http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty Another Nifty Geeklog Site jll@larsenfamily.com jll@larsenfamily.com Copyright 2008 jamaicanrm.org GeekLog Fri, 02 May 2008 20:34:24 +0500 en-gb http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20071222213642291 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20071222213642291 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:36:42 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20071222213642291#comments General News McNair emailed me this article this morning. I thought I'd share.http://byunews.byu.edu/archive07-Nov-spencer.aspx http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20071222213642291 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20070628034116586 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20070628034116586 Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:41:16 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20070628034116586#comments Mission Reunions We figure it's about time we all got together again. Jonathan Rupp and I spoke with Sister Moore yesterday and we are going to start getting somethings together for a reunion in 2009. We are planning to have it in April just before General Conference somewhere in the Salt Lake area. More details will come as we get closer. We want to get as many people there as possible. The first step is to get the word out. We need your information and the contact information for anyone you are still in contact with. We have set up an email address that we'll be using to collect this information and send out updates. jkmreunion@gmail.com Send your contact information (email addres, phone #, etc) to this address and pass it along to anyone you come in contact with. Also include the contact info of those you keep in touch with so we can add them to the list. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. aaron.blaylock@gmail.com Hope to hear from you all soon. http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20070628034116586 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20070407004402940 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20070407004402940 Sat, 07 Apr 2007 00:44:02 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20070407004402940#comments General News I just got my mission call to the Jamaica Kingston Mission yesterday and I am super excited. I thought what a better way to learn about the mission that I am going to be serving in than to talk to return missionaries who have served there. I am to report to the MTC on August 8th, 2007. I was just wondering if Jamaica was the only island in the caribbean that this mission covers. Also, any other information about Jamaica would be much appreciated. Who is the most recent RM who has served in Jamaica? http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20070407004402940 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911140011631 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911140011631 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 23:00:11 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911140011631#comments General News Welcome to the New Site! We are currently testing this new option for the site. We are trying to transfer all user accounts from the old site to this new site but you are free to go ahead and recreate your account on your own if you would like to do so. All forum posts on the old bulletin board are now read only and new posts should be posted at this new site. Every attempt was made to transfer as much info from the old site to the new site as possible. This process is still ongoing. Photos have been transfered to the new media gallery and individuals who submitted photos have a seperate gallery in the media gallery. The new site will allow each user to have their own image library and should be much easier to use. The new site format should allow for more user input and better functionality. If you have any questions please post them in the bulletin Board. Once we are certain the site will function as planned and meet our needs, a redirect will be setup so that the new site shows automatically instead of accessing it through the old site. Please give us your comments in the new forum or attached as comments to this story. Also, If you would be interested in moderating different portions of the site please let me know. Thanks, Jared http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20060911140011631 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=2006091113212042 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=2006091113212042 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 22:21:20 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=2006091113212042#comments General News Hello All, Let's see the show of hands of all those that want to see Jamaica become a Stake pretty soon here...... Hello All, Let's see the show of hands of all those that want to see Jamaica become a Stake pretty soon here......1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, ten, fifteen, twenty-four, thirty-six, forty-two, fifty-seven, okay, okay that is good, please keep praying for us. We are not quite there yet, but we are very close, the last time we were about twenty Elders short and we were blessed with two