Week 19 In St. Thomas
We had a good turn out at church on Sunday and a great discussion in Sunday School about some of the parables in the New Testament. I LOVE the "Come Follow Me" lessons that we are all studying together this year. The parable that gave me the most food for thought this week was found in Matthew 20: 1-16: The parable of the "Laborers in the Vineyard." I love what Jeffrey R. Holland said about this parable: "This parable—like all parables—is not really about laborers or wages any more than the others are about sheep and goats. This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it." The entire talk, called "Laborers in the Vineyard " is worth a read.
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| On Thursday morning we got to go into a school with a member of the Red Cross and observe a presentation on disaster preparedness. Elder Garrison and I are going to become educators for the Red Cross and go into schools and do these presentations. They are very well done and it was fun to watch Sam do the presentations. The little kids were just adorable. |
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After the Red Cross training, we went to the Eldra Schulterbrandt Home for Adults and did an activity with them. The Elders played bingo with some of them and I made birthday cards with others. It surely makes us appreciate the blessings we have in our lives.  |
On Saturday morning we did a service project with the Young Women of our Branch. They pick up garbage every single month and wear T shirts that say "Your VI Keep It Beautiful." Our Young Women's President, Joy Sanfilippo organized the program and is such a good leader for the girls. Look at all the garbage we picked up in just 2 hours in just one stretch of the road. Gives you an idea of how much littering goes on here. The hope is that by doing this each month, others will join in and be more aware of the littering problem on the island.
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| This is a picture of the entire branch today after Sacrament Meeting today. We are ALL going to miss the Elders. |
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| Naomi with her Grandson, Carmello and Alma....they came to church today!!! We have been teaching these two sweet ladies for months. Alma came to church last week and Naomi came today. They really love the Elders. |
On Saturday after picking up trash and driving home, the Elders got a phone call from President Smart telling them that they were both being transferred off the island of St. Thomas. Apparently there is a shortage of missionaries right now in the mission over all, and they are needed in Puerto Rico right now. We are soooooo sad. We have enjoyed associating with these two Elders so much. They always brightened our day. We know that this is the Lord's work though, and that there is a surely a purpose that we may not see now. One thing is sure though: we are going to have to step it up to fill their shoes and with the Lord on our side, I am sure that after all that we can do, He will fill in the gaps.....that is what Grace is and for that, we are grateful.
Until next week....the church is true, stay strong and steadfast!
Love,
Dick and Donna
I just went through and read every single one of your posts and I’m just amazed at how much good you two have done in 6 months on those little islands!! You seem like pros out there! You are a MAJOR blessing to the church there and the locals. I love how often you do service!! Thank you for your amazing work! You’re an inspiration to all of us!
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