Christmas Conference and Transfers

Christmas Conference!

First off! Everyone have a very Merry Christmas!!! 

This week on Tuesday we had a Christmas Conference with two other zones. It was pretty fun. We watched the Christmas devotional and then after we had a talent show with all the missionaries. So what did I decided to do? Magic tricks of course. haha It was great! Act went well. Haha don't know how to explain over email but it was just saracastically magical.

Also participated in helping with this other act that 6 of us Elders did. Accapella group of some Christmas Carols with a twist of Elder Leneham throwing some bars in the middle of the songs. For me I just helped with the beatboxing. haha It was way fun, and awesome! Wonderful Conference.

Cramner's Family Came!

Greatest miracle of all. Bro. Cramner kept his promise and brought his whole family  to church this Sunday!! It was super cool. Him, his wife and their 3 children came. And just to plant the seed a little deeper into their hearts, we taught about eternal marriage and eternal families in gospel principles class. Love that lesson. It's always such a super powerful topic.

The fact that Familes can be sealed forever, even after this life is the most glorious restored truth that will ever exist. It is not "Till Death we part" Anymore but For time and all  eternity. We can be with our famlies for all eternity. Living with those we love and death will not seperate us. The more I think about it the more I realzied how glorious that truth is. And I know it's true. Famlies can be together forever. 

Transfers!

Transfers were this week! And for all who want the news, I will be staying here in Kambuzuma for another 6 weeks. Making it a total of 3 transfers in this area. Also Making it my 13th transfer on mission, leaving me with 4 transfers left!! Now that's crazy! But I will be staying with my companion Elder Carpenter, but this time, we get a car!! So stoked about that one! First time ever having a car on mission. So I'll be preparing for that belly that comes with it!! haha As for the house, Elder Gomez finished his training with Elder Khumalo and now Elder Khumalo will be training someone from DRC. (Dominic Republic of Congo) That's pretty sweet!! But as for today it feels like a normal day, since not much is changing. But will be happy to serve this last transfer with the people in the Kambuzuma ward.

Well Once Again. Merry Christmas to everyone!!! i love you all! Until next time!

Love,

Elder Parco

Pictures:

-3 Elders and 1 SIster from our MTC group that came out. Also at the Christmas Conference

-Sickest meeting house ever. We have chickens, AND Puppies! haha

-Pictures from the Christmas  Branch party! Sweet!

-When traffic is so bad that Combies start to drive on the wrong side of the road

Updates and the Power of the Book of Mormon

Backed up To a Wall

There is something that I have realized about this gospel. Whenever you teach someone they have a choice. Whether to accept this message or not. But something even more I have realized. The more knowledge someone gains, the more they are "backed up into a wall" Where they have to make a decision to be baptized and join the church, or to reject the message.

There is this one family that we have been teaching for quite some time. Bro. Cramner and his family. Every visit has been some of the most spiritual lessons in the lifespan of my mission. But the decision is now on Bro. Cramner. The knowledge that Bro. Cramner knows is incredible. He knows with his heart that the Book of Mormon is True. He has read all the way to the Book of Helaman. And he knows the Restoration is true. The only thing he has left is the decision. To change his past life and accept the message that we teach, which has been the barrier for him.

But this week we had yet another spiritual experience with him. We were sharing and bearing our testimonies to help him understand what our message means. But yet he was still hesitant. Then we decided to share, Mark ch. 10, when Jesus beholds the rich man and tells him what he lacks. And when we shared that scripture, the spirit just hit so hard. Like a wave of spiritual feelings just hit the room. Then he looked up at us and said, "I get it now, I'm running away from the truth. The spirit is even telling me." The spirit was so strong, my eyes were even getting a bit blurry. 

But after that experience. Bro. Cramner promised us that next week, him and his family of 5 would come to church. It was awesome! Although there is still some work to be done, I know that he understands the decision he has to make. Now it's just up to his agency.

