Elder Hales

The Best Two Years

2011-04-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Best Two Years. I still can't believe how fast it went. I loved every minute of my mission. I love the Australian people and the wonderful country. I love the miracles I have seen. I love my mission. Thank you to everyone for following my adventures and for the prayers you have said for me.

The plane ride home was long. I couldn't concentrate on any one thing because so many things were running through my head. I was expecting to be bawling as the plane took off, but it wasn't until we were descending into Los Angeles that it really hit me. After I let it out, I let my excitement for a new adventure begin. I walked out to see my parents smiling and welcoming me home.

I don't know how to put into words how wonderful my mission was and how much it means to me. I miss everything about it. I learned so much and became converted to the Gospel more than I ever thought I could. There is a reason that every missionary comes home claiming that the last two years of hard work was the best time of their life. It's because this church really is true. I know that. I had answers to my prayers daily. I said words that I know the Lord wanted me to say. I sweat, bled, cried and went through more adversity than I ever have before, but I will always remember it as my Best Two Years.

May God bless you.

Adam (Elder) Hales

Elder Hales Comes Home

2011-01-05T11:36:00.001-08:00

Coming up the ramp. First glimpse -- pushing luggage

Holding his In-n-Out food.

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T07:04:00.000-08:00

Dear family:

We have had so much rain in my area that there are a lot of floods. On P-day we had our Elders Quorum pres. pick us up in a 4 wheel drive and he did some off-roading with us in the car. Since we're not supposed to do that I was very nervous and annoyed. He only did some for about 2 min. -- mostly in the floods.

I didn't think I was going to be able to email home before I see you because all places with computers are closed but we found a place and have permission so I thought I would send a note.

About the In-n-Out-- if it's closed then don't worry about it.

I apologize for sounding down on the phone call. I was so excited to talk to you all and am excited to see you next week. I just can't believe this has come so quickly. I love this work so much and its going to be really hard to leave. I can't share my testimony anymore without crying. Even when I really try and push to be more of a man, it comes. I wonder why I cry so much. I think it's because I love change. I love my repentance. I love how much mercy I have been given.

I have seen many mighty miracles this last week. I can't wait to tell you all of them. Yesterday Elder Auld and I didn't get to nightly planning because we were talking. There was an awesome miracle just last night. I think the Lord wanted us to have that talk last night and I had a witness that he is the companion he wants for me at this time. Elder Auld will make it. And I had a confirmation again that every single area and companion I have had was specially placed for me to get the most out of this mission.
This is the best two years of my life.

Love you mom and dad and all family.
See you very soon. Next week.

ELDER ADAM HALES

Last phone call home

2010-12-26T20:32:00.000-08:00

Elder Hales called yesterday. I answered the phone the way Adam used to: "Center of the universe." He chuckled and said, "This is Elder Hales." (So formal!) He called on our Christmas Day, his Boxing Day. It was right before his church. His companion is from New Zealand, so he had called his family the day before. That made the timing convenient for all of us.

We got Carly & Michael and Michael & Laura and kids on the computer using Skype. We were at Cheri's house, so we put her phone on speaker and everyone could hear.

He sounded very serious and I'm guessing, melancholy. He only has 10 days left and it's weighing heavy on him. He's not trunky at all. David and I attended a special Christmas Missionary fireside last year where the mission president told his army that "...the homesickness you felt when you got here will be NOTHING compared to the 'homesickness' that you'll feel for the mission when you go home." I suspect he's already feeling that. It'll be interesting to see how he adjusts. (We did tell him that he should get his brother up at 5:30 for scripture study. Payback.)

We talked for around 30 minutes. Nothing profound, but just fun to have all of our children interacting. And as usual, I got a little teary as we said good-bye. After we hung up, the rest of us continued to talk. All the guys said that the feeling they got returning home as the plane descended was just the weirdest feeling. Closing a chapter. You could tell that all four of them were reliving the moments.

He gets home January 5th at 9:45 a.m. It'll be just David and I there to greet him. The rest of the family will trickle in over the next two days. He will speak in church on the 9th at 9:00 a.m. All are invited to come and hear him.

Oh -- he did have one request. He will have three other missionaries with him and they are all DYING for an In-n-Out hamburger. (They are continuing on to Utah.) So I guess we have our assignment. Be waiting at the gate with our poster AND hamburgers. (most especially hamburgers)

Well, he made it sound like we might get one more email. We'll see. Hope you all had a Fair Dink'em holiday!

The end is near

2010-12-14T21:50:00.000-08:00

At the Brisbane Temple. Me and Elders Curtis, Auld, & Tuta'i

Today at the temple.

Dear Mom and Dad:

There is only one more P-Day that I will be able to write an email home. (Who's counting?) Next p-day we have the Mission Christmas party. We are going to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" which I am not too excited about. I haven't seen a movie in AGES!

I'm not too sure when to call. Boxing day is Sunday and church starts at 9 am. So I would have to call at 7:50 or 8 and get 30 min. on the phone. That would be 1 pm in the afternoon on Christmas for you. I hope that's okay.

So the Galapons move this Sunday which is sad. I feel confident things will go well up in McKay so they can be baptized. We had a family home evening with our fellowship that the Galapons came to and it went awesome. The Ravens are the fellowship and I think a part of the reason I have served in this area is because of the example of Brother Raven and Bishop Rea. They are an excellent example of Unity and Diligence in seeking inspiration from the Holy Ghost. One lesson we had with the Galapons last week, we spent 20 min. in a car praying about and seeking confirmation on what we planned to teach. It was a great experience.

This week has been amazing. It has been full of spiritual experiences and miracles. I love miracles. Last week we had Zone Conference and it was my last one. All missionaries going home with me bore their testimony. The fact that I am coming to an end didn't really hit me until I got up on that pulpit and looked at my fellow soldiers. Like Michael said, it seems to have gone so fast but when I went into the MTC it seems like ages ago. I look back at all of us missionaries there and see how much we have grown and changed.

Today was my last time going to the Brisbane Temple. I had a wonderful experience that I'll tell you about when I get home. I was crying like a baby and the lady who has obviously had experience brought over a box of tissues. She was nice.

Some of the missionaries in our District are WAY good singers. I will record us, but we sang carols and hymns on the packed train ride back. I mostly walked around talking to people. Whenever I see a large amount of people I get excited.

Brother: Try and get Chan to say Elder Hales. That would be cool. :)

Everyone stay safe and counsel with the Lord in all thy doings.

Love you mom and dad

-Elder Adam Hales

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2010-12-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

Thank you for the Christmas package! The candy is pretty much gone. After two years I still have no self-control when it comes to candy! :-) I gave some away to some people I am working with. They wanted American candy.

This week was rough but we still saw miracles. We found a new investigator named Rhian that we are teaching today. Elder Auld really doesn't want to work on P-Day so this will be our last lesson on a Monday with her but we set her baptism on Dec. 19 so hopefully we will have a "White Christmas."

We had an amazing lesson with the Galapons! We got there and no one had read from the Book of Mormon. We fished around and found some concerns that others have been telling them that the Book of Mormon is made up and the kids were confused. Our fellowship started to confuse them with Alma 32 and it got nowhere so we said a prayer and I tried to do as Alma did when he gave up being chief judge to go among his people and bear down in pure testimony. As I was sharing my testimony I was crying and the Galapons started crying and the spirit was so strong! During my testimony I felt prompted to share an experience when I was in High School and a Classmate said "Christ never came to America" and I responded that he did and the account was found in the Book of Mormon. He laughed in my face. Later, Elder Auld said he was going to share an experience he had that was just like that. The Galapons did not come to church this week because of an activity they had to go to with their employer and they have the same thing next Sunday so they will not be able to be baptized here, but I'll make sure it goes through in McKay!(where they are moving to)

Elder Auld is a champion. He went home for a few months and came back out. We get along awesome and he is teaching me some of the Maori Haka's. He has been back from home for a few months but I'm his first real working companion since getting back so he is keeping me from being complete trunky sauce! :)

The work is great! The miracles are real!

Love you all

-Elder Hales

Oops

2010-12-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

No worries, mate. We found this abandoned car and couldn't let the photo op go by.

Still praying for miracles

2010-11-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!! I believe everyone who has prayed for the Galapons has helped in their progression in the Gospel. This week was full of miracles. We ran out of kilometers for the car so we were walking and busing most of the week and it was getting me kinda down because I wasn't having much success in commitments to church. Then Sunday comes and we had 4 less actives there!

In our lesson with the Galapons this week, one of the first things Jenalyn says is, "Danny (husband) wants to be baptized!" We taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and tried to set a date for their baptism but this is where the next trial is. They will be in Brisbane on Dec 12 and they move to Mckay (north Queensland) on December 19th. If they go to church on the 5th of December then all but the father will have been to church 2 times and we can't baptize the family without the father. So what we are praying for and fasting for is that a miracle will come again and we will be able to baptize them before they go to Mckay- or that work opportunities will allow them to stay. Please continue to pray for miracles.

The Galapon's came to Church yesterday and it was amazing. I can't tell you how many miracles I have seen with this family. A member in the ward that is half Filipino had her mother visiting who knows Tagalog so she was able to stay by the mothers side the whole Sunday.

On Sunday night we were invited to a Uniting Church activity. A former investigator that is such a good guy invited us to a "CD launch" of church music and some of the music was really good! Elder Auld and I walked over to the church and Elder Auld got a weird feeling about going in so we stopped and prayed to see if it was a bad idea. While we were out there a member of our church comes walking out and talking to us and his wife was performing a few songs.... so before you know it she got Elder Auld and I to sing with her in front of heaps of people from other faiths. I have never sung into a microphone before and I could tell that no one could hear me so I started to sing louder. At the end Elder Auld said I was singing pretty loud! :) (* As his mom, TRUST ME -- that right there was a miracle.) But this member lady was way awesome. She invited us up and introduced us as missionaries and told everyone not to slam their doors in our face. :) And these members got us a dinner appointment with a non-member! :)

But as I heard these people sing about Jesus Christ I was thinking about what good people they are. How nice and loving and how much they want to follow Christ and then I thought about how unless they accept the truth, they cannot attain the full glory of Heaven. I really just want to give my all in every way. Having 5 weeks left can be pretty distracting. I am aware and its not really bothering me but the fact that these souls who might endure endless torment began to make me tremble at the thought. I felt like- maybe for just a moment- that I knew what the sons of Mosiah felt like when they said that the very thought of a human soul enduring endless torment caused them to quake and tremble. I'm not saying I'm anywhere NEAR the sons of Mosiah, but looking at a few kind, loving people who are so close but so far did help me give another push to work harder for these people I love.

I was studying about pride a lot this week and dad, you're right. I like how President Uchtdorf in his priesthood talk, talked about pride in "your team." Then at church on Sunday one of our Bishopric talked about how pride was the downfall of NATIONS. (I think the Lord is trying to tell me something). I think if we asked ourselves introspective questions about pride consistently, there might be a little less contention.

I love being a missionary. The work is true.

Love you mom and dad.

-Elder Hales

Only 6 more weeks!

2010-11-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

A new transfer and my last 6 weeks!!! I can't believe that's all I have left and plan to make it the most miracle-filled 6 weeks of my life.

Today I saw Elder Tito off. He flies out tomorrow for Samoa and it's not a sad thing. Am I allowed to say that?? He was hard. My new companion is a champion. His name is Elder Auld from Hamilton, New Zealand. He was just serving in Tweed Heads so we already have something in common. (Today I found out that Tweed Heads had 3 baptisms of people I had worked with, which was such good news). Elder Auld has been out for somewhere around six months and seems like he is going to be a lot of fun. I'm excited because I was really hoping to get a good companion my last transfer.

This past week was hard but the Lord still blessed us with miracles. The Galapon family is doing well. We were nervous about how the father would take his family learning and being baptized so our fellowship and Elders Quorum President invited the Galapons over for dinner and a lesson. We taught the father and I can't tell you how strong the spirit was!!! It was awesome. Our EQP and ourselves made a covenant together that we would pray for the Galapons every morning and night and it paid off. After watching a video about the Restoration and teaching we asked Danny (the father) if he felt it was true by the feeling of the Holy Ghost. He said yes. I asked every other member of the family of 6 and they said yes. It has been going very well and hope to have their baptism soon. The father then said that even if he doesn't choose to be baptized, that he will still allow his children to be baptized if they want to. I committed them to be baptized and they said yes. I love this work. I love being a missionary. I love declaring repentance. I love what I have become.

I am nervous about coming home, I'll admit. I know I need to go in faith just as I have been doing for the last 2 years. I love my mission. I love it so much. It means the world to me. I wouldn't trade it for the world. What I have learned in these two short years will carry me throughout all my life and the life to come. I like Dad's quote that how hard a mission is, is the best kept secret in the church. It's kept so well because hard things mean more to people and they express gratitude for things that mean a lot to them. I love how I am expressing gratitude and that has brought me so many tears.

I love you. Thank you for your prayers.

I love you mom and dad.

-Elder Hales

Croc Meat

2010-11-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

I just cut my hair short this week. I like it. It makes me look... sophisticated. (*I had told him that we'd do family pictures when he got home and it would be nice if his hair wasn't one centimeter long. Yeah, right.)

This week has been good. On our car we get about 2200 kilometers a month and we're already at 1200 so I have grey hair, but things have been great. We have been having a lot of success. This new training that the Apostles are giving to us, the 8 principles, are fantastic and I wish I had known these a long time ago.

Today is Elder Tito's last P-day and with that, the last chance he has to email home. He is pretty bummed we didn't get the Galapon family baptized before he left. Speaking of them... they are doing great. All the kids are ready and willing to be baptized so the focus is really on the parents. This week the 14 year old girl named Danika was confused because we wanted her to keep reading and she said: "But I already got an answer that it's true!!!" I am way excited for the Galapons.

Don't worry mom, but since we live in the country, there are a lot more snakes. Yesterday I was walking out of my flat and kicked a stick twice but it was too soft to be a stick so I looked down and saw a snake slithering away. Luckily it was just a tree snake. But I just stopped and thought for a minute. The thought came into my mind that the Lord is protecting me. I have been praying for angels to help me and it's interesting how I can really feel them sometimes. It's a tender mercy from the Lord.

Next time I write I'll have a new companion....
Love,
Elder Hales

Be Grateful

2010-11-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

Temple Trip

Dear Mum and Dad,

I haven't received any mail in a long time. There aren't any Office Elders anymore so it was a Senior missionary couple that sent you the papers of my release. And they aren't able to get mail to us as often. They need to put fun, cool, awesome, good-looking missionaries back in there.

It was fantastic to go to the temple today. President Richards once told us that if we pray for an hour of gratitude it's an amazing experience. I tried last night but yesterday was such a big day that I only got 30 min. and had to crash out. I wanted to do it before going to the temple though.

Traveling to and from the temple was my favorite. Its been a long time since there have been a mass crowd of people to talk to-- now that I'm in the country. I talked to people for maybe an hour straight and only got one potential investigator. She seemed sincere though.

I have been very blessed this week. In fact, we saw many miracles this week. Our family that we have been teaching, the Galapon's, are doing so great!!! We had a miracle lesson with them this week which ended up lasting about 2 hours!! Kinda long but we took our Elders Quorum President who lives close and he is EXCELLENT fellowship. We watched the Restoration DVD and the kids were begging for us to teach the Plan of Salvation so we did. The spirit was strong but we could tell something was wrong. Our fellowship, Brother Raven, did an excellent job and got their concern out quickly. Their father who works in a city in northern Queensland, is opposed to them going to church and being baptized. BUT, they know its true!!!!!! So we have been fasting and praying for them and we know they will be baptized. Please pray for them!

I LOVE this ward so much. I love working with them. Our Bishop is my favorite Bishop I have served for on my mission. Yesterday we were walking by our Relief Society President's house and she came out and asked if its okay if they go by to say hello to the Galapon family. How awesome is that! Especially since the Galapon's live a 40 min. drive away!

Things with me have been awesome. I think I have said before that I am finally realizing how to be a missionary. Just today I realized how much of a difference I have had in recognizing when others feel the spirit. We are working with a total of 8 people and we have 8 baptism dates. Not all are completely solid. The Brethren asked us to set a baptism date the first lesson. Thank you for your prayers. They are working!

Love you all and love you mom and dad,

-Elder Hales

Awesome!

2010-10-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

I am so proud of my nieces and nephews. All of them are awesome and the ones that can talk are already awesome missionaries! If only grown-ups would do more of that! Cheri and Spencer are awesome for having a party on Saturday night. That would be an awesome missionary opportunity!

Yeah, I am feeling better. I'm not sure what I had. Couldn't even guess.

This week we had interviews with our Mission President. I loved it! I got a new temple recommend and I loved the interview. Not that my interviews in the past were useless. And I'll never forget how cool it was to be interviewed by my dad, but this interview was different. I now have a knowledge of the gospel away from anything worldly. It seemed like I knew more about what I was responding about. It felt good. We don't get to go to the temple in this area since it's too far away, but since it's Elder Tito's last transfer and because we really want to go we got permission for next Wednesday. So we will be emailing next Wed.

This week has been fantastic. I love this ward so much. This is probably my most favorite area. I say that about every area but I really like the leadership in this ward. All of them are fantastic, especially our Bishop. The stake patriarch is our bishop's father, and he said that our Bishop was always the one who would stay in and read his scriptures instead of going out to play. :) If only I had been like that!

We have been finding heaps of new investigators and will have some referrals coming soon. Meanwhile, I love you all!

God speed the right!!!!

-Elder Adam Hales

Enjoy to the end

2010-10-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is on a trade-off day with Elder Vigmugna. He plays pro rugby for the Melbourne Storm.

Dear family,

Australia doesn't celebrate Halloween but a few people who are really into paganism (witchcraft?) celebrate it and are really excited! Last night we were tracting in a very witchcraft town called Lowood and ran into a few people that are very interesting!

I know what Chan-man feels like. I have been sick for about a week and a half and its driving me nuts. Our new mission president's wife allows us to work when we're sick if we want to, so its been good/miserable. Its been a hard week all around! Nevertheless, as I look back on this week I have seen so many miracles. On Saturday night I prayed for 3 things and on Sunday all three of those were answered! It was amazing!

This week we taught the Galapon family again! It went fantastic. Some of them didn't read the Book of Mormon so we read 1 Nephi chapters 1 and 2 to get them started. We also gave the mother a Book of Mormon in Tagalog and she was so happy upon receiving it! We set their baptism date for November 14th!!! I am excited to see their progress in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray for them.

We had Elder Vincent of the Seventy speak at our stake conference. An American from Toowoomba spoke as well. But Elder Vincent did fantastic. He was very interesting to listen to. He told us a story about how when he was receiving training from the First Presidency and the Twelve, that Elder Eyring walked into the room with a boot on his leg and when he sat down he leaned onto his walking stick. He asked someone else what happened and why he didn't put his leg up so blood wouldn't rush to it. That "someone else" told him that he had broken his ankle and also had heart surgery and was leaning on his cane and feet to release the pain and pressure on his chest. Elder Vincent said that he didn't mention his injury at all during his talk... but came and fulfilled his Priesthood duty without complaints or praises. I learned so much from him.

Well, I hope all is well at home. Love you all.

Love you mom and dad.

