Sunday, May 20, 2018

Transfers Week

As of last Wednesday, four elders and one sister now eagerly join us in saying, "It's a great day in Jamaica; Ya, Mon!"

These fine young adults represent Idaho, Arizona, and Italy. 

  

The mission also welcomed back a few missionaries who had been serving "off island" and sent others to replace them. We've most likely said this before, but we'll say again how much we love seeing the new missionaries embrace the work they have been called to do. We witness the trainers immediately exhibiting Christ-like characteristics as they greet their trainees with compassion. They remember their first day, and we're sure they try to make it the best day possible for their trainees. 

For those of you who have served missions, we imagine you too can remember the first day with  your first companion in your first area.  We certainly remember our arrival in Jamaica and how strange everything felt. We though had quite an advantage in that we had known our companion for a long, long time. 

Our week involved putting 100s of kilometers on our truck (or van as Jamaicans call it). We not only had two long drives to deliver missionaries to new areas, but we also made a long trip one day all over the south and western end of the island to accomplish several tasks. On this trip, we were able to complete the last apartment visit in Savannah-la-Mar for this round of inspections - making a total of 33 inspections and medical kit updates. In three other locations we delivered mail in Santa Cruz, visited the site of one of our projects in Lucea, and finally interviewed a few wheelchair recipients in Falmouth. We love it when we can make a long trip so productive. 

We also had the chance this week to visit one of our favorite project sites - the Mustard Seed Jerusalem Center in Spanish Town. This most recent project provided two new freezers and stove. The center is located on eight acres of land. It is a residential care facility providing a nurturing environment for over 150 children and adults who are challenged both mentally and physically. 

New stove ready to unwrap and put to good use

New freezer already in service

There is always such a peaceful feeling when we drive into this beautiful compound. 

Chapel on the grounds of Jerusalem Center

In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, Latter-day Saints are given a commandment to bring the Church "out of obscurity." Today, thousands of faithful Latter-day Saints serving in public affairs callings work hard to help people better understand who we are and what we believe. These public affairs councils help Church leaders build relationships with community, government and faith leaders, forming a vital bridge between our congregations and the communities they call home.

(publicaffairs.lds.org)

Rafael Gutierrez, Caribbean Area Director of Public Affairs

As the first (and only) counselor in the Mission Presidency, Buddy serves as the Priesthood Advisor for the National Public Affairs Council. This past weekend, we hosted the Area Director of Public Affairs, Rafael Gutierrez, who works for the Church and lives with his family in the Dominican Republic. We benefitted from two sessions of amazing training with him. I'm not actually part of the council, but I was able to sit in on both meetings and learned so much. 

Several times during the weekend, Brother Gutierrez talked about how fast the world is changing. In just the last few months, we have seen monumental changes in the programs and administration of these programs in the Church to better fit the needs of the Saints. The Doctrine of Jesus Christ is eternal and unchangeable, but there are inspired changes happening in the  approaches and procedures to bring about the mission of the Church which is to invite everyone to Come Unto Christ and be perfected in Him through Perfecting the Saints, Proclaiming the Gospel, Redeeming the Dead, and Caring for the Poor and Needy.

Brother Gutierrez shared a short history lesson involving the Winter Olympics in 2002 held in Salt Lake City. Once the location for the Olympics was announced, many people sought information about Utah and the Mormons. Unfortunately, Internet searches often led people to sites with negative information leading to many misconceptions. This experience made the Church leaders aware of the value of using social media to provide information about the Church in a positive way and to speak up and out to clear up misconceptions and to build relationships of trust.

Brother Gutierrez was quick to teach us that Public Affairs is not about advertising nor publicity. The core purpose is to build strategic relationships with opinion leaders who affect the reputation of the Church and whose actions and influence can help or hinder the Church's mission. 

On Sunday morning, along with Brother Gutierrez, Sister Richards (National Director of Public Affairs), and Sister Williams (National Assistant Director of Public Affairs), we attended a portion of a special forum on religious freedom hosted by leaders of the Seventh Day Adventist here in Kingston. We were warmly welcomed and left feeling enriched from hearing testimonies on faith and the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy.

Brother Gutierrez was graciously invited to address the forum. 

We then attended the Spanish Town 2nd Ward for all three meetings and observed Brother Gutierrez renewing friendships with many Jamaicans he has worked with over the years.  

The Jamaica Public Affairs council is certainly blessed to have had this opportunity to receive such valuable training and can now go forth to serve with increased understanding and confidence knowing that Brother Gutierrez and his staff are ready and willing to give further direction and guidance as needed.

Jamaica National Public Affairs Council

Until next week...all our love.