Spanish Town - 1

pic 1 - Linstead District

pic 2 - Goodbye to Mama Davis and Papa Rasta (Pay no attention to what is in his left hand)

It was hard leaving Linstead but I'm excited for this new transfer. Wednesday was transfer day and I am now serving with Elder Patrick from North Ogden, UT in Spanish Town. Spanish Town is relatively close to Linstead, but very different. Linstead is very bush, green, and rains a lot. Spanish Town is very hot and rains a lot less than Linstead. Not as pretty as Linstead, but there's a lot less mosquitoes and the showers aren't ice cold anymore. Spanish Town is one of the larger areas in Jamaica. 

There are 2 healthy wards here. Three companionships in Spanish Town 1st Ward (where I'm serving) and two companionships in 2nd Ward. Elder Patrick get along great and we have some great missionaries serving here. Every M/Tu/Th/Sat. we all get up at 5:15 and work out with all the elders and some of the young men preparing for missions. Monday is american football, Tues/Thurs is basketball. Saturday is football (soccer), and A LOT of neighbors come for that one. Really loving Spanish Town so far.

Right now Elder Patrick and I have several solid investigators. Adrian is the 11 year old son of a recently reactivated sister in the ward. He has an older brother serving a mission in the Dominican Republic right now. Adrian will be getting baptized this upcoming Saturday.

Mario and Michelle are a 20 yr. old couple with a 1 yr. old baby. They've been together for 6 years, have a child, live together, and aren't married. Michelle seems more motivated than Mario right now. She reads, prays, and asks great questions. We'll be teaching the Law of Chastity this week, and we're excited to work with them towards marriage and baptism.

Afat is a man we met while walking in his scheme. We scheduled a return appointment with him for Sunday afternoon. Yesterday morning I called to confirm the appointment, then I invited him to church. Even though it was on such short notice, Afat walked the 2+ miles to church and arrived 30 minutes early. He enjoyed it, and our lesson with him in the evening went great as well.

Elder Ritchie

Linstead - 18

Elder Chappell and I looking fly with our matching Christmas ties!

 Stake Conference / My Last Sunday with Sister Ulanda Davis and fam

Stake Conference / My Last Sunday with Sister Shantel Segree

Christmas lights in Kingston for Stake Conference

Transfer calls were last Saturday, and I was hoping I'd be staying in Linstead with Elder Chappell for another transfer, but I'll be moving to Spanish Town this Wednesday. Linstead has been great and I'd love to stay here, but I'm excited to be serving in Spanish Town soon.

This past week we've had several investigators really start to love the Book of Mormon. Fabian and Camelia have been reading consistently. Camelia is loving the Book of Mormon. She is marking the book and retaining very well. They even helped us teach another investigator about the Book of Mormon.

Mark, another investigator, is also progressing quickly. He listened in on a Book of Mormon lesson with another investigator a few weeks ago, but we were finally able to visit with him this past week. He knows the Restoration pamphlet, Introduction to the BoM, and Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith like the back of his hand. He has his doubts and concerns, but is willing and eager to be open, sincere, and pray about these things.

Linstead has been great, and I'm really excited for this area that I've been serving in. These next couple transfers should be seeing some baptisms.

Elder Ritchie

pic 1 - Stake Conference / My Last Sunday with Sister Ulanda Davis and fam

pic 2 - Stake Conference / My Last Sunday with Sister Shantel Segree

Linstead -17

 Elder Me in the Tru-Juice orange fields

Leading up to this past week, our transfer had been going great, but this week was a bit rough. We've been teaching several people these past few weeks who are turning out to be not as elect as we thought them to be. Although it's been frustrating at times, this has been a very necessary week to sift through our new investigators and find those who are prepared and willing to accept and live the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Denise, one of our top progressing investigators who will be baptized this December, attended church in Spanish Town with her daughter who is also being taught there.

Fabian and Camelia couldn't make it to church this week because they were at a funeral. We had a great lesson with them last night though. They are committed and serious. We're really excited for them.

We've had several other investigators commit to coming to church this past week, but as 10 o'clock rolled by, no one came. At 10:45/ish a sister in the ward came up to me and told me that 3 young men (20/ish years old) were outside the chapel asking for me. Our investigator Shavane came and brought 2 of his friends. They all came in looking 'fresh'. White designer jeans, low-buttoned polo, converse, cane rows into a bun, too much cologne. Looking real 'fly'. The members did a GREAT job of making them feel welcome. We have another lesson with him coming up, and they'll be at church again next week. Shavane is very gifted physically (49 sec. 400m) but struggles intellectually (can't read well). He's a slow learner, but very sincere. We're very excited to continue to teach him.

We've also met several really promising potentials this week. We're excited to meet with them in these next few days.

Elder James Bryson Ritchie

pic 1 - Lightning storm

pic 2 - Elder Me in the Tru-Juice orange fields

pic 3 - Our taxi driver with his rum tucked near his seat

Linstead - 16

pic 1 - Elder Chappel and I with Fabian, Camelia, and Fabian's younger sister yesterday after church for lunch. They taught us how to make fried chicken, rice and peas, and carrot juice.

