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

Young Lad Named Daniel

Hello Everyone! I once again have to give my utmost gratitude for your wonderful E-mails and for your continued support, but let's get onto the real subject... how many times can you really go to Disneyland! It's pretty easy to see why Jenni is such a pro at closing Disneyland, when you go like a million times I'm pretty sure you get pretty good! Well, anyway I'm glad that Kai is now tall enough to ride Indiana Jones even thought there were a lot of people who measured him to make sure he was tall enough, but It's OK Kai just remember that the key is that whatsoever one lacks in size he makes up for in charm and wit, and we all know that you must have those two in abundance because, lets face it, your like Elder McKenna and what I lack in size I make up for in charm :) (maybe not so much wit). Any how, I'm very happy for your wonderful Disneyland exploits and I'm excited for Chynna who is now an official graduate of the fifth grade! And is now one step closer to becoming the next Jane Austin (I'm sorry England just brings that out in me). It would also seem that Meghan is on an exciting adventure to the wilderness that is Houston Texas, she will
need skill, talent, and courage to brave the buffetings of the dreaded pirate Trent McKenna and save the princesses (by the way is anyone continuing the tradition of making movies, because for all I know 'Penelope pan and the princesses' 'kung fu fighting' and 'cool Kai and the seven dwarfs' are the only blockbusters we've brought forth to the world, don't let that filming spirit die! The world needs are talent!). I would also like to state that Chelsey has actually emailed me and put my mind at rest, for I now know that she is prepared if anything happens. The St. George McKenna's have emailed me as well and have put my mind at... but no one else. DOSEN'T ANYONE ELSE LOVE ME :). But in all honesty please Email me so that I can know that you have either done those things (stated in my last email) or are in the process, it would mean quite a lot to know that you are all well prepared. Thank you all for keeping me updated with what's going on back home and as for what's going on here, things are going incredible well! The Lord blesses me far more than I deserve and as I look back on the week that I have had I can not do anything but acknowledge his
hand fully in the work. Elder Di Iulio and I met a young lad by the name of Daniel and had the opportunity to teach him in the church, the spirit was so strong and it was amazing how everything was just so clear and simple... Heavenly Father truly is the Father of our spirits, he truly dose love us and because he does he has sent Prophets to teach his wonderful plan to us, he continued this all the way up to Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the death of Christ's apostles. There really has been a great apostasy; the true church of Christ did go into obscurity as men began to lead the church rather than God. Joseph Smith really was called to be the prophet of this restoration! It's so funny how when you truly feel the spirit testify to your mind and to your heart that what you are saying is with out a doubt the truth everything else bad in your life just disappears into pure insignificance as you soak in as much as you can that exact moment where the Spirit brings you to a higher level. This is God's church and I am nothing but a servant to a supreme loving Father in Heaven whom I trust with all my heart, mind, and soul. I love you all, and mom, you stated in your email that wonderful sons make wonderful missionaries, well, I state here and know that perfect moms make wonderful sons! I love you all with everything I posses
Elder McKenna

Love ya Tons!

Hello everyone and 'cead mile failte' (that means a 'hundred thousand welcomes' in Gallic, we have a member in the ward who is from Ireland and speaks the pure Irish language!) for all of your support, letters, and prayers! Now, let's get to some amazing pictures!
The first picture is of me at a seagull habitat (can you believe a habitat for seagulls I was almost pooped on 4 times, I just barley dodged a lot of them, but it was a lot of fun),


the next picture is of me and an Elder in my old district by the name of Elder Peterson (he's from Sweden),


next one is a picture of my old district, them again (they were not suppose to look at the camera), and again, the next picture is all of us eating some good food at a member's restaurant by the name of Brother Thapa (really good Nepalese food!),


the next is an investigator by the name of Calem who is going to be baptised, the last picture is of another investigator by the name of Sabin (Calem and Sabin were my two favourites).


Overall I have to say that I really loved serving in Altrincham, the time that I have been able to spend with the Elders in my district was amazing and I have come to learn so much from them, my investigators, the members and so many others. I will never forget them. But onto the future!