Elder Hales

Quote of the week: " Enjoy to the End"

Sausages and Cyclones

2010-10-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

I am so sick of Australian sausages that its ridiculous!!! I never want to see those again... :) Every ward party and every Aussie Barbie have those sausages. They put those onto a slice of bread (like a hot dog) and put BBQ sauce on it. It's not too bad but I've had it so much!

The weather has been pretty intense. The past week our front and backyard was flooded and our neighbors yard was a few feet under water. I'll send a picture.

This week has been fantastic! We had some excellent success. Actually some miraculous success! First off, since all of our investigators were not progressing we chopped all of them. It's surprising that many former investigators talk a lot about taking their life. It's all for attention. But this week we taught a FAMILY!! They are from the Philippines and a family of 6 all above baptism age. They accepted the commitments and we have a lesson planned this week with some excellent fellowship so pray for the Galapon family! That was one miracle.

This Sunday we had an inactive lady come to church. Her name is Pauline. We have been working with her since I've been in this area. She is in her 60's and was baptized about 5 years ago. She has an awesome testimony and every time we teach her the spirit is so strong. My first visit with her I was very very bold and since then she has been reading the Book of Mormon and is probably around chapter 12-15 in 1 Nephi!!!! She was one that would just make excuses for everything. She is feeling the spirit and progressing so well and all I had to do was teach true doctrine boldly. She enjoyed being back to church so much and Sunday night she called me and thanked me for being so persistant and bold. She said that she enjoyed coming back and that she is excited to do it again next week. She thanked me for getting all of it going. She feels like family.

Elder Tito does usually email his family but he didn't get an email this week so he is waiting for me. Nice guy. He is 26 years old and the most funny Samoan in the world!! He eats sooo much. Buying food is like a kid walking through a candy shop and he LOVES KFC. I'll have to send you some videos I have of him. He is so funny.

Well, I love you mom and Dad. Hope all is going well. Today we are going up to Toowoomba because of trade-offs tomorrow. It will be good to play some sports finally.

-Elder Hales

Itinerary!!!!!

2010-10-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

We got the itinerary today. He leaves Brisbane on January 5th at 10:15 a.m.
After a stop in Sydney, he then departs for Los Angeles at 3:10 p.m.
After a 13 1/2 hour flight, he arrives at LAX at 9:45 a.m. the same day. (5th)
Woo hoo!!

Put up your dukes

2010-10-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

"These flowers remind me of Mom."
("I make pansies look good!")

Dear Mom and Dad,

The weather has been so great here. It has rained so much in the last few days that our yard is flooded. Since LA is lucky to get 10 days of rainfall a year, this is exciting. I guess.

Well, this week has been so hectic I don't know where to start. I know I always say that but this week was very different. Today is transfers but I didn't have to go. Last Wednesday after Elder Walston and I had lunch we were about to go to 3 lessons we had planned when we got a phone call from the Assistants telling us that Elder Walston was being Emergency Transferred out. He packed his bags while I rescheduled the lessons. Elder Walston was very bummed and so was I. We really got along well. Things were really, really well in our Unity and companionship so we were both pretty cut. A companionship had gotten in a fight and nearly punched the lights out of each other so I'm with one of them now. :) We drove into the city of Ipswich where we met the Assistants and traded companions. My companion now is Elder Tito from Samoa. Hopefully I don't get my lights punched out but I can already tell I won't. I am getting along with him perfectly fine. I don't get why companions choose not to get along. Elder Tito has 6 weeks left before he goes home. His cousin, Elder Tito as well, is in this mission and got emergency transferred this transfer as well because he almost punched his companion. :/

I'll fly in on Jan. 5 but you will be getting my itinerary very soon. I have noticed I've been getting more mail the closer I get to my return. :)

This week has been so interesting. I have been tempted and humbled more than I think I have ever been before. It has been really tough but I can't help but love every minute...after it has passed! :) I have mentioned before that I am finally realizing how to be an effective missionary. Members tell me that I am very bold with love. Not overbearing or pushy.

We chopped all of our investigators! :) None were progressing . Many are called but few are chosen! haha So Elder Tito and I are in complete finding mode! Last night we had dinner with Bishop Rea and I told him that since our ward fast for missionary work we have chopped all our investigators! He laughed but I feel good about it. More room to find the elect.

Two years ago in General Conferences' Priesthood session the MTC Choir sang "Hark! All ye Nations" and every time I listen to it I cry. I was wondering when they would have the Missionary Choir sing it again. I didn't think it would be so soon but listen to that song if you can and know that I am singing that song in my heart at the top of my lungs. (*guess what song we'll sing in church that first Sunday when he comes home.?)

Love you mom and dad,

Elder Hales

Read the Book of Mormon!

2010-10-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

Please don't tell me about BYU anymore... unless they win. I am letting it frustrate me. :)

Another week has blown by. Its going way too fast that I can't even believe it. I am loving every minute of it. Yesterday the ward had a fast for Missionary Work and now Elder Walston and I have prepared packets to help the Ward with Missionary Work and Family Mission Plans. We are going to start giving those to the members. I love this ward. We had a few people we are working with come to church! It was great!

Our Last training was "Teach People, Not Lessons" and there were four main parts:

1) Ask inspired questions for understanding

2) LISTEN

3) Discern Needs

4) Teach Doctrine

This has been awesome! When you really express love, you can be as bold as you want. I have applied this with very prideful people who don't want to change. When we understand where they are coming from, saying " I really do care about you and love you and that's why I'm here", then we can tell them what the doctrine is. It's a lot better then saying "your're wrong- this is the right." Elder Walston and I have been working with a less-active lady who knows the church is true, but she just doesn't change. We have applied this and yesterday we got her to church!!!! Just not IN church! :( She got to the parking lot and got cold feet and drove away. :) She is so close I know I'll get her soon! The spirit already told me.

I promise- missionary miracles are waiting to happen. . especially to those who are in leadership because they are the examples. As you pray, plan and prepare for them... they will come.

Recently when we commit someone to read one chapter from the Book of Mormon a day they complain. I then say "We want you to read 10 chapters a day" and they go into shock. I then testify that they can read a few stinkin' pages and it won't kill them. Honestly- it only takes 10 min. max! And they still don't do it!!!! Its like asking them to look at a stick with a snake on it but people won't do it!!! They just don't do it. When you look at the stem of the problem you find Satan lurking there doing his best so that people don't read it.

I know reading the Book of Mormon changes people and brings miracles into their lives. "The study of true doctrine changes behavior faster than the study of behavior changes behavior." It changes me pretty quick.

Love you mom and dad

-Elder Hales

Puppy

2010-09-26T21:38:00.001-07:00

Family Mission Plan

2010-09-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

This week has been awesome. I seriously love my companion and this ward. Elder Walston and I have never even had a disagreement. To say we are ready for miracles is an understatement... we are starving for miracles. This week I had trade-offs with Elder Richards...the one you mentioned is related to the RM I taught how to surf. (*Bob and Joyce Ball's grandson.) During that trade-off we made a visit to our bishop and discussed how we can get missionary work exploding in the ward. It went so great; the spirit whispered ideas into our heads. I asked him what else we could improve and he told us straight away, to ask referrals whenever we are in a members home. So I asked him straightway and he told us to go visit a less- active lady. When we got there we found that she just had surgery for cancer so we were able to give her a blessing. Then yesterday, Sunday, Bishop Rea asked us to to speak in Relief Society on making a "Family Mission Plan" so that was scary. But it went well and I hope the women will be able to push their husbands into making a Family Mission Plan. It's basically a set of goals that the family can do to help missionary work.

Mom and Dad, will you make a "Family Mission Plan" if you have not done so already? I will follow up with you next week. (this also applies to anyone who reads this)

This week was pretty hard. We had no investigators at church. That's always the worst because I always want members to see that we are having success and get them excited. I was wondering last night if temptation and hard times will ever stop... just for a little bit. I then realized it won't. That the Lord wants me to prove to myself that I will stand for him at all times, in all things and in all places. I then started to pout but quickly realized that was murmuring and called myself to repentance. That is one thing that other missionaries have asked me -- what I have learned. It is this: I love hard times that make me want to cry. I love them so much.

I love you mom and dad!

-Elder Ammon Hales

(dwell among these people forever)

Unity = Miracles

2010-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Wow- I have a lot to say. A young man in my ward got his mission call to San Diego. He is an Australian cowboy from the country so that will be a shock for him, but he is so excited. Every time he sees me he says "CALIFORNIA!!!" He is going to be a champion.

I have mentioned in the last few emails that I am finally figuring out how to be a missionary and something amazing happened this week. It started in PEC meeting on Thursday. We have the best ward leaders in the world so I was wondering why the font wasn't filled every week! So I started off our report in PEC thanking the ward for everything they are helping us with and then asked for help as Elder Walston and I have set a goal for one baptism a month. I asked for their prayers and suddenly a light went on. We have a ward fast for missionary work in October. Elder Walston and I set a baptism date for October 17 with our next door neighbor! Ward families are now praying for our investigators by name. On Sunday, we were invited into the Relief Society (and priesthood) to tell them our goal for 1 baptism every month and our mission goal to have members at every lesson. I started off by telling them we want unity with the ward so bad since unity is key to seeing miracles. We then passed Availability Rosters for fellowship and told them that if we call on them it is because we prayerfully selected who would be perfect fellowship. I am so careful to not make one mistake...of course I will but like Michael said to me in a letter, that this could be my last area and my last chance to do everything perfect.

Our next door neighbor that we have a baptism date for is a 17 yr old girl named Megan. Elder Walston said that she doesn't seem way keen into it and because she was a teenager I was very stand offish about the situation. Quite frankly I went with an attitude of "we are going to chop this investigator if she hasn't read or prayed." I went without faith and I was humbled. For the lesson we reviewed the Restoration and read the Intro to the Book of Mormon. The spirit was so strong and we would see a repentance process. We could see her faith growing and a desire for Baptism and the Holy Ghost was definitely present. Only concern is her very protective mother who won't let her get a ride with some members to church because they are strangers. We will be able to take care of that.

I do have some sad and bad news. I mentioned to you mom that I was going to bring your Mothers Day present when I got home. What your present was- was the copy of the Book of Mormon that I had read that I got my real testimony from. It was marked like crazy and it meant a lot to me. I took it to the fireside of Elder Callister with our investigators but somehow, somewhere it got lost. My best bet is that it fell out of the car. It was in a cardboard, protective case so hopefully someone found it and will read it. But I am sorry mom. The Book of Mormon means the world to me. I know it is true scripture. It should not be taken lightly. I remember back to the first time I got a small testimony of the Book of Mormon. I was in the early years of high school. I remember one night just holding the Book of Mormon and thinking about how good it felt to hold it. I felt the spirit just holding it! It grew from there to now... where I MUST read some everyday. (* I'll have to let him know that the "gift" isn't tangible. What he gained is the gift.)

Well, its about that time. I would love to ask for your prayers for the Somerset Ward and Danielle and Derril. Bishop and ourselves are going to go speak to Derril who is the father of Danielle. She is 12 and wants to get baptized but we want to make sure her non-member father will provide a way for her to get to church if a member can't get her a ride. Our Bishop is awesome.. but I gotta go so I love you all and thanks for your prayers.

Love you mom and dad.

-Elder Hales

In Our Humble Way

2010-09-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

It's wonderful to stay in an area extra long. I knew the Tweed Heads ward like the back of my hand and it was great. The only problem is that missionaries get "too comfortable" in an area and that is why I think it is good to transfer them more often. I talked to Elder Willie in Tweed Heads. He said that there are three baptisms coming up. About time.

This week has blown by. We have been so busy that we only got to tract about 2 hours total this week. We try to have two hours a day. I really love this area. Last week I mentioned how the Lord just took away my pride and wow- it hurt, but now I am full of joy. The work is progressing. I seem to be specializing in reactivating. This ward is following Elder Perry's commandment to do the 15 names program and I am fully confident that any ward that will do it, will see miracles.

This week we had a mission tour with Elder Tad R. Callister. He is the Area President. He wrote the book The Infinite Atonement and I found out that it took him 18 years to write. Isn't that awesome? Science will change over 18 years, people will change over 18 years, but the Gospel is the same yesterday, today and forever. But he came and taught us A LOT. This was the second time I've heard him on my mission. He echoed a few things including how to become a consecrated missionary. This would apply to everyone, but he said to become a consecrated missionary we must lay everything on the alter. Our time, our desires and our will. We must change our nature... not just behavior. We learn how to change our nature in Mosiah chapter 3.

He also taught us the Plan of Salvation. I learned so much when he taught it to us. He turned to Acts 17 where it says we are offspring of our Father in Heaven and NOT a creation. Offspring has the opportunity to become like him. Creation doesn't. He taught us that God has a fullness of joy and that is what our purpose is, to have joy, become like him, and that is why its called the Plan of Happiness.

We also took one of our investigators to a fireside that Elder Callister had for all non-members and less-actives last night. His talk was on Joseph Smith and very good.

Last week on p-day we were walking through downtown Laidley looking for a place to get a football or basketball. (By the way, you can't in this small city) So we walked into a hardware store and asked a worker if they had any sports balls and she gave me a huge weird look as she said "are you from around here?" :) Somehow we walked out with a free soccerball.

Thanks for everything and for your prayers. I am seeing so many miracles... including ones in me. That is why my mission means the world to me. I love being a missionary. We are not the ordinary, fearlessly extra-ordinary.

Love you brothers and sisters.

Love you mom and dad.

-Elder Hales

Old area photo. New area - out in the sticks

2010-09-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Elder Willie and I at Cabarita Beach lookout about 3 or 4 weeks ago. (Before the transfer) Amazing surf.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Challenge the missionaries to challenge the members to do more member missionary work.

Well, I feel kind of like last week where I don't know where to start. I'll start by saying that this transfer is COMPLETELY from the Lord. I am in complete country where I feel so ineffective because there aren't people everywhere to talk to. It's a different type of missionary work here. I have grown so much from being here already. I have been chastised, humbled, and any other word you want to describe how I have felt this last week. Leaving Tweed Heads wasn't too hard especially since I trust the missionary that was sent there, but it was a tough week here in the Somerset Ward. The four main (tiny) cities we work in are Laidley, Gatton, Rosewood and Lowood. Our Chapel is in Plainlands and everyone is just scattered so its stressful with our kilometer limit to get the work that we want to get done, but of course, the Lord will provide for a way when he commands.

This area is awesome. The ward is great and I love our Bishop. His name is Bishop Rea. There are about 70 members of the Rea family in the ward. They all live on the same street too! But this ward is doing the 15 names program which is awesome. Miracles will come! I heard its the 25 names program in America, right?

Elder Walston is from Brigham City, Utah. He goes home in two transfers so I'm working him HARD . He has been awesome and we have seen some awesome miracles this week. I remember in the MTC they told us to teach in a way that people can't deny the truth and we had a lesson with a couple named Michelle and Kurt this week where the spirit was so strong and she recognized it. We set their Baptism Date for Sept. 25. The Spirit has been so strong in our lessons. I finally feel like I am just learning how to be a missionary and a teacher. Only concern is I need to know the ward better. I have only been here a week but I need to know them fast to help these baptisms go through. When I got into the area, several investigators hadn't been committed to baptism. (?!!!) So we should have some more baptisms coming up.

This week has been amazing. The spirit I feel during study and lessons has really helped me. I have been looking at the blessing that I received during my setting apart and wow- a lot of them have come to pass! Like I said before, I feel like I am just learning how to be a missionary. I am just learning how to work with members effectively, teach, study, and proclaim. It is such a great feeling.

Love you all,

Elder Hales

Transfer

2010-08-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

I don't know where to start!!!
So that family we have been teaching... the miracle that occurred as I was emailing home... dropped us like 3rd period French. Stab to the heart! Said they were going back to the Catholic church.

This morning was transfers. I had no idea what to expect. I have been transferred to the Somerset Ward. It is in the sticks and the complete opposite of my last area. Tweed Heads is what everyone would call "posh" or nice and fancy. It is safe to say that my new area is the "Ocotepeque" of the Australia Brisbane Mission. (*Ocotepeque was an area/city in Honduras that his older brother served in. Distant and challenging.) I have 3 more transfers and I am looking forward to working so hard here I get bloody. My companion is Elder Walston. He is from Brigham City. This area is very large. For District Meeting we have to drive 45 min. to a chapel in Toowoomba. I have not been to our flat yet but it's in the city of Laidley. Completely country. There won't be any surfers here! I am excited and can't wait to tell you more about it next week!
As for Tweed Heads, I didn't really say goodbye to many members there. To a select few. Alan King was one of them. From the first month I was in Tweed Heads he was way less active. The last Sunday I was in Tweed Heads, he taught the Gospel Principles class! It was great. He is strong.

Last night I left with a bang where we taught a member referral. It went awesome! It's one of our Ward Missionaries' ex-boyfriend who is from Brazil. His name is Tiago and he is a complete surfer, so we had another surfer (who also shapes surfboards) have all of us over for dinner and taught him afterwards. It went really well. Hard because of the language barrier, but he felt the Spirit.

My mind is running at a thousand miles an hour so I'll wrap it up and write more next week.
Love you all
Love you mom and dad,
-Elder Hales

Birthday presents

2010-08-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for the birthday money! I bought some expensive Mango Sorbet. When mango season is out, it's like torture. Then I got two meat pies at this really good bakery. (*who is this child??) I think I'll buy a cheap watch and give Elder Willie mine. He is so funny because he sees something that I completely wouldn't want and he treasures it. We found some shoes in our closet with a huge rip in the back but he wears them when another missionary gave him new 100 dollar Ecco shoes. He is so humble. For my birthday he did some of his culture dances. I'll send some videos.

It's our Zone Leader's last P-day so we're going to go play touch rugby in the rain. His name is Elder Fullmer. I have learned so much from him, especially about leadership. I have seen the biggest change in him to where he is one of the best leaders.

That lesson that we had with the family last week was tough. Anything that could've gone wrong did. The Restoration DVD stopped working right before the First Vision. But the Spirit was so strong and the family could feel it. So I asked, "As the Lord answers your prayers and you continue to feel this message is true, will you be baptized by one holding the proper authority?" He said yes. I told him we want to hold a baptism on the 28th of August and he said he would prepare for that date. It was only a week and a half from the lesson. Now some complications with some things have pushed the baptism back to after transfers, but as long as they're baptized its okay.

The Work is Awesome. Miracles are coming... FAST!!! We have a baptism in our District this week. They set that baptism last week too. :) I have her baptism interview this week but I met her at church already and I could see the light of Christ at full force.

I am proud of Kelly. He sounds like he is doing really well. I sent him a letter a while ago of pure encouragement! :) I was going to send him a picture of Jonah getting spit out of the whale and told to go back... but I thought that might be overbearing. :)

Better go, Love you all.
-Elder Hales

-And to anyone on my blog: I have lost a lot of addresses so that's why I haven't written to you. :)

Carly, please don't get the hick accent. The California accent is hard for Australians to pick up on. Everyone asks me if I am from Canada! Huh?
You're married!!! I'm the only single one in our family now... weird... not for long I guess! :) Joking of course.
What is Michael studying? Tell him I say Brother!!!
Get referrals for the missionaries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you
-Elder Hales

ps- Michael is going to LOVE sleeping in the tent with us!!!!!!!!!!!! (*a Christmas Eve tradition that the kids did when they were younger, but obviously Adam hasn't outgrown.)

