Everyone seems to put a Christmas title!

Well starting on Monday We got into the Christmas spirit by Shoveling snow.

On Tuesday we contributed to one of the members in our branch's early Christmas.

On Wednesday it just happened to be Christmas Eve so we went out to our Branch Presidents house and got to spend some time with his family. Later on that night we went to the Catholic church to experience midnight mast.

Christmas was fun... We started out by going to our 1st Counselor's house for breakfast and games. Then we went to the local Soup Kitchen to help out and for lunch. We then got to Video call home after that. After that we went to a member's house for Christmas dinner and games.

Friday was Boxing Day.

Saturday was post Christmas. We went out and visited some members. Then we visited a Less active and we got to see his horses. Then finished the day at a part members house and I won at the game of Darts.

On Sunday my companion and I gave talks in church. We then got to go out and visit with the same part member family we visited with last Sunday.

I think Christ(mas) is awesome! It is also cool reading about pre-Christ(mas) Here. I know that Jesus loves everyone... yes, even you! I also think it is awesome how we get the opportunity to return and live with him again after the Judgement. I love you! I know He loves you even more! for now I bid you goodbye.

Elder Warkentin

...Captain Kurfluffullus Jr. II

Christmas is Great.

On Monday we got to meet with a member here and apparently he had dislocated his shoulder a couple days before. So we got to share a message with him to help cheer him up.

On Tuesday we went to a members house and I was able to help set up her new computer to help her. When we got back to our apartment we had some elders randomly show up to sleep for the night because they were heading down to Edmonton for transfers the next day.

Thursday was a good day. we finally got a call saying our car was finally fixed, apparently it does take almost 6 weeks to get a car fixed when you live in a town. After picking up the car we were able to help out the Relief Society with their Christmas dinner.

On Friday we went into Edmonton for the Christmas Conference. We started out by singing Christmas songs for the first hour then as a treat we were able to be shown Meet The Mormons, which hasn't officially come to Alberta yet. Then we had a Christmas lunch. Then latter on that night before heading back to Whitecourt we stopped for Dinner and we were able to have a good gospel conversation with a local police officer. Cops have some cool stories.

On Saturday we were able to go out and visit with some of our investigators who live outside of town that we hadn't been able to see due to a lack of transportation. We shared the Christmas story with them and they said it helped bring the Christmas spirit.

Sunday, we decided to go out and try to stop by some of the less actives who live closer to the border of our area and it seemed like we either couldn't find many of their addresses or we didn't have the right address. For the ones we could find it seemed like nobody was home, until we came to the last house where we were met with a welcoming couple, so we were able to still share a cool message to them and provide company for them.

Now as to it being Christmas week I would like to bare my testimony about Christ. I know that He was sent here to redeem all of God's children and I know that he lived a sinless life. I know that through him we all have the ability to return to live with our Father in Heaven. I promise that as we try to live by his teachings we will be blessed and have true happiness. I know that Christ lives and loves everyone.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Elder Warkentin

What happens when a Wendy's opens up in a small town...

So on Monday we were able to have a good lunch with a member and were able to help him more feel the Christmas spirit.

On Tuesday we were able to continue helping people with there service projects.

On Wednesday we were able to help out the branch by continuing to help them move their Family History Center.

On Thursday we had a member who wanted to give us haircuts and have dinner.

Friday was a good day, we had exchanges and we were able to go to this Christmas parade and we were able to hand out a bunch on Christmas cards there and we ran into someone who wasn't a member yet, but he already seemed to know a bunch about our church.

On Saturday we had a good district meeting. We also continued with our service projects.

​

It is interesting how Wendy's opened about a week and a half ago and they have constantly been packed ever since, we have also been taken there 3 times so far.

I know that as long as we focus on the work good things will happen. I love you all.

Elder Warkentin

Bipolar Weather Alberta

Well starting last Sunday the Temp was about -40

Then on Tuesday we had another great lesson with a couple of or investigators, but we won't be able to meet with them again for another month because they are going on Christmas vacation.

