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
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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
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
Saturday, August 2, 2008
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
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
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