Zone conference this week was really good! I was able to see my MTC companion, Elder Foday Kamara from Sierra Leone! I also got to see all my Liberia buddies and even President and Sister Price! They spoke to all the missionaries at the conference about the conditions in Liberia. I was so happy my companion was finally able to see really how cool MY president is. They also pulled aside the Liberia missionaries to answer some of our questions. President has been working hard calling church leaders in Liberia and preparing the way for our return. He says hopefully in a month we will all be back in Liberia Poor President and his wife are living in the Ghana MTC I asked him, "What happens if July comes, and I only have 3 weeks left on mission, and we are then called back to Liberia... will I have to finish here in Ghana?" Without hesitation he replied, "I'm not staying in the MTC until July."
At the conference, President Sanders pulled me aside asking if I was enjoying my area. I told him I was doing fine and that I love my companion. He replied, "Well that's great but don't get too comfortable. I've got a new assignment for you." He then asked me if I'd be willing to go to a refugee camp full of thousands of Liberians here in Ghana. I happily and gratefully accepted such an amazing assignment! It is anticipated that in a few weeks, (assuming we are still here) Elders Fullmer, Pluim, Bates, and I will go labor together in this camp speaking Kalokwa! (Never thought I'd miss Kalokwa)
Until then, I'm here in Adeiso and loving it!
To better prepare for this upcoming General Conference, I've decided to read the entire Book of Mormon this month during my personal studies. I'll also listen to it while cooking, bathing, and preparing for the day. I hope to seriously consider how IMPOSSIBLE it would have been for anyone to simply make up such a marvelous book (that never contradicts the Bible or itself) with only a 3rd grade education and a short amount of time. I believe this prayerful exercise will give me an even stronger testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith's divine role. I will also ask myself (while reading/listening) the same question President Russell M. Nelson has urged each of us to consider a couple years ago... "What would your life be like without the Book of Mormon?" Anyone who wants to join me in this challenge and exercise is welcome! I know it will better prepare each of us for General Conference next month!
Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger
PS: They legit have a Pizza Hut in Accra and for a split second I thought I was in America...or heaven. I guess it's the same thing right?!
The phrase: "You don't know what you have until it's gone" strongly comes to my mind when I ponder the recent devastating events. My heart aches to know that I may never return to Liberia which has become my home full of my family.
I had only been with my new companion Elder Bates for a couple days when early on Wednesday morning during personal study, I received these horrifying words, "Pack your bags. All the missionaries are leaving Liberia. Don't tell ANYONE!"
Immediately I told the Elders in my apartment and not long after, we were picked up by a senior missionary who drove us to a very nice and expensive hotel right by the airport. We ate nice expensive food, slept on nice expensive beds, and took nice expensive showers. I felt like a fish out of water! It reminded me of when Tarzan had a culture change and visited the city!
Fortunately I was able to see President Price one more time before we were scattered across Africa but since then... I haven't been able to see him. On Thursday morning we all got on a plane to our various temporary assignments. I was assigned to the Ghana Accra West mission with my friend and TC Elder Pluim and 7 other American Liberia missionaries. After a long day of immigration and shots, we finally met our new President, President Sanders. We were taken from the MTC to the mission home in Accra where we ate dinner, talked, and slept.
President Sanders gave us orientation the next morning (Friday) about malaria and theft prevention. I thought it was funny considering the fact that we JUST came from Liberia where malaria and theft is much worse than anywhere else. We were being trained as if we hadn't just spent 19 months in a country much harder than Ghana and it was humiliating!
President Sanders said he is happy we are in Ghana because apparently the baptism numbers are worse in his mission. Also they have a temple in Ghana and yet there is way more Liberians visiting their temple! He wants us to strengthen the members in Ghana and get them to the temple.
