Recently we were part of a CES conference, along with
other Seminary and Institute Coordinators from all over Africa. The meetings
were really great, and we enjoyed sharing ideas. We had French, Portuguese, and
a number of other languages represented. Most all spoke English, but often with
interesting accents.
One of the sessions they asked Debi to choose an opening
song (I was the only sister there, so got a good deal of notice). I chose
"I Need Thee Every Hour", and Lynn had the idea for us to sing it in
French, which we could do, thanks to translation programs on our computers. As
we sang, I felt so touched to realize that Heavenly Father had made the Gospel,
which I love, available to people of so many different languages, and that we
all are His Children, and can know that of a surety. What made it even better,
was that after that we sang other songs in different languages. I thought a lot
about our twin granddaughters serving in Washington DC. They are likely to meet
many immigrants who have come here for a better life, and they will be able to add
to that the crown of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, if they are willing. We just
know that they will have so many wonderful opportunities to share the blessings
they have in their young lives!
***
We went on a walk through our favorite garden called
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago. It is very
refreshing to relax and feel completely safe in such a beautiful and peaceful
environment. On our way back we stopped at a bakery for lunch.
We were in our walking clothes, but still had our badges on. One of the
waitresses came up to us somewhat stressed and asked “Is the world coming to an
end?” Well, we had a nice discussion and enjoyed sharing our views.
***
One Thursday evening we visited the Wits Institute Class
held at the Wits Art Museum in Joburg. This area is quite busy
but safe as long as it doesn’t get too late. We parallel parked on
the right side of a busy one-way street. On the elevator, we verified with
one of the college instructors if where we parked was ok.
He said it was, but he said he folded in our outside mirror for us.
This is because the taxis (the share-ride vans) are so reckless that they
often clip mirrors of cars. Sometimes we feel that angels amongst us are
watching over us!
***
A couple weeks ago we went to
visit Megrith’s seminary class at her home. We have been
there before and had been trying several times to see her, but for various
reasons our visits were cancelled. Well we got to her apartment complex
and called so we could park inside her gated parking, off the
street. She was stuck somewhere waiting for her husband to come and get
her, but assured us she would be home in about 15 minutes.
We went and parked at a convenience station, and
waited, texting back and forth. After 45 minutes, she wasn’t responding,
so we felt it was getting too late to stay and we started home. Ten minutes
later she texted saying she really felt bad and was looking forward so much to
seeing us. So we turned around and went back. It was a good thing
we happened to check our messages before we got home.
We are convinced we were supposed to see that class. They were
so gracious and loving when we got there. The teacher and the students
really needed encouragement. We believe with the Lord’s help we were
successful.
***
A couple of Saturdays ago we had inservice in Sebokeng. During the meeting Sister Khetsi related how
she felt when she was called to be a Seminary Teacher. She told the Branch President that she was
nervous but felt she could accept as long as they weren’t teaching the Old
Testament. Well, the Old Testament is
exactly what we are teaching now. She
reluctantly accepted the calling. She
said that she decided to seriously seek the Lord’s help and study as much as
she could. She said that so far this has
been one of the greatest blessings in her life.
Her testimony has grown and she has enjoyed teaching so much. We see a definite change in her since she
started about two months ago.
In the same meeting, Sister Sophie related that she
really felt inadequate last year and was just not able to work with the
youth. She bore her testimony about the
power and strength that comes from seeking the Lord’s help in doing what we have
been called to do. This year she feels
like she has really enjoyed the youth and their learning and testimonies have
grown. What a change we have observed as
people accept the calling to teach the youth and put their hearts and prayers
into the work!
***
.
Last Sunday as we were leaving a meeting in
Sharpeville, we met a missionary couple that we know from service in the
temple. They related the following. During Relief Society the sisters can relate
special moments. One sister related that
she had a special moment when her son, who just turned 12, was asked to say the
opening prayer in Sacrament Meeting.
This morning she said as they were planning to come to Church that they
did not have enough money for a “taxi” so they started walking. As they got on their way, it became apparent
that they would not make it in time for her son to say the prayer. So she prayed that perhaps a taxi going their
direction would stop for them and pick them up.
Note that taxis don’t do this.
Well a taxi went by the opposite way and turned around and stopped. He asked her where she was going. She said
they were going to Church and needed a ride because her son was saying the
opening prayer. She told him that they didn’t have enough money to pay for the
ride, but he said he wanted to help them anyway. The driver invited her in the van and asked
what kind of church is that, that has youth say prayers. She shared some information with him while
they were driving. As he dropped her
off, he said he wanted to come to Church next week and see what this Church was
about.
We have seen how much faith many of the people have
here. When they pray, they know that the
Lord will help them. We can learn so
much form these wonderful people.
***
