Jefferson Ward EQ Spotlight

Rob Hakes

(Elders Quorum President)

- Describe yourself in one or two paragraphs:

    My name is Robert Matthew Hakes (Usually go by Rob, unless you knew me before I was 20 then it is Robbie).  A Hake is a fish so I assume that my ancestors were avid fisherman.  This is good because whenever I want to go fishing I can say that I am doing my family history by getting in touch with my family roots.
   I work as a Salesman/Project Manager at American Fence and primarily am responsible for all of the temporary fence panels that you see around construction sites.
  I have a beautiful wife, Jill and two boys Caleb and Colton.
  I don't like reading, watching movies or sitting of any kind.  I need to be on the move in the outdoors, playing sports, or building something.  My most common pastimes are fishing, playing ice hockey, weightlifting, and camping.  I get most of my education and info from podcasts and books on tape.

- How long have you lived in the ward?
  15 years.  3 years in the Condos (building J) and 12 years in our house

- Where did you grow up?
  Sandy Utah.  Graduated as a Jordan Beetdigger

-What is something unique about you?
  Similar to bro Hankins I am ambidextrous, but opposite of him I write with my right hand and play sports with my left hand.

-What is your favorite book?

Good to Great & 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  I always finding myself referring back
to the principles in those books.  I also love listening to talks by Jim Rohn (though old school
and cheesy).

-Who is somebody from history that you look up to and why?

Nephi.  He was a stud in all aspects.  Faith, Resilience, Ingenuity, and general
awsomeness.

-Who is your favorite person from church history and why?
Heber J Grant. He was a man that learned how to overcome and embrace weakness.  

-What do you like most about our ward?

Everybody seems really down to earth and real.  Im not the most outgoing and friendly guy but
have still managed to get to know some really cool people that live here.

-What do you like most about church?
It gives me an opportunity to serve and be charitable.  Otherwise I think I would be a hermit that
spent all of my days doing my own thing and staying away from people.

-What is your most embarrassing moment?
There are many moments that have come about when I am in public with my boys when they
 were young.  They would say whatever came to mind and often made some really awkward
 moments.

-What are some foods that you hate?

I really struggle with deep fried foods and really sweet sugary foods.  

What is your most favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving.  Time off with family without all of the fanfare and preparation of Christmas.

What is your least favorite holiday and why?
Halloween.  Most things about this holiday are painful and they don't really mean anything.  

What is your most memorable vacation?
Hawaii with the Family

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Social situations, though I haven't really overcome it yet.  I grew up as a severe introvert and
 have had to continue to work on handling myself socially over and over again. As many other
introverts can attest, being an introvert is really quite awesome, it just makes the important task
of socializing all the more awkward.

Jefferson Ward EQ Spotlight

Spencer Hankins

(Elders Quorum 2nd Counselor)

- Describe yourself in one or two paragraphs:

I'm Spencer John Hankins. My middle name is from my Mom's dad who I never met. He was a race car driver and sailor. He died at sea right after my mom and dad were married. I was born in Bakersfield, CA. My family moved to Murray when I was in second grade. Blakely and I met at the same time because my family moved into her ward. We have known each other for 25 years. Our daughter, Scotty, is 5 years-old, and our son, Rockwell, just turned 3. Our kids are awesome! Scotty literally thinks she is a princess, and Rocky is at the age of just wanting to break, tackle, destroy everything! It's fun over here!

Growing up I played a lot of sports, but basketball was definitely my favorite. Went to Murray High, SLCC, and then studied Mining Engineering at the U of U. I am a huge BYU fan, so it was really hard to go to that school. Blakely is a big Utah fan, so it's definitely a split household. 

I was lucky enough to be called to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission. I learned the Cebuano language. I loved every second of being in the Philippines. Warm, sunny, lots or rice, and extremely nice people. Everyone in the Philippines is Christian, so it was really easy to teach people everyday about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. My testimony was definitely solidified while being in the Philippines. I was blessed to see the Lord's miracles firsthand and know that this Church truly has Jesus Christ in charge. 

- How long have you lived in the ward?

7 years.

- Where did you grow up?

I grew up just down the street! 5900 South and 700 West in the Murray Parkway Stake. Went to Viewmont Elementary, Riverview Jr. High, and Murray High School. Just stayed in Murray!

- What are a few of you favorite pastimes and hobbies?

Sports. Especially basketball. 

What is something unique about you?

I'm ambidextrous. I play sports right handed, but write with my left hand.

What is your favorite breakfast food?

Bacon. 

What is your favorite book?

I truly don't read unless I have to. I love Preach My Gospel though. It is the only book that I don't complain about reading.

How do you like to spend your leisure time?

Watch and play basketball.

Who do you look forward to hearing from most during General Conference and why?

I love hearing from Elder David A. Bednar. He gave a very influential talk about Becoming a Missionary right before I left on my mission. That talk, and many more, have made me always look forward to Conference to hear Elder Bednar.

What do you like most about our ward?

Our ward seems to always step up to the plate. It doesn't matter what the need or assignment is because our ward always has people helping. 

What do you like most about church?

I like testimony meeting. It always lifts me up to hear others testimonies about Christ. 

What are some of your favorite foods?

Steak. 

What are some foods that you hate?

A few years ago I made a new years resolution to re-try all of the foods that I had learned to hate. It is the only new years resolution that I have actually kept! My taste buds had changed quite a bit! I now love broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and brussel sprouts! But the one thing I still hate is mushrooms. Mushrooms are disgusting.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?

Learning the Cebuano language was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I felt soooo  behind compared to everyone else in my MTC class and especially all of the other missionaries when I got to the field. It was an extremely humbling experience for me. I learned a lot about leaning on and putting trust in the Lord. It took a while, but I also consider learning Cebuano one of the greatest accomplishments that I have completed.