Thank you, Rachel, for a perceptive article. We also accepted professional assignments abroad that allowed our family to see the beginnings of the Church in several lands---Egypt (two years), Jamaica (almost two years), Zambia (more than three years) and Romania (four and a half years). Later on, my wife and I served missions for the Church in Madagascar and South Africa. Those real life experiences were not easy, but they introduced us to so many faithful people in the developing world. We were greatly blessed to know them---many of whom we stay in touch with today.
Ingrid LJanuary 20, 2020
My home teacher years ago shared that he had served his mission in Africa, Since then I would imagine myself congregating in a simple hut sweating profusely in the heat yet having the biggest smile on my face thanking the Lord for providing us a place to learn His word and will. It just feels so good to gather with fellow saints as Zion.
Gaye Breillatt.January 20, 2020
We served in Ghana and so miss the beautiful
Enthusiasm of the members. My daughter visited and attended church with us 2Sundays and when she returned to
ZUtah commented church was so boring compared to
Ghana. They sing with such enthusiasm accapella and love to learn from each other do their lessons are filled with inspiration and enthusiasm. You are such a blessing g there and the members will
Always remember the joy you brought to them God bless you.
Jennie RounsevilleJanuary 20, 2020
I’ve been thinking about your article and the warmth it has filled me with all morning. I love looking at the pictures of those you serve with. From my home in Arizona to your tiny branch in Africa... I am so glad to call you all brothers and sisters.
Joy LundbergJanuary 20, 2020
I loved reading your article, Rachel. I knew you were living in Africa but I didn't know many details. This article filled in a lot of blanks. What a blessing you are to these dear Saints. And, from what you wrote, they are a blessing to you. You are definitely on a mission to bless the lives of the members there and to be a strength to the Church in this remote area. You warmed my heart. You're in our prayers. Sending love and hugs your way.
Debbie HathawayJanuary 20, 2020
Your story is inspiring and uplifting. It demonstrates how you can adapt to new situations in the LDS faith as long as you have a testimony of the restored gospel. How exciting to see the growth of the church membership in Africa. May the Lord continue to strengthen you as you serve in all of the callings you now hold. You are a light to all you serve!
Marcela StaceyJanuary 20, 2020
In October of 2019 I was visiting Rwanda, and attended the sacrament meeting and Sunday school hours. It is true. The services are conducted in both English and the native language. I imagined being one of the Rwandan members who did not speak English, and how it might be perhaps frustrating to not understand everything that is being said. As a miracle, that was the first day ever in the history of Rwanda that the first two chapters in the book of Mormon were printed and read in their native language. It was so inspiring to see the members almost breathing out the words from the printed 8 1/2 by 11 inch photocopied pages. They read with such fervor. I can honestly say that I have never read the scriptures with the thirst they showed as they read from those loose papers. What a miracle. Such faith and at what sacrifice for them - much like in this article, these faithful Rwandan members walk miles and hours with their little ones on tow and strapped to their backs to attend Sunday meetings. What a beautiful experience to witness these Rwandan saints.
Comments | Return to Story
John HillJanuary 22, 2020
Thank you, Rachel, for a perceptive article. We also accepted professional assignments abroad that allowed our family to see the beginnings of the Church in several lands---Egypt (two years), Jamaica (almost two years), Zambia (more than three years) and Romania (four and a half years). Later on, my wife and I served missions for the Church in Madagascar and South Africa. Those real life experiences were not easy, but they introduced us to so many faithful people in the developing world. We were greatly blessed to know them---many of whom we stay in touch with today.
Ingrid LJanuary 20, 2020
My home teacher years ago shared that he had served his mission in Africa, Since then I would imagine myself congregating in a simple hut sweating profusely in the heat yet having the biggest smile on my face thanking the Lord for providing us a place to learn His word and will. It just feels so good to gather with fellow saints as Zion.
Gaye Breillatt.January 20, 2020
We served in Ghana and so miss the beautiful Enthusiasm of the members. My daughter visited and attended church with us 2Sundays and when she returned to ZUtah commented church was so boring compared to Ghana. They sing with such enthusiasm accapella and love to learn from each other do their lessons are filled with inspiration and enthusiasm. You are such a blessing g there and the members will Always remember the joy you brought to them God bless you.
Jennie RounsevilleJanuary 20, 2020
I’ve been thinking about your article and the warmth it has filled me with all morning. I love looking at the pictures of those you serve with. From my home in Arizona to your tiny branch in Africa... I am so glad to call you all brothers and sisters.
Joy LundbergJanuary 20, 2020
I loved reading your article, Rachel. I knew you were living in Africa but I didn't know many details. This article filled in a lot of blanks. What a blessing you are to these dear Saints. And, from what you wrote, they are a blessing to you. You are definitely on a mission to bless the lives of the members there and to be a strength to the Church in this remote area. You warmed my heart. You're in our prayers. Sending love and hugs your way.
Debbie HathawayJanuary 20, 2020
Your story is inspiring and uplifting. It demonstrates how you can adapt to new situations in the LDS faith as long as you have a testimony of the restored gospel. How exciting to see the growth of the church membership in Africa. May the Lord continue to strengthen you as you serve in all of the callings you now hold. You are a light to all you serve!
Marcela StaceyJanuary 20, 2020
In October of 2019 I was visiting Rwanda, and attended the sacrament meeting and Sunday school hours. It is true. The services are conducted in both English and the native language. I imagined being one of the Rwandan members who did not speak English, and how it might be perhaps frustrating to not understand everything that is being said. As a miracle, that was the first day ever in the history of Rwanda that the first two chapters in the book of Mormon were printed and read in their native language. It was so inspiring to see the members almost breathing out the words from the printed 8 1/2 by 11 inch photocopied pages. They read with such fervor. I can honestly say that I have never read the scriptures with the thirst they showed as they read from those loose papers. What a miracle. Such faith and at what sacrifice for them - much like in this article, these faithful Rwandan members walk miles and hours with their little ones on tow and strapped to their backs to attend Sunday meetings. What a beautiful experience to witness these Rwandan saints.
ADD A COMMENT