Book of Mormon is so powerful!

We had an awesome experience just walking to the internet cafe. As we were walking a guy calls out to us and asks us for a Book of Mormon. Sadly, we weren't prepared missionaries, and didn't have any one us at that time. But he told us his story. How months ago missionaries taught him and then he researched read the Book of Mormon and knows that the message is true. He really wanted to learn more but he moved away from that town he met the missionaries in. He was telling us the whole Restoration message how he just wants an end to all this religious confusion and said how this message was the answer. It was awesome! So we took down his detail and are going to send the great news to the missionaries that live in his area. That man was prepared.

Little Updates:

So likewise wish I could write stories about everything but here are some other things that happened this week:

-Exchanges with Elder Gomez. Went well

-Dinner with Sister Antonio, had some chicken feet! 

-FHE with Muusha famliy, sweet family and had madora (Caterpillers) and a bunch of traditional Zimbabwean foods.

Well I love you all and hope you have a great week!! Until NExt time!

Mr. Bean and listening to the spirit

This week was filled with a bit of disappointments. All but one of our investigators didn't show for church. But it's alright. Let me share with you all the cool things that happened this week!

Mr. Bean

There is this guy that lives in our area who is just awesome. He calls himself, Mr. Bean haha Every day he goes to the places people cook chips/fries and he takes all the skins of the peeled potatoes and carries them home in a wheel barrel, so he can use it for composting. Well two weeks ago was when we first met him, so we helped him carry his wheel barrel back to his house. And this guy really has a personality. haha So this Wednesday he saw us again. And this time he just wanted some company as he walked down the road with his wheel barrel full of potato peels. So we walk with him. But towards the end of our walk, Mr. Bean starts humming a tune. And then he started singing to us "I want to worship with you... When does your church start?" All while singing to this made up tune he had. haha we answer, and he just keeps singing "I'll be there." Then as we parted ways He sang "Goodbye my friends! Goodbye!" haha Mr. Bean is the best.

The Miracle of Listening to the Spirit!

Saturday was a pretty amazing day. We found 6 new investigators. But two of them came from a miracle!

Most of Saturday was a pretty busy day. And in our plans, we planned to visit and find the house of a potential investigator, Max only If, we had extra time during the day. Well the day ended and we were about to head home for the day. Then a thought came that we needed to visit Max. But we were already on our way home, and me and Elder Carpenter were pretty tired from the day. So we get to the road where we can get transportation, all at the same time Max keeps popping up in my head. We wait a bit, and no combies. Then finally a combie comes for us to go to our house, but... there was only enough space for one, so we couldn't take it. Then at that moment, I was like, Yep! Not supposed to go home now. That's my answer. We need to find Max's house. So we take off walking down the road to find this potential investigators house. Not even knowing if he's going to be home, where the house is, or if anything is going to come out of it. But the whole time I was like "Heavenly Father, something better come out of this." Because the walk to Max's house was not a close one. We finally get to section 6 and look for the house. We turn a street and then find it! But as we are walking to the house expecting Max, another person at the house yells. "Elder Carpenter!" So we go over to the very house we were looking for and he says, "Remember me?" I met you guys about a week ago." It was Julius. Someone we just contacted. Then he starts to tell his wife to set up chairs for us for us to teach. Then we tell him if he knew someone by the name of Max that stays here and say we were looking for him. Then he says that he doesn't know anyone by that name that stays around here. So we just proceed to teach Julius and his wife. But as Bro. Julius was talking he was telling us that he just moved here into the house with his wife really recently. And was surprised that we found his house. We taught him and his wife a powerful message about the Plan of Salavation and set another appointment to meet. It was awesome! Super glad that I followed the promptings of the spirit. And I know that God will tell us exactly where to be.

I hope that all of you had a great and wonderful week this week! I love you all! Until Next Time!

