Modern Medicine and Priesthood Blessings

Dear Mom, Dad & Jordan (and all others who will read),

      Let me re-cant the past few days in the life of a missionary, starting with the temporal.  Wednesday night we were whizzing off to our last appointment.  The redneck gene that I inherited from dad reared to the sight of a dead animal on the side of the road.  We quickly turned around to examine and find out what it was, and we discovered it to be a serval (a wild predator cat).  Its pelt was beautiful, like that of a leopard.  It is a little bigger than a house cat with a long tail, pointy ears, and stout nose.  My first thought was, “Let’s skin it!”

      So, with the cat in the boot (trunk), we whizzed home . . . (our last appointment was notthere).  As you know, we have a security guard who watches over the house and us at night.  His name is Nkosi-khona (meaning ‘the king has arrived’).  Upon seeing us pull the serval out of the boot he happily expressed his desire to eat it.  Well, I thought to myself, “I found this thing on the road.  I don’t know how long it has been dead . . . Should I eat it??  DEFINITELY!!”  So, I went to work and skinned the whole thing.  Nkosi-khona proceeded to chop it into segments as Elder Chathyoka prepared the braai (BBQ).  The three of us sat around the fire and shared the cat.

      Thursday night we were in a village called Nosita.  We were visiting a less active family who has four very vicious dogs.  Upon leaving, two members of the family went out to make sure the dogs were not around.  I left the house and stepped into the dark night when the two members nervously said one of the dogs was there.  This battle-hardened veteran slowly

approached the two members keeping his eyes in my direction, giving a low growl.  They grabbed him and franticly told me to get inside.  Almost in an instant I understood why, as the dog ripped itself from their grasp and charged at me.  In an attempt to kick it, it landed on my left leg and for a few seconds threw me down like a stuffed animal.  Finally the members came
and, after kicking it hard, the dog released from my leg and left.  We went inside and found ripped trousers and a bleeding leg.  For all the damage done, I was shocked to learn the dog had only one tooth . . . I have 24 and all I could do was kick it.  They cleaned out my wounds and I went home.

      Friday we decided to tell Sister Von Stetten about the bite.  She told us to go back and make sure the dog had rabies’s shots.  Saturday we went there and, to no surprise, it was not current with any shots.  This is Africa.  By this time, we have gotten a new mission president,

President Zachrison.  I counseled with him, and there were two factors that led to the decision to go to the emergency room: #1, the spiritual impression he had that I should go (keep in mind that he landed in Africa the night prior, has never seen me, and is only talking over the phone).  #2, the terrible infection that was brewing in the wounds.

      Since I’m from over seas and don’t have medical aid in this country the cost for me to receive treatment is tremendously high . . . around 4000 Rand (approximately $400 US).  So, the Branch President Freddy came with us to cover the expenses.  Boy, am I glad we went to the hospital.  The doctor did not like what he saw.  Based on the infection, deepness of the bites, and situation he said the dog was rabid.  He told me that; “should you have put off coming in to the hospital a few more days, there would have been no treatment able to help you.”  He mixed a giant cocktail of Rabie-gamma, Tetanus, and other drugs in a giant syringe and injected me.  I will now be starting a 14-day course of rabie’s treatment to counter act the rabie’s.  I am grateful for modern medicine and priesthood blessings.  Both played a vital role in preserving me.  Also, while at the hospital they discovered I have ring worm.  Not to serious, but funny that all those things are happening.

      So, amid all those physical set backs, they don’t compare to the spiritual challenges.  This area is not easy.  We have had to start from scratch.  No investigators, and there is nobody to teach.  We have to go out and find them all.  You remember last week I told you about the Zoto family?  Well, we don’t have contact with them right now.  We don’t know why; they won’t answer our calls, respond to texts, and they are not home when we go by.  It looks like the same situation as Oren . . . and it breaks my heart.  I think it’s the closest experience I can have at this age that compares to that of a parent and a way-ward child; or Heavenly Father and us.  But, despite all, I have learned to keep a positive attitude.  If we dwell and complain and sulk, our strength is sapped, our faith shrivels, and we are not effective in this work.

      I really have a great companion.  Elder Chathyoka is from Malawi.  He joined the church three-years-ago despite terrible opposition from his family.  His father is a pastor/founder of another church in Malawi called ‘Tree of Life.’  They have about five or six branches.  His father reacted terribly to him joining the church, as the church in Malawi is seen as a satanic cult.

      Well, because of Elder Chathyoka’s faithfulness, his sister also joined the church around the same time.  She recently got a call to serve a mission in Kenya.  But that is not the main point.  The main point is that last Monday Elder Chathyoka got a short email from his mom saying that the WHOLE FAMILY is getting baptized.  Who is in the whole family?  Mom, Dad, six other siblings, and five extended family members who currently live with them.  We didn’t know what to think because there was not much detail in the email.  So, he got permission to call home.  He spoke with his older brother and confirmed it was all true.  They will be baptized the 14^th of July.

      What a miracle, his prayers were heard by God.  Because of his service, I know that the Lord has blessed him.  As I continue in this work, my testimony of it deepens.  I know this work is true.  I wish I could give all my time, the rest of my life.  I cringe that I have only seven more months remaining.  My hand is still to the plow.

