Thursday, October 3, 2013

Tortola


Safe Harbor

June 2013
You may remember the first picture from our apartment’s view here in Tortola of Sir Francis Drake Channel and other BVI islands. To the right is a safe harbor that can be seen on the right hand side of the picture – it is called Paraquita Bay. This is a harbor used only during the hurricane season to keep the fleets of sail boats out of harm’s way when the serious winds and rain come. The series of pictures show, over time, how the number of boats increase as the hurricane season approaches.


July 2013
Most of these boats are used in the charter fleets and there are a bunch – we do not know how many charter companies there are but it is said that Tortola is the sailing capital of the Caribbean. As the summer gets hotter and the threat of bad weather increases, the charter services move their boats into our harbor. It is fun to watch from our balcony as they have to negotiate a shallow, narrow entry point into the bay. Some of the sail boats have to wait until a competent sailor is available to bring them through the shallows.


August 2013
After the threat of bad weather has passed, the boats sail back to their original docks and are prepared for the sailing season which starts in November.


It is fun to live with a “safe harbor” nearby. It is ever so much more special to have the gospel of Jesus Christ as the safe harbor of our lives. It has been a privilege to teach the Plan of Salvation to our investigators here in Tortola. We are so blessed to have the gospel; it is truly our “safe harbor”.
September 2013



Tortola


Hastening the Work

Last Saturday, September 28th, was a wonderful day. Our Tortola Branch was blessed with two baptisms. On the beautiful sparkling white sand at Long Bay Beach, 35 members of the Tortola Branch arose early to be there at 7:00 A.M. They came to witness the baptism of Selena, age 9 and also Chela, a beautiful young woman who is originally from Haiti. These lovely daughters of our Heavenly Father were baptized in the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Two stalwart sisters from our branch gave the talks on baptism and the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Our mission president, Pres. Smartt happened to be in town and that made the experience even more special.

On Sunday, Sept. 29th, our 2 newest members were confirmed. We had 50 people in attendance which makes twice this month that our attendance has been in the 50’s. We are thrilled because it had been in the 30’s this past summer. Things are looking up for Tortola and we are happy to be a small part of the work of our Heavenly Father.