The Changsta Speaks Out

If you haven't yet read on http://www.lds.org.au one of Hobart Stake's Young Single Adults, Chang (aka "The Changsta") has shared his conversion story in a video now available on youtube.  Chang was baptised in May this year.  The link to his video is below.  Good on ya, Chang!

Chang's conversion story

Rise and Shine

It was early. It was damp. And it was cold. 2 days prior it had been 32 degrees! But such is Tasmanian weather. Amid the cold and wet those of the YSA brave enough gathered at the Mt. Wellington springs with the Stake Presidency at 6am in a small stone hut, to share their testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. As many shared, the Spirit soon warmed our hearts (the fire helped too). After we were spiritually filled, we filled our stomachs with the bacon and egg muffins kindly prepared by Steve and his barbecue. A couple of group photos taken soon after revealed a strange ghostly presence...

then we realised it was just David's reflective jacket. Once the jacket was out of the picture the happy snaps were a success...almost. BEK!

Service with a smile

The afternoon following the dance a few valiant souls gathered at the Stake Centre for the service project. To remind us why we were all there in the first place, we began by hearing a few thoughts on service from Lego, after which we divided into our teams and selected our victims - I mean- interviewees. A few moments were taken to load up on questions to be asked, then with directions in hand, the various groups split up to interview these members of our stake: Ray Baldwin, Brian Townsend, Ian Oates, and Murry & Betty Docking.

Back at the Stake Centre each group shared what they learnt about their interviewees and each reported a very interesting and pleasant experience. Freddo frogs were awarded for the most random facts and funniest stories (so basically each group got a prize because our people were just too interesting!) and one person from each team volunteered to do a write-up for the Stake website, so watch that space! Thanks to all who found the energy to be there after a big night.

Re-living childhood through Nursery Rhymes

Hey diddle-diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon... Who writes these nursery rhymes anyway?

Despite not knowing the answer to this thought-provoking question, many YSA put on the wigs or ears or suspenders or tiaras on to dress up as nursery rhyme character or, in some cases, object. From mice to Mary to Miss Muffet to Missionaries (perhaps from a modern chinese nursery rhyme?), there was a great variety of creativity and colour.

Throughout the night there were a few games played from those primary school days, such as What's the Time Mr. Wolf and Bob Bob Statue, as well as a Humpty Dumpty pinata, which did have a great fall! Towards the end of the night the costumes were paraded and four favourites carefully chosen by our Panel of Impartial Judges and announced by a very twinkling Maz: Elle as Incy-Wincy Spider, Lauren as Little Bo Peep, Amy as Old Mother Hubbard and Sam as Little Boy Blue. Other nursery rhymes and characters portrayed include Wee Willie Winkie, Hickory Dickory Dock, Jack (and Jill), "Four" Blind Mice, The King of Spades Daughter and Ring-o-ring-a-rosies (more importantly, a pocket full of posies!). Thanks to all who helped make it a successful night!

Foreign Correspondance

From Elder Michael Watson

"Hello Hobart Stake YSA,

Thanks heaps for your letters or notes, it feels good to know more than my family think about me every now and then.

I have see Elder Docking a few times since being here but missed Sister Gresswell by 3 days, she had already left for Sydney when I went to the temple, the MTC missionaries are usually there on Mondays when we go as missionaries once a month.

Keep that flamin' Sam Watson under control, cause I ain't there to do it.

Well how is everyone, you all sent a lot of love but not much info on what's crackin down there. From what I received I can see everyone is alright and there's a new family in the legendary GLEN HUON ward. I got a little letter from a girl of the member of the family, but it had no name, all I know is they're trying to buy my old house.

Today me and Elder Stuart (Melbourne) went into Hamilton and met up with 10 other missionaries and two sisters as well, we all played ten pin bowling and The Little Tassie Devil beat everyone, closest was 32 points away from me - 145. Anyway after that we had a go at Laser Tag. In the first couple of mins I ran around a corner and ducked to dodge any incoming laser beams and in the process ran straight into Elder Stuart and headbutted his gun and vest. Put a big old shiny & cut lump on my forehead, but I was alright, kept playing the game dazed out of my mind, just following these pretty blue and red lights haha darn classic. We then headed off to the chapel for some sport. More people got hit in the head there, one got a fat lip from a frisbee too LOL I was having a good laugh when I seen these things happening LOL. That's just some of the stuff that happened!! Some of the other stuff youse don't need to know LOL.

