Well peoples it has been a very busy week. I came home every night and I was very tired. One night I cooked dinner and did my laundry after a very long day and after I just ended up putting dinner in the fridge. Because my companion was asleep and I was too exhausted to eat. So a lot happened this week. We were very busy.
So anyway we have this investigator, his name is Solomon and he is powerful. He has a gold medal from when he was on the Zimbabwean National Basketball team. The competition had about twelve African countries but he now teaches basketball at a church to help troubled youth stay away from bad things, he also works for the ministry of science. Let me tell you about a lesson we had with him. We went and we were sharing about the Restoration. We had in a previous lesson asked him to be baptized after we had explained the Book of Mormon but he had a question about the authority. So in this lesson we focused on Jesus Christ's Ministry and his church.
When we finish the lesson he is just looking at the Book of Mormon and the restoration Pamphlet and you can see that the Spirit has testified to him that it is true. He said, "I have learned something I didn't know. I didn't know this before. I have learned something today." He said he wants to know for himself and he said he would pray so he could find out for himself. This guy is a future Stake President or something! I also think he will teach me to play basketball.
Well this family that we found invited a pastor to a lesson without telling us so we found out when we got to their house. This poor pastor was so out of his league. He was being confounded. Even our investigator confounded him. So I am not sure what was up with him inviting the pastor but it was a really good lesson. But the pastor was confounded for sure. It was hilarious!
So on our way to a less active's house the branch missionary points to our left and say that is Mozambique. So we stop and we are in the mountain and we are looking down into a city in Mozambique. I tried to get a picture but it was night so it didn't turn out. But it was crazy that a city that was so close, was in a different country, with a completely different culture and language! All because of some imaginary line on the ground.
We have this new investigator named Hardway and he is great. He talks funny but he is powerful. He is keeping all the commitments we are leaving him with and he will be baptized on the Dec. 4!
This other investigator we have, the first time we went to see him, he had already talked to three friends and they were all interested so we showed up, expecting one, and found four! They are very enthusiastic and they were asking how they could be baptized and if they wanted their families baptized how would that happen, and when were we coming to their village and can we have some of these books we want to share them with our neighbors so when you come to the village we will have a congregation waiting to be baptized. In the first lesson! I was floored. I was not expecting that at all.
So we ask them to if they will be baptized on Dec. 4. They say no! They start discussing and they said it was too far! They want to be baptized sooner! Crazy, so we will be looking forward to that soon.
We had three exchanges this week. So we were always doing something. But yea anyway. this last week was busy and intense. I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Gay
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Solomon, the pastor, Mozambique, My way or Hardway? and, Will you be baptized on Dec. 4? No!
Well peoples it has been a very busy week. I came home every night and I was very tired. One night I cooked dinner and did my laundry after a very long day and after I just ended up putting dinner in the fridge. Because my companion was asleep and I was too exhausted to eat. So a lot happened this week. We were very busy.
So anyway we have this investigator, his name is Solomon and he is powerful. He has a gold medal from when he was on the Zimbabwean National Basketball team. The competition had about twelve African countries but he now teaches basketball at a church to help troubled youth stay away from bad things, he also works for the ministry of science. Let me tell you about a lesson we had with him. We went and we were sharing about the Restoration. We had in a previous lesson asked him to be baptized after we had explained the Book of Mormon but he had a question about the authority. So in this lesson we focused on Jesus Christ's Ministry and his church.
When we finish the lesson he is just looking at the Book of Mormon and the restoration Pamphlet and you can see that the Spirit has testified to him that it is true. He said, "I have learned something I didn't know. I didn't know this before. I have learned something today." He said he wants to know for himself and he said he would pray so he could find out for himself. This guy is a future Stake President or something! I also think he will teach me to play basketball.
Well this family that we found invited a pastor to a lesson without telling us so we found out when we got to their house. This poor pastor was so out of his league. He was being confounded. Even our investigator confounded him. So I am not sure what was up with him inviting the pastor but it was a really good lesson. But the pastor was confounded for sure. It was hilarious!
So on our way to a less active's house the branch missionary points to our left and say that is Mozambique. So we stop and we are in the mountain and we are looking down into a city in Mozambique. I tried to get a picture but it was night so it didn't turn out. But it was crazy that a city that was so close, was in a different country, with a completely different culture and language! All because of some imaginary line on the ground.
We have this new investigator named Hardway and he is great. He talks funny but he is powerful. He is keeping all the commitments we are leaving him with and he will be baptized on the Dec. 4!
This other investigator we have, the first time we went to see him, he had already talked to three friends and they were all interested so we showed up, expecting one, and found four! They are very enthusiastic and they were asking how they could be baptized and if they wanted their families baptized how would that happen, and when were we coming to their village and can we have some of these books we want to share them with our neighbors so when you come to the village we will have a congregation waiting to be baptized. In the first lesson! I was floored. I was not expecting that at all.
So we ask them to if they will be baptized on Dec. 4. They say no! They start discussing and they said it was too far! They want to be baptized sooner! Crazy, so we will be looking forward to that soon.