Well I got my new companion, Elder Williams from Pocatello, Idaho. He just finished training Elder Bryant from Nevada and when we came to Ghana... They split the area of Adeiso and put me with Elder Williams and put Elder Bryant with Elder Pluim. THANK GOD I'M NOT ALONE DURING THIS HORRIBLE TRIAL! Elder Pluim is my best friend and it is a tender mercy that we were called to Liberia together... Called to Kakata together... Called to Ghana Accra West together... And called to Adeiso together. It's clear to me God has blessed me with a guardian angel of sorts.
Ghana is NOT a 3rd world country. Liberia is WAY less developed than this country. They have paved roads, nice cars, gas stations WITH gas, and employment for everyone. President Sanders said I was going to the bush but I'm here and it is nicer than central Monrovia ever was Kakata was bush... This is a cupcake mission. Everyone has washing machines.
Only problem is... NOBODY SPEAKS ENGLISH ONLY TWI!!! Why is this an English mission? My companion has been here for 13 months and still can't teach lessons because NOBODY speaks or understands English! At sacrament meeting I fell asleep because it was literally Twi! Kalokwa was hard to understand at first but it was still English! This is absolutely horrible because all my jokes... Gone. All my teaching skills... Gone. I guess I could learn Twi but I'm only going to be here for at least 5 months!
After my first day of Twi and the thought of never ever returning to Liberia, I was very overwhelmed and couldn't believe was has happened. Just a couple days ago I was in a nice area, with a nice companion, with a speak-able and understandable language but now... I feel like a naked dog with no legs being pulled by a rope in the middle of the Ghanaian dessert.
I decided to call my REAL mission president, President Price who is in Accra Ghana running the Liberia mission from the area office. Hearing his voice made me so emotional because I missed him so much and it felt like everything important was taken from me. He assured me that there are NO mistakes in the Lord's work. Everything happens for a reason. The Lord works in mysterious ways and sometimes He will shut down an entire mission JUST to save one soul in the boundaries of another. As much as I want to give up and go home, President pleaded with me to stay strong because as soon as Liberia opens again... The Lord will need me and for that.. I can't give up. Not after all I've been through.
My mission has kicked me in the butt many times but this one is the biggest most painful trial I have ever faced. I am supposed to forget about Liberia and put my heart in Ghana where they don't even speak my language. Nevertheless, I am reminded of the Savior's promise... "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"
Usually in difficult and trying times.. I have my "go to" examples to follow like my dad, my brother, my zone leaders, and others but this trial is different... It's a trial I have never heard of before. Therefore, I have only the Savior Jesus Christ to follow. He has suffered all things and more for this very reason. He can now comfort me, succor me, heal me, and give me reason for my journey. I am not only a disciple of Him but I am an ordained representative of Him which allows me to obtain His help whenever I need it. Perhaps I am only being prepared for something much harder.
I WILL finish my mission no matter how sick or afflicted I become. Not because of my strength but because of the Lord's. How will I manage to tell my nephews, sons, cousins, and grandchildren to endure to the end if I never could. When finishing my first hard day in Ghana I pulled out a random t-shirt from my suitcase which said, "Do Hard Things." Because I was so mad and annoyed, I chunked it on the ground and grabbed another but now that I am more calm... I realize the Lord is trying to remind me what my personal mission slogan has always been.. DO HARD THINGS!
Thank you for all your love and support!
Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger
Here is a video of the gas lines in Monrovia, Liberia taken by Pres and Sis. Price.
The mission has reduced from 41 apartments to 17. From 7 zones to now only 4. Elder Bates and I are the current ZL's for the Paynesville zone. We are working hard to keep everyone positive, diligent, and obedient during these difficult times. If the country can't get better by March... I and my MTC group will be going home early because we simply can't stay crammed like this for too long. Things have been CRAZY over here but I'll try to sum it up and let you know where I am at... (Miracle is at the bottom)
After Elder Gababoi left early to attend a family matter, they sent me my zone leader Elder Baker from Arizona. I had been given 5 days to show him the area until I left to my new assignment as zone leader in Caldwell with Elder Bates from Utah. Well, we received a call that because of the country's economic circumstances, the mission would be reducing its missionaries by sending 3 groups home and reassigning the incoming elders. I'm not going into details but the previously assigned transfers were postponed until President could do what SLC asked him to which was to bring in all bush missionaries into Monrovia and Paynesville.
