In The Sun He Melted....

Hello, friends!

There was a ton of snow that dumped on us last week, and by the beginning of this week, it was melted all gone. So that's been really nice. 

The week has been really really slow, but it was good nonetheless.

We went to check in our friend Darell last Tuesday, but he was with family so we didn't get to visit with him. He said he hadn't had time to read the Book of Mormon yet, but he's going to try.

I knew we were out in Dewberry for a reason, and we later found that reason when we knocked on a less active members house, and he actually was home for once! We left a message with him, and I think we're able to leave a good feeling with him. 

Wednesday was our Zone Training Meeting, so we got to go back into the city! It was amazing, and we learned a lot from the Zone Leaders about how we can make exchanges and planning better. 

When we got home, we had signed up to help with a potluck for one of the old folks homes, but we ran into a problem, we couldn't remember which of the 5 old folks homes it was that was doing it. We ended up showing up to one and they paid for us to eat and then we sat and talked to some of the older people. It was pretty fun. Afterwards they used our infamous skills as Mormons to put away the tables and chairs.

I felt that we needed to tract this one street just a little ways down from our house, and so we prayed about it, and we did. We got some of most cold replies ever. So that was no fun. But I think it was a test of my patience to see if I'd lose motivation. I didn't! I kept pushing forward, even though nobody wanted to let us in.

Thursday we got a call from some older lady who needed us to take things to the thrift store for her. We had no idea who she was, but apparently missionaries had given her a Book of Mormon and their number, because she called us. Then while we were trying to share a message she kept going off about robots and how they're taking over the world. It was kinda funny.

We got to help out with the hot lunch program at the elementary school, handing kids their lunches, then we had a lesson with our neighbour, Kimberly. She's really really nice, and really wants to know truth, I think. She has a basis of beliefs very similar to ours, so all we have to do is build on it. I'm excited to see if she read the Book of Mormon, we shall find out tomorrow!

We visited Peggy again and she made the decision and was determined to come to church, and she made it! She really wants to come to church every Sunday from now on, and shes taking baby steps to quit smoking and coffee, so huge improvements.

A less active lady in our ward had a tote full of cassette tapes that she needed us to sort out and organize so she could give them away. So that we did. She had a ton of country music, and we found some interesting ones... (Japanese Accordion music).... 

Friday we got to go in exchanges with the zone leaders, elder Robinson and elder Bailie. Elder a Robinson and I went out to Mannville to tract. He is from Twin Falls, so it was great to talk to another idahoan. He served in Vermilion about a year ago, so we visited some people he remembered. I learned a lot about how to teach by the spirit, and how important the first few minutes are that you have of someone's time. 

Elder Leigh and I had a chat with Bryce about our beliefs and we wanted to talk about the Book of Mormon, but he's always in a hurry. We only ever get to meet with him for about ten minutes outside his house.

We had a service project out at a less active members house the other day, and all we did was clean out his garage/workshop. We got the job done, but I didn't get to take pictures. 

We went out to Lloydminister to get an oil change yesterday morning, and we took some pictures on the way. 

I have been studying Mosiah lately. One of my absolute favourite verses is chapter 4 verse 30. Basically the message to get out of it is "watch yourself." Watch everything you say, everything you do, and everything you think. Center your life on the spirit and on Christ, and life will move forward as it should. If any of you have uplifting and awesome scriptures with stories that come with them, send them my way! I'd love to hear them! 

I hope everything is well with y'all!

Love you! So does Heavenly Father!

Elder Trevor J. Wells

Canada Edmonton Mission

Pictures: 

1. Canadian buildings have a thing with big steeples.

2. Our Zone in all its spectacularity 

3. The two elders in the top left corner are Elder Robinson and Elder Bailie

4. Right near the Alberta Saskatchewan border

5. The huge Alberta sign

6. Sister Austins Cassette tapes.. the big stack is country

7. One of Peggy's beagles, Pipsqueak 

Abominable Snow Elders

October 18, 2016

Hey everyone!

