Christmas, Boxing Day, Transfers?

So this past week, was Christmas. For our Christmas, starting with Christmas Eve, we went over to our Bishops house and we went to feed the Birds with His family. That night we got to go and see some Ice sculptures. Then on Christmas We started out by opening our presents with our Zone Leaders. Then we went out and Shoveled random peoples sidewalks. We then went out to eat and the only place we found open was McDonalds. After that, we went to the church to Video call home to our families. After that we went with our Ward Mission leader to have a Christmas dinner.

Then the next day was Boxing Day. It was awesome because the Stake Presidency had all the Missionaries in the stake come together for a Breakfast. They then had set up a Volleyball Tournament for us to play in. We then had a lesson with a new Investigator that Afternoon. Then we had a Boxing Day dinner that night.

Then Come Yesterday, we got Transfer calls. It looks like my companion is going up to Edmonton and I will be getting a companion from Australia. I think it will be fun. So we will be going up for transfers come tomorrow.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Here is a Picture of an Ice Sculpture.

The Build up!

This past wee has just been building up to Christmas from what it seems. This past week, we did some tracting to try and show people the new Christmas video, it worked because we had a few people invite us back. On Sunday, we had our ward Christmas program. Instead of talks, we had lots of Music numbers. Then on Sunday night, we had a stake Christmas program. There was a lot more musical numbers, There was even this person who was blind that was able to sing a song. We have also been able to share a Christmas message with the different members we were able to visit with.

It has been a cool Christmas season so far. I know that this is the season of Christ. It seems like everyone in some way celebrates Christ in their own way. This is a cool video to check out. What a great year it has turned out to be.

Here is my Tree this year:

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Marry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Conference, Conference, and Interviews.

I will start with the latter of those. This past Friday we had our Interviews with our Mission President. It was awesome because he brought us down a car, so we are no longer having to walk everywhere. We also got our mail, so it seemed like Christmas.

Then this past Saturday and Sunday, we had Stake Conference, where we had Elder Randall K. Bennett of the Second quorum of the Seventies come to speak to us. It was interesting how it all seemed to focus around the family. The family unit is a basic structure to how God works. We were put into families to help support each other. As we spend the Sabbath Day with our family and loved ones, we will be able to feel of the love Jesus has for us. As we had discussed, we found that we came up with quite a number of things that we could do on the Sabbath, we didn't find anything that would be a do not. It is up to us as to how we can feel the spirit best and how we can make the Sabbath more of a delight to us.

Then yesterday we had our Mission Christmas Conference. It was awesome to have lots of songs played. I think everyone had participated with a song in someway. It was also good to see all the people there that had helped participate to making the day a great day. We had our Mission President there and he had given us great story on Christ. It was a great time being able to get the true meaning of Christmas.

I know that Christ loves us. I know He has given us the greatest gift. I know that we are meant to be happy, after all, eternal happiness includes now, tomorrow, and forever. I love all y'all.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Christmas time is upon us!

Starting out, I hope you have all had a chance to watch the new video The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has put out. If not Here is the Link. It is an awesome one, and it only takes 2 minutes to watch it. It talks about Jesus Christ and how He was born to bring us the greatest gift of all.

Then this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It is awesome how President Uchtdorf had made an emphasis on how Christ is the light! When christ was coming into the world there was a night of light, to where the it seemed like the sun hadn't gone down. Then when Christ had left the earth, it was followed by 3 days of complete darkness, because when he left, he took His light with him. Then he returned and He brought His light with him. Since then, we have had the light every day, which to me means that Jesus Christ has not abandon us. He has stayed with us. He has always been there for us. He loves us and He cares for us. He is also there spiritually for us through the Atonement, which He gave to us as a gift. He gave us the light of being able to achieve exultation. I know my Savior lives. I know He loves me. I know He wants me to return to be with him. I know I can communicate with Him through Prayer. He will answer every prayer. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Even in a rough area, there is still some positives.

This past week at church, as we were just getting out, there was this guy who walked in and said he was looking for a church to join. The sad part is that we got his phone number, but when we tried to text it, we realized we wrote down the wrong number, so we are hoping that he is able to get back in contact with us.

Then, today my companion left to go to his mission after being a Visa waiter for a little over 2 months here. So it is now down to the 2 of us in this area.

Then the unfortunate thing happened last Saturday, our Car had died. We were able to make it back to the City before it completely died, which was a good thing. Although there is now a hole in the engine the size of a fist. So it is now in the shop.

I love all of you.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Here is a picture:

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Temple's, Christmas, and a New Area to learn.

Well, this past week the Temple in Montreal, Quebec was Re-Dedicated after being Renovated. So it was broadcast all across Canada. So we got to attend the services this past Sunday. It is awesome when there is more Temples completed and put into operation. I can't help but think about all the spirits on the other side that are now able to have their work done because there is enough Temple's to get it done. I know I can feel the spirit when I'm in the Temple. I know it is the most peaceful place on earth. I also know it is the Happiest place on earth.

Then this past Monday we got to help out with setting up for the Red Deer Festival of Trees. It was cool to see all the hard work that can go into such a big charity event. There were volunteers there from all over the place. Service can help you feel the Christ like love of the Christmas season. I know Christ wants us to go about doing good continually. I know He loves us. I love seeing people getting to accept the Restored Gospel. I love Christ-mas for that very reason. I would like to challenge all y'all to try and find someone who needs an act of service and extend a loving hand toward them this season.

Getting to know this new area, it seems like there are many great parts about it. I know there is a work to be done and as long as everyone is willing to do their part, the work will progress rapidly.

I love all y'all.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Time for another Transfer week.

So the title probably gives it away, I'm being transferred, I'm going down to Serve in the Red Deer 1st area. It will be cool because I will be put into a tripan. One of them is a visa waiter and will probably leave soon. So that is to come this coming week.

In other news, it has been cool working with the people here in this area, I have enjoyed it quite well. It has been cool seeing all the different Investigators and Less actives that I have been apart of helping them come unto Christ and helping them come back to the True church of Jesus Christ.

I know that the Lord calls us to where we are needed the most, not just as Missionaries, but as regular people. We are constantly being placed in paths that we can either help others or be helped by others. I know that the Lord hasn't abandon us. I know Christ Loves me. I know God loves me.

Although, I was able to finish one of the projects I was working on this past week.

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I love you and hope you have a great week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin