It's time for the next chapter in my life...

The Lord has really blessed me the last couple weeks. I feel like He has just unleased a boat load of blessings. I've been loving this work and haven't felt, not even once, like I'm tired of this and want to stop. 

The only "sick feeling" I'm getting is that I have to leave Arkansas and stop doing full time missionary work. It's been such a blessing to me and I'm eternally grateful for this opportunity. 

But I know that it's time for the next chapter in my life. It's gonna be hard but so was this; I relied on the Lord and look where it got me. If I can face these next phases of life with the same mind set-- things are looking up.

Love to all. See you next week.

-Elder Daniel Charles Wheatley

I love it, Mom. I really do

This week was great. It's so nice to be working with these guys who have an actual desire to work. 

Elder W got his Visa and will be heading to Brazil the same day I leave so Elder B will be taking over the area. This is what we figured he was coming in for. It's been a pleasure to work with both of them.

Surprisingly, to me, and my companions, I'm not trunky yet. I love this work. I sent this to AW earlier today,

"Not looking forward to the transition from set apart missionary to normal human but I know that as I keep performing my daily duties of discipleship (prayer, scripture study, etc) the Lord will help me make the switch and keep me strong. I love this work. You know how it is. Can't really describe the spiritual high that I get every time someone accepts doctrinal truths." 

I love it, Mom. I really do.

B-day-- I had a great Bday! We spent it working and I was able to teach one of the best lessons of my life with a lady outside her house. I can't help but feel that that was the Lord saying, "Happy Birthday, My friend!"

Brother S was the one that sent those photos. He's awesome. Car, Sleeping Arrangements, Cell Phone, Etc.-- 

I was thinking a little while ago about getting things set for work and school. I have a pretty solid idea on everything but not gonna really let it occupy my mind. I'll present my ideas to you when I get home. No need to worry about it until then. Focusing on the mission! (Figured it out for the cell phone though-- I don't want a smart phone. I was taught by a very wealthy man out here, "When making important decisions, ask yourself, 'Is it a want or a need?' " And I don't want it or need it. I also hate touch screens.)

FHE-- Do it when you can but don't put it off. If Sam's not home do it anyway. What a wonderful bonding moment it will be for you and the old man.

PMG-- I love PMG! I'm glad I figured out how to use it more effectively down here. It's made the difference. We'll definately have to use it. It's a great tool.

Kris-- Tell him I said I am SO excited for him. This is going to be the best decision he's ever made! You don't really understand why until you're here; but it doesn't take long to figure out. So stoked for him.

LOVE YOU MORE, MOMMA!

-Bubba

"Fully Invested"

Hi Momma!

This was a good week. I wish I could remember all that happened but I am COMPLETELY mind blank. Sorry. All I know is that the week went very well, Gary was baptized, and life is good. Gary is the coolest person ever. He is someone I've learned lots from. He is not a respecter of persons and does things that he knows to be right, not just doing what the world says. I'm excited to see him progress even more in the gospel. He is going to be a great asset for this ward.

I'm reminded every day of how many days I have left. The adversary keeps telling me that I've worked hard for 23 months and that I'm allowed to relax and has given me every reason and opportunity to take a break. I'm tired, everything makes me nostalgic for things back home, and there is now no one solid in our investigator pool. BUT... it's not over til it's over. (that's something you taught me, Momma). I'm not gonna slow down.

The weather outside makes me feel SO good. I just wanna throw a football around with some friends. I am happy to hear about BYU and I want to go to a game SO bad but I am happy I'm here and wouldn't trade it for anything (though a byu ticket would be tempting jk).  Momma's side note: He doesn't realize we have tickets for him for two games when he gets home!

Life's just a roller coaster at this point-- I'm happy on some days and completely drained and ready for Provo the next. But I just gotta keep truckin. I'd like to finish my mission strong so that I can say that I have no regrets. I am gonna take on the motto from BYU football a few years ago, "Fully Invested."

I do love this work. How blessed I am to have this opportunity to devote, strictly, this time to the Lord. I am eternally grateful.

-Elder Wheatley

the photo is of Gary and Elder Durham who baptized him

"I will be forever grateful"

Hey Momma!

Short one today because there is not much to say.

Things are great.

