the Lord's way of saying how your repentance was acceptable." That was music to my ears and I had a burning confirmation that was true. It have given me some amazing courage to keep doing what I am doing!
I also have an awesome opportunity coming up tomorrow. My district was asked to particiapte in a training with some of the Missionary Department so they could observe the teaching here at the MTC. We talked about it, and we were told we could end up teaching Elder Holland and Perry, and other members and general authorities from the missionary department. Holy SCARY! I mention this to Brother Stacy after his commment and he smiled and said, "It will be more intimidating to teach someone whose soul still hangs in the balance." I thought that was a super good insight!
Things are going really well, and I am really happy. I am teaching so much more and I feelt the spirit teaching through me. I have come to love Preach My Gospel and I want to be a Preach My Gospel missionary. The Lord has blessed me so much, and helped to uplift me. I have come to love all the words of How Firm a Foundation, especially the last verse. it goes,
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I cannot desert to his foes.
That soul, though all hell should endever to shake,
I'll never no never, no never forsake.

This gospel is true, I love it.

Haley, I cannot receive pictures.
I love you, and I pray for you often.

Elder Babycakes!
3 Nephi 9:14
I love this scripture, everyone should memorize it!

Russell's Email 12-8-08

2009-01-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

As for the MTC, this is truly an amazing place. When I came I was kind of curious to find out what the Lord had in store for me, and this is amazing. My comp is from Idaho, and his name is Elder Van Etten. He has such a humble spirit and is the first from his family to serve. His dad is a convert to the Church. Since I "know the ropes" of the MTC, I didn't let us waste a second. We were teaching and using the programs the MTC offers on the first full day!!!
We set a goal to contact 10 times in a day. Elder Van Etten thought I meant ten people, I was talking about ten companionships! Well, we amazingly made our goal of contacting TEN companionships! No doubt that the Lord had his hand in our goal! Since then, we have set goals to contact and we have never fallen short of our goal, but we always had to work hard to make it.
In the spring, I didn't feel the spirit working through me. I knew he was there because what I was teaching was true, and I knew that it was touching the hearts of those I taught, but it wasn't effecting me. As I have taught, I have come to love teaching about the Great Apostay and then testifying about the Book of Mormon and sharing my experience of coming to know of the truthfulness of this Gospel. Now, instead of knowing the spirit is there, I can see it in the eyes of those we contact, and I can feel it in my heart as I testify and as I hear my companion testify of Joseph Smith. As said on the Joseph Smith movie, "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"
I know this Gospel is true. I can see the difference the Savior is making in my life and how he has blessed me. I understand more, I am taught me, I teach more, and I have had the awesome opportunity to be the Spirits messanger.I love you, I miss you, I pray for you, and I know that the Lord will answer my prayers.
Elder Hitchcock

2009-01-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

My younger brother, Russell, is currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in the Las Vegas East mission. Since he has so many friends all over the place, I thought it would be fun to share his emails and letters through a blog. If you know Russell and would like to stay up to date on him, this is a great place to do so! If you leave a comment, I will make sure it gets to him.