First off I would just like to state for the record that I can't believe the ST.
George McKennas did a skit about me being on a mission and didn't win! Madisyn's gymnastics to Disney music better have been pretty amazing if it beat the great Elder McKenna :) ! and second off I'm glad that everyone seemed to have an amazing time at the family reunion, with Hikes in Red Rock, some amazing movie spectaculars (it really dose kill me to see the posters of the new movies coming out), and a great game of rounder's in the Area 51 stadium were dad ended up getting a whole lot of goodies. It seemed that the only draw back was that the weather was a bit peculiar (by the way I take back what I said about Barrow it rains here just as much as in Manchester) but other then that it sounded spot on. From the sound of your letters things really seem to be going great back home, Chynna had an amazing time in California with her school, dad was able to go to the State Democratic convention, and Jack and Charlie are both still alive, overall a good week :). Timette I finally got your package, thank you
for all the wonderful goodies my companion thanks you as well, but I really don't have to cook that much because my companion use to be a chief back home in Italy so he cooks a lot, how amazing is that I have my own personal Italian chief! And thank you for the pictures as well it's always good to see the proof that you still go to Disneyland every other week and that you're bringing the Zurflueh family as well, sometimes other Elders don't believe someone can really go to Disneyland that much so it's good to have a picture to show :). Well, my area is doing very well! The Lord is hearing our cries and is blessing us far more then we deserve. It truly is just a matter of time until this area begins to blossom and Elder Di Iulio and I are beginning to become fast friends. Last Monday on May 26, 2008 I had the greatest opportunity of my life; I was able to shake the hand of an apostle of the Lord and to hear him speak! The comments that President Uchdorft made will never leave my soul, I have learned more in 3 hours then I felt I ever could. This church is run by God and President Uchdorft is nothing but a mouthpiece of the Spirit! As I look back on what was said in the all mission conference my spirit is filled with joy because of the
edification and apostolic promises that had been given but my spirit is also troubled by some of the things that were stated by an apostle of the Lord. Please I beg of you all to heed to the council of the prophets prepare your food storage, make ready your 72 hour packs, and understand what you're going to do in an emergency! I do not say these things as someone who has authority to receive revelation concerning any of these matters or as someone who has been told to write these words to you, but as your brother, uncle, and son who loves you all and wants nothing but for you to be prepared. We have heard it a million times and I don't know if you've already done all these things but if you have not now is the time for you to act! As a missionary we are instructed to make sure that people are keeping commitments so by my next E-mail I would really appreciate it if you all were to E-mail me letting me know that you have either done these things or are in the process. I really am troubled by this
and it would put my mind at ease if I knew you had done these things.
With all the love that I posses,

Elder McKenna

HELLO!

Well, things have been pretty crazy on my end, sorry I wasn't able to E-Mail you all yesterday but I have now been transferred from Altrincham to a place called Barrow-in-Furness and am now serving with an Elder by the name of Di Iluio. I have to admit that I felt pretty bad having to leave my old area... but I know that the Lord has need of me elsewhere and now I will do all I can in this area! I also have some really bad news I DIDN'T GET ANY OF YOUR E-MAILS! This Library is not nearly as posh as the one in Altrincham and one of the computers wrecked havoc with my E-mail account! I've been able to fix everything, the problem is I just don't have your E-mails, so if you still have them I would love for you to re-email them to me so that I can know what you're all up to. Unfortunately I was going to make this my 'fun' Email and show you all some really great pictures but these computers just aren't cooperating and now it would seem that we are running out of time so I will have to be fast. My new area is AMAZING it is what England is really supposed to be like. Barrow is just a small town next to a lot of other small towns and villages so there is a great deal of farm and grazing land around, it is lush, green, wonderful, and apparently it doesn't rain as often here as it does in Manchester (I haven't been rained on once!). We live right next to the coast and fairly close by is a submarine factory were they build nuclear submarines (you know the kind that have a nuclear reactor and shoot nuclear war heads!) How AMAZING is that! The people here are 'unique' (I guess that just comes with living in a small town) but I love them and already me and my companion are beginning to see some great success! As for my
companion if you couldn't already guess from his name he is from Italy and has been out for about 18 months; he is a really nice guy who genuinely cares about the work and I know that we'll get along just fine. Overall this area is amazing and all I can really say is that the Lord really does bless those who have Faith in him. Every chance I have to pray I ask for that Faith, for that charity that comes from truly knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior and redeemer. Please, if there is one thing that you seek for from our Heavenly Father please beg him for that! Pray unto the Father with all the energy of your heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ. I love you all so much and I am so grateful for the love that has filled my heart as I have served my brothers and sisters.
Love you all,
Elder McKenna

My area is doing great!

As always I would like to begin my letter by thanking you all for the wonderful family updates you give and for the love you so freely share with me!