Brother:

Chandler looks like you and I when we were kids. He is going to be one good looking dude.
Tell Jessica happy birthday. Man it's hard for me to keep up with birthdays. I’ll bring gifts when I come home. We have a guy in our ward that has a factory of all the souvenir stuff and he lets missionaries go shopping through the huge thing and everything's for free! Some missionaries abuse it though which ticks me off so I feel bad going there.
You teach young men? I remember a lesson where my teacher read his mission journal to us. That really got me excited about my mission and writing in journals... you should take yours.

Love you Hales fam.

-Elder Hales

Adam's 21st birthday

2010-08-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm twenty one eh! Today we woke up heaps early to go to the temple and I didn't remember it was my birthday until I found a card that Elder Willie left me on my desk while I was in the shower. He is such a good companion. We want to see more miracles so we are fasting and praying right now.

It was great to get to the temple today and we have several lessons this afternoon that I hope go really well. On the train ride to the temple some real social workers who really know physiology and train people how to be leaders sat next to us. It was very fun to share the gospel with them. It's hard to make a salesman buy what you're selling. (you know what I mean) On the train ride back to the Gold Coast our whole zone talked to every single person on the train. It was awesome! There were so many people that at some points we would just stand in front of a crowd and talk to everyone at the same time. It sounds weird but it was very effective.

It hit me today in the temple that I don't have much time left. It makes me sad to think of leaving. One missionary who is in my District who I was companions with earlier, still has some struggles he had a year ago. It makes me sad to think of how much time he is wasting and what he is doing to himself...and his companion. I have been thinking a lot about what I have learned thus far on my mission. I've learned that I must have unity with my companion. Christ said, "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." I've learned that obedience is everything. Central to: blessings, happiness, success, etc., I have learned the Gospel. I have learned that the Book of Mormon is true scripture and that everything it teaches is truth. I have learned to not be afraid to talk to people! Its not hard to do Missionary Work, even for members. I have learned to love learning and studying. I have learned that if there is anything I can't understand about the gospel, I can still feel its truth from the Holy Ghost. That happened to me this morning at the temple. I have learned that the Lord is so merciful to us. Again, I have learned that obedience and doing what we're supposed to be doing is everything. I have learned that I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have always known that but not to the same scale as now. I have learned that I have been so lucky to have parents who pushed and sometimes forced me into the right path. :)
I love you mom and dad.

At this point we have a baptism planned for September 26 with a young girl in a part- member family. Her name is Ralee. We were sad to make it so far away but at that date her brother will be able to baptize her. I ask for your prayers! Pray For Miracles! Wow- as I wrote "pray for miracles" I got a phone call from a non-member family who want to meet tomorrow at 4:00!!!!!!! "Has the day of Miracles ceased? I say unto you nay."

-Elder Adam Hales

Carly's Wedding

2010-08-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Family:

Tanner is a little champion. Do you think he will be a linebacker, lineman, or rugby player? The picture of the wedding is awesome. The colors look pretty good!! Emma looks like Cheri, Cheri looks like Mom, and mom you look really good! Happy Birthday Tyler and before I forget, Happy Birthday Cheri!!! :) I know it's a long time away. Carly- who am I going to protect with my muscles now? Congrats and your dress is really nice.

Another week has flown by. There are a lot of changes in the mission, as I'm sure you heard about because it is world wide. This week I have had to re-schedule some lessons because all day Wednesday and Thursday we have a leadership meeting...?... All day for two days? President Langeland has told us as well that he doesn't like to shift missionaries because numbers go down so I am hoping to stay in Tweed for a little longer. The work has progressed so much. At church on Sunday I am running around trying to talk to everyone and set up lessons with the non-members that are there.

I had a great experience yesterday. We have had an investigator named Steven for some time now. I love the guy so much and want so bad for him to get an answer that the Book of Mormon is true but he has been doing more research on whether the America's had horses and wheat than just reading the Book of Mormon and seeking an answer from the Holy Ghost. I knew it was time to let him go but I have wanted him to be baptized so bad! He is the investigator who has read thousands of book on religion. We had our last lesson last night. Our Zone Leaders gave me a sheet of paper that proves Joseph Smith to be a prophet to give to Steven and Elder Willie told him that we would bring it to him sometime. I then told him what the paper is and told him... "I'm not going to give it to you." We started laughing. But then I started to get emotional as I testified to him that I want so much for him to get an answer from Heavenly Father that it's true. I told him that I know the Book of Mormon is true and that he doesn't need proof of any kind. That all he needs to do is read it, and pray sincerely to know and God WILL answer his prayer. I told him that that feeling that was there was the Spirit. I have the strongest impression that someday he will be baptized.

Yesterday I got acupuncture for the first time in my life. We had dinner with a chiropractor in the ward. Elder Willie's back has really been acting up, so he fixed up his back, and the chiropractor's son is studying Acupuncture right now so when he saw how scared I am of needles he was excited to stick one in each hand and one in each foot. It's hard to explain but I had bloodshot eyes before, and after the needles, my eyes were white. Still, the spirit is so much better! :)

I love you all. Thank you all for everything. Thank you for the prayers. Miracles have and are coming!!!!!!
-Elder Hales

Bold is beautiful

2010-08-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

DEAR MOM AND DAD,

Spencer is the man! He is going to be a G.A. (Adam's brother-in-law that was sustained as the 2nd coun. in the bishopric today).

Well, this week we have been very bold... and we have had the most in Gospel Principles that I have ever seen! Members are bringing friends to church, less actives are coming, members are getting excited, so right now my "joy is full." The work is really paying off. My only regret is... we have one of those crazy guys that comes into our Gospel Principles class and I regret not asking (or telling) him to go the class he is supposed to go to. :) But he has a huge heart.

This week I finished reading the Book of Mormon. I was in Ether when I had my first interview with President Langeland and he told me that in every copy of the Book of Mormon he has, he has Ether 12 page turned down because he got to hold the same copy of the Book of Mormon that Elder Holland talked about in his talk 2 conferences ago. As I was finishing the Book of Mormon I got to Moroni 10 and it really sunk in when I read verse 3 about how merciful the Lord has been. We really are soooo blessed. Then after I read verse 4 and 5 I once again received an answer to my prayer. It's so simple -- I ask people to do it everyday and it makes people happy. As large Tongans would say: "Read the book. It will make you happy." :)

Love you all.
Love you mom and dad
-Elder Hales

Tell everyone on the blog that I am having a hard time writing letters. Stamps cost $2.20 now. :-)

Brother:
Thanks for the emails. They always make me laugh. Next week I'll write more. Gotta go.

CARLLYY!!!
You're getting married for goodness sakes!!!!!!! Ferdincum.

2010-07-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Shanti's baptism

Awesome

2010-07-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Things have been awesome. This week we had to chop a few investigators who aren't progressing. I love being in this ward for a long time because I have gotten to know heaps of members well. Yesterday a kid from Huntington Beach was at church. He was on a surf trip visiting Australia and Bali. We tried to teach his non-member friends but no luck... but it was weird to hear a California accent.

After Sacrament Meeting we gave our investigator, Ben, a blessing because he hit his face and his cheek was swelled up to the size of a golf ball. He said it had been that way for 4 days! He went to the hospital and we will see him on Wednesday when we will set a baptism date with him. Please pray for him!

We have been busy teaching and finding and things are going awesome.
Love you all.
-Elder Hales

2010-07-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Sounds like things are going well! Tell Cheri I say get well soon!!!!

Things here have been awesome. Today is transfers and guess what..... I'M STAYING! Elder Willie and I are staying. I have been telling President about the improvements we have been having with the work so I am so glad. My district is changing quite a bit but change is always good.

My Bishop here in Tweeds is probably my favourite Bishop I've served for yet. He has a very different way of doing things but he is so spiritual and completely the man for the job. I was listening to a talk by Elder Eyring and he said the words: "the Lord would know who he has serving in EVERY position in his church." I know that is the case with our Bishop. On Sunday at the end of sacrament meeting he got up and asked everyone to fast and said we would have a fast break on Monday night at 6. He said: "I don't know the rules with using the chapel on Monday night but we will overlook that." Bishop Rapana is my hero.

Our most progressing investigator is Ben, who we talked about last
week. He is doing so great and Elder Willie and I just have a connection with him so please pray for him. We will be setting a baptism date with him tomorrow.

Things are going so awesome. The work is great. The more families' homes I go in, the more I realize how I'm going to raise my family. When the home revolves around Christ, the kids choose the right. I have learned a lot about priorities lately.
Love you all.
-Elder Hales

Rugby

2010-07-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad,

Today for P-day we are going to go play touch football (rugby version).... :)... all injuries happen in American football. In all the history of touch rugby no missionary has gotten hurt. More injuries in Basketball than touch Rugby.

Ever since I left the office I don't go to the temple with President anymore but with our Zone. And this transfer we had to skip out on interviews with President Langeland.

If you sent me money already for my birthday it's okay but if you haven't sent it yet then don't worry about it. In the Gold Coast I can't transfer it over to Australian money because all the banks require my Passport and it is too much of a hassle to get it from the Office. If you must do something then put it in my bank account.

I have not yet taken a picture and video yet. I will do that this week and send it through email next week. I think I'll be able to send a video through email.

This week has been superb! Last week I told you we were going to teach a lesson to my dream investigator. His name is Ben and the lesson was awesome. We have really been changing our teaching skills lately and I'll get into that later but everything went great. He felt the Spirit and he says that he knows he is in the right place when he comes to church. He is getting married to a YSA girl named Wendy. Her mother is the Relief Society President. Their wedding is in February of next year. He will be baptized. I just hope it's soon because transfers are next week and I have been here for 6 months. Ben came to church and he is enjoying it. When I first met him he was not interested. It was about 5 months ago when Ben viewed Wendy's family as "churchies." But they had Ben over for dinner the same day they had us over and I taught the Plan of Salvation in 5 minutes with cool visuals and Wendy has had him reading the Book of Mormon and 5 months later he is going to church.

As I said a few paragraphs before, we didn't have interviews but instead we had another Zone Conference. President Langeland is AWESOME! He was talking about disobedient missionaries and he said he would grip their upper lip and just rip if off. :) (He didn't say that in zone conf.) But President gave us an amazing training. This transfer we have been focusing on teaching a spirit dialogue at the beginning of the lesson. Just sharing some scriptures on the Holy Ghost and teaching them the feelings it will give them. And President Langeland in Zone Conf. taught about committing to baptism on the first lesson, which we already do, but also setting a baptism date at every 1st lesson. So we have 3 baptism dates right now and hopefully one more with Ben this week. This may sound confusing but just know it's training we received that is from the Lord and it is going to skyrocket baptisms.

Our mission had 222 Baptisms the first 6 months of this year. Our goal was 240 baptisms so we did really good. All we would have needed was 1 or 2 more weeks and we would've accomplished our goal...but our goal is 240 again for the last 6 months of this year so with the training we recieved from President Langeland which came from General Authorities, we will accomplish that goal. Mission of Miracles.

Well, I love being a Missionary. The Book of Mormon is true.
Love you guys.

-Elder Hales

Family letters

2010-07-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

DEAR MOM AND DAD,

Pass along cards? Hales and Wirthlin's roll better than that... give her a Book of Mormon!!!! (hospital lady) (*a nurse that has noticed "something different" about our daughter and her family)

Haha - Elder Mitchell is such a crack-up. He has sent me letters over the last year and he is a champion. (*his best childhood friend; coming home from his mission next month!)

Birthday requests? Um- no toothbrushes or toothpaste... got heaps of that but if you want to send floss... its expensive here. :)

WOW!!! This week is awesome!!!! Shanti's baptism was probably one of the best I've ever been to. Josh, her husband now, has such a huge family so it was very crowded. The fellowship we used -- the Hall's -- have been awesome. We couldn't get warm water for the font so we had a Titanic replay, but Sister Hall was asked to bear her testimony and she thanked the missionaries for bringing the spirit in her home from the visits. That meant a lot to me.

We had the Temple this morning. Wow, I had a good experience today and now we're off to teach my dream investigator!!! A complete surfer, Aussie bloke. I have had a dream of baptizing one since I got in the area. Pray for us
Gotta go. Sorry this is short.
The Work is hard... but its SOO GOOD!
-Elder Hales

Brotherhood: (*that means his brother Michael)

I tell some of the dead-set surfers in our ward that you got married and were taken away from the waves and surf. They make fun of me and say that's going to happen to me too. Of course I say "no way" but when you tell me about your awesome family, it just makes me think...who is the one missing out? Home isn't where the waves are... it's where the Lord is.
Well, thanks for that email. Sounds like things are going awesome. Good luck with work.
Love ya
-Elder Hales

Wirthlins: (*expecting a baby boy next week!)
Ammon, Ezra, Helaman, or Ephriam. Awesome names. July 15th that's so soon!!!! That's awesome. Hope all is well and I keep you in my prayers.
Get Spencer on teaching that nurse the restored truth.
I would love that temperature. It is sooo cold here. I freeze every night.
-Elder Hales

O that I were an angel . . . .

2010-06-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Dear family,

I seriously feel like Ammon of old and how he kept passing out because of joy in his brothers in the Gospel. I love how his brother rebukes him for sounding prideful but Ammon continues on saying how much he is nothing and he rejoices in the strength of the Lord. How much has our family been blessed by the Lord? I'm actually shaking right now... whether because its sooo cold or because I am so excited to write about the blessings we have, I don't know. Carly going through the temple is such exciting news. Everyone in the family is endowed!!!

Thanks for asking about BYU-Idaho. Speaking of which . . .I'm so sorry about the way I was before the mission. There are a couple of young men here that are making their parents get gray hair and I can feel a portion of what it's like when investigators don't keep commitments. Sorry for even the tiny things like quitting piano! (* that's "tiny"???) ha ha

This week has been fantastic. The work is so amazing. The more Member Present Lessons- the more success... the more blessings... the more joy. If I have any advice for families... it would be to have the missionaries teach in your home. The blessings are so great- especially with children seeing what is going on. My companion is such a champion. We just got about 8-10 Ward Missionaries called so I am so excited. This work is amazing... there is nothing better. My favourite hymn is "Hark! All Ye Nations!" Searching in darkness, nations have wept and we are so blessed to be the ones chosen by God to serve him below. The more I listen to it the more I realize I will never be released from the calling.

The Work is true. Sounds like things are excellent at home but there is no other errand I would rather be on.

Love you family!

-Elder Hales

Michael:

Haha - thank you for the Honduran drinks. When I opened one up I put it to my nose for a smell and it smelled good...and I could tell it was made in Central America. They taste awesome.

Elder Willie and I

2010-06-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

It was "one of those weeks"

2010-06-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

G'Day Mom and Dad,

This week was such a hard week. Its been tough and I have felt down at times but then I can't feel down for 5 minutes because I remember the Lord and how much closer I am getting to him through the Atonement. President Richards told us that when people say if we sin, we hurt Jesus Christ just that much more- it is false doctrine!! I loved when President said, "People who say that don't understand the meaning of INFINITE".

It was sad this week because we lost another baptism date. That is 4 now that I have lost in the Tweed Heads area. I have been praying for humbling experiences. Just didn't think they would come this way. :) Shanti is still doing GREAT!! But ____ is not keeping commitments and even drank some coffee... he's 14!!! We have not chopped him yet. We're hoping we won't have to. Faith preceeds the miracle. Faith is action so keep him in your prayers. Action is obedience, so we are doing our best.

Elder Willie is such a good companion. We have had 2 trade-offs this week and Zone Conference so sometimes I feel the work goes over a speed bump with trade-offs but they are excellent learning opportunities. One of our zone leaders was trained in this area so he came here on one of those trade-offs with me. One of the members he used to teach with is less active now. That was one of those "the higher you are, the farther you fall" cases. But the member was so excited to see him and came to church yesterday.

One of the reasons I was transferred into Tweed Heads , (besides me picking it), was because of Alan King. He has been less active for 5 years and with our visits and the spirit touching him he has been coming back to church. Two Sundays ago he bore his testimony. It was awesome!!! This week in two lessons we had with him- the Spirit whipped him into shape. I have grown to be really good friends with Alan and during one of the lessons he told me that I am his mate. In American that means " you're like a brother to me." There are so many blessings that come from bringing people to Christ.

I have noticed that my mission has been preparing me to make it to the Celestial Kingdom more than anything. I become converted. I had a testimony before my mission but I wasn't converted. The worst was that I thought I didn't have a testimony because I never had a "one big moment" that converts usually have. My testimony came little by little my whole life and I was too focused on getting a testimony when I already had one. During that time, the adversary would tell lies like: "you don't have a testimony.. you can do this... " One memory I have was when I was 14 or 15 during high school. I wasn't going through good times and I remember kneeling down in Carly's room and praying that Heavenly Father would let me feel his love for me. And I did. I felt such comfort. Does God answer every child's prayer? Yes. Does he answer EVERYONE'S prayer? I know he does.

Dad, have the missionaries take you teaching. I would die to have a stake president in my ward!

Love you Mom and Dad

-ELDER HALES

The Spirit of Ammon

2010-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

If Pete Giles is in the Bishopric, who will be the new Ward Mission Leader??? This is important!

Michael - -I'm not coming home. I could stay in Tweed Heads forever.
Well, this week has been awesome. Monday was a holiday so we had a ward activity and worked. It was a good day. Last night we had a lesson with a man named Alan King who has been reactivated. We have really grown to be good friends. We taught him the Law of Chastity and taught him the difference between Love and Lust. It finally clicked and I knew he was feeling the spirit so I pounced on it.

Then we had a Missionary Activity by our Ward Mission Leader. He is a big Tongan from Hawaii and he put a pig on a spit yesterday. It was way good and we had some non-members come. Shanti was there with Josh. Josh is almost a pro surfer so he brought some pictures of his surf trip to Bali and told me that when I come back he is going to take me surfing to all the best spots. :) I just told him I'm never leaving and want to be like Ammon and dwell among the people all my days to declare repentance :)

We taught a man named Peter yesterday. He is such a smart and good guy! In the lesson we read from 3 Nephi 11. As we were reading I knew he felt the spirit so I asked him and he said he did. He proceeded to say that he knows the Book of Mormon is true and described it as "when all your hairs stand up." He is excited to come to church on Sunday and is glad that " the communion cups are separate for everyone" so he doesn't get sick. :) He is in his 60's or 70's and an Australian. There are people prepared for the gospel!

Every Sunday I ask one of the YSA guys why he isn't on a mission yet. Every time he thinks of another excuse and I shoot it down. The church really is true! There is no proof against the church as Elder Holland said: "false theories have been born, parroted and died" and they are pathetic. The only concern with less actives is they don't read the Book of Mormon.

Sunday morning I was called and asked to teach Gospel Principles so I waited until Sacrament meeting to figure out what to teach. :) (Mom- because I felt I needed to). (Note to everyone: do as I say-not as I do). As soon as one of the High Council speakers asked: "are we doers of the word, or hearers only" I knew that was my topic.

Elder Willie is a champion beyond champs. It is so fun with him.

Well- I love you all, hope all is well and don't worry or think about me- I'm about my Father's work. :-)

-Elder Hales

P.S. Adam has reaffirmed his desire that this blog be private. You have a couple of days to "register." If you're not already invited, email me at: socalhales@dslextreme.com

Transfers!

