Another Great Week!

Dear family and friends, 

This week has been very spiritual and successful! The constant positive progression of my area makes me so happy! Let me share just 2 of the many experiences we were blessed to have this past week.

On my very first Sunday in this area, we met Pinky and Cherish, 2 sisters who decided to join our service on this particular Sunday. Since then, we've been teaching them every other day. Pinky and Cherish not only make us the best soup every time we come, but they also listen and accept our message wonderfully! They are just the best and we are always excited to see them (Not just for the food.)

We recently taught them about the Plan of Salvation and they reacted with joy and even relief! Probably because they love the idea of families! Hearing the news that families can be together forever surely excited them. They always invite friends and other siblings to join our lessons and they have even accepted to be baptized this Saturday! I'm so excited for them! It's always awesome to be with an investigator from the day they discover the Church to the day they are baptized. I can't think of a better way to conclude my first 6 months on mission:)

This next one is a kind of a "You had to be there" experience but, i'll share it anyways.I only say that because I don't know if my story telling skills will ever be good enough to define the feelings I felt during a lesson on this last Friday evening. We planned to visit with a recent convert named Brother Stevens. He lives a long walk away so seeing him is hard to do considering his busy work schedule. He invited us into his house and we began teaching lesson 5, Families and Temples (My first time teaching inside a house haha.)

 

About halfway through the great lesson, a woman started to call for Brother Stevens from outside. He invited her in and she sat with us at the table. She said her name was Jessica and she insisted that we'd continue the lesson. As we taught, I noticed Jessica had a very interested look on her face. She asked serious questions and it didn't take long until our focus was directed towards her. Families and Temples isn't the first lesson we teach people. Infact, we typically teach it to recent converts after baptism. But it seemed to be exactly what Jessica needed to hear. After the Lesson, and after sharing our testimonies, Jessica said something I'll never forget. "I know that God sent me here today so I could hear this very important message."

I mean, It was pretty convenient. A miracle even! She happened to be late and if she came on time... She would've missed us!  She also had only met Brother Stevens the other day and was there to meet his brother for work opportunities. Not to mention... We usually visit with Brother Stevens at the church since he lives so far away. I know it was by the grace of God that everything lined up just right for Jessica to meet us that special day. Since then, we've only seen her once more but it is clear to me that she is one of the elect and i'm excited to continue teaching her. 

Obviously, these are only a few of the experiences that make missionary work so rewarding. I'm absolutely loving it! On top of all the life changing experiences, I'm also making a lot of new friends in the mission! Elder Packer, Elder Jensen, Elder Aspuria and many more have truly become like family. Especially my companion Elder Booher. Together, we are able to get stuff done and I hope he stays for another 6 weeks. He is teaching me a lot and we have so much fun together. He showed me how to fold my underwear military style haha and whenever I think I've done enough push-ups... My drill sergeant companion is always there to make sure I do an additional 50 haha!

All in all, the mission is awesome and i'm so grateful and happy to be here! I've heard many of my missionary buddies say similar things. If you're not sure whether to serve or not... I can only guarantee that it would only be good for you if you did. 

I love Liberia! I love the work! And I love you all!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

The Wooden Spoon Was Nothing!!

Dear family and friends,

Here in Liberia, an essential household item is the Flogging stick. A long, thin piece of reed that's specifically designed to be used as a child flogger. (Flog meaning beat or wack) It's also good on chickens, dogs, and anything else that tests your patience! Available at ANY market! The demand is high! Growing up, I recall the famous wooden spoon that was hardly ever used for cooking;) But this menacing instrument of reproval is way worse and it isn't disguised as a harmless cooking utensil. The flogging stick only has one purpose. To flog and keep flogging.