Wow, the St. George McKenna's clan are the football professionals! Jackson's team (formerly called the squids) finished their season undefeated and are now going to play in the Utah Summer games under the much more fearsome title of the GLADIATORS (very nice); and Meghan's team is getting ready to take the State Cup (I feel sort of bad for those other teams that are going to feel the fury of Meghan McKenna!); and Ellyse is now Junior Class Assembly and Activity Chairman which is very good because every president started somewhere now the next step is State Senator and then on to President :)! Memorial day seems like it is going to be way fun (I don't really know what your all doing but with Timette in charge it has to be fun) and I have to admit that I really am going to miss seeing you all there (remember when me and Chelsey where are own tent for the Olympic games and we had that Handicap flag and everyone froze! You can't buy memories like that :) ) But I'll only be gone for two, so enjoy no Elder McKenna there while you can :)! So Chelsey's new place has the toilet separate from the shower and sink that's pretty weird but in England they have no electrical sockets in the Bathroom so the light switch to turn on the light is on the outside of the Bathroom instead of inside, you can only imagine the shenanigans that Missionaries get into using that... :). And for some reason in England all of the faucets are separate!!! The hot faucet is separate from the cold faucet, which means you can either burn or freeze your hands, there is no happy medium! But my crazy ranting aside I'm very glad that Chelsey was able to move in all safe and sound and I know she is going to do amazing things!
The Altrincham area (the place were I'm serving if you've forgotten) is being blessed far more than my unarticulated words can express the Lord truly has poured out his spirit upon the people and has opened the windows of Heaven! Samuel and Ellse (some people who have been struggling with the word of wisdom) are now down to one tea a day and one coffee and Samuel no longer drinks! It is so amazing to see the spirit work in someone's life they truly have had a change of heart and are singing the song of redeeming love! Their happiness truly feels my soul with such happiness as to praise my God with all the energy of my heart! The members here are really beginning to understand that marvellous spirit that comes from missionary work. A man by the name of Brother Thapa (his first name is to hard to pronounce :)) from Nepal simple just invited his friend to church last Sunday. His friend (who is a born Hindu) knew nothing of the scriptures or of God for that matter, and yet the Spirit wrought such a change in him that he is now preparing himself for baptism! This change truly had
nothing to do with my weak and simple words but had everything to do with the Spirit and with God! This is his work I can not testify it enough and I will never stop! God's work and his glory are to bring to pass all of our immortality and eternal lives. God is our loving Heavenly Father who wants nothing more than to see his sons and his daughters in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, he wants nothing more than to be with us again and for all eternity. This life is hard, and it is difficult, and a lot of hard things do come from being a member of this church, but I can promise you that all of these things are for our benefit and to make us better! This life is a time for us to prepare to meet God and there is a battle going on not a battle of the flesh but of the spirit for we are fighting for something much more glorious than money, or land, or fame, but for a place in the kingdom of Our Father in Heaven. Never forget your potential you and I are all sons and daughters of a God and as such have in store blessings equal to all the Father has! I love you all and I know one day we will all stand before the pleasing bar of God and will have a perfect
recollection of all that we have done that is good and pure and will know that we have accomplished it! We have kept our second estate and are now entitled to the greatest blessings the Eternities have to offer! This I know!
Elder McKenna

With all my Love!

