December 29, 2014

Well, the week what more to say. Christmas was busy, it was good to see everyone in the fam. Sorry for not being able to talk to some extended! But with all the busyness of the week, it was hard to see people. We got a few lessons in that were profound, soon talk to you about those. But mostly did a ton of contacting! On Christmas we made cookies and brownies for members and investigators. Something else that was good about this week though was we had a trade off in Negril. We split their area and I had the opportunity to serve with Elder Biddulph. From him I got to learn great teaching skills and how to just be chill with all that is going on. The motto from our branch mission leader would be: Jamaica no problem, people problem. We had some good contacts though that should be able to help build the branch. Turns out they only have like 10 active members... that’s stressing.

But one of our great lessons for the week was with a sweet lady named Joyce. She let us come over the day after Christmas. She usually brings a friend of her church to the meeting and they both try to tear us apart using the bible.. it doesn’t work though. Thankfully she is sincere in her tactfulness to confound us and still learn. But her friend couldn’t make it, so she invited her two daughters into the lesson. We taught more about the Book of Mormon after answering her 2 pages of concerns focused around my boy Joe Smith. You know the real cool thing about the church is that we can fulfill Alma 26. That we can boast in our God and his word because it makes sense and can confound any other doctrine combined with the spirit. Her meetings are some of my strongest in the mission. By the end it was cool to see that she believes it’s true, but is scared to pray and read it to find out if it is cuz she is a little older and would have to change all she has been doing. It will be a battle, but it was cool to see anyhow, just need prayers that she will follow the promptings she gets. Also that we will be able to work more with her daughters and family. 

We didn’t get to meet with Damion this week, but hopefully we will have a story this next week.

But that’s bout all for the week, Elder Johnson and Howard we took in to go home today so we have to hold down the fort in Mobay for the next couple of weeks. Crazy how close to time is coming, trying to find the balance between planning and not worrying about future plans. That’s probably the number one thing I struggle with is not stressing cuz I can’t seem to get it all done. 

Thanks for everything. Take care, I love you!

Elder Wilkerson 

December 15, 2014

Monday we had to take elder Johnson in to the psychologist in Kingston, so that smoked the day, but we got to do a split in Boulevard. I had an opportunity to do some contacting with Elder Guerrerio again, it was sweet to practice some skills I have been learning from Elder Henderson bout really seeking out people’s desires and asking inspired questions before we jump on the gospel topic. It really helps with loving them. We have been handing out the christmas "he is the gift” cards and that has been a great tool no doubt. We used it again in the morning, as we got to do splits again with the other elders in Boulevard and got to hand out quite a few. It’s exciting to go to new areas and just contact. I think I would have loved tracting... haha, but I dont know. Tuesday evening we had Missionary Leadership Council with Elder Martinez and his dear wife from the seventy. It was great, learned quite a bit. forgot my note book, so not much to talk bout it. After at 6:30 we picked up a washer, drove to Saint Ann’s Bay to pick up the Port Antonio elders to stay with us that night cuz we had the Christmas party in the morning.We got home at like 11... slept, woke up at 5, wrote two talks and made breakfast and headed to the church to set up for zone conference/ christmas party. The meeting part was really good, talked more about finding and boosting our faith, finding the elect and visions and goals. Great meeting. Party was good, thanks for all the gifts. I had an interview with Elder Martinez after.

Thursday we got to spend some time in our area! We had a trade off, Elder Henderson stayed with Elder Johnson as he had to stay inside and rest all week and I took Elder Howard. We had a perfect day, no appointments fell through, not one! Haha. We used the “He is the gift” video and talked about Christ with our less actives, what a powerful spirit it brought! Each time was just sweet, which I probably needed, always can use an increased testimony of the atonement and keep it in mind more, should be always! We met with Natanya and had to read with her but she was at least excited to meet which is a good start. 

Friday was probably one of the more highlighting days! Not too successful in the morning, but the evening was good, as we also had the branch Christmas party.  But I forgot to tell you earlier in the week, I think Wednesday, we prayed for guidance as we contacted and drove to an area. We get out of the car and not even 10 secs out a lady 3 stories up calls out to us and asks us to come up. Whoa. So we run up there, and set up an appointment for Friday. Anyways, she is Pentecostal and brought one of her long time member friends and the first thing they said was teach us all you do today using the bible okay?! Haha, okay.. we wanted to use our tool that has been given to us, and didn’t really want to bible bash, but as Pres Brown has said. " don’t bash, but if you do, win." It was sweet! We were lead to scripture after scripture backing up especially the nature of God, prophets, apostasy, gifts of tongues, authority, and so on. It was so cool, cuz it was light and spiritual. They actually wanted to learn, and we had things brought to our memory.  And it was even cool that I had a hard core stupor of thought as I wanted to share one more apostasy example from Timothy, but no matter how many times I flipped through it, I couldn’t find it. It had to be a good thing, cuz I just wanted to prove that 7th day Pentecostal was not the way to roll. Haha. But we are seeing them next week.  Saturday was lots of contacting again, and pondering on the zone, and that’s when I learned we just got to do all that’s in our power, cuz it was stressin me out! Just big up and love, and as we feel loved and trusted, that’s when we will work harder and not be discouraged. And even though numbers are low, they will eventually clear up, instead of discouraging and getting down about it all. I guess I have just learned to do all we can, serve with all we got, but don't let the little things that are out of our control bug, frustrate, or discourage us! We big up, inspire, bless, and serve all we can and leave the rest to the Lord, cuz it truly is His work.  I am excited, but I just want to finish strong.

Sunday we had another trade off. But it’s good to just be here in Mo Bay today and chill out a bit. We are going to Port Antonio for a trade off tonight. But thanks for listening to my rambling, I know I need to start working on making my emails more spiritual instead of just a day to day check list, but we will talk soon! Love ya!

Elder WIlkerson

Note from an excited Mom:  We got Sterling's travel info this week!  He will fly home on Feb. 26!! Since that next Sunday is fast Sunday, I'm assuming that he will speak on March 8.  We will be switching to the 1:00 schedule so Sacrament meeting will begin at 2:50.  

