Dec. 10, 2018

Hey Fam!
So it's P-day. This week has flown by so quick. Yesterday morning at 4:30am Elder Romney sat up and said, "Hey Elder, are you awake" NO! "We only have 5 weeks left this transfer, we have to make the most of it!" OK! -- I am so glad that my companion is my best friend, it makes this all so much more fun!
Wednesday I had a  leadership training to be a district leader. One of my responsiblites is to hold a weekly training to help other missionaries. As I have prepared for our first district council I have felt impressed to focus it on being christlike. Teaching as Christ taught.
Friday we had dinner with the Miller's. They are originally from Hawaii and made us authentic Hawaiian food! They gave us Christmas presents!
Later we went to one of our ward Christmas Parties. It was super fun! We finally got our picture with Santa!!!
On Saturday I gave a talk on baptism at a baptism for a lady named Shay some other missionaries taught! I will send my talk for those of you who might want to read it.
On Sunday day we enjoyed our 6 hours in church! We had the oppurtunity to meet with our stake president, we talked about the work and he told us how he wants to focus on getting members to send referrals and to use social media.
Later that night we knocked on the Alexander's door, and it made our day when they called up the stairs that "the boys are here". Lol
The members here are amazing! We are really close to them. We have been encouraged by our Mission president to spend the evenening hours with members because they are the only people that will open their doors after sundown (5pm)
We have been getting alot of referrals, which is amazing because it's really hard to find people to teach here.

I love you  all!


This is our picture with Santa!

Dec. 4, 2018

Hello People!
It has been an amazing week again! So transfers are today and I can't even begin to tell you how many fasting prayers were answered when we found out that Elder Romney and I were going to stay together in North Las Vegas! We are so relieved! I have been called to be the District Leader of our district, which Im a bit nervous about, but it will be good!
We met Joanna and Diego this week, they asked us to teach them and so we are. They are so excited about the Book of Mormon, they love it! They were both raised in Catholic families, but have been searching out truth for years! We taught them about the Restoration of the gospel and they were so intreiged to know that Chirsts original church is on the earth again!
Today is a busy day for us so I will leave at this...
I love this area and am so excited to continue serving here with an awesome companion! As a mission we are focusing on becoming effective in our teaching, and as a district we want to focus on teaching as Christ taught! I love my Savior and Redeemer! I am trying to be like Him. I have experienced the power of His Atonement, his mercy, and his divine love for myself! And you can too☺

P.s. I got an advent calender in the mail last week, and I haven't missed a day yet so it looks like Christmas is coming up real quick...20 days left!

Love, Elder Hall

Nov. 26, 2018

I hope you all had a fantastic week and Thanksgiving! I sure did!
On Pday I was able to talk to the stylist at GreatClips who gave me a haircut about the gospel. After I bore my testimony of the Book of Mormon she told me that she had joined the church and was baptized just a few weeks ago. She told me of her love for missionaries and the impact they have had on her since sharing the message of Jesus Christ. She was introduced to the church by a previous missionary while she cut his hair.
Afterwards we went and got a car wash on the Zone Leaders van, because it's one of the most fun things that we can do. So we ate frozen yogurt while someone washed the car. (I had pumpkin and egg nog obviously)
I was so happy when I received an envelope full of letters from my ward!
That night we went over to a few members homes, they all had children of their own serving missions. We were able to talk about our expeiences, stuggles, lifes, and especially why we came on missions. There are many members in our area that I have come to love so much!
On Wednesday we had our transfer interviews with President Walker. We talked about how I've grown and changed in the short time I've been out.
Thursday we went to Tony Aguayos home for Thanksgiving dinner. We gave him a gift we have had ready for weeks. A HUGE Bible because we make a little fun of him for being older and seeing nor hearing well. He laughed with graditude. Inside the book we had written him a letter and our testimonies and we highlighted our favorite scriptures.
We went to a few others home that night and were offered loads of food!
Friday we were able to teach a less active couple, and meet their active children. They dont know why their parents dont come to church anymore, but they begged us to keep helping them.
On Saturday I went on exchanges with my district leader Elder Benson. We were able to teach and serve a lot of people together.
Thats what I did this week. Teach, serve, study, and work!

I am so beyond greatful for this time I have to here! In preparing me to serve, the Lord put people and opportunities in my path. I look at the last year of my life and am mesmerized by who I have become. From someone totally defiant of the Lord and His will to His loyal servant! This thanksgiving I rejoice in what we all should! A Father in Heaven who knows and loves us and His Son! I think of His greatest gifts and His infinant love!
The word "love will always distill fear" have rung through my heart this week! So I dont think it is a coincidence that in this past general conference the word love was used about 126 time and the word fear only 21 times! As I consider the love my Father must have for me and each of us, when I compare that to the love I have for these people! My heart aches with them in their challenges and cheers for them in their accomplishments. I have felt my Father do the same in my life in an infinant and endless way!