Got my new companion. Elder W. He's a Visa waiter and I met him his first day when they were passing through Pine Bluff. His companion used to serve there so he was showing us some people he used to teach. What a blessing to be able to serve with him. He's someone I know and we are getting along great. He's been out for eight months so he knows what he's doing. 

As for the work, it's SO slow! But we feel good and confident in the Lord and the blessings He will provide as we work hard.

One HUGE blessing is that G is getting baptized on Saturday the 20th! Everyone is so excited for him. He requested that Elder D, a missionary who served here awhile ago, baptize him and I confirm. I'll send you a picture of the 3 of us. I really like him. He's going to be a great member.

On the night of the 20th, I'll be going down to Conway to see the baptism of another G, who I taught last year, and who Elder D is currently teaching. haha.

We had Stake Conference and after the Saturday session I was almost in tears because I reconnected with members from various wards, realized how many friends I've made with fellow missionaries, and it hit me how short of time I actually have left. A week ago I was "antsy to come home trunky" but now I realize how much I love it here. But I'm sure once we start working again and doors start slamming I'll be ready. haha.

I love the things that have taken place the last two years. I've learned the gospel in a way that has opened my eyes and makes me want to be a better man. I have met life long friends, learned lessons, and gained insights that I could have in no other way but by serving. I will forever be grateful.

-Elder Wheatley

ps... I love you more!

Missionary work is LEGIT!!!

Hey Momma!

I'm gonna finish in Choctaw! Good thing. I don't wanna pack, unpack, and pack, and then learn a new area for six weeks. I'm stoked. I love this place. Hard, tough work but I like the members.

This week was a great testimony builder for me. One of our investigators received a call from his mom a few days before his baptism, anti-ing him. He was bombarded with negative thoughts and false ideas, he lost his testimony of the restored gospel, and was thinking about just "feeling it out" for a while before getting baptized; but we all knew that if he did that, he would fall away. We invited him to fast with us.

I hadn't used fasting throughout my mission like I should have. I knew it was a good thing but never put forth the effort outside of Fast Sunday. A couple weeks ago we felt prompted to fast for a different investigator who had been "leveling out" and seemed to be turning into an eternal investigator; that he might have a desire to be baptized. Before we even began our planned fast we heard, via his girlfriend, that he thought he might be ready, though he hadn't expressed it to us yet. We decided that we needed to continued as planned to fast. The next lesson, after the fast, we invited him to be baptized, and he accepted and set a date. He is still going strong and plans to enter the waters on the 20th of this month.

Seeing this and feeling prompted to do the same with this other investigator, we not only fasted, but invited him to fast with us. He immediately accepted, putting his halfway eaten candy bar down.

That next day, the day before his baptism, we visited with him to follow up on the fast. He poured all his extra time into the Book of Mormon and had plenty of questions for us. After helping him find the answers, the Spirit leading the entire discussion, he was confident and ready to be baptized.

While I know that not every prayer or fast will be answered in the way that I want it to, I know and can testify of the power that fasting brings into the life of those whom the fast is in behalf of.

-Elder Wheatley

  

ps.. missionary work is legit. I love talking to everyone. The feeling you get when you chase someone down and share the gospel with them is awesome! haha.

Freak! Did I tell you? I'll keep it short... In my eye exam I was able to share the gospel to two workers! I even shared the WHOLE first lesson and first vision with one of the guys. He was legit and seemed very interested. A member took us there and when we got in the car he's like, "What were you and the worker talking about for SO long?"

I thought to myself, "So long??? I was in and out of there. Quickest eye exam ever" I looked at the clock and it had be two and a half hours! haha.

Until next week,

I love you MORE!!!!

-Bubba

Miracles coming...

Hey Momma!

Last. Week. Was. HOT! Like boiling. We worked so hard though and the people of Greenbrier were great. They gave us water and rides and everything else under the blistering sun. We had no immediate results but then again, I've never seen the Lord work that way for me. It's always been more like Ether 12--receiving no witness until AFTER the trial of my faith.

The results came Sunday when we had two miracles. I can't write about either of them on my blog, but the tender mercies of the Lord were very apparent.

Things are going good. It's hard but I'm happy.

  

-Elder Wheatley

These are the folks I really like to teach...

Hi Momma!

This week went great. We had a ton of success-- first time in forever here!

