5 March 2013

What a Blessing!  The new edition of the Scriptures!

Official Declaration #2 Introduction

The Book of Mormon teaches that “all are alike unto God,” including “black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). Throughout the history of the Church, people of every race and ethnicity in many countries have been baptized and have lived as faithful members of the Church. During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, a few black male members of the Church were ordained to the priesthood. Early in its history, Church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black males of African descent. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of this practice. Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter this practice and prayerfully sought guidance. The revelation came to Church President Spencer W. Kimball and was affirmed to other Church leaders in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1978. The revelation removed all restrictions with regard to race that once applied to the priesthood.

You cannot imagine the impact of this introduction to this wonderful continent!!!  We have seen tears of joy and thanksgiving.

Official Declaration #1 Introduction

The Bible and the Book of Mormon teach that monogamy is God’s standard for marriage unless He declares otherwise (see2 Samuel 12:7–8 and Jacob 2:27, 30). Following a revelation to Joseph Smith, the practice of plural marriage was instituted among Church members in the early 1840s (see section 132). From the 1860s to the 1880s, the United States government passed laws to make this religious practice illegal. These laws were eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. After receiving revelation, President Wilford Woodruff issued the following Manifesto, which was accepted by the Church as authoritative and binding on October 6, 1890. This led to the end of the practice of plural marriage in the Church.

February 21^st   We attended Senior Missionary Zone Conference where we were instructed by Elder and Sister Renlund.  Sister Renlund mentioned that on one occasion in Salt Lake she had lunch with Emma Lou Thayne who wrote "Where Can I Turn For Peace."  Sister Thayne  had struggles in her family with a daughter who had a mental illness.  She told Sister Renlund, all we have to share is our stories.  It is a way we can tell others about Heavenly Father’s love for all.  

Sister Renlund told of the country of Central African Republic being dedicated for missionary service.  Elder Holland dedicated the land.  There were about 100 adults and 100 children in attendance.  At a public affairs meeting that evening, Elder Holland was told, “We never thought you would come to CAR.  We didn't know you knew we were here.”  Elder Holland replied, “The Lord knows.  He sent us.”

Elder Renlund taught us much about prayer and stated he had learned more from the humble South African Saints about sincere prayer than in any other forum.   He mentioned some of the promises given to the land of Central African Republic as it was dedicated.

Another point Elder Renlund brought up, was “how do you know you will not ask amiss?”

1.          Inspiration goes into prayers.  Prayers need preparation and thought.  He mentioned the process of prayer for receiving revelation, both personal and for our church callings.

2.           Understand how answers to prayers come.  Elder Scott mentions gentle promptings, thoughts, work, struggle and then action.  Answers come one piece at a time.  Follow in faith.  Answers seldom come when you are still on your knees.

He spoke of three ways answers come to us.

1.       Feel peace, comfort, assurance

2.       Have an unsettled, stupor of thought

3.       No response

A phrase we often hear in the prayers offered here is “I am so much grateful for...”

Another is “We are thankful to be alive...”

We concluded our conference by attending the Temple together and eating a delicious dinner at Dukes Court.  Wonderful conclusion to a wonderful day!

February 22^nd   We attended a 6 am endowment session with the Employment Services group and then served as Ordinance workers in the afternoon.  That evening we attended a Scout Campfire with the Tshabalala family where we heard many favorite scout songs from our earlier days.  The Church does not use the scouting program for activities here, but there is a strong community program for scouting.

Dominic, Khumo, Minenhle, Ntando Tshabalala.  There are girls in these scout troops.  The kids are 3 of my piano students

February 24^th  We spoke in Kempton Park Ward Sacrament meeting on Self Reliance and taught the young men / young women regarding the critical decisions from age 12 to 32:  gaining a testimony, going on  a mission, marriage to the right person in the right place and planning for, training for and choosing a career.  

February 26^th   We trained the Centurion Stake Council regarding Councils, particularly regarding Welfare, Self Reliance and Employment items.  We encouraged registering on ldsjobs.org and making sure all units are well trained on councils and self reliance. 

This is FUN!  We are meeting so many wonderful people.  The teaching of things we know are true and love is very pleasant.

This is Isaac.  He washes our car at least once a week.  We pay him R100 a month which is about $12.50 American.  He is friendly and appreciates the work.

