February 23, 2015

Peter Wright was baptized. Hopefully I can send some pics, the service was great and he is a stud! We also had a branch fireside on Sunday and zone meeting this week.

 But I just got one scripture for you all: 

2John 1:12 :)

Nuff love for all of you! I know like I know that this gospel is Christ's own and that it truly will bring the world all that we need to survive the temptations and sorrows the devil throws at us. I have seen the light it brings to people Hourly! It is true. I know the Book of Mormon, all 531 pages additional to the Bible, are his words and that as applied in our lives we will receive his image for we will be like him. I know that prayer, real sincere, heart-felt prayer is answered every time. It’s when we seek for answers with a 10 cent effort that we don’t receive the million dollar answers! I know that attitude is altitude and that we are agents unto ourselves and we choose if we are happy in this life or not. (Alma 29: 4-5) I know that it is by the atonement we survive every minute of the day! Without it we would continue to digress and would never be able to become like God. I know that man may be like God, for as we are, He once was. I have loved all 17,520 hours of my mission! It’s been tough, it’s been absolutely rewarding, best thing I could do for my life in directing my course, and helping others find it as well. I hold to with the prophet Joe Smith after all that is said and done the most important thing to do it so preach the gospel! I love you all, and til we meet again, nuff love, nuff respect and bless up yu selfs!

Elder Wilkerson

February 17, 2015

Monday after p day and we went to Ochi to help them feel loved! We built a big ol’ sand castle (will have to get the pics when we go to the church or something- sorry, can’t always send pics at the internet cafes due to viruses and such.) We also saw Peter. He is doing great and is on track for his baptism this Sunday!

Tuesday we had interviews with President and we had to be running people around. There was also an emergency transfer- we had to pick up an elder from Negril and he is with us now! He is great! Interviews were good, I learned lots and got my 5 year plan ripped apart by Pres.- thought I was in an interrogation haha.. it was sweet though. Also met with Kemar and his family after dropping Elder Henderson in Negril for a trade off!

Wednesday we got up early to bake goodies for Elder Jarvis’ district meeting. It was splendid as we talked about ways to get more investigators to church! Sis. Gardner made us pizza and we also met with Michelle, soon tell you good news bout her boy..

Thursday we did quite a bit of contacting, but also got to see a media referral from New York, the first real one that wasn’t a prank. His son is a member in New York and this guy is a strong Methodist, first one I have taught. It’s weird seeing some more similarities to the church. He was very quiet the whole lesson until we got to the Book of Mormon- he was thrilled and couldn’t wait to get one. He is just hard to meet with now cuz he is very open that his life stinks even though he is well off, that we goes out and gets drunk quite often! But great guy, I’m excited to see where he goes! 

Friday morning we dropped off the new stove in Sav, picked up Elder Henderson from Negril, and did a little bit of weekly planning, interrupted by needing to renew our gym passes and go see Michelle. It has been awesome also cuz we have been working on this new commitment that we won’t teach anyone of the opposite sex without someone of the same gender present- that way it pushes us to teach 1) more with the members and 2) for teaching more families! We went to go see Michelle with a member and I taught her with Prince, then we taught her daughter and the cool thing was during the duration of these two lessons, our new main man, Elder Banton with little help of Elder Henderson tied down Michelle’s boy- friend and had him seriously interested in the gospel! What a miracle, now to solid him up and marry them and baptize them and seal them!

Saturday... (sorry this is going to be lame, kinda sick of typing) haha! Had some more good contacting in a very nice scheme! Also saw some member referrals! 

Sunday was great! Kemar and family came out again, Peter as well, and also a few less actives we have been working with, yes! We had dinner set up to see Pres Brown’s mom (non-member), got a good chat with her as we did dishes, wish we could help her open her eyes! After, went back out to Falmouth and visited some more less actives and blessed them up as they haven’t seen people in the church from like 2 years. Go figure- it’s bush! Soon send a photo. Great faithful people though- love them. 

