Hi All!

March 30, 2015

Hi All,

Thank you for your emails.   We love you.   We miss you so much.    We also love our mission so much.    We love serving the Lord.   Many days is it hard, but we always feel so good at the end of the day.    We pray every day to be able to know what the Lord would like us to do or who he would like us to help.     Then we get up and go to work.   We haven't felt any strong direction, but we always find people to help and things to do.   In fact, we are trying to discover what is the "Most Important" thing for us to do while we are here.   The needs are HUGE......members need training, missionaries need training, we are supposed to find investigators, and we need to get involved with the community and offer service.   One of our big challenges is the language...isn't that hysterical????   Because they speak English.   But they often can't understand a word we say and visa versa.

Sunday we went to the Enseleni Branch.    They love us and welcome us and great truly upset when we visit other branches so it is touchy.   They fix us dinner and want us to stay all day and night.   

We arrived for church at 8:45.   We pick up the missionaries and take them so they don't have to ride a taxi.    The branch has Primary/ Young Women first.   I was visiting the Young Women's class as part of my calling.   I was prepared just in case the teacher needed help.    Well, the only young woman was in the primary room.   She said she had to watch all the primary kids because the primary teacher wasn't coming.   She didn't have a manual so she just supervises 14-19 of them while they goof around.   Her father is the branch president and we know her well.   So I went and got Larry out of priesthood and asked him to watch the Primary kids.    He was a great sport about it.    He had no idea what to do but he ended up doing a great job.    Every week that we have been here I have taught Primary and Larry has gone to Priesthood and Sunday School.  But today I wanted to be with the young women.     Larry ended up telling them the story (or reading it from the Book of Mormon stories that they had there) of King Benjamin.   then he taught them when to pray.   Then he taught them how to give service---to their mom or siblings.   Then one of the primary kids stood up and led the group singing hymns.   They don't know primary songs but they know hymns.    They do know Child of God, Wise Man Built His House, and Do As I'm Doing.   So this 6 year old girl calls out the page numbers for How Firm the Foundation, Child of God, and 3 other hymns and they sing.   The other kids can't read but they have the page numbers memorized for the hymns.  I don't have them memorized.

 Meanwhile, I started teaching one young woman, Mellissah Alvana.   The lesson was on forgiveness and I had a video to show on the computer I brought.   I showed it and then another girl arrived.    Then the last 10 minutes 2 girls arrived.    At the beginning of the lesson and as each new girl arrived, I asked them to think of someone who had offended them, hurt their feelings, caused them pain, made them mad, teased them, etc.    They were supposed to keep this person in mind during the lesson.   At the end of the lesson I asked them a question about the person they were thinking of.   Each one of them answered that they didn't have anyone who had done any of those things.   I expanded it to include:   anyone who had ignored them etc, etc.   Each girl said they had never had that happen.   I don't know if they are Saints, or thick skinned or don't care about those things or they don't understand me or they don't want to admit it.    Anyway, that put a damper on the discussion....which was sketchy to begin with.    Then I closed with questions I had passed out.    They talked to the person next to them and answered the question for the group.    The last question said:   Do we need to forgive everyone?    Then the bombshell:   They enthusiastically answered:  NO!     What could I say?   I rephrased the question twice and got the same answer.   I retaught a little bit and received blank looks.    Then I pathetically closed with prayer.    Did they not understand my English?   Not understand the principle?   Honestly disagree?   ....This gives you a tiny snapshot of some gospel challenges for them and us. 

I think I will go back to primary.........However, Larry told them the story of Jesus Christ coming to the Americas and blessing the little children and fire surrounding them.    He said they were very quiet but looked a little confused.    I told him that I had showed them pictures and told them that story twice before.   I think it is such a powerful story.  

GRANDSONS AND GRANDAUGHTERS:

Music in the branches is a challenge here.   We don't have anyone who can play the piano or keyboard.   We have a keyboard we can bring with us, but no one plays it.   So the chorister (usually a missionary)  stands at the front and sings (solo) the entire first line of the hymn we will sing.   Then she/he says: One, two, three.....then we all begin singing.   It is that way in every branch.   I don't know if that is the African way of doing things or the missionaries taught them to do it that way.

