Another Wonderful Week in the TSAM

Good day to all, family, friends, etc.,

Glad to hear from everyone this week. From what I understand, lots and lots of things happened at home over the weekend, and I wish that you all will get well from any sickness you may have. I've recovered completely from my flu, so I know that you all will be well.

I was able to feel pure joy as my brother got married on Friday. Even though I wasn't there, this joy overcame some of my moody thoughts I had that morning.

 

Crazy weekend this week. Saturday evening, after Elder Tews and I had a lesson with someone and tried to visit some other members of the ward, we made our way home. The evenings have gotten darker, quicker here in Texas, so we traveled back to the apartment in the dark. As we biked, the batteries of our head lights on our bikes went dead. Turning our lights back on every 20 seconds or so to use what charge was left, we continued on our way when out of no where Elder Tews flipped over on his bike, sprawled out near the curb.  Neither Elder Tews nor I are sure exactly how he managed to fall, but it happened in mere seconds, and startled me. After lifting the bike off of him, we decided to go to the nearest home to ask for some help, and an indian family allowed us to use their front porch.The sister missionaries arrived soon afterward, and we took Elder Tews to the nearest ER. I waited with him as they took X-rays, and we eventually arrived home at about midnight. Elder Tews strained his shoulder during the accident and he'll take a while to recover. Luckily, we can still proselyte, but only in the car, at least until he recovers.

This opportunity provided me a great chance to serve my companion. It lifted my spirits to know that I could help him just as he helped me after my flu episode. As always, we serve God as we willingly serve others (Mosiah 3:19). Luckily, the injury was nothing that won't respond to proper rest and ice packs.

This Wednesday I had an exchange with Elder Hughes, one of my zone leaders along side Elder Pew. This would be my only exchange of the transfer. One of my favorite things about Elder Hughes is his creativity. He showed me many different ways that we can serve, without bending the rules to meet those ideas. On a different note, he is also a very good photographer.

 

We witnessed a mini miracle on Friday. We wanted to visit a member within the ward, so we went to a particular apartment complex that we hadn't visited often. We soon found out that we had the wrong address, and we had probably gone to visit in vain. But, as we left the apartment complex, a car pulls up and someone says, "Are you looking for someone to talk to?" We said yes, and in a few minutes we came into his apartment and talked with him. This meeting was hilarious because while I was excited to see what he already knew, he was casual about us meeting. Turns out that he had been taught by missionaries about a year ago, and he was interested in coming to church. It astounded me that we could be exactly where the Lord wanted us to be, and that previous efforts by missionaries were not at all wasted. We'll meet with Chris (the man we met) this week, and hopefully he'll be able feel the same way he did when missionaries taught him before. The Lord helps us to find those prepared in a multitude of different ways. :)

As I was watching the DVR of the Priesthood session from last week Pres. Uchdorf quoted 'to see ourselves clearly is the beginning of wisdom.' What can we do to better see ourselves clearly?

This week I will pray more actively for the members of Windcrest and the people we are teaching. As I helped Elder Tews in little ways, I was able to find strength and wisdom to better take care of myself. I can see myself more clearly as I seek not to judge others harshly, or to focus on their faults. This helps me to notice those faults that I have, and better tend to them.

How has the wise council from conference helped you the most this week?

A few of the bretheren and sisters talked about the importance of the Sacrament. This helped me to hold Sacrament meeting with more reverence. I liked Elder Hamula's words in particular, that the Sacrament has many important emblems.

How has conference helped your new converts?

Sister Johnson loved conference. Another family that moved into the ward brought their non-member friend to Priesthood meeting. Because the apostles and prophets have the authority to preach the gospel, hearing their words benefits us beyond their public speaking ability.

What story did you enjoy most in conference?

Elder Bednar's story about his two sons was my favorite to hear. I also liked Elder Uchtdorf's analogy of the man who noticed the single dandelion on his neighbor's lawn, but ignored the many on his. They both illustrated interesting principles.

Are you getting any fall weather?

Yes, it is getting much cooler now. We had a lot of rain Saturday morning, and I'm starting to feel a little cold in the evenings. Time to buy a sweater.