We are teaching some legit people but it'll take some time before they are ready. These are the folks I really like to teach. They ask questions, search for answers, and are truly wanting to KNOW. These are the souls that will remain.

The main guy we are teaching is middle-aged man. He is dating a member. He examines every word we utter-- so we weigh very heavily each word that comes out. He is a very strong individual and won't be easily swayed. He has been coming to church since last year. When I got here I felt strongly to "put him on pause," even before I had the chance to sit down with him and evaluate the situation. I think he was relieved and maybe a little burnt out on forceful missionaries. So for the first 8 or 9 weeks we didn't even really say boo to each other. Then I felt prompted that it was time. I approached his girlfriend and him about having supper and a sit down afterward. They accepted and from that second we hit it off. He is awesome. He's a spiritual truth seeker and wants to know it all before he makes a decision. After the first sit down we extended the invitation to retake the discussions and he readily accepted. We have taught the first three lessons, very in-depth, and I have seen the change in him. The Gospel changes people. No doubt about it. He isn't ready for baptism yet. He still has some underlying concerns but I put complete confidence in the Lord to help him through his struggles to the point where he will be ready to make the commitment.

He's so cool in fact that he picked us up from a meeting in North Little Rock, an hour plus drive away, and took us out to eat afterward. Pray for him and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will have another solid member.

As for transfers, calls were this morning but neither of us got one. Round number three together. 

Love you,

-Elder Wheatley

"How many friends did I share the Gospel with?"

I had a pretty good week. Friday, during weekly planning, really made my week. Last week you could probably tell I was getting frustrated. This area is so small and we are running into the same people over and over again. We decided to try places where missionaries have never been before but the houses are few and far between-- very far between. The other day we were tracting a road (a highway really) and in our 4+ hour block we maybe knocked and/or passed 20 homes; and we were soaked in sweat to the point where it LITERALLY looked like we jumped into a swimming pool. I was frustrated because I felt that that was working harder not smarter. But what else were we to do? Granted, we found a few potentials, but that's it.

So the reason why Friday was so good was because during weekly planning I realized that all the investigators we have were from members-- and they all have really good potential. It's gonna take them a little while to get to baptism but they will get there. I am so grateful for this ward. I feel like they have really done so much for us. I know member missionary work is hard but they are truly trying. We can't expect things to change over night. It takes persistence. A lot of missionaries don't realize that. We can't just expect the members to 1: trust us the moment we get to an area; 2: find a billion people for us to teach right away; or 3: even know how to do member missionary work. I look at myself back home and ask, "How many friends did I share the gospel with?" That really puts it into perspective and helps me be a lot more patient. Besides, we can't just jump on people to take the lessons.

Ok, enough of my ranting. I'm just grateful for where this work is starting to take itself. It's hard when your Zone Leaders are on your back about not finding enough "new investigators" and you're doing your best, but it'll all be worth it at the finish line, when you've tried your absolute best, and you look back and see the effect you've made. The next 99 days are gonna be hard. But if I work harder, when all is said and done, it's gonna be so sweet.

Yesterday one of our "new investigators" (who one would describe as a hardened Marine) told his wife (a member) how our first run-in with him went. "When they first came over I was being really rude and was gonna run em off... but then they started talking about my bike (motorcycle), and that got me," he said pointing to his heart.

It was a cool testimony builder on how, we need to find common ground and become friends with these wonderful people; not just treat them like "lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic" like Elder Holland says.

I love you more!

-Elder Bubba

Tired... but not giving up...

Hey Momma!

This week-- tired.

I've been doing the best I can. I'm working hard, being obedient but nothing has been changing. Yet, I hope. I've always been optimistic. I think of Pine Bluff where we went two whole transfers with hardly anything and then BOOM! But even knowing that, it's still frustrating when you're wearing yourself out day in and day out and not seeing any results; and the joy of the satisfaction of working hard is wearing off. 

This is what I love about my mission: I learn to do hard things. Even with no rewards I learn how to have patience, determination, perseverance when it really doesn't matter. It matters, yes, but I'm talking about: my house isn't about to foreclose or my kids aren't going wayward. You know what I mean? It's hard. And for what-- myself?? No. For others. It's an incredible feeling. I can't see anything changing day by day (like braces straightening teeth) but I know the end result will be great. So, yes, it's hard. I'm ready to take a break. Some days October 21st can't come soon enough. I'm tired. But I will endure to the end.

