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

My Favorite Possessions . . . Are Books!

Hey MOM and DAD!!!

      Well, WOW.  I’m pretty amazed at this Book of Mormon Project. . .(refer to editor's note from the July 16th post to understand more.  This project is now underway.)  I think it is the Bee's Knees!  As often as I write in my journal, I think about how amazing books are.  My favorite possessions on mission are my books.  A thought I had was how cool would it be to put all General Conference addresses in bound book form?  I think it would be very sweet.  I have collected about 5 or 6 General Conference magazines but they fall apart easy.

     
       So, as far as the work: 

We have 3 investigators planning to be baptized on the 16th of September.  They are:  One woman who is about 30-years-old and whose husband has been a member for 11 years, another little girl who is 9 whose family are all members (mom and brother active), and a kid named Kutloano.  I am equally excited for all of them, but Kutloano has a special place in my heart.  He is 16 years old and lives with his grandma who is not a member but loves the missionaries.  He has an uncle who is a member and served in Ghana some years back.  His parents are late (I believe by this Landon means that they have passed on).  His uncle lives in Pretoria but has had a huge influence on him. What I can say in that he is truly converted.  He keeps all commitments we give him, understands perfectly what he is taught, attends seminary, mutual, and church every Sunday, and HUNGERS for more truth.  He has determined to serve a mission, which is just the icing on the cake.  My joy hasn’t been greater on this mission than it has been with and for this kid.  Just thought I would let you know :)

Also, we have been working with many less actives.   Over the past month we have found 24 individuals and 15 have begun coming back to church :) The work is sweet and so is the joy. 

Thus far my mission has been very refining.  I feel I have grown in some degree.  I’m sure you have heard a little about some of my struggles as I share them.  They have helped me greatly. 



      The gospel is true and the church is true and there is nothing greater in this world or in the heavens.  My testimony is simple.  The details are extensive.  Heavenly Father lives, and Christ lives. This is His gospel, and His Church.  They both act to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  We are apart of His Church, His Gospel, and His glory. 

There is so much more I could share with you, but I think this sufficeth for now.  In my journal I log a lot of events that happen, and soon you will be able to read about my mission.  Do you keep a journal?  The most important things we should write down are the revelations and spiritual things, and shouldn't our lives be consecrated to the spiritual?  Dad, can I ask you to keep a journal? I think it will be very important in the future. 



I love you all! 
Your African Hooligan, 


Elder Gold



With Cheerful and Glad Hearts

Hello All,

      Well, this week we had a ‘Mormon Helping Hands’ service project with the church branch.  We built twelve large vegetable beds at an AIDS Rehabilitation Center.  It was so very nice to see everyone coming together and working for the greater cause.

      The most pressing thing on my mind now, however, is what happened on Sunday (which we feel is the result after our and the branches efforts).   We had ten Less Active members show up for church!  Members who had been years without coming or being involved or even in contact with the church!  The branch members didn’t question them when they came, or inquired deeply about their inactivity, but welcomed them with open arms.  It was truly sweet to see, but even sweeter for those individuals, was the feeling of being loved and accepted . . . with cheerful and glad hearts.

      Man Dad, you are a missionary.  I get very excited hearing your missionary experiences each week.  We have a handful of men (young and not so young) who are always willing to come with us to appointments.  It helps tremendously and means so very much, so on behalf of the Elders back home, Thanks :)

      Mom, Thanks for the stories about the talks, and even that snippet from Stake Conference. That was very much inspiring.  As I am six-months out on mission now I’m making a few improvement goals.  One such goal is to have a cheerful light with me wherever I go no matter the day, or the situation (because at times its hard).  Also, I’m going to focus more on the work, the people, and the gospel, and Christ of course.

I love you all, thank you for your prayers!

Love, Elder Gold

This is a Proving Ground

Yo, so here is the update this week family!

      It snowed on Tuesday!  It was very cold, though it was very cool to have snow in Africa.  My companion comes from the tropics of Ghana so he was suffering.   :p

      So, I have two stories for you today:  Well, we met a less active member at church a few weeks back who invited us to his home.  We went to get to know him and see how we could help him.  Many years ago he used to be the Second Counselor in the Branch Presidency.  He felt so much of his time was taken up by the church in meetings, interviews, activities, projects, etc., that he didn’t have any time for himself.  So, slowly he began taking more time for himself, less time for others, and slowly he fell back into the old group of friends, the old hangouts, the old booze and tobacco, and the old habits.  Years go by and he realizes there is no happiness.  Here comes the amazing part: He determines to overcome his addictions.  He leaves everything and comes back to church.  He fully relies on the Lord.  How does he fully rely on the Lord?  Well, by fasting EVERY 3RD DAY!!!  No-matter what.  Forty-eight-hours goes by and he fasts for 24 hours.  Another 48 hours, and another 24.  Incredible!  His faith was huge and is increasing ever more, and he is on his way home.  There are several things I learned from him.

      Second:  Two weeks ago we visited an old but strong member.  She wanted us to come by before she left to go to Bloemfontein to undergo an operation.  She has been tested and scanned and poked and prodded for months now.  She has a large, fast growing tumor on her ovaries or something that they believe to be cancerous.  Her surgery date had been put off for several months but finally she was going under the knife.  She asked for a blessing, which we administered as I acted as voice.  Fast forward to last Wednesday:  we heard she was back home but had no news about the surgery.  So we went to her home and sat down with her.  She has faith.  She told us how she went in for preparations for surgery.   They ran a few more tests and couldn’t find the tumor.  Then she underwent more tests, and . . . nothing.  Days of scanning, ultra sounds, x-rays and, . . . no tumor.  It’s GONE!

Moroni 7:27-29 states . . .”Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?

For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.  And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men."

      Truly this was a tearful miracle before my eyes, one that has built my faith.

      I am learning how to get along with people on my mission through much trial. Each companion brings something new, and quite honestly, it gets painful.  But, I’m grateful for them.  I love them.  This is a proving ground, truly a LEARNING ground.

      I am enjoying my mission (the Lords mission).  I would not trade it for anything, not even coming home (though at times a feel to).  I am learning to talk with and put my trust in the Lord.  Just thought you should know :)

I love you Mom, I love you Dad, I love you Jordan.

Salahantle (stay well),

Elder Gold

There Is No Better

Hey Ya Momma!

Well this one will be quick:

      Lately my back has given me little twinges, but nothing big.  I can attribute that to your prayers and fasts (at least I know Mariah is fasting for that).  It’s so nice to have a family and friend that care greatly :)

      Well, I went to the dentist today and had a little fix on a tooth that chipped. Nothing big.

      I’m glad you got Austin and Julia the statue of Christ for a wedding present.  You said that you couldn’t think of anything better . . . well, that’s because there is no better.  I get giddy whenever I see the Christus in videos or pictures because it’s such a powerful reminder of Him.  I know they will love it.  They are spiritual giants so I know they will greatly appreciate it.  Give them both a hug for me if you see them after you get this email.   :-)

      I love you and I love this gospel and church and work. That story about the Tongan Branch was very uplifting and inspiring (see editors notes below for details).  Thank you :)

With all my love,

Elder Gold

Just a Note From Mom:

 

      This past Sunday, while on vacation, I attended a church congregation that was not my own.  I was accompanied by a good friend from Canada and her teenage son, and as we joined in singing the opening hymn along with several hundred other voices in the congregation I was rather taken back by the lack of amplification this particular hymn was being sung with.  It was very evident that I was not the only one feeling that the volume of the voices were set on low as my friend’s son looked at me with a raised eyebrow and a questioning smirk.  I quickly confirmed with him that I had the same thoughts and that maybe it was because the hymn we were singing wasn’t one that was sung very often.  Well, to give you an idea as to how quiet it really was, when we both looked back down at the hymnal to pick up from where they were singing we had to strain to listen to their voices so we could start singing in the right place.  It must have taken almost an entire verse before we could pick out the words enough to finally find the place they were at in the music.  Then, half way through the second hymn my friend leans over and says to her son, "Man they sure don't sing the songs like we do in Canada.  Does the volume seem to be turned down to you?"  Well, that confirmed it.  My ears were not the problem.  So then came the challenge.  A challenge most teenage boys would run from.  "Hey, let's sing the closing hymn as if we were in Canada, or perhaps Tonga."  Fair enough!  Much to my surprise he took the challenge, and the added blessing was it happened to be one of my favorite hymns . . . ‘The Spirit of God’.  I loved the irony of those lyrics we sung, "We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven."  And so we sang with all the energy and might our voices allowed as if no one was watching but the angels above.  Sure glad we weren't alone.  The best part came at the end of the meeting when this young man leaned over to his mom and I and stated, “That was the best ever.” 

      This experience reminded me of a talk I heard in Sacrament about a month earlier from Brother Forrest, a high council member of our Stake.  Here is how his talk began:

“Several years ago my wife and I we’re on vacation in Maui. We were eager to attend sacrament services and investigated to see what time church was on Sunday. The only meeting that we could attend was a Tongan branch where all the proceedings were in Tongan. We arrived 10 minutes early only to find the entire congregation already in their seats, the deacons were already seated up front, the teachers had prepared the sacrament and families were sitting reverently together waiting for the service to begin. They were all dressed in their best (even the 3-year-old boys wore white shirts and ties). When the first hymn was sung it was like being in a stake conference. The Tongan saints sang with their whole hearts and soul. We had been given headphones to listen in English but the headphones were inoperable. Nevertheless, even though we rarely understood a word spoken, we could feel the spirit of the talks and it was the most spiritual sacrament meeting that I have every attended.

I learned from this meeting the importance of: Early arrival, Early attention to reverence, and
 Singing Hymns to Him instead of Him.”