Moved the sisters Monday and out of here now! Love you all- we link soon!

Liccamor

Elder Wilkerson 

A member's house.

Elder Henderson, Elder Banton, Elder Wilkerson

February 9, 2015

Whatcha! The weeks go too fast I tell you! They have just been so packed full I haven’t had time to think! I quite like it that way! We had some fantastic meetings this week. On Monday we sat down with Peter and the family. His mom is going to come around even though she says she is a strong 7th day! Peter is doing great and working towards a 22nd of Feb baptism, same as Kevin now cuz he slipped up! But it will be cool for Peter cuz his dad will baptize him. His dad said, “I don’t know what is happening, but keep it up, we have never been this close as a family”! Peter is 26 and so excited to home teach and do all the above after his baptism! Tuesday was a jumble. An elder wanted to go home, and we did 3 hours of listening and bearing testimony begging him to stay. He didn’t really chose to stay, but he is and he is coming around. I’m thankful for him pushing through it. I feel everyone has to push through a wall at some point. This was his and I had mine at one point! But I will tell you now I love this mission and I have been licking the plate clean trying to soak it up! I can’t believe it’s almost done. It just wasn’t hitting me, but I have never been more focused and testifying and directed. It’s been an amazing week! We had district meeting again in Mo Bay with Elder Jarvis. Some talked on diligence and obedience, followed by companionship unity, and me and Elder Henderson have continued to grow closer from it! I still have lots to work on though you know! ALMA 5 and Christlike attribute test in Preach my gospel is a great personal assessment. But we also have been working with Michelle and family. Her 4 kids are so in it, now it’s just to work with her boy friend, gosh its tough! But Thursday we also had MLC.. my last one. President Brown threw down for a while on becoming through covenants and not just doing them. I really was shocked at the spirit I felt and eventually after all was said and done they asked me to bear my testimony as I was leaving the council... gosh I couldn’t believe it, it rushed to me, it finally clicked I just might be leaving. And like I have said before, I feel like my mom and dad are both spiritual cry babies and maybe I can’t blame them, but me a bawl and a bawl and bawl during my testimony. This mission has done so much for me, and directed my path. Yes, my parents did a great job, yes my leaders played a big role, and my church family and community, but God has given me so much these last two years that caant gway! We also had to teach on district leader council. It went well. The other highlight of many this week was meeting these two guys, they are brothers and were working on a car. We truly must talk to everyone and never judge by the cover. Omar and Kemar. Both drink and smoke, didn’t look too interested, but we met with them Saturday, seemed okay with the message and said they would try church. They came taking pics in front of the church and ended up loving it as we had fast and testimony meeting. There really is a lot of love in this church, oh ps. these guys have cars and families! Gosh, tender mercies! They all felt something different and told us they are coming back next week and not missing it! So cool. We took the Lees that night and saw them again. Boy them soon hit wata! But we had 6 investigators at church and the zone on the whole increased in many aspects as well! So much faith, this mission soon explode!! I wish I could stay longer so bad.. I feel like it always works that way though, once you figure out the system God moves you. As once heard, the gospel is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable! But we are in Ochi right now emailing. A sister had a grandma pass away so we are up here to help her out. We built another sand castle, pics soon come. But I love you all. Keep the faith, share the faith, and it will come screaming back to you! Bless up and take care!

Elder Wilkerson

February 2, 2015

 We went to Negril this morning to play on the beach and lift some missionaries who have been struggling! 

This week has been a tender mercy for shore though. On Monday, we had the opportunity to move Winsome, a former investigator, and got to meet the baby father as the other elders were never able to, so progression there. 

Tuesday we got to meet Michelle’s baby father and start working with him. He was pretty turned off to us, but once we showed up in service clothes and machetes in hand he opened right up. Though he still is a huge jerk when he is drunk... gosh it is terrible what drugs can do to people! We also started working with Peter, from the Wright family. He has been struggling with smoking for years so we are helping him out as well! He is doing great, just like Kevin! We also met with Melody, a potential who is very successful. We are meeting with her again tonight. That same night the Porty elders stayed with us which was cool cuz Elder Groesbeck’s mtc comp emailed me and we are all going to link when we get home! Good to see him back on the right track! Made me soo happy!

