Hello Everyone, So, Elder Brimhall and I had a pretty good week. On Monday we came up to Durban (I’m here again this week) for an activity with our zone at our mission president's house. We played games and braaied (editors note: I couldn't figure out this word.) and did other things and watched a movie (Saints and Soldiers). The best part however was that, since the mission home is in Westville and Westville was a part of Pinetown area boundaries, Elder Brimhall and I drove to my old area in Pinetown that night to visit some of the members there. I can tell you, the joy of being reunited with those members was greater than most joy I normally feel. I didn’t really know how much of an impact I had on them while I served there, but from them they made it apparent that it was big. The bishop’s wife mentioned how high of a spiritual note I left them on. I was also able to visit Clara and mama mthembu (mama was less active and Clara was baptized while I was there). Again, pure joy. Then on Tuesday we had interviews with President Zackrison. He is very, very pleased and happy with the way things are going in Margate. He said a lot of good things to me, but to avoid my head from swelling I have filed them away in the recesses of my mind. I will be staying in Margate one more transfer, which I am very happy about, and there is a possibility that he will keep me there the rest of my mission. We talked about that possibility, and I would definitely be ok with it. Margate is in its crucible right now. The chapel is just about finished. Its estimated time of completion is December fourteenth. For 56 years this branch has waited for a chapel of their own, and they are finally getting it. I’m just grateful as of now to have been apart of the paving of the foundation (in a spiritual sense) for this great change. You should know that I know that we have done our best, and will continue to do our best. The Lord is pleased with us, and though we do have areas of improvement, he is happy with what we are doing. We didn’t see Gunner D. this week, but we will see him next. We saw Cecelia and her husband Vaughn. Vaughn got into some anti-Mormon literature on the internet, and raised many concerns with us. He also was prepared to give back the Book of Mormon. But, while in that lesson I saw the spirit work through us and touch his heart. As we explained certain doctrines, taught and testified more of the restoration, his shell and spikes melted off, and he offered himself the challenge to finish the Book of Mormon. Cecelia did not, but we still love her nonetheless. On Sunday we had a very successful church service. I was badly sick for a few days prior, and even into Sunday, but when I went to deliver my talk, I felt a renewal of my body, and the spirit spoke through me. I spoke on loving one another. I used John 13, where Christ washes His disciple's feet then giving them a "New Commandment" to love one another. I pondered deeply over that chapter as I prepared and thought about how the Savior must have felt, sitting with His apostles, knowing what was about to happen to Himself, and the persecution that they would also eventually face. That commandment to love one another could not have come at a more crucial time, for in the dark night that was about to come, they needed the light of His love to carry them through. I love my Savior and all He has done for me. I love His people, and I love His work. I love you, stay strong. Elder Gold
Its funny how each week
I sit down to write you, and the same things come to mind... i.e.
investigators, finding, teaching etc. On
paper it seems that our weeks don’t really change, but in thinking about each
event, movement and impression, I know they are very different.
So, as far as people I
have told you about: That Afrikaans guy who we had an amazing first
lesson with us a few weeks ago has been hard to get a hold of. Finally Elder Brimhall and I decided to take
the drive to where he stays (which is a little far). Upon getting there we found him outside and
this time he was a little less excited to see us. He told us how he read bits of our book and
just can’t find it in him to continue because it’s just not what he grew up
with. We talked as best as the spirit
allowed, and testified, and he asked us to give him time to read for himself. I’m not sure that he will, but I know we did
all we could for this family.
To me it is interesting
how our message and the Book of Mormon work in people’s lives. I sometimes think that if we were to give
someone a novel and tell them how great a novel it is, I think most people
would make a little time to read it. Yet,
when we give them a book which testifies of He who is the center of THEIR
faith, teaches morals and principles that THEY hold dear, and brings more
peace, more answers, and more joy that THEY are looking for, they take it to be
a thing of naught and dismiss it.
When we set up our table
in front of markets or stores, and put out our little "Searching For
Happiness?" sign, we either get "found it!" or "don’t need
it.” When we say we have a very
important message about Jesus Christ and His love for us, they say, "I
know him" and walk on. We have
learned to find humor in it, but really it is interesting.
