Friday, August 31, 2012

AFRICA AT ITS BEST-Our Children Came to Visit


Even thinking about the African Adventure we shared with three of our children still brings teary eyes and sends me running for a tissue. After being away for nearly a year the joy of having children join us in Africa was nearly overwhelming plus it was such fun to have them share our experience and visualize the culture and meet the people we have grown to love.

Elder Babcock and I traveled to Tanzania to the town of Arusha close by Mt. Kilimanjaro where our youngest, Rachelle, had an amazing adventure climbing the mountain wonder. She is a trooper and made it to the summit! She astounded Elder/Sister Rydalch, they are located in Arusha as well as her mom and dad with her climbing adventures. I'm just left to wonder where our kids get their adventuresome spirit? We found Arusha to be a hidden Tanzania jewel and had a great time with our tour guides, Elder and Sister Rydalch plus Elder Babcock and I assisted Elder and Sister Rydalch with their branch Pioneer Activity Day.  The Elders and Young Men participated in an old-fashioned “stick pull” contest led by Elder Babcock, Young Women had a sewing project to make scripture bags, primary children learned a multitude of games, and the women create a pioneer dinner that was part Kenyan style! It was a day of much laughter, great new foods to experience, and fun experiencing a bit of old fashioned pioneer spirit. 

 Young 16-18 years Masai young men with painted white faces participate in a ceremonial circumcision event that last close to 30 days. 

Kilimanjaro the mountain that Rachelle conquered! 

Masai women selling intricately beaded handmade jewelry.The cultural heritage of the Masai is the best preserved of all the African tribes. They live in the arid dessert by the Kenyan/Tanzania border. One Masai warrior that was invited to the evening rap-up dinner of Rachelle’s Mt. Kilimanjaro climb very sincerely took her hand and asked her to become his 2nd wife!!

 From Arusha we crossed back into Kenya to spend an evening in Amboseli Masai National Park.




KILAGUNI IN TSAVO NATIONAL PARK




Do you spot (pun) the leopard?


WHITNI AND BRENT JOIN RACHELLE
Kapsaret Primary School wanted to meet our children and when I told them the only day we could meet was a Saturday during the August school break the headmaster, William said we will hold school that day!  The school children loved our kids who taught them about America , and favorite American school games, plus Whitni created a treat bag for all 220 kids!



                            Thanks Whitni the kids have most likely never had a special treat bag before! 


Stickers were a hit! 






Saturday, August 4, 2012

A TRIAL OF FAITH

Phillip and Julia, 3 August 2012

 We had a concerned call from our dear friend Phillip yesterday. The Reverend is attempting to oppose missionary work in the village. We have been labeled as ‘Free-Masons.’ There seems to be a negative, if not evil relationship by this allegation. The reverend has now said we are about to start eating their children. This is no joke. Personally, I have yet to see a child that was appetizing even though I love them all. Further, the reverend (Phillip calls him the enemy) has stirred up his followers to burn a few copies of the Book of Mormon and some of our missionary pamphlets that we have distributed in the area. Phillip is appalled and said he has never seen anything like this before. His testimony is being confirmed with each event. He knows the church historically received persecution and resistance since it was established but had not had such experiences. He remains scheduled for his hearing before the local elders of the African Inland Church the end of August. He still has many friends that are standing by him on the council he tells us, despite the Reverend refusing us from sharing the message of the restoration.

 As requested we will not be teaching there this coming Sunday but will be in Turbo, a 25 minuted drive from Phillip’s on Saturday to teach at Bethwel’s home. Bethwel’s mother wants us to speak at her church, I am anxious to find out if she was able to schedule us. We remain cautious and concerned about Phillip and his family. I counseled him to be careful and do nothing that will cause harm to him or his family. He is courageous and focused on the work.

We also learned that the faculty at Ann-Shell school accepted copies of the Book of Mormon a few days back for all the staff. We also received a telephone call from Ann the Director of the Ann-Shell School wanting us to come again.

 Teaching the students and faculty of Ann-Shell School.


And learning a few Primary songs!

28 July 2012

We completed the final discussion to Phillip today, titled After Baptism and Confirmation. A new investigator by the name of Eveyln appeared, she is an impressive 23 year old woman, we gave her pamphlets and the Book of Mormon. Another very nice woman also appeared, we talked about the restoration, gave her pamphlets, she asked assistance to purchase some alcohol, we had to refuse her but we never lose hope. Finally, Phillip arrived almost two hour late, his Chinese bicycle malfunctioned and he had to ‘foot-it.’ Bethwel showed and after our discussion and Julia’s dinner of cooked bananas, rice, and beans Bethwel and Phillip traveled with us to Bethwel’s home to teach and greet his family and teach the discussion, The Restoration.

 Julia's Kitchen and Helper



At Bethwel's home the discussion was a joy, often we would stop to ask “Are there any questions?” or “Do you agree with what we have said?” they would say “no questions” and “we agree” and the attendees committed to reading and praying. There was a peace in the home and we were pleased with the meeting. We are positive that something good will come out of this. As we said our good-bys Moses, Bethwel's older brother, was standing by Bethwel and I inquired as to his age, he said, “I am 18.” I looked at Bethwel and said, “I thought you said you were 18.” Bethwel finally confessed to being 17. I was impressed that Bethwel, a young man of 17 had been behind getting his neighbors and family to this meeting.

Later Phillip informed us that he will be taken before an AIC board of elders tomorrow to answer several charges. The reverend it seems is stirring up trouble such as telling people they cannot listen to us or have us in their homes. Issac Kosgei is a respected man about and he is insensed by it all and has a testimony as well. He has fired back this is my home and my property and I can do what I want on my property and in my home. We understand all the local pastors are on the side of Phillip. I think Phillip will be defrocked.