Wednesday was zone meeting. We taught on revelation leading into the goals that God has for us and this mission. After that we had some talks on diligence and a break. Right after we talked about contacting and had some short role plays and then took it to the streets where they could practice on real people! 

After, we took the Port Antonio elders home, and did a trade off there cuz they were out of funds. 

Thursday was the trade off cuz it takes 4.5 hours to get to Porty. I went with Elder Lewis the younger and Elder Henderson went with Elder Rammell. All of our appointments fell through which was sad, but we had an opportunity to do lots of contacting which I love cuz we just get to get them pumped about learning and share our testimonies, one of those things that gets better the more you give it! :) We also did an interview for one of their investigators. She is coming right along in her conversion, did an excellent job. 

Friday we drove back early and planned out the following week. We then left out to find a potential named Gorden. He owns a big tour company down here. We missed the appointment cuz his directions were terrible, but he understood and still had a big desire to meet. We also planned to help a less active we have been working with that she needed to try harder to get work off. To our amazement she got a promotion and gets Saturdays and Sundays off now! So cool! We also got to meet with a police officer and his girlfriend. Gosh, the gospel is awesome!

Saturday was good\

Sunday we had a Caribbean conference that replaced church. Afterwards, we went to Falmouth with Sis. Fergie to visit some members out there. The branch closed down like 5 years ago. All that we saw were real welcoming and excited to see someone. Gosh, it hurts that they can’t come cuz of their position in life. They just need to choose to have bigger faith. I think that was kinda the theme of my studies this week. We choose our attitude, what we want to accomplish, dream big, involve God, and work and we will make it!!

Sorry, it sounds like a boring list of things, but it was a great week and the zone is doing really well!

Love you all! Bless up family and friends!

Elder WIlkerson

After District Meeting

Getting buried in the sand this morning.

 Show message history

Jan. 26, 2014

Can I just tell you now I am completely scared to come home, especially  after all those "white" people came to church. It was weird, but very spiritual!! 

Man, I don’t even know if I can squeeze all that happened in this week! It’s also cool that as we open our mouths the spirit fills in the words. I feel like it can do that with our typing! My fingers are off the walls right now!! But anyways, Monday we had to go pick up Elder Prete from Negril and also Elder Jarvis- took them to Ochi and stayed the night. Woke up at 5, changed the tire, then drove the 3 district leaders into the training for them at 9- 4. It was a great meeting... it was a bit long and we were last to talk. We were supposed to speak for 40 minutes and got cut back to 10 and taught on follow up calls. Fantastic meeting, many little rebukings by the spirit to me. After that we drove back to Ochi with the assistants for dinner and then did a 3 way split in Ochi, Port Antonio and Mo Bay. Elder Ruesch and I stayed in Mo Bay and drove Elder Prete back to Negril at 6 in the morning. We went to Elder Jarvis’ district meeting here in Montego Bay, followed by some more ways I could improve as we talked about pleading verse begging and improving our prayers. Begging is on our behalf and sometimes quite selfish. pleading is turned outwards and is to bless and enrich others lives. We had a kneeling prayer for the Mo bay area and people to bring the church out of obscurity and also to find families. Elder Ruesch was telling me earlier :”you get what you go for!" We have really been focusing and praying to find families this week, and guess what.. we are working with several. Never Doubt The Little Things! They are where the power lies! Elder Ruesch and I worked on our contacting. and then Thursday woke up early again and left to pick up Ochi and drive Porty to pick up the others, got lunch and headed back. Honest mistake on the speed limit... got another ticket.... cha.

We then stopped in Falmouth on our way back to see some members that aren’t coming and see what we can do in that area. We met some sweet members and also got some referrals down that way. Really focusing the efforts on males and families! Then back home, plan, and off to bed. 

