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

Cool things can still happen.

This past week, we were able to set another one of our Investigators on a baptismal date. It was cool because we just stopped by, and we were able to teach her the Plan of Salvation, and she knew it was something she wanted.

Last Tuesday, we were able to go down and take a tour of the Legislative building,

​This is a staff that they have to have present in every meeting that they have.

​Here is a picture of the outside of the building.

Then it was awesome how we had Stake Conference this past weekend here. We had Elder Spackman of the 6th quorum of the seventies come. We learned about how we need to praying and constantly trying to share the Gospel with every one we can. On average it takes 7 contacts with the church for someone to accept the Restored Gospel. We never know what number we are.

I know that as we try to start off with sharing what we do know, then try to ask for understanding of what we don't, we will be able to understand more then we would otherwise. I know God is our loving Heavenly Father, I don't know how He creates worlds though. I love the simplicity of the Gospel. I know it will bring us peace and happiness.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

The Miracle contact!

So this past week was awesome, starting on Wednesday, we were walking back to out apartment for lunch and this Woman had jumped out of the car and approached us. She said she had attended our church with a friend last week in a neighboring city. She had already watched the movie Meet the Mormons. She has been going onto youtube and Netflix watching all the Movies that the church has produced. Then on Thursday we had the first lesson with her in her home with a member of our ward with us. Then on Friday we had the second lesson with her in the home of the Members that we live with also with the member that was with us in the first lesson. Then on Sunday, she had come to church with us and we were able to give her a tour of the church before it had started. She came to church with her 2 little Girls. Then Yesterday being Monday we had the third lesson with her, with the same members from the second lesson. Also, in the Third lesson, she said she would be ready to be Baptized on the 14th on November, in 2 weeks. It is awesome to see how the Lord has been able to use me as one of his Tools or Instruments in His hand. I know that God is always Preparing people, it is just up to us to be worthy enough to be used by Him.

Also this past Saturday there was this family that had moved from Spain who was Baptized into this ward and they were confirmed the next day, last Sunday.

I know that God and Jesus Christ lives and they care about us. They just want us to come back and live with them after we die.

I love you all, I know God loves you!

Love,

Elder Warkentin

It started with a call and ended with a prayer!

So this past week on Tuesday, I received a call to be a District Leader.

We were able to finally get in to teach some of our investigators. It
is amazing how the Lord is willing to wait until we are worthy and
ready for us to come in contact with people. I know as we each try to
work on our selves to become the most obedient to Gods commandments,
we have no choice but being blessed. We all are given the opportunity
and choice to follow and become a deciple of Jesus Christ. Like the
Lord says "I the am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not
what I say, ye have no promise".

Then the crowning event was getting to go to the Temple this morning.
It is still marveling to see how God knows each and everyone of us
personally. He knows what choices we are going to make and can set
plans in place before we even ask for things.

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

Love
Elder Warkentin

It's The Small Things That Count!

This past week we had several small miracles happen, it was interesting thou, because we ended up having almost all our appointments cancel. So we had plenty of time to go and try finding new people. So one of the days we decided to go and do some leaf racking for people who hadn't had it done yet. We were able to talk with many people that way who were grateful for the service. Then we had tried doing some tracting, and we found some people who were interested in hearing the message that we had to share with them. I think it is so awesome to see people be influenced by the light of Christ, when they were surrounded by the chaos of the worldly influences.

I know that as we listen to the prophets both Biblical and Modern, we will be able to receive promptings on how we can change our lives to be better. I know that Tomas S Monson is our current Prophet upon this earth. I know Nephi is a Prophet from The Book of Mormon. I know Moses was a Prophet from the Bible. I know all y'all can pray to know of these same things. I hope each and everyone of you are able to feel of the Holy Ghost at some point this coming week.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

here is a picture of the Temple here:

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What a good Thanksgiving!

Well, to start off, we had Thanksgiving yesterday. We had the Members we live with have a few sets of Missionaries over for dinner who didn't have one. So we got a Thanksgiving picture together:

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So then this past week we went out tracting, out of 9 houses we knocked on, 5 of them answered the door, out of those 5, 3 of them are interested in having us come back to teach them more about the Gospel. So that just shows that there are many people who have been prepared to hear the Gospel.

If anyone has any Ideas on how to help someone want to come to church, please share?

Love always,

Elder Warkentin

What a Great Conference

I thought it was awesome to have seen 3 new Apostle's called this weekend, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and Elder Dale G. Renlund. I know they have been called of God. I know that they will help teach us the Gospel in ways we can understand it.

I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk on Saturday morning, he focused on not over complicating the Gospel. In reality the Gospel of Jesus Christ is very basic. All it comes down to is having Faith in Jesus Christ, Continually repenting, getting baptized and continually partaking of the Sacrament, Using The Holy Ghost, and Staying strong until the end. We should look for the simple truths. We should simplify what we know.

Also I learned about how if we have enough faith, we can ask God and receive an answer to what ever we ask Him. Just think, all we have to do is ask!

I know that The Book of Mormon is true (I have prayed about it), I know the Bible is True (I have also prayed about it), I know that Joseph Smith IS a prophet ( I have prayed about it), I know Thomas S Monson is our current and living prophet (I have prayed about it), I know Jesus Christ is our Savior (I have prayed about it), I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father (I have prayed about it). I know that you can come to this a surety for you self, all you have to do is pray bout it with a sincere heart.

I love you all. I know God loves you.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

P.S. We got an Investigator on date this past week.

P.S.S. Here is a picture of me:

As people go to school, the work shall pick up.

So this past week we were able to finally meet with some of our Investigators that we haven't been able to meet with for over a month. Some of them go to school, so with it starting they felt like it was hard to plan anything with them trying to figure out there schedules. It has been awesome, we have a family that we were able to meet with twice this past week and they are planing on coming to watch General Conference with us. It was also awesome because we found them while we were out Tracting a couple months ago and we have found out that they have some Member friends.