over that amount, but now our membership has grown over the last couple of months since we made that submission, so we need another 7 or so in order to make yet another submission. We hope that one will be the icing on the cake to put us in good. so we need all of your prayers and faith, as we continue to work hard on this. It is just a test of faith for all of us as the Lord tries us to prove that we are indeed desirous of this blessing that will set Jamaica on the road to greater church development and growth. We will forbear! Many of you will readily remember Elder Rohan Barnett from Spanish who has gained the distinction as the First Jamaican Assistant to the President (AP). He was released from his Mission near the end of January and he has also gotten another notch in his armoury as the most recently released and now engaged Elder! He popped the big question about a month ago to the wonderfully talented Sister Nannette Hayles, who has being home from serving in the New York New York Mission since June of last year. They are planning to tie the nuptial knot in November. We wish them all the best, and lots of little Missionaries! (:- Sister Nardia R. Irons who is currently in the Georgia Atlanta Mission will be home come next week Wednesday (30th of April). She is currently serving as the 'Sisters Coordinator', which is the equivalent of the Elders being called as Zone Leaders. Sister Marcha Francis from May Pen is also in the same Mission. We are currently planning a Temple trip to the Santo Domingo Temple in the Dominican Republic and hope to have about 5 couples sealed together with their children. These include but are not limited to, the Henrys, McLeans and Blackwoods all from Spanish Town, the Grants from Constant Spring, and the Deans from Portmore. The trip is as of right now scheduled for the 19th - 23rd of next month. (Any one wants to meet us in Santo Domingo on any of those days? Contact me!! medley@cwjamaica.com (:- Also scheduled to be the Inaugural Returned Missionary Reunion in Jamaica is the one for he 6th of August. I will provide more details on this as it all comes together. This day will be the Independence weekend and I know that a lot of you boys would just love to come down and have a good time at Sunsplash and enjoy a Reunion with your Alumni. (Not to mention drinking a few beers.....Ginger that is!) (:- I have to make mention of the Yallahs Branch that is growing in leaps and bounds as of right now. We have two marvellous Missionaries there, Elders Summer and Tukuafu and they are doing a Magnificent job. I know there is at least one very proud Mama out there! (:- Wasn't General Conference great? I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did or even more. I especially like Bishop H. David Burton's And That's the Way It Is Also I pass on and leave you with the admonition of the Greatest Prophet, even the Lord's Anointed Pres. Gordon Bitner Hinckley:Pres. Gordon Bitner Hinckley: "I think of loyalty in terms of being true to ourselves. I think of it in terms of being absolutely faithful to our chosen companions. I think of it in terms of being absolutely loyal to the Church and its many facets of activity. I think of it in terms of being unequivocally true to the God of heaven, our Eternal Father, and His Beloved Son, our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. "We must be true to the very best that is in us. "Pray to your Heavenly Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and always, under all circumstances, by the very nature of your lives show your loyalty and your love. Who's on the Lord's side? Who? Now is the time to show. We ask it fearlessly: Who's on the Lord's side? Who? May each of us always be found to be true and faithful, men and (women) of integrity and absolute loyalty." Loyalty May each of us live in such a way that those who know us will be able to repeat like unto what the Saviour said when he saw Nathaniel, "Truly a (Latter-Day Saint) indeed, in whom is no guile!" Love to you all. Patrick Medley http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=2006091113212042 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911132004839 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911132004839 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 22:20:04 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911132004839#comments Jamaica Hello! Good Day ! I served in the Jamaica Kingston Mission from August 2000 to August 2002. In those two years the missionaries and members of Jamaica witnessed many miracles. The work is taking off..... Ratnaker John Mallya August 2000-August 2002 Hello! Good Day ! I served in the Jamaica Kingston Mission from August 2000 to August 2002. In those two years the missionaries and members of Jamaica witnessed many miracles. I would like to share some of those experiences and miracles with the future missionaries of Jamaica so they can know what to expect while serving in Jamaica. When I arrived in Jamaica in August 2000, the Assistants picked our group up at the airport and drove us to the mission home. On that forever memorable ride to the mission home (and you future missionaries will soon find out why), I remember the Assistants telling us that Negril ( a tourist town) was off limits to