He is the Light and Life of the World.

FAM BAM,

I HAVE 2 BIG THINGS

1. Look up "Missionary Work & The Atonement" posted by Brian Fogelberg on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6FKiNVbw3Y. It is a compilation of TWO talks & videos of Jesus Christ. It is amazing! Apply it to your life.

MY FAV PART: "Why is life not easy?" or "Why is it not easy?" Well, someone MUCH GREATER ASKED THE SAME THING, and His suffering was much greater. It's not easy because salvation was never easy. When I suffer I am, in a moment, understanding a part of what he went through for me. His example gives me courage to continue in diligence.

2. THIS IS COOL
For a zone activity today we decided to walk to the Provo Temple. Elder Stacey and I felt prompted to walk around the front of the temple to get ahead of the group in order to have some quiet, peaceful time. As we came around the corner, Elder Stacey and I saw a man that we both felt prompted to talk to. (We have a "game" where one of us shares a scripture to a stranger, and without knowing the scripture beforehand, the companion has to testify of it. It's super fun, but we had only ever done it to missionaries before.) However, as we approached this man I felt a strong need to share a scripture with him.

We approached him and learned his name was Felix. He was maybe 25 and had been living in Utah for quite some time. He was wearing casual clothing and a tank top, and as we talked a smile began to grow on his face. I asked if I could share a scripture from the Book of Mormon with him. and he happily said yes. However, he then turned around and proceeded to walk away. I quickly realized that he was headed toward a bench to sit down, so we followed behind and sat next to him. I opened my Book of Mormon to Mosiah 16:9, and he read the verse for us, "He is the Light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

Elder Stacey then testified of his personal love for Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and His love for all of us. The man then asked me why I decided to serve a mission. I told him of the joy I feel in knowing of my Savior's love. I told him that I know God has a plan for us. His plan is a plan of happiness and salvation. I know that Jesus Christ is central to that plan, and because of His sacrifice for us, this life is not the end. Through His atonement we can live with Him and our families after this life. That knowledge gives purpose to my life, and I would feel selfish to keep that knowledge to myself. I told him that I wanted to serve a mission to spread that joy and assurance in knowing that because of Jesus Christ, this life is not the end.

Felix thanked me, with great sincerity, and said that the scripture I shared was perfect for him at this time. He then told me that he only ever goes to the temple when he feels suicidal....REMEMBER, we were currently at the temple, and we had stopped him while he was walking the temple grounds! We told him of God's love and how grateful we were to meet him. He thanked us and we went our separate ways. The entire exchange only lasted 10 or less minutes, but in that time the Spirit was so strong! The Spirit prompted that man to go to the temple rather than take his own life. The Spirit guided Elder Stacey and I to get ahead of our zone and meet with that man. The Spirit invited the man to take a seat on a bench, because he truly desired that message. The Spirit told me which scripture to share. The Spirit filled my mouth with words and testimony of God's love, the Plan of Happiness, and the fact that Jesus Christ is central to that plan.

Though the lesson was short, I believe it is exactly what Felix needed. The Spirit is real, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we can enjoy happiness in this life and after this life.

Sincerely,
Elder Hemmert

PHILIPPINES, HERE I COME!

Hemmert Fam Bam,

Kaytee also got a special shirt! She wore it better! :)
I LOVE MY MISSIONARY -Philippines, Cavite

First off, mom, I hope you like the T-shirt! HaHA! The one that is still wrapped up in a long sleeve. Will you please put it in my box? Thank you!

Next, well by the time you read this, I will be headed to the Philippines MTC. I don't know what to expect, but I'm excited for this next adventure! I can't believe it has almost been 6 weeks. I legit feel like I just got here. Every day I get up at 6:30am, get ready, eat, and by 7:45am I start studying. I study the Book of Mormon, study Tagalog, study Preach my Gospel, and memorize phrases. Each study I start and end w/ a prayer. At 10:00am I exercise with weights, running, or play spikeball. By 11:30am I'm showered, dressed, and headed to lunch. Around 1215pm I begin a quick 30-minute study session, and then class begins at 1:30pm. Class consists of more of the same studies that I do personally. At 4:30pm I head to dinner. Concluding dinner I squeeze in 30 more minutes of study before my 6:15pm class. Class goes for another 3 hours, and at 9:15pm I head back to my room. By 9:45 I am ready for bed, and I write in my journal, plan my next day (what to study and what my goals are), and I'm in bed by 10:30pm. On top of that I spend every open second flipping through flashcards. Each day is similar, and they all blend together. It is amazing how much I've been able to accomplish. I work so hard every day. Many missionaries are beginning to get burnt out and I'm sur that will change once they leave the MTC, but for me I love the MTC. I have so much time to study, and I love it! Some days my head hurts so bad I feel like giving up on studies, but then I say a prayer and my energy is renewed. Through Him, "I can do all things" (Alma 26:12).