We had three exchanges this week. So we were always doing something. But yea anyway. this last week was busy and intense. I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Gay
So anyway we have this investigator, his name is Solomon and he is powerful. He has a gold medal from when he was on the Zimbabwean National Basketball team. The competition had about twelve African countries but he now teaches basketball at a church to help troubled youth stay away from bad things, he also works for the ministry of science. Let me tell you about a lesson we had with him. We went and we were sharing about the Restoration. We had in a previous lesson asked him to be baptized after we had explained the Book of Mormon but he had a question about the authority. So in this lesson we focused on Jesus Christ's Ministry and his church.
When we finish the lesson he is just looking at the Book of Mormon and the restoration Pamphlet and you can see that the Spirit has testified to him that it is true. He said, "I have learned something I didn't know. I didn't know this before. I have learned something today." He said he wants to know for himself and he said he would pray so he could find out for himself. This guy is a future Stake President or something! I also think he will teach me to play basketball.
Well this family that we found invited a pastor to a lesson without telling us so we found out when we got to their house. This poor pastor was so out of his league. He was being confounded. Even our investigator confounded him. So I am not sure what was up with him inviting the pastor but it was a really good lesson. But the pastor was confounded for sure. It was hilarious!
So on our way to a less active's house the branch missionary points to our left and say that is Mozambique. So we stop and we are in the mountain and we are looking down into a city in Mozambique. I tried to get a picture but it was night so it didn't turn out. But it was crazy that a city that was so close, was in a different country, with a completely different culture and language! All because of some imaginary line on the ground.
We have this new investigator named Hardway and he is great. He talks funny but he is powerful. He is keeping all the commitments we are leaving him with and he will be baptized on the Dec. 4!
This other investigator we have, the first time we went to see him, he had already talked to three friends and they were all interested so we showed up, expecting one, and found four! They are very enthusiastic and they were asking how they could be baptized and if they wanted their families baptized how would that happen, and when were we coming to their village and can we have some of these books we want to share them with our neighbors so when you come to the village we will have a congregation waiting to be baptized. In the first lesson! I was floored. I was not expecting that at all.
So we ask them to if they will be baptized on Dec. 4. They say no! They start discussing and they said it was too far! They want to be baptized sooner! Crazy, so we will be looking forward to that soon.
We had three exchanges this week. So we were always doing something. But yea anyway. this last week was busy and intense. I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Gay
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Mayor, General Conference, and the Restaurant
Well in the beginning(actually the whole week) we were tracting and we came
across this house and they let us in and we had a lesson and it went well.
Then she tells us that she has a business. She sells sadza and relish and
meat. We look and she has a huge braai stand and she is cooking a lot of
food on it. We also see a lot of chairs and tables all over the yard. So we
tell her we will come back and so of course we did. We get our food and it
is quite busy there. There are quite a few people and cars. The food was
great! Wow, it was tasty, probably among the best I have had on mission. The
meat and the sauce were so rich and succulent. It was great. They even had
take-away. It was all on nice plates, and they were very courteous people
there. I enjoyed the food, the service, and the overall ambience. I give it
four stars!
We visited our Branch President this last week and while we were there the
family gave us two referrals. One was a friend who asked how he could get
baptized. We are seeing him tomorrow. Then the other also happens to be the
Mayor of the town. He has supposedly met with missionaries before and is
very accepting. we will see him at his office this week when we go to pay
the missionaries house bills. Did I mention he is white? Yea, I have never
taught a white person before, EVER! It will be kind of strange and I hope it
goes well. Because if the ayor gets baptized then not only will he receive
salvation but there will be a lot of press for the church. Which will help
to reduce the rumors and get it out of obscurity.
We tracted into the house of a hindu family and they very politely but
firmly told us no. They said, "Actually we are Hindu. We believe in
God and we believe there is only one. Whether it be Jesus, or allah or
whatever so thank you very much." I thought I recovered well, I asked
her about Hinduism and such to learn more about it and asked if there
was a time when we could come so I could learn more. But she told me
that Divali(Hindu Christmas) was soon and they were were very busy and
that maybe we could come back in December.... so if anything happens I
will let you know.
Tracting Moments!!!!!
*A guy told us he had grown up in the Gospel and that it was all
becoming rather monotonous and that the missionaries from Seventh day
Adventist were already coming so he didn't want to waste our time.
*A house was guarded by gnome sentinels! I was creeped out. They were
on either side of the gate on brick pillars. They were very creepy,
like they were ready to jump off and eat your soul...
*A dog almost broke through a small-ish hole in the gate and tried to
eat me. My companion was already halfway to the road by the time I had
to look around.
*We found a member!
*We got rejected. Multiple times, in a row, consistently and often!
Well I will try to remember all of the funny moments that occur.
We were able to watch three sessions of General Conference this last
Sat and Sun and it was great! It was kind of strange watching it
delayed but it was still great. I like President Uchtdorf's talk on
pride. It was humorous, eloquent, relevant, poignant, and thought
provoking!
Because I am now in the suburbs I have less of an opportunity to use
my Shona. Most are better educated and speak in English so I am trying
to still add to this foreign vocabulary but I have found that the
progress is retarding. But I will maintain my efforts and will fight
through this and will use it to my advantage. So please don't worry
too much about it, I will come off conqueror.