Love,

Elder Parco

PIctures:

-Sharron, my favorite ZImbabwean kid. She has a jar full of attitude.

-We made some sloppy joes, without even knowing how to make them! Sick!

-Played some touch rugbee with the other Elders. So fun!

Powerful Investigators

Things here in Zimbabwe are going great! As for a update. A new president has now been called. Haha Which happened on a Friday. But Tuesday was the day the previous President stepped down from office. And that entire night people were celebrating. Honking thier horns and cheering, "New Zimbabwe!!!" haha But things are as peaceful as ever, as well as drunk as ever this week. But the work has really been going this week! Especially for the amount of new investigators we found! (13!!! yeah!) So let me tell you a bit about them.

Mah New Powerful Investigators:

Sheena: First we have Sheena. We were walking down a street after getting some lunch at this nice sadsa place. You literally buy your own meat a a butchery right next door and they cook it for you! Sick! But as we were walking this lady calls out to us. So naturally we go over there. As we were coming, the lady that originally yells at us realizes that we are serious business and gets shy and acts like she never called us over in the first place. haha We introduce ourselves, and ask if they would be interested in hearing a message about the gospel. The lady slyly sneaks away, but her friend Sheena accepts. So we teach her. The whole time Sheena would listen, but act a bit defensive. Questioning everything we taught. But at the end of teaching the Restoration, we testified to her that if she wanted to know if these things were true, she shouldn't rely on our words, but rely on the answer that she can get from God. And told her that it comes from the Holy Spirit which testifies to us through feelings. And the spirit hit her strong. She told us then to come back and visit again during the week. 

So the next visit we come. And we ask, did you pray and ask if these things were true? And she said she did, still acting a little defensive, but now this visit less defensive than before. And we asked her if she got a answer. And she said she did. So then we continue to teach her about the Book of Mormon. And say the same things, pray to know if this is true, and the spirit will testify. Again the spirit was super strong. 

Then next visit comes around. When we saw her, both Elder Carpenter and I were surprised. In the space of just a couple days, we could see already so much change in her. She seemed more humbled and interested and dressed way more modestly. haha and I don't know how to describe it, but she was just different. 

So we ask the same thing. Did you pray and ask if the Book of Mormon was true. Then she hesitated and said "Yes I did." Then we asked if she got an answer? Again she hesitated a bit and then said yes. Now more excited, we ask, "How did you feel?" And she said this, "I felt comfort and peace.. and happiness." Then we asked, "So what do you think that was?" Then she answered, "The Spirit of God Testifying to me." It was awesome! She said she only read 2 verses from the Book but already got a defining answer that the book was true. So we teach about the Plan of Salvation and at the end we invite her to baptism. And her response was that she already goes to a church, and that the change would be hard. Then we testified that it would be worth more than you can imagine. Then still thinking slightly declined. But you could tell the whole lesson she felt the spirit testifying the entire time. She knows its true. But now we are going to help her make that decision.

Bro. Oscar and his Wife: It was Saturday and we decided to eat some chips (fries) and fruits at this one shop at the side of the street. Since the Sadsa place we usually go to was real busy with a lot of drunk people. As we were sitting there Bro. Oscar, a previous investigator stops and talks to us and invites us to try these interesting fruits. We do then he says we should visit him and his wife today. So we do. We go over to the house and, as we were waiting for the wife we had a great discussion about questions that he had. (Before we gave the Plan of Salvation Pamphlet and Book of Mormon without explaining it.) So we answer his questions and then the wife comes and they ask really good questions. Such as What happens to people that die that don't get baptized. Or Tell us more about this Pre earth life. As well as. What age should one be baptized, and do the parents carry over the sins to their child if they aren't baptized before. And it was amazing. We used the Book of Mormon to answer their questions. Then afterwards explain exactly what the Book was. It was a powerful lesson. And even though they are very committed to their church they go to, they sincerely planned to go and visit our church next week! And are excited about all the information that they learned and want us to keep teaching!