This past week has been great, but, unfortunately, our mission is now putting a hard restriction on email time. I will likely not be able to respond to many emails like I've been able to, but please continue to keep me updated with letters and pictures. I'm so grateful for all of you that take an interest in me, and I apologize ahead of time if I'm unable to respond to your email.

I don't have much time now, but this week really has been great. This week we had 4 investigators at church and with more on date for baptism. Elder Chappell and I have set high goals for this week, and we'll work hard to achieve them.

I'll make sure to have a better email this next week.

Love,

Elder Ritchie

Linstead-15

picture- Elder Chappel and I with Fabian, Camelia, and Fabian's younger sister yesterday after church for lunch. They taught us how to make fried chicken, rice and peas, and carrot juice.

This past week has been great, but, unfortunately, our mission is now putting a hard restriction on email time. I will likely not be able to respond to many emails like I've been able to, but please continue to keep me updated with letters and pictures. I'm so grateful for all of you that take an interest in me, and I apologize ahead of time if I'm unable to respond to your email.

I don't have much time now, but this week really has been great. This week we had 4 investigators at church and with more on date for baptism. Elder Chappell and I have set high goals for this week, and we'll work hard to achieve them.

I'll make sure to have a better email this next week.

Love,

Elder Ritchie

Linstead - 14 - A WHS fan in Jamaica!

pic 1 - Found someone with a Wasatch High School Basketball tshirt! I asked him for a picture, and he wanted me to pay him, but he reluctantly agreed. Ha!

pic 2- Elder Chappell and I

This past week we've seen a lot of progress with several investigators, especially Joseph.

We had a great first lesson with Joseph. He seemed very interested and committed to learning for himself. We had planned to help him out with construction a few days later. As we made our way over to see him, he was on the side of the road waiting for us. He told us that work wouldn't happen that day, but then gave us some great new. He told he received his answer. He read through the Restoration pamphlet, he read the Introduction of the Book of Mormon, the Testimonies of the Witnesses, the Testimony of Joseph Smith, and the first two chapters of the Book of Mormon. He prayed that night to know if these things were true. That next morning he received his answer. He received a call from a good friend of his that he hasn't talked to in 6 years. He explained to us that there's no way that the timing of that could have fallen at the same time he prayed about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. His faith is amazing. So many people can just leave that to luck or coincidence.

Definitely a great example of recognizing The Lord's hand in his life.

We've since had a Restoration lesson with Joseph, and the Spirit was so strong there. We were able to address all of his questions, and we're excited to continue to teach him. We'll be seeing him every M/W/F night for now on.

Another cool "random coincidence" that has since  happened since we met Joseph. Some "random" lady moved into the other apartment in Joseph's house/building. Her name is Janiece. Janiece, was actually being taught by the other elders in Linstead. Janiece was already on date for baptism before moving. We're now teaching Joseph AND Janiece, two very interested investigators, every M/W/F.

Elder Chappell and I have been doing a lot of finding recently. We talk to everyone. We are teaching a lot of new people now because of that. Last week we taught 20 lessons, found 23 potentials, and added 11 new investigators (first appointments + return appointment). We've basically doubled our numbers. As we continue to find more and more, we're teaching more and more. We've found several really interested people as well.

Fabian and Camelia have been dating for several years. Fabian is 22 and Camelia is 21. They love having us over. We're all around the same age, so we're kind of "hanging out", but we teach doctrine, answer questions, and The Spirit is there. Later this week they'll be teaching us how to make fried chicken and carrot juice. After that meal, we'll teach a Book of Mormon lesson. They're both religious and interested. I'm excited to see progression in them.

Speaking of chicken.... we asked another potential, Michael to teach us how to jerk chicken. We walked by his house as he was preparing his jerk chicken. We talked to him for a few minutes and didn't seem to get anywhere, but we still managed to get a return appointment. I then asked him if he'd teach us how to jerk chicken if we brought chicken with us. He smiled and got real excited. One thing I've learned is that Jamaicans love talking about themselves and sharing there talents. Especially in first lessons, I love to just ask, ask, and ask questions about them and their life. They could go on forever. That really breaks the ice and allows them to open up.

A few other investigators..... 

Rasheed is our age and a barber. I'm definitely going to him for my next haircut. Really great, sincer young man. He reads and asks sincere questions. He is, however, a 20 year old Jamaican with 20 year old Jamaican friends. His friends aren't that great of influences, but all very kind and respectful to us.

Shavane runs a 49 second 400m. nuff said

Denise came to church again! She's still reading and on track to be baptized on Dec. 6. Her 21 year old daughter, Yanique, however, moved in with her boyfriend in Spanish Town. She (and her boyfriend) still want to be taught though. They plan to get married. We've contacted the Spanish Town elders and they have a return appointment with her.

This past week has easily been the most productive and fulfilling week I've had in Jamaica. Learning a lot. Becoming more confident.

I can't imagine not being here. This has easily been the most rewarding 3.5 months of my life, and I'm sure the next 20.5 won't disappoint.