Wednesday was fun because we got to run the cabling for internet, to move the Family History center to the other side of the building at our church.

Then on Thursday we had exchanges (finally) with our district leader. So we were able to go out hand have some lessons with less actives and investigators.

Friday was good. We had district meeting and following that we helped set up and had an awesome Branch Christmas party. We had 2 of our Investigator family's show up and lots of less actives.And here is a picture of my current district:


​

Sunday was good. After church we got to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. There were lots of good talks there.

That brings us to today where the temp is close to 0 Celsius.

I know that "He is the Gift" and that Christmas is an awesome time of year. I love the work I'm out here to do. I would encourage you all to share what you know to be true to those around you.

Have a great Christmas season and remember Christ. You all are great.

Elder Warkentin

Maple Syrup Pancakes.

So on Monday we got to visit with a part active family.

On Tuesday We actually had a lesson with some investigators and they fed us some of their Mennonite cooking, which tasted quite good.

Then on Wednesday we had fun trying to help out this visitor with his family history work, of which it is hard trying to help someone use a program that I haven't used myself.

On Thursday I had the opportunity to talk with my family back home, because my Mission President allowed me to. It was great being able to see them.

On Friday we got to spent most of the day shoveling snow because it had dumped about 2 feet of snow the day previous.

On Saturday we were out just trying to share the Christmas message with people.

On Sunday because it was cold (-44C) our Branch President decided to cancel church. So we ended up just trying to go out and talk with people. I also made these pancake things where I replaced the water with Maple syrup. They tasted really good. Here is a picture of them:

​

And here is a picture of me standing next to a small snowbank:

​

I know that even though it is cold outside the Gospel is true and as long as we follow Jesus Christ we can know that we will have a great afterlife. I love you all and hope you have a great week.

Elder Warkentin

Zone Conference

On Monday We were able to help some Recent Converts in our branch move.

Then on Tuesday we had Zone Conference, and since our car is still in the shop, our District leader came and picked us up. So we had a good lesson on the atonement and how it helps us whether we accept it or not. We were also let in on what the church has planned for Christmas, they well have another video like what they did on Easter, this one is called "He is the Gift" and if you visit YouTube on December the 7th you will see the advertisements. But the video will be launched on christmas.mormon.org on the 26th. The video is awesome and I would encourage you to share it.

Then on Wednesday we were able to talk to people at the local soup kitchen.

On Thursday something cool happened, we were out trackting and on the last door we knocked on this lady opened the door and as we were talking she said she was already a member of our church and she said she know she needed to get back to church.

On Friday when we were dealing with some stuff with the car and someone in line behind us asked us some question about the Gospel because he saw our name tags.

On Saturday, I got the chance to watch the Doctrine and Covenants video's and it is amazing to watch the stories and how the church came to be what it is today. It is truly inspiring.

On Sunday I had the opportunity to give a talk, which went well. However we were going through the branch list and trying to visit with people, but all the houses we were trying, the people seemed to have moved.

Then I took this photo this morning:

​

As for me and my companion, we are getting along. I know this church is true and I think it is important to do what we can to follow Christ. If you know something to be true, share it so that others can join with you in your knowledge.

I love you all. Thanks for all your support.

Elder Warkentin

Big Area + No Car =

On Monday we spent the night shoveling sidewalks for people.

Then on Tuesday we were able to help some less actives clean water out of there apartment because a pipe burst.

Then on Wednesday we got approval to get some things on our car fixed so we took it into the shop and we have been having to walk everywhere since. its interesting how a 2 minute car ride is about a 15 minute walk in the cold.

On Thursday we got to help some people start to move. After that we had a lesson with a couple, and they became 2 new Investigators.

Come Friday it was cool, we first got to have a visit with a non-member and after that we had dinner at this members house and it just so happened that they had this family of 5 living with them and while we were there we got to teach them the first lesson and the mom said she is looking for the true church and I just thought to my self how it looks like they found it with us.