Cranmer's Wife: We have been trying to get in contact with Bro. Cranmer for weeks. (The one who knows everything is true but is just deciding on making a decision.) We go to his house and like all the other times he wasn't there. But the Wife invites us in and tells us that she wants us to teach her a message. So.. we teach or more like introduce the Plan of Salvation, and how families can be together forever in the life to come. And her eyes gleamed with excitement. She said that for sure she was going to read this pamphlet and we se an appointment for next week to visit both Cranmer and his wife. It was awesome.

Erasmus: Not really new but awesome story on his progression. We haven't seen Erasmus for a week. But we were able to find him at his car wash place he works at. So we sit down and start the lesson. Last time we gave him the Book of Mormon and told him to read it and pray about it. (Nor really explaining exactly what it was yet) But we show up and ask if he was able to read it. And he said he did!! And then he said he read like the first 15 chapters of 1 Nephi!!! (Haha but actually read the first 5 chapters) But he then proceeds to explain every bit of detail that happens from 1 Nephi ch. 1 to chapter 5!! It was amazing! Then he said that he was trying to share this book with others, but no one wanted to read it or believe in it. But we had a good lesson about the Book of Mormon and then he asks us about Smoking and Drinking and what is the standing of the church. SO we gave him a Word of Wisdom pamphlet for us to discuss about next time. Then he said that we wanted another Book of Mormon to share with his sister. haha I love this guy. 

Ruth: We went to visit this mama's house that we contacted a little while back. The mother wasn't there but her daughter and children were as well as the father. The father wasn't interested but instead we teach all the children. And the lesson was great. Mostly focused on Ruth since she was the most interested. And we talked to her and she said that she wanted to go back to a church since it has been months since she has gone to one. And we talked about baptism and agreed to be baptized. It was sweet. So now we are continue to teach her and strengthen her understanding.

Well those were the really cool new investigators. I hope that everyone has a wonderful week this week!! Love you all! Until next time!!

Love,

Elder Parco

Pictures:

-We got to go to the Face to Face devotional for the YSA. Elder Oaks and Ballard are hillarious!! And was enlightened by some very good questions. It was awesome! But only took a picture of my previous companion Elder Richardson with his now custom F-250 bag!! haha

-Oh and a new sharp haircut with Elder Ngwenya

Zimbabwe History

We lived through History!

Welp this week Zimbabwe made some history! And here's how we found out:

So on Tuesday night we get a text and a call from the zone leaders, telling us to stay in the house tomorrow on Wednesday. They don't really explain the reason why, but we just assumed that there was probably a riot going on in town or something with elections coming up in the next 7 months or so. And let me tell you. A whole day inside as a missionary is not the most exciting thing to do.. Haha Went super long, but also that day we ran into another problem... We ran out of water in the house. So as this whatever thing may be going on, we had little to no water in the house. Haha but don't worry too much that was just a minor case. We caught some rain water the day before so we could flush our toilets. Hahah jokes. But seriously we did. Anyways we were in contact with Elder Caroll about the water that day (He is one of the couple missionaries in charge of houses) And he told us he could send some water to the house the next day, since that day the water company said they probably wouldn't be able to make it out of town. So with our curiosity, I asked, "So what's going on in Harare?" So here's what he told us:

The military has now stormed into the Presidents house and took over the government. A Coup happened. So.. at that current moment they were negotiating with the president to step down from office. Because if he didn't step down in his own free will, then more complications would have happened. So the military was now in charge of the government. That was Wednesday. And from other sources we stayed inside not just because of the mission telling us but also the embassy request. Haha I may be talking this up but really there was no threat of civilians and missionaries the whole time. Really safe. But that was Wednesday. 

We continue the week and then on Saturday we get a text telling us to stay inside again. This time only missionaries really close to town. So again another boring day... But that day there were marches going on in town to signify the want of the President to step down. We heard that there was tens of thousands of people marching in town. Would of been pretty sweet to see. 

