"If we fail, we fail with glory"

One of the missionaries present at my baptism, two and a half years back, posted a quote I'll never forget. "The only thing needed for evil to win is for good men to do nothing." And that quote couldn't have been more appropriate with yesterday's encounter.

As a newish branch, Osizweni still has portable everything. That includes the chapel and the baptismal font. It takes about eight hours to fill the font with a hosepipe. That's what we did on Saturday. Unfortunately, the font has leaks, so when we arrive at the chapel early in the morning we need to top the font up. At least until we get a new font. When we arrived at church yesterday, it needed more than just a top up. It was very low. Our only problem? There was no water. Not even a drop came from the tap.

What were we to do? We had three baptisms that needed to take place and there wasn't enought water. With hands to our heads, we almost thought to call it off. Then a few thoughts came to mind - we only need enough water to cover their bodies, if we can find just a little more (by that, I mean more than a hundred litres) it can be done. So we began asking the members. Turns out, our Young Men and Young Women presidents heed the prophets counsel - they had water stored at their house.

Our 1st Counselour in the Branch Presidency, who wasn't going to be at church, showed up and got his non-member family to collect the water and buckets they had at home. With all the collections, a bit of driving, and a successful turnout at sacrament meeting, we were able to get enough water.

First was Sister Thandiswa. I went in first and wanted to jump out almost immediately. The expression on my face said it all. It was freezing. But she braved it up. We went down low on our knees. I hurried the words and we did it in one swift motion. Then, after the immersion, we both slipped and struggled our way. As she got out I climbed right onto the steps to find even an inch of warmth. Everyone laughed. I got back in, Brother Sabelo entered and we did the same, one swift motion, no mistakes.

At this point, I was almost numb, so I told the next to hurry in. Brother Bongani, the tallest of the lot, came in and almost didn't go under fully, so I pressed him down a little further. On his way up, his weight pulled me down and we were both immersed, struggling our way out.

As the three newborn babes in Christ went to change, I had to remain in the water. "Where are the buckets?" We needed to save at least some water before dismantling the font from the inside. There's no plug. We collected, and then dismantled.

Guess what?! The water came back. Immediately after the baptisms! Sigh. This will be an experience we'll never forget. Even me, as it was my last Sunday in Osizweni.

You have it! I'm being transferred. And you would never guess where. I'm going to serve the people of Kloof and Hillcrest. I'm going back! Clearly there's more work for me to do there. I'll be leaving Elder Rakotomalala behind and whitewashing with Elder Nyirenda. I'm looking forward to five hours of church, two sacrament meetings, and two coordination meetings with leaders from two different wards. Whoah! This is going to be interesting.

Upon saying goodbye to the people I've grown to love, little kids ages two to six began singing hymns. My companion and I joined with them as we witnessed this uninitiated spectacle. Afterwhich, one of them went up and said, taking the room with its adults by surprise, "Good morning brothers and sisters. I'd like to share my testimony. I love Jesus Christ and I love Joseph Smith. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." This continued with every child bearing testimony of their love for the Saviour and their family. I was blown away. That was the best way to say goodbye.

One of my favourite investigators who I keep reporting on said something that made my heart swell with joy. Upon our farewell and photo at the car he said, "And don't worry about the 24th. I'm ready." Such a feeling of peace and assurance came over me. I thank the Lord I was able to be there to find him and witness his readiness. Unfortunately I won't be there to witness his baptism, but the fact that it's happening is enough for me. So long as I get photos.

I will miss the people of Osizweni. I have family there. But I know that I'll see them again. And if we're all faithful, it'll all be worth it!

The Gospel is true. There are challenges along the way, undoubted. There are people that come and go, undoubted. But what the Gospel offers, nothings else can compare. Through it we become new creatures. Happy creatures. Good creatures. Faithful creatures. Strong creatures. Conquering creatures. Through it we become who our Father wants us to be.

Keep going. Never lose hope. Never give up. Just keep trying and doing what needs to be done. "If we fail, we fail with glory."

