Thursday, October 6, 2016

6 October 2016

Today was a very happy day for the Walker household. At 1:07pm Elder Walkers plane landed in Eugene and he made his way along with the other passengers to the main terminal where the family and few friends were waiting, some patiently and others not so patiently.
Of course mom got the first hug, she has been talking about this moment for almost two years now. Tears were welling up in her eyes as he walked toward her, and as you can imagine, she couldn’t wait anymore and rushed in for the first hug. By the time dad moved in for hug number two Elder Walker’s face was a light shade of purple, once they were pulled apart dad got his hug. A few handshakes and quick hugs later, not to mention about a thousand pictures we were on the way to the stake center for the final testimony and the official release with President Ennis.
It was so nice to hear the testimony and words of wisdom Elder Walker has learned and gained over the past two years. There were several references to hunting and fishing analogies on both sides of the table, several commitments made, invitations extended and received and it was done. Our once Elder Walker is now Shane again, when he was asked to remove his name tags to signify the release he asked “that’s all there is?” to which the reply came “yes, that’s all there is.” He hesitantly removed the name badge on his suit coat, then the one on his shirt pocket, looked at them both for a few seconds before putting them both in his coat pocket. And it was done, no longer a missionary on the outside but forever changed by being a missionary on the inside.
Welcome home Shane







October 3rd

Hey Yall! 

   It has been an amazing week full of miracles and an abundance of blessings! We pounded the pavement and were able to find 4 new people to teach! Our teaching pool has gone from 2 to 12 this transfer and we have some really genuine and sincere investigators! It has been amazing to see the Lord's hand in this work as we have worked hard and trusted him. Opening a new area is not an easy thing to do but with the Lord we can do anything! I have truly felt and seen that time and time again here and throughout my mission. There are times when you feel like you cant take another step or you cant knock another door. It is during those times that we are being tested. The Good Lord truly blesses us during those times! Whether its as a missionary or during everyday normal life. As we rely on Him, He really helps us so much! 
   As I have served here in Wichita Falls, and throughout my mission, I have grown so much! I have seen the Atonement of our Savior help others so much and I have seen and experienced it changing me too. I can testify of the power and ability that the Atonement gives us. It has more power to help us than we can comprehend! Because of our Saviors love for us, we can repent! We can change! We can become truly converted and true disciples of Christ. What a blessing!
   Our Heavenly Father has given us the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it will keep us safe and keep us on the path that leads back to him. Through His son Jesus Christ, we are able to make it home! We are able to live in a way that is pleasing to our Father in Heaven and bless the lives of those around us. I have seen time and time again, those who have the gospel as an important part of their lives, and those who dont. Those who do have the gospel are so much more happy! They are confident and know that they are living the life that God expects them to. Although we arent perfect, we can have faith that our Heavenly Father will exercise His Mercy on us as we do our best to improve and live a righteous life. It is not easy! In fact it is often times very difficult. This Gospel is not a gospel of convenience! It is hard to be obedient sometimes. It is hard to make the right choice sometimes. But when we do we come one step closer to our Father in Heaven!
   There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon that I love! 

Alma 5:33

 33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

The Invitation is extended to ALL men to repent. And our Savior will be there to receive us. Every single time!

   I know that I have not been a perfect missionary, yet I have no regrets. Just lots of learning experiences (: I have had so many chances and opportunities to grow. To be shaped and molded into the person the God needs me to be. And this is only the beginning! I am thankful for these changes that I have experienced and seen in myself. 
   I am also so thankful for the wonderful leaders that we have to guide us and direct us! As we have just heard from them this last weekend! It is so comforting to know that we are not alone and that God has it all under control (: 
   I am extremely thankful for the mission leaders that I have had as well. I have had the privilege to serve under 2 amazing mission presidents! President Walkenhorst and President Mansell! They have both taught me so much and have been outstanding examples to me in showing me the kind of person I am to become and the way that I should treat and work with others! Also all of the other missionaries that I have served around as well. They have taught me so many wonderful things! I love them all and have been blessed to serve with them in this wonderful work. 
   I know with everything that I've got, that this Gospel is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that it is true! Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy! So that is why he has given it to us. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lords Kingdom on the earth today! I know that Joseph Smith was and is the Prophet of the Restoration. He was instrumental  in restoring the Gospel in its fullness to the earth once again! The Book of Mormon is the word of God and provides so much essential doctrine and principles that we must live. I know that it is true. I have prayed about it and received a witness from our Father in Heaven by the Power of the Holy Ghost! And I know that anyone who desires that witness can and will receive it! 
   As I have reflected on my mission experience, I realize how much I have come to know personally my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I have grown to love the saints of Oklahoma and Texas so much! They are faithful and righteous and do so much to strengthen and build the Lords Kingdom!
   As I leave them to return to my home, I pray that I will have helped them and served them in every way that I could. I pray that I have left my mark as President Mansell has so lovingly encouraged. I love them and I love all of you! My mission as a member of the Lord's kingdom is not over. Its just time for another transfer (: There is much work left to do! I pray that the Lord be with each of you always, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Shane Walker
Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission 

In a few days this email account will no longer be open but I would still love to hear from each of you!  My personal Email address is : 303094@gmail.com Please keep in touch! Love yall! Hey Yall!

