The Show Must Go On!

Dear family and friends,

I love you all and I'm so grateful for your prayers during such trialing times. I'm sorry I've stopped writing. When I get sick I get discouraged because I don't feel like I'm fulfilling my calling.

I've had a lot of time to study the Savior's life and his divine mission. My mission is to testify of Him and bring others closer to Him. I always pray my family and friends will receive the experiences they need to come closer to Him and feel His love. I know that He lives and that He is leading this wonderful work! Being a missionary is such an opportunity to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Georgie and Lydia were baptized!!! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go because doctors demanded that I stayed down. I have been working with these 2 siblings for the past 3 months and I am so happy for them and their decision to follow the Savior and be baptized! I pray their faith will only grow as they continue to share the message to their family.

The work is divine and amazing! I am excited for all my friends who are leaving on missions soon to join me on this journey. Getting sick isn't fun but its rewarding being here regardless of the trials that follow.

Love you all!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

Killing Elder Stitcher

Dear family and friends,

Since it's transfer Monday, I don't have a lot of time to write so here's a brief summary of my week...

Things are changing again! I'm staying in Kakata with my new companion, Elder Stitcher from Arizona! He is going home with Elder Pollmann at the end of this transfer and President has asked me to "kill" him. I know Elder Stitcher is a strong and powerful missionary and I am so excited to serve with him. (Kill meaning I'm his last companion)

Elder Eaton is staying in Kakata to split the Zone Leader's area with Elder Molisi from Tonga. All 6 of us are staying in a 4 man apartment until my area's new apartment is finished! When that happens, Elder Pluim and Andriamisa will be living with me and my companion.

We've really been working hard to find new people to teach. My prayer is that lots of our cohabiting investigators will soon be able to get married and baptized. A couple weeks ago, I sent out a letter that included my big struggle as a missionary in Liberia. I have a handful of people who believe the church is true and have desires to be baptized but because they are cohabiting, they'll need to wait until they pay for a legal marriage certificate. When I explained this, I was pleased to receive many emails from family and friends who wish to help donate and contribute for my investigators. I asked my President what I should do and he told me to encourage my well intention friends to contribute to Liberia in another way. Humanitarian, mission, etc. If we help pay for certificates, everyone will come to the church for handouts and there would be no effort on the investigator's end. "Faith without works is dead." I love all my investigators but I would much rather baptize someone who sacrificed of themselves and showed true faith by doing what was asked of them. I think the main issue is the people's priorities...

I once knew a man in my earlier area who had been investigating the church for nearly 6 years. He understood the truth, loved the church and desired to be baptized but he waited and waited because he needed a marriage certificate. He has a very nice smart phone, bluffing(fancy) clothes, and a personal car but he never got a marriage certificate and I think it's because baptism sadly wasn't his highest priority. This is the main problem missionaries face in West Africa.

On Saturday, Brother George and Brother Zachboy were baptized! The service was wonderful! Brother Sumo baptized, Elder Odoom and I gave talks, and George's mom and step-dad came to support their son! It was so special having them join us and feel the Spirit. They aren't of our faith but for the past 2 weeks, as I previously promised, we taught them and gave them a greater understanding of the Gospel their son loved. It is clear to me that the Lord truly softened the hearts of these people and it was a blessing to have them not only approve of George's baptism, but also to come and witness it. His mother also came on Sunday to see his confirmation! I was honored to do that for him and I was so happy she was there! She has another church she frequently attends and she promised me that she wouldn't be able to come this Sunday. Well, she did:) I could tell the mother was so grateful for the church's influence on her son.

Brother Zachboy bore a wonderful testimony and he shared a story about his conversion into the church. He was born into a strong Catholic family and he spent 4 years meeting with missionaries until he realized which church was true. I also felt impressed to share my testimony and encourage the branch to continue welcoming new people warmly. I invited them to always say hello and be a friend because you never know what a simple greeting from a stranger could do. After the service was over... I was pleased to see the relief society president, the branch president's wife, and many other women in the branch immediately greet George's mother and invite her to Sunday school. Before she walked home I shook her hand and asked her how she enjoyed church. She smiled and said, "It was beautiful."

I testify that I witnessed a countenance of conversion on that sweet lady's face and I am going to continue to teach her because I know that she felt the Spirit strongly like never before that special Sunday. 

My friends the mission is truly wonderful and there's no denying that it is the work of the Lord. There is no denying that the experiences I'm having is changing my life. I love you all. Thanks for your support! 

