Week #32 - "Give Me This Mountain"
Hey, It is a roller coaster in Africa! We are seeing such amazing miracles, I cannot even put it in to words and yet, it is a struggle every day to just meet the basics with food, transporation and WATER!
Saturday we had 7 Baptisms and the other companionship had 1. Last week we had 3 people who were baptized and the other companionship had 5 people. In two weeks we have seen 16 people be Baptized. From last weeks casamento (marriage) to this past Saturdays baptisms its been awesome! It is simply amazing to see the work moving forward. Since I arrived in Mozambique I have been a part of 20 people's baptisms. These people are so eager to learn. So the work here is progressing really well. We are teaching about 8 lessons a day and sometimes up to 10. I'm so excited to see what happens here in Nacala. It's tough but I know that when we put our trust and faith in the Lord, he will lift us up and bless us.
It is sad that I didn't have the chance to see or listen to any part of conference. We just had our sabbath at home together as missionaries. If anyone has updates or quotes feel free to send them over, haha. We are in a different world out here. We had Zone Conference this past week. It was great! President wants us to hit 8 baptisms a month! Way crazy!
Have I told you about the vampire bats? They live above our house, well they used to and they are not like the bats you have seen before. They are not little. They are the size of my arm!! No kidding.
So sad part for the week. We had our water pump stolen! We have not had water for a week!! I have not showered, I have not washed my clothes. It is kinda gross, I just feel dirty and stinky. I keep doing what I can. I have struggled taking my medicine too. It makes me sick sometimes. I am working to do better.
We have been working so hard to help the people be baptized that we don't have anyone else set up with a Baptismal date so we have a lot of work to do. I know Jesus is the Christ and that He loves me as well as the people in Nacala. The Book of Mormon is true and brings such a good spirit to the people. I am continually working on my Portuguese and know that little by little it will get better.
A good friend of mine sent me a quote from the Talk from Elder Kimball years ago.
(From the Account of Caleb. Caleb is speaking)
“As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me [at least in the spirit of the gospel and its call and needs]: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, … both to go out, and to come in” (Josh. 14:7–8, 10–11).
From Caleb’s example we learn very important lessons. Just as Caleb had to struggle and remain true and faithful to gain his inheritance, so we must remember that, while the Lord has promised us a place in his kingdom, we must ever strive constantly and faithfully so as to be worthy to receive the reward.
Caleb concluded his moving declaration with a request and a challenge with which my heart finds full sympathy. The Anakims, the giants, were still inhabiting the promised land, and they had to be overcome. Said Caleb, now at 85 years, “Give Me This Mountain” (Josh. 14:12).
I am working to say this each time I am struggling or not sure how to deal with one more challenge, " GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN" It helps give me greater strength. It helps me keep going.
Glad to hear things are good in Utah. Thanks for all the prayers!
Com Amor, Elder Rees
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