Elder Walker

This was not the next post I had intended to write.

Yesterday afternoon, while the girls and I were at their softball workout, Alyssa got a call from a friend of hers. This was the first news we heard that a missionary in Jamaica had been killed.

With that scary thought, we quickly looked online (one of the rare times I need internet access from my phone)for more information. We had received Brandon's email as usual yesterday, with no indications of anything unusual. Another blog I follow does mention that several of the elders had gotten together for a game of football.

While it is possible that Brandon may have been there, he is actually in Yallahs, a small town about 1/2 hour's drive east of Kingston. We don't know if he also went to Kingston that day. Brandon knew and was friends with Elder Walker, but had not served as companions with him. He sent us this photo of himself with Elder Walker, last September:

At the time, Brandon was either in Linstead or Kingston. (It was near a transfer day, so I'm not sure.)

We are so very sad about this, and our hearts go out to Elder Walker's family, friends, and the missionaries in Jamaica. They are in our prayers. The following is the statement issued by the Church:

"Our hearts are heavy with the news that Elder Jermaine Luther Walker from Kingston, Jamaica--serving in the Jamaica Kingston Mission--was killed today. He was hit by a stray bullet while he and seven other missionaries were returning to their apartments after a preparation-day activity. It appears the van they were in was caught in the crossfire as local police were pursuing another vehicle. Elder Walker was immediately driven to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Although shaken, the other missionaries in the van were reported in good condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elder Walker’s family and all who knew this fine young man."

When a young person dies, it is always a sad thing. I can't help but also think that when Elder Walker crossed over to the other side, he must have gone straight into the arms of our Savior. It is a blessing to have the gospel in our lives and be able to be comforted by that.