Then of Saturday we got to have some good lessons with some local members.

At church on Sunday I learned about how the Holy Ghost will manifest all truth, whether it be finding the true church or finding an answer to a question we have. That is why we feel so good when reading the scriptures.

I am grateful for being out here where I get to witness miracles right and left. I know that everything Jesus has taught is true and as long as I am able to follow his teachings he will bless me, and the same is true for all those who hear and follow his words.

I love you all from Canada.

Elder Warkentin

The New Companion!

On Monday we went to a part members house and while we were there they took us out to the front of their house and shot at this pumpkin from Halloween. Here is a picture we got from before they shot at it:

​

Then on Tuesday my companion and I stopped by some of the members so that he could say goodbye to them.

Then of Wednesday we traveled into the Edmonton for Transfers and my new companions name is Elder Talbot. We then traveled back to Whitecourt.

Then on Thursday we got to have dinner with this family that we will start teaching this comming week.

On Friday after we did service at the Food Bank as we went to leave, we had a dead battery and the car wouldn't start, so we phoned a member to come and jump start our car.

On Saturday we went with a member to give his friend a blessing, which was a good example of a way to introduce a friend to the gospel.

Then on Sunday we went to Swan Hills and after trying a couple people who apparently moved, we were trying the last house and this lady let us in and we were able to clarify a few things for her, she also had some friends show up and by the end they didn't thing the "Mormons" were any more crazy then the next guy.

Then today is Elder Talbot's birthday apparently. We seem to be into very similar music, and movies, so we have things we can talk about.

I know that through the power of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost we have all the power in the world to be happy and have a joyful life.The best that Satan can do is to let you have temporary fun. I know the Prophet Thomas S Monson can receive revelation for the world, not just the members. I know that the Book of Mormon was written by the power of God.

I hope you all have a happy and enjoyable week.

Elder Warkentin

Halloween, in Canada!

Starting on Monday, we met with one of our investigators who had canceled on us 7 times previous. What happened is that she started getting support from her current church financially and they told her that while they were helping her out she couldn't investigate any other churches. We should be able to continue teaching her in January.

Then on Tuesday we went over and helped re-insulate one of the members of our branch's house. We also met with some less-active members.

Then on Wednesday we had an interesting story. We have been trying to meet with this less-active for months but every time he said he was home, we would knock on the door but no one would answer. Then this Wednesday we were trying again and one of his neighbors told us that he actually lived across the street, so we were able to meet with him and he told us that he owns both houses. So the Lord helped us be able to meet with him.

Then on Thursday We started visiting with people my companion wanted to say bye to. Also I was able to get this cool Christmas Tree for only a Looney and a Tooney.

​

Then come Friday, Halloween, it is different in that the kids have to go out in jackets and coats other then that it is the same as back home. We were able to meet with one of our investigators that day and he was saying that he would be baptized next summer. Then that night all missionaries in our mission had to be in by 6PM so me and my companion played some chess.

Then on Saturday we helped our Branch President with building some bookshelves and cleaning out jars of canned Jam.

On Sunday we continued to visit with people, so that my companion could say bye.

This week we have Transfers and I will be getting a new companion. Then on Thursday my current companion will be going back home to Utah.

I would just like to say that I know through the power of Heavenly Father anyone who is trying to resist temptation, He will help make it easier to resist. I also know that through the power of a sincere prayer, anything can happen.

I hope everyone has a Great week.

Elder Warkentin 

3 New Investigators

So to start out, last Monday we ere able to meet with a couple out in Mayerthorp and start teaching them the discussions. It's crazy what some people thing we LDS believe in, but we at least they are willing to continue to meet with us.

Then on Tuesday We were able to meet with a less-active and they have mad plans for us to come back for the proper U.S. Thanksgiving, because they are originally from the U.S.

On Wednesday We had exchanges and I was able to go to Hinton, There chapel is about the size of a one story house in the States.