Our 2 man area instantly became a 6 man area as we welcomed the incoming Kakata missionaries. Elder Dela Cruiz(Philippines), Elder Balbosa(Philippines), Elder KraKra(South Africa), and Elder Segromotso(South Africa) came to be with me and Elder Baker. After showing them the entire area.... we learned that MOST OF THE WERE LEAVING ANYWAYS! UGH! During all this commotion... we had 2 baptisms to accomplish. Debra and Johanna's baptism was scheduled for the 5th of February. Literally the ONLY day we could do it because I was leaving early the next day. Well while waiting for the baptism, Johanna called saying in tears that her mom wouldn't let her leave the house. So we had to continue with just Debra...
Johanna had been taught for the past few years and she loved the Gospel but her mother, who lived in the States decided that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was bad. Out of respect for the mother, we never baptized Johanna. Well with all the changes in the mission, I was worried there would be an evacuation causing all the missionaries to leave Liberia just like what had happened not long ago during the Ebola crisis. This would cause Johanna's baptism to be in the hands of the members which would not work in our branch. We also realized she was 21 years old and didn't need parental permission. This is why we rushed a baptism for her but it went wrong when her mom noticed her leaving and chastised her. I was honestly heartbroken because Johanna would never see me again and I felt responsible for her and her mother's contention. Fortunately, the mother had a change of heart and miraculously allowed Johanna to come on Friday morning and be baptized. I was just about to be picked up for my transfer but Johanna insisted that I was the one to baptize her so I called the mission driver requesting him to procrastinate or pick up other missionaries first which he did allowing me to perform the baptism, change, and literally go from the church to the car which took me to my new area in Central Paynesville. This was a miracle and I am so happy for sisters Debra and Johanna for their dedication to enter the covenant path.
I am now in my new area in Paynesville. I live in a small apartment with 6 elders! 2 of them being massive islanders. Elder Bates is my companion and we are living with Elder A'ho from Tonga and Elder Robbins (Our District leader) from Montana. We also live with Elder Kirifi, a Polynesian from Australia and his companion who is in his training, Elder Jenkins from Utah. They are all super awesome and we are lucky to be with such cool elders. Obviously, things are tight right now. My companion and I live in a small storage room that is no bigger than my parent's closet. We are sleeping on the floor and have two windows with bars on both the outside and inside. We always make jokes saying we are in solitary confinement haha! Regardless of the difficult circumstances, we are making the best of it. I have found that the best way to unify the apartment is to cook, eat, and clean together! So far it has worked well!
THE MIRACLE:
I have one more miracle to speak of... This time last year I was serving in this Paynesville stake. Yesterday I was pleased to see a lot of my recent converts at church staying strong! In fact, 2 of them have left for missions and one of them has married another one of my recent converts from all the way in Kakata!!! I was sitting in sacrament meeting looking at this girl and I was positive it was Abigail from Kakata but I wasn't expecting to see her all the way in Paynesville. She was also wearing a very nice beautiful dress which didn't exactly match her "living in a bush dirt house" style. After service I shook her hand and she instantly recognized me and gave me a big hug! "Elder Hallenberger!" She yelled "I am married!" Haha I was so excited because that was exactly the assignment I had given her before I had left Kakata. She was living alone with a small girl who needed a father so I gave her a challenge to find a kind priesthood holder who could bless her and her child. She did just that! And guess what!? The priesthood holder was my recent convert who I had baptized and ordained!! This wasn't the only miracle, many of my recent converts had strong callings and didn't need missionaries to hold their hands in church anymore! One of them is a teacher for the young women and I just absolutely was filled with joy seeing her teach a group of young girls.