December 8, 2014

Well shoot, I always feel so bad when I cut our emails short, but I guess the Lord is really pushing me to be busy and finish hard. When I feel it is hard enough there is always more mountains to climb and we are going to need more strength to accomplish them! This week was nuts indeed. Started with 17 hour driving. That smoked our Monday and then Tuesday was good. I had Elder Havili as my companion as Elder Whitlock went assistant to the president. We had a good day and then finished it with some splits in Elder Carter and Lafeyette’s area. It was also Elder Carter’s last day and he stayed the night with us. In the morning, it was great to talk with him and see the progress in us both throughout the rest of our missions! So Wednesday was transfers. I picked up Elder Henderson for my next companion there. I got to serve around him a bit in Kingston, the guy is amazing. Super energetic and ready to go all the time which is great, we got lots to do this transfer. We got back with about 40 minutes to spare and Elder Henderson just coming from Bahamas wanted to knock doors! Man, it’s the first time I have done that. I quite enjoyed it!! And it seems like it will be more fruitful than catching people on the streets who are somewhat forced to talk to you. I’m shore it looks different from other missions, but we got a lot of finding to do. Our area has kinda been suffering. We had to have a few drop lessons this week, but I was thankful that they were really powerful and the spirit was felt strong and differently for these people. As we had our companionship council this week Elder Henderson said I could work on loving the people and area more and that would help me feel the desire to be here more. (he asks lots of questions).. but it’s cool, our companionship is off to a good start.  It’s been weird adjusting with soo many different personalities. It’s really making me stretch. But we had some good experiences this week, meeting with an apostle of the lord with the priesthood authority from the pentecostal faith, and also being ran off some porches (everyone has to have one of those), it’s probably from knocking doors cuz that had never happened before in my mission and I only had 3 months to go! But things are going well. We are about to leave the mission office cuz we  had to drive into Kingston again today to bring a missionary to the doctor. We have mlc tomorrow, and christmas/zone conference with Elder Martinez from the 2nd quorum of the seventy Wednesday.  Love you all -  so glad to hear all the great things that are going on back home! Keep up the strong work!

E Wilkerson

December 1, 2014

Well gosh, I hate to be short, but sometimes it happens and today is one.  

Thanksgiving was good. We spent it at the Hilton as we were invited by a few tourists that are CEO from a company Elder Whitlock worked at and Elder Carter new him so it was sweet spending some time with some millionaires! 

Zone meeting did go super well! We talked about the Christmas initiative that the church is putting on. With the youtube take over and the New York times square ads it’s going to make a big difference in the mission. Plus each companionship is to hand out 10 cards! And that’s one thing we talked about in zone meeting that we need to open our mouths more!!! So that will help a lot and increase attitude and desire. 

Church was good, we had 3 investigators there. 2 are new -  Jenny from Peru and Jackie from Bahama -, both will be going back to their countries in like 6 months..

Had some great trade offs and learned some other things,but today we have lots of things to do for transfers. We have been driving since 5, quickly email you and send in gas receipts and back to Mo Bay, Ochi and possibly Sav. Already have been in Kingston  and Port Antonio today. It’s raining hard, lots of rock slides and mud slides through Stony Hill, one of my favorite roads to drive, and probably the most dangerous. But all is well. Love you, sorry for short details.

Nuff love

Elder Wilkerson 

November 24, 2014

I can’t believe it has been another week. It is going too fast, even though we have lots to do still. I just have check points each week to keep the desire burning, pday Monday, Wednesday meetings, Friday weekly planning and Sunday church. This week we have zone meeting to prepare for, it’s little things like that I look forward to being out of here for! It’s probably terrible to say, cuz there will be other life challenges, but it’s tough. I wish to be a foot soldier again, but it’s been good. We are planning to teach more on conversion and to have some talks to see some conversions from the scriptures and how they took place. And also to talk about goals, as many of the missionaries are getting discouraged as they don’t see immediate results. Many more thoughts needed and revelation cuz we aren’t shore yet. Hey, only 3 more. But the week was great. We did the split in Ochi we planned a few weeks back, I went with Elder Hall and it was good to see some progress they are making. We also went on a trade off with Elder Howard and Johnson. It’s really hard to help missionaries with depression. It’s been a struggle, but it’s something I feel we will have to become expert at, seems like there is a lot in the world today.

Well, as far as the area is concerned, things are going well. We had 4 planned to be at church, but didn’t show. Holidays shore take a toll on the work! But we just gotta keep smiling and working something will work out (D&C 123:17). Ishmael is doing well, he came to Friday night activity, just need to get him to church. Silburn has read half the Book of Mormon with Bro Gillette and it seems like he wants to finish it before we meet again so we pray will work out. Work for Patricia has been stressful, but everything looks okay. Sorry, I don’t have any great stories for you this week. but I’m glad my mission hasn’t been one of lots of eventful stories, but more of a life changer as I learn things line upon line, and the little personal insights I receive. It’s truly been a blessing.

Sorry, I can’t think just now.. I feel like my emails get more and more boring, but it’s about the people here in Jamaica and right now I just want to get zone meeting planned. So, I love you all and hope we can all have a happy week! 

November 17, 2014

Well, this week really was a lot better, and thanks for the prayers. We can talk about that subject later. but this week started out really good. Let me see if I can be a little more specific, but brief as well, as we got to be in Kingston by 4 with Kino Eulette, a soon to be missionary from Montego Bay. We had a really good family home evening with our recent converts. Pat is doing well also. The family missed church again cuz of some other pre-arranged stuff, but they are tearing up the gospel and loving it. Tuesday we did service again and saw some great less actives. That’s not a very good sentence, but they are great people just a little off with life. It’s got to be tough, as all the members are so far apart from each other. They live in like their own communities, but it’s great for finding which we did a lot of this week. We found 6 new investigators this week. Bless up! But Ishmael was one we found on Tuesday night. We had about 15 minutes before we had to go in and we had made a goal to "fear no man", that we would talk with those that we would normally not talk to cuz they look busy or drive a bmw, or any other irrational excuse. Ishmael was the first guy we met. He has two taxis and I need to get pics of the one, it’s got bible quotes and phrases ALL over it!! He has done a lot of searching for the truth. Funny thing was the other missionaries gave him a track like hours earlier and so he felt God was calling him. He has great desires to be baptized, it’s interesting having to teach faith and repentance first not to build the desire to baptize but just to understand. Cuz he is confused, but he don’t know it. 

Wednesday was sweet too. We went to Elder Dean’s district meeting and learned about being balanced missionaries and working on all the Christlike attributes to strengthen us, and make us better tools for God! Really good, I needed the review. After, we drove back down for our interviews with Pres. Brown. We talked about study, and he committed me to read 10 pages a day. Also, he shared with me a quote, I think by Elder Eyring: " how long should we study the scriptures? until we feel the spirit of the Lord, and then a little more." Very cool. Also talked bout prayer and some other things, learned about praying always! But Elder Whitlock just notified me we gotta go. Needless to say, we had a good week. The work is going strong, and.. I love ya!

Elder Wilkerson 

November 10, 2014

Well shoot, this week was a bit of a drag. In terms of numbers it was terrible, but we got some good things done and met some great people! I guess we can start with Tuesday.

We got to go back and do service for Nateisha. Only in Jamaica would it take so long to move a pile of "Dirt". It was mostly clay and concrete block pieces and huge stones. We had one wheel barrel and half a shovel. We used a piece of rebar as a pick. Haha! It took way long and didn’t even finish. But we decided to go back on Saturday to finish, invite her to church and also to let the community see us working. Ha, it worked. We also saw Patricia cuz it was her day off.  Taught her about covenant making and keeping and the gospel. She really is doing so great, you can tell she is excited cuz even with all the negative comments at work and such she still tells everyone she is studying with us and considering baptism. She missed this past week for church, but doing well over all.