So, please practice the piano.   You are so needed in the mission field.   If you don't play the piano, please practice singing solo.....I am serious.     In every place we have been, the missionaries are expected to sing loud and lead the group.  Even if there is another chorister, everyone watches the missionaries and follows their singing. 

In fact, please practice singing the hymns and try to learn them.    We are often short of hymn books, and of course, the missionaries give their books to someone else.    Yet they are still expected to sing loudly.

The great part is:   They always think the missionaries are great singers....no matter how they sing.     

We also have a missionary that sang and played a ukelele at our branch talent show.    He is now a celebrity.....they think playing the guitar or uke is impressive!

We love you so much. 

Elder and Sister Todd

Letter/article for Public Affairs

Public Affairs,

Attached is the updated news article I wrote concerning KOSI Radio station.    Elder Bagley said you wanted a few more details and wanted subjects they discussed.    I tried to add those things.   I have no idea if this is what you want or need.

Attached also are the photos.  

Sister Todd

Elder Bagley

Elder Bryant

Missionaries learn many new things on their mission….but radio broadcasting????    Elder Higley and Kamya, (Richards Bay, South Africa) were walking in town when they saw the sign for a radio station, SHINE FM 104.0, and decided to stop in.   They identified themselves and explained what they were doing in South Africa.  After a few minutes of conversation, they offered to present a radio program each week.   Their offer was quickly accepted.  

In the beginning, the elders talked between songs or on commercial breaks.   Next, they were moved to their own time period where they were interviewed by radio announcers.  Soon, they had their very own radio program.   Each week they speak to youth and the community on a different topic for 15 minutes.   The station only notifies them 2 hours (or less) before they go on air, of their topic, so they have very little time to prepare.   However, there is no script or planned presentation.   They must rely on their gospel knowledge and the spirit.  The elders must keep the program moving quickly with back-and-forth dialogue—because they are co-hosts on a live radio program.  There is no opportunity to consult with each other, rehearse or edit their performance. They are on KOSI 104.0 FM every Tuesday between 4:00 and 4:30 PM. 

“For the Strength of Youth” is one of their favorite resources and they use it weekly.   They have covered chastity/teen pregnancy, word of wisdom/drugs, teen suicide, and the value of education.   During their program on the word of wisdom, Elder Bagley, said he felt the spirit so strongly. He felt the Lord gave them the words to say that day.     Others listening to the program agreed.  

Lately, they answered the question, “How do we prepare ourselves to meet God?”  Elder Bagley and Bryant shared their testimony on making wise choices and keeping our goals in mind that will enable us to return and live with God.   They encouraged the audience to develop a personal relationship with God through daily prayer.   This happens when we speak to him and listen as he speaks to us.   Last, they mentioned the importance of serving others.   They had just spent the day painting the home of family in a nearby township.  Although their service blessed this family, they felt so much joy as they served.   They challenged those listening to look for ways to serve others.  

Elders Higley and Kamya have been transferred but the program continues to grow with Elders LaFrance, Bagley, Kakar and Bryant.     These elders have all stepped way out of their comfort zones to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.   They are developing new talents and spreading their message.  

My Heart is so Full

March 13, 2015

The Church of Jesus Christ is true!   The Lord loves each of us! He is trying so hard to bless us!

Yesterday was a highlight of our mission so far...and that says alot.   It was our first Zone Conference.    We had to be in Durban (2 hours away) by 9 AM and we didn't know how to get to the chapel, so we left very early in the morning.   The Senior Couples were in charge of the food and I was so grateful they decided to keep it simple.....bananas and muffins and water for breakfast; pizza (South African style), watermelon and water for lunch; bananas, left over muffins and fudge (the fudge recipe was different but good) for  afternoon snacks.   Bananas are cheap and we use them for everything.   The elders must feel like monkeys.

