Truly a week of miracles!

Hi Momma!

This was truly a week of miracles! The patience and persistence finally paid off.

This week was SO fun! We worked so hard! But, it was worth it. We just went out and worked-- talking to everyone and listening to the spirit.

The highlight of this week was when we taught W the Plan of Salvation. We met her a week or so ago when we were at a grocery store buying cereal to satisfy a craving of mine. When we were checking out she said, "I remember the Elders coming over to meet with my parents when I was 8," over 20 years ago. Interesting. "Would you be interested in meeting with us again?" She readily agreed.

On our second meeting we taught her the Plan of Salvation. She said that she wants her kids to learn this. The kids were eating at the time so when they were finished, she called the older ones in and taught them! It was wonderful.

They all showed up to church and took up a whole row. We also got two other folks out-- one being her father. I think of those missionaries who taught them over 20 years ago. Although they lost contact with them due to an unfortunate turn of events-- a house fire-- and they don't remember anything that was taught, but it opened up the doors for them to accept the gospel at this time. I know now that no effort is wasted and I'm so grateful for those Elders.

The members were great in helping them feel welcomed. That and many more miracles took place this week.

At Zone Meeting President said to, "make this this Christmas one to remember." I put it in my mind that I would and we went out and worked, even if my companion was a little hesitant to knock doors on such a special day. It was something I desperately wanted to do. I screwed up last year and I didn't want to go home and regret not devoting ALL of my time and talents like I am supposed to. In turn, the Lord blessed us because we did. Both new investigators that we met came to church and I'm positive they will be baptized.

Our whole week was like that! After tracting for 6 straight hours one day, on our way back to our car, a lady pulls in front of us and asked if we were missionaries.

"Yes, ma'am," we responded. And she, with tears rolling down her face, humbly asked if we could come and teach her next week. We are going to see her tonight. Another lost investigator, a lost sheep-- Found. Christmas Miracles everywhere. A Christmas I will always remember.

-Elder Wheatley

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ok. Here is my week:

We met with the bishop this week to get a blessing for this work in this area as I do in every area I land in. In the blessing he strongly mentioned patience as we got this area up and going. That stuck out to me but I didn't understand why until Sunday.

The last two weeks we've had such great, spirit-filled lessons and new investigators who seemed to be so elect! We had baptismal dates and extremely strong commitments to come to church. Felt like we were helping fulfill a quote made by President Petersen, "In Pine Bluff the field is black and ready to harvest." Everything felt great.

Then Sunday came. No one to church. All dates drop. Investigators no longer interested in meeting with us.
Frustrated.

I spent a long time on my knees. I got up and go into the other room-- my companion is on his knees. That was comforting to know that we both are on the same level. We talked about it and what we can do. We spent a long time last night wrestling over what needs to be done. We felt like we were doing all we could... but, still, haven't seen the results.

Today in companion study we read over what it means to be a successful missionary. We learned that, yes, we were doing what we needed to be doing. As always there were places to improve but for the most part we were doing what was right. But the most important thing I learned-- re-learned rather-- was that it's not the number of baptisms or souls to church, but my individual commitment to do the work.

I determined then that I'm still going to set goals. I am still going to be bold but loving with everyone I meet. I am still going to invite everyone I meet to baptism. I am baduber off. But overall, I am going to substitute the word frustrated-- with patient.

-Elder Wheatley

still going to work my

As for skype, if we can find someone, I will get on at 7 your time. 8 my time. hope that works! :)

Yes! I did get the gingersnaps! SO YUMMY! (I almost lied and said no about gettin em. I think you know why)

I Love You More!

-Bubba

Tender mercies...

Hi Momma!

This week has been miraculous! I have seen so many tender mercies from the Lord. We have been bold and loving when teaching and inviting investigators and less actives to do things that will help grow their faith in the Lord and I have already seen major results. We worked with much diligence this week and it was incredible how the Lord then rewards us very openly. It was truly amazing going to church this week. Something was different. The members just seemed to love us and offer to do anything for us in the missionary effort. I know this came because we strived SO hard to be exactly obedient this week.

This area truly is fruitful and I am so grateful to be apart of it. We hope to have a baptism come the first of the year or so and not slow down there. Knock on wood.

As I studied in the four gospels again this week I felt, just as I had before, the same power that comes when I read in 3 Nephi when Jesus comes to minister. Except this time when I read I had an extraordinary feeling of being right there with Christ during that time. I felt like I was actually apart of His small group of close colleagues, walking with Him and talking-- listening, rather, to Him. It was an incredible experience.

I know that the windows of heaven will be opened up to all those who diligenty keep the commandments from our Father.

I love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

"If you can stand up!"

Hi Momma!

Sounds like your week was as exciting as mine... Here's what happened:

I was supposed to stay in the tripanionship with Elder T and F but President had revelation and I am now companions with a kid from Hooper, Utah. He's cool. Really good at basketball. We'll get along great. But here's the kicker--- when President dropped him off on Wednesday he turned to us and said not to go out driving the next day. I asked if we could walk and he turned to me and said, "If you can stand up."

Lo and behold, this is our first day out since then. Luckily all my stuff was still at the PB apt so we have been there, so it hasn't been completely boring with four elders. We found things to do. haha

We went out a couple times because we couldn't stand being inside forever but it was for good reasons and we prayed about it before we went. It was to go teach lessons or help members-- so worth it.

You should have seen Walmart the night that the "biggest storm in 30 years" was supposed to hit. 20-25 minute lines, no food on the shelf-- complete madness. So fun. There we 30+ electrical trucks from Indiana sitting in the parking lot. It was supposed to be crazy! But... haha--- nothing actually happened. Kind of bummed that we were forced to sit inside all day but it was good because I was able to do some reading that I've always wanted to do-- Our Heritage, Jesus the Christ, and all the other good ones.

Anyway, the other set of elders want us to go play ball so I better run. I might hop on later. Hope and praying you start feeling better. Let me know.