Next week Pday will be on Tuesday, because of transfers! Transfer #4!
Pray for Elder Romney and I that the Lord will need us to be companions next transfer too!

I love you all so much!
Elder Hall

Pictures
1. A temple trip a few weeks ago
2. Zone Conference last week
3 & 4. Brother Aguayo
5 & 6. A real life pirate at CVS! *note* the birds are real and this man was crazy!!

                                     

Nov. 19, 2018

Well Hello! 

I talk about time a lot in my emails, because it is so strange how time works! Time. Slow days, fast weeks, and even faster transfers! In my head it feels like I left home a week ago, but in reality this transfer on has 2 weeks left! Elder Romney and I are praying that we will get at least one more transfer together in this area. 🤞

Friday we had an amazing zone conference! It was totally directed to motivate us to work harder and be more effective in our teaching! While it is always hard to sit for 8 hours, the spirit inspired us to see ways we could improve. 

We were sitting in the chapel listening to President Walker when I heard him say, "Elder Hall, do you sing?" I quickly replied "no, sir" and one of the APs and Elder Romney protetested saying that I did. He asked me to come up and sing. I stood up at the stand next to him as he told a story, then he opened a hymn book and said, "Now Elder Hall will fill this spirit filled room with an even greater spirit." I thought he was joking until he hummed the first note and we began to sing Be Still, My Soul together. It was the longest three minutes of my life! When we finnished he told me that they needed to hear my testimony too. As I did it was once again confirmed to me that this is Christs church and His work!

We taught a older man, Brother Aguayo how to use word docs. He was amazed by the ability to change the font size and to make new paragraphs!

We met with the Gierheart family, and had a wonderful discussion about how the Lord calls all of us to His work to bless the lives of the people around us. Even if we never know the influence we have on others. 

Love you lots

Elder Hall

Nov. 12, 2018

It has been a wonderful week! So many miracles, so much joy! As I contemplated this weeks events I realized that I have learned something powerful and beautiful... to love the way our Savior loves. There are not words that can descride the love that I have for these people! I look at at them and I see what their Father sees, their eternal potential. LOVE is a consept that has been difficult for me to feel throughout my life, and I have learned that charitable love is an action much more than a feeling.

This week we met Jesus, we met him while we were contacting some former people being taught. As we talked he shared that moments before we knocked on his door he had prayed and asked God to send someone to him that could help him solve some of the difficulties of life. He is a younger man who has a natural understanding of the gospel, but has been looking for a church that confirmed his beliefs his whole life.. he found it! I have seen so many miracles throughout my service, but this one is so amazing! Jesus is very excited to get baptized in December. 

I could tell you a lot of stories, but I dont want to bore you. Elder Romney and I are working hard use the trust members have in us to its fullest advantage. We are working with Less active and Part member families quite a bit. 

So I was informed this week that people are really rude to us... and that Im too optimistic and I dont reconize it. Ill work on it so I can have fun stories to tell about people being mean!

Now some crazy stuff happened on Friday. Elder Romney threw an orange totsie pop at me and missed, and it shattered the glass oven door. Later that day he crashed into me, while we were riding up the street. I broke my wrist and my chin is pretry scratched up. 

We had the opportunty to share some thoughts with ward members during church and I reflected on two of my favorite scriptures! Helaman 5:12 and Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8.

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

I have seen an amazing change in my life as I rely on my Savoir and his atonement. He has all power, wisdom, and love.