Then on Thursday we had an excellent District Meeting.

Come Friday we were able to meet with a couple less active families, and were able to help some of them realize the importance of coming to church.

Then on Saturday With having permission I was able to help hook up an expensive sound system for a member. and they took us out to a nice lunch afterward. Then we were able to go to the adult session of Stake Conference here, which was broadcast to our building because the stake center is 2 hours away. They talked about how we are able to get more friends if we are more interested in there lives then getting them interested in ours. Also How when we invite someone, if we can we should offer to help them do it.

Then on Sunday, We had the General session of Stake Conference. Later on that night we were able to meet with a part member family and were able to start teaching them the lessons and were able to get our third Investigator. Latter on that night we stopped by and were able to set up an appointment to teach this couple whom the Husband just got out of surgery this past Thursday. Also as we exited Stake Conference it snowed again and it looks like it is going to be sticking around this time.

Well I know for a fact that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he did speak to God and Heavenly Father, and they did restore the true church onto the earth. I know that without Jesus Christ's Atonement it would be impossible to feel clean.

A Cat that decided to follow us while we were walking

​

I collected all 8

​

I love you all, I love hearing from you as well. Have a good week.

Elder Warkentin

A week of Good Days!

On Tuesday it was a Good day because we were able to help put in a Well for a member and I got the opportunity to wire it, which was fun.

On Wednesday We were able to help a non-member mow his lawn while he was in the hospital.

Then on Thursday it was good because I was able to do some volunteer work at the thrift store and I was able to pick up a Glass Chess Set for only a Toonie. Also I was able to see my first Canadian Penny. For those of you who don't know Canada doesn't use the penny in its currency anymore.

Then on Friday We were able to visit one of our members, who lives in Blue Ridge, who is also sick. I also was able to take this picture on the way back.

​

Then on Saturday we got to help our Branch President start to build an addition to his shed. Then we went to another members house and I was able to Bar-B-Q for the first time on my mission, it was only Hamburgers and Chicken though.

Then on Sunday we were able to get back in contact with an investigator that we hadn't been able to visit with is many months.

So over all I know that the Lord looks out and protects me, and if it is within his power he will help me. I also enjoyed reading about Alma this past week and hearing about his testimony. Also I think I have a new favorite quote from the scriptures, "And thus is is. Amen" I like it because it means that after all we have done and after all we can do, what happens will and has happened and we can't change it. We can only hope that we can say Amen to our lives and we should feel confident in saying Amen. I can only hope that I live a good enough life that I will feel happy to say Amen.

I enjoy your emails. I hope y'all have a good week.

Elder Warkentin

And this is a picture of a Kinder Egg after being opened and eating the chocolate off.

​

Thanksgiving!

To start out this week got to sit in on a Scouting meeting to offer in this branch and help set that up. Then on Wednesday we went out to Mayrthorp to try former investigators in the area and when we went to this one door we found out that the guy had moved about 4 years ago, however we started to talk about the gospel with the lady who answered the door and we got to set up an appointment to go back and start teaching them. Then on the way back we stopped in Blue Ridge and were able to meet with some less-actives there and got to share a spiritual message with them. And that night we had our Branch activity and we had some non-members show up to that. Then on Thursday we went into Edmonton to have a Zone meeting and we had a guest speaker there from the UK. Then come Friday we meet with one of our investigators and it sounds like he is excited to come to church soon. Also on Friday we went and helped a member pull out the pump for his well that stopped working, which involved pulling 120 feet of pipe out of the ground. Then on Saturday we helped our Branch President finish chopping the wood they need for the winter, and they feed us our first Thanksgiving dinner. Yes they had Turkey, Potatoes, and Stuffing. Then come Sunday I gave my first talk in Sacrament meeting, it went well, there were only 14 of us there for some reason. Then for Dinner that night we had some less traditional Thanksgiving food, Pulled Pork sandwiches, and Corn.