-Elder Hall

P.S. The Gospel is true.

Holding the ties with my brother's wedding colors in them.

 

Conference Weekend

Hello Family,

If you read nothing else from my email, watch General Conference. If you missed any of it for any reason, make an effort to watch the rest. You won't regret it. :-D

 

Here are some questions from Mom:

What messages in conference stood out to be most especially helpful and encouraging to you?

 
My companion and I loved Elder Bednar's talk. But of all, I think Elder Scott's talk touched me most.  His suggestions will help anyone come closer to our savior, and to reevaluate our spiritual progress.

 

How did you see that Conference affected the wonderful people of the Windcrest area?

I don't know how it affected everyone, but I do know that the Johnsons benefited from the few sessions they watch. As Sister Johnson reminded us, "stay in the boat."
 

What did you think of Elder Bednar's talk especially to those who are not members of the Church?

I beamed during that entire talk. If we as members can remember how Jesus Christ's Gospel has blessed us in our lives, wouldn't we want to share that same feeling of relief? I loved it that Elder Bednar's youngest son didn't suddenly learn how to bandage wounds after his brother helped him. He shared the medical ointment the only way he knew how.

It doesn't matter if we are full time missionaries or not. We can share our love for the prophet, the scriptures, and for temples.

What was your favorite music in Conference?

Praise to The Man was my favorite. I appreciate his work as the first prophet of our dispensation more now as a missionary and after this conference than ever before.

Wasn't it interesting that the talks that were given in other languages in Conference were in Cantonese , 2 in Espanol, and the other in Portugese?

Very interesting! I wanted to listen to the Spanish speakers speak Spanish, but we watched Conference in english, so this wasn't possible.

General conference was a blast for me. I feel extremely blessed that I can hear the words of our prophet and his apostles every six months. Today I forgot to bring my notes on conference with me, but I can share more from my notes next week.

I felt the testimony of Elder Nelson strongly as he testified of a living prophet. Even if we do not receive all of the revelation that Thomas S. Monson does to guide the church, we can seek to receive confirming revelation that his guidance is true. Probably one of my favorite insights from conference was that Nephi had to seek confirming revelation that his father, Lehi, did in fact see a vision. Revelation guides the church from the top to the very bottom.

This week we had the opportunity to see a movie called "Meet the Mormons." You probably have heard about it. Take some time to invite a friend to see the movie with you. This is a great opportunity to share some of our beliefs in a non-threatening way. I really enjoyed the film.

 

-Elder Hall

P.S. Due to circumstances partially out of my control, I didn't have as much time to email as I usually do. If this email seems rushed, don't worry. :-D

P.S.S. This week I made some wheat pancakes from scratch.

Overcoming Sickness

Good morning family, friends, and ward family,

Another great week this week. The highlight of this week was Sister Johnson's confirmation, but I had other opportunities to grow and feel the joy of the work. One of my favorite verses from this last week was from 2 Nephi 27:11. We know that the sealed book the verse talks about is the Book of Mormon itself.

Here are some questions:

How is Sister Johnson doing? And her family?

Elder Hall, Sis. Johnson, Bro. Johnson and Elder Tews

Sister Johnson and Brother Johnson are both doing well. Elder Tews and I found out that she even made it to the General Women's Conference on Saturday night, and that she enjoyed the experience there.

Is it yet time for you to find and buy a sweater on you prep day for the cold weather coming up?
It certainly is getting colder here in San Antonio. Because of the moisture here, you can feel the temperature a little bit more precisely. 

How does knowing that the God of grace is with you as you serve him help you do your work?
At times as a missionary I feel inadequate, I can remember that my success isn't measured only on my own effort. God qualifies his missionaries and disciples for the work, and he allows us to do better than we can by ourselves.

How is Elder Tews' family doing?
From what I understand, his family is doing great. His two younger brothers are enjoying their teenage years. I was glad to hear they'll go to Disney Land sometime in the future.

 And what great insights did you receive from zone conference?

