Elder Christian Hall in TSAM: Enjoying Windcrest More

Hello to family, friends, and ward family. Great to hear from you all.

We got transfer calls last night. It looks like I'll spend another transfer here in Windcrest, which means that I will have spent an entire 6 months of my mission in Windcrest by the end of the next coming transfer. Pretty exciting. There must be more people to find and more experiences to have here in Windcrest. I learned from Elder Tews that he will become a Zone Leader this next transfer. Sister Johnson will stay in Windcrest and will train someone, while Sister Turpin will be leaving Windcrest. Plenty of different changes going on. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.

The meeting with Elder Hamula was wonderful. Due to a doctor's appointment I had in Austin, I had the chance to hear from him again as he spoke there. Seventies truly are special witnesses of Christ, and any opportunity we have to hear from them will bless us. In order to make it to the doctor's appointment, I had an exchange with Elder Frampton. He's a great missionary. We enjoy the opportunity we had to help the assistants to President Slaughter with a few odd jobs before the meeting with Elder Hamula, and I got to know Elder Frampton a little as well. On our way back from the meeting, we stopped at this small sandwich place called "Hoody's." Delicious.

Elder Hamula talked about many different things that our mission could do to improve. As a whole, more of us should be opening our mouths to talk to everyone. We need to use our time in the evening to plan more effectively, as well as keep better records of who and what we teach. He also had great gospel insights from the scriptures. One of my favorites was when he tied John 3:5 to Matthew 18:3. Jesus tells us that "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." But in Matthew adds "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Baptism is not the end of our gospel learning. Our everyday actions should lead us to become more converted. Every prayer and verse counts.

Please tell us how was the zone conference with Elder Hamula- what stood out most in your mind to be of help and challenge to you?

Elder Hamula gave us simple principles on how to seek and recognize revelation. We first need to ask. Then we should sincerely desire what we are asking for. Herod asked, but he didn't have true desire (Luke 23:9-10). We should then be committed to act on the answer we receive, or have real intent. Then finally, we need to listen, watch and observe. He said, “If you cannot stand the quiet, you won’t hear the quiet voice that speaks." We should receive our answer from his servants, through the scriptures or from the spirit.

He also talked about complete consecration. If we will consecrate ourselves, we will attain a new level of work and success. Whatever it is that is keeping from serving effectively (hobbies at home, poor eating habits, etc.) need to be left behind me. Probably the biggest challenge for me will be identifying my "weapons of war" and burying them deep, just like the Anti-Nephi-Lehis. I probably already know what is holding me back, and so I will need to pray for the strength to recognize it, and pray for help in removing those things from my life.

He also said, “You have enough faith to come on a mission, but not enough to succeed in your areas.”

Are Elder Hernandez's family any of them members of the Church?

His parents and siblings are members, and his mother is the most active of his family. His family is making progress, and he's coming to church more often too. Church isn't the single indicator of activity, but it is important.

How are you and Elder H. doing with your biking around?

We're doing better. No bike wrecks so far. I'm feeling pretty confidant on my bike, and I enjoy the wind in my face and the chance we have to stop and talk to new people.

What has the Lord taught you this week on things that you needed more knowledge of?
Do you study Spanish together with Elder Hernandez or alone? Or both?

I study a little more by myself than with him. Oddly enough, we seem to speak less Spanish together than I did with my previous companions. Or atleast, he speaks to me in English and it is my choice which language I respond with. As a result, I can change that.

How's your cooking going- do you want more recipes or suggestions (for dinners maybe?)

Doing fairly well. I cook eggs a few mornings each week and oatmeal a few others. I'm not eating cereal as often as I did for breakfast. As for lunches, I could use a little bit more variety than a sandwich or eggs. I even tried making some hard boiled eggs. They turned out well. Any recipes you have would be great.