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

I love ya more!

-Bubba

Momma!

Elder and Sister Shaw:
My Mission Office Homies

I feel like these last two weeks I've worked my badoober off! I'm feeling great! We have a member that we went with yesterday to invite his sister and her two children to take the lessons and those should be under way this weekend. Also, we have a part member family that we are going to start teaching on Sunday and tonight we are going to meet another member referral at family home evening!  

Members here are great.

I took the Mission President's challenge to be at studies by 8 am, fully dressed, no distractions (i.e.: laundry, breakfast, etc). It has made for me a world of difference. I never realized how being 3 minutes late could affect my whole day and outlook.

Things are getting under way in this area and I'm stoked!

-Elder Wheatley

Gotta make exercise fun!

Lesson learned

We had a great week and by the grace and mercy of the Man upstairs we found a lot of good folks.  It's about time.  We have been really struggling with that.

We are emailing at a member's business; an auto repair shop.

He just walked into where we were and said, "Elders, you ready?"

We asked, "For what?"

And he just responded with, "Follow me."

So we followed him into the garage where he took us to a car up on a lift. The worker was trying to drill a hole into the frame and he told the worker to step aside. He handed me the drill and told me where to start-- I got nowhere. He had my companion take a shot with the same result. This member took the drill from my companion, looked at us and said, "This is the kind of crap you'll have to do if you don't get into school as soon as you get home."

Lesson learned.

I'll write better next week.

Love you more!

Bubba!

There is no mistaking -- they got hit by a tornado

Hey Momma!

This week (Sunday when the tornado hit through Wednesday), all of us missionaries, were so preoccupied on the thought of being able to go up to help out with the relief efforts. Not gonna lie-- I was too; that is until Tuesday when I received information that before clean up could even start, they would have to make sure everything was safe AND THEN they would allow the insurance adjusters in to assess the damage. Knowing that it wouldn't be til week's end before I could get in, I was able to focus fully on the work. Business as usual!

So as for the work: My companion has a wonderful Christlike attribute of love towards his investigators. It's a characteristic that if used properly will help him see much success on his mission. 

We let go of a lot of people this week and devoted most of our time to finding new folks and we had some great results! This coming week we are also going to be teaching a guy named Zach, a recent convert's brother. I love working with member's family because there is an immediate support system. Mark is the recent convert who was taught by the sisters. He is my age and is a great member missionary. He's not scared to invite others to church. Zach needed help with something and Mark said only if you go to church with me on Sunday. It's as easy as that!

The cool part was at church when we were asked to ask Zach about taking the missionary lessons. They didn't know how to approach him, because they were scared that he would say no if we were too bold. They wanted us to do it but at the same time wanted us to tip-toe around it and almost trick him into it. It kind of bothered me that they thought that way. I know that if the Spirit is there that all things are possible and that we need not fear.

Gospel Principles class was amazing. We talked about the Abrahamic covenant simply and clearly. The lesson created a spiritual atmosphere that enabled us to ask, pretty bluntly, if he would like to take the missionary lessons. After class I asked Zach if I could speak with him and said, "For you to be able to partake of the blessing of the Abrahamic covenant you need to be baptized into this church. Now, I don't want you to be baptized without knowing what we believe in; so would you like to take the missionary lessons?" He readily accepted.

Now... it would be blasphemous to say that I deserve any credit for getting Zach to take the lessons. The reason I say this is because I know that anything is possible and that you can be as bold as ever IF the spirit is there. I just wish all missionaries could see that.

On the other hand, we all had a FANTASTIC time on Saturday with relief efforts. It felt so good to do some physical labor. We went to a place called Ferndale. They had a huge tornado but it got underplayed on the news because less homes got damaged because they were more spread out on a mountain. But there is no mistaking-- they got hit by a tornado. It looked just like what you see on tv.

I enjoyed myself and it was neat to have an opportunity to practice what we preach.

Love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

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 

I just gotta remember that this "ride" is all uphill and if I stop pedaling, I'm gonna roll backwards!

Hi Momma!

Still in Arkansas!! Woot woot! 

Yeah Benton is really nice. I loved PB and the members.