2010-06-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Note from Mom:

First of all, it has come to my attention that there needs to be some educating about this blog. It is NOT done by Elder Hales. This blog belongs to me and I am the "editor." I edit Adam's letters and post them for the benefit of our family and a few friends. Adam is a very obedient missionary and would NEVER go online or get on the Internet in any capacity other than to email me. In fact, he is only allowed to email his parents. Not even his brother or sisters. When they want to email him, they have to send it to me first and then I can forward it from my account.
And now this week's letter:

Dear Mom and Dad

TRANSFERS!!!! Tweed Heads will be my first 6 month area outside of the office. Elder Tauiliili was transferred into the Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane). He probably won't go back into the Chinese program. My new companion is Elder Willie. He is a champion. He is from Kiribati and is short and dark like Elder Tauiliili. :). I have heard nothing but the best about him so I am so excited. I was told I was training, but heaps of missionaries coming in got their visa's delayed. They said about half.

My trainer, Elder Nielsen, goes home tomorrow which is pretty weird. I'm going to miss having him here.

President Richards keeps talking about how when a Prophet dies, commandments don't change and how that applies to us and our new mission president. I am excited to meet him and I know he is the new Prophet of this mission but I sure will miss President Richards.

Things in the area are going so awesome! I really do love this area heaps. Looks like I will be here for Shanti and Cody's baptism!! I am so excited.
Things are going great on my end. There is nothing better than serving the Lord.
I love you mom and dad.
Thanks for being such good parents.
-Elder Hales

2010-06-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Mom and Pop,

Shanti will be baptized on the 4th of July!!!!!!! She walked up to us at church yesterday and says..."Guess who is getting baptized on the 4th of July!?" She and Josh will be married that morning, go to church, and then be baptized after church. Shanti really wants to be baptized and I had a feeling she wasn't going to last until October.

We also set a baptism date with Cody. He is a champion 14 year old that already knows the Book of Mormon is true. His baptism is on June 26th so keep Shanti and Cody in your prayers. I ask because prayer really does work.

We have 2 baptisms next transfer and this transfer ends in one week.... ARG... but I'll go where he wants me to go... I'll be what he wants me to be and I'll do what he wants me to do.

I went on trade-offs this week with a new missionary. His name is Elder Lester and he is a champion and so funny. We saw a bunch of Aussie blokes having a party (not sober) so we went over to preach to them. They were not keen but they asked us to take a picture of them all so they give Elder Lester and I cameras and Elder Lester says " 1, 2, 3.... America Rocks" and all these pure Australians are smiling for the picture but give out a groaning "UGH". It was pretty funny.

Things are going so well. I love this ward and this area. Our goal is 2 baptisms a transfer and we have had 0 thus far but I knew this area would be hard coming into it. I have really grown to love hard things. That is one thing youth need and will get as they grow is the love to do hard things. Even the prophets tell us that reading the Book of Mormon can be hard at first and wow- it is... but they also promise that as you keep going insights will come, you will understand, and it will change you and I can add my promise to that. People do change- its called repentance. I love this gospel... it just makes so much
sense!

Love you all
Love you mom and dad,
-Elder Hales

P.S.
I am doing my best at working the hardest I can. There are some missionaries in my district that are giving me some gray hair. I started keeping track of Finding Hours as a part of key indicators because I could tell they don't do much finding. It was only around 3 hours for the whole week. They are doing great though- they have a baptism coming up.

Isn't being a missionary awesome? There is no better feeling than when you're about to go to sleep and you're writing in your journal but way too tired and you just collapse because of the hard day!

People say G'day so much. I've got pretty good at it. :)

A busy week (as usual)

2010-05-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Learning to Love Learning. There was an awesome talk on that by Elder Bednar in an Ensign not too long ago. I learned a lot from that. That is one thing I know I have sky-rocketed in- is wanting to learn. (*I told him about a RS function we had with that theme, based on Elder Bednar's talk.)

This week has been awesome. It always is. We had interviews with President Richards yesterday and Temple Day today. It's just two days of heaven. That was my last interview with President Richards which is sad. I am really trying to keep that attitude that I was also called to serve under President Langland just as much as President Richards.

I had trade-offs all day (after the interview) with an awesome missionary named Elder Schwendiman. He is from Idaho Falls and knows a few of the same people I do from BYUI. He is a fantastic missionary and completely "Worthy of and expecting Miracles." We go on trade-offs after interviews because he serves in Lismore which is a ways away and since he came up for interviews- that is one of the only times I can trade-off with them. We found one new investigator named Peter. He has so many copies of the Bible and even took a picture of every page because his eyesight is bad. He can zoom in on his computer and read it better. We have another appointment with him this week so we are excited and I'll tell you more later. Prepared for sure though.

The Work is progressing and going very well. I have to run but I love you all and hope things are going well.

God Speed the Right,

-Elder Hales

Working with the members

2010-05-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

This week was awesome. The world's best miracle happened this week with an area in our district. I was on trade-offs with Elder Richins (I was companions with him for a few weeks when his comp. went home) on Tuesday. He had 2 lessons scheduled but both fell through. He called a potential that he had street contacted a few days before. He set up a lesson with her a few hours later and we met her at a University near by. She is from Brazil and is in Australia studying. We taught the Restoration, committed her to read and pray and she said yes. We committed her to baptism if she knew it to be true and she said yes. We committed her to come to church on Sunday and even better news - she said yes. We set up another lesson that week with a member that would give her a ride to church. Elder Richins told me that that went so great. That she had prayed to know and she got an answer that it is true. She is SO PREPARED and the only thing that is kind of sad is that she is moving to Hawaii this Thursday. We are going to give the missionaries over there the information and she will be baptized very quickly over there. This is the Lords work.

You probably remember me talking about Cody. He is so prepared as well. He is Bobby's grandson that just moved over from New Zealand. He is so awesome. He knows the Book of Mormon is true. He has such a good relationship with Heavenly Father - especially with all that he has been through for only being 14.

Our transfer theme is Working with the Members so I wanted to kindly ask for some advice again. More than just gaining members trust, we have been training on how to have more effective Member Present Lessons. We plan to accomplish this with 5 steps.
1- Preparing the Member DAYS before the lesson (Include the member in the lesson plan)
2- A clear goal (Let the member know the commitment you will leave)
3- Tell the member about the background of the investigator.
4- Teach the member before. (Perhaps give them a short example of what you will teach)
5- Evaluate with the member after the lesson.

I forgot to mention, the recent converts that we went out in the bush with last P-day were the first ones I conducted a baptism interview for. That was a great experience especially since they were so prepared. We drove to a place called the Natural Arch. Nothing compared to what Utah has but they have some glow worms there that were interesting to see.

Being a missionary is so awesome. I love you all.
God Speed the Right
-Elder Hales

(*I usually don't include his private messages to the family, but thought these would be good this time)

Michael & family:
I know how you feel. My very first transfer in the mission I ran out of the car to give some sister missionaries some daily planners and I didn't see the hitch at the back of the car as I was running around. Completely slammed my knee into the solid metal. I couldn't walk for a few hours and I wanted to throw up.
Things sound sweet with your new house and computer.

Carly:
FERRDINCUM!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm happy for you! Tell him I say, "What's going on bro! Literally- brother."
Read D&C 9: 7-9. You have made the right choice- now just continue to pray fervently.

Cheri:
I taught the Plan of Salvation in Gospel Principles class last Sunday. There recently have been a few deaths in the ward, one being a baby. I testified of my little niece and my eyes started to sweat. I always mention what Spencer said to me by the grave -- that that is the reason I am going on a mission. I can't ever forget that. Many tears were flying and then I mentioned how it's safe to say I am the favorite uncle and how I know that I will be able to play with Macie. One non-member who had never been to church before came to me saying she liked the lesson.
Haha- Yes, Magnum ice cream is pretty good. There are several missionaries addicted. I'll eat one for you. :) So expensive though.

Mother's Day phone call

2010-05-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Adam -- I mean Elder Hales -- called us yesterday. We had the phone on speaker, Cheri's family on the webcam, Carly was in town with us, and Michael's family on a cell phone so that all 11 of us could hear. He is doing great and LOVES being in Tweeds Head - his favorite place so far. He lives a half block from the beach, but he's not allowed to even touch the sand. But he can't help noticing the gnarly waves. (ha ha)

He is LOVIN' the success they are having. It's so nice to know that he is totally immersed in the work.

We asked about his release date and he said January 5th. Which means he gets home on January 4th. Gotta love those international date lines. He said no one is allowed to extend their mission in Australia because of the visa limits.

He loves how his ward is totally into member missionary work. It makes all the difference.

And he says to say thank you to everyone for the letters and the prayers. "I can feel the prayers."

I'm always fine during the phone calls and then cry when it's time to say goodbye. And the Christmas Day phone call will be exciting knowing that we'll see him very soon.

He said a member was taking him and his comp to the Outback for P-day yesterday. And another member owns a huge souvineer shop and let them go pick out what they wanted. Nice!

As his mom, I appreciate the support and love you give to him. (and us) Wow -- this is the last missionary Mother's Day call I'll ever get. (yay!)
Love to you all -
Melody

Short and sweet (again)

2010-05-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Family:

BYUI President is an amazing speaker. I can't remember anything he spoke on when I was there... but I remember thinking it was so good. (*The pres. of BYU-Idaho spoke in Sacrament Mtg. in Cheri's ward last week in Fremont, CA and I wrote to tell him about it. It was awesome.)

P-day is always changing. Sometimes it's because of holidays so we can work on those holidays and sometimes because of Temple Day. Count on it being Monday anyway. (*It's like we never hear from him on a consistent day, so I asked.)

This week was really good. That was an understatement. THIS WEEK WAS SO FULL OF MIRACLES, IT WAS AMAZING!!! We had 4 investigators at church on Sunday. One of them is Kyran -- he is 11 years old. He doesn't like to come to church because he is so sick of Primary so yesterday I grabbed him, got one of his friends out of Primary and shoved them into Young Men's and he loved it.

Don't have time to say more. PLEASE FORGIVE ME.
Thanks.
Love you all
-Elder Hales

2010-04-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

All the missionaries that taught Jessica.

Ward Mission Leaders are AWESOME!

2010-04-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Transfers have come and gone and guess what... I'm still in Tweed Heads!!! And I am still with Elder Tauiliili!! I'll be companions with him for 4 and a half months. We call that an Eternal Companionship. I was not expecting that but I am excited to have another transfer to learn from Elder Tauiliili.

On top of that excitement, there were 2 baptisms this week! They were baptisms in the area next to ours called the Mudgerabba Ward. Their names were Theo and Jessica. It was great because I got to teach Theo 2x and Jessica once.
Theo is the man. He is 14 and from New Zealand. He fits in with the young men like peas in a pot! (would that term make sense? :) He ordered a Lamb of God DVD and when Elder Richins contacted him he said "I wanna be a Mormon." He was so prepared and ready for baptism. Jessica is 16 and a friend of a young woman in the ward. Completely prepared as well. Theo and Jessica were baptized on Thursday night. I never feel the spirit more strong then when I see investigators close their eyes as the baptism prayer is said.

We have a full teaching pool now. We have great turn outs at church and great turn outs at our Ward Mission Leaders home for Family Home Evenings. The ward members LOVE the Family Home Evenings so I have no doubt that they are going to start bringing non-members. When we got in this area the only thing we had was a Ward Mission Leader. Now this ward is doing so much and we are about to have a Ward Mission Plan, coordination meetings, and Ward Missionaries. I love this ward so much.

We found 3 new investigators this week. Two of which were Lamb of God DVD referrals. One is Bobby's (one of our investigators) grandson. His name is Cody and he is pure Champion! He just moved over from New Zealand where he was very into his Youth group at his church over there. We are going to get him to the youth activity tonight. We taught him the Restoration.. He has been reading the Book of Mormon and he told us this week that he knows its true!! I asked him if he is ready to act on that answer and come to church and learn more and he said a firm "Yes!" In our Lesson with him tomorrow we will talk about Baptism.

All of our investigators love our Ward Mission Leader so much. Brother Taulepa has been such a blessing. Through his help we got a less-active to come back to church. His name is Alan King. He is such a good guy. He came to church yesterday in a suit and he says he absolutely fell in love with this ward. Alan King lives fairly close to us so he invited us to work out with him in the mornings, so Elder Tauiliili is soooo excited to start pumping iron. We have a really good relationship with Alan King now. Best of Friends.

You asked what I love about missionary work the most. I love the power of prayer. I was reading an Ensign article this week about a General Authority who was in a wrestling match and he almost lost- but he looked in the crowd and saw his father cheering him on. That gave him the confidence to eventually win the match- to see his father was on his side. I know that Heavenly Father is doing that for us on the other side. He always answers our prayers. I often get overwhelmed here in this area because of what my responsibility is. Every night when so many things are going through my head, I pray and Heavenly Father connects my thoughts and it becomes so much easier. Alan King was telling us this week how many blessings he has received since coming back to church and WOW- he has received so many!!! Heavenly Father is on our side and we can see that when we look to him through prayer. I love being a missionary so much. Elder Tauiliili often reminds me that I only have 9 months left. I wish he would stop! :)

I love you mom and Dad. Thank you for everything. I love you too Michael, Laura, Jessica, Chan, Cheri, Spencer, Emma, Tyler and Carly!!
God Speed the Right,
Elder Hales

a diet staple

2010-04-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's what's for breakfast. And lunch. And dinner. And Thanksgiving. And . . .

A cure for the common cold

2010-04-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well, another week has blown by. I was sick this week. I had a cold for just 2-3 days. Our area medical advisers told us to take a HOT shower and then wrap up in a blanket for 10 hours. I did that one night and the cold went away pretty quick. I was talking to Sister Richards and she said, "A cold never goes away that fast- it must have worked!" So we were able to get back to work quickly.

Things are going so well here. We are being blessed. Tweed Heads could very possibly be my favorite area. We have transfers in a week so I'm crossing my fingers. :) The area is so big that it can be overwhelming at times but then if you just rely on the Lord, things turn out great. We had 3 investigators at church this week so things are very exciting now. We haven't set baptism dates for the dates we lost, but we have plans to. Pray!!

We got a new Ward Mission Leader. His name is Brother Taulepa. He was raised in Hawaii and is Tongan. We have Family Home Evening every Monday night at his awesome house. They are so great for our investigators to go to. The spirit is strong in their home, they share a message, play a game and then have snack foods. The best is everyone just talking afterwards. Relationships are made and investigators don't feel so overwhelmed at church. We have one potential baptism coming up because of FHE.

I am doing great here. Things are going well. I love you mom and dad.
God Speed the Right
-Elder Hales

2010-04-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Last week time ran out and I wasn't able to finish the letter so sorry about that but WOW!! General Conference was so amazing! I am like you mom, all the music just pierces the soul and tears flow out. My favourite was probably the Priesthood "Hold to the Rod." This week was so full of awesome-ness! We had General Conference and then yesterday we had interviews with President Richards and today we got to go to the temple!

My interview with President Richards was so awesome. I've said before how he just opens up to questions and he really taught me how to be the missionary I want to be. Both President and I walked out of the interview with our eyes sweating. I know that I was called to Australia Brisbane for a reason as much as I know the Church is true. President Richards feels like family! :) President just issued another challenge. His first challenge was to read the Book of Mormon marking in red all the references to Christ. Second was to mark the Doctrine and Principles. The next is to read through all the red you marked for references to Christ and write down those scriptures that refer to the Atonement. Then to go through those notes and to mark off what you can't learn about the atonement from the bible that is in the Book of Mormon.

We have several investigators who want to be baptized but just can't do what they need to. ______, who was going to be baptized this Saturday postponed because she cannot stop smoking. We are trying to help _____ live the Law of Chastity. And Brianna and Bethany are set to be baptized, but their mother is holding them back. I know that they will come through. We need your faith and prayers as well.

Elder Richins got a new companion! So we are not in a 3-way anymore. He was a great example to me and I learned a lot from him. His companion just came down from Cairns in an emergency transfer because he did not lock his heart. That drives me nuts. Crazy enough- our district leader just got transferred into the office! Elder Tokaduadua. He is from New Zealand and is in my intake. It looks like he will be the last office elder before the senior couple comes.

I love the Tweed Heads Ward. I love my companion. I am so blessed. Thank you for your prayers.

I love you mom and dad!

-Dad- do you meet with the Zone leaders of the missionaries serving in the stake?
I'll reply to all other family next week and send pictures.
Love you so much.
Being a missionary is Awesome!!!!!
-Elder Hales

A Miracle Month

2010-04-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Family!

It was absolutely great to hear from all of you and to hear about how great General Conference was. You have no idea how excited I am to go!!! Every time I think about it a shock of warm excitement shoots through my body!

It sounds like things are going well. Brother, I'm never coming home. I have the Ammon attitude "perhaps until I die." :)

This was a very interesting week. The baptism that we were supposed to have at the end of last month didn't go through. Brianna and Bethany want to be baptized so bad but their parents are not a help at all. We have a lesson this week where we are going to be Elder Holland and just lay it on. They should be baptized soon. I can feel it in my bones.

Back to this week being interesting... Elder Richins' companion went home again. He was training for the second time in 2 transfers and both of his greenies went home. Poor guy, but the Lord is blessing him and he has two baptisms coming up so now Elder Tauiliili and I cover his area and we are in a tri-companionship. It's great because I can learn heaps from Elder Richins!

We had such a wonderful miracle this week. Probably one of the best Sacrament-Testimony meetings on my mission. I love this ward SOOO MUCH!! There were 350 people at church on Sunday and our chapel is far from a full size chapel. It was built for a Branch. Chairs were brought in quickly and people were seated back and up on the stage but ..wow.. the testimonies were great. At the end our Bishop gets up, Bishop Rapana, and BLOWS everyone away with his testimony. He was soo bold but not near overbearing. I really look up to our Bishop. He has a big family and has one son on a mission in England. He had us over for dinner once a week last month. He is great.

Another great miracle we had was a text message. :) We have been teaching a lady named Bobbi. She was prepared. She lives next to one of our investigators and after a lesson with her neighbor, Bobbi stopped us before we left to show us a bible that she received when her mother died. We set up a lesson and she has been coming to church every week since! We had committed her to baptism and had discussed it with her a lot and on Sunday night she sent us a text message saying, "When is the earliest I can be baptized?" We went by and set a date for the 17th which means every area in our district has a baptism on the 17th! Miracle month.

Our motto is "Be worthy of and expect miracles."
We our doing our best. The Church is the only true church!
Love you all.

Hold to the Rod

2010-03-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Elder Tauiliili and I went to seminary this morning to help the teacher with all the students passing off scripture mastery. There are some excellent youth here.