Wednesday we had district meeting in Montego Bay, and went over the importance of the area book again. We had a lot of our lessons fall through as well, all week we did, even the most solid of solid ones we did! Oh well, it’s all part of trusting in God and finding what he really wants to be done and not just what we think would be best. Great opportunity to remember who’s work this truly is! We instead went and found some less actives and hope to work with them more since they haven’t been in contact with any one from the church for 5+ years. We also talked to some people on the streets. We have been really trying to consecrate ourselves and find the right people, "the Elect" to build the kingdom here, so we determined to talk to people that we would normally be afraid to Open Our Mouths to! It’s tough at first, but with faith that this message is for everyone, we Will find them. We contacted this sweet family, and hope to see them this week. We then packed and left to Ochi, to stay the night as we had Missionary Leadership Council on Thurdsay.

Thursday, MLC was good. It took all day of course to have it and then travel back. It was really good, we talked about true conversion more and how we don’t baptize people until they really show the fruits. We went over the Lord’s standard for baptism mostly and some other things, but that was the main point. It’s cool to see how the mission is really coming into the way it should be, and no one really knows these big changes are happening cuz they are so small. We work on one thing to change in the "mission culture" or in other words what happens when leaders aren't around. We have one thing worked on per month, and the changes are great! (Alma 37:6-7) guess that would be the perfect scripture for the things that are happening here. There is more to it than that, but I won’t bore you with the minor details. 

Well Friday was actually our set goals and make plans day. With the sad situation we were in this week we ended up planning for like 6 hours and then we really set some goals to find the elect. That meant opening our mouths to those just getting out of a bmw or a big house. We think these are terrible situations and are going to be so awkward, and they might be for the first 20 seconds, but then don’t forget our message is awesome! We then went out to put it in practice. First one was a test, a nice family getting in the car and here comes us. It turned out horrible cuz he just want to bash and hardened his heart, but Elder Whitlock says it was the test and the next would be elect. She was. We called at Natanya's gate, offered service at 8:30 at night, slipped in the restoration and she wanted to read the Book of Mormon. She recently had a brother die and she tapes her children’s coloring pages and weird things to the fridge, come on that’s a perfect mormon mom!! We are seeing her tomorrow. But really, to all that are kinda worried bout sharing the gospel, if it truly is the only church run by the Savior, open your mouth and tell people. It’s a marvelous work and wonder. Gosh, I’m going to miss being a full time missionary. I still cannot believe my time is winding down. I really would extend if I could. 

Saturday more service of course, and then met with Chrishnah. We finally pin-pointed his big problem, the Godhead. He is great, but is moving to the states next week for a year. One day he will get baptized, but I hope to keep the link, he really is a neat guy.

Sunday was different again, it’s always is nerve racking, a church full of converts, young in years of experience. I somewhat understand why Paul was so stressed. But we had the primary program this past one. We had quite a few investigators there. The children really are brilliant, they gave some amazing talks. I wish I could have recorded them, even though some did. The worst part of all was this young boy with nuff style gave his talk then said in the name of Jesus Christ and then threw the mike up for the audience to give an amen. It worked and then everyone was clapping and stuff. Ha.. now our investigators think that is what we do.. oh boy. It was pretty good though. Diana, the sweet less active we thought we were getting through to called and said she doesn’t want to study anymore. but we found some other good things to do, but nothing spectacular. Sorry, kind of a boring email to read I’m shore. But it can’t all be downhill, the mountains to climb are great and I’m glad they are there, so we can see the Lord’s hand in our life sooo much even when it is smooth sailing. Love you all, bless up!

Elder Wilkerson

Service

Our house

November 3, 2014

Well this week started off fresh! We had a good prep day and ended with seeing Patricia. We read where she was at in the Book of Mormon. 1 Nephi 7.  I was bummed at first cuz I love 1 Nephi 8! But it was the chapter for her. She connected with Nephi right away and shared an experience with us from her past, and recognized an answer she didn’t know she had received in the past. The enabling power of the atonement. It was a sad story, but so glad it connected with her, and opened her eyes a lot! She came to church, but barely missed sacrament, due to the rain and she was little bit lost! But came nonetheless! She is really going so great. We are seeing her tomorrow. 

Tuesday was pretty good as well. We contacted some former's, like no information, but amazing how they still lived in the same location and that we could find them after 10 years! It was amazing cuz on the record it would say like age 19, and then meet them and it’s a different story. Age 29, married, has a house, car, and job! Whoa. The Lord really knows what he is doing. Mama Carr is one of them. She is sweet and old, but nuff family and potential. She didn’t remember anything the other missionaries taught her, other than she had 4 Book of Mormons in her house! Cool huh. Another was meeting with Angela. Taught about the gospel and the temple. She said she felt something as we talked about temples. Sometimes I think we get like even a little immune to that feeling… cuz in my mind before I was like she doesn’t look like anything is clicking, but she has Chickingunya this week so she promised next week Sunday for church. 

Wednesday of course was zone meeting. It went so smooth and beautiful. It really was amazing and teaching about the temple and focusing on the families, and finding families this week was powerful experience! It is so true! The spirit in zone meeting as we shared testimony in the role plays even about our families and temples was so real. The spirit was strong!!  And then I had a trade off with Elder Johnson, a missionary from Alabama. He really struggles with depression and pride. Like seriously. But we had a sweet trade off. Able to address those problems and he brought them up which was the easy part. As I studied for him the next morning, I learned many areas I could improve as well. He was really good at bearing testimony with enthusiasm and energy, and it's spiritual. I hope I can acquire some of that! We taught the Scarlett's about plan of salvation and the temple and had a great, touching experience with them as well! The other event that is pushing my mind that day is we went to church.  It’s called the meeting place. Some religion based out of Bahamas, some white pastor lady, anyways to the meat of the matter. My mouth was almost to the floor the whole time! I could not believe it. I am so thankful I was raised in this church, but I wish I went to that one earlier. Or any I’m shore. Not to bash on others, but the speaking in tongues I experienced, the shaking and rolling and "getting in spirit", the drums, the "make a joyful noise to the Lord", it was madness. But it was an invite from a investigator Elder Johnson is teaching and now she is like so converted to our church, so well worth the experience! Only thing that really displeased me was shouting "Jesus" over and over and over for the whole 1 hour praise and worship service. Something I definitely think everyone should experience to strengthen their testimony. Haha.

Thursday we taught several more lessons about the temple or at least in it. Jason knows the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet. Just got to get him to church! Soon come! But for our Thursday event. Hmmm should I tell you.., We were teaching a lady up in Cornwall courts, and all the sudden we see this bright light, and my comp was like only cops have those kind of lights. I was like someone is probably tooling us.. It happens all the time and kept teaching.. Oh mind you.. we are sitting on cinder blocks out front, but shore enough, police creep up and are like: Police! No one move! Police! No one move! Stand up hands in the air! I turn to find three M16's pointed in my face and one man with the pistol and light. Checked us out for a second and then rolled out with nothing to say. I mean what could they say... you just held up a bible study, two white man and everyone had a Book of Mormon in the air. One thing I will tell you, police are no funny business down here. You run, they shoot. You look suspicious - you're dead. Turns out there was a few people killed earlier in the hour. I love Jam rock! Always exciting.