missionaries. They said that if any missionaries went to Negril they would probably be sent home. The reason for this is Negril is well known for its “worldly” entertainment spots and nude beach sites. Negril was off limits. I never heard of Negril before, so I thought it was weird for them to say that out of the blue. But I did not think about it to long, because outside the bus windows was a whole new world. As the months passed in Jamaica, and I had many spiritual experiences and learning experiences mixed in with those always painful but necessary trials and obstacles. I served in great areas and had great companions. Missionary work in Jamaica was tough but rewarding. During those early months, the missionaries could tell things were getting better in Jamaica as far as the work was concerned. The Mission was baptizing 15-20 a month and missionaries were becoming more focused and obedient. The Lord was leading the Elders and Sisters to the elect. And the hope of the first stake in Jamaica sometime soon became a desired and achievable goal. In January 2002 Elder Gene R. Cook came to Jamaica. He only had a few hours on the island before he had to depart for another obligation, but he decided to speak to the missionaries. For the first time in mission history the entire mission meet together at the Constant Spring Chapel in Kingston. It was a spiritual meeting. The first question Elder Cook asked the missionaries was how many missionaries were having their investigators kneel and pray at the end of the first discussion? Out of the 50 companionships there, I don’t remember anybody raising their hands. Elder Cook called us all to repentance and declared that the only way the Jamaicans will enter into the gate of baptism is on their knees. He then taught us how to get our investigators praying on their knees. He promised that if we did this, not only would the investigators pray every time, but baptisms would increase. At first I was skeptical, in my 16 months as a missionary to that point, I never had anyone pray on their knees, and struggled even to get them to pray while sitting or standing. The end of a discussion would often go like this..The missionary would say, “Mr._____, would you offer the prayer”. The investigator would say,”no, you can say it since you are a missionary”. We would respond in some way and ask the investigator to pray again. The investigator would say no again. A little bit of contention would be stirred and at the end the missionary would say the prayer reluctantly. This happened to me all the time, and while on companionship exchanges as a district leader and zone leader I realized my companions and I were not alone in facing this problem. So I was skeptical. But my companion and I tried Elder Cooks suggestion and it worked. In fact it worked every time. Everyone was praying. (for you future missionaries your trainers will teach you the proceedures). From that point on we always ended discussions with investigators praying on their knees. And not only us, all the missionaries were having great success with investigators praying on their knees. It was a miracle. Think about that for a second. It went from no investigators praying on their knees to every investigator praying on their knees. All in the time of one day. And the blessings poured from it. When you get an investigator to pray on their knees and ask Heavenly Father to confirm the things you just shared with them about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, that is a huge spiritual step that the investigator has taken. The missionary work steadily improved in the months following the Elder Cook’s visit, and the number of baptisms continued to grow. Then in May 2002, Jamaica had one of the most important months in its history. At the end of April a rumor zipped among the members and missionaries by route of word of mouth and telephone. I remember receiving the rumor during the day and going home that night to call and tell somebody about the great news only to find that everyone I called knew already. The rumor was that the Prophet was coming to Jamaica in May to speak to the saints before heading to Brazil for two temple dedications. And it was true. The prophet was coming to Jamaica. This was something that we thought would only happen if Jamaica had a temple. But the Lord provided a way for the Prophet to come. The reaction of the saints of Jamaica to this news can be categorized in three ways. They either jumped for joy, cried in joy, or did both. The Prophet was coming. The saints meet at the Ranny Williams Center in Kingston on May 15th as the President Hinckley and President Faust addressed them. It was a wonderful night. Over 2000 thousand saints were present, nearly the entire membership of the church in Jamaica. The entire mission was there (even Cayman was flown in). As the Prophet and his counselor made their way into the Center, all the priesthood holders present lined along the pathway of the prophet. It was an awesome experience to stand shoulder to shoulder with the priesthood holders in Jamaica as the prophet came by. It was a wonderful night that no one will ever forget. I imagined old grandparents telling their grandchildren about the night they saw the prophet of God in person. The spirit was