Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wow, I really can’t believe that tomorrow will be 2009 and that I will be celebrating it in England! I’m sure that everyone has some amazing plans to bring in the New Year… The St. George McKennas will probably be celebrating by playing a bit on their Wii which was brought by Santa and the parentals will be celebrating the New Year with Fergie tearing up the dance floor as she sings her greatest hits. As for my self I will be bringing in the New Year with the Jackson family (a family in the Middleton ward) and will be watching Prince Caspian for the second time as well as the Work and the Glory! And tomorrow were going to go to the Coopers house (another member family in the ward) and are going to watch the first National Treasure and after that in the evening we are going to met up with the other missionaries in the district and play a game of monopoly to end our are few days of having these rules right! Before I continue on I need to relate a story… Yesterday
was the coldest day of my life it was about -3 degrees with a nasty fog that went through your skin and settled on your bones! Elder Taylor and I had one of those wonderful days when every single appointment you set falls through and you are stuck walking around talking to people you meet on the street who tell you that it is too cold, give you the sticks, and walk away… under such trying circumstances we returned to our flat around 9:10 when we got a text from the guy who lives below us (his
name is Dario and he is a less active in the ward) saying that he had a package that was meant for me! So of course we rush down get the package and as I read who it was from the icy fog that had frozen my heart melted as I realized that the package was from none other then SQ and that it was for Christmas!!! The package is amazing! It has this cool thermal silk stuff that I think looks like Mythral and when I put it on this morning I felt like I was Frodo getting ready to go into battle :), the Olive jumper makes adds a bit of fashion and suave to my proselyting, and as for the CD’s Bruce R. and Holland are my favourite apostles of all time and I can’t wait to listen to there talks! Overall the SQ package was the ultimate finish to an ultimate Christmas! Thank you all so much for making my Christmas in England warm!

Now something that I have to share with you is the story of our new investigator Tina. Tina is a very kind woman in her 40’s with two daughters, she has no belief in Jesus Christ, never read the Bible, and as for God she is sort of in between on weather a supreme creator actually exists. This was the sort of situation me, Elder Taylor, and our fellowshiper John Harvey were in as we began to teach her the Restoration. As we discussed the concept of a loving Heavenly Father her first concern was one that everyone seems to have, ‘if God loves us then why do bad things happen to us’ we resolved the concern, she understood, accepted and we moved forward. The next concept was the idea of prophets, now Tina had no knowledge on what a prophet was, so when we began to describe to her what a prophet’s purpose is we had to take our time and of course the question was asked, ‘well, how do you know that those men in the Bible were prophets and actually held the priesthood of God’ we bore our testimony on how we have pondered these things have asked God and have felt the truthfulness within our hearts, our very beings. She then asked a question that is not frequently asked… she asked why she never has felt that way. We explained that the feeling comes from God and that it is referred to as the Spirit and that we feel it when we discuss sacred things and truths from God. She understood, accepted, and we moved forward. The next thing we talked about was Jesus Christ and the establishment of his church… I tell you right now that the Spirit of God was in that room, as Elder Taylor, John Harvey, and myself bore witness of the miracles of the Savior and of his atoning sacrifice I could literally see the scales of darkness falling from her eyes as the light of the Gospel penetrated the walls that had been built up around her heart over the years. As we finished with this principle I asked her how she felt right now, she responded that she felt ‘different’ and ‘at peace’ I testified to her that those feelings are from God, she looked down at the ground and then lifted her eyes until they met mine and with tears beginning to weld up in both are eyes she answered ‘I know’.

This Gospel is true, and I love every minute I am a missionary for it
Elder McKenna

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

I love you all so much! Thank you all for the wonderful gifts and letters, I can really feel the love and it warms my heart even in the depths of winter! All right, time for a thank you list… Mom and Dad thank you for the shoes (I really needed them) and for all the packages they are all sitting under our make shift Christmas tree… St. George clan thank you for the letters and the goodies, the letters filled my spirit and the goodies filled my belly :)… Zurflueh clan thank you for the HUGE package, I was able to get it this Tuesday, I got all the goodies and that little tree is really cool… £$”%$£^ clan thank you for the love and the letters and the package… Huston clan thank you for not being mad that I didn’t get you anything but I will get you guys some stuff, so don’t sell it on E-Bay! And thank you for the letters, pictures, prayers, and love… Chelsey thank you for the letter and those jokes are probably the nerdiest things that I have ever read, but they made me giggle. Overall, thank you all for making winter wonderful.

Now, I can’t believe that it snowed in Las Vegas! So much so that they actually had to close down school! That had to be the coolest thing ever for the Las Vegas munchkins! And I also can’t believe that Chelsey had her flight cancelled, flew to Dallas, and they lost Katie dog along the way! But just like any good mom Chelsey persevered and Katie dog was located :). And as for animals it would seem that Jack is enjoying his holiday season and that Jenni is beginning to develop a love for the great Charlie the Chinchilla (which I knew would happen eventually because you can’t not love Charlie :))! And as for the Huston McKenna’s it would seem that the filming spirit stays strong as the relief society is thinking about what kind of movie they can do! (yes, everyone is making movies!). Overall, everyone just seems very busy with the holidays (just like everyone I stop on the street :( ) and excited for Santa Clause to pay everyone a visit!

As for Christmas over here on this side of the pond I will be spending it with, crazy members, fun missionaries, and lots of holiday food :). The best thing this Christmas will be opening all of your presents, but the next best thing will be watching the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, BOTH OF THEM! The mission president is allowing us to watch The Lion the Witch and Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, National Treasure one and two, Miracle of 31st street, polar express, and all 3 of the work and the glory! It is going to be the coolest Christmas EVER! I haven’t even seen Prince Caspian (since it came out while I was on a mission)! I am so excited I can’t even stand it the one thing that I miss the third most (family and friends being the first two) is MOVIES and now I get to watch some! IT IS AWSOME! But that is my Christmas and New Years goal… to watch all of those movies on the days that the mission president is going to
allow it (which is Dec. 24, 25, 26 (which is Boxing Day in England), 31, and Jan. 1)!!!!!!!!! IT IS SO ACE! So basically all of my plans for the Holidays is to make sure that I see every single one of those movies! and you know what, even though I get to have all of these wonderful things I have to admit that there is nothing better then serving Jesus Chirst and our Father in Heaven! They do live and love us and this is why we celebrate this time of year... we celebrate Chirst's birth because of his life and what a life he lived! Well, I love You all and I hope you have a merry little Christmas!

P.S. The Christmas call will be at 3 o’clock in England so I think that is like 7 or 8 in Utah, so I’ll call Timette’s number! I look forward to speaking to you all!

YOU GUYS ROCK

My loving family,

You’ve done so well… letters in the post, E-mails filling my inbox, and Christmas gifts galore! Thank you so much for all that you have done and I can now forgive you for completely forgetting me two weeks ago :).

There is just so much to write about back home… mom and dad had a wonderful time in Hawaii and mom is now going to be a temple worker! The Zurfluehs had an amazing experience in Disneyland, Timette is planning the best Christmas party in the history of her ward, Jeff and family are playing lots of football and having fun, Tatum, Afton, and Cate are still going to grow up cure cancer (along with Chelsey) and then rule the world with there brain power, and Chelsey is making her way home with Katie dog to celebrate the holidays! Overall things seem to be going very well and the holidays sound like their going to be loads of fun!

