Pushing the Bar . . . Short and Sweet

Dear Mom, and Family,

      Mom, I got your package today :) the one with the mini Preach My Gospel Manual and the conference talks CD.  SO COOOOLLLLL!!!  Also, the postcards (old 1940 postcards of Temple Square that I found in an antique store) are so sweet!!  I’m gonna find a really good place for them.  Also, love the Kinder Surprise … so sweet!  Thank you :) I’m gonna watch the DVD on President Monson when I get home tonight.

      As far as sending you more photos: today we are using some very sick and un-trusted computers.  Next week we will be back to the others, but this week a I can’t put my memory card in :(  I'll get you photos next week, promise.

      So, today we had another Zone Conference.  It was incredible.  I was so spiritually fed by the Mission President and others who spoke.  I just want to say that this world is reaching a point where the work is hastening, and we have heard it said that things are coming to a close.  That’s not doctrine, but looking at things and how they are going, the Bridegroom is close at hand.  There is now so much required from the missionaries and the demands on us our incredible.  Even our mission president told us today that he has felt inspired over the years to push the bar as high as it will go.  It is now being raised even further.  We are truly a spectacle and a force in action.  My testimony BURNS of this work.  Know you that.

      Well, I do love you guys.  I sent a lengthy email to Jordan so my time writing you this week is shortened. 

You are all in my prayers,

Elder Gold

Firm Winds of Conversion Fill My Sails

My Dear Family,

      This is your son from Africa!  Let me get into the meat of it: This week we were cut by both edges of the sword.  We found success and disappointment in all we did.  But like President Monson advised us this last conference, take an inventory of the good, and the blessings, so I will.

      We were richly blessed to be able to watch all 5 sessions of General Conference on Saturday and Sunday!  WHOA!  It was a spiritual feast!  I’m still trying to digest everything that I was able to retain.  I can't wait until the magazines and DVD's become available to us, as there are many talks I feel the desire to study.  Some impressing talks that hit me hard were: Elder Bednar’s talk about testimony and conversion, Elder Eyring's tender talk about his sons and the carved wood boards, Elder Perkin’s talk about strengthening the family through five or six points, Elder Uchtdorf's talk about the Pieper Cup and F-15 Jet Plane relating it to large organized wards versus meager struggling branches, and many others.  Those men are men of God.

      There is a lady we are teaching that I've come to love.  She is in her 30's, has 2 young kids, and is striving to allow the gospel into her lives.  Her name is Sibongile, I've mentioned her before.  On Tuesday, we took our Branch President to her house for a teaching appointment.  It was a huge blessing as through his help we found out about concerns and desires and such.  She has a good heart, but she is a little held back by her husband.  She wants to join and live the church and gospel, but wants to do it as a family (honest desire).  However, we have yet to even meet the husband since we began teaching a few months ago.  He works long hours far from home and often returns late and leaves early every day.  Sometimes he doesn’t even come home.  Let me also mention that they live a little far from our area of concentration, so we don’t usually go out that far unless we are seeing her or another boy.

      Well, yesterday she came to church and was able to watch the conference. After Church we went to her area to check another boy we are teaching, but found him not.  We were going to go back to our area of concentration but instead we decided to do some finding around his house.  Eventually we had the feeling to go check Sibongile so we walked a few roads over and knocked on her door.  We were expecting to see her open the door (as she always does) but instead, and to our surprise, it was her husband who greeted us.  Upon seeing us he quickly invited us in and sat.  We explained who we were and such.  We spent an hour or so with him talking and discussing the gospel and his family and how both are intertwined.  Let me make mention that he is a Rastafarian, but hasn’t been too active in that faith for a while.  Though, he still holds to some things from their ways.  Something must have struck him from what we said because, towards the end, he wanted to know if he could ask us something.  He wanted to know just what he needs to do in order to be baptized!  Imagine my surprise as I looked upon this muscley, dread-locked man, who carries a very chilled and laid back attitude, as he asked us that question.  We responded accordingly and he committed to taking certain steps for him and his family.  His wife, who had joined us halfway through, looked as if she were going to cry.  She was happy!