   It has been an amazing week full of miracles and an abundance of blessings! We pounded the pavement and were able to find 4 new people to teach! Our teaching pool has gone from 2 to 12 this transfer and we have some really genuine and sincere investigators! It has been amazing to see the Lord's hand in this work as we have worked hard and trusted him. Opening a new area is not an easy thing to do but with the Lord we can do anything! I have truly felt and seen that time and time again here and throughout my mission. There are times when you feel like you cant take another step or you cant knock another door. It is during those times that we are being tested. The Good Lord truly blesses us during those times! Whether its as a missionary or during everyday normal life. As we rely on Him, He really helps us so much! 
   As I have served here in Wichita Falls, and throughout my mission, I have grown so much! I have seen the Atonement of our Savior help others so much and I have seen and experienced it changing me too. I can testify of the power and ability that the Atonement gives us. It has more power to help us than we can comprehend! Because of our Saviors love for us, we can repent! We can change! We can become truly converted and true disciples of Christ. What a blessing!
   Our Heavenly Father has given us the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it will keep us safe and keep us on the path that leads back to him. Through His son Jesus Christ, we are able to make it home! We are able to live in a way that is pleasing to our Father in Heaven and bless the lives of those around us. I have seen time and time again, those who have the gospel as an important part of their lives, and those who dont. Those who do have the gospel are so much more happy! They are confident and know that they are living the life that God expects them to. Although we arent perfect, we can have faith that our Heavenly Father will exercise His Mercy on us as we do our best to improve and live a righteous life. It is not easy! In fact it is often times very difficult. This Gospel is not a gospel of convenience! It is hard to be obedient sometimes. It is hard to make the right choice sometimes. But when we do we come one step closer to our Father in Heaven!
   There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon that I love! 

Alma 5:33

 33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

The Invitation is extended to ALL men to repent. And our Savior will be there to receive us. Every single time!

   I know that I have not been a perfect missionary, yet I have no regrets. Just lots of learning experiences (: I have had so many chances and opportunities to grow. To be shaped and molded into the person the God needs me to be. And this is only the beginning! I am thankful for these changes that I have experienced and seen in myself. 
   I am also so thankful for the wonderful leaders that we have to guide us and direct us! As we have just heard from them this last weekend! It is so comforting to know that we are not alone and that God has it all under control (: 
   I am extremely thankful for the mission leaders that I have had as well. I have had the privilege to serve under 2 amazing mission presidents! President Walkenhorst and President Mansell! They have both taught me so much and have been outstanding examples to me in showing me the kind of person I am to become and the way that I should treat and work with others! Also all of the other missionaries that I have served around as well. They have taught me so many wonderful things! I love them all and have been blessed to serve with them in this wonderful work. 
   I know with everything that I've got, that this Gospel is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that it is true! Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy! So that is why he has given it to us. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lords Kingdom on the earth today! I know that Joseph Smith was and is the Prophet of the Restoration. He was instrumental  in restoring the Gospel in its fullness to the earth once again! The Book of Mormon is the word of God and provides so much essential doctrine and principles that we must live. I know that it is true. I have prayed about it and received a witness from our Father in Heaven by the Power of the Holy Ghost! And I know that anyone who desires that witness can and will receive it! 
   As I have reflected on my mission experience, I realize how much I have come to know personally my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I have grown to love the saints of Oklahoma and Texas so much! They are faithful and righteous and do so much to strengthen and build the Lords Kingdom!
   As I leave them to return to my home, I pray that I will have helped them and served them in every way that I could. I pray that I have left my mark as President Mansell has so lovingly encouraged. I love them and I love all of you! My mission as a member of the Lord's kingdom is not over. Its just time for another transfer (: There is much work left to do! I pray that the Lord be with each of you always, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Shane Walker
Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission 

In a few days this email account will no longer be open but I would still love to hear from each of you!  My personal Email address is : 303094@gmail.com Please keep in touch! Love yall! 





General Conference Breakfast at the Church! 


Last night with the Bike!


Greenie Graduation!