Friday we did our weekly planning, then took Elder Kuehn to the doctor, and then had him show me more of our area and where some members lived as Elder Jarvis and Henderson did a little trade off. It went well and we contacted some more families. Saturday we had to take Elder Agurrie back to the doctor so up to Negril twice and supplies to Sav. Got back in our area to teach Michelle and family, Brian and family, and Winsome and trying to work with her family as well, also while... you got it - finding more families!! Sunday was awesome. Like I said before, 110 tourists from Doterra. Very spiritual meeting, one of the white ladies spoke and two amazing others. They brought some clothing for the branch and gave us a few referrals. We ourselves had 4 investigators at church and the other missionaries had some as well.

Church was packed with I believe 211 people!! It was very awesome and weird talking to so many successful and wise people. We finished the day with some awesome lessons as well. Sorry I’m not good at giving the details of the lessons, all you got to know is they were awesome. Members came and the spirit was felt and they are working towards baptism. Sad part... some when I won’t be here, but happy for them either way! The work is true. It’s Christ’s. We get help and our blessed as much as we put in and give. Bless up. I love this work and look forward to continuing it back home with all of you! Have a great week! ChoW!

Elder WIlkerson

January 19, 2015

This week has been neat once more. I do strongly believe attitude decides the day. You choose if it a good day or if it’s______. You pick. But after we got done emailing we had to go to Bro Lee’s watch shop in the middle of Samsharpe Square. And guess what happened? Well, we ran into these crrazzzzy bible bashing... children of God. Just a bit confused. Elder Whitlock had warned me of these gentlemen. So we get down there and these old, wrinkly, long bearded, nerdy looking dudes come running towards us with cards and pamphlets... I knew what to do.. kept walking! The other 3 stopped and that was the down fall of our next 30 minutes. Many different religions meet here to preach their beliefs in Christ, all very cool with each other but when it comes to Mormons they team up against us. The main preaching is “we are saved by grace”- unless we are a Mormon!  But just like Lawrence E Corbridge said in conference, look for the biggest dust cloud and there you will find the truth. You got it. These guys ripped into us for the dumbest things. Like you worship the wrong Jesus cuz you believe he is the brother of Satan. And mostly things pointing back to the one thing they are to read and pray about, but went wherever they wanted and by the end the truth prevails. We got talking about the authority and truth. They said you get authority from the bible or the word, but long story short it was real fun and each time they think they are tearing us down it’s just the opposite. You get the opportunity to bear your testimony and the spirit confirms that much stronger! It’s neat- you get what you give!

Tuesday we saw Michelle again. She is doing really good. She is like the only person we got to keep out of our teaching pool so we got to do lots of contacting that day and meet many, many members! 

Wednesday. You know what is. Transfers. Driving or I guess I should say riding all day. It was my turn to relax. Except we had a route to Sav this time. We got to past through Blackriver and see the ocean view there. Got some good pics.. sorry I haven’t sent any... need to get to a safe computer that doesn’t have viruses and we will send them! 

Thursday we settled in the Sisters, so now I get to join my father in sleeping on the floor. We gave the Sisters our stuff, cuz theirs didn’t come in yet. So hopefully tomorrow we will be back on board. But it was cool, we got to help the Sisters learn their area, and take them to many members and the investigators. They really are great. Sister Wilkinson and Hudson go home with our group next transfer and Sister Schwendiman has been out 10 months. Stellar missionaries. They have Kevin progressing and a part member family! And we have Michelle progressing and the other Elders almost have a few as well. Actually the whole zone is doing fairly well! Much more than any I have been here!

Friday we got a gym pass and also did more contacting in our area. Met some elect people, very educated and successful. Our area now is very nice and far out so we are forced to knock some millionaire houses. Challenging, stretching, and quite fun. You know that they are great when they have one of the few Chevy trucks in JA. 