I'm not saying this to up sell a product haha it sells itself here. No, This is is the introduction to one of my experiences this week. After concluding a great lesson with a great investigator, Elder Booher and I began our long walk to our next appointment. It was then when we came across 3 little boys, no older than 10, sitting perfectly aligned on the grass, bare naked, and crying helplessly. We were both confused until we noticed what was happening... A few yards in front of the boys was a man who was pacing back and forth with a flogging stick. The man's tactic of  discipline was honestly kind of genius haha! I'm not saying I approve haha but it was smart! He was just walking around with his stick while his kids watched and anticipated their flogging! He was letting it simmer! On top of that... They were naked! What is this?! "We can't just let this man beat these kids." I told my companion as we walked by. Elder Booher readily agreed and he instantly turned around and approached the man. The man informed us that the boys were fighting again and needed punishment. "Please my man... Spare them. I'll talk to them." Elder Booher said. The man agreed and Elder Booher and I knelt in front of the crying boys. "See your pa here? This man wants to flog you." Elder Booher boldly stated. "But I saved your life. Stop fighting. Your pa will flog you twice if you fight again... And we wont be here to stop him." The boys stopped crying and the pa put the stick down. We later found out that the man kept his promise and the boys walked away spared. I think it would be hilarious if one of the boys became an apostle or something and shared his first encounter with a Latter-Day Saint haha!

Fortunately, we experienced more baptisms than child floggings. On Saturday morning, we held a beautiful service for the zone's baptisms. Out of the 5 companionship, I believe there was 6 candidates being baptized. 2 of which were ours! Love and Baby Love! Elder Booher baptized and I confirmed the following morning. It was a great experience and i'm excited to continue teaching them as they progress In the Gospel. 

It's safe to expect more baptisms very soon! 3 of our investigators have accepted to be baptized on the 19th of this month and many more will follow afterwards. Elder Booher and I are keeping busy but we are also having a lot of fun. Love my companion and roommates like they are my brothers. It seems every day ends with nerdy Thanos theory's, freestyle rap battles, and a whole lot of french fries! Which is all I've ever wanted:)

One more quick experience that literally happened not long ago at the mission office:

Remember my body guard Bishop Pride? We saw each other at the office for the first time since he left me at the airport! I told him about the drunk Russians on the plane! I said, "If Pride were here..." and he finished my sentence with, "I woulda killed them!" Love that man! His daughter just left on her mission for Madagascar! Excited for their family! 

The mission is on fire! I'm loving it more than ever! Love you all! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PICTURES: Baptisms and Christmas morning

Merry Christmas!

Dear family and friends,

Literally everything is awesome right now! My area, companionship, and life in general! Elder Booher and I are completely different people but I cant think of a better companionship! Together, we are able to teach wonderful lessons and I always learn something new from the Spirit that is so strong every time we teach. The fun thing is.... We don't teach from the book! We wing it! It seems every lesson is completely directed by the Spirit. Whenever I hold a monkey or kill a bat I always think to myself, "Wow I wish my friends and family could've witnessed that!" Whenever we get done teaching I think the exact same thing only way stronger! This is why I'm so excited for my buddies who are about to experience the life changing moments only discovered when testifying side by side with the Spirit. In my last area I cared about my investigators a lot but I've reached the point where they are all I think about! It's awesome and it helps me lose myself and my thoughts in the work. I'll be honest, when my buddy Elder Hinson went home, I kinda got anxious for the day I too could return to the promised land where running clean water and stable electricity are expectations not luxuries. But now... I feel bad for the guy! I mean, if he had half the experiences I'm having now, it would be so hard to leave! Being a missionary is awesome and so rewarding! I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about going on a mission;)

Christmas away from home on another continent was not bad at all! It was different but not bad. Elder Booher, Packer, Aspuria, and I each pitched in 10 USD to purchase a nice apartment Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas breakfast, and dinner! We had the realization that all 4 of us were experiencing our first Christmas away from our families. This made the day more meaningful because we were all in it together. At the mission Christmas party, I got a few random letters from random people wanting to wish me (a random missionary) a Merry Christmas! It was so nice and I'm going to keep them forever! I remember as a kid, my family would write to the ward missionaries during the holidays but I never knew until now how meaningful those letters must've been. 

