Nov. 20, 2017

Dear Family and or Associates.

Its me again Elder hakala.

I'm feeling kind of lazy this week, so I'm just going to forward my companion's weekly email. #loveu

From.

Your favoritest




What an exciting week!

We stayed way busy, with our two way solid investigators and our other 6 or so that we teach, just haven't realized that church is a real good sweet and nice thing yet.

First: Investigator updates. I have mostly ben sending these to Sara... haha oops

1. Susana, who was on date last week to baptized this Saturday fell off date, but its actually way Okay. She has lots of conflicting thoughts due to her study with the JW's, but she has a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and she reads and prays every day! She has already read to Jacob since we challenged her to read daily two weeks ago! WOWZERZ. But yeah, she I way solid, and she needs to tell us when she wants to be baptized rather than us making that decision.

2. Blanca, our other solid, IS on date for THIS Saturday!! We had a Why I Believe Fireside yesterday night (recent converts just tell their story of their conversion, and bare powerful testimony!) and Blanca came! After that, we asked her how she felt about this Saturday for being baptized, and she got warmed up to it! She has some little questions, like if she is needs to bring her own towel and what not, but that's way exciting! If it all works out, it will be my first baptism squeezed in the last week of my first transfer!

3. The other way cool thing that happened this week was when we went to teach Mario y Juana, an elderly couple we knocked into. We got in, and another Mexican family came in right behind us... we thought we would need to get up and leave, but Mario insisted we stay and teach. Well, the other Family (Angle, his wife, and two ninitos) was genuinely interested in our message, so they heard us out. We had brought the restoration video with us, so we plugged that in, and the whole house filled with the Spirit! That moment just solidified my testimony of the Church, and the Restoration. If you are questioning, go to the SOURCE!! Ask in prayer and you WILL receive an answer! Way cool. Angel had so many misconceptions about the church, and Mario was telling him he needed to let the missionaries in next time they knock!! We didn't have to say anything, Mario was totally rooting for us. We would have taken his info down, but he didn't want to give it, so pray that missionaries in Federal Way find him...


The rest of the Week Newz:
We knocked into Frank, this crazy old Coot that honestly reminded me of Coach Monty if he had maybe one or two more loose nuts. (Love you coach!!) He had stopped Elder Hakala and I for LEGIT 1 HOUR and 30 MINUTES on his doorstep talking about The pyramids on Mars and Earth and the 1 Million sets of Giant Bones that the Smithsonian is just DUMPING INTO THE OCEAN!! And that SEATLE wants to spray their "Drug Needles and Septic Slime" into the Puget Sound, BUT NOT ON FRANKS WATCH!! ALSO, you ever seen a THUNDER BIRD?? OF course you haven't, only sighted in Alaska and Africa, but they have a 46' wingspan TIP TO TIP!! The best part was probably how genuine he was about all of it, and also, he kept encouraging us with all the fervor of his soul that we needed to get our hands on this book:
DEAD MENS SECRETS by Johnathan Grey
hahaha what an adventure that was. I interrupted him multiple times to leave politely, and he would say, oh gee sorry, I talk a lot I know... one last thing!! ...   But he also told us that a lot of people try to attack the Book of Mormon, but archeology proves it happened. So yeah, we are thinking of referring him??? who knows with Frank... He also had a glass eye which did not help his claim of "I'm not crazy!!"

Nov. 13, 2017

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church....a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes.”

-Charles R. Swindoll

Dear Family,

This week was great.

We finally put Susanna on date! She is so ready, and we have been teaching her for a long time. So its super awesome that she is finally getting close.

I have really loved teaching her, and we know that this will really bless her! She is on date for the 25th, please pray that she will be able to be baptized.

As always, I love you guys. Y'all are awesome. Praying for you.

Love,
Your brother, son, friend,

Elder Jeffrey Hakala

Nov. 6, 2017

ou can either complain that the roses have thorns or thank God that the thorns have roses."

Dear Family,

Whatsup y'all?! Its been a grandiose week full of adventures up here in the beautiful watac land. We've had so many miracles I don't know where to start. One super cool thing is that it snowed yesterday. Suupperr beautiful. I loved it!


My son (figurative son, mom, that's mission lingo, so don't flip out) had his first birthday in this mission this morning, so I got to give him one of my ties, and the Spanish translator that my dad (again my figurative dad, the missionary who trained me) gave to me as a parting gift. He was very pleased.

We had five potential baptism candidates come to church this past sunday, (WOOT) because their parents are finally getting reactivated.
None of the ones we are teaching showed up:/ but that's okay. tengo las ganas!

we were out knocking yesterday and knocked into a war veteran. he shared some of his beliefs about God, and about Aliens, and told us he loved talking with us. This past week we also taught a man who has had a rough history. He was on the streets by age 10, after bouncing around in foster homes. He joined a gang just so that he could get by. He has some interesting beliefs about God, because of his unique experiences. My companion and I learned a lot from him and the spirit was very strong in our 2 hour plus conversation. Whether or not he gets baptized I don't know. But he taught me some powerful lessons, the first and foremost that God loved jesus Christ his son. We also should never be too quick to judge a person ; we don't know where they've been or what is going on in their lives.

God knows. And the first thing he tells us is that we need to love one another. So maybe we should take his advice.