Love you more,

-Elder Wheatley

Tri-panionship, Threesome, Trio -- Whatever you call it, that is what Elder Wheatley is in!

I am going into a tripanionship with the other elders in PB for 2 weeks. Waiting for an injured elder to return to the field to be my next comp. These elders are dope and i'm so stoked to serve with them. They have the biggest hearts and testimonies and will do anything for anyone.

So... I'm in the dog house- I have my camera but no card reader. So... pics to come next week.

My apt is going to sit vacant for two weeks. Which is good cause they need to fix the toilet anyway. Can't complain. Clean cause it's new is a plus. 

The last two weeks has been an adventure. He was so anxious to do work, naive of worldly things, and always checked for my approval. It was fun. Patience and love was key. I hope the best for him.

Picture from Lonoke (his last area) -- BEGGING for pictures, Elder!

I'm stoked for the next two weeks because we are gonna get so much stuff done. They have a lot of folks to teach and it'll be a change of pace from non-stop tracting the past two weeks. Workin in PB! My dream come true! Really though, the folks are so receptive.

I got asked to speak in church next week. I speak about once a transfer. I like it. It's a good way to earn the members' trust.

Really though, I love this mission experience. I think the biggest battle I have is just waking up in the morning and gettin goin. Once i'm out there I don't wanna stop. And the miracles that happen... Man!

But faith proceeds the miracle. I gotta get better at just wakin up and gettin goin.

BTW: I Love You More!

On my mind: Read the Book of Mormon. Read it again and again and again. I love it! Share it with your friends and family! I wish I could shout it out to the world! The thing that has been haunting my mind is that there has got to be a better way! Knocking doors all day doesn't work but every once in a blue moon. I'm not set apart to knock doors. I'm here to teach and we NEED the members to invite and share with their friends and family.

A transfer, a transfer...to Pine Bluff!

NOTE FROM THE MOMMA:  I had heard that the area he was being transferred to was a rougher area and so, of course, being the neurotic Momma that I am, I was concerned...this was his email this afternoon to me:

Hey Momma! So before I start we need to get some things straight...

1) When I was told I was leaving I felt extreme peace and actual happiness. I loved Lonoke but it was time to go. Why not end it while things are still good??

2) I'm stoked to be down here. I know that the Lord needs me in the places he sends me therefore it would be pointless to be discouraged. I mean, I didn't want to go to Lonoke but everything went good when I got there. So I'm optimistic here.

3) While, yes, technically, I'm in the Pine Bluff ward, I'm serving in the White Hall area. So much nicer and safer. We got cool missionaries serving in Pine Bluff and they are helping us out in every way. This is a brand new area so-- no preconceived notions. It's awesome! I love it and super stoked to be here!

All is well, Mom :)  Note from Mom: Yes, he knows me well ;)

2) As for my comp... He's Elder Gottipati. He's just gonna be here til next Monday, finishing up his training before he goes to India for his actual mission. Really cool kid. We're getting along great... He was just baptized a year ago. So cool huh? It's fun having to teach him the ins and outs of not just missionary work but Mormonism too. He's so enthusiastic and it helps motivate me to get out and do work and not let him down but to make his mission experience even better.

SO... all is well. We are having great success in finding. It's hard because it is a new area and all you can do is knock doors, and you know how effective that can be, and it's colder than ever it seems, but I'm optimistic and happy happy happy.

LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

Last words from Lonoke :(

We just had lunch with Jillian (Craig's wife, our Branch Mission Leader) at Pizza Hut. All you can eat! (Can you say, Bubba?) Yeah i'm fat.

I'm sad that i'm gonna have to leave that family. I love em.

I'm so grateful for the time I've served in Lonoke. I've had the opportunity to serve with many great people, learn what true charity is, and find and teach the truly elect. I know the Lord wanted me here. I've grown. I've had the opportunity to help others grow and I know that the Lord now needs me somewhere else. I've grown very attached to the area and the folks here. I can truly say that I love them and I love the Lord and that is why I worked so hard here. I'm thankful for the blessing I had to serve with Elder Wohlgemuth. He's an extraordinary missionary. He just puts his head down and goes to work without complaints. Even though sometimes it's physically too much for him, he still does it. I learned a lot from him.

Lonoke has the best Branch Mission Leader in the world. He does anything and everything for us. He loves us like a father. Same with the Branch President. They are so missionary minded. They, and the rest of the people here, will do anything for the missionaries and missionary work. They will give their shirt off their back even if it's the only shirt they have. And they'll do it with a smile because they know their duty and love the Lord. And I love them for it.

I will do all I can to better myself and become a better instrument in the Lord's hands in my next area. I'm excited because I know something great is about to take place.

-Elder Wheatley

I'm Happy Happy Happy!

Hey Momma!

I had a fantastic week! It was hard. Yes. Long? Kind of. But we worked hard at each moment we could and that is where the joy comes from. We are teaching two solid folks who I firmly believe will be baptized. One this month and the other hopefully this year. I love watching the Spirit working with people and I love the look on their face when they "get it." We have also had much success talking to EVERYBODY. Some missionaries think it's a chore but you know me, cuz i'm like you and Dad. I love to talk.

Not much happened that I can think of off the top of my head but i'm happy happy happy!

My companion and I are working together really well and we both hope we can stay together for another one. We are both scared of getting lame companions and i'm scared of leaving this area. I've grown attached. I know this area better than the back of my hand and I love the people we're teaching. He doesn't want to take over this area and I don't want it white washed cause I wanna stay so we'll see what the Lord blesses us with. He knows what is best. Gotta trust Him. We're just gonna work hard until that time comes.

Glad to hear all is well back home.

I LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

p.s. FE-HE-HE-HEENY!

Tell everyone that I love them, please!!!!!!!

What works for one team may not work for the other

I have learned on my mission that if you HAVE to do something, you might as well make it fun. Even if you don't wanna be there. So, I hope you had a blast spending some quality one-on-one time with Rach.