It is crazy that it is November! Where does the time go? But really,
where? I am striving to remember all that happened(I forgot my
journal...). We found a family that lives kind of far from town but it
is still our area so... Anyway we went there and they are great. They
have a real desire to learn more about the gospel and even why there
are so many churches. We are hoping they will progress because that
will be great.
A white man invited us over for tea. But he told us he is too old to
change churches but he is very curious about what we believe. But I
know the Spirit has that amazing ability to soften hearts and we hope
that as we share he will feel the Spirit and he will come to know and
have the desire to know more and even to be baptized. But he kept
saying 'cheerio' which was fun. he was shocked that I was an Elder. He
thought I was much too young.
I was given DVD's about the end of the world and about the new world
order by this guy after I gave him a pamphlet! It was kind of fun to
be given something for once. But it turns out that it is just some guy
talking and spouting false doctrines. Sad, isn't it? I thought so too.
I am doing well and I hope that you are too. If you want to know
anything specific that I am neglecting please feel free to send your
concerns to 65 enterprise Road, Highlands, Harare Zimbabwe. All
concerns and suggestions will be duly noted and will be sorted as soon
as possible(please account for mail travel time, and be assured that
all concerns will be addressed in time).
Love,
Elder Gay
across this house and they let us in and we had a lesson and it went well.
Then she tells us that she has a business. She sells sadza and relish and
meat. We look and she has a huge braai stand and she is cooking a lot of
food on it. We also see a lot of chairs and tables all over the yard. So we
tell her we will come back and so of course we did. We get our food and it
is quite busy there. There are quite a few people and cars. The food was
great! Wow, it was tasty, probably among the best I have had on mission. The
meat and the sauce were so rich and succulent. It was great. They even had
take-away. It was all on nice plates, and they were very courteous people
there. I enjoyed the food, the service, and the overall ambience. I give it
four stars!
We visited our Branch President this last week and while we were there the
family gave us two referrals. One was a friend who asked how he could get
baptized. We are seeing him tomorrow. Then the other also happens to be the
Mayor of the town. He has supposedly met with missionaries before and is
very accepting. we will see him at his office this week when we go to pay
the missionaries house bills. Did I mention he is white? Yea, I have never
taught a white person before, EVER! It will be kind of strange and I hope it
goes well. Because if the ayor gets baptized then not only will he receive
salvation but there will be a lot of press for the church. Which will help
to reduce the rumors and get it out of obscurity.
We tracted into the house of a hindu family and they very politely but
firmly told us no. They said, "Actually we are Hindu. We believe in
God and we believe there is only one. Whether it be Jesus, or allah or
whatever so thank you very much." I thought I recovered well, I asked
her about Hinduism and such to learn more about it and asked if there
was a time when we could come so I could learn more. But she told me
that Divali(Hindu Christmas) was soon and they were were very busy and
that maybe we could come back in December.... so if anything happens I
will let you know.
Tracting Moments!!!!!
*A guy told us he had grown up in the Gospel and that it was all
becoming rather monotonous and that the missionaries from Seventh day
Adventist were already coming so he didn't want to waste our time.
*A house was guarded by gnome sentinels! I was creeped out. They were
on either side of the gate on brick pillars. They were very creepy,
like they were ready to jump off and eat your soul...
*A dog almost broke through a small-ish hole in the gate and tried to
eat me. My companion was already halfway to the road by the time I had
to look around.
*We found a member!
*We got rejected. Multiple times, in a row, consistently and often!
Well I will try to remember all of the funny moments that occur.
We were able to watch three sessions of General Conference this last
Sat and Sun and it was great! It was kind of strange watching it
delayed but it was still great. I like President Uchtdorf's talk on
pride. It was humorous, eloquent, relevant, poignant, and thought
provoking!
Because I am now in the suburbs I have less of an opportunity to use
my Shona. Most are better educated and speak in English so I am trying
to still add to this foreign vocabulary but I have found that the
progress is retarding. But I will maintain my efforts and will fight
through this and will use it to my advantage. So please don't worry
too much about it, I will come off conqueror.
It is crazy that it is November! Where does the time go? But really,
where? I am striving to remember all that happened(I forgot my
journal...). We found a family that lives kind of far from town but it
is still our area so... Anyway we went there and they are great. They
have a real desire to learn more about the gospel and even why there
are so many churches. We are hoping they will progress because that
will be great.
A white man invited us over for tea. But he told us he is too old to
change churches but he is very curious about what we believe. But I
know the Spirit has that amazing ability to soften hearts and we hope
that as we share he will feel the Spirit and he will come to know and
have the desire to know more and even to be baptized. But he kept
saying 'cheerio' which was fun. he was shocked that I was an Elder. He
thought I was much too young.
I was given DVD's about the end of the world and about the new world
order by this guy after I gave him a pamphlet! It was kind of fun to
be given something for once. But it turns out that it is just some guy
talking and spouting false doctrines. Sad, isn't it? I thought so too.
I am doing well and I hope that you are too. If you want to know
anything specific that I am neglecting please feel free to send your
concerns to 65 enterprise Road, Highlands, Harare Zimbabwe. All
concerns and suggestions will be duly noted and will be sorted as soon
as possible(please account for mail travel time, and be assured that
all concerns will be addressed in time).
Love,
Elder Gay
Monday, November 1, 2010
The ministry of defense, uh... push start?, and Elder D. Todd Christofferson!