I love you,

          Elder Gold

Editor’s Note:

 

            When receiving Landon’s correspondence this week the above photos were viewed yet, for a few hours, I was unable to read the words on the highly pixilated images sent of his journal entry that told the story.  Just think of how imaginative my mind got as I tried to conjure up the details of the story upon looking at the sequence of photos.  Once again, worry didn’t seem to overtake my emotions but a calm and methodical process took control.  The natural mom would of course be worried and concerned with such images, so my only explanation is that the spirit has helped in the process.  Yes, the photos and story told are exciting, humorous and shocking at points, but what I find wonderful about this letter is written in the final paragraph.  Landon tells of his companion’s family, all 13 members who will soon be baptized.  As I compiled this post I started to ponder how wonderful and miraculous this truly is.  Here we have a man whose son joined a church that he and many others throughout their country views as a religious cult, which I’m sure has brought much mistrust and concern.  Not only did his son join but also a daughter around the same time, and both will be serving as full-time missionaries.  This man is a religious man, so much so that he is the founder of a church, and not just a small church.  His church is rather large with five or six branches.  So, then I think about this being his livelihood and how he not only is providing for eight family members but another five extended family members living with he and his wife as well.  This man of faith has so many people in his household who depend on him for support both temporally and spiritually.  Imagine:  he has learned that the church his two children have joined is the restored Church of Jesus Christ and, through his own prayers and humility, gains a testimony of its truthfulness.  Now what?  Such courage I cannot fathom.  He now will leave the church he has built, the flock he has lead and the financial security he has created, and will be numbered among the saints…one of millions to follow the Saviors teachings and to join the greatest volunteer army this world has known.  Why would such a person give up so much you might ask?  Well, he truly knows that what he has been given is priceless above rubies by which there shall unfold mysteries of an eternal degree . . . for now he understands.

"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  

This Place is a Haven!

Hello Family,

       Well, still emailing at the chapel with restricted time but I can send photos now :)

       Okay, there is a lot to say. Let me try to say it all.

       We live in Uvongo, just four clicks from Margate.  I can’t believe president sent me here.  We are one and a half hours from the nearest elders, almost two hours from Durban.  ALL COASTAL!  We work the area between Port Shepstone and Port Edward.  It’s best comparison in all ways in Laguna Beach.  This place is a haven!  I see the ocean every day, sometimes just meters away.  I bite my tongue as I see empty clean waves overhead size.  But it is interestingly having a refreshing effect upon my spirit to be so close to the ocean again.  I just brim with joy despite all that lies ahead.

      So, Margate isn't going to be easy.  The branch has been here close to 55 years and has 74 members, only about 30 active.  It is a vacation and retirement community.  I had an interview with the mission president on Thursday and we spoke about the area and its challenges.  He confided a lot of trust in me, which gave me more confidence.  The Lord is expecting things from us.

      We live in a big house.  Three full bedrooms and a master, 2 bath (I have my own bathroom), large kitchen, 2 very large living rooms, car port, and extra outside rooms all on a piece of land about the size of half a football field... and its all ours... Oh, and we have a personal security guard who guards our property and us.

      My companion is Chathyoka from Malaui.  He is a very nice guy.

So my time is out.

Love you,

Elder Gold

Trying to Stay Focused and Work

Hey Familia,

  Thank you as well for your inspired letters.  Your letters have helped me a lot at times when I need it, and give me additional strength.  I do hear what other elders get from their parents; sometimes short, or bland, or full of information about the happenings of home that can sometimes distract.

      So the scriptures I wanted to get covered in animal skin have not yet come in. So I bought a little bit of leather today and when a pair of scriptures comes in I’m going to have the other elders bind it.  I thought about it and felt that the one pair should go to Jordan.  In fact that’s what I planned.  Hopefully he will appreciate them and gain a deeper love for the scriptures in the process.

      We went to this place called Victoria Street Market today as well, where they sell many souvenirs, traditional art work and such.  I don’t know when I’ll be back in Durban so I got some things that I’m going to send home.

      The week was a good week.  I’m trying to stay focused and work.  We had a lesson with a family that we hadn’t seen in a long while (a ma and her husband and young child).  Her questions revolved around infant baptism and why it is not needed.  Once again I saw the Book of Mormon shed clarity where there is confusion.  At the end of the lesson she said this:

      "I want to tell you guys something’s, and I hope it doesn’t freak you out; but I have to tell  you.  Every time you walk into my home, you bring a warmth and a light that I only feel when you are here.  I never feel it unless you're here.  There is a light around you, and I know that sounds weird, but I just need to tell you."

      I was very surprised at this, but we acted quick and told her what it was that she was feeling.

      We got this referral from the mission office for a man and his wife who stay in Westville.  We went to his home only to find out that he is a member (out of the church for 10 years).  He is still fairly young but married and has a child coming this or next week.  He has just had a change of heart after 10 years in the world. He just wants happiness.  We are teaching him like an investigator, and he is grabbing everything by the horns.  We have a lot in common (as far as roads walked), and relate really well to each other.

      Well, that’s my weekly report.  I’m currently reading the missionary chapters with Ammon and Aaron and those other fine missionaries.  So lifting.  I wish to be like them.

All my wishes and love,

God Speed.

Elder Gold