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

President Price: No Small Man

Dear family and friends,

I've got a lot of exciting news to report on for this last week!

A couple weeks ago, I had written a suggestion letter for the missionary department that I gave to President Clark. In the letter, I explained why an illustration of Mormon would be a great addition to the standard blue Book of Mormon that missionaries hand out quite often. I did this because everyday I get asked the question, "Who is Mormon?" and I always wish I had a picture of the prophet Mormon to show them (especially in Liberia where visuals are key.) I also love my dad's reasoning... We as members of the Church are encouraging others to not call us Mormons. It would be helpful if we could actually show them the real Mormon and the person who the book is named after. Well, on Monday President called me with excitement informing me that Elder Nash (West Africa Area President) loved the suggestion and he sent it on down to Salt Lake City where the missionary department and hopefully the First Presidency will review it! Let it be known.. If the picture is added... I played a major role in that massive change of the Church:)

On Thursday at district council, Elder Baird shared a story from when he was a bishop. Each senior missionary has a specific assignment and Elder Baird is the bike guy. Recently, he caught some of the elders in our district riding bikes without helmets. His story surely did a number on their weak desires to wear helmets.... He said that one day, he got a call from a mission president informing him that Elder Five, a missionary serving in his ward had gotten in a serious accident and was in the emergency room. He was hit from behind while riding his bike which caused him to be ejected and thrown a far distance. He injured his head and was unconscious. His companion, who had only been out for 2 weeks, knelt beside him and gave him a blessing. When the ambulance arrived, they waited until the blessing was finished. As soon as the word, "Amen" was spoken... Elder Five woke up.

The daughter of the investigator these elders were about to teach was the paramedic who responded to the call. She later told Elder Five's parents, "I've witnessed enough accidents to know when someone is dead and your boy was dead." Elder Five's accident left him with some mental and physical handicaps and he was in a coma for a while. He shares his experience in the Spirit world and his time spent with the Savior, his grandmother, and an older sister who had died as a baby before he was even born. Elder Five was wearing his helmet but he was still injured. Who knows what the outcome would have been if he wasn't taking precautions. It's a good story and it teaches a good lesson... Wear your helmets people:) #SafetyFirst

Okay now for my favorite park of the week... President and Sister Price are so awesome! I was lucky enough to meet him literally the day after he arrived while other missionaries must wait till Thursday! He honestly reminds me a lot of my Young Men's President back home. On Sunday afternoon, Elder Fifita and Elder Pollmann drove us even further into the bush to Totota! (I've officially been in 3 counties) where we met our new President and his wife. He shook our hands as we entered the building and I noticed something very special... He wasn't looking at our name tags. He smiled and called our names. He knew our faces as if he was a lifelong friend (Granted, It's hard to forget my ugly face). Instantly, I knew my President and the Spirit confirmed that he was the man prepared to come and lead this amazing work here in Liberia. He said something that really caught me by surprise... "Elder Hallenberger! We really enjoy your YouTube videos! continue to make us laugh." I would've never had guessed that my mission president would be a fan of TreyTubeGaming! Turns out that when he received his call to Liberia, it didn't take long for him to find my blog and YouTube channel:)

They had us all (14 Elders) sit in a circle to show unity. After a hymn and prayer, he and his wife began to tell us about themselves. If I had to describe these two in just 3 words, it is this... No small thing:) This guy served a mission in California and he was in the FBI for almost 24 years. He spent the last 4 in the middle east doing security for a large oil company. He was also a stake president and area seventy while living there. When President Oaks called him to Liberia, he was excited to finally live in a foreign Christian country. Before living in the Middle East, his career had him living in California, Alaska, Montana, and Washington DC. After retiring, him and his wife got a nice home in Utah and they planned to settle down. If you want to make God laugh... tell Him your plans. Only a year later, they got called to Liberia. No small thing. They gladly accepted the call and I am so happy they are here! (Please excuse my lack of details... I forgot some)

The Spirit is so present and so strong when they speak. President Price stood in the center and had an Elder duct tape his hands tight together. He then shared a story about his survival training experience before he went overseas to the Middle East. One of the exercises was a drill kidnapping. One night, him and another trainee were kidnapped and duct taped and carried deep into the bush to an old cabin where they laid on the hard floor not knowing what to do. He said he was there for almost 5 hours until they showed him how to break free. He then said that when people don't know what to do... they do nothing. That is why its important to know what to do. He then jump scared us an broke free from the duct tape. "After I learned what to do... I was disappointed that I sat for 5 hours doing nothing." He then related it to our lives as missionaries. He told us that we will soon have a new handbook that is more lenient and trustworthy and it will require that missionaries have integrity and diligence so we can, as the handbook is titled, "Become more like disciples on Jesus Christ." He then shared that his role as a President is to help us and to work beside us as we try to fulfill our calling and become more like our Savior. What an amazing man. The Lord truly prepared two great servants to come and replace two great servants who are now finished. I love and I'm grateful for President and Sister Clark. Likewise, I love and I'm grateful for our new President and his wife. I sustain them and I'm excited to continue the work of the Lord in Liberia with them.

