To all,
The missionary work here is progressing very well. A new group was
started 4 weeks ago. The 1st week 58 attended; 73 the next; 89 the next
and today 93. This group is the
Cococodji group. Recommendations for a branch are now in the pipeline.
The space they meet in will accommodate 50 maybe; so we set the other
chairs outside for people to sit on. We take the podium to the door and
the speakers can then speak to both groups. Since it is only a group
we hold Sacrament meeting; then Sunday School. This group is on the extreme dusty roads.
Sister Semken and I went to Togo two weeks ago and participated in a
missionary activity of climbing some mountain up to a waterfall. It
was a delightful experience. We got to see Africa like I had imagined
it to be. Lush undergrowth and trees. The hike took about 2 1/2 hours.
I got acquainted with missionaries that we hadn't met yet and got
reacquainted with those we knew. The elders loved the exercise, the
beauty, the food, getting away from the city and especially the
opportunity to visit.
This past
week President/Elder Dickson of the West Africa Area held mission
conferences in Togo and Benin. He spoke this past conference. He is
absolutely wonderful. His wife as well. He has served for 21 years as a
General Authority. He was mission president in Mexico at the age of
about 36. Two of their 8 children were born while they were serving as
the mission President. The last 16 years he has been serving outside of
the USA. He is turning 70 and will be officially released in October.
He told us that the Africa area is doing extremely well. We are
growing from positions of strength. He said, and we know as well, that
we can go into villages and baptize 30-50 people in a couple of weeks.
But then, we don't have the capacity to serve them, teach them and etc.
So they would die on the vine so of speak. As we continue to grow we
will get to the villages. Cotonou, Benin will be getting 4 new
branches. Two have already been approved and the other two are on the
way. We expect at least one other branch before year end. Lome, Togo
could also see another branch. Recently a couple of branches were
established.
President Dickson
talked to the missionaries about teaching people the law of tithing.
We should not fear. If they keep this covenant, as well as each of us,
they will receive the priesthood and be prepared for the temple
covenants as well. This now appears to be the time for these African
people to receive the greatest message ever given. The restoration of
the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith; the true nature of the
Godhead; the understanding of the who and what man is. We bring joy and
happiness to the lives of so many. You can't hardly believe the
stories that are told about conversions, healing, changes in lifestyles,
and gaining understanding and knowledge. If the leaders make any
mistakes it is only because they do not know. It is interesting that
they are willing to receive counsel. They are teachable. There is much
being done and much to do.
The elders
received counsel about who they are as missionaries: Alma 13:3; Ether
and finding solutions to challenges; Jacob 5; D&C 42; D&C 43
being taught from on High and endowed with power. Instruction was given
about their Temple experience.
Each missionary
is weaving his own tapestry of his mission. When this one is done I
think they will be pleased if they have been willing to be obedient. Of
course none of us are perfect. Each missionary has different
perspectives and each experience is tailor made just for that
missionary. They definitely learn about different cultures. Their
companions are from many cultures; French, Madagash, Congolese,
Liberian, Nigerian, Ghanan, Ivorian, and of course American. Boy, this
is a challenge, food, language, knowledge, environment, governments,
etc. I think that in general these elders do an amazing job of
adapting. It will be good for them in future years. They are happy
and generally healthy. Most lose a few pounds. They work hard.
We will receive 7
new sisters and 5 new elders on June12-13. We are so very excited.
There is one elder from Scotland, this should be fun to see how he
speaks french with a Scottish accent. We will hear.
Sister Semken
and I are glad to be here. We thank you for your sons and daughters,
they are a pearl of great price, as you must be so as well.
Elder Semken