Well, I love serving here in the watac and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Everyday I learn so much, not just about missionary work, but about who I am and that I have eternal worth. That God loves me. And that his plan really is a plan of happiness. and that it really is for everybody. And he never gives up on us, we just have to keep loving him. And it really does all work out.

Inspiration for this week:
Alma 34:41:

40 And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them;

41 But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.

Love you all!

Sincerely Elder Hakala

Oct. 30, 2017

Dear Fam,

We had two investigators at church this week. We biked almost every day this week.... A lot of sunshine recently. We got to do service for a guy named Pistol, and helped put his porch together. Rode through center of Olympia this week and got a bunch of stinkeyes. Its kind of the gay capitol of the world.

That's about it.

Sincerely,

Elder Hakala

inspiration:

Inline image 1

THE RACE
By Dr. D.H. (Dee) Groberg



“Quit! Give Up! You’re beaten!”
They shout at me and plead.
“There’s just too much against you now.
This time you can’t succeed.”

And as I start to hang my head
In front of failure’s face,
My downward fall is broken by
The memory of a race.

And hope refills my weakened will
As I recall that scene;
For just the thought of that short race
Rejuvenates my being.

II

A children’s race–young boys, young men–
How I remember well.
Excitement, sure! But also fear;
It wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope
Each thought to win that race.
Or tie for first, or if not that,
At least take second place.

And fathers watched from off the side
Each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went
Young hearts and hopes afire.
To win and be the hero there
Was each young boy’s desire.

And one boy in particular
Whose dad was in the crowd
Was running near the lead and thought:
“My did will be so proud!”

But as they speeded down the field
Across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win
Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself
His hands flew out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd
He fell flat on his face.

So down he fell and with him hope
–He couldn’t win it now–
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished
To disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up
And showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said,
“Get up and win the race.”

He quickly rose, no damage done,
–Behind a bit, that’s all–
And ran with all his mind and might
To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself
–To catch up and to win–
His mind went faster than his legs:
He slipped and fell again!

He wished then he had quit before
With only one disgrace.
“I’m hopeless as a runner now;
I shouldn’t try to race.”

But in the laughing crowd he searched
And found his father’s face;
That steady look which said again:
“Get up and win the race!”

So up he jumped to try again
–Ten yards behind the last–
“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought,
“I’ve got to move real fast.”

Exerting everything he had
He regained eight or ten,
But trying so hard to catch the lead
He slipped and fell again!

Defeat! He lied there silently
–A tear dropped from his eye–
“There’s no sense running anymore;
Three strikes: I’m out! Why try!”

The will to rise had disappeared;
All hope had fled away;
So far behind, so error prone;
A loser all the way.

“I’ve lost, so what’s the use,” he thought
“I’ll live with my disgrace.”
But then he thought about his dad
Who soon he’d have to face.

“Get up,” an echo sounded low.
“Get up and take your place;
You were not meant for failure here.
Get up and win the race.”

“With borrowed will get up,” it said,
“You haven’t lost at all.
For winning is no more than this:
To rise each time you fall.”

So up he rose to run once more,
And with a new commit
He resolved that win or lose
At least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others now,
–The most he’d ever been–
Still he gave it all he had
And ran as though to win.

Three times he’d fallen, stumbling;
Three times he rose again;
Too far behind to hope to win
He still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner
As he crossed the line first place.
Head high, and proud, and happy;
No falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer,
For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last
With head bowed low, unproud,
You would have thought he’d won the race
To listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said,
“I didn’t do too well.”
“To me, you won,” his father said.
“You rose each time you fell.”

III

And now when things seem dark and hard
And difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy
Helps me in my race.

For all of life is like that race,
With ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win,
Is rise each time you fall.

“Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!”
They still shout in my face.
But another voice within me says:
“GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!”

Oct. 23, 2017 Pictures

Oct. 16, 2017 Pictures

Oct. 16, 2017

Dear Family, and Friends!

This week was great! We had an investigator named Blanca come to church for the third time, and she is ready for baptism. We are going to try hard to put her on date this week. We've had miracles, and even though we had Susannah fall off date this week, (she is still investigating with those j-dubs) we are going to put her back on date again for sure! She is so ready, we just know it!!!

Please pray for Balta. He lost his cousin in the earthquake in Mexico. And is really struggling. We are going to share the Plan of salvation with him this week.

We have transfers this Tuesday and I'm training. Tomorrow I will discover who my new companion will be. He's a gringo from the mtc, that's all I know. But I'm excited to meet him!

I'm grateful to be serving here! Thanks for all the love and support!. Heres some happy thoughts for y'all:

Sincerely, Your best friend, and faithful missionary,

Elder Hakala.

Love you all!


The Church is true! This Face to Face event answered many of my prayers and I would like to share it with all of you!

“The world is going to tell us that we are nothing. And maybe to the world we are nothing. But the real truth of all of this is that to God we mean everything. And although sometimes we may feel like we are nothing, to God, we literally mean everything. And that’s something powerful, and important for you to recognize -- that you are irreplaceable, and that the word irreplaceable (when it is describing you) is literally perfect. There’s nobody that’s like you. There’s nobody that could possibly be like you. And the world would be a worse place if you were not in it.”

~Patch Crowe

“Sometimes just wanting to try is enough.”

~Patch Crowe
Inline image 1
You can always pray simply:
“Heavenly Father I want to try. Please help me to want to try.”