Another week has blown by. We had Zone conference this week and that was definitely the highlight. It was sooo good. One Elder gave an excellent training on "talking to everyone" and then the President gave such good training on Repentance, Grace and Mercy and the Atonement. President also talked about being chastened and how the Lord chastens those that he loves. He said that we must be chastened and accept it to make it to the Celestial Kingdom. I have been praying for humbling experiences and now I am praying to be chastened! Ha ha I love it. The night after Zone conference I really had an experience like Enos. The words of President had really sunk into my head and I realized ways I need to improve as a missionary and as a person. This week as I was studying I read somewhere that we need to "read the scriptures introspectively" -- to look for how we can improve and that is something that is hard and we have to get used to- it's likening the scriptures to us. Each week before weekly planning, President has us do an introspection. To really look at where we are and where we want to be and to set goals to achieve that. Then that week we choose just a few things to work on. I have a goal to read the Book of Mormon 2 hours a day. In study and in language study. It is really going to help me grip the iron rod firm to keep on the goal. If we let go of the iron rod- or stop reading the scriptures we WILL get lost in the mist.

This week we had 3 investigators at church again. Things are really going well. We had a member tell us "you guys are going a good job" after she saw how many were in our Gospel Principles class. It always feels good when members compliment the work. Our new Ward Mission Leader is the Man. He is Tongan but grew up in Hawaii his whole life. He had a full ride scholarship to Colorado playing gridiron but got caught up in the wrong things and went through A LOT but now he has his own security business and a wonderful family. Very humble and spiritual guy.

Things are great here. Hope and pray all is well at home.
Love you all,
Elder Hales

2010-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

DO IT -- DON'T QUIT

2010-03-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

Dear mom and dad,

Another week has completely blown by.
This week was pretty good. We had some good lessons and I really feel we are doing good at gaining the members' trust. Mom and Dad- can you write me and tell me the "members point of view" with missionaries? What you love that they do and what you don't. If you have any experiences where you didn’t like when they asked for referrals and things like that. And then Dad- what you like out of missionaries as a stake president. It would be good to have on hand to share.

The work here is about to boom! We just got a new Ward Mission Leader yesterday and he already organized a Family Home evening tonight where we can invite our investigators and share a short message.

We have dinner every Wed. night at our Bishops house. Our Bishop is so awesome. He has a son on a mission in England. That son left playing professional rugby for the Gold Coast Titans and is tearing it up in England. I just really love this ward and how great all of them are.

I read an article out of an Ensign from the 1990's. It was from that Olympian gymnast that came and did a tri-stake fireside when I was young. This article was so good I wish I would have remembered what he spoke to us about. This article was about Desire and Accomplishing Goals. He said that President Kimball had 2 signs in his office- one saying "DO IT" and the other "DON'T QUIT." Growing up I had so many goals I didn't accomplish. I had a desire to do them but it wasn't strong enough. One thing I remember in my teachers quorum is Brother Wunderi would always say to us that our goal should be to do what we want/need to do 100% of the time and be completely in control of appetites and desires. I always wanted to know how to gain a stronger desire so I could actually accomplish my goals. And it's simply get close to our father in heaven by scripture study and prayer and don’t let anything distract you. Music was something that Satan would use to distract me. But at my study desk I have 20 goals listed and above them I have "DO IT, DON'T QUIT." It feels so much better to actually be what you want to be instead of thinking about what you want to be.
I love being a missionary.
I love you mom and dad.
-Elder Hales

Short and sweet

2010-03-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

This week has been great and hard! A lot of biking since our car is being borrowed for a little over a week.

I don't really have much time to write- I really feel bad making Elder Tauiliili wait so long.

Things have been AWESOME! Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven and they have come. President Richards said that when you are exactly obedient and do all "the small things perfectly" the Lord will ask you to put more on the altar of sacrifice. That is what I am really trying to do.

Santi is ENGAGED!! So she will be married and baptized very soon!

We had a good show of investigators at church this week and although we only have 2 baptism dates- it looks like we will be blessed with more soon.

I'm glad that you had a good time with family mom. And dad- I have wondered how I was related to Elder Robert D. Hales for a long time. Everyone always asks me and I never know what to say!!! :) (*distantly related)

I love you all family, and Cheri-- CONGRATS ON THE DUDE! Time for another dude in the family! :)

God Speed the Right

-Elder Adam Hales

Miracles

2010-03-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

This week was full of miracles. It has been a blast! Monday was rough because we had a dinner appointment in another city 30 min. away, so we decided to work the whole day in that area. It was raining so we were tracting in the rain the whole day! But then it just got even better.

We went to the Temple on Wednesday and on Thursday we had a lesson with Shanti where we committed her to keep the Word of Wisdom and to be baptized. She said yes to both. She really understands the Gospel very well.

We were even more blessed when we contacted a referral from Church Headquarters. His name is Steven and he has already read up to 2 Nephi. The referral was for a "Finding Happiness" which doesn't exist- (a movie??) but when we went by he let us come in and started explaining Joseph Smith's first vision to us..???... then he says.. "is what I'm saying right?" Miracle. We told him we have a copy of the Book of Mormon that he can have instead of using the internet and he went to give a donation for it. We didn't accept it and we explained that we paid our way to come out here. When we bore testimony he looked like it was piercing his heart. He is definitely seeking the truth. He has found it.

Another great blessing where we saw the hand of the Lord is we have two baptism dates for the 27th of March. Bethany and Brianna Gaul and two young girls who are daughters of a less- active member who wants to come back to church. We met with them the first week in Tweed Heads but then they moved and got a new phone so we completely lost contact.
One day we were driving past the suburb we heard that she moved into and I had a feeling we were going to catch her walking her daughters home from school. Sure enough a block later we pulled over and talked to them. We set up a lesson the next day. The following day we went by and had such a great lesson where the spirit was able to touch all of them. Please pray for them and their mother Jorgina. They need blessings and strength.

Yesterday while I was studying, I was reading an Ensign that talked about the experience Moses had when he saw God and shortly after saw Satan. The point it was making is that God referred to Moses as "My Son" several times and when Satan came later, he called Moses by saying: "Moses, Son of Man, worship me." Moses, just after seeing the divinity of God could see the difference and cast Satan away. But what I learned is that Satan doesn't want us to remember that we are actually children of God. He is going to lie to us, he is going to attack us and the closer we get to Heavenly Father- the more he is going to work to keep us away. Every sin starts with us believing a lie! I loved that- it really hit me in the face. I love you mom and dad- thanks for everything.
God Speed-
Elder Hales

Finally!

2010-03-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Dear mom and dad,

All of us are really sad President Richards will be leaving. We are excited for President Langeland too, though. (the new Mission President in July) Yesterday we had interviews with President Richards. They are so awesome. He opens up for any questions with unlimited time. While I was in the office he said that "where else are young adult men going to get unlimited interview time with an experienced Priesthood leader?"

We got to go to the temple this morning. Awesome because Tweed Heads is the lowest area that gets to go to the temple. We have a train station at the top of our area so we drove there and took an hour and a half train ride up to Brisbane.

This week was so great. Elder Tauiliili and I are working hard. Our ward is really great and keeping us busy. We don't have any baptism dates yet which is a bummer but we will soon. We have one investigator who is Seventh Day and he said that he got an answer to his prayer that the Book of Mormon isn't true. I asked my Zone Leader what he would say in that situation. He said its fair game to be WAY bold. So it went extremely well! :-) I committed him to read a chapter a day and pray everyday to know if the Book of Mormon is true and seek an answer from the Holy Ghost. He said, "This is really important to you isn't it? What do you know that I don't?" And I said, "That the Book of Mormon is scripture." He said that he would read a chapter a day. I pray we don't have to stop teaching him because that is what we will have to do if he doesn't keep that.
I really can't write much today.
Love you all
God Speed the right
-Elder Adam Hales

Striving for perfection

2010-02-21T17:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Wow- another week has blown by and a lot of interesting things happened! Last P-day we had a missionary in our district pack up his bags while his companion was in the shower and take off. He is in the Mudgerabba Ward which borders our ward. So the news is that I cover that area now. Elder Richins is in my intake and I love the kid. He was training a missionary from Melbourne who was also in the running for the best dancer in Australia, specializing in ballet. So the last few days, Elder Tauiliili and I have had Elder Richins with us. He is such a good missionary and I have learned heaps from him already. But sadly this week he will be transferred up to Brisbane, Kangaroo Point Ward for 4 weeks until the end of transfers so that he can have a companion.

The work is going great. We have about 10 investigators in our teaching pool which has been a lot of work but so much fun. I have been getting used to teaching a lot again and it feels GOOD! I have really felt the spirit guide my efforts this week. I had a feeling to tract a street for a week now but didn't get around to it until Saturday. I was on trade-offs with our Zone Leader and we tracted into our progressing investigator, Shanti. We have taught her every Thursday night since we were in the area and she is ready to be baptized- just needs to get married or move out of the house of her partner. Her partner, Josh, is on a surf trip in Bali. He is a pure champion. Lessons with Shanti are a little different because she has been to church a lot and knows a lot of the lessons already. She expressed how she wants to know more about Joseph Smith and the Plan of Salvation so we watched the Restoration DVD and talked about what was restored. We briefly taught the Plan of Salvation and transferred perfectly into Eternal Marriage. It was very much guided by the spirit and it went very well. Our Ward Mission Leader is the fellowship and he is excellent. His name is Brother Hall. For work he owns a lot of tourist shops.

Brother Hall needed us to teach Gospel Principles yesterday and I am so glad we did. Teaching lessons in the chapel is so great. We taught a lesson from the manuel on Prophets. We talked about all the challenges the prophets have given about reading the Book of Mormon. OBVIOUSLY it is important. It fills us with faith which will cast out all fear. I was excited to share that whenever we are taking a step in life- going on a mission- new calling in ward- getting baptized- we will often think we are not ready= fear. We know who gives us fear and we know what will cast out all fear. I shared in the lesson how I was really nervous whether I knew enough to be a good missionary- if i was good enough. I shared what was said when Dad set me apart- he said that "although you don't feel perfect, none of us are." My testimony grew this week that none of us are perfect, but eventually we will be. We should not let imperfection give us fear.
This is the Lord's Kingdom. The Book of Mormon is not a lie. It fills us with faith. We have it because God Loves Us.

I love you mom and dad.
God Speed
-Elder Hales

Baptism

2010-02-14T22:51:00.001-08:00

Dawn's Baptism. The sisters that taught her and Dawn's kids.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Another week has blown by so fast. I hate having to say "over a year" when people ask how long I have been out. But we have been working hard here in the Tweed Head.
Whitewashing an area is always hard but I love it and with this great ward it's not too bad. We already have meal appointments every day for the rest of the month.

Last week we had Zone Conference which was so great. We received training on helping people make and keep commitments. The work progresses so much more when you're bold but not overbearing. The Assistants gave a training on teaching from the Book of Mormon and instead of using our own analogies, using stories from the Book of Mormon. So this week we did that with our only progressing investigator at this point. Her name is Shanti. She is almost engaged to a member of our ward. We teach her at our Ward Mission Leaders home and they are such good fellowship there is no doubt in my mind that Shanti will be baptized. We had a lesson with them on Thursday night and taught out of Mosiah where Abinidi preaches to King Noah and the evil Priests. We then talked about Alma and related it to her. We committed her to baptism and went through the Baptism Questions with her and she is set to go... just needs to get married or move out of Josh's (partner) place. It was a great lesson. Our leaders were really inspired on what to train on.

Elder Tauiliili's parents don't use email so I try to keep it short so that he doesn't have to wait too long.

I love you and hope things are continuing to go well.
God Speed the Right
-Elder Hales

New Area - Tweed Heads

2010-02-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken before the transfer.

All,

Well, I have so much to tell and this keyboard is horrible but my new area is called TWEED HEADS. Our flat overlooks the ocean and we have a broken in half surfboard in our flat. Wow. It is the best area in the mission.

To start the story off, Dawn's Baptism was so great. The font leaked during the beginning so when it came time to baptize her we had to fill it up for 5 min. She was nervous but did awesome and the spirit was very strong. It was such a great experience.

Elder Christofferson came to the mission but I was unable to go because my companion was sick. So I stayed in the flat and a day later got sick as well. :-) I got over it quickly though. It sounded really really good and I was sad that I was unable to go but 'sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.'

Transfers came and we were so busy that I was unable to email last Tuesday because our area is so far south and we couldn’t find computers. Michael asked me if I got to choose my area. President Richards never asked me where I wanted to go, but in the office I would always put my board card under Tweed Heads so I guess President got the hint! :-) I think he asked the AP's where and they said Tweed. Half of our area is in New South Wales so it’s really complicated scheduling appointments because New South Wales does Daylight Savings and Queensland doesn’t and we live in Queensland. I get so confused sometimes! So my new area is very big and one of the best areas in the Gold Coast. It is complete surf country! I love the ward members- all of them are just happy people and most of them surf. Out our window we can see the waves. We live on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach so you can see it on a map.

My companion is the best news. His name is Elder Tauiliili and he is from Samoa. He was called to Australia Brisbane Chinese speaking but really he was learning English and Chinese. He has been out in the field 6 months. He is really smart and just has a heart of Gold. He has already come out of his shell and we have become really good friends. His English isn’t amazing so he always says "Its gunna be crazy!" to everything. He doesn’t have much teaching experience at all so it’s like he is new. Tweed Heads area was closed for the last 6 weeks so we just got shot into this area and the members are so happy to have us here.

The work here is going great!! We have baptisms already coming up. I am excited to tell you all about them- but my time is up so I’ll have to talk to you next week.

Love you mom and dad
God Speed,
Elder Hales

Youtube link

2010-02-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

See this video of Elder Hales in the mission office.

Fun times

2010-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo!

2010-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

New transfer coming up

2010-01-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

I don't cut my hair like that anymore. For some reason in this mission- it is a short hair mission. Our AP's cut their hair shorter than me! But I don't let my hair get distracting from my purpose. (*He sent a bunch of pictures home on a thumb drive. In a lot of them, his hair was buzzed and I asked him why it was so short. All right, all right -- what I said was: Dude! What's up with the hair?! Or lack thereof.)

Dad- glad you like the kangaroo pouch. :)

Well, in a few days I'll be emailing you about my new area. I know where I will be serving and who my companion is but I really can't say anything. I am really excited but nervous too. I still feel like a greenie!

Really quick about the baptism of Dawn Talbot- It WAS AMAZING!!! It was so great to baptize her. The whole program was so great and spiritual and I know that her kids will be baptized soon. I'll talk about it on Tuesday.
Love you mom and dad and I'll talk to ya in a few days. (*he means "email")
Love,
Elder Hales

A baptism

2010-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

Dear mom and dad,
I leave the office soon. It's pretty weird knowing that I will be transferred and soon I might even find out where.

There is so much exciting news to tell. Right now I am doing e-mails in a city called Ipswich. Its pretty cool. We came out here to a guy that sells the kangaroo scripture cases and things. But anyway, we are about to go to a baptism. Dawn Talbot that I taught in Waterford is getting baptized today in the Park Ridge Ward. She moved to that area and now will be baptized!!!! I was able to get permission from President Richards to go. There are sister missionaries in this area that I am sure really helped Dawn progress. We are about to drive to the chapel over there where I was given the honor to baptize her! I am so excited. The spirit was so strong every time Elder Prina and I would teach her. I'll send a picture of the baptism as soon as possible. It will be the first time I get in the water!

We also had several great lessons this week.

Things have been great. I have been so blessed. Thank you for your prayers.
If we look, we can see miracles and tender mercies of the Lord in our lives. The angel told Nephi to Look so many times.
Love you all
-Elder Adam Hales

Another Apostle visit

2010-01-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Mum and Pa,

Things have been going great. I can't remember if I told you, but we actually are a very lucky mission. Probably the best in the world! We have Elder Christofferson coming the 26th of this month to address us! This will be my 3rd Apostle and 4th General Authority. I can't even explain how awesome it is to be in the Australia Brisbane Mission with President Richards!

This week has been so busy as always, but there was one experience I wanted to share this week. We have found a new investigator and her name is Sarah. She is a media referral and has some friends that are members. We were able to teach her the first lesson this week. She seems very keen but somehow we have not been able to teach her for 2 weeks until last Sunday, we drop by and catch her right before she is leaving with the members. We plan a time to meet on Tuesday. On Tuesday we could not get in touch with her and the last few days we could not get fellowship but we decide to stop by anyway. While we were driving up, a thought came to me and I asked my companions if we should teach no matter what -- even if it's in the front yard. I love thoughts that come. :) We walked away from teaching her in her garage with the huge door open sitting on little plastic boxes, but I knew she felt the spirit and that put a smile on all our faces.

I love this work. I love being a missionary. I know the gospel is true.
I am sending your packages THIS WEEK for sure. I commit myself to it. Sorry- we are so busy and can't mail anything on our P-day (Saturday) because the Post is closed.
God Speed the Right!
-Elder Hales

Everything is amazing and exciting

2010-01-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Mum and Dad,
Things have been so amazing and great I don't know where to start, like always.
Ha ha, yes I was able to play Santa Claus this year. That was fun. (* The office elders drove a van around and pulled a trailer to deliver all the gifts for the missionaries.)

Kelly Winder is such an awesome kid. I love him so much and am so excited to hear he got his call to Phili! Let him know that I am so excited for him, that he is going into the most important years of his life, and that I have a letter going his way.

I have been so excited lately. Things have been hard but still so smooth. Elder Lines, my new companion with Elder Mooney, is such a good missionary. I am able to learn so much from him.

Last Sunday I had one of those amazing moments as a missionary. One of those that just make you so full of joy. It was just a regular day at church. I was talking to a member and then turned around when they sat down and saw Tim Fenner right in front of me. I totally did a double take but I just gave him a huge hug and told him how great it was to see him. We caught up for a minute and he said that he got the letter I sent and in reply he found out where I was serving and decided to make the 30 min. drive up to Chermside to visit me for the new year!

My companions and I sat next to him in church and he got up to bear his testimony. It was such a great experience to see that he is still way strong and firm on the Gospel. He also mentioned his New Year goal is to be like "living waters." It's about how something so soft can be so powerful to break down rocks. How fast it can move and how if it stops it can get stale and bad. He related that to how he always wants to be progressing and moving forward in the Gospel. I thought it was great since if we do cease to read the scriptures and pray, we will lose that zeal we have about the gospel.

I bore my testimony after he did about how much I love missionary work. How much joy it brings. I know I am involved in the most important work there is. How great is my calling?! I know that the Lord leads and guides our prophet.
It's true!
Love you all!
-Elder Adam Hales

A picture!

2010-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Elder Hoskins and I on Mt. Coot-tha. It overlooks all of Brisbane. Really awesome.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

G'Day!
Wow! It has been the best year of my life and I am going to make it an even better year this year.

We had zone conference this week and President Richards answered a lot of questions about the Plan of Salvation. It was amazing! The spirit was so strong. One of the greatest things I learned was that there is only one kind of perfect. Only one. I want to be a perfect missionary and a lot of times in the past I have tried to be different to gain trust of members. Now that I think back, I want members to think that I am a perfect missionary. Elder Holland told us in the MTC that we should give members every right to think that we are perfect. Of course we are not but that really put things into perspective with me. Christ was perfect. To make it to the Celestial Kingdom we have to be perfect. Are we trying to be perfect when we try to be different? No. :-)

This week has been great. We contacted a referral which is gold. We really felt like she is ready to hear the message that will change her life. The message that makes us perfect.
Thank you for your prayers. I feel them and am strengthened by them. Things couldn't be better. I love you mom and dad!
God Speed the right,
-Elder Hales

Siblings:
It was great to talk to all of you. I pray for the best for you!

