Part I

This week's email was a little long to make up for last week, so it's in 3 parts, Enjoy!

"This week I learned quite a lot from an investigator we are teaching. Her name is Rebecca Mangisi, she is an older retired lady, late 60s i believe, and we have been teaching her for a while now. She is just amazing. She has gained a testimony of the gospel and the things we have been teaching her. The reason we have been teaching her for so long is because she is, or used to be, a seventh day adventist (meaning she strongly believes the Sabbath day is satruday) and we didn't want to force her to change, but we wanted her to gain that testimony for herself, so we when we explained about the ten commandments and the sabbath day she would accept it because she already has a testimony of the gospel. And that is exactly what happened this past week. She gained that strong testimony of the gospel. She opened her heart and allowed the Spirit to testify of the truthfulness of it, and she came to both sessions of stake conference, and loved them, and she actually ended up asking us about the sabbath day, and said she doesn't have a problem with it anymore. AWESOME."

Part II

"Just what we were praying for! Anyway, the reason I share her story is because this week while were teaching her she said some wonderful things that relaly taught me a lot, and I want to share them with you. They really made me think and recommit myself to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. And I was just amazed at how the Spirit really does the teaching, and I don't do anything....at all. I really don't. But anyway, I wrote down some of the things she said, and from her words, I am sure you all will be able to tell how wonderful this little old lady is. First she said that she realizes that 'the gospel has to change her. Accepting Jesus Christ means changing your life.' She continued to say, 'The gospel should be a part of my life. At church, at home, at the shops, everywhere.' Then a couple days later she said in reference to the scriptures 'I don't want to just study, but I want to live it!' I wish everyone understood these things the way she does. She is completely right, the gospel should change us. When we accept the gospel of Jesus Christ we accept all of it, and that includes repentance which is changing, leaving behind all those sins that we enjoy so much, and changing to become a better, more Christ-like disciple."

Part III

"Also, this gosple shouldn't be just a Sunday affair, or just a Christmas/Easter affair, but it should be including in every part of your life, the way you act, the way you dress, the way you talk, the way you think. If we are true disciples of Jesus Christ we do as King Benjamin said, and learn to control our thoughts, words, and actions. We should stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places! And lastly, what I learned from Rebecca this week is about the importance of applying what you read and study from the scriptures into your daily lives. She realizes that study of the gospel is not enough, but then we need to act. We need to apply what we have learned to our lives, and become better people because of what we have studied. That is so true. so there is some food for thought for you this week. I hope you enjoy the word of Rebecca Mangisi as much as I did. If you really ponder them, you will realize how important these things are that she taught me this week. I am grateful to be here on a mission and to have the opportunity to learn so much about this wonderful gospel. There is no university in the world that will teach you what a mission will teach you. Well, thank you for reading my blog. I hope you all are doing well, and I hope you all listen to general conference this weekend with your spiritual ears and not with your physical ears! Enjoy listening to the apostles and prophets this weekend, I know I will."

A smaller Branch

this weekend i had the opportunity with another sister in the district to go visit a branch here in botswana in the village of Molepolole. It was a great experience. The people in this little branch are wonderful. It was the kind of branches I figured would be here in Africa. They meet in the cafeteria of a school, and have sunday school and other meetings outside. While I speaking during sacrament meeting I could hear chickens outside. It was fun, a real African branch experience. The ward I am serving in is really big, with a nice chapel to meet in, so I was so grateful to get to go and visit this village and the saints there. Their spirits are so strong, and they loved seeing sisters. And afterwards there was a baptism and the entire branch stayed. That is how it should be. They really are a family of saints. It was such a neat experience to see; everyone should get to experience that. Well, that was the highlight of the week. until next week.

*Don't Forget*

Sister Barber's birthday is September 30th, so if you're wanting to send a card or package get going - it does take a little while to get there, so hop to it or it will be late.

Faith of Children

This week went by REALLY SLOW, I haven't had a week go by slow in a long time! But this one just seemed to crawl! I suppose it was because I was so excited for Sunday. We had two investigators get baptized! A wonderful mother and daughter, Lesego and Deliwe Mfazi! They are a beautiful family, the other daughter was also supposed to get baptized, but she broke her leg and will have to wait til October. But Deliwe is 8 years old and amazing. She was the one pushing her mom and sisters along. If it were up to her she would have been baptized a week after we taught her. This young lady really is amazing, and one of God's elect of that I am certain! Her spirit is so strong. She amazes me every time I talk to her. We gave her the Book of Mormon stories to read, and she finished it in two weeks. And now teaches us the lessons when we go to visit and teach. She really reminds me of how it true it is when Alma says in Alma 32:23, that sometimes little children have words given unto them that counfound the wise and the learned. Deliwe is a living testament to that. Every one who meets her sees the same thing. The ward mission leader conducting the baptism, was astounded by her spirit and testimony, just as I am. She is great, and I was so happy for her. She may only be eight, but she KNOWS these things are true, her testimony is solid. Little children are great like that, it is true when they say we should become as little children. They have such strong faith. Her mom is great too, there family is just great, and I was so happy for them and the decision they made to enter the gate that will lead them back to their Father in Heaven. I look forward to seeing what young Deliwe will accomplish in the future. The work is progressing here in Botswana nicely, and each day I am reminded of how little I am. I really am nothing, but I am glad the Lord is willing to use me in His work. I heard BYU BEAT OKLAHOMA!!!! WHAT?? Great, and as amazing and wonderful I am sure that would have been to watch and witness that, I KNOW watching and witnessing those two wonderful sisters get baptized and accept Christ in their lives was so much better and sweeter! As much as I would have loved to watch that football game, there is honestly nowhere else I would rather be right now at this time than here in Botswana serving my brothers and sisters and teaching them eternal truths, that will really bring them everlasting happiness and peace. Just thought I would share that with all of you. But Go Cougs! It will be a GREAT year! One last thing. It is getting SO HOT here. And everytime I say that, my companion and whoever we are talking to just laugh and say, just wait! I am not sure I can handle it getting much hotter than it is now. Eish, Africa is hot my friends, very hot! But don't worry I put on LOTS of sunscreen everyday, and so far I haven't really gotten burnt too bad, so my goal is still being achieved ;) Well, love you all and miss you all!

2nd Transfer down

This week was the end of my second transfer! I can't believe two have already gone by! And the time just seems to keep picking up and moving faster and faster! I will still be with my trainer, Sister Kubheka for another transfer, and working in the same area. There are only four areas and two wards sisters can serve in the whole mission, so I won't be doing any real moving around my whole mission. This week was really long and slow. We did a lot of finding this week, and while so doing, we found a really great man who has been prepared to hear this gospel. He is a soldier here in Botswana. We finally got to meet him on Friday, and then we went back on Saturday and Sunday. He came to church on Sunday, and loved it, I watched him and he was smiling and taking notes the whole time, I could tell he loved it and it was what he has been searching for. Anyway, after teaching him on Sunday afternoon, he told us he would like to see us every day, and we also committed him to be baptized on October 11. So, that was great this week. I look forward to seeing him continue to progress. The Lord truly prepares his children for this gospel! Other than that, this week really was pretty much just normal missionary work. The church is true. It really is. Don't ever forget that! Sorry there is not much to report on this week, but thanks for reading the blog, and all of your prayers in my behalf. They are greatly appreciated.