I don't know what will happen to me in March but let me tell you... After witnessing such miracles on Sunday, I feel comfort knowing my people are staying strong and I have done my part:)
Today my companion and I are wearing our Lakers jerseys to honor the legend Kobe Bryant.
While on a recent exchange I was able to finally meet a referral President had given me about a month ago. His name is Linus, the founder and president of the LNWBA(Liberia National Wheelchair Basketball Association). Linus is a very kind and wise man who is determined to follow his lifelong dream of establishing a wheelchair basketball team here in Liberia! Linus came to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in hopes to find people willing to donate wheelchairs, basketballs and funding. He found something much greater than wheelchairs that day....
After meeting with our mission president about the Restored Church and the Book of Mormon, Linus was eager to receive a phone call from the missionaries. President contacted me and I contacted Linus who honestly couldn't have been more excited to hear from me! He didn't live in my area so I passed him to the Elders who do. When I was one exchange with Elder Egan last week, we visited Linus' home and taught a lesson from the book of Mormon. I let him know that although I never followed sports, I have a father who is a die hard Lakers fan. Instantly he lit up with a big smile and said, "I love the Lakers!" He then listed all of his favorite players which happened to be my dad's favorites such as Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. I told him that he and my dad would get along well. Linus is the one who informed me of the Black Mamba's death saying, "Your father and I are bereaved today."
Linus has a crippled leg which causes him more deeply feel for others who also love the game but sadly can't play. He is working hard to start the LNWBA and I pray it works out for him. His dedication to follow a dream will surely bless the lives of many.
My companion and I had a cool experience this last week when we visited the home of 3 young brothers who had attended church for the past 2 Sundays. Our ward mission leader drove us on his bike down a LONG dirt path in the middle of hundreds of beautiful palm trees where we had to park the bike and walk for about an hour down a massive field of... Africa. Elder Gababoi was worried about running into Lions and Rhinos because where he comes from, "it's suicide to take a hike in a field far from the road." It was so spectacular! (I got plenty video on a GOPRO that I'll post when I return) We had been walking for so long that we came to the conclusion that we had made a wrong turn because it seemed like nobody could possibly live so far in the bush. Just as we were about to turn around, we saw 3 boys in the field yelling for our attention. As we walked further, we found a small house where the boys live with their grandma and uncle.
We sat down and began to study about the nature of God. They came to understand that Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bone and the Son also. We taught that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are 3 separate beings but 1 in purpose. Afterwards, we explained that Jesus Christ not only made it possible through His Atonement for us to return to Heaven but He also showed us how. This direction is called His doctrine or gospel. By applying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our personal lives and our homes, we can experience a more enduring happiness and sense of peace. These things we taught and when we concluded, the grandma began to say something along the lines of, "I've been trying to find a church that does not request money to worship or study but I never could find one. Very recently, I prayed asking for revelation and now here you are! You walked a long distance just to simply teach my grandchildren and you haven't even asked for a drink of water!" I could tell this woman noticed the difference from the Church of Christ as compared to the churches of man. We are excited to continue teaching these young boys who will someday become missionaries and also their grandma who surely received an answer to her prayers. The long hot walks always seem to have the most rewarding outcomes:)
I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday season! Sorry I haven't been able to write... The country is facing a lot of problems with the government. For the past 2 preparation days, large protests have caused us to stay inside for safety precautions. We will continue praying for the country in hopes another 10 year civil war does not break out again.
We are facing a large issue in our branch. People seem to think the members of the Church are perfect but the truth is that while the Church is perfect... the members are far from it. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is for those who are working towards perfection. Too many members have arguments with other members and then ask themselves, "How could this church be true if this person is in it?"