I'd like to add one more thing President told us that really impacted me spiritually. "Last week, we had sacrament meeting at the MTC with the Prophet and Apostles. This morning, we had sacrament meeting here in Liberia. I note that the Spirit was just as strong here as it was with those 15 men of God last week."

The mission is great my friends. I love this country, I love my mission, and I love the people I get to serve and serve with. Thanks for your encouraging words. I love you:)

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger

I don't have any pictures but these are some drawings I've drawn throughout my mission on P-days. Please enjoy:)

Fathers, Baptisms, and Faithful Children

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was very successful for the Kakata missionaries! The progression of this amazing city is just incredible! Here's my report for the week...

On Wednesday, we had our last interview with President Clark. I figured it would be the best time to answer the following 4 questions he had asked us to think about in his last weekly email the day after Father's Day. I was very happy to write down my feelings about each question and President was pleased with my answers. 

The first question was the easiest... "What are some important principles your mortal father has taught you?" Anyone who knows my dad also knows that he is a faithful man who loves God, his family, and his country. If I were to add another I'd say his favorite NBA team:) My father has taught me that God comes first which includes loving and serving family, friends, and even strangers. He has taught me to be positive when everything seems negative. He leads by example and kindness. I love my dad and these are only a small portion of the many great principles he continues to teach me as I try my best to follow his profound example.

The 2nd question was, "What's the most important lesson we are teaching to build stronger fathers in Liberia?" For me the answer is easy. What's the role of the Father? The father plays an important role in the Family unit which is God's favorite thing. The Family is crucial and central to God's plan. My answer is the Law of Chastity because it protects the Family and since the father has the responsibility of not only obeying the law but also to teach it to his children.... It's important and even compulsory that he understands and lives it. My answer is the exact same for mothers. The Law of Chastity is the most important lesson we are teaching future and current parents(The head of the family).

My answer to the 3rd question, "How are you preparing yourself to become a strong father?" is this.... I'm on a mission. I am learning and understanding truths that I don't think I would've learned back home. Truths that teach me to be more patient, humble, diligent, charitable, obedient, and kind which I'm sure is a great set of attributes to have as a father! I know that while I'm here, the Lord is shaping me to become what he needs me to become. I wish to become an actor, a talk show host, and a director but above all... My biggest dream is to become a father of a big happy and faithful family. There are many reasons why I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary but a massive one is because being on mission  prepares me for the rest of my life, especially to one day become a father. 

The 4th question... "What do you understand about the Father of your spirit?" There's a lot I know and there's a lot I don't yet know about this subject. I do however know what I need to know. The Father of my spirit is the Father of everyone's spirit which would make us all brothers and sisters. The Father of our spirit is our Heavenly Father and he loves us more than any mortal parent ever could. His love is perfect and too grand to fully comprehend. Because He loves us, He sent His only begotten Son to come down to earth and atone for the sins of all mankind. The Savior's infinite atonement ensures that through repentance...we can all return to live with our Father in Heaven. Because He loves us, He gave us a body, a Savior, and a path that'll lead to Eternal Life with Him, Jesus Christ, and our loved ones. The most important thing that I understand about the Father of our spirits is this... He loves us. This infinite truth when understood will cause us to more diligently follow Him and trust His Eternal plan of happiness.

Most of my answers to these questions couldn't have been answered prior to my mission experiences. When I think of all that I've learned in just one year... I'm amazed at how much knowledge can be gained when we chose to follow and serve the Lord. This is why I'll never stop encouraging my friends to go on missions:)

On the 22nd, we had a wonderful baptism service for Marie, Chris, and 2 of the zone leader's candidates. Something was wrong with the generator so the font was unable to pump a lot of water. Poor Elder Dube had to baptize in water that didn't even reach his knees!!! If there's a will.... There's a way:) Each candidate stood for the prayer and then sat in the water while Elder Dube laid them back to fully immerse them. It's honestly so special to see how the Church works it's way around the difficulties of Liberia. Unfortunately, one of our candidates was unable to be baptized because his mother last minute changed her mind and didn't approve. He was all dressed, excited and ready which made it very hard to tell him he'd need to wait. My heart ached for this faithful young man who desired to be baptized. I promised him that I would try my very hardest to teach his mother and change her mind about his baptism.