This last week has been very cold. And very white. It dumped about 7 inches of snow on us the other day. Big storm came through and guess who was out tracting in it? 

But EVEN WEIRDER, there was a junior high football game going on, while there was about 4 inches of snow... welcome to Canada.

On Wednesday, Elder Leigh was sick, so we did what we could, and then we decided to go on splits with some brethren from the branch. We went and visited Peggy, (more news on her later), we met man named Mike, and an older couple. 

Mike is actually married to a lady we had talked to on her doorstep a few weeks ago. We were hoping to catch her, but mike opened the door and was totally open to conversation. We taught him about the Restoration and he took a Book of Mormon. He was very open to the idea of there being a bigger power out there, even though he leans towards science. He was very cool, and there is lots to build on.

Peggy, who you might remember, has been meeting with missionaries for about 2 years. She talked to her son and her ex husband about joining the church, and they said, "fine you can go, just don't drag us with you." Haha. So she is going to start coming to church. Which is great! I know she is one of the reasons I was sent to this mission. I keep having dreams where she's in white, about to be baptized. So good signs!

Thursday we went and helped the senior centre with bingo. That was a blast. That evening We went out to Mannville and had a lengthy chat with Shirley about the bible. She doesn't want to hear about our church but loves talking religion. She wanted Elder Leigh to put his hands on her head and pronounce what her gift was and he said no because that's not why we have the priesthood. She's kinda crazy.

Also, we were going through familysearch, and I found my family history all the way back through Adam!

Friday we helped out at the food bank, and tracted in the snow. I have many pictures from that day. We walked all the way across town in a blizzard, knocked like 14 doors, none of them were interested, and then we marched back through the great white abyss. We became the abominable Snow elders. #IWillGoIWillDo

Saturday there was even more snow, and we saw one of our neighbors riding his snowmobile down the road, because the snow and slush was just that thick. 

We got a call from a man named Stephen, who wanted us to help move a couch for his friend. So we showed up, and she didn't want it moved yet. But we took advantage of his time and had a great discussion with him, in which we gave him the Book of Mormon. He is very willing to read it, and has a very Christlike heart already. 

Sunday was just your average day. Full of miracles and tender mercies all around. We were able to meet with Mike again, and further discuss his beliefs. He prayed, and asked Heavenly Father to fix the boiler in his house. That was the basis of most of our conversations, and analogies. He is really scared to join the church or come to church for fear that he might not get out of it. He really likes the way Mormon beliefs make Mormons to be such good people, and he knows he can trust any member of the church. He's opening up to the idea a little bit more. 

We met a young man named Brandon. On a whim, we decided to knock on his door. When he opened it, he seemed to act like he knew we were coming, because he had a ton of questions, made himself comfortable in the doorway, and accepted a challenge to read the Book of Mormon, and even set a return appointment. This is how we know that the Lord is preparing people for us to meet and teach. 

We went and visited a less active family way out in Minburn, the husband had just gotten home, and wasn't feeling very well so we offered to give him a blessing. I gave the blessing and promised him that he'd be feeling better in no time. 

Yesterday, we got a call from Stephen again, he said that his friend Marie was ready to have the couch moved. So we went and moved the couch. She also said she had a bed to move, so we moved the bed. She wanted to pay us for it, but we had to explain to her that we can't accept money. She kind of argued about it for a bit, but then once we moved the bed, she got really emotional,  took our hands and kissed them, and was so very grateful. It was a moving experience of how much charity can help others.

Peggy invited us over for dinner, she ordered pizza, and we talked to her more about the church. She knows it's all true and is starting to work on quitting smoking and coffee.

I have learned a lot about how God knows the thoughts of our hearts. I love knowing that he hears us and answers our prayers. There is such a wonderful love that resides in our church members and this gospel. I love it. If you haven't already, read the Book of Mormon, and pray of its truthfulness. The spirit will answer. 

Well, I hope y'all are doing well, and hope you know I love all Y'all! Keep moving forward! 

