Tuesday, August 2, 2016

The End of One Life, The Beginning to the Next.

Well, this is the last email on my Mission.

Over the course of my time out here, I have seen the hearts of many change. I have seen what can happen when people invite Christ into their lives. I have witnessed Miracles. I have felt The Holy Ghost in my own life. I have seen the Atonement work wonders. I have gained a greater testimony. I have come to the knowledge of many things. I have learned a greater understanding of the Eternities. I know my Savior lives, I know He loves me, I know I love Him.

How do you grow your testimony?

How do you Endure to the End?

How do you talk to your Heavenly Father?

How are you continuing to progress in your own life?

What means the most to you in your life at this time?

How much faith do you have in Jesus Christ?

Are you prepared to meet the one who created you?

Who lovest you?

These are just a few questions for you to ponder on. I know that as we try to better our answers, we will be able to see progression.

I know God is our loving Heavenly Father, I know the Savior loves me. I know The Holy Ghost speaks truth to me.

I hope you have a great future ahead.

I'll be home Thursday,
Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The realization of time!

So I've realized just how much time I still have remaining, some may
say not long, and others may you have ages. I know that Heavenly
Father will use me the best that I'm able to until the end. I love
serving a mission for the Lord. He will truly bless us, and no it
isn't only a futuristic blessing, it can be enjoyed now.

Last week, we got to go to the Alberta Aviation Museum. A lot of cool
history to be found there.


I think it is just remarkable the ways we can be used by God to further His work. Just this past week, we had to go on splits several times just to cover the appointments we had, however we had to rely on God to know who was supposed to go where. I also know that people can be influenced by the small things we do, for example finding out that some was baptized a year after you started teaching them.

I know that if we pray for how we can best help someone, the Lord will use us if you give your will to Him. The only thing that we can give to Heavenly Father is our Agency, but He has promised us Eternal Joy for giving that to Him.

Has the Priesthood helped you in your life recently?

I love all of you, being my Brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

On a more spiritual side.

I think it has been cool to see just how much the Lord has been working with me in my own personal life. As I have reflected upon the life of my Mission, since I will be home soon, I have seen how I have been able to gain a greater understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have had things that I merely believed in become things that I have a knowledge in. I have seen how when we have enough faith, we are able to see things happen, even if the odds are stacked against it. The main point in my last letter was to show how, despite the odds of all the wonderful things that ended up happening, I know that without the sufficient faith, I know that not all of that would have happened. Not to mention how in that same week we started teaching 6 new investigators.

I know the Lord has been blessing us as we have gone forth with faith, just in this past weekly planning session, we have found that we are working with more then 20 Investigators and more then 20 In-actives, it is amazing to see how they are all at different points, yet they are all progressing to full activity in the Gospel. However, I know that without Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and especially the Holy Ghost, none of this would be possible. We must chose willingly to follow the commandments of God. As we do, we are promised blessings, I want to emphasize the word blessings in there. Blessings is more then just not having something bad happen, those blessings are also having divine assistance in all aspects of our lives. Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us, thus, just like our earthly father loves us and will support and help things to happen for us that he may not be interested in much himself, our Father in Heaven can more Heaven and Earth to help things happen for us as well.

I can testify that I have seen the hand of God in my own life. I know he does things in such a subtle way, that if you aren't looking for it, you may mistake it or pass it off as some lucky occurrence. The fact is, Science is just trying to make knowledge of what having faith in Jesus Christ is for. We are promised that as we put or trust (faith) in Jesus Christ, all things shall be made know unto us. Thus the most successful scientist are the ones with more faith in Christ. We can not be a faithless society and expect to continue to have any happiness. So if you are feeling sad, I would invite you to gain greater faith in the future. I know our Father in Heaven hears our prayers and He will answer a sincere prayer. I love Him, and continue to learn more about Him. Do you?

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Quite the eventful week.

Well, to get a full recap, I will be going over a few days from the previous week. Starting on Monday the 4th, we got to meet the new Mission President, He is awesome, I would say I like him. Then Last Tuesday, we got to go to the Temple, it was the first one with the New Mission President. Then come Thursday, we got to have our District Meeting around a Campfire: Here is a picture of it:


Then on Saturday we were taken to a Baseball game. It was a game of Edmonton Vs. Lethbridge:

Then the biggest news of them all. I got a new area this past Sunday. They closed down the Castle Downs Ward, and they made the Griesbach Ward. So now I'm in the Griesbach area. So now I get to learn a new area for my last 3 weeks. Then Yesterday was 7-Eleven day...

So it has been a fairly busy week for us. The work is going great as well. Each and every one of people we are working with see the need to Repent in their own lives, whether it be a small repentance process or a major one, they are willing to do what it takes to follow the guidance of the prophets and "Come unto Christ". I know we are all called to the work, Missionary, Member, or Non-Member. I know that as we build our faith, we will have the power to see Miracles. I hope you are able to build your faith continually.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

What a glorious time we live in.