Don't worry everyone, we found that elder who was missing. His com-b had been stopped by the police and he had to catch another one and things were juts happening and so things got a little complicated but he is located and he is safe.
we had our Zone Meeting and it went well I thought. My companion had a good presentation on prayer. I felt edified. Then after we went tracting, because my new area is similar in receptiveness to a European mission. So we were tracting to find people! Yay!
But anyway we tract into this guy. He comes out and we introduce ourselves and things seem to be going well. Then he tells us he doesn't have time because he is at work. But I was confused because it looked like a house to me so I ask him what he does for work. He says he works for the ministry of defense... I am even more confused. SO I comment on the lack of a sign and the lack of his shoes. Yea he wasn't wearing shoes because of the "weather".... yea I don't know either but anyway. I asked if they were undercover or something because of the no sign thing and he says yes.... This guy is either a terrible liar or I don't even know but I wasn't buying this story but he said he lived somewhere outside of our area anyway so I don't know... But I uncovered the location of an undercover branch of the Ministry of Defense!!!! If I don't email next week please know that I was imprisoned for leaking national secrets:)
But enough about that. So we had an appointment with this guy so we meet him where we met him for the first time and he said he was lacking on time so we just had a short lesson in the car. But when I go to turn the car back on, nothing... So we try to push start it, but it just isn't working and so this guy decides there must be no petrol, which there is but he goes any way and brings us some petrol for which we are very grateful but it still isn't working. So they bring the battery out of their car connect it to our battery with two wrenches and we jump the car and it goes on just like that. Then we leave to ZL duties and what not. So that was fun....
But we left Mutare on Friday because Elder D. Todd Christofferson was coming to address us. So every single missionary in Zimbabwe is there in Harare and it is crazy and I am a little confused because ALL of my previous companions are there so that was strange. But the next day when he came we were all waiting at the Mbare chapel and we were set up for a picture and I end up dead center front row.... I don't know how. But Elder D. Todd Christofferson arrives with our mission president and some other General Authorities and they come for the picture and Elder D. Todd Christofferson comes right in front of me... They told me that the picture was suppose to be in the Ensign, but I don't know if that is just a rumor or what. But it was his first visit to Zimbabwe so it might be. So if you see a picture of him with a lot of missionaries look behind him and you should see me, but they might have cropped me out... So I am not sure what is going to happen with that.
But he addressed us and it was great. I felt like I learned a lot and it was good to see all of the elders that I know in the mission. But it felt good to come back to my area. But while we were there we were helping to get things ready and preparing things, and... who am I kidding? We were running errands. One of them was to go to the airport and collect a missionary returning home. So we were waiting and this couple comes through and addresses us as elders and they are talking and they ask if we are the ones that are suppose to collect them. I just look at my companion and turn back and say, "Not really... we are suppose to collect someone else but we can take you..." So they call and they figure things out and they said it was alright to leave them there but it still felt weird just leaving them like that....
We were in Harare for about three days. We left Mutare Friday morning, and spent all day Saturday, and then left Harare on Sunday afternoon. I am not sure I have ever done so much driving before in my life. I might have, I am not sure, but the proximity of the events make it seem larger in my memory. Kind of like if you are closer to an elephant it seems bigger than if you view it from afar. The size isn't changed just your perspective.... Sorry I got off on a tangent.
Some random events that made me happy-
>I got a caramel dipped ice cream cone!
>A less active called me mukwasha(son-in-law) the very first visit.
>I unpacked my stuff this morning!
>I got a letter.(thank you YW of the CV 3rd ward)
>Christmas is in two months!
>I got another letter.
Love,
Elder Steven Gay
we had our Zone Meeting and it went well I thought. My companion had a good presentation on prayer. I felt edified. Then after we went tracting, because my new area is similar in receptiveness to a European mission. So we were tracting to find people! Yay!
But anyway we tract into this guy. He comes out and we introduce ourselves and things seem to be going well. Then he tells us he doesn't have time because he is at work. But I was confused because it looked like a house to me so I ask him what he does for work. He says he works for the ministry of defense... I am even more confused. SO I comment on the lack of a sign and the lack of his shoes. Yea he wasn't wearing shoes because of the "weather".... yea I don't know either but anyway. I asked if they were undercover or something because of the no sign thing and he says yes.... This guy is either a terrible liar or I don't even know but I wasn't buying this story but he said he lived somewhere outside of our area anyway so I don't know... But I uncovered the location of an undercover branch of the Ministry of Defense!!!! If I don't email next week please know that I was imprisoned for leaking national secrets:)
But enough about that. So we had an appointment with this guy so we meet him where we met him for the first time and he said he was lacking on time so we just had a short lesson in the car. But when I go to turn the car back on, nothing... So we try to push start it, but it just isn't working and so this guy decides there must be no petrol, which there is but he goes any way and brings us some petrol for which we are very grateful but it still isn't working. So they bring the battery out of their car connect it to our battery with two wrenches and we jump the car and it goes on just like that. Then we leave to ZL duties and what not. So that was fun....