**Note from mom: On New Years Eve, Adam hit his one year mark. I am amazed that it has gone by so quickly. Hopefully this last year will too.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

We got the phone call today. Most of us were here and we got Michael's family on the webcam so that they could hear too. It was at 4:00 p.m. our time and we were anxiously waiting all day! Of course, it was the day after Christmas for him. He said that he went to members' homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and was able to have a decent holiday meal both days.

He didn't sound "Aussie" like we thought he would -- not an accent to speak of. He is really dedicated to his mission and says in 5 weeks or so he would be transferred out of the office. He's given the opportunity to choose where he wants to go next, but says he really doesn't care and would let the President choose for him. As it stands now, he's so busy with office duties and then proselyting that he hardly has any time to mail letters or send pictures. But he PROMISES that there's a package coming to us with a thumb drive full of pictures.

He said he played cricket this morning. You know -- typical Christmas Day activity. (ha!) And then they had laundry to do. And all the flats there have washers and dryers. His brother and brother-in-law laughed at the "ease" of that.

He doesn't like us bringing up the fact that his mission is almost half over. That is so depressing to him! He is LOVIN' it and ended the call with: "The Church is true."

Thank you to all the blog readers and especially those of you who comment. We'll be having a give-a-way for commenters. (j/k) :-)

Short and sweet

2009-12-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

When our office was getting remodeled.

Dear Family,
Thank you mom and dad for the card and money. Lifesaver.

Things are going great. We had interviews with President this week. I love that the most. President Richards is so loving and although there are so many missionaries, he cares about every single one. He really has been focusing on us making ourselves better so that we can be guided by the spirit to help others and the success is amazing. We have had more baptisms this year than any other year before.

This week we also found out about all of the transfers. I will be training a missionary to take my spot. And one of our AP's, Elder Olsen, is going home. He is the man. He has been in the office the whole time I have so it will be sad to see him go. I really have no idea when I'll call. President wants us to use members' phones 'cause it costs us too much and an American family in our ward gets free calls to America. I'll probably get permission to email to let you know when I'll call.

We only have 2-3 weeks to finish our Book of Mormon reading. It's amazing to look back on the pages I have read and see all the red that I have colored. There are some pages that are almost completely red. Thanks for everything. I'll talk to ya soon.
Love you all.
-Elder Adam Hales

The meaning of "GQ-ing"

2009-12-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Dear family,
Things are going great here. Today we took the Executive Secretary, Elder Brown, with us on our P-Day. He is an 80 yr old pure Aussie so he knew a lot of cool things for us to see. Anyway he loves talking to us and telling stories so we knew he had an awesome time out with us too.

GQing is street contacting. We look for the Golden Question when talking to people. I guess missionaries in Australia have been doing it for ages.

Elder Winder is such a powerful missionary! We have such an awesome family.

Well, things have seemed to be tough again. A recent convert that we have been working with and teaching has fallen. Elder Mooney and I got to Coordination meeting on Thursday night and our Ward Mission Leader asked us to go give him a blessing because he was going into the hospital the next day. We have been working with him at least once a week since I have been in this area. His health isn't very good. When we got to his apartment he was half asleep. He let us in and we found him drunk and he had been smoking. He knows it's true 100 percent but he fell. He had a glass of alcohol on the table but he was so embarrassed and lied saying that it was juice. We didn't confront him about it because it wasn't the time. It was interesting because in the blessing I felt inspired to tell him to rely and trust on his Priesthood leaders. He may not be able to remember that but I have faith. I know that he will make it. He is such a good guy. He is in his 60's but has the health of an 80 year old and acts like a teenager. We will never give up on him because I know the Lord never would.

The AP's have a baptism tonight for a lady from Papau New Guinea. She is filled with the spirit. Elder Olsen will be baptizing her which is exciting because he goes home in a week. Poor guy. But us four missionaries are doing a musical item. (* "item." ha ha)

By the way, do you remember Alana and Dalin Leneham? She was baptized in Waterford after I left. I found out they are married and now expecting a baby!

I have been so blessed here. I know that this is the most important work and I LOVE it. No where else I would rather be. Thank you for the example you are mom and dad.
Love you all.
God Speed the Right
-Elder Hales

Picture at last

2009-12-12T08:43:00.001-08:00

Marshall's baptism. My companion, Elder Hurst, is next to me. Elder Hoskins and Elder Mooney on the right.

Missionary moments and GO COUGARS!

2009-12-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Mum and Dad:
My companion is a very big Ute fan. Ugh. (*we had told him about the game.) There is this young man in our ward who went to BYU for EFY and loved it so now his dream is to go to BYU and of course he gets texts from friends there. Anyway, all through church he comes up to me and says "BYU is up!"

I LOVED your letter this week. The missionary moment and Dad's getting to speak to the missionaries are such good news!!! :) Elder Nielsen of the Seventy said that he was about to give a talk one time at a Stake Conference and Elder Ballard asked to see his notes. Then he took his notes, put them in his briefcase and told him to speak on something he has NEVER talked on before. There are so many important aspects of missionary work to speak on but every missionary will be strengthened and edified by your testimony and that is always the best part.
Your missionary moment got me soooo excited! That is exactly what we ask members to look for. This man from South Central will feel the spirit in your home. Watch a few Christmas DVD's and pray for which one you feel you should give him. One of my favourites is Joy to the World. It teaches about Christmas and the Restoration. The missionaries probably have some extra. I probably have about a thousand in the office. We are having a campaign going on right now. Are there commercials going on in the USA? Our mission usually has about 40 baptisms because of referrals from the commercials.

I can't believe how fast time flies, especially in the office. I have been here for 3 transfers! Which is the longest I have been in an area! The ward here is great, my companion is a stud, and things are just awesome here. Things are getting pretty hectic now that it's almost transfer time again. What I do in the office is probably like Dad explaining what he does at work. My average day consists of picking up mail, booking flights and buses, small tasks, coordinating incoming and outgoing missionaries, ordering missionary supplies and answering the phone. Then we go out and work!!

The Assistants have the majority of the dinner appointments so we usually only have two a week. We both have a few families we work with.

Thank you so much for the packages! I got both in one day and my companion liked his stocking. They are hanging up in the office right now. :-) EVERYONE likes the EFY cd you sent! Thank you so much. I am excited to open the gifts.

Last Zone conference, President Richards talked about washing dishes and how he grew to love it. Not because he loves washing dishes but because he loves his wife and that he washes the dishes for her. He told us that we can grow to love things we don't like. I have grown to love tracting and GQing because I love God. We follow what He commands us because we love him.

This work is true, this work is real, this work is the Lord's.
If we pray for missionary opportunities they DO drop out of the sky. Our goal is to help others come unto Christ.
Love you mom and dad
-Elder Hales

Mangoes vs. turkey

2009-11-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

DEAR FAMILY!

This week has been great. We have been continually blessed so much. But as always, we have had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. There was one huge big low this week. The man I talked about last week . . . two days ago we got all the reading material including the Book of Mormon in the mail from him. There was no note or return address but we know it was him. That really just crushed us. He told us he had felt the Holy Ghost and asked us what he needs to do to get ready for his baptism but now he won't pick up his home phone. We have the feeling he got into some anti stuff. That just hits a missionary where it hurts. But I know the Lord will look out for him and he'll accept the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We did have an amazing lesson with another one of our investigators. Her name is Leslie and her husband is a member, so the situation is gold. The office elders had been teaching her even before I was here so Elder Mooney and I are really ready for her to get moving. We had a lesson with her on Wed. night and watched "On the Way Home" which is very old-fashioned but exactly what she needs. After the video we testified of the gospel and eternal families and her husband bore such a powerful testimony. He talked about one of his mission stories and then told his wife he wants to stand in the font, dressed in white to baptize her. She expressed that she doesn't feel that she has got an answer and that she really wants to know for sure that it's true before she does anything. She loves church and reads the Book of Mormon so her answer will come.

Thanksgiving was fun. We had correlation meeting so before we jetted off to that, we had some mango's.

It's been a short week but things have gone well. Elder Hoskins went with his companion up to Emerald. Emerald is pure outback and very hot so they said they are sweating 24/7.

The work continues to progress. Things are going amazing here in Australia. The Church is lead by Christ.
I love you all.
-Elder Hales

B-ball with the Prez

2009-11-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

G'DAY FAMILY:

We have American families in our ward that might invite us over for Thanksgiving but so far we don't have a dinner appointment. We might just go get some Fish and Chips- Australian Style.

We played basketball this morning with President Richards and it was almost the most aggressive game we've had yet! It gets that way with some missionaries. But when we play rugby its only touch instead of tackle. No one ever gets hurt. (*um -- what about a few weeks ago??)

There are so many miracles by the Lord's hand this week that I don't know where to start.
First, Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Gonzales of the Quorum of the Seventy, and Elder Callister of the Seventy and who also wrote the book "The Infinite Atonement,"(which I really want to read someday) spoke to us on Saturday. They didn't originally plan to speak to all the missionaries but Elder Cook personally knows President Richards from San Francisco and they fit in about 2 hours to speak to us. We got a Mission picture with him and we all shook their hands and then we were able to hear from all three of them including Sister Cook. She was awesome. She is VERY musical and had the mission sing "Hark all ye Nations" and she all taught us parts very quickly.
Elder Gonzalez talked about being bold. Elder Callister talked about being a Consecrated Missionary. A missionary who sacrifices his all and puts it all on the Sacrifice alter. He talked about how there are only a dozen or so missionaries in every mission who reach the "Consecrated Missionary" status. He talked about how we can't just change our behavior on our mission, but that we have to change our nature. Isn't that what happens in repentance? That's how we become better. When we repent, if we only change our behavior we will most likely commit the sin again. We have to change our nature. That was one insight I got from it. It is my prayer that I will become a consecrated missionary very soon.

Then Elder Cook was amazing. He talked about how our missions bless ALL the missionaries' family and friends. He talked about how a sister of a missionary gave up her scholarship at BYU and moved to Salt Lake to work for a law office to keep her brother on a mission [hint hint Carly :)] and how much it meant to her. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven.

I saved the best for last -- another soul came unto Christ. We got a phone call in the office from a man who wanted to meet with the missionaries. He is actually in our area so we set up a time to meet with him. His name is Bob and he is amazing. He really wants to turn his life around. He is a clean cut guy and probably in his 40's. We had a lesson with him after our meeting with Elder Cook and we taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ- mostly on Baptism. He accepted the commitment to be baptized on December 13th and came to church yesterday and enjoyed it very much. He is truly in the Lord's hands. This is why: He has been having trouble understanding the Book of Mormon. Yesterday at church- all 3 hours were on the Book of Mormon and how it's another testament of Christ and how we can get more out of it. He also remembers our Ward Mission Leader from about 15 years back. Fifteen years back our Ward Mission Leader was a non-member and a different guy. I could tell he saw the huge difference in him and that is what Bob wants too. Our Ward Mission Leader just told him "This here -- it changed my life completely." Our ward mission leader is amazing. He is a consecrated ward mission leader. He puts it all on the sacrifice altar.

This work is true and it is guided by the Lord. To all those who read this-- never let Satan make you think you could never have a missionary experience.

I love you mom and Dad. Thanks for everything.
God Speed the Right,
Elder Hales

E.A.G.H.

2009-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

DEAR FAMILY:
G'day! Today we went to the most Eastern part of Australia. It's called Byron Bay. That was fun.
Things are going well. I have really grown to love serving in the office. I never gave the office elders enough credit because I am always swamped. My companion, Elder Mooney, was driving this morning and started to really get extreme drowsiness. That was put in good words. We switched drivers. :) I'll be okay mom.

Not a lot went on this week. Transfers were so hectic that we forgot about one of our lessons with a recent convert. His name is Ian and he is probably in his 60's. He has more life stories than I could imagine. He is completely converted to the gospel and he is going to do baptisms in the temple today. We were excited to hear that. But what I love the most about Ian is his love for the Book of Mormon. Lately we have heard a lot about how important the Book of Mormon is. I read Elder Holland's talk again from Conference. A lot of people have said how they didn't learn anything but were blown away from his testimony. But I learned so much. The spirit is what teaches and the way he gave his talk, the Spirit had so much to feed off of and allow us to hear what we needed to hear. Oh man, he is a good teacher!! Sometimes we need to be more bold. I still fear I might offend. There is a balance I look for.

Orientation for the new missionaries is always fun. The Elders from the Provo MTC are always so funny. There is an Elder from Idaho Falls that came in. He knows a few of my friends from BYU I. His name is Elder Schwideiman.

I love that you are reading in the end of Alma! There really is so much to learn from the war chapters! Sometimes at dinner appointments we share a message where everyone is given the opportunity to share their favourite prophet from the Book of Mormon and why. I have a few but I love Captain Moroni because he prepared spiritually before physically for war. I love that 'cause that's what I do everyday. We have our study in the morning- and then we go out there and "Get them!"

Thank you for your prayers and everything you do for me. I love you all and pray for you.
God Speed the Right
Elder Hales

PS- To those who read my blog- sorry if I have not found time to write. It really has been hard to find time in the office.

"We're going to the mountains!"

2009-11-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Family:
We had such a treat this week! Elder Nielson of the 1st quorum of the Seventy (and in the Area presidency), came and did a mission tour. Basically what happened is we had 2 Zone conferences this transfer and we won't have any next time. But being lucky enough to go to both zone conferences in the Brisbane area- I had an epic experience.
On Monday I get a call in the office and I hear, "Hello Elder Hales, this is Elder Nielson of the Quorum of the Seventy." That was cool. He ended up having a meeting with the office staff later which was awesome. But on the phone he proceeded to ask if anyone was picking him up from the airport. Got me nervous for a second but remembered President Richards was picking him up. He then asked me how to dial phone numbers in Australia. :)

Zone conference was phenomenal. Honestly- President Richards was extremely good. Sister Nielson gave an incredible talk on Companionship Unity. But it applies to everyone because we all need unity for the work to progress quicker. In our quorums, presidencies and even our families. She talked about how as companions "we are on the same team." That we should never criticize our companion and not try to change them. Then she talked about the song "Homeward Bound" by the Motab. (Got that CD from another missionary). How they use a pennywhistle and how it adds such a spirit to the song. She said how we all have our own pennywhistles -- that we all do good things. To be honest- that talk really helped me.

Elder Nielson talked about a lot of things. Seemed very scattered but I guess there was a lot of different things he wanted to cover with our mission. He talked about the revelatory process that is outlined in 1 Nephi 11-14. That was way good. And at the end of the meeting he opened it up for questions. It was funny. He said " If you're going to ask me where the sword of Laban is, I'll say I don't know. And if you're going to try to stump the Seventy... you win!"

The rest of the week has been good. We have been preparing for transfers so I've been stressing about getting things done. It's pretty weird knowing transfers before it happens. It's kind of like finding out there is no Santa.
It's the Lords work. I'm glad we are on his team.
I love you all.
God Speed
-Elder Adam Hales

P.S. What is really weird is calling the MTC in Provo. We have to call to see how many greenies there are so we know how many trainers we need. Hearing Americans talk is really different.

One thing Elder Nielson of the Seventy taught us is in the hymn, "Ye Elders of Israel" is that we bid farewell to Babylon, or the world, and Go to the Mountains. Or as referred to in the scriptures, the temple. He told us that is what we do as missionaries. We are on the same team!

When ye are in the service of your fellow beings . . .

2009-10-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Mum and Dad,
G'Day from Australia! Things have been going well! In response to your letter:
Teeth are good, glasses are perfect.
No, we don't do daylight savings.
Transfers are in a week and a half. There could be 4 of us staying here because we are getting a new program for all the work we do in the office so President might keep Elder Hoskins and his future companion who will be opening a new area up north, in the office for a few weeks to help Elder Mooney and I out.

Things are pretty hectic. Seems like things are always falling apart - but look at the work. It progresses and it does so fast! I love it.
One lesson I learned today was service. I'll be honest, today we had an awesome P-Day planned out and last night we get a call from our Elder's Quorum President. He asks us to help out with a new move in today right during the time we would be hiking a mountain off of Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast. I'll admit- I was devastated! Of course we helped out and it became such a blessing. We got there and the Elders Quorum President was there with 3 other men and they really needed the help of 5 missionaries. The truck was huge and full and a lot of loose items but we got done in a good 2 hours. Helping others is way better than anything for personal reasons. I always felt good doing it back home but dismissed the feeling. I always seem to need to learn these lessons again but I know I'll make it. When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. And how, in any way, could it be bad to serve your God? It always equals happiness.

This week was great. We had our interviews with President and I always love that. And before I forget to mention, President and Sister Richards had just the office elders over for dinner this last week. That was awesome and allowed us to get to know them more. President Richards was in a Stake Presidency for the past 20 years. Sounds like Dad. :)

In our ward, the ward mission leader is epic. He is known all across the mission. Pure Aussie and bold. Anyway with his help we are having cottage-meetings now. This Sunday is the first. The Assistants have been working hard on this for quite awhile. A few of the strongest families in the ward are bringing non-members to this cottage meeting (get to know you so they feel comfortable coming to church. And when they do come to church they know several families already) on Sunday and we are expecting around 50 people, probably half non-members. We're excited to see how it goes.

Well, I love you all and continue praying for you. Thank you again for your prayers.
Love you mum and dad,
God Speed
Elder Hales

Dad:
That is a very good scripture. In the MTC they told us that our purpose was to get these people to the Celestial kingdom. I love the temple. We get to go this next Friday.

What Mothers do not want to hear

2009-10-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,
That is so exciting for Jordan!!! Tell him I say congrats.
I am fairly healthy! I haven't been sick for a long time. Funny you brought that up. Don't worry Mom, it was only a minor concussion. I promise. It was probably 2 weeks ago. Since the AP's live right across the hall and they have zone leaders come on trade-offs, there are enough of us to go play a game of rugby. But this one day we decided to try out gridiron. I wore my glasses so I couldn't see out of my peripheral vision very well. Well, another missionary's shoulder went right into my nose and teeth and I'll stop there. But no damage. I was so blessed. Everything looks the exact same and my brain is working great! :-) But one of the AP's had to go to the doctor because he had to get his toe checked out. He had surgery on it because the nail was ingrown. So I went with him and he checked my head out. He also gave me a shot while I was there for the swine flu. I know I probably would never get the swine flu but he said he was giving it free for missionaries so I knew you would want me to get it mom. The doctor is a member. (* I thought he already HAD the swine flu!)
Work in the office has been going okay. I'm really behind on work because I still have to re-learn how to do things but it's going well. I really love being able to work with President and Sister Richards. We have one other investigator that we are working with. Her name is Leslie Hanson. Her husband is an awesome member. She was struggling with reading the Book of Mormon but SHE READ 2 CHAPTERS! We could see a difference in her after that. She went to Saturday morning session of General Conference and liked it so we continue to pray for her and hope she reads!
But another thing I forgot to tell you about last week was... MARSHALL'S BAPTISM! It was so great! We had it after church on the first Sunday of this month. It was so good. His fellowship baptized him, Brother Curtis, and then we confirmed him the same day. He spoke after his confirmation and bore his powerful testimony. One of those amazing moments. His friend who introduced him into the gospel who is now also his girlfriend spoke as well and that was very powerful. She talked about how she never thought she would have an amazing missionary experience as that. Which is the way we all think sometimes. We never think anyone we know would ever accept the gospel- never giving them the chance to make the most important decision of their life.
I love the quote: "The day you give them a Book of Mormon is the most important day of their life!!!"
Missionary work is the best ever. I love being a missionary.
I love you all and pray for you. Thank you for your prayers.
Cheerio,
Elder Hales

Phenomenal

2009-10-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Mum and Dad,
Wow, these past weeks have been draining but so amazing as well. Elder Holland's talk was phenomenal. His talks always are. I read one in a New Era about gaining confidence. It comes from Christ! Because confidence comes through worthiness, worthiness comes through Christ. But Elder Holland was the perfect amount of bold and touching. President Richards already got General Conference sent to the office so I watched it again. It inspired me so much. I want to be able to bear a testimony like that about the Book of Mormon. I really think this project Pres. Richards has us doing (highlighting in red the references to Christ) will really help me on that path.