This week was slower but it was still very good and fulfilling. I wish it was exciting 24/7 but sometimes you just gotta put your head down and work. I enjoyed every moment.

I love how the Lord gives us things that, in the moment, seem to impede our progress but is actually for our benefit. The other day I got sick to my stomach suddenly and had to go in and rest for 30 minutes. I was upset because I thought it was just my mind telling me that I really didn't want to go work. Turns out that as soon as we were able to leave again we met someone that was JUST pulling up to their house for a split second to grab something and then to leave again. We were able to meet with them and you could tell that they really needed it. I've learned a lot this week about keeping a positive attitude and looking for the silver lining. Another instance, on Wednesday, when we went to go contact a guy that we met on the streets down in England last week, he doesn't live at the address he gave us but we asked the lady if we could teach her and she readily agreed. That's why we met that guy on the streets. Cause where she lives... I would've never walked through that neighborhood otherwise. She lives in a cul-de-sac of nice houses deep in a very underprivileged neigbhorhood. It's funny.

Oh. Also, I felt extremely compelled to go check on this lady right before we headed out of town and it was exactly what she needed. She was in an extreme slump because she's getting old and had to put her husband in the nursing home for a month while he recovered from foot surgery cause she can't take care of him herself. The event just gave her a very bleak hope and premonition for the future when they do get too old to take care of each other.

I know this gospel can raise spirits and bring people to their full potential. Sometimes I hate agency because I know some people know that what we're teaching them is true but they are too scared of what the world thinks.

I love missionary work because it is like a basketball game. The concept is always the same-- In basketball it's get the ball, score, and stop the other team. In missionary work it's find, teach, and baptize. But just like basketball you can't use the same plays every time. You gotta mix it up. What works for one team may not work for the other. That is why I love missionary work. You gotta read the defense and find the play that's gonna work. Each game is different and you gotta practice everyday if you want to have any shot at the constantly improving opponent.

Just rambling on.

Well, I love you MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

A change in scenery

Hey Momma!

This week has been SO much better!

Lonoke was getting monotonous and we made plans to expand our outreach. We were able to get a ride out to England (30 minute drive) from our Branch Mission Leader while he did some work in the surrounding areas. I knew that that is the place we needed to be and we found those who the Lord has been preparing to receive this message. This opportunity to go out to England brought the joy back into missionary work for me. We have plans to go up there every Wednesday and to hit up different cities on other days. You gotta get creative when you find yourself with nothing left.

The city of Lonoke, in and of itself, is hard to work in seeing as missionaries have been knocking on the same doors forever and I feel that I have knocked them all too. But as we have been Spiritual Harvesting the Spirit has carried us to those doors that have not been knocked or need to be knocked again. It's hard working all day to find only one person who may be interested-- but it's worth it.

This companionship is great and the pauses we take to allow my companion to gather his thoughts and speak is the silence that is needed in our lessons. He is very good at teaching and just needs that moment to gather his thoughts which turns out to be beneficial. We get along well behind the scenes and that allows for the Spirit to not be hindered. Thank goodness!

So I have to tell you a story about our trip down to England... We were having such great success all day but it was time to be picked up and go home. BUT the Lord wasn't ready for us to go home. Our Branch Mission Leader was running late and so we continued to go find more people. Suddenly, unbeknownst to us, our phone had no signal. We, not knowing that he was trying to tell us he was ready, continued following the Spirit to where the Lord wanted us to be. We approached this lady outside her apartment and she was not interested. But I used my "Well could we leave you with a card?" 99% of the time people will agree to a card and as I write, ever so slowly, our number on the card, I start creating conversation with said person. As I did this, somehow, we found common ground -- something that she and Rachel had in common. We were able to turn that into a Gospel conversation and now we have an appointment with her on Wednesday.

It was truly amazing!

-Elder Wheatley

Dull knife analogy

Hi Momma!

I just wrote a note to Rach which pretty much sums up my week so you'll have to ask her to see it. We have been Spiritual Harvesting (or Tracting) all day, every day. Nothing is really going for us. I should have realized that the Lord was gonna give me a big test sooner or later. It takes a lot of patience. Especially with self. At least I have a great companion who is putting up with slow work.

I feel like sometimes I am too missionary minded. I want everybody to join the church right now! Yes, definitely need some patience. But it's hard realizing what I have and knowing how weak these people's excuses are, "Raised Baptist, always gonna be Baptist." It's like, "Open your eyes!"

It's the dull knife analogy-- if you use a dull knife for long enough you're gonna think it's sharp. And until you use an actually sharp knife, you'll never know what you're missing. So... you should know with you're beyond repair cutco knives. ;)

It's a trial I am happy to conquer. Another opportunity to grow! Just gotta look for the silver lining and keep steppin.

I love you MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

"Perfect love casteth out fear"

Things are awesome. We hit the streets and with the spirit harder than I ever had on my mission with my new companion, Elder Wohlgemuth. He's a stud and a very hard worker. We have had great success finding legit people. Amazing. I'm extremely TIRED but am finally satisfied and fulfilled. I hope to be able to keep it up but I'm just exhausted. But happy.

I have a testimony about "the last 10 percent." Yesterday it was 8:30, dark, no lights on, and I was scared to knock cause it was so late. But I've truly come to love the people and perfect love casteth out all fear. Results followed. And I'm happy. 

Elder Wohlgemuth is from Brigham, he's a hard worker and we're tearing it up. He's been out 5 months. The spirit has been so strong and I am just exhausted. Although I finally feel like I'm on a roll... working hard, waking up on time (which is crazy!), getting ready on time, cleaning the apt, cooking dinner not just pb&js, etc. It's exciting cause I never thought I'd EVER get to this point. Kinda surreal.

-Elder Wheatley

Father Time robbed us!!!!

Hey Momma!

Thanks for the letter. As always, I loved it.
Sorry I won't have long to write. I was reading about Doug. So many memories come and I will have to hand write them later and send to you.