Still, there are those
who do receive us. Remember Cecelia? Well last Sunday she was offended by someone
at church and left in a huff. Tuesday
night we took the Branch President there to see if we could help her. She didn’t want to talk about it so we didn’t.
Instead we taught about the fall of Adam
and Eve. Cecelia made the claim that the
"fruit" was actually a man that eve did the deed with. A ridiculous claim yes, and we showed her in a
respectful way that that is not true. Remember
how brash she is, and how we are always walking on egg shells around her? Well, she refused it until her husband (who
she seems to dominate) spoke up. Vaughn
put us to flight with his boldness. He
turned to his wife and said that doctrine is of the devil and who ever taught
it to her was NOT inspired of God, but was evil.... I thought, "I'd rather
be in Syria right now than in this house. This is going to be the start of World War III."
Surprisingly, she took it, and we moved
on. But, as far as we can tell, he is receiving
of the truth.
We also found Bailey and
Maureen earlier this week. Upon our
second visit, Maureen (Bailey’s Wife) told us that she read the restoration
pamphlet, and did as it said; which was pray. She then told us that she was caught up in a
very spiritual vision where she was brought before the presence of a higher
being. I wont give any more details, but
she, and we, knew that God had indeed answered her prayer. They accepted baptism, but there will still be
some things to overcome.
Faith in Christ and our
message is what carries us. We don’t
have faith in the people we teach, but our faith remains in the Rock of our
foundation, and that is the kind of faith we need to have in this work.
I shared last week about
Lwandile's baptism. On Sunday he was
confirmed. There was also the baptism of
a child of record after church. After
the service, the former Branch President Jean - Pierre brought us up front and
presented to the branch our desire to have five more baptisms in his pool
before the new chapel is complete in December. We have the support of the members, and are
working harder and harder with them. I
can tell you, I wont be leaving this transfer. The Lord doesn’t want me to. Its been confirmed to me and my companion as
well as President. I don’t know how long
I will be here, but it is where the Lord wants me.
I'll write to you today
as well as the rest of the clan. We had
a good week with a healthy mix of success, mystery, disappointment, happiness,
and a baptism.
So, starting a week or
so ago; It was Elder Brimhall’s birthday on the 5th and a member made him a
Sponge Bob cake. It was nothing short of
awesome! Actually, I suggested it to the
member behind my companions back. He
thinks I’m nuts for how much I like Sponge Bob. Lets hope he doesn’t see you in your Sponge
Bob pajamas.
Also, the previous week
we began teaching another family. Trying
to say this in the nicest way possible, the lady is the coldest woman I’ve met
on my mission thus far. In our first 30-second
interaction I asked her name. "Cecelia!"(obviously I’ve make her name
anonymous) She continued by saying, "it comes from the Bible, if you know anything about
the Bible." "Oh, I’ve not heard
it before." I replied, "What
part in the bible?" She retorted, "That
is the stupidest question I’ve heard!"
But, she allowed us to speak to her and her husband, accepted the Book
of Mormon, but proudly said we need to pray really hard if we want to get her
into any church... Well that week she came :) So then came this last week, and
we taught them again, the whole time while holding our breath for fear of
revilement. Then lo and behold, who walks into church yesterday??? I brightly smiled at her and her husband. We will see how this pans out.
So, now let me tell you
about the baptism. It was a huge success.
We had it at a member’s home; and most of
the active members came to support him, including his family. We had a nice service on the veranda over
looking the yard, which over looks the luscious jungle
abroad. The Oerhlerking Family (whose house we were
at and who sent mom the photos of us at the game park) have a lot of wild life
on there property too, such as horses and dogs, ducks, geese and a plethora of
exotic birds in a huge atrium. Anyways,
the service was so nice. We have the
best members in the church here. After the
young man was baptized, he was so full of light. It was a confirmation to me and an answer to
my prayers that he will grow into a strong and steadfast priesthood holder and
member. I’ve included a picture of him
after his baptism.