Leaving the House of Bread

My time in Bethlehem has ran its course, and what an experience it has been. We were blessed to have a sacrament meeting attendance that was higher than normal - and that includes the average since my arrival. Elder Human and I have been working, and the fruit has been sweet.

My highlight so far would have to be an investigator staying in town. After much effort, and tireless schedules, we were able to watch with him a talk from General Conference. The room went somber, and he could barely speak. The Spirit was strong. I'm glad that we persevered, and continued to push (even when it seemed his schedule and our schedule would never meet). Bonus, he's already spoken to his fiance and prayed about a temple marriage (for all time and eternity).

Most of this week was met with preparations for two baptisms that happened this Sunday. However, we were also able to meet with and begin teaching two receptive families that requested for us to return. The house of bread has its potential, and with events soon to take place, it will continue to grow.

I received an email from a recent convert, and was blessed to hear his strengths in overcoming temptation. The motivation we, even as missionaries, receive is sometimes heartfelt and inspirational.

I know that the Lord has His people scattered across the face of the Earth. We are His harvesters, and we're bringing them in with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the anchor. Our prayer is that others are not lulled in with counterfeits or clever deceptions.

I am grateful that the Lord has provided for us a way of identifying these counterfeits, yea, even in the Book of Mormon. For we live in a world where even the very elect are being deceived - through education, politics, religion, and philosophies. We need to gather intelligence and prepare ourselves that we may be guided safely back home.

Without Words

Trying to find the works to describe how splendid the week really was, and so I sit... fingers at the ready, with eager intent. Nothing. The words, they fail to come.

On Friday we had an activity at the chapel with included a spiritual (to focus our hearts and minds on the Saviour and His invitation for us to follow Him), a First Aid presentation and demonstration - guess who did that, wiring plugs, fixing broken lamps, changing tires, and feasting on pap and wors.

We were privileged to have members (active and less-active) and non-members alike. It was especially a delight to see an investigator and returning member couple engage in the First Aid practical scenarios; to see them all feel at home.

On Saturday they each returned, continuing to spend time together while we - the missionaries - continued to work. Their eagerness and involvement has been uplifting - especially considering the service projects we had during the week. Busy, busy, busy.

On Sunday my companion and I were asked to give talks, him on showing love to the Saviour by keeping His commandments, and myself on knowing the Saviour and His life here on earth. Afterwhich, we were privileged to witness the baptism of a young man, currently attending university (with a desire to serve a mission). It was a joy to see him enter into this sacred covenant with his Father in heaven, and it was really good to have his parents there with him.

I'm continually amazed with the experiences the Lord allows me to have with these very special people - even though I'm barely able to scratch the surface on the not-so-weekly posts.

I'm reminded again and again, that if we ask God, He will show us the way (if we're willing to listen). A quote I've grown to love is, "Did you come to that conclusion on your own, or did you ask God?" Because on our own we;re able to come to many different conclusions, but with God we'll always find the truth, and the answers we need (even though they're not always the answers we want).

I hope and pray that we were all able to keep the Saviour on our minds this Easter season. Remember, everything He did was for us, but it means nothing if we don't do our part.

Coming and Going

“Some people pass through our lives for a reason, to teach us lessons that could never be learned if they stayed.”
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I recall the discussions I once had with my mother, and others ​​​around the time of my adolescence. While I understood the reality of people coming and going, I never accepted its application. And considering the number of places I've been, and the number of people I've known, it's interesting to note that I'm still not used to leaving - or having other people go.

This past Saturday, as my companion and I were preparing the chapel for the baptism of a family we'd been teaching, the phone rang with a call from the mission president.
He informed me that my time in Chatsworth had come to an end, and that I was needed in Bethlehem. With the news still sinking in, I mustered myself up for the baptisms - and boy, what an experience!

The family's neighbour, as well as a close friend of theirs, came to show their support - the moment was tender and sweet. The Sunday following, both the father and daughter were confirmed (as the mother's a returning member), and their youngest (10 months old) was given a naming and a blessing. Seeing a family enter into the Gospel, united, is a blessing like none other.