President Slaughter taught us more about the doctrine of baptism, and all of the things that need to happen before an individual can be baptized. Just like the first principles of the gospel, a person needs to have faith and repent. They also need to be baptized by someone holding the proper authority. They must also received Christ's gospel by someone who is set apart to preach the gospel, like one of our apostles.

Earlier in the week we found a couple that had been taught by missionaries in another part of Texas. They told us that after their move they lost contact with the missionaries.  We were surprised when after we had sat down when the father brought a copy of the Book of Mormon with him. He told us he was grateful that we had found them, and that he took it as an answer from God that he should come closer to Christ.
 

I'll admit, zone conference was difficult for me. Early in the morning that day, I woke up with the flu. Elder Tews helped me to clean up the messes, and then we went back to bed. As a result when we got to zone conference I was pretty tired. With the help of a healing blessing before the meeting, I mustered up the strength I needed to in order to pay attention during the trainings our leadership gave. One of those trainings was on baptism. At the mission president's wife's request, we left zone conference early, right after lunch. We came back to the apartment and I went to bed as soon as I could. I only woke up one other time in the afternoon, but I otherwise slept until 6:30 the next morning on Saturday.

-Elder Hall

P.S. I'm glad to hear that there are some new families in the ward. Say hello to them for me :).

 

100 Days and Rubios/Sis. Johnson Baptisms

Dearest family, friends, and ward family,

I celebrated my 100th day as a missionary on the 18th. I'll hit my three month on the 25th. I'm grateful that I still have many more days left.

On Saturday before the Rubio's baptisms, Elder Tews and I were looking for people to teach when San Antonio rained on us. At first it was light rain, but within a few minutes it became a downpour. Elder Tews and I took shelter under the front deck of a house for a few minutes and began to charge. We rushed home on our bikes and got into the apartment soaking wet. Then within about a half an hour, the rain stopped. The only evidence that the rain left were large puddles scattered in the parking lot.

The baptisms of the Rubio family and Sister Johnson went well. It was incredible to feel the spirit that came from ordinances of baptism, and confirmation. Despite all of our concerns for Sister Johnson's baptism, the baptism went well. Hermano Rubio baptized his daughters and I had the opportunity to lead the music.  (A quick thanks to my mom and others who have helped me to develop musical talents). Even leading music is a form of service we can give to others.

The Rubio Girls and Elders Hall and Tews

Sister Rubio is hidden behind her daughter, and Brother Rubio is diagonal of his daughters, in white.

I can't recall if you recently had another zone conference and if so, what were it's highlights?

Zone conference will be this coming Thursday or Friday. I'll be sure to take good notes and share some with you all.

How often do you missionaries get to go to the temple?

As far as I know, missionaries in the TSAM will have the opportunity to visit the temple twice during their mission. Sometimes more, but rarely.

Is it starting to get any cooler?

Yes, it is starting to get much cooler. I distinctly remember a morning that we got up to excersise in which I felt cold. That startled me. :)

 Como va el trabajo de testificar en Espanol?

Sencillamente, va muy bien. Tenemos tantas oportunidades para hablar con nativos. Me encantan estas oportunidades.

 What was your best moment in spanish this week?

I loved the opportunity to listen to the Bishop as he confirmed the Rubios members of the church. Each blessing was unique, and testified to me of the love Heavenly Father has for them, and for all of us.

What was your funniest?

I can't think of anything specific. Grammatical mistakes are usually pretty funny. :D

-Elder Hall

P.S. I feel like I should have written more this week end because of the baptisms that took place, but it

A Third Transfer in Windcrest

Hello Family, Friends, Ward Family, etc.

I loved this week. I loved this week so very much, I'm having a hard time remembering it all. Please bear with me :).

We received transfer calls yesterday, and both Elder Tews and I will stay in Windcrest. This is fantastic news. My work is not done here. Most of our finding efforts in the last transfer were centered in the areas closest to our apartment. So with a full six weeks, we'll reach out to those areas. While Elder Tews and I stay, Sister Pyper will leave.

