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PRAIRIE POSTE Nov/Dec 2001
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Mission Presidents Message - Nov/Dec 2001
It would appear, as has happened in the previous years, that immediately following Thanksgiving there has been a great rush, by businesses and other organizations, to "introduce" Christmas. Each has tried to outshine the other with larger and more ornate festive displays along with questionable bargains to attract the unwary shoppers. Children are persuaded by television, newspapers, and other types of advertising and harass their parents with numerous requests for various kinds of expensive gifts. Even business owenrs, who are not of a Christian persuasion, have jumped on the band wagon in order to enhance their profits. Householders have vied with each other to produce the best Christmas displays around their homes. A few decorated for Christmas are spotted in Sherwood Park even before Thanksgiving. The atmosphere in Britian is no different. In all of this commercial rassmetazz the real meaning of Christmas has been quietly forgotten.
As the Lord's chosen servants, we have been charged with taking the true message of Christams to our Father in Heaven's children scattered throughout the world. December is a great month to do missionary work as nothwithstanding the commercialism, a significant number of people turn their thoughts to the Savior and ponder the great questions of life which we can answer.
Please show your love for the Savior by doubling your efforts during this Christmas season. Work hard, be more obedient, have greater faith and you will find those who are honest in heart and seek the true message of Christ.
You would do well to ponder the Savior's example of true love even in the most trying of circumstances. As he hung on the cross, suffering excruciating physical and mental pain, he noticed his mother standing nearby and was concerned for her long term welfare and took immediate action.
"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciples standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the discples, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. -St. John 19:26-27
I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God. Our joy at this season is beacuse he came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost. Himself. These are of the true essence of Christmas.
-President Roy
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Recently arrived new missionaries:
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Elder Warren is my name, impersonating is my game.From Forest Gump to Elvis, I do em all but now Ill be trying to impersonate my great trainer Elder Garrett in Callingwood Park, a long way from my home in Dallas Texas.
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Im Elder Campbell up out of the heat of St. George, Utah to the outpost of Peace River where I will be blowing my trumpet for the Gospel in the cold North to fulfill my desire to serve the Savior with that fantastic trainer Elder Hardy.
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Im Elder Bauer from that desert town of Las Vegas. Ill be serving with Elder Wright in Londonderry. Im here to serve the Lord with might, mind, heart and strength. I love sports, any one for basketball?
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Im Elder Danible, another man from California. I brought my snow boots for some serious tracting and gave up computers and wrestling for my love of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon to join Elder Fenter in good old Connors Hill.
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Im Elder Christensen from sunny California and just glad to be here. Golf is my game or I can play some hoops with Elder Bauer. Im here to give it my all and teach with the spirit in Vermillion with Elder Gleason.
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Im Elder Erickson, another Utah transplant. Yes siree from Orem. I intend to light this place on fire when I join up with the Red Deer team and Elder Thomas in that great Red Deer 3 where Ill try my best to build the Kingdom of God.
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Hi there! Im Elder Jones, another Utah man making an appearance in Canada, a long way from Pleasant Grove. Hope to use my talents and music skills to bring souls to Christ in the Rivervalley area under the tutelage of Elder Davey.
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Im Sister Hammond from that great town of Idaho Falls. I love to sing and have tons of energy to serve the Lord to the best of my ability as I labor in this wonderful vinyard with Sister Fraser in Sherwood Park.
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Hello Canada! Im Elder Evansfrom Provo, Utah. Ive brought along computer skills and some high ridin motorcycle experience, as I grab the area handlebars of Grand Prairie 2 with Elder Hill for some hard ridin Gospel teaching.
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Hello to the great land of Canada!. Im Elder Parkes from the San Juaquin Valley City of Fresno, California. I left my tuba, clarinet and trumpet home so I can march to the tune of Elder Beharrell inWoodvale where well sing the song of the Gospel.
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You must know by now that Im Elder Powers from the California burg of Bakersfield. I want to be part of that Gospel Calgary Stampede and do my best with my trainer Elder Morrisey in Crowfoot.
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Im Elder Igleski from the sunny warm clime of Gilbert Az. Soccer, baseball and hoops are my games. Ill try to score one for the Lord with my trainer Elder Wright in Calgary 19.