Hello!
Once again my heart is softened and filled with gratitude as I have read over your E-mails, I'm so thankful for all of your wonderful attitudes!
Meghan's soccer team is going to be interviewed by the local TV station (AAAAAAA THAT'S SO COOL) and her team was the first team to win a state cup game! And Ellyse is in the Future Farmers of America Livestock show with her lamb and apparently if anyone knows any cowboys Ellyse would be interested in meeting them :). Some advice to Jackson on practicing the piano, DO IT! It is such an amazing skill to have not only in your mission but girls really like a man who can 'tickle the ivories'; so don't just put your books out so it looks like you practiced like I did :). I can't believe that the Zurflueh clan talked in Sacrament meeting and that Irelynn wrote her own talk!!! I know that everyone did fantastic because Chynna, Irelynn, and Kai are amazing and I know, with out a shadow of a doubt, that their testimonies of the prophets that have been in this, the fullness of times, is solid! Max, Christiano Renaldo is one of the most talked about names in England; it is amazing how famous the soccer players are here! I'm glad that my spirit and enthusiasm for Volleytensockpongball has continued on in the youth :) especially in Chynna! And Kai now has glasses yes! Now we will look even more alike, I love it!!! As for you, Chelsey, things are going amazing, moving down to Huston (even though it is a little soon, NEXT WEEK) and getting ready to cure cancer, you know the basic things :) we all know it's just a matter of time until your super famous (even more famous than
Christiano Renaldo). Thank you all so much for your letters and your love, I love reading about the crazy shenanigans you all get into. By the way my favourite scripture is Jeremiah 16:16 "Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks." No one escapes Elder McKenna and I will find those who are ready and prepared to hear the Gospel! As for my mission in about 4 weeks a little known leader of the church by PRESIDENT UCHDORFT second councillor in the first presidency! Will be visiting the missionaries in the Manchester England Mission! How amazing is that! And on a more micro mission note my area is doing amazingly well the members of this ward are really
beginning to get into missionary work and things are beginning to progress! Our investigators are all working on separate commandments to overcome but are praying and doing all they can to overcome which I know that they will because there hath no temptation taken them but such as is common to man and God is faithful who will not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that they will be able to bear it! As I have been working with others who have had difficulties in their lives that I have had the blessing of never having to experience I have begun to gain a greater connection with my Father in Heaven. As I have looked back on my prayers before my mission as to what my prayers are on my mission I can see a clear difference. God truly is our Father in Heaven he truly does hear us when we pray and he knows what it is that we are going through. Never allow yourself to get into the idea that prayer is something we must do because it is a commandment but always remember that prayer is our way to communicate with a
loving Heavenly being who wants nothing but our immortality and Eternal Life. Please, keep in remembrance that God wants to help us, that we truly are not perfect, and that we do need the Savior to help us overcome the challenges and difficulties of life! I exhort you all to pray with real intent and with sincerity of heart knowing, not thinking, but knowing that God hears you because I testify that he does and that he loves each and every one of us! With all my love
Elder McKenna

P.S. I'm going to be calling on Mother's day at 3 o'clock England time which I believe is 7 AM in America but I'm not sure it there is any problem let me know

P.P.S. I'm excited to talk to you!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Hello everyone!
Things are going incredibly well out here on the mission! The weather in England is beginning to change for the better. It's starting to look a lot like summer and it hasn't rained for 3 days in a row! AMAZING! But first things first, things seem to always be going really well for everyone back home and it fills me with thanksgiving as I ponder on the blessings that the Lord is pouring out upon us! It seems like the Saint Gorge McKenna's are doing really well and getting ready for some good summer weather. It's funny to look back, now that I'm on a mission, and think how tiring I felt school was. For all future Elders out there (Elder Zurflueh, Wankier, McKenna, and McKenna) enjoy summer vacation while you got it, the closest thing to summer vacation in England is in May I get to take my suit jacket off for a couple of months. But I don't think I have ever felt so happy and excited about getting up in the morning as I have out here serving the Lord! P.S. it seems that Meghan forgot me in one of her prayers... tisk tisk, I'm glad Carrson was there to point it out (just kidding, I love you Meghan you really good football player you). In all honesty, thank you all so much for keeping me in your prayers it truly has given me so much
strength to know that my family cares about me and prays for me. This really is
the time foretold of in Jacob 5 (as Jeff pointed out in his E-mail) and this is the literal gathering of the house of Israel and I am eternally grateful to be a part of it! I can't believe how many times the Wankier family goes to Disneyland its craziness and the Long Beach Aquarium! I have to admit though, when things get really hard thoughts of the fun times I've had at Disneyland with my family is one of the things that gets me through it (yeah for Disneyland). Plus if future Elder Wankier ends up serving in England, with a name like that he'll need all the fun memories he can muster ?. Well, it seems that I bring on emergency transfers. My great grandfather (the missionary who trained my X trainer's trainer) by the name of Elder De Abreu who is also our District leader has had to be emergency transferred so now the new district leader is my companion Elder Davies. As for our area I have to say that I feel like Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10 "by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly
than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." I truly have
put all my heart, might, mind, and strength into the work and the Lord has opened up the windows of Heaven! I feel as if I float around, I wake up in the morning tired but by the time I have had personal and companionship study I feel as if I can take on anything because I can feel the grace of God! I have come to the realization that there is nothing to fear, truly. If I obey the commandments, pray, read, prepare, and open my mouth the Lord will take care of the rest it is such an amazing feeling! I have found a point in my life that I never thought I would reach and yet there is so much more to gain. I can feel my faith bursting out of me and it's as if nothing can stop this work and the spirit. As I have been studying and focusing on humility I have become so much closer with my self, the Savior, and what true happiness is. At first these feelings of genuine happiness were intimidating and scary I had always felt that this sense of innocence and joy were signs of weakness but as I speak with
meekness and lowliness of heart I speak by the power of the spirit and the things I say are bold but unto the convincing of men. There is no weakness about it, only love and happiness! I now know what is meant by becoming like a little child! I still have a long way to go but I feel like I have actually found that road of happiness and I will not push it out of my soul thinking that I am to 'educated in the world' and to 'cool' to allow that kind of innocence and love... I am eternally grateful for your testimony mom and dad, I am so grateful for the example of Jeff and Trent as missionaries and big brothers, I am so grateful for the excitement for the world that Timette and Jenni have and for their love of the Gospel, and I will never be able to forget the genuine kindness that I have seen from Chelsey as well as some of the funniest memories of my life are with her. Thank you all for the people that you are and for the influence that you have had on me becoming who I am today! I know that there was and is a reason that we were all chosen to be a family here on this earth
and I am so grateful that I have been able to grow up in such an amazing environment. As I've said before I do not doubt because my mother knew it and now I add something that was said in conference, salvation is a personal experience but exaltation is a family matter. I know that if I wasn't with you all forever then there would be a big hole missing in my eternal existence! I love you so much!

