Your missionaries are doing well. We all have our ups and downs,
like the waves on the ocean. Sometimes you're on the crest and other
times you are in the trough. Your missionaries are learning the various
lessons of life.
1. We had a missionary
who got sick in about April and after extensive tests and exams we found
the problem; which probably started when he was 10 and finally became a
problem. He is from Africa. He is the only member of his family. His
father in the Military. President Weed visited with his dad and his
dad said that he was supportive. The elder wanted to return once
surgery and recovery was completed. We hoped so. He return home, had
surgery and received clearance from his physician that he could do the
mission labors. He returned last week. We were very pleased to have
him back. Several lessons to learn. Your missionaries are supportive
and will be able to learn many lessons from this experience.
2. Your sons will learn
some more lessons in the next few months about preparation, like food
storage. They are protected here in this mission. As I believe I have
stated there has been a severe drought this past season. I am told that
many, many crops will not be harvested in neighboring countries as well
as Togo and Benin. I don't know the impact on the economy and food
availability for sure, but hopefully it won't be to severe. But, I do
hear some talk.
3. This past Saturday the
church held its annual service project day. This year rather than
having one major project, the branches were clustered into groups and we
had 3 or 4. I think there were about 500 in Benin who participated.
Some worked at a government institution, hospitals and things like
that. We worked side by side with our neighbors of Africa. There was a
lot of excellent TV and Radio coverage. One set of elders receive 5
significant teaching engagements. These people who didn't know us
before were excited to see us and participate with us. When in the
service of your fellow man, you are in the service of God.
4. The elders learn other
great lessons. Sister Semken and I were on an errand later in the day
but before the sun goes down (about 7pm). We got a call from a recent
convert. She is known very well in her company and whenever anyone
needs counsel the owners of this prestigious company approach her and
ask her to give counsel. Well, one of the employees was having some
problems following the birth of a child about 3 or 4 months ago. This
convert had visited with her before.
Well this convert requested
that we come and give her a blessing. The boss told her to help solve
this employees problem. So, I asked a missionary companionship to
assist me. We arrived at the office and 6:30. We were greeted by the
owner of the business and taken into his small office. The employee was
there and not feeling well. The owner left the office and said thank
you for coming. I gave some thoughts in English, translated by the
convert and the missionaries. We then had a kneeling prayer. Just
prior to the blessing I asked one elder to give the blessing. He had to
review how to do it. I don't know if it was his first time or not. I
gave him some further instructions and told him to have patience and
take in giving the blessing. A blessing he gave which will be remember
by all of us. At the conclusion of the blessing the young lady stood up
and immediately felt better. The Elder said that it was a wonderful
experience. Only he knows what he learned. But, another lesson learned
by serving.
We are proud of the way
these young men behave. They learn the blessings of obedience and the
the power that comes from magnifying their calling. It is our
privileged to serve side by side with them. It is a wonderful thing to
see the lessons learned.
Elder Semken