Can you see the light
in his eyes???
Well, its now time to
work (or time to continue to work) and find those others who will enter in at
the gate.
I love you all,
Elder Gold.
P.S. Mom, I got some
"babies" from Gina, Jean Pierre's wife, so now I will have yogurt of my
own to make. :) Also she is helping me to sprout.
Editor’s Note: As you most
likely have figured out that the ‘babies’ Landon’s talking about are yogurt
cultures used to grow your own yogurt.
Also, the sprouting process he refers to is a process for sprouting seeds,
nuts and grains. It is nice to see that,
regardless of Landon being on the other side of the world, he is gravitating
back to the dietary ways he was raised with.
So, good news! For the last two weeks we were not sending
our emails from the chapel, so I had a half-hour longer for my
correspondence. That’s why I was able to
write you long letters. Bad news, I’m
back in the chapel. Oh well, "Come
what may, and love it" -Joseph B. Wirthlin.
So, this week has been
just as amazing as the last. We have begun teaching some very fantastic people.
On Wednesday night we met 2 retired
Afrikaans families who are living together. We had seen the spirit work through us as
their hearts went from firm to mushy. The best part was at the end when we asked the
father to kneel and pray, and through emotional words he sincerely asked
Heavenly Father to reveal the truth of the Restoration and Book of Mormon. I really can’t describe how the spirit rested
upon us, but it rested mightily. I think
the Spirit comes exponentially to us, that as we let the spirit enter our
lives, if we push just a little more forward, a little more faithful, a little
more obedient, the spirit come in greater and greater abundance.
We are preparing for a
baptism this next Sunday. It is for a
young man by the name of lwandile. I don’t
know if I mentioned him before this, but we are very excited. We are reaping the fruits of the labors of
five sets of missionaries, but it really puts into understanding that we are
all playing for the same team, and success comes to the team, or church as a
whole. I think you guys can recognize
that by looking at the baptisms in our ward back home, or even the
investigators, and how much time and how many people and missionaries went into
helping them.
I can’t believe I’ve got
only five months left here. Where does
the time go?
Well, I got the
package! It was pretty exciting. Elder Brimhall and myself both ENJOYED a nice
cup of the mint herb tea last night.
It’s been a little chilly at night lately so it’s nice to have
around. Also, I love the spice! It’s so good and smells amazing. But, I want
to tell you that I’ve already become a local.
Let me explain. I was smelling
the spice, and thought to myself, “I have this.” I went to the kitchen and opened the
cupboards with all my cooking supplies (I have gained a love for cooking on
mission), and I took out a handful of spices, mixed them up in a bowl, and Waa
law, "South African Smoke." :p
It was almost identical, just the bottled one is slightly stronger. So the good thing is when I run out, I can
make my own. (Editor’s Note: South African Smoke is the name of the spice
I picked up for Landon from a local store here in California and it has become
our favorite seasoning).
Dad said in his email
today that he has been lazy. Well, with
the five fingers (minimalist shoes with toes) I’ll have to just make up for his
laziness. I don’t know if I have told
you, but my companion and I run 5 k every morning when we get up. I've lost even more weight. I’m currently almost the same weight I was
when I first came out on my mission. Pretty crazy!
Well, allow me to tell
you what I told President Zackrison this morning about some happenings in our
area;
"Well I’m happy. We are happy. It has been really cool to recognize a
principle from ‘Preach My Gospel’ taking place in our area. Last week while Elder Brimhall and I were
studying we came across a line that said something to the extent of, "As
you do your best to bring less actives back to the church, strengthen new converts,
and build up members, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared.
To that we felt it
was saying take care of your house first. No point of bringing new people into the
church unless we retain the ones we have. I recognized this week, that since I first got
here, fourteen individuals used their agency to come back, and about six of
them are solidly active with five of them working on it. Since then we have been led to new prepared
people who are coming back. We have a
young man (18) who has been taught for three-years, and who is now fully ready
for baptism. I think there might be a
connection. Another couple that have
been taught for two-years, but struggled to get married, are working to be
married the fourteenth of September that they can then work towards making a
covenant with God. Not to mention a few
other families and individuals (who are Afrikaans) that we are working
with.