Elder McKenna

LOVE YOU ALL!

Wow!
First off, I am so thankful for how amazingly blessed this family is, and the wonderful comfort and joy it brings me to here from you all. Second off, TIMETTE is the luckiest person to walk the earth! I can't believe that she has the opportunity to do a test show for Deal or no Deal! First Price is Right and now it's just a matter of time until she wins a million dollars on national television! And not only is Timette doing some amazing things; Carson is going to be the next Babe Ruth, Ellyse is on her way to being the Senator for Utah, Jackson is a spiritual giant after watching so much conference (in the tabernacle on Temple Square!) and then smashed the goalie with two unbelievable goals at a football match (I can see it now Jackson goes left fakes right and SCORE!), and Meghan is the next queen of the pitch for football! Then we have baby Cate taking first steps and the Zurflueh clan heading for Disneyland, not to mention Max being the production stage manager for 'Savior of the World - His Birth and Resurrection' that had to be an amazing production! We truly have been blessed by the Lord! Something that is temporally exciting is that even
though I may be riding around in buses at the moment, my companion (Elder Davies) is beginning to take driving lessons so that he can get his UK license and it's just a matter of time until I have to do the same (scary to think of me driving a manual, on the wrong side of the road, with round abouts). The weather here in England is so peculiar, you'll wake up one morning the sun will be out not a cloud in the sky and two hours latter it will be snowing/raining/hailing or a combination of the three and then an hour latter not a cloud in the sky! You never know what it's going to be like. The Altrincham area is doing amazing! The people who we are teaching each have an amazing talent and even though they all have weaknesses they understand that God
gives unto men weakness that they may be humble; for if they humble themselves
before him, and have faith in him, then will he make weak things become strong unto them. It's amazing how humbling it is to feel the presence of your Lord is you do his work and to know that the person you are teaching is a beloved son or daughter, of God, who has lost their way and to know that their Father in Heaven cares for them beyond anything that the human heart can understand. Every time I have the opportunity to teach and feel the presence of the spirit my heart is softened and opened as I embrace the pure love that can come only from that great comforter given the beloved title of Holy Ghost. As I begin to focus on those around me and the problems that they face and as I face these problems with them, my desire for the work has grown more than ever before. As I have seen the lack of understanding and doubt leaving the faces of those who the Lord has allowed me to teach and watch as their expression becomes one of love and understanding, my own understanding has increased. I have come to truly understand that we are here on this earth to be tried, we are here to prove not to God but to ourselves that we are worthy of the blessings that he has in store for us in the eternities. We were not sent to this Earth only to receive a body but are sent to learn for ourselves the choices that will bring us the most joy
and to realize that wrong choices will not bring us happiness for I know and bear witness that wickedness never was happiness. Please, with all the energy of my soul I beg of you to not allow yourselves to be drawn down the easy path, the path of least resistance, but to hold to the path of the refiners fire to become what God our Father intends for us to become, to fulfil every soul's deepest and strongest desire, that is to be with our Father again... I know that the way is hard I have seen so many who have failed to endure to the end but I know that if you will press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ Ye shall have eternal life. The way is hard, but a relief has been provided. The Savior didn't go through the pains of Gethsemane and Calvary to save a few, but to save us all if we will but humble ourselves and become meek and lowly in heart. I have gained
a witness that this Gospel is of God, Jesus is the Christ and it is only through him that we can be saved, Joseph Smith was the man chosen in his youth to lead the dispensations of the fullness of times and that through him the priesthood keys were restored that we may be able to perform sacred and eternal ordinances. I pray that my words may bring you joy and a stronger conviction in following the Savior for my purpose as a missionary is exactly that to 'invite others to come onto Christ' and I love every second of it.
With all the Love a mortal man can possess
Elder McKenna

