The
past month has been very intense. We have released 18 missionaries and
the month before 6 more. This week we received 20 new missionaries and
received 8 others. This means that over 50% of the mission have new
companions, which entails new responsibilities for over 75% of the
remaining missionaries. There are new trainers, a new assistant to the
President, new district leaders, new zone leaders, and senior
companions. We have two new missionaries who are only 18 years old.
Most of the Africans who come are 23-26 years old. So you can imagine
the stress and strain on the younger missionaries who are there
trainers, senior companions etc. This is very challenging for them and
also for the Africans who have a culture that if I am older than you, I
am the boss. So, now everyone gets to learn his/her individual
challenges and short-comings. It does work out.
To give you an idea
of what happens when someone is taking the lessons or becomes a member.
Sister Semken & I were introduced to a young couple who are
receiving the lessons. We saw them at church two times and they are
very friendly and receptive. They don't speak English so we have elders
translate when necessary. Almost two weeks ago we were invited to help
with a Family Home Evening presentation. There were about 8-12 people
there and this young mother and child came. We had a discussion which
got on the subject of women and how they were treated. One man said
women are our servants. Well, that didn't sit right with me and I
proceeded to explain the proper role of man and woman. The women were
so pleased to hear that they are not a lower class. We didn't talk
about marriage. Anyway I saw the man the following Sunday and he was
glad to get the explanation of man and woman. At the FHE we played
games which they joined in and thoroughly enjoyed. FHE is not a lecture
time. They thought that it was what they were supposed to do. We also
had treats. They were glad to see that not everything is so formal and
that all in the family can and should participate. The young lady
asked the elders if Sister Semken and I could come to her home and talk
about marriage. She and her husband had observed how the members treat
their children. They don't want to spank or hit or yell at their
children anymore. So, they asked a recent convert how they made the
change. They told them that we taught them a better way to teach and
train their children and that it is working very well. We go to their
home in 15 minutes.
Your missionaries
are doing well. We are now seeing many go home and we are both sad and
glad. You know what that is like.
Elder Vinson of the Seventy, he spoke in this past conference, is
here for the District Conference. The missionaries may get a chance to
meet him at the Conference tomorrow. He is wonderful! He is in the
West Africa Area Presidency and knows a great deal of Africa. This
requires a lot of time for the mission to assist and accommodate him.
We learn a great deal from him. We talked about the African life, the
missionary roles etc. He said that we notice that those young men from
America, Europe adapt faster that many of the Africans. Partly
attributed to the scouting program.
We visited Customs
yesterday and there seems to be some softening from the letter I wrote 2
weeks ago. We will give you more info as it becomes available. But,
one package got through yesterday with not custom duties and we thought
it would be approximately $50 US. Not all is as it was yet.
The mission
President is back from his surgical procedure and is back to full speed.
Your missionaries had a special prayer day or two for him. They are
awesome.
We are grateful to you,
Elder & Sister Semken