Balut: Baby Duck Fetus

Hello Po!!!!

Pics from Manilla MTC- Elder Garner & Elder Hemmert

Well, let me first say I am in the Philippines, and I love it. I said that last week, but I really do love it!!! My trainer is Elder Pedersen from St. George, Utah. He is amazing! Legit. AMAZING!!!! I know we will work great together!!! I have so much to say but not enough time so Ill just say the best!

I ate Balut which is a baby fetus duck egg. It was actually pretty good but had a beak and feathers hahah! Also, I have gained 6 pounds in one week from the rice.  I have a huge blister on my foot from basketball! 

So yeah, its real.  I am here. Itrs real.

But even more real is that people here need the gospel of Jesus Christ. They need the knowledge that God loves us. They need to know that we can live with our families again. We all need to know that.

My advice: Pray to God. Express all of your thoughts of your heart to Him. He will listen!

I have to go, but I love you all!

Elder Hemmert

Elder Garner & Elder Hemmert- Manila Temple

Philippines Cavite, Bacoor Area

Elder Hemmert w/ President & Sister Speirs

Dear Brother and Sister Hemmert,

We are pleased to report to you that Elder Hemmert has arrived at the Philippines Cavite Mission, on October 10, 2018.   We are grateful for his willingness to serve the Lord and participate in this great work of salvation.

We have assigned Elder Hemmert to work with an excellent trainer, Elder Pedersen, serving in the Bacoor area.

If ever you have any concerns or need to contact us for any reason, please call/email/send letters to:

Mission Office Phone:  001-046 518-4066 (from Philippines) Mission email address: 1986465@ldschurch.org

Mission Office address: Philippines Cavite Mission       

                                           353 Avenida Rizal, Pag-asa Subd.

                                           Molino III Bacoor, Cavite 4102       

                                           Philippines

Attached is a picture of your missionary with President and Sister Speirs, with his companion and with the group he came out with.

Sincerely,

Aaron B. Speirs

Philippines Cavite Mission President

Elder Pederson, Elder Hemmert, President & Sister Speirs

Humility

Magandang Umaga Po! Well, Magandang Gabi for those of you in the US!

I'M IN THE PHILIPPINES! I'm currently in the MTC in Quezon city. It's way nice, and there are only 200 missionaries here! I will leave for Cavite on Wednesday! Oh that reminds me, I am 14/15 hours ahead of most of you in the USA. It is super weird because I left for the Philippines on Monday afternoon, but when I landed it was Wednesday morning! I lost an ENTIRE DAY in travel time! It was a little bit sad to say goodbye to everyone from the Provo MTC, but I'm so happy to be here.

President and Sister Carlos w/ Elder Hemmert & Elder Garner

My mission president is President Carlos. He showed up at the airport and picked me up along with the 50 missionaries that came at the same time. When he saw my name he immediately told me that he knew my grandpa, and he used to be a member of the presidency back in Keizer, Oregon. How crazy is that! And the secretary in the MTC presidency, Brother Lee, was from Salem, Oregon also!

I can't even express in words everything that has happened so far, but I love every bit of it! My new companion is Elder Garner and we have gotten along very well. We will be attending the Manila temple later this day. Oh, and we can leave the MTC campus to go to the nearby market. I bought some super delicious pastries, because ALL OF THE FOOD HERE IS AMAZING!!!!! We have rice for every meal, and I love it! Also, it's quite humid and warm. It's kind of a mild time of year and will soon be getting very rainy. All the Filipinos are saying that it is a very nice temperature, but I start sweating the moment I step outside! It's so awesome! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE!

Anyways, since this is my first day I don't have too much to say, but I do have one more thing. Back in Provo I said goodbye to being zone leader and passed that responsibility onto two very good elders (Elder Smith and Davis). I enjoyed being zone leader, because it really taught me to show charity and love to others as I came to know all of them. Now, in the Philippines, I have been called as district leader! I went from zone leader to district leader! Why do I keep getting called to leadership roles. I don't have any extra qualities that make me more qualified than others; yet, I keep getting called to those roles. I suppose the Lord is trying to humble me and make me realize where I need to grow. The Lord gives "men and women weakness that they may be humble." Without weakness we would begin to think we could do everything on our own. We would allow pride to take over. However, we are not capable of handling everything on our own. We are not perfect and we have weaknesses, but as we turn to the Lord, "then will [He] make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27). As I take on this new role as district leader I will turn to the Lord for strength. I know that as I turn to Him, He will strengthen me. The Lord will never leave us comfortless.

My advice this week is a little different and may feel weird at first: Try to develop humility. Recognize that you can't do everything on your own. Seek help from others, and most importantly, seek help from the Lord.

Sincerely,

Elder Hemmert

I'm in the Philippines!

Fam!

Well, Im in the Philippines! Its amazing here!  I love it so much! And my mission president, President Carlos was in the Keizer stake and knows Grandpa Von Hemmert! He used to be in the presidency!

Love,

Elder Hemmert

Elder Hemmert was spotted in the SLC airport on his way to Philippines
Our family was so grateful to get these surprise pics! An a sweet sister even bought
him his last "American" meal!!!

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."