Have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Hall

Nov. 5, 2018

Hello Family and friends! I only have 87 weeks left, but who's counting! I dont know about y'all, but this is flying by too quick.
This week has been another good one! People keep asking me if I'm actually doing as well as I say I am. YES, yes I am. I dont know why I have been blessed so much, but I have. I just love these people and this place so much. I love this work!
On Tuesday this week we had a great district council, and we talked about ways to improve the way we serve and help others.
We taught a family about the Atonment, and it was amazing to see a light come into their eyes as they learned the fundamental truth of our Saviors love and sacrifice.
On Wednesday we had a great time spending our evening in the temple. It was an amazing experience to be in the House of the Lord filled with His servants. We get to go again next Wednesday!
On Thursaday we had the amazing privledge to go back to my last area to participate in Gary Fullers baptism. It was awesome! His wife, Monique spoke and told him that he had to keep his covenants, so that he could take her to the temple to be sealed! His grandson, Ramon who is 10, in tears expressed how glad he was that his father figure decided to be baptized. Elder Chadwick (my first companion) and I got to share our experience teaching him before we got transferred. *I miss my last wards and Elder Chadwick a lot! But it was good to see him before he goes home in 4 weeks!*
On Saturday I went on exchanges with Elder Brown,  my MTC companion. We had a good time reminiscing and working in my area.
For fast Sunday,  the Area Seventy asked all of the members and missionaries to fast for missionaries.  So all of fast and testimony meeting turned into a complementing us sesh. It was awesome! The members know us pretty well and they have been so influential in the work (like they should be, its great!)
I have been pondering my own testimony today because we went to a youth Sunday School class yesterday and the teacher talked about how sometimes we must rely on the testimonies of others for a time. I look back and see how I held onto and trusted the testimonies of others for quite awhile, until it wasn't enough and I lost it. I lost it because I did not put effort into strengthening it. But the time came when I knew I needed to rekindle a lost flame, and I did all I could to build a faithful testimony! With the help of strong friends, leaders, each of you, and the power of the Holy Ghost; I have come to know the truthfullness of the Gospel. My testimony is pure and simple, but it is undeniable and true. God is our Heavenly Father and He loves us unmeasuablly. Jesus is the Christ. He did suffer and die for us. He rose and lives again. His gospel is retored in its fullness in our day. The Book of Mormon is true. It contains the fullness of his work. Heavenly Father prepared and saved us for this day and age. This world is dark and wicked, but He saved us to stand against evil and to defend His truth. We came to this earth with an eternal purpose, to BECOME AS HE IS!

I love you all and I am so greatful for the support and emails I get!

Love, Elder Hall

Oct. 29, 2018- Pictures

Oct. 29, 2018

Hey Kids! It has been an amazing week! With transfers we have been crazy busy trying to get work started in this area. I'm learning how to have fun. Fun is a hard concept for me, because I take work so seriously. Before I left a wise man told me to have fun! I'm leaning how to work hard and play hard! Last Tuesday we went over to the Keeles home; they are members, but they asked us to teach their nephew Logan who recently moved in with them. He loved learning about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We also taught a part member family, the Brileys. A single mom with 2 teenage daughter. We read 2 Nephi 11 with them and discussed the power of Jesus Christ Atonement. On Wednesday we started trying to contact a few less active and part member families. Most of the areas here are gated communities so sometimes it's really hard to get in, but we do our best. But that's what what we are doing when we don't have appointments. Thursday night we were on our way to our next appointment when both of our bike tires went flat, so we had a choice to make. We decided to walk an hour to the very top of our area.. When we got home that night we carved little pumpkins. We are super excited for the holidays so we are decorating! Friday, while we out contacting we met Tony and Jill an old couple who need help with there yard work. When we asked of they needed help and they told us they knew we were Mormon and they weren't interested. We told them we were going to help them whether or not they wanted to hear our message, they were very greatful and invited us to come back next week. On Saturday morning we went over and helped a lady move. She had 20 100 year old display cases filled with cobalt blue vases. I got a really deep sliver and this guy pulled out his pocket knife and slit my finger open to take it out.. it was basically surgery. On Sunday we enjoyed 6 hours of Church, we spoke in both sacrament meetings and it was great to share my testimony in my new wards. We went over to a members house to get to know them and their 5 year old grandson drew a picture of us. He told us how excited he is to serve a mission. We gave him a missionary handbook and a pamphlet, he lit up with joy! As we were getting ready for bed we heard a weird noise outside out room so we made our bed into bunk beds so we could protect ourselves against ghosts. The people here are amazing, I love the testimony of the people I meet and hearing about how the gospel has I fluenced their lives. I love this work. I love my Savior and I am here to serve him, my King! I love you all! P.s. next week is going to be amazing! On Halloween we are going to the temple and Wednesday we get to go back to my old area for Gary's baptism! Elder Hall