~Patch Crowe


It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light
of Christ's Atonement shines." —Jeffrey R. Holland.


I came across this, and thought I'd share. It's from just the most incredibly fabulous author, and a person that I respect very much. It helped me through a hard day, and I thought you all might like it too!

“Just a reminder that you are not defined by your past, your mistakes, your depression or your pain. You are not weak for struggling to overcome your challenges. You are human. You are never worth less in the eyes of God, regardless of your circumstances. You aren’t a burden to anyone. You aren’t unwanted or unloved. You are not a failure. You are valued and loved despite the things that you think are failings. God loves you. He is proud of you. He is proud of your effort to get out of bed each morning. He loves you even on days when you can’t. He is proud when you go to work, read your scriptures, and do the things you’re asked to do. He loves you even when you forget or are too tired.

He isn’t comparing you to anyone else. He’s loving you individually and personally. He sees your pain. He knows your desires. He has promised that things will be made right in his own due time. Do not let anyone make you feel inferior because you’re struggling or because you can’t think optimistically all the time. Their opinions don’t matter. What matters is God’s opinion, and He thinks the world of you. He always has. You aren’t alone. You aren’t forgotten. There’s nothing wrong with you for feeling the things you do. Feel it. Feel all of it and turn to the one other person who has felt all of it exactly as you have. Because Christ, our Savior, has felt exactly as you have. Not similarly. Exactly.

God doesn’t often work in miles. Generally, he works inch by inch, moment by moment. And I think that’s how he heals us and perfects us too. Little by little. Line upon line. God’s work takes time, and sometimes peace and healing does too. But when we turn to the Savior, it will always come. That’s a promise.“

Love you guys!!!! Stay strong!! Praying for you!!!!

Oct. 9, 2017

Dear family, How y'all doin? I hope you are good! I love you all. Since I dont have very long to write, I will be writing letters by hand. I love you all and think the world of you. May God guide and love and protect you this week!!

Sincerely,

Elder Jeffrey Hakala

Oct. 2, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was awesome! The spirit was so strong during conference, and especially during our mission temple trip.

I was so grateful for the things that I learned in the temple this week. For the first time, I was able to really feel the spirit as I went through. It was awesome. Families really can be together forever!

Thank you so much for all your love and support.

Sending letters soon!

Love you guys. Praying for you all!

Elder Jeff Hakala

Sept. 25, 2017

Dear Family,

I don't have a whole lot to say this week, other than I'm still alive, the work is progressing, and I love you all. God has a plan for each of us individually, and I know that this church is where we can find peace and happiness, and overcome anything through Him. You guys are awesome, and I hope you have a great week!

Love, Elder Hakala

p.s. Sound advice: "If you're going through hell, just keep on going" -One of my favorite country songs ;)

Sept. 18, 2017

Dear Family,

This week has been awesome. We were able to go to Shelton and see the baptism and confirmation of Emilie, Zach's Stepdaughter. She is eight years old and has been waiting for this for a long time. Also, this week, we had two investigators at church. It's been awesome.

We also have saw the first rain of the season yesterday night. I got to finally put my coat on again for the first time in several months!! Woot!!!

I got my new shoes, (thanks so much gma and gpa!!!!! ) to which I promptly broke in the first day I wore them, by playing soccer with a bunch of Spanish kids when we were out proselyting. Here's hoping they accept the gospel, because they were making Elder Garcia and I work!! I even hit a header, which was pretty cool.

Speaking of Soccer, for decomp every night, Garcia and I have taken to playing indoor football (much to the horror of our neighbors below I'm sure) and it gets pretty tense. We line up the goal posts with our gallons of crazy ionized water (there is a member in this branch that is sure to help us drink enough agua) and we use a little nerf ball that I stole from our last apartment.

I also recently found a preying mantis on our door a couple mornings ago. So I caught it and froze it, and will be getting around to sending it home soon. I hope you need a mantis, Bekah!

Aqui es una Update en Nuestros investiagadores

Blanca - Tenemos una sita con ella con una miembro de nuestro rama. ella ha nos prometeda que ella estara al iglesia proxima semana. estamos animado por eso.

Maritza y Manuel: Son cerca de siendo bautizado. Solo necesitan recibir una respuesta. Estamos animado para ellos tambien.

Well that's about all I got time for this week. Hope all is well with you!!

I love this area, and even more I love my companion. And I love the work of the Lord!

Les amo,

Elder Hakala

Aug. 21, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,


This week was great. I hope you guys had a good one too.

We were able to baptize Sadie, a 10 year old girl, who has been attending the ward with her family, and needed permission from her dad to be baptized. She was born into the church, but due to a difficult family situation, she wasn't able to be baptized until now.

The baptism was awesome, and there was a very sweet spirit there. Her uncle was able to perform the ordinance, and she was also able to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. :)

Other things that happened this week:

Attended a priesthood meeting with the stake about family history work
Received a referral for a woman named Kathryn who is very interested in being baptized.
Had interviews with our mission president, who basically said that I was getting transferred.
Music standards have changed, so it would be great if someone could send me a Piano Guys Cd or two. And Mom, I need new shoes. My last pair is pretty much totally destroyed. I'm not too picky, a new color might be nice though.


Thanks for all you guys do to support us out here in the mission field. We are learning so much, and this is the greatest times of our lives. I don't regret a minute!

I love you all, and I know this church is true. Stay positive and remember God loves you!