It was also awesome this past week, we have a recently activated member who went through the temple for the first time in more then 10 years. There is also another Member that has officially been declared active that we have been working with. I feel the biggest part to helping them stay active is having the fellowship of the other fellow members.

Also this past Saturday, we were able to help out with the Food Drive for the Food Bank that was going on in my area. Here is a picture of it.

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Then I had made a couple carvings in my spare time, here is how they turned out:

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I love you all.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Mission Tour with Elder Golden

So this past week we had Elder Cristoffel Golden come to our Mission to speak with us. Some of the cool things he taught us is that us, being set apart as Missionaries, are Ministers of Jesus Christ. As such, we have the power to confess it. If anyone who has not been properly tries to confess it, the Light of Christ will not recognize it and the people we talk to will be able to tell the difference. I know through prayer, I have gotten a confirmation that The Book of Mormon is True, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God and translated The Book of Mormon. I know that the Priesthood power to act in Gods name has been restored through Joseph Smith and is on the earth today. I know that anyone of you who asks God with a sincere desire to find the truth, will come to the same conclusion I have.

Another think that he brought up is that we as Missionaries have been called to bring the world the truth. Also, we are to convert people to the truth. It is not our primary purpose to gain a testimony, that is something we should have already, however, as we help others by studying and teaching, we will be able to strengthen our testimony. I know the Lord has called me to be a teacher for him. It is my job to allow the Holy Ghost to work through me to help those around me. That being said, I do feel like my testimony has become stronger the more I teach.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Things to come.

So since we had Pday quite late last week, not a whole lot has happened. Although we have had quite a bit of bike troubles the past few days, however they are all fixed. Also we had one of our most promising investigators decide to stop meeting with us, however, he seems like he will continue to try to learn the truth.

Now things to expect about this coming week. We have Elder Christoffel Golden of the seventies coming to our mission this coming week for Mission Tour. I think it will be good.

As for me I know that as we try to provide charity toward those in our lives, we will be able to feel of the love the Savior has for us. As we are commanded to become like Jesus Christ, we know that he went about trying to provide service for everyone that was in his path. As we are able to help everyone that comes up in our path, we will be able to feel true love for them and help them to love us back. I would just Invite all to try to provide service for someone along there way to where they are going this coming week.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Service like the savior.

So for starting off this week, it has been a crazy week. Last Wednesday was transfer meeting and I got a new companion. Then we have the part for which my pday was moved back to today. So for the past 3 days 6 of us missionaries, including myself, have been helping out at the habitat for humanity restore, helping them unload some Windows. They got a shipment of 3 semi trucks full of Windows, some of them weighing close to two thousand pounds. Do we were helping them with taking them off the trucks. I could definitely tell that there must have been help coming from heaven to have gotten them all done.

Then for the second part I wanted to talk about the Book of Mormon. As I have done some studying, I don't think I can say if any better then Elder Holland: "May I refer to a modern "last days" testimony? When Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum started for Carthage to face what they knew would be an imminent martyrdom, Hyrum read these words to comfort the heart of his brother:

'Thou hast been faithful; wherefore … thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father'... As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest—and last—hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth? Never mind that their wives are about to be widows and their children fatherless. Never mind that their little band of followers will yet be "houseless, friendless and homeless" and that their children will leave footprints of blood across frozen rivers and an untamed prairie floor. Never mind that legions will die and other legions live declaring in the four quarters of this earth that they know the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it to be true. Disregard all of that, and tell me whether in this hour of death these two men would enter the presence of their Eternal Judge quoting from and finding solace in a book which, if not the very word of God, would brand them as imposters and charlatans until the end of time? They would not do that! They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon." I would like to add myself that this church is the only one I would ever choose, because no other church offers eternal salvation. Also Joseph Smith had said that the true church would never be taken away from this earth again. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all, and I know Christ loves you.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

It is transfer time again.

So this past week was great because we got this new investigator who had called us up randomly the other day and he had gotten our number from a coworker and decided he wanted to take the lessons from us missionaries. He is awesome because he has shown a willing heart and wants to truly learn more about the Gospel. There are so many people that will let us come over and teach them, however they usually seem like they just aren't genuinely interested in learning all that they can while being here on this earth.

I know that as we look for opportunities to share the gospel, they will present themselves. I know that Heavenly Father has sent us where we need to be. He knows what our strengths are and He know what our weakness's are. He will help us through the hard times we have in our lives if only we pray and ask for his help. He wants to give us help, however, he also wants what is best for us and if we need to go through tough trials in order to come out stronger and be able to make it through tougher times, then He will do what he can to make it better for us.

Last thing though is that we got Transfer call's yesterday and I am getting a new companion, Elder Meldrum.

I love you all and I know God loves you. I hope you all have a great week to come.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Fishing!

So this past week we had an investigator take us to go fishing with him. It was awesome because we got to spend some time with just him instead of having his parents there. It is awesome because he is hoping to go on a mission for the church after he gets baptized.

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Then we got to meet with another Investigator family last Thursday. It was also awesome with them because they had said that they are ready to be baptized, they just wanted to come to church a few times in a row before taking the plunge. There are people who are just excited to hear the Gospel and progress in the plan of Salvation.

Now I just thought I would share what I have learned about the Gospel. The Gospel is also quite simple, the gospel is Love! If we have love, we will follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. If we have love, we will treat our neighbors kindly. If we have love, we will want what is best for our family's. If we have love, we will love gaining knowledge, and we we will want to go to church to continue gaining knowledge. If we have love, we will strive to come closer to God. If we have love, we will want to pray to our father in heaven with a sincere heart to feel of his love. If we have love, we will have charity for others and we will strive to serve others. If we have love, we will want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone. So the Gospel all comes down to love!