Oct 23, 2018

Hello! It has been a crazy week! Another week full of miracles and Gods hand! Today is the start of transfer number 3! I've been out for 15 weeks, so that gives me only 89 weeks left! Time is flying by, but I am savoring every moment. Last Monday was a normal P-day. I really enjoy being around the other missionaries in my zone. We met with Nicttorrio again and he told us about how much his life has changed since he was baptized. On Tuesday we met with Gary Fuller, I've probably mentioned him before. His wife is a member of the Church, and he has been taught by missionaries since his wife was baptized. For years missionaries have tried and tried to get him baptized. Elder Manapat and I we talking with him and felt prompted to invite him to be baptized. He said the same thing he has said to every other missionary in the past. "God knows when I'll get baptized, I'll surprise you". That wasn't good enough for us or the Spirit. We asked him if we could kneel in prayer and ask God if and when he should be baptized, so Gary, his wife Moniqe, grandson Raymon, and their good friend brother Headlee knelt down in prayer with us. Gary offered a beautiful pray, the spirit shook us. As Gary end the prayer, he told his Heavenly Father that he would except baptism on November 1st. In tears, his wife said, "I'm proud of you Gary, I'm proud of you". After the excitement of Gary's decision settled, he told us how he knows Satan has tied him down for too long. He said that he won't be happy again until he is baptized. He asked us why November 1st. We told him that it was the day the Lord wanted it to be. He asked us if we know what November 2nd is, it is his Birthday. He is so excited to be made clean at the start of a new year of his life! We have been teaching Robert since my first week in the field, and we began teaching his wife Kayli this week! Robert will be baptized on November 3rd and Kayli will on November 24th! I'm so excited for this young family as they experience the blessings of the gospel. On Friday we started an exchange and I was with Elder Law my district leader in my area. I got a phone call to meet with President Walker. I sat down with him for 40 minutes and he told me about how he spent the last 3 day with Elder Holland in a mission. President training. He called me to be a trainer. And on Sunday we got transfer calls where I learned that I am being transferred to the Dove Canyon and Aliante wards with, Elder Romney. On Sunday we had two very powerful sacrament meetings! In the Huntington Cove ward the Primary did their program for the year, and what a beautiful confirmation I received that I am a child of a loving Heavenly Father. I was reminded of the April General Conference talk called "Am I A Chid of God?" I encouge each of of you to go back and read it and study it out in your hearts! In the Coronado ward a senior missionary couple returned home this week from the Marshall Islands. They shared beautiful stories about their mission, but all I got out of it was that I can't wait to take future Sister Hall on a few missions when we're old! Yesterday I had to say goodbye to the people I love here, which was really hard, but I am excited for this next chapter of my mission. I know that I am working in the Lord's vineyard, gathering all those who who listen! I know that this is the Lord's will. I know that he lives now and forever. I know that Jesus Christ is the only way whereby we can find eternal happiness! His gospel is true and it has been restored to this Earth for the last time before His own return to be our King and ruler. I have come to love my Savior in a way that I never have before. He is my best friend, He is my foundation, and He is my Redeemer. This I testify as His servant, in His name. Amen. My dear family and friends, I love you and miss you! I love hearing from you!! Love, Elder Hall

Oct. 15, 2018

Hello!

This week has been pretty good! I heard it's snowing in Nebraska,  while out here it's 65 with an amazing breeze! 

We have done a lot of finding and teaching new member lessons! 

On Wednesday I hit my 3 month mark being a missionary! Next week will be the start of my 3rd transfer! So Tuesday will be our Pday next week!

I'm still trying to figure out why nobody is mean to us, I mean most people don't even answer their doors so that's probably why. 

We are currently teach people who missionaries have taught for years, but gave up on them! We are focusing on less active and part member families. The work of the Lord is hastening!  

I love you all

Oct. 8, 2018

Hey Family and Friends! Nothing too exciting has happpened this week.

On Wednesday we got a car, which is cool. Driving in Vegas isn't fun though, traffic is always crazy!

I went on echanges with Elder Phillips which was really fun! We blessed a baby and are begining to teach her less active family. 

General Conference was awesome as usual! 

I love you all!

Oct. 1, 2018

Well Hello there! I have a real motivation to send a good email this week, because it has been really crazy, stressful, and all over the place. 

Last Sunday Nicttorrio was given the Aaronic Priesthood. And he is progressing so well, as he works on family history and passed the sacrament for the first time!

We got a new ward mission leader in the Corando ward, Brother Turley is awesome to work with so far. 

Sister Patton, is a member of 10ish years. She was baptized after she watched the Church building get built right behind her house. Her husband Gary Fuller wants to be baptized now. He came to church for the first time in 3 years.

Last Monday, Gary called us and asked us to meet with him. So we are so excited to help him prepare for his baptism. 

When we were shopping a guy came up to me and put $300 dollars in my pocket and ran away, so we used it to buy groceries for all the Elders in my district.

On Tuesday I had my second interview with President Walker. I was wearing a brand new pair of shoes members got for me, and Presdient told me to put my foot in a trash can with chewed gum, to teach me an analogy about disobedience.  

Wednesday night we got a phone call from President Walker,  we had an Emergency transfer, so Elder Chadwick was sent to a different area and I stayed and my new companion is Elder Manapat. He goes home in nine weeks. He is really nice, but very different from what I'm used to. So I'm leading the area as he tries to get to know everyone.