I have to apologize for not writing an E-mail last week (it wasn’t because I wanted to get back at all of you for forgetting about me)… last week was transfers and I now have a new son, but because I had to go all the way down to a place called Wythenshawe to meet my new bouncing baby boy (who is about 6’2 and weighs roughly about 225 Lb. the guy is a giant but at least he is a BFG :) and I didn’t get back in time for E-mails last Wednesday so I wasn’t able to write anything. But it was nice that you were all worried about me :). These past two weeks have been truly filled with the Spirit and I have had the opportunity to be a part of some amazing miracles but unfortunately I don’t have much time today because I have to take care of some District stuff so I thought I would just share a funny story that happened to Elder Taylor on his second day out in the field… We went to go teach this girl named Cat who is the girlfriend of one of the members in the ward by the name of Josh. So we go over to Josh’s flat to teach the restoration and this being Elder Taylor’s first time he really didn’t do much teaching but instead just listened, except at the end when I turned the lesson over to him so20that he could share the experience of Joseph Smith and he got so nervous that he accidentally kicked his glass of water all over Cat’s shoes (it was so funny I had to try so hard not to laugh)! I wish I could write more but there is no time! Love you all

Elder McKenna

P.S. Trent I'm your secret santa and I didn't get you anything I STINK I'm so sorry I'll try to get something in the post soon!

ALOHA

Aloha!
Things seem to be going great over on the other side of the pond as mom and dad head off on an adventure in Hawaii for moms big 30 :)… well… I’m not going to lie I didn’t get one E-mail today except two very short ones from mom and dad so this part is going to be short since I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING THAT IS GOING ON! I DON’T KNOW HOW IT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE POND! YOU MIGHT HAVE ALL DIED IN A FREAK ACCIDENT FOR ALL I KNOW! I hope you have all learned your lesson from this and next Wednesday you will send your brother some love in E-mail form :(.

I guess it’s good that you didn’t E-mail me because there really has been quite a lot that has happened this week. First things first, It is FREEZING over here in England, they have gotten more snow in Manchester then they have in the past 45 years, the snow has reached about 3 inches and at night it freezes over with temperatures like -4 Celsius! I AM SO COLD! But, I am now a licensed driver in the UK! I finally passed my practical driving test and they are sending me my UK licence! HOW COOL IS THAT :). And there can only be one thing cooler then passing a UK practical driving test and that is the baptism of Christian Leikinge (AKA Miguel) who was baptised November 29 and confirmed a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints on November 30 2008! The baptism was a wonderful experience but I have to say that there were a few things that I wish didn’t happen… The first being that the baptismal font’s water was scalding hot! When Christian and I went to get in, we couldn’t, it was just too hot! And so we had to wait while they took huge pots of freezing cold water and threw
the water into the font to cool it down! It was basically the most embarrassing thing ever! And then when I thought things couldn’t get any more embarrassing… when I baptised Christian I told him that he was going to have to basically baptise himself (Christian weighs 210 lbs. and is about 6’1) because he was just to big, so I told him that when he went down he needed to keep his knees locked and basically just fall back in the water and then bring himself back out of the water and I would just steady him as he did so. So that was the plan, but when I finished what I needed to say Christian went down easy enough, but when he got under the water he basically just pushed off and let his legs go limp! There was no way that I could lift a 210 Lb. giant out of the water or even stop him from flying into the side of the font… when he came out of the water he was rubbing his head and I asked him if he was alright, he told me that he was and then he said, “Elder McKenna, it is done, thank you so much” and he gave me a huge 210 Lb., 6’1, bear hug. All though the baptism was probably the worst baptism that I have ever seen and or heard of, the spirit that was felt when he
was finally baptized was so strong that all thoughts of how horrible it was faded away… Baptism truly is a requirement of the Lord, as Christ himself said, “Unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the Kingdom of God”. I know that the Lord was happy with Christian’s decision, and I am so grateful for the blessed opportunity it has been to be a part of Christian’s life. Jesus Christ does live, and he does love us, I know that he did appear to Joseph Smith with God the father, that he called Joseph Smith to restore his true church in all of its fullness, I know that the priesthood is the authority to perform sacred ordinances such as baptisms and I know that it has been restored to the church and is now with in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I love you all so much and I hope that you are all still alive :).

Love,
Elder McKenna

P.S. I sent Audrey’s birthday package about 3 weeks ago, could you give me notice when it arrives so that I know that it made the journey safely :).

P.P.S. This Christmas it would be ace if you could send me a pair of shoes from Rock Port, if you got the same pair I have now it would be amazing! I’m wearing the Rockport waterproof shoes, in a size 8 ½ M with those cool shoe sole things on the bottom. :)

GUTENTAG

Hello everyone! I apologize in advance if this letter seems short or scattered, I have recently become ill (IT’S ALL THAT FREAKING WATER) and my state of mind isn’t quite where it usually is on Wednesday. But never the less I knew that I had to come and read your E-mail’s and to share with you some happenings of my week.

First off, I know very little about this ‘Twilight’ movie except that I know it is based on a book and it’s about vampires, and over here in England I haven’t heard anything about it. But then again it usually takes a little while for things to get over here to this side of the pond so I wouldn’t be surprised if I start to see some posters and hear some people talking about it. It would seem though that my whole family really liked it sense some of you have already seen it 2 times and a couple went to a midnight showing! Besides ‘Twilight’ stealing the heart of thousands, it would seem that the St. George crew have just recently been involved in a Book
of Mormon reading marathon were the youth as well as Mimi did nothing but read the Book of Mormon for two straight days (taking a break every two hours) and that they were all able to finish that delightful book, well done! Chynna scored 5 goals in her football match, I have figured out who Chelsey’s Mike is, and yes it is ridiculously cold over here (we are teetering on the negatives, and with the rain you just can’t escape being cold :( ). Once again I am pleased by the reports that I have been receiving… Our family still continues to ROCK!

As I review this week on my mission I can easily find an experience that I would like to share with you. It starts off 2 Saturdays ago when Elder Perry and I went to go knock on the door of this man by the name of David… David is a professional engineer who has developed the wheel suspension for the VW Bug and is a very accomplished man, the only problem is that he has no purpose in life, he has no happiness, and he has found refuge in drinking. We shared with him the concept of being truly happy and that this can be accomplished through faith in God and Jesus Christ and invited him to come to church the following Sunday, he agreed and so we left, made plans with a local ward member to pick him up, and returned home. The following day we arrive in the morning and knock on his door… he was dressed for church but told us that he spoke to his family and that he didn’t feel good about leaving his Church of England roots. We shared with him in a bold, but loving way that the Church of England was run by man while the Church of Jesus Christ was run by Jesus Christ. He wanted nothing to do with it, apologized and shut the door in our faces… I assumed that would be the end of David, but the Lord had different plans. A few days latter while walking to an appointment that we had at 6 o’clock (at 4:30 it starts to get dark over here so at 5:30, when this happened, it was pitch black) I saw a couple people walking on the other side of the road, and I felt like I should cross over and talk to them. I crossed over stopped both of them and both of them wanted nothing to do with it. I looked over to my companion who was now talking to
someone on the other side of the road and decided that I would just wait for him to finish his conversation and then I would cross over… There I stood, under the street light, no one around, leaves blowing by my feet, my trench coat lightly flapping as the wind would catch it and let go, when sure enough around the corner walked none other then David! The corner was sharp so he didn’t see me until he had fully gotten onto the road that I was standing on… I put my hand forward and called out his name, “David”. He stopped looked at me dumbfounded and asked in a somewhat trembling voice if I was a ghost. I told him that I was just a missionary and that our meeting again was not coincidence. It was a wonderful moment as I felt the power of the Spirit fly through me and smash into David. We talked for some time about the choices that he has made recently in his life and then I invited him again to have the missionaries over to teach him more about the Gospel and the way back to God and eternal happiness. He agreed that there was something ‘eclectic’ in the air as we spoke about God and Jesus Christ and so he agreed that missionaries can come over when ever they feel they want to! The Lord really does love each and everyone one of us and the Gospel is designed to help us to feel the full measure of our Heavenly Father’s love.
I know that me meeting David in such an amazing way was no coincidence I know that the Lord worked in a small and simple way to have me be in that exact place in that exact time! THE LORD LOVES US! Please don’t ever forget that… I love England, I love the work, and I love you all!

Elder McKenna

P.S. I can’t receive video via E-mail, or anything :(

P.P.S. I heard that mom looked wonderful at the baptism and that Chelsey played
the harp beautifully.