They asked alll missionaries to prepare for the conference by studying the atonement this week.   So the spirit was strong at the very beginning.    Then the President said he had an announcement.   "Yesterday we heard terrible news.   Elder Larsen's (I don't know if that is the name) parents were both killed in an automobile accident and we just broke the news to him.    Then Elder________'s mother passed away from cancer this morning."   Can you imagine how challenging that would be???   To become an orphan on your mission.   Both elders are planning to stay on their mission.   They might go home for the funerals.   Then President Zachrison said, This is where we have a chance to apply the atonement in our lives right now!    It is easy to teach others about the atonement, but can we use it in our own lives?."    Our President was sobbing and could hardly speak.   For a full 5 minutes he stood there and cried.   Then he told us he had pled with the Lord to allow us to feel the joy of the gospel in this meeting, inspite of the terrible news. 

So that was quite a beginning.    He then began teaching on Hope and Joy.    He asked each missionary to identify a specific time they had felt hope.    We broke into districts and each person had to given an example of when they felt hope on their mission.   Our mission (like so many) is very difficult.   Hard to find people to teach.   Hard to get people to stay faithful.  Then we got back together and each district leader shared one example from his group, with the entire zone.   I thought this would be a  good activity for each person or family to do....identify personally, what gives you hope.    a few thoughts:    1.   We work so hard every single day and nothing works out.   It is so discouraging.  But suddenly a brief feeling of peace comes over me and I know that it will be OK ....even though nothing changes, I feel peace.   2.  Afflictions can't last forever, although it seems like it at the moment.   3.  Prayers of the righteous ARE answered.   When a "small prayer" is answered, it is NOT a small thing....it is a message that God loves you individually!   4..    When we have hard times and we remain faithful, we KNOW the promised blessings WILL come.   These are a few of the thoughts from our elders!    Pretty insightful.

In the afternoon, the two assistants to the president spoke.    Their talks were so powerful that I felt as though I were in General Conference.     As you know, when someone types a summary, it is not as meaningful, but you will get the jist of it.

  Elder Ferrin:   He told of how basketball was his life.   He played from a very young age and practiced constantly and played in many leagues.   However, the first 2 years in high school, he sat on the bench the entire time.   He never played in one game either season.    His heart was broken and he was frustrated.   The summer before his junior year, his family moved and he changed high schools, but they stayed in the same school district.    Therefore, he couldn't play basketball his junior year because of the rules concerning changing schools.  He practiced every day with the team, but couldn't even wear a jersey in the games--he had to wear a shirt and tie and sit on the bench.    He was in agony.   His senior year, he was on fire to finally have his chance.    After a few games, they played the number 2 team in the state.  His team was behind 2 points.    With a minute to go, his team had the ball.   The plan was to pass him the ball, which they did.   He dribbled down court while watching the clock:   6 seconds, 5 seconds, four seconds,,,,,,at 1 second he went to shoot for the 3 pointer that would win the game for them....but he lost control of the ball and didn't even get a shot off.   after the buzzer went off, we fell to the gym floor and felt his life was over.   He was embarrassed and mad.  He couldn't move and lay there for quite awhile.   He felt he would take off his jersey and never play basketball again.   Eventually, the worst player on any of their teams came over to him and reached out a hand.   He said, "Chin up!   The team still needs you!"  That's all he said, but Elder Ferrin said he used these words to give him the courage to continue playing.     Then Elder Ferrin said, "We all make mistakes.   We aren't perfect.    We let the team down, but the Lord is saying to each of us, "CHIN UPU!   THE LORD STILL NEEDS YOU!"  I am sitting here typing with tears running down my cheeks because the message is almost as powerful now as it was yesterday.    I hope you can feel a little of the power of that message.

Then Elder Childs spoke.    I would have hated to follow that talk, but I didn't need to worry, he continued in that same outstanding spirit.     

His talk was "The Value of a Mission"  .   He quoted a magazine article where the mother of a sought after athlete who just signed to play ball.  She said, "My son will have more influence for good and get more recognition for the church, than if he served a mission. My son has _______followers on twitter and can tell the people about the church."    This elder agreed with her.   He said, I will never influence that kind of numbers. I will never teach that many or help that many.     BUT, he said, "What is the value of a mission?"   He proceeded to say,    It will transform yourself!     

A mission has more value than a beautiful girl, more value than piles of money, more important than being a king or ruling a kingdom  (then he quoted a scripture for each of these).