This Gospel is Amazing

Hello everyone! England is still amazing, still very wet, and still freezing (we had some snow as well-I attached a picture of it). First please be careful what you send me and make sure not to use FedEx. Apparently the last package that was sent via FedEx got searched at customs (which I guess they do with all FedEx packages no matter what) and because a lot of the things that were in the package could have been purchased in England they charged the amount that it would have cost to buy those things in England so I had to pay a fine (which is no big deal for me because it's pretty much Dad's money) but please be careful with what you send and avoid using FedEx at all costs also it seems that things sent by US Post are hardly ever checked so you might want to consider using them, but do what you feel is best. First off, Aidan got a race car track, golf club set, and a soccer set complete with goal for his Birthday how amazing is that! Plus now that he has a soccer set he can be pro English soccer player as well as the brightest candle on the Birthday Cake ?. Trent and Tatum are going to take surfing lessons that is amazing and incredibly scary for Trent because we all know he's not the pinnacle of health ? but we know if any McKenna can
pull it of it would be him. So, Irylnn is the calendar girl she must be loving
life! Especially since her bedroom is being redone and filmed like a reality TV
show... That's so cool. Timette, I love the meals! (You crazy person) There amazing, and my companion wants to adopt you into his family he loves those meals! But Timette you might want to think about going online and checking Tesco.com which is like our Albertson's here, you can order those things online and send them that way but what ever you feel is best. Chelsey I knew you were the smarter than Trent ? getting outstanding student in Biology that's wonderful and I know you deserved it! Also, if you think you have to get a lot of immunizations to go to Rice try going on a mission, it was the worst ever! Mom, I finally got my Easter package at General Conference, thank you so much for all of those wonderful candies (epically the Ethel'M caramels). Thank you all for always writing me and keeping me in your thoughts, it truly means a lot to me and fills my soul with joy! This past week has been amazing, the Lord truly is pouring down his blessings upon us. Callam has had all of the discussions he is
going to obey all the commandments and is going to get Sunday's off of work so he can come to church and be eligible for Baptism (the spirit truly has wrought a change upon his willing and softened heart)! A former investigator who we honestly did nothing but stop by her home a few weeks ago came up to us on the bus (we didn't even recognize here) says hi and tells us that she is coming to church with her son this Sunday! We had met a woman by the name of Lisa a few days ago got her phone number and have been trying to schedule something with no success and one day while tracking we knock on her house and have a great discussion with her! This is just a taste of the blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for the Altrincham area! I'll try my hardest to keep you up to date with the blessings the Lord is giving this area, but there really are so many ?. This work is the work of the Lord, and this truly is his church. It was amazing to have the opportunity to stand and sustain Thomas S. Monson as a prophet of God and to feel the spirit bearing witness, in a way that can only be
felt, that he truly is the Prophet holding and using all the keys of the priesthood on the earth at this time and there is never but one on the Earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred! Conference was amazing, the talks were filled with the Spirit and presented us as members of the church and inhabitants of the Earth ways to improve ourselves and help others. The topic that sticks out in my mind most was the idea of filling ourselves with humility. When President Monson spoke he spoke with power and humility. It's strange to think that those two would go together but they truly do! I can testify that the strongest moments on my mission (the moments were I have literally felt God's power) have been when I have fallen at the feet of him who created me and pleaded for his assistance and his love; I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for hearing my pleas and filling my soul with warmth and joy. The closest I ever feel to God is when I throw away my pride and come unto him in meekness and lowliness of heart because of meekness and
lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost which comforter fillith with hope and perfect love and perfect love casteth out all fear! This Gospel is true, Jesus Christ is the Holy Messiah who laid down his life according to the flesh and took it up by the power of the spirit bringing to pass the resurrection of the dead, the prophet of the Restoration is Joseph Smith, and Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today, the Book of Mormon was written by men of God hundreds of years ago and preserved by his matchless power to come out, in its fullness, in this generation. How blessed are we in this last dispensation to be a part of temple and missionary work to be bringing so many souls out of darkness. My soul sings and my heart rejoices as I thank my Father in Heaven for giving me the Gospel and I promise to you and to the world that I will never my God forsake! I love you all so much and I pray for your temporal and spiritual well being every day.
May God be with you til we meet again,
Elder McKenna