The Rubio family and Sister Johnson are ready for baptism. Thank you all for the prayers on their behalf. We're excited to see them take this important step in following Jesus Christ's example. The Rubios are quite excited to be baptized. Elder Tews told me to enjoy the stress related to the baptism. I'm very grateful that I can be involved in all of this.

On Friday we biked. The rain caught us off guard on our way back to the apartment for dinner. All the way home I could hear a loud squeak from my bike as we waited for Traffic lights. Rain in general makes me laugh. There's something soothing about it all. When we finally returned, our white shirts were dotted with spots of mud. I loved it. :)
 

 

 

 

 

What has been useful to you this week in sinking your spiritual roots deep in your conversion to the gospel?

It would be impossible to maintain my conversion without daily scripture study. I felt like prayer was especially important as I dealt with a variety of stress. As I prayer for spiritual insights, learn more during personal study and my spiritual roots run deeper.

How has your slacks repair been working out?

Successful for the most part. I repaired a pair of black slacks, and the slacks should still be usable. However, the tan pair didn't fair as well. Since the color of the repair patch didn't match the slacks I attached it to, I may have to send in home, or into the dumpster.

How has it been having a new bishop in the Windcrest ward?

Very helpful. The new Bishop speaks fluent Spanish as well as English, which has helped the Spanish families connect to the ward better. Other auxiliaries also changed. The Lord gives responsibility to all of us who are willing. Sometimes that responsibility has an apparent reason, other times it does not.

What is something new you have learned this week about anything or any one you have encountered?

Elder Tews and I made a goal to focus on our area, regardless of what may happen during transfer week. We learned to trust in the decisions of our leaders, regardless of what may happens. I felt my trust in the Lord increase this week and I depended on Him for peace and comfort.

We also met the 2nd Counselor of the TSAM. I loved getting to know him for just a few minutes. The leadership of our mission are all great people. Their example help me to follow Jesus Christ.

-Elder Hall

​P.S. I'm glad everything is going well at home. Please don't forget that I think of you all often.

The Change from "What More Can I Do?" to "I'll Give it a Try"

Good Morning family, friends, and ward family,

This coming week Elder Tews will give me the opportunity to start conversations, lead them, and extend invitations to people we meet. Through doing this, I hope to use the enabling power of the Atonement to become a better missionary that I could by myself. I'm pretty excited for the opportunity, but I'm also a bit nervous for it, and I will gladly accept any prayers for help in this goal. These things are part of the reason why I chose the subject for this email that I did.

But it wasn't the only reason. Through using their faith and trying, the Rubios have made steady changes and improvements in their lives. The family comes to church regularly and more of the daughters are reading from the scriptures. I see the promise from Moroni 10 fulfilled for them: as they read, ponder, and pray about the things they read in the scriptures, they come to know it is true, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

On a different note, we used the car a few days of the week. The Sister missionaries wanted to bike more during the week, and so on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, we visited people using much larger wheels. I really enjoy having a car because we can travel further than if we use bike. I also like biking because you can talk to people as you pass by them. Both are great for different reasons.

Have you had a lot of rain, or are your San Antonio people still in a drought?

Maybe San Antonio has felt a minor drought in comparison to previous years, but I wouldn't really know. We had a utter deluge this Wednesday, luckily we had access to the car. San Antonio has the habit of raining on you without your permission, and without giving signs of how long it wants to rain. For me, this feels like a lot of rain. For San Antonio, however, I'll have to ask the local members for their opinions.

How has the Book of Mormon guided you in your work this week?

The Book of Mormon provides scripture references for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we reviewed this with Sister Johnson, we used a different scripture for Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. Each were found in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon has guided me in learning the doctrine that I will share.

What is the best tender mercy from the Lord you have received this week?

This Sunday our current Bishop of Windcrest was released and we received a new bishopric. Because it was also testimony meeting, we heard testimonies from our current bishop, his wife, our new bishop, his wife, one of the stake counselors, the new 1st and 2nd counselors, and probably a few other leaders. They shared their testimonies of the restored gospel, and I felt renewed. There are countless others, but I did enjoy this testimony meeting, after the sacrament.