This week was... just another week I suppose. Which is not in the least a bad thing. Just another week. BUT... this weekend... That was something else was it not? Just when you think a talk couldn't get any better.... Boom! [ Exclamation point ;) ]

btw: it was so funny to see Gifford Nielsen stand up and think to myself, "Wait. That's a PHS alumni and BYU QB, not an apostle." Kind of made me think about what qualifies as an apostle. ANYONE! Even a little kid who almost burns down Vivian Park! Makes you want to step back, check yourself, and start living right... The Prophet might call ;)

I just loved General Conference and I think Father Time robbed us because that was not 10 hours! I should learn to be content, seeing as I got pages and pages and pages of notes, but I still want more! I feel so safe, as if nothing in the outside world matters, as I listen to conference.

The best part was being able to get a couple investigators out to Priesthood session! This guy, Cody, came and he loved it, especially, "The order of it all."

I'm staying in lOnOke. I'm happy. There are people here that I know I need to continue to see. I enjoyed very much the time I had to serve with Elder Casler. He is a great missionary, knows his stuff, and will be a power-bomb missionary.

I love being a missionary. It's showed me what I really have. 

Approaching my year mark I think that, "everything I just went through... I gotta do it ALL over again :/" But I am very optimistic and confident to see what's next, to tackle it with the Holy Ghost and the skills I've developed, and just enjoy the heck out of it! Exclamation Point.

Much Love,

-Elder Wheatley

ps: I love all the health food in this last package. It was all SO good! And I could eat it guilt free.

Mom: I LOVE YOU MORE!!!!!!!!! Love the pics with the b-day posters. BIG SMILE on my face. and you're so pretty.

Tell Sammy I said good luck and congrats!

Tell Dad I love him so much! I see him in the way I act it's funny. I go wait, that's something my dad would do.

LOVE YOU MORE!!!!!!

The Spirit Changes People

Momma,

Thanks for the e-mail! I love it. I'm so very thankful you were "straight up" with me about grandma. That helps. I feel like I'm right at home. Except useless to help. :( but when all else fails, pray harder, right? <--- Oh that's good. I should make a Mormon t-shirt outta that one!

Well let me tell you about my week. As was yours, mine went by very fast. Which is good. I like it. Means things are goin good.

This week was just incredible. Last night we had some spare time to go check on some investigators. As we walked we were led and guided every step of the way by the Holy Ghost. He told us to turn here and to go there, knock on this door and to stop and pray for a sec. As we heeded these promptings we were brought to a house were we met an extended family of about seven, all over the age of lets say 15. They invited us in, we introduced ourselves and began to recite the message of the Restoration. Immediately the Spirit enveloped the entire room as Elder Cassler and I taught in perfect unity. You could see the sincere interest and desire to listen. That is what the Spirit does. We are invited back. I'm not sure if all will make it to the baptismal font at this time but I know at least one will-- and that means everything. The Lord wanted us there. And to have physically seen the Spirit working with that family was worth my whole mission. That's why I'm here. The Spirit changes people.

So many things I've learned on my mission. Mom, you're gonna have a heart attack when you see how much I've changed. I love working in the yard and as occasion permits I'll probably be willing to work in the Community Garden for I have found a new love for farming. I know-- shocker. It took the South to do it to me. (No promises though. This document cannot be used in a court of law.)

I just love service and doing hard work. I feel like I've grown up. Although I still hate getting pet hair on me and I don't necessarily enjoy cleaning-- some things will never change.

So I must say, Bomb-diggity watch! I don't know how you were able to guess that I would wear that but-- wow you're good! Oh and the card made me super trunky. Only 13 months! I loved the shirt and the food is perfect! Healthy and sweet. You guessed totally right on everything you put in there. Does my momma know me or what?

Anyway, thanks for everything Momma. I love you. Tell the fam I love them! Tell Jonny I said, happy by the way you're old day (b-day).

The Master Mechanic

So this week was a real growing week for me. Something happened out here that was a big misunderstanding and it almost affected the status of where we are currently serving. No worries though. Like I said, it was a big misunderstanding. But I learned something in high school, believe it or not, that truly helped me discern the actions I needed to take. Let's say something broke and you broke it. Nobody knows you broke it yet it's still broke. Now there are two choices you can make. You can run and hide and hope no one finds out it was you OR you can man up and fix what was broken. With the first choice, you may have saved yourself from embarrassment but the fact is, it's still broken-- not to mention the guilt that would always follow you. With choice number two, the fact you chose to fix it says something. You chose to take upon you shame and ridicule for a moment in order to fix what shouldn't have happened in the first place. Now it's fixed.

I can't help but think of what the Savior has done for me. For all of us. Throughout life we put ourselves in situations that, alone, we cannot fix. But there is one who can fix it. The Master Mechanic, our brother, Jesus Christ. I owe everything to Him yet all He charges is a broken heart and a contrite spirit. His repairs are available to all at the same universal cost. Let us all be partakers of His miraculous atonement.

-Elder Wheatley

"It's like completing a 4th and long and getting it called back because of holding..."

Hey Momma!

Sorry that I wasn't able to let you know that I wasn't gonna be able to write you on Monday but we never heard back from Prez if we could or not.

We went to the temple yesterday! AMAZING! Oh my goodness it was just what I needed. All my concerns just vanished the second I stepped in. I had a lot on my mind but POOF! All gone. In the dressing room my watch broke and not one upset or frustrated bone in my body. I just looked at it lying on the floor and just laughed to myself. I missed that place. I didn't want to leave. I sat there forever with a few other missionaries and the temple president had to come in and kick us out. haha. He said it in the nicest way possible. He walked in, looked at us, smiled, and said, "Are your rides waiting on you?" We all smiled and left. What beauty is radiated there. It just changed me. Gave me a new view. A new charge.

The rest of the week just pales in comparison. We found some new people. Had some outstanding lessons and learned a lot about some of our investigators and their progress. There was a really cool thing that happened earlier in the week but then she dropped us so... not really worth sharing anymore. It's like completing a 4th and long and getting it called back because of holding.