Friday we decided to try a new finding technique when everything went sour for plans. We decided to go up to this new stoosh  scheme and offer rich people service. It was inspired. I was scared at first, but really thinking about it rich people are people with jobs and lives and families are usually the most stressed and need help. The first 3 houses said yes. What a trick or treat session!!! So we got some service next week.

Saturday was national service day and we chopped lots of macca off the highway in front of a members school. So macca is like hawthorn bushes. We are little scraped up, but it was good bonding time and great food! Also decided while still in service clothes we would go look for more opportunities in the same area as yesterday, Irwin meadows. First house said sweet words to our ears as we asked for ideas on who else does she know that might need help. Quote: " well most everyone on this street probably could use the help, they are all pretty busy and have been living here less than a year. They are all young, professionals who have families!" God bless! We have found the hot spot! So excited to spend some time up there this week, I kid you not, service will soften anyone's heart, even the busy and rich! 

Sunday was really rainy but we found a less active that hasn't come to church in 10 years and her family lives with her. Started to address her concerns.. there is still more, but just goes to show how much God is blessing this island and the angels are working hard. Thank you for the prayers, they work. I repeat they work! I love you all and hope you have a blessed week! 

love, Elder Wilkerson 

October 27, 2014

Yah, Hero's day is pretty lame. I don’t even know if they party, but pretty much everything closes down and everyone stays home. I'm not real shore why, but that’s how it rolls. Yah, primary programs are great, they should do them here, but they do not. We barely have a primary here in Mobay, too many old folks. Soon change that though!! 

We have been making heavy preparations for zone meeting this week. We got bumped ahead 1 week, cuz someone from the Seventy was supposed to join us but won’t be able to. Yes, we procrastinated! But we are lookin good now! We plan to teach with the end in mind, really focused around finding families, and getting to the temple which of course you probably think is silly, cuz of course that is the goal, but with all the emphasis on baptism, our retention has been poor and we need a recap and also to focus us on finding the right people. The way the church will take off is easy stated in 6 words. families-families, doctrine-covenants, redeemed -sealed. Families are to save families whether extended, immediate, or just our spiritual brothers and sisters. We teach doctrines and make covenants. They are redeemed and sealed and stay that way more as they are supporting each other in living the gospel. I’m really excited for this meeting, and then just one more then zone conference. It’s terrible to state it that way, but boy it really is stressing. Maybe I just over think the whole thing. Just glad I’m not the mission president. I listened to a talk this week by Elder Holland. I believe it was called to serve, a talk he gave in 2002. But the story he shares about the wife and the bishop, so true. And I just want to BIG UP all of you that serve so faithfully and time consuming in your various callings, and good example!

This week was great though, yes we had transfers again. We just keep getting a more and more blessed zone. It really is cool, so much potential. Now just to can it and direct it in the right path. We really are doing well, but with more serving with our minds, we could be so much better off! Myself included. It’s a tough one it seems, but in the end it really is easiest. So like 10 hours off driving for transfers, minor details. We had some progressive lessons this week, even though none really solidly moving towards baptism right now, too many running the mouth.  One of which was Chrishnah, he really is awesome, great questions that are out of this world and twist your mind in so many ways, but sincere about it. Thankfully this lesson was able to channel all those questions. We listened to another Elder Holland talk, from 2013 conference “Lord I Believe”. It’s okay to have questions, and that truly is how we learn, but we must hold the ground we have and forever fan the flame of our faith! It was straight forward, no questions, if, ands, or buts and his faith is really growing. Also, he  was sharing with his friend things he knows about the pre earth life, something he use to struggle with! Yes! Another was a tender mercy of the Scarlett’s. We were planning to see them, but they weren’t answering the phone. No one really lived out by them so we were debating even going, but we were prompted to journey on. We got there and Brother Scarlett was chopping his yard, even though he is still recovering! Whatcha, thankfully we had 2 machetes in the van, and this is probably the first time I cut a whole yard in shirt and tie. Brian was just laughing the whole time, service really does soften people up. She really is going back to Utah this year to work, so that is kinda putting a dent in our plans, but we decided once we get them more serious(and this is a joke by the way, but I guess more of a dream) we will do a skype baptism. I’ll baptize Bro Scarlett and my dad can baptize her in Utah and it will be sweet! Haha! Cool story huh, but it’s still a work in progress!

A lot of our progression right now is coming from finding and working with less actives which really is some of my favorite visits, but eventually referrals will come from that effort I do know! So soon come! Patricia and family are the next ones that probably will get baptized. She hasn’t come to church yet cuz she has been sick, but is working towards Nov 30th baptism. And she also got the job at Mega Mart(biggest shopping center here) as the manager, so she is elect and just doing well. Things are going well, not much to complain about. I’m loving what I am learning as we give we get much more. As we teach we learn more. It’s a crazy system but it works fo realz! And maybe next week my email will be formatted correctly. I’'ve made a goal to be more ProFRESHinal! :) And I guess everything falls into that category. Which is kind of a tough battle, between worldly speech and Patwah or proper and respectful. I feel it’s easier to get along with everyone with gangster vibes, but guess there is a time and place for everything and that’s part of the test, to be balanced people! But love you all, take it easy!!

Elder Wilkerson 

October 20, 2014

Well this week has been good. It really has been, I wish I had time to tell you all about it, but we are shorted in our schedule. It happens sometimes and I’m just thankful I’m not an assistant who rarely have a pday.. but we had to run some missionaries around today and it’s hero day in Jamaica so everything is closed. We also took Romario Smith, a member here, to be set apart. He leaves Wednesday to England. but transfers we have to do tomorrow and Wednesday. There is still 4 other elders that need to email and I need to email President before 6. Just wanted to let you know all is well and thanks for your prayers and love, sorry to short change you on the update. I love you all. Have a blessed week.

Favorite scripture of the week: Alma 12:31-32? Anyways, I think it talks bout either we are growing our testimony or it will perish. So let us all work hard to become the person(s) God knows we can be. Respect!
Elder Wilkerson

October 13, 2014

This week was really good overall! We left Monday afternoon to pick up Elder Dean in Sav, drove back to Mo Bay and picked up Elder G and Johnson, and then headed to Ochi. We stayed the night there.  I woke up in the morning and I had the chickingunya... it was terrible driving through the twist and turns in the early of the morning to get to the training meeting for the district leaders. But we got there and I missed most of the meeting, sleeping and shoving frozen bottles under my arms and legs to bring down the temp. From what I caught though, man I missed a great meeting.  2nd to last, Elder Whitlock and I taught on trade- offs and having a model area, but more of being a model missionary. It was alright, honestly I don’t remember much of it. But then we did the reverse order to take the elders home, staying in Mo Bay and then taking back Elder Dean in the morning to Sav. We stayed for his district meeting then we did a split with the elders in the Sav house. I went with Elder Dean and Keogler and Elder Whitlock biked with Elder packer and Gardner. Our day went really good, plus I was able to show them some members’ homes and also some people to check back, since it got white washed twice they were a little lost. I got to see Shereca and commit hee to coming back to church... sad, but thankfully she was honest and willing to improve. I can’t wait to be done and be able to talk to all my converts! Anyways, Thursday morning we got back in our area and went to work! 