It's common for the children in Liberia to be more faithful than the parents. If you ask me.... In most cases, the children are the true pioneers here!! I know a small girl no older than 6 who enjoyed going to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints even though her mom had her own church she would attend each Sunday. After many failed attempts to convince her mom to come to church with her just once...this faithful and fearless little girl chose to not eat her food until her mom promised to go to church with her the following Sunday! This she did haha! What happened next? Well, after 1 month of missionary discussions and coming to know which church was true... The mom was baptized and is now one of the strongest sisters I've met here in Liberia. All this because a little girl wanted her loved ones to taste the sweetness of the fruits she loved. I absolutely love this story and it stands as a witness to me of the unique faithfulness of the children of Liberia. 

This is my report! I hope you enjoy! Love you all:)

A Big Report!

Dear family and friends,

I'm sorry it's been a while since my last report. Here is what has been happening....

It's truly amazing how much the Gospel has grown in Liberia! At zone conference, President Clark informed us that the number of bushinaries has nearly quadruped in just 1 year! As much as I miss my 1st two areas... I'm proud to be a bushinary:)

This was President and Sister Clark's last zone conference and the last time I'll see them will be for interviews on the 20th and then they will leave on the 28th and I will meet my new President on Sunday the 30th. I have a lot to say about this last zone conference but I'll try and simplify the best I can.... Before we got all spiritual, President Clark informed us that on the 7th of June, nobody was allowed to leave their apartments. Liberia's economy is very weak and protests were scheduled for the 7th. President wisely took precautions and gave us direct instruction on emergency situations including an immediate country evacuation plan. For many years, Liberia unfortunately has been a war zone and just 5 years ago, in our very mission, the Ebola virus caused all the missionaries to abort and be re-assigned. Could you imagine??? I would be so devastated if I had to immediately leave my people who I'll likely never see again. Not only that but all my mission buddies would be serving somewhere else and the mission we love so much would be dissolved:( I pray everyday that this will never happen again and that the Gospel I'm sharing will keep this country healthy and peaceful. Please pray for Liberia with me. It's an incredible country full of wonderful people.

President and Sister Clark gave us some great inspired instruction. Sister Clark stated that the best advice she could leave with us it to love God, the Lord, the inspiration of the Spirit, the prophets, and our family and friends. President Clark also gave us a lot of good advice and he really wanted us to know that he loves us. I am so grateful for their service and I feel very blessed to have had President Clark as my mission president. I'm really going to miss him but I also know that President Price was called of God to come replace him.

We treated the shelter-in-place day like a holiday!! The Monday before, we all paid a driver to take us in town so we could buy some ground beef and sliced cheese for burgers. I made sure to stop at ELWA in Paynesville and visit my dear beloved sisters, Pinky and Cherish. We ate casava leaf(my favorite soup), we took bluffing(beautiful) pictures), and had a flexing(great) time:)We were so happy to see each other and reunite after a long 7 weeks apart! I love an miss them everyday. Being and Paynesville made me all nostalgic. I also found something that is more precious and rare than a diamond.... Cherry Dr. Pepper! We flexed(enjoyed) on the 7th! No small thing:) We also made plans to make burgers and fried pickles on the 4th of July. (Just because we aren't in America... doesn't mean we can't celebrate the independence of the greatest country on Earth) #GodBlessAmerica

On Saturday and Sunday morning, we had district conference with President Clark and District President Harmon. Saturday's theme was education, a commandment God has given to His children who desire to become like Him. It was very good! We watched a video from the area presidency in Accra Ghana with the directors of BYU Pathway, an affordable online resource for those across the globe who can't go to school in Rexburg and Provo. One of them said something that really stood out to me. "I've been through many years of schooling but nothing has given me more knowledge than my 2 years of missionary service did when I was 19 years old." He then encouraged every worthy and able young men and women to serve a mission promising that it's the best way to start their education.

