Missionary Work

Remembering that people are people - and that having fun makes things better.

My companion looked at me, almost bewildered. "Did you just do that?" he questioned, then burst out laughing. I fist-bumped the Bishop. What? Bishops are allowed to have fun. Tell you what, he kept a commitment to share his testimony with a complete stranger. You should have seen him when he related the story. He was happy; using hand gestures, and everything. Missionary work exciting. The thrill that comes after simply sharing. Whatever happens after is their choice. I then invited him to share that experience with another member. We fist-bumped, and went our separate ways.

In the words of Elder Harp, "It was awesome!"

Another member showed us a picture he took of Elder Harp and I, then posted it on Facebook with the title Elder Smith and Elder Harp - reminding us that missionaries are still awesome. I've been trying the say it as it is method. The post made me happy for more than one reason. It's a brilliant way to do missionary work.

We've been having a lot of opportunities inviting people to Church, and were overjoyed when a new couple came for their first time this Sunday. Our Ward Mission Leader does a wonderful job at greeting new faces. I've found that simply saying Hello makes a huge difference. Doesn't matter who you are. Hoping that we don't let the new faces go ungreeted. Also, don't forget the old... I mean, seasoned ones.

It's been a good week. We've been busy. We've read the Book of Mormon with many people, and it's always left us with smiles on our faces, answers in our heart.

We even had a family phone us last night, after much work, saying they have an appointment for us next week. This is truly exciting as they felt the Spirit prompt them to speak to them, and this family has expressed the desire to learn more about our Church doctrines. In the wife's own words, We've known each other all this time, but I still don't know anything about your Church's beliefs." We have lunch together next Sunday t discuss exactly that.

The Lord loves us. Missionary work is exciting. And so long as we keep trying, and never give up, anything is possible. Never lose hope - things will always work out.

Five Weeks

Five weeks. Pouring rain. Blistering heat. Countless rejections. Receptive spirits. Kind faces. Tears. Unexpected moments. The hand of God working. Yes, just another transfer in the life of a missionary here in the South Africa Durban Mission. This time from Bethlehem.

Much has happened, including my laziness in writing an update on my missionary affairs. And yes, the excuse will always be, "We were too busy working."

On Sunday, we had a fast and testimony meeting (as did every other Latter-day Saint congregation worldwide). It was good to see some investigators attend, as well as some less-active members. With all the work Elder Ncube and I have been putting in, it's been good to see a steady incline in Church attendance.

The testimonies borne were beautiful. Starting with one member finding purpose, meaning, and answers from the scriptures. It's the little things that count. To a young brother and sister duo rallying up to bear their innocent testimonies concerning what they knew to be true, including the line, "I know that God wants me to be kind to my sister."

I was touched to see the faithfulness of some in all their challenges, but at the same time sorrowful for the discouragement resulting from the hardheartedness of others. One young women commented, "Some people know the Gospel. Some don't. And others don't even want to know."

The Sunday before, I was privileged to give a talk on missionary work. I've come to realise that much of my success in exciting members comes from sharing how I came to know the Gospel. For that, I am grateful to the family that never gave up on me. I am grateful for their diligence, support, and I constantly think of them - even today.

The First Counselor in the Branch Presidency here in Bethlehem committed himself to distributing five copies of the Book of Mormon, including an extra copy for his wife to distribute. The members of the Elders Quorum gathered together to visit one Brother after his release from hospital to share with him what had happened at Church. Together the brethren committed to more concerted member-missionary efforts.

It truly began showing fruits as the Young Men from Bethlehem and Phuthaditjhaba challenged one another to a game of soccer. Some of the less-active Young Men heard and invited their nonmember friends, and a few of the brethren from the Elders Quorum came along. In the meantime, the Young Women celebrated two birthday parties (don't tell the Young Men).

Two non-members and a few less-active members committed to joining us at Church the following day. And guess what? They kept that commitment.

