Monday, June 12, 2017

Fwd: Bitter-sweet Last week (with "The District")

Hello! Well this was the final week of what President Merrill calls, "The District".

We have been the first all Utahn district in his 3 year tenure, and we have loved every second of it. We even got 3 more weeks together, and now it is all done. 

This week was spent hitting up people, saying goodbye to people, and enjoying teaching the amazing people that we have. 

The highlight of this week was definitely Sunday. After a very hectic week with all of the elders tough situation, no car, getting robbed, and having a long time in search to get "in" with the South African gangs, we were ready for a great Sabbath. 

And that is what we got. Almost all of the people that committed to coming to church came. Of course we had those few flakes, and we were really sad, but judging the people that came, you can never be mad or disappointed in that! Gospel principles class was PACKED. It was amazing! After a great church block, we gathered for a branch pic. It was really hard. but, we got a good majority of the 100 people in attendance to stay! Then those stayed for the baptism of Anelisa and Honey!

Anelisa is the niece of Zikhona, and powerful member of a couple years. She is 13 and loves life. She has come to church often with her aunt (sister basically) who she stays with. We were blessed to meet her as she was so prepared and ready. I had the amazing opportunity to baptise her, in the coldest water ever. It is getting colder and colder here, which means the water in this pool in the back room is just freezing. WORTH IT. Felt like redfish in april.

We had good lessons with the Dyantyi family. They are a big family, who love church, come every sunday, and then will leave at 1030 to go to there church. we were really bold this week with them, and committed them to b e baptised on july 9th. and really hoping and praying that they will have enough faith to leave their church if they know it is true. It may take time to get them all, but Pumza right now seems to be the leader of the family. She knows it is true, and I think really wants to make that step. She will do it. Just as Alec said, have faith, test the promises, expect a miracle. 

It was a very hard working, great week. And Im so thankful for the time that Elder Kyles and I have had to work together and meet so many amazing people. The Lord guides us, and there are people everywhere ready for the gospel. I love it! GO share the gospel with everyone. THEY ARE READY!

Tell God that you want to find 2 people today, and that you will bring 2 new people to church. And then keep his commandments, work hard, and do what is right. The Lord will Provide. 

Love, Elder Ivins


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