As the day progressed, I began thinking back to the experiences I had in months previous - and the bonds that had been created. A family in Hillcrest (who I was privileged to teach) shared that another family that Elder Bryan and I taught are actively attending Church, and that they had made friends.

In this short time, I've seen the hand of the Lord in hastening His work. Even just a while back, while we were at the hospital, a man walked into me - purposefully and intentionally. And when I shrugged it off, he did it again - just  to get my attention. It was then that I noticed who he was - and he was there with his wife. They requested that my companion and I give their daughter a blessing, who shared with us concerning her father's baptism. Teaching them was an honour and to see them again, in the Gospel, has strengthened my testimony.

Chatsworth has been an experience of note - and as I leave the families I've taught behind, I feel my heart strings tug. But I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to be a part of their journey. I have witnessed two children of record being baptised and four converts in this area alone. I pray that the Lord keeps careful watch over them, and that He prepares the rest to receive of His glorious Gospel.
​Tomorrow I move up to Bethlehem, working as a Zone Leader with Elder Ncube. Perhaps I'm able to see another convert I taught in ​Kroonstad - but if not, home is not that far away. And for that, I am grateful. I have learnt a lot - and I feel still that there is more to come.

Everything is going to be okay.

Exhaustion, and Absolute Bliss

The weeks have been full. The days have been busy. And then, how much I've learnt. I can barely imagine what my life would've been without having been here. The Lord truly sets the path and, if we follow, oh the blessings we will reap.

So far, Chatsworth stands to be the longest area in which I've served. Adding that I'm serving here with another companion; Elder Varner from San Diego California. I don't know how much longer I can handle his amazement with all things South African. Yes, he's only been here for two weeks.

I can hear Sister Hul's words echo from my first few weeks on mission, "Well, I can tell you this - I know that you will be serving with an American companion. And I hope that changes your attitude."

That was a response to my sometimes often rant of not liking how Americans change things (like spelling, for example - it still drives me mad). Now, her words echo true as I serve with my second American companion. And guess what? His favourite word is onomatopoeia. He even knows what pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is. Yes, that means I like him, but don't tell him that.

Our first few days set the tone with powerful lessons, and still we're holding true. He calls us the A-team; him, myself, and the Holy Ghost. Let's just say, you can't say no to us. From people not being interested, to them inviting us to come back.
Though, we've also had the miserable day with absolutely no appointments pulling through. Still, the blessings continue to pour. Literally. We've been soaked by the rain twice in the last week. I don't think I've ever worked this hard, or been this exhausted before. We're sleeping like rocks with all the hours we're putting in.

Not to mention the precarious positions we find ourselves in. We had a Saturday evening baptism and, somewhere along the line, someone forgot to pull the plug from the baptismal font. So, when we went back the following day, without a towel, without spare clothes, we got creative. Let's just say that it would have been really awkward if anyone walked in.

The highlight of the week, though, would have to be our encounter with a lady named Ethel, and her family. We had a referral from the missionaries in Queensburgh, telling us to visit this lady and her family, so we set the appointment. And it just so happens that she lived right next door to a family we just started teaching the day before (also a referral - from a Roman Catholic man who doesn't believe anything we say).

Turns out, she wasn't home, so we started talking to her other neighbour, who didn't want anything to do with us. By the end of our conversation, we were invited back to share with the whole family.

Then comes the call from Ethel. "We're so sorry we missed you, please come back." We go back the following day, and five minutes in, everyone is laughing, and simply having a good time. The family asked us questions, we asked them questions, and it was just all out good.

Turns out Ethel is a less-active member of ten years, and her husband and children didn't know much. When we pulled out a copy of the Book of Mormon, you should have seen her eyes light up. She looked at it as if it was the most precious thing in all of existence. And my heart just melted. That's how important this book is.