The other day while visiting a members home, we were saddened to hear that the family had completely left the church and rejoined their other church. All this because an argument between two relief society sisters couldn't be resolved. These members have the potential to be a strong addition to the church! They kept explaining to us how the members are giving them a hard time but I asked them, "Do you follow Christ or man? Were you baptized in the name of Christ or of man?" If we put all our faith in a mortal, we will surely be disappointed because we mortals are imperfect! But if we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we will never find disappointment. I reminded them that everyone makes mistakes and we are all trying to become better...together. This being said we need to help one another which includes forgiving others for their wrongdoings. I hope this family figures out what is best for them.
I remember one disagreement I had with one of my best friends on mission. Unfortunately, it got pretty heated and we were about to call it a night and go to bed angry without the Spirit. I remember laying in bed not knowing what to think because just that morning we were friends but it seemed like we were now... enemies. I began to realize how ridiculous the argument was and that it wasn't worth losing a friend and the Spirit. Just as I thought this, my friend humbly came into the room. "I don't know why I am mad but I'd rather not be." He said, "Sorry." Haha we ended up hugging it out like men and the Spirit was able to come back! He was the bigger person in the story and I learned from his example. Contention is truly of the devil and if we realize that we as disciples of Jesus Christ are all in it together... there shouldn't be anything but love in our hearts for one another.
On mission there has been missionaries who I have wanted to punch in the face but instead I sucked it up, forgave, and forgot. There has even been missionaries who caused me to feel embarrassed to wear the same tag that they wear! But I realized how my tag says, "Elder Hallenberger" and "Jesus Christ" and nobody else. I represent my family, the church, and the Savior which is all that matters. What other missionaries say and do doesn't make the work any less divine. Likewise, when a member irritates another member, it doesn't justify the annoyed member to assume the church must not be true. I wish members could understand this fact because the contention in the branch has caused our activity to drop dramatically.
Jesus said love everyone. The greatest commandment is to Love God and His children. If we do our part and forgive others, we will feel peace and joy in our lives because we are truly spreading the light of Christ.
I hope everyone is enjoying the season! This is my 2nd and last mission Christmas and although I miss my family and home, I can honestly say that there is no place I'd rather be than right here serving God's children in this part of the world. It sounds super cheesy I know but after gaining such a strong testimony of the true gift of Christmas... I can't think of a better way to say thank you to my Heavenly Father than to share the knowledge of this gift to those who haven't been so privileged. After all, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. (MOSIAH 2:17)
Elder Gababoi and I are here in Boystown working hard everyday trying to find many new people to teach. We have truly been blessed for our efforts. We have a lot of good families and people to teach everyday! Especially a 12 year old girl named Debra who saw us walking on the road and called out, "Hello Jehovah Witnesses!" We introduced ourselves and let her know that we are missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was so curious as to who we were that she insisted we followed her home to meet her mother. Her mom was working hard in the hot sun washing clothes. She was very shocked when after we greeted her, we put our ties in our pockets and started washing the clothes. She was also very surprised when she heard my Liberian English! After we washed all the clothes, we all sat down and had a lesson....
After teaching about the nature of God, I asked a question that usually causes people to think and ponder. Most people aren't able to answer the question! "If God has a body of flesh and bone... why is it we can't see Him? Why does he send a prophet to speak to us instead of talking to us Himself?" Instantly and without hesitation Debra confidently answered, "God wants us to believe before we see!" I know this story would seem like nothing but for a missionary who has been trying for over a year to explain this doctrine... It almost brought me to tears. What always seems so difficult for an adult to understand was so simply easy for a young girl.
My experience with Debra and her mother is one of many each and everyday! This is why I am so happy to be here! It keeps me on my feet! The Lord has blessed me with good health and also a great companion who works hard side by side with me. Don/t worry about me this Christmas! Our apartment just got AC and tonight we are making pizza and tomorrow we are making burgers!