Elder Ritchie

pic 1 - Found someone with a Wasatch High School Basketball tshirt! I asked him for a picture, and he wanted me to pay him, but he reluctantly agreed. Ha!

Linstead - 13

 pic 1 - Last day with Elder Hall. I received his nice cool tie, and he got my even nicer and cooler tie. chuh

Today is the start of my 3rd transfer in the mission. I'm officially out of training. My trainer, Elder Hall, is now the Montego Bay/North Coast Zone Leader, and I received Elder Chappell from Pleasant Grove, UT. Elder Chappell has been here for 14 months and is coming from Kingston. He's also the new Linstead District Leader. Because I know the area, and he's new to Linstead, I'm leading our area. The past few days have been great though. We get along great and are hard workers.

We've been teaching Sabbath Day/Church Attendance and our role as missionaries to most of our investigators. With their recent progression, these lessons, and their verbal commitment, we were 99% certain we'd have AT LEAST 3 investigators at church (Denise/Yanique/Mr. Pearson), but no one showed up. They all had some excuse that didn't seem too valid. We obviously have taught the importance of church attendance and keeping the Sabbath Day holy well enough.

Elder Chappell and I have been doing a lot of finding recently. We try to get 21 potentials a week, but not many companionships reach that. This past week, Elder Chappell and I contacted 24 potentials all with return appointments. We contacted 8 yesterday. We're really exited about several of them in particular. We have several families and groups of people that we're going to start teaching this week. I love the way the work is looking for us.

This past Thursday, Elder Chappell and I were doing service for a sister in the ward when we got a call from President and Sister Brown. We know we've been obedient and good-boys, but the unexpected call is enough to freak us out. I answer the call and they ask where we were at the moment. They wanted to see us ASAP. We resolved to finished service and met them halfway. They even told us not to change into our proselyting clothes. We have no idea what this was about, but of course every possible situation is passing through our heads. Elder Chappell and I biked to the meeting place in our dirty service clothes and meet President and Sister Brown. They walk out of the car and hand me a slice of birthday cake! They apologized for not calling me on my birthday because they were in the Dominican Republic for a training meeting. They told us they love us and then left. Really love President and Sister Brown. Very amazing and genuine Christlike servants of The Lord.

Elder Ritchie

pic 1 - Last day with Elder Hall. I received his nice cool tie, and he got my even nicer and cooler tie. chuh

pic 2 - me

Linstead - 12 / Wasatch Christmas letter

We've got some BYU fans in Jamaica!

This past week has been great! We've been seeing a lot of progression in a lot of our investigators.

Denise and Yanique have really invested themselves in the gospel. Yanique finally talked to her boyfriend about living the Law of Chastity, and he agrees that it's probably the best thing to do. He'll take lessons from the missionaries once he moves out of his auntie's home (soon). They're both committed to baptism on Dec. 6.

Mr. Pearson was a man we street contacted several weeks ago. We've been able to meet with him somewhat consistently lately. He has a poor memory, but is working hard to overcome it! His Restoration pamphlet is COVERED in ink with notes and cross-references. He committed to baptism on Dec. 13. He came to church for the first time yesterday and loved it. He even gave comments in Gospel Principles and Priesthood class.

A man named Joseph stopped us a couple weeks ago while we were bicycling by his house. He proceeded to tell us that we 'worship Joseph Smith,' as we corrected him he grew to appreciate us, but didn't want to be taught. We offered to help him on the construction site. We brought all 6 elders in the district to help him mix cement and serve him. He really appreciated it and we're seeing him this Wednesday.

Elder Ritchie

Editor's note: Every student from Wasatch High who is serving a mission writes a letter that is combined in a big booklet for each of the missionaries to get for Christmas.  The missionaries LOVE getting their book for Christmas and hearing what everyone from Wasatch is up to on their mission.  This is Bryson's letter:

Wagwun Wasatch?!

I've been serving on Jamrock, in the Jamaica Kingston Mission since this past July. I'm following in the footsteps of my neighbor, friend, and local legend (and mission legend) Elder Daniel Pullan who completed his mission in Jamaica earlier this year. I had the great opportunity of talking about the Jamaica Kingston Mission with him before I left. He told me a lot about the culture, people, language, food, and areas; but, I'd definitely have to learn about it for myself.

Right now (Nov. 2, 2015), I'm entering my 3rd transfer in the mission. I've been serving in the Linstead Ward the whole time so far, and may or may not be by this Christmas. Linstead is a very bush area in the middle/ish section of the island. No beaches but a whole lot of greenl. Living deep in the Jamaican forest. The Jamaica Kingston Mission is technically an 'English-speaking' mission, but I couldn't understand anyone AT ALL when I arrived in Jamaica. I never thought I'd be praying for the gift of tongues in an 'English-speaking' mission, but I spent a lot of time on my knees asking for some understanding. It's definitely taken some time, but I can now understand most of what (most) everybody says.