Have a great week!

Love Elder Hakala

Sept. 13, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been great.

We have had more lessons of the restoration in a single week this past week than I think I have had at any time in my entire mission. The people here in Lacey are so ready to receive the gospel. It's really super awesome. We have two really serious investigators, named Blanca, and Sujey, and the rest are a bunch of potentials!

Elder Garcia es buenhonda, y estoy disfrutando mi tiempo aqui consigo. Lo ha sido muy muy bien.

I am grateful for all your prayers love and support. May you have the best week ever!!

Sincerely,

Elder Hakala

Sept. 6, 2017

Dear Friends and Family,

How are you all doing? Life is just great here in the mission! This past week I got transferred to LaceySpanish!  I am still to be district leader, and will be followup training the dopest missionary ever here.
My new companion is Elder Garcia, who is an awesome missionary from Texas. He grew up speaking Spanish, so I am getting lots of help from him. We haven't been together long, but I can already tell he is an awesome guy.

The area is huge, and covers two stakes, which means lots of Spanish work to be done. This also means we are going to be speaking Spanish almost 100% of the time. I am so pumped!

I got here Tuesday to find out that we had 15+ appointments scheduled for the week and two different sets of investigators ready for baptism, and hopefully a lot more than that if Elder Garcia and I have anything to say about it. We are very excited to be serving together. Can't wait to have a lot of success in this new area. Leaving Shelton was hard, but I know that it was the Lord's will, and that it was time to leave. I've made friends there that will last into the eternities.

Zach especially, made me a promise right before I left. That he would get his patriarchal blessing, and that he would get Aerie, his newly wed wife to the temple with him, to be sealed for time and eternity. It was one of the most sacred moments of my mission, to be able to look into his eyes as he said that. I am so excited for that family. They will have this Gospel with them forever! This past sunday, I was able to confer upon him the Aaronic Priesthood, and this Sunday he will be baptizing Emily, his 8 year old step daughter. From start to finish, it was an incredible experience, and I will be grateful forever for it.  Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, not only were we able to change Zach's life for the better, but I know that he changed mine. I sure do love that guy!

Well, I send you all my best. I am excited to continue to serve the Lord with all my heart might mind and strength. We'll send you another update soon, but it won't be on Monday as usual. Check this next Wednesday. (We are having a mission tour, and a general authority is coming to the mission, so our p day has been postponed.)

Les amo,

Elder hakalalakakala

Aug. 7, 2017

Sometimes, I wonder how much people can take. How hard it can get. Not just for us, as missionaries. But for our investigators.

As soon as Zack knew it was true, he knew he wanted it. But anything worth having is rarely easy. These are the last days. And because of that, we can count on hard times.

As it turned out, Satan wasn't relinquishing his hold on Zack without a fight. Zack and Aerie had a disagreement this past week, and the marriage got cancelled. But Zack knows it is true, and is absolutely determined to keep his commitments, notwithstanding the fact that the Satan is trying to break him down. And he still plans on marrying Aerie, if circumstances are right. And, despite it all, Zack has decided to push forward with the baptism anyway.

He is still scheduled to be baptized this Sunday, after church. Whether or not he fully realizes it yet, he has found the pearl of great price, and with help from our Savior Jesus Christ, he will be able to overcome anything the devil can throw at him. I know it. And with faith and a pure heart, I have no doubt in my mind that he can make it.

We have been fighting for this so long, and now its finally here. And words can't express what a victory it will be for Zack.

Despite the opposition from the Devil, and the rough week that they have had, after talking with the Bishop, Zack and Aerie both came to church this week. And because they did, now he is still on track for being baptized.

Zacks parents have basically been against his baptism into this church from day one, and we don't know what will become of their relationship with their son now. But what we do know is this -- that this is Christ's church. This is the truth! And as hard as it is, it is worth sacrificing everything for. Worth every moment of pain and heartache. Because when we feel the most alone, I know that that is when he is carrying us. Christ has already walked this way before. And He knows what we are going through. And anything worth having will require a fight. That is simply His doctrine. Christ didn't have it easy, so why should we?  The difference is, though, that because He loved us so much, He isn't going to let us walk this path alone. Not for you, Zack. Or for anyone else. God loves us so very much. And His love is perfect, and all enveloping. And when times get unbelievably hard, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. We are heirs of divinity, sons and daughters of the promise. And the pathway, although not always easy, is possible. And our Heavenly Father's promises are sure. So hang on. Notwithstanding all the evils and the world, and the fact that Satan will fight for whatever leverage he can get, if we will remain faithful, all of our losses will be made up. Every pain, hurt, trial and tribulation. All of it will be overcome through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hang in there, Zack. Hang in there, Aerie. You've almost made it. Salvation and exaltation are not easy to attain. But they are worth every effort. As difficult as it may seem, if you can remain faithful now, one day you will look back and thank your Heavenly Father for this opportunity to prove yourself and with His guiding hand, to be made strong. And because of it, He will bless you forevermore. I promise you that. God's love is perfect, and it is pure. Baptism is the way. Joy is the reward. And His peace endureth forever. So hang on. Please, Just hang on. Because it will all be worth it. Every last bit of soul staunching effort.