She said that it has been ten years since she's even seen the book, and that her and the family had been going to other churches, but once you've tasted truth, you can't settle for anything less.

Her husband, Takesure, said that he wanted us to come back seven days a week (after work of course). Best reply to return appointment ever! We'll be seeing them again on Wednesday.

We're exhausted! We're booked! In complete demand - really, that phone doesn't stop ringing, and the days are full a week in advance. I love it! There are moments when the Spirit cuts so thick, and you see things the Lord wants in so much detail. He takes us to people, and he brings people to us. He shows us things we could never have thought of before, and it brings people so much closer to Him.

Trust Him! Give the book a chance. It means so much to us, and millions across the globe. It has changed my life, and it can also change yours.

What Does the Bible Say About the Great Apostasy?

Perhaps unique to LDS doctrine is that a complete, and total, apostasy has occurred. In other words, the Church Jesus Christ established while He was on the Earth, and the authority to administer therein, fell away completely proceeding the death of His apostles.

A basic consideration would be the evident number of creeds and denominations circulating the drain of Christian religion today. We all agree that there is a God. However, the nature of such a God varies greatly from one sect to the next.

He is a Spirit.

He is the Father of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

He is Jesus Christ.

He has a perfect body of flesh and bone.

He is an intelligence.

We cannot know Him.

We can know Him.

Another concept to note would be that all Christians believe faith in Jesus Christ attains us unto salvation. Though, what one understands faith to be differs almost fully from what another describes it be. For instance:

My faith is my belief.

My faith is my religion.

My faith is my works.

My faith is enough.

And then there is the divers numbers and modes of baptism; including infant baptism, immersion [once, thrice, and seven times over], affusion (pouring), and aspersion (sprinkling). Not to mention the questions of where it is performed and by whom it is performed.

The problem is, Ephesians 4:5 clearly states that there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism[.]" Therefore, the argument that there are different churches for different persons renders null and void. Else there is no absolute truth, and if there be no absolute truth, then there is no reason or point to the Christian religion.

So the question is, What does the Bible say about a Great Apostasy? And when did it occur, if ever?

We know that Jesus Christ did a many great and marvelous works during His ministry here on Earth. He established His Church by calling twelve and ordaining them to the work (Mark 3:14). He healed the sick, raised the dead, and told the apostles to do the same (Matthew 10:8).

In addition, He prophesied of many things to come. While on the mount of Olives, Jesus Christ sat with His apostles and told them of the destruction of Jerusalem. In His discourse, He said the following:

Matthew 24:8-11 "All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

I imagine sitting amongst them as Jesus foretold of their persecution and death. In plain words He said, "they ... shall kill you". Also that many false prophets would rise, and that MANY would be deceived.

 I find it interesting that the same Roman Empire that persecuted and killed Jesus Christ and His apostles adopted Christianity as their own state religion years later. It is from that adopted religion that we see the many reformist creeds and denominations rise - many of whom sincerely believed in their own faith and denomination.

Even Paul spoke of these happenings in his farewell to the elders of the Church at Ephesus, before departing to Jerusalem.

Acts 20:28-31 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."

"Watch, and remember". After his departing would it have begun. But what catches my eye the most "night and day with tears." It just creates the image of how grievous this falling away would be, and as I read and think of what must've happened between then and now (with all these conflicting churches left, right, and center), I feel his tears.

is that he warned them

Even in a letter to his son, Paul said, "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:4).

Jesus Christ and His disciples knew an apostasy would occur. And if we just look, we can see that one undoubtedly has occurred.

So with the death of the apostles, and saints of the early Church, mankind lost the authority it required to perform the saving ordinances needed to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mankind ceased to hear the words of God. And many ran to and fro, but could not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

But I am not here to preach a message of damnation. Rather, I am called by a prophet of God to declare that His Church is here. A restoration, not a reformation, of gospel truth and authority has taken place - and it can bless the lives of families and individuals alike.