Saturday was a different story, we had tons planned, but an emergency happened in Negril where we needed to get an Elder to the hospital. Well, I wasn’t driving so you can ask me how we got there some other time! And what happened;) But needless to say the missionary is doing well and will recover well. bBt we did get to Negril in 30 minutes.... that ruined all the rest of the day. 

Sunday was a blast! We had those white people from Doterra essential oil company, the people that started the company. Learned some amazing things from them. We also are scheduled to see them again at their hotel this week, they are bringing over 100 people to church next week!!! REFERRALS FOR DAYS!!! Haha, and they are staying in our area!! Haahah! But church was a blast, lots of investigators there(blame it on the Sisters) that’s the joke. When they come. Church full. When they leave. Church empty! But great classes and a great branch missionary meeting after. I’m excited for all that is happening in this work! I can’t believe it, the only down fall and regret I have is I can’t give as much as I am taking away from it, but trying to!!! We also received some referrals from the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency that took up our night to contact, but they are solid. One is a 7th day pastor’s daughter.... they always are like the country songs. rebellious. Haha! But she is intelligent same way! But short email today I know.. we got to prepare for a district leader training tomorrow. We have been invited to speak on follow up calls for 40 mins. Should be really good and then we have zone meeting next week! Love you, have a great week ya ere!! Bless up.

Elder Wilkerson

January 12, 2015

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
~Winston S. Churchill

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt,
just how we play the hand.”
~Randy Pausch

I finished the Book of Mormon here in 5 weeks! What a perfect book! What a perfect week! 

Monday= we spent cleaning the house that the sisters will be moving into. We also split the areas again, and the sisters will be taking the bulk of our investigators. They are taking everything from the meadows of Irwin towards Lucea. It will be great for the branch though to have sisters and they just bring a special spirit to the work! One of them is named sister Wilkinson. I think President Brown was sick of mixing up our names so he banished us to this side of the island! Haha. But the other 2 coming in as well are power house missionaries! 

Tuesday we did a split with Elders Kuehn and Laffyette in their area to help them build up a teaching pool since they are in a new area. It went really well. We did lots of contacting and talked to some very successful people. It was good to just boost everyone’s faith and have some fun. I went with Elder Laffyette. One of the more cool stories was we stopped to talk with these gentlemen...moments in we find out some are taking meth. But minor details, it’s quite common... but we get talking to them and this one guy is trying to shut me down... and I never have felt like the spirit had given me the answers as fast as they came at that moment, I felt like Elder Holland for a minute. And eventually this guy just eases off and says " I believe you. Ya, I believe you. You know true Christians don’t judge and run off just cuz we smoke. Respect, I want to learn about your church" and puts out his spliff and the other guys do too. I don’t know where they will go, but just another faith building experience. They come in all shapes and forms! 

Wednesday= we traveled to district meeting in Sav to meet the Sav and Negril elders there. It was a great meeting, mostly about comp unity, and then we went to a dentist appointment for Elder Henderson afterwards. I am scared to find out what has happened to my mouth after the mission, even though I have no problems now. I feel like it is a gift of the spirit, to not feel pain.. haha! We had some good lessons that night, one of which was with Natanya’s sister. She had studied out the plan of salvation pamphlet and loved it, too bad the sisters get her now as well. Haha, oh well, one work this!!!

Thursday= since we moved the elders in with us, we had to paint their old apartment for the 3 sisters coming in. Took about 6 hours, but looked great of course!!  At night we did quite a bit of contacting in Ironshore (our area) a part we haven’t spent much time in! One guy we talked to walked out and said he had to go look for his other 3 wives... ha, not funny, I caught him in his joke. But he was interested to learn for some reason. People are funny. 

We also got to meet with 2 other potentials in... you guessed it, the sister’s area. They are great! One named Nadeen and one named Mack. Both very interested in the gospel. One drives taxi and the other cleans cars, haha. 