strong, the choir sang like angels and the message was powerful. President Faust declared that great blessings would come to Jamaica because of this visit of the Prophet of God. I believe one of those blessing occurred the very next week. Negril was opened. A week after the Prophet’s visit Elder Gene R. Cook came back to Jamaica for a mission tour. This was a perfect one-two combo for the saints and missionaries in Jamaica. An event occurred on the second day of the tour as we drove to Mandeville. My companion and I had a chance to accompany the mission president, his wife and Elder Cook to Mandeville. I could write forever about the experiences of that day. During the trip up to Mandeville Elder Cook inquired about the church in Mandeville. He asked about the membership and members in Mandeville. We answered. He asked about the missionary work. We told him. He asked about the location of Mandeville in relationship to the island. The mission president pulled out a map of Jamaica and showed it to Elder Cook. Elder Cook looked at the map and proceeded to ask those same type of questions about each of towns depicted on the map. He did this for every large town on the map, asking about the missionary and church progression in each. Working for east to west, he came to Negril (the banned tourist town). We informed him that Negril was off limits to missionaries and told him why. He suggested to the mission president to visit Negril and see what it was like, and if it is appropriate to consider sending missionaries out there. I remember thinking, “Whoa! Can he do that.” Of course he can! Well anyways the mission tour was a success. Elder Cook asked us about the Praying on knees commitment he gave us five months earlier. We reported 100% success. The missionaries and members of Jamaica learned a lot in those two weeks. A week after the mission tour the mission president went out to Negril and found that Negril was really two towns. On the one end was the tourist sites and on the other end was the residential side (like Montego Bay). There would be no major distractions to the missionary work there. The next transfer a house/church was rented and four missionaries were sent out to Negril. I remember thinking how quick the whole opening up of Negril process is going. Then realized why. The Lord wants Negril opened. In a meeting with the mission president before the opening of Negril, I remember asking the mission president if the missionaries would meet in nearby Savannah la mar for church until the branch had at least some members or good investigators. He said no, they would meet in Negril. I sarcastically said, “So they’re going to have church by themselves for a few weeks”. He jokingly said, “where’s your faith?”. The first week Negril was open 30 investigators came to church, after two weeks over 20 were scheduled for baptism, and the week I left 5 baptisms were performed with more scheduled in the near future. A missionary in Negril reported that at least five families had told them that they were recently praying for the truth, being disappointed with the current churches in Negril, and then met the missionaries. It is amazing how infinite our Heavenly Father’s plan is. I thought about the words of James E. Faust when he said that special blessings would come to Jamaica because of this visit. I thought about how the Lord sent another of his servants, Elder Cook to bring to view one of those blessings. I thought about the inspired mission president and those who proceeded him. I thought about the faithful members and people of Jamaica. I thought about the missionaries and their service. For those who will be serving in Jamaica remember that there have been many who have faithfully served before you that have set many seeds, and there will be many serving in Jamaica after you reaping those seeds. But for some reason the Lord has chosen you to serve in Jamaica at this time. How jealous you make us RMs? Good luck and continue to bring miracles to Jamaica. This Article by Ratnaker John Mallya mallyajohn@hotmail.com Ratnaker served his mission in Jamaica in 2000-2002 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20060911132004839 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131900752 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131900752 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 22:19:00 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131900752#comments RM's After seeing some of the more recent reports of Jamaica, I realized anything I had to say about the country could be highly outdated. I decided to offer some words of advice to future JKM missionaries. After seeing some of the more recent reports of Jamaica, I realized anything I had to say about the country could be highly outdated. I decided to offer some words of advice to future JKM missionaries. This list is a little different; I would call it several things NOT to do on your mission. Too many individuals get caught up in the wrong things and easily lose focus on their calling's eternal significance. I would hope that following this advice would help you keep your focus and allow you to make your mission a success for you and the souls you come in contact with. #1- DON'T BE A TOURIST: A very wise trainer who noticed my tendency