Pictures

HHHHEEEELLLLOOOO :)

HHHHHEEEELLLLLOOOOOO Everyone! And a thousand ‘thank yous’
Back home seems to be as excellent as ever… but before that I have to publicly thank mom for the singing card she sent me with a bunch of pictures (by the way pictures are pretty cool so if you feel like it send some to me) it helped me to once again show my companion that even though he may receive an average of 2 letters a day my mom still loves me :). The Zurflueh clan is doing superb as Irylenn enters into choir (obviously using the talents she gained from her McKenna blood) and 'Cool Kai' as well as 'sneezy' (Chynna) continue to be just as amazing as ever. The Utah “$£%$^& family is faced with the big decision of which company loves and admires Mike more the one in Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong (I personally feel that Mike should follow the advice of Dwight, from the office, and go for the company that values loyalty the most and as Dwight always says if another company values loyalty more, in the future, then you can just leave your old company and go to them :) ). Timette also has to get in her last Disneyland trips, as she takes the girls to go trick or treating with Mickey, because her Disneyland pass expires at the end of OCTOBER! I think the only thing worse then a Timette who can’t get her Disneyland is a Timette who hasn’t got enough sleep :). In answer to some questions that I was given in the past E-mails… Yes, it is SO COLD over here and when you mix freezing temperatures with constant rain you get a very very very bad combination… as for the saying as ‘keen as mustard’ that is more a southern saying, they don’t really use that one up here in the North were real England is. Once again I am pleased with the radically amazing reports from back home… everyone seems to be living up the McKenna, Zurflueh, and £$”$%$^ name.

Well, things are going very well over here in England. My new companion Elder Perry is such a great blessing because now when people hassle us about being Americans he can say that he’s English, and when they hassle us about being JW’s then I can tell them they are ignorant fools and that we are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (I don’t ever call them Ignorant fools but I do correct anyone who says we are JW’s, as does every missionary! WE ARE NOT JW’S). Anyway things are going very well and as I look back at General Conference I can’t help but thank my God for the blessing that it is to have Prophets and Apostles on the Earth today. The council they gave was exquisite and I know that Sister Rasmussen serving in Italy must have celebrated with all the other Italians when it was announced that a temple was going to be built in Rome! (Take that pope!) But of all the promises made and challenges extended none touched my heart more then when President Monson announced in the first
talk of the first session of General Conference that if the saints were to remember and follow the advice given to them by previous prophets and were to pray for areas of the world were the church is not currently in to be opened up to the missionaries and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that the Lord would pour out his Spirit and would provide a way for those areas to become open. Of all the things said of all the advice given I can not stress my desire for you all to act on that challenge. Incorporate into every aspect of your prayers that Heavenly Father will open of those areas. I know that Thomas S. Monson was a prophet of God and I know that as we hearken to the council of those inspired me we will feel God’s influence and see his power. I know that what was spoken at conference was designed just for me, and just for you, and just for everyone. For the Spirit speaketh expressly and as I watched that amazing event I could feel the Spirit testifying to me of the truth and revealing to me what I can do better! I love the this Gospel and I love all of you so much, I pray for you by day as well as night and hold a prayer in my heart for you always.

Elder McKenna

P.S. if your going to send a package you need to send it through the US Post because if you send it any other way they will VAT charge it… it’s sort of the US Post office way of making you use them.

PICTURE TIME!

Thank you all once again for making my P-day just a bit sweeter with your love, prayers, and E-mails. First off I have to announce that Timette &*^%^&% sent me a package and it was awesome because my companion got 13 letters at interviews (by the way I haven’t got a hand written letter in some time :( ) but I got a huge package filled with love and happiness that I was able to show him again and again! Second off it Seems like things are going smoothly back home as the St. George McKenna’s continue playing football as well as ‘catching them all’ as Jackson and Carson get into Poke Môn cards! While Jackson and Carson go on their quest to be the very best :) the Vegas McKenna’s plan an invasion to Disneyland for teacher in-service day (one of my all time favourite days!) as well as mom and dad plan on heading up to the Cabin were they will watch General Conference (by the way I can’t even being to describe to you how much I love General Conference now!) and the Zurflueh’s were finally able to be seen by the world as the Ace of Cakes show aired their wonderful spaghetti bowl cake of the world! How amazingly amazing is our family! In answer to some questions that have been asked… I have served in 3 areas now 2 of which have been big cities (Altringham and Middleton) and one of which was a very small town (Barrow-in-Furness)… Yes, I have seen some amazing ruins from old Castles to Roman roads and walls England really is the most amazing place!
Well, I was thinking that it has been some time since I just sent some fun pictures so… the first picture is a picture of the YSA of the ward I am serving in (they are all way crazy),

the second picture is of Elder Soule (who is now Scott Soule),

the third picture is of two members in the ward John Harvey (red hair) and David Lane they just became roommates and they almost started their flat on fire with a pizza they left in the oven!

The fourth picture is of me and Elder Perry at a ward social (I’m teaching my son how to find people to teach through the art of dance :) ),

the fifth picture is of me (in the middle), Bombhead (the kid who is above me, who is an investigator whom we are teaching [his real name is Daniel but they give him the nickname Bombhead], and Edwin (the kid who is next to me [he is the son of member in the ward].

The last picture is of me and Elder Perry when we got locked into the chapel and had to wait for someone to come with a key! (What is written on the black board is ‘we will never leave the keys with the sisters again’ because we had let the sister missionaries borrow the chapel key)


The mission life is so fun, so spiritual, so hard, and so rewarding all at the same time. I have never felt closer to my Father in Heaven then I do now and I know that this really is his work. I can’t wait for General Conference this weekend and I hope that you’ll all be able to watch it back home.
All of my love,
Elder McKenna

The Gospel Message is So Sweet

Hello Everyone!
It seems that things back home are going very well, the hurricanes seem to have stopped for the moment, and life is getting back to normal… well as normal as a McKenna life can get :). The ST. George McKenna’s seem to be ‘rockin around the clock’ as Ellyse gets asked to the Homecoming dance (her date asked her by putting a big rock in front of her garage and asked if she would rock around the clock with him…) and Meghan’s football team had some really close games with some of the best teams in the NATION (Meghan, being so full of charity and love, didn’t want the other teams feel bad so she let them win :) )! Jackson and Carson continue on in their football career and Jackson continues to study the art of piano playing in preparation to become one of the coolest missionaries in the world! As for Jeff and Mimi they seem to be loving life and fulfilling their callings as they continue to press forward as the young woman’s president and gospel doctrine teacher.
Mom, Dad, Jenni, and Max seem to have had an amazing time in New York as they were able to see a bunch of plays, eat at Peter Lugar’s, shop at the best stores in the world, and see the second to last game in Yankee Stadium! As for some questions that were asked… No, unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to go to the Preston temple very often I’ve only been able to attend a session once since I got into the mission
field… Yes, England is defiantly feeling the financial crunch as jobs become few and far between and the housing market of the country takes a downturn for the worst… Yes and no, Elder Soule was excited to be going home while at the same time very upset about having to stop being a missionary, he was very conflicted :). Overall, things seem to be doing amazing back home, as they always are, and like always you all make me proud to say I’m a McKenna :).
The mission is getting CRAZY! First off, my new companion Elder Perry (who is from the south of England, Weston Super Mare a sea side town) is amazing and has a sweet English accent! He has so much fire in him (he reminds me of myself when I was his age) and even though he has only been out about 7 days he already has all the skills that he will need to be an amazing missionary, I truly feel grateful for the chance to be serving with him. Second off, the mission President is changing the whole mission around; it’s like serving in a completely different mission as he adds new key indicators and takes away old ones. Overall it doesn’t really matter what gets changed, this is still the best mission in the world :) and I am so grateful that the Lord has sent me here. Well, even though the mission is changing the work is still the same… and this week was a fantastic week! There truly are far too many experiences in just one week of missionary work to express in such a limited email but
something that I wish to share with you is something that happened with our investigator by the name of Kay. Kay is from Nigeria and he is a non-practicing
Muslim, as we have been teaching him his testimony that Jesus Christ truly is the son of God has grown substantially! And something amazing happened the last time we taught him… in our last lesson we went over the Plan of Salvation and as we taught him the wonderful truth of were we came from, why we are here, and were we are going the Spirit of the Lord truly testified with our spirits that we are the children of God and as we discussed Kay’s purpose it was as if I could literally see the darkness disperses and the light enter in! Here was a man who didn’t know the truth because he just didn’t know were to find it and that day his heart and understanding were opened! As I could see his testimony expand and the light enter in I couldn’t help but feel my eyes sting and testimony grow! The Plan of Salvation is from God! All the greatest minds in the world have pondered and studied on mans purpose and yet it is so plain and simple (the way that God works). I know that each and everyone of us is a child of God and that he loves us! I know that through Jesus Christ we will all live again and will be reunited to live in a state of eternal happiness and glory! I
know that this is the truth for the spirit has born testimony to me on countless occasions that this is the Lords Work! How I love this gospel, How I love our Savoir, and How I love and miss you all so much! May you always remember who you are and what your purpose is!
With all my love,
Elder McKenna

Love Ya!