But now as of yesterday, Sunday, we heard that the agreement will most likely be made and the president will step down and most of the cabinet members will also be out of the office.

All in all this has been the most peaceful coup I think will ever happen in History. It's not totally settled but I wouldn't worry. Zimbabwe is a peaceful place. And that's what I love about Zimbabwe! 

It Rained a New Investigator

Lastly we had a sweet lesson that saved us from the rain. We had planned to teach this guy named Justice. He was really interested about this Book or Mormon that he heard about. So we started teaching him. But this day we planned to teach him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We get there in the nick of time just before it starts to downpour. And just before we were going to start teaching. A young adult named Max comes running to the patio that we were teaching and taking shelter under. (Just outside the front door of the house) So we teach both Justice and Max. And the whole lesson Max in super engaged and asked super good questions. At first I thought Max knew Justice but found out that he was just taking cover from the rain. After the lesson was finished, Max agreed to take more lessons. It was awesome!! I love how everything works out in the work of the Lord!

Well i hope that everyone has a great week this week!! I love you all!! Until next time!!!

Love,
Elder Parco

-Fetching rain water cause we ran out!! Also got some water from a pipe that broke. (Don't worry we didn't drink this water... although Elder Carpenter does have a filter)

- Big stack of Pancakes!!

-Got soaked from putting the buckets out for the rain!

Contacts and spirtually led paths

A Nice Contact

So this week marks the first week of a new transfer with Elder Carpenter and we are starting to do wonders. This week we did lots of finding and contacting, since the teaching pool is starting to get low. But anyways we were in section 2, and stopped by the gas station to get some juice, and then these drunk couple was yelling for our attention, and asked us to teach the law of Chasity to them... haha while they were snuggled up to each other. haha But while they were talking to us this other guy comes, with two others that followed that were a little loopy and asks us for a pamphlet. So... we give him one. And he tells us to meet him tomorrow at his car washing place. So we set an appointment and visited him the next day. Not really thinking much about what had happened. The next day we come. And find him busy, so he tells us to come back in an hours time. So we do. Then to our astonishment. He takes out the pamphlet that we gave, (Talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ) And we see that he has written down questions and underlined the pamphlet. We teach him the lesson and ask if invite him to baptism and church. And he agreed. It was awesome! So now we are going to be teaching this guy more about the lessons we have.

Spiritually lead path to Sister Maponga

On Friday... we had a set appointment to meet with Tony at 5 in section 1. Well we go there and he isn't there where we usually meet. And we don't know where he lives. So we saw this guy walking on the street and we thought, "Well Let's just ask him!" So we ask if he knows Tony, and he's like "Yeah!" I'll show you where he lives!" So he leads us to the house and talk to the mama, and find out... That he is going to be out of town until January... SO that was a bummer. But as we leave the gate... we asked the guy who helped us.. "So, do you have time for a gospel lesson??" And he said, "Yeah, sure!" "Let's teach at my house." So we go to the house, and as we are headed there I start to recognize the place. Sister Maponga, one of our investigators lived in this area. So I ask, "Do you happen to know Sister Maponga?" And he says, "Yeah that's my mother!" haha Tinotenda, the one who was helping us, was the son of Sister Maponga. And it was perfect because we have been trying to get in contact with Sister Maponga to set a time for a lesson, but haven't been able to. So we go to the house, and teach Sister Maponga and his son. It was absolutely inspired and perfect.

Well I hope everyone had a great week this week! Those were my adventures this week! Until Next Time!!

Love you all!,

Elder Parco

Just got one picture of the meeting house.. while we were hiding from the rain...

Exchanges and D

Transfers Once Again! (Seems like it just happened??)