We saw a good amount of less actives, and also had Shanna-lees baptism interview and all things ran really smooth. Friday was more interesting though. We met with the number 1 magician here in Jamaica, he said you could just YouTube Jamaican magician and he would probably come up. He is pretty good and really chill, both him and his wife do magic for career and she is a member, plus his car is super pimped out. I’ll just have to get a pic next time to show you what I mean, its unique needless to say. Anyways, he is confused and we are meeting with him again this week. Our focus this week was for families and part member families.  We also met with Angela and Joan who are both married( which is rare in JA) but we haven’t met their husbands yet. They want to know the Book of Mormon is true before they leave their church and visit ours, which is fair, I'd say the same thing. It truly has to be hard to change something you haven't been doing your whole life and believe it to be true. I have sooo much respect for ALL those that meet with us, really I don't think I would. 

Saturday was great though. We met with the Scarlett’s, they are the same as stated above, but they took the restoration very well, understood and very respectful. The spirit was soo strong there! Only part, and I swear it happens in EVERY lesson, is when we talk about the actual restoration, a dog barks, a baby cries, a gun shot, phone call, neighbor, anything to get rid of the touching spirit to let you know it’s true! Frustrating I say!But they are strong Baptist, committed to read and do more research before coming to church and accepting a date. But we got a return appointment to teach them the plan of salvation. We also were prompted to teach them about temples and priesthood right off the bat which we hardly ever do, but it was so cool.  We also met with Chrishnah who has been listening to the Book of Mormon in his car since he never has time to read. We were about ready to be forced to drop him cuz he is too busy, but that, the book of Mormon listening, has changed everything and he is making time 

to learn. Powerful!

Shanna-lees baptism was great.  The camera isn’t working properly so hopefully you will get to see the pics, great service. Sunday we met with another family, named Patricia, who works at the book store we email at, and has always been impressed with our conduct, and wants to join a church like that. She said, quote: "I want to glow like you elders do when you walk around, people can just see you are Christians, if they look". Gosh, it’s good to get a big up now and then! She has 7 children and is educated, so great way to finish the week. Many other cool experiences with others like Jason Lee, Surburn, Trissia and more. The work is going good, just need more time now. This week we are going to Ochi to do a split, but we do have more time if nothing goes wrong. Love you all and take care this week!

Elder Wilkerson

October 6, 2014

This week was tremendous, so much learning and study upon my side. We had Missionary Leadership Council this Thursday, and I guess I’ll talk bout that first. We taught for 1 hour on retention of converts and using the new and returning member form. Boy I learned that councils can be tough. I can’t imagine being over the affairs of the church and have to be unified with all 15 of them. That is a strong spirit eh. Pres Brown taught about a doctrine that has always confused me deep in the back of my head, but he unfolded it pretty easily as he does with everything! D&C 29 really talking about how we have power and Gods power. It makes for a good study, but coming down to the basics, if we aren't obedient the intelligences of the world won’t obey us, hence we have no power, but God is exactly obedient so the intelligences obey immediately. If we aren’t obedient in this life, we can’t have the celestial glory and be able to create our own worlds cuz we will have No power! Yikes.. still trying to wrap my brain around it, but a little extra motivation to live righteously, no complaints please. 

And general conference, wow it was good but short! I received answers to 11 of my questions I had or at least a pointing finger in the direction I should go, even though I feel like it was all a recap of things I have been learning in every day missionary work! Which is so cool to see how the spirit really can align us with the will of the Father and we can have daily connection with him! We missed the last half of the priesthood session due to all of Montego Bay power going out cuz of a huge storm, but we were watching it at a less active member’s home so we had a good chat with him and his girlfriend. And it was cool how we were able to get over there for that conference. We have been trying to figure out where we lives and number for weeks! We finally got his number, called him and he definitely didn't want to meet. But let the spirit do its job and fear not, he ended up listening to the mormon tabernacle choir one night and called us at like 8:30 and we weren't shore what to do in that time slot and were praying what to do. And he calls “hey, I’m listening to the mormon tabernacle choir, it’s really nice, can you guys come over and see me? Whoa! Bro Lee is solid, the testimony talks were great for him, as he feels it was all forced upon him growing up and never got his own. Power went out and we got to talk about it, mysterious ways of the Lord, but overall conference was great. I believe I got the most out of the foreign speakers, an extra spiritual strength with those men. So cool. 

Shana-lee is getting baptized this Sunday and we are doing Bobbie’s interview in Ochi tonight. We have a district leader training meeting tomorrow in Spanish town at 8:30 til 3:30 and have to teach there for close to another hour on trade off's and having a model area. But I guess there is no rest for the weak. Gotta keep going. Just glad it’s my driving day! Ha-ha. 

Well, I guess that is about it for the exciting highlights of this week other than we have started to see more persecution maybe cuz conference was coming up, but lately we have had people chatting us bad, or cussing us off their porch. Haven't had that much in my mission so it’s good to get a taste you understand! (Matthew 5:10) racking up blessings, boom boom pow! rejection, yes! boom boom pow: blessed are those that are persecuted for my names sake. ha-ha)

But the work really is going good, the only thing to complain about is we have like 40 potentials that are saying yah I will meet with you but next week, and then we get more and it’s just frustrating to plan with so many people. But we are going to start trying to resolve that blessing this week.

Love you all, keep up the good work in all you do! Bless up!

With Rohan and Tracey - two of my favorite members in Ocho Rios

With Bro and Sis Hardy (branch Pres. in Ochi) - my mission Grandparents

Elder Wilkerson  

September 29, 2014

This week was hot! Not temperature wise.. I’m indifferent to that now. But we really had a great week. I Know that God really does want us to Pray Until Something Happens. PUSH! That many of our desires and things we want are only attainable through wearying the Lord in prayer. I have seen it this week! Through zone meeting and our missionary efforts. One day in particular was Saturday. We were looking for a less active, well two of them actually, and our teaching pool still wanted some great investigators. We petitioned the Lord for help and also the fasting was involved, but we were lead to this sweet family. Sister Scarlett! She works where? Take a guess. Utah! Ha ha, at the Canyons ski Resort, easy in for Elder Whitlock and I. Her husband is a police and they are both strong Baptist but whoa their vibes.. they are awesome. We are going back Tuesday to see them. We also have found several more former's by accident this week, well I don't if I can even call it that. The Lord Truly knows his people and where they are and when they are ready!(3 Nephi 17:4) They are not lost! I haven't seen eyes light up the way I have this week. A tender mercy indeed. 