But we left Mutare on Friday because Elder D. Todd Christofferson was coming to address us. So every single missionary in Zimbabwe is there in Harare and it is crazy and I am a little confused because ALL of my previous companions are there so that was strange. But the next day when he came we were all waiting at the Mbare chapel and we were set up for a picture and I end up dead center front row.... I don't know how. But Elder D. Todd Christofferson arrives with our mission president and some other General Authorities and they come for the picture and Elder D. Todd Christofferson comes right in front of me... They told me that the picture was suppose to be in the Ensign, but I don't know if that is just a rumor or what. But it was his first visit to Zimbabwe so it might be. So if you see a picture of him with a lot of missionaries look behind him and you should see me, but they might have cropped me out... So I am not sure what is going to happen with that.
But he addressed us and it was great. I felt like I learned a lot and it was good to see all of the elders that I know in the mission. But it felt good to come back to my area. But while we were there we were helping to get things ready and preparing things, and... who am I kidding? We were running errands. One of them was to go to the airport and collect a missionary returning home. So we were waiting and this couple comes through and addresses us as elders and they are talking and they ask if we are the ones that are suppose to collect them. I just look at my companion and turn back and say, "Not really... we are suppose to collect someone else but we can take you..." So they call and they figure things out and they said it was alright to leave them there but it still felt weird just leaving them like that....
We were in Harare for about three days. We left Mutare Friday morning, and spent all day Saturday, and then left Harare on Sunday afternoon. I am not sure I have ever done so much driving before in my life. I might have, I am not sure, but the proximity of the events make it seem larger in my memory. Kind of like if you are closer to an elephant it seems bigger than if you view it from afar. The size isn't changed just your perspective.... Sorry I got off on a tangent.
Some random events that made me happy-
>I got a caramel dipped ice cream cone!
>A less active called me mukwasha(son-in-law) the very first visit.
>I unpacked my stuff this morning!
>I got a letter.(thank you YW of the CV 3rd ward)
>Christmas is in two months!
>I got another letter.
Love,
Elder Steven Gay
Monday, October 18, 2010
Transfers, T-shirts, Remove thineself!, Boiling water, and Where in the World is The Elder who's from Kenya?(did I get the right amount of syllables
Well people, this week we got the phone call from President and he told us if we stay or if we go! Elder Shabangu, who is a Zone Leader, answered the phone(we were with the whole Zone), he is told that he will be staying and his new companion will be.... me. So I am now a Zone Leader and I left Chikanga to go to town. Those areas border each other so I haven't really gone far but yea, that was unexpected I hope I do it right! Also, he will be my sixth companion in seven transfers!
Also this week we were searching for this house and we asked these two sisters, is this house number so-and-so. They told us no, so we thank them and go and call this person we are suppose to be seeing. He walks out of the house with those same two sisters and invites us to come in. Oh yeah, the sisters refused to take Restoration pamphlets. Anyway we ask him if it is okay with his family if he meets with us and he says yea. So we commence the lesson and we are talking he is participating and he seems like he could be powerful.
Then he gets a phone call talks for a bit and then the call ends. Then we try to go with the lesson again but he is distracted, I can tell. Then he says, "Something just happened. That was my father." To which I reply, "He wants us to go doesn't he?" Melvin(the guy we are teaching) sadly responds, "That is what he said..." So we end with a prayer and we go... Remove thineself they said! And we removed!
We also received our zone t-shirts and they are sweet! They turned out awesome and they only have one minor flaw but honestly speaking they turned out better than I had hoped. I will try to send some pics next week.
Also I have discovered that I enjoy boiling water.... I know, I know I am weird but hear me out. I think it has something to do with 'being prepared' or something but anyway. I have found it strangely comforting to have boiling water on hand. :P I just get stranger every day, don't I? Changing my "2", boiling water... what will it be next week???? Stay tuned!
But anyway as part of zone leadership I have been helping in the transport of missionaries as they are changing areas and what not. So we were suppose to pick an elder at 12:30 about that was coming from Harare(about a three hour drive). They put him on the bus around 9 so we got there a little early to make sure that we would be able to find him. But we sat and sat and sat and sat. And NOTHING! Oh yeah did I mention he has the allotment for the entire zone? So we are all broke plus we waited for over two hours and we have not seen head nor tails of him. He's from Kenya, to explain the self explanatory subject reference I made :) Oh yeah again, he has no phone and he is all by himself and we have no idea where he is....
So we waited and waited but finally we left our contact details with some people at the bus rank and we came to the internet cafe and now I am emailing all of you!!!! And even right now as I am typing, I still don't know what happened to this elder.... so hopefully we find him soon! But we kind of have to go back and look for him, I am sure you understand. So I apologize for this being short and not as detailed as some of my previous emails!
Love,
Elder Gay
Also this week we were searching for this house and we asked these two sisters, is this house number so-and-so. They told us no, so we thank them and go and call this person we are suppose to be seeing. He walks out of the house with those same two sisters and invites us to come in. Oh yeah, the sisters refused to take Restoration pamphlets. Anyway we ask him if it is okay with his family if he meets with us and he says yea. So we commence the lesson and we are talking he is participating and he seems like he could be powerful.
Then he gets a phone call talks for a bit and then the call ends. Then we try to go with the lesson again but he is distracted, I can tell. Then he says, "Something just happened. That was my father." To which I reply, "He wants us to go doesn't he?" Melvin(the guy we are teaching) sadly responds, "That is what he said..." So we end with a prayer and we go... Remove thineself they said! And we removed!