It's been exciting with all the ideas Elder Ncube and I have been trying to implement. Even with the experiences we've been privileged to share with others. I continue to be at awe with the amount, and depth, of sacred experiences He allows me to share with others. And the trust that others have in sharing sacred moments with us. The Lord is in this work - of this I have no doubt.

Transfer news came, and I wasn't really surprised. Elder Ncube will be leaving for Kloof, while I get paired of with Elder Human from PE. It will be exciting working with him. I look forward to seeing what the Lord can do with us.

Stay strong. Trust Him. And know that He is there.

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.

Back to the Drawing Board

Back to the drawing board, because a new area means new ideas, new challenges, and a whole new (or different approach). What worked in Botshabello isn't quite as effective here, in Kroonstad, and what worked in Hillcrest doesn't really make sense on this end of the field. So what's the problem? What's the solution?

Fewer members. Let's start there. We all know that the strongest, most active members are likely to come through and because of the members. Let's face it. It's someone they know, someone they trust, and someone that'll stay. Even someone who can fellowship more often than just the three hours at church, and the one hour at home (if that). It's someone more likely to identify and resolve concerns, more cabable of making the experience as meaningful as can be, and available for more than just missionary-related activities. I know, I was there.

But the members are few, and the referrals far-stretched. The inactivity, and less-activity, of many members is apparent - and reaching them proves to be another challenge. So how do we help in a group that's already trying themselves? The ones who are active, I mean. How do we find, teach and keep those who'll actually be committed? And how can we make an actual difference?

It's time to think outside of the box. It's time to have the people know who we are other than the two suits attacking them with a copy of the Book of Mormon. It's time to work with the members and get creative. It's time to show that we actually care. And the ideas are rapidly approaching. Time to implement.

This morning Elder Santagane and I started with morning traffic light proselytising. Yes, we grabbed a board and wrote out: "I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. - Mosiah 24:14" and "Hy sal julle vertroos in jul verdrukkinge. - Jakob 1:3". We handed out verses, pass along cards, pamphlets, and copies of the Book of Mormon with our contact details. But the greatest success I noted was the smiles, the rolling down of the windows to say, "Julle het my dag gemaak!" Which is to say, "You made my day!" And having our photos taken in the middle of the street.

On Saturday we'll be at the shopping complex, and soon we'll be having an open house with the members. The twins, a powerful pair of sisters preparing to serve a mission, have offered to bake cookies and muffins to take to our less-active members, just to open some doors.

We keep looking. We keep searching. And we'll continue to find, teach, uplift, and inspire. The Lord is preparing His people. Let us be the ones to offer ourselves as the instruments, and make the difference.

Exchanges and a Power Contact

The week has been an interesting one indeed. Starting with exchanges, reaching into powerful contacts, and ending with less-active members returning to Church after years passing by.

The clock struck 08:59 as Elder Payne and I came to the close of companionship study, the final hours of our companionship exchange. A message came in from a member stating, "Elders! We need your help with a blessing immediately. Please come." So we grabbed the consecrated oil and jumped into the Nissan Hardbody 2.5, heading to their home.

As we arrived, the husband of the powerful Sister said that he'd take us to the lady who messaged them for the blessing. It was a woman they barely knew, who wasn't even a member of the Church. The member dropped us off as the lady immediately identified us, saying, "Elders, come. I'll take you to the child. You also need to come see me when you're done."

It turns out that her neighbour's child actually needed the blessing. This lady had heard about the Church from a friend in Bloemfontein, and somehow came across a member's phone number after hearing the story her neighbour's had to tell.

We were invited into the home, and the family seated us down. Immediately things went straight to business - like we were living in the medieval ages, consulting a family on their circumstance. Or even Peter and John from the New Testament.

The family told us that their child hadn't slept in four days - and that none of the doctor's medicines were working. That the child would stay up at night as if it was looking at something; and they were convinced spirits were in their home. That was when they were about to go visit a Sangoma in the area. However, their neighbour turned around and said, "No! I'll call the Elders from that Church, they're powerful."