Friday= Friday was a shock! Michelle had read like 10 chapters in the Book of Mormon! and retained it all! Very cool. Just got some minor things to work on with the family, but wants to come to church. She is in our area, haha! We also got introduced to a man named Kevin by Pres. Allen. He is 27 and is an accountant, but has a terrible smoking addiction. We have been working close with him, and he’s making some progress. President gave him a blessing.. it was just really cool for me to see how much members care about their friends and helping them. I look forward to doing that with some friends back home! We all should -this restored gospel is the only way for happiness in this life and the eternities! 

Saturday= service for Sister Brown moving chalkstone... boy, I’m sore. New Year’s resolution.. get back in shape. It’s not going well. We did like 30 an hour and was dead!!!Bbut soon finish it!

We also got to go see a recent convert who lives by a less active that is quite frankly against the church. The other elders said they were quite rude in their conversation. Different story when we went. Elder Henderson is a powerful missionary and the spirit is sooo cool! Tender mercies and blessings seen make you want to work that much harder to guarantee that spirit will be there to back you up!! The ones that are rude just walked out cuz of what they felt and the recent convert we got to talk about missionary service more seriously, good experience for all I think. 

Sunday= church was great. Kevin came and is working towards 22 Feb baptism. We went and saw Michelle again with Tyrone, Sis. Chensang, and Bro Sterling. Then we went to see Patricia's boy, Karby. He is a strong Rasta, but nothing caught his attention more than we are a non-paid ministry. we was very interested in the Book of Mormon. We had some deep talks, but I think more than anything it was cool to see like a flicker in Pat again, that maybe this might be something amazing if Rasta man is convinced!! Very cool. 

We were dropping people back at home and saw the elders heading to a recent convert’s house. so we thought we would prank them and say we told them we would teach Jennifer today... they acted confused, but did see the truck and blocked our tires. They left a note on the windshield. It basically said the wiggers will never win! Well we had a spare padlock so we changed it before we went up to see Kevin and wrote them a rap in a chastity pamphlet and taped it to the door. Coincidence again, we saw them heading home after Kevin’s and took a back road home and parked at the neighbors one road up and watched them find out they got pranked! Haha, missions are fun, lots of hard work, but fun as thrilling and spiritual uplifting as well. 

Well, I love you all once more. Keep up the good work, remember to add God in your setting of goals and making plans, and account to him daily. He is diligently involved in what we can become. Bless up and nuff love!

Elder Wilkerson

January 5, 2015

This week has been splendid! We got a lot done, as a zone and as a companionship! We have been working again through the members a lot. We tried giving them a break, but it was apparent that is not the way of the Lord! As we find through them, the work hastens, and it is time for that! The fundamental for the week was teach people not lessons. It’s been really fun to push myself to talk to more people and grow as you try to connect with them on all sorts of levels and realize everyone needs the gospel and it is something all of us can have in common. Rasta or rich. Shack poor or skanky. EVERYONE needs it. Wednesday we had the opportunity to go on splits in Ochi with our new district leader Elder Jones and Cox. I went with Elder Cox on bicycle and have already set the goal to go running a few days. I am WAY outta shape!!! EVERYTHING fell through, but I loved it. Gave me and him both a chance to bond and then express our testimonies ALL DAY, and just grow! So much fun! Funny enough though, we must have found an ELECT person cuz we went to a specific house, and they were great and then when we met back up in the night Elder Henderson and Elder Jones went to that same house hours later! The spirit is so boss! Another sweet moment that day was we took additional studies with them as Elder Cox is still in training, and randomly in the middle Elder Henderson asks Elder Cox why he came on a mission? The spirit was sooo strong as he talked about the atonement, we all got to listen to this powerful, yet simple testimony on the atonement. And from there he was in tears and felt like he wasn’t doing a good job. We got to bond them and Elder Henderson shared some spot on thoughts to lift and bless. I am blessed to serve with such a spiritual giant!! He shared this story if you can find it. It’s great, and I’d like a copy. It’s called: "Marks of a man." Just kind of compares the start of a missionary’s mission and then another at his end, compared to the mission of Christ. Look it up! 

