FATHER, PLEASE SEND A MISSIONARY OPPORTUNITY 1st & 4th February, 2016

On the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?"  Each time Peter's reply was the same. "Thou knowest that I love thee."  And each time the Savior instructed Peter, "Feed my lambs....Feed my sheep....Feed my sheep."  

Our last mission we had so many opportunities to bear our testimony of our Heavenly Father and Savior.  Dennis and I have missed greatly these chances.  We have been praying daily that the Lord would provide an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. And he answered those prayers. A few weeks ago a young man approached Dennis in the lobby and told him he was a return missionary but was inactive.  But he said that he wanted himself, his wife (who was a non-member), and his six-year old daughter to receive the missionary lessons.   Dennis gave the elders his phone number and Monday night this sweet family came to our home for dinner and a gospel discussion with the elders.

Also, a few weeks ago, a young girl noticed Dennis' name tag and said that she had received a pass-a-long card in Killarney mall that had this church name and she had called the number on the card.  She was so excited to meet someone who belonged to that church.  Again, the missionaries were contacted and the elders asked if she could come to our flat also on Monday.  Are you kidding?  We were so excited.  The Lord opened the heavens and poured down four people to teach.  We are so grateful that He answered our prayers.  We had such a great evening and look forward to making "disciples" of these people.

We started with a braai outside on the patio
Bro. Malu Yantumba, his wife Milenda and their daughter. 

 Happy from Botswana - she lives on the 6th floor of our building.  She had a follow-up appointment  on Wednesday night in our flat but had to work late.  Shame. They met again on Saturday in the park because we were not going to be available.

 After dinner, the elders showed the First Vision and then bore testimony.  Then all four of them and Dennis shared their feelings of the video.  Powerful spirit.

 Elder Pickup and Masoka (who returns home to Port Elizabeth the end of the month)

Bro. Malu Yantumba, Milenda (his wife) and daughter (forgot her name)

The whole group.

Happy

Thursday night we had Rhona over for dinner.  She is our Jewish neighbor.  She has been so kind to us since we have been here.  For Christmas, her brother flew her over to America where she had a marvelous time and we wanted to hear all about it.  Our evening started at 6:30 and ended at 9:30. Such great conversation.  She shared so many experiences where she saw the hand of her Heavenly Father directing her life.  Her husband passed away a few years ago and knows he is watching over her.  We bore our testimonies of how families can be together forever.  Her believes and ours are very similar.  Love this lady.

Rhona, our Jewish neighbor (eish, a terrible pose)

(I knew somewhere deep down in my brain that there was something that Jews did not eat.  When we sat down for supper, I asked Rhona if she had any dietary restrictions.  She said I eat everything but pork.  Oops - I had fixed corn chowder with bacon!!!  I was extremely apologetic.  Very graciously, she took the bacon pieces out.  Of all the times to not fix chicken!)

THANK YOU FATHER!!!!!!!!!

"It will be a great day when our people not only pray for the missionaries throughout the world, but ask the Lord to help them to assist the missionaries...." President Gordon B. Hinckley.

"Don't ever forget, brothers and sisters, that you and I have in our possession the very points of doctrine that will bring people to the Lord.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power to bring deep and abiding happiness to the human soul - something that will be valued and cherished for the rest of time and for all eternity.  We are not just trying to get people to join our Church; we are sharing with them the fullness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  But as powerful as our message is, it cannot be imposed or forced upon people.  It can only be shared--heart to heart, soul to soul, spirit to spirit--by being good neighbors and by caring and showing love.  We need to be watchful for one another and reach out to one another.  And as we do so, we will radiate the gospel in our own lives, and it will radiate to the people the blessings the gospel has to offer."  M Russell Ballard