Much love, 

Elder Trevor J. Wells

Canada Edmonton Mission

Pictures: 

1. Fun at the food bank

2. Crazy kids playing football in the blizzard

3. The Great White North

4. Elder Eskimo

5. He was very tired. (Elder Leigh)

6. The cover of the December Ensign? Maybe? 

7. Mormons really do have horns! (Fun with photo apps

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Canada

October 11, 2016

My dearest friends and family,

How is everyone? Great! I hope so! 

I have a lot to say, because it was a crazy week, but I'll try to keep it short. I don't want to cut out any of the absolutely amazing spiritual experiences, because there were many. 

So Wednesday was our Follow Up training meeting, and so we had to go to Edmonton. I had a chiropractor appointment before. It was so good to see some familiar faces at the meeting, like those from my MTC district! 

After the meeting we had a long long drive home, since Vermilion is almost in another Province.

If you guys want, there's a Facebook page for my mission, go find it! It's Canada Edmonton Mission 16-19. 

Thursday was an amazing day. We had decided to go tract the town of Dewberry (about 200 or less people) after our less active friend, Art didn't answer his door. We walked for a little while and I felt like we should go towards the yellow house. The man told us a little about his non religious life, and told us his name was Darrell. He tells us that he really doesn't believe in anything because when he was younger he went to Sunday school and the teacher said "don't do drugs, don't drink, don't do bad things" and then he walked outside and saw the teachers husband smoking. So he decided to never go back to church. Elder Leigh took a chance and asked if we could share a book with him. He invited us in, because it was so cold. 

We talked a little, got to know him, and I felt prompted to show him a video. It really kind of opened his eyes, and we were able to testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon. We gave him one and he said he would be very willing to read it. He was so open minded, and we got along with him very well. Then we realized how late it was getting, so we had to go. That was the only house we knocked on that day. I know we were in Dewberry to find Darrell. 

Friday night We went to our Branch President's house and had Thanksgiving Dinner with them. Thanksgiving here was actually yesterday, and nobody really knows why it's earlier than the states, but it is. We then gave them an awesome lesson on Joseph Smith and how he received an answer to his prayer, because of his faith.

We had a really late lesson with Peggy about the pre-existence, and she got really excited when we mentioned temples and family history work. I love family history, so we're working on getting her started.

Saturday was a good day, we tracked across the street and met several really nice people, not very willing to hear the good word though. 

Ever since Saturday night, it's been snowing like crazy. We woke up and saw all the snow... it's luckily melted off the roads, so hopefully it stays off. We went out to Mannville and Minburn with President Crowe to visit with Brandy and a less active family named the Petersons'. Brandy let us have a lesson with her on her doorstep, and I think the spirit really touched her. When we went to the Petersons', they told us that they went on a huge road trip during the summer to see all the temples in the western states. They showed us pictures and then we shared a lesson with them. They're a really great family, and their daughter keeps telling their dad to do scriptures study and family time, so they're gonna work on that.

Sunday, there was more snow, I gave a talk in church about the law of the harvest. Our primary kids were really rambunctious because there were visitors there from Edmonton. After lunch we went to visit Terry, and older gentleman who used to be a minister for the United Church, and a lawyer. We watched Elder Stevenson's talk from Conference, and asked Terry if he believes that the Book of Mormon is true. He told us that Joseph Smith didn't translate it, he was inspired to write the book. He took like 10 minutes to explain why he feels that way, even though it was a yes or no question. I was kind of getting frustrated with him, but I know where I stand with my belief in the Book of Mormon. It was truly translated by Joseph Smith through the power of God. There's no other way it could have come to us. 

Later that night, the McFadzean family invited us over for Thanksgiving Dinner. Two Thanksgiving dinners within 3 days? Heck yeah! One of the families there had two exchange students, one from Hong Kong, and one from Spain. Maria, from Spain, wanted to know more, so we shared the message of the Restoration with them all, and gave Maria El Libro De Mormon. She was really excited to read it, and we all felt the spirit so much. 

There was more snow yesterday. It snowed like all day. Yay. 