I love you all. Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Does an Investigator in another Investigators house count?

So this past week was awesome. We have this investigator family that we have been working with, and they had come to church with us this past week. Then after that on Monday (yesterday) the priest aged member of the family had come out with us for the night, we were able to show him what we do as missionaries and it made him want to go on a Mission even more, so he is hoping to get baptized soon so that he can go on a mission after he finishes High School. So we were able to have a lesson with another one of our investigator family with him being present. It was awesome because he was able to share his experiences in the lesson, and having him who was not a member could relate more to what the other investigators were going through.

Another cool thing that had happened was that we got to go to the Temple today, It is interesting how you can continue to learn more and more every time you go there. I know that everyone who makes it there can feel the peace and joy that can accompany you while you are there. There are people waiting on the other side who are just waiting for us to do our Family History and take their names to the Temple. The spirit of Elijah is real and will help you as you try to do the work we have been commanded to do. We need our ancestors and they need us to become perfect. As we learn and grow in the Gospel we can take it with us to go an teach those who haven't had a chance to hear the message in the spirit world. I know these things to be true. I would invite you to pray for yourself to come to the same conclusion. I can promise that God loves you and will help you accomplish anything you set your mind out to do.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Shawarma, and Sushi!

So, this past week, on Saturday was when what is know as Heritage Days started. At the Festival there was music, dancing and of course food. Our mission president had everyone serving in the city helping out the Food Bank at the Festival. We were going around collecting any donations people had of Food or left over tickets. Also we got to go around a try some food from different cultures, which is where I got to try shawarma, it is like a donair except in a taco like form, and the meat isn't as flavorful.

Then the second part comes with more of a story, we were at an investigators house for a lesson last Sunday, we got on the topic of fish and one sentence lead to the next and we made plans to get some sushi. So yesterday for lunch we ended up going to a Japanese restaurant. I came to find that adding Mango to Sushi makes it taste really good. It was also awesome because we got to spend some time with the investigator in a place other then just his house. It was also cool because it was the first time I really got to try sushi and it is good.

I also know that the scriptures can answer any questions we have. It is when we start reading the non scripture books that is when it brings doubt into our minds, it is up to us to learn the doctrine from the scriptures and take the other books we read for what truth may be found in them. I know the Holy Ghost can testify of any truth we find, we can open up our heart to hear the Holy Ghost and know of the teachings from our Father which is in heaven. I know this church to be true and I know any honest seeker can come to find the truth as well.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Biking in the rain.

Well this last Saturday I had the opportunity to bike in the rain. It felt good because after the long hot day's up here, it just felt good to get cooled off with having the rain. At first it was awesome, something about having water being pored on you feels good. We decided to do some tracting in the rain and it seemed to have worked because people were wondering who in there right mind would approach their door in the middle of a storm, So we ended up coming away from it with a few potentials. Then we got to go to our dinner appointment where it just seemed fitting to have Hot Dogs on a day like that. It was then after that when we came to this River we had to cross. There is a bridge that we usually take to cross this river. Going down to the bridge  there is a steep hill that turns into a gravel road at the bottom of it. As we were approaching a turn at the bottom where the gravel was, I must have turned too hard, for with the fresh rain there wasn't much traction. After falling we crossed the bridge and started up the hill on the other side of the river. As we got to the top there were some people who were going around washing windows, we ended up talking to them and now they may be coming to church this coming week.

Sometimes we have bad things happen to us so that we can meet someone who we wouldn't have been able to meet with otherwise. There are times when others are placed on our paths to find, and other times we are the ones placed on someone else's path to find, if we can talk to those who need a friend then we can make sure we are there when the Lord needs us. Sometimes watches may get ruined in the rain and other times we get cut up. In the end we are all sent here to be tested, if we can do our best at all times, we don't need to see the result of the answer to know we helped someone out along there way.

I love you all, I know we can have great things happen if we do what is asked up us.

Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Too busy, how do I get any work done?

Last week, Starting on Tuesday we got to go for a hike with a few other Missionaries:

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Then on Wednesday we got to meet with a less active who was able to come to church this last Sunday.

On Thursday I got to help provide service to a lady by helping to fix some printer issues.

Then come Saturday, we started out with teaching a new Investigator, after which, we got to help out some members with cutting down some trees. We then had a couple appointments after that.

Then on Sunday, we got to have church, then had a lesson with an investigator, then at dinner we got to be part of a members birthday celebration, Then ended the day with a less active.

Then Yesterday we started with helping with a gardening project. We then had someone feed us Lunch. We were then able to talk to several people doing some street contacting. We then had a member take us out to eat for dinner. After that we got to go to a lesson with a less active.

I know that as we strive to learn what we can from the scriptures, we will be able to talk with people about the different principles of the gospel to help them out in the hardest times in their life. The Book of Mormon is a great place to search to find the knowledge. I think everyone can gain a testimony if they are willing to learn.

Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Just talk to them, they will listen whether they want to or not.

So this past week we decided to try an "new" idea, we would try talking to everyone we could see. To go along with that, we would just bike around and find people out in their yards to talk to. I find that many people just don't want to be the ones to start a conversation, however, they are more then happy to continue a conversation that has already been started. To be fair we have already been trying to talk to people, we just are planing a little extra time to have a conversation with people, rather then feeling like we need to rush to get to our next destination.

Using the above mentioned technique, yesterday we were able to help an elderly lady cross the street to her house. Also since there is a footbridge in our are, we have been able to stop and talk with several people there. We have also been able to help several people with some yard work they were doing.

Since the ward I am in right now has a cool thing going where they are trying to get everyone in the ward to go to the temple on the same day in a couple months, I know as people prepare for entering the temple they will be blessed. This month they are focusing on helping people develop Christlike attributes, as I have been trying to focus on what attributes I would like to work on, I have been able to find the joy I suspect the Savior had while upon this earth.