My testimony has grown so much from reading the Book of Mormon. I have come to realize why our church is named after Jesus Christ because without Jesus Christ we are literally nothing. We could not be forgiven of our errors. We would not be resurrected to live with our eternal families. There would be no hope of salvation. However, because He lives we may have a perfect brightness of hope. (2 Nephi 31:20). We are the Church of JESUS CHRIST, because He is "the way; and ther is no other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ" (2 Nephi 3:21).

The mission so far has had lots of ups and downs, but I have felt Christ's hand in my life. He will lift me and you up whenever we fall, but we must call on Him and be willing to act. When we pray we must pray with a sincere heart (a desire to receive specific guidance), AND  with "REAL INTENT." Real intent means we are willing to act on whatever promptings we receive. Picture this: There is a door. On our side is a door handle and nothing else. On the other side is Jesus Christ. He has tons of presents and gifts for us; however, there is no door handle on His side. We can knock all we want and ask for those gifts, but until we are willing to act, with real intent, and open the door, we can't receive the gifts. We must open the door.

Please turn to the Lord with questions, and then follow the advise of so many of our prophets by reading the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon will open the door to so many gifts!

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
PHILIPPINES, HERE I COME!

Love,

Elder Hemmert

Elder Hemmert's Testimony in Tagalog

Goodbye Provo MTC...

Hello Po mga Kapatid!

Check out this missionary-headed to serve in Russia!

Well, I don't know how it is possible, but I've been in the Provo Missionary Training Center for over a month already, and will be leaving to the Philippines on MONDAY! 17 of the elders from my zone left this last monday for the Philippines. I'm so happy for them, and I know they will do great things! The night before they left we had a little goodbye party that basically consisted of eating a bunch of the snacks that our families had sent us. haha! We also had a handstand contest to see who could go the furthest, and I WON!

The Oregonians! Elder Hemmert & Elder Davis!

In preparing to leave for the Philippines I am filled with a nervous excitement. I feel happy and excited to go, but also I feel so unprepared. The language is still very difficult, and I wish I could have more time to study and get ready. Each day I spend nearly every minute studying. Almost every day I get to a point where my head hurts so bad I feel as though I couldn't learn any more. It's almost like each day I have a bowl that starts out empty, but as the day goes on I fill it with information. At a certain point the bowl overflows and It's almost like I can't fit anything more. However, in those moments I have turned to the Lord. I pray to have the strength to continue, and I pray that my mind will continue to gain and retain knowledge. With that I continue to study, and although my head may still hurt, the Lord helps me. I know that "In his strength I can do all things." (Alma 26:12). On my own I can only fill the bowl to a certain point, but with the Lord's help, the bowl stretches larger and larger as long as I continue to work hard and study. He won't fill the bowl for me, I have to study and put forth my best effort in order to fill it; however, when I need help and support, he will always be there to assist and magnify my efforts. Although I am nowhere near fluent in the Tagalog language, I know the Lord will support me.

Matching my teacher!

Jesus Christ suffered for all of our sins, through his atoning sacrifice we can be clean from our mistakes and live with Heavenly Father and our families after this life. He knew that atoning sacrifice would be difficult; yet, he said "Here am I; Send me." In the Garden of Gethsemane he felt the pains of all of our sicknesses, trials, and guilt; however, He did not back down from His purpose, He said, speaking to Heavenly Father,  "Not my will, but Thine be done." Finally, as He was crucified and killed on the cross, he said, "It is finished." He gave everything for me and for you, and every person on earth.

I leave for the Philippines on Monday, and although I know I will struggle and have difficulties with the language, I will be as Jesus Christ and say, "Here am I; send me." In everything I will do, and in every trial I encounter, I will be as Jesus Christ and say, "Not my will, but Thine be done." Finally, once I have served with my whole heart and done all that I possibly can for two worthy years, then may I say, with the assurance of Jesus Christ, "It is Finished."