Zone meeting was swell. The spiritual aspect went a bit long and cut short our role play or practice time (which I have grown to love). The ability to council is very important for success in anything, marriage, business and improvement. I was straight up nervous at first but that left quickly, I’m close with like everyone in the zone which is nice and things ran pretty smooth. My part of the spiritual aspect was taken from "Give me this Mountain” by Spencer W. Kimball.  Great talk. Elder Whitlock’s was taken from: “Begin with the End in Mind” by Russell M. Nelson. Another great discussion talk. I thought teaching for 3 hours would be tough, but it was smooth like butter, I just pray the next one will be better now that I have feel for what I was supposed to be doing!! And that's the thing, 2 minutes of relief "whew I’m done, shoot.. what will we teach in a 4 weeks??" Kinda stressing, but stress makes us grow. 

Favorite scripture this week:( Helaman 3:27-30) we really pound in how the basics are so important! And they are, yet we still forget so quick, or we get into a thoughtless routine and it becomes a duty instead of a relationship, a blessing and something sought after. Yes, scripture study, heart felt prayer and involved church attendance will divide asunder all the evils that are thrown at us. And at this time of life we are going to have to step up our testimonies if we don't want to be shot down into that pit of misery and be lost in the carelessness of this world. I know that as we do these 3 simple things we will hold out faithful to the end.  I'm so excited for last mission General Conference, and something I have realized is Saturday is probably one of the more important sessions, that is where we get to Sustain our leaders. All are great, but the little things are really coming to mean so much to me. Hope you all have a blessed week, and take care!

Love, Elder Wilkerson   

September 22, 2014

This week I guess a theme was played out in all of our teaching and it came from Mosiah chapter 2, mainly verses 21,24, and 41 (my favorite). But as we are trying to rebuild our teaching pool we are working with several less active families which we believe all are that way due to offence. It’s so sad to see how the small and simple things become so big! It can go both ways for good and for bad! I think that for this reason it’s one of the biggest lessons I have learned on my mission. Come what may and love it (2 nephi 2:2) these problems and trials will be Consecrated for our favour. Without problems and challenges there is no way to grow. We Must choose Not to take offence. (James 3) if a man not offend in word, the same is a perfect man. We all know we are not perfect and on many occasions we do the offending on top of Choosing to be Offended. Even this week we have a recent convert who said they are leaving the church cuz they got some money stolen at church! Of course things Should Not happen!, buttt.. they can happen anywhere, and WHY walk away from the church, the truths you cherish, your foundation of happiness? Are the people in the church true? Or is the Book of Mormon, Jesus the Christ real, and God's love and perfect understanding and doctrine? I hope we can all stay rooted for when those storms come in our life, for they surely will (Helaman 5:12). I have really learned all these trials help us REMEMBER who we are and who God Knows we Can become! Sometimes he has to knock us flat so we are forced to look up at him, other times, I don't know.. maybe just to strengthen our faith in him as we yoke up and totally surrender to him. I pray we can all have the same faith as talked about in the scriptures, live with unwearyingness that we may be blessed Forever!! And the way we can help others I think is to gently P.U.S.H. them and love them. Push= Pray Until Something Happens. (Like Mosiah 27:15?) I am so thankful to be on a mission. Blessed in all things temporally and spiritually (Mosiah 2:41), let us Remember and be FaithFull.

Another cool thing I learned this week, which probably isn't news to you all, but that in 2 Nephi 31:13 where it says we will be able to speak with tongue of an angel, that in 2 Nephi 32:2-3 that that tongue is the spirit bringing things to you to say, and that pretty much every lesson we try to speak with tongue of the angels, so cool!

Well, this week is going well, we had to drop off a potential missionary last night in Ochi and have to pick him up today. Also had to earlier in the week pick up an Elder from Ochi and take him to Negril so really racking up the road time and haven't had much time in our area this week. P.S. We just got our mission gas card so hopefully we are done racking up the home cards, I’ll probably be broke when I get home, but every penny and lesson learned will be worth it. Even if I have to ride a bicycle back home for a few years ha!  But some cool things that did happen: Bro Powell being baptized( Elder G and Johnson candidate). I got to interview him, great service, and we should have 3 following in the following 3 weeks here in Mo Bay! Preparations for zone meeting this week, so stressed, gotta teach for 3 hours! Yikes! Mostly prepared though. And some awesome talking to everyone experiences.  Also found a former that had lost contact with the missionaries after 1 contact with them and for 4 years has been wanting to learn more. She accepted baptism in our first lesson and is just awesome! Thank you for PUSHing out for me through prayers and other ways I do love you all so much. Bless up!

Elder Wilkerson 

Sept. 15, 2014

Things have been slow in MoBay, a lot of the teaching pool took a big hit with our companionship split and school being back in… only got one solid investigator and I just met her! But Shana Lee is looking to get baptized on the 5th and is doing so great! 

We have been working hard this week to build our teaching pool. Less active work has been key and is probably one of my favorite things to do! We met Sister Willocks, less active 3 years now, has been to the temple then joined a yahweh church. Cha! But she will be easy to get back, such a sweet lady, and will bring many with her. We also have been Talking With Everyone. Try to get 10 contacts on the side of everyone else we plan to see and things are going great there, lots of fun to get out of the comfort zone(at least at first), from the initial contact everything is just down hill and pure testimony. Nothing too exciting to report on. We had two emergency transfers this week so we spent quite a bit of time out of our area and lots of driving, no tickets yet though and things are going good. I love you so much and thankful for the opportunity to serve and learn and grow. God bless you all!

Elder Wilkerson

Sept. 8, 2014

Well this week was killer, we made lots of less active visits with the Hardy's since they are the new Branch President, well I guess technically just him, but it was great to get to go around the area in a car- this place is just way to hilly for me! Elder Hall smokes me up those hills! Thankfully the visits were a success, we found several part member families to work with, lots of back to school blessings, and this week the church attendance was tripled! Whoa! It was great, if it keeps up we soon will be sitting people on the steps up the stairs! We had quite a few investigators come as well. Bobby is progressing great, he is growing in his understanding of the priesthood and it is his desire to obtain it! Love that man. I will send you a pic this week. Hopeton is  doing well also. We assigned him this past week with like a primary assignment to help build his relationship with his mom cuz she isn’t going to let him get baptized til she sees the changes! Thankfully, this Sunday we had a great chat with her, she is seeing the changes and wants to learn how to strengthen her family and learn more bout the church. But as far as his assignment went, was he had him do one nice thing per day leaving behind a paper heart! Worked like a charm! He is on date for the 20th and is excited to be a member. It’s sad to leave behind so many great investigators, but the cool thing is as zone leader, and Elder Hall as district leader, we will get to interview them for baptism! 

We had transfer calls this week, I will be back in Mo Bay tomorrow and Elder Hall is training, and many other great changes are happening in the zone, although 3 of our stellar missionaries are headed home. It’s weird to think that MY trainer goes home next transfer! But it will be great, also I get elder carter back in Mo Bay. he has 2 more transfers so that’s sweet!