We went to help Peggy dump out her rain barrels, and then tried to get her on family search. 

Later when we went tracting, some guy answered the door while he was on the phone, squinted to read our name tags and then his eyes got really wide. He said, "NOPE I DON'T TALK TO INFIDELS." 

Then tried to slam the door, while tripping over his own feet, and slammed the door. That was really weird for me. He was scared of us. I couldn't shake that feeling that he was scared of us. But I know I have nothing to fear, because I know this is true. This is the true church of Jesus Christ, and I will not deny it. 

I know it's true, and I love it. Keep on moving, my friends! 

"Let us walk with faith in the future, speaking affirmatively and cultivating an attitude of confidence." -Gordon B. Hinckley

-Love, 

Elder Trevor Wells

1. Snow!

2. SNOW!

3. Brother Nick Fong, son in law of the McFadzeans (He knows Elder David Durst)

4. Some dude in a huge coat, freezing his tail off

Root Beer Floats are Life Blood!

October 4, 2016

Dear Family and Friends!

This last week has been busier than most, but that's just fine with me! We've been on our feet a lot, and it's slowly getting colder here. 

Last Wednesday, we went and helped out with the Birthday party at one of the many old folks homes. It's where they bring all the people who had birthdays in the month of September down and they have cake and coffee and entertainment. Ironically, Elder Leigh and I's job was to set up chairs and tables, and then serve them all coffee and tea. Haha when Sheri asked if we'd like coffee or tea, we obviously said we don't drink it, and she asked why. So we had a nice long chat about the Word of Wisdom and addictions and all of that. We told about Joseph Smith and I think we sparked a little interest there.

We still haven't been able to get a hold of Antonio, our Filipino friend we met a while back. We have a Tagalog Book of Mormon ready for him, but he's never home and doesn't answer his phone. Heavenly Father will find a way!

Thursday we had our district meeting in Lloydminister. That's actually across the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. Half of Lloydminister is on the Alberta side and the other half is on the Saskatchewan side. So that was pretty cool. After the meeting we went and finally bought my winter coat, and then we came home. We decided to tract down a street that I felt like we should go down, so we did. A lot of people were willing to open their doors, and talk for a little bit, and we were able to leave Pamphlets and our number at a lot of places. 

One lady, named Katrina, was really. really nice. We saw the change in her eyes when we asked her about her faith, and about church. She said she could go to church more and she really appreciates what we do. It went from really awkward and us just talking at her to her actually talking back to us and we had a really good conversation. So that was cool! 

Then we went and had dinner with a family in our ward and then had a fantastic lesson with Peggy and her best friend Les about General Conference. She committed to watch it! And what she did end up watching she loved!

On Friday I learned a few very important lessons. 1. It seems to be that almost everyone's name here is Terry or Sherri. Interesting. 2. Root beer floats are the best thing ever invented. (Paula, a lady we do service for, gave us a quart of vanilla ice cream, and we had root beer so we've had quite a few of those lately.) 

We set up for some event happening at an old event centre, and then they talked us into having dinner, even though I had a huge migraine. We finished setting up and then people poured in, and guess who comes to sit by us?  Bruce McDuff, the Mayor of Vermilion, with his wife and their friend. So we got a picture with him. 

Some random number called us and asked if we could move their couch. So we did. It was great that they had our number, probably from some elders a while back. We left a pamphlet with their daughter who lives with them to help them out. So Yay! Seeds planted!

When we got home, I got permission to just go to bed because I had such a bad migraine. Elder Leigh gave me a blessing and I went to sleep, and it was gone by the next morning.

Saturday it was literally raining cats and dogs. I stepped in a poodle. Just kidding. But yeah it was raining so much, during the second session of conference it was pouring and there was thunder all over the place. It was lots of fun! I started reading just the chapter headings of the Book of Mormon a few days before conference, just to figure out the story line and get a better understanding of who's who and what was going on. I finished the other day, and I understand almost all of it now. Then, one of the men in General Conference bore a sure witness of the Book of Mormon and I wholeheartedly agreed with him, and even understood most of his references! 

