Week 35

November 29, 2016

Oh man, its been colder over the past week.  It has dropped a whole 3 degrees over the past week.  When the alarm clock wakes up up, it also tells us the temperature.  We have been waking up to 77 degrees in the morning, man that's cold!  Anyways, I was hoping to ask for addresses so I can send you guys a little gift for Christmas.  It won't be much because I am a good distance away, but I will see what I can do for y'all.

This week went by quick.  After we emailed last week we "chilled" out at the seaside.  We were able to find and teach a few more people this last week that as the scriptures say "thirst for the knowledge of the Gospel."  I know that there are prepared people everywhere waiting to hear the Gospel, sometimes you will say something and the person will respond "well, of course" or even feel foolish sometimes when we share this message with them.  We want to continue to bring the spirit into their loves so they can remember: where they came from, why they are they here, and where they are going.  I was able to have a decent Thanksgiving "feast" as you saw in the pictures.  I hope that you all will continue to learn and grow in our savior so you can better feel his love for you every second of everyday.

I hope that you all have a wonderful week.

--Elder Wood--

So we were in Kingston on Thursday and it just happened to be on Thanksgiving so ... this was a splurge.  Also treated ourselves on our preparation day, just for all of you, we went to the seaside.

Week 34

November 21, 2016

Oh its a beautiful HOT day in Jamaica today, Saturday the temperature got down to 75 degrees and it was freezing!  Anyway this week has been fun for everyone.  We were invited and meet with a group that relied on the studying of man to prove that their "gospel: was right.  Man it was such a sad sight, even as we brought the spirit they choose to reject it.  I am so glad for the true gospel, because it allows us to be joyful as often as we want to be because our Father in Heaven who created our spirits and everything around us will respond to a sincere prayer.  That is just amazing that he loves us so much.

As we continue to be disobedient to His will, we will receive more blessings from him.  I just find that awesome.

I hope to talk to y'all next week.  If you want me to talk about something, just ask.  I hope that you will enjoy this coming week as much as I will be.

--Elder Wood--

Pictures of a beautiful view we had while we contacted and visited a less-active member.

Week 33

November 14, 2016

This week has been fun.  We were able to baptize Shane Lee and confirm him a member this week.  We also went to Kingston for a Zone Conference and learned how to invite people to learn about Christ more spiritually.  We also had 55 people at church this week.  Last week was 38 people.  I have never seen 55 people at the Port Antonio Branch before, it was AWESOME!

It helps me to understand that as we all do all we can to help the Lord, he will bless us.  I hope to continue sending baptism pictures your way as more and more people come to the knowledge of the restored Gospel.

Well, I am a bit sparse for time right now so I will write next week, you all have a great time until then.

-Elder Wood--

Week 32

November 7, 2016

Hey everyone, it's Monday once again.  We had a unique week this week.  As you might have seen from the pictures we did about a half day's worth of service along the shoreline.  It now looks significantly better, which makes these pictures even better.

I also learned that it is through failure that you are able to grow the most.  It's when you realize where your priorities are and what you are doing in that moment to become better.  The prophets and apostles are still learning and growing so I think I have quite a bit to do myself.  I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and it is through Him that we are able to change, repent, and grow.  I wish you guys the best this week.
Best wishes.
--Elder Wood--



International Day of Service



 

 

 

 

My companion as we were getting ready one morning

Week 31

October 31, 2016

So its Halloween day and some spooky things have been aguan (going on).  😵 None of our current investigators made it to church this Sunday, maybe they are under some evil spell.  👾 My companion's bike frame broke, maybe a rasta man's voodoo.  👻 The weather is also still above 80 degrees, maybe the summer season has been cursed to stay in Jamaica.  😎  We also swear we were outside for a re-enactment of Noah's flood ... but a few days later, its still perfectly hot and humid.  😰  There were white people everywhere yesterday, maybe the return of some lost Nephites?  But they disappeared today as well.

Its all about whether you choose to be happy or not.  As we approach conflicts with a smile it not only helps us get through it, but we also get through it quicker.  This week was a wonderful week and also some great progress with some investigators but as you can see we also had some trials.  I hope my companion and I will progress past the trials at hand and be able to increase in obedience and blessings.  Well the time is up, so I wish you all the best.  😃

Sincerely,

--Elder Wood--

We didn't know a small cruise ship could fit into our port.

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.

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!