On Sunday, President Clark shared that almost 2 years ago, he and his wife spent their very first Sunday in Liberia..... In Kakata to open the Kakata District. He then shared his love for the people of Kakata. A large district baptism  will be held on the 22nd. All 8 Elders in Kakata have been preparing many people for that day so it should be a good one! Elder Eaton and I have 4 candidates ready to be baptized and we have been inviting many members to attend so they can welcome the new members warmly. I personally believe that there will be a Kakata stake within the next 2 years and within 10 years.... I pray the people of Liberia will be blessed with a temple so they can easily take part in the ordinances necessary for their Eternal Exaltation. I'll continue to do my part! I am so deeply honored and privileged to be here in Liberia helping the people come closer to the Savior and learn His Gospel. 

The work is sweet! This is my report! Love you all! 

Love, Elder Hallenberger

I Love Liberia!!

I Love Liberia!! I love these great people!! Had my final interview with Pres. Clark. He and Sis Clark are finishing their service in a couple of weeks. They have served faithfully and the missionaries have been blessed to have them lead the way. I will miss them.

Stay On The Path

Dear family and friends,

I'm sorry to say that our beloved 1st counselor in the branch presidency, Brother Cooper Washington passed away on Tuesday morning. The community has been bereaved but we are directing our thoughts to the Savior and his sacrifice which promises that death is never the end. We will soon see our friend, Brother Washington again. I recall that the night before he left for the hospital, President Amara, the branch president asked us to come with him to visit with Brother Washington. He asked me to give him a blessing. I don't remember what was said but I remember the strong sense of the Spirit in the room that evening as we prayed our hands on his head and gave him a blessing. It was the last time we saw him. Thank you Brother Washington for the profound example and the spiritual impact you made for the people of Kakata.

On Saturday morning, the district held a beautiful baptism service. Unfortunately because of cohabitation... our candidates had to wait for their baptism. It can be stressful when someone understands the Gospel and has a desire to be baptized yet... They're cohabitating and lack the money for a legal marriage certificate. This is the #1 road block for missionaries here in Liberia. Prayer and patience is all we can do. At least they are on a path and they understand what they need to do!

At the baptism, I was asked to give a short message about the ordinance. I decided to share a short story that Elder Tamfumo gave at my first baptism in LIberia. It's about a man who lived in a small village many years ago....

This man felt very incomplete and felt all he was working below what he was worth. He wanted to be more. Next to the village was a large mountain that reached high into the sky! Each day, the man would gaze at the mountain and dream of the beautiful view from above. 

Well, one day, he decided to sell everything he owned, say farewell to his friends, and begin the journey up the mountain. It wasn't easy. There were times when he wanted to give up but the passion to see the top drove him up the mountain. The top of the mountain was glorious and the view was breathtaking!!! He felt strong, important, alive, new, and free. "This is where belong" he stated. "This is where I will stay."

After a short time, a snake approached the man saying, "I want to go down the mountain but I lack the strength. Will you carry me down??" Knowing he shouldn't trust the snake, the man replied, "Sorry Mr snake... You are a snake. A liar since the beginning. You'll just bite me with your deadly fangs." The snake tried again saying, "Please I wont bite! I just need help getting down." The man decided to trust the snake and he carried him down the mountain.

Once they reached the bottom, the man placed the snake on the ground. Just before letting go, the snake bit the man. "You bit me!" The man cried. The snake smiled saying, "Of course. I'm a snake."

After sharing this story, I related it to our lives as Latter-Day Saints leaving the village of the world, climbing the mountain of discipleship, and enjoying the glorious blessings of the Gospel. I then obviously related the snake to Satan and his followers always trying to get us to leave what we love, bring us down, and bite us with the inevitable consequence of sin.... sorrow, guilt, despair. Through baptism, we enter a gate that allows us to return to our Heavenly home. After the gate however, comes a path. A covenant path that we must follow until the end. An iron rod is there to help secure us but if we chose to let go and wonder off the path... We are putting ourselves at spiritual risk. Thankfully, since Heavenly Father knows we aren't perfect, He has provided a Savior who lovingly gave us the gift of repentance. A gift we should exercise each day. A gift we should always be grateful for. A gift that will allow us to return home.

I then gave the same advice I give to anyone reading this letter.... Stay on the path. Baptism alone doesn't provide salvation. We must endure to the end. Don't go back to the old life that you already promised God you'd never relive. Stay on the path:)

We received transfer news! Elder Wolfe from Arizona has come to replace Elder Montenegro as my zone leader! Elder Fifita has been called to be AP and I will be with Elder Eaton for another transfer! Pretty exciting! 

Love you all!

Sincerely, Elder Hallenberger