Trials and Triumphs

The Botshabelo Elders are sick and afflicted. Yea, let me start with that. Elder Ocitti has been struck with the infamous influenza, whereas Elder Smith awoke one morning with an ailed digit. Thus making our mornings as such:

Elder Smith awakes at 04:00 with a shooting pain in his big left toe; inflamed, hypersensitive, bleeding, and with limited mobility. Elder Ocitti pulls himself out of bed ten minutes after the designated time and wraps himself in a blanket for as long as possible, looking up as much as possible; congested, sneezing, and coughing at random intervals.

But there is work to do, so I grab the first aid kit, and we muster up the strength to prepare ourselves and perform our labours; a prayer of faith pushing us through as the work goes on unhindered. And it is in the area we notice something awry this way come.

On Tuesday, we went into the area with the Zone Leaders to interview a candidate for baptism - Tumelo. However, things didn't go as planned. Suddenly, their attitude changed and they were completely against the idea, stating that the Book of Mormon was just too new for them, and that they needed more time. Tears streamed from his eyes, and it felt as if a dagger pierced my heart.

Immediately I thought, "We're here to interview Tumelo... the one with a testimony." I mean, the reason we have baptismal interviews is to make sure that the candidate is prepared to make the covenants he/she is about to make - that they are, in fact, ready. Moreover, if God has told him that he needs to be baptised, who are we to say no? If he was under age, I'd understand, but he's twenty.

In the end, we agreed to respect the family's wishes (especially considering he lived with them). Our goal is to work with the family to make this transition as peaceful as possible. By the end of May, he will be baptised. We were able to have a powerful lesson with his brother, in which Tumelo bore his testimony.

On Friday, we went to see a Part Member family; we're teaching and preparing the daughter for baptism and working on bringing the father and sons back into activity. As we arrived, we noted that the daughter wasn't home. We asked and found that she'd left home to stay with her grandmother. When we asked why, they said something about her wanting to go back to her old church.

Wait, what? Why would that make her leave home for good as well?

I committed her brother to visit her and to tell her that God loves her, that he loves her, and that he wants to walk with her to church on Sunday.

We started teaching a lady whose husband is a member. In fact, she tracked us down and said, "Hey! My husband's a member of your church - you need to see him." It was great. We were able to start seeing him, rededicate him to scripture study and prayer, and even bring him back to church a couple of times - he's working on a schedule with his boss and colleagues that would allow him to come to church every Sunday.

When we met with his wife, though, we were surprised that she, being a non-member, knew the restoration inside and out, even the doctrines of the church, and wasn't even opposed.

She said, "Who prayed for tate to find a place when he was moving from church to church? Who thanked God when you missionaries started teaching him? Who went to his baptism in Thaba 'Nchu? Who went out to find you and bring him back to church when he stopped going? Me! I did that. I will support him where he is, and I pray that he stays in this church until he dies. I'll even be there for him when he's ready to go to the Temple."

She even quoted 1 Corinthians 1 when Paul said "Is Christ divided?" to support her love for the Church. "But I'm too old to change churches now," she said. She's even got a strong calling in the church she's in, pulling everything together.

We even have a you lady who's been investigating the church for years already, but she keeps postponing her own baptismal date. Even a recent convert whom we asked to fellowship this young lady said, "I'm not even going to bother trying."

But all is well in Zion. Tumelo is still coming to Church. His brother even said, "Who am I to deny it?"

The Part Member family we're trying to bring back to Church actually came (they're even reading and praying). The branch even had a record attendance of 73 (it used to average 35), with 13 investigators (the members were even responsible for two of them).

The recent convert I asked to fellowship the young lady came up to me and said, "I did what you asked, and I got my answer. I'll do it." Together we were even able to chat with the young lady, and she agreed that there was no real reason for postponing her baptismal date - rescheduling for an earlier date.

And thus we see the tender mercies of the Lord. Hard work, faith, and obedience with exactness pays off. We keep working, we keep praying, and we keep believing - no matter how hard it seems to get.

