Tuesday 1 November 2016

October 31, 2016- California Sacramento Mission

Dear family,
This is it. This is my last message to you all as an authorized representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am humbled to be such. I wish to send to you all a poem that I read at the beginning of my mission. This poem describes the kind of missionary I wished to have been for the people of Sacramento.  it is called "The Marks of a Man."
Marks Of A Man
As I jumped on board my flight from Miami to Salt Lake City, I paused for a moment to catch my breath. Seated near the front of the plane was an excited young man, probably 19, sitting with his parents. His hair was short and his clothes new and sharp. His suit was fitted perfectly and his black shoes still retained that store bought shine. His body was in good shape, his face clear, and his hands clean. In his eyes I could see a nervous look, and his movements were that of an actor on opening night.
He was obviously flying to Utah to become a missionary for the Mormon Church. I smiled as I walked by and took pride in belonging to this same Church where these young men and women voluntarily serve the Savior for two years. With this special feeling, I continued to the back where my seat was located.
As I sat in my seat, I looked to the right and to my surprise, saw another missionary sleeping in the window seat. His hair was also short, but that was the only similarity between the two. This one was obviously returning home, and I could tell at a glance what type of missionary he had been.
The fact that he was already asleep told me a lot. His entire body seemed to let out a big sigh. It looked as if this was the first time in two years he had even slept, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was. As I looked at his face, I could see the heavy bags under his eyes, the chapped lips, and the scarred and sunburned face caused by the fierce Florida sun.
His suit was tattered and worn. A few of the seams were coming apart, and I noticed that there were a couple of tears that had been hand-sewn with a very sloppy stitch.
I saw the nametag, crooked, scratched and bearing the name of the Church he represented, the engraving of which was almost all worn away. I saw the knee of his pants, worn and white, the result of many hours of humble prayer.
A tear came to my eye as I saw the things that really told me what kind of missionary he had been. I saw the marks that made this boy, a man. His feet - the two that had carried him from house to house, now lay there swollen and tired. They were covered by a pair of worn-out shoes. Many of the large scrapes and gouges had been filled in by the countless number of polishings.
His books - laying across his lap were his scriptures, the word of God. Once new, these books which testify of Jesus Christ and His mission, were now torn, bent, and ragged from use.
His hands - those big, strong hands, which had been used to bless and teach, were now scarred and cut from knocking at doors.
Those were indeed the marks of that man. And as I looked at him, I saw the marks of another man, the Savior, as he was hanging on the cross for the sins of the world.
His feet - those that had once carried him throughout the land during his ministry, were now nailed to the cross.
His side - now pierced with a spear. Sealing his gospel, his testimony with his life.
His hands - the hands that had been used to ordain his servants and bless the sick were also scarred with the nails that were pounded to hang him on the cross.
Those were the marks of that great man.
As my mind returned to the missionary, my whole body seemed to swell with pride and joy, because I knew, by looking at him, that he had served his Master well.
My joy was so great, I felt like running to the front of the plane, grabbing that new, young missionary, and bringing him back to see what he can become, what he can do.
But would he see the things that I saw, could anyone see the things I saw? Or would he just see the outward appearance of that mighty elder, tired and worn out, almost dead.
As we landed, I reached over and tapped him to wake him up. As he awoke, it seemed like new life was entering his body. His whole frame just seemed to fill as he stood up, tall and proud. As he turned his face towards mine, I saw a light about his face that I had never seen before. I looked into his eyes. Those eyes, I will never forget those eyes. They were the eyes of a prophet, a leader, a follower, and a servant. They were the eyes of the Savior. No words were spoken. No words were needed.
As we unloaded, I stepped aside to let him go first. I watched as he walked, slow but steady, tired but strong. I followed him and found myself walking the way that he did. When I came through the doors, I saw this young man in the arms of his parents, and I couldn't hold it any longer.
With tears streaming down my face, I watched these loving parents greet their son who had been away for a short time. And I wondered if our parents in Heaven would greet us the same way. Will they wrap their arms around us and welcome us home from our journey on earth? I believe they will. I just hope that I can be worthy enough to receive such praise, as I'm sure this missionary will.
I said a silent prayer, thanking the Lord for missionaries like this young man. I don't think I will ever forget the joy and happiness he brought me that day.
David Bryan Wiser?
_______________________________