As we discussed this, I looked at the child and immediately noted that there was nothing physically wrong with the child. We proceeded to dedicate the house and bless the child, after teaching the family why were doing so and how they should continue in prayer, keeping the commandments for the dedication and blessing to continue in affect.

As we speak, the family is on baptismal date and committed to attending Church and receiving the missionary lessons. "We don't just want a few day friendship. We want an eternal friendship with you," they said.

After the exchange we met a lady who had worked next to the chapel here in Botshabelo, and she had always wanted to come in and see. However, she didn't know the requirements for attending the Church (whether she needed to be a member).

In her words, "I walked passed and heard them singing, and just felt uplifted. These people know what they are doing." So I invited her to Church, taught a brief lesson on prayer and exchanged contacts for a return appointment with her and her friend this week.

My sister will understand when I say, this girl is a writer/poet and her friend is an artist.

Anyway, that was the week. The Lord is mindful always and makes a plan for his faithful sons and daughters always.

Trust in Him.

Priest's Mission Experience

Now, I've mentioned the Priest's mission experience a couple of times already, so here's a post all about it. Yes, this time, there will be pictures.

It was on the 12th of April 2014. Brother Kevin Farquharson and other stake leaders organised a day for Priests to pair off with missionaries for the day. My companion was Elder Deichman.

Meet Elder Deichman

The day started off... okay, the night started out at the MTC (Mission Training Centre) - now this wasn't my first time at the MTC, but that's another story. We were supposed to start at 6:30pm, but this is Mormon time and African time combined, so we started at 7:30pm instead. New missionaries taught us as we pretended to be investigators (this is what the MTC is for - to train young men and women to preach the gospel to strangers in two short weeks).

We moved on to Kempton Park Ward where families kindly agreed to let us stay for the night - we were treated as missionaries from get go. With greetings and preparations set, i wrote in my journal, said my prayers amd we were off to bed.

It was an "early" morning as we followed the missionary schedule. I say that because 6am is still quite reasonable. We said our prayers, had our showers, cleaned up and left the family with a prayer.

At the chapel, many young men found enjoyment throwing balls at one another. The excitement continued as breakfast arrived and the seminar began. We learnt of mission and the secret of missionary work, which isn't - or really, shouldn't - be a secret. That secret is work. We went over PMG (Preach My Gospel) and then moved on to be paired off with a missionary.

Now we're all caught up. We sang hymns, had people talk and then had lunch.

Lunch!

I didn't know if the food had been blessed, or not, so we did so just in case.

Yes, I'm wearing tekkies. Don't judge me.

We then moved out to our areas. Elder Deichman and I had Birchacres where he'd been serving for the past seven months. He had appointments set up (only one of which pulled through). It was a young lady (still in high school) who met missionaries elsewhere. We discussed the Bible and the Book of Mormon, just getting to know her and her sister. She had a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ already, which was phenomenal since nobody in her family taught her or even believed themselves. She told us about her own missionary efforts at school which was great.

The not so great part was how her dog peed on my bag and she gave us coke which I drank. The first and only time I drank coke as a member (and yes, I know, it's not technically against the Word of Wisdom).

We tracted a great deal and handed out pass along cards. There were many drunk people and quite a few rude people, but it was a great experience in the end. We met another Jonathan which was great.

Elder Deichman and I discussed many things and, as it turns out, we share a great deal of common interest in music. He wants to be a psychologist. He has a strong testimony, especially considering how his brothers did not. FYI, he was born in covenant.

Once the walking was over, we returned to report what we had done, sang and heard people bear their testimonies. It was great.

IDK

Brother Kevin wanted a funny photo of us, but - as it turns out - Elder Deichman was just as indecisive as I was.

What do you think?

We really don't know.

So we settled on this.

We then took group photos. This was funny; I was standing right behind Elder Deichman when he said, "I need to find my conpanion. Jonothan!"

Elder Pulley! On the right.

The group of Priests and Missionaries

Don't ask me what's happening here.

So that was it. A day I'll never forget. With moments I'll all always cherish. Who knows? I may just run in to Elder Deichman again one of these days.