Yet again we hit another transfer! Making it transfer 12! Time really has flown by though because the time spent with Elder Mbafu went by super fast. I will miss that Tanzanian of mine. haha straight from his frist 12 weeks, but one of the oldest Elders (age wise) on the mission. But he will be now moving to a town called Dama Falls. Pretty close to where Kambuzuma is. But now I have a new companion. Another one from America. His name is Elder Carpenter and he is from Burley Idaho. He's a sweet guy. Excited to be doing work with him. 

Exchanges with Elder Khumalo

This week on Wednesday again, I got to go on exchanges with Elder Khumalo. He is a super cool guy from South Africa, Durban. We enjoyed and were able to learn a lot together. But one cool thing that happened. So i have been talking about this Bro. Cramner guy a lot in my letters recently. Well That day we got to visit him. And as usual he was super excited to see us that day. He sat us down and began to talk. He said he has been reading more. And even all of the pamphlets that we have given him. And he said.. "I still know that the Book of Mormon is true. And I think I now understand what this message means." Then he asked us. "Elders I want you to be straight with me, What do I need to do?" And we told him, Find these things to be true, repent and be baptized. Then after a long thought. We asked what he wanted to do.. He then pointed to the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and said, "This is what I want. I want Salvation" It was awesome! And then he said that he is going to make the decision now and going to share these things with his family and ask them what they want to do. Then he would give us a call when his family made the decision. It was powerful. And ever since that meeting we have been praying very hard that this family will accept the message that we shared. But for now Keep him in your prayers. 

Baptism of Delany

This Saturday we also had the baptism of Delany. A 11 year old boy who loves the church and the gospel. Amazing fact about him. Is even though English is not his first language and his understanding of English isn't the best. Every time we taught him, he understood. And we would ask him what something meant and he would reply perfectly. He was powerful and now is into the fold of God. I was so happy to see as well, when he was baptized, his goko, (Grandma) came who isn't a member and she seemed so very happy for his baptism. Like I always say. I love seeing people get baptized.

Well I hope that everyone had a great week this week! I love you all!! Until NExt Time!

Love,

Elder Parco

Pictures:

-Exchanges with Elder Khumalo

-LAst week with Mbafu so had to take lots of pictures! haha

-Baptism of Delany

-Made these cool district shirts!

Branch Activity, Exchanges, and the boys

The Boys

Thursday we had a pretty empty day. Things were set up, but didn't really go through. But... like always, just means we need to find someone else. We went to see if Brian was there and we were informed that he would be coming soon. So we waited. But while we were waiting there were these boys on the street playing each other in Chess. And Bro. Shaniwa, an older member was watching them. So we come over and join in on the conversation. Then before you know it Bro. Shaniwa invited me to play. Haha I beat this one boy, and then Bro. Shaniwa wanted to challenge me. I lost, then another boy played and I lost again. But afterwards Brian came, and we had a short talk with him about the gospel. But afterwards, we went back to these group of teens that were talking on the corner. Awkwardly, we introduce ourselves. And sneak the conversation to relate to the message of the Restoration. Then most of their attention peaked. We asked, "Why is there so much confusion today, if God is not one of confusion?" Then we went along and started teaching these 8 teens about the message of the Restoration. The spirit was strong. Very strong. And we scheduled an appointment to meet with them on Saturday. So Saturday comes along and 3 of the boys were there, with two other friends. We teach more about the Book of Mormon and the evidence and teachings that it holds. They really were interested. We left each of them with a Book of Mormon and casually asked if they were free, to come to church tomorrow. 

Then the most amazing part... 10 mintues before Sacrament meeting started 3 of the boys showed up! Haha they were in jeans and jackets but we invited them in and they stay for Sacrament meeting. Then headed out afterwards. But these boys were amazing. And they are very willing to learn. Hope that they continue to progress.

Branch Activity: Success!

