1.4.16 Ringing in the New Year

Whatzzzz  up fam,                1/4/16

2016 began with a literal bang! It has been a great week out in the blazing hot country of Nelspruit. (This week we topped out at 100 degrees with 60% humidity). This week has had its ups and downs.Over the last 16 months  I have been able to gain a great appreciation of the power of prayer but especially lately because of some unique circumstances.  In Nelspruit we face some unusual challenges when it comes to missionary work. With members literally coming from all over the area ( many walking great distances) and a new addition of a beautiful chapel offered both an exciting and daunting task to help carry out the work here and fill the chapel. Elder Kuyangepi and I have been discussing and praying together to find out what ways that we can best help contribute to the building of the kingdom here. We have studied, talked to the members and even enlisted the help of the senior couple here to help us in our ambitious goals. I have really come to understand the scripture in D&C 8:2-3 about how the Lord will tell us in our mind and in our heart. So we prepared for Sunday and our prayers together for the past 5 weeks were answered. We were privileged to have area Seventy, Elder Kevin Hamilton attend our branch. When sacrament started there were about 8 of us, including the Hamilton’s, but by the end of the 3 hour block there were about 50 members/investigators in attendance. Maybe too much food during the holidays had them moving lethargically towards the church, but we were able to discuss our problem with Elder Hamilton and he shared some great guidance with us! Prayers are answered!

Another great experience this week is that we had an exchange with the Kanyamazane Elders. They work in a village about 30 minutes away and I got to spend the day with Elder Smalley from South Carolina (his southern drawl is almost completely gone, but his love for deep-fried catfish is still alive and well) It was an amazing day, and made me think of what David A Bednar said concerning Africa, "There is an eagerness and light in the eyes of the African Latter-day Saints. This is a place where many people live challenging, difficult lives. They don’t have many of the temporal comforts and blessings that people in the Western world have. Many of these Saints are grateful to have one substantial meal a day. Yet because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they have great light and hope. I learn a great deal from the people every time I visit the African continent.” 

We were privileged to meet a lady who the missionaries had met at a tazi rank the week before, she just expressed the feelings that she has had and the bad decisions that she has made and her desire to change. I love the people of South Africa, I learn from them every day and I love being a missionary!

Until next week. . .
Love Elder Broadhead