Hello! Thank you all so much for your wonderful E-mails and for the updates on whats happening in your lives! First off I am so relieved that every one of the Texans really right and that their homes seem to be doing alright as well. As for surviving the storm Chelsey seems to be fighting a much bigger battle as she survives graduate school, but we all know that no matter how hard Chelsey tries to act like school is and the truth is she is still going to solve world hunger so just press forward Chelsey, today it’s learning about ‘yeast interactome using PCA assay’ tomorrow the world! Max has now jumped into the fast paced world of Facebook and is already accepted by many other facebookies [except Chelsey, :) who wont accept him as friend] as for Chynna she is Rockin and Rollin as she has a hat trick in her first football game, Kai scored in his first game as well and Irelynn continues on in the pathway of cheerleaderness. And lets not forget that the Zurfluehs and the oldies (meaning mom and dad) are joining forces this week to go on a trip to New York were there is certain to be fun, excitement, and a lot of money spent :). Speaking of money I have to apologize for the amount that I am spending over here, Dad I still have my bank card it hasn’t been stolen, but I have been spending a lot on driving lessons and on preparing for the practical driving test, if all goes well October 16th I will be a fully licensed UK driver and the amount of spending will go drastically down. As for the £$@£”£$£ family things are getting pretty exciting as they get ready to go to Disneyland for a trick or treating extravaganza with Mickey, Aidan is now pretty good at peeing in the toilet, Madisyn is mastering the monkey bars with her gymnastic motto ‘I can do hard thing’ and Mike is having a conference with Japan! As for some questions that have been asked… Yes, I don need to stay on your health insurance if that is at all possible because even though I am covered by the NHS (National Health Service) over here if something really serious were to happen they would fly me back to the US to have the surgery done there. No, I have not gained the English accent and trust me you don’t want me to come back speaking with a Manquerian accent (it doesn’t sound anything like the accent in all the movies). Yes, I did, and still do with some, have the hardest time understanding what the poo some people are saying! Phew, overall you seem to be doing McKennaly fine!

Well, I apologize but this E-mail will have to be pretty short, my companion Elder Soule has officially died and today he is going to the mission home and from there back to Alaska! But from his ashes has arisen the next generation, for I have been called to be a trainer! I don’t know what his name is or where he is from but I will learn all of that today. Truly this work is amazing, even the very structure that the Lord has laid down for missionary work touches my heart, the way that missionaries come and go… I couldn’t think of a better way to do it! This week has been amazing and I wish that I could slam all of my memories onto the computer keyboard and have them materialize into words that could describe the feelings and experiences that I have had, but alas I can not. This much I can share, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is so real, and that it can bring not only forgiveness of sin but can be a comfort in all trials of our lives. Elder Soule and I have an investigator by the name of Folosan from Nigeria and last Saturday she had a refrigerator fall on top of her damaging her shoulder and her neck. Just looking at her I could see the excruciating pain that she was in as she sat stiff in her chair bandages covering her wounds, and yet the spirit was strong as we shared with her that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ she could receive comfort in any trial… as we read through Alma 7:11 the spirit bore witness to our spirits that the Jesus Christ truly did go forth suffering for our pains, afflictions, and temptations. I know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can find peace in any situation for he has already faced it and conquered it. He has already taken that burden upon himself and he was able to carry it. My beloved family, never allow yourselves to forget what has been done for you and what blessings are waiting for you, let us all rely on the matchless love and power of our Savior and I know as we do our burdens will become light! I love you all so much and pray for you continually.

Elder McKenna

I Love You Guys

Well, I must apologize for scaring everyone, so to clarify mom and dad are not moving to California (thank goodness) and mom was just mentioning a story about when her and Dad moved, many years ago, but I have never heard that story in my life (which is funny because mom and dad would always say the same story over and over I figured they had ran out) so that wonderful, beautiful home I remember so vividly in my mind is still waiting for me when I get back… well, at least for the moment :). It brings me great comfort to know that nothing has happened to the Texas folks and I have to admit that I think I should put something crazy in every E-mail because I got more E-mails this week then I have had for a few months now :). Overall though, things back home seem to be going amazing… Trent and the gang are enjoying some radical moments as Tatum enters into a surfing competition and Afton is ready at any moment to deliver a famous ‘one two kazoo punch’ (a deadly hit to the ‘privates’). The St. George gang
are just enjoying some fun football matches and seem to be doing really great (as always). The *&^’#!% family (that’s Timette’s last name :) by the way) is doing fantastic as they continue to look into were there going to move to and if they can make it happen (I personally feel that they should move to Hong Kong because a Disneyland adventure is only 85$). Ma and Pa seem to be doing great as Dad continues to teach seminary and (as he says) ‘look good at work’ and mom seems to be getting much better on the computer! In answer to some questions that were given in some E-mails… yes, it is raining today (it rains everyday)… no, I don’t get to watch any Man U or Man city football matches :(… yes, England is the most green and lush place that I have ever been to, it truly is an awe inspiring country.

Many P-days have passed and many more are to come but I always do and always will enjoy this opportunity that I have to sit down and ponder on what has occurred this week, and as always I am filled with awe and love as I recognize and remember the miracles that Lord has allowed me to be a part of. Something that I wish to share with you is the joy that I have when I meet someone who is truly ready to hear the Gospel. This week I had the opportunity to teach a man by the name of Eric from Cameroon, he is a man of great faith and truly prepared to hear the message of the restoration. As my companion and I shared with him the account of Joseph Smith and the wonder that is the Book of Mormon I could literally see in his eyes the wonderful understanding and joy that the Spirit brings. As we bore our testimonies that Joseph truly was a prophet of the Lord and that the Book of Mormon is scripture held in reserve for our day to act as another witness, along with the bible, that Jesus truly is the Christ the son of God; the spirit was so powerful. God really does love his children I can feel his love everyday for them. And as someone who is in darkness and doesn’t have the Gospel only because they know not were to find it, finds it… there is always something so powerful; it’s as if their very soul is shouting that this is true! I love this work and I love you all so much, I am so thankful for your support
and I keep you in my prayers always…

Elder McKenna

P.S. I can't believe what happend to Elizabeth! she was mugged!

Praise be to God for His Wonderful Plan!