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him, and I know that his promises are sure, and that his miracles, predicated on obedience, will come to pass, if we will put our absolute trust in Him. This is His church. And if you want to do more than find out about Jesus Christ, but in turn, find out who He is, than this is where you must go to find His doctrine, and His truth. His peace. And His Authority. Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, for marvelous are his ways, and the extent of His doings, none can find out. Beside Him there is no Savior, and my will is His to command.

Aug. 28, 2017

Dear Family,

This week was great. We are having a good time here in the watac. Things have been busy lately. Zach is progressing well, and so is Effy, a new investigator we have. We are doing so much work its hard to stay current. Rest assured though we are doing the Lords work. Other than that I dont have much else to say this week, so here is a picture of us enjoying ourselves on p day!

Love you all.

Elder Hakala

Jul. 31, 2017

"He feels our sorrows, He provides a way, He will  strengthen the weary, for he knows your name. To them that Trust in the Lord peace shall be their friend, and love their ally. And Christ shall bear them up in all their afflictions."

This past week has been crazy cool, and I don't think I have ever been more excited for the next couple weeks than in my whole entire life.

We put Zack on date to be baptized this past week, scheduled for the 13th of August. The Spirit was so strong that He could not deny what He felt. He agreed to be baptized. The very next day we taught the Law of Chastity, and the Word of Wisdom, and He committed to living both of those. From the moment he said yes to follow the example of Jesus Christ though, I already knew that he would keep these commitments. The next thing he wanted to know was if he could meet with the bishop. At church, Elder Pike and I were sitting in Gospel Principles class when they came in late after they had finished their discussion with him, and as class let out, Aerie (Zack's Girlfriend) asked what we had scheduled for this friday at 5:30 PM. I showed her my planner on that day, and that it was entirely blank. Aerie grinned and said. We're getting married. And we want you and your companion to be the witnesses! At this point, I was so shocked, I could barely stutter an affirmative answer that yes, WE WOULD LOVE TO GO!!! Both of their eyes were glowing at this point, with a light I had hardly ever seen in anyone. Then she told me that Zack would be receiving the Aaronic priesthood immediately after his own baptism so that soon after he could baptize Emily her daughter and his soon to be stepdaughter. My mouth dropped open. I just couldn't believe it!

Miracles are real. This is the truth. Christ is the Head of this church. I know it with every fiber of my being. No one could possibly convince me otherwise. And now Zack knows it, too. And I am so excited for this family. This family is the reason I came out here. The reason I was called here. The reason I was called to Shelton. And God has prepared both of us for this moment every step of the way.

Before I met Zack, his life was confused. Before I met him and Aerie, they knew they wanted peace and joy, but they weren't finding it. Well, now they've found it. And now everything's different. Now they can be together forever. And one day, if they remain faithful, they will all become an eternal family. And I can't tell you just how happy that makes me.

People's lives are being changed every day. Every day a missionary goes into the mission field with a heart to do the will of God and just to be obedient, is a day when someone's eternal salvation is secured. It will change the investigator's lives, but even more so than that, it will change them. I now know the painful road that lead to get here. But this last Thursday night, when I looked Zack in the eyes and said, Will you be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with someone holding the proper authority, and he nodded his head, and agreed, was one nanosecond amid billions of others that made it all worth it. Worth every moment of pain, and worth every sacrifice.

I know this is the Lord's work.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

~Elder Hakala

Aug. 14, 2017

Dear Family,

Two days ago, Zach moved out of his girlfriend's house. Then, this past Sunday, he was baptized, and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 7 PM. He is now on the path to being a part of something that will bless his life, and the life of his future family, forevermore. I am awed to be able to have been a part of this experience, seeing him from start to finish throughout all of the lessons. He has changed so much!

Seeing his battle with the adversary has been incredibly difficult for me. Allowing others to make their own decisions is one of the hardest aspects of serving a mission. But it is the purpose of this life -- and I am so grateful for Zach and his decision to be baptized. It was his faith that pulled him through, and because of it, he is now receiving incredible blessings.

Leading up to the baptism, he knew what he had felt, and at the time he committed to be baptized, he absolutely knew it was true. But Satan started to work on him, and pushed him hard to give in, to step back, to question what he had felt. But notwithstanding the difficulty, Zach pushed forward with faith.

And now, here we are.

Zach, after an immense amount of struggle and effort, is on the path of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But we are not done with him yet. His baptism and confirmation in the church of Jesus Christ, was only the beginning. Because now, we have a new goal for Zach.

At the request of the bishop, Zach is to be ordained to office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood as soon as he is able. And, if everything works out, in two weeks, Zach will again be able to stand in the font. Only this time, he won't be the one being baptized. He will be the one baptizing. Emily, his soon-to-be step daughter, has turned eight, and she wants him to be the one to do it!!

I know that this message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ penetrated deeply into Zach's heart. He is changed forevermore, and has set his hand to the plough, and I can see in his eyes every time I teach him, something special. Zach is ready to do whatever God asks him to do, no matter the cost. And it is so incredible. We are super excited for him!

I can honestly say that his baptism was one of the most spiritual experiences of my whole life. But at the same time I know that this work isn't done nor is it even close to finishing. I feel an increased sense of urgency to further the work of the Lord. The time for doing anything but what I am called to do is long past. People are ready and waiting to be baptized. And we have the power and authority to be doing it.