I encourage everyone to read it, it blesses lives!

Sunday is when I finished reading the chapter headings. My notebook is filled with conference notes now, so I feel like I learned a lot. My favorite talk was from Elder Rasband. His testimony spoke right to me. He is a witness of the truth and you can tell. I got really emotional during his talk. It was amazing.

Miraculous Monday we shall call it. We were headed out to visit an older gentleman named Les Lee, and we felt impressed to stop by our friend Kain. We haven't been able to sit down and talk with him since we met him, so he had some misconceptions about us. He's a really young guy, working on the fire department, working on going into law enforcement. He invited us in because he had some free time. We told him what we do as missionaries and how we're called and all that good stuff, then he asked about our "10% of income deal". We explained tithing and then started talking about the Book of Mormon. He didn't accept it because he's crazy busy with school and work right now. He said to come back after things have calmed down, and he might be more likely to accept it. So in December we will try again!

We visited a less active member named Rob, who really enjoys welding, so we always talk with him while he's in his shop. Our branch president, President Crowe came with us. He talked to us for about an hour and a half and then we shared a.ten minute lesson with him. He said no way to giving the opening prayer, and then was wholeheartedly willing to say the closing prayer. He misses going to church and recognizes the spirit, so I'm glad we could bring that to him. We talked about obedience and the blessings of it, hoping he might come to church sometime soon.

Well, that's about all for this week, I know it's a lot, but such is the life of a missionary. I love the work, and of course it's not easy. I have 22 fast Sundays left! We're almost done with this transfer. Just starting week 4. I have a chiropractor appointment in Edmonton tomorrow, so hopefully that goes well! 

I hope y'all are doing well! I miss all of you! ️

Best Wishes, 

Elder Trevor J. Wells

Pictures:

1. Cute statue at the old folks home

2. Life Blood.

3. Bruce McDuff, the mayor of Vermillion.

4. Moroni burying the plates. My favorite painting.  

 

Have No Fear, General Conference is Almost Here!

September 27, 2016

Hey y'all!

I hope all is well with you. This past week has been full of ups and downs for sure, and I wish I could tell you all the little experiences we've had. 

We met several really great potentials while tracting, but a lot of them dropped us by the end of the week. They're still great people, and children of God nonetheless. 

We had Zone Training Meeting in Edmonton on Thursday, and we had planned and asked the Zone Leaders if Elder Leigh and I could go shopping for my winter gear while we were in Edmonton, because there was a better selection, and there were also better prices... weellllllll we got halfway there, stopped at a gas station, and I realized I forgot my wallet. So we just kept going and decided I'd get my stuff on next Thursday in Lloydminster when we go to District meeting. 

When we got to Zone Training meeting, I got to see Sister Kuchar, a sister from my MTC district! So that was cool. Also met some really cool missionaries, one from Twin Falls, one who is related to Preston Taylor from 7th ward, Sister Smith who is good friends with Amber Jury (Check it out Bethany!!) and one who is really good friends with Elder Durst, my buddy from Ottawa Ontario! 

I'll attach our Zone pictures.

We were counselled well in those meetings, and I felt like from that I will become a better missionary.

Friday, we tracted most of the day, with not so much luck, and then decided to go visit our good friend Peggy, who really enjoys the gospel and loves feeling the spirit. We talked to her about General Conference coming up, and invited her to watch it, but to have a question in mind as she does so. I promised her that it would be answered. A bold promise I know, but that's how missionary work works! She has a really good question that we know will be answered. 

Something I'm learning day after day is to not get discouraged. It feels like we aren't having a whole lot of luck lately, but I know that we are planting seeds like crazy. Canadians are like 100% dead set in their ways, but we've been praying and praying that their hearts may be softened and they will be open to hear the messages of this wonderful gospel. 