Thursday we woke up at 4:30 to get to Kingston on time, clean the truck for inspection and then have our 7 hour long MLC meeting. It was fantastic! President Brown for his doctrine part threw down on Doctrine and Covenants 84 and expressed how the temple was the central point of the restoration compared to the rest of time that the other prophets, even Jesus Christ was trying to establish. Gosh I wish I could get recordings of these, or at least attend them for the rest of my life. So many power house people I have been blessed to know! I’m shore my grandparents and parents are same way, but I’m slow to realizing it! 

That night we traveled back to Ochi where I had the opportunity to interview a police man, who usually gets to do the grilling, for interview for baptism. I don’t think he was too comfortable with that. Haha, but very prepared anyhow. Ochi had 2 baptisms this week, and the zone is having them frequently.

Friday morning we headed back to Mo Bay, completed studies and weekly planning, and had pine sauce. We got to sit down with a new investigator named Latoya, she is great. I love when investigators like to take notes during lessons, that always puts a smile on my face! She is cool, but most likely moving to Canada soon.

We also got to meet with Joy again. Her friend Kassandra came as well. Both hearts were softened and actually Kassandra works with our branch president... we didn’t tell her what his duty was, but now we have a bulwark of strength working behind the scenes!! They just need to read and pray, but we aren’t letting them go anywhere! Oh, they would look so good in temple white! We had a pretty successful saturday as well. Nothing has stuck out too much in my mind though, so let’s talk about Sunday. Church was great! Man, I love the first week of new years! I love the going out strong, and starting a new. It’s great! New attitudes, energy and desire to do what’s right. Too bad years don’t start every 4-5 months when we forget or stress! But church was wonderful, too bad no investigators but lots of less actives back! The cool thing bout today though is we learned that sisters will be coming in the area. We had to split it again. Move the biking elders in with us and switch their area more close! Plus sisters will have a car, so half our work is gone! Very sweet and sad to a degree, but we still have zone limits to see all the wonderful scenery that I haven’t taken pics of for you. I’ll repent... soon! :) We also got to sit down with Patricia again. Her baby’s father is back. He is a Rasta, but is very interested in the church and another set of scripture on this our continent and especially how the church is strictly volunteer work rather than how churches out here are structured as businesses! It’s perfect to get Patricia going as before it was the problem :) Tender mercies all around! 

But, like I said, we need to move the Elders today and find a new house so we are out of here! Love you all! Set some SMART Goals. Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic.Timely! Take care and have a blessed new year!!

Elder Wilkerson 

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, his clothes new and sharp. His suit was fitted perfectly; his black shoes still retained that store bought shine. His body was in good shape, his face and hands were clean. In his eyes, I could see a nervous look; his movements were that of an actor on opening night.

He was obviously flying to Utah to become a missionary for the LDS church. I smiled as I walked by, and took pride in belonging to the same church where these young men and women voluntarily serve the Savior for two years. With this special feeling, I continued back to where my seat was located.

As I sat down 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 that 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, 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 countless polishing.

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 on doors.

Those were indeed the marks of a 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 testimony with his life.

His hands, the hands that had been used to ordain his servants and to bless the sick were also scarred with the nails that were pounded to hang him on the cross.

Those were the marks of a 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 that I felt like running to the front of the plane, grabbing the new missionary, and bringing him back to see what he could become, what he could do.

But, would he see the things I saw? Could anyone? Or, would he see just the outward appearance of that mighty elder, tired and worn out, almost dead?

As we landed, I reached over and tapped the returning missionary to wake him up. As he awoke, it seemed like new life poured into his body. His whole frame seemed to fill as he stood up, tall and proud. As he turned his face toward mine, I saw a light 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, 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 he did.

When I came through the doors, I saw the returning missionary 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 such a long time, and I wondered if our parents in heaven would greet us in the same manner. 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 will 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 to me that day.

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