So that means that Elder Pike and I are gonna start right now. Yes sir, we are going to be whipping the devil everyday, so that we can help all of God's children get to the font!!!! ;)

We received a call from a woman in the ward who has received permission from her husband who is not a member to finally baptize her 10 year old daughter. So that's incredible, and we are excited about that.

We visited with Cyrus and are trying to help his parents get reactivated. The family is attending a ward function with us tonight.

We are also working with a UBC named Cohen, and there is promise of him getting baptized soon, too.

May you have a blessed week!

P.S. Thanks for the package, y'all. I love you!!!

Sincerely 

Elder Hakala

Aug. 21, 2017 Pictures

Aug. 7, 2017

Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior.

2 Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out.

3 His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand.

4 From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail.

5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.



22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

~ Doctrine and Covenants 76 ~

Aug. 2, 2017 Camp Hawkaloogi

Jul 24, 2017

Dear family

This week was great. We had the baptism of Cyrus our investigator so thank you for all the prayers, because they paid off

Another miracle is that I am staying in shelton again and that I will be attempting to train a new missionary. Thats awesome and I'm way excited.

(my address isn't going to change)

Zack is getting closer to being baptized. He will be at church again this next week and he is going to be witnessing the baptism of a his girlfriends daughter. And the spirit is very strong at baptisms. We are hoping and praying that he will prepare himself to be baptized very soon. And we are going to read alma 22 (for those of you that don't know that is a great missionary chapter about coming unto Christ and laying it all down before the Lord). After fasting I have felt that this is the scripture that Zack needs to be put on date to be baptized.,

Estamos tambien ensenando dos otros families espanas, por los nombres de Leticia y su esposo daniel,  y tambien Jonathan, quien tiene once anos, y sus padres. uno es una miembro (menos activo) y el otro no es una miembro. Entonces oraciones alli ayudaranos tambien. gracias para todo su apoyo. les amo todos.

The church is true. I know it. I love it with all my heart. And I find it a pleasure to wear out my life for the Lord.

Hurrah for Israel!

Love you all so very much,
Your brother in the faith and your friend,

Elder Hakala

Jul. 24, 2017 Pictures

Jul. 17, 2017

Dear Family

Cyrus is getting baptized this week. After a lot of hard work, he is set to be on date for this Saturday. We have an appointment with Zack again (finally!) for this Wednesday, and we are getting transfer calls this Saturday.

Despite all the stuff that's going on, I am very grateful just for the opportunity to just be present in the moment. This is one of the most amazing times of my life and I am so grateful for it!

I have a wonderful companion, and an amazing area, and everyday I get to wake up and do what I love! There really is nothing more amazing than that.

What a message we share -- that you are loved, and you can feel that love right here, and right now, and you can feel it with you always no matter where you are or what you are doing! I so dearly love these people, and I know that God does too. What a blessing it is that I get to help them know it, too!! :)

This church is true, and I'm so very grateful for it.

Jesus loves you. Find that to be true, then go and share that love!

Have a fantastic week!

Elder Hakala

Jul. 10, 2017 Pictures

Jul. 10, 2017

Querido Familia,

Espero que todo es bien con ustedes. Esta semana ha sido muy espiritual para mi. Nuestro investigadore (Zack) ha empezado busquando para la verdad con intention puro. Su corazon es tan puro. El espiritu consigo es en la proceso de creciendo. No es listo para ser bautizada ahora mismo, pero nuestro compromiso a el es leer el libro de mormon con fe y confianza en el Senor para que le puede saber si este es la verdad que el es busqando por. Tengo no dudas en mi alma que recibiera su respuesta pronto. Solo necesitamos continuar ser obediente, y todo es possible mediante el expiacion del nuestro Senor y Salvador, el Cristo. Tengo un testimonio muy grande de esta obra, y de la capacidad tenamos hacer la obra del Senor como sus instrumentos si escucharemos al espiritu.

Si hay algo lo se, es que Jesus es la via necesitamos ir sentir paz y gozo los dos en esta vida, y en la vida venir. Les amo todos de ustedes!

Aleluiah por Israel!

Sinceremente
Elder Hakala


Dear Family,

I hope all is well with you. This week has been very spiritual for me. Our investigadore (Zack) has started busquando for the truth with pure intention. His heart is so pure. The spirit himself is in the process of growing. It is not ready to be baptized right now, but our commitment is to read the Book of Mormon with faith and confidence in the Lord that you can tell if this is the truth that is busqando by. I have no doubt in my soul that receive your reply soon. We just need to continue to be obedient, and everything is possible through the Atonement of our Lord and Savior, Christ. I have a very great testimony of this work, and the ability tenamos do the Lord's work as their instruments if we will listen to the Spirit.

If there's anything I know, it is that Jesus is the route we need to go to feel peace and joy both in this life and in the life to come. Les love all of you!

Aleluiah for Israel!

Sincerely
Elder Hakala

Jun. 19, 2017

Dear Family,

This week has been great. Cyrus is back on date for the 22nd of July.

Zack will start progressing if we can get in to visit Him again

Tasha is doing well too.

As for me, I've never been happier.

I'm praying for you all, and grateful to be where I'm at.

May you all have the best of weeks!!
Sincerely, Elder Hakala

Jun. 12, 2107

Hey everybody,

This week went awesome. We taught the final lesson to Cyrus. Please pray for him and his family. His dad is coming in town this week and we are hoping he can be baptized

Tasha is doing great. We have a lesson set up for her this tuesday.