He said a mission lasts 730 days.

730 days X 11 hours per day (minimun they should work) = 8,030 hours on mission   (We are not counting hours in church on Sunday or district meetings)

104 preperation days x 8 hours for each day = 832 hours not working on your mission

So:     8,030-832= 7,198 total  hours working on your mission   

SO:  How long does it take to get those experiences by sitting in church every week and never missing a Sunday?  

7,198 hours divided by 3 hours (Sunday meetings) = 2,399 weeks

So how many years?      

2,399 weeks divided by 52 weeks in a year = 46.1 years    It will take over 46 years of  perfect church attendance to get the same expereince as a mission....Roughly.

Plus, it is said, that when you teach someone else you learn even more....and we hope to do lots of teaching on our mission.     

Then he challenged the missionaries to work hard and live up to the priviledge of being on a mission and closed with 2 stories.

There was much more, but Larry has finished the reports he needed to do so we must get back to work.   I try to type an email, whenever he has something that I can't help with and 'my work" is done.

thank you for letting me share this wonderful day.  

Love, Sister Todd

Teaching and Finding!

March 9, 2015

Greetings from Zululand,

We wanted to share our feelings of gratitude for being able to serve a mission.  It has been such a blessing to us.   In the past 4-5 months we have been able to teach 5 families.   We both love the preparation required, and the actual teaching.   The more we teach, the more we realize the blessings of living the gospel.   We are reminded of the reasons for commandments and the happiness they bring.  

All of these families "were on fire" when they first heard about the gospel.   As time has progressed, those who do not read the scriptures or prayed are beginning to lose their enthusiasm.  These people are "golden" and have so much to contribute.   Each head of household has a job and is able to provide for their family. They have an education or trade skills (called artisans here).   We rarely find families like this. However, this great blessing of having employment, has become a challenge for them.  They allow work demands or work worries to keep them from attending church or appointments to be taught.  We know Satan is doing all he can to divert them from obtaining a strong testimony.   We started with a group of 4.   It grew to 15 and now we have 20.  We felt all of them would be baptized, but each family has become sidetracked with worldly distractions.   It is so heartbreaking.   We want them to have blessings right now and for eternity.   However, our Heavenly Father allows each of us to choose our path.  

We have been "finding" people everywhere by talking to people at the doctor, at the mall, repair men and people who ask about our badge. Two weeks ago,  I had some pictures laminated for our lesson on the Plan of Salvation.   The owner of the store asked me what I was going to do with the pictures.      I asked her if she could give me 10 minutes.   She agreed.   I taught the Plan of Salvation to her and another employee right there in the store!    Another customer was using a computer but looked up and saw my badge and asked about it.   I invited him to church---he didn't come but it felt so good to "open my mouth" and "invite" someone!     Larry was getting gas in the car and missed out on some of this.   But he arrived to help out at the end.  Sunny Hicken said:  Real super heroes wear black badges!!!   Isn't that great?!

Tonight, our teaching appointment was postponed for a week and that is always disappointing.   But we were able to visit a Relief Society President in one of the branches and encourage her.   Only one other sister attends, so of course, it is discouraging.   But we brainstormed ideas, came up with a plan and shared testimonies of Relief Society.   It turned in to an uplifting evening. 

For 6 weeks we have been teaching a Temple Preparation class on Tuesday nights in Enselini.   There are only 3 in the class but we love it.  The branch president and his wife are in the class.  They are preparing to get their endowments and be sealed.   Their son is returning from his mission and he will go directly to the temple to be sealed to them!    It is exciting.

Two weeks ago we began teaching Temple Prep in the Ngwelesane Branch.  We are so happy to be able to teach these classes.   We have less than 4 months left on our mission and feel such an urgency to try to assist in any way we can.   We are praying to be able to put our efforts in the area of most importance.   Sometimes, it is hard to discern what would be of the most value.  

We love our Savior and feel so blessed to serve him full time.   Each day, our testimony grows and we are filled with awe at the blessings Heavenly Father wants to bestow upon us.   Your friendship and example have strengthen our testimonies.   We think of our family and our ward often and the way you have blessed our lives. 