We also were able to teach an older lady named Shirley out in Mannville. She said Joseph Smith doesn't know anything and that she doesn't celebrate holidays and that she has studied all sorts of religion, and calls herself Jewish. The more and more we testified of the Plan of Salvation, and the spirit world and all of that, the more she started to agree with us. When we said the prayer, after just about everything Elder Leigh said, she agreed with a "yessssss" or an "amen" and I was just waiting for a hallelujah! But it never came hahah.

We were tracting the other day, and we met with a Filipino man named Antonio. We were able to teach him the first discussion and give him a Book of Mormon which we challenged him to read. We told him we could also get him one in Tagalog if it would be easier for him to read that way. We were supposed to meet with him Sunday night as well, to see how he was doing and see if he'd read anything, but it turns out he had to cancel. So we will continue praying for him and hope he has read and made some sense of it! 

I am starting to love the area of Vermilion, and I will probably be here for about 6 months. So I better get to loving it. As quiet as it is, it's a lot like Burley, so I just have to remember its Burley but people talk funny! 

Well, that's about it for this week, and I hope you guys all know where to turn to find peace! Never forget to pray! And smile! Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal! (It spells smile!)

We are also taking part in a multi faith contata that will be taking place closer to Christmas, we're singing these crazy intense gospel songs with a bunch of awesome people from other faiths. Very exciting! 

2 Nephi 4-5 are really powerful. Read up if you can!

If you have any pictures of you and I together, send them to me, please!

Love ya! 

-Elder Trevor J. Wells

Pictures:

1. Selfie in sweet tie, courtesy of Elder Ellis

2. Countdown Begins

3. Tag alog Pamphlets and Book of Mormon for Antonio

4. Epic picture from Sis. Austin's balcony

5. Elder Schlacter, Ottawa Ontario 

6. Bonnie Doon Zone

7. Quote from Sis. Austin's fridge(mom look at the magnet!)

8. Mannville Sunset

• 
  

Results May BERRY (hehehe)

Sep. 24, 2016

Dearest friends and family,

The Great White North isn't actually that white yet. It's actually been really nice this week, and all the natives are complaining about the heat! 

I arrived safely in Edmonton last Tuesday, and met my trainer the next day. His name is Elder Leigh (Lay), from Stafford, Virginia. He looks a lot like Jordan Nilsson, and we have a lot in common. He's a spiritual giant. He really knows his doctrine. We were assigned to the Vermilion branch, which is really close to Saskatchewan, right on the border. This is a really small town of about 4000 people. There really aren't a whole lot of members here, but that's why I'm here! Our branch isn't very big either, there's about 40 people, and therefore Elder Leigh and I get to bless the sacrament AND teach a primary class of 10-11 year olds. This town is a huge farming community, and they're all in the middle of the harvest. They grow canola here (which to me was always just an oil but whatever) and so I see huge tractors driving down the middle of the highway a lot.

My first full day in the field was a doozy. And it's also the reason for the title of this email. We decided to go visit an older lady named Elizabeth. So we get to her house and she lets us in. She had about 15 cats and she could hear one downstairs making a lot of noise, so we went looking for it with her. As soon as we set foot in the basement, all noise stops. We were determined though, or rather she was, to find it. Finally, after about 20 minutes of looking for this nonexistent cat, we went back upstairs and began to talk. She said she's about halfway through the Book of Mormon, but she doesn't understand any of it. She didn't care what we had to say, she believes the only word of God is Genesis to Revelation. Elder Leigh and Elizabeth went back and forth for about ten minutes. All the while, she was smoking her self rolled cigarettes. (I counted 5 for the whole 20 minutes we were talking). We started talking about Joseph Smith (this is when it gets funny) and she said something to the effect of, "you know, there are berries in the woods. Some of these berries will make you see and hear things that aren't really there. This Joseph boy must have been hungry, being out in the woods so long praying, and I believe he was eating those berries. And that's why he saw what he did."

So apparently Joseph Smith was eating hallucinogenic berries. I've never heard of that. But Elder Leigh and I continued forth in the conversation, bearing testimony of the truth that Joseph Smith restored this gospel. She said there was no way we'd convert her and she didn't feel comfortable with us praying in her home. She kept comparing us to Jehovah's witnesses. That was a little unnerving. But my faith remains unshaken, because I know what we teach is truth.