On Thursday we were supposed to have a bible study class start, but no one showed up. So we were very greatful because we didn't prepare very well.. or at all.

Friday ran into a less active man named Frank. He let us in his home and thank us for being missionaries. He no longer believes in God. We asked him to let us come back and he said we could. I want to help him, because I remember the time in my life when I didn't believe God was real.

Saturday was AMAZING! I went to the temple with Olabodė and the Huber family to do baptisms for the dead. What a powerful experience to have with these people I love so much! Olabodè cried as he got baptized for his grandpa. Mark testified to us afterwards that he felt the presence of his ancestor and heard them rejoice in accepted the ordinance! 

Yesterday we talked with Olabodė about his plans to go on a mission next year!

I love the people here so much! And each of you! 

Love Elder Hall

Sept. 24, 2018

Well hello there! Another week has gone by! This one is gonna be short.. I still haven't started writing in my journal so who knows what happened this week😁

This Wednesday we had zone conference with Elder Martinez of the Seventy, and it was powerful. I think the most powerful thing I learned was that the only way we can fail is if we do not even try! 

I love you all have an awesome week!

Love Elder Hall

Sept. 3, 2018

Right before I left home someone told me an analogy of what missions are like. "Missions are like a rose bush. From a distance it looks beautiful, but then you go and grab the thorned stem. When you go home you see the beautiful rose bush again and look back at all the amazing memories and experiences! 

I see this analogy in action now! I have been gone for 55 day! How crazy is that! Now I haven't quite felt the thorns pinch, but that must be because I have been too distracted smelling the great rose..🥀🌷⚘🥀🌷⚘Hevenly Father is a God of perfection and glorious miracles! He is constantly leading us to those whom He has prepared to hear His gospel and leading them to us. 

Can I just say that going on a mission is one of the best decisions I have ever made! Missionary work is hard and it is scary, but I love it. I love it, because I love my God and his gospel. Each of His children deserves to know of the plan that He has for each of US! This week has been a wonderful, but difficult for me! 

On Wednesday night we had planned an exciting lesson for 10 year old twins (Kameron and Kollin), whom we refer to as the devils children. Know first that we love these kids, but they are very difficult to deal with. They are obsessed with Fortnight (a videogame that I had never heard of before), and have very sort attention spans. Their single father Kris, is an inactive member, and wants his kids to be baptized. Part of the lesson we planned involed a big cake that we had made for them. But at the very last minute the lesson was cancelled. We had a cake and we did not know what to do with it, so we prayed, and asked what to do with it.🎂🍰 We decided to ask the bishop if he knew of anybody who might be in need of a cake. He asked if he could think about it. About 30 minutes later he called and he said that the Baldwin family could use some extra love. So we knocked on the Baldwin's door (we knew nothing at all about this family). A young man answered and I said "hi! Are you the Baldwin's? We have a cake for you", He stared to cry and invited us in. We met Kendall, he returned home for his mission in South America 5 years ago. Adjusting back to life was very hard, and soon after he went inactive from the Church, his fiance left him, he got kicked out of his parents home, and he decided to commit suicide. So he has spent the last few months in a hospital, and had just gotten home the night before. He told us of his desires to change, and how he had been praying for help and direction. We talked to him for about an hour, and as we were leaving he asked if we could get him a Preach My Gospel book for him to study, and if we would meet with him on Sunday. He came to church for the first time in a long time, and we sat down with him again in a classroom in the Church. He asked us if we would teach him the lessons over time; we told him that we would do anything we could for him. Then he asked for a blessing to help him have comfort and strength to endure to the end. 

I have had the privilege of giving many blessings to those in need here, and my testimony continues to grow. I remember that I have needed blessings many times throughout my life and I am so greatful to have people in my life who hold and magnify the priesthood calling. The Priesthood power the literal power of God! Through this power all things can be done!

On Saturday, Nicttorrio got baptized. That's all I want to say about it...😋

We also dedicated the Aldernegros home. 

Saturday night we had planned an awesome church tour with two other elders. All together we invited over 50 people... and not one showed up. We were all sad and discouraged. We waited and waited for someone to come for 20 minutes, and after that we stared to clean up. Right as we were about to walk out of the building we got a phone call. Nathan called and wanted to know if it was too late to give him a tour. We said NO! And he said "good, cause I just pulled up"! We rejoiced!! We quickly set up our tour and it was AMAZING! The Spirit was so strong. Nathan Huber was the only one in his family who didn't get baptized last week, and in secret he has asked that we teach him. He didn't even believe in God, or know who Jesus Christ is! Well.. now he does! We are going to ask him to be baptized this week! So the tour work out and afterwards we celebrated by dancing to hymns in the chapel..not very reverent but it was awesome!

