October 17, 2016

My Favorite Kid

Climbing a tree at Mthatha Dam

Eating at Spur with Brother Q

Hello everyone! Back in Mthatha now and definitely better than Queenstown haha. The area is doing great and it's been fun teaching our investigators. We have some pretty powerful ones that we hope to baptize and will be baptizing so keep them in your prayers. 

One mama, Mama Mfene is the best. (one of our investigators, she's like our mom here in Mthatha. she's the best. Her daughter is in the top 10 of SA Idol, like american idol so she left for Johannesburg Friday. Pray for her to accept because she'd be a powerful member. She always makes us feel welcome and calls us her Bhutis (brothers or sons). She loves having us stop by anytime and will usually make Rooibos and pastry crackers. She is the most loving mama and I love seeing her progress but she needs your prayers. 

Mama Mfene

I've been blessed to watch the Saturday session of conference on the 15th, sadly yesterday Sunday the chapel had no power (like always in Ikwezi) so we just had sacrament meeting. 

I loved conference and I felt they really addressed some important topics concerning the church. There is a weakening of faith and apostasy in the church and we need to strengthen our faith. As we do we will become rooted stronger in the gospel and doctrine. The basic foundations of our faith must also be understood. The first three missionary lessons we teach were addressed heavily in conference, the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we strengthen our testimony of these we will increase our strength in Christ. Our best source of guidance addressed is prayer. It is truly the best and we are able to talk to our father in heaven. As we do so we will find peace and the love of our father in our lives. Also addressed was the importance of sharing the gospel with everyone. It's not hard really, and PLEASE help the members whenever possible giving them referrals and fellowshipping with them when possible. It's the greatest way for success in teaching. I can't wait to learn more in the following sessions (hopefully) this weekend. 

I've found myself resorting to one of my side hobbies in my downtime, writing poetry. 

Father Did You Cry?

Elder K.Smith 14/10/16

Oh my great God, Elohim,

upon thine throne above-

who hast sent thine perfect son

his purpose in thine love.

To be born of virgin birth,

a carpenter by trade. 

Shepherd to his chosen flock,

saviour to the same.

He would cause the lame to walk

and cause the blind to see. 

In the end, was crucified,

and suffered there for me.

Thy son bled from every pore

and cried in agony!

"Father, if it be thy will,

let this cup pass from me!"

Did'st thou shed a thousand tears

and weep amidst the sky?

That thine son had bled, and cried,

"Abba! My Father! Why?"

But thou knew his chosen plan

to suffer for us all.

Resurrection's miracle-

to save us from the fall.