Being a white missionary in Jamaica, I stand out like white on black... literally. We get a constant stream of chatter wherever we go. A lot of "white-mon!" "white-boy!" "whitie!" and either "Jake!" or "Joe!" A lot of Jamaicans think that all white-Americans are named 'Jake' or 'Joe' (think Juan or Jose). Most children actually think we're Chinese. There are quite a few local Chinese-Jamaicans, so if we're not black, we must be Chinese, right?! As we bicycle by kids, we hear a lot of "Chini-Mon!" or "Mr. Chin!" Or sometimes they think we're Mexican, "Hola!" I think it's hilarious.

If all you know about Jamaica is that they say "yeah man" and smoke ganja, you're on the right track. A whole lot of "yeah man", ganja, and dreadlocks, but it's not the 1st world, 1st class, tourist venue you may think it to be. Jamaica is very much a 3rd world country stricken with poverty and crime. It's a nation in desperate need of the Restored Gospel.

Jamaicans all believe in God and claim to be religious. Jamaica actually has the most churches per square mile in the world. Ironically, Jamaica also has the most bars as well. Literally church and a bar everywhere you look. The people will gladly talk and reason with us, but it's difficult to actually see them progress. It's really hard to get someone to commit to start living the Word of Wisdom or Law of Chastity - especially in Jamaica. Ganja and rum is so deeply ingrained in the culture; and most Jamaicans don't marry, there's just baby-mothers and baby-fathers. Because it's so difficult to see someone change, that makes the times when they DO change so much better! When an investigator has developed that faith necessary to quit smoking or tell their significant other they will now live a virtuous and clean life, those are the pay-days!

Some of the most effective tools that I've seen help our investigators have been the Book of Mormon, prayer, members, and service. 

We were teaching a former Jehovah's Witness and she could not accept some doctrine concerning The Fall. We struggled to teach her the Plan of Salvation. We weren't able to see her for nearly 2 weeks, and when we finally met with her, she told us she had read most of the chapters through Alma. Reading from the Book of Mormon answered most of her questions. 

Another investigator, Goffery, only met with us because his baby-mother is a member and wanted him to be taught. He had no interest and wouldn't pray in the first lesson. We finally got him to pray in one of the lessons and committed him to start praying everyday. Ever since we've seen his whole demeanor change. 

Most of our potential investigators are from street contacts, but most of our investigators are referrals. If the members and missionaries are unified in purpose, the work will increase!

Another man, Joseph, stopped us on the street and proceeded to tell us that we worship Joseph Smith. We talked and reasoned with him. He didn't want to be taught, but he accepted our invitation to help him mix cement in a few days. We helped him a few days later, and now we're teaching him!

I'm so grateful to be a servant of The Lord here in Jamaica. I've really grown to love the culture and people. I'm so grateful to be serving in the same time as so many friends from home. The Church is true, the Book is blue. #baptizenations

Likkle more,

Elder Ritchie

Linstead -11 Happy Birthday!

Elder Ritchie with his birthday surprises today

 Excited to try out his chick-fil-a sauce on his fried chicken

Birthday package goodies

Don't have much time right now, but I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes! I have the best family and friends anyone could ask for!

These past few weeks have been really frustrating though. Our numbers have been dropping. Less and less lessons. This week was really low. Elder Hall and I will likely have to drop several of our investigators as well. R and N used to be our 'top' investigators, but recently (past 3 weeks), they haven't kept commitments or took this seriously. I don't want to drop them. Really want for them to realize how important this is. We bear testimony of the truthfulness and importance of the gospel, but they neglect to act on it. Really frustrating. Really sad.

We had quite a few of our investigators commit to coming to church yesterday. They all said they'd come early, but no one was showing up. Finally D/Y called and said they'd be a bit late. Right after the sacrament D comes with her Y and her 5 young boys! So grateful to have them there. They enjoyed it all. Got to know the members better. I love the way everything is looking for them. Hopefully we can start teaching D's husband. The ward would definitely benefit from a faithful family.

Thanks again for the birthday wishes!

Elder Ritchie

fun food of the week: chicken foot soup and cowfoot with rice and peas

Linstead - 10

pic1 - Mom sent me some birthday Chik-fil-A sauce, yay!

pic 2- Bonfire

This past week in Linstead has been great! We have, however, had more than our fair share of canceled appointments.... again. Many of our 'top' investigators have been busy, but we've seen A LOT of improvement in others.

Weeks ago we taught Nicole the Restoration, Book of Mormon, and Pre-Earth life, and she was doing great. Interested and read regularly from the Book of Mormon. We then went over Adam and Eve - 'basic' Christian doctrine - but we taught 3 lessons on the Fall. She wasn't grasping it. She committed to coming to a session of General Conference though. She left right after the prayer, and we weren't able to talk to her. After that we kind of lost contact with her for about a week or so. Finally, we stopped by her house one day and caught up with her. Turns out she really liked Conference. She also read from the Book of Mormon. A LOT. She read most of the chapters up to Alma...... and she retained A LOT. We were able to address several of her concerns, and she is having sincere, open prayers to know for herself if this is the course that God wants for her.

