Mdantsane

-This week was a lot of goodbyes to friends and members in Elsies River. It was bittersweet for sure. It was sad to say goodbye to Kamva. It was also frustrating because I'd love to continue teaching him and see him be baptized. But I am excited at how much he has progressed and his desire to be baptized. He is scheduled for this next Sunday. So, hopefully I'll be able to FaceTime or zoom in to see him be baptized. 

-The best member family in all of South Africa are the Manangas. It was sad to say goodbye to them. They had us over every single Saturday night. Because Brother Mananga loves Liverpool Futbol, we got him a custom jersey.  Yo he loved it! 

-I took a plane Friday from Cape Town to East London. Mdantsane is a huge township just north of East London, 20 minutes or so. Our area ranges from small 2-3 room brick homes to tiny village shacks. Church is 75% in Xhosa, so we don't understand most of it, hahaha. The members here are super nice and the work is moving fast. 

-Something funny that happened on Sunday was a drunk guy stopped us and was chatting like usual. But then he grabbed Elder Robers hand and started kissing it. It was so weird, but we were dying laughing. Also, it's like 89% humidity here so we're constantly sweating, gotta love it. Nothing else too exciting happened this week with the transfers happening, but I'll definitely have more next week because we'll be busy.   I also have to fly back to Cape Town on Wednesday and Thursday for leadership training.  We usually do it by zoom, but once in a while they are in person.

- A quick spiritual thought I had this week. John 12:42-43

"42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 

43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

Made me think of what President Nelson said last conference, "Think Celestial". When we are motivated by fear of what is popular, fear of public opinion, fear of failure, etc then we will never progress in life or in eternity. Like Elder Bednar said, "...we do not permit fear and uncertainty to determine our course in life." Dont let uninspired people and public opinion direct your course in life. Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He will help keep us on the straight path. Fear God more than man. 

-Elder Quick