Love, Elder Hallenberger
PICTURES: 1st is my grandfather, father, me, and my son. 2nd is a lot of my past companions. I know the hair is long haha it will be cut soon!
We've had a good week in Boystown! Elder Gababoi and I are working hard and trying to find new people to teach. We met one sister who is 19 and catholic. She's very kind and loves our message. She asks serious questions such as, "How can I have a happier family?" or "Do we have a living prophet on the earth today?" These questions help me know if someone is truly interested or not.
We've also been teaching a family who are very involved in their own church. We met them a week ago when Elder Gababoi and I noticed the 20 year old son, Gideon working hard in the hot sun pulling weeds. We helped him and his sister for over an hour until the front lawn was spotless. Afterwards, we greeted the parents who had been watching us work hard in our nice clothes. They welcomed us warmly and we all sat down and had a nice study about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. After the study, they were apparently confused. "I thought you guys worshipped Mormon and Joseph Smith" the pa asked. My companion and I smiled at each other and answered his great concern. "We worship only the Father in the name of the Son by the power of the Holy Ghost." I said, "Joseph Smith and Mormon were prophets just like Moses and Jerimiah." They were so shocked by my answer! "Well people have told me that you guys don't use the Holy Bible and you only use the Book of Mormon." He said. I let my companion take care of that one... "People can say what they want to say but the truth is we are grateful for any word of scripture from the holy prophets we can get! Like the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Chirst." Elder Gababoi replied. The man and his wife were very pleased with our answer. "We have heard many negative things about your church. But all you have said seems very good and godly." He stated. I told this family that we don't expect them to believe us right away but because they have given us the time to explain and answer questions... They now understand. The Spirit can do the rest. We then invited them to pray to know if what we said was true. Soon we will have a more detailed lesson about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I am happy for the opportunity we had to serve this family and talk about Jesus Christ. I believed that we showed them the very core of our doctrine and belief. I knew they studied the Holy Bible well and went to church so we thought it would be good to talk about what they already know and believe. Now we have created a comfortable environment of trust, love, and unity where we will be able to safely introduce the message of the restoration to this family.
I want to mention another miracle that happened just yesterday.... As many of you know I have gotten sick a few times on mission and this time last year I nearly got sent home after being in the hospital for a couple weeks. Well before I got called to train Elder Dabi, I was getting very sick again and it was the worse. I remember after I got called to train, I prayed to God asking for a special blessing that would get me through the 12 week training without getting sick. I wanted to devote all my strength to train a strong missionary in the mission. Well, God blessed me and I was able to work harder than ever without a single sick day. I was able to finish my work in Kakata without a single sick day and I was so happy to be able to leave knowing I finished strong and prepared the area well for Elder Dabi and his next companion. 4 weeks later the blessing was still on its course and I wasn't getting sick! My new companion and I have been able to work hard without illness slowing us down. Well.. Yesterday morning while sitting in sacrament meeting I was suddenly struck with something that made me cold and sweaty and i just wanted to die haha! My head was pounding and I didn't know what to do. In my head I had a small prayer asking God to continue our little agreement for a little longer. Maybe even 7 months longer if possible:) I was very stubborn and refused to return to the apartment. We worked hard and taught many people even increasing our teaching pool and expanding our area. I was so sick throughout the day but regardless... we worked hard. When we got home in the night... I laid on my bed without even taking off my tag. The miracle to this story is that I woke up this morning feeling 100% and ready to jump out of bed! Haha! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Miracles happen everyday in the Lord's work! Whether it's a new person to teach or simply another day of health to work hard... the work is a big miracle. The work is wonderful and I am happy to be here! Thanks for the love and support!
Poor President and his wife are living in the Ghana MTC
I asked him, "What happens if July comes, and I only have 3 weeks left on mission, and we are then called back to Liberia... will I have to finish here in Ghana?" Without hesitation he replied, "I'm not staying in the MTC until July."