On Thanksgiving yesterday, we got to drive out to Bear Lake and spend the day with our District. We were able to have a fire there, so we roasted Marshmallows and had Smores. Then we got to have fun playing district games. Then that night we got to give a non-member a blessing who asked for it, because he broke his solder. Then for dinner we got to have Hamburgers and Fries. Then we got to end the day off with having a lesson with a recent convert. I also got to have Eggnog this past week.

During my studies I learned about the importance of doing the little things, just like Ammon when he first entered into King Lemoni's presence, he just wanted to be his servant so that he could show hem he was willing to do what it took, even if it was just doing the normal tasks he was asked to do. I know that if I am able to do what I am asked to do it will make an impact in someones life. I also know that if I can follow the council of my leaders that it will bring blessings, even if I don't necessarily want to do it.

I love you all and I hope you all have a good week to come.

Elder Warkentin

Miracles do still happen!

So last Wednesday as we got to our church the fire alarm was going off, so after checking to make sure there was no fire we were able to get it turned off. After that had happened we received a call from a random person who gave us a referral, after talking with him we found out the guy only worked in our area but lived about 3 hours away, but I think it is cool just having someone phone you and tell you to try and contact someone. Then come Friday we were able to visit a less active and her non member husband who are housing someone who is over here working, and he is from Ukraine and we got to hear about what is going on over there right now. We then got to attend General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. Then come Monday when I went to exchange an Item I got it just so happened that they were restocking the rack with the right size I needed, so I feel like that was a blessing I received.

I loved how Jorg Clemingat said we need to forgive others quickly, I feel like that is one of the most challenging things to do is to forgive others, and then to do it quickly seems like it can almost be impossible sometimes, so I definitely feel like it is something I know I need to work on. I also loved how Dieter F Uchtdorf had talked about how when we are to look for someone to blame we should look to ourselves first.

Then I read in the scriptures how it is important to follow the commandments that we are given from God. I know that if we are able to follow the teachings of Christ he will have no choice but to save us and it sounds like it is so easy to follow the teachings that it makes you wonder how anyone could fall off the path so easily. eh? I feel like I would be lost and I would hate my life if I didn't know of Jesus' atoning sacrifice. I love the Gospel and I know it is true, and if anyone of you have any doubt whether it is true I would invite you to read the Book of Mormon and then pray with a sincere desire to know for your self whether it is true, and you will receive an answer.

I Love You all and I hope you all are able to have a great week to come.

Elder Warkentin

Don't Forget General Conference

This week has been good. For starters I have an inspiring story about
donuts, this past Thursday I had a conversation with my companion about how
it had been a couple of months since I had a donut, then it just so
happened that night when we went over to a members house they had mini
donuts for desert, then after dinner we went to help a less active member
move to there new house and for refreshments they had donuts from Tim
Horton's. So I feel that even if you don't specifically pray for something,
if you are living righteously then God will still be willing to give you
what you are wanting.

Then on Saturday we were able to meet with one of our investigators who
lives out in Swan Hills, and he has been able to pray to know the Book of
Mormon is true so it is just a matter of time until he becomes a member and
bring his wife back into activity. I have learned that one of the ways you
can help re-activate someone is by teaching one of there family members or
friends and have them sit in on the lesson.

This past Sunday we had a the Stake presidency here to call a new member of
the branch presidency, and while they were here they gave a good lesson on
how we can get new members of the church, just by becoming friends with
someone and eventually invite the missionaries to go with you to meet them
and eventually have them meet more members of the church so that church can
be a little bit more social. But as long as they are able to be taught the
doctrines with a member there, they will be more receptive.

I am excited for General Conference, I have found that getting to hear the
talks from the head of the church is an excellent way to help me to endure
to the end. I would encourage you all to watch or listen or read Conference
this weekend. It is also important to remember what you are taught and
apply it to your life.

Here are pictures from my mission so far.