We get to live in a time and age where we have much to celebrate. We had Canada Day last Friday, and there was Independence Day yesterday. The great thing is, is that we got to celebrate the freedoms we were given. One of those great things that we were given is is the freedom of religion. It was this freedom that inspired a young boy in the 1820's to search out the true church of God. He was able to pray to Heavenly Father and receive an answer to that prayer. He was told it wasn't upon the earth. He was then able to restore that true church to the earth because he was able to have that freedom to establish the church in the United States. Since then we have been able to see that freedom spread to other countries. We are able to have the true church in many of the countries around the world now. It all started way back when the U.S. fought for that freedom to further the work of God.

I know that we are able to have all those freedoms in our own lives. We have the freedom to chose, or exercise our agency. Agency was one of the gifts that Heavenly Father gave us from the very beginning. It has always been Satin's plan to try and take away our agency. Satin tries to make it seem like we have more agency when we disregard the commandments of God, however, we may feel like we have more freedom at first, but it is only temporary. In the long term, those bad choice end up restricting us of that agency in the future, and it becomes harder to make the right choices that will give us for freedom. I would exhort you to take the path that is harder, yea, even the harder right, instead of the easier wrong, of which becomes harder to continue in the future. I know God loves each and everyone of us, and He is always there for us, no matter how hard it becomes.

I know God loves you, I love you, I hope you have the Gospel come into your life ever more. I know the Gospel will bring you true and everlasting happiness. Why aren't you repenting?

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

From Great Faith Comes Blessings

We had a really cool spiritual experience yesterday, we were stopping by different potentials we had in in part of our area, and when we tried this one, he had moved. However the person who moved in answered the door and he invited us in immediately. He had some questions for us and we were able to teach the first lesson right there on the spot. He is a cool guy and we have an appointment set up for this Thursday.

I know that the Gospel is here, and I know it blesses our lives, I have seen it in my own life. I know that as we strive to follow the spirit, the Holy Ghost will guide us where we need to go, what we need to say, what Improvements we need to do in our own life, how to change to improve, help us recognize truth when we see it, and warn us of dangers. I know that Jesus Christ died for all of us, because He loves us. I know Christ has set out the perfect plan for us, and has provided a way to accomplish it. I know that this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is the one and only true church of God here upon the earth. I know that our Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us, for He has given us this chance to be down here upon the earth to learn and grow so that we can become like Him. I know this is just a small part of Eternity, and by that, it is Infinitely small. I know that as we give up our own desires, we will be able to take upon ourselves the desires of God. I know this church is being lead by prophets of God. I know The Book of Mormon is the word of our Heavenly Father, I cherish it and strive to learn from it everyday.

I would invite you all to gain a greater testimony for yourself. We can't all have a Saul to Paul, or Alma the younger experience, but I know that we can have our prayers answered, and I know we have the power to change our own lives. We just have to follow the Gospel that has been laid out in front of us, and willingly chose Jesus as our Savior.

I hope you all have a great week to come, and are able to read from the scriptures daily.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

You just have to keep pressing on.

Sometimes things just don't always turn out the way you may want them to go, whether it be with work, school, or a task you are performing. I can promise that as you continue to press on, with a faith in Christ, you can know that you are helping to accomplish the work of our Heavenly Father. I know that as we strive to follow the teachings of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, we can help with the work of God. I have seen this past week numerous times that as we try to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we will be placed, at the right time, in the path of someone who needs the peace that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you haven't been able to pick up the Book of Mormon or even the Bible in the past couple weeks, I would invite you to repent, and follow the teachings that are found in them, for they command us to continually pick them up and read them, for we are told we need to follow the teachings of that are found in them, and we can only follow them if we study them to know what they are.

I shall relate it unto a computer, if we don't have one, we are only denying ourselves of the wealth of knowledge and information found there in. If we have obtained a computer, but we never decide to turn it on, it also is useless to us, for it is not enough to just say we have one. It is only when we turn it on and take the time to use it, is when we are able to learn the things it has to offer. However if we use it to only go to one website and say that is all it has to offer, we are limiting ourselves, for we must continue to go back to it, and use it over and over again in order to begin to learn all it has to offer. Don't be the one who merely has one and doesn't turn it on, or the one who only tries once.

I know that we can find peace in this life. I hope each of you are able to find that peace this week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

I was originally going to talk on a different subject, but I have felt it important to change that.

I feel as if we, as a general society, feel like we have become complacent in our progression. If we are leisurely trying to progress in our progression toward the Celestial Kingdom, we can only get so far, for as if we were to quicken our pace, and strive to treat it as a job, and work all our days to get where we want to be, we will achieve our goal and then be able to go beyond that point. For if a farmer were to plant a seed and expect the rain to come down and provide it with the needed water. It would eventually sprout and grow, but if that farmer were to work all his days nourishing and strengthening that seed, how much more fruit would that one seed be able to produce? If we are able to labor with all our might, we can receive a greater blessing then if we sit back and say the seed is planted.

I would ask how much work are you able to put into your Eternal Salvation?