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Hello to you from Elder Nelson, from the land Bountiful (Utah). From throwin packages at Fed-ex to delivering great discussion packages with my trainer Elder Fisher in Spruce Grove.
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The Assistants Corner
Dear Elders and Sisters,
I love this time of year! It gives us a chance to focus on the birth of the Savior and what he did for us. As I look back on my mission I see how important our focus is. Ive strived to keep my focus on teaching and baptizing and the other steps that result in baptizing. The times where I did all that I could and tried to forget myself and focus, were the happiest and most rewarding times on my mission. The Lord sees the efforts and desires put into the work and blesses you with what you stand in need of. I believe it was Yoda who stated these inspired words: Your focus determines your reality. As we focus on what we are called to do, which is baptize, it will become our reality. So lets keep our focus and work hard. The gospel is true, God lives, and Jesus Christ is the Savior. You all are great examples for me. Thanx and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love ya much,
Elder Robert J. Condie
Dear Elders and Sisters,
Merry Christmas!! What a wonderful time of year to ponder and rededicate ourselves to centering our missions on Christ. I have been thinking about my mission and why I am here. Christ truly is the reason. As we put Christ at the center of all we do, our love for the people and for the work will increase. At the birth of Christ wise men came bearing gifts; this Christmas season let us all give a gift to the Savior. Let us give an eye single to the glory of God and share the message of Christs redeeming love. Let us put Christ at the center of our work. I know that this gospel is true; I know that Jesus Christ is the son of god. I am grateful for the Christmas season and hope that we can all strive to strengthen our relationship that we have with the savior, Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you in your efforts.
I love you all,
Elder Casey A. Johnson
My fellow servants of the Lord,
How I love getting up in the morning on a beautiful winter day, looking out the window and seeing the earth covered with snow. Its amazing how clean and pure everything looks. This is the time of year that we remember the birth of the Savior. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I feel it is crucial that we take time to remember what our older brother, Jesus Christ has done for each of us. He provided a way for us to cleanse ourselves, much like the freshly fallen snow, so that we can become clean and pure. What a wonderful privilege it is to be missionaries and to go out and tell people what Jesus Christ has done for all mankind. I know that love is the motive we all need to be able to share these important truths with the world. I love you all so much and have a very Merry Christmas!
Much Love,
Elder Ryan Sorensen
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October Departures
Elder Derek Anglin
Elder Robert Condie
Elder Michael Ebersohl
Elder Matthew Harsh
Elder Aaron Hart
Elder Kristopher Jeppsen
Sister Rebecca Kesler
Elder Christopher Layton
Elder Gerald Lind
Elder Devon Mortensen
Elder Burke Nazer
Elder James Poai
Elder Jason Torgerson
21 Baptisms in October, 2001
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Other Mission News
SMALL HELPS FOR SAFE WINTER DRIVING
Drive smoothly: Turning the wheel, pressing the brake, and accelerating must be done gently and gradually. Test the changing surface conditions with gentle braking. Be sure to increase your stopping distance. It may take up to three times as much room to stop on snow. Stopping on ice may require ten times the stopping distance.
Skid Recovery: When recovering from a skid, the two general things needed to know are: First, you should release the brake. (Applying brakes will throw you into a spin.) Second, you steer where you want to go.
Stopping on Icy Roads: Press the brake gently. If the wheels lock, release the brake until the wheels begin to roll again, then press the brake gently once again, trying to let the wheel lock. Do not pump the brakes!
Starting on Icy Roads: When starting out- on icy roads, feather the accelerator and avoid allowing the wheel to spin. Maintain traction.
What to do when stuck: When you are stuck and trying to get out be careful. Point the wheels straight ahead and turn off all accessories, and roll down the window so you can hear your car and your companion. Try to build up some momentum by reversing and then pulling forward. Do not shift rapidly. Put some sand under the front tire. Do not push with your hands on the trunk lid.
Avoid driving during or immediately after a fresh snow storm, or when ice is present.
Before leaving the city, check wiper blades, washer fluid, emergency signals, headlights, and gas.
SLOW DOWN! SLOW DOWN! SLOW DOWN! SLOW DOWN! SLOW DOWN!
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LDS QUOTE: |
"You are a great army of returned missionaries. Go forward with new zeal and determination, and through your example shine the light of the gospel in this troubled world. This is the Lord's work in which we are engaged. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. We belong to His Church. This is my witness to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
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