One of the highlights this week was Missionary leadership coordination meeting. I once again forgot my notes... I’m bad at that. But one topic was chickungunya...(which i already got) don’t worry its going away now.. then obedience and there are problems in the mission, but Elder Cornish from the seventy said we are one of the more obedient missions in the Caribbean, so that’s good but room for improvement.  One of the important parts was training schedule being formed to outline all the meeting we will have in the next year. We made our mission scripture D&C 6:3 with the theme of reaping and sowing. also 1Nnephi  3:14-15 was brought up. Nephi’s brothers had faith to sow(v14) they tried, (v15) Nephi had faith to reap! We will not go back home til we find 4 progressing investigators, til god leads us to an elect person, or something to that effect. and we have to have that attitude if we want to baptize, not only baptize but prepare souls for the celestial kingdom! And some won’t believe.. but leave them behind, we got the plates to get, people to save, and must move forward like Nephi even sometimes by ourselves not knowing before hand what we will do. That is the focus right now and I’m excited. It was great serving with Elder Hall, I learned some great things, I think Elder Whitlock did to. I’m excited to be back in our companionship and tear some things up in Mo Bay! 

Hope you are all enjoying your next school year, and that you all will have a  good week! Seemed like traffic was lessened when school was in back home, but traffic is a mad house with kids in school. Oh well, bless up and have a great week! 

Elder Wilkerson

View from my house

My good friend, Bobby

Hopeton, Stephanie and Jevan family 

September 1, 2014

Well, this week has been a blessing! I have learned so much from trade offs, to examples of Christ especially as I gave a 25 min talk on the perfect love of Christ! We worked hard this week and got a whole leap done. Lots of biking and among the other things I have learned I have learned I’m way outta shape! But down here in the mish they have a famous saying of 6 months to sexy. So I guess it’s bout that time, and to get into rhythm! We met some new investigators one of which is Bobbie. He is a Rasta. Hopefully I’ll i get some good pics this week, I have been a slacker on that note! But Bobbie is awesome. First lesson bout restoration he had studied up on the Priesthood and was committed to church! Just a solid guy. Wednesday we did a trade off in Port Antonio. It was bout 3 hours of taxiing to get there. Not a fun drive if you don’t go the speed limit, and that’s what taxi drivers do best! It was cool to be in a house with 3 Jamaicans. Now I really know what chatting is! When it’s straight Jamaicans and they don’t have to slow down for us white guys, good luck understanding. Well, I don’t really want to bore you with the facts of who we saw or what we taught, it’s the same 5 lessons in preach my gospel. But one thing I did learn as Friday night I was called to speak in church. As I was studying up a bit I was to look for opportunities to have experience with that. Well sometimes we pray for things we don’t want, but it was a good experience none-the-less, I’ll tell you about it. We went up to see an investigator, it’s close to a bar and this drunk yute, probably bout 25, came up and was all rude saying things that I need not repeat, and don’t use your imagination too much. Anyways, it gets to the point where I am just trying to ignore him which doesn’t make him happy which at this time me and my comp just wanna knock him out! Well... he thought it first. This man hits me across my face. I was shocked and at the same instance the scripture I read earlier was "turn the other cheek" and "do unto others as you want to be treated" whoa. Christ of all power had to do that a lot. It was hard not to revile. I just took it to which I received another. But the crazy thing was after the second I just felt bad for this man, I wanted to help him. But anyways, someone escorts him out. 

Had lots of opportunities to see the commands of Christ in action and it truly is a hard law to live for many, especially down here. One found in 3 nephi 26:19 - contention is of the devil. But if we really remember him always, pray for those that accuse, persecute and lay fingers pon us,  new love will come in our hearts and like Mosiah 5:2 we will not desire after those ways anymore. If we truly have faith in Christ, we will keep all these many difficult commands even if it is hard cuz we Know it will Bless us! 

But I guess the other fantastic part of the week was church! We had like 10 investigators there and it was just a killer meeting! The Spirit was strong and we got a new Branch President. Elder Hardy from one of the senior couples, it will be a blessing for this branch. Elder Hall and I taught the second class bout prophets and a focus on sustaining leaders and even members, which was cool that we were inspired to do that cuz we didn’t know we were getting a new Branch President. So cool how the spirit works, he shore does a great job, glad I don’t have that role! Ha, but it was good to train the members on their role and help them see it’s them that make a good branch president. And last was like a getting to know the branch/ testimony meeting. It was great and all our investigators said they are coming back which is cool cuz sometimes you go to church just praying that nothing tooo strange will happen today.  Bet it was like that in the days after Christ died. A bunch of new converts running the church and trying to add in different ways they think it should be done. But things are going great all over the island. What a blessed place to serve. Love you all and your support, and your Christlike desires, let all continue to work on our goals and do the best we can to fulfill our masters plan. Have a blessed week!

Elder Wilkerson

August 25, 2014

Well, where to start. This week was great and my vision continues to unfold and brighten each day! On Tuesday we went and saw a less active, she is awesome. We also taught a few of her friends that were there playing bingo. Her husband used to be the branch pres. As we were cleaning out our area book we found about 50 referrals from that family that hadn’t been baptized, but probably another 50 were baptized from this one family. The power of one is awesome. We look forward to working with this family more! 

Wednesday we had zone conference with Elder Cornish of the second quorum of the sevent., We had district leader council right before and he upped our standards of excellence with a new vision. If we are to baptize weekly, we will need more than 1 progressing each week, we need at least 4! Gosh, that guy is brilliantly led by the spirit. The meeting was very much about seeking after the one. Also on the missionary purpose, the doctrine of Christ and the process of true conversion. It was a great meeting. I forgot my notes so I can’t quote my favorite parts, but from it we were asked to prepare two talks in preparation for the meeting. I was certain I wouldn’t be called, but I am glad I did prepare something. I was asked to share my views on process of true conversion. I spoke on what we must "feel, know and understand" to be converted. I'm so thankful to have had President Brown as my mission president and the parents, brothers, family and friends that have been placed in my life to begin to accomplish this process in my life! I want to be like so many of you when I grow up! Conversion is the only path that is mine for the taking! That was the last part of the meeting focus. Are you converted and will you forever remain that way?! We had a question and answer session as well and gained some good insights there. It was a great meeting sorry I forgot my notes to share some insights, you will just have to trust me on that note!

After the meeting Elder Cornish had interviews with zone leaders and district leaders. It was sweet. He gave me some tips for the mission and for life after. We didnt get home til 10. 

Thursday we went to work calling formers, meeting with members and doing all we could to get at least 4 progressing and Elder Cornish was right, it can be done. Jamaica or any part of the world is no different. You can have many progressing, you can have great things happen in your life no matter your circumstances. It comes back to your perception, attitude and the amount of work you are willing to put in! We had 4 come to church this past Sunday and looking forward to seeing 4 more this week! 