I know that where ever you have found that your at, Jesus Christ and His Atonement can help you become better. I would exhort you to ask what you can do to become better in prayer, and follow the council given.

I hope you all have a great week to come.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The Restoration

The first part is about how we have a loving Father in Heaven. There is proof that He loves us. He has given us this earth so that we can come down and learn how to be more like Him. He wants the best for us, so He will answer all the prayers we pray to Him. We have to actually pray to Him, not some other person like Mary. Heavenly Father has given us a chance to be in families here on earth, with families we are able to help each other out and be there for one another. Which is why the Gospel that He has brought to the people here on the earth is meant to bless us both as individuals and as families. I know my family helps support me.

Another great thing that Heavenly Father has given us in His infinite love, is prophets. In the beginning of time, we had people such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Noah. What the essential role of a prophet is to reveal things from God unto the world. They also learn and teach the Gospel to the people on the earth. However, just like in times past, the people no longer want to listen to God, so they reject the prophet, out of rebellion, and Kill him. So Heavenly Father will wait until the people repent and look back to Him for guidance. Then He will call another prophet. The time when people don't listen to God is called Apostasy (there are many people in today's day that are in personal apostasy).

Then we fast forward to the time Christ came. He came and ended the state of apostasy that the people were in at the time. He then established His church. He did that by calling 12 Apostles, He gave them the Priesthood, He set out the manner of baptism (which is by full immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost soon after), He performed the Atonement, and most importantly He taught His Gospel (which is the same Gospel as Heavenly Father's). But just like in times past the people rejected Him and His teachings, they wanted to rebel, so they Killed the following prophets and apostles. So there was no longer anyone who holds the Priesthood power left on the earth.

Then in the early 1800's their was a boy named Joseph Smith, he had one simple question, which of all the churches on the earth was the true church of Jesus Christ? In studying the bible he came across a scripture in James 1:5 which says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." So he did just that, he went into a grove of trees near his house and knelt down and offered a prayer. In his own words he said "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.... When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both appeared to him and answered his question, Joseph said "I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong". Joseph Smith was then called to be a prophet in these latter days. Latter John (the Baptist), Peter, James and John (the beloved), came and restored the priesthood to Joseph Smith.

Another thing that Joseph Smith brought back to the earth was a book of scripture called The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a record of Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christs dealings with the people over here on the American continent from about 600 BC to 400 AD. We have been promised that if we read from this book everyday, we will have protection from the temptations of the devil, who is doing everything he can do keep us from doing such things. We are promised that if we read The Book of Mormon, and pray with a sincere heart (meaning that you fully intend to act upon the answer you receive) then you will receive an answer that it is true. I have done just that. I know that it is true. I know that what it teaches are things that come from a loving Heavenly Father. I know you can get this same answer. We need not only receive the answer once, but the more we ask, the greater our testimonies come of it. You can tell me how you came to know it is true this week.

I know these things to be true. I hope you believe so too. I leave these things with you in the name of My Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I hope you have a great week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Oh Ye, Oh Ye!

All ye whom rebel against the Lord our God, I say unto you that ye must repent and become clean from all your sins, lest the Lord our God shall visit you in His wrath. We all all the same in the sight of our God, for unless we become as little children and repent of all our sins and mistakes, we shall be cut off at the last day, the day of which we should be rejoicing and leaping for joy over. Never the less, there has been a way prepared that we can come back into the fold of our Shepard, for Christ Himself said in 3 Nephi 11:11-12 "And behold, I am the light and the life of the world;and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven." As we can see, Christ has paid the ultimate price for us and He wants us to be saved, nevertheless, unless we repent and forsake all our sins, we can't expect Him to force us to repent, for He gave us agency (the power to chose), and He wants us to learn to use it correctly. For these days have been prophesied from our fathers in olden times.

I say unto you again, Repent, and become like our Brother, even Jesus Christ, for He has set the ultimate example for us. He has lived on this Earth, He has gone through the worst trials and hardships we could possibly imagine. He has asked that we just do the basics and follow the so simple commandments that God has given to us. Even better, we have been promised blessings for each and every commandment that we keep. On the contrary, we are promised that for every commandment that we don't keep, we will have those blessings taken away from us. For like the man who was given talents and he used them, he was given more, and the one who didn't use them and buried them, even they were taken away form us. I want each and everyone of us to take what talents we have and grow them. We are able to grow them as we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are able to learn about those teaching through reading the Scriptures daily (that includes the Old Testament, New Testament, Another Testament [The Book of Mormon], Doctrine and Covenants, and the Perl of Great Price), praying at least 3 times a day, and attending Christs one and only true church weekly. I would exhort you to try out these things and see for yourself if they are not good. I know they are good.

We must continue to repent of our actions quickly and look to Heaven for help constantly. If we are able to follow the teachings found in the scriptures, we will be able to see the exceeding Joy that comes from living the Gospel, Yea, we will see miracles happening in our lives, and we will be able to see blessing happen that we can't even comprehend with our own minds. It says in the book of James, that if we have faith the size of a grain of a Mustard seed, we can move mountains. Imagine if you had Faith the size of a grape or an apple? We are here to learn and progress in the kingdom of God. We must continue to endure to the end, all our days, in order to have Joy at the last days.