And that brings me to other news. I'm losing my baba. Transfers are happening on Tuesday and my trainer is being taken to the coast to become a Zone Leader.

My new companion will be Elder Gwebu (from Johannesburg). I will need to rely on my skills of direction (yes, keep laughing, especially those of you know those skills don't exist). My new companion will also be the new District Leader.

For those of you who don't know, training is twelve weeks, so this is unusual.

Further news is that we'll be changing boardings (closer to the area). Elder Ocitti is healed. And I even found an Old Testament Manual with Elder Martin's name in it - another sign that we'll be companions some day.

This past week, according to the training package, was to focus more on Prayer and the Holy Ghost - and to most this seems really simple, but in the world we live today people don't see it as a two-way communication between God and man. We've developed a culture of recited prayers. And, frankly, that needs to stop! If you're reciting the same prayer as you recited yesterday, stop.

There is a better way. God's way.

Heavenly Father has, countless times, through the scriptures and mouths of His prophets told us that we need to pray to Him. It is a commanment - even that we do it often.

The pattern for this has been set: We address our Heavenly Father, express the feelings of our heart, ask specific and direct questions, express gratitude, and close "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We need to develop a culture of talking to our God, avoiding vain repetition. We need to realise, recognise, and believe that He will answer us through feelings (Galatians 5:22-23), thoughts, and ultimately a sense of knowing.

So this is my challenge for you this week, ask God. And I will be bold. If you trust God, ask Him if the Book of Mormon is true. If you don't have one, we'll get you one. And if you aren't even sure God is there, ask Him. He will answer.

In the Field

I am out in the field... no longer training at the School of Prophets (Mission Training Center). Rather, spreading the word in South Africa Durban; more specifically, Botshabelo.

Yes, I am not in KwaZulu-Natal; I am in the Free State, serving in a township west of Lesotho. My companion, Elder Ocitti (hitherto referred to as my Father, a.k.a my Trainer), is from Uganda. And we, he and I, are the only two missionaries in the Botshabelo area (consisting of approximately two million people).

 Let me get started. Our boarding is actually in Bloemfontein, which means we drive out to the area every morning (about 45km). So that means I'm driving. First area, driving a Nissan Hardbody 2.5 in area with potholes. Yea, I'll call them that. Even though there is often a gap in the middle of the road - literally. More sand than road, more holes than landfill. But it's great!

Elder Ocitti is DLT (District Leader and Trainer) for our four man district - which includes Thaba-Nchu. The Elders serving that side are Elders Payne and Agabu (who served with me in the MTC).

So far, much has happened. From the MTC to the airport (meeting a musician from Brazil and an electrical engineer from Italy - Elder Martin and I tracted them). From the airport to the mission home in Durban. President Zackrison and his wife are great. An interview longer than any before and a driving test two hours after arriving. Let me say, waking up at 04:00 and driving an automatic car for the first time as a sudden and unexpected test - not fun. At least I have the experience now, and the authorization to be designated driver now. Which includes daily reports and servicing every 15 000km. We drive 100km a day.

From Durban, I boarded a bus to Bloemfontein. Nine hours on a bus, staying awake until 04:00, only to start working at 06:30 that same day.

And boy, what a journey it's been. We have five baptisms on date, 35 lessons each week, and we still find time to contact, and get home before 09:00. That means a solid seven lessons each day. Fortunately, people in Botshabelo are hospitable. We knock on their door and the first thing they say is, "Dumelang ntati, you can sit down." Often followed with a glass of something to drink.

One of our investigators, whom my companion and I invited to be baptized last week, reminded me so much of when I was investigating. His name is Tumelo, and he'd been taught by missionaries for quite some time. We were teaching him the Restoration, and he expressed that he didn't actually want to join because he noticed that being a member of the Church meant keeping commitments - specifically, covenants made with God. I was prompted to share my experience of only finding out, with certainty, after laying aside all distractions, prepared to follow through with any answer God gave me - and only then did I receive my answer.