Saturday, we had our branch activity that we have been planning out all these weeks. And wow, was it a success. At first the nerves came, as there were only 4 people that showed up at the starting time. But custom here is to be late, so within 1 hour and a half from the starting time we had about 70 people! It was awesome! We had a spoon race, 3 legged race, and a maize sack race! And other fun games that we planned. Then ended with the pioneer stick game. (if ya know what I'm talking about) Then we watched the movie of the Prophet Joseph Smith about the Restoration. Overall it was great. And the Relief Society did a great job bringing people and friends. So overall success. But I'll let the pictures explain more.

Exchanges featuring Elder Gomez

So Wednesday we had exchanges. And I went over to Elder Gomez's area for the exchange. Luckily Elder Gomez drive the car... so that was a nice break from the large amounts of walking that Elder Mbafu and I do. But anyways it was a great exchange. There was this one lesson though... haha Elder Gomez and Elder Khumalo met these Babas the other day that join together and study the bible. Well they invited us over that day. So we came there with any questions that they had for us. Haha there were about 7 Babas (all around the agge of 50+) all gathered around each holding their own bibles. So questions popped, and they wanted to know... "what is this Book of Mormon that we have?" We explained. Then more questions followed, "What language is it written in?" Where did it come from" How do we have it?" "The bible testifies of the Book of Mormon?... show us!" "What is this priesthood authority that Joseph Smith received?" "So if Christs church was lost, where is it today?" "Should there be any other books then the bible?"  And one by one. Every question they had whether it would be from the message we shared, or the bible, or no matter how deep the question was... we answered. And every response we got after our answer, was silence. Haha It was amazing. It was then I realized that this gospel truly has all the answers. The Book of Mormon defends itself. No matter how much you try to prove it wrong... And at the end of the questions we told them... "All of these questions can be answered. But all you have to do is to read... ponder... and pray to know if this book is true." It's that simple. Then you can know for a surety that these things are true. 

At the end of the lesson, most of the babas just still wanted to prove us wrong. But there were these 2 babas who truly had an interest. One even told the others. "What they are saying is, we have to read to know. We can't question them any more until we have read and prayed about this book." haha it was sweet.

This experience kinda reminded me of what it could of been like for Christ when he was a boy, or even in his ministry. He teaches, men much older than him, then invites. And those who are ready will follow. And those who harden their hearts will deny. Even to pray and test if these things are true. 

Overall it was a great realization, that this gospel has answers to every aspect of our lives. With the Book of Mormon and the Bible, we now have the fullness of the gospel.

Well I love you all and hope you have a great week!!

Pictures: The activity

The Hand of the Lord

Nolene got Baptized!

First things first. Nolene got baptized! It was incredible! She has been visited by missionaries for months now and I was luckily enough to be able to reap the harvest. But she is amazing! She doesn't really know any bit of English, so we decided to go through all the lessons again until she really understood everything. So teaching her took a bit longer than usual but it was worth it. Luckily we had Sister Mataranyika with us to trnaslate. But by the time this weekend came. She was prepared and ready for baptism. And she seemed so excited to be baptized! The day of her baptism she was smiling so much and super excited. Sasha, the one baptized last week gave a talk on baptism and I loved the way he explained it. He said, "Baptism is simply a sign of a promise humans make with God that we are willing to take upon ourselves Christs name and keep all of his commandments, so that we can have the opportunity to have a fresh start in life." And it's true. Baptism is a covenant that we do to show God we are willing to follow him. It's amazing how simple it really is. 

But wonderful baptism and great to see a new member enter into the fold of God. 

Hand of the Lord

This Sunday was just amazing. Of course Nolene was confirmed. But as well... This week we really didn't expect if any investigators to show up. But surprisingly we had 5 come to church! The most miraculous, was Sister Matara and her daughter. Sister Matara has been going through some persecutions in her own family. Which has made church attendance hard. But when she came this Sunday.. with her daughter. I was super happy. And we asked how her daughter came and she said that she just decided that she wanted to come and visit the church. Definitely a miracle.

