Monday, June 24, 2013

"What Jesus Do You Worship?"


Hello Mom, Dad and Jordan.

      Well what has happened this week?  A lot.  I’m still settling into Margate, not 100% knowing the area and some of the people but I will get there.  This is a great area (despite what others have said) and has so much potential.  Let me share something that has had a great impact upon me.  On Tuesday we went tracting in a township called Gamalakhe about 6 kilometers from Margate.  We intend on finding those who are prepared and ready to accept the gospel; and we can only do that being guided by the Lord’s hand.  We got out of the car and started walking through the dirt streets, a few taxi's passing us making a lot of noise.  We didn't really talk with anyone for five or so minutes.  We walked to a building that consisted of two levels and on each level about six single and separate rooms where people let (rent).  We knocked on the doors of all the upper rooms.  Nothing.  Went down to the road again and thought to keep walking but saw a man on the lower level dragging on a cigarette.  My companion called through the large metal gate that surrounded the lower level of the building to this man.  He approached.  We introduced ourselves, and a little hesitantly he asked if he could get his wife.  She came out and asked us first off what Jesus we worship.  Well, of course the true and living one who died on the cross and was resurrected the third day, who made a ransom for the sins of man, the only begotten son of God in the flesh.  She was satisfied with that answer.
      We went in and they had no room in their little room for us to sit, so they invited us to sit in their car.  We began to get to know them a little better, background, occupation, religious feelings.  We learned that this couple (married for 11 years and both in late 30's) had lost their first and only son about two years back when he was just one year old (he was stung by something).  She was crying and we felt compassion.  We opened to Moroni 8 in the Book of Mormon and read for them truth that spoke peace to their troubled souls and brought a peace that passes all understanding.  We left them the Book of Mormon to read (from Moroni 8 and Alma 32).  They invited us to come back two days later.
      On Thursday we arrived in the evening to meet the Zoto family (that is their name).  They were joyful to see us, and they were waiting and prepared.  They read both chapters and explained what they learned with perfect understanding that really only comes with a witness from the spirit.  We began teaching the ‘Plan of Salvation’.  It was music to their ears, and all the while the spirit gently confirmed the truth to everyone in that tiny room.  Halfway way through, I was prompted to extend a Baptismal invitation, which to me didn't seem the right time, but turned out to be.  It opened up the door for us to teach and testify of the restoration.
      Now let me summarize what took place:  They have tremendous faith.  When we asked them to pray they said they would, but also added that they already believe.  She shared with us that when we were at the gate (she has never let anyone religious come in), but something told her in her heart to go out and meet the two men.  Five months earlier she left the church she had been in for over 20 years, because she felt it was not right.  She had been pleading for God to show her the path.  She told us he has.  The father is equally as committed.  I have to be short in writing because my time is up, but that is the jest.
      I know God is leading and guiding and preparing people, that this is His work.  My heart is so joyfully glad to be here and to be an instrument.

I love you,

Elder Gold  

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