Week 30: The People of South Africa are prepared!

This week was filled with baptisms. Baptisms of the living as well as the dead. We were able to attend the temple with Fannie, Francisco, and Phumi and our ward as they participated in baptisms for the dead. All three of them loved the temple so much. It was amazing to see that after such a short time after being baptized, they made the temple their goal and they made it there. It was such an amazing experience to be in the temple with them.

Then, Sunday we had the baptisms of Nonhlanhla, Paballo, and Motheo. I had the privilege of baptizing Nonhlanhla. It was such a sweet experience and spirit filled. I have never met people who have been more prepared for the gospel than them. They have such strong testimonies of this gospel. They are going to go far in the gospel. Next is to teach the father/husband. Missionaries from the Durban Mission are currently doing that. My hope and prayer is that he is as prepared as they were so they can go to the temple as a family and be sealed for time and all eternity next year.

Also on Sunday, Bro. Fannie gave a talk. Not only did he give a talk but he was assigned as the final speaker! The best part is that he gave a powerful talk for 20 minutes and at the end complained because he wasn't able to finish his talk lol. After only being a member for four weeks he is already doing things that people who have been members their whole life struggle to do. After talking to Bishop, Fannie will be receiving the Melchizedek priesthood next stake conference. He is so powerful and was so prepared for the gospel. We are looking forward to when he is able to go through the temple for himself in a year.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve and teach those that are here in South Africa. There are so many people here in South Africa that are prepared for the gospel and treasure the gospel. I know this gospel to be true.

Love, Elder Rash