WHOA! First off I must have missed a huge memo or maybe I just misunderstood a letter that I received from mom! It reads… “Just in case you haven't heard the story, dad and I sold our house and moved to California (with two children--not you, of course) in just two weeks.” Have you guys moved to California! WHAT IS GOING ON! I’m pretty sure that was just a mistake and you guys are going to Disneyland a lot or something, but please let me know via next E-mail! Anyways… Things seem to be going well back home as everyone is making plans for a fun filled Labour Day, which is funny because I use to always think America had so many holidays that were basically just excuses to not have to work (like Labour day) but England blows America out of the water! I can’t believe how many Bank Holidays there are over here (it’s practically every month)! The Zurfluehs are going to Fish Lake to fish, which I think is the perfect name for a lake that you fish in :). Jenni has a new hair style, Chynna is getting into good ol’ football again, Irelynn is busting out some sweet cheer moves, and Kai is now one of the coolest first graders in Henderson NV! All seem to be doing great and most important of all Charlie de Chinchilla is still alive and is living life to the max! Mom is beginning to have some computer malfunctions as the hard drive crashes and the unexpecting innocent must suffer from her computer phobia! (Just kidding… everyone expects it :P) So I hope like good brothers and sisters, sons and daughters you’re helping her to overcome it with Patience and longsuffering… Something that I have heard about that I must know is how the Texas people are doing… I’ve heard some scary things about a hurricane heading that way and I want to know if everything is all right… So please let me know via next E-mail if I now live in California and if Trent and Chelsey are still alive, you know, just the little things!

Things over on this side of the pond are going extremely well! The Lord is just pouring out his spirit upon these people and I know that as Elder Soule and I pray as a companionship, and personally, the Lord is hearing our cries and helping us to find those humble seekers of happiness. The people in this area really have a great reverence and faith in God (seeing as most of them are from Africa) and it fills my soul with joy to see so many of my brothers and sisters embrace and come to a greater understanding of what the truth really is and the outstanding joy and happiness that it can bring into their lives! I wish to share with you all an experience that I had today that was a mixture of so many emotions… A woman by the name of Mercy (who was an investigator that Elder Soule had in a previous area) died recently at the young age of 27 and her funeral was held today. This was the first funeral that I have ever attended and as I watched the different people that were there I could tell who was a member and who was not… Those who were members, who had a knowledge and testimony of the Plan of Salvation, showed signs of remorse but their grief was turned quickly into happiness as a wonderful realization came upon them, that even though Mercy has left this life they will have the chance to see here again, and even though her and her husband may be separated for a season they shall have the opportunity to be united for all eternity! But the faces of those who had no understanding of these things, those people who didn’t know about our Father’s marvellous plan were filled with unquenchable sorrow as they believed that they were never going to see their beloved friend again0 How grateful I am to have this Gospel in my life, for I know that after this life there is a next, I know that through our Savior Jesus Christ we shall all live again, and as we sang the hymn ‘I know that my redeemer lives’ I couldn’t help but feel a sense of desperation to let my brothers and sisters know that even though Death may seem like the end of life it is but another step in a plan created by our Father in Heaven! How wonderful this Gospel is! How great is our Savior Jesus Christ! For as in Adam all die… even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Let us never forget what are purpose is, let us never forget that God who gave us life or in our Savior who has conquered the grave and makes the way possible for all of us to live again.

‘For I know that my redeemer lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives’

You are always in my prayers…
Elder McKenna

What a Great Work it is!

Another wonderful week in the mission field! And another wonderful P-day to E-Mail my family! Things seem to be getting a bit hectic back home as everyone gets ready for the plunge back into school... Dad's teaching seminary, Meghan is running for 8th grade class president, Carson is starting first grade (which comes with the added bonus of 'hot lunches'), Chynna is starting middle school (and now has highlights!), and Ellyse had her first date! As for Disneyland... apparently the new ride is 3D and what's even cooler is that Irelynn has beaten my churro record and didn't even Technicolor burp! As for football, Jackson continues his climb up the football ladder as Meghan and her 14 thirteen year old team mates head off to Huntington Beach to hang out and swim (and they played some matches too :) ). Things back home seem to be spot on. In answer to a couple questions... 1) the weather has changed a bit... it starts to get dark earlier, it is colder, and I think it is even starting to rain more
. 2) The people in the area I'm serving in really don't care about what happens in America so they haven't really asked me any questions so I don't know anything about the elections (which is probably for the best, American politics just get people mad at Americans and my companion and I are the only Americans really around :( ).

What a wonderful week it has been! Astel Kirk, an investigator that I had while serving in Barrow was baptized last Saturday, which I wasn't able to go to because I'm too far away, again (just like what happened with Callum)... But it doesn't matter! Because I know that she has a testimony of the restoration, that she has a testimony of her father in Heaven and in her Savior Jesus Christ! I'm so grateful to the members of the ward in Barrow they truly showed Christ like charity and love as they helped her through some very trying times and I know that they will continue to help her as she makes this huge change in her life! How wonderful is the Lord! How amazing is his gospel! I had the opportunity today to go to the Preston Temple and have an Endowment session (something that I have not been able to do for the past 6 months) and how grateful I am for the ordinances that are performed there! Because of the restored Gospel, because of the priesthood, I know that we (our family) can be together for all eternity! And not only do we have the opportunity to perform these ordinances for our selves but we have the privilege to perform it for those who have gone on. I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father has allowed me to be born in this time, in the Gospel, to a loving family that supports me and helps me to be stronger and more diligent. I know that the temple truly is the House of the Lord and I'm so grateful that I was able to have that exquisite reminder today. I know that true happiness and the eternal joy of families can only be experienced in this gospel. And I know that there are people in this world, in this country, in this area, that are truly looking to find the wonderful blessings that are contained within the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, they just don't realize that's were they can find them... I will do everything in my power to help my brothers and sisters to realize the truth, that through Jesus Christ and through his church they truly can have eternal life and exaltation!

What a great work it is
Elder McKenna

The Gospel is True!

To those whom I love and cherish I once again have the blessed opportunity to ponder on the memories that I have had with all of you as well as some special moments I have had while serving the Lord this week and to feel the wonderful love from your E-mails.

Things seem to be going as they normally do back home… Timette is going to New York to spend some time with Mike, mom has retreated, to the cabin, from the onslaught of heat, as Las Vegas burns with the heat of a thousand suns, mom and dad are planning on going to Disneyland so that they can ride the new attraction, and while Vegas may be hot Chynna is getting ready to make her grand entrance into the world of middle school coolness. In response to some questions that have been asked in recent emails: yes, I most certainly do miss my personal Italian chief, my new companion only knows how to cook seal fat and that just doesn’t satisfy like Spaghetti Bolognese :), but Elder Soule is a great missionary and it is a privilege to be serving with him (I am learning so =0D much from him). And yes the English are keeping up with the Olympics and are really excited because this year they (as a country) have won more gold medals then Michael Phelps, which is a big accomplishment for them :) (Good ol’ jolly old England). Overall things seem to be going spectacular back home and I know that the Lord truly is answering my prayers.

Once again as I ponder on the things that the Lord has blessed me with and the times where I have seen his influence in this work, my heart is softened and my spirit humbled. As Elder Soule and I have been working in this area amazing things have been happening… I can truly see the Lord guiding us in finding his children that are being prepared to hear the Gospel. We have had the blessed opportunity of finding a family this week and as we shared with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ the two young men stopped and listened and the room went quite as the spirit testified to everyone in the room that the atonement is real and that Jesus Christ truly is the Savoir. I feel so privileged every day to be a part of the Lords work and to know that as I teach and testify that I am not alone but that the Spirit is present and can testify to their very souls that what I am sharing is true. An experience that I wish to share with all of you was one had as I received a letter from Callum (the man that the Lord allowed me to find and teach while I was serving in Altrincham, my first area). The letter talked of his wonderful experiences as he entered into the waters of baptism, as
he received the Holy Ghost, and then the Aronic Priesthood. As I read over the letter I could not help but feel my eyes water and my heart melt as I could see the beautiful spirit that that man had. As he shared his love of the Gospel and his overwhelming gratitude to the Lord my soul was filled with a sweet joy that no verse of scripture nor word in the limited vocabulary of the English language could describe. As I read line upon line of his letter and as I read and felt the testimony of that man I could not help but give all my thanks to God for the sacred blessing that he gave me in allowing me to be a part of that man’s life and conversion. My beloved brothers and sisters! This Gospel is true, Joseph Smith truly was chosen to bring about the last dispensation of the fullness of times, Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today chosen to lead Christ’s church, and Jesus Christ does live! I know it but what brings me the greatest joy is that I know that Callum knows it and I do believe with all of my heart that he will never deny it!