I know there is a God. I have seen proof, for I have received a Spiritual witness of my self. I would ask that you pray to get one for yourself. I know we can draw upon the powers of Heaven. If we look around us in the world there is proof in a God, for He created the Earth and the Animals here upon the Earth. We may not see God in person, but just like the wind we can see the effects He has upon the people and the Earth around us. For just like the wind, we can't see it but it is there. To say there is no God is to say that there is now wind, for God created the wind, and He can take it away. If you want to say there in no God, I would exhort you to read the the scriptures, yea, the words of all the prophets through out time, for they know God personally and His Son, Jesus Christ. God will show himself to anyone who has enough faith, we all have that same power. So repent ye, and obtain that faith.

I love this Gospel and the redeeming love it has, I know Christ is there, I know He loves me, I know that I can achieve these blessings. I know we have a we have a loving Father in Heaven, and a loving Son of God, Jesus Christ. We must forsake our fear. I love you all, and I want you to feel of this everlasting Love, and Joy. I know I have. In the name of Jesus Christ, our savior, Amen.

Have a great week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Continuing to get the work going better in the area.

This past week, we were able to start teaching a couple new people. It just goes to show that there is always work to do, we just have to have the faith to find those people who the Lord is preparing for us to work with. I know that we are being looked after. I know that as we strive to follow the commandments that God has given to us, we will see the Miracles and blessings ever more present in out lives. As we show our willingness to work for God, He will use us to help bless other's lives.

In Helaman 16:1 it says "And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord." I would ask that you come to a belief on the words which Samuel spake, for they were the Gospel. I know that the Gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, for I know that he brought about the greatest miracle of them all, he restored the full Gospel back to the earth. I know Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph and they spake to him personally. I would exhort you do ask for your self if the church of Jesus Christ is true. I know it is. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I hope you have a great week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The New Area!

It looks like I was transferred to be in the Castle Downs Ward here in Edmonton. It is interesting because this ward is right next to the Londonderry Ward I was in last year. So I have been seeing some of the same faces, and same streets. There is a great work to get going in this area, and I'm excited that I have the opportunity to be a part of it.

I found one of the World's largest Baseball Bat's:


I have found in talking to people, Heavenly Father truly answer's prayers. I found that as I ask for specific things to happen in finding people, our Father has blessed with the success that I pray for. He still won't take away peoples agency, but He can do things such as helping us catch them home, be willing to talk to us, be open to the Gospel. and so forth. I know there is many evidences that show that there is a God who loves us and cares for us. He wants to help us out, we just have to pray and ask Him for help. I love my God, and I hope you love Him the same. "If ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, can ye feel so now?". Sometimes I look on the world and wonder how there can be so much wickedness, then I look and see all the blessings of Mercy that have been shown unto me, and I wonder how God has had so much patience as to continue to show us love. I would exhort you to reach toward the redeeming hand of Christ.

I love you. I know They love you. We hope you have a great week to come.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Mysterious Transfers.

This Transfer is different, out Mission President is no longer telling us on Monday where we are going or who our new companion will be. I just know that I'm being transferred on Wednesday and I'm remaining District Leader. Red Deer has been a good place to serve. There has been some good people here and I have greatly seen the hand of God work Miracles down here. I know the Lord looks after all of us.

Some of you might have heard that a city named Fort McMurray has been burning up this past week. I'm pleased to say that is about 6 hours drive from where I'm at. It almost reminds me of Sodom and Gomorrah, being burned due to people hardening there hearts. There were still some good people left up there though. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to repent quickly. I know God is there, He loves us. He wants what is best for us. He wants to hear from us. I know good things come to those who seek righteousness.

I Know Jesus is our Savior. I know He wants us to return to live with Him in the end. I know we can achieve that. I pray that everyone heed the council of our Prophets living and dead, They know what they're talking about.

I love you all, I hope you all have a great week to come.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

And shall find... great treasures... even hidden treasures

A cool story from this past week. So we were called to help give some Missionaries in my district some help by jump starting there car. When we went and helped them, they were parked by a storm drain. In the storm drain there was a $20 bill that had fallen in there. So we got down and had pulled it out. So we were able to find a hidden treasure like D&C 89:19 talks about.




We also get new pamphlets to teach form this past week. I really enjoyed how in one of them it talked about Temples, it helps us realize that Baptism isn't the end goal. The end goal is being able to go to the Temple to partake of the Endowment and be sealed together as a family for not only this life, but also the life to come, which is and eternal life never to end. How great a blessing is that, being able to be with out family, our loved ones forever, and when I say forever that means without end. For time never started, and thus it will never end. I know the Temple is a house of God, I'm going there someday, I wish that someday can be everyday. I pray that everyone can go there.

I love you all, I hope you have a great Mother's Day.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

He's a Member again!

