No Shirt No Tie

- Molweni, here's a few highlights from the week. 

-We got new standards from the Area Presidency for all South African missions. We are now not to wear proselytizing clothes (white shirts and ties) in townships. Instead, we are to wear business casual or even street clothes. Also, all missionaries are not allowed to take their smart phones into their proselyting area, but they are to leave their phones in the boardings. We'll be getting some flip phones for when we are in the area for contacting appointments, etc. We also are to park our cars and walk in the townships and not drive. Crazy huh? But it's for good reasons, there has been an increase of missionaries being targeted for phones and car jackings, and potential kidnappings, but I know the Lord walks with us. 

-Put Onam, Live, and Zukhanye on date for baptism on the 19th of May. Blessing! 

-Went on an exchange with my guy Elder Manganye. He's a 26 yr old from Pretoria, South Africa. He's a beast. It was interesting to think how we came from such different backgrounds, with very different paths, but we are both still out doing the Lord's work. 

-Received some powerful referrals from our members. Our emphasizing member work is starting to really pay off. 

-Pray Sizwe & Rebecca get married as well as Borin and his wife!

-Transfer day was hectic as usual taking Elders to and from the airport & bus stop. Luckily the bus was on time, unlike last time when it came in at 3am, lol. 

-A powerful experience this week was helping prepare one of our recent convert boys Alutha to pass the sacrament. Alutha uses crutches to walk and has his entire life. Not exactly sure what medical condition he has, but it is practically impossible for him to get around without them. While passing the sacrament he is only able to use a single crutch. He was super nervous before that he would spill, drop the tray or fall while passing the sacrament. However, he has really been wanting to pass for the longest time. So, he walked an hour early to church up this steep hill so that we could practice with him. He was still nervous about spilling, so I told him yanno-what I'll pass with you. Let me tell you it may not have been as quiet as it usually is with his loud crutch, and he may have spilled a little bit of the water, BUT the spirit was so strong in the chapel. Watching the determination and faith of that boy was inspiring. I know the Lord was smiling down on Alutha. Afterwards he sat down by me and kept asking if he did okay, I just told him: "yes, Alutha it was perfect." 

-A scripture that really hit me this week was Enos 1:4-6 "And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

 5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. 

6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away"

Over the course of my mission prayer has played such a vital role. I have experienced so many miracles due to sincere and ernest prayer. As I have kneeled down before God and cried unto him  I have received guidance, answers, confirmation, strength, peace, joy, assurance, and the miracle for forgiveness all of which have been undeniable. Our Father is real He does hear our prayers. In moments of despair and guilt when we think all is hopless He is there ready to pull us out. In times of joy and comfort He is there to rejoice with us. I can assure you He is there waiting for you to call. As Elder Godoy said this last General Conference, "Call don't fall". Through the wonderful gift of the Saviors Atonement we too can experience the miracle Enos did. 

-Elder Quick