WEEKLY ADVISE: Turn to the Lord in prayer in every opportunity you can. He will magnify your efforts. Make an effort to pray at least five times every day this week. Pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. He will not leave you alone in your trials. In His strength, in the strength of Jesus Christ, you can do all things.

Sincerely,
Elder Hemmert

"The best teacher ever!" Brother Beagley

"The Sunsets are so pretty here."

Silly Missionary Problems

Hey Fam Bam,

Kaytee asked me if I felt different as a missionary, and I wanted to share with you what I told her.

So here is how I know I am a missionary:

First off, it didnt feel too different at first as a missionary, but it definitely feels different now. First off, in the first week I did a lot of dumb pranks and stuff, but now I've realized how dumb those were and I've found ways to have fun while still being dignified. Also, to prepare to take the sacrament, I offered a super sincere prayer of repentance last Saturday. I repented for everything I could think of (for example, I went to bed like 3 minutes late, so I repented of that. And I repented for feeling impatient with my companion at times. Like, seriously, I repented of everything.) I asked Heavenly Father to help me as I strive to be better and act according to His will. Afterward, AN EXTREMELY PEACEFUL FEELING WASHED OVER ME!!!! Seriously, I have never felt so clean in my life. It felt like I had just been baptized again. That is the great thing about repentance. It is a daily and continual process and it brings us closer to God. My teacher asked a really great question: "When you take the sacrament, does it feel the same as your baptism day?" Cause IT SHOULD! Its the same covenants! Sacrament is just a renewal of baptismal covenants! As a missionary I have felt so in tune with the spirit. Whenever I feel any bit of contention with my companion I can feel that spirit disappear, and I realize I need to make restitution for my mistakes. Now, a funny way to show that I feel different as a missionary: (this is hilarious)

A bunch of people were touring the MTC and Gretchen Brock (I think her new name is Christensen since she is married), saw me. She came up to me and we talked for a bit, then she wanted to take a picture to send it to my family. So my companion and I posed together with her next to us. (In photos with sisters, my companion has to be in it, and I can't touch the sister hahah). but as we were posing for the photo and she came closer, her pregnant belly touched my arm. It was very awkward. I normally wouldn't have cared too much back home, but as a missionary I was like AHHHHHHHHH! I acted like nothing happened and said goodbye, but inside my head I was like AHHHHHHHHHH! A WOMAN'S BELLY JUST TOUCHED MY ARM! So yeah, I'm a missionary. hahaha!

I hope you like the part about Gretchen. My companion and I had a pretty good laugh over it.

With Love,

Elder Hemmert

I'm Not Perfect

Kumusta mga kapatid!

First off, I am so sore. We work out everyday, and leg day was yesterday. It wouldn't be so bad, but our residency room is on the 4th floor, and our classroom is on the 6th floor of a different building. We refuse to take the elevator, so we average about 1100 stair steps per day!

Not only am I getting strong in body, but I'm also getting strong in Spirit. I turn to the Lord in prayer so often. I have come to realize that I am capable of so much more when the Lord is helping me. As zone leader I find that meetings sometimes get in the way of study time, and I felt like I was getting behind on studies. I felt like I was super busy and working hard, but I wasn't progressing as well as I would like. Well, I prayed for help to know how I could make more time for my studies, and in church the next day I received an answer to that prayer: "It's not about how busy you are, but why you are busy." It made me realize that I cannot waste a moment of this precious time. I've made it a goal to be more focused with everything I do. Work when it's time to work. It's helped me take advantage of every minute more fully. No longer do I allow meetings to get off topic; rather, we focus on the issue at hand, solve the problem, and then get out early so we can get around to other things.

Another thing I've been trying to improve is my love for others. I have been really good about staying patient with others, but although I don't normally show it, I sometimes get frustrated. This week I made it a goal to become more patient and loving with others. The first goal I set to do that was to compliment each person in our zone at least once a week. That's over 10 people a day. It has become a really fun game for me, and has really helped me be positive. Anytime I get frustrated with someone I simply think of something about them that I like. I'm trying to see others as Jesus Christ see's them. Everyone is starting to realize that I have been on a complimenting spree, and they all love it (or at least they say they do haha). While praying and studying about Charity and love I came upon a message that made me realize: "I'm not perfect, so I can't expect others to be perfect." HOW TRUE THAT IS!!!