After teaching a chastity lesson to Y, she's not sure she'll get baptized anymore because she's nervous to tell her boyfriend about it. Y knows this is what she must do, but she doesn't know how her boyfriend will take it. We met with her again yesterday, and she said she'll invite her boyfriend to take discussions and live chaste. I really hope all works out. Y knows this is what she must do.

Funny experience happened yesterday.......

Know how some Americans call Mexicans 'Juan' or 'Jose'?? Well Jamaicans do the same thing to white-people. Elder Hall and I were waiting for someone, when some old-crazy-man approaches us, "Hello Jakes!" Then proceeds to talk to us. Jamaicans call us 'Jake' or 'Joe' ALL THE TIME, and they think it's hilarious...... it is hilarious.

Elder Ritchie

Linstead - 9

pic 1 - bout to light dis ting up

 pic 2 - me 'n a bunch a grade-A ganja

This past week has been a week. Had several really good lessons, and had our fair share of canceled lessons. Many of our 'top' investigators canceled appointments this week, failed to keep commitments, and failed to come to church. That has been frustrating, but it's definitely made for a good learning experience. Every investigator has their own concerns they have to work through. For some it's accepting the Book of Mormon to be true. For others it's Joseph Smith. For others it's ganja, or rum, or gambling, or chastity, or a busy schedule. Even if we teach the same lessons to someone, we definitely can't teach it the same way.

Nothing too crazy happened this week, but I'll update y'all on some of our investigators...

G - Great guy. Lives with his baby-mother, who just delivered a few weeks ago. Is having trouble giving up ganja. Smokes when he gets stressed - which is a lot. They don't have much and he doesn't have a steady income. He wants to be baptized, but smoking and not being married is holding him back right now.

N and R - N and R are sisters, both in their 40s, both have pickne (children), and live in the same family house. Both have committed to baptism, but we'll likely have to re-extend a postponed date. N is really sharp and has a lot of great questions. We taught them the Word of Wisdom this past week. N thought that no coffee and tea was ridiculous, but then decided that she wouldn't let something as simple as coffee keep her from the Celestial Kingdom.

D and Y (referrals from G) - D is in her 40s, and is the mother of a 21 yr old Y. D is super nice and commits to coming to church and reading, but has trouble following through. Y is very sharp, a good reader, and very interested. She does, however, live with her boyfriend every other weekend. We're teaching chastity this week.

N - We've taught several lessons on JUST Adam and Eve and The Fall. Her Jehovah's Witness background makes it difficult for her to grasp several 'basic Christian' doctrines that most every other investigator accepts. She came to a session of Conference and like it though.

We have many other investigators, but not much more computer time.

In other news we found a cookshop that sells pancakes and eggs!

Elder Ritchie

Linstead - 8

This week has definitely been a very great week. A lot of great experiences throughout the week, capping off with a spiritual high in General Conference.

I want to share a cool story that happened last Monday evening....

We have an investigator Sabrina who is continually failing to keep commitments. She's 20, single, and doesn't manage her time well. She doesn't' have a phone, which makes it difficult to keep in contact with her. We make our way by her house several times each week, but we haven't been seeing much success with her. Because of our situation with her, Elder Hall and I went over how to do a "pre-drop" lesson. To better understand that concept, we looked over the 'former investigators' in our Area Book. We were only looking through that sections so I could get a better understanding of the how and why we drop someone. Elder Hall showed me the dropped investigator, and the reason why they were dropped. A few records in, we found Kamarla's record. Kamarala was taught by the Sisters months ago (back when the Sisters were in our area). The Sisters placed her in the 'formers' because they only had 1 lesson with her, and she had to leave to Europe for the next 4 months. We gave Kamarla a call to see if she was back and would be interested in hearing from us. She was. We had appointment with her last Monday evening.

Kamarla lives in Banbury, an area we don't go to unless we really need to. We had a great lesson with Kamarla, then made our way to our next area. We were both super thirsty at this point, and without water. We decided to stop at the next shop on the street. As we pull up to the next street shop, we see Andre, smoking his ganja, on the curb. Andre owns the shop, and Elder Hall and his old companion used to stop by there often, so Elder Hall kind of knew him. We ask for water, and Andre goes inside to get us water. Elder Hall tells me how they tried to teach him once, but he wasn't interested. His mother, however, was very prepared to hear the gospel. When they first met her, she said she had studied with the Mormon missionaries a decade earlier, and that her biggest regret was not getting baptized. Elder Hall and his old companion taught her one lesson, then she had to move to Bahamas for work. She moved to an island with no church presence. Not even 10 seconds after Elder Hall told me about that, we see Andre's mother, Dell, walk out in front of the shop. Elder Hall and her make eye contact, and she starts cheering and running over to greet us. She's still very interested in the Church. She lost her phone in the Bahamas, and lost her contact info with the missionaries, and was glad to have made contact with us.

A large sequence of events led to Elder Hall and I finding Dell....

If Sabrina hadn't been failing to keep commitments, we wouldn't have been in the Area Book.

