Sunday, June 17, 2018

The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him! (Proverbs 20:7) 

  

Our family is eternally grateful for a righteous father who honors his wife, children, and the holy priesthood which he holds. 

We were able to accomplish so many things this last week including finishing two major projects and holding both Handing Over Ceremonies. 

The first project was a donation of several large kitchen appliances at the Jerusalem Children's Village in Spanish Town. The Jerusalem Children's Village is one of the several facilities across Jamaica that comprise the Mustard Seed Communities, with another 12 centers scattered among Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Zimbabwe. Mustard Seed Communities began in 1978 in the impoverished community of Mona Common on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica, as a home for a handful of abandoned and disabled children. Today they serve over 600 children, young adults, and families who belong to the most vulnerable groups in Jamaican society. The populations of their homes include children and young adults with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, and teen mothers along with their babies. MSC Jamaica also manages a number of community outreach programs to combat poverty and provide education to local populations. This facility houses about 160 residents of varying ages, which includes those who are HIV positive and those with both physical and mental challenges. The property features a chapel, adoration rooms, an art center, a physiotherapy center, play therapy areas, classrooms, a clinic, as well as a five-acre farm. 

LDS Charities has had the privilege of partnering with this center for several projects over the years. One of note is a chicken project that was begun years ago which was the start of a very successful operation with now over 3000 chickens. The center strives to be self-sufficient by raising fish, chickens, goats. They also maintain a garden and have recently commenced a solar operation to provide power to the facility. ​

 Residents gathered to join in the celebration. 

President gave all the praise to the Lord and expressed gratitude to Jerusalem Children's Village for allowing us the opportunity to serve as instruments in the Lord's hands. 

The kitchen staff expressed their gratitude for new appliances and equipment. 

Everyone enjoyed the refreshments!

This beautiful young lady raised her voice in song; others joined right in. 

The other project was at the Hanover Parish Infirmary in Lucea on the west coast of the island. LDS Charities was able to provide commercial size washers and dryers, a solar water heater, a 1000 gallon water tank, a generator, an industrial stove, a refrigerator, microwave, fans, as well as large cooking pots, dishes, utensils, and cups. 

We were invited to attend the Hanover Parish Council meeting to officially hand-over the donation. We were presented with a lovely plaque recognizing LDS Charities for the generous gift which will improve the lives of so many. 

Our new friend, Winston, was quick to remind us we had expressed interest in purchasing one of his paintings. We were glad to support his small business venture. 

Unfortunately, after over a week of hospitalization, President Pearson's medical condition became such that plans were quickly made for them to leave Sunday - two weeks earlier than expected. Then on Saturday, it was decided they would be flown back to Utah by air ambulance because he needed to remain on IV for the duration of the trip. Everything was put into motion for this big change in plans, and they flew out Sunday afternoon. This was certainly not the way any of us thought their mission would conclude, but we are glad he is receiving the medical attention he needs and pray for his speedy recovery.

We were delighted to see President's smiling face on Facebook today as he's surrounded by loving family.

Kevin and Nadine Brown of Kingston, Jamaica, have been called to serve as the interim Mission President and Companion of the Jamaica Kingston Mission until the new president and wife, President and Sister Parker, arrive on June 28th. The announcement was made by visiting Area Authority, Elder Jose Luis Alonso, First Counselor in the Caribbean Area Presidency, during the Jamaica Kingston Stake Conference on Saturday, June 16, 2018. President and Sister Brown served in this position for three years before the Pearsons, so it is a blessing to have them right here and ready to serve. President Brown serves as Bishop of the Boulevard Ward in Kingston and is the Director of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion in the Caribbean. 

The mission seems to be carrying on as normally as possible. The missionaries are working hard continuing to lovingly invite, teach, and baptize. Baptisms took place around the island on Saturday and more are planned for next Saturday. The elders and sisters know that even in the face of such challenges, the Lord is in charge and His work goes on. We're so proud of them. 

The book is blue; the Church is true!

I've always been one to have several contingency plans in mind for most situations. This practice is coming in very handy right now as many adjustments are made in how our time is allotted during the final days of our missionary service; there are so many new, unexpected variables. We want to be available to assist President and Sister Brown as much as we can. I will continue as the main missionary health care coordinator until I can train one of the other sisters, and Buddy will continue with his many duties as the First Counselor to President Brown. Our replacements are still delayed because of waiting on their visas. We have a Plan B, well, and maybe even C, D, and E to make sure the transition goes smoothly. No matter what, the amazing humanitarian work of LDS Charities goes on. We have branches to visit, wheelchair interviews to conduct, projects to finish, final reports to enter online, and new projects to research for proposal, and next week is transfers and the arrival of the Parkers. Phew! We will be ready to put our feet up - but not for long. 

Thank you seems inadequate to express our gratitude for your prayers for God's blessings to be poured out upon all His missionaries around the world. We trust you will see the fruit of our labors and recognize our love of the Savior as we diligently strive in all the multiplicity of roles in building the Kingdom of God on earth.

Until next week...all our love.