This past Saturday, I got to see my first baptism on my Mission. His story was that several years ago, he was baptized into this church, then he went inactive for many years. Then He walked into the church about two and a half months ago, we did everything we could to find his records but they were truly lost. So we ended up teaching him the lessons and he was then baptized this past Saturday. He is now an awesome Member of the church.



I know this church is truly the church of God. There is proof of it in the Old, New, and Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I love being able to be out here on my Mission being able to see the hand of the Lord everyday in my life. I would exhort you to read and ponder on the Book of Mormon, and pray about it. You will receive and answer that it is true. Once you know it is true, you will know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that he restored this true church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love you all. I hope you have a great week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Awesome things to come!

This Saturday we have a Baptism for this area. We have been working with this guy for the past couple months. It will be an awesome day to come.

I know that Jesus Christ has restored His true church to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know God loves each and everyone of us, He wants us to try and do our best. He wants us to succeed. He is there for us. He is always there for us to talk to. He is truly a perfect Father. He wants us to learn about Him and He wants us to follow Him. I know we can come closer to Him as we strive to follow His loving council.

For each of you who may be wondering what you can do to help those around you. One of the greatest gifts you have been given is the ability to ask God In prayer for help as to who you can help and who you can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with. After asking, if you do all you can, meaning reading the scriptures, going to church, trying to talk to everyone about Jesus Christ, and always being prepared with material you can give them to help them, then the Lord will be able to use you and help you to bring about His great work.

I know we have a loving Heavenly Father. I know He cares for me and you equally. I pray that you may be able to have Missionary opportunities. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

You just have to see the bigger picture.

This past week we had a lesson with an investigator and we talked about Temples, it seems that once he had realized that there is more after Baptism, he was ready and willing to make the next step in his progression. So we set him on date for the 23rd. I think we can apply this to each of us. We sometimes just need to realize the bigger picture and that what we are going through now is merely just a stepping stone. We need to then ask our selves, what is the next step in our progression toward Eternal life. As taught in 2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." We are literally promised that we can live with God once again.

I know that as we ask any questions we have to our Father in Heaven, we can receive an answer for ourselves. I know we are loved. I know Jesus Christ loves us. I would ask, when was the last time you bore your testimony of the Savior. I love you, I know Christ loves you, and I know God loves you.

I hope each of you have a great week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

I found my Street:


Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Almost an immediate answer

Well, I had an awesome experience this past week. I had a question arise on Saturday and I was looking for the answer, It just so happened that the next day, I received the answer in Elder Holland's talk. It was more of a personal question I had, but that just tells me that Heavenly Father still cares for me personally. I know He will answer any questions we may have and He wants to help us in all ways that He can. I felt the spirit strongly during General Conference. I would encourage all of you who didn't have the chance to watch it to go back and learn what you can from the talks. Also since non of you ended up commenting on the last post, I would invite you to add a comment as to something you learned from Conference to this post.

There was an awesome scripture I found this past week, It is found in Jacob 4:12 "And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come?" we are told that there is no reason to not speak about Jesus Christ.

I love you, I hope all of you have a good week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Short on time!

I don't have much time to email this week. We got transfer calls yesterday, it looks like I'm staying again, I will be getting my fourth companion here. I got called to be the new District Leader as well. My current companion is going up to Edmonton to be with my last companion. Also, this last week, we got to move to a new apartment, the move went well. That's the big news from this past week.

I found a really cool scripture this past week, I thought I would share it with you: Alma 37:3-4

3 And these plates of brass, which contain these engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning—

 4 Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon.

Our Ancestors found it important to keep a record, so that we might be able to learn about there dealings with Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. If it was important for them to write it down, I think it would be even more important for us to take the time to read their words. It is really cool that we have the opportunity to hear modern day scriptures from a Prophet and Apostles every 6 months, this weekend is General Conference, I want to challenge everyone to watch at least one talk and comment on this post with one thing you learned from a talk. I look forward to reading your responses.

I know Christ lives and that He is our Savior. I love all the Miracles He is able to show unto me each day. I love Him, I pray through Him. I know He is there.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

There can be some really good day's too.

I have seen miracles happen in the way of being in the right place at the right time. Yesterday, we were going about our plans of appointments we had planned and people we were going to try stopping by. Not only did we have the appointments we had actually happen, but all the people we had planned to stop by ended up being home and willing to let us in to share a message with them. We even had an Investigator who we had been having a hard time getting a hold of, text us to meet up yesterday.

Then Last Friday we were going about our day and one of our Investigators was running late to his appointment, which caused us to be late to the next appointment, which determined who we were going to try and stop by after that. Then it just so happened to be that we were walking right past another Investigators apartment when He was walking back home, we were able to go with him and got to teach him a lesson, and it all happened like that starting with the first Investigator being just the right amount of late, so that in the end, we were in the right place at the right time to get in with another investigator the Lord wanted us to visit.

We also got to do a lot of service, yea, helping people with various projects from Painting to helping at a soup kitchen, to helping hang cloths, to moving. Speaking of moving, we got a call yesterday saying that we are moving apartments this Wednesday.