Zach didn't make it to church cuz he went to the hospital. So he fell off date. But we are going to try to visit with him again soon.

As always, you are amazing! Thanks mom for the good talks. I love you all and I hope your week goes great! May the Lord bless and guide each of you in your walks of life.

James 1:5

Sincerely, Elder Hakalakala

Jun. 4, 2017 Pictures

Jun. 5, 2017

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, asI have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man laydown his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

~ John 15 ~


Dear Family,

We have had miracle after miracle this week.

Zack and Cyrus are both on date.
the work is going extremely well.

Zack did not think he was ready to be put on date until by the spirit of the Lord we promised him he would receive an absolute answer, and he would know it before the day of the baptism if he truly sought it out. and then the spirit hit him hard, and he agreed. so now we have two investigators on date!

ive never seen the work busier, the spirit stronger, or more people interested in the truth. but its not just a change in the work, its been a continual change in me. and i am so grateful for it. the mission is changing everything about me down to my roots and to my very nature. and i count it a great blessing to be able to be so refined in gods work. i have never had greater desires in coming closer to the savior, nor have i ever had such success in doing so. i testify to you, that we are not alone. the enabling power of the atonement is enough to get  usthrough. we just need to truly seek him and we will find him. and the peace that he has for us is totally enveloping totally peaceful.

be absolutely obedient -- and if you are, then you absolutely have the right to call on the enabling atonement of Jesus Christ, and can expect that He will answer. He will give the strenght and capacity and assurance you need to press on. I know this to be true. He's done it for me. and He continues so to do, every single day of my mission so long as I heed the promptings of the holy spirit and am truly repentant and willing to follow him to the ends of the earth.

Jesus didn't mince words when he said through the words of Paul:

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. ~ 2 Corin. 12


that is the role of the missionary. the sad truth. the more we love the people and the more we love our god and lose ourselves in the work, the more we are hated of the world. but so too the more we are not of this world, for we are enveloped more and more entirely in his love, until can get screamed at on doorsteps, wait for them to finish, then smile, saying politely, with total love and charity, I hope you have a good day. such is the power of the enabling atonement of jesus christ. its enables us to get through anything.

Keep pressing forward with faith. God loves you. And he doesnt make mistakes. that includes you. you are one of his creations. i also want you to know that those who he calls he qualifies. and the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ is more than enough for anyone who has ever lived or will yet live. i know that everything is possible to him who submits his entire will to God, stands up inside, and is all in. Keep going. God loves you and He will never abandon you. He will provide. Never underestimate that He will provide for you to do His work, and that He has a work unique for you. I testify that he loves and needs you in this his work.

That for which you sew, that shall you also reap.

So hang on. Remain faithful. And give Him your all. And every debt shall He repay.

 In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

May 29, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week. Heres an update on our investigators.

Zack - baptist. working on knowing the church is true. member girlfriend. felt the spirit strongly in our second lesson.  he is selfmotivated, and has committed himself to pray to read and to come to church, now we just need to keep him on track with the followthrough..  we are going to ask him to pray with us. and if he does that i know that he will be baptized.

Cyrus - had a fun lesson with activities. Now he finally understands the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and even more important, he is excited enough to start coming to church. Pretty amazing. He is on date to be baptized
on the 16th!

Tasha - split up with her boyfriend. struggling a lot right now. doing our best to help her. she is so close to knowing how much this will bless her life!!

Jennifer and Robert - Our lesson fell through. But we'll keep trying. Praying that they will feel interested again.

Alexia - taught most of the lessons. just needs her mom's permission. its complicated.


well. as always I love you all. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Elder Hakala



"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 ~

For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand. Remember this...[and] ...lay it to heart, [so that one day you may] receive that which is to follow... [For]I, the Lord, have spoken it.

Hold on [thy] way, [for] he that hath clean hands shall be [made] stronger and stronger.

~ Job 17:9

Stand fast in the Lord, for he will not suffer that you shall fall:

President George Q. Cannon once taught: “No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character [to do so]. … He will [always] stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them.”

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. [For]...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

~ Philippians 4:4-13 ~




“For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned. For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous. Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.

“The Lord will surely prepare a way for his peoplE.... the righteous need not fear.”

-1 Nephi 22:15-22



"...Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

-Matthew 28:18–20

May 29, 2017 Pictures

May 22, 2017 Pictures

May 22, 2017

"For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard."
~Psalms 22:24

"If sometimes the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been with the best people who ever lived." Jeffrey R. Holland

 “There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God’s light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 “Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.” Elder Neil L. Andersen

“Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies.” Elder Quentin L. Cook


Dear Family, and Friends,

In some of my emails this morning, I've heard that its been a pretty trying week. And I couldn't agree more. I got physically sick this week, but even more, lately I've been sick in my heart. Sick of trying so hard, only to find so seemingly few results. Sick of the weather, and the people, and trials and the constant struggle of missionary work. Sick of pretending to feel fine.

But its in times when you are being tried the most that the Lord gives you spiritual packets of sunlight that give you the strength to get through.

It was Saturday night, and I'd just about had enough. I was exhausted physically spiritually emotionally. As I drove up the drive to the member's home where we were planning to stay at for the final hour of the night, my thoughts were far away, back home in Utah, missing my family, my bed and my past self. In other words, like Lot's wife, looking back, and saying, "Man! This is hard! I don't know if I can keep doing this!" I was spiritually torn apart, and spiritually done. I was even a little bit mad at God, I'm sorry to say.

