Week 17 in Yaoundé: Exchanges!

Bonjour amis et familles!

This was quite the eventful week, as I went on 3 different exchanges on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Exchanges are where missionaries switch companions for the day and sometimes work in another area. Only one of these was in another area, but all 3 were pretty fun. 

MISSIONARY MOMENTS OF THE WEEK

On Tuesday, I had an exchange with Elder Harward, who I lived with my first 6 weeks in Gabon. It was super fun to reminisce and do some great work in the Messassi area. We had an especially cool experience where we had a lesson fall through, so I decided to try and find this member's house. Remember the family we helped move about 3 months ago? It's that guy. Miraculously, I found his house again, and his family was completely overjoyed that we decided to pay a visit. This member's name is Thierry and he told us that he had prayed that he could meet with us this week because he wanted us to give blessings to his wife and daughter, which we were glad to do. It was honestly one of the coolest experiences of the power of prayer and following the Spirit so far on my mission.

I did 2 other exchanges, one with Elder Diakabana, and one with Elder Hawkins, another new American as of this transfer. Both of these were quite fun as well. Elder Diakabana is the most chill African I've met and is definitely the easiest to get along with. I was surprised at the level of Elder Hawkins' French. Both exchanges were full of cool member visits, unplanned service opportunities, and a total of 3 copies of the Book of Mormon were given out. 

Update on Zazie: We had another lesson with her on Saturday, and she told us she would gladly join the Church and get baptized! IF we worshipped on Saturday. I asked her to pray about baptism and I'm giving an open invitation to pray that she will receive her answer, and won't get so hung up on day of adoration! 

SCRIPTURE/SPIRITUAL THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

"We accept the responsibility to preach the gospel to every person on earth. And if the question is asked, ‘You mean you are out to convert the entire world?’ the answer is, ‘Yes. We will try to reach every living soul.’
Some who measure that challenge quickly say, ‘Why that’s impossible! It cannot be done!’
“To that we simply say, ‘Perhaps, but we shall do it anyway.’”

- Boyd K. Packer

I know this is a very, very bold statement. But it is true. Why do you think I've been on a mission for a year (as of this Thursday!), why I've been in Africa for 7 months (as of today!)? It's because I believe in this cause. I firmly belive that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ will bless every single person on Earth. And it is my duty, as well as the duty of every missionary everywhere, to see that the 'Gospel light of truth and love' reaches every living soul. Not everyone will accept the message, but that's not really the goal. We will simply 'reach every living soul,' with the hope and faith that they will accept the message. And I have that hope and faith, and that is why I'm here. 

If you have any questions as I hit my halfway mark, about anything (want me to tell you the capital of Burundi? I still can!), please ask!

Je vous aime tous!
Elder May









 

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