I hope all of you are able to have a great Easter this week, and don't forget to remember Jesus Christ and how He paid the price for us all to become resurrected. I know He loves us. I know He wants whats best for us. He is real. He is our Savior. I say this in His name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Hallelujah!

This week the Church released a new Easter video. The name of it is Hallelujah and I really like how it talks about how we need to follow him. I would like to challenge all of you to try and share the video with someone this Easter season! it can either be through social media, or showing it to them in person, how ever you feel it would help the best. John 12:26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

It seems like there is a push in the church right now to try and get the members to help find and teach Investigators. I know that if we as Members to the finding and fellowshipping, then it makes those who are found, just that much more firm in the Gospel. I know Jesus Christ's love is for everyone, we must ask ourselves, am I able to feel that love in my own life? if so, how can I help others find that same exciting love?

I hope each of you are able to have a great Easter season, and I hope you are able to remember the Lord, Jesus Christ and what He did for you as you plan the different activities you may do. I know Jesus bled for us. I know He died for us. and I know He was resurrected for us. He lives, and I know He is there for us. Look toward Him!

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Scripture Story!

D&C 4:2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
   3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

D&C 109:23 And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.

Jacob 5:61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.
   62 Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard.

Alma 5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
   27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
   28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.

Joseph Smith - Mathew 1:47 But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to have been broken up, but would have been ready.
   48 Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.

1 Nephi:31 Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I and my father are the only ones that have testified, and also taught them. Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Keep going!

This week, we had one of our investigators interviewed for baptism,
when he took the baptism record to get signed by his parents, they
didn't want to sign it, so his baptism won't be happening this week
after all. He is definitely converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
he just has to wait a few months.

A really cool scripture I wanted to share comes from Alma 5:26 "And
now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a
change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming
love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" I really like it because it
tells us that converting to the Gospel isn't a one time thing, we must
convert to it everyday. We must read the scriptures daily, pray
multiple times a day, and go to church weekly.

This one may be short, but I know God is there and loves us! Keep
enduring to the end. Jesus Christ will help.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

It's hard to put it into words.

I know that Jesus Christ loves us. I know He wants what is best for us. I believe He helps us in any trials and any struggles we have. It is because He loves us, which is why He lets us have hard times in our lives. Christ is the bread of life, we must partake of that bread on a daily bases in order to not go too hungry. You might ask yourself, how do I eat this spiritual food? The answer is in the Gospel, first we must have faith that Christ is our Savior, we do this by reading from the scriptures at least once a day, ideally multiple times a day. Second, we must know that God is real, we do this by praying, we must pray with real intent meaning we must be willing to act on the answer we receive, we must be willing to allow God to speak back to us. Third, we have to do what we have come to know is right, we do this by going to Church every Sunday and partake of the Sacrament. Through the Sacrament, we are able to renew our Baptismal covenants. It is like a roller coaster, when we partake of the Sacrament we are brought back to the top, as we go through out the week, we slowly go down hill, if we get to the bottom, the ride ends and the joy is over, so we have to take the sacrament in order to get back to the top, so that we can continue to have joy.

I feel like this the Gospel is essential to life, and I know Christ gave us the Gospel. It all starts with having faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He has paid for our sins. The second is trying to repent of our past mistakes, True Repentance comes when we want to change for the better. We must then be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. We need the Holy Ghost in order to follow the last part, that is Endure to the End. I learned that Endure using the Greek translation means, to become perfect, like unto God. Part of Enduring is the Sacrament.

Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us! He wants us, His children, to be happy, so he gave us Agency. I know we are loved. I ask, can you feel of His love in the way you live your life? If not, I ask you to seek the spirit in finding what you need to change in your life in order to more readily feel of His love, and bring you joy. I know prayer is powerful and it works, we can talk to our Heavenly Father, and He will listen and answer us. Heavenly Father is a God who cares.

If you have not read the Book of Mormon, do it! If you have not prayed to know it is true, do it! If you have not received and answer that it is right, get to a point where you can pray with real intent. I know these things to be true, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Happy post Family Day & Valentines Day!

Well, as the title might suggest, the past 2 days have been holidays. It was good because we got to catch a lot of people home. It was not so good because a lot of people were spending time with family and loved ones, making it hard to set up appointments.

This past week, we saw a really cool miracle happen. we got a new investigator and we were able to teach him the first 3 lessons this past week. He already has prayed to know the Book of Mormon is true, and received his answer that it is true. He has been praying and reading in the Scriptures every day. The best part is, he committed to be baptized on the 12th of March. So if you would like to pray for him that he would make that date, that would be awesome.

This past Sunday there was a less active that showed up to church, he had apparently fallen into inactivity because of his job in the oil field. well, as some of you might know, the oil field is coming to a stand still here in Canada. So as a result, there have been some people who have almost been compelled back into activity. Although, what ever the reasons are, as people come back to activity, I know they will be able to feel the Holy Ghost in there lives. I know that Heavenly Father gives us trials so that we can learn and grow closer to Him.