Yesterday, something interesting happened. Elder Leigh and I were headed out to go tracting. Just before we were about to cross the street, this huge white truck pulled up to the stop sign. "You guys Mormons?" He yelled, his voice really course, probably from cigarettes.
"Elder Leigh talked to him for a minute and he told us he was from Mexico and was working up in Alberta. He guessed we were from the states. Then he said he knew where Twin Falls was, which blew my mind. We told him our names and he said his name was Aaron and that he'd like a Book of Mormon. He then said, "I really need this in my life right now." And we said goodbye and was gone.
We just happened to be in just the right place at just the right time. I hope he's been reading it, and hope it helps him.

My companion and I have been able to give service at the food bank, for an older lady named Paula, and the Perron family, who lives in Dewberry, and are less active. We got to split wood for them and taught Brother Perron about the story of Nephi and his broken bow. How he didn't just sit and complain like his family.

It's been awesome to get to know a new area and be a missionary in God's service. I love doing this and I know I have a purpose.

Take care this week, I love y'all!
-Elder Trevor J. Wells

Pictures: 

1. Church Building

2. Elder Leigh and the cutest dog

3. First night with Elder Leigh

4. French Subway Selfie

5. "It's wallowing in its grease."-Elder Leigh

6. Largest chuckwagon ever

7. Fall in Alberta

8. Chevy Equinox, our car we named Rudy.

9. Sunset in Dew Berry

10. Me and my best friend, spot the unicorn

11. Epic picture from the middle of the road in Dew Berry.

Fare(Wells) To The MTC

September 9, 2016

Hello humans!  

This has been an amazing week, and it'll be a challenge to fit everything in, but I'll try!

Probably the best part of the week was being in a devotional with Elder D. Todd Christofferson. He is definitely a witness of Jesus Christ and this gospel. One thing he said that hit home for everyone was something to the effect of "we all trust the Lord, but does He trust us?" That was insanely deep.

I also ran into Elder Noah Wells from Virginia, headed to Ecuador. We took a picture but he won't send it to me till Monday which is his p-day. Funny thing is: His comp's name is Elder Black, mine is Elder Silver! 

We've been teaching three investigators this week, Katya, Kai, and Leyla. Katya is from Russia and finally accepted the challenge to prepare to be baptized, and she has been going to church regularly. Since she wants the best thing for her little girls, she wants o be baptized. She's also working on talking to her husband Eric about meeting with the missionaries. Kai is a different story. He's a really cool guy, and wants to believe that there is a God who loves him, but the only experience he had with prayer, he didn't feel that God was there, or He just didn't care. So we've talked for 3 lessons about prayer, and he is starting to warm up to the idea of God and Jesus Christ really being there, even if he doesn't receive an answer right away. Leyla is from mexico, she has a catholic background, and she really likes what we've been teaching. She said she'll have a hard time giving up tea and coffee, but if it means following the Lord, then she knows it's right. I think we are teaching them tomorrow, but I'm not 100% sure.

I'm headed off to Edmonton on Tuesday, it's gonna be a long day, but It's gonna be worth it.. best part is, I've never been on a plane! Yay!

I'll attach a few pictures too! 

Keep moving forward, The Lord Loves you!! 

-Elder Wells

Pictures: 

1-2. Elder Wells with his Mission Companion Elder Laigh(Elder Lay) upon arrival in Canada, with his Mission President, President Pattison and his wife Sister Pattison. 

3. Elder Wells with his high school church friend Elder DeTemple, who was in the MTC headed to Japan. Don't they look great?
4-7. Elder Wells and his MTC District outside the Provo Temple. 

Week 2 of the MTC

September 2, 2016

Hey Guys!

This week has been wild. I have learned many things, such as:

-The stairs here hate me.

-Bad puns are always a pick me up.

-Canadian money is NOT indestructible. 

-watches are not my friend.