On Sunday both of our fast and testimony meetings were AMAZING! Everybody was talking about missionary work and their own conversions! It was perfect for our new converts and investigators. Olabodè, Mark, Travis, and Keenan all got the Aaronic priesthood and that was a powerful experience to be witness!

After church we went to the Moffats house for a late lunch on fast sunday😎 

Steak and potatoes is the food everyone feeds us! I love it!

I love you all so much

Elder Hall

Aug. 27, 2018

Well hello my dear friends and family! I have been gone for almost 7 weeks! And it has been marvelous! I do apologize that I didn't email last week, I just didn't want to. 

This week has been a week of miracles, excitment, and business! So I really only remember the last two days, but let me tell you about them and them people that made them spectacular!

But first, some of you are concerned that I am not sharing any negative experiences and am sugar coating my life. I have not had even one bad experience so far. I don't know how or why, but it might be because the Lord knows that if I did then I might want to come home?!? The strangest thing I have seen is when an 8 year old girl screamed at me to let me know she was lesbian?¿?¿? And I tried duck. Like the bird. I recommend it! Lol

So this week.. 

Yesterday 7 of the people we are teaching were baptized, and confirmed today as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! It was a beautiful opportunity. 

The Huber Family. Mark (Dad), Sheila (Mom), Tiffany (34), Travis (24), Rebecca (20), and Keenan (15). I met this amazing family on my first night in Las Vegas. They were they first people I met, and it was their first lesson with missionaries. In Mark's words "it was destined for us to meet!" I knew the night we met that they were 6 of the people I was supposed to meet on my mission! That first night we taught them about the Book of Mormon, and read Alma 32 with them and the spirit felt there changed their lives! Alma 32 teaches about humility and faith. The next night we taught the restoration of the gospel and invited them to prepare for baptism. They quickly became a part of the ward family! Hanging out with members for fun, cleaning the Church, participating in a ward spaghetti party, and loving church all in the first week! They changed so much to align themselves with God's plan and will for them. Their baptism was truly amazing, and I am so grateful for the way they have touched my heart and changed my life. I love this family and I keep getting excited about when I grow up, and I get to bring my family here to meet them. I had the privilege of baptizing Sheila and Rebecca!

Olabodè! What a great guy! I met him on my first Sunday here, and it was also very clear to my heart that Olabodè and I needed each other! We're going to be good friends for the rest of our lives! He finds the gospel so obvious. After his baptism he bore his testimony and shared that he "knew Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to restore the gospel, not only for the whites, but also the blacks"! (That might just be funny to us though..inside joke...you'd have to be there..LOL) He has plans to prepare himself to go on a mission next year after he goes to the temple! I love Olabodè and am so excited to see the blessings that will pour into his life as he lives the gospel!

Planning and participating in 7 ordinances, for people I love so much has been amazing. You better believe sacrament meeting was long with 7 people reciving the gift of the Holy Ghost, we only went 20 minutes over time! Lol. We have one baptism every Saturday for the next three weeks, also for people we met in the last few weeks! Nick, Tracy, and Robert! So we are always busy! 

I love this work and I love this gospel! I saw it change my life and I am watching it change the life of the people of Las Vegas! Soon it will not be called Sin City! 

So much more happened this week, but I haven't written in my journal since day 1, so who knows what I am doing here, I need to be better at that!

Thank you all for the love and support! I love you! 

Until Next week,(maybe two)

Elder Hall 

Picture Guide

1. Olabodė's baptism

2. Olabodė taking my phone to take selfies

3. Elder Chadwick, Mark, Sheila, Rebecca, Travis, Tiffany, Keenan, ME, Kegan (a priest in the ward), Brother Martin

4. Brother Moffat and I talking about mutual friends back home!

5. My area from on high

6. Brother Carlson and us judging a Spaghettisauce contest

7. City view from #8

8. Workout time we hike!

9. Sometimes they sky is blue!

10. But usually not! Smog covers this place!

11. Usually a good view!

Aug. 26, 2018

An excerpt from an email sent from a member,

"I met him within his first few days of getting here and he had the biggest smile and bright eyes."

August 13, 2018

Hello All of you,

We have seen so many miracles this week! The Lord has prepared so many people to hear and accept His words and gospel. Since I got here on the first of August we have met hand fulls of people ready and willing to heed our words and feel the Holy Ghost testifying truth to their hearts. 10 of these people have committed to baptism with in the next few weeks. I love the people here; they are all so kind and willing to give water bottles! I know that I have been called to this wonderful place by a prophet of God, and I know that my Heavenly Father knows all things. This is where I am supposed to be. I need these people and I hope they need me also.  

