Saturday, October 29, 2016

Week 30

October 24, 2016

I survived the interview with President Pearson quite well.  He shared an increase d vision with me of how we can continue sharing this special message with people who have no idea it is out there.  It has been brought to my attention that I have not formally introduced my companion.  Elder Rowley is my current companion.  He is from Santaquin, Utah.  Also, ironically he was transferred here from Santa Cruz.  He grew up as a farmer, tending to orchards of apples, cherries, peaches, and apricots. Fun fact, he never owned a phone before going into the mission field.  His truck, which survived almost his entire mission, has now been totaled in the front because of his sister, it only needed to last 7 more months before he could have used it again, oh well.

I keep forgetting that Halloween is right around the corner.  Jamaica doesn't even acknowledge it as far as I can tell.  They don't have a holiday decently close to it either, but lets get into the fun bits.  Yesterday, my companion / Branch President, invited a young individual into his office for a get to know you interview.  He learned that this person was not a member, everyone thought she was.  He asked why she kept coming back, she responded that when she was at church she felt the burdens of her life lift off her shoulders, only to come back on Monday.  She then learned that baptism will allow her to keep the burden lifted.  We will be teaching her for this week.

I need to go, out of time.

--Elder Wood--

This is the Ridlers, they are heading off for the final time after inspecting the Port Antonio house.  They will be heading back to Whales in about 2-3 weeks, I believe.  Here are some goodbye photos.



Thursday, October 20, 2016

Week 29

October 18, 2016

Wow, I am not sure what even happened last week ... let me look at my notes ... nope ... still not sure ... well ... I need to write something ... Ah, here we go.  The Lord will place those that are prepared in your way when you build and exercise your faith.  We were able to meet at least three people this past week who were prepared to let the Spirit into their lives and act on the promptings that were given to them.  People will also listen to what the spirit is telling them far more than us just telling them.  We were able to help an investigator understand a commandment better and then challenge him to keep it more faithfully; and I am sure that when he does, his problems will fall to the wayside.

Well, I gotta go.  President Pearson is coming to interview us.  I wish y'all the best.  Ask more questions next time, see y'all.

Respect,

--Elder Wood--

Good News, I helped another person enter into the waters of baptism.  His name is Jahmarie and it will be a blessing to have him in our Branch.  I love being here in Port Antonio.  My companion has helped me understand that there are people prepared everywhere, just maybe not in the way you are expecting.
Baptism of Jahmarie

Thumbs up!

Week 28

October 10, 2016
The hurricane almost completely missed us.  We only got a bit of rain and hardly any harsh winds, which is an extreme blessing from the Lord.  We have met many people prepared by the Lord this week.  I hope to send you an email next week that we were able to help even more people to enter the waters of baptism.  I know that the Lord will allow us to do what we are willing to do.  I also know that it is only through the Gospel that people will have lasting peace.

--Elder Wood--

We had a baptism on Sunday!!!  I was able to help Tommy enter the waters of Baptism yesterday.  As I performed his ordinance I grew to appreciate the temple more this weekend

My first opportunity to Baptism

Tommy and I

Myself, Tommy, and Elder Rowley

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Week 26.5

September 30, 2016

Hello everyone, I will only be emailing for a short while today in preparation for the incoming storm.  So, if any of you are around, feel free to email me.  Also, don't worry about me, we have an awesome Mission President watching over us.

--Elder Wood--

(Editorial Comment from his father ... the storm he is referring to is Hurricane Matthew ... a category 5 Hurricane with winds over 155 MPH) 
A picture of the storm clouds as they approach
My current companion and a former companion, both going home soon.
A package from home arrived and I made an Idaho shrine with Rasta Potato Man!

Week 26

September 26, 2016

We are a beacon to those that seek the truth.
We had a slow morning during this week.  The people we intended to see fell through.  We then went on to have lunch.  We left our bikes at the church and then walked to the place where we were going to have lunch and do some contacting.  When we got near to the cook shop, we stopped and talked to someone.  It soon grew to a crowd of about 10 people, all talking about different things.  To me, this was a testament that people can recognize something different about us and that we are not just a church, because there are many churches here, but instead, we are proclaiming the fullness of His Gospel.  We are sharing God's plan for all of us with his children.  They will recognize it, even if it doesn't quite make sense to them yet.  I need to finish up for today, wish you all a fine week.

--Elder Wood--

Our apartment where we store our bikes.
Our kitchen
Where we sleep ... and tie our ties :-)