This one is of my district


And this is of a Squirrel from this morning

​
​

Elder Martino said...

This Week Was good. Last Tuesday we got to have Elder Martino speak to our Mission. He talked on the importance of diligence. I learned about how we need to be diligent in the tasks we are doing, for example we should read the Scriptures constantly, but not start out reading a whole lot at once because then we become burned out and we might eventually give up because we may think it is too hard. We also should be seeking to find people to share the gospel with. I learned about how the Missionaries can teach someone, however the person that will have the biggest impact will be the Member baring their testimony.

Then last Wednesday I got to help a member put in a fence, by putting in posts in the ground. Then on Friday I had the opportunity to help paint someones shed. Then come Saturday We were able to help our Branch President cut and gather wood for his house, he lives on an acreage and isn't hooked up to the power grid, which I think is cool. Here in WhiteCourt we get the opportunity to help out with lots of service projects. I personally think service is a great way to help others feel loved and like they matter.

Last night we had the opportunity to bring the sacrament to one of the ward members, they had a campfire going, so we were able to sit around the fire as we helped him out and share a gospel message with them. I know you can feel the Holy Ghost anywhere in the world, and I know that we can receive inspiration at anytime so long as we are willing to listen.

The scripture of the week would have to be Moroni 6:4. Once you have become a member of the church all you have to do is continue to become like Christ by being worthy until the end.

I would encourage all who read this message to follow the promptings you receive, whether that be introducing your self to the missionaries or reading the Book of Mormon. I know that as we are able to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we will be blessed and our trials will be made lite enough that we will be able to handle them.

Just Keep this star in mind.

Elder Warkentin

​

Edmonton, Edmonton, WhiteCourt

So this past week we had the opportunity to go into the Edmonton City 2 times and we will be going in tomorrow as well for a total of 3 times. The first time was for our interview with the President, the second time was for the Trainer follow up meeting for new missionaries, and tomorrow will be for mission tour where we will have Elder Martino speak. WhiteCourt (the forest capitol of Canada) is about an hour 40 minute drive from Edmonton.

What is cool is eating food that is banned in the United States like Kinder Eggs. However things like Mountain Dew is less popular up here. and they seem to have more brands of Ice Cream up here as well.

So this past Friday I had this cool experience where we were driving around visiting with less active members and I got this prompting to visit one of our investigators, so we went to her apartment  and she wasn't there but her daughter was there and we were told she was at one of her sons apartments who happened to live in our same apartment building, so we were able to visit with her and get back in contact with her because she had broke her phone a few weeks before and I just thought it was cool to have received a prompting like that.

I am also reading in the Book of Mormon right now and I just thought it is amazing just how often there are things referring to these latter times in there, I think I can even point out something in every chapter. It is also amazing to see how simple and yet how hard our job is being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, We are only asked to invite everyone to come unto Christ, and use his atonement, by repenting, baptizing, using the Holy Ghost, and continuing that to the very end.

I know that we all have the ability to follow Jesus Christ and we have the ability to make it to the Celestial Kingdom, and I would be very sad if I couldn't be with anyone of you because you chose to not follow the teachings you have been taught, and if you need to know it what you have been taught is true, pray about it.

I appreciate all the emails and support you all are giving me. Have a good week.

Elder Warkentin

The First Snow of the Season

So today when I woke up it was snowing and it is still snowing, probably the earliest it has ever snowed in my life.

So this past week we had the opportunity to go on exchanges and while I was in the other area, we were able to run into one of the less actives in the area and we helped her have a desire to attend church again.

As I was reading in the Book of Mormon this past week I was reading about how Nephi was able to read in the scriptures he had at the time and as he was reading he was able to receive revelation from god at the same time as he was reading and It was cool how after reading in Isaiah he had was able to also receive the 10 commandments in a way that was able to apply to him and his people. I just think it is awesome how you can read something and get one message out of it and when you go back to reread the same passage you get a different message from it that applies in a different way. I know that the Book of Mormon is a very strong and powerful tool that has the power to change everyone's lives and if we are able to read it everyday then we can be changed by it.