So much has happened this week, we never have a spare moment! The Lord's work is full! I have learned that God is truly perfect and He does know all things! His hand is in every aspect of my life! By truly submitting myself to His will I have lost interest in the things of this world! 

And as hard as we work comes just as much fun and happiness! Our Heavenly Father has truly made the work of gathering His children FUN! We laugh so much and we love so much! The members here are so strong and willing to serve beside us! 

I don't know what to share about what we are doing, we are sharing and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is so simple and plain, but it is true and it will take us back to our Heavenly home!  I implore you to come to know who you Heavenly Father is! He knows you and loves you unconditionally! Through His Son Jesus Christ we can find exaltation! He does live and He is our Savior! I know that through faith in Him and His Atonement, repentance (a change we make in our lives to better align ourselves with His teachings, and a fresh outlook on God, yourself, and the world), baptism by immersion, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and by ENDURING TO THE END; we can have all the blessings our Heavenly Father Has to offer! I have seen this in my life, the life of those I love, and the lives of the people we are teaching!

Life in the mission could not be more great then it is now at this moment Elder Chadwick and myself have 10 people on baptismal date, what's great is that all of them are solid and that they are all progressing to their dates. 

The first six on date is the Huber family all of their names are Mark, Sheila, Tiffany, Travis, Rebecca, and Keenan. They are all from Edmonton Alberta, Canada. They have become what Alma 32 teaches; Humble! They used to live in the Huntington Cove ward and they moved to the Coronado ward so we got lucky to be able to cover both of those wards. Each of them have such amazing attributes and are doing so well. On Saturday they helped us clean the church and on Friday we taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ and the word of wisdom and they committed to live the word of wisdom. They are all set to be baptized on August 25 so on August 25th 2018, 6 of God's children will be baptized.

Another person on date we were working with is a man named Olabodė he is from Grenada, Canada and now lives here in Las Vegas he used to go to Harvard but he can't afford to do that anymore. Olabodė has desired also to be baptized and he will be baptized on August 25 also so August 25 will be a good day for us. Olabadé is very smart and loves to read the book of Mormon. 

Another person we are teaching who is on date is a man named Robert Lennox he was going to the Jehovah's witness church for a while and they denied him baptism because he had a beard so he said the only church that had ever helped him and always been there for him was the Mormon church. So on Wednesday he contacted us and we went right over as soon as he called and he set a baptismal date for September 1st. His wife is not super interested now but I think she will be soon.

The last person we are teaching who is on date is a guy named Nick O'niel. Nick lives in a half way house/group home and his two roommates are members of the church and have been a great example to him, so they invited him to come to church and he agreed. He explained that he had never been baptized and that he desired to be baptized. Nick is a good man and the gospel will bless his life. 

Another lady we are teaching is Evelyn Knight on Monday night we taught Evelyn and her less active husband and after so many lessons with this family something changed the husband opened up with us and we were able to really move forward more with this family, truly it was all because of the Lord. 

Another person we are teaching is a man named Gary Fuller his wife is a member named Sister Patton she makes world famous food; she grew up in Louisiana and moved to California to open a couple restaurants and in California she became famous for it. So on Friday she made us homemade gumbo and it was so good. I am so glad I didn't serve in the south because I would have gained so much weight haha. Well Gary knows the church is true and that he can feel the spirit when he goes to church. So we are just trying to find a way to get Gary to commit. 

I love being a missionary! Honestly, before I left I wasn't excited to share the gospel, but I love it! Sometimes I miss my life back home, and worry about what I am missing out on, but the opportunity I have now will only last two years, and I have the rest of my life to do whatever I want, and use the things I am learning now! What I learned before I left are truly impacting me now, and what I am learning now will impact my future forever. So while I miss chiropractic, Netflix, driving, mimi' s, or all of you; I am working in the Lord's vineyard! I love each of you, and think of you often (only at night when I'm falling asleep)

I know Christ lives and we can turn to him for all things!

Love forever, Elder Hall

August 9, 2018

Hello Family and friends,

It's been a very busy week! Leaving the MTC was really hard for me! I left on Wednesday, and we had a 6 hour drive to Las Vegas! As hard as leaving was Las Vegas is amazing!

I am serving in two wards with my new companion Elder Chadwick, we get along very well and we laugh a lot! 

We have spent most of the week trying to get to know the members in our area. Everyone is extremely nice, and members love missionary work!

We are teaching a family of 6 and the are all getting baptized on the 19th, we have our second lesson with them tonight and we are very excited!