The Ochi or Ocho Rios branch is very small. Many members have moved abroad. We had about 35 there for the Sacrament. The Sisters taught gospel principles and I taught priesthood class for the young men! I love Ochi, but there is work to be done. One thing I don’t like about Ochi is there is always tourists around and as cool as it is to be shouted out to by some white Mormons, it’s weird to see a lot of white people... haha! weird huh. But I love the mission work, it’s going great. Some days it feels like a dream, but I heard it once said, I think by the Osmond brothers, that earth life is like summer camp. It’s short and fun, but there are rules. Love you all -  enjoy your time back in school! Bless!

Elder Wilkerson

August 18, 2014

This week has been all over. I went on a trade off to Kingston with Elder Prete. It was great, lots of driving too. Shantel is getting baptized this week, and several moving along steadily! Hopefully I’ll get back before they get baptized, hopefully not before this transfer ends! Oh wait, did I say I am in Ochi now! Elder Egan went home early for school and with 3 weeks left in the transfer they thought it would be a great opportunity for me to train the next district leader and to friendship with those in my zone that live so far away. It’s been great so far even though I only have been here since 7 this morning! We cleaned the house and that’s why I am late emailing you.. sorry, it will be short! I’m now serving with Elder Hall and Elder Whitlock is in a tripanionship friendshipping with the 4 elders in Mobay! Pretty cool I must say even though I’m back pon a bike. 

Elder Cornish from the seventy is coming this Wednesday and I need to write 2 talks in preparation for it, but it should be a neat experience. He also may do interviews with the zone leaders, pros and cons I guess, haha. 

But this week was good I must report. Many spiritually uplifting meetings and everyone is doing really good. We are teaching people that love to read the Book of Mormon! So good. But I guess the cool experience or highlight this week would be an appointment with Elder Prete.  The guy we met at a huge place with lots of noise and music playing by the end of the lesson and probably a huge chunk of it we were so involved, all of us and the spirit was strong that we didn’t really hear anybody or the music playing. The spirit blocked it all out. It’s so cool to see what we can accomplish and even the little tender mercies or miracles per say when we are on the Lord’s errand. Thy will be done. I’m excited for the 3 weeks I get to learn here and grow where I am planted. Bless you all and a safe and successful school year to all that are starting once more! Love you!

Elder Wilkerson 

August 11, 2014

This week was so fabulous. I'm so thankful to serve with Elder Whitlock. We get along so well which has been nice to have someone else helping Me fulfil our duties. Don't get me wrong, I loved training, but it’s different and stretching me to be here in Montego Bay in a great opportunity to serve my fellow missionaries. 

This week I have felt the spirit stronger than I have in quite a while. We have been blessed with many people that would categorize as "Elect"! 

      Monday we got lots of things done, it feels very good to have a full day, nothing more terrible to feel when you’re idle. That evening we collected some of the home teachers and took them to our recent converts! Gosh, I really wish everyone could catch the drift of Home Teaching, it was powerful and so very important to their staying active. We are having a FHE with the same individuals tonight!

    Tuesday was interesting, we did service at a homeless shelter, took way longer than anticipated. After though we had some great lessons. We met with a lady named Maurica. The Elder before had left the family with a Book of Mormon, but hadn't been able to see much cuz the baby’s father was having lots of medical issues. Turns out he thinks we are a cult and doesn't want to meet with us. Maurica and her 11 year old daughter are Solid though! We show up and they are in 1 Nephi 16, read some D&C and Pearl of Great Price, on top of watched ALL the discs multiple times in the Doctrine and Covenants videos and have a testimony and a knowledge that the Book of Mormon and the prophet Joseph Smith is true! Built my faith soo much to hear an investigator willingly say that! Gosh it’s been awhile since I have seen Elect Faith! Only problem now is getting separate houses and then get some baptismal dates, but other than that; great!

That same evening boy can I tell you what... we were sooo late to our next appoint so what do we do?? Speed to the next appointment going 200 km/hr!!!  Of course not!!! We latter day saints are law abiding citizens, totally changed my heart watching a different elder on Constant Spring get a ticket, not that getting the ticket was scary but the words the officer used hurt. "Oh you are a Mormon, and a missionary for Jesus Christ and you drive like that?" yikes, we represent after baptism in covenant at all times, places that we are in. Yes, I've been guilty in the past but that was a heart change experience. Just something to consider.. but yes as we were going 50 kph and if lucky sometimes 80 kph we show up an hour late or so to our appointment. It was a good lesson, no doubt. But the experience before was another faith builder, Jeffrey R Holland once said "obedience is the first law of anything!" and any blessing that we obtain it is due to obedience to the law it was predicated (D&C 130:20-21). Prior to the lesson there was a man mating his dog with our investigators’ and if we had shown up at the time planned we would have missed him! Everything we shared with him rang a bell, clicked for him and he was searching for this he says. We have an appointment this week.

I’ll try to cut things short! Needless to say my faith has increased ten fold in the converting power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the power of prayer!

    Wednesday we also met with a man named Crishnah. He is opening a 5 star restaurant. He was way busy but always makes time for us. And he told us " I don't know what it is, but I feel calm when I come and meet with you guys, and I yearn after that feeling." (married to a member that lives in the states.) Whoa! There it is again! Spirit power away! He also had a friend there that works at a successful law firm. We retaught him and taught her the restoration. The spirit was powerful and she has great desire to learn more. One of the favorite parts of meeting with her was at the end she said " I can’t come to church this Sunday, actually wait.. I can make time." Everyone always says a next time, but you could tell it was routine for her, but she felt something this time!

    Thursday we had Missionary Leadership Council. It was 7 hours in freezing a/c! but the things learned were great, another very edifying meeting! I got my driving privileges and drove the 5 hours home. Driving on the opposite side was harder than I thought it would be. I definitely put a little mud on the tires and ran it through a few bushes in the attempt to dodge semis, taxis, potholes, and even black men, on black  bikes, in a black night, on terrible roads! Great experience. I feel much better bout the driving now!

   Friday met a man named Kemar. He took it as a sign meeting us. He loves to read the bible and listen to talks from pastors and such. He downloaded just two weeks earlier the same picture that is on the front of our restoration pamphlet! He is super spiritual and in the middle of soon getting married! 

   Saturday we had a wedding to attend for our investigator marrying a less active! Great opportunity to find many high up family people. But one of the highlights this week or I guess doctrine stuck in my head is Eternal marriage. Also taught in priesthood class and Pres Brown gave some insights on marriage in our council for some reason. We are so blessed to have it the way we do in this church. The doctrine of the temple and togetherness for time and all eternity are beautiful. The ceremony was.. strange and learned a lot, but good experience.! 

I love serving the Lord! He is returning numerous blessings my way! So thankful for the atonement of our Brother Christ, so super to be able to change and do much better day to day! Serving a mission is the best use of time for anyone! No regrets, I wish I could extend or start over! Thank you for all your love and support and prayers to get through the rough and push on to help our brothers and sisters! Bless you all! Nuff love!

Elder WIlkerson

Elder Whitlock and I in the truck