June 25, 2018

From Sam - Blessings:

This week has been great. Especially yesterday, I'll tell you about it. 

We were walking to church with two of our investigators and about 25 minutes into the walk a bus went out if it's way to see if we needed a ride. Buses are always trying to overcharge white people. The bus conductor asked if we were going to town, I said "only if it's free" and continued walking. After a few seconds the conductor said sure and ushered us into the bus. I had to double check and triple check because this never happens, and he even gave a free bus to my companion and my two investigators. So, we got to church really early and were able to give a chapel tour.

Then, during church, Bishop Chikopa gave fire to the youth and young adults for not having a vision for life. He talked about how the time they are in limbo about life it is time wasted. Later in Elders quorum he gave fire to the Priesthood for not doing their duty in making church(Sacrament Meeting) a better spiritual experience. Me and my companion were sitting there thinking "Thank you Bishop".

As missionaries we can only do so much to help the ward where we serve. but it is the members that make the meeting a good experience.

Later in the day we were walking to our area(which is a 30 minute walk) and another bus conductor called us over and gave us a free ride. It was two free buses in one day, which never happens. Because of the free bus we got to our appointment perfectly on time. Later in the day we found a family to teach and after we finished and were setting the return appointment, the father said that he wanted to meet more frequently. Yesterday was a day Gods hand was in every part of my day. It was awesome.

One thing I learned more indepth was the importance of member missionary work. I challenge everyone to work harder in sharing the gospel to those they know. Because it's the members that make the church, not the missionaries, and if the members are not helping the new members or not sharing the gospel with those who are not "Mormons" they are failing in their duty of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

I love you all,

Elder Smith

Pictures:

-funny L/R syndrome sign 

-District pictures before Sister Orchard leaves to Trinidad (Left to right Sis.Nakale, Sis.Orchard, Sis.Moulten, Sis.Jones, Sis.Kivalu, Elder Turner, Elder Harmon, Me, Elder Hansen)

-Picture of me and Elder Harmon(Elder Harmon has been my Zone leader for 6 months. This is us on exchanges)

- A train bus that always goes through my area.

From Dad:

Thanks for the reminders to share the gospel, Sam.

I think Mom has been sending a few pictures your way. Someone asked me the other day what the experience is like in Africa helping new members stay active. Is that a big challenge in Zambia?

We had a great Sunday too. Cally Rice (Kylan's sister) and Jacob Nesom gave their home coming talks. Very spiritual and inspiring. 

If you get a chance to write Kylan, that would be great. He's trying to figure out his next steps of whether to go to work for the summer and how and whether to go back on his mission. You are a good friend to him.

Love you lots!

Couple of pics. Ben trying out for a music award playing Root beer Rag and a pic of my new primary class I'm teaching!