I Love You All So Much

Hello Everyone!
Thank you all for your letters, I never thought I would love receiving letters from home as much as I do, it really does warm my heart to hear from you all! First off, Timette thank you for all that food (I think my companion squealed with joy when he saw the chips and salsa) it was far to kind of you to give me all of those things and they certainly gave me some variety in my diet of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with some Doritos. Mom I'm looking forward to getting that Easter package but I haven't got it yet I'll let you know when it comes. I can't believe all the craziness that is happening back in Vegas! A birthday spectacular at the Secret Gardens, Sea World adventure coming up, and Chelsey slept in my bed... Madness! It really sounds like you are all doing very well and enjoying yourselves and that brings me great joy! England is still amazing, freezing, wet, and I love it! My new companion Elder Davies is an amazing missionary, I couldn't have gotten a better trainer, and he really knows what it means to be EXACTLY obedient which is so important in keeping the spirit. The work is progressing more and more each day it's amazing to see how much influence the Lord truly has in this work for I know that it is the spirit that does everything I am just the faulty tool the Lord is stuck working with. Just yesterday (March 25) me and Elder Davies taught a lesson to a less active
member with her husband, who isn't a member, the lesson was based on Jesus Christ and we showed her the Finding Faith in Christ DVD (which allows us to truly understand the miracles of Christ's ministry found in the four gospels as well as his loving character, it is so amazing) we also used an article found in the March Ensign. I don't know if any of you have had the chance to read the March Ensign but I have to say it is the best Ensign that I have ever read. The cover has a picture of Jesus Christ with a thin white sheet of see through paper over it. When I look at the picture of my Savior through that thin sheet I feel as if it is the veil... and that my loving Savior is on the other side, the veil is so thin out here on a mission; I have seen and been a part of countless miracles in the short space of time that I have been in his service and I can't imagine a better way to get to know our Savior then through finding his lost sheep with him. One of the most touching articles in that Ensign was the talk given by Elder Holland when he gave the account of the dream that Elder Witney had of being able to be a witness of the Savior's pain in Gethsemane and his triumphant victory over death. Just as Elder Witney ran to the Savior and
begged to go with him I to wish nothing more than to be with my Savior for ETERNITY to be with my family for ever! My heart is filled with bursting at the very thought and yet the words that the Savior said to Elder Witney, 'that is entirely up to you' echo through my soul and leave me with a sob in my throat. This is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I have prayed and I have felt love, joy, peace I have felt gentleness and goodness; I have felt the fruits of the Spirit. I know that it is true and I believe that you have all felt these feelings too. Gordon B. Hinckley stated that we can double our number of convert baptisms; this will not happen by members and missionaries becoming more articulate and charismatic, it will not happen by preying on those who are uneducated and vulnerable tricking them into baptism, it will not happen by members and missionaries working separate. Our convert baptisms will increase because the strength and the faith of the members as well as the missionaries
will combine to form a perfect union! Every member a missionary! We are the
light of this world and we will not put it under a bushel but on a candlestick,
my family please let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven! As members of this church we all need to realize that we are all responsible for finding those who are prepared to hear the Gospel! There are so many amazing tools in our arsenal and yet so many go un-used! I encourage you to read the March Ensign to ponder on its amazing message of the Savior and to soak in the wonderful teaching tools for member missionary work it contains. I know that this is the view of the church for I have been told to write to you concerning this from my Mission President. It will be a wonderful day when members of the church not only pray for missionary work but pray to do missionary work! I love you all, I pray for you every day, and you are all in my heart where I will always keep you.
In great humility I leave you these things in the name of our Savior, Redeemer, and loving Brother Jesus Christ, Amen
Elder McKenna