Also connecting to Sister Matara. Last night, (Sunday after church) as we were walking back Washings (member) to his house. We stop at one of the couselors houses, because Washings had a question for him. Although... he wasn't there. But as we came, there were people who were packing furniture into a truck, for they were moving. So naturally haha we helped them out. And who was the owner of the truck?? Bro. Matara! It was definately a timed out miracle. Because we offered service to Bro. Matara and was able to soften him up a bit. As well that same day his wife and daughter came to church. So the hand of the Lord is real.

Also in church that day we talked about sacrifice in priesthood meeting. And it made me realize how much sacrifice recent converts really go through. They give up everything for the gospel. They change their whole lives. And most of the time we don't even know what persecutions or circumstances they may be going though in their home or their families. So if there are any recent converts out there, hats off to you. Cause i don't know if I would be able to go though what some of these recent converts do.

Welll anyways I hope that you all have a great week! I love you all!! Until Next Time!

Love,

Elder Parco

-Oh and also we played Frisbee today with mah Zone Leaders and AP's Super fun! Haven't played for over 1 year and a half!! haha And got to play with some in my MTC group. Elder Bollinger and Elder Whiting! Super fun!

Pictures:

-Zone Conference with my son Elder Young Yen who is ZL over Harare East Zone

-Baptism of Nolene!

-Got a haircut! look stella?

-Oh and also we played frisbe today with mah Zone Leaders and AP's Super fun!

Baptisms and Old men

Old Men Back Together!

This week was one anticipated for. On Wednesday we got to go on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. And who did I get to go with? Elder Bollinger, my MTC companion! It was super sweet! We got to talk about all that has happened and had a wonderful time teaching with each other. Except this time, we really got to teach, instead of teaching people that act in the MTC. haha but I did get pranked. He told me that we were going to visit this new investigator that they had, and told me that she was a little odd. Didn't know what he meant, but when we got there, she introduced herself and said that she was a witch doctor. Then she wanted us to drink this ritual water to see if her dead ancestors would accept us to let us teach her. Then she said she was going to prophesy about me. Haha Then she did! She told me what I ate for breakfast, where I am from and many other things! I was freaking out so much! Thought evil spirits or something was telling her this stuff. haha Then she started harping me about the church and my testimony and how I know if this stuff is true. Then... at the end I finally caught on and realized that... they were pranking me! haha and found out that she was a super sweet member who sacrificed so much. She used to be a woman pastor but then gave everything up, including her source of income just to join the church. She was powerful!

But the exchange was amazing! It's so weird how much we all change on this mission. I could see it in him and I am sure he could also see it in me. But It was a fun day to get back together and to be teaching real people this time.

Two Potential Dunks!

There are these two people that we are teaching. And they have a potential to be powerful members. First Bro. Cranmer. I spoke about him last week. But we have now taught him to the point where he understands everything. And knows that this could really be Christ's church. He was thinking deeply, then said. "I need to pray to God to see if this is what he wants me to do" Refering to leaving his church and following what we taught. It was amazing! I know that soon he will get his answer. 

Also Sis Ndlovu. We taught her the Restoration, then afterwards she said. "I have never heard about these things. Why are people so scared about hearing about this message. It really opens my mind and now I need to think if what I am doing now is right?" 

I really hope that next meeting, we can get them! haha But it has now come to a decision between them and God.

Baptisms!

This weekend we also had two baptisms! Tapiwa and Sasha. Both powerful new male members in the church. Tapiwa is about 14 years old and he really understands the significance of baptism. He is very smart and has a powerful testimony. Also Sasha he had an amazing memory. He can expound everything that we have taught him and is super smart. He's in his 20 and loves the church and knows that it is true. 

But it was amazing to see these two getting baptized. And the support that was there from the branch was great as well!

I hope that we can continue this work that has been left here.

Well I hope that everyone had a wonderful week!! Until Next Time!!