The Nauvoo Pageant has begun and the town is alive with visitors scurrying everywhere. It reminds one of an old western movie, with cattle being herded through the center of town. It is exciting to watch Nauvoo come alive with so many people. The young people, here for Youth Conferences, are in awe of the spirit and the feeling of Nauvoo the Beautiful! The local businesses are booming, the hotels are overflowing with guests and the Temple is being attended by hundreds of members. We can almost imagine this being as the Nauvoo of old, as some 12,000 saints gathered to worship God, build a Temple and live in harmony with one another. At one point in time, Nauvoo was the second largest city in Illinois, being only slightly smaller than Chicago. Yes, the spirit is still alive on the streets of the City of Joseph and it is gratifying to see the character and integrity of this town be realized once more. 

Not long ago. Sister Warner and I went on a tour of the old Martyrdom Trail. This is the route taken by Joseph and Hyrum as they traveled to Carthage, in late June of 1844. It was wonderful to gain additional insight as to the final days of the Prophet and his brother, but there was a somber feeling as we stood in Carthage jail and felt a strong witness of what happened there, on June, 27, 1844. I felt the spirit of my third great-grandfather, who was with Joseph and Hyrum in that jail of wrongful death.

Missionary work has come alive and we are receiving many referrals from members and other missionaries. Over the last 4 weeks, we have been fortunate enough to have taught 94 lessons and commit four people to baptism. We have a set date of August 10Th, for the baptism of Susan Wilson and her son Brett. They will be baptized by Susan's husband, David, who has not been active in the church in some time. It has been miraculous to observe the spirit at work with these good people, to feel of Christ's atonement in their lives and to be a small part of the "rescue." Sister Warner and I feel that the other two investigators will also be baptized as they feel of the spirit and receive that witness of truth from the Holy Ghost. The Lord is wonderful and has been very kind to us! We have a new Bishop (Bishop Cluff), who is very missionary minded and a joy to be around. He loves the work and has a strong sense of commitment to the rescue effort. Also noteworthy, is that Vanessa Jennings and Tyler Menke, recent converts from our old area of Manchester, Iowa, have been to Nauvoo, watched the pageant and have done baptisms in this beautiful Temple. It just doesn't get any better!!

We love our mission and we love doing the Lord's work! He has blessed us immensely and as we serve Him we can feel of His power and majesty! The world has a need to know of His goodness, of His love and of His great plan for each of us. His church has been restored to its' fullness and we have a sacred responsibility to share the gospel with our friends and neighbors! The rescue effort is vital to all mankind. As we lead by example, our friends and family will follow, the less-active will return and those with their heads hung low, will rise and stand with the just, in these the latter-days. May the Lord bless you to do His work and always be an example for good.

Stand Strong and Be Bold!!

We love you,

Elder and Sister Warner