I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer for everything. If you look for and try to apply the atonement to everything, Christ will be there and do everything he can to help us out. We just have to open the door and let him in, and allow him to help us out in each situation.

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

Love,

Elder Warkentin

3 in a day

Well this last Friday, after almost 5 weeks we were able to get back in contact with 2 of our investigators and 1 of our Recent Converts. Also we were given 6 free tickets to the 3rd place game for the closing of FIFA here. The saddest part of the day was hearing the news of President Packard passing away.

Then for the first time I experienced having an investigator come to church for their first time last Sunday. I think it is amazing how much you can feel the Holy Ghost as we attend church. Sometimes (being a member all my life, and growing up with the influence of the Spirit) I don't realize what it would be like to not have the influence. I know as we try to recognize the Holy Ghost in our lives, we will be able to have more peace and comfort in our lives.

Not everyone is lucky enough to know the Gospel. Just knowing of what is to happen after we die is enough to bring comfort to those who are prepared to come back into the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ. We all have ancestor's, we all have a work to do to help them have a chance at accepting the Restored Gospel.

I love you all. I hope you all have a great week this coming week. feel free to email me at any time: Nathan@Missionary.Email

Love,

Elder Warkentin


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USA + Columbia / FIFA =

This past week was great. We had Fathers day here this past Sunday. it was actually a good time to find people home. So to all you Fathers out there congratulations, you have helped fulfill what our Father which art in Heaven has asked of us.

Now for the reason for the title of this update. Yesterday we had a Less-active member take us to a Soccer (Football) game. Some of you might have know that the 2015 FIFA Woman's World Cup is being held here in Canada. One of the City's it is playing in is Edmonton, and my Mission happens to be in Edmonton. So for those of you who care the game yesterday was the USA versus Columbia.

As you can see the Gospel is like a game, first you have to commit to be a player on the team (Baptism). Then you have to go through the practices to make it to the game (The Temple). After that you have to get off the bench and on to the field (Being willing to do what God asks of us to do). We then have to play our hardest during the game and give it our all (Endure to the end). Otherwise you can chose to not accept the Gospel and sit with everyone else in the stand and watch others enjoy the success they have made.

Sorry I have no pictures to send you this week, I forgot my camera at home. I will send the pictures next week.

Love always,

Elder Warkentin

Down with the paper.

This past week was the first week on my Mission where we rode bikes.

We had an awesome lesson with an investigator this past week where we talked about Baptism and how it is an important first step in showing our commitment to Heavenly Father. He seems to know a lot more about the different Gospel principles then a lot of recent converts that I have meet. How ever we did at least help commit him to following the Word of Wisdom. Sometimes people are just waiting for the right invitation to be extended.

Also it has been cool being able to study from a variety of different sources with being able to use the Gospel Library app for studies. It has also made my bag that I carry around much lighter and thinner.

I love you all. I know you all are special in the eyes of Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus payed the ultimate price for you to return to his presence.

I hope you all have a great week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

It started with Ip and ended with ad!

So this past week was fun. Starting with Wednesday, I meet my new companion, Elder Coates is an awesome Missionary, and I am exited to serve with him in the coming weeks. Also the Callingwood Park area is a good area to be in.

It has been cool to see how in the times we were walking around, trying to visit people, there has been several people who we were able to stop and talk with. It is just inspiring to see all the people who have been placed in our path, just so that we could try to talk with them to offer them a chance to meet with us and learn more. I know Missionaries are sent out to teach people for a reason and I know Heavenly Father will accomplish his work if we let him.

Another thing that I have seen is how God is Hastening his work in this day and age. For example just yesterday, we had a Training Meeting where we were introduced to tablets so that we can use all the digital content that the church has been working on and making ready for the digital age. I know that I am excited to learn how I can best use the technology that God has helped create for the furthering of his work.

I love you all, I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live today. I know the Gospel will help each and everyone of you. "And thus it i. Amen."

Love,

Elder Warkentin

A cool looking fire we drove by:

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<30

So I would say one of the biggest things that happened this past week was Elder Nelson (of the seventies) came to our mission on Mission Tour. He came through to introduce our mission to the IPad's that our mission is getting in our Zone Conference in June. He talked about how they are not just giving us Missionaries the Tablets to just use while we are out on our Mission's, but they are giving them to us so that they can teach us how to use them to help us out throughout our lives, and help with our relationships when we are dating and eventually get married so that our marriages actually last instead of them ending in divorce. Elder Nelson said that our Mission is the 30th Mission to be getting the tablets and the 1st in Canada.

Elder Nelson also explained more how they assign Missionaries, They apparently assign us to either a Mission or the Mission President. So sometimes you may need to be under a specific person who would be able to help you better then others. Also they do read all of the information on your mission papers, so make sure you mean what you say. :)

Now for a cool miracle. We have an investigator whom was in a car crash a couple decades ago and didn't have hardly any movement in his arm and he said it was constantly in pain. Then a couple weeks ago, we gave him a Priesthood Blessing. After following up with him this past week, he said ever since the Blessing he has been able to do things with his arm that he hadn't been able to do in many decades and he said it hasn't been in hardly any pain since the Blessing either. I truly believe that through the power of Heavenly Father we can have all of our pain and imperfections healed.

I know for certain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live today and they care for each one of us. They are willing to do what ever it takes to help us out, all we have to do is do what they have asked us to do and have faith it will happen. We can do all that we can, and Heavenly Father will do the rest for us. I am grateful for all that They do for me. I am grateful for each and everyone of you in my life.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

A cool sign I saw this past week:

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And the week keeps going.

Well this past week was fairly good. We were able to show up to an investigators house and he had a friend there (craig) who was really interested in what our church believes. He said he already believed the true church had to have a prophet and 12 apostles, he was just looking for the right church.

