In Memory Of Shevlin Whitaker

Facebook is an interesting world. A few years ago I met an LDS missionary by the title of Elder Whitaker (Mormom missionaries go by Elder and then their last name). After his time as a missionary, he found me on Facebook and friended me - apparently I left enough of an impression on him. His name is Shevlin, and he was a truly nice guy (more on that in a moment). Last night, I hadn't heard from him in a couple months and decided to look and see how he was doing on Facebook. Somewhat to my surprise I found out that he died less than two weeks ago.

This was not a huge shock to me, one nice older man whose house we met at several times (I wish I could talk to that guy again) told me right before Elder Whitaker was reassigned that he had serious heart trouble and had been through a lot to live as he did. His obituary tells the story of a kind, well-liked gentleman, and that's what he was. I would now like to tell you my story of Elder Whitaker.

A young Mormon girl I met asked me for my phone number and if I would be okay meeting with Mormon missionaries (who turned out to be Elder Whitaker and his partner). I agreed, figuring I'd just blast a couple of guys who wanted to hear nothing with some facts from the Bible and that they would never come back. I was very surprised! The first time they came over, it was to watch BYU TV, we watched a program where their church leader (I believe he is referred to as the prophet, but I do not remember for sure, so don't be mad if I got that wrong) addressed the whole church body. We then discussed the program afterwards. As I was living with my mom at the time, we had to meet in the houses of other LDS church members most of the time.

Elder Whitaker, his partner, and myself met at the Gloschat's (whose pizza was amazing...), the older couple I referred to earlier, and a few other places. I asked them lots of questions. All of which they were prepared with answers they clearly believed with all their hearts. They gave me a complete copy of the Mormon scriptures to study, which I did with an open heart. I joined them at their church for a service and for a baptism. They joined me at my church for a Christmas musical. We each gained a better understanding of the other's faith, and a greater respect for life.

Obviously, there were major theological issues I simply couldn't find the proof I have found for Jesus that I disagreed with them on. If there weren't, I'd be a Mormon today. Obviously, Shevlin and his buddies found major theological issues they disagreed with me on. If there weren't, they'd have became Pentecostal. The reason I'm writing this is that those issues didn't change friendship, respect, or a mutual desire to study the Word of the Lord seeking His Truth.

Furthermore, I will add that most of the people I met in the LDS church along with Shevlin were some of the kindest, most inviting, warm-hearted people I have ever met. The meaning of sharing the love of Jesus with all has not been lost on them. As I fear it has on too many of us today... Their hearts were sincere, their warmth embracing. We had a fun, meaningful, few months of weekly meetings. I will never forget you, Shevlin Whitaker. The impression you made on my heart is forever. The importance of showing love - of truly loving others. The meaning of commitment, faithfulness, and perseverance. The strength to continue on through the struggles and hard times.

Shevlin, may the Lord bless you and your family and friends, and as you all enter 2010 remember the old saying that only the good die young. Shevlin was a good guy and he is missed :) Furthermore, may his death remind us that this life is but shifting sand, blowing through with the changing tides. Remember what we're living for, and the One who we are living for.

Blessings and joyous memories,

Mark