February 27-28 and March 1st   We taught 11 individuals the Career Workshop, 5 of them were from DRC and struggled with English.   BUT they did not struggle with their English nearly as much as we struggled with our French.  

They worked diligently and we gave them copies of the manual in French.  Many of their responses were in French.  One of the purposes of the class is to gain confidence in expressing who you are and what you are capable of doing....English or French.

March 2-3  We attended Benoni Stake Conference.  We were taught well by many.  Craig Omer is the Mission President of the Johannesburg Mission.  He spoke of the Doctrines of Christ.  He used one of my favorite scriptures 3 Nephi 9:13-14 

13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

The choir from Kwa Thema sang a musical “item,” Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy.  It was unaccompanied with rich “African” harmony.  It was beautiful.

Elder Renlund  spoke of  being a faithful “lower light” and having the correct perspective in life in spite of our afflictions.  He mentioned the author of the hymn “ Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy,” Philip Paul Bliss, who also wrote “More Holiness Give Me.”    In a treacherous harbor, there is a lighthouse with a light in the sky, but there is also a lower light along the shore.  To enter the harbor safely, one needs to align both the upper and the lower light.  Heavenly Father provides the upper light, but it is up to us to keep the lower light burning for our fellow men.  Come.  Love enough to Invite.

Elder Renlund told a story of a heart transplant patient who was in very serious condition.  A   transplant was performed, and the new heart was failing.  Another, weaker, heart became available.  Since the man was “mostly dead” anyway, the new heart was used.  Things went very well.  In just a few days, the patient was up and ready for discharge.  Elder Renlund went into visit him one morning.  He asked how things were.  The patient was irate and angry.  Upon questioning, he said, “the oatmeal isn't hot and the milk isn't cold.  Here he was alive!! And complaining about oatmeal!  For a moment he had lost perspective.  The man actually lived 18 years and died from something not cardiac related.  Lose your perspective, you lose your navigation.  Challenges and also prosperity can make you lose your perspective.

Life sometimes gives us cold oatmeal.  Keep it in perspective.  Sometimes you are given Hot oatmeal you did not work for.  Keep it in perspective.

Sunday, Sister Renlund taught about crab fishing with chicken necks.  The chicken neck is dropped into the water on a string.  The crab grabs a hold of the chicken neck, and the fisherman pulls it up.  Just before it breaks the water surface, the crab lets go.  The fisherman knows the crab will let go and has a net ready and catches the crab.  The lesson, not to hold on to things of the world like crabs hold a chicken neck until they are caught and eaten for dinner.

The new Stake Presidency is President Holmes, President Radebe, and President Braganca.

On the way home we stopped to visit the orphanage.  We gave pictures to Mama from the Savages.  Mama mentioned that God is good and He takes care of us.  She said we never know when it will be our time, but it will be all right.  I appreciate her faith.

I'm not sure where the bubblegum came from, but boy! were there giggles when this little gal found I had a picture of her bubble.

The Children are ready to have lunch.  They have a "prayer" they say altogether.  The meal was potatoes, a vegetable, and a piece of meat.  Simphewe is helping.

Monday was Elder and Sister Howes' Farewell.  They have been serving in the IT department.  Elder Howes is an excellent photographer.  It is hard to see our friends leave, but we also enjoy having new couples come here.  I guess you can’t have it both ways.

Back: Elder and Sister Howes, Elder and Sister Hatch, Elder DaBell,

Middle: Sister Mabel,Dominic's mother, Moipone and Awande, Ntando Tshabalala Sister DaBell

Front: Bokong, Minenhle and Khumo Tshabalala.  By the way, there will be a new Tshabalala!!!!

Kenya

In Nairobi, the security situation in the midst of the national polls has been relatively calm. However, there have been several instances of political violence in the Coast and Nyanza provinces. Such incidents provide a reminder of the need for personnel to avoid nonessential travel through potentially volatile locations during the period surrounding the polls.  (Relatively calm means there have only been 12 deaths Monday 4 Mar 2013 in relation to the voting day)

The Maasia people are from Kenya.  This is a man and woman that we purchased from the wood carver Benjamin Tuge.  They are made of ebony and have incredible detail.

The Shona people are from Zimbabwe  This family was carved out of iron wood by Ben also.

Until next time...........Elder and Sister DaBell