Another version of the March 9th blog that I wrote for my nonmember friends

Greetings from Africa,

Sunday, Larry spoke in a new (by new, I mean, we have never been there before) congregation on the subject of prayer.  We drove way out into the countryside to a new township.   The 3 townships we have previously been working with, are all "suburbs" of the city.    However, Port Dunford (sounds like a regular town, doesn't it?) is very rural and a completely different feel.   The houses/dwellings are far apart and there is grass in many areas.   Even though the people here are extremely poor, it has a much better feeling.   The other townships feel like urban inner city.   These people were even more warm and loving than we find other places and that says a lot.   As soon as it was time for Sunday School to begin, someone came up to me and asked me to teach.  I insisted that I was here to visit with them and enjoy THEIR lessons.   In the end, we compromised and "team taught".   I have begun bringing a notebook to write their names in (with phonetic spelling for our English).   I am very slowly making progress and can actually say many (not the majority) of the names!   It is the Lord blessing me...but I have a very long way to go.   It is hard to teach and connect with people if you can't say their names.    After church, the children all came and surrounded us and wouldn't let us go.   They held my purse, my Bible and Book of Mormon and inspected every single thing I had.    They hugged us over and over and finally let us go.   It was such a sweet experience to worship with them and hopefully strengthen them. 

I have learned a few Zulu phrases and I say them all the time.   People laugh at me and are shocked (probably by the bad pronunciation) but they seem to feel flattered that I am trying to learn their language.   These are simple phrases like Hello, How are you? I am good.   Thank you.   Goodbye.    Maybe they can't understand I word I say, but they vaguely recognize it as Zulu!

The missionaries plan to clear some of the grassy areas in this township and divide it into plots so the members and neighbors can grow gardens.   In the other grassy area, we hope to clear it and make a soccer field. Isn't that a great idea?   Every Thursday, the missionaries play soccer with the youth.   They are trying to set up a league/games with other churches.   All of these things take months or a year...not a week.   The trick is to be able to hang in there and not give up no matter what.    In that area, I have been blessed or cursed (depending on the circumstance) ......I am stubborn and can hang in there for months and months. 

Because one of our main focuses is the family, we are learning much about their family traditions.  Labola, is their tradition regarding marriage.   Labola means "bride price".  Before a young man can marry the woman of his choice, he must meet with the future bride's family and agree upon a price.  This is not quickly done and requires serious negotiation.   The bride-to-be is not involved and her uncle is in charge.   The average asking price is 11 cows.   This is a HUGE amount of money for most people.   Today, they are allowed to pay the cash equivalent of the cows.   However, we see herds of Labola cows everywhere.  This tradition has many negative consequences.   First of all, many girls are forced to marry men who have money (and other wives---polygamy is legal) but have no feelings for the bride, but want a "worker" or worse.  Families try to sell their daughters for the highest price regardless of the man's reputation.

Another consequence, is that young people just live together and never marry because the man will never be able to pay the Labola.   Sometimes the men stick around, and many times they leave after a couple of children.  Our church focuses on marriage.  So we explain to young adults the value of marriage and also talk to parents.   As you can guess, traditions like this do not die easily for Christians, non-Christians or anyone!

Most of you have heard of the hit musical, The Book of Mormon.   It tells the story of 2 missionaries from the US who come to Africa and are completely out-of-their element. (This is what I heard, but I have not seen it.)    Well, I feel like we are living that very story!   We have 18, 19 and 20 year old young men who are serving here.    They encounter such a different culture...food, language, people, traditions, homes, living conditions etc.   But I am  amazed at how well they do.   I will not say that it is easy.   They pray fervently for help and pray to love what they are doing, they grit their teeth, they endure (hopefully with grace), they eat different food in unsanitary conditions (and endure diareha), they sweat as they walk about in white shirts and ties in unbearable heat and they bear testimony of Jesus Christ.    And they are soooo young!    I had forgotten how young 18 is.   (Can you end a sentence with is?)   These young men are NOT perfect, but what they do is incredible. 