Last Wednesday, I ate a RARE New York stake, and I must apologize to everyone! I lived my life only eating well done meat, but that was the best stake I have ever had!!

This Friday we will be going over to a members house for dinner and she is going to make us gumbo! We'll see how that goes. 

I bought a bike this week, even though we have a car right now.  

I SEE the Lord's hand in all we do! I pray for each of you everyday! I love you and I miss you!

I would love to hear from you, even if I am really bad at responding! Emailing all the people in my life is HARD, but I love you all!

Until Next week

ELDER HALL

July 26, 2018

My dear family and friends, I have been at the MTC for two weeks, and the next time you here from me I will be in Nevada! 

It has been both an amazing and trying week! I don't have a lot of detail to share, because we have been so busy and I don't remember most of what happened. 

I love being here so much, because I see my testimony in the gospel developing in ways I never thought were possible! I learn a lot. We learn about how to become effective teachers, which is hard because I am not the best teacher of anything, but I am doing my very best!

The most important thing that I have learned this week is that we as humans are not capable of understanding the amount of love our Heavenly Father has for us! We know that He is there and loves us.. but he loves is so much that when we follow Him faithfully and diligently we are blessed individually in marvelous ways that we cannot even comprehend. Also, I have learned the importance and power that comes from complete obedience. As missionaries we often say, "Exact obedience brings miricles" and I have come to know that this is so TRUE! We have a lot of rules to live by and I am a stickler to all of them!! I still like to have fun, but I have seen how being obedient has brought blessings into my life that I would not have otherwise! 

I have a lot of friends here, but within the last few days my relationship with them have grown stronger and more exciting! We do stupid little things to entertain ourselves because we have lost the distraction of social media, friends and family, and the hardest part for me...Netflix! We have such a good time together!

Yesterday we got to give tours of the MTC to new missionaries and it was so fun! It was hard to watch families say goodbye, and I realized that even though I do not have the best relationship with my family I do love them and I am grateful for everything that they do for me!

This morning we got to go to the Provo Temple as they finish some remodeling. we laid new carpet down and it reminded me of the pioneers. As early saints faithfully gave up their time and money to the building of temples it was so cool to be a part of the same thing!

I know this is where I need to be in my life, even though at least once a day I tell myself I should just go home, go back to my awesome job, my friends, and my fish Benson. But I do know that this is the best way to grow and learn! I am so excited for what is to come next...VEGAS BABY!!

We will be taking a bus to Vegas next Wednesday and we are so pumped!

I love you all and hope to hear from you!

Love, Elder Hall

July 19, 2018- Picture

July 19, 2018

I don't even know where to start... I LOVE it here!! It's been just as hard as it is amazing! The Spirit here fills every corner, it literally feels like a fire hydrant of the Holy Ghost 24/7. 

Here's a quick play by play of my great week at the  MTC. 

On Wednesday when I got here, I first met Elder Ethington and we instantly became best friends. We wanted to be companions so bad, but the Lord had other plans. My companion Elder Brown is great,  I love him. 

I love my district. We all love each other so much, and we have become the best of friends! We are so scared to leave eachother when we leave the MTC in 2 weeks!! This is my district and my family. All twelve of us having eachother to lean on makes all of our sacrifices so much easier to get through. 

For the picture from left to right. 

Top row~ Brother Harbin and  Dutson are two of three of our  teachers here

Then there is Elders Young, McColley, Ethington, Romrel, Sisters Fry, Swallow, Underhill, and Rosa

Bottom row~ Elder Leckbee, Reeves, Brown (my companion), and ME! The four of us on the bottom row are going to Las Vegas West together.

So this Tuesday President M. Russell Ballard came and spoke to us about the companionship of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and their dedication to each other and the Lord. The spirit was so strong as we were in such a small room sitting in front of an Apostle. Singing to an Apostle is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had, we sang Be Still, My Soul to him. President Ballard's words helped me to realize the full capacity of my testimony. He told a story of when Joseph F. Smith went to carthagge jail for the first time after his father (Hyrums) death 40 years later. He saw the stains of his father's blood on the floor where he fell. He wept and knew that his father and uncle died for a cause a righteous salvation. 

It was so cool to stand up in front of my class and share with them my feelings. I told them how earlier in the week I told myself I wouldn't die for this work, but now I know and understand deeper than ever that I KNOW that Jesus is our Savior and through Him I can be purified from all my ungodliness. I would die for this work!! 

I gave up so much to do this. I gave up my life and have given this week and the next two years to my God, and I will never regret it!!

I now see in a new light the tender mercies of the Lord, and the power that comes from turning away from yourself to serve others. 

Thank you all for everything you've done to help me come to this point.

LOVE,

Elder Hall