It's kind of weird, an investigator drops us and I just kind of say and feel like, "Oh well," and go onto the next task at hand. I thought I was supposed to be devastated. My heart is most definitely in the work but I just feel like my immediate response to disappointment is apathy. Better than sulking and not being able to move on I suppose.

It happened right after we got out of the temple. It didn't bring me down like I thought it should. I was still on that spiritual high. haha. Can't anything on this world get to those heights.

I am enjoying the work down here. It's hot and not many people are receptive but it never ceases to amaze me, the tender mercies of the Lord. We are having a long, hard day but as we show diligence and keep on keepin on, it is at the very last moment, before we give in that the Lord puts something in our path. It may not be something that will go anywhere in the future but for that moment we were able to witness a miracle and that gave light and purpose to all our work. Happens day after day, week after week, and month after month. I love it.

-Elder Wheatley

p.s. transfers are the second week of October

that front door to our house in bomb diggity! perfect color!

Hope all is well. Say hi to Rach for me. Tell her I said no husband until I can check him out first.

I LOVE YOU MORE!!!!!

"Love you MORE than a Longhorn spanking by the paws of BYU Cougars!"

Hey Momma!

Great success in Lonoke this week. President said in a conference call to the mission, "Be specific and bind the Lord." After prayer to figure out what he meant by that, I got down on my knees and told the Lord that we needed to find two new investigators (something I've always struggled with-- Finding.) I told him that we would show our diligence in going Spiritual Harvesting at a specific time no matter what and asked in return for two new investigators. I figured that is what President meant. The rest He did by telling us where to go and having those people being in the right place at the right time and we found em! Met a very spiritual guy named Cody who is ready to hear the gospel and I'm excited to start teaching him.

Sweet friends in Lonoke...they take care of my Momma
by supplying her with pictures and updates.

My testimony on prayer, which was already huge, increased this weekend as two of our long-term investigators showed up to church, as well as two less-actives we've been working with. We didn't take, "something came up, sorry" for an answer this time and worked through, guided by the spirit of course, the thing that was keeping them from coming and showed them how serious we were in a loving manner. It worked and it is only because of our faith and frequent mighty prayers. They also, all, enjoyed church and I believe they will be back next week.

Those were the big things that happened. We just did a lot of hard work this week. But it was worth it. Results show it. Gotta keep it up though. Can't drop the ball.

-Elder Wheatley

GO COUGS! Someone at church showed me the score and I almost couldn't contain myself!!!!

wait.... seriously water skin and I missed it?! Man!

"A kid in a candy shop happy"

Hi Momma!

:)

I felt very accomplished as a missionary this week. Baptism for Erica, Sister Lindsey back to church, and a tan! I also found out that I was going to be able to go to the temple!

Sunday was incredible. Sister Lindsey was at church and she bore her testimony about being reconverted to the gospel after being away for a while and "feeling it" all over again for a second time. "That's what the gospel's all about," she said. It was a very special moment with

Wheatley, Arkansas

tears in my eyes. It was and is an amazing experience teaching Erica Reynolds in the Lindsey home and seeing not only her become converted but the entire Lindsey family.

We've been on bikes this week so it's been a little hectic trying to get a baptism put together but it was fun. We biked to the church quite frequently trying to get things situated. I think my companion was ready to kill me because I love hoppin on my bike at any chance I can get.

I was named District Leader and it really has been a blessing as I have been learning from other missionaries. It's been very humbling in the few days I've been able to act as such. It makes me want to work harder here in Lonoke in order to be the example. I love all the missionaries in the district already and love working with them. They all seem to be smart and taught right. Tomorrow is the first District Meeting I have to put together and I don't have the DL book to teach me what to do. So i'm goin in blind but with the Holy Ghost as my guide. I was preparing my lesson this morning and the Spirit was so strong. I could teach for 3 hours with what I have prepared! I'm excited. I prayed for help in what I should teach and everything was just coming to me. Then, the crazy cool thing, the AC kicked on and blew my scripture pages to a verse highlighted in Alma that I can close with that works perfect! It was so cool!

Well we only have one computer today cause we're at a member's house because the library is closed so I better get off so that my comp can write.

I love you more!

btw: BEST PACKAGE EVER! So cool! I wish I could watch! AHHHH! I miss BYU sports!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks for everything! so happy!

oh and guess what???? --- I went to Wheatley, Ar!

between how this week went, the package, and Wheatley, Ar.... kid in a candy shop happy!

Much Love,

-Elder Wheatley

The Dog Days of Summer

Everything went awesome this week. I started living by, "What if you only had 5 days left on your mission?" By so doing, it gave me the extra motivation to listen to the Holy Ghost and to do the Lord's will-- not mine.

It's still hot and humid down here and I understand what they mean by, "the dog days of summer." They just keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny.

But Saturday we were contacting some potentials in another city when again, as it did 6 days earlier in the same city, the Sprit told us to go walking. But it was hot. Both my companion and I were agitated because we just got rejected, harshly, he was tired (as always haha) and did I say it was hot and humid?! (btw it was hilarious-- my companion fell asleep in a lesson the other day and the lady noticed and said, "You fallin asleep on us, Joe?" ...No answer! Haha. He was out!)



Yea, Baby!

Anyway, we were led to this house with a bunch of kids and we started talkin with them when the mom came out on her porch and just stared at us. But we were able to meet with her for a few minutes. It was an awkward meeting because I yelled at her from the street asking if we could come up and talk with her and when we did I was looking into the sun, sweat was pouring down my face, and the kids were trying to talk to me while I was trying to talk with her. But the Spirit was there and she said we could come back. We are going to see them tonight.

Also, we met with George for the first time and he said he wants to come to church next week. It's freaky how much he reminds me of Jonny.