With all the love I posses,
Elder McKenna

Love You All!

Hello Everyone!
Sorry for the lack of email last Wednesday but I have been transferred again! I am now serving in the Middleton Area in the Ashoton Stake with an elder from Alaska by the name of Elder Soule, who is getting ready to die (meaning this is his very last transfer) but he is still really eager about the work and I know that the Lord will bless us as we push forward with steadfastness in faith! Wow, things seem to be going amazing back home: St. George McKennas have finished their amazing summer adventure and are getting ready for school to start, Ellyse is driving! Adam Tebbs is going on his mission! The Zurflueh's went on a crazy water rapids adventure! Mom has been called to be an official seminary substitute teacher! The Wankier's are getting ready to make some big changes as they are preparing to go to Singapore! And the most exciting news of all is that there is a new Toy story ride at DISNELYAND! The Lord is truly blessing our family!

It's so amazing looking back on all of the experiences that I had while serving in Barrow. The Lord has blessed me far more then I deserve and I know that the success that we had in the area had nothing to do with me and everything to do with our Father in Heaven.

Alright picture time: the first picture was of a member and her daughter (who isn't a member) their names are Julie and Lora,


the second is of the Irish family the McDonnalls (nicest people alive),


the third is of Astell Kirk and her family (she is going to be baptized August 23!),


the fourth one is of another investigator by the name of Ceaser Fieto and yes he is knighting me :),


the fifth one is of a family in the ward (that would feed us!) surname Ryan the father has had a stroke but he is the kindest and coolest guy in the world (he's giving the thumbs up),


The sixth one is my companions sacrificing me on a mini stone hedge that was in our area,


The last one is a picture of me sitting on one of the mini stone hedge rocks (the area that I served in was amazing!).



My heart is filled with so much joy and satisfaction as I look back on my service in Barrow in Furness. And even though I had some of my hardest times there and suffered some of my toughest trials I know that because of those things I am a better person and I have learned and can bear testimony that the greatest satisfaction dosen't come from shying away from those things that are hard but by facing them head on as David faced Goliath so I faced the Barrowians and with the strength of the Lord on my side I was able to make a difference. Praise be to God on the Highest! I know that this is his work, that Joseph Smith was his prophet, that Thomas S. Monson is his prophet today, and that I am his missionary.

All my love
Elder Mckenna

Thank You

As always, my heart is filled with love and gratitude for your prayers and for your wonderful E-mails. Things seem to be going amazing back home and I know that the Lord is pouring out his blessings upon us! Jeff seems to be having a whole lot of fun teaching at his old stomping grounds, BYU Idaho. And even though Ellyse and Jeff are at the same EFY she has figured out how to make it work... just avoid any communication with her father :). As for Cate's first Birthday everything seemed to go stupendously well as they were able to go to Galveston Island which seems to be one of the most amazing places in the WORLD were they watched 3D movies and plenty of other crazy fun things! The McKenna 'surfer girls' are well on their way to getting sponsored as they begin their surfing classes! It's just a matter of time now until everyone knows for certain that McKenna's are gosh darn hardcore :)! Mickey and Mindee seem to be doing very well and apparently still have faces that makes it look like they've run into a wall multiple times and Jack is of course being Jack, and that's why we love him :). Overall you all seem to be doing your best to live up to the McKenna name so keep on keeping on.

Once again I have the blessed opportunity to look back at my week and ponder over the many miracles and blessings that I have seen and been a part of and to find something that I wish to share with those whom I love. This week has been amazing... Astell is doing incredibly well and so is Pat and Ceaser, their faith and humility bring joy to my heart and I know that the day they will enter into the waters of baptism is quickly approaching. The ward here is brimming with joy, faith, and trust as the missionaries and members develop a lasting bond of trust that will continue on for many years. And as the Lord continues to pour out his blessings I feel that I must now give my utmost gratitude for your wonderful prayers on my behalf. As I read your E-mails I can feel the exquisite love that you have not only for me, but for the Lord, and as I am kept in remembrance as you pray I know that many of the gifts and blessings that I receive from God is due to the heartfelt and powerful prayers that come from a family who love and support me. I know for myself that prayer is the way for us to communicate with a being that is perfect... that through Jesus Christ we can place our desires and concerns before the feet of our Father in Heaven who knows what we have need of before we even ask him and as I pray, and as you pray, I know that our very souls grow in strength and humility. But that's not all! As we pray for others as well as ourselves we begin to form a bond with our Father in Heaven that will bring us more joy and peace. I know that 'As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part'. My soul is filled with exceeding joy to know that you are all exercising your faith and praying for me. I know that as I press forward with steadfastness in Christ your prayers uplift my soul and carry me through those times were I would shrink. I can not even begin to express to you the love that is in my heart for each and every one of you. I have come to know that Joseph Smith was called to bring the true church of Jesus Christ out of darkness. That Thomas S. Monson is a prophet today. That the Book of Mormon is a true record dealing with a people who lost there way and that the words it contains are meant for us, in this day. But above all I testify that I know that Jesus is the Christ! That he is the Son of God and that through him you and I will be resurrected, that our bodies and spirits will be reunited to never be parted again! And I know all these things because I have used the power of prayer and I have asked my God, my father and I have received an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost which told my heart and my mind that these things are true! There are no words which can rightly express how grateful I am to have a family with brothers and sisters who love me and support me. And as I have said before and will say countless times again... thank you for your love, support, and most of all your prayers. And never forget that you are always in mine.

Your loving sibling,
Elder McKenna

A Mission is fun too!

Hello Everyone!
I would like to start off this E-mail by thanking the ST. George McKenna's for sending me that amazing package of goodies (which has almost been completely digested by me and my companions) and for the wonderful cards. Things seem to be going well back home with cousin camp in full swing (I still want to know how the video turns out) and Chynna's team winning the football cup because she scored a penalty kick, not to mention Max and Jenni are on the softball team and kicking trash! As for holidays Max, Jenni, Mom, and Dad are already planning to go to New York to see a Yankee game, in the old stadium (and to of course watch some plays). Charlie is his same old self, pooping and chewing everywhere (you just got to love him) and buddy is living 'happily ever after' no questions asked :). In answer to some questions given by mom... the weather here is horrible (I would take 114 degree weather any day over R-A-I-N), I do my own washing and ironing (my whites are still white :)), and I don't know how long the three of us will be together but I do know that they don't like to keep three in a companionship so if there is an even number of missionaries after this next transfer they will probably take one of us away :(. As for my new mission president he seems like he really has a good idea of what he wants to accomplish and as of yet no big changes will be made but I know that he is called of God and who God calls he will qualify, I have no doubt that President Bullock will do great things and I am ready to support him in any endeavour he wishes me to undertake.

Well, I feel that my E-mails may have painted quite a gloomy picture for me over here but I don't want any of you to forget that Elder McKenna has fun no matter what! So I figured I would just make this a fun E-mail and show some pictures! The first one is just a taste of the landscape we have up here in the North (it is drop dead eautiful)


and the second is another sample of what I get to see every day :).


The third is of my two companions (the Italian Stallion and the Californian surfer). fourth is a picture of me outside the 'dock museum' where they give a history of all the boats that the Barrow shipyard has created, the shipyard is currently building one of the fastest submarines in the world to protect it's recent creation the Trident Submarine (the one that carries nuclear missiles). Fifth is just a picture of me in the front garden of a Church of England cathedral (by the way you just can't imagine how many spectacular cathedrals there are here there just so common you forget how amazingly unique they are!). Last of all is a picture of me and my district (four of the elders in the picture are going home or have already left!