to linger too long at local shops told me "You've got two years here Elder." Don't waste your green enthusiasm by shopping for trinkets and gifts for your family or yourself. During the course of your mission you will amass bits and pieces of treasure that you will long remember. I moved to one area where the work was slow because one elder had spent his time writing down and memorizing the local Reggae music lyrics. When you get to your area, pay attention to your companion and learn the things he or she has learned by experience. You only have a very short time period to see people converted . . . don't waste the Lord's time by shopping for meaningless fluff. #2- DON'T BE AN AMERICAN: Every missionary who has served in a foreign country has asked, "What is wrong with this place?" You must remember that you are no longer in America and you cannot change the way your new country operates. Don't complain to others around and say "If this were America I would . . ." It is not America and you cannot change the way an entire culture operates. Take the time to learn the culture in which you are serving and the unique things which will make that country special to you. One day my companion and I were walking down the road and he said hello to a man sitting on a wall. The man replied "Big Up Yourself." My comp did not understand that the man was being friendly and shouted "Why should I?" Take the time to listen to people and understand why they have made their country the way it is. #3- DON'T BE A LOCAL : By this I mean don't be so intent on fitting in with and adapting to the local culture that you forget your purpose. You are a commissioned ambassador for Jesus Christ; you bear his name and represent his message. Don't waste his time by forcing yourself to fit in with the people, country or language. Learn the language but never use slang as it demeans the speaker and the message he or she represents. Some missionaries in Jamaica were so intent on using Patois that it would often offend those who were more educated and spoke proper English. Patois definitely has its place and can be a great icebreaker. In contrast, there were those missionaries who used the local slang and profanity in hostile retaliation to persecution. A display such as this will go a long way to thwart the effort of dozens of missionaries who have long prepared such an area for the gospel. Likewise, always maintain a professional and proper relationship with members of the opposite sex in your area; Satan is too eager to lure missionaries into sin. Do not allow yourself to become pre-occupied with fitting in and losing sight of your purpose on your mission. DON'T OVERLOOK YOUR OPPORTUNITY: By this I mean you should not be so busy being a good missionary that you don't take the time to enjoy the uniqueness and beauty of your land of service. Secondly, take the time to learn to love your people and your companion. More importantly take the time to learn and understand the gospel you represent. The greatest conversion you will experience on your mission will be your own. Take the time to enjoy and soak in the intimacy you will have with Jesus Christ; know him and learn to pattern your efforts after him. By doing this, you may remember the faces of those you love and taught but you will never forget what you KNOW. Additionally, you will not want to miss the opportunity to become familiar with church history particularly The Book of Mormon. Learn it, and allow it to convert you before you attempt to convert others to it. I think that if you follow the instructions I have given and study and pray hard, you can be the type of missionary the Lord expects you to be. I, myself, may not have always been a shining example on my mission but I had plenty of examples from which to draw good advice. God bless you, work hard and return with Honor. Article by Sam Newey samueln@powerquest.com Sam Served his mission in Jamaica in 1993-1995 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20060911131900752 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131745588 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131745588 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 22:17:45 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131745588#comments RM's Dear Future JKM Missionaries, My name is Ryan Mumford and I have been home from my mission for about 2 years now. Dear Future JKM Missionaries, My name is Ryan Mumford and I have been home from my mission for about 2 years now. While serving in Jamaica, I grew both spiritually and physically. I probably grew physically because of all the good food and good people there. Anyway, when I first got on the island, the humidity was really thick. If I had a bar of soap, I think I could have washed my hands. My world had gone from a predominantly Mormon community, to a country who desperately needed the gospel. My first area was a place called Spanish Town, not far from the capital of Jamaica, which is Kingston. I got off to a good start because I had a really good trainer. He showed me the ropes, like when not to say "All Right Mon", or "Yes, Yes"! I learned that right after some local rude boys called us "Batty Boys". In Jamaican that means your gay, and they don't take kindly to gay guys around there. Of