Our Cup Runneth Over: 75 KILOMETERS TO LISTEN TO AN APOSTLE 25 August 2016

THE VISIT OF AN APOSTLE

The first week, of August 2016, Elder David A. Bednar was escorted by ASEA President Kevin Hamilton and Elder Mark Palmer, 2nd counselor in the ASEA presidency, to the DRC, a place that I think has captured the heart of Elder Bednar. This is only one of the many stories of the faithfulness of the members there and what it means to them to have an apostle visit their land.

75 Kilometers to Listen to an Apostle of the Lord

Who can imagine two young people, Pierre (16) and Roger (17) of the new branch of Fungurume in Katanga in DR Congo, traveling 75 km on foot for the first time in their lives, to listen to Elder Bednar in Likasi.

"I’ve always loved the talks from Elder Bednar, he is one of the church leaders who inspires me the most", said Roger. In a very assured tone, he continued to explain:" When I learned that he would be in Likasi to speak to members of the Church, I said to myself that I would give anything in the world for this opportunity to see and hear him speak in person.” Roger and his friend Pierre decided to go to Likasi.

Before leaving, Pierre said "I just had 1,000 Congolese Francs (representing 1 USD) for the ration during this long trip on foot. My aunt, who is not a member of the church, gave me 500 CF to add to what I had. It was all she had. She asked me if we would be safe while traveling such a long distance just to listen to a servant of God and I assured her that we would.

Pierre's mother said that his father would give him the money for transport before Saturday, but that did not happen. So the boys decided to leave on foot early the day before Elder Bednar was to speak to avoid the risk of missing this unique opportunity that presented itself to them.

The teenagers walked 12 ½ hours that day. Peter said:" As we were traveling we were very tired. A pickup truck suffered a flat tire just a few meters from us and we offered to help with the repairs. After our help, the driver proposed to take us up to Likasi, which shortened our trip. Since we were exhausted it was as if an angel was sent to succor us.”

When they arrived in Likasi, a member of the stake presidency offered them food and a place to rest. The next day, the young men were able to attend the meeting and it was a very special occasion for them. "After the meeting, we were very blessed to hear the questions and answers between Elder Bednar and the members. That gave us personal answers to some of our daily concerns." said Roger.

Another church member, who became aware of their long journey, chartered his car to bring these two young men home to Fungurume, which saved them many hours of walking. They were grateful for the ride home, but even more thankful for the experience that they had to be in the presence of an apostle of the Lord.

Pierre, President Mwanza, Roger