Then yesterday being Monday, we meet with a member for dinner and he had a friend there who just moved to Edmonton. He also seems like a prepared soul. He was excited to read the Book of Mormon when we gave it to him. He even assured us that he will be Baptized one he knows that the Book of Mormon is true.

Also here in Canada, yesterday was Victoria Day.

I know that anyone who truly desires to know that this church is true will ask God the Eternal Father in the Name of Jesus Christ, whether what they are learning about and reading about is true. Anyone who asks with a sincere desire or is willing to act upon the answer they receive, will receive an answer.

I love you all. I pray for you all.

Love Elder Warkentin

Pictures:

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Then there was Mothers Day!

I would say the Highlight of this past week was being able to talk to my family this past Sunday for Mothers day. It was great being able to see everyone.

We also had the opportunity to help a Less active move into a new house this past week. Sometimes you have to wonder how people can fit soo much into a tiny apartment suit.

Speaking of Less actives, we had another one of our less actives come to church for the second time in a row last Sunday, he is also going through a process to quit smoking, so far he has gone down from about 30 cigarettes a day down to only 5. His goal is to be completely off them by the end of the summer. He is also now hoping to get to the Temple for his first time as soon as he can, which involves stopping his smoking. I know that with the help of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father all things are possible.

I do still appreciate all the emails and support of encouragement everyone is able to show to me. I love you all. I know that our Father which is in Heaven loves you. I know we are in family's for a reason and they are there to help us out.

I love you all. I hope for the best for you all. I hope everyone had a great week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Some weeks just have the rough spots.

This past week was interesting, I seem to had come down with some sort of stomach flu and as a result we weren't able to do as much actual missionary work as past weeks. At least I had the opportunity to finish reading through the New Testament. I really like reading in Revelations and just seeing all that is to happen before the second coming of Christ. However, I know as long as we are living all the commandments and follow the Holy Ghost, we will have nothing to worry about.

We were still able to have a few good lessons this past week. However, some of our Investigators were influenced by the devil and had decided to stop investigating because they couldn't handle all the trials and hardships that were placed in their lives as a result of learning the truth. I would just encourage you all to push through those challenges, even if it becomes too much to handle on your own. Christ is there and will strengthen you.

In other news, our Mission President is changing the day of our Preparation Day (P-Day) to be on Tuesday instead of Monday. And for the more exciting news, our Mission in now getting IPad's on the 21st and that means we won't be back on Facebook for 6 Months as a training period.

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

Elder Warkentin

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

It's been a hard week.

Let's start with the beginning of the week. Me and my last companion got to go around while he had said bye to those he wanted to visit with one last time. We were also able to visit a member of the ward out of a surprise visit, and he happened to have a friend there, he had us give her a Book of Mormon and go over it with her. She is also interested about our Church and wants to know more.

Then we had Transfer meeting this past Wednesday, and I am now stuck with my new companion.

Then when we went to a meeting with and Investigator we had this past Friday, he had a cool question. He asked, How can you tell the difference between a True Prophet and a False Prophet? So in the end it can down to him praying to know which ones are True versus false. We also helped show him how reading through the Book of Mormon can help answer that question and question he would have like it.

Then this past Saturday we were able to help one of the inactives in our ward move into one of the active members house. The active member was talking about how he was going to help him quit smoking, partially because the member is allergic to cigarettes. The inactive has been smoking for the past 57 years and is finally ready to quit. The plan is, after he has stopped his addiction, he will come back to church for the first time in years. The cool part is how the inactive still has a testimony of the Church and he wouldn't attend any other church.

I love you all.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Mission's are like a roller coaster!

So this past week, we had some busy days. On Tuesday our evening was full of appointments. Since we were on the bus, probably a lot of the time spent was just trying to get to each of the appointments. Then on Wednesday, we had appointments scheduled for every hour of the day, we only had a couple of them fall through. Then on Thursday, we had some meetings, we also got to have dinner with a family who has traced their family history back to 2697 BC. Then on Friday we had our weekly planning session followed by service and investigator lessons. Then come Saturday, we had exchanges and I went to the Tagalog area, where they had appointments to cover the day. Then at church, we were able to set up appointments for the rest of the day.

Now today, we got transfer calls and my companion is leaving me, it's alright because I'm getting an Elder Blatter to replace him.

Something I thought was interesting is when I was reading today, I came to the realization that time is proof of Jesus Christ. He was there when the earth was created. He was there at the meridian of time (the switch from BC to AD). Also he will be there for the end of time with the end of the millennium and the judgement. I know Christ lives. I know He loves me. I know He loves you.

Till we meet again,

Elder Warkentin

The Good, The Better, and The Best!

To start off with the good, we were able to spend some time doing service for a non-member, where we racked some leaves for him and his neighbors. As we helped out the neighbors we got to talk with some of them and help them out. Also we were able to find some more less-actives that we can teach and bring back into the fold.

Then comes the Better. We had gone into a lesson for a Recent Convert, and when we came out, we got in the car and started to drive off. Shortly there after, we realized we had a flat tire, so we found the nearest road to pull off on to change the tire. Since we had brought a member with us to the previous lesson, he thought it would be a good idea for him to change the tire while we tried to tract the street. As we tracted it, we found someone who had a boss that was Mormon, so he invited us back. We then went to the lesson yesterday and as we taught the Restoration, he agreed with all of it, we could even tell he was paying attention by the many questions he had about what was being taught. Also last week, we had a great week as far as total lessons taught, best week yet.

Now comes the Best. This morning we had the opportunity to go to the Temple. I would have to say, the Temple is the best place to be in my opinion. As soon as I entered through the front door, I felt a calming feeling immediately. At the end of the session, I just didn't want to leave. I can honestly say, the Temple is truly a house of God, I wish everyone was able to go to the Temple and feel of the peace and joy. Also here is a picture in front with my companion:

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I love the Gospel, I love the Lord, I love the work!

