Fwd: SHELEMBE

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From: Jarod Jason Ivins <jarod.ivins@myldsmail.net>

Wow. Just like that, my coloured comp was gone, and my black son was born.

EL was a bitter sweet moment. Saying goodbye and the end to the district, enjoying last moments, eating good food, reuniting with the first born in the bush (hawkins), seeing good friends, getting puked on, eating lots of good food unavailable in mthatha, mini golfin, aston martins, more food.

Yeah it was awesome. A really fun experience was meeting my new son, Elder Shelembe. It was a nice meeting, where Elder Gibbons and myself switched tags, so for a good 10 min, He had no clue and thought they were comps. It was hilarious, and just fun. He is such a good guy. He is from Johannesburg, and was born a member. He really connects with the people, and makes teaching the gospel so fun. A cool experience was to be with him and elder Hawkins in EL for the night. We went on exchanges and got to be in a tri comp with them. It brought a lot of happiness to me to be teaching with both, so much power from them. I'm so blessed! 

But the first week has been great. He is really adapting to mission, and hastn had any problems. We are getting to work hard, and had an amazing first sunday. KK is doing great and brought her friend to church, and shaun is more and more powerful everyday. I love it!!!

With the members, we planned a couple of pranks for Elder Shelembe, but unfortunately, they fell through. Planned to fake as investigators, pull some weapons, argue. Apparently Pres Boateng did it a while ago, and it made an elder cry all night and FREAK out! hahha im really sad it didnt work, but its all good. They did little things to me while I came, but its just a fun time!

Yesterday we met Lisekhona and Aviwe's (recent converts)  cousin, Siziphiwe, and had an amazing lesson with her. She said at the end after a prayer, that she has always felt so alone and lost, and didn't know why. We opened to scripture where the Savior Jesus Christ was performing the Atonement and said, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" We told her she is not the first to feel alone. It was so powerful as she began to be silent and weep. This is one of the most powerful lessons for me, because a lot of the times, we use good scriptures for the spirit in lessons, but this one was more solemn and personal, about being alone, and that because Jesus Christ suffered for us, we are never alone. It hit me very hard as well as her. And I felt the spirit testify to me it is true. We committed her to be baptised, and to receive the Holy Ghost. Leaving her NEVER alone.

I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, in allowing us to be able to be perfect again, and to have the redeeming power through Him. I testify that HE LIVES. He stands today on the right hand of God. He is the Living Christ. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life, and eternal happiness in the world to come. I am personally grateful to God, for the gift of his son.  

I love you all so much! Work hard, be good, and share the gospel.

Elder Ivins