Speaking of letters... The day after Christmas we went for interviews with President at the stake center. How it works is Sister Clark will conduct discussions with the missionaries while President interviews one of us at a time. This is usually when we get mail, church magazines, and medication. While waiting for my interview, Elder Jensen asked Sister Clark who the stack of letters were for on her bag. "Oh these?" She replied as she lifted them up. "These are for Elder Hallenberger!" Ah! You guys I was so excited to get mail! Dozens of letters from lots of loved ones! I love you guys so much! Thanks for being so incredibly thoughtful! It made my holiday and it meant the world to me! If anyone knows me, they know I love my ward family so being able to hear from you and see your Christmas cards was honestly a priceless gift. Thank you! I love you all!

I spent the day testifying that the greatest gift ever given was the gift of the Savior. "For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son." The greatest gift was given out of love which is the greatest gift we could give. I know this to be true and as I used this week to "Light my faith" I found that the best way to feel the Savior's love is to try and share the Savior's love with those around you. Elder Packer shared with me an amazing song about the Atonement that literally brings me to tears whenever I hear it. Its called, "Not my will" from the musical The Garden. I encourage you guys to listen to it. I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas!

While recovering in Accra, I had to pretend I was an Accra missionary. During this time, I had an irritation in my Spirit that gave me a massive confirmation as to where I needed to be. The Lord needs me in Liberia and every time I conclude an amazing day with my new companion... I'm reminded of that fact. I love Liberia, I love my companion, I love the work, and I love you all! 

Merry Christmas and happy New Year my friends! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: My new area has the worst Email shack. I apologize if i'm not able to send pictures or emails.

Pictures below from the Mission Wide Christmas Gathering sent by Sis. Clark. 

Sick of being sick.

Dear family and friends, 

These last few weeks have been difficult as you may have heard. Tears filled my eyes as I read the loving emails from friends, family, and even strangers haha. My heart is full of gratitude for the love I've felt during these difficult days and nights. Thank you:)

It pains me to say that the area I love so much will have to continue growing without me. Without a proper farewell, I had to leave my beloved investigators, members, and recent converts. I'll find the time to write them letters and I know the missionaries will continue caring for their needs. I love them and I know it'll all be okay! 

Before I left on my mission I promised myself that Liberia could take my life away but my sense of humor was here to stay. That being said, I'm excited to update everyone about Elder Hallenberger's experience in the Liberian hospital!

When I first got to the hospital they pumped me with water, gave me a billion shots, and kept calling me Morris. I was too sick to correct them. I was starting to feel good until a nurse came in with a pencil sized needle. I asked where it was going and she replied, "I need to see your bum." Now, I'm not afraid of needles and I'm always up for new things so did what she asked. Following was literally the most painful minute of my life! She said it was for the fever but I would have defiantly preferred the fever! My butt was a bit sore for the night but in the morning I felt well enough to leave.

Turns out, leaving the clinic wasn't a good idea. The next morning I had a fever of 104 and my stomach wasn't being too kind. The 40 minute trip back to the hospital was not fun because it was by keke on a bumpy road, and the traffic was the worst. Regardless, I was able to make it to the hospital and return to the treatment. Jokingly, I asked the nurse accompanying me if another needle would poke my butt. He said yes. Suddenly, my smile disappeared. Unless any of you think round two was any better, I'll be the first to say.... It's not. In fact it was worse because I knew what was about to happen! Haha that night wasn't easy. They said I had a bad stomach infection and possibly a parasite which is always fun to hear. EVERY TIME I would complain about my stomach, another needle went in my bum. Overall I was poked around 20 times and 7 of which were the terrible butt shots. Wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy! I guess you could say Liberia was a pain in my 

There was a television to my right and it was always playing nothing but animal documentaries which I've always enjoyed. Missionaries aren't allowed to watch tv but, I figured since I couldn't hear it and it was nature on a screen, a few glances wouldn't hurt. Well, during a very difficult night of discomfort and probably the peak of my pain, I turned my head and saw a giraffe on the tv being completely torn apart by a group of hungry lions. I suddenly didn't feel so painful haha! The sight of that helpless animal being eaten made me glad I was where I was! It could be way worse haha!

