Elder William Cannon Hogan: Hard Work and Following the Spirit

Buon Ferragosto a tutti!!

Me and Anziano Gorton! A good friend from the mission.

I'm really happy to be writing this letter but not so happy that it is Ferragosto!! It's a national holiday where everyone goes to the beach... It has been an absolute crazy, miracle filled week. I know I say I see miracles every week, but I really do and they happen everywhere.

I made cookies!

We had zone conference on Thursday which really was the best. Our new mission president is like a spiritual giant and he is going to make amazing things happen here in this mission. The whole atmosphere and attitude of missionary work has already changed because of him. He also came to Bologna for a new missionary training on Monday and I got to eat lunch with him! President and Sister Allen are the best!

Zone Conference

A huge miracle happened on Sunday as we were fasting. On our way to the church building we saw a couple knocking on the door trying to get in. They looked like they were new to the church so we got really excited and started running. It was funny because right as we started to run, a really pretty cat ran out into the street and I was tempted to pet it for a second. Obviously I knew these people were way more important but I felt like the cat was some kind of distracting temptation from the adversary haha. Well Silvia, who is the wife, is a member who hasn't been to church in years, and Marco the husband, is not a member and he told us that he is very interested in learning more! They stayed for all 3 hours of church and for me it was the happiest 3 hours of my week. I know that great things will happen with them. We will see them this week!

This is the last week Anziano McPherson has in the mission (3rd in a row for me!) and we made it a goal to teach 21 people. He is a really good kid who has changed a lot because of the mission. He told me the other day that this is one of the hardest working transfers he's ever had and he's grateful it could be his last.

Gelato after a long day of hard work!

Lately, because so many people have been out of town, we have been doing hours of street and park finding. Over and over again I've seen that prepared people have been put into our paths. Just in the last two days we have found 2 people who want to come to church and learn more. Lots of times lately I've found myself saying things like "If I hadn't been on that street, or in that park at that time, I wouldn't have found that person!" A huge part of that has to do with following the promptings of the spirit. The Holy Ghost is such an important tool in this work and I strive to be worthy enough for it to guide me into the right direction. This work would not progress if it weren't for the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost.

I've really never been happier. This church is true and it is for everyone.