course as luck would have it there were a couple of white guys living in our area who were gay, and had moved there from the states so they always thought that we were they. Well, in my second area, I went to a place called Vineyard Town, which was known for all the trouble that happens down there. Vineyard Town is located in Kingston, and was very awesome to serve there. As time rolled on I had many great experiences, and even got to show the new mission president around the island for a week, because I was blessed enough to be called as an assistant to the president. The people there are the best, even the ones who don't care for missionaries much. I loved every minute there. I'm sure you've heard it time and time again, but working hard is the only way to be happy out there. You're blessed so much while you're a missionary. Don't forget it. Just a few more things- When I got there, and when I left, it was alright to bring Dockers Pants, as long as they were darker more conservative colors even though you can have pants made in Jamaica by really good Taylor's for really cheap. I think I came home with about 7 pairs of Jamaican made pants that I still wear to this day. Don't bother bringing the trench coat that it tells you to bring, it's not worth the weight. You will need the rain gear though. You can be dry one minute, and soaked to the bone the next during hurricane season. Anyway, that's about all I can fit into this little letter. I don't want to take up to much room, but if you want to know more, you can e-mail me at ryjan@netzero.net Until then, good luck and God speed. This article by Ryan Mumford Ryan served his mission in Jamaica in 1995-1996 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20060911131745588 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131617978 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131617978 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 22:16:17 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131617978#comments Mission History The Growth in the Jamaica Kingston Mission over the last two to three years has been exciting to say the least. The Growth in the Jamaica Kingston Mission over the last two to three years has been exciting to say the least. From an Rm's perspective it has been an absolute miracle. As Jamaican society begins to modernise and move closer to an American perspective, Missionaries that served in Jamaica in the early days would hardly recognise the island today. But despite the Growth Jamaica has had it problems and so have The Saints. Fortunately none of these problems has held back the work of the Lord in Jamaica. I recently sat down with an RM who served in Jamaica back in the late 80's. It was truly a humbling experience. To Imagine a Portmore with only 4 housing schemes, or a two lane Halfway Tree was beyond my comprehension, but when he began to say things like NO Burger King. My mind began to imagine, and I was led to an earnest investigation of Jamaica today Vs Jamaica ten years back. The first thing that I noticed in all of his picture was the change in the development of the island and so I would like to comment on just how much things have changed. In The Corporate area development programmes have brought new growth almost to a bursting point. Whereas a neighbourhood once had only a little shop, there are now more than 6, 7-11 style convenient stores armed with American style gas stations. Recently we've seen the invasion of fast food with 3 McD's a few Burger Kings, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, Domino's (both of which have delivery). We've also seen the invasion of Baskin Robins and Taco Bell. This has led greatly to the feel of a more American Jamaica. In fact stores like True Value Hardware and JC Penny Co. have made a splash in Halfway Tree causing local merchants to have a glitzier look if only for competition purposes. In taking a closer glance though Jamaican culture hasn't been totally underwritten. Although football has been pushing cricket aside for several years, Sabina Park was packed this spring for World Record Setting, Windies Cricket. In other areas The Chicago Bulls seem to be Jamaica's favorite basket ball team. Unless of course you are Mormon. Which brings me to the real reason I'm writing this. Of all the things I loved about my mission I would have to say that Jamaica's people are the #1, especially the members. The church's membership in Jamaica totals out at about 4,000, however that number can be quite deceiving. Because of the Jamaican Diaspora and inactivity the active membership is only at about 1,200-1,500. Also due to the lack of interest, in the church, shown by many men the numbers of active & worthy priesthood are only very slowly rising. But despite this trend the members seem to be just as faithful as ever. In looking at some of the pictures I would like to make some brief comments on several different parts of the island and how the membership is doing there. In Kingston as some of the old timers will recall there were some poor man's orchid trees planted in the chapel yard. Well today those trees shade the whole place making the Kingston chapel a variable Eden due to the efforts of Amos Chin & his merry band of Chinite YSA's. Also the membership has been