I'm in a really 'old' district meaning that the missionaries here have all been on their missions for over 18 months!). The mission is hard but don't think for a second that I don't find a lot of fun in it. I love what I do every day, I literally wake up and for a whole day do nothing but find ways to help out my brothers and sisters! This work truly is amazing and as I continue to serve my love begins to grow. Dad, I loved what you said in your letter, I have seen some of the most amazing miracles while on my mission some of which are too sacred to share with anyone but I think the greatest miracle of all is the change of heart I'm experiencing. I love it! I still have all the fun things that make me, me but the Lord is just taking that as the base and is building upon it! I am beginning to grow more then I ever though I could (spiritually, physically I haven't grown at all :)) and every day I wake up knowing that I'm going to learn something else. I love you all and hope that this letter finds you well.

I love the Land, I love the people, and I love the work!
Elder McKenna

P.S. ummmmmmm I didn't get too many E-mails this week... just so you know :P

P.P.S. I still love you though :)

Cheerio

Hello everyone and greetings from jolly ol' England. It would seem that everything is spot on back home and I would just like to express my thanks, yet again, for your letters and love. First things first, Chelsey has finally gotten some sea horses, after six weeks of preparing the tank, and they are settling in quite nicely (by the way what happened to buddy?). She is also making a ton of money looking pretty and helping children to rock the SAT math portion, whoever said you can't have the best of both worlds apparently didn't know Chelsey :). As for the great cousin camp of 2008, being run and held by Timette, it sounds like it's going to be a blast! And the spirit continues on as there would appear to be a movie in the plans (keep me posted on how it turns out). Dad pushes forward in his Temple preparation class and mom gave an amazing lesson in Relief Society and overall you all seem to be living life in a way that represents how amazingly amazing McKenna's are :).

Things over here on this20side of the pond are getting pretty difficult. The Barrow ward is really struggling... there is a poison in this ward that eats away at the souls of these wonderful men and women and as I work everyday I can feel my character being tested as well as my very soul. I don't think I have or ever will be in such a battle ground for the souls of my brothers and sisters again. It would seem that casualties are falling everywhere as the adversary continually besets us. And as my companions and I press forward with steadfastness in Christ it's as if I can see the adversary himself working to stop us on every front. Everyday I have to fight with all the strength I have to find those who are ready while at the same time helping the ward to continue on and as I look around at the spiritual conditions that the members of the ward are in as well as everyone else who lives here my heart is pained! I love these people with a love that exceeds any other and yet many of their hearts are hardened and they will no longer hearken to the scriptures or the words of God. But I will never give up! I know that there are still those who are looking for
the truth! We have found some amazing people who are ready to hear the Gospel! Already the Lord's hand is beginning to gather those choicest of spirits that will be the cure to Barrow's poison and there are many more yet to find! I know
that my God is with me and I know that he will hear my cry for he has heard it before! And as I continue on in this great and marvellous work I know that the
lord will provide a way for he giveth no commandment unto the children of men save in the first place he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he hath commanded them! I will not allow these wonderful people to be lost! As I fight here on the front lines of Barrow I will not fall back, I will never allow a soul, which is great in the sight of God, to dwindle in darkness for they know not were to find the light. I am an unworthy servant called of God and given strength to fulfil my purpose of bringing people unto Christ by helping them to receive this, the RESTORED Gospel! Nothing has brought me more happiness then to know that this is Jesus Christ's Gospel, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the Book of Mormon is scripture given to us in this day so that we could know that Jesus truly is the Christ and that by believing we might have life through his name. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the man called of God to lead and guide his church at this time, and above all I know
that my Savior lives and that he loves each and every one of us! My physical brothers and sisters, whom I love so dear, push forward! Be the examples that God wants you to be and NEVER give up, keeping your eye single to the glory of God! This is the time for us to prepare and if it so be that the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, if his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you let it not drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless woe! But stay steadfast and firm upon the rock of our redeemer who is Christ he will not forsake you!

Your loving brother,
Elder McKenna

Hello

Countless times I give my thanks for your love and support but alas all the thanks in the world can not truly describe how grateful I am for your letters and for you prayers; I am truly strengthened by your faith and testimonies. Well, as for things going on back home I guess it's finally happened... my room has been turned into a storage closet. Apparently just because of a little leak that filled the playroom with about 2 inches of water my room has been designated as the 'temporary' storage closet, I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later :). Aside from my room getting a makeover it would seem that Jenni has decided to get a bit of a makeover herself with a new SUV Audi which is black on the outside and black on the inside (talk about clean hands and a pure heart :P). I have to admit though, as crazy as it sounds to get a car that is black on the outside and on the inside in Las Vegas I'm sure my eldest sister looks pretty 'cool' driving it around in the heat. Kai is (as everyone knows) the calendar kid so he is leaning towards going to the cabin to celebrate and as for Chelsey's celebration: my wise, highly esteemed, perfect, outstanding advice was taken :) and they had a wonderful time at Capital Grill as well as Disneyland. As for the St. George McKenna's things are going to be interesting as Ellyse goes to the same EFY as her Father where a boy or should I say a 'cowboy' that Ellyse has taken a fancy too will be present, hang on to your hats and glasses cause this here is going to be the wildest ride in the wilderness :). As for the Fourth of July the St. Georgians are going to be travelling to the wonderful town of Kusherom Utah for some good ol' small town fun. Mom and Dad are now teaching the temple class and more people are willing to give up the things they love for the God they love even more as Brandon and Adam have received their mission calls to serve in Colorado and Florida. It brings me a sweet joy to know that my friends back home have not forgotten their God.
As for the Mission... I can not even begin to describe the success and blessings that the Lord is pouring out upon the Barrow area. My heart is filled with joy and love as I see my brothers and sisters taking steps to come closer to Christ. I have to admit that it is quite strange being in a companionship with two other Elders but I know that the Lord has been blessing us because already we are teaching and finding in a unity that only the Spirit of the Lord can bring. A moment that I must share with you happened this Saturday as I got a call from my last area (Altrincham) and was told that a man by the name of Calum Mcnolty was going to be baptized. I can not begin to describe the joy that filled my very soul knowing that I was able to be a tool in our Lord's hands by bringing him the truth. I know that Calum will be strong in his
testimony, callings, and in the church. I believe, pray, and hope with all of my heart that I will see him one day in the kingdom of my Father knowing that he truly did live up to his baptismal covenants, that he sincerely loves the Lord, and that he endured to the end. There is no greater happiness than knowing that this is the Lords work. I have witnessed for myself that the blessings of Heaven are real, that the commandments of God are given to us for our protection and freedom. I love the Gospel with all of my heart and I love the Savior with everything that is within me. I know that there is no other way given but by and through Jesus Christ, the Holy Messiah, the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God. I know that the Lord is with me as I go about finding his children and sharing with them how they can find true happiness. And above all I know that this is the true and living church of God that I am a missionary called to preach these things to the world given the authority from a prophet of God to be here in England and no matter what challenges may come, no matter what may try
to stop the work I will stand bold, steadfast, and firm. My testimony is one that I will not allow to be shaken for I have built it upon the rock of our redeemer and though the gates of Hell may open I will stand next to the God I love and trust. He will not forsake me.
Elder McKenna

The love of the spirit!