Also this past week it was my companions birthday and we were able to have a nice dinner and he even got a cake that the members had made for him. It was a fun time. and it looks like the temperature here is still cooling down. Just this morning it got down to -4 Celsius.

I love you all and I hope you have a good week.

Elder Warkentin

The Frost and Dinner!

So for starting out we have managed to have a dinner every night this past week. You don't have to worry about me being fed. Did you know up in Canada KFC combines with Toco Bell and A&W is the stand alone restaurant.

The frost, so this past week we had some nights that got below 0 Celsius and we have had it rain a bit as well, so we have had frost on our windows. People say that it could snow before the month is out.

I have had people ask about the size of my area. It is about the size of the Salt Lake Valley but there are only 3 main towns, yes towns not even cities. In fact there are so few people in this area that at church yesterday I think I counted 28 people there. although we have the biggest branch in our district.

We have been having success though, there has already been 4 baptisms in this branch this year and we still plan to have more. We are trying to grow the membership count in the mission, however it can be hard when people work for 2 or 3 weeks straight and you can only meet with them on there 1 or 2 week break. Although it helps having faithful and strong members here that are wanting to seek this branch become a ward, so they are willing to do what it takes to see that happen, so we can usually find someone who wants to come with us on lessons.

I can definitely feel the spirit here and the best time of the day is when I get to read in the Book of Mormon, because I learn many new things everyday and as long as I am able to follow the direction and counsel that I am able to receive then I feel like I can take on the world and all the work that is placed before me. I know that as we are able to follow the direction and heed the promptings we receive then we are able to come unto Christ. Sometimes I want to just tell everyone how it is and make them follow Christ but then I have to remember that everyone has their free agency and that can sadly include letting them make the wrong choice. Even if we are only able to do a fraction of what we need to I know that through Jesus we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, but if we don't follow Christ then we won't be able to do even what would seem like a simple task.

My companion and I are getting along great. He is from Saint George so we have a few things in common. He is going home right after he is done training me though. We both are able to laugh at each others jokes at least.

I love you all and I hope you can all be strengthened by reading the Book of Mormon and Praying. I hope you all can have a good week to come and let your burdens be lightened.

Elder Warkentin

First Exchange.

So for starters if you are wanting to send me any packages or letters, the address is

Nathan Warkentin

8925 51 Ave, Suite 305

Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6E5J3

If you put Elder or anything relating to a missionary, places like to charge you more for shipping.

So, last Monday I had extended the Invitation of Baptism to one of our Investigators, she said she would think about it and we should find out this coming week what her answer is. We are able to do service for many different people almost every day here. It is interesting how in a small branch the Missionaries are more heavily involved in the functions of the branch activities. I had learned this past week how you can not convert some one with trying to talk or reason with them, the only way we can help others become converted is to share our testimony with everyone and let the Holy Ghost witness unto them the truth of what they are learning.

Last Thursday I went on my first exchanges with the District Leader. We were able to go out that night and visit with some of the potentials that were a few years old and somehow had been forgotten. It was interesting how as we were coming away from one of the houses we ran into a guy from Vivint who was looking to know where the Church was so that he could be at church while he was away on his business trip. The following morning we were out trackting and we came across someone who was looking to know the truth and we must have be put in there path to help them.

They have something weird up here, where they have a parade of motorcycles that go around and collect toys for some charity, and they go through out the whole town of WhiteCourt doing this.

I truly know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us and all we have to do is listen to the spirit to know of his intentions for us. Heavenly Father has given us all that we have and if we are able to stay worthy, then we will be able to continue with our success. We must be humble enough to obey the promptings we receive. Don't hesitate to speak the truth to those around you.

The mission is going great. I love you all, and I hope you have a good week.

Elder Warkentin

Canadian Kit-Kat's

For starters I just want to mention that Kit-Kat's made by Nestle are 10X
better then the Hershey ones made in the US.