But now we are living the reverse of the Book of Mormon musical.   One of our responsibilites is to help prepare young African men who would like to serve fulltime missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   The requirements are stiff, the paperwork is formidable.   Filling out page after page, getting passports, etc.   Just reading the application is very difficult for most of them.   They must do everything paper and pencil because they do not have access to the internet.  We pick them up for medical and dental examinations and bring them here because they do not have adequate medical facilities for the lab work.  As you can imagaine, they (and their mothers) have no idea if they had any immunizations as a child so the doctors have to sort out what needs to be done.   

We are helping 2 young men with this process.  

 

Their testimony of Jesus Christ is firm and they desire to serve and share the gospel.   Many of these young men will probably be called to serve somewhere in Africa, but not always.  (When anyone submits an application, the application is studied, then a committee headed by one of the 12 Apostles, fasts and prays and determines where each person goes.)    Even if they go to Africa, the experience will be very different from their present life.....different language, customs, food etc.  in each country.   But one of the young men we are helping is going to Australia.   I can only imagine the culture SHOCK when he arrives there.    We are helping him get an Australian Visa.   The Australian embassy would NOT accept any chest Xrays (for Tuberculois) from any of our local hospitals.   We drove him 2 hours to go to a hospital in Durban.   We have thoroughly LOVED spending time with these humble young men.

Larry is doing a fabulous job driving on the left had side of the street.   He zips around with the best of them.   However, it is not JUST the left hand driving and left hand shifting, it is the cut throat, dog-eat-dog driving.   Traffic rules are just suggestions and you never know if people will choose to obey or not.    We live by a very busy, major street.   We have NEVER, ever seen anyone stop at the stop sign---not even a policeman.   Drivers run red lights much of time.    They pass on double lines, curves etc.   I have not tried to drive until this week. I am terrible.     Boy, I am just like the South African drivers....but not on purpose.       Larry is patient, but stressed when I am at the wheel.  So am I. 

We love you.   Each of you have added something valuable to our lives.  

Book of Mormon Musical--our version!

Greetings from Africa,

I am sure you have all heard of the musical, The Book of Mormon.   It is about young LDS elders who come to Africa and are out of their depth...or something like that.   Well, we are living that story BUT we are amazed at our young elders and the incredible job they do!!    For those from the USA, it is a huge culture shock!  Yet they work hard, exercise faith, grit their teeth, press forward and overcome  obstacles.  For many, it is a big challenge, but they do it!   

But now we are experiencing the opposite of that scenario.   One of the wonderful things we are able to do, is help African young men submit their mission papers.   At the present time, we are assisting 2 young men.   Those of you who have submitted mission papers recently, know how time and labor intensive it is.   For them it is all paper and pencil,  because they don't have access to the internet.  Larry even assists the Branch Presidents, and explains to them how to fill out their part in the application.   

One young man has been raised by his grandparents.   His mother died many years ago.   His father lives in the area but hasn't been involved in his life.   We drive 40 minutes to pick him up and then bring him back here for his medical appointments.  He would never be able to navigate the medical system, find the correct department, get to the hospital lab, and explain to the doctors what is needed.        We made separate trips to get his immunizations and to get his TB test checked.   (Of course, he has no idea what immunizations he had as a child.)   Next he needed his dental checkup.

Sanele, is another young man.   He was attending his first year at the University where he is studying Mechanical Engineering.    His cousin passed away and he attended the "unveiling"---(That is when the entire extended family goes to the grave and they unveil the headstone.)  Another of his cousins was a member of the church and invited him to church.   He studied the gospel for 3 months and was baptized.   He is the only member of his family to join the church.   His parents allowed him to join but don't want to hear about the gospel or his upcoming mission.   He is so faithful and is also the seminary teacher!  

Having young men and women who are worthy, willing and desirous to serve a mission is a HUGE accomplishment for the African people.   Most will serve on the African continent.    

It is such a joy to assist these choice young men.  

Another highlight is having all the elders in our zone over for dinner tonight.    They ate enough for a small Army and we dirtied every dish and pan we have.    Larry is in the kitchen washing the dishes so I could send this email.

We love you.   We love our mission.   We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy it brings into our lives.   We love sharing it.

The Todds