We shared with him the first vision, an answer to Joseph Smith's prayer and told him that he would find no answer until he got committed. The Spirit was strong in that lesson - and we asked him, what was he willing to do when God answered. It rained that night - as it did when I received my answer - and I just knew. When we returned two days later he said, "I want to be baptized. I know this is God's Church." My heart was filled with so much joy. And I must say, he's been learning and understanding so much since that decision - participating as if he were already a member.

Getting to know the people has been great - with other powerful experiences along the way.

And then there are also those moments that you would never expect. Like praying in Afrikaans because the only two languages many people understand are Sotho and Afrikaans. Like tracting into Jehovah Witnesses - in Afrikaans - only to find them desiring to Bible bash with their Sotho scriptures... Right, because that's why we're here.

But all in all, it has been great. I found some time to read letters my friends and family left for me - and how grateful I am for the support (even though many expressed not quite understanding why). I am blessed to have people who love me anyway.

Now, a question I shared with family and friends:

What does it mean to us that the Savior has suffered "pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind" (e.g, Alma 7:11), has "descended below all things" (e.g., D&C 88:5), and was "in all points tempted like as we" (e.g., Hebrews 4:15)?

Alma 7:11 teaches us that Christ suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind. D&C 88:5 teaches us that He descended below all things. And Hebrews 4:15 teaches us that He was tempted just as we were.

This tells us that He came down from above, from being King of kings, to be human just as we are. He descended below all things - he had no money, no home, no worldly possessions. The Creator of Heaven and earth came to the world with nothing, being born in a manger, and was tempted with all manner of temptations. Still, He persevered. Still, He never gave in.

For me, this means He truly knows us and everything we could ever go through. For me, this means that He loves and cares for us more than we could ever imagine. For me, this means more than words can describe. And, for me, this means that I owe Him all that I am - even though I can never repay Him for what He has done.

And as I close today, I'd just like to say, in two weeks I've seen more witnesses to God's love and mercy than ever before. I've felt His love and seen His work - and I know, without a doubt, that this Gospel is true. We learn from history that prior to 1820, the Christian world had grown to a place where they feared God more than they trusted in Him - where they prayed because of commandment, while some were taught not to pray at all. And it was only after the restoration that people were reminded that prayer is a two-way communication.

I reiterate, only after the restoration did people (from various sects and creeds of Christianity) begin praying to God for answers. Only after the restoration did people once again begin believing in the power of God and His love for man. Only after the restoration, did people begin praying to develop a relationship with our God. Now I don't know about you, but a religion that reminded the world that God still cares is one I'm willing to take a chance on.

A Week of Learning

Where do I even begin? This past week has been filled with experiences and learning opportunities I could never have imagined; even in this tiny MTC.

We were assigned companions (a missionary you teach with, and stay with 24/7), separated into Districts (groups), and presented with leaders who'd be available for assistance and guidance with missionaries and activities in the MTC.

First off, President Collins is serving with his wife, Sister Collins, as our MTC President. They're both from the United States and were called to serve here in South Africa almost a year ago. My companion is Elder Katimbo, from Uganda, who will also be serving in the South Africa Durban mission.

There are nineteen missionaries here at the MTC. Seventeen Elders and two Sisters. Ten will be serving in the Uganda Kampala mission while nine will be serving in the South Africa Durban Mission.

Interestingly enough, there are only four Americans with us. One of whom is Elder Barrett from a small town in Utah. He and I exchanged student cards. There is also Elder Dean, who is a convert (most of us are), and Elder Hart.

Sitting next to me at the moment is Elder Manqele from Durban (he'll be serving in Uganda Kampala).

My companion and I have been assigned to the Helaman District (others include Ammon and Moroni). After which, we were called to serve as District Leaders (making us responsible for the Heleman District).

On our first Sunday, we focused particularly on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it means to us, and what it can mean to our investigators. Fortunately, my experience with Gospel Principles class (Sunday School) helped prepare me somewhat for running last week's District Meeting after Sacrament.