-My companion and I's names together make a great Christmas song. Silver wells.

Among other things.

 Elder Silver and I have had the opportunity to teach Lawanna as our TRC investigator. She is a wonderful lady who is looking for more ways to enjoy life and is truly searching for her purpose. When we taught her the other day, we basically simplified the first part of the Plan of Salvation. Afterwards, she couldn't stop smiling, because we kept telling her how great of a person she was and how much her Heavenly Father loves her. 

 I went to choir practice Sunday night and Tuesday night, and then we sang for the devotional Tuesday night. Richard J. Maynes was the speaker. He shared an amazing message of how we as missionaries should not ever pass up a prompting. The choir director was telling us before we started singing, about the purpose of the line "Here I raise my Ebenezer". An Ebenezer is basically a big stone that was raised in the middle of the city, as kind of a standard of living. Like a title of liberty, we will raise our barriers, so that even after our missions, we will still live as holy people. We can't just go right back to the way we were before we came, or simply think "Oh, I was on a mission for two years, that's enough church for me." No, we must stay worthy of his blessings, and keep living righteously. 

Last night, the Sisters in one of the buildings were called to a meeting because there are bats living in their building as well.. So we had to help them move into a different building. In the which I FINALLY got Sister Baloo to laugh. She heard from my roommates that I was really funny, but nothing I had said before ever struck her as funny. I made another stupid pun, and finally got her to laugh. After we got them moved in, we were practicing teaching really simplified Book of Mormon invitations. Elder Silver gave the first role play to Sister Gardner and he was really struggling because I hardly said anything. (I wasn't feeling too good). I gave the second role play lesson and I gave a really personal experience from praying. Sister Gardner's eyes were opened so wide, like WHOA. HE ACTUALLY FEELS THE SPIRIT.

I'm really glad to be somewhere where I can feel the spirit so strongly, and I feel so protected from the troubles of the world. I can feel the truth of everything I'm testifying of and I love being around people with the same purpose in mind. I love making my district laugh with my stupid puns and goofy voices, It really helps keep our spirits up. 

Hope to hear from ya'll soon!!

-Elder Trevor Wells

Week 1

August 26, 2016

Hey Everyone!

The MTC is a wonderful place. my companion is Elder Rhett Silver from Durango Colorado. He and I have a lot in common, and share a lot of the same interests. All the Elders and Sisters in my district are super duper cool.  None of the members in my district are going to the states, which a member of the branch presidency said was a very uncommon occurance.

Yesterday, Elder Silver and I were able to teach our first investigator. It was just role play, but we still did ok. Because of our lack of planning, we didn't get our point across very well, but she understood what we were telling her. So we decided the next time we teach her, we will have a solid plan of how to teach and exactly what to say, and let the spirit direct the way we say it.

There have been many moments of prayer here in the MTC. We pray about 15 times a day. probably more. I have had to say silent prayers quite a bit to keep myself motivated. 

This morning, the elders of my district went to the Provo temple. I wasn't feeling very well this morning, but as soon as we entered that holy building, my whole perspective changed. I felt the spirit, my stomach was settled, and my whole body was at peace. I cried a little bit just because of how wonderful the feeling was in the endowment session, and all I could say to the elders afterwards was "The church is true." I was saddened to leave, and I  love the temple and the feelings we get there.

Lastly, I was reading in 2 Nephi chapter 4 last night, and I came upon something absolutely mind blowing. Alta Patterson told me like two days before I left that no matter how many people I convert on my mission, one of the most important conversions has to be me. In chapter 4, Lehi has gathered together his family, grandkids and kids, to receive blessings. It says in there that they will be blessed and their seed will be blessed. Because they have been righteous and worthy of these blessings, their posterity for years to come would be blessed as well. Think of that when you go to church and live this glorious gospel. You have converted thousands by being faithful in this church. 

I testify of the truth of this. 

Much love, 

Elder Trevor J. Wells

Picture: Our last family picture before dropping Elder Wells off at the MTC. Families are FOREVER. <3