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Birthday + General Conference =

For this week it all started off on Tuesday when I turned another year older. We had actually gone to Costco to get some lunch and when we got there, there were some members from a different ward that decided to pay for lunch. After that, at dinner there was an awesome family that had a Birthday Cake which tasted great. Here is a picture of it:

Then take a step forward to the next day and we got to help some members of our ward move into a new house. It's also awesome how there were so many people who were able to help out at the last minute to make many hands lite work.

Then we had General Conference, which I thought was awesome. I thought it was cool when Elder Oaks talked about how even when your at a position of leadership, he was still assigned a topic to speak on from Heavenly Father himself. Also I liked how Elder Holland talked about how even in the hardest of times, and when we feel like we can't hold on, and when we feel like we are doomed to fall to our death, Christ is there, and he has the strength to pull us up, and bring us to safety.

I would invite everyone who can, to go back and watch any part of Conference you may have missed or any part you weren't paying attention to.

I love you all. I wish the best for you all.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

some of you might appreciate this picture:

You know your in the ghetto when:
​Your wheels are stolen from your RC Car. 

At Least it was Productive

So for starters, this past week, we were handed a list of people who haven't had their address' confirmed yet, in our ward. As we were going through the list, we stopped by this house and the person who was supposed to live there had moved several years ago. However, the person who lives there let us right in and we were able to talk about the Book of Mormon. He is a Catholic convert, he converted from atheist-ism. it was weird to learn, they think when partake of the sacrament the bread actually turns into Flesh, and the wine actually turns into Blood.

We also had an awesome time on the LRT this past week, we past out several Book of Mormon's. Then on another day we hadn't had any success on the LRT, but because we just barely missed the bus, we ended up walking to Arby's and on our way we ran into someone who was asking for a cigarette, but instead we offered her a card and talked about the addiction recovery program and she seems interested in it and want's to quit.

Then this past week, the Sister's in out ward had a Convert Baptism. We were able to attend, and it was awesome; I felt the spirit of the Holy Ghost very strongly there. When she was confirmed a member, and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, it was a big calming feeling, which made me feel much better through out the day.

Has anyone found a really effective way of killing Mice? If you have any suggestion, please comment or email me. Thank You.

I hope you all have a great Easter week.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Only the Crazies!

So this past week as we went out LRT Contacting and Street Contacting, it seemed like everyone we were able to talk to was crazy in some way. Some of them were drunk and some were high. But all of them seemed like they were possessed by some kind of devil, no they probably weren't. At least they were willing to talk with us and they want to learn more about the Gospel. So what I get out of it is that someone has to first hit a low before they are humble enough to accept Christ's Gospel.

We also had Stake Conference this past week. I enjoyed it, and not only because we got to sing in the Stake Choir. There was an awesome talk about how if we take the time and effort to go to an amusement park and just sit right outside the gate, we will be able to see and hear all the fun other people are having. However if we enter the gate we can join the others and have the fun experiences. The price to enter through the gate is Baptism unto Jesus Christ and if we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are given a tour guide to help us navigate through the park and accomplish as much as we can. However if you just enter through the gate but sit down on a bench for the whole time, it would be as if we didn't enter the Park to begin with. So I would encourage all to be Baptized and endure to the end by staying and active member of the church.

We also had a few talks about holding Family Counsel or Companionship Counsel or Roommate Counsel. As we hold the Counsel's we are able to discus the issues that ruin relationships. As we are able to hold them and as people feel free to share whats on there mid, everyone can make a relationship work. We must also be willing to make the adjustments we are asked to make.

One of my favorite quotes from this past week: "I'm not Christian, I'm Roman Catholic"

There is also a new Initiative that the Church is starting up this coming weekend. It is called the #BecauseofHim Initiative and if you visit HeLives.Mormon.org on the 27th or latter you will be able to see some cool video's that you can share with your friends. I would also like to invite you to share the link on social media and include the hash tag.

And here is a cool photo from an LRT Station.

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Love,

Elder Warkentin

It's melting!

So this past Sunday at church we had several of our less active members come back to church. As we have been trying to meet with the less actives in our ward we have been trying to invite them to come back to church and as they come back we try to get as many members as we can to say hi and make them feel welcome. So far we have had at least 5 members start to return.

We have also had many opportunities to help people move this past week. We helped 3 people move out of our ward and helped 1 person move in. As with moving, there are some people who are prepared to move by having all there stuff packed and ready to go, with having a big enough truck to move it all in one trip. Then there are others that are not so prepared and they still need to pack things up and they only have small trucks and cars to move things in, which caused things to take longer. This can be likened unto the Gospel, there are those who have prepared to receive the Gospel, who have prayed to find the truth and are ready to listen. Then you have those who aren't currently ready to accept the Gospel yet and they need to clean up and put there old unrighteous habits away and not return to them.

And to add to last weeks story, were were able to run into Bob again. We went to the library and after we checked Facebook we were getting up to leave and we found Bob there. He was feeling down and as we got talking to him we were able to help turn his day around and as we got talking about the Book of Mormon he became interested and he was feeling better and he said he would read from it when ever he was feeling mad.

This past week most of the snow here seems to have melted. Here is a picture from the field by our apartment this morning:
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I love you all,

Elder Warkentin

Life saving.

So this past week we ran into someone, lets call him bob, at the train station. When we talked to him we found out he had prayed a couple minutes before we showed up, he asked for a sign whether God was real and cared for him. As we got talking we were able to talk about the Plan of Salvation and he know it was an answer to his prayer. Also before bob prayed he was pondering whether to sit in front of a train or not. So the moral of the story is, if you see someone alone; go talk to them.

Also this past week we went over and visited, lets call them the doe family. The visit seemed a little rushed but we were at least able to feel the spirit. Latter at church we had brother doe show up for the first time in a while.