I Love You All So Much

Thank you all so much for writing; it really does warm my heart to know that you all care about me. Now, to answer some of the questions I received in the E-mails ... I must admit that I am very grateful for the opportunity that it has been to both live and be born in Las Vegas because I think that it is one of the strongest tools in my arsenal of conversation starters ever, and the idea that were 'sin city' makes almost a flawless transfer from the conversation to families, or religion, or what sin really is which then allows another smooth transfer into the restored gospel ... I love it! Unfortunately I have not found any lost relatives of the family but I have met a less active member whose wife (recently deceased) was born in Las Vegas and went to school at Vegas High, she would be about 59 years old if she were alive today. So I was wondering if you would know anything about it, her name is Mary Susan Gray; please let me know if you do. I knew that Chelsey would get into Rice just like she got into Baylor but I have to give my short little opinion, Chelsey I think you should go to
Baylor and do your research with medicine, because we all know if anyone is going to cure Cancer it's you! (I know that you could do it) but I think you know a little bit more about what you should do than I, so keep me posted on what you decide, and maybe think about saying a prayer, I know the Lord answers them. I have to admit that the idea of actually driving around England is very intimidating but according to the laws here I can't get my actual licence until I have lived in the area for around 120 days so I got a while until I can actually get behind the wheel of a car (pretty scary to think about). I am meeting more and more of the members of the ward here through church and through member lessons and I just love them all so much! It's funny but apparently a lot of the wards over here basically have a nucleus family that is tied into all the others so there is pretty much one family who practically owns a ward in
each area, my area is under the control of the Robinson family (they are so kind). I have to admit that I am brought down into the depths of humility as I learn more and more about those who previously served here and what they have gone on to do (I didn't know that Elder Ballard served here as well, just add it to the list of other apostles, prophets, and seers who have served here as well) and I am so grateful to follow in their HUGE footsteps. It's interesting that Timette mentioned that missionaries play with Lego blocks because I really don't know any who do and the kids here in Manchester don't care about American toys from McDonalds because a lot of them have basically everything American kids have back home but it is probably different in different areas, Manchester is very developed. I can't believe that all of you are going to Disneyland I have to admit that I am a little jealous but that jealousy is swallowed up in my love for the Lord and his work. It's funny that you mentioned the idea of keeping lineage because I have been adopted into another lineage, my trainer/companion Elder Key was involved in a dodgy situation with an Elder Kunzler that went home (after serving two years) right when I came in. I don't feel right divulging what was involved but needless to say Elder Key had to be emergency transferred (ET) and I now have an AMAZING trainer/companion by the name of Elder Davies. My testimony and faith in the concept of obeying the mission rules and putting in the work has grown so much! In just the past 2 weeks by putting the time and effort in actually do missionary work we already have 2 investigators about 3
more potential and about 10-15 contacts, needless to say the work in this area is progressing very steadily with the blessing of the Lord. I don't know if I have found any of President Hinckley's 'seeds' but I do know that the Lord has poured his blessings upon us and I am SO grateful! An investigator very close to my heart at the moment is a man by the name of Callem who we have already taught twice and have another appointment with on Thursday! He truly has been prepared to hear the gospel and I know that my Heavenly Father has heard my prayers and has allowed me to meet this man and has suffered me to teach him. I pray with all my heart, might, mind, and strength to have the spirit with me for I know that the "Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Sprit ye shall not teach." It is so important to have the spirit with us at all times and in all places (especially as missionaries) but also as members of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! And I plead every day, every chance I have, that my Heavenly Father will hear my cry and bless me with a portion of his spirit so that I can teach and find those who are ready to hear this message! I believe that we may be asking Callem to be baptized in the
coming week so I will keep you posted, IT IS VERY EXCITING! I also had the opportunity to be part of an all mission conference; all the missionaries in the
England Mission (all 144 of us) met at the Manchester South chapel (were I have church every Sunday) and were going to hear from Elder Richard G. Scott! But unfortunately he has taken ill and has been advised to not travel so we heard from President Johnson of the Quorum of the Seventy who is an amazing scriptorian and speaker. I don't think I have ever before had such a strong desire to learn as much as I humanly could about missionary work and scriptures until I heard him speak, what and amazing missionary and leader! The all mission conference is where I made the switch from Elder Key to Elder Davies and he seems so excited to get to work; which is great because this work is so important! I know that this is not my work but the Lord's and that he has
suffered me to come to England to be a part of this and I truly know how much happiness comes from serving the Lord! The days are long and hard and I don't
think I have ever been so emotionally drained and physically exhausted in my entire life but I love it! I wake up every morning feeling like I didn't get enough sleep but I then study and exercise and by the time I get out the door I want to start shooting pass along cards out of my hands at passer byres! I love thrusting in my sickle with all my might and I am so grateful that I can be a servant of the Lord! I love the people SO MUCH with their sweet English accents and their witty sense of humour I just want everyone I meet to understand the joy and happiness that the RESTORED gospel of Jesus Christ can bring! How beautiful it is that the gospel Christ established so many years ago has been brought back in its purity by a living prophet! But most of all I love my family and I have come to realize how wonderful and loving you have been to me all my life! Press forward and onward with your eyes single to the glory of God and know that his work and his glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life! Never lose the faith!
Elder McKenna