Fwd: 2018

Well, This past year has officially been the fastest of my life. 

I have been in 3 areas this year, had 5 companions, met sooo many amazing people, and been able to see that blessings of the Gospel touch thousands of lives. I have had scary experiences, and very exciting experiences, and my favorite have been the millions of spiritual experiences, whether big or small. There are so many each and every day. 

Sometimes we do something, have no idea why, and months later see the blessings of following the small promptings from Heavenly Father. 

I was speaking to Elder Shelembe last night (2nd born in the bush), and he was telling me about this powerful girl in Mthatha that lives next to a recent convert named Nosipho. It was amazing how we put together that whole story. We met both of them, from a drunk tata who we asked who he knew that we could teach. Now about 8 months later, both sisters are strong in the church... 

It was crazy to look back, and just by speaking to everyone, you can find God's elect.

We have a wonderful investigator named Odelia we are working with. Odelia has recently moved to SA and is from DRC, and doesn't know any English. This past week, we have really been working with her to help her learn English, and to understand the Book of Mormon. We have Reagan translate for us. It is amazing, because 4 months ago, Reagan couldn't speak English himself... (the power of the Book of Mormon). She is amazing and hopefully will be able to understand how amazing this gospel is!

We are having some great success with members as well.... so BRING PEOPLE TO CHURCH, it is the best way!

I was on exchanges this week with Elder Lupeni, and we were visiting with some wonderful strong members. It was so fun to meet them, (a family Elder McCarroll had served with 2 years ago) and see them identify who they were going to bring to church on Sunday! What made it even better was the fun show we got that night!

I had convinced this family it was my first week on mission and I was really scared, missing my mom, and family, and etc.

As we were talking, on a hot summers night so the doors were open to let the air in, a car drove past and then just hear a loud BANG BANG. We all look at each other, (we all knew what the sounds were 🔫) and I pretended to freak out. Then the Mama tried to calm me down by saying, ah don't worry its just fireworks, its for new years. HAHA me and the brother and dad just started busting up laughing pretending to shoot each other...

yeah, all is well...

the church is still true.

I love Africa. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I am so thankful to be teaching all day every day about Jesus Christ! I love him, I love all of you! I hope you have an amazing new year, and feed the missionaries ;)

Elder Ivins

Happy New Year!

Set my alarm for midnight to celebrate for over minute before going back to bed. Scared the crap out of Elder Dove!

Best people ever love in SA!