As the week went on, we learnt various teaching techniques through practice, study, and observation. Apparently this group of missionaries came more prepared than any of the previous group. Most of us are converts. All of us have been ward missionaries. All of us have active experience with missionaries and know the Gospel and scriptures quite thoroughly.

The Church is particularly focused on creating an entirely different breed of missionaries. We are not being taught what to teach, because we're expected to know that already, but rather how to teach. We're being taught how to identify concerns and rectify them as soon as possible.

We need to be able to commit people to baptism at our first lesson and have them come to Church. And because we are teaching people, and not lessons, they have to have concerns rectified. They have to have the Gospel answer questions to their soul. It is about them. They have to trust us and we need to know them.

We learnt through the District that we, as missionaries, spend every waking moment helping our investigators. We study and search for answers that they need, practice in the most effective ways to help find answers to their questions and lead them in that direction.

"You will always be a hero to them." This we learnt in an MTC devotional. And I know it is true. "Those you baptize, will remember you for all time and eternity." I know this. And how grateful I am to be in the same MTC as the man who baptized me; David Tew. His face is on the wall I pass everyday.

Oh, and whenever I say his name, people think he's Chinese, until I show them his picture on the MTC wall. "Is that your missionary?" they ask. And yes, yes it is.

We had an "investigator" who asked us why Christ had to die in order to Atone for our sins, and why Heavenly Father couldn't simply forgive our sins. Sitting in the lesson, my companion and I had to work quickly to find an answer to this question in the scriptures. You can understand why this would be a concern, it was even a concern for me.

Fortunately, we have the Book of Mormon. In Alma 42, Alma and Amulek spoke specifically concerning this matter. And I would invite anyone struggling to understand why our Savior had to die (and overcome death) for us to be saved, to read these chapters. We learn here how our Heavenly Father made the perfect plan to fulfill the demands of justice and mercy.

Another concern came regarding prayer. There are many who feel that they are alone in prayer, not knowing how to identify answers. "I feel silence," they say. And, to this, I would answer, Galatians 5:22-23. By the power of the Holy Ghost, we find our answers - some of us have visions, some hear answers, while most feel through the fruit of the Spirit. And one such fruit, one such answer, is peace. Pray about it. Think about it.

On Tuesday we went to the Temple. For my companion, it was his first time. Phenomenal experience.

When we came back, we went to teach another "investigator", and our teacher pulled us aside and said, "Instead of teaching me today, I want you to help me. You two are my strongest companionship, and I need you to help me help the others."

She took our experiences growing up as a sign of God preparing us for this moment, and similar moments in our field to come. "God prepared you through your critiquing of the Book of Mormon, and you, Elder Katimbo, through your family, for your investigators and the missionaries you'd be serving with."

Later we were sent to teach President Collins (as one of the three companionships to teach him).

But it isn't all good. We found ourselves in a lesson where both my companion and I forgot where to find a verse we needed to answer an "investigator's" question. We went out having the "investigator" think we answered her question, and I immediately felt guilty, preparing verses to present her the next time we visited to actually answer her question.

But through this experience, I have learnt how to rely on the Spirit's promptings. Even as we teach, we are taught. We are inspired to say certain things and find certain verses. We are guided to target specific concerns and teach people, not lessons.

The investigators need to know we care. They need to know why we are there and we do this by saying and showing. We remember, commit and follow up. We are with them every step of the way.

President Hamilton said something which has stuck with me, "What do you really have to offer, besides your testimony? Besides pure conviction, what impact can you really make?"

And as I think on these words, I think on Alma, as he said "save it was to bear pure testimony" they could do nothing.

So I testify, He lives. Through Him, redemption cometh. And because He loves us, He calls His

servants to find us and to lead us to that strait and narrow path. The Bible and Book of Mormon testify of Christ, and together they answer questions of the soul.

May the Lord bless you, as He has me, and may He answer your prayers as He has mine. This is my invitation, to read, to ponder, and to pray. The same invitation that has existed from the beginning.