We have arranged for Phillip to meet with President Kogo on Monday the 30th of July. Our intent was to give Phillip some direction from a wise man, our Eldoret District President. We will teach at Issac Kosgei’s home tomorrow but Phillip will be in court. This story is not over but rather just beginning. There is a hunger and a thirst for the Gospel of Jesus Christ here and the people will not be denied. The prophecies regarding the seed of Joseph will be fulfilled.

 Teaching At Issac Kosgiei's Home --Issac is standing behind everyone on the right. Kosgie our translator is on the right of the table. Elder Babcock was teaching the adults.

Sister Babcock had the kids.


And many other adults are not in any of the pictures.

July 22, 2012

22 July 2012
AIC church, Chemnoet, South of Kabiemit, Kenya

I attended the Sosiani Branch this morning, Sister Babcock was not feeling well and wanted some time to feel up to our meeting in Kabiemit this afternoon. Edward who was baptised several months ago spoke on The Fast; he did an excellent job. Sister Leah spoke on the subject of The Sabbath and did a remarkable job. I talked with her after the meeting discussing her talk, she said it was from the heavens, I agreed and gave her the reassurance that indeed it was. It was a marvelous meeting even the investigators class on ‘Service’ was inspiring.

 We had previously arranged to have Kosgei translate to Nandi for us at the Kabiemit meeting so we picked up Sister Babcock and left shortly after 1:00 PM following church meetings. Last week we had agreed that we would text Phillip when we were on our way. He responded with directions where to find him, they are written under the date above. You need to understand what a challenge it is to find an address in Kenya.  No business or home has a numbered address and the dirt roads (actually most any road in Kenya) does not have a street sign.

We found the AIC church and we parked in front of the building on pasture grass waiting to for Phillip to exit. Finally he came out and greeted us. He said the congregation wanted to greet us, to me that meant we were to shake hands as people exited the building in route home but we were invited inside. The church was packed with about 300 people. Every eye was on us as we were led to our seats. The children could not take their eyes off the Mzungos (white person). I am certain we were the first Mzungos to visit the church as well as the village. Elder Babcock asked when would the meeting would be over since we were 45 minutes late at the discussion planned for 2 PM. The response of five minutes turned into 90 minutes and the wood benches loudly confirmed the length of time. There seemed to be considerable discussion at the front of the chapel by the leaders. I recognized the reverand who had attended one of our discussions two weeks ago, he seemed to have much to say. Sister Babcock leaned over and said read the blackboard. Most of these buildings have a black-board at the front of the chapel with announcements, etc. written on them. The Plan of Salvation had been written on the board! Phillip had been at work with a sketch of The Plan of Salvation. We were shocked and not believing what we were seeing. Of the three hundred in attendance, we do not know how many Phillip had taught about The Plan of Happiness. As the meetings came to a close we were asked to greet and say a few words to the members. When we get the mic I talk restoration and the church and Sister Babcock talked about the eternal nature of families. The people loved what we had to say, one sister invited us to preach in her church nearby.  As we sat in the congregation the children surrounded us and wanted to feel our white skin and my hairy arms. They are a little bashful and then become brave, most have never seen a white person so we are very unusual to them.

 While driving to Issac’s home for the discussion we learned that the pastor (not Phillip) and the reverand did not want us in the building but the members said the building belonged to them and they could have any one they chose to speak. There seems to be a division coming in the ranks. Phillip told Kosgei that he did not care what happens and that he will stand with truth. This is a man of God indeed, this takes much courage, the consequences could be monetarily devastating to Phillip. We finally made it over to the Kosgei meeting to find some 45 waiting for us. We did not recognize many faces and then learned it was all together a new group of people from last week. What? A spokesman for the group said we should have been there at 2PM to have seen all the people that were waiting but left when we did not come. Despite the crowd, we taught the lesson on discussion #3, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, passed out 80 pamphlets and placed another 7 copies of the Book of Mormon. We never have enough.

 By the way Julia has not had the baby yet, we gave her a blessing last Tuesday for leg swelling, etc. Later she let us know the swelling is down and she if feeling much better.

 All eyes are on the computers as we give Discussion #4.  The seats were all taken and these people are spilling out the doorway.




Regressing to Saturday, yesterday, Bethwel, an 18 year old young man invited us to his home next Saturday afternoon to teach 25 of his friends and neighbours.  We had not seen him at Mengich’s for two weeks and he met with us on Saturday.  He has been doing some missionary work on his own.  He becomes more illuminated the more we meet with him and the more he studies.   It is obvious we are not in control and a far greater power is at the helm.    Our lap-top computers with our Power-Point lessons are impressive and powerful.  The visual with our audible teaching accompanied with the Holy Ghost bearing witness is most convincing.  The attention we are able to attract is certainly beyond us.  We can only declare, “this is unbelievable” and “We stand all amazed”. 


Bethwel is on the far right at the Mengich home.  We are teaching a discussion.
These pictures are from Bethwel's home.



Last week we had the Eldoret Zone Conference here.  The elders and sisters from Kisumu and Kitale also attended, there were some 36 missionaries attending. We are continually impressed at the caliber of these young men and women, they are bright and possess strong testimonies and great depths of gospel knowledge. We had 10 Senior Missionaries along with President and Sister Broadbent in our home for dinner.  What a stunning spirit lingered in our home from their presence.  We shared our Power Point lessons with the Hunters in Kitale and the Mission President.  Sister Broadbent was very interested and excited with the lessons.  I asked what she planned to do with them?  She said, “I am going to find someone to teach, immediately.”