One Year and Counting

Exactly one year ago, as of 08:22 CAT this morning (15 December 2014), I was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year, exactly, and what a year it’s been.

I’ve been to the Temple (baptisms only) and distribution centre, completed this year’s Institute modules, done Home Teaching, received both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, given talks, taught lessons, blessed and passed the Sacrament, given blessings, gone out teaching with the missionaries, been called as a Ward Missionary, attended PEC and coordination meetings, handed in my mission papers, completed tithing settlement, attended firesides (spoke to Elder Hamilton) and went to activities (ward, stake and multi-stake), participated in Helping Hands projects and the Stake Fair, and even experienced mission life as a Priest through a coordinated Centurion Stake activity.

And to think, just over a year ago I tried to prove the Church wrong.

This is my life now. I have people waiting to talk to me in places almost too far to schedule, daily conversations over WhatsApp and Facebook and intense discussions with friends and family – all because, “I want to hear Jonothan’s explanation first.”

It can be frustrating at times, though. Often, I find that me teaching them goes well, but the moment I involve missionaries everything seems to go awry. They talk to me, but not to them (and this goes both ways – missionaries and informal investigators).

I have a friend who asks me, and only me, questions about the scriptures and gospel doctrine and principles. I have an inactive member just hanging on a thread, making excuses every time I mention the word missionary, but openly discusses with me and constantly requests that I visit. I have a family friend waiting for me to tell him about the Church, but won’t see the missionaries, listen to anyone else or read anything related until such time as I find a chance to visit (which may very well be good with regards to Anti-Mormon literature).

I’ve had had positive and enthusiastic referrals who simply fell off the radar after meeting with (or trying to meet with) missionaries. I’ve had missionaries stand up investigators and investigators stand up missionaries. I’ve had cancelled appointments and wrong addresses and all no-shows.

But the change I see in my friends and family since I joined the Church has been remarkable. My immediate family sees the missionaries every other Sunday. My friends are constantly on my case about when I leave for mission and my best friend (who happens to be agnostic) witnessed my ordination to Elder out of his own free will; seriously, he asked me if he could come.

Beyond that, I’ve made friends trying to preach the gospel and planted seeds wherever I could.

As bad as the response often is, beauty almost always shines through.

It feels like a decade has passed, but it’s only been a year. And I am grateful for all the people who came into my life to make a difference. I’m grateful for the missionaries from the start, even though I often complain. It is thanks to them that I am on the path I am on; for they guided me towards truth and, in all their patience, I finally accepted.

So I felt like making a list of all the people who helped make me the Latter-day Saint I am today.

• Kevin Farquharson, who I knew before the world was.
• Shan Farquharson, who sussed me out from the start.
• Dylan Farquharson, who invited me over the night I met the missionaries.
• Elder Beenfield (Daniel Beenfield), the first missionary I ever met.
• Elder Black (Jordan Black), who lied about not being American.
• Elder Dalton (Dakota Dalton), who owes me a photo – now that I think about it.
• Elder Baker (Alex Baker), who I taught about John’s tarrying.
• Elder Zulu (Siyabonga Armstrong Zulu), the first non-American missionary I ever met.
• Elder Tew (David Tew), who I saw as an older brother.
• Elder Mukarati (Alphaa Alphanum Mukarati), the first foreign, non-American missionary I met.
• Elder Day (Brandon Day), who I’ll meet at Tribulation.
• Elder Deichman, my first unofficial companion (Priest's mission experience).
• Elder Carpenter, who made me shake my head more than twice.
• Elder Pulley, who sang me a generic song I swear he plagiarised.
• Elder McAllister, who took me teaching everywhere (most of the time).
• Elder Martin, who loves Diablo III – as well.
• Elder Broadhead, who hugged me without my permission.

So this is my journey thus far. Missionary work seems to be the focus, but soon I’ll be doing my dad’s work and have my chaotic family tree up and running on the genealogy site. Then comes my endowments and then I’m off to mission. I hope I at least get to experience a couple of Institute lessons – it is Doctrine & Covenants, after all.