So after about 12 days in the MTC, I left Tuesday morning to come to
Canada. The plane ride wasn't too bad. After arriving in Edmonton after a 5
hour flight we met our Mission President, President Manion. We then went to
a welcoming orientation. The next day we met our new companions and got
assigned our areas. I am serving with my trainer Elder Griffin in the White
Court, AB area. We then got to meet some of the members that night. We have
one person who is getting close to baptism. There are a lot of service
projects that we are able to be a part of up here. On Sunday we had a
branch with 32 people who showed up, it felt a little bare compared to the
wards back at home.

I know that as we are able to study the scriptures and pray often we can
find the answers we are looking for. If you ever have doubts about any of
it, ask ward members and Missionaries. Something cool that I found is how
even if you just teach the simple things and don't go into all the details
someone will be able to understand and know of its truths easier.

I love you all, and I know Heavenly Father Loves you all much more then I
ever could and he wants all of his children to return to live with him
after we move on from this life.

Elder Warkentin

My MTC District 

 

 My Trainer and Mission President

 Canadian Kit-Kat

What A Week

I have felt the Holy Ghost very strongly here at the MTC, in fact I have constantly felt the Holy Ghost the whole time. I leave to my mission early on tuesday. I have learned that if we teach the basics and truth of the gospel then The Spirit of Christ can testify and turn the hearts of his children to the light. We had something they just started called In-Field Orientation yesterday where we went in to breakout sessions and learned the essentials of the gospel and how to teach. I feel like I have learned about 100x the amount in the past week that I have learned in the past 5 years.

It is good to hear that everything is going well back home. It looks like there has been a lot happening back home. It looks like I may not be getting much sleep monday night because I leave at 2:30AM to catch a 5 hour flight.

The MTC has kept me very busy. I have felt of all the love from you back home. You can always send me an email at Nathan@missionary.email 

I love you all and I can testify that if this wasn't the right thing to do then Heavenly Father would allow all of us to spend 2 years of our lives struggling and I know that if we can come unto Christ we will be blessed and know what to do.

See you next week.

Elder Warkentin

My first week

Hello,

So for starters they keep us very busy here at the MTC and I feel like I haven't had much time to unpack all the way, let alone have any time to miss anyone for say. I have been thinking about everyone back at home at least a little though. I have been able to feel of the Holy Ghost the whole time I have been here. My MTC companions name is Elder Bastion (yes like the game and movie), and we have been able to get along well. There is another person here in my district that is also from Riverton, and apparently Katrina was able to cut his hair about a month ago. The food here is good, nothing like moms cooking though. Feel free to send me pictures if you want, it is always fun to see how things are back home. I will be leaving the MTC on the 12th, so I will have had 14 days at the training center.

If anyone is wanting to send any mail you can send it to:

Elder Nathan Spencer Warkentin

AUG12 CAN-EDM

2009 N 900 E Unit 157

Provo UT 84602

and when I get out:

Elder Nathan Spencer Warkentin

Canada Edmonton Mission

305-8925 51 Ave NW

Edmonton AB T6E 5J3

Canada

I do appreciate all the love and support that everyone has shown me from back home. I will keep you in my prayers if you keep me in yours. So just for reference, my Personal day here at the MTC is of Friday. They seem to have very structured days here an It is very hard to do anything other then focus on the task at hand. Again thank you to everyone who has been there for me and helped me out.

My Mission Farewell is on July 27th at 9AM at the Riverton Ranch Ward Building, more details at Google Plus.

Subscribe

If you subscribe to this blog, you will get an email when a new weekly email gets posted.

Mission Call

I have been called to the Canada Edmonton mission, I leave on July 30th 2014, English speaking.

Mission Call Opening

I am opening my Mission Call on Saturday April 19 2014 at 3PM. Anyone may come. The location is at the riverton ranch ward building.

Hello

This blog will be used for my mission!