I was nervous when I got into church on Sunday (in Benton) because the ward was SO big and I never thought I'd get to know everyone. But I was able to meet quite a few and I'm feeling a little more comfortable now. I know I'm supposed to be here so I'm gonna work hard to figure out why I'm here and who it is I'm supposed to teach.

My companion is a kid from Thatcher, Utah named Elder Mathews. He's been out three months so I get to follow-up train yet again. It's fun but hard. Ever since I left Conway I've follow-up trained. These whipper snappers are keeping me young and obedient which is what this old fart needs. I believe it's divinely appointed for my sake. He's a good kid. 

PB helped me relax, be happy, and take it all in as I work; while being able to be bold with people when we teach. 

We have taught a couple solid people with some really good potential.

I'm just trying to stay focused on the work. I love this work and wouldn't want to be doing anything else right now. I'm just trying not to get complacent. haha. That'll be what gets me if anything. I just gotta remember that this "ride" is all uphill and if I stop pedaling I'm gonna roll backwards.

I have a feeling that good things are to come here.

I love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

I love this experience and don't know where I'd be without it

A few tidbits from this week's email:

President wanted to transfer me six weeks ago but said, "I think there is something you need to accomplish here first." I believe that by the Grace of God it was accomplished and I am so very grateful and just happy. I sure do love this ward and it seems like my mission keeps getting better and better as the time goes on. This was a fantastic ward to serve in and the members deserve all the credit.

I'm just grateful for the very strong and close guidance of the Holy Ghost on my mission. I know I don't always do what I'm supposed to or in a manner adequate to my fullest potential but He's never left. He's been with me through thick and thin helping me out and buoying me up.

I think the hardest part about a mission is that your mistakes are more amplified; that's also my favorite part. When I can blatantly see where I messed up, my own desire to improve increases. That desire allows me to become refined.

Also, one thing that I recently learned is that the devil will try to make your strengths look like bad characteristics. For example, I kept feeling like I was TOO strong willed and that I had to do everything my way and that I was dragging my companion along and "making" him work and that maybe I was getting a little Pharisaical, and that others just wanted me to relax.

Then two comments, inspired from God, came to me, one by a friend from back home and the second from my companion. The first being an unexpected, out of the blue, e-mail saying, "You're super determined to get the job done and i respect you a lot for your sincerity."

The latter being something like, "I can tell you're getting trunky because you're slowing down."

Haha. That wasn't why I was "slowing down," but my reason was dumb. I didn't want him to feel like I was forcing him, so stupidly, I slowed down to see if he'd take the reins. Dumb right??

It was a good lesson to learn. I know who I am and what I need to do. I can't let the thoughts of the world get in the way of that.

I love this experience and don't know where I'd be without it.

-Elder Wheatley

I love this place....I love missionary work!

Alrighty!

So....

This week was just awesome!

As you saw, we were able to baptize Nate and Nomie; which also includes re-activating their mom as well as their non member dad coming to church. They're good folks.

But the highlight wasn't the baptisms, the 6 investigators to church, or the awesome member present lessons we taught this week; but the wonderful moment was when one of our investigators, Chad (Sister Reynolds brother), walked up to us after sacrament meeting and told us he's ready to set a date to be baptized for before the transfer ends as well as Anna (daughter in-law of the Reynolds).

Nate and Nomi and their parents and Elder Wheatley

It's been something I've been praying for very fervently for awhile now. There progression has been phenomenal in the past few weeks, leaps and bounds, and I know it's because of persistence, a strong support system, and love. It was a huge blessing, too, to have Melanie (from Spanish Fork) there. She, along with the rest of the family, helped Chad and Anna learn and grow so fast! Ike, the son in-law, I believe will soon want to be baptized too. It was difficult teaching them at first because they were kind of uncomfortable with us asking them questions or asking them to participate at all so it felt like I was just teaching a wall. BUT, the gospel changes people! Now, the lessons are lively and full of participation and questions by them and us. And it only took one lesson to do it. I love teaching these wonderful folks. They are like family to me now.

Nate and Elder Wheatley at his baptism

Other great things are happening and I'm so grateful that the Lord gave me the patience necessary, because it all is coming together now and it's exciting to witness.

There is still so much potential here and I am hungry to discover it for the next couple weeks I'm here.