Gracie and Matt committed to coming to church next week. After they said we'll "try," I put a pen on the ground next to Gracie and said, "Try to pick up the pen." She picked it up but I said, "No! I didn't say to pick it up. I said 'try' to pick up the pen." She realized what I was getting to and promised to come to church next week.

And the third thing that happened.... Erica committed to a baptismal date! The 8th of September.

Just an awesome week. Long, hot, and humidy. But awesome.

Oh... and we're going on bikes this week :/



-Elder Wheatley

"This work is nothing without the Lord. NOTHING!"

Hi Momma!

Overwhelmed with amazement this week in Lonoke, Arkansas. The first couple weeks I was here I thought the future of this place was so bleak. I wanted to be the lucky participant of the next emergency transfer. haha. But now... I would pummel the elder that caused me to leave this wonderfully fruitful area via emergency transfer because he couldn't control himself. Truly though, I know I'm supposed to be here.

So much has happened this week that is just so incredible, I'm having a hard time believing that it's happening here. Due to time constraints I can only give you one snippet. Yesterday, since we had saved up some miles on the car, we took our journey to Carlisle, a city not more than 8 miles out of town, to check up on some less-actives on our way to De Valls Bluff, maybe 15 miles further down the road. The GPS took us from house to house with no apparent successes as we faced repeated rejection while the doors monotonously shut in our faces.

It came to my attention that we were just going through the motions and that this mindless work would not produce any results if we continued in our humdrum ways. I also realized that in my "just doing it to do it" mind set, I had left the most important key to our success out of the picture! The Lord! I had neglected to ask Him what He wanted me to do.

Humbled, I muttered a silent prayer.

The answer hit me like lightening and electrified my soul, "We need to go Spiritual Harvesting."

Together we prayed for direction. The consequence was sweet. As we walked we past one of those apartments that you have to walk inside a door and then choose whether to go upstairs or down, a prompting came so strong that I could not shrug the feeling, "Bottom right. Bottom right."

Turns out that we met this Lady, Devin. We left a very powerful blessing on her home and when we asked if we could come back, she said, "Tomorrow."

It was such a humbling experience. My testimony is that this work is nothing without the Lord. Nothing.

Wish I could have had more time to write. I'll try better next week.

Love to all.

-Elder Wheatley

Elders Wheatley and Kowalk

The Spiritual "Mack Truck"

Hi Momma!

Things are picking up here in Lonoke. We've been keeping ourselves busy which I never thought would be possible down here ;)

I'm eating healthy and I am very happy.

We have been teaching quite a few people. I don't know how many are serious, but I recall my last area, Conway, where the Elders before me were teaching, "Shady Eric," that is, if he was ever there when their scheduled appointment was. But I'm so grateful for the Elders that never gave up, and I was able to see Eric baptized. Seeing that is what keeps me motivated to work with everyone-- even though they can be the shadiest people in the world. It all works out in the end if we endure.

The members here are amazing! They go out of their way to help us all the time. We don't get fed very much but they sure do their best at getting rides for us to meetings and appointments.

No, there hasn't been too much rain-- just enough to make it miserably humid. It's not too bad this week because we have a car. We get all our walking out of us between the hours of ten and twelve to avoid the real heat of the day. But even at 10 am when you open the front door the heat and humidity hits you like a Mack truck. We keep the apt at 77 degrees and that's cold to me know. It's funny to see your glasses fog up when you step out of your house or car. That shouldn't happen! ha ha.

The work has just been great. We will be getting a large print Book of Mormons for one of our investigators and I know that, even though he's not interested in changing churches, as he reads the Book of Mormon that he will be the one on the receiving end of the Mack truck-- the Spiritual Mack truck. We're good friends as well as his son and his mother who all live in the same house. Fyi: he wants to buy my bike from me at the end of my mission if I don't decide to ship it back. He wants to start riding with his son. I laughed because that is still over a year away.

I'm just happy.

Boy, from the way I've felt since I have gotten here, it just makes it that much better.

I was praying so hard and He answered. Always does. I'm thankful for downs. It helps me appreciate more. Besides, what fun would this roller coaster be if it was always up?

Love to all y'all

Elder Wheatley

D&C 50

Hey Momma!

This past week was great-- a lot better than last week, I was kind of down in the dumps. Our focus was on logistics and making sure that we build trust with the members, mainly showing them that this companionship is not lazy. As we have done this we have been able to see the bud of our work start to open up and blossom. We hope to continue that trend this week. The members have been fantastic in supporting us even though many of them have either little money or time or both. They surely will be blessed for all their work for us.

Elders Cassler and Wheatley...being silly as usual.  8-4-13

One story about this week: We had the opportunity to teach a returning member's friend in the Branch President's home on Thursday. It was a wonderful opportunity to teach an actual lesson. haha. Really though, it was a very spirit-filled lesson. Even though she was super shy and couldn't even look us in the eyes she was prepared and was very receptive to the message. She came to church and wants another lesson. Elder Staib, from Jacksonville, and I will be going up tomorrow night because we will be on exchanges.

Talking about prophets and apostasy, I compared prophets to a manager in a business. If there was no manager the workers could work for a while but things would eventually get chaotic and some workers would begin to think that they were in control and make up rules for the rest of the employees. Kind of silly, I know, but that is what came to me, through the Holy Ghost I'm sure, and she understood. I'm excited for our next visit. After the lesson we had cake and ice cream and we were able to talk with her about things pertaining to her life, and then, she got talkative. haha. I think that helped break the ice and our next visit should be just as great if not better.

My companion is doing great. We both hit a little slump but we both bounced right out of it. He is a very learned missionary and will do very well in his next two years. I'm glad I have the opportunity to serve with him.

When I was down I read about the Atonement. That really seemed to help. I am thankful every time the Mission President has called me to repentance (he does that a lot-- to everyone) because it causes me to take a step back and reflect on my actions, where I am at and where I can improve.

I'm expecting this week to be amazing. We get our car back and that will give us the opportunity to see people "way the heck out there." Part of our area is, seriously, and hour and a half away! That's freakin Provo to Brigham City! And the worst part, we got a referral for someone out there. haha. How in sam hill are we supposed to contact this person. haha. The Lord will provide.