Well it's winter time now, are youse planning a trip to Mt Field this year?

Um I know Brodie sucks at getting dates with girls, but what about the rest of you, what's happening in this area of YSA? Has that crazy little girl named Elle got a boy yet? The little nut case she is, at least she is good for a laugh.

Man you guys I am pretty trunky right now, my comp is going home next Tuesday, I got letter from you all so I'm totally flabbergasted, my comp is always talking about home. Your letters make me think of home and I ain't allowed to drive a car yet so I'm having major withdrawal symptoms from that!!

Next week I have to take over two areas, one area is dead and the other is booming, so I have to keep that area booming and fix the other area! Well my mind is all over the place.

The gospel is true and that's all that matters! Jesus is the Christ, saviour and redeemer of mankind, the only way back to heaven. He is a perfectly purified resurrected being who leads and guides this one true and living church on the earth today by revelation. Of that there is no doubt in my mind. No other church has the priesthood nor the Holy Ghost gift of! to head the church. Pray always and never cease, especially in this time of your lives in choosing an eternal companion. Do so wisely and wisdom is to have the spirit with you.

See look at that, my testimony don't even make sense, my mind is scattered all over the place. Well I might finish there before I confuse y'all.

Man I love you guys, keep doing good.

Elder Watson."

Foreign Correspondance

From Elder Scott Docking

"Myself and Elder Watson"

Hobart Stake YSA

It's great to hear from all of you, it makes me feel loved to open up a letter and have many letters fall out onto the desk.

Things are going great here in New Zealand, there was a baptism a few weeks ago, in the ward I'm serving in. Hopefully there'll be another one in a couple of weeks.

I've served in 4 areas now and they are: Hamilton Glenview Stake, Paptoetoe Stake in South Auckland, Manurewa Stake in South Auckland, and the Tauranga Stake. I'm serving in a little town called Whakatane at the moment. Note: The WH in Whakatane is pronounced as an F.

Every day my companion and myself meet a lot of crazy people, and a lot of hot chicks I mean nice people. The mission is going really good, I'm learning heaps about the gospel that I didn't know, and things I never would've thought of. I've been blessed to see 2 apostles; Elder Cook & Elder Scott Docking I mean Elder Richard G. Scott.

Anyway stay strong in the faith. Fight the good fight.

Cheerio. Elder Scott Docking.

Alma 57:27

"Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually."

"Burning a shirt at 1 year"

"Having some fun"

"Having some more fun"

Stake/Ward website

For those of you who have not heard of the Stake and Ward websites which are now up and running, here's the spill and the instructions.

The church has developed a website system for keeping members informed of information and events in each stake and ward. What this means for our stake is that this website will replace the traditional hardcopy Stake Calender which previously has been the means of distributing scheduled events for the year and leaders/members directory.

To access the website you will need to create an LDS Account, which is pretty easy. All you need is your member number (you can find this on your temple recommend or from your ward clerk) and your confirmation date (can get from your ward clerk). You will also need to think of a username and a password.

Go to https://secure.lds.org/units/login/ and click "Obtain an LDS Account." Follow the steps listed, and once you have your LDS Account you can sign into the website. You will be taken first to your ward website, which includes a ward calender and leaders and members directories. There is also a link to go to the Stake Website at the top left, which includes a stake calender and stake leaders and members directories.

Our Stake leaders strongly encourage us to begin using this new resource to keep informed of stake and ward events and information.