      The mission is true.  It is a blissful experience.  Though hard at times, I have found so much joy in this journey.  I am feeling the firm winds of conversion fill my sails each day as I move closer and closer to my Father in Heaven.

      I love you guys.  Please, always remember that.  I appreciate all you do for me.  I pray for you that you may continue to be blessed.

With love and sincerity,

Elder Gold

Missionary Muscles . . . Keep Lifting Where You Stand!

 Heya Fam,

      Just read all your emails.  So, the sad news... Didn't get to watch any conference.  This is the first time I'm hearing anything about it. Eighteen-year-old missionaries???  That is so sick!  I also heard from another missionary just now that sisters can be 19.  I love what Elder Packer once said about it: "We send out TEENAGERS by the thousands, and the only justification we have is that it works."  Enough said.  I know the Lord qualifies those whom He chooses.  You have Pastors and Ministers and Bishops that tear the bible apart, put it back together, and tear it up again in theology school, and an eighteen or nineteen-year-old boy, just out of high school, only has a witness from the spirit that what he has known all his life is true.  How can teenagers teach the gospel with no formal instruction in doctrine, philosophy, or even social interaction and bring thousands to a belief in the true and everlasting gospel?  Because its true.  No contest.

      Well, we will have an opportunity to see probably one or two sessions of conference on the 31st of this month.  I'll look forward to getting the church magazine though, and buying the DVD's from the mission.  I'm still watching and reading and re-reading last conference.  Man, conference is sweet.

      So, my new companion is Elder Zingoni from Bindura, Zimbabwe.  He is fresh from the Mission Training Center and he is really a funny guy.  Likes to make jokes.  He reminds me of Elder Ncube, who was also from Zim, but Elder Zingoni is a little more quiet.  We have this 12 week training program that all the trainers take the new missionaries through now.  It calls for an extra hour of study each morning.  So that is 3 hours of study almost everyday (except Monday).  The training program is really good.  I went through it, and it helped me.  It also helps the trainer to keep growing and building on the basics.  A missionary quoted Elder McConkie once who said that one could spend his life studying the basic doctrines and principles of the gospel and not come close to learning everything.  So, I have a long way to go and the training program will help both of us.

      This is what I said to president about it: "As for myself, I had a good testimony builder experience as a result of the training program.  I had a bit of a stumbling block as far as leading out in training, and for a moment thought myself inadequate for what was ahead.  But, I pushed that thought out and found that I had the Lord's help to fulfill my calling so long as I gave all I could."

      The lord qualifies those whom he calls.

      The work slowed down this last week.  When the time of transfers comes, the Bloemfontein area turns into a frenzy for the missionaries.  Because we are so far away there is a lot of late night buses and transport issues and waiting time.  So, the area was impacted a little, but we are gonna start off fresh and strong this week.

      As far as the pictures, try to pick the one where I'm not so chubby.  Jordan said I'm getting missionary muscles.  I say, "I need more room for my spirit because its growing."  :p

I love you guys.  Keep lifting where you stand!

      Elder Landon T. Gold


Monday, October 16th, 2012

      Hey Dad, I just looked at the attachment from your Ward Mission Leader.  You guys are blessed!  To have such a successful correlation between the ward and missionaries is amazing!  When the ward or branch and missionaries correlate, the work moves forward at an exponential rate.  I've seen it here in this branch.  For years there was no correlation with the missionaries, let alone even auxiliary meetings and such.  But last month we started correlation with a new Branch Mission Leader who is a prospective missionary.  He isn't the easiest to work with if you don't know how to handle him, but I understand him and we are working together to help the work move forward.  We are preparing four people for baptism at this time, and this week we expect that one more individual will possibly commit.  There is one young man who we had our second lesson with last Wednesday. We taught the restoration.  I don't want to say "we" though, because it was the spirit who taught.  It was one of the most powerful lessons I've experienced, and it was just as powerful for him as well as the spirit testified to him that these things are true.  He is attending church and reading the Book of Mormon, and has willingly accepted a date for baptism on the sixteenth of December.  I feel weak in describing the significance of what happened, but know that my testimony of the spirit grew immensely from that one lesson.
      