I feel like we are
working really well, but, I recognize that I need to work on and maintain the
attribute of diligence. I’m also trying
to study more and apply your vision for us as missionaries."
And that’s how things
are right now. I can also add that
Gunner D. is doing very well. He took us
on a ride in his buggy the other day. The
thing is fast, but that’s all beside the point. He is really progressing in his understanding
of the gospel. I mentioned in an earlier
email that the truth will stand with him. It has been a very cool experience to see the
spirit reveal things, doctrines, and principle to him.
I’m just Super Happy! There is no doubt in my mind that this work is
true. I also remember in dad's letter he
mentioned about the love for Jesus Christ that we must have. I was reading a talk this morning that
impressed me. It was about His grace,
and a correct understanding of GRACE. Of
course we know that grace is the only thing that will save us. But, how do works tie into the picture? The way it was explained is that Christ paid
the penalty (grace) that we will be ransomed from death (every one of us); like
a mother paying for a child to have piano lessons. The mother pays the teacher in full. The child is in no obligation for the child to
pay back the debt, rather he is asked to practice as a sign of appreciation for
what his mother did. His practicing does
not pay anyone, however, it only helps him to improve so as to become the best
pianist he can. Likewise it is with us. Our
works do not pay for anything; they show appreciation and gratitude for what Christ
did. Our works not only show gratitude, but
also help us to grow. When approached by
people who say, "You Mormons are trying to earn your way into heaven"
the writer of the talk says, "No, we are trying to LEARN our way into
heaven.” Our works help us to become
more like Christ, and will eventually help us to be prepared to live in his
presence because we will have grown by obedience. Like the child whose mother paid for his piano
lessons, he is trying to be the best piano player he can by practicing. As he practices, and with the help of the
teacher, he grows to be able to play in concert halls. But if he didn’t practice, he could not be
comfortable to play in those grand halls in front of so many people.
I liked that analogy. If you want to look up the talk it’s titled,
"His Grace is Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox.
Anyways, give Jordan a big hug from me and tell him I love him.
I love you and dad too.
Always,
Elder Gold
Editor’s Note:
In the above letter
Landon gives reference to a talk given by Brad Wilcox titled, ‘His Grace is
Sufficient.’ After finding it on BYU TV
I sat back with intent to just listen for a few minutes. After all, thirty-two minutes of my time
just seemed to be too much as I had the blog to post and countless assignments
on the forefront of my mind. So I
clicked ‘Play’ and impatiently sat through the beginning introductions and
humorous audience icebreaker; all along with my finger on the mouse so
positioned, with just a single click, to stop…finish…. and redirect back to
my tasks. I must add that it is almost 1:00
AM and I am uncomfortably fatigued, just wanting to finish what I, over an hour
ago, sat down to do. Not so fast! As I sat and listened, soon my ‘I don’t have
time for this’ voice faded into silence and I sat, and I watched, and I
listened . . . but most importantly, ‘I heard.’
I heard a message that, quite frankly, is just what this perfectionist,
not quite living up to, just plugging along . . . person needed to hear. I share this unusual Editor's Note with you
because I feel there is someone who will read this very
long post and will get to this end wanting to know what I paused my world
for. Someone who, not unlike myself,
needs to sit, watch and listen to this ’Message of Hope.’ The address was presented to thousands of
college students; Mormons (so the lingo may be a bit different to those of you
unfamiliar with the culture), however, no matter who you are and what stance with
or understanding you have of God this is a message to contemplate.
So, as my young man
stands steadfast in Africa teaching truths he has come to know, I realize some
of what he holds onto comes simply because he is willing to learn rather than
earn. And because of this he has and
will continue to bring hope to the hopeless, faith back to those who have lost
theirs (or perhaps never knew where to find it), as well bring understanding to their
minds enough to set them free. For,
assuredly, through the great and marvelous atonement, the gift was given and the act to receive it shall take place, but…the
question will be, “How comfortable will you be in Heaven?”