Where is the help that you promised me when I am at the end of my rope? The angry thought flashed through my head again and again, as I struggled to get out of the car, lock the car doors and trudge up to the house. I fought to suppress the thought, but I was practically in tears. Oh God, where art thou? I wanted to cry out.

But God hadn't forgotten me. And He was about to make good on His promises. After having sat down and struggling to keep it together through an impossible member inspire, something that should have been so easy but felt more like an emotional marathon, at last we finished with a prayer. But before we could turn to go, one of the kids in the family wanted to show us their 'trail' in the backyard. Together as a family they had worked to mow down an impenetrable wall of blackberry and boysenberry bushes (plants that run wild up here) and this cute little kid wanted to show me all the work that they had done. So, in quiet submission, my companion and I walked out to the back. As we walked, I couldn't help but enjoy the calming, quiet peace of the night, the wind caressing my face. As we walked, the mother of the children walked with us. Our topic of conversation changed from missionary work in the ward, to her own experience with missionaries, a story I had never heard before. This wonderful mother was a convert. And although I didn't have the energy to piece together too much of her story, she said something that touched my heart. And it was the miracle I had been searching for all week long. "I will forever be grateful," She said to us quietly, "for missionaries like you, who have sacrificed everything you have, and left your families, and everything you know, to save those who are lost. You could never guess what my life was like, before this," She said with a smile through her tears, gesturing all around her to her house, and her backyard, her husband, and her kids. "I was searching for something, but I didn't know what it was. And it wasn't until those missionaries knocked on my door, when I was at my lowest point all those years ago, that I was able to find the truth that changed my life. I am so grateful for men like you."

In that moment, I knew why I was on a mission. In that moment, all the pain and the trial and the suffering of the past few hours, of the past week melted all away, and for the first time in quite a while I was able to see clearly again why I was here. And all the pain that I had been struggling with, and all my own sadness and focus on the strugglings of my own inadequacies and inner self, all melted away. And for the first time that week, I felt free. I felt light again. And even though my legs still felt like lead, my throat still sore, and my body drained of physical strength, I felt like Nephi, as though I could do anything. Because I knew that the Lord was helping me and guiding me.

Just before I retired to bed that night, as I was saying my prayers, I fervently thanked the Lord for the strength that the Lord had promised, coming through a humble mother, in a time of a missionary's desperate need. And after I had thanked Him, I recommitted to the Lord that I would give my all to His work, and withhold nothing. For nothing is too much to give to the Lord. And what a great gift and blessing that is to me to be able to give my all to Him.

And that's why I am on a mission.

I have learned for myself that when we give everything of ourselves in order to help others in the work of the Master, that is true joy. And because of my obedience, He has given me wings to fly.

I love you all. Warmest wishes, and may you all have the very best week!

Sincerely,
Elder Jeffrey Robert Hakala

May 15, 2017

“I am perfectly satisfied that my Father and my god is a cheerful, pleasant, lively, and good-natured Being. Why? Because I am cheerful, pleasant, lively and good-natured when I have His Spirit…. That arises from the perfection of His attributes; He is a jovial, lively person, and a beautiful man.” – Heber C. Kimball
.

Dear Family,

This week has been fantastic! It was so great to hear from you all yesterday. I have so missed seeing your faces and it made me smile. And don't worry mom, I'll be back before you know it!

Today has been really fun so far. We've listened to our favorite Pday Song on repeat five times on the way to doing our errands. We went shopping at Walmart, and we found some sweet new scentsys for the car, (which we didn't end up buying because I've had just about enough of sweet cherry scent in any of our vehicles.) We also went to the deoderant aisle and spent a good forty minutes there, testing scents, with my companion of course telling me which smells would make me a 'real man.' All in all its been a pretty good day so far, and it's gonna end up with all the Elders in the district playing another salty game of Risk. Yessiree. We are living the life!

After calls home yesterday I got a little nostalgic. I miss you all. Especially the fam. And for the most part thats a good thing. I just have to remember to channel those efforts into something that I can use for the good. Like remembering how much others want to be with their families forever too.

Update (and Names of my investigators)

Tasha: She has a bf and two kids, and knows the bom is true. She wants to be baptized but she needs to get married and start coming to church.

Cyrus: He's eleven years old. He is being baptized when his dad gets back in June. His mom is less active and struggles wanting to go to church. his dad is abusive and he smokes. taught him the third lesson last night.

Maria: miracle find from the sisters from the shelton 1st ward. she is awesome. but she is a diehard catholic, and a little complacent as of right now. she has lots of kids, struggles financially. we need another miracle

jennifer and robert: another referral from shelton 1st. want to be married and baptized. they need fellowship and help. we are going to see them today or tomorrow.

Zack: bf of one of our lessactive members. he is a strong baptist. we taught him the resto. he said he would read and pray.

Maria # 2: taught her half the resto in limited spanish. heading back there soon as we can.

P.S. Did you know that we have 6 1/2 Maria's in our potential investigators list?? Ugh I'm so confused!!! XD

Spiritual thought for today:

As man now is, God once was. As God now is, man may become.
~Lorenzo Snow

Hope you all have a good week. I love y'all loads! Praying for ya!

Sinceremente,

Elder Hakala

May 15, 2017 Pictures