Then we helped out a non member, lets call him Joe. We went over to help him with some ice chipping and after we had a good discussion with him. then latter on in the week we had a ward pot luck and Joe showed up and we were able to introduce him to a few of the members here. We will be going back to continue helping Joe tomorrow.

Then we went over to a Stake Choir practice for the up coming Stake conference that is coming up here. It makes me excited.

So that's this week. I love you all.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

I'm walking on water!

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The Last Half

On Monday we met with an Investigator who has been investigating for about a year. We are trying to work with her to move her baptismal date to be sooner.

On Tuesday we had our Zone Conference and we learned about how to become a more consecrated missionary through a changing of the heart. However my companion became sick, so we took it easy the rest of the night.

Then on Wednesday we started out with our Quarterly interviews with the Mission President. We were then able to stop by some Less active.

Then on Thursday we had another lesson with an investigator and we were able to learn more about the archeology of the Bible. At dinner we got to be part of a birthday celebration for one of the members here. We were also able to get in contact with a Recent Convert that we haven't been able to contact in a while.

On Friday we went to this lesson with another investigator and when we got there he had brought friends over and we had a surprise Bible study time where we were able to start by clearing up misconceptions about our church then we were able to get into the lesson, but they had many questions about what we were teaching, so hopefully that is a good thing.

Then comes Saturday, on this day we had what was called a social media day where members followed us around taking pictures and making posts about what a missionary life is like. So we started out by helping to move a Less active. We were also able to move an active member that day as well. So we had a busy day.

On Sunday we spent the day after church visiting with some members. and one of them for dessert at dinner made these awesome Oreo squares, they were basically Rice Crispy treats but with Oreo's instead of Rice Crispy.

I know that as we become like Paul and share the gospel with everyone, we have the power to change someones life for the better. I know that this church was restored be the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and as we read it we come closer to him. Amen.

Elder Warkentin

Preparing for things to come...

So starting out this past week I got to go on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. At the dinner appointment that night I got to try Moose in some spaghetti, I thought it tasted good.

Then come Wednesday we finished up the exchange by doing some street contacting. It seems like no matter where you go, there will still be crazy people.

On Thursday we had a couple lessons with investigators, It seems like it is easy for people to commit to baptism, however it is really hard to commit them to coming to church.

With Friday we went around trying to set up appointments, we got a few but most of the people seemed to be gone.

On Saturday we were able to get in and teach one of our Muslim Investigators, I got to learn a brief history about Lebanon. Apparently about half of Lebanon is Christian. He is a cool guy, when one of his friends were telling him not to meet with us, he told his friend "whats wrong with meeting with missionaries?". So I think he is cool like that.

Sunday was busy with a whole bunch of Church activities. speaking of which, in preparation for the Book of Mormon musical coming to Edmonton, they are having people follow us around this Saturday to post about what a Missionary day looks like. If you are interested in following that just look up #YEGMormon on facebook.

I know that as we spread the Word, people will eventually be interested and want to know more. I would challenge everyone to share a gospel principal with a non-member they know.

I love you all,

Have a great week,

Elder Warkentin

Donair Pizza...

Well Last Tuesday was cool because we got to meet with 2 Investigators back to back. The second one is currently Hindu, and with it being my first time teaching someone who doesn't come from a Christian background, it was interesting to hear what he believed. We also got some Donair Pizza which has become my new favorite type of Pizza, which can't be bought in the States because the FDA won't allow because of the way Donair meat is cooked.

Wednesday we did more snow shovel trackting.

Then on Thursday we got a couple Media Referrals and we were able to contact one of them who requested a Bible and on our follow up visit on Saturday we were able to give him a Book of Mormon, and he seemed excited to learn about the Book of Mormon and seemed anxious to read it.

On Friday we spent some time contacting people known as "Children of Record", basically they are Children of members who have had some interaction with the church, but aren't baptized. We were meet with some success.

On Saturday it was hard to find people home because it was Valentines day.

Then with Sunday we got to have dinner with our housing coordinator. We also had a good lesson with a less-active couple.

Then Yesterday being Monday we weren't able to do P-Day then because it was Family Day and places weren't open. So Happy post Family Day, I hope you were able to spend time with family.

I know that those who love one another and try to serve all those around them are following the example of Christ. Keep up the good work.

Love always,

Elder Warkentin

P.S. Italian Syrup can make many drinks taste great.

Filipino Bacon

Last Monday we got to pick up another Investigator, He is currently Muslim which makes things fun.

On Tuesday we got to meet Gandhi!

Come Wednesday we went and visited by some Inactives.

With Thursday we meet with another new investigator and we finally caught the mouse in our apartment.

Then Friday we had exchanges and I went with one of the Tagalog Elders and I tried Lanka, which is like big chunks of deep fried Bacon.

For Saturday we went out trackting and found some interested potentials, which is different from a town where now one wants to listen to you. We were also feed some awesome White Chocolate Brownies.

Here is the Recipe:
Ingredients

• 1 Cup butter
• 4 squares white chocolate, chopped (1 ounce)
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/8 Cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/3 Cup white chocolate chips
• 2/3 Cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted (12 ounce)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and white chocolate together over low heat in a saucepan. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Meanwhile beat eggs with sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl; mix in the butter mixture, and stir in the flour and salt until thoroughly combined. Scoop the batter into the prepared baking pan; sprinkle with white chocolate chips.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into bars.

Bringing us to Sunday, We went LRT contacting and I found it is quite easy to just talk to people.

Well, I feel like anyone who takes the time to read the Book of Mormon and Pray about it to know it is true, will be blessed with peace, happiness, and the desire to do what is right.

I'll leave you on a boat to think about that...
​

Elder Warkentin

Londonderry

Last Monday we started off by going and helping with some computer problems.