      Training a new missionary has been a thing of its own.  It requires a lot from all aspects of you, but I'm glad to be doing it.    :)

This is my update for the week. Kinda short :p

Walking in the Light

Hey Family,

      Man almighty!  The photos you took of Zion National Park were sick, especially the one of Jordan in the darkened slot canyon walking in the light.  You guys all look great!  :p  And what a spiritual experience with the Jimmy (see editor’s note below).  God works so mysteriously, but I’m proud of you guys for making such a selfless decision.

      Well, last night we dropped off Elder Fokuo in Bloem.  It was a late night because the bus was so late.  We didn’t get home till 2 o’clock.  I’m just waiting in anticipation for my new companion.  I can pronounce his name, and I still don’t know where he is from.  He will fly into Bloem tomorrow with the other missionaries companion.



      Well, the work is still moving, and so am I.  There hasn’t been anything spectacular this week that I can remember, other than Elder Fokuo saying his goodbyes.  Just seeing the distress in his face yesterday as we were in the area, and getting a sense for what he is feeling, I’m glad I’m not him in the sense that I still have time on my mission.  I guess you could say the end of the two years is a great and terrible day :p



      I love you guys.  I pray for you.  Keep praying for us, all of us, we need it.  The adversary is working VERY hard on the missionaries.



Stay lekkar Ma, Bru's.


Elder Gold

Editor’s Note:

      Just before opening Landon's letter this week I made a statement to Steve that, "I sure hope he has sent photos because we haven't anymore to go with this weeks post."  None were attached, but the irony of his first statement referencing photo's that we had taken in Zion National Park gave way for the image of his brother titled 'Walking in the Light' to be used instead.

       When traveling home from this canyoneering adventure in Zion National Park our vehicle broke down.  We were in the dark literally as well as figuratively, not knowing what to do.  The story in detail is meant for another day but there is one aspect of this journey that I do want to share.  Troubled by a predicament of possibly being stranded on the side of a freeway close to 50 miles from Las Vegas we said a prayer pleading with Heavenly Father to bring us safely there. . . which He did.  However, once there we needed real answers to the problem of what to do with an old vehicle that was too good to scrap yet too expensive to fix.  Each solution we thought of would come with its own roadblocks, stalemating us in the end.  It wasn't until we stopped looking at what we could do and asked what He would have us do that the answer came clearly directed from above.  With twenty hours of blindly trying to find the right way we were finally brought into the light.  There was a family who, under the watchful eye of a loving bishop, was made known to us.  This family with four children, a mother with cancer and a father out of work had no vehicle.  The father had worked for twenty years as a mechanic and has the skills needed to bring this vehicle back into operation.  When he had stated that, "This is an answer to our prayers" I could sense how very important it was to the family.  I can only imagine how difficult it would be to pursue employment without means of transportation.  I was very humbled to see the appreciation this family had in receiving a broken down Jimmy.

      You know, as I reflect on the events that brought us to the end result I can't help but to see the process we took to finally get to where we needed to be.  So often we are surrounded by darkness as life's challenges appear to encroach upon the peace and safety of our world.  I have found, time and time again, that the path best taken does not always come with clear illumination.  By relying solely on our natural senses and tunnel visioned view an illuminated path can often be hard to find.  Selfishness, pride and fear tend to cloud and possibly blind us from seeing just where we are to go.  So much time was spent seeking out our own will, when quite simply we should have looked up to the source from which our light comes and asked simply, "What is your will?"  Once spoken, a pathway was illuminated, and finally we were able to walk in the light.
    

Straightened Up and Walked With the Best Posture I Could

Hey Ya Fam Bam!

So two and a half stories this week:

Story 1

      Thursday night my lower back imploded on me.  I got a blessing from my companion as soon as I could.  Man, the pain wasn’t fun!  I had to lie on the floor for most of the next morning (maybe 4 hours or so) before I thought more of the people we needed to go see than of me.  Then, I went through Friday with heightened pain.  I went to the chemist and got some muscle relaxers because I thought the pain was from tightened muscles, but it wasn’t.  The pain medications didn’t really help.