Once again I love your letters and I love you! I have to admit that I don't have hardly any time to write today... Unfortunately today is transfer day and even though I am still serving in the same area with the same companion (Elder Di Iulio) I will now be serving with a third companion! That's right we are now the three musketeers! His name is Elder Peterman and he is from the wonderful city of San Diego California. But enough about me lets talk about you! The St. George McKenna's are rockin and rollin... Jeff had a great youth conference, Ellyse is 16 (which is just to crazy), Meghan can juggle a soccer ball longer then I can play a video game :), Jackson has his own personal 'critter zoo' under the trampoline where he keeps all of his great captures, and Carson is still just Joe Cool. Chelsey is apparently beginning to start up her own 'Sea pony' ranch and as for her amazing Birthday spectacular I have to suggest that Capital Grill is the only way to go for an amazing Birthday dinner! And
apparently Lisa's Bob hit the terrible realization that the English language is different then good ol' American when he asked for a 'cart' rather then a 'trolley' (not nearly as bad as complementing someone on their 'fanny pack'... trust me :P). I apologize for having to make this short but all I can really say is that I love you all far more then you can ever imagine! I love this country despite the terrible weather... the wind, rain, humidity, cold temperature, it doesn't matter I LOVE ENGLAND and I love the people. If there was one thing that I would wish for it would be, as Jeff and Alma said, that I were an angel and could speak so powerfully that everyone hearing my voice would want to commit to living the gospel of Jesus Christ and work to develop a testimony of the restoration. I know these things are true! The experiences I have seen and been a part of testify to me that they are! The joy that fills my soul and heart as I fight on the front lines, of this very real and important battle for the souls of men, assures me that there is a God! I know that Jesus Christ is the only begotten of the Father that by him and through him and of him
the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants are begotten sons and daughter unto God! I love my Heavenly Father so much and I know that he keeps me safe in his hands, that he loves me, and that he DOES answer prayers! To say that we can become like him, that we can become truly perfect is not idealistic gas but is truth! I know it, and I love it! I love you all, with a love that only the Spirit can bring
Elder McKenna

P.S. Jeff, things are going really well and I'll just have to see what happens
:) (our little secret)

Charity is the pure love of Christ!

Truly I am humbled every time I come to the library and have the blessed opportunity to read your E-mails! Thank you for the wonderful words, love, support, and kindness! So, now onto the big news! You probably already know but the Zurflueh clan, for there spaghetti eating in Baltimore, were filmed for the 'Ace of Cake' show! Apparently our family is just so Amazingly Awesome that people can't help but love us, our ideas, and traditions! And it's just soooooo cool that they made a cake that was a depiction of a spaghetti bowl that looked like the world! Moving from Baltimore to Utah; Timette seems to be wasting no time in her busy schedule; already she is planning out a cousin's week to rival all others with hiking in the canyons and Tiponogos caves, camping out in the backyard, going to some splash parks, and swimming in the clubhouse pool! Although all of those things sound amazing the best part of the week has to be that she is going to make a movie! YES! The spirit lives on! As for the St. George McKenna's Elyse is turning 16! And Jeff is going to be speaking at a youth conference on the Atonement and as for their summer family trip there
going to see Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore! Just too amazing! As alway it is good to hear that Charlie and Jack are still alive; and as for Charlie eating baseboards, I had no idea that he liked to chew on wood... :)! Anyways, I'm glad things are going so well back in the good ol' states and in response to Timette's question... over here in England the price of 'petrol' is £1.30 and that is only for a LITTER, and the gas truck drivers are going on strike! So were beginning to have a shortage in the Cumbria area! But despite all those things the work will and is moving forward!

Once again as I look back on the week that I have had and ponder on the countless miracles I have seen my heart is filled with joy and my soul is filled with peace. My thoughts are brought back to an experience that I had just yesterday... I was sharing in a lesson the idea that we need to 'Endure to the End' and the blessings that await us if we do. As I was saying how wonderful it will be to achieve salvation and exaltation I suddenly realized how glorious it will be. To think that we will not only be with our families for ever but that we will see people whom we knew in this life. It suddenly dawned on me in perfect beauty and bliss that we truly will have a perfect recollection of everything good and everything evil that we have done in this life. I will, at some point, not only have the opportunity to be with my family forever but to see and associate with others whom I have either helped or hindered! As this thought sank deep into my heart the spirit of the Lord filled my very soul with the pure love of Christ! And as I continued to teach my eyes began to cloud and I stated "how wonderful it would be so see everyone here one day crowned with Eternal glory, having entered into the highest of the kingdoms, and having achieved the greatest blessing the Lord can give us! And to embrace each and every one of them having a perfect remembrance of all our experiences together and to know that all of them and my self included lived up to our divine potential and can now enter into the rest of our Lord!" I am not here in Manchester England because I fear that I will be shunned if I'm not. I am not here in Manchester England because I feel that I am duty bound to serve. I am here in Manchester England because I love each and every one of my brothers and sisters! I know that this is the only way for us to truly return to God! This truly is his Gospel and I hope to embrace not only my family in the next life but many others who can shout in praise with me that they have truly fulfilled their potential! This is our Heavenly Father's work and his glory...

~With all my love
Elder McKenna

Never give up, never surrender :)

Wow, I think I got more E-Mails this week then I ever did before, thank you all for truly caring enough about me to let me know about your food storage and as for the Zurfluehs, I would like to state, by request from their Email, that they have four months worth of food supply :). But honestly thank you all for your reassuring E-mails and your love! You are all living an amazing life! The Houston McKenna's have two professional surfer girls (Tatum and Afton) an up and coming surfer extraordinaire (Meghan) and another girl who apparently surfs like he mountain bikes (I'm not going down that! [Comment made by Trent McKenna on top of a hill in a high pitch girly voice :)]) but all and all it seems that Meghan survived the buffetings of the sea and it would also appear that movies are still being made, so I have to 'tip my hat' to the filming talents of Trent McKenna who made a great film of Meghan's outing to Houston; but we all know that 'Kung Fu Fighting' will be the 'Citizen Kaine' of the McKenna family. The Zurflueh clan is heading to Baltimore this year to eat some spaghetti and apparently some really exciting things could be happening, dealing with a cake, but I don't want to spoil anything, so there is your cliffhanger for this week I will let you know what happened when I am updated. The Wankier's are out of
control, Timette for her Relief Society enrichment had an activity called the BIG GIVE where they planted 60 flowers/bushes, entertained elderly people, made 460 literacy phones for school, 670 books for the Elementary School, and sewed 55 blankets for TWO hospitals all in one night! That sounded close to as busy as my days are :)... Just kidding, that is AMAZING, and that truly was a stupendous activity, well done! And Madisyn by next year should be doing some standing back hand springs and getting to a round off backhand spring, that's WONDERFUL, I can't believe how much the Lord has blessed this family! Now I normally don't receive questions that are important enough to address in the family Email but this one is... Mom's question concerning if the English value the stupendous, delicious, outrages, and delectable PB&J sandwich as much as they should, I have to say with tear filled eyes that they do not... They don't even like Peanut Butter :(! I am thoroughly convinced that aside from the Gospel, Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches is what England is desperately in need of!
And that if a man or woman were to eat a PB&J sandwich every day they would get closer to happiness than by eating anything else :)!
I'm glad everything is going so well back home and as for myself things are going... alright. There have been some heartbreaking set backs this week but through it all I have gained a stronger testimony of the truth of this Gospel and the reality of the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As I think about what the Savior went through for me and for all of us I think of Doctrine and Covenants 19: 'For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit!' There are people everywhere who don't know what the Savior has done for us, they don't understand that what the Savior went through for them, they don't understand that this life is just a time for us to learn, grown, and
progress. As I think about the hard times that I have gone through this week and as I ponder on what my calling is, as a set apart full time missionary, I tell you all now that I WILL NEVER FORGET what has been done for me! And no matter what comes my way I will overcome it through the power and reality of the Atonement! This area needs to know about the Savior they need to know that there is no need to suffer any longer if they will but repent and come onto Christ the Holy Messiah. I look around on this world, on this country, and on this town and my heart breaks in two... there are so many who have lost any hope of a better life or a better existence! They have allowed themselves to become chained down in the gall of depression and bitterness! But I promise you! That I am working with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength to bring these wonderful people out of obscurity and darkness, out of the chains of Hell, out of the false notions that this life is just a life to endure and then we
disappear! These people are to kind, to loving, to wonderful, to just give up on, to just allow them to believe such an incorrect principal! NO! Just as my Savior and Lord who suffered far more than I can ever imagine said 'and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink; nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men!' There will be no shrinking for me, I will follow his perfect example and push forward with steadfastness in Christ and a hope for something better! I know that this work will move forward, that there are those who are ready to hear the Gospel! I pray for you all that your strength and Faith in the Lord will always endure! Please never forget the sacrifice that has been made for you and honor that sacrifice by always standing as a light to this world!

I love you all and pray for you always,
Elder McKenna