If we hadn't been in the Area Book, we wouldn't have found Kamarla.

If we hadn't met with Kamarla, we would never have been in Banbury.

If we hadn't been in Banbury, we never would have been near Andre's shop.

If we hadn't been thirsty, we never would have stopped at Andre's shop.

If our power wasn't out at the house, we would have been carrying cold water with us.

If it wasn't the end of the end, and we were near-broke, we would've bought water long earlier.

And if we never went to the shop, we never would have found Dell.

Some may call that sequence of events some killer luck. Or some fortunate coincidences. But like Elder Neil L. Andersen said at Conference, "Faith is a choice." Faith is a choice, and I choose to believe that we were being led to Dell. A lot of good has come from that night. Kamarla has committed to baptism, and we're meeting with Dell tonight.

Faith IS a choice. As we CHOOSE to exercise our faith, we WILL see the Lord's hand in our life. I encourage everyone to find ways to better exercise your faith.

The Church is true. The Book is blue.

With love from the Motherland,

          Elder Ritchie

NOTE FROM MOM: Elder Ritchie and some other missionaries were on tv this week between conference sessions on a LDS Charity program.  They were helping build a road for a school in Lindstead. It was so fun to see him!

Linstead - 7

pic - 'Fambily' - Jamaican Patwa slang for 'family'

This past week has been a good one, although it's been frustrating at times. The past few days, the vast majority of our appointments canceled. A lot of our investigators have just been busy. That's frustrating, but we have return appointments with all of them. We have, however, seen improvements in our investigators that we've been able to see consistently. It had been really frustrating to not have them keeping commitments, but many of them read from their Book of Mormon and came to church. They're having positive experiences. Elder Hall and I made a goal earlier last week to have a positive outlook and faith that they'd follow through... and they have! That has been really satisfying.

Today is the first day of my 2nd transfer in Jamaica. Elder Hall and I are still in Linstead, and Elder Hall is the our new District Leader. We swapped 2 elders for 2 others. I'm excited for this transfer. Elder Hall is finding ways to improve the work in Linstead.

I'm glad that Elder Hall is the one training me. He's been a great example of looking for ways to serve others. Members, investigators, formers, Mormon-haters, anyone. There have been several times this past week where he's insisted on us helping others. Chopping bush, painting, fixing pipes, just about everything. Being in the service of others really helps me to strengthen and develop my love for the Jamaican people. 

And Utahns must love to give! Jamaica is very 3rd world, and a lot of their clothes are from thrift stores in the states. I've seen 3 jazz jerseys, a byu hat, a byu shirt, a jimmer jersey/shirt, and a wasatch high school basketball shirt. Haha keep on giving Utah!

Elder JB Ritchie

Linstead - 6

This past week has been a good one! We now have 4 investigators on date for baptism..... but none of them showed up for church. That's definitely disappointing - especially when they promise to be there. We need to find ways to encourage them to come. In the end, though, they need to have that faith in Jesus Christ and that this is the ONLY way back to God. We're doing our best to develop that faith in them, and I've definitely been seeing improvement.

We've had several successful lessons with new investigators. We were walking about a mile from our house, and we walked by a man in his 60s chopping away bush with his machete. We wave and say hi, and he get's excited! "Oh Mormons! Sure I'll let you guys teach me, I like you guys...." He goes on for like 10 minutes on how he knew some sister missionaries that were super nice to him. He was busy then, but we told him we'd help him chop bush a couple days later. So a couple days later came, and Elder Hall and I showed up with our machetes and chopped bush for 2 hours. It was my first time actually using a machete for reals (and it was apparent), but by the end I was the machete master. Fun stuff. Lincoln is a cool guy. Likes us a lot. He's called us a few times at night and told us how much he appreciates us and loves us. Super cool guy. He came to a Friday-night activity at the church and loved it. He's also introduced us to several of his neighbors who we're now teaching!

Sis. Salmon delivered her (and Goffery's) baby this past Tuesday. Elder Hall and I came up to their house on Saturday for a lesson with Goffery. It was really cool to see how they're coming together as a family. We're hoping that they find some money soon to get married.

This morning, for P-Day, we got up at 4:30, started studies at 5, and traveled to a cave with the other elders in the district. A sister in the ward used to take people on tours in there, and she was able to hook us up with helmets and lights. The cave was amazing! We had to climb down a massive hole by holding on tree roots. The cave was filled with roaches/bats/crabs and cool rocks and crystals. WAY FUN. Great P-Day.

The mission is great. It's The Lord's work. I'm so happy to be a part of it.

Elder Ritchie

Linstead - 5

This past week has been a good one. I feel like I've been improving every day. I know that through The Lord I can do anything that He wants of me.

Last Tuesday trade-offs happened and my companion went with the district leader in his area. I led my area with the DL's companion. Having had to lead the area really helped me grow. Of the two of us, only I knew the area, and only I knew the people. We had a very busy day. 6 lessons, and they all seemed to go well. We also recorded 8 potential investigators! The goal is 3 a day, and we've been struggling to get that. Preach My Gospel says to "talk with everyone" and I literally did that in between appointments. I talked with everyone, asked for directions, got to know them, and asked if they'd like to hear more. I know my approach will get more smooth with time, but I was very happy to have gotten 8 potentials. I feel like I've been improving, and I know there are so many areas in which I must improve.

