Monday, June 26, 2017

Week 59 in Zimbabwe!!!!

Dear Family and Friends, 

What a wonderful week in Mabvuku. We were able to see a man named Charles. Charles is a man that is conflicted. He is deciding between two churches to join... Jehovah Witness and of course the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is struggling to recognize his answer. We asked him how he felt about the Book of Mormon when he read and prayed about it. He said it feels right and he loves reading it. Than with the J.W.s he says sometimes he runs away from them and such. You would think this would be an obvious choice but to most it isn't. Joining a church is a life changing move in life. It could either make you or break you. Salvation or damnation. Hopefully as the time goes on that we can help him recognize his answers so he could start on the path of salvation. Then we saw the Muchena's. They are a sweet couple. We went to visit them and the husband freaked out. Their pastor found out we were teaching them and came and threatened them that he would curse them if they came to our church. We were able to talk with them though and see what the issue really was. I think they know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true but they again are struggling to find the courage to follow that answer. We were able to share scriptures from the Book of Mormon. They felt so much peace and were grateful that we came and talked with them. Hopefully in the future they will have the courage to follow Christ in His true church. Then we had the baptism of the lovely Anesu, Caroline, and Yanale. Anesu is a daughter of a member who just started coming back to church. At first she didn't keep commitments and didn't seem very interested. Then she started going to seminary with a friend and all of the sudden she seemed very serious and had a great desire to be baptized. Then sweet Caroline, she is amazing and so strong. She started coming to church with one of her friends a while back. She is stronger in the gospel than her friend is now. She comes to church every Sunday, goes to seminary everyday and so forth. We were able to finally meet with her and teach her all the lessons. Then Yanale, she also came to church with her friend. She loved coming to church and so forth. Her struggle was English. She can't speak it hardly at all. We were able to finally teach her all the lessons and she was prepared for baptism. The baptism wasn't the smoothest baptism I have ever had. When we came for the baptism there was a sewage block. So the font was not filling and sewage was a problem. 2 hours later the amazing priesthood leaders were able to fix the blockage and clean the font so the baptism could go on. The girls were so patient. Their smiles get me every time after they are baptized. I love being a missionary and doing the work of the Lord. I hope you do your best to love others as Christ loves you. 

Have a delightful week!!!

Sister Arbon





Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Week 58 in Zimbabwe!!!!

Dear Family and Friends, 

This week was a week of blessings and refocusing. I am very grateful to be in Mabvuku. The people are so kind and love to be a part of missionary work. That being said... we were able to work with the Moringizi couple. They were adorable and came willingly to work with us. We went to see the Muchena couple with this couple. The Muchena's have been having issues with committing to the gospel. I think the Moringizi family soften their hearts and they saw how the gospel affects the lives of Zimbabweans that know their culture. We were also able to visit a gogo named Samata. She told us how she was struggling with her self confidence. It reminded me of my junior high years and how I didn't feel I had any self worth. Then I shared with her that when I gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon I felt the love of Heavenly Father and I knew I had a purpose in this life. I was struggling in the week and felt discouraged to say the least. We had interviews with president. He always asks me, "are you happy?" I honestly told him no. He gave me advice that helped me to realize why I was on mission. Mission is the hardest thing I have ever done but the thing I will cherish for the rest of my life. I love being able to share my testimony of the Savior each and everyday. I love learning more about my Savior and gaining a stronger faith in Him. We were also privileged to have a stake conference. We learned a lot about coming unto Christ. My favorite quote: "We learn the gospel by living it." I love Zimbabwe and I especially love the people of Zimbabwe! 

Be your testimony! 

Sister Arbon






Monday, June 12, 2017

Week 57 in Zimbabwe!!!

Dear Family and Friends, 

This week was a good week here in Mabvuku 2nd.  We were able to help Peter, Aisha, Tino, and Kuda enter the waters of baptism. Peter is an old man that has been coming to church for quite some time. He used to attend all 3 wards in our church building. He loves the gospel and loves learning. He struggles with retaining knowledge. So this week we have been reviewing with him. Our district leader said he did well during the interview!!! Aisha is so powerful. She was found by the previous missionaries but before she could be baptized she had to leave somewhere. She came back, found the missionaries again and we started teaching her. When she passed her interview she was so excited and jumped for joy! Tino is a sweet 10 year old. She had a strong desire to be baptized. Her parents got into a fight and took her away for a couple of weeks. When she came back she told us that she wanted to be baptized. So we were able to help fulfill her dreams. Kuda is also a cute 9 year old. He has been coming to church for months. He is so sweet and enjoys all the lessons. He has amazing English and to be honest it is probably better than mine. haha He will be the start of his family coming around and hopefully one day they will be baptized. We also were able to have Zone Conference this week. We learned a lot about the Restoration and how it is unique and the only true church on the earth. Here are some quotes I loved:

"Don't be stubborn!" ~Sister Mkhabela

"Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that the Restoration is true." 
"The message of the Restoration is power in our hands." 
~President Mkhabela


Zone Conference opened my eyes to the power of the Restoration. Think about it... we have the truth. The only true way to receive eternal life is in our hands. We need to do our best to appreciate it and use it to help us grow and become like the Savior. 

I love being a missionary. It brings joy to be able to serve the Lord and help bring brother and sisters unto Christ!

I hope you have a lovely week!

Sister Arbon






Saturday, June 10, 2017

Week 56 in Zimbabwe!!!

Dear Family and Friends, 

This week was a lot better than last week. I am starting to figure out the area and actually not get lost. haha Starting to find my place in Mabvuku. The people are so kind and sweet. Speaking of the people there are some that truly have helped me to recognize God's love in everyone's life. We were able to see a man named Douglas. He got burned by acid. His nose, ear, and eyes are scared over and he has limited hearing. But he wanted to learn more about Christ even though he had to strain to hear it and often we had to repeat ourselves but his outlook on life amazed me. Even though he had challenge after challenge he still always looks for the good and doesn't dwell on the bad. It opened my eyes because sometimes when something small like a hair or our make up is out of place and we let that throw off our whole day. He helped me to realize no matter the situation there is always good to appreciate. Then Aisha, she is progressing so well. We gave her a Book of Mormon and asked her to pray about it. The next time we came she told us about it. She was doubting that the Book of Mormon was true but she put Moroni's promise to the test. She read, pondered and prayed about the Book of Mormon. She said she felt so happy and she knows without a doubt it is true. I want to urge you if you don't have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon to put Moroni's promise to the test and truly read it, ponder it's teachings and pray and ask God if it is true! I know that if you pray with a sincere heart you will come to know it is true and come closer to the Savior more than any other book. We were also able to visit MaiIan. She is a cute mom of a recent convert. Her husband deserts her all the time and won't help with school fees or food but she has the most positive attitude that everything will work out. I love that the gospel always brings joy, the true joy we can only receive through Jesus Christ. 

A couple quotes I enjoyed during studies this week:

"Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior." ~ President Eyring

"Certain women[and men] are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice.
~ Linda K. Burton

I love these quotes because the first shows that even though we recognize our weakness it is a good attribute because if we didn't recognize then we wouldn't realize what we needed to change. The second quote helped me to realize how important it is to be centered on the Savior. When we are centered or certain about the Savior we can get through any trial with a smile on our face. I love this gospel and I am truly humbled that the Savior trusted me to help Him teach His brothers and sisters. 

I love you all and hope you have a joyful week!!!

Sister Arbon