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.