Wait, Something even better. We met with the Rubio family for dinner yesterday and visited them on Saturday, and they are progressing steadily towards baptism. The tender mercy of seeing them make changes in their lives is fantastic.

What is the wisest thing you have learned from Elder Tews this week?

A difficult question, for sure. I've learned that I need to take leadership in our companionship as we meet people. I will need to branch out of my comfort zone even more. I'll talk more about this next week.

What has been your greatest cooking success this week?

For breakfast on Saturday I made scrambled eggs with mozzarella cheese and toast coated with margarine and jelly. Oh, and I also cut up a chicken breast and cooked it with a little help from my companion. Not too shabby.

-Elder Hall

P.S. Thank you to Mom and the Millar family for the letters. I loved them both.

Sep. 2014 Windcrest Ward Missionaries

 

The Strain Means Growth

Buenas dias a todos, familia, mi barrio, y mis amigos.

Pues, this week was another hard week. But luckily, I'm starting to understand that the difficulties I'm going through will help me to come closer to Jesus Christ, so that I can invite others to do the same.

A funny experience: when we knocked a few doors in the area of a house we wanted to visit, we met a Hispanic lady who was very hospitable. She spoke Spanish at a rapid pace and I tried as best as I could to understand everything, but I missed a few words here and there. Before we left, we offered to say a prayer with her, and she accepted, talking about some difficulty her husband had had with work. At least I thought she said something about work. After I said the prayer with her and we left, Elder Tews told me that her husband had died. I felt silly that I didn't understand her. Luckily though, after a few minutes of walking and talking, I found courage to laugh at myself instead of feeling sorry for myself.

This Wednesday we had a Zone meeting combined with interviews with President Slaughter. During my interview with President, he helped me to understand that I won't learn my Spanish if I don't feel strain. Generally, I shouldn't stop talking in Spanish when it gets hard to do so. I think if I diligently practice Spanish, regardless of which area I serve in, I will be fluent when I get back.

The Rubio family is progressing well. Yesterday, the whole family made it to church, on time, and they stayed for the three hours. I was excited for them. As important as church attendance is, they will progress faster through daily scriptures study. Hopefully they will make time to read even as they juggle school or work and family life.

Are the areas where you and Elder Tews are biking sort of hilly or kind of flat?

There are some roads that are extremely hilly. On one road in particular, there are two large hills that we bike over as we ride on it. Other places are much more level, and biking isn't very hard at all.

 In our visiting teaching message for the month Pres. Uchdorf says, "He is the promised Messiah. He lived a perfect life and atoned for our sins. He will fight our battles. He is our hope. He is our salvation; He is the way." So, this week, what are some battles that the Savior has fought for you and the wonderful people you and Elder Tews serve?

The Savior has helped me battle the enemy of anger. Through learning more about His patience, I notice that my afflictions are quite minor. He helped me to overcome frustration over small things, and learn from my mistakes rather than brood over them.

Faith in Jesus Christ helped Sister Johnson to overcome the trial of smoking. She has been clean for at least a week and a half now, and she will be ready to be baptized on September 19th. Her husband will take part in the baptism as well. It is through faith that Sister Johnson endured and gave up smoking.

How has your hope in the Savior helped you this week?  

Certainly it helped me to understand that my frustration will pass. Not because missionary work will get easier, but because my ability to bear it will increase. He helped me to understand that he cares for me even as I make mistakes. He loves the people of our ward and wants me to do whatever I can to lift them.

My hope in my Savior helped me to understand that with His help, my mission will not be a waste, and that I can be a missionary throughout the rest of my life.

What was your happiest experience this week?

One of the Rubio daughters reads from the Book of Mormon often. We can tell that she reads and prays because of the change in her continence. When I realized that she was reading, and that her father is taking steps to lead his family in faith, I felt extremely happy. Nothing beats the happiness you feel when people exercise faith, and come unto Christ. 

I was also happy when I realized I've served 2 months here in Windcrest. And my mission isn't done!

Elder Hall

P.S. I want to figure out how to type accent marks on Windows computers. Any resource that could help me learn how is welcome

P.S.S. This picture is a picture my companion took after the most recent bike wreck. Strength and resolve.