I know we are all loved by a Father in Heaven who cares about His Children. I know He wants us to come back to Him. I know Christ is our Savior. I know there is a work for us to do. Amen.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you.

Well first you have to ask. How would you ask someone who is not on the earth? Well, I think I would start by checking to know if God exists, if no, there is no point in going further; if yes, we should kneel down and try praying. Once you have prayed, you have to find the answer to that prayer. Now you have to ask, how would we receive an answer? Well, I would start by seeing if the scriptures are true, if no, then there is no God; if yes, then we can see what God has told us to do in the Scriptures. Once we have received our answer, we need to act on it. Now if we believe the scriptures to be true, then that would mean we need to have faith, now faith is manifest by our willingness and application of working as hard as we can to have something happen, then God makes up the difference.

With that in mind, as we have gone about in faithful prayer this past week, we have continued to find constant success. We went out on blitz this past Sunday and we were able to get in and visit with 11 less active people in the branch, all in one night. Then just through out this past week, we have seen many miracles happen, we got a new Investigator who has already been doing much studying on his own even before we had the first lesson, because we left him with a Book of Mormon. Then at church, we had a few less actives and an investigator come to church.

Something that our branch has also been doing is a 40 day fast. I know it has been helping many people have more of a focus on Missionary work. Fasting can bring many Miracles. I am glad I live in an age where Miracles happen (since the Restoration through Joseph Smith).

Also this past week, I was on exchanges, and we had a day where we went tracting (where we knocked on doors). We were able to find a family for the area I was in that has truly been prepared, both the Husband and Wife are wanting to hear the Gospel in their lives. I know that as we continue in prayer, we will see many great things happen.

I know this church is true, and I don't know how anyone can deny the truth found in it. I know God is real and I know He loves us. He wants us to return to Him, just like and father, He loves us. I know His Son, Jesus Christ loves us just as much; just like any brother.

I hope everyone is able to see miracles happen in their lives.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

A video of a Moose that chased after us, after running out in front of us:

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

keeping it short and sweet.

This past week we have been trying to get around to meet the different members of our branch and ward. We have been busy enough that we have had to try and cut the amount of time we would spend in the lesson down a bit. We have been trying to challenge them to help find some one that they can share the Gospel message with. We have been trying to get to know the different members here so that we can figure out best how we can help them.

It was also cool, yesterday we were going over to teach a returning less active and it so happened that he got a new room mate, who is now interested in the lessons we have to teach. We have been able to fill up our schedules to use our time a lot more effectively.

I know this is the work that I was called here to do. I know that our Heavenly Father knows me. I know that Joseph Smith was called by God to be a prophet in these the latter days. I know Tomas S Monson is the current prophet at this time. I know Jesus Christ lives and loves us all.

I hope everyone has a great week ahead.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Great things happen when you become busy.

This past week was cool. We have been trying to set up as many appointments as we could throughout this past week. We had a cool day yesterday where we had an appointment for each hour of the day. We even got to help one of the members out with digging a hole for them to have a gas pipe installed. It was a little harder because there was about a foot of snow that came down the day before, and the ground was frozen. Then we had a few lessons with Investigators and less actives.

Last Saturday was cool because we went down to do exchanges with the Elders down in Olds, we went down to try and meet with all the YSA people we could down there. It was cool because we got to go about 4 KM from the boarder of our Mission to meet with some of them. We were able to meet with some of them, but we also found that a lot of them had moved and no longer live there.

Sunday was cool because we had an investigator show up to church that we didn't quite expect to come, and we had a less active come as well. Then in the YSA Sacrament meeting my companion and I both gave talks, it is cool how the Lord can help us with what we need to speak on to help out the people we are speaking to.

Last Wednesday was cool because we got to watch a World Wide Mission conference that was broadcast to every Missionary everywhere at the same time. It was cool how Elder Brent H Neilson talked about how there are a lot more people who get Baptized from the Members finding and preparing people, then us Missionaries finding people.

I know Christ is My Savior and I know He loves me. I know that as we turn to Christ and speak of Him, we will be able to speak easier and be able to help prepare those that are ready for the Gospel to bless their lives. I know this is the work that all of us have been called to do. I know we can't do it alone. I know we are all loved by a Father in Heaven who loves us.

I hope all y'all have a great week to come.

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Sometimes, you know your in the right place at the right time.

So this past week, we had an interesting story. We went to go and stop by someone in the area, who we didn't have the Membership record for, who we only found out about because someone in a different ward had called us about them. It just so happened that when we went to go and stop by them, our Bishop and one of his secretaries pulled up in the car next to us. It was completely unplanned, we were just stopping by because we had a few minutes and they were on our list of people we were trying to get a hold of. When we went in we were able to help with giving the dad a priesthood blessing. We had tried by there house a few times before and it just happened to be the right time. We were able to set up an appointment with them for this coming week. This is how you know that your in the right place when you needed to be, the Lord can give us promptings, we just need to follow them.