Foreign Correspondance

Well Perth is pretty foreign for us here in Tassie! The first lucky missionary to make their mark on this wall is Elder Brett Docking, originating from Rosny ward. He writes the following in response to the letters of encouragement that we have written to him:

***

"Hi everyone,

As you all can probably tell I'm not the best at writing letters, but I try sometimes anyway. I have served in 4 areas now, in Thornlie, Port Headland, Kwinana & now I'm in Midland, I've been here a little over 2 weeks now. So far the mission has been good filled with highs & lows, but more highs. I've been lucky enough to have had a car for the first half of my mission, however at this current time I am riding a bike, which could be a good thing for me.
I have had a mixture of the good & the bad when it comes to companions. I've served with 3 Americans, 2 Samoans, 1 Australian & am now serving with a German. I've spent most of the time serving with Americans.
My mission has given me some good experiences, some of which I wish I hadn't had & others which I am grateful. I've seen the growth in me, even how small it is.
Well that does it for me for now, I'll see you all next year.
Elder Brett Docking."

***

Thanks to all those who have taken time to write to Elder Brett so far :)

Little Red Riding Hood - The Musical

Despite the cold weather, mountain snow and frequent rain, seven brave and courageous souls of the Hobart Stake ventured out to the stake centre for some Movie Making Mania! Being presented with the well known tale of Little Red Riding Hood and a choice of genres, such as old western, drama/soapie, comedy, silent movie, and reality tv, the group of budding hollywood artists (one of whom has lived just 8 hours away from Hollywood itself) chose to film in the musical genre. And thus was born: Little Red Riding Hood - The Opera. *Due to technical errors, this video cannot be uploaded...but we will find a way!*

Missionary Minded

This week three very fat envelopes were sent to three hopefully-not-very-fat missionaries serving from our stake: Elder Sam Sullivan, Elder Aaron Hatchard and Elder Brett Docking. Thanks to all who took the time to write an encouraging note at the last YSA fireside to our diligent missionaries serving, I'm sure they will greatly appreciate it.

We also farewelled yet another of our valiant soldiers, Sister Lauren Greswell, affectionaly known in her past life as 'Lego', who departed last Thursday for the New Zealand MTC in preparation to serve in the Australia Sydney North Mission in a few weeks. We are all very proud of Lauren and wish her all the best, and I'm sure we'll all remember to send her lots of encouraging letters in the MTC!

UPDATE- Stake Musical Fireside

Firstly this fireside, also known as the Gospel Enrichment Fireside, has been postponed until Sunday 24th May. Secondly, those participating in the fireside will be dressing up in old Jerusalem dress...yep, that means you! More details to come on that part...and it was not my choice! But I'm sure it'll be great.

Thank you to all those who have come along to practises so far. We will be having a practise this week after institute, and another one after the CES fireside on Sunday. We are singing "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man," it is sounding great and will shock and amaze the stake I'm sure! The numbers we had at the last practise were great, hopefully all of you can still come on the night! Any questions let me know, tassiemazzy@gmail. Thanks again!

April Activity - ANZAC multi-stake overnight camp

Ooh the suspense! You've probably been wondering what's happening for April, and now we can tell you! We will be having the second annual ANZAC Day overnight camp! And it's officially multi-stake too! It will be held at the world's greatest camping spot - Glen Huon. On Bishop Watson's land, if you know where that is...I don't yet...but I will! And so will you!

It will be held from 6pm Friday 24th until 10.30pm Saturday 25th. For full details contact your ward or stake reps, there is a registration form that will need to be completed and returned by Tues 14th April. Events include a testimony meeting, ANZAC Day dawn service @huonville, service activities and a dance. The theme of the dance is the World War I era, so start op-shopping for your costume now! Cost of the camp is $20 for full time (for food).

There will also be a fireside by the Hobart Stake Presidency the following Sunday 26th, 7pm at the Hobart Stake Centre. Hope you can all make it, and don't forget to register!

Letters abroad

Thanks to all who took the time at Sunday's fireside to write a quick note to three of our dedicated YSA currently serving missions. I am sure that Elder Campbell King, Elder Mark Dowe and Elder Sam Watson will appreciate receiving our words of encouragement and support and be happy to know we are thinking of them. The letters have been posted off to the respective elders so they will be receiving them very shortly! We will be writing to three of our missionaries every month at the stake YSA fireside, these three being the ones who have been out serving the longest, and we will rotate through so all are equally blessed!