We also received our zone t-shirts and they are sweet! They turned out awesome and they only have one minor flaw but honestly speaking they turned out better than I had hoped. I will try to send some pics next week.
Also I have discovered that I enjoy boiling water.... I know, I know I am weird but hear me out. I think it has something to do with 'being prepared' or something but anyway. I have found it strangely comforting to have boiling water on hand. :P I just get stranger every day, don't I? Changing my "2", boiling water... what will it be next week???? Stay tuned!
But anyway as part of zone leadership I have been helping in the transport of missionaries as they are changing areas and what not. So we were suppose to pick an elder at 12:30 about that was coming from Harare(about a three hour drive). They put him on the bus around 9 so we got there a little early to make sure that we would be able to find him. But we sat and sat and sat and sat. And NOTHING! Oh yeah did I mention he has the allotment for the entire zone? So we are all broke plus we waited for over two hours and we have not seen head nor tails of him. He's from Kenya, to explain the self explanatory subject reference I made :) Oh yeah again, he has no phone and he is all by himself and we have no idea where he is....
So we waited and waited but finally we left our contact details with some people at the bus rank and we came to the internet cafe and now I am emailing all of you!!!! And even right now as I am typing, I still don't know what happened to this elder.... so hopefully we find him soon! But we kind of have to go back and look for him, I am sure you understand. So I apologize for this being short and not as detailed as some of my previous emails!
Love,
Elder Gay
The # "2", Sis. Solomon, Fortunate, The Day the Area Fell Through, What the Prophet?, Plumbing, and Owen(DUN DUN DUN)
Well I am sorry that last week was so short of an email but I will make it up to you today. In case you haven't noticed from my incredibly long subject line but a LOT happened this week and I won't even be able to share it all with you so sorry but I will share what I can.
Well first off, I have decided I am going to change the way I write my two... normally I do the swirly one but I think I will change it to "2" for some reason it just appeals to me at this point in my life.... yea I am not sure why I shared this with you either :)
But sad news Sis Solomon told us she no longer wants to be baptized. Because a member in Sacrament was saying about how people were searching for the truth and they were going from church to church and that people needed to make a choice. It wasn't the most eloquent of talks but I didn't notice anything amiss. But I guess it stood out to her because she told us she needs to go back to her old church and decide where she belongs and she will give us a call when she knows. Which was killer because she was supposed to be interviewed on Sunday and baptized this very Saturday but unfortunately it seems as if she needs to do some pondering. But one day she will be a powerful member. Because she understands so well and she has the Book of Mormon so things will work out.
Now Fortunate is one of our investigators and several amusing occurrences happened this week with her. I'll elaborate further, shall I? I shall. SO the beginning of this week we were teaching her about baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost and how if we are worthy we are promised that the Spirit will always be with us. If it is done by Priesthood authority. She nods her head stays quiet for a bit. Then a peculiar and inquisitive expression alters her expression and she asks, "Do you have some Spirit with you right now?" Hahaha I wanted to laugh but I just calmly answered that we did and she pondered for a bit more and then she said, "Okay" and we moved on. Hahahaha
Then later on Sunday, we walked to her place to pick her up for church and she wasn't ready but she came out and she gave us the elevator eyes. And said, "You look smart(meaning nice or well dressed) today. Like even more than you usually do. You are going to church for sure." we started talking about church and if she was coming and she just repeated that we looked smart. I said thank you, and then she said, "I mean I have to appreciate when I see something good and I am appreciatin' You look good." Uh... awkward. Very complimentary but awkward all the same. She promised to follow us and she didn't but yea she is a very funny person and she enjoys talking.
Then this one day we had nine investigator lessons planned. And some member visits. It was going to be a good day. Then we went to our first appointment, he was gone. Next one, she was in town, next one also in town, next one gone to the unknown, next one unknown again, next one visiting family, next one we actually taught!!!!!!!! Next one, he was killing chickens and was busy(sadly I am being serious), next one still at work..... So this was The Day the Area Fell Through! Yea!!!!
The next day we went back to teach our prophet friend and the lesson started out well. But deteriorated quickly. He ended up saying "I follow Christ just not the Latter-day saint way" "This is Africa" The Holy Spirit descended in Zimbabwe because we have many prophets..." Anyway he is very confused and I am not entirely sure we will be visiting him again but yea....
I am so proud of myself!(pride is bad) Our kitchen sink was terrible it trickled and trickled and was awful. I was trying to find a plumber to come but it just never seemed to work out. So one day I was just staring at it and I turned it through the filter and the pressure was better... Which was backwards and so I started examining it and using my poor deductive skills to try and determine the problem(I have no previous experience with plumbing, absolutely NONE). But I determined that the problem must be in the last part of the tap. So I remove it and I see some tiny pebbles like grains of sand. But it still looked like it should flow all right. But I took it apart and I cleaned it using a needle and some thread(the holes were small). Then I reassembled it and reattached it. I turned it on and voila! It flowed like a teenagers hormones! In case that was too oblique, it worked very nicely now and I could fill cups now in seconds and not minutes. And it all took about five minutes to do and I have been suffering with that thing for almost three months! But now I have another newly acquired skill, however marginal it might be, plumbing!