Church this week started at it's usual time 10:12. Hahaha, no one was there by 10 not even the bishopric. The doors shut during the sacrament, and when the doors opened up again, the size of the congregation doubled. Jamaicans come and leave as they please.... but at least they come. Goffery (investigator) came in with 5 of his neighbors that have been referrals from him. It's been great to see how his influence is helping others come unto Christ.

Interviews with President Brown are tomorrow. We've all been excited for this. He's an amazing man. As soon as he saw us in the airport he ran over, gave us a hug, and told us he loved us. He's 39, native Jamaican, and has little kids. Such an amazing man. He knows Jamaica is in need of the truth. All the missionaries here have the highest respect for him. I'm excited for the time I get with him tomorrow.

Funny thing happened this past week. We had a sit-down get-to-know-you with a family that a man named Lincoln wanted us to get to know. Nice family - Mom, 13 yr old girl, 11 yr old girl, and 8 yr old boy. As we were about to leave, it was somehow brought up that Elder Hall's 20th birthday was the next day. They all congratulated him and then the 13 yr old girl got up to give him a celebratory hug. Elder Hall was standing next to me, and I saw the fear in his eyes. Elder Hall is a tough guy. I've never seen him nervous. He's seen some sketchy stuff out here. We've both seen some sketchy stuff out here. He's never been even kind of nervous, let alone completely terrified. As the girl quickly approached him Elder Hall slow started backing away, then faster, and faster, until he was pinned at the grill and put his hands forward to block the hug. He explained that that's not allowed for us as missionaries. They all gave a bunch of awkward laughs, and I thought I was going to pass out because he was so scared. Hahaha. Seriously so funny.

Also...... BYU won again! Glad to hear about that! Tanner Mangum is the guy! Hahah hope they keep it up!

Elder Ritchie

Linstead - 4

This past week has been a good one. I feel like I've grown a lot spiritually and that I'm progressing as a missionary. It's been fun to take a step back and see the progression some of our investigators have made.

I want to take a minute to talk about one of our investigators, Goffery. Goffery is the baby-father of Sister Salmon's pregnant belly. Sister Salmon has been a member of the church since 2007, held callings, and has been active since. She has a genuine testimony that this is the ONLY true church. Goffery is one of the first people I met with when I arrived in Linstead. He had visited several times with Elder Hall and his last companion before me, but there hadn't been much progress. When I first met Goffery, I wasn't impressed with him. I could tell that the only reason he agreed to meet with us is because his baby-mother was making him. He had no interest in us. He wasn't ever engaged in the lesson. Always really quiet and withdrawn. He has changed SO MUCH. I love Goffery now. He's a GREAT man and will be a GREAT father. A few weeks ago we challenged him to pray. He wouldn't pray in front of us, but he said he'd pray on his own. We meet with him 3 times a week and he progressed EVERY TIME until he started praying with us there! His prayers are genuine and sincere. He prays for our safety and well being. He loves to pray. He wakes Sister Salmon up in the morning and initiates family prayer. He is now a kind and outgoing guy, where before he was so withdrawn. He can't be baptized until they get legally married, and he can't get married until he gets another copy of his lost birth certificate, and he can't get that until he gets money, and he doesn't get much money. They're very poor. They live in a 10'X10' shack with zinc shingles roofing, but they are a happy people.

The 6 of us missionaries serving in the Linstead Ward taught 3rd hour last week. Bishop Richardson and the 6 of us talked about the importance of member missionary work. After Bishop pumping everybody up, and after the missionaries pumping everybody up, we go ZERO referrals. Frustrating. Almost discouraging. But definitely frustrating. The church in Jamaica is not growing very fast. Missionary work in Jamaica opened the same year that missionary work opened in Haiti. Jamaica got their first stake last year. Haiti has multiple stakes and a temple is under construction. Member missionary work is a big deal in Haiti. We're trying to emphasize that here too. Elder Martinez of the seventy and Elder Cornish of the seventy (presiding over the Caribbean missions) have told the missionaries here that this is the most obedient mission they've seen. We've got hard working elders and sisters, but (for the most part) Jamaicans would rather hear about Jesus from a Jamaican rather than some white guy. Member missionary work is important. I encourage EVERYONE back home to spread the gospel to those who need it.... and EVERYONE needs it!! At zone conference a few weeks ago, Elder Martinez of the seventy presided. He told us about the church in Cuba. Obviously there are no missionaries in Cuba, and he told us that he hopes that the church NEVER send  missionaries to Cuba because of the member missionary work there. The church is growing in Cuba, and it is 100% done by the members. You do not have to wear a nametag to be a missionary!! I encourage everyone to share the gospel with someone not of our faith.

Like I said earlier, the 6 of us elders thought that our member missionary lesson was a waste time, but then Goffery has stepped up to be the best member missionary in the ward..... and he's not even a member! We're are now teaching 4 other people because of him! 4!!! 2 of them are on date for baptism next month, and the other 2 seem really interested.

I've loved seeing the progression in Goffery. He loves praying. He loves church. He loves being a missionary.

We've also had quite the setback though. Sabastian was on date for Aug. 30th. He pushed back his date because he didn't think he was ready. He was worthy and had a testimony, but he wanted to get over his anger problem first though. Just as things seemed to be clearing up, and we were hoping he'd get baptized soon, we got bad news yesterday. This morning Sabstian moved. He moved a long ways away where we won't be able to meet with him, and there is no church near him. He's dirt poor and can't afford to taxi, and he can't wheelchair to church anymore because he lives miles and miles away. That's rough. It's been really hard on Elder Hall because he's been teaching Sabastian since last transfer. Hope he can continue to read and pray, and maybe one day he will enter the waters of baptism.

Also..... BYU won!!! I think the hardest part of the mission so far has been the ZERO-CONTACT with ESPN. Hahahaha, but seriously this weekend was driving me nuts not knowing how the game went. I'm glad to have hear that BYU won in exciting fashion, but I'm heartbroken to hear that Taysom will have his 3rd straight season ending injury.

Life in Jamaica is good though. This is The Lord's work, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

Elder Ritchie

Lindstead - 3

This week has been crazy. A lot of ups and downs, but I've gotta stay positive. I don't have a lot of time to write right now, but I wanna write down a few things that happened.

We visited Ramar (20 yrs. old) at his house to go over 1 Nephi 1 with him like he asked. When we got there, his cousin, Sean, was there to prove us wrong like he always tries to. Sean is educated and intelligent. He knows his Bible well. He showed us 4 or 5 YouTube videos and scriptures explaining why Jesus is black..... we listened......"alright Sean, but we wanna talk with Ramar now" He insisted we kept listening. Some Jamaicans have funny looks on some Bible stories/prophets/Jesus.

It's been a good week, but definitely a hard week. I'm having trouble with patience. Jamaicans are an idle people, and I don't like laziness. It's frustrating to extend commitments, only to not have them follow through with them. It's sometimes discouraging, but I'm doing my best to love them and do my part in inviting them to come unto Christ. It's their job to do the 'DO'ing.

peace

Elder Ritchie

Lindstead - 2

Linstead week 2 has been a good one. A hard one. But a good one.

I can't count the number of times I heard this before I got to Jamaica...... "Where will you be seriving?" "Jamaica" "Jamaica?! That's not a mission, that's a vacation! Hahahaha (Laughing in vain)" Missionary work is WORK. This is no vacation. My surfing time is limited to ONLY 2 hours a day. (That's a joke). Seriously thought, this is hard stuff. But I'm happy to do it. "The truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, til it has visited every climb, swept every country, and sounded in every ear" I'm SO GRATEFUL to a part of this great work and to serve the Lord and the people of Linstead, Jamaica.

Last Tuesday (I think), Elder Hall, Elder Gordon, Elder Ostrowski, and I went to a dinner appointment at Mama Davis' house. Mama Davis is in her 60s and crazy. Super nice lady though and a long-time member of the church (since 1999). She is married to a Rasta. Papa Rasta. Papa Rasta is ALWAYS high. Seriously. ALWAYS. The elders love eating at Mama Davis' because of Papa Rasta (and the food). The guy is crazy. CRAZY. He speaks HARD Patwa and just goes on rants forever. He's hilarious. He explains to us why Eve is evil. She partook of the fruit, and E-V-E. You take of the last 'E' and add an 'I-L'. E-V-I-L. Look at that. Hahaha the guy's logic is different. He explained why ganja is good for you (it's apparent by just looking at him). Mama Davis gave us all a slice of pear (avocado - they call avocado 'pear' here). Someone said 'pear', and then Papa Rasta, stands up and SCREAMS, "Dat's no pair!! Dat a single!!!" He then grabbed two slices of avocado, and said "Dis is a pair!!!" He then went on a 20 minute rant on how Americans can't pronounce anything right. He was smoking his ganja the whole time, and preparing his next joint. Funny guy. We all filmed him the whole time, and he was oblivious to it. Mama Davis fed us stew peas with chicken foot and pig tail. yum.

On Saturday, the Linstead Ward and us 6 elders performed a service project at a primary school up in Ewarton. We were there mixing cement and paving a new driveway fromt the school to the dirt road. Hard work. While we were there two white people show up acting like they own the place (pssshhh white people). Actually they were from KSL. They had coordinated this with Bishop Richardson, and they would be filiming us for a documentary about the LDS Church and service. THIS WILL BE AIRING IN BETWEEN CONFERENCE SESSIONS IN OCTOBER. Look out for me everybody. Imma be famous. It was hard work and I'm sore, but some of the sisters cooked up some fried chicken, and that makes it all better.

It's been a good week. I love it.

Elder Ritchie

pic 1 - Found this in one of our progressing investigator's garden