Come Tuesday we stopped by some people so that I could say goodbye to them. For dinner we had enchiladas that tasted really similar to a beefy 5-layer burrito from taco bell.

On Wednesday I started out by packing, then we left for transfer meeting. My new area is Londonderry, Edmonton. So I'm in the city now. My new companion is from Bluffdale, UT. Then I stared to meet the members here.

Thursday I got to ride a Light Rail Train (LRT) and a public bus for the first time. I continued to meet new members.

Then on Friday we went to a lesson with some investigators who are on date to get Baptized on the 14th. Then since the area I'm in is a Car share area, we get the car for the last couple days of the week, so we went to pick it up. To end that day we had a lesson with another investigator who was just full of questions.

With Saturday we spent the day helping someone move in, they might become investigators soon. Also if you walk through the food court in the mall when they are closing, you can get some good deals on food.

Now Sunday we started off by going to church, it is a lot different attending a ward with 200+ people attending. During dinner we finished a map of Canada puzzle. We then visited with some members. Then we tried to catch this mouse in our apartment.

Sorry, the computers we are using won't let me upload pictures so...

I love the Gospel and I know that as long as we are able to follow the teachings we are given we will have a happy and joyful life. At times life may be difficult but with Christ we will be better in the long run for it.

I challenge everyone who reads this to send me an email at Nathan@Missionary.Email with your conversion story.

Elder Warkentin

Preparing to leave.

Last Monday we got to go to a Recent Converts house to have some really tasty quasadeas and made cookies while we were there.

On Tuesday we went on exchanges and I got to go to Edson. We decided to go out to dinner there and a member there decided to pay for us.

For Wednesday after exchanging back we got to go and visit some people with our Branch President.

On Thursday we spent some time scraping ice for people. That night we visited with a cool part member family and while there we got to play a fun game called Racing Daemons.

Friday we got to have a lesson with an investigator and we introduced a member in our Branch to him and it seemed like it went well. It can be tough meeting with people who work in the oil patch.

Saturday was good because we went to the Branch Presidents house and kept them company for at least a little bit.

Come Sunday there was a new ward created in our mission and there was a building dedication. We got to stop by some less actives. We also had a stake priesthood meeting which was awesome. there was a talk about how if we want other people to do something, we first have to be an example to them.

Then today we had transfer calls and I found out that I'm being transferred to Londonderry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Also here is a picture of the sun rise this morning.
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I know this church is true no matter where you are. I would encourage you all to #Embark on the journey to Salvation and Eternal Live. I know there is now way we could have so many missionaries serving for 1.5 to 2 years without the help from Heavenly Father.

Also how's the weather? Here it has been in the positives, even up to +10C. We still have snow but a about 3/4 of it has melted so there is now about half a foot left.

Love,

Elder Warkentin

Internet Friends

Well on Tuesday we got to have exchanges, it was fun. We visited with a couple of family's and it seemed like the visits went a little better with 3 of us instead of the normal 2.

On Wednesday we started with shoveling a driveway, then we exchanged back. After getting back to Whitecourt we visited with some less actives. That night we were taken out to the new Wendy's and got to participate in some Indexing.

Thursday we got to have District Meeting.
​Visited with an elderly fellow and added more friends on Facebook.

On Friday we did some planning then continued adding Internet Friends.

Come Saturday all our appointments we made fell through so se go to go out and visit with our Branch President.

Then on Sunday we had church, then started out visiting an inactive family, then I made some awesome Pork Chops that I had marinating in BBQ sauce for 2 days. Then we visited with a couple that is in the process of moving out. We then finished with visiting this guy who is a sign painter for his career.

I know that anyone who seeks to find the truth will find it. As for me I know the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I would invite all of you to try and bare you testimonies with anyone who will listen. I know that as you do the Holy Ghost will bare witness of the truth.

I love you all. Take care.

Elder Warkentin

Facebook!

Starting last Monday we finally got to have a lesson with one of our investigators, at least the good part is he will be getting baptized this summer.

On Tuesday we mainly just had a lesson with less actives.

Wednesday is where it becomes fun. We started off by driving into Edmonton for Zone Conference. But before that We got to have Panda Express for lunch. At Zone Conference we were told what we could and shouldn't do on Facebook. Oh yea, our Mission is now using Facebook. After which since the Temple is literally right next to our Stake Centre we went to the Temple. Since when we got out there was a snow storm going on we stayed over night at the Mission Home.

On Thursday we started by going to the Bishop Store house to pick up an order for a member in our branch who recently had his car die. We dropped it off to him on our way back. We then drove for 3 hours up to Swan hills, which is the North most town in my area. Once there we had some people take us out to lunch. Then we went to a lesson with some inactives who are ready to start coming back to church. Then we went over to an active members house for dinner while we were there. Then we drove back to Whitecourt for a lesson with a Recent convert.

Friday we spent time sweeping off the roof of a non members house. Following that we had a lesson with a part member family.

Saturday we spent the day helping to renovate a members trailer.

Sunday was Church of course.

As for me I know this Gospel is true! I know that through the authority of Christ anything can be done. Testimonies are awesome things to have. I love all y'all. Take care.

Elder Warkentin

Hello

Well I will just start with Wednesday, because its were things got good. We had district meeting meeting and apparently yes almost all missionaries carry knifes:

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Then on Thursday we got to go to our Branch Presidents house.

Friday we meet with a member and while there they gave us some home made pizza.

On Saturday we went and  meet with some less actives and they have now expressed they are wanting to come back to church again.

Sunday we were able to go over to this sick members house and we helped give her and her son a blessing. It is cool when you actually feel the power of the spirit working through you.

I know that this Church is true. I know that Jesus suffered for my sins and yours. I know that the Holy Ghost is real and that he has the power to testify of truth. I would encourage you all to keep building your testimonies. I hope you all have a great week to come.

Elder Warkentin.