It was freakin' Hawaii here on Saturday!

Hey Momma!

Things are goin' just swell here-- 80 degrees and sunshine! The gentle breeze got a little out of hand though. 

For real though... it was freakin Hawaii here on Saturday. It was so warm, the skies were clear as could be, and no wind. Everyone was telling us that it was supposed to be tornado weather on Sunday but I never could've guessed it (or believed it)-- even on Sunday. It was a little rainy after sacrament but nothin' out of the norm. We were over at the Higgins' home for dinner when the alarms sounded. Two seconds later the phone is being blown up by the ZLs telling me to get my district inside, safe, and accounted for ASAP.
The spirit testified to me that nothing was gonna happen to us and not to worry so it was quite enjoyable being able to stay at our dinner appointment longer than normal and just take a load off and relax. haha. The news was on and the play-by-play of the tornado was a kinda cool. What really got me excited was the thought of getting a chance to help out. We haven't received any word on relief efforts yet, so it's business as usual here, but I'm anxious to get in there and contribute.

I've seen the pics and I know how bad it was but nothin too exciting where I was. I guess that's a blessing.

As for the work here, we have been struggling gettin folks to church but I had the opportunity to "fight for every inch" on Saturday night when an investigator was fixin' to drop us and decided that she didn't want to come to church until she learned more about "The Mormons." The only problem was that she didn't want to learn about it from us. She wanted to do her own research. We talked on her door step for at least ten minutes about how the only way that she will know is if she comes to church. I asked her what her favorite kind of car was; she said BMW. I posed the typical missionary question, "If you wanted to learn more about a BMW, would you ask the BMW dealership, the Ford dealership, or the Honda dealership?" She indicated that it was obvious that she would talk to the BMW dealership because they are the ones that know about BMW's. I compared that to learning about the church from us, first hand.

I asked one last question, "If you never had tried Mint ice cream, how would you know if you liked it?" I explained that if she made a decision, without the proper steps to come to an honest conclusion, she would be lying to herself and would never truly know if the church was true or if she liked it.  

The sky the night of the tornado

These were very simple and common missionary tactics but they work. It was a fight and the Spirit was able to testify to her that it was something she needed to do. She ended up coming to church a half hour early, we gave her a church tour, and she was fellowshipped very well. The Relief Society sisters did a fantastic job with her! That's what was needed-- member support. She was the ONLY black person in the building. I bet she noticed it too and I guarantee that she wouldn't have stayed all three hours had it not been for that fellowship.

I really felt a change within myself this week. My determination and desire to serve increased greatly and I just feel good. It was really really hard there for a bit but I know that I made it through because of your prayers. I just wanted to thank you and dad for all you've done for me.

I love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

We were swallowed up in the joy of Christ

Last week was a very difficult time for me; for nothing seemed to be going right. I was in a rut, I was tired, we couldn't find anyone to teach, I had no desire even though I really wanted to gain one, and against my own will the thought of going home in six months kept popping into my mind and racked me with home sickness. It was the first time, I think, on my mission that I could actually say that I felt home sick. I didn't want those thoughts! I didn't want to facilitate them. They just kept coming. I was praying SO hard even fasting that Heavenly Father would take them away and help me focus and regain that desire and the determination that stems from it.

Lately I've been fascinated with the book, Jesus the Christ. What I had been going through this last week, mirrored, almost exactly to what He went through during the early part of His ministry. Ultimately, when hope seemed grim and no success was eminent, He pressed on. From Friday morning (Good Friday) through Sunday I felt the Spirit so incredibly strong. It was almost overwhelming. All I wanted to do all day Easter Sunday was testify that He lives! The feelings were never fully alleviated, but just like the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, I was strengthened so that I could bear those burdens.

I think this talk from Elder Bednar explains it best:

In verse 33 of Alma 31, "Alma prays that his missionary companions will receive a similar blessing: “Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of this people”

"Alma did not pray to have his afflictions removed. He knew he was an agent of the Lord, and he prayed for the power to act and affect his situation.

"The key point of this example is contained in the final verse, Alma 31:38: “Yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ."

In the midst of a very hard time, my afflictions "were swallowed up in the joy of Christ," and it truly was a Happy Easter.

-Elder Wheatley

Pretty much, things are AWESOME and I'm happy!

Hey Momma!

Great things are happening here. I am having a wonderful time in Benton. Last week we set three baptismal dates for a part-member family who was uncertain about making the final leap; but we taught a very spiritual lesson that allowed the spirit to comfort  their worries and inspire them to set that date for this Saturday. We have plans to teach them a fun and creative lesson on Tuesday.

The Elders before us did great work here so we do hardly any finding. We just go from person to person teaching lessons. It's good to get back into the swing of things with a full plate and things to do. Also, my companion and I are getting along great! We are working in unity and the Spirit is strong.

I like how you always, at the end of the letters, tell me to stay obedient. I know that that is something that will bring blessings. I can always work on that.

Conference is always the best! I absolutely loved it! We had a few technical difficulties so it gave me a good opportunity to work on patience as well as a bigger reason to read the Ensign.

Pretty much, things are AWESOME and I'm happy.

Love you more!

-Elder Wheatley