Here is a little challenge: Compliment 10 different people every day for the next week. Make it a game! It will help you come to love others. Oh, and they can be strangers. It'll make their day! I promise!

Sincerely,

Elder Hemmert

Spirit of Revelation

Dear Hemmert Fam Bam,

I had a super cool experience I wanted to share. First off, recently there have been a lot of issues in our zone that has caused me a lot of late nights trying to decide what to do. I don't try to stay up, but when I lay down at night I just can't stop thinking, and it keeps me up.

Monday night there was another issue, and I had no idea what to do. Zone leader things began interfering with my study time, and I didn't know how to handle both zone stuff and my studies. That night, Monday, I said a super sincere prayer. I said most of it in Tagalog, so it took over 20 minutes. I prayed for everyone in my zone that needs help. I prayed for the new missionaries coming in. I prayed for all of the people in the Philippines that are ready to receive the gospel. I prayed for each of you. Then I prayed, expressing my concerns and inadequacies. I expressed my issues with studying and with the zone. Finally, I prayed that the Lord would give me the Spirit of Revelation so that I could know what to do.

The next morning I again prayed for the Spirit of Revelation, and while reading my scriptures I received an impression that I needed to set better goals. The first goal I wrote was, "Write my testimony down in my journal once a week." I wasn't sure why that was my main goal, but for some reason I decided that was an important goal.

WELL, LISTEN TO THIS!

That night, at the Tuesday Devotional, Elder Robert Gay of the Seventy spoke to us. When he got to the pulpit, he tore up his talk because he felt inclined to give a different talk. Then he proceeded to talk about the Spirit of Revelation! THAT'S RIGHT! I prayed for the Spirit of Revelation, and now Elder Gay is teaching me about it! (But wait, it gets better!)

He said the work of the Lord can't move FORWARD without the Spirit of Revelation. THEN, he advised everyone to WRITE THEIR TESTIMONY ON PAPER! I was like, WHAT?! HE IS SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO ME! He then explained to me why I need to write my testimony. He advised us to write our testimonies, then decide what part or aspect we want to strengthen. Then pray for the Spirit of Revelation, and "act" by reading the Book of Mormon.

For real, the Spirit spoke straight through Elder Gay and directly to me! Now, I extend that invitation to you. Write down your testimony, what you truly believe. Then pick one aspect to strengthen, pray for the Spirit of Revelation, and seek the Book of Mormon for strength & revelation. The only way to gain a testimony is through the Book of Mormon.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Love,
Elder Hemmert

Elder Hemmert & Elder Stacy at the MTC
"This photo probably needs cropped, but I love this mural of the parting of the red sea! The murals here are so cool! I'll probably sneak in after my mission just to walk around and see the pretty flowers and beautiful murals."

Leaving EARLY!

Kumusta po mga Kapatid,

First off, my departure date has been MOVED FORWARD! I was supposed to leave for the Philippines on October 10th, but I just got news that I will be leaving on October 1st instead! I'm so excited! Also, if you haven't heard, the Philippines (my mission specifically), is currently being hit by a major typhoon. When I get there I imagine I will be helping with a lot of service and clean-up. I'm excited to get there and offer service!

On another note, 20 new Elders and 6 new Sister missionaries joined our zone on Wednesday. Elder Stacey and I are now zone leaders for 64 missionaries! When the new missionaries came in we welcomed them and took them on tours around the Mission Training center. They are all super awesome, and they are already loving it here. We were given their pictures before they came, so I memorized all of their names. However, the pictures didn't know show the fact that most of them are way taller than me, and it feels a little weird that I'm their zone leader even though I look like a child next to them... and I'm 3 inches taller than my companion, Elder Stacey, and he has only shaved once so far, so imagine how he feels (He told me to include that part hahah).

We are trying our best to make them feel loved, and I pray every night for guidance to be a good zone leader. I have an extremely difficult time falling asleep at nights, because I'm always trying to find ways to solve any issues in the zone. I'm doing the best I possibly can, and I know the Lord is helping me.