I wished to be that tired worn out missionary by time my two years was up. I love my mission. This two year "sacrifice" has not been a sacrifice at all. But rather it has been the biggest blessing and most important time in my life. These two years have been a gift from my Heavenly Father that will last me an eternity. And I want to thank EVERYBODY that was apart of that. 
I testify of the reality of the Son of the Living God. Jesus Christ lives. As assuredly as we live, he does too with a perfected and glorified body. His infinite sacrifice we call the Atonement has been the source of my strength and comfort. Heavenly Father loves each of us. He is aware of us. He answers our sincere prayers. We can go to him at any point in time. I know I have need of Him everyday. 
I testify of the divinity of this church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is His church. It is the "only true and living church." It was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I love that man for his love of the Lord and strict obedience to His command. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and "any man can get closer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." Everything I know about the Savior have come out of the sacred records we call the scriptures. 
This has been the most amazing experience of my life. I Love the Gospel. I am Grateful for priesthood Covenants. 
I will see you all this weekend :) 
Elder Nathan Michael Kristensen 

Tuesday 25 October 2016

October 24, 2016-Harvest Festival

Dear family, 
Great week. Not a lot of time to talk about it. We did a lot of cool things though. First off we did a sweet service project. It was a community harvest festival with everyone coming dressed up in Halloween costumes. We were able to run booths and talk to lots of people. Exposure in the community is always a good thing. 
Funny story, we went to give a challenge to a member in our Ward that we were suppose to extend on behalf of our stake president. As we sat down with this couple we felt the spirit super strong. Plus this couple seemed fairly knowledgeable. We taught them the message and they gladly accepted. When we asked about the follow up we got some interesting information back. Turns out the husband is elder Watkins the area seventy for Northern California. He also is over all the institutes for California. Yikes. But I learned something. I recognized how powerful that relationship with his wife was and how powerful their relationship is with the savior Jesus Christ. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ is what got them there. 
As I continued through out the week my patriarchal blessing and my temple Covenants often came to mind. The promised blessings from those sacred covenants and blessings promised me in my blessing are far too great and far too joyous to even think about sacrificing because of some erroneous information or weakness I may have. The things the Lord has in store for me are far to great for me to ever walk away from him and his restored church. Thus I will continue to boldly sing "I will never no never, I'll never no never, I'll never no never, I'll never forsake."  He lives, and he is the savior of the world, The Son of the  living God. I love this gospel. It eternally true. 
Here are some pictures !
The pumpkin patch and a visit from some friends. :) 
Elder kristensen



October 17, 2016-I Met Superman

This week was fantastic! The only unusual thing that took place was my departing interview with president Jardine. I love my mission president. I am eternally grateful for the contribution he has made in ensuring that I am on the covenant path to eternal life. It is through priesthood leaders that we can be reassured that we are taking the right steps to return to our Father in Heaven. And for you all that don't know I will be arriving home November 5th to Edmonton Alberta. 
It finally rained in Sacramento valley. It's been months. We got absolutely drenched. It made it a lot of fun. But elder M hates the rain. So he wasn't to happy. Worth it. 
I don't have much to say other than I am grateful to continue serving the Lord. I am grateful for the path of discipleship that brings more peace to my life than anything else. I'll leave you with the words of my mission president. He said "your success in life will depend on your success in the gospel of Jesus Christ." I testify that that is true. He will make more out of our lives than we could ever on our own. 
Love you all ! 
This is our boy A. We see him every Wednesday at dinner. We love this guy. 

Tuesday 27 September 2016

September 26, 2016-Apple Hill!