      Honestly, it was just a normal thing for this guy (me) with a grandpa's back.  I wouldn’t have been disappointed about it in the least except for one thing.  On Saturday our community was hosting a 10K fun run.  We got permission a few weeks back to participate, and honestly, I was really looking forward to doing it.  But based on the fact that I could hardly walk the 30 feet to our car confirmed that I wasn’t going to be able to.

      I’ve heard it said that, “What’s important to you is important to the Lord.”  So I thought I would just let Him know that I was looking forward to the run.  However, I had decided I wasn’t going to participate, and that was it.  The other Elders, who had also prepared to race, were still excited to run.  Friday night I prayed, and then fell asleep.  On Saturday morning, the day of the run, I woke up early to do some studying.  My condition had improved to some degree, as it usually does with time, but I was still in no condition to run.  In those early hours I had two thoughts: The voice of my momma saying, "Lack of movement creates lack of movement,” and the second thought I had was to just DO IT.

      Against everything, . . . I decided to run!  They say that smiling even when you are not happy inside can actually make you happy.  I thought that maybe it would be the same with my back.  I put on a smile, straightened up, walked with the best posture I could and got ready for the race.

      After we arrived at the race and took care of everything, we went to the starting line.  There were a lot of people (maybe more than 100), many of whom were very well prepared.  Thinking of my own preparation, I had realized that I had ran only once during the last three weeks.  No excuses, just the busy life of a missionary.

      We started the run.  I kept a consistent and good pace, soon forgetting about the pain.  With each individual I passed I felt stronger and healthier.  Pretty soon the crowed had spread out and I knew I was closer to the front than the back of the pack.  Six kilometers down and I was feeling good.  Keeping my pace. Seven, great!  Eight, and I had passed a few more guys.  After the ninth kilometer I was on a runners high.  I felt light as air and was moving faster than I thought I had strength.  Shooting through the finish line I found out that I was in twelfth place and had run the 10k in just over 40 minutes.  Since crossing that finish line (almost two days later) the only pains I have are the sore muscles in my legs. HOW MERCIFUL IS MY FATHER?!  Oh, so Merciful and Loving!

...................................................

Story 2

      After the run we were heading to our area.  We had four missionaries in the car as well as a member who participated and was going to be teaching with the other elders for the day.  The road we take is a two lane national highway through the rural country.  As we were about 10 kilometers from the other elder’s area a very nice suv pulled up behind us.  In it were three large men.  They suddenly began to pass us on the highway then stopped half way so they were right next to us.  They were yelling out of the car at us but we couldn’t hear what they were saying.  They pulled in front and signaled for us to pull over.  I was driving and had noticed the license plate said GP, which meant they were from Johannesburg.  Jo Burg isn’t a nice place.  They hit the brakes forcing us to slow down.  I tried to veer around them but they blocked the road.  We were stopped and they got out of the car.  They were HUGE and angry.  I looked in the mirror; saw no one coming from behind or front, and my instincts told me to reverse so that’s what I did.  I quickly flipped the car around and drove another way to the area.  Everyone was pretty confused and a little shaken.  Being very aware of who was around us in-case we met up with those guys again we dropped the guys off and drove to our area.  We then went to the Chapel for a meeting and as we got out of the car, that very same car pulled into the parking lot.  I was honestly scared as they approached us, until they reached out their hands.  They apologized and let us know who they were; A couple of return missionaries who served here seven years-ago.  They were just pulling a joke.  Well we laughed.  I thought it was funny.  Elder Fokuo didn’t, but it was a good experience.

1/2 Story

      Bayo and Kutloano were confirmed members of the church today. Very Sweeeeet :)

      So, Mission President just informed me that I’ll be training a new missionary these next two transfers.  I’m super excited and am glad for the responsibility.  It’s gonna be nice.

I love you family.

Always,

      Elder Gold

It Was a Tremendous Week.

 Hello Family! 