After a few days, I felt recovered enough to go to my new apartment in Paynseville and recover there. I was able to meet my new companion Elder Booher from Utah! Great guy and I'm excited to work with him. Also, the apartment is literally soooo nice. A microwave, couches, AC, running hot water, and 24 hour power. President says its the best of the apartments and missionaries don't leave without a little force haha! I tried to unpack my stuff but I kept having to take breaks and sure enough, within a few hours, I had a fever of 104 again and I couldn't even move. President and Sister Clark picked me up and I returned to the hospital where they told us the following morning that they did all they knew how to do. Sister Blackwell (The West Africa health specialist) approved that I would meet her in Accra to receive treatment at the hospital. 

My companion packed some things for me and from the mission office, I left for the airport with Bishop Pride. Bishop Pride is the travel specialist who was going to accompany me for the flight. He is so cool and he liked it when I called him my body guard haha! Unfortunately, My bodyguard's passport was expired so I had to go without him. It would've been nice.... I sat by these Russian drunks that didn't care about being too loud or vulgar. Haha I kept thinking about how things would have been different if Pride were on the plane.

I spent two nights at the Accra hospital and I feel a lot better! Hopefully it stays this way. I'm taking it easy with the office Elders here in Accra for the week. I got to meet President and Sister Keyes from South Africa. They are super cool and super kind. I want to make it back to Liberia for the Christmas party on the 21st but I if I miss it... It's just the way it is. At least I'm feeling better! This morning I went with the missionaries for a zone activity and a lot of my friends from the MTC were there and we were excited to see each other again. 

On Sunday morning I had the wonderful privilege of having a nice meeting with Elder Nash. He said It was a pure impression from the Spirit to find the time to come see me. The chances of a missionary getting to meet with a general authority one on one  is very very slim. It just proves to me that the Lord is mindful of me and my trials. He gave me great words of love and encouragement to help me as I move forward and continue my mission. He is awesome and the experience was unforgettable.

Notice the shirt I'm wearing in the picture Sister Clark sent home. I don't think its just a coincidence that Elder Dea tossed me that shirt when we found out I was going to the hospital. Perhaps its the Lord's way of reminding me in my time of weakness that true disciples of Christ can indeed "Do hard things" through him. Its clear to me that this simple camp slogan will never cease to motivate me as I continue my mission. Your fasts and prayers surely did more for me than any medication I've received. It has brought me so much comfort and I thank you so much!

Love you all! Thanks for everything! Hope your Christmas season is going great!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

A great report!

Dear friends and family, 

I'm pleased to say that the Johnson family(5) has accepted to be baptized on the 8th of this month! Its been a lot of fun teaching them and i'm excited to see them progress in the Gospel. My recent convert just got a calling in the Sunday school presidency! So exciting! 

On Thursday, we had another zone conference and I got to see Elder Hinson one last time before he returns to the Promised land on the 11th. He gave us words of encouragement and bore and amazing testimony! I'm going to miss that guy! We also heard from President and Sister Clark. They gave us a great instruction and I also got a sweet Ghana tie from them! They told us about the church's "Light the World" program this month. I'm pretty excited to participate because I've got some good ideas! The 1st week is all about finding ways to serve globally. I can't think of a better way to do that then to literally be on another continent! Pretty exciting and i'll keep you updated! 

I don't know for sure but I'm predicting that this is my final week in the Banjor area wit Elder Dea. If so, I will leave early next Monday to my new area. I probably won't have much time to email so I'm not sure if I'll have a group email next week. 

Thanks for all the kind words! Love you all! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

Religious Salesman

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was great! It was also Elder Pollmann's birthday on Thursday so we had cake at district meeting. I also made the best french fries ever created. Thanksgiving was dope:)

I also let Pollmann cut my hair. On Monday, I found some sweet dark purple slacks on the street that caught my eye.