Thank you so much for the Halloween card!! I don't think they celebrate it here. But really- Australians celebrate it everyday. :) Apparently there is a lot of witchcraft in Australia. I haven't seen too much though.

Well, there is so much amazing news to tell. First off- our mission is going through some changes. The last 2 transfers we have had around 20 missionaries come in and in 3 weeks we have 15 more coming! We are the largest mission in Australia and have the most baptisms but we need to be better. Zone conference was amazing because President Richards provided the way for us to raise the bar. We have a new mission motto: BE WORTHY OF AND EXPECT MIRACLES!! It's perfect. President Richards told us he had been working on it for several months. Then he categorized it into 3 subtitles: 1. Purity 2. Unity 3. Faith. We need more faith! I learned a lot from those conferences.
Then the blessing of General Conference. It was amazing. Priesthood was great.

Some more exciting news is the fact that Elder Nelson is coming in November to do a mission tour!!! He will be holding trainings with the missionaries and even going up north to the missionaries up there!

Even more insanely awesome news is the fact that Elder Cook of the Quorum of the 12 is coming to speak to the missionaries at the end of November. Our mission is very blessed. I know we have some great spiritual giants here.

Well I hope things are well. The work is moving forward. It's crazy how sometimes missionaries can get down about being rejected but when we take a step back and look at the growth of the church, it's phenomenal. It's because it's true.
Love you mom and dad.
Love you family.
-Elder Hales

* memo from Mom: note the new address for him.

We got jipped! (and so did he)

2009-10-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
I'm sorry. I wrote a long letter about this amazing week but the computer I am on logged me out and I wasn't able to send it. I hate when that happens.
Well, this week is General Conference, so we have P-day today.
We had an amazing zone conference this week. I'll talk about it next week.
I love you and I love the Lord.
-Elder Hales

*note from Mom: I was surprised to hear that he would get to listen to (or see) General Conference so soon. Last time it took over two weeks to get it. So it's getting faster. And I feel bad that we didn't even have an email ready for him. Having his P-day moved up by one day left me unprepared. An empty in-box . . . . how sad is that??!

Life is good

2009-10-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

WOW!! We just had transfers and things have been crazy! I love it though! First of all- I am all alone on my job now. It was really tough at first but I'm more relaxed now. Elder Hurst, my last companion was transferred up north to Hervey Bay and he is opening that area. How cool is that! He really wanted to go up north so he was excited about that. Elder Hoskins is still my companion for 6 more weeks because he is training a new financial secretary to take his place. You would never guess who. ELDER MOONEY! He and Elder Tietjen were my favorites in the MTC. He was the last I expected to be the new office Elder. I thought I was pretty nerdy but he has no nerd in him at all. :) Two of our AP's left to train and Elder Bergquist is the new AP. He is the man. He was trained in Chermside for 6 months, left for 3 months, came back as an office elder for 6 months, left to Isle of Capri (surfers paradise) for 3 months and now he is back as AP. So he will have served in Chermside ward for about a year and a half. Insane! He went to BYU Idaho. He is a great missionary.

We had a total of 16 missionaries come in this transfer so we have a lot of areas opening up. Its been great. Our mission is getting so big!! It is so great. We have so many good missionaries. In the Year 2000 this mission had 71 baptisms. Now we are on track to get 400 this year. That is through obedience. But our new missionaries are great. I had to orientate them and then we took them to the temple. Some missionaries were having a hard time street contacting so Elder Mooney and I split up and took them out. That was great to see them lose their fear. If you have fear... it’s hard for faith to get in there.

I'm not sure if I ever told you... But Alana's baptism was great. Elder Prina told me about it. And GUESS WHAT?! ALANA GOT MARRIED TO DALLIN. Sad that Dallin won't go on a mission but that was great to hear. And if you remember me talking about Fiona- SHE GOT BAPTIZED TOO! It was funny- Elder Prina and I were about to chop her from our teaching pool and that lesson, after the opening prayer, she just says “So what do I have to do to be baptized?" So Elder Prina told me that she just got baptized and is getting married to Junior this week! I loved that area- Waterford.

I LOVE STUDY! Lately I have had a HUGE THIRST after gaining more knowledge! It was so hard for me in high school when I would let the things of the world crowd over me. I have just been feasting on Conference talks and Preach my Gospel... and the best... the Book of Mormon. President Richards is having us read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year coloring in red all references to Christ. WOW! This has opened my eyes so much. I would always hear that it’s another Testament of Christ but it really helps me see that it is a Testament of Christ. I love this Gospel. I love this church. I love that we get to hear the words of the prophets in 2 weeks!!! (little behind you guys! :)

Love you-Elder Adam Hales

Advice for member missionaries

2009-09-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

DEAR FAMILY!
Aw -- such a good-busy-stressful week! But things have been going great!
Marshall has been progressing well. He went to church down in New South Wales and his baptism will be coming up. It's such an honor to teach him! A blessing from our Father in Heaven. Marshall has been prepared for a long time. I don't know if I told you, but he quit smoking and drinking 3 months ago and LOVES reading the Book of Mormon. His comprehension is great too!

Our other investigator would be baptized by now but she isn't reading the Book of Mormon. I haven't really had an opportunity to dig into that situation because we are so stinkin' busy. Office work is great. It's a lot harder than proselyting- that's for sure. Only because the whole time I am thinking: "Aw, I wish I was tracting right now."

Transfers are this week already. This transfer flew by too fast. My companion, Elder Hurst, has been training me on how to be mission secretary and I'm not sure I got it all down. I'll probably be calling him a lot in his new area in a few days. Transfers are all figured out already. Its really exciting. There are 3 AP's right now and 2 are leaving to train greenies.

We went to the temple with President Richards on Friday. It was great. He is so knowledgeable. He would answer all of our questions.

You asked if I have any suggestions on getting missionary work rolling! BOY, DO I!!!! I LOVE THIS STUFF! Well, all the leaders must lead by example! That's the hard part. I bear my testimony that if you pray earnestly for missionary opportunities, that they WILL COME! We know that God answers our prayers. We must also pray that we will recognize these opportunities when they come.

This week my testimony of Sacrament meeting grew so much. I often thought of it as "church"- which it is church... but Sacrament meeting is so much more. It's not called "Members give talks meeting". It's the Sacrament. There is so much to learn about the Sacrament it gets me so EXCITED! When we take the sacrament- we make a covenant! A promise with God. And he holds us to that promise. Are we always remembering Him?
I love this gospel. I love being a missionary.
I love you mom and dad!
-Elder Adam Hales

I'm a missionary! How cool is that!?!

2009-09-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

G'Day FAMILY!!
Well to start off, things are still just as hectic. I really miss getting out and sweating. The office has been fun and we had our interview with President this week. He tells me he loves me everytime and I love him too. He is such an inspired man.
But wow- that's cool that Cheryl Yee's relative is one of our greenies. Last week we had the honor to take them to the temple after we gave them orientation and also take them street contacting. Sister Karren was awesome at talking to everyone. She is going to be a good missionary. She is now with her trainers --Sister Gamino and Sister Leauauna. ( I know every missionary in the mission and where they are serving now.)
Haven't got any letters yet but I did get the BYU shirt!! Thank you so much!!!
Our investigator Marshall is still solid as a rock! We had a lesson this week at our fellowship's home and it went awesome so Satan did his best afterwards. Our fellowship is the Curtis family. They are Yankies and went to BYU. Brother Curtis works at Boeing here. He is awesome. He just asks Marshall.. "So how is your Book of Mormon reading going?" and then finds out his understanding... which is really good! Anyway we leave the lesson and talk to Marshall outside for a minute and say bye and turn around and a car is driving down the street. With a guy hanging out of it with a raised hand and he just throws an egg at us so fast!!! It hit Elder Hoskins in the arm and left a welt. (don't worry mom) I got angry for a split second and then we had a great laugh and talked about how we love being disciples of Jesus Christ. It wasn't easy for him so it won't be easy for us. I know that Jesus Christ appeared in the Americas. I know that he loves all of us and that we can be saved through him. An insight I had this week was the fact that everytime we sin, we "lose the big picture" and are so focused on the here and now. If everytime someone threw an egg at me I remembered my badge... I wouldn't have gotten angry for those two minutes. So that's my testimony -- that we can always have the Spirit with us and remember the big picture.
I love you all. Thank you Mont and Alayna for the card. It meant a lot and the card was pretty funny too!
God Speed the right.
Elder Adam Hales

Carly!!!! How is the job? Working and all.
Love you Cheri and Spencer- Hope things are going well. I'm sure they are and pretty hot in Northern California. We have a missionary coming from San Jose soon.
Brother: You're a lawyer! I'm a missionary! How cool is this!?! Big lawyer with his new SUV and cool kids. You're the Man brother. I love you- you have always been a great example to me. That helped me a lot growing up.

Nieces and Nephews

2009-09-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist posting a picture of Elder Hales' nieces and nephews. L to R:
Emma, Jessica, Tyler, Chandler. (Are they too cute, or what?!)

From the Mission Secretary

2009-09-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

DEAR FAMILY!
I have been reading a lot of conference talks- especially ones from President Monson. He is SO a prophet of God! Anyway, it has really created a desire in my heart to be better. To sacrifice more. No matter how hard I work I can always be a little more like our Savior.
It was great to see that picture of all of you. All of you are tan. Dad looks buff, Michael- I like your tie. Chandler is a little stud muffin.

It is not permitted to check our emails at the office. Apparently they did in the past and President rebuked them. In a nice way 'cause President Richards is so great. We have had to do our emails at an internet cafe these last two weeks that charges 2 dollars for 20 min.

Before I forget, as soon as BYU won Oklahoma I knew about it. :) I'm not apostate! There are 3 families in our ward that are American and are total BYU fans, so last Sunday I walk into our dinner appointment and a brother in our ward offered me the information.
I just got back from the Australia Zoo. This zoo is Steve Erwin's zoo.

This past week has been great. Our office is being re-done so its been hectic but just so great to be in this ward. This is the ward that President Richards goes to if he doesn't have to go somewhere else, so 2 weeks ago he was there for my talk. I was so nervous but the Lord helped me so much. I really love speaking in church now. Really!

Well, we only get to work half the day, but the Lord blesses us as if we had worked the full day. Last week we had 6 new investigators and we committed all of them to baptism on the first lesson and they said yes. They will be coming to church tomorrow!!! We have perfect fellowship lined up too!!! The Lord completely placed them in our path.
Our progressing investigator, Marshall, is still doing fantastic. His baptism is the 4th of October and he is solid. His friend is coming up that week so that's why its so far away. We found him when he walked into church one Sunday and said he wants to go to church. We said "Okay". :-) He is basically friends with everyone in the ward. I love this guy so much. We had one lesson with him this week. We watched Finding Faith in Christ and then committed him to keep the Sabbath Day holy. He looks so much like a member already!!! White shirt, tie, even a vest some weeks.
I love you family. Time is flying and it makes me sad. I don't want to go home. Ever. :-) I love serving the Lord. Being a tool in his hands is the best feeling ever. It's as if I get a glimpse of eternal life.
I love this work so much. It's the best ever.
The church is true. Jesus is the Christ.
Love you all!
-Elder Adam Hales

Short and sweet

2009-09-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Family! This week has gone by so fast! We have so much to do it's not even funny. But we make it funny!! Yesterday for lunch we got fish and chips and watched "On the Lord's Errand" in President Richards' office. That was cool. I'll be in the office for around 5-6 months. Hard, but whatever the Lord asks of me.This week was great. We have had several lessons with really keen investigators. One's name is Marshall. He is ready for baptism but just wants to wait until October when a friend is coming up from New South Wales to see his baptism. We taught the Law of Chastity, Word of Wisdom and Tithing and committed him to all and he said yes. He is ready -- I just want the baptism sooner.
Love you all !!! No time on computer. Sorry. Love you - Elder Hales

The Office

2009-08-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

How ya goin mate!
Wow- these past weeks have been so crammed. Missionaries getting sent home, missionaries coming back out after health reasons, two zone conferences... Basically I'm in charge of everything from mail to booking flights to making orders and sending info to Salt Lake. It's been really hard to not hate being in the office. Really hard. Trying my hardest to be faithful.
Australia is awesome. Its starting to warm up so we use our AirCon at night. I have not had any native companions yet. Just Elder Nielsen, Tietjen, Prina and now Hoskins and Hurst.
I have been working out. Our flat is right next to the Assistants so we are always together and we play rugby in the mornings and every Saturday morning we play basketball with a lot of missionaries and President Richards. That was fun to see President Richards trying to step us. (juke)
We do have one baptismal date right now. His name is Marshall and he is such a good guy. Comes to church every Sunday. His baptism is in October!!! Um no! I am going to do my best at getting it sooner.
We are also working with a great part member family... the Hansens. The wife is not a member but comes to church every week and seems to like it!!
I'm giving a talk in church tomorrow. I'll be speaking on John 11:25-26 which is one of my most favorite stories of Christ's life.
We have THE MAN ward missionary leader. So bold and to the point. We make phone calls in our coordination meetings to "get it done RIGHT NOW."
I do love this ward and love learning from the Assistants.
Things have been great. Sorry if this email is so scattered. My brain is so full of things I have to do that I'm wiggin out. :)
Love you all.
Read the Book of Mormon.
-Elder Adam Hales

In response to the email:

Yea, I'm feeling fine. President Richards said I probably did have the swine flu but I had some really good, expensive medicine. I'm feeling better now.

Carly: You are an old-graduated College student... Working now! Congrats! :)
Cheri: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! One year older and wiser too... Happy birthday.. to you!
Brother: You're an old family working man! You're the man. I really like your new car.

A mystery (or two) revealed

2009-08-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Dear family!!!
Wow - I don't even know where to start - so much has happened. I loved my area in Waterford. But I got a phone call saying I was being transferred. I was really cut up about that because I will miss Alana's baptism. I was able to be there for Tim's baptism though!!! His baptism was amazing. The spirit was so strong and it was so great to witness the miracle of his conversion. It had been 3 weeks from the time we met him that he was baptized!
After I found out I was being transferred I mostly visited those of this ward that I will miss the most. I almost cried when I said goodbye to our Ward Mission Leader! I love Brother Evans. I was never able to say bye and get a picture with Alana. I really enjoyed teaching her and am so sad I missed her baptism but Elder Prina is going to send me a picture. I'm pretty sad I haven't been able to stay in an area for longer than 3 months.
Well the moment you have all been waiting for ~ the place I was transferred to. The morning of transfers President Richards gets up and bears his testimony of transfers and how we go where the Lord wants us and that there are people only we can get through to. I felt the spirit very strong and I knew where I was going to be transferred is the area for me. Then President calls my name as an Office Elder. :) My area is Chermside. I will be working in the office half the day and proselyting half the day in Chermside. Not going to lie... it's going to be hard to get used to but it's an honor as well because President only puts Elders he trusts here. My P-Day will be Saturdays now. So my companions are Elder Hoskins and Elder Hurst. I'm in a tri-companionship cause Elder Hurst is training me on the duties. But really I'm kind of in a 6 way companionship because we are always with the Assistants. I really like the Assistants.
I was not expecting this calling at all but I know that I'm here for a reason and I will go where the Lord wants me to go.
1 Nephi 3: 7 means more to me now.
I have been very sick these past few days. President thinks I have swine flu. (I talk to him on a daily basis now :)
Transfers were on my birthday so later when I had to take care of the departing missionaries, President Richards, his wife and their daughter sang Happy Birthday to me. That was cool and because I'm in the office now I got my package from you on my birthday! Thank you so much for that! The assistants liked the candy too! Haha.
Well now we are not restricted to any area and we don't have a limit on kilometers so I think were going to a zoo today.
I know I'm here for a reason. I've had that witness. I know that Jesus Christ leads this church. And that's why I love this church so much. It's true.
God Speed the Right.
-Elder Hales

PS. Can you mention on the blog that now that I'm in the office I will be SO busy and won't always have time to send letters to my fans? :-)

Carly! Congrats on getting the job. I knew it would come.

A quick note

2009-08-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Family-
Things sound amazing up there and things are going awesome down here in Australia!! We have been sooo blessed. Things are a little hectic and this week is going to be incredibly busy. I'm starting to doubt we will have time to tract this week! Our days are already booked!
Alana is doing amazing! She is so awesome. She has now had her baptism interview and everything is going amazing.
Tim is the man. His baptism is Sunday at 3:00 since its Stake Conference.
We have one more lesson with Alana and two more with Tim. The spirit is so strong whenever we teach them. We do have the best fellowshippers in the ward. The Evans' and the Bray's are so cool. Just awesome families.
Well, we didn't have much time to write today. We have a lesson with Fiona in a few minutes.
Our ward leaders are so awesome and such a big help. Transfers are coming up this next week and I'm nervous cause I really don't want to leave... but there are 24 new missionaries coming so a lot of areas will have changes.
There are so many blessings from this gospel. I know it's true. I know that. Love you all.
God speed the right.

-Elder Adam Hales

The First Law of Heaven

2009-08-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

G'Day Mate!
Mitchell Giles is already leaving!? Far out -- that came quick! Good on him. He is going to be a powerhouse.

Well, things have been going so amazingly well with us. I can really feel your prayers! Our whole district is improving! A lot of missionaries in our district have been having a problem with faith and I'm not sure that all of them are 100% obedient. But at zone conference, Sister Richards talked about faith and obedience. Obedience is action and Action IS FAITH! We will have 3 baptisms in our district. Our District leader, Elder Nelson, and his companion have one baptism scheduled for August 15th. Alana is still doing amazing for August 14th and there is one more miracle that Elder Prina and I stumbled into.
His name is Tim. This is the best ever. I don't know how it could be more golden! Tim is from the U.K. He is 21 and such a genuine guy! He is basically good at everything too! He can throw a rugby ball farther than anyone I've seen. That's beside the point. :) On Wednesday night we get a call from a recently married couple that live RIGHT ACROSS the path to get out of our complex. They are the Bray's. They are awesome! Brother Bray served his mission in Hong Kong and is such an amazing guy. So he calls us up Wednesday night and says, " Hey Elders! I have a guy at my place right now that wants to hear the discussions! Can you come over tonight?" So we decided that it would be great to go teach him. :-) We had a dinner appointment already with a family, the Faleafulugogo's. They had a non-member that we were able to teach and get a return appointment with and after that we went and met Tim. They had already watched the Restoration DVD and Brother Bray had answered most of his questions so we really just taught "Pray to know" and sealed it with our testimonies. Tim went to our sports day on Saturday and came to church yesterday. He said that Fast and Testimony meeting and the sacrament was powerful. It's a long story but Tim is living with the Bray's so he has "continual fellowship" and Tim said he would like to be baptized. We had Brother Carter (1st councilor to the Bishop) pull him out of class and interview him and they had a good long interview. Brother Carter walked up to Brother Bray afterwards and Tim was right there as Brother Carter said, "I want him baptized by Tuesday!" Haha -- I LOVE BROTHER CARTER! Tim knew it was a joke but we want to shoot for Tim's baptism on August 14 in the afternoon. Alana's is in the morning.