growing adding new and valuable men to the Kingston, Blvd, and Constant Spring branches. There has even been talk of an eventual recreation of the Mona branch. In Portmore the chapel grounds are now covered in lush grass and there has been trees planted to make the place like Constant Spring bldg. The two branches have been combined for some time now and they. Are slowly growing with the baptism of a few priesthood. In the St. Thomas, the Yahallas branch was formed & is now the only unit in St. Thomas after the close of the Morant Bay area. Apparently this area is doing okay as I received reports about it only last week. In Spanish Town the Church has made moves to secure a rather large piece of land to hold a big Stake Centre and in time a temple. However the property acquisition has not yet taken place but we are very hopeful this will occur in a short time. But despite still meeting above a store, the Spanish Town Branch is doing quite well. In the Mandeville district work has begun on the second chapel in Mandeville. It's to be located in Hopeton. And in Mobay the Chapel in Barnett Over is being upgraded to a phase II bldg. Santa Cruz is looking a very hard place to keep a foothold but Blackriver is looking to be a promising place to keep church. In Savanna La Mar a chapel has been needed & it looks like they will have one before to long. As for other news I believe that that will have to wait until next month when well have more & more goodies to tell about Jamaica today. . . This Article by James K. Ord III James Served his mission in Jamaica 1997-1999 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20060911131617978 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131426809 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131426809 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 22:14:26 +0500 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/article.php?story=20060911131426809#comments Mission History I arrived in Jamaica in August of 1985 as part of the first group of missionaries assigned to the newly-formed Jamaica Kingston mission. President Richard Brough, from Kaysville Utah, I arrived in Jamaica in August of 1985 as part of the first group of missionaries assigned to the newly-formed Jamaica Kingston mission. President Richard Brough, from Kaysville Utah, was the first mission president called to preside over the new mission. He and his family had been in Jamaica for about one month at the time of our arrival. Although the mission was newly-formed, there were missionaries from the West Indies mission serving on the island prior to our arrival. At that time, the church was small but growing. I think there were less than 1,000 members on the island at the time with small branches in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Mandeville, Port Antonio, Linstead, Spanish Town, Portmore, and Kingston. Most of the branches had between 25-75 people attending church each week and all the services were held in rented buildings. The mission home and office were in Mandeville but were moved to Kingston shortly thereafter. The mission has always been a little smaller than average as far as missionary numbers. We had somewhere around 80-90 in the very early months of the mission but averaged between 60-70 most of the time I served. When the Kingston chapel was being constructed a great deal of curiosity and concern arose from the general public regarding the rapidly expanding Mormon church. There were many misconceptions floating about regarding the church and our purposes in Jamaica. We held many town-hall type meetings to try to explain our beliefs and had large crowds attend. It was not unusual to give out several cases of Books of Mormon. During this time, a companionship was stopped in Savannah-La-Mar. They both had expired work permits and were temporarily put in the local jail. This seemed to spark a lively anti-Mormon campaign which led to a great deal of publicity, rumor, and excitement. To make a long story short, the church received a tremendous amount of free advertising and there were many contacts made with people who wanted to know what we really believed. There was a flurry of newspaper articles, radio interviews, and television coverage of the church. I believe that the missionaries and members were made stronger through the afflictions and some very positive things happened as a result. There were some wonderful ambassadors of the church such as the BYU Lamanite Generation and others that helped to open new doors. The strength of many of the members was certainly faith promoting. Some of these include the Nugents, the Hydes, the Tuckers, and Amos Chin to name a few. Several General Authorities visited Jamaica during these years including David B. Haight, Rex Pinegar, Marvin J. Ashton, and Robert Wells. Their visits were also tremendously inspiring for the missionaries and the members. The church grew at a controlled pace but we normally had about one baptism per missionary per month. First Impressions - Keep in mind that some things have changed since I was in Jamaica and some other things will never change. My first days in Jamaica were busy just absorbing all the changes. Some of the big changes included driving on the left, people and animals in the