It is now interesting being in a Family ward and a Branch. We now have a lot more meetings that we have to go to on Sundays. Although it feels like the work is picking up. We have been working with a Less Active who seems like he is really wanting to come back to church, and is getting involved with the other ward activities. Then in the YSA branch, we are working with a cool investigator, who seems like he is progressing quite fast. We met with him 3 times this past week and he seems to already have a great testimony.

I know this work is the work of God. I know Jesus have us a great gift, He gave us the gift of Repentance. I think it is a great thing that we are able to be forgiven of our sins and be able to feel the joy that comes from a Loving Heavenly Father. I know the Gospel is the True word of God.

I love you all. I know Heavenly Father loves you!

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Testimony!

I thought I would share my testimony this week.

I can see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life every day. Just the other day, I was praying for my companion and I had asked for help to know how I might be able to help him out. As I went about the next day, there came a point when it was my turn to pray, as we knelt there in prayer, I listened to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and there were words that came out of my mouth that I normally wouldn't have said, ones that I knew just had to come from a Father in Heaven that knows each and every one of us personally and knows how he can help His children. After the prayer we were then in a short discussion, and as it turns out, he was struggling with something that I had no idea about. As we were able to talk, it turns out that once again, I found that I was saying words that I knew were placed there by the Holy Ghost. We were able to learn from each other and in the end, I felt like I had learned just as much from that time as my companion.

As we are going around trying to visit with people, I know we are placed in just the right path for us to be able to help those out around us. There have been numerous times that one of us has had a prompting to stop by someone and we are able to find them home, and be able to talk with them and see how something major had just happened in there lives and with us showing up at that exact moment was what has changed them from having a hardened heart to gaining a softened heart, one that is able to be molded by the Lord. There was another time that we were in a lesson with an Investigator and they had received a call saying that a brother had passed away. We were able to bare a strong witness of the Plan of Salvation and that God looks after His children. We came to know, that was the perfect time for us to be there.

I feel that The Book of Mormon was sent to us so that we can have a way to learn and understand what God has asked us to do and all the promised blessings that can come from obeying the Commandments. I feel very privileged to have the study time each day to study from the Scriptures and talks from Modern day Prophets and Apostles. I know that God still speaks to us and tells us what we need to know from Modern day Prophets. It is interesting how "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was given to us in 1995, a good 20 years before the Family Unit became under attack in today's day. If we are able to follow the council of the Prophets, we will be prepared for anything to come. I know Thomas S. Monson to be the Living Prophet of God today.

I know Joseph Smith was able to pray to Heavenly Father in the Sacred Grove. I know he had received a witness of God and Jesus Christ, two distinct individuals, come down and speak to him. I know the fullness of the Gospel was Restored through Joseph. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church of Christ. I know the Priesthood was restored through Joseph Smith and is still on the earth today. I know Joseph Smith to be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.

I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know He died on the cross, and was risen on the third day so that He could pay for each and every one of our sins. I know He lived a poor life, so that He could provide us with the means to support our selves. I know He provided an example for us on how to live our lives. He was perfect and yet He still was Baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, as an example. He is a perfect teacher. He taught us how to come unto our Father in Heaven. I know He loves us. I know He wants all of us to come back to live with Him and God again. He is our Brother. He will look after us.

I know that Prayer was given to us to talk to our Heavenly Father. I know Scriptures to be the word of God. I know Christ to be our Savior. I know Joseph Smith helped to Restore the true church back to the earth. I know we have Heavenly Parents who love us just like out earthly ones. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Love,
Elder Warkentin

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

The first week with an Aussie Companion.

This past week was awesome, we were able to pick up a few new investigators. The first one was with a guy who is a painter. We were able to meet with him in the local library (Not just a boring place full of books). After meeting with him, he has already gone through the first 3 hours of the Book of Mormon. He had also come to church with us this past Sunday.

Then last Saturday we got some other new Investigators, they had accepted to be baptized on the 30th of this month. We have another appointment with them again tonight.

Then, also this past Saturday, we were able to meet with a less active and we invited him and he came to church with us on Sunday as well. We are continuing to try and get in and visit with people, just trying to share the Gospel and re-share the Gospel with everyone.

We also had a cool experience, yesterday after doing some Volunteer work at the Salvation Army, we saw someone on a bench and My companion was able to start talking to her. We found out that she is Homeless currently and we saw that she has been Humbled. She seems prepared to accept the message of the Restored Gospel. She doesn't have any contact information, but I'm sure the Lord with continue to direct her in the right path to His church.

Also, this past week, our boundaries in my area were changed, so we are now over the YSA Branch down here in Red Deer, as well as the 1st ward. We are continuing to do the work we were sent down here to do.

I know Christ is there to bless us and bring us happiness. I know God is a god of simpleness. He is not trying to cause confusion. He is there, and He loves us. As we follow His commandment, He has no choice but to bless us.

I love y'all. I hope y'all have a great week.

Love,
Elder Warkentin