LISTEN TO THIS: In trying to find ways to be a better zone leader and missionary I realized I needed to set better goals. I am so busy here that finding time to set goals can be difficult; however, looking back, I realize three weeks have already flown by, and I can't just let days go by without goals in mind. So this past week I have begun setting daily goals, weekly goals, and monthly goals. I keep a notecard with me, and throughout the day I add goals that I want to achieve. Some of my goals include: Learning 50 new Tagalog words a day, writing and practicing at least 12 Tagalog phrases that I want to use to teach people about the gospel, Ponder and Pray about the Book of Mormon everyday, and many more. Day to day my goals change, and I reflect back on how I have done with completing my goals. I'm not always successful, but the progress has been phenomenal! For example, Elder Stacey and I had a goal to teach an entire lesson in Tagalog with ZERO notes. Well guess what, we practiced just a little extra, prayed a little longer, and we officially taught a 20 MINUTE LESSON with ZERO NOTES!

A PIECE OF ADVICE: Grab a notecard or something that is easily accessible (I suppose you all have phones so go to your "notes" section or something), and throughout the day write down at least three goals that you want to achieve. Reflect on those goals that night, and decide how you will achieve them. If they are long term goals, then make some daily goals that will help you reach that end result. Goal setting can be difficult, but I promise, if you will set goals (WRITE THEM DOWN), and reflect on those goals often, then you will progress so much quicker than you ever would without them. Daily goals are key!

Sincerely,

Elder Hemmert

Stitches & Studying

Kumusta mga kapatid! (Hello brothers and sisters!)

New Zone Leaders Elder Stacey & Elder Hemmert being passed
the torch by Elder Van Patten & Elder Bingham

Well, my companion, Elder Stacey, and I are zone leaders! Half of our zone left on monday, so Elder Stacey and I are in charge of only 36 Elders and Sisters. Our responsibility consists mostly of, obeying and enforcing all rules, meeting with all district leaders, settling contention, offering help to anyone that needs it, and attending and running all meetings. As zone leaders we are held to a higher standard: to be examples to everyone. Right off the bat Elder Stacey and I memorized everyone's name in our zone and began getting to know them. We want people to like us and know we care for them; however, it wasn't more than a few hours into being zone leaders that we ran into some crazy issues.

Two Elders were playing basketball and accidentally smashed heads. Both Elders split their heads open and would need medical attention immediately. Elder Stacey and I got word while working out, so we quickly called the branch president and rushed the two Elders to where they could be brought to the hospital. Both Elders are fine now and have stitches in their foreheads, but it was crazy that we had to deal with that on the first day.

Then, the next day a sister injured her ankle while playing basketball also, and we had to do the same exact thing! It's crazy! Maybe this is a sign that we should stop playing basketball! hahah!

Elder Stacey & Elder Hemmert

Also, this week has been filled with an insane amount of studies. Elder Stacey and I are non-stop studying, and I mean NON-STOP! On Monday we got back to our room exhausted, and we planned to go to bed earlier than normal. However, due to an issue in our zone, Elder Stacey and I had to stay up for a few meetings. We quickly realized that we did not have a solution to the issue, so I suggested that we offer a prayer. In the prayer I asked that we may have the Spirit of the Lord with us, and that the Spirit of Discernment would assist us in finding a solution to the issue we were facing. Immediately after concluding the prayer a simple solution came to our minds, and we were all unified in that decision. Without going into details, with the Lord's help there have no longer been issues.

I have come to realize that by myself I am extremely inadequate as Zone Leader, but with the Lord's help I can be great. One night in my scripture study I prayed to know how I could be a better zone leader. Concluding my prayer I opened my book of Mormon; however, I accidentally opened to the wrong page and found myself looking at Mosiah 23:18 - "Therefore, they did watch over their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness."

What a great answer to my prayer! I know that the Lord will answer your prayers if you simply humble yourself and ask him in faith. The Lord answered my prayer, and I know if I look toward him for help, then I will be a great zone leader!

Sincerely,

Elder Hemmert

Elder Hemmert's District

NO REGRETS!

Here are a few photos. The one with ties are the old zone leader ties. It is a tradition to pass them down. The next of the group is our district, the sisters aren't in it though. The goldfish one is because one night while journaling we ate 2 full pounds of goldfish. It was kind of dumb, but I have no regrets- hahaha!

Elder Hemmert, Elder Stacey, Elder Gealta