I feel like Professor Plum from the Clue board game when I wear them but I don't care haha! #Dress2impress

This time last year I was a Christmas tree salesman. Personally, I felt I was pretty good at selling trees. I'd approach the customers with a kind greeting and a joke. Since the lot was on the water park parking lot, I always thought it was funny to ask them if they were there for a tree or for the water slide. (It was at night and the end of November.) I always thought being a missionary would be like being some sort of religious salesman. Now that i'm here, I realize its very different. Yes, its good to know a joke or two and sure, its good to be a people person but, it's not safe to treat sharing the Gospel as if you were convincing someone to buy a product. My area has so many recent converts who haven't gone to church for a very long time. It's for that reason, i'm extra careful when I decide to extend a baptismal invite. Thanks to our friendly neighborhood Bishop, it's not difficult finding investigators a friend in the ward to keep them around and active. Most of the time, Bishop Tugbeh is that friend to the investigators! Just the other day we saw Bishop playing chess outside with one of our investigators! While missionaries come and go... Members stay put so it's only smart to use them as additional support. 

We're finding a lot of positive progression with this new family of 8 we have been teaching. Especially with the children who are no younger than 12 and no older than 19. One day before a lesson, they asked me what my first name was. I said Elder but they didn't believe me and insisted I told them my first name. I said, "You can have my first name if you can guess my age." Everyone guessed somewhere around 23, 25, 28, and yes even 30. Once I told them I had just turned 18 in April... They were shocked! One of them said, "Wow, you guys grow big in China!" It was then I realized I hadn't told them where I was from haha! It didn't surprise me... Every time I go outside I hear kids chant, "China man!" or, "Chingchong-Bingbong!" I don't mind it haha.... It's pretty funny:)

This is my report! Hope things are good at home!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: Finally killed the rat that has been living in the apartment longer than I have. 

Pioneering in Africa

I'm excited to say that after 6 years of investigation the church, Sister Orietta was baptized on Saturday morning! Brother Paul, a return missionary who had previously taught her, performed the baptism for her! The service was beautiful! Bishop Tugbeh asked me to speak on the importance of baptism. I didn't have anything prepared but I was able to deliver a small improvised message about what I knew to be true. The baptism was a success and I'm excited for my friend and her decision to follow the Savior's divine example. 

On Sunday morning we viewed a special broadcast from Salt Lake! All the stakes in West Africa gathered in their stake centers and received council and words of encouragement from Joy D. Jones, Stephen W. Owen, Gary E. Stevenson, and President Henry B. Eyring.  They each gave amazing talks concerning the church in West Africa. Elder Owen stated that while the saints in America are far into the Pioneer Era.... Africa has only just begun. He stated that most the members in Africa are the only in their various families. Which makes them pioneers. Obviously, Pioneer Era will never be over but, it's very special to me to be serving in an area where the Pioneering has just started. 

Elder Owen also shared an amazing story about a man named Orson Spencer and his wife Katherine. They both wanted to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but, Katherine's parents didn't approve. They said if she were to join the Church.... She and Orson would no longer be welcome in the family. Nevertheless... They were both baptized and later had 5 children. Orson and Katherine planned to meet the rest of the Saints in Nauvoo. Unfortunately, Katherine got very ill and wasn't able to begin trek. They didn't have a lot of money and they lacked medical care. Orson wrote to Katherine's parents begging them to take his wife in and care for her. Their reply stated that they'd only care for their daughter if she left her husband Orson and the church. When Orson gave this letter to his sick wife, she gave him the following scripture:"Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth1:16) Katherine passed away shortly after and endured faithful till the end. Orson Spencer and his 5 motherless children later joined the Saints in Zion. I love this story so much because it relates to so many Pioneer Saints in Africa who remain so strong and faithful even during trialing times. 

Sorry, not a whole lot of exciting or funny events this week. We did take a bus to the devotional and that was pretty exciting! They had Elder Miller and I sit at the back which made me laugh haha!

Love you guys and your inspiring words of encouragement! Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving! I'm not sure what i'll do on Thursday... Probably nothing special because Thanksgiving and Christmas doesn't exist here:/ 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

PS: This spider was found right by my bed this morning... Bravo Liberia... Bravo.