We want at least three more baptisms before the end of the transfer. But it's gonna take some work. So if you could, please pray for the success here because there are at least two others besides the three that are ready to be baptized. We just need to help them realize that they are ready. I love this place. I love missionary work!

 -Elder Wheatley

Hi there Momma!

I'm glad I finally have a week that I can tell you all about!

Last Monday, after the news, was probably the hardest day on my mission because no matter how hard I tried I could not get the news out of my head. It was pretty hard Monday and Tuesday but by Wednesday I was A LOT better.

President Benson said, "There is no greater exhilaration or satisfaction than to know, after a hard day of work, that we have done our best. I have often said that one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be HAPPY. Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work."

I took that to heart and we went to work. As we did so I was happy! I'm also learning to relax and smell the roses. I felt like I was getting so pharisitical about rules that I felt like I was missing something. It was funny how relaxing changed my demeanor: on Sunday after my first speeding ticket and after the news of my Broncos lost-- I didn't care. I was still happy. Those things didn't bother me. There are bigger things to worry about. I love being in the world but not of it.

Haha. Yes. Now you can make fun of me because I finally got a speeding ticket! Guess who has two thumbs, a speeding ticket, and no money for the month of February??? This guy. haha. Guess who is slowing down now?? Yeah... Me :/

As for the work here, it's really good! We had four investigators to church!! M and D (brother and sister) are getting baptized on Saturday!! It was cool how we found her and fellowshipped him. We were supposed to be having dinner with guy and his wife (who we just so happen to be teaching) but they fell asleep and didn't answer their door or phone when we came over. As we were walking back to our car we saw M and started talking to her. She's so prepared! She had been to this church with her mom about 4-5 years ago and she loved it. So we started teaching her and we met her brother, invited him to basketball cause he wasn't too interested in sitting in on the lessons at first, and now he is pumped to get baptized and is a big participant in the lessons. They both had huge smiles on there faces all through church.

I love this area. I'm happy to be here because the ward is dope and the work is so choice. We are thinking of creative ways to find new people to make it fun because monotonous walking down the street is breaking us. haha.

I love this work and I wish people could know what I know, feel what I feel, and see what I see.

-Elder Wheatley

P.S.  I LOVE YOU MORE!!!!

Are your scriptures a souvenir or a practical tool?

Well... You about summed up how I feel about the Broncos going to the Super Bowl! THE BRONCOS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!! i can't witness it :/ BUT THE BRONCOS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Last night, every door we knocked on we asked how the game was going. ;) Both Elder G and I are Bronco fans. :D

Our Stake Conference was so incredible too! Best part was that I was able to see some folks from Arkadelphia that I haven't seen in almost a year, including an old investigator that is finally preparing to be baptized!!

Tell Sam to start practicing his basketball outside cause in 9.25 months I'm comin for him! :)

The count down has begun :P haha jk  Really though, January has been SOOOO LOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG! I hate that I can see the finish line. I was JUST getting enthralled enough in this work that I forgot about all things at home! haha.

Now for a review of this last week:

This week I had opportunities to learn patience, not with others, but with myself. I had to realize I wasn't perfect and that sometimes things don't always work out the way I want them to-- even if I asked, worked hard, and asked again. My weaknesses were seen clear as day and I wanted so badly for the Lord to take them and make them strengths. I gave them to Him. I gave Him time. I couldn't figure out why He hadn't made me strong in them yet.

I soon realized that the word "time" isn't limited to a day, a week, or a month. For all I know it could mean two years or even a life time. He just wants us to keep trying, be diligent, and continue in patience with an eye on the prize.

I also realized that when you pray for patience, you get the trials (opportunities to grow) that come along with learning it. There is so much potential here. We feel like we have found it but then it falls through our grasp. We have felt knocked down time and time again. We are bruised and bloody but for some reason we have found a way to stand back up.

Ultimately I have found it through Christ and His infinite Atonement. Recently I have found it through the scriptures. We listened to a talk by Hank Smith, that you gave us for Christmas, this last week and in it I learned that just like an investor in the stock market, a diligent student of the scriptures will only profit if a person takes the time and effort to invest: "The more I invest, the more I profit," he said.

He also asked, Are your scriptures a souvenir or a practical tool? How do we individually treat the scriptures in our life? Do we display them and cherish them like a souvenir without actually using them or are the scriptures used often in our lives to inspire us and bless us like a well-worn tool?