Good day family and friends ! 
It was another good week . Transfers took place and luckily I dodged transfers. My companions are still elder D and elder M. I love those two. It has been fun being in a trio. It doesn't really get old. 
This week was exhausting, but it was the first week this transfer that we didn't have some kind of meeting that we had to attend.  So we took the chance to work in some of the other missionaries areas. Which was odd because it brought tons of blessings into ours ! Truly Heavenly Father blesses us for working in others areas. 
I had kind of another interesting Sunday with revelation. Among the couple of things i received, the most important took place in fast and testimony meeting. We have a man in our Ward with Down syndrome who bore his testimony. He bore an amazing testimony . Honestly it didn't make a lot of sense , but at the beginning he said something profound that pricked my heart and pierced my soul. He said " I love my testimony." Immediately the thought came " do I love my testimony ?" Then the voice of the spirit said "do you love the testimony I have given you ?" 
I'm someone who always wants more knowledge and information etc, and when you are like that you tend to forget what you already have. And it was such a blessing to be able to take that opportunity to then witness to the con generation and to my Heavenly Father that I do love my testimony . 
And I'll share that with you also. I love my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although that testimony has made me do some hard things, it has made everything worth it. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. 



Tuesday 20 September 2016

September 19, 2016-Service in Gold Country

HELLO FAMILY . 
I don't have anytime , I am so sorry. I have had another service project today so We haven't had another p-day. But honestly it's been the first time in my mission where I've served at a time where I haven't necessarily had to be serving. And honestly it has been a big blessing to me and a learning curve.  But I don't have time to talk ... Here are pictures !!! 

Thursday 15 September 2016

September 12, 2016- Sly Park Party

Today has been wild ! We got ourselves signed up for a world gold panning championship up here in the hills of el dorado. We have spent almost all of p-day help set up. That was quite the blast ! I didn't even realize how much Mormons influenced the sEttlement of California and gold rush. 
This week went well. We had a zone conference focused on Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 which states " the worth  of a soul is great in the sight of God." We talked a lot about the people whom we serve and their individual worth to our loving father in heaven. I have learned incontrovertibly  that Heavenly Father knows us each very personally and is preparing each of his children to receive of his gospel message. No matter who they are Or whatever part of the world they may be in, he is making ways to reach them. Social media is another one of those tools that has fulfilled prophecy in ensuring that the gospel is taken to the four quarters of the earth. Even to those places where missionaries cannot go. 
I also want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. It means a ton seriously !! I had a great day! I got harassed at zone conference because it was my birthday . President made sure to tell everyone there. Later that evening I had delicious birthday food with the bishop from the Ysa Ward ! 
Also on p-day we went up to sly lake as a zone and went on a big hike and had a bbq at a members house ! That was a ton of fun.  Anyways here's some pictures. 


September 5, 2017- America Ninja Warrior

Dear family and friends ! 
It was a wonderful week in el dorado county ! We did an Mlc goal setting .which went okay. I m getting a little tired of meetings because Wednesday we had a 
two week new missionary meeting. Honestly this week was a pretty normal week other than that. Although I did receive An increased testimony of sincere prayers.
As a missionary we pray all the time. It becomes such a normal thing that sometimes for myself , I become repetitive or I don't put enough thought into what I've been asking and thanking Heavenly Father for. Something that was said in church was "people make time for things that are important to them." I had found myself sometimes running out of time at night to say a prayer or In the morning. So I first made the decision to not let anything restrict my time with personal prayer. Speaking with Heavenly Father is one of the most important things to me , and I wasn't making enough time for that sacred conversation. And truly my prayers have become sacred as I have truly recognized my weakness and have petitioned my Heavenly Father for the grace of the savior . I need his help so badly. And I am, grateful for the time I put into that ! 
This week we are looking forward to a few things ! One of them is zone conference on Wednesday ! I'll let ya know how that goes. But I love you all! 
Oh ya on Tuesday we as a Ward missionaries with our Ward mission leader made an activity. If any of you have seen American ninja warrior. That's what it was. But with a lot of Ysa kids and non members