Zone Conferences were held in Benin this past week and they will be
held in Togo this week. At the present time things have finally settled
down since we had so many missionaries depart the past 6 weeks and so
many come the past month. The new responsibilities of the missionaries
that have been here requires additional training on the part of the
mission president. Then the new missionaries have a lot of adjusting to
do as well. It seems to me that things are going well and about as
expected.
These young men and
women are exceptional. There skills of language is remarkable as well
as their enthusiasm. They are very kind and considerate towards the
members, the community, and their companions. They learn the gospel and
have the opportunity to put the things that they have learned to the
test. A mission becomes a refiner of men and women.
The challenges of
culture may still be their biggest challenge. Things are so different
here and we learn new things regularly. I have spoken about the
traditions of the fathers: Here is an interesting story that Sister
Semken and I have been involved. This couple, Gladys and Patrick and
their two small children have been receiving the lessons. They are not
married, which is extremely common because most couples can't pay the
dowry. Sister Semken & I taught them about marriage. They know
they can't be baptized without being married and getting permission from
both families and paying a dowry. They live in a 12 x 15 sq foot
cement lodging. No running water, one 2 foot florescence lamp. They
thought that they would would not be able to be baptized for several
months in order to save for the fees to get married, settle the dowry
questions etc. Well they went to visit Gladys' family about marriage.
Her family is very traditional Catholic. Her father came over to their
house following their visit and said we are so glad that you will be
married in the Catholic Church. She said, we don't want to do that. He
said, we are so glad you are going to be married civilly. She said
yes and we are going to be baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. He said, we support you in your decision. We are
just glad that you are getting married, and BY THE WAY, THERE WILL BE NO
DOWRY TO PAY. Now, go figure. That never happens. There are miracles
that happen regularly. Your sons and daughters are a part of these
kinds of experiences. They learn so much from others and they have so
much to give. They are a true blessing to these people. Thank you for
your efforts on their behave.
Christmas is not
celebrated as much here like in America or European cultures. But, the
missionaries love it. We have a Christmas dinner and program (put on by
the missionaries). It is a lot of fun. It is always nice for the
missionaries to call home and they look forward to it. They welcome the
cards.
This is a great place to be!
Elder Semken