Institute

At institute this week, after establishing that Abraham did not have a son named Isabella, and that Collette has sharpened her pencil since last week, we reviewed the lineage of Abraham a little, both through his son Ishmael who had 12 sons and from whose seed comes the Arab people, and also Isaac, whose son was Jacob (aka Israel) who also had 12 sons. By looking at lineages provided in the New Testament we discovered that John the Baptist was of the tribe of Levi through his father Zacharias, and that Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, through his mother Mary.

We also compared the time-lines of the ministries of John the Baptist and the Saviour, and studied in some detail the temptations the Saviour went through whilst fasting in the wilderness and discussed how we can learn from His example in resisting temptations in our lives.

Next week we will study lesson 5 from the manual.

The link on the sidebar for the stake/ward website login has been fixed, sorry to those who tried to use it before and found it didn't work. If you haven't already, you can obtain an LDS Account from the login page. Don't forget to check it often so you can know what's happening in your ward and stake!

This Sunday's fireside - 22nd March

Just a reminder for this week's fireside to bring a) a plate of food to share! mmm munchies. And b) questions of the soul (see Preach My Gospel ch. 5 for ideas) to be answered as we study the Book of Mormon at the fireside. Oh and I guess c) a copy of the Book of Mormon/scriptures would be useful too! After the fireside we will also be writing to the missionaries serving from our stake and will do this each fireside, focussing on different missionaries each time. This month we will write to Elder Campbell King, Elder Sam Watson and Elder Mark Dowe.

The fireside will be at 7pm at the Stake Centre (15 Elmsleigh Rd, Glenorchy). If you need a lift please talk to your ward reps who can help organise one for you :) Hope to see you all there!

An eventful timeline

At institute this week we studied chapter 3 of the institute manual, "The Son of the Eternal Father." We identified the traits that the Saviour received from his Heavenly Father and those he inherited from his mortal mother Mary, and the necessity of both. We also read in the scriptures how no human could offer the infinite sacrifice that the Saviour offered, due to the demands of Justice. It needed to be offered by one free from the demands of justice, or in other words, someone sinless and infinite.

We also wrote up a timeline of the events leading up to the birth of the Saviour and through his childhood. There was quite a lot of information and I know I definately learnt lots! For one I learnt that the wise men visited Jesus when he was about 12 - 18 months old! How about everyone else, what did you learn?

Next week we will study lesson 4.

So, we have a blog.

Yes, that's right. The Hobart YSA now have their little niche in cyberspace - their very own blog. On here will be upcoming events, photos and recounting of past activities, as well as anything else random we want to add! We invite you to submit photos from activities to put in the slideshow, and also posts about the activites you went to and how they were. You can send these (and any suggestions and feedback) to Alex (ajmenzie@utas.edu.au) or Mari-Anna (tassiemazzy@gmail.com) and we'll add them to the blog for you. We also encourage you to comment on these posts and add your 2 cents worth about the acitivites so that those who couldn't make it can read how it went. So, let the blogging begin!

"But whom say ye that I am?"

In the cosy setting of the Family History Centre, the first institute lesson of the year began with a little game to get us all aquianted, known as Two Truths, One Lie. We all had a lot of fun learning some new truths (and lies) about each other. Some of the truths we learnt from unearthing the lies were that Camilla does not like corriander, Collette has never been to Japan, Caillin went to New Zealand for only 2 weeks, not 3, Sister Barnes was not born in Launceston, Jess has not climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge (but she has met the producer of So You Think You Can Dance!), Mari-Anna does not like indian food despite a love of their culture, Josh is the junior technition at the Playhouse theatre not the Mt Nelson theatre, Kathryn was born in South Africa not North Africa, Lauren has not been to every state and territory in Australia, Shaun did not play premier league football and Olan does not play the ukelele! Just think, all these things we didn't know before!

Going into the lesson we answered the question "But whom say ye that I am?", discussing the many things the Saviour means to us, and going into more detail of some, such as "The Way, The Truth and The Life." We read John 17:3 which states that Eternal Life is knowing God, and discovered that knowing God is not just the end destination, but it is also the way to get there! It was good hearing the input and experiences of all the YSA present. Looking forward to a great year of studying the New Testament with Sister Barnes, every Thursday 7pm at the Stake Centre.