Elders Cassler from Orem and Elder Wheatley from Provo

Next week I'll tell you about a guy named, Mr. Bailey. We've only had one lesson with him but it went incredible. We'll see what happens this next Saturday when we get to meet him again.

Again, I'm so happy to be here because I know it's where the Lord needs me. I got an interesting and reassuring response to last week's letter to President Petersen. He said, "Build the gospel and know you are the difference." I know I'm here to be the difference but ONLY as I rely fully on the Holy Ghost to lead and guide me. I can't do this work on my own.

D&C 50 says something like, "...doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God."

Love to all back home!

 -Elder Wheatley

Just some ramblings...

Dan emailed me back and forth today, but there really wasn't a whole lot that I thought was blog-worthy.

A few random thoughts from his email:

One thing that stood out this week besides walking like pioneer children was something kind of stupid. this guy we've been teaching, the guy who had been studying the church since '92, decided that the Telestial kingdom was good enough for him. He said that he liked his vices too much. I just thought of something that you said to me growing up, "You get what you go for."

Mosquitoes are killer out here.  It's honestly worse than a needle.

Side note from Dan's Mom:
I received a really nice letter from an Elder in Dan's mission.  Here it is...

 

I thought it was really nice to get a letter from another missionary.  Reading through that letter I thought Dan had set him up to this and so I asked Dan today via email.  He said, "He's my district leader and one night he asked me if there was anything he could do for me like they do every night, so I told him to write you a letter. He's hilarious. One night I told him to make me breakfast burrito for the next morning.... and he did it!"

 

Glad they are enjoying their mission!

 

Love my Bubba!

Another week chalked up...

Quick e-mail tonight... Hope it's enough. I just wasted our whole day cleaning because this apt was filthy! I think the mission prez is gonna send me to every dirty place just so that I can clean it. Elders are nasty, man. It's like none of em had mothers teach em anything! haha. My momma taught me right :)

So as you know, i'm in Lonoke! It's a small town again but it is a very great place for missionary work. This last week we had 25 lessons! We've met a lot of cool people. A lot of potential. It's gonna take a lot of work though. Skeeters (mosquitoes), heat, humidity. That's Lonoke. I changed my shirt and socks 3 times one day! But it was worth it because we saw so many.

I'm follow-up training. This Elder's name is Elder Cassler from Orem. He's gonna be a great missionary. He's got a lot to learn but he learns quick and is open to learning. We're getting along great!

We met a guy named H.... He's been researchin the church since '92 and believe all we believe. We had a discussion with him about the Plan of Salvation and he got super excited about the pre-mortal existence. We showed him Rev. 12 about the war in heaven and he was so interested that he had us walk with him over to his friend's house who was currently studying Revelations. I thought, "Crap... this person is gonna know more than me and say something that would turn Harrell away." But you wouldn't believe it! We knew more, due to the Holy Ghost filling my mind and mouth. We were able to teach them and they thought it was very interesting. They never were taught what we taught them... and it was all out of the bible! btw did I tell you how cool the bible is? EVERYTHING we believe is in there! It boggles my mind why folks don't see that-- even if we show it to them. It's sad actually. The devil has such a grasp on them. Even more sad, he knows this is the true church and he wants to join and go to the temple cause he understands it all but, "he doesn't want to give up this vices," (cigarettes). I don't even get it. ridiculous. haha. But we're gonna work with him.

Well i'm gonna hop off cause Elder Cassler needs to e-mail his fam.

Stoked to be here!

Love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

Write it down!

Hi Momma!

Ok. This week I decided to do what you do which is after something cool happens, write it down on a sticky note so that I remember what happened this week when I write you.

6 Major things:

1) Tuesday we had Zone Meeting and Elder Mortensen and I had a very spiritually powerful role play with another set of Elders. We, after two months together, are finally, totally in-tune with each other and with the Spirit. We learned so much from one little role play. It was awesome!

2) We took a deacon out teaching with us because for three weeks he's been asking. He is a great kid that wants to do what's right. He took us to his friend's house. He wanted to introduce the gospel to his friend. Isn't that cool?

His friend wasn't there but we were able to talk to his mother for a while. We went back Saturday to invite them to church. They didn't come but-- SEED PLANTED. And you can't harvest if you don't plant.

We'll follow up this week. I have faith good things will come just because that 12-year-old, Gabe, wanted to share the gospel with his friend and he wasn't scared to do it.

3) We had a very good lesson with Randy. Very unorthodox way of teaching because he has such an abstract mind but... So do I! So I know exactly how to put things in ways he'd understand. He's made leaps and bounds in the last week! Super stoked.

4) Got an interesting phone call from the mom of one of our peeps. He's in the hospital at UAMS. We vaguely knew that he had some health problems in the past (years ago) but he seemed perfectly normal this whole time we've known him. I'm not worried. His mom said he'd be fine. I'm gonna see if I can visit him after transfers on Wednesday.

5) Leads me to my next point.... I"M FREAKIN GETTING TRANSFERRED! What????? NO! I love this place! It's the Celestial Kingdom of missionary work! There are people, like Randy, that still need me! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

But. I'll, with a smile and upbeat attitude, go where He wants me to go. No matter how hard. Gulp. End of story. :)

Don't know where i'm going but thought i'd let you know before you send my peanut butter to my companion. ;)

Conway's been great though. It'll be very very hard to beat. Members are amazing here. I feel safe. I love the people.

6) Back to good news! Thursday night guess who came to visit?? Doug and Bridget! Yeah! They came all the way up from Bismark just for me! I feel so special! Those people are the best! We went out to eat at iHop and got some ice cream at a joint called, Shakes. Bridget even made me a 10-layer jello desert!