streets, the famous Jamaican accent, and the sheer beauty of the island (oh yea, don't forget the heat and humidity). Despite the island's small size, it is a very diverse land. You can experience the breathtaking white-sand beaches or the dense foliage of the majestic mountains. Jamaica has it all. The people are just as diverse. They cover all extremes of social, economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. They are all proud of their country and proud of their heritage. The food was not hard to adjust to. No one can cook chicken like the Jamaicans. My first meal in Jamaica was jerk pork at the Spanish Town roundabout. It was a meat-lovers delight since the entire meal was this hot pork wrapped up in a piece of paper. The flavor was spicy and it was dripping with grease. I felt a little primitive standing there chewing on that pork but it was good and I never had trouble with the food in Jamaica. In fact, if you enjoy fruit, you will be in paradise. There were fruits I had never heard of or imagined. Each one was unique and full of taste. My first discussion was taught to a little old lady near Bog Walk. Her house was a one-room home with just enough room around the bed for a few belongings. She was friendly as are most of the Jamaicans and it is never difficult to find people to talk with. Teaching was not difficult but committing people to action was sometimes challenging. Most of the people were somewhat intrigued by the "whiteys" and were curious to know what we were doing in Jamaica. They would talk to us like friends and would generally listen to what we had to say. The biggest challenge I found in bringing people into the gospel was committing them. (Yes, practice that commitment pattern!) Many of them say they will do something but will never follow through without plenty of encouragement, reminders, and inspiration. The "soon come" attitude took some adjustment for me. I found myself getting very inpatient at times but you must realize that this is part of their culture and they generally cannot be rushed. Riding the bus, or even a taxi, is an experience never to forget. In Jamaica, there is no such thing as an empty bus. There is always room for another person. Some of the small buses (which are basically mini-vans) had modified seating to accommodate squeezing more riders on. We mostly took public transportation and they got you to where you were going just fine. They drive fast down narrow, winding roads but it gives you plenty of time to pray and exercise your faith. You will soon realize that the Lord really is watching out for you. In addition to public transportation, I spent about half of my mission on a bike and about 6 months in a car. For the time we were in a car we drove using our US drivers licenses and there was rarely a dull moment behind the wheel. I was always amazed at how long it took to travel the island despite its relatively small size. (approximately 50 miles wide by 150 miles long) As far a living conditions, there were some adjustments to be made. First of all there were no water heaters in our apartments. This meant that the showers were cold. They definitely wake you up and get you going. Many of us started showering at night after a hot day in the sun. The water had warmed up a little and it actually felt good to cool off before bed. We also had a strange thing called "brown-outs." The electrical power would drop to about half the normal wattage. The lights were dim and the fan turned about half-speed. This was fairly common during rain storms when the power lines got wet. As far a meals, we did get some dinner appointments but were on our own most of the time. This could have changed but most missionaries also hired "helpers" to do some cooking, shopping, and cleaning. The helpers did the laundry by hand and dried the clothes on the line. It was a full day job for them but they got those white shirts very white. At the time I served, the exchange rate was about $5 or $6 JA to $1 US. That was before the uniform payment plan but most missionaries spent about $300 US per month. We did do some of our own banking and usually at least went to the bank to exchange our US cash or checks for Jamaican currency. Their largest bill was only a $20 and because of the exchange rate, we would usually go out of the bank with a big stack of bills. One thing that has probably not changed much is the mail system. It is not what you would call fast (or highly dependable) Most letters to home (Utah) took about 2 weeks and mail from home took about 3 weeks. In some cases it took much longer than that. In my last area (Portmore) I received a letter addressed to Al Lino. Al served in Portmore 18 months earlier and that was how long the letter had been in the system. The envelope looked like it had been around the world about 5 times. That was an extreme example but I think it might still hold the record for taking the longest. Hopefully this gives you a small idea of what you might expect in Jamaica and will give you some historical perspective to compare against. If you are on your way to Jamaica, you have the experience of a lifetime before you! This article by Mike Hansen Mike served his mission in Jamaica 1985-1987 http://www.jamaicanrm.org/chatty/trackback.php?id=20060911131426809