            Well my week was superb. Moving backwards we had 2 baptisms yesterday!  I know that I have been saying three this whole time but, at the last minute the little girl's family decided it would be better to have her wait until someone from the family could baptize her.  We, as well, feel it was a good decision.  But Kutloano and Bayo were baptized yesterday, and oh how sweet it was :)  The baptismal service ran remarkable well; with the exception of the zoo... I mean daycare that was happening in the other rooms for the little kids.  But the spirit was strong, and so were the feeling, especially for the two candidates. 

While Kutloano was changing I was talking to him.  He couldn’t really put words to the experience, but he managed to say the he feels clean, with sincerity that only a Newborn Child of Christ could have. 

Later that evening we went to Bayo's home.  Remember, she has a husband who is a strong member, as well as a 2-year-old boy.  She is generally shy, but she was sooo excited, and as you looked at her face, and into her eyes, you could see that light in her that Christ promised would shine to all the world as a standard. The Gospel is true.  Just as a reminder, she has been taught for, I think, four years now.  She never could commit to baptism. Sometimes the relationship with the missionaries wasn’t very strong and she had yet to gain her own testimony. 

Well, as we were leaving their home, Tshepo (her Husband) walked us out.  He said, “Congratulations guys!  None of the other missionaries could do it.”  Then with swollen heart and eyes he smiled and said, "I’ve waited so long for this day.  For years I didn’t push her because I didn’t want her to rely on my testimony.  Today when she bore her testimony, I knew it was her own. Thank you."   MAN, it was so tender and powerful!!!  As we continued to talk he outlined excitedly his plans for them to be sealed in the temple.  What more could I have asked for than for this family to go to the temple? Nothing.  When they do go, well, my joy is and will be indescribable. 

Most of the active branch attended the baptism.  We have a strong branch now.  They have and will continue to fellowship these two really well. 

Ok, so that was the baptism. 

This Friday we had not as much time in the area as usual.  Wednesday Elder Fokuo was sick so we stayed home.  Thursday our car broke down in the morning (ya we have a car) and we had to take it to Bloemfontein, 65 k's from our area.  Friday we had interviews in Bloem with President Von Stetten, and then had to do our weekly planning (the time we take every Friday to plan for the coming week, especially about investigators and what they need and are struggling with and what we can do to help them.)   Saturday was normal, and then Sunday was baptisms again.  But it was a tremendous week.  I can’t complain. 



So Jordan, you got a birthday coming up, Eh?  It is INSANE to think your gonna be 17.  You are too old.  Well I have a few things for you, and the family, but I’ll probably send it all out at once sometime in November. 



Also I want to note, that I’ve been reading cover to cover the Book of Mormon while I’ve been her, just to add upon my testimony. I don’t really have words to express what I want to say, but I can say that my testimony has never been more intense or stronger. The Book is True.  As well, because of that my testimony has increased in GLORY of the church and the gospel, of Christ, of Joseph Smith, and everything that accompanies them.  It just all makes sense, and the spirit told me so.

        I love you Guys so, so much. 
The Gospel is true.  Aint nothin more true than that. 

I love you guys.  Stay strong. 


Elder Gold

They Were Beautiful. . . All of Them!

Hey ya Family! 



 The work seems to be moving.  We have three baptisms this Sunday which I am just soooooo excited for :)  I’m sure I have filled you in on those three people, Kutloana, Bahedile (Bayo), and Remo who is nine.  They are all from part member families in one way or another.  It just shows how helpful and important it is to work with the members.

Well, last week we went to the ‘Cheetah Experience.’  They are actually a non-profit preserve that raises these cats.  We got up close with HUGE lions, Jumpy Caracoles, dangerous leopards and panthers, playful tigers, and elegant cheetahs.  They were beautiful. . . all of them!  We also had the opportunity to handle some of the babies.  There was a baby black leopard that jumped up on my head and started chewing on me :p
 


      So, I got the package.  It was very nice to get.  I also got the hard drive and have spent some time backing up all my music and talks and photos so I don’t loose them again.  Thank you guys for your thoughtfulness, but most importantly for your prayers.  I’m trying to make the most of my time out here.  Trying to work as hard as I can, and to fulfill my purpose. 



 I love you all:)



Elder Gold