I LOVE THIS WORK!!!! I'm so lucky to be a missionary for Jesus Christ. I know He lives!!!

Elder Prina and I were lucky enough to teach seminary this morning! Waking up super early again. I love it. We were assigned to teach from Romans 8. It's such a great chapter about our Savior and the Atonement. We did the analogy of doughnuts. We put a doughnut in front of everyone and told them that they couldn't eat it yet. We asked who would like to eat it... NO ONE PUT UP THEIR HAND! UGH dang ... but Elder Prina was playing the part of the Savior. A Doughnut cost 10 push ups. So I turned to Elder Prina and said...Alright no one wants a doughnut. That will be 10 push-ups per person. Elder Prina stopped after every 10 push ups and asked who it was for. Made it more dramatic! :) By the end the kids got the point. The spirit was strong as we talked about the Atonement. If you get a chance- read Romans 8 and look for how Hope is a Christlike attribute! It's great.

Well thank you for your prayers. I love you all and pray for the best for you.
God speed
-Elder Hales

The best job in the world

2009-07-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

HOW GREAT IS MY CALLING! Sometimes when I'm studying I just think about how awesome it is to be a missionary. I love it.
This past week has been so great I can't put it into words. We had zone conference and that was so amazing! Our zone conference theme was Teaching Skills and we have this new thing where we focus on 4 types of questions and they work so well. The first is a Search question. So say, after we read a scripture, we ask a question that causes them to search. The second is Analysis. This question causes them to have deeper thought on it. The 3rd is Application. A question that causes them to apply it. And the 4th is a question that "leads to testimony" so ask them if they have had any experiences with this. I'm really excited to start applying these questions. I know that they will be WAY more effective.
We also had interviews yesterday with President. I always love that. President has such knowledge about the scriptures. Elder Prina asked for advice on getting investigators and less actives to church and he whips out John 7:17.

Our top investigator is still doing great!!! The best part is I can tell she is going through the repentance stage so she seems a little sorrowful. That's one thing our zone leaders addressed. Our first purpose is to help people gain a faith in Jesus Christ.. then Repent.. and THEN Baptism!! Our next lesson we are going to address that sorrow feeling she has and apply the 4 questions heaps of times! I'M SO EXCITED!

Lately more then ever I have gained such a love of the scriptures. They are so amazing and especially as I teach about them and from them I have grown to love them to the point I just love to hold them!! I know that they are true.

O man! Dale Ford is going to be an amazing bishop!! He is the man. I have so much respect for him! He taught the pre-MTC class one time on obedience and it was so good I can still remember it!

It has been FREEZING at nights! O man its cold! But during the day it is starting to warm back up and I sweat a little.

Love,
Elder Hales

Another plug for the Book of Mormon

2009-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Dearest Family!

That is sweet that Kyle is doing surf camp. He is going to be the stud of the century.

Well, once again the blessings have been flowing. Things have been great! I think about half the missionaries in this mission are sick. I am still sick. I have had a cold for the 3rd time in 2 months. Ugh- but I've called Sister Richards and she didn't say I'm gunna die so things are lookin up!
Things have been great with our investigators. Alana is still doing awesome! She went to church yesterday ...as usual. We had 2 lessons with her this week. I love teaching her! We teach in the Ward Mission Leaders home, who are the most perfect family ever... and Dalin is there with her helping us and the spirit is so strong. I LOVE the experiences when I walk out of a lesson and could hardly tell you what I said cause I wasn't speaking! This week we taught the Plan of Salvation. Before we left I just asked her if she was excited or nervous about her baptism and she said "EXCITED!" And then Dalin was like "and a little nervous too!!" That was funny. Hard to email the way he said it. :) We called them last night and she said that she would love to get baptized on her birthday! Which is August 14th. We are a little nervous and sad to move it from the 2nd just cause it makes it feel "unstable." But things are still awesome. Her Book of Mormon reading is AWESOME! She is at Alma 15 or so.

Lance, the paralyzed man, is such a good guy. I love this bloke! We got him the Book of Mormon on CD so hopefully he starts progressing. We were not able to have a lesson with him this week. But we need to get him those CD's soon because it is through the Book of Mormon that our investigators will be converted.
Elder Baxter- one of the Area Authorities- spoke to us the same time Elder Holland did. He showed us that of the recent converts that don't continue their scripture study- are the ones that go less-active and I see that so much. Every less-active appointment we ask them if they read the Book of Mormon and every single one says no.

Elder Prina and I had an awesome appointment with a couple that live in our complex. It was soo good. It started out weird... they expressed a desire to come back to church so we asked why... and they said something like "Because we have really been reading into how to become wealthy and everything points back to church." I was kind of laughing in my head.. but then we talked about the Book of Mormon and the husband said that it just clicked to him that he has been reading heaps of books on how to better himself when the Book of Mormon has been sitting there the whole time.

I know that the Book of Mormon is 100% true. I know that it is the book that we can grow closer to God than any other book and that by it we can improve ourselves more than through any other book. Elder Holland said that it has such great power even if it just sits in a house. That is why Elder Prina and I have one sitting in Lance's house.
I love you all and keep you in my prayers!

God Speed
-Elder Hales

Things are so great!

2009-07-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!
Wow- I love my area right now. It is definitely one of the best in the Australia Brisbane mission!
Our Bishop got out of the hospital yesterday. It was a miracle to see him again! He shook our hands but they were in a hurry. We wrote him letters updating him on our work so he thanked us for that and drove off. They are moving and won't live in our complex anymore.
Our 1st councilor in the Bishopric I LOVE too. His name is Bob Carter and he is a temple worker. We saw him this morning at the temple. He is kind of like me. Just very blunt and to the point. I love him!
The 2nd Councilor is Tongan and just the man. We ate at his house this week and we gained some kilos from that meal.
And our Ward clerk is practically our best friend. He is in the YSA and just a funny true Aussie!
Our Ward Mission Leader is amazing!This week we had our lesson with Alana at his house. That was this Monday night. We set the baptism date for August 2nd and Elder Prina and I are SOOO EXCITED! As was Brother Evans, our Ward Mission Leader.
Alana is Aussie and 19 years old. We are hoping her boyfriend will baptize her! He will be serving a mission sometime soon. But it is such an honor to be able to teach her!
I have really gained a love for this area and the people here.
Yesterday one of our Assistants to the President, Elder Olsen, came on trade-offs with Elder Prina and I. It was more of a 3-way for the day. It was so great to have him come because he served in this area about a year ago and had heaps of success here! There are 3 AP's right now so often one of them will go traveling to areas and do training. I know I gained so much from having him come. It was great to have training! He was pretty happy to see his area and some of the members he baptized.
We taught Fiona yesterday too. We watched the Testaments with them and both Fiona and her less active boyfriend, Junior, felt the spirit. Their eyes were sweating but she calls the times she feels the spirit the "wanna have a cry moments." New Zealand people talk like that. Haha I love it.
We gained a couple of new investigators this week and the work seems to be picking up heaps!!! Its amazing! I don't realize how much I'm being blessed!
Thank you all for your prayers! Pray for Alana and August 2 please! We are so excited and that's what missionary work does to people!
The Church Is True!
Love you all
-Elder Hales

Elder Hales and Elder Prina

2009-07-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2009 at the Brisbane Temple

4th of July in Australia

2009-07-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

HELLO!
HOW GREAT IS MY CALLING? Aw, I love being a missionary! It has been such a great week. Transfers are today but neither I nor Elder Prina got transferred so we aren't allowed to go to the meeting.
To be honest- this last transfer was hard. We had a total of 35 lessons this transfer. Wow! (bad) But this area is so full of blessings. First, on Sunday we heard from the Sister missionaries in the zone that the investigator we handed over to them went to church on Sunday and "Loved It!" Haha - the sister missionaries even had a picture to prove it. Sister Missionaries are awesome.. you can always trust them that they will take care of your investigators.
The second coolest blessing EVER!!! is: there is a 19 year old bloke, Dalin, in our ward who has been dating this girl for awhile. She has been coming to church for about 2 years and even teaches the primary with Dalin! They are both really strong and anyway the first Sunday in this area 6 weeks ago I talked to Dalin about Alana (the girl). He said he would talk to her. So we haven't found out why she hasn't been baptized yet but we got a call one week ago saying that Alana has agreed to meet with us!!! MIRACLE! It was amazing! So we had a lesson with her yesterday where we taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed her to baptism!!! SHE SAID YES!!! She was nervous and didn't want to set a date yet but Dalin said "Let's set a date for one month." Please pray for her.

-Elder Winder is sooo funny. I love that guy.
-Haha - Leo is awesome and Brother Westover just looks Aussie! (*we sent him a picture of both of them at the fireworks picnic.)
-You made my room all femaley! Far out. Haha. Looks really good though.

Love you all. Thanks for your prayers!
God Speed the right.
Elder Hales

The Candy Man

2009-06-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

G'Day Mate!
Well, sorry for sending that email last week 15 times. My computer froze and I thought you didn't get it! So I just kept clicking send.
The house is fancy nancy!! It looks nice!
You already got the pictures I sent! That was the fastest mail has got to the USA!! Wow!

Well, this week was amazing! We have been blessed so so so much! Thank you for your prayers! This week just went so well! I'M SO HAPPY!
So Fiona and her boyfriend Junior didn't come play basketball last week but we had a lesson with them Tuesday. AMAZING!! We taught the 10 commandments and played the game Memory with the 10 commandment pictures under pass along cards. We did a quiz afterwards and Fiona remembered ALL 10 OF THEM! Junior said that he is going to church every week! He is so cool. But he is a bouncer at Clubs and all. Gotta get him a new job! So we are going to set a baptism date with Fiona this week!

Another miracle this week is Lance Gunner. We tracted into Lance last week and got a return appointment for this week. He is now an investigator. Lance is paralyzed and cannot talk. He can stand up- with Elder Prina's and my help. He can move his arms but not his fingers very well. When we tracted into him, when we asked him a question, all he did was grunt so he went in and came back with a piece of paper that was laminated with the alphabet on it. So as you can imagine it takes a long time for him to talk to us. But well worth it! He holds a grudge for the man that did that to him and I would too, but he needs the Atonement in his life so bad. Before we taught the Restoration he told us, "I will never stop yous from coming. But if you come on too strong with God I'll kick you guys out ." So we decided to commit him to baptism that lesson! :) He shook his head no. So we taught him about the Priesthood and told him that one of us could perform the baptism and he warmed up to it. But he is an awesome guy. He actually is way stronger than me. We arm wrestled and he beat me bad. Then he goes on to show us his arm wrestling medals. He has about 5. Then every time we shake his hand he challenges us to squeeze his hand as hard as we can. He always destroys us.
Well this transfer went way too fast. Only one week left. I hope neither of us get transferred. WE have work to do here. And the ward leaders are just too awesome!

I love you all and thank you for your support and prayers. There is no greater work.
God speed the right.
- Elder Hales

O yeah!!! - got the package!!! Thank you so much!!! It was SOOOO good to have American candy. Yum! Love you.
(* Reeses peanut butter cups and Butterfingers was all it took for all those exclamation points.)

Finally

2009-06-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I wrote this awesome letter and it was soo long... then I had less than one minute left and sent it and the computer shut down... so I was hoping it sent, but I guess not. Dang.

Well, last week I talked about Zone Conference and interviews. That was great. I loved being able to go to a huge zone conf. again. Even though Cairns was awesome because there were only 5 other people in the room with President Richards- it was awesome to go to one where there are 70 missionaries because the spirit is so strong and we learn so much from each other!
In interviews the first thing President Richards said was, "Do you miss Cairns??" He can read minds. But I really am grateful to be down here with this great opportunity in Waterford.
Also- One of our AP's right now is Elder Lindall and he is from Dana Point. He actually grew up with Dalin McKeon and went to the skate park with him. Elder Lindall runs track for UCLA but tell the Allred's to tell Dalin that Elder Lindall is in this mission. When I was chilling with the AP's and office elders for 2 days I made that connection.

On a miracle note ... I love this .. hope you do too. Our Bishop - Bishop Cassity is the best bishop I've ever met. Such a spiritual man he should be a general authority. Anyway 2 weeks ago he went into the hospital because he was having a hard time breathing. He had an infection in his kidneys that spread to his liver and then he had 2 heart attacks. The doctors gave him 10 hours to live at best. He survived those 10 hours and then kept going. They were certain he was going to die. The ward was fasting and everyone was praying for him and because of everyone's faith, he is still alive and will be released from the hospital in 7 days. His wife, Sister Cassity, got up to speak yesterday and shared this story. While she was talking I felt the spirit so strong I knew that Jesus Christ healed him. It really was a miracle JUST LIKE the miracles he performed when he was on the Earth. And I witnessed it. That was an honor!
Honestly- This week was hard again. We only had about 5 lessons. I feel bad for Elder Prina. I want to get him tons of practice teaching like I had in Cairns.

Let me tell you about this stud muffin, Brother Evans. He is the best Ward Mission leader I've ever met. And we are lucky to have him in our ward. He wants to help out with EVERYthing! He is almost done with Medical Uni (what Aussie's call university) and has a wife and baby girl. Just a perfect happy dude. He is really helpful. Through his help- Elder Prina and I have got a family to come to church 2 times now and are looking to be active. Well- it wasn't us- it was the Lord. But Brother Evans is a super big help.

Well things are great with me. Everything is going perfect because of all of your prayers. Thank you all.
Love you and don't forget to read the scriptures!
God Speed the Right
-Elder Hales

HAPPY FATHERS DAY BY THE WAY POPS. ALMOST FORGOT. It's in a different month here, so happy father's day. Cheers!

Great quote

2009-06-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

My brother and sister-in-law have this quote on a piece of decorated wood in their home. I love it. (Their son Mason is also on a mission.)

mis sion ary, (noun)

Someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others may be with their families for Eternity.

Life is beautiful

2009-06-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

G'DAY MATE!
Vegemite is disgusting. But yes, I had some once upon a greenie.

Elder Justin Hodgkinson is sitting one computer to the left of me right now. He is our Zone Leader and he is the man.

Okay, so many things have been rushing through my head now and I forgot to tell you so much! I'll start with Cairns --
Up in Cairns we were teaching a family. The mother was Idoby. I think I mentioned her in an email before. Anyway, we had taught her a few days before I got transferred and she asked, "When can I be baptized?" so we said, "Would you like to set a date?" and she said " I was thinking Sunday" which was 2 days away. I love being a missionary. So she should be baptized in a few days.
Well, after I flew down we were driving with the AP's and they said "Did you know Elder Holland is coming on Wednesday?" So we were just casual as we said, "WHAT!!"
It was the day after transfers and we drove up to the chapel right next to the temple and I got to listen to Elder Jeffery Holland for the second time on my mission! It was amazing. Before he spoke he allowed all the missionaries to walk up row by row and shake his hand. That was amazing. I bear witness that Jeffery Holland is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I shook his hand and he asked, "Elder- where you from?" so I said "Los Angeles." Then later in his talk he said " You know I interviewed you as I shook your hand. You know we do that, right?" That was cool. He then told President Richards he has a good mission. He did say there were a few that struggle but that we are a good mission. That was a bummer. If every missionary were obedient and converted we would be ON FIRE! But he went on to give an amazing talk. He didn't stay at the pulpit but walked around as he spoke and it was amazing! You could tell he completely went by the spirit! He started out by saying "Well, I'll start with this and see where the Spirit leads me."
He went on to express the power of the Book of Mormon and how we need to use it more.

Well things here have been good! Waterford is an amazing area. We have had a lot of success and its been good tracting. He have a few more investigators now. We worked yesterday because it is Queens birthday and everyone would be home and prime proselyting time. We went tracting for around 3 hours and it was great. Our first door we knocked the guy wouldn't stop cussing until we left. Our last door...the last one that we were about to call it a night - but went one more- we found who we were tracting for. Two ladies who have had trials all their lives. There are miracles every day.
Our 2 investigators now are both going to move out of the area.
Fiona came to an amazing fireside we had on Sunday. We had a little stand with pamphlets and Books of Mormon on a table. It was excellent. I think we have 2 or 3 appointments from it. Anyway, Fiona is moving out of her home because of the bad influences there. So she will be baptized, just not in our area.
Our other investigator has an amazing story. She is in her 40's, divorced and working 3 jobs to support her kids. We tracted into her and she said no but we left her a pamphlet with our number on it and told her to call us if she needs help moving. AND SHE DID! She said "I can't believe I'm doing this but you said to call if I need help." So we go help move and get a return appointment for the next day. We go back the next day and teach her the Plan of Salvation with Trials. She felt the spirit and will still allow us to teach her. But she moved so were going to pass her on to the sister missionaries in that area.
Anyway we are being so blessed. Thank you everyone for your prayers. I've got the best job in the world.

Love you all.
God speed the Right.
Elder Hales

Fall is in the air

2009-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

G'Day Mate!
Well this library is a mess and it looks like I only have 10 min. to write so I'll fill ya in with as much as I can!
Waterford bumps up on the area I was trained in so it's kinda weird to be back. Waterford is AMAZING! The ward here is so great. They make missionary work #1 or 2 priority and everyone fulfills their callings. I LOVE IT! Even the ward missionaries!
We made a member visit with the Bishop and the spirit was so strong in his home alone! Wow --his conversion story was amazing too!

It is SO COLD HERE!!! Wow -- I thought Cairns was getting cold... Brisbane at night and in the mornings - you need a sweater. It's kinda nice though, not being soaked in sweat at the end of the day.

My companion is Elder Prina. He is from Provo, Utah. He is a funny kid.
That missionary that is new in your ward is an amazing missionary. Give him referrals. :) I'm excited for him!

Well, we only have one investigator here. Kinda different than Cairns where we had 14 investigators at one point ... but our one here is Fiona. Fiona is Kiwi. (From New Zealand) She is in her 20's and has one kid. We met Fiona yesterday and she has amazing fellowship. We actually had the lesson in the fellowship's home. So we spent some time to get to know them and then we just jumped right into things and taught the Word of Wisdom! :) Didnt get a complete Yes to the commitment but she accepted a return appointment to talk about the Stop Smoking Program. We are pretty excited about her. The elders in the area before kept the area book pretty organized so that was nice and they wrote some notes about her that they think she will be baptized. I do too! She said that she got an answer that the Book of Mormon is true so we're pretty well off. Only one investigator but she's good!

Also, Our flat is in an apartment complex and about half of our ward lives in it! Not even joking! Our bishop lives right across the hall! And a ton of others. Fiona's fellowship lives in our complex so we had the lesson about 5 doors down yesterday. Its pretty cool.

It was Temple day today!!!! I got to go after about 4 months of not being able to go! It was great to do that this morning!

God Speed!
Love you all
Elder Hales