It made my stay even better to see them. I had an amazing time! :)

  

Well, I was taking it kind of hard that I was leaving. No one was expecting it, but I felt inspired to read Jacob 6, verses 2 and the first part of 3,

 2 And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh.

 3 And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard;

I have a work to do. Doesn't matter where or who. I just gotta do it. It helped. And i'm SO motivated.

I love this work. I'm gonna show it.

-Elder Bubba

"My GPS in a world of so many intersections"

Hi Momma!

So very glad your trip went well. So very jealous too.

This week has been so great! Work is on the up-swing.

I'm just so thankful/ grateful for the Spirit. I know I have said it a billion times, but it's true. Without it this work would be nothing. I and all I do/ say would be nothing. Countless times I've been able to walk into a lesson with no idea what to teach but the Spirit with me and it's been incredible.

This week I could feel it. Strong. What peace and protection it brings. It leads and guides.

Last week I was struggling with trying to have and keep the Spirit with me. It's not just something you can flip a switch, on and off. I don't know why'd you ever want it off.

I'm just glad it's back on. Because it's my GPS in a world of so many intersections.

I LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

 

Hi Momma!

So... no big awesome missionary excitement this week. haha.

"The Mountain"

We did a lot of knocking doors out in the 108 degree weather. A lot. Sweated my big behind off but went to the Westover's house for dinner Sunday night and it came back ten fold. :) With the Spirit guiding, though, it was quite enjoyable. Wet. But enjoyable.

I wish there was more to say but there is not!

Although we did do something super fun last Monday. We went to Petit Jean "Mountain" and you know why I put it in quotes. Haha

I'll send pics!

I'm still havin a great week and I have faith that we'll get the ball rollin this week.

Some things never change, Momma!

Have a blast in Colorado! "Lucky!"

Love,

-Elder Bubba 

Follow the Spirit

Hi Momma!

This week was "slower" than the past few weeks in Conway but it was still very productive as I stayed diligent.

With three baptized since i've been here we are now low on investigators. Time to find!

Finding is a missionary's least favorite "chore." I used to feel that Finding was a monotonous motion to go through but as we are truly in-tune with the Spirit. It is not a chore, it's an exciting treasure hunt!

The approach we use, Spiritual Harvesting, has proven to work. What we do is as we feel prompted to go down a particular street we listen to the Spirit tell us which house to knock on. We introduce ourselves as representatives of Jesus Christ and inform them that we felt inspired to knock on their door to leave the Savior's peace and blessings upon their home. We ask if we could come in to leave that blessing. Once we're in is when we work our magic. We get to know them, find out what they need, etc. Before the prayer we invited them to pay attention to the feeling they receive as we pray. After the prayer we ask them how they felt. We explain that that feeling was the spirit and show them how they can have that feeling stronger and with them always.

It works-- as we listen to the spirit guide us of course.

The other day we were looking at our map and I felt inspired to Spiritual Harvest down a street called, Rushing Circle. As we walked down the street I felt this huge pull towards a particular house and as I looked up at my companion he was staring that same house down. We decided to hit up that house last on our way back.

There we met a middle aged man, Glenn. I thought his name was Glancer at first because when I asked his name he said, "Glenn, Sir." Haha.

When we knelt down for prayer you could feel the Spirit envelop the room. He was so excited and HE asked us, "When can you come back?"

Next visit, on Thursday, we felt inspired to give him a bible and Book of Mormon. He was stoked. "My very own bible! My first King James bible!" And when we explained the Book of Mormon and how they were equal, he put them level with each other on his lap and he froze for a split second. He said I just got a chill down my whole body! He said i'll take the Book of Mormon with me to work and read it on my breaks.

I'm so glad we were able to meet Glenn. He has definitely been prepared for this time. I'm stoked too!

I loved the Broadcast last night! I'm so glad you went! It was just as good as General Conference. So inspiring! I wish everyone could have watched it. Nothing really new was said but it sure invited the spirit and got me fired up.

I loved L.Tom Perry's soccer analogy. We need to know our position so that we aren't caught  playing "bunch-ball." haha.

And Boyd K. Packer saying, "It comes when you start."

Maybe this week WAS better than I gave credit for! haha. 20/20 hindsight

I love you more!

Don't know how long i'll be on cause a member (with investigator!) is taking us hiking today and we gotta go shop before we leave!

Love you, love you, love you all!!!!!!!

-Elder Wheatley

My Joy is Full...

Momma!

I've been trying to find the right words for how I am feeling today but I keep finding myself deleting and retyping and if it continues for much longer time will run out-- so i'll just type and hope it sounds good.

Late Friday night I got this phone call from our investigator, Brad.

Brad (18 years old) is the kid from California who we met at his Grandmother's funeral about a month ago. He decided that he needed to stay here permanently and take the lessons.

First off, I gotta tell you, this kid is the greatest. We were definitely friends in the pre-mortal existence. He has a magnificent grasp on the spirit and listens to it incredibly well.

He decided that he wanted to be baptized but was going to wait til his dad could come back out from California.

My friend, Brad Gregersen

Back to this phone call... He says, "Elder Wheatley. I want to get baptized ASAP and I want you to do it." I was blown away. Neither me or my companion could go to bed after that. The spirit was so strong in that call we just stayed up and partied and gave thanks to Heavenly Father.

So Sunday after church I had to blessing to baptize my friend Brad. Most spiritual experience ever.

In the changing room I asked how it felt. He said, "Oh, I felt it! I'm still feelin it!"

Then I asked him, "You wanna know how you can feel the Spirit even stronger than you do now?"

"How?"

"Go on a mission."

The response was the best, "Oh, i'm already planning on it." He continued to tell me that the other day, I had told him a story about me not listening to the spirit and the negative consequence that ensued and that because of that story (in which the spirit told me to tell) he knew that he needed to serve a mission.

Mom, my joy is full.

I don't know how I could be any happier.

I feel completely at one. Peace. Love.

This week has just been amazing. I don't know how I got so lucky as to be in this beautiful city at this marvelous time and have the blessing to reap the harvest. This is true happiness.

-Elder Wheatley