Brace yourself for the story of Owen..... So I was on exchange and in the course of the day the missionary I am working with gets a phone asking for Elder What What the elder that used to be in my area(we had to switch phones because I am the District leader now). So he just hands it to me and I try to introduce myself but he cuts me off before I can even say my name and asks where the 'white' missionary is. I respond that he went to Malawi and I was working in Chikanga now and we would be happy to visit him and share the Gospel. He asks where I am from, at this point I sense something fishy... But I tell him the United States. He asks if I am white... I really am sensing something fishy now and things are getting awkward, but I answer I the affirmative. Then a pause on the other side of the line and I can almost hear the wheels turning in his head. Then he finally answers and says, are you ready for this? I don't think you are but I am going to tell you anyway, he says, "Well yea it is okay you can come and visit me, my name is Owen, my house number is what what in Phase 1. And you have my number just call me when you are coming. But come alone my room is small." What in the world is going on?!!? Is this going to be a theme of my mission? I didn't even say my name! This is becoming ridiculous but really? REALLY?!
But that has been my week so far. We have experienced a lot and hope to experience all things. But like I said some things cannot be written in this record but all things will be revealed in time. And if all the things that have occurred were to be written I would think that not even the world could contain the books that should be written. I hope you enjoy life and never look back!
Love,
Elder Gay
P.S. Happy Birthday Nicki!!
Well first off, I have decided I am going to change the way I write my two... normally I do the swirly one but I think I will change it to "2" for some reason it just appeals to me at this point in my life.... yea I am not sure why I shared this with you either :)
But sad news Sis Solomon told us she no longer wants to be baptized. Because a member in Sacrament was saying about how people were searching for the truth and they were going from church to church and that people needed to make a choice. It wasn't the most eloquent of talks but I didn't notice anything amiss. But I guess it stood out to her because she told us she needs to go back to her old church and decide where she belongs and she will give us a call when she knows. Which was killer because she was supposed to be interviewed on Sunday and baptized this very Saturday but unfortunately it seems as if she needs to do some pondering. But one day she will be a powerful member. Because she understands so well and she has the Book of Mormon so things will work out.
Now Fortunate is one of our investigators and several amusing occurrences happened this week with her. I'll elaborate further, shall I? I shall. SO the beginning of this week we were teaching her about baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost and how if we are worthy we are promised that the Spirit will always be with us. If it is done by Priesthood authority. She nods her head stays quiet for a bit. Then a peculiar and inquisitive expression alters her expression and she asks, "Do you have some Spirit with you right now?" Hahaha I wanted to laugh but I just calmly answered that we did and she pondered for a bit more and then she said, "Okay" and we moved on. Hahahaha
Then later on Sunday, we walked to her place to pick her up for church and she wasn't ready but she came out and she gave us the elevator eyes. And said, "You look smart(meaning nice or well dressed) today. Like even more than you usually do. You are going to church for sure." we started talking about church and if she was coming and she just repeated that we looked smart. I said thank you, and then she said, "I mean I have to appreciate when I see something good and I am appreciatin' You look good." Uh... awkward. Very complimentary but awkward all the same. She promised to follow us and she didn't but yea she is a very funny person and she enjoys talking.
Then this one day we had nine investigator lessons planned. And some member visits. It was going to be a good day. Then we went to our first appointment, he was gone. Next one, she was in town, next one also in town, next one gone to the unknown, next one unknown again, next one visiting family, next one we actually taught!!!!!!!! Next one, he was killing chickens and was busy(sadly I am being serious), next one still at work..... So this was The Day the Area Fell Through! Yea!!!!
The next day we went back to teach our prophet friend and the lesson started out well. But deteriorated quickly. He ended up saying "I follow Christ just not the Latter-day saint way" "This is Africa" The Holy Spirit descended in Zimbabwe because we have many prophets..." Anyway he is very confused and I am not entirely sure we will be visiting him again but yea....
I am so proud of myself!(pride is bad) Our kitchen sink was terrible it trickled and trickled and was awful. I was trying to find a plumber to come but it just never seemed to work out. So one day I was just staring at it and I turned it through the filter and the pressure was better... Which was backwards and so I started examining it and using my poor deductive skills to try and determine the problem(I have no previous experience with plumbing, absolutely NONE). But I determined that the problem must be in the last part of the tap. So I remove it and I see some tiny pebbles like grains of sand. But it still looked like it should flow all right. But I took it apart and I cleaned it using a needle and some thread(the holes were small). Then I reassembled it and reattached it. I turned it on and voila! It flowed like a teenagers hormones! In case that was too oblique, it worked very nicely now and I could fill cups now in seconds and not minutes. And it all took about five minutes to do and I have been suffering with that thing for almost three months! But now I have another newly acquired skill, however marginal it might be, plumbing!
