Changes ~ November 20, 2014

Moving on........ saying goodbye.

Elder Garland's shoes that he wore until they would not stay on his feet....

Outside of our door, we have the Elders from Aéroport shoes.  Because they live upstairs from us they leave them by the door so that they do not bring sand into their apartment.   They have in the middle...... Elder Garlands shoes ..... that he wore until they simply would not stay on his feet.  They are now "retired" to the shoe graveyard...... They served their purpose well while Elder Garland served for almost a year here in Pointe Noire. 

In the past two weeks we have said "good-bye" to three very fine Elders.  President Monga has called them to serve in other areas of the mission because of their faithfulness and experience. Elder Garland is now serving as the first North American missionary in Brazzaville.  He will serve as the Zone Leader in Makelékele until he leaves for home on December 17, 2014.

Elder Naughton and Elder Nsana FINALLY received their invitation letters to go to the country of Gabon.  It has been over 4 months that Elder and Sister Moody have been working tirelessly on this.  We have fasted and said many prayers for this to happen because right now they have only 2 missionaries for the whole country of Gabon.  They left this past Wednesday to begin serving in Libreville, where Sister Moody said..... "Finally, we have our miracle!" 

Elder Naughton and Elder Garland

Elder Naughton and Elder Garland are trying to see who is "physically stronger".  What it doesn't show here is their spiritual strength, which far exceeds their "muscles"....  which will be such a blessing among all those they have been called to serve in Brazzaville and Libreville.

Elder Bybee, Elder Ralison, Elder Tripp, Elder Nkulu, Elder Johnston, Elder Sperry, Elder Garland, Elder Etherington, Jhostavie (Ward Missionary), and Elder Naughton.

We had a "farewell dinner" for the missionaries on Monday night, November 10.  We didn't know all of the details of what the missionaries would be doing, but we knew that some would be going so we wanted to have a farewell dinner and have one last time all together.   

Changes in Companions....

November 10 was transfer day.  This is when we learned about where everyone would be going and who each Elders new companions would be. . . . 

This past Monday, come rain or shine, sleet or hail, the Elders played basketball at the church.  It was raining so hard, but that doesn't stop them from being together and playing some "church-ball".

Président Monga sent Elder Nsana up to Pointe Noire from Brazzaville to be Elder Naughton's companion until they received their invitation letters to Gabon. He was only here for one week.... but we grew to love his wonderful happy spirit, and his great love of Lord and Missionary work.

Elder Johnston will now be the new Zone Leader.  He and Elder Tripp will live in the Mpaka apartment and be responsible for all of the Mpaka area.

Elder Adriamiasinarivo came from Brazzaville and is from Madagascar.   He will now be Elder Etherington's companion.

Elder Ralison moves over to the Pointe Noire Branche with Elder Bybee

Elder Nkulu moves over to the Aéroport Branche with Elder Sperry.  He will just be here until December 17 when he finishes his mission and will go back to Limbubashi DRC, where he is from.

Elder Johnston and Elder Nkulu squeegee the rain off the court.

Elder Etherington looks on as a resident "snail" came to visit the court.  The Elders helped him find his way to greener pastures.

After the game, Elder Tripp, Elder Nsana, and Elder Naughton try to find a taxi.... for the right price.  This taxi asked for too much money.

So they found another one that would drive them to the market for $3.00.  They still felt like that was too much,  but it was raining.......

With everything decided the Mpaka Elders all piled in the taxi and headed for the store to buy their groceries for the week.  Elder Sperry and Elder Nkulu will head to the Cyber.

Changes in peoples lives because of baptism.....

Elder Tripp and Elder Ralison taught "Stenereuse".  One of the Branche missionaries, "Daljus", baptized him.  

They also taught "Ginnise".  She is so happy to finally be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

                                 They also taught "Cedrick".  His brother "Bonus" baptized him.

This is Aeisha.  She was baptized by Elder Johnston, but taught by Elder Tripp and Elder Ralison.  Aeisha has a very strong testimony of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon.

Gloire was baptized by Sebastian and taught by Elder Bybee and Elder Johnston.  He had to wait until his father gave permission for him to be baptized.  After many prayers, he finally gave his permission.

Elder Naughton, Elder Etherington and Elder Nkulu taught "Mike Spider-Whisper" and Kimounou.  The will now be a part of the Loandjili Branche.

Wall of Fame....pictures of the week

Sister Bailey with Helena, Adonia, Ginnise, and (?).  These beautiful Young Women have such wonderful testimonies of the Gospel.  They are the only members in their families.

Elder Bybee admiring his African Tie.

We showed "General Conference" last Sunday in the Pointe Noire and Loandjili Branches.  My job was to hold "Ammon" who is President Ndinga's new son.  My "mother-arms" loved it!

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There are always "changes" that go on as you serve the Lord on a mission.  We have found that with each new change comes opportunities to grow, not only for us, but for the wonderful missionaries we serve alongside.  We are so grateful for the chance to serve here in the Congo and to be able to share our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

The Church is True!

Until next week!........