In June we told you about a lady and her daughter that Dennis met in Pic N Pay, a grocery store that we shop at. Helen, the daughter, had been baptized in 2010 in the Cosmo City Branch and her mother, Grace Lepopo, had been receiving the discussions but never baptized. Even though she was not a member, Grace had cleaned the school where they attended every Saturday for preparations for the Sabbath. She loved the branch and the teachings but in 2012 she lost her job and they were evicted out of where they stay. They lost contact with the church. As Grace said, she was mad at God because she was trying so hard to be good. Even though they couldn't find the church where they moved to, Grace, Helen and her son, Neo, read from the Book of Mormon and kept the faith. The beginning of 2016, Grace found a good job working for the University of Johannesburg and Helen was at the university. They wanted to return to church but couldn't locate where it was in their new area. Then they saw Dennis at Pic N Pay with his name tag. They approached him, we wrote down their contact information, contacted the missionaries, and the following Wednesday had them and the elders over for dinner and her "new" first discussion. We were blown away with the knowledge that Neo, the 11-year-old son, had of the Book of Mormon. He was ready for baptism! These are the pictures of that evening when they were here for dinner.
Grace, Helen, and their cousin who was also a member
Elders, me and Dennis
Grace, Neo, Helen and cousin
The rest of the story. We kept in contact with Grace but our schedules never coincided to get together again but the elders kept in touch with us on their progress. Many different elders continued to teach them. She had two different baptismal dates but they never happened for various reasons. Finally, on Sunday, 23 October she, Neo and another niece, Mpho, was baptized (we were in Port Elizabeth and couldn't attend...shame) and on Sunday, 30 October they were confirmed and we were able to witness that. What a thrill to feel of her spirit and know that she was now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which she had waited for so long. Her new ward, Johannesburg 2nd, has welcomed her and the family. Her bishop, Sandile Makasi, said she is powerful.....and we agree.
We had them over for dinner on 2 November, 2016
Elders, Grace, Mpho Makhanya, Helen, Neo, Dennis
So blessed to know this good family. We spent the evening listening to their testimonies. How I love being part of the missionary work.
Grace's confirmation day - 30 October 2016
Dennis, Helen, Grace and me
Neo and his friend
"All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church." D & C 20:37
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