As I took these principles into effect this week, I looked back on my scriptures and saw all the markings I made in the last week and what joyed filled my heart as I realized how much more my scriptures actually mean to me now. I love them! I don't want to leave them. I learned to find the hidden message instead of just reading the stories. And that, right there, has opened up so many windows. I found such a joy and love and desire to not just read the scriptures but to search and to find the message within. I figure that if Moroni could only write "an hundreth part," these things have got to be so much deeper than we realize.

Honestly, a month ago, I was concerned for myself when I get home off my mission in regards to reading my scriptures everyday. I know I need to. But let's be realistic... With life in the way, I see myself being so easily distracted. Watching ESPN or sleeping in can and will appear more attractive than reading the scriptures. Quite frankly this disturbed me. I don't want to fall back into the real world.

If it wasn't for hearing that talk... I don't know what would've happened to me upon return to the real world. But, now, I have such a greater understanding of the scriptures and I have truly learned to cherish them. I am excited to see how this will affect not just my life, but the work here too.  I am "holding fast" to the iron rod and I am learning to do hard things.

I will eternally be gratefully for this opportunity to serve and to give full dedication to the work of "the salvation of thousands, the saving of souls, YES!" (Mission song)

-Elder Wheatley

p.s. I LOVE YOU MORE than the Broncos being in the Super Bowl!!!

The Holy Ghost Doesn't Stay Out After Dark Here

Hey Momma!

Just a quick note so that you know how I'm doin. Things are great!

We worked all day deep in Pine Bluff and loved every minute of it. People would've thought we were crazy for going there but I didn't feel the slightest bit scared because I knew that that is where the Lord wanted us to be. We weren't there after dark. That played a factor. Holy Ghost doesn't stay out after dark here. Anyway, so many people were receptive to the gospel and we found some solid folks.

We found a guy from the Marshall Islands earlier this week. Cool thing was-- a week earlier I found a Marshallese Book of Mormon in the other elder's apartment. It was really cool how the Spirit took over in our lesson. At first it was hard to even understand all that he said and us to him. But by the end we mutually understood each other like we both spoke the same language.

He had seen missionaries in the Marshall Islands before but his grandparents told him that we worshiped Joseph Smith. After explaining the apostasy and the restoration you could tell a light turned on in his head. "So Joseph Smith is a prophet. He's a prophet. I know it!" It was awesome!!

He was so thankful that he offered us a cup of coffee before we left.

Next up: Word of Wisdom!

Only problem is that this guy works on Sundays and his schedule is unpredictable the rest of the week.... We'll figure it out.

Basketball with Prez was really fun! I never have seen him in that light before. He just seemed happy. 

All in all: a really great week. A real turning point for me. I was gettin a little trunky and lazy a week or so ago but noticed what I was doing, or wasn't doing, and turned it around.

I Love YOU More!!!!!

-Elder Bubba

"And the next day it's run run run"

Hey there Momma!

I don't really know how to describe this week. If you were in it, you woulda hated it. But now that it's over it was a pretty good week. One day we would have an appointment at every hour or even less and we were just go go go and the Spirit was so strong. The next day: NOTHING. No one out. No one interested. Felt like the Spirit said, "Sorry bros. No one for you today. Check back tomorrow."

But then the next day it's run run run.

Every other day looked gloomy and hopeless. The key word was: Endure.

But the other days made up for it.

This week is gonna be bike week. :/ Usually look forward to it but... Not here. Not now. People think we're crazy for even being outside. Then we say, "We're from Utah." Usually settles it.

(We spend most of our time in Pine Bluff. We have one investigator in White Hall. Our apt is technically in Pine Bluff. We have to walk about a mile to get into White Hall city limits to do any work.)

We have been teaching some amazing people. This area is SO ready for the gospel. I think Pine Bluff could use another set of missionaries. The fruit is so ripe. Just gotta pick it.

We are working with a wonderful gentleman named A in Pine Bluff. It's so different and amazing teaching him because he internalizes every bit. We could teach him a whole lesson on repentance. We actually did. It's cool. He's not jumping into it like how most people would. None of our investigators are. They are all really taking it to thought and praying a lot and studying. Neat.

Well. That's it.  Glad everything is going good back home.

I LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley