"Preaching and Teaching" in Jamaica

We were invited to speak at the Jamaica Fireside on Saturday, March 14th. Our assigned topic was "Preaching and Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Members of the English and Spanish speaking wards that meet at the Jamaica building came. We were pleased to speak to a very enthusiastic and appreciative group of saints. Elder West spoke of preaching the gospel and the importance of missionary work through out the world. I spoke of teaching the gospel, beginning in the home and shared Barbara Christensen's, "Making Your Home a (Missionary Training Center), MTC." Chas is smiling above with Kenneth who serves as the High Priest Group Leader in the Jamaica 1st Ward and is a faithful Institute student who adds so much to our Tuesday night classes. New York needs leaders like him or we would drag him west with us!

Sister Urbanowski, Sister Oler, Gretta and Anita have each been easy to love. Sister Urbanowski is a gifted homemaker from Germany. Her food is legendary, especially her German potatoes that she serves at each ward party. She is the "decorator" in Jamaica, making sure there are seasonal flower arrangements in the chapel and that each ward party is festive. She also takes care of Bishop Urbanowski! Sister Oler, such a darling sister, always has a smile and a hug for everyone. Gretta was our student until she bought her first home in Delaware and moved from New York the end of December. She shared with us that she worked 20 years to "escape this place," and buy her first home. We are so happy for her, but she left a hole in our hearts and in our classroom. She served as the Relief Society President, a true "mother hen type", with Anita as her counselor. We learned that Anita was sustained as the new Relief Society President on Sunday. She spoke with us on Saturday evening and bore a beautiful testimony of the importance of visiting and home teaching. Anita joined the Church about three years ago. If every new convert embraced the gospel the way she has, our mission work would be much different. Congratulations Anita, to all of the Jamaica 1st Ward, and we love and miss you Gretta.

Sister Balimuttajjo (second from left) looks for every opportunity to serve. Each time we are with her she is reaching out and helping all. She posed with a returned missionary, (in baby blue) who literally returned from Sandy, Utah for Spring Break! Wish I could remember her name. Our student, Leda, (in gray) is a shinning star who teaches seminary in Jamaica! They are so blessed to have her. We were grateful for the chance to share with these amazing members who have impacted our lives while we have served here.