Brace yourself for the story of Owen..... So I was on exchange and in the course of the day the missionary I am working with gets a phone asking for Elder What What the elder that used to be in my area(we had to switch phones because I am the District leader now). So he just hands it to me and I try to introduce myself but he cuts me off before I can even say my name and asks where the 'white' missionary is. I respond that he went to Malawi and I was working in Chikanga now and we would be happy to visit him and share the Gospel. He asks where I am from, at this point I sense something fishy... But I tell him the United States. He asks if I am white... I really am sensing something fishy now and things are getting awkward, but I answer I the affirmative. Then a pause on the other side of the line and I can almost hear the wheels turning in his head. Then he finally answers and says, are you ready for this? I don't think you are but I am going to tell you anyway, he says, "Well yea it is okay you can come and visit me, my name is Owen, my house number is what what in Phase 1. And you have my number just call me when you are coming. But come alone my room is small." What in the world is going on?!!? Is this going to be a theme of my mission? I didn't even say my name! This is becoming ridiculous but really? REALLY?!
But that has been my week so far. We have experienced a lot and hope to experience all things. But like I said some things cannot be written in this record but all things will be revealed in time. And if all the things that have occurred were to be written I would think that not even the world could contain the books that should be written. I hope you enjoy life and never look back!
Love,
Elder Gay
P.S. Happy Birthday Nicki!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Special Training, Christian?, and (more)diamonds
Well in the beginning of this week I got a text from President Dube saying that he would be coming to do a specialized training with the missionaries and that I would be conducting.... That was interesting. Plus I messed it up. I announced at the improper times and I ended up having to get up AFTER President Dube to announce the closing hymn and prayer. Which by the way you aren't suppose to do. The Presiding authority should be the last on the program! Oops! Hopefully I won't have to do it again.
But anyway we were walkng and we saw this guy sitting down so obviously we went over and starting talking to him. And to preface this story let me just say that this is the most confused and lost guy I think I have ever met. Well we begin talking to him and asking about his beliefs. We asked if he believed in God and he said no. Not unheard of so I wasn't discouraged so we continued and we asked him what he did believe in. He answered, "I believe in drinking beer." Also not unheard so we continued and we were talking about his family and his wife who believes in Jesus Christ. I asked if he believed in Jesus Christ and he replied, "No, I believe in Christianity." At this point I am kind of lost. We keep talking to him and he repeated that over and over again and he refused to open up and talk or even to take anything to read. Finally I asked him(because he kept saying come back tomorrow), "Do you want us to leave?" To which he replied, "Yes," So we left. But I have met my first CHRISTIAN who DOES NOT believe in JESUS CHRIST! He was so confused and I hope he finds light one day because let me tell you, he is in darkness!
Also I saw more diamonds on the black market, this diamond was worth about $18,000. And the guy was just letting me examine it right out in the open. Which was strange but also powerful!
Do you remember Pride? He is powerful and we went to go teach him and his wife said he went to Harare to work for a month! This guy is probably one of our most powerful investigators! I was distraught(that is kind of dramatic and not entirely truthful in regards to my actual emotions but I like the word but know that I was disappointed!). So that night I prayed that the wife was just confused and that he would be back sooner. Prayer answered, the wife was confused!!! Yay!!! He is coming back this week!!!!
Also when President was here our houses were inspected by his wife and our house received the highest praise! They said we were very neat missionaries! Plus we got chocolate!
Some points to note-
* We discovered we live next to a less active, two actually
* Fasting was good, and long but fruitful I feel
* Love is good!
* Hate is bad!
* The sky is blue(most the time)
* I am in AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Elder Gay
p.s. Happy birthday in the following days to Cassie, Mike, and Nicki!!!!!! Have fun!
But anyway we were walkng and we saw this guy sitting down so obviously we went over and starting talking to him. And to preface this story let me just say that this is the most confused and lost guy I think I have ever met. Well we begin talking to him and asking about his beliefs. We asked if he believed in God and he said no. Not unheard of so I wasn't discouraged so we continued and we asked him what he did believe in. He answered, "I believe in drinking beer." Also not unheard so we continued and we were talking about his family and his wife who believes in Jesus Christ. I asked if he believed in Jesus Christ and he replied, "No, I believe in Christianity." At this point I am kind of lost. We keep talking to him and he repeated that over and over again and he refused to open up and talk or even to take anything to read. Finally I asked him(because he kept saying come back tomorrow), "Do you want us to leave?" To which he replied, "Yes," So we left. But I have met my first CHRISTIAN who DOES NOT believe in JESUS CHRIST! He was so confused and I hope he finds light one day because let me tell you, he is in darkness!
Also I saw more diamonds on the black market, this diamond was worth about $18,000. And the guy was just letting me examine it right out in the open. Which was strange but also powerful!
Do you remember Pride? He is powerful and we went to go teach him and his wife said he went to Harare to work for a month! This guy is probably one of our most powerful investigators! I was distraught(that is kind of dramatic and not entirely truthful in regards to my actual emotions but I like the word but know that I was disappointed!). So that night I prayed that the wife was just confused and that he would be back sooner. Prayer answered, the wife was confused!!! Yay!!! He is coming back this week!!!!
Also when President was here our houses were inspected by his wife and our house received the highest praise! They said we were very neat missionaries! Plus we got chocolate!
Some points to note-
* We discovered we live next to a less active, two actually
* Fasting was good, and long but fruitful I feel
* Love is good!
* Hate is bad!
* The sky is blue(